bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
parallelnewhybrid: an R package for the parallelization of hybrid detection using newhybrids
Authors: Wringe Brendan F. , Stanley Ryan R. E. , Jeffery Nicholas W. , Anderson Eric C. , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: September 2016

Hybridization among populations and species is a central theme in many areas of biology, and the study of hybridization has direct applicability to testing hypotheses about evolution, speciation and genetic recombination, as well as having conservation, legal and regulatory implications. Yet, despite being a topic of considerable interest, the identification of hybrid individuals, and quantification of the (un)certainty surrounding the identifications, remains difficult. Unlike other programs that exist to identify hybrids based on genotypic information, newhybrids is able to assign individuals to specific hybrid classes (e.g. F1, F2) because it makes use of patterns of gene inheritance within each locus, rather than just the proportions of gene inheritance within each individual. For each comparison and set of markers, multiple independent runs of each data set should be used to develop an estimate of the hybrid class assignment accuracy. The necessity of analysing multiple simulated data sets, constructed from large genomewide data sets, presents significant computational challenges. To address these challenges, we present parallelnewhybrid, an r package designed to decrease user burden when undertaking multiple newhybrids analyses. parallelnewhybrid does so by taking advantage of the parallel computational capabilities inherent in modern computers to efficiently and automatically execute separate newhybrids runs in parallel. We show that parallelization of analyses using this package affords users several‐fold reductions in time over a traditional serial analysis. parallelnewhybrid consists of an example data set, a readme and three operating system‐specific functions to execute parallel newhybrids analyses on each of a computer's c cores. parallelnewhybrid is freely available on the long‐term software hosting site github (www.github.com/bwringe/parallelnewhybrid).
Challenges Enrolling Children Into Traumatic Brain Injury Trials: An Observational Study
Authors: Stanley Rachel M. , Johnson Michael D. , Vance Cheryl , Bajaj Lalit , Babcock Lynn , Atabaki Shireen , Thomas Danny , Simon Harold K. , Cohen Daniel M. , Rubacalva Daniel , David Adelson P. , Bulloch Blake , Rogers Alexander J. , Mahajan Prashant , Baren Jill , Lee Lois , Hoyle John , Quayle Kimberly , Charles Casper T. , Michael Dean J. , Kuppermann Nathan ,   the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: September 2016

Objectives

In preparation for a clinical trial of therapeutic agents for children with moderate‐to‐severe blunt traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in emergency departments (EDs), we conducted this feasibility study to (1) determine the number and clinical characteristics of eligible children, (2) determine the timing of patient and guardian arrival to the ED, and (3) describe the heterogeneity of TBIs on computed tomography (CT) scans.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study at 16 EDs of children ≤ 18 years of age presenting with blunt head trauma and Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 3–12. We documented the number of potentially eligible patients, timing of patient and guardian arrival, patient demographics and clinical characteristics, severity of injuries, and cranial CT findings.

Results

We enrolled 295 eligible children at the 16 sites over 6 consecutive months. Cardiac arrest and nonsurvivable injuries were the most common characteristics that would exclude patients from a future trial. Most children arrived within 2 hours of injury, but most guardians did not arrive until 2–3 hours after the injury. There was a substantial range in types of TBIs, with subdural hemorrhages being the most common.

Conclusion

Enrolling children with moderate‐to‐severe TBI into time‐sensitive clinical trials will require large numbers of sites and meticulous preparation and coordination and will prove challenging to obtain informed consent given the timing of patient and guardian arrival. The Federal Exception from Informed Consent for Emergency Research will be an important consideration for enrolling these children.
Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores do not influence Functional Independence Measure score gains in older rehabilitation patients
Authors: Bernard Sarah , Inderjeeth Charles , Raymond Warren
Published: September 2016

Aim

To assess the effect of age‐adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score on Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score gain in older rehabilitation patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study observed 306 older rehabilitation patients admitted to a secondary hospital between February and April 2015. Groups were compared using CCI score cut‐offs of ≤4, 5–6 and ≥ 7.

Results

Complete FIM data were available for 280 patients. The mean age‐adjusted CCI score was 5.59 ± 1.96. An age‐adjusted CCI score ≤4 correlated with higher FIM scores at admission P = 0.015, and discharge P = 0.002, but not with a greater gain in FIM score P = 0.067. There were no significant between‐group differences in mortality, hospital transfers or length of stay.

Conclusion

The Charlson age‐comorbidity index was not a prognostic marker for FIM gain. Age and comorbidity alone are not barriers to the rehabilitation of older patients.
Dynamic Analyses for Transmission between Asset Bubble Trends of Accumulated Co‐integration Errors
Authors: Kim Yun‐Yeong
Published: September 2016

