bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a New Method for Providing Full Review Opportunities in Computerized Adaptive Testing—Computerized Adaptive Testing With Salt
Authors: Cui Zhongmin , Liu Chunyan , He Yong , Chen Hanwei
Published: December 2018

Allowing item review in computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is getting more attention in the educational measurement field as more and more testing programs adopt CAT. The research literature has shown that allowing item review in an educational test could result in more accurate estimates of examinees’ abilities. The practice of item review in CAT, however, is hindered by the potential danger of test‐manipulation strategies. To provide review opportunities to examinees while minimizing the effect of test‐manipulation strategies, researchers have proposed different algorithms to implement CAT with restricted revision options. In this article, we propose and evaluate a new method that implements CAT without any restriction on item review. In particular, we evaluate the new method in terms of the accuracy on ability estimates and the robustness against test‐manipulation strategies. This study shows that the newly proposed method is promising in a win‐win situation: examinees have full freedom to review and change answers, and the impacts of test‐manipulation strategies are undermined.
On‐the‐Fly Constraint‐Controlled Assembly Methods for Multistage Adaptive Testing for Cognitive Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Shuchang , Cai Yan , Tu Dongbo
Published: December 2018

This study applied the mode of on‐the‐fly assembled multistage adaptive testing to cognitive diagnosis (CD‐OMST). Several and several module assembly methods for CD‐OMST were proposed and compared in terms of measurement precision, test security, and constrain management. The module assembly methods in the study included the maximum priority index method (MPI), the revised maximum priority index (RMPI), the weighted deviation model (WDM), and the two revised Monte Carlo methods (R1‐MC, R2‐MC). Simulation results showed that on the whole the CD‐OMST performs well in that it not only has acceptable attribute pattern correct classification rates but also satisfies both statistical and nonstatistical constraints; the RMPI method was generally better than the MPI method, the R2‐MC method was generally better than the R1‐MC method, and the two revised Monte Carlo methods performed best in terms of test security and constraint management, whereas the RMPI and WDM methods worked best in terms of measurement precision. The study is not only expected to provide information about how to combine MST and CD using an on‐the‐fly method and how do these assembled methods in CD‐OMST perform relative to each other but also offer guidance for practitioners to assemble modules in CD‐OMST with both statistical and nonstatistical constraints.
Measures of Agreement to Assess Attribute‐Level Classification Accuracy and Consistency for Cognitive Diagnostic Assessments
Authors: Johnson Matthew S. , Sinharay Sandip
Published: December 2018

One of the proposed uses of cognitive diagnostic assessments is to classify the examinees as either masters or nonmasters on each of a number of skills being assessed. As with any test, it is important to report the quality of these binary classifications with measures of their reliability. Cui et al. and Wang et al. have suggested reliability measures that can be calculated from the model parameters of cognitive diagnosis models; these previously suggested indices are measures of agreement between either the estimated and true mastery classifications, or between the estimated classifications from parallel assessments. This article discusses the limitations of these existing methods and suggests the use of other measures of agreement. A simulation study demonstrates that the proposed measures are related to factors that would be expected to be associated with reliability; for example, reliability increases with variability in the population and with item discrimination, whereas the previously suggested measures do not show the same pattern. A real data example is also included.
When Does Race Matter in Juvenile Court Outcomes? A Test of the “Type of Offense” Hypothesis
Authors: Guevara Lori , Shekarkhar Zahra , Fuller Kenethia
Published: December 2018

The current study examined the influence of race on juvenile court outcomes across various offense types. This study builds on previous research in the field by utilizing the symbolic threat perspective as a foundation for understanding differences in juvenile disposition. It is hypothesized that the influence of race varies across offense types (misdemeanors and felonies) for the pre‐detention and disposition outcomes. Data from a sample of juvenile court referrals from two Midwestern juvenile courts were utilized and partitioned by race. Results were mixed and not always in the hypothesized direction. However, the results indicated that race did have an influence on both pre and post adjudication juvenile court outcomes, an effect which varied by type of offense and race. This study illustrates the importance of examining juvenile court outcomes from a multi‐stage approach that includes legal and extra‐legal factors.
Neighborhood Disproportion in Juvenile Justice Contact
Authors: Sharlein Jeffrey , Engstrom Malitta
Published: December 2018

Youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods have been found to have greater rates of justice system involvement than other youth, as well as differential treatment at multiple points in the justice system process. This neighborhood disproportion stems from different rates of lawbreaking and system bias and has important implications for long‐term negative outcomes associated with juvenile justice contact. Clarity in the state of knowledge on this topic is essential to guide researchers and policymakers in addressing this critical issue. Toward these ends, we review the literature on neighborhood disproportion in juvenile justice contact, suggest directions for continued inquiry, and discuss policy implications.
Understanding How School Climate Affects Overall Mood in Residential Care: Perspectives of Adolescent Girls in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems
Authors: Somers Cheryl L. , Day Angelique G. , Niewiadomski Jenna , Sutter Casey , Baroni Beverly A. , Hong Jun Sung
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study is to understand the perceptions of court‐involved adolescent girls in residential treatment (40% delinquency, 60% foster care/child abuse and neglect) on school climate and factors that affect their mood in school. Participants included 27 adolescent females in residential care for both types of court involvement in a large urban area in a Midwestern state. Age of the participants ranged from 12 to 18. Four major themes from the three focus groups that were conducted included relationships and interactions with peers, interactions with staff and teachers and their perceptions about these interactions, the demands of the learning environment, and sensitivity to being touched. Practice implications are discussed.
Reality Tour: Adult Attendees’ Perceptions about a Community Based Drug Prevention Program
Authors: Sturges Judith E. , Garlick James Tyler
Published: December 2018

In 2003, the Reality Tour was established by CANDLE, Inc., which is a non‐profit organization with an aim to prevent substance abuse in Butler, Pennsylvania. Demand grew for the replication of the Tour to be presented in other locations. In 2014, the Latrobe and Derry Area Reality Tour was established. The Tour is a community‐based drug prevention presentation designed to engage both parents and children in an interactive event with the intention of educating them about the consequences of drug use. Data for this study were collected from Adult Exit Surveys between September, 2014 and May, 2016. A total of 226 surveys were reviewed. Findings suggest that the Tour has provided important drug prevention information to the attendees, and it has created a venue for parents and children to increase their discussions about drug abuse. In addition, the Tour has assisted in community awareness about the consequences of drug abuse.
Exploring the Use of an Emancipation Checklist for Older Youth (18‐21) Exiting Foster Care
Authors: Summers Alicia , Shdaimah Corey , Knoche Victoria A.
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the efforts of a court to improve outcomes for older youth who are exiting foster care by implementing an Emancipation Checklist (EC) to guide discussion around 12 stability indicators thought to improve youth transition to adulthood (e.g., education, employment). Over 90% of youth had medical insurance, all personal documents, a permanent connection, and could identify their core values. Less than half were employed or engaged in educational or vocational training. Youth who exited when they were older and who attended more of their court hearings had more stability indicators. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Dielectric, thermal, and rheological properties of inulin/water binary solutions in the selected concentration
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Thomas Linu , Khashawi Rawan
Published: December 2018

Inulin—a prebiotic has many applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries for texture modification and replacement of fat/sugar. In this study, thermal, rheological, and dielectric properties of inulin solutions were studied in a wide range of concentrations (5–50% w/v). Inulin is readily dissolved in water in low concentrations (< 20%), and exhibited Newtonian flow behavior, and the dielectric spectra were close to the pure water. The dielectric constant, ε′ of concentrated inulin (40–50%) showed frequency independency (500–1,150 MHz) whereas the loss factor, ε″ increased with frequency. Oscillatory rheology of concentrated inulin solutions at selected temperatures showed solid‐like behavior (G′ > G″), and the mechanical rigidity increased exponentially with the concentration. During thermal scanning of inulin concentrates (30–50%), two glass‐like transitions were detected (−74.98 to −72.28 °C;−24.25 to −23.45 °C), which were independent of the concentration. The obtained information will be useful for product development and structural characterization of inulin‐incorporated food products.

Practical applications

Incorporation of soluble fiber like inulin into food products has proven health effect. Knowledge of flow behavior and glass transition temperatures of inulin at selected concentrations will provide a better understanding of food formulation, transport, and storage. Dielectric properties of inulin solutions would help to employ microwave/radiofrequency heating of formulated foods. The information presented in the present work should be useful to the food and pharmaceutical industries for early prediction of food quality and process engineering.
Seasonal variation ofSargassum ilicifolium(Phaeophyceae) growth on equatorial coral reefs
Authors: Low Jeffrey K. Y. , Fong Jenny , Todd Peter A. , Chou Loke Ming , Bauman Andrew G.
Published: December 2018

