bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of plasma exchange in patients with sepsis and septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rimmer Emily , Houston Brett L , Kumar Anand , Abou-Setta Ahmed M , Friesen Carol , Marshall John C , Rock Gail , Turgeon Alexis F , Cook Deborah J , Houston Donald S , Zarychanski Ryan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Sepsis and septic shock are leading causes of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. They are characterized by excessive inflammation, upregulation of procoagulant proteins and depletion of natural anticoagulants. Plasma exchange has the potential to improve survival in sepsis by removing inflammatory cytokines and restoring deficient plasma proteins. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plasma exchange in patients with sepsis.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, reference lists of relevant articles, and grey literature for relevant citations. We included randomized controlled trials comparing plasma exchange or plasma filtration with usual care in critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock. Two reviewers independently identified trials, extracted trial-level data and performed risk of bias assessments using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality reported at longest follow-up. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.

Results
Of 1,957 records identified, we included four unique trials enrolling a total of 194 patients (one enrolling adults only, two enrolling children only, one enrolling adults and children). The mean age of adult patients ranged from 38 to 53 years (n = 128) and the mean age of children ranged from 0.9 to 18 years (n = 66). All trials were at unclear to high risk of bias. The use of plasma exchange was not associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 1.52, I2 60%). In adults, plasma exchange was associated with reduced mortality (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.96; I2 0%), but was not in children (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.28 to 3.38; I2 60%). None of the trials reported ICU or hospital lengths of stay. Only one trial reported adverse events associated with plasma exchange including six episodes of hypotension and one allergic reaction to fresh frozen plasma.

Conclusions
Insufficient evidence exists to recommend plasma exchange as an adjunctive therapy for patients with sepsis or septic shock. Rigorous randomized controlled trials evaluating clinically relevant patient-centered outcomes are required to evaluate the impact of plasma exchange in this condition.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: a biomarker substudy of the Intraaortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II (IABP-SHOCK II) trial
Authors: Fuernau Georg , Pöss Janine , Denks Daniel , Desch Steffen , Heine Gunnar H , Eitel Ingo , Seiler Sarah , de Waha Suzanne , Ewen Sebastian , Link Andreas , Schuler Gerhard , Adams Volker , Böhm Michael , Thiele Holger 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the leading cause of death in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Biomarkers might help in risk stratification and understanding of pathophysiology. Preliminary data suggests that patients with CS face a profound increase in the osteocyte-derived hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), which acts as a negative regulator of serum phosphate levels. The present study aimed to assess the predictive role of FGF-23 for clinical outcome in a large cohort of CS patients with and without renal dysfunction.

Methods
In the randomized Intraaortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II (IABP-SHOCK II) trial, 600 patients with CS complicating AMI were assigned to therapy with or without IABP. Our predefined biomarker substudy included 182 patients. Blood sampling was performed in a standardized procedure at three different time points (day 1 (day of admission), day 2 and day 3). Differences in outcome of patients with FGF-23 levels < and > median were compared by log-rank testing. Stepwise logistic regression modeling was performed to identify predictors of death at 30 days and Cox regression analysis for time to death during the first year.

Results
At all three time points, nonsurvivors had significantly higher FGF-23 levels compared to survivors (P <0.001 for all). Patients with FGF-23 levels above the median (395 RU/mL [interquartile range 102;2,395]) were characterized by an increased 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality. In multivariable analysis FGF-23 levels remained independent predictors for 30-day (odds ratio per 10log 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 2.92; P = 0.02) and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 1.50, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.04, P = 0.009). After stratifying the patients according to their baseline serum creatinine levels, the negative prognostic association of increased FGF-23 was only significant in those with serum creatinine greater than median.

Conclusions
In CS, high levels of FGF-23 are independently related to a poor clinical outcome. However, this prognostic association appears only to apply in patients with impaired renal function.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00491036. Registered 22 June 2007.
Paraoxonase-1 gene Q192R and L55M polymorphisms and risk of cardiovascular disease in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: El-Lebedy Dalia , Kafoury Mona , Abd-El Haleem Dalia , Ibrahim Alshaymaa , Awadallah Eman , Ashmawy Ingy 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
Increased oxidative stress or an impaired antioxidant defense mechanism may play a crucial role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, Paraoxonase −1 (PON1) which accounts for most of the antioxidant effect of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been presented as a potential therapeutic agent against atherosclerosis development. Allele frequencies for PON1 gene that influence enzyme concentration as well as activity differ greatly among ethnic groups and data from several studies showed ethnic variations in the interpretation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with PON1 polymorphisms. In this work, we investigated PON1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its association with CVD.