We analyze how the bubble trends of different asset prices are dynamically transmitted between one another under a co‐integrated VAR model. The vector bubble trends are defined by a random walk trend derived from Beveridge‐Nelson decomposition allowing a co‐integration between multiple asset prices and their fundamentals. This I(1) bubble trend is connected to the no‐arbitrage condition for efficient asset pricing and is composed of Accumulated Cointegration Error (ACE). Under this setup, we may conduct dynamic analyses of the vector ACE bubble trends, which enables us to assess the interrelationships of bubbles of different assets and the dynamic role of bubbles in asset pricing. It may be critical for a preemptive policy reaction to block any possible contagion of an asset price bubble that might be harmful to the economy. Using the monthly data of the U.S. and impulse response analyses, we empirically find that (i) there are ACE bubble trends in both stock and housing prices; (ii) the stock and housing price bubbles are highly correlated with one another; (iii) stock prices are more bubble‐dependent than housing prices; and (iv) the stock bubble affects the housing bubble, but the reverse case does not hold.
Constructing Volatility Surfaces for Cross FX Rates
Authors: Yoon Jungyeon
Published: September 2016

This paper examines the multi‐factor stochastic volatility model for pricing options on a cross foreign exchange (FX) rate. Given the behavior of FX implied volatilities, the lack of liquidity makes it challenging to construct a volatility surface of the cross FX rate for the purpose of pricing out‐of‐the‐money options with different maturities and various structured products. The proposed joint model consistently reproduces the volatility smile and skew for each FX rate and stochastic correlations among FX rates, while preserving the triangular relationship of FX implied volatilities. The empirical results indicate that the joint model outperforms the traditional benchmark stochastic volatility models estimated only with at‐the‐money options on the cross FX rate both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample.
Comparison of the primary cesarean hysterotomy scars after single‐ and double‐layer interrupted closure
Authors: Kataoka Soromon , Tanuma Fumie , Iwaki Yutaka , Iwaki Kurumi , Fujii Takeru , Fujimoto Toshio
Published: September 2016

Introduction

It is unclear whether hysterotomy closure techniques can affect niche development. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of single‐layer and double‐layer interrupted closures of hysterotomy incisions during primary cesarean section on the formation of uterine niches.

Material and methods

A prospective cohort study of women undergoing primary cesarean section was performed between June 2011 and July 2014. Saline contrast sonohysterography was used to measure the niche depth and residual myometrium. The ratio of the niche depth to the sum of the niche depth and residual myometrium thickness (niche ratio) was calculated.

Results

Niches were identified in 14/58 (24.1%) women with single‐layer sutures and 55/209 (26.3%) women with double‐layer sutures (p = 0.74). Single‐layer closure was associated with more than a five‐fold increase in the odds of a niche ratio ≥0.4 (odds ratio 5.59; 95% CI 1.71–18.28).

Conclusion

Single‐layer closure may be associated with an increased risk of larger niches (niche ratio ≥0.4), although it may not increase the overall frequency of niche formation.
A review of factors explaining variability in fentanyl pharmacokinetics; focus on implications for cancer patients
Authors: Kuip Evelien J. M. , Zandvliet Maarten L. , Koolen Stijn L. W. , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , van der Rijt Carin C. D.
Published: September 2016

Fentanyl is a strong opioid that is available for various administration routes, and which is widely used to treat cancer‐related pain. Many factors influence the fentanyl pharmacokinetics leading to a wide inter‐ and intrapatient variability. This systematic review summarizes multiple studied factors that potentially influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics with a focus on implications for cancer patients. The use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, impaired liver function, and heating of the patch potentially influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics in a clinically relevant way. In elderly patients, current data suggest that we should carefully dose fentanyl due to alterations in absorption and metabolism. The influence of BMI and gender on fentanyl pharmacokinetics is questionable, most probably due to a large heterogeneity in the published studies. Pharmacogenetics, e.g. the CYP3A5*3 gene polymorphism, may influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics as well, although further study is warranted. Several other factors have been studied but did not show significant and clinically relevant effects on fentanyl pharmacokinetics. Unfortunately, most of the published papers that studied factors influencing fentanyl pharmacokinetics describe healthy volunteers instead of cancer patients. Results from the studies in volunteers may not be simply extrapolated to cancer patients because of multiple confounding factors. To handle fentanyl treatment in a population of cancer patients, it is essential that physicians recognize factors that influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics, thereby preventing potential side‐effects and increasing its efficacy.
Is negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging really able to exclude significant prostate cancer? The real‐life experience
Authors: Branger Nicolas , Maubon Thomas , Traumann Miriam , Thomassin‐Piana Jeanne , Brandone Nicolas , Taix Sébastien , Touzlian Julien , Brunelle Serge , Pignot Geraldine , Salem Naji , Gravis Gwenaelle , Walz Jochen
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the histopathological results after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients that had normal preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), in order to determine whether they had significant or insignificant disease. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of the expertise of the radiologist on the results.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively included patients who underwent RP in our centre and who had a preoperative negative mpMRI. The MRIs were considered negative when no suspicious lesion was seen or when the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 1 score was <7. We used Pathological tumour‐node‐metastasis staging and Gleason score on pathology reports, and whole‐mount sections to calculate tumour volume.

Results

We identified 101 patients from 2009 to 2015. Final pathology showed that 16.9% had extraprostatic extension, 13.8% had primary Gleason pattern 4 (4 + 3 and above), 47.5% had secondary Gleason pattern 4 or 5, and 55.9% and 20.6% had a main tumour volume of ≥0.5 and ≥2 mL, respectively. When limiting the analysis to expert reading only, the numbers improved: only one patient (3.4%) had extraprostatic extension (P < 0.05), one patient (3.4%) had primary Gleason pattern 4 (P = 0.05), and 64.7% and 5.9% had a main tumour volume of ≥0.5 and ≥2 mL, respectively (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

A negative MRI does not guarantee the absence of significant prostate cancer.
Quality of life and pain relief in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer on cabazitaxel: the non‐interventional ‘QoLiTime’ study
Authors: Hofheinz Ralf‐Dieter , Lange Carsten , Ecke Thorsten , Kloss Susanne , Linsse Burkhard , Windemuth‐Kieselbach Christine , Hammerer Peter , Al‐Batran Salah‐Eddin
Published: September 2016

Objective

To examine health‐related quality of life (QoL) in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) on cabazitaxel.

Patients and Methods

Men with mCRPC receiving cabazitaxel (25 mg/m², every 3 weeks) and 10 mg/day oral prednis(ol)one were enrolled (2011–2014) in the non‐interventional prospective ‘QoLiTime’ study. Primary outcome was change in QoL (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30‐item) with respect to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response after four cycles of cabazitaxel. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Of 527 men, 348 received four cycles of cabazitaxel and 266 had the necessary PSA level measurements. After four cycles, 92 (34.6%) men had a PSA level decrease ≥50% (responders). QoL remained stable throughout the study (P = 0.62). Change in QoL did not differ between responders and non‐responders (P = 0.69). Change in PSA level and global health status between baseline and four cycles showed an inversely proportional relationship (correlation coefficient –0.14; 95% confidence interval –0.26 to –0.01; P = 0.03), with increasing PSA level corresponding to lower health status. Responders showed no change in physical functioning vs baseline (–1.75, P = 0.12); non‐responders showed a reduction vs baseline (–7.00, P < 0.001) and responders (P = 0.05). Responders showed an improvement in pain vs baseline (–7.61, P = 0.05) and vs non‐responders (P = 0.01). AEs occurred in 292 patients (55.4%), most commonly anaemia (16.5%), fatigue (12.3%) and diarrhoea (11.8%). Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were reported in 3.8% and 3.6% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Prostate‐specific antigen level response was associated with stable physical functioning and improvement in pain. Symptom increases were seen in areas typical of chemotoxicity, but QoL was maintained.
Response moderation models for conditional dependence between response time and response accuracy
Authors: Bolsinova Maria , Tijmstra Jesper , Molenaar Dylan
Published: September 2016

It is becoming more feasible and common to register response times in the application of psychometric tests. Researchers thus have the opportunity to jointly model response accuracy and response time, which provides users with more relevant information. The most common choice is to use the hierarchical model (van der Linden, 2007, Psychometrika, 72, 287), which assumes conditional independence between response time and accuracy, given a person's speed and ability. However, this assumption may be violated in practice if, for example, persons vary their speed or differ in their response strategies, leading to conditional dependence between response time and accuracy and confounding measurement. We propose six nested hierarchical models for response time and accuracy that allow for conditional dependence, and discuss their relationship to existing models. Unlike existing approaches, the proposed hierarchical models allow for various forms of conditional dependence in the model and allow the effect of continuous residual response time on response accuracy to be item‐specific, person‐specific, or both. Estimation procedures for the models are proposed, as well as two information criteria that can be used for model selection. Parameter recovery and usefulness of the information criteria are investigated using simulation, indicating that the procedure works well and is likely to select the appropriate model. Two empirical applications are discussed to illustrate the different types of conditional dependence that may occur in practice and how these can be captured using the proposed hierarchical models.
Efficacy and safety of ibrutinib in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Maruyama Dai , Nagai Hirokazu , Fukuhara Noriko , Kitano Toshiyuki , Ishikawa Takayuki , Shibayama Hirohiko , Choi Ilseung , Hatake Kiyohiko , Uchida Toshiki , Nishikori Momoko , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Nishikawa Tomoaki , Takahara Satoko , Tobinai Kensei
Published: September 2016

In this multicenter, single‐arm, phase II study, the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib were examined in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Patients (age ≥20 years) with relapsed or refractory MCL who had progressed after receiving at least one prior treatment regimen, were enrolled. Patients were treated with oral ibrutinib (560 mg once daily; 28‐day cycle) until disease progression (or relapse), unacceptable toxicity, or study end. The primary end‐point was overall response rate. Secondary end‐points included duration of response (DOR), time to response, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival, and safety. Of the 16 patients who received treatment, 5 patients discontinued the study (progressive disease, 4; sepsis, 1). Median duration of ibrutinib exposure was 6.5 months (range, 2.8–8.3 months). The overall response rate was 87.5% (90% confidence interval, 65.6–97.7; complete response = 2 [12.5%]; partial response = 12 [75.0%]). Median time to response for all responders (n = 14) was 1.8 months (range, 0.7–5.3 months). The median DOR and PFS were not estimable due to censoring (range: DOR, 1.1–6.4+ months; PFS, 2.8–8.0+ months). Overall survival data were immature due to the limited observation period. A total of 8/16 patients (50%) had at least one grade 3 adverse event (AE), and 5 (31.3%) patients reported serious AEs. The most commonly reported AEs were diarrhea and stomatitis (37.5% each), platelet count decrease (31.3%), and anemia (25%). Overall, orally administered single agent ibrutinib was efficacious with an acceptable safety profile in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory MCL. Clinical trial registration NCT02169180 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
‘Click’‐xylosides as initiators of the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans: Comparison of mono‐xylosides with xylobiosides
Authors: Chatron‐Colliet Aurore , Brusa Charlotte , Bertin‐Jung Isabelle , Gulberti Sandrine , Ramalanjaona Nick , Fournel‐Gigleux Sylvie , Brézillon Stéphane , Muzard Murielle , Plantier‐Royon Richard , Rémond Caroline , Wegrowski Yanusz
Published: September 2016