Methods
The study included 184 subjects classified into 3 groups; T2DM, T2DM + CVD, and healthy controls. PON1 polymorphisms were genotyped by real-time PCR and PON1 concentration was assayed in serum by ELISA (enzyme linked immunesorbent assay).

Results
Genotype and allele frequencies of Q192R were significantly different between controls and diabetic patients. Frequency of QQ genotype was significantly higher in healthy controls, while QR and RR genotypes were significantly higher in diabetic patients (p = 0.02). Frequency of 55LL and LM genotypes were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.009). Q192R polymorphism associated with CVD in our diabetic patients (p = 0.01) and with low serum PON1 concentration (p = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between 192R and other independent CVD risk factors.

Conclusion
PON1 192R and 55 L alleles are associated with T2DM. Q192R polymorphism is associated with CVD and lower serum enzyme concentration and might represents a novel risk factor for CVD in Egyptian patients with T2DM.
Leptin Normalizes Photic Synchronization in Male ob/ob Mice, via Indirect Effects on the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Grosbellet Edith , Gourmelen Sylviane , Pévet Paul , Criscuolo François , Challet Etienne 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates a strong link between metabolic diseases and circadian dysfunctions. The metabolic hormone leptin, substantially increased in dietary obesity, displays chronobiotic properties. Here we investigated whether leptin is involved in the alteration of timing associated with obesity, via direct or indirect effects on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the site of the master clock. Photic synchronization was studied in obese ob/ob mice (deficient in leptin), either injected or not with high doses of recombinant murine leptin (5 mg/kg). This was performed first at a behavioral level, by shifting the light-dark cycle and inducing phase shifts by 30-minute light pulses and then at molecular levels (c-FOS and P-ERK1/2). Moreover, to characterize the targets mediating the chronomodulatory effects of leptin, we studied the induction of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (P-STAT3) in the SCN and in different structures projecting to the SCN, including the medial hypothalamus. Ob/ob mice showed altered photic synchronization, including augmented light-induced phase delays. Acute leptin treatment normalized the photic responses of the SCN at both the behavioral and molecular levels (decrease of light-induced c-FOS). Leptin-induced P-STAT3 was modulated by light in the arcuate nucleus and both the ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei, whereas its expression was independent of the presence of leptin in the SCN. These results suggest an indirect action of leptin on the SCN, possibly mediated by the medial hypothalamus. Taken together, these results highlight a central role of leptin in the relationship between metabolic disturbances and circadian disruptions.
Comparative structural and functional analysis of the larval and adult dorsal vessel and its role in hemolymph circulation in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Authors: League Garrett P. , Onuh Ogechukwu C. , Hillyer Julián F. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Hemolymph circulation in insects is driven primarily by the contractile action of a dorsal vessel, which is divided into an abdominal heart and a thoracic aorta. As holometabolous insects, mosquitoes undergo striking morphological and physiological changes during metamorphosis. This study presents a comprehensive structural and functional analysis of the larval and adult dorsal vessel in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Using intravital video imaging we show that, unlike the adult heart, the larval heart contracts exclusively in the anterograde direction and does not undergo heartbeat directional reversals. The larval heart contracts 30% slower than the adult heart, and hemolymph travels across the larval dorsal vessel at a velocity that is 215% slower than what is seen in adults. By fluorescently labeling muscle tissue we show that although the general structure of the heart and its ostia are similar across life stages, the heart-associated alary muscles are significantly less robust in larvae. Furthermore, unlike the adult ostia, which are the entry points for hemolymph into the heart, the larval ostia are almost entirely lacking in incurrent function. Instead, hemolymph enters the larval heart through incurrent openings located at the posterior terminus of the heart. These posterior openings are structurally similar across life stages, but in adults have an opposite, excurrent function. Finally, the larval aorta and heart differ significantly in the arrangement of their cardiomyocytes. In summary, this study provides an in-depth developmental comparison of the circulatory system of larval and adult mosquitoes.
Highly Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters with a Small Singlet–Triplet Energy Gap and Large Oscillator Strength
Authors: Sagara Yuta , Shizu Katsuyuki , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Goushi Kenichi , Kaji Hironori , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A strategy for designing highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters was reported. TADF emitters with donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D)-type structures showed highly efficient TADF because of their small singlet–triplet energy gap and large oscillator strength. An organic light-emitting diode containing a D–A–D-type TADF emitter, cis-BOX2, exhibited a high external electroluminescence quantum efficiency of 17.6%.
Problems of purification of water objects against technogenic pollution
Authors: Меркулова Татьяна , Merkulova Tatyana , Кравченко Александр , Kravchenko Aleksandr 
Published: December 2014