Different mono‐xylosides and their corresponding xylobiosides obtained by a chemo‐enzymatic approach featuring various substituents attached to a triazole ring were probed as priming agents for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis in the xylosyltransferase‐deficient pgsA‐745 Chinese hamster ovary cell line. Xylosides containing a hydrophobic aglycone moiety were the most efficient priming agents. Mono‐xylosides induced higher GAG biosynthesis in comparison with their corresponding xylobiosides. The influence of the degree of polymerization of the carbohydrate part on the priming activity was investigated through different experiments. We demonstrated that in case of mono‐xylosides, the cellular uptake as well as the affinity and the catalytic efficiency of β‐1,4‐galactosyltransferase 7 were higher than for xylobiosides. Altogether, these results indicate that hydrophobicity of the aglycone and degree of polymerization of glycone moiety were critical factors for an optimal priming activity for GAG biosynthesis.
Baseline morning cortisol level as a predictor of pituitary–adrenal reserve: a comparison across three assays
Authors: Sbardella Emilia , Isidori Andrea M. , Woods Conor P. , Argese Nicola , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Shine Brian , Jafar‐Mohammadi Bahram , Grossman Ashley B.
Published: September 2016

Context

The short ACTH stimulation test (250 μg) is the dynamic test most frequently used to assess adrenal function. It is possible that a single basal cortisol could be used to predict the dynamic response, but research has been hampered by the use of different assays and thresholds.

Objective

To propose a morning baseline cortisol criterion of three of the most commonly used modern cortisol immunoassays – Advia Centaur (Siemens), Architect (Abbott) and the Roche Modular System (Roche) – that could predict adrenal sufficiency.

Design

Observational, retrospective cross‐sectional study at two centres.

Patients and Measurements

Retrospective analysis of the results of 1019 Short Synacthen tests (SSTs) with the Advia Centaur, 449 SSTs with the Architect and 2050 SSTs with the Roche Modular System assay. Serum cortisol levels were measured prior to injection of 250 μg Synacthen and after 30 min. Overall, we were able to collate data from a total of 3518 SSTs in 3571 patients.

Results

Using receiver–operator curve analysis, baseline cortisol levels for predicting passing the SST with 100% specificity were 358 nmol/l for Siemens, 336 nmol/l for Abbott and 506 nmol/l for Roche. Utilizing these criteria, 589, 158 and 578 SSTs, respectively, for Siemens, Abbott and Roche immunoassays could have been avoided.

Conclusions

We have defined assay‐specific morning cortisol levels that are able to predict the integrity of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis. We propose that this represents a valid tool for the initial assessment of adrenal function and has the potential to obviate the need for dynamic testing in a significant number of patients.
The role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β in disease and development
Authors: El‐Khairi R. , Vallier L.
Published: September 2016

Heterozygous mutations in the gene that encodes the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1B) result in a multi‐system disorder. HNF1B was initially discovered as a monogenic diabetes gene; however, renal cysts are the most frequently detected feature. Other clinical features include pancreatic hypoplasia and exocrine insufficiency, genital tract malformations, abnormal liver function, cholestasis and early‐onset gout. Heterozygous mutations and complete gene deletions in HNF1B each account for approximately 50% of all cases of HNF1B‐associated disease and may show autosomal dominant inheritance or arise spontaneously. There is no clear genotype‐phenotype correlation indicating that haploinsufficiency is the main disease mechanism. Data from animal models suggest that HNF1B is essential for several stages of pancreas and liver development. However, mice with heterozygous mutations in HNF1B show no phenotype in contrast to the phenotype seen in humans. This suggests that mouse models do not fully replicate the features of human disease and complementary studies in human systems are necessary to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying HNF1B‐associated disease. This review discusses the role of HNF1B in human and murine pancreas and liver development, summarizes the disease phenotypes and identifies areas for future investigations in HNF1B‐associated diabetes and liver disease.
Mass production of functional human pancreatic β‐cells: why and how?
Authors: Scharfmann R. , Didiesheim M. , Richards P. , Chandra V. , Oshima M. , Albagli O.
Published: September 2016

Diabetes (either type 1 or type 2) is due to insufficient functional β‐cell mass. Research has, therefore, aimed to discover new ways to maintain or increase either β‐cell mass or function. For this purpose, rodents have mainly been used as model systems and a large number of discoveries have been made. Meanwhile, although we have learned that rodent models represent powerful systems to model β‐cell development, function and destruction, we realize that there are limitations when attempting to transfer the data to what is occurring in humans. Indeed, while human β‐cells share many similarities with rodent β‐cells, they also differ on a number of important parameters. In this context, developing ways to study human β‐cell development, function and death represents an important challenge. This review will describe recent data on the development and use of convenient sources of human β‐cells that should be useful tools to discover new ways to modulate functional β‐cell mass in humans.
THE EMPLOYMENT EFFECT OF DEREGULATING SHOPPING HOURS: EVIDENCE FROM GERMAN FOOD RETAILING
Authors: Bossler Mario , Oberfichtner Michael
Published: September 2016

We study the effect of deregulating weekday shop opening hours on employment in retailing. Using administrative data on all German food shops, a difference‐in‐differences analysis shows that relaxing restrictions on opening hours raised employment by 0.4 workers per shop corresponding to an increase by 4%. This effect is driven by part‐time employment and employment in large shops, and it implies an increase by 0.1 workers per additional actual weekly opening hour. While the wage bill increased by less than employment, the deregulation seems not to have reduced earnings of workers already employed in retailing before the deregulation. (JEL J23, L51, L81)
The FREED Project (first episode and rapid early intervention in eating disorders): service model, feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Brown Amy , McClelland Jessica , Boysen Elena , Mountford Victoria , Glennon Danielle , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: September 2016

Aim

Eating disorders (EDs) are disabling disorders, predominantly affecting adolescents and young adults. Untreated symptoms have lasting effects on brain, body and behaviour. Care pathway‐related barriers often prevent early detection and treatment of ED. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of FREED (First Episode and Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorder), a novel service for young people (aged 18–25 years) with recent ED onset (≤3 years), embedded in a specialist adult National Health Service ED service. Specifically, we assessed the impact of FREED on duration of time until specialist service contact (DUSC), duration of untreated ED (DUED) and wait‐times for assessment and treatment compared with patients seen earlier in our service. Acceptability of FREED was also assessed.

Methods

Sixty individuals were recruited from September 2014 to August 2015. Fifty‐one of these were compared with 89 patients seen earlier.

Results

FREED patients, from areas with minimal National Health Service gatekeeping (14/51), had markedly shorter DUSC and DUED than controls (DUSC: 12.4 months vs. 16.2 months; DUED 13.0 months vs. 19.1 months), whereas those with complex gatekeeping (37/51) had shorter DUED (17.7 months), but longer DUSC (16.9 months) than controls. FREED patients waited significantly less time for both assessment and treatment than controls, had significantly better treatment uptake and were highly satisfied with the process of starting treatment.

Conclusions

FREED is a feasible and acceptable service which successfully reduced waiting times. Reductions in DUSC and DUED depend on gatekeeping arrangements. More research is required to establish clinical outcomes of FREED.
Imaging Hydrological Processes in Headwater Riparian Seeps with Time‐Lapse Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Williams Mark R. , Buda Anthony R. , Singha Kamini , Folmar Gordon J. , Elliott Herschel A. , Schmidt John P.
Published: September 2016

Delineating hydrologic and pedogenic factors influencing groundwater flow in riparian zones is central in understanding pathways of water and nutrient transport. In this study, we combined two‐dimensional time‐lapse electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) (depth of investigation approximately 2 m) with hydrometric monitoring to examine hydrological processes in the riparian area of FD‐36, a small (0.4 km2) agricultural headwater basin in the Valley and Ridge region of east‐central Pennsylvania. We selected two contrasting study sites, including a seep with groundwater discharge and an adjacent area lacking such seepage. Both sites were underlain by a fragipan at 0.6 m. We then monitored changes in electrical resistivity, shallow groundwater, and nitrate‐N concentrations as a series of storms transitioned the landscape from dry to wet conditions. Time‐lapse ERI revealed different resistivity patterns between seep and non‐seep areas during the study period. Notably, the seep displayed strong resistivity reductions (∼60%) along a vertically aligned region of the soil profile, which coincided with strong upward hydraulic gradients recorded in a grid of nested piezometers (0.2‐ and 0.6‐m depth). These patterns suggested a hydraulic connection between the seep and the nitrate‐rich shallow groundwater system below the fragipan, which enabled groundwater and associated nitrate‐N to discharge through the fragipan to the surface. In contrast, time‐lapse ERI indicated no such connections in the non‐seep area, with infiltrated rainwater presumably perched above the fragipan. Results highlight the value of pairing time‐lapse ERI with hydrometric and water quality monitoring to illuminate possible groundwater and nutrient flow pathways to seeps in headwater riparian areas.
Collection of daily patient reported outcomes is feasible and demonstrates differential patient experience in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pittman Zoe C. L. , John Stephen G. , McIntyre Chris W.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are a critical metric documenting the impact of disease and treatment from the patient's perspective. A variety of generic and disease specific PRO measures (PROMs) are used in chronic kidney disease (CKD) but studies are primarily cross‐sectional. None of the available PROMs are designed for frequent iterative application.

Methods: An online PROM for daily use in dialysis and CKD 4/5 patients was developed. The custom website utilised visual analogue scales to capture 6 PROs (general well being (GWB), pain, sleep, breathing, energy, and appetite). Outcomes of interest were uptake, response rates, intermodality variation, and change in PRO corresponding to predefined events.