The methods of wastewater treatment are described. The
analysis of the biological treatment facilities and their comparison
with other constructions cleaning are given. A new technology of
dehydration of suspensions in the geotubes, which gets you closer
to the adequate resolution of the stated article of ecological and
economic problems, is proposed.
Multilayer-based lab-on-a-chip systems for perfused cell-based assays
Authors: Klotzbach Udo , Sonntag Frank , Grünzner Stefan , Busek Mathias , Schmieder Florian , Franke Volker 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A novel integrated technology chain of laser-microstructured multilayer foils for fast, flexible, and low-cost manufacturing of lab-on-a-chip devices especially for complex cell and tissue culture applications, which provides pulsatile fluid flow within physiological ranges at low media-to-cells ratio, was developed and established. Initially the microfluidic system is constructively divided into individual layers, which are formed by separate foils or plates. Based on the functional boundary conditions and the necessary properties of each layer, their corresponding foils and plates are chosen. In the third step, the foils and plates are laser microstructured and functionalized from both sides. In the fourth and last manufacturing step, the multiple plates and foils are joined using different bonding techniques like adhesive bonding, welding, etc. This multilayer technology together with pneumatically driven micropumps and valves permits the manufacturing of fluidic structures and perfusion systems, which spread out above multiple planes. Based on the established lab-on-a-chip platform for perfused cell-based assays, a multilayer microfluidic system with two parallel connected cell culture chambers was successfully implemented.
From hand-carved to computer-based: Noun-participle compounding and the upward strengthening hypothesis
Authors: Hilpert Martin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper addresses the recent history of noun-participle compounding in English. This word formation process is illustrated by forms such as hand-carved or computer-based. Data from the COHA shows that over the last two-hundred years, such forms have undergone a substantial increase in type and token frequency. These quantitative changes motivate an exploration of the qualitative changes that have accompanied them. A diachronic analysis of the noun and participle types that are recruited into noun-participle compounds reveals that the word formation process has changed substantially with regard to its component parts. While the observable changes in noun-participle compounding match several defining criteria of grammaticalization, it is argued here that these developments are more usefully seen as a process of constructional change. To distinguish between those two, this paper develops an idea that is called the upward strengthening hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, grammaticalization happens when the activation of a node in a constructional network strengthens not only that node itself, but also a node that is situated at a higher, more abstract level of that network.
Ultra-compact UHF Band-pass Filter Designed by Archimedes Spiral Capacitor and Shorted-loaded Stubs
Authors: Peng Lin , Jiang Xing 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
UHF microstrip band-pass filters (BPFs) that much smaller than the referred BPFs are proposed in this communication. For the designing purpose of compactness, archimedes spiral capacitor and ground-loaded stubs are utilized to enhance capacitances and inductance of a filter. Two compact BPFs denoted as BPF 1 and BPF 2 are designed by applying these techniques. The size of BPF 1 and BPF 2 are 0.062 λg × 0.056 λg and 0.047 λg × 0.043 λg, respectively, where λg are guided wavelengths of the centre frequencies of the corresponding filters. The proposed filters were constructed and measured, and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.
Large-Signal Investigation of Cold and Hot Matched Coupled-Cavity Traveling-Wave Tubes
Authors: Meyne Sascha , David Jean-François , Jacob Arne F. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The implications of different matching conditions for coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes are considered. Using a small-signal approach the characteristic impedance for the coupled (hot) beam-wave system is derived. It is taken as reference impedance to model ideal transformers and severs. This matching condition is compared to the standard cold match and both cases are analyzed using a large-signal interaction tool. The implications on input reflection and output gain are discussed.
Crystal structure of tricarbonyl-chlorido-(N-(pyridin-2-yl)-N-((4-tertbutyl) benzoyl)pyridine-2-amine)rhenium(I), C24H21ClN3O4Re
Authors: Mukiza Janvier , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard 
Published: December 2014

Abstract C24H21ClN3O4Re, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 22.178(1) Å, b = 12.4411(5) Å, c = 17.1519(7) Å, β = 90.270(2)°, V = 4732.5 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0179, wRref(F2) = 0.0376, T = 200 K.
Random Policy for an Unreliable Server System With Delaying Repair and Setup Time Under Bernoulli Vacation Schedule
Authors: Huang Hsin-I. , Wang Tsung-Yin , Ke Jau-Chuan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper deals with an M/G/1 queuing system with server setup and a Bernoulli vacation schedule, in which an unreliable server applies a random N-policy. The server may break down at any time, and the service channel will fail for the duration of the breakdown. When units in the queue are exhaustively served, the server will become idle until the queue size grows to meet a random threshold N(≥1). As soon as the queue size reaches N, the server will immediately begin to serve the waiting units. Upon the service completion of each unit, the server may take a vacation or may remain in the system to serve the next unit, if any. This study derives the queue size distribution during a busy period initiation epoch and a departure epoch, respectively. We also give the analytic expression for the distribution of the delay busy period, which includes breakdown periods and actual busy periods. Furthermore, numerical examples of the long-run cost functions for the random N-policy and the classical N-policy are investigated.
Professional Development of Indonesian Librarians: towards Digital Library Environment
Authors: Zen Zulfikar 
Published: December 2014