Findings: Forty‐three patients submitted at least once and 34 submitted beyond 30 days. Median follow‐up was 247 days, 64% male, age 62 ± 12 years. In individuals submitting for >30 days, dialysis patients had significantly worse median scores compared to CKD for sleep (47[32–80], 97[76–99], P = 0.003), appetite (66[50–96], 97[88–100], P = 0.008), energy (47[40–89], 84[67–96], P = 0.031), and GWB (63[49–94], 93[71–98], P = 0.026). Patients demonstrated a variety of stable bandwidths of response, deviations from this were associated with specific events e.g., acute admission, vascular procedures, disturbed fluid status, and dialysis start.

Discussion: We successfully introduced an online, patient acceptable, iterative PROM that discriminates symptom burden, cross‐sectionally, and longitudinally. Further work will prospectively examine the predictive power of changes in PRO and more rigorously investigate the potential use of these methods to optimise patient care.
Adherence rates to ferric citrate as compared to active control in patients with end stage kidney disease on dialysis
Authors: Jalal Diana , McFadden Molly , Dwyer Jamie P. , Umanath Kausik , Aguilar Erwin , Yagil Yoram , Greco Barbara , Sika Mohammed , Lewis Julia B. , Greene Tom , Goral Simin
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Oral phosphate binders are the main stay of treatment of hyperphosphatemia. Adherence rates to ferric citrate, a recently approved phosphate binder, are unknown.

Methods: We conducted a post‐hoc analysis to evaluate whether adherence rates were different for ferric citrate vs. active control in 412 subjects with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) who were randomized to ferric citrate vs. active control (sevelamer carbonate and/or calcium acetate). Adherence was defined as percent of actual number of pills taken to total number of pills prescribed.

Findings: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity, and age between the ferric citrate and active control groups. Baseline phosphorus, calcium, and parathyroid hormone levels were similar. Mean (SD) adherence was 81.4% (17.4) and 81.7% (15.9) in the ferric citrate and active control groups, respectively (P = 0.88). Adherence remained similar between both groups after adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, age, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and diabetic nephropathy (mean [95% CI]: 81.4% [78.2, 84.6] and 81.5% [77.7, 85.2] for ferric citrate and active control, respectively). Gender, race/ethnicity, age, and diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy did not influence adherence to the prescribed phosphate binder. Subjects with CVD had lower adherence rates to phosphate binder; this was significant only in the active control group.

Discussion: Adherence rates to the phosphate binder, ferric citrate, were similar to adherence rates to active control. Similar adherence rates to ferric citrate are notable since tolerance to active control was an entry criteria and the study was open label. Gender, race/ethnicity, nor age influenced adherence.
A meta‐analysis of sodium profiling techniques and the impact on intradialytic hypotension
Authors: Dunne Nina
Published: September 2016

Introduction Hemodialysis has improved in recent years, however, despite such improvements, intra‐dialytic hypotensive episodes still persist which can lead to a reduction in the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Profiling sodium levels during dialysis can improve vascular refilling and therefore may prevent hypotensive events. A number of profiling methods exist and this meta‐analysis set out to examine the effectiveness of these methods.

Methods To assess the effectiveness of hemodialysis sodium profiling techniques. A review and meta‐analysis analytical framework was used. A search was conducted using Medline, Embase and CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Knowledge between 1946 and 2014 of published English‐language peer reviewed randomized control studies. In total 10 articles were retrieved and included in the review. All data was abstracted with a standardized data collection form. Stata 11.2 (Stata Corp) was used to analyse the data. Actual numbers of hypotensive events were pooled between studies. Analysis of subgroups was performed on sodium profile type. The data were further investigated using meta‐regression. Publication bias was also tested.

Findings Stepwise profiling was shown to be statistically significantly effective in reducing intradialytic episodes. Results demonstrated that linear sodium profiling was not effective in reducing hypotensive events during dialysis.

Discussion This review has shown that using stepwise profiling is more effective at reducing intra‐dialytic symptoms than other profiling methods. There was no evidence that linear profiling method was any more effective than conventional dialysis and in fact the results showed the reverse.
Establishment of mouse Mac‐2 binding protein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and its application for mouse chronic liver disease models
Authors: Iwata Ayumi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Ebisutani Yusuke , Yamamoto Akiko , Ueda Yui , Arai Hitomi , Fujii Hironobu , Takamatsu Shinji , Maruyama Nobuhiro , Maeda Masahiro , Takehara Tetsuo , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: September 2016

Aim

We identified Mac‐2 (galectin‐3) binding protein (Mac‐2bp) as a novel diagnostic and liver fibrosis predicting biomarker for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in humans. In mouse models, there are no serum biomarkers predicting liver disease severity. In this study, we developed a mouse Mac‐2bp enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system and determined its efficacy for predicting the severity of liver disease in mouse models, especially in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models.

Methods

We established several rat monoclonal antibodies against mouse Mac‐2bp, selected two clones for the ELISA, and checked the accuracy and reproducibility of the ELISA, especially for NAFLD models and liver fibrosis models. We also investigated the relationships between serum levels and hepatic gene expression of Mac‐2bp in mouse models.

Results

Our ELISA system had high accuracy and reproducibility (R2 = 0.999). The intra‐assay and inter‐assay results for the coefficient of variation were 2.0–3.7% and 1.7–6.9%, respectively. The levels of bilirubin, hemoglobin, and chyle did not affect the Mac‐2bp serum levels detected by our ELISA kit. In the mouse models, serum Mac‐2bp levels increased with liver disease progression (F0/F1/F2/F3, 239.1 ± 36.7 / 259.1 ± 43.0 / 457.5 ± 162.0 / 643.7 ± 116.0 ng/mL; P < 0.0001), and were significantly correlated with hepatic gene expression of Mac‐2bp (R = 0.42, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our mouse Mac‐2bp ELISA system effectively predicts severity of NAFLD and liver fibrosis in mouse models.
Laboratory comparison of the mechanical properties of TRUShape with several nickel‐titanium rotary instruments
Authors: Elnaghy A. M. , Elsaka S. E.
Published: September 2016

Aim

To assess and compare the mechanical properties of TRUShape (TRS) with several nickel‐titanium rotary instruments.

Methodology

Cyclic fatigue, torsional resistance, flexibility and surface microhardness of TRS (size 25, 0.06v taper), ProTaper Next X2 (PTN X2, size 25, 0.06 taper), ProTaper Gold (PTG F2; size 25, 0.08 taper) and ProTaper Universal (PTU F2; size 25, 0.08 taper) instruments were evaluated. The topographical structures of the fracture surfaces of instruments were assessed using a scanning electron microscope. The cyclic fatigue resistance, torsional resistance and microhardness data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey's post hoc tests. The fragment length and bending resistance data were analysed statistically with the Kruskal–Wallis H‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐tests. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

PTN and PTG instruments revealed significantly higher resistance to cyclic fatigue than TRS and PTU instruments (P < 0.001). PTN instruments revealed significantly higher torsional resistance compared with the other instruments (P < 0.001). PTG instrument had significantly higher flexibility than the other tested brands (P < 0.05). However, for microhardness, the PTU had significantly higher surface microhardness values compared with other tested brands (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TRS instruments had lower resistance to cyclic fatigue and lower flexibility compared with PTG and PTN instruments. TRS, PTG and PTU instruments had lower resistance to torsional stress than PTN instruments. TRS and PTG instruments had comparable surface microhardness.
Mechanical Properties of Plasma‐Sprayed Mullite‐Reinforced Titania–Bioglass Composite
Authors: Bsat Suzan , Huang Xiao
Published: September 2016

Bioceramics have been extensively used for various medical applications including hip and knee prostheses, tissue engineering scaffolds, and dental implants. Bioceramics, particularly bioglass, are desired because of their bioactivity but are often limited by their inherent brittleness. To compensate, composites have been formed to obtain unique properties where both bioactivity and mechanical integrity can be achieved. Mullite‐reinforced titania–bioglass (TiO2–BG) composites were therefore deposited using plasma spraying technique. The microstructure of the coating materials were analyzed for their morphology and microstructure using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry. Mechanical properties of the coatings were tested using three‐point bend test, indentation test, and pin‐on‐disk wear test to determine their fracture strength, fracture toughness, and wear resistance, respectively. The addition of mullite fibers improved the fracture strength and wear resistance of TiO2–BG composites while having minimal effect on fracture toughness. After the addition of mullite, failure mode was bimodal, failing intergranularly and by fiber pull‐out. Although mullite fibers have not been particularly used for medical applications, fiber reinforcement has shown efficacy in mechanically reinforcing composites of various medical applications.
The stability of gahnite doped with chromium pigments in glazes from the French manufacture of Sèvres
Authors: Verger Louisiane , Dargaud Olivier , Rousse Gwenaelle , Cotte Marine , Cormier Laurent
Published: September 2016

The French manufacture of Sèvres, famous for its production of fine porcelain artifacts, has been synthesizing pink pigments mainly composed of the spinel phase ZnAl2−xCrxO4 with x varying from 0.25 to 0.41 since the middle of the 19th century. This kind of pigment is mixed with an uncolored frit to obtain decorations for porcelain artifacts. However, the pink color of the pigment is altered in a particular uncolored frit and a brownish color appears. The mechanism of this color change was investigated. Observations under a scanning electron microscope revealed the formation of a phase rich in Cr resulting from reactions between the uncolored frit and the pigment during firing. X‐ray diffraction combined with Rietveld refinements and X‐ray absorption near edge structure measurements at the Cr K‐edge showed that the new formed phase belongs to the same spinel phase ZnAl2−xCrxO4 than the pigment, but with a higher Cr content x. We showed that its formation and thus the stability of the pigment is driven by the Al content in the uncolored frit.
Fabrication of Transparent Grain‐Oriented Polycrystalline Alumina by Colloidal Processing
Authors: Pringuet Antoine , Takahashi Takuma , Baba Shoko , Kamo Yuta , Kato Zenji , Uematsu Keizo , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: September 2016