Libraries are an information institution. Nowadays, the information are available in printed, recorded, and online formats. The librarians have to adapt themselves with the latest development, especially with the digital environment. Some libraries in Indonesia have been provided with digital formats such as e-books, e-journals, and other internet facilities. The library institutions, library schools, and library professional associations in Indonesia have also been involved with the digital environment, resulting in the improvement of their knowledge and skills.
Multi‐scale spatial controls of understory vegetation in Douglas‐fir–western hemlock forests of western Oregon, USA
Authors: Burton Julia I. , Ganio Lisa M. , Puettmann Klaus J. 
Published: December 2014

Forest understory vegetation is influenced by broad‐scale variation in climate, intermediate‐scale variation in topography, disturbance and neighborhood interactions. However, little is known about how these multi‐scale controls interact to influence observed spatial patterns. We examined relationships between the aggregated cover of understory plant species (%CU) and multi‐scale controls using a large‐scale experiment including treatments of low (LS), moderate (MS) and variable (VS) disturbance severity replicated in second‐growth Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga meziesii)–western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) forests spanning climate and topographic gradients. We developed hierarchical models using a multi‐step selection process, assessing changes residual spatial autocorrelation associated with progressively broader spatial scales of influence and interaction. To examine the role of plant traits in mediating multi‐scale controls, we contrasted effects for early‐ (%CES) and late‐seral (%CLS) species cover.At neighborhood scales, decreases in %CUwith overstory density were accelerated with increases in the relative importance of hemlock in the overstory in the in all but the LS treatment. At intermediate scales, %CUwas lower in areas with higher potential radiation in undisturbed control treatments but that trend was reversed in the harvested, disturbed areas. When separated, effects of multi‐scale controls differed between %CESand %CLS. Rates of increases in %CESwith reductions in density increased with disturbance severity and decreased with increases in %CLS. At broader scales, %CESincreased with climatic moisture deficit where potential radiation was high, and %CLSlow. Similarly to %CU, %CLSwas related to a three‐way interaction between overstory density, disturbance and hemlock abundance. %CLSdeclined with increases in climatic moisture deficit where overstory density and the relative abundance of hemlock was high, and decreased with local increases in %CES. Multi‐scale controls explained a portion of the observed spatial autocorrelation for %CESbut not %CLS, suggesting the spatial patterning of %CLSis related primarily to unmeasured processes. Results show how understory responses to overstory density and disturbance severity vary across the landscape with moisture and potential radiation, at fine scales with neighborhood structure, and with species traits. Hence, understory responses to climate change likely depend on overstory composition and structure, disturbance and species traits.
The Impact of Local Immigration Enforcement Policies on the Health of Immigrant Hispanics/Latinos in the United States
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , Mann Lilli , Simán Florence M. , Song Eunyoung , Alonzo Jorge , Downs Mario , Lawlor Emma , Martinez Omar , Sun Christina J. , O’Brien Mary Claire , Reboussin Beth A. , Hall Mark A. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We sought to understand how local immigration enforcement policies affect the utilization of health services among immigrant Hispanics/Latinos in North Carolina. Methods. In 2012, we analyzed vital records data to determine whether local implementation of section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Secure Communities program, which authorizes local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws, affected the prenatal care utilization of Hispanics/Latinas. We also conducted 6 focus groups and 17 interviews with Hispanic/Latino persons across North Carolina to explore the impact of immigration policies on their utilization of health services. Results. We found no significant differences in utilization of prenatal care before and after implementation of section 287(g), but we did find that, in individual-level analysis, Hispanic/Latina mothers sought prenatal care later and had inadequate care when compared with non-Hispanic/Latina mothers. Participants reported profound mistrust of health services, avoiding health services, and sacrificing their health and the health of their family members. Conclusions. Fear of immigration enforcement policies is generalized across counties. Interventions are needed to increase immigrant Hispanics/Latinos’ understanding of their rights and eligibility to utilize health services. Policy-level initiatives are also needed (e.g., driver’s licenses) to help undocumented persons access and utilize these services.