Grain‐oriented polycrystalline alumina (PCA) ceramics with very high, nearly single‐crystal transparency were successfully fabricated through colloidal processing in a high magnetic field followed by hot isostatic pressing. The c‐axis of the produced material was oriented along the direction parallel to the magnetic field. The transmittance of the specimen with a thickness of 0.8 mm was 78% at a wavelength of 650 nm, close to the reported value of 84.5% for sapphire and more than 10% higher than the largest transmittance magnitude ever reported for PCA ceramics. In addition, the Na salt of 4,5‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐benzenedisulfonic acid (named “Tiron”) was found to be a highly effective dispersant for processing high‐purity materials.
Lattice Expansion in Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: MgO, Co3O4, & Fe3O4
Authors: Rodenbough Philip P. , Zheng Chengjunyi , Liu Yuxuan , Hui Chenyuan , Xia Yuxuan , Ran Ziying , Hu Yanjun , Chan Siu‐Wai
Published: September 2016

Uniform sets of mono‐crystalline nanoparticles ranging from 6 nm to over 100 nm were prepared for the MgO, Co3O4, and Fe3O4 oxide systems. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD). A careful analysis shows increased lattice parameter for smaller nanoparticles of each oxide system: 0.47% expansion from bulk for 7 nm MgO crystallites, 0.15% expansion from bulk for 9 nm Co3O4 crystallites, and 0.13% expansion from bulk for 6 nm Fe3O4 crystallites. The compressive surface stresses and expansion energies against hydrostatic pressure for each oxide system were calculated, respectively, to be 4.13 N/m and 1.8 meV/formula unit for MgO, 3.09 N/m and 0.87 meV/formula unit for Co3O4, and 1.26 N/m and 0.67 meV/formula unit for Fe3O4. The fundamental understanding of oxide nanoparticle mechanics as presented here will facilitate integration of these materials into technological applications in a rationally designed manner.
Substitution of Ba for Ca in the Structure of CaAl12O19
Authors: Chen Junhong , Chen Haiyang , Mi Wenjun , Cao Zheng , Li Bin , Liang Chaojing
Published: September 2016

The effect of Ba2+ on the crystallization thickness of calcium hexaaluminate (CA6) along the c axis was studied. The results show that after introduction of Ba2+, the CA6 flake crystals fired at 1600°C become thicker obviously. The structure refinement shows that the structure formula of the doped CA6 is (Ca0.973Ba0.027)O·6Al2O3, indicating Ba2+ has entered the lattices of CA6 and substituted Ca2+ in the mirror layers. The introduction of Ba2+ results in more defects VAl in spinel block layers in CA6, making ions easier to diffuse along c axis and fastening the growing of CA6 crystals along c axis. Thus, the introduction of Ba2+ is feasible and advantageous to increase the crystallization thickness of CA6 along c axis.
Band‐Gap Engineering and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Sm and Mn Doped BiFeO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Irfan Syed , Shen Yang , Rizwan Syed , Wang Huan‐Chun , Khan Sadaf B. , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: September 2016

Bi1‐xSmxFe1‐yMnyO3 (BSFMO, x = 0.0, 0.05; y = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) nanoparticles were synthesized by using double solvent sol–gel method. Photocatalytic activity was investigated under UV and visible‐light illumination. The structural, morphological, and optical properties were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV‐vis spectroscopy respectively. The crystallite size of BiFeO3 (BFO) decreases from (57.3–17.2 nm) with the increase in Sm and Mn‐doping concentration. The surface morphology shows that the pure and Sm‐doped BFO nanoparticles are irregular in shape but changes to spherical shape after Mn‐doping up to 25%. The band‐gap engineering of BFO nanoparticles is achieved by co‐doping of Sm and Mn. The band‐gap of BFO could be tuned successfully from 2.08–1.45 eV, which may be due to the distortion induced in Fe‐O octahedron and the rearrangement of molecular orbitals. These results give rise to enhanced photocatalytic activity by degradation of organic dyes (MB, CR, and MV) under the visible‐light illumination.
Unusual Indentation Behavior of Alkali Metaphosphate Glass Above Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Endo Jun , Inaba Seiji , Muto Hiroyuki , Ito Setsuro
Published: September 2016

The mixed alkali metaphosphate glass 12.5Li2O–12.5Na2O–12.5K2O–12.5Cs2O–50P2O5 (mol%) compressed under uniaxial stress shows unusually large recovery of its shape during heating above its glass transition temperature (Tg). To clarify the mechanism, the viscous, elastic, and plastic behavior of the metaphosphate glass was investigated with the depth‐sensing indentation method. From the load‐displacement (P–h) curves of the glass, a large recovery of the depth displacement was found during unloading above Tg. By analyzing the P–h curves with a viscous–elastic–plastic model, the large recovery was concluded to be due to larger elastic deformation than viscous deformation even above Tg. The phenomenon can be attributed to relaxation to the randomly oriented ‐P–O–P– chain structure from the oriented chain structure formed under stress in the metaphosphate glass.
The Effects of the Specialization of Private Equity Firms on their Exit Strategy
Authors: Rigamonti Damiana , Cefis Elena , Meoli Michele , Vismara Silvio
Published: September 2016

We investigate how industry and stage specialization of Private Equity (PE) firms affect the likelihood to exit investments by means of trade sales, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), or Secondary Buyouts (SBOs). Our empirical analysis relies on competing risks models. Using a sample of 818 Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) by US and European PE firms over the period 2000–2015, we find that both industry and stage specializations of PEs increase the likelihood of exiting via IPO, whereas only industry specialization positively affects the likelihood of divesting through a trade sale. Finally, SBOs are more likely for non‐specialized investors.