Temporal and spatial variations inSargassum ilicifoliumthallus density and length were investigated on equatorial coral reefs in Singapore from November 2011 to October 2012. Thalli density varied little throughout the year, however, we found strong seasonal patterns in thallus length and identified temperature as the significant driver.Sargassum ilicifoliumreached maximum length in December (110.39 ± 2.37 cm) during periods of cooler water temperatures, and minimum length in May (9.88 ± 0.48 cm) during periods of warmer water temperatures. Significant spatial variation was also observed for both thallus density and length ofS. ilicifoliumamong reefs. Within reefs, densities ofS. ilicifoliumwere higher on reef flats (20.40 ± 0.40 individuals · 0.25 m−2) compared to upper reef slopes (5.66 ± 0.23 individuals · 0.25 m−2). Our findings highlight that marked seasonality in the growth of canopy‐forming macroalgae can occur within equatorial reef systems where temperature ranges are restricted (<3°C).
The effects of 5‐azacytidine and cadmium on global 5‐methylcytosine content and secondary metabolites in the freshwater microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Scenedesmus quadricauda
Authors: Bacova Romana , Klejdus Borivoj , Ryant Pavel , Cernei Natalia , Adam Vojtech , Huska Dalibor
Published: December 2018

Epigenetic changes are important mechanisms in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. Cytosine methylation is one of the major epigenetic modifications, mediated by DNA methyltransferases, which transfer methyl groups from S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) to the fifth carbon of cytosine. Various external environmental conditions can change the global hypo/hypermethylation pattern of DNA. These alterations may affect the organism's response to stress conditions. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the effects of 5‐azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, and cadmium, a toxic metal and environmental pollutant, on the growth, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids), SAM, S‐adenosylhomocysteine, 5′‐methylthioadenosine and global 5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC) in the green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Scenedesmus quadricauda. The studied species showed major differences in 5‐mC content, secondary metabolite content, and antioxidant activity. Cadmium increased GSH (glutathione) content in C. reinhardtii by 60% whereas 5‐azacytidine did not affect GSH. The biosynthesis of GSH in S. quadricauda in response to the stressors was the opposite. Global 5‐mC content of C. reinhardtii was 1%–1.5%, and the content in S. quadricauda was 3.5%. Amount of some investigated methionine cycle metabolites (SAM, S‐adenosyl homocysteine [SAH], methionine) in S. quadricauda distinctly exceeded C. reinhardtii as well. However, chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and, antioxidant activity were significantly higher in C. reinhardtii than S. quadricauda. Therefore, in further studies it would be advisable to verify whether methylation of cytosine affects the expression of genes encoding certain secondary metabolites.
Family‐level variation in early life‐cycle traits of kelp
Authors: Mabin Christopher J. T. , Johnson Craig R. , Wright Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2018

Temperate kelp forests (Laminarians) are threatened by temperature stress due to ocean warming and photoinhibition due to increased light associated with canopy loss. However, the potential for evolutionary adaptation in kelp to rapid climate change is not well known. This study examined family‐level variation in physiological and photosynthetic traits in the early life‐cycle stages of the ecologically important Australasian kelp Ecklonia radiata and the response of E. radiata families to different temperature and light environments using a family × environment design. There was strong family‐level variation in traits relating to morphology (surface area measures, branch length, branch count) and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) in both haploid (gametophyte) and diploid (sporophyte) stages of the life‐cycle. Additionally, the presence of family × environment interactions showed that offspring from different families respond differently to temperature and light in the branch length of male gametophytes and oogonia surface area of female gametophytes. Negative responses to high temperatures were stronger for females vs. males. Our findings suggest E. radiata may be able to respond adaptively to climate change but studies partitioning the narrow vs. broad sense components of heritable variation are needed to establish the evolutionary potential of E. radiata to adapt under climate change.
Incidence of hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in a high endemic area of Central Italy
Authors: Marcantonio Cinzia , Pezzotti Patrizio , Bruni Roberto , Taliani Gloria , Chionne Paola , Madonna Elisabetta , Villano Umbertina , Pisani Giulio , Equestre Michele , Dell'Orso Luigi , Ragone Katia , Ciccaglione Anna Rita , Spada Enea
Published: December 2018

In Europe, autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is mainly a foodborne zoonosis, but it is also transmitted by blood transfusion. Despite the numerous prevalence surveys, only a few studies have investigated HEV incidence. We aimed to determine HEV incidence and risk factors among blood donors in a hyperendemic area in Central Italy. Of 296 blood donors who had tested HEV negative in two previous seroprevalence surveys in L'Aquila, 198 agreed to undergo at least another blood sampling for estimating HEV incidence nearly 2 years after the prevalence surveys. Ten newly acquired infections were detected, yielding an overall incidence of 2.1/100 person‐years (95%CI: 1.0‐3.9), with an estimated participant's cumulative probability of becoming HEV infected of 6.5% (95%CI: 3.5‐12.0) at 4 years after enrolment. Seven newly infected blood donors were IgG positive only, two were IgM positive (one also IgG positive) and one was HEV RNA positive only, harbouring subtype 3c. Incident infection was most strongly associated with eating game meat, raw‐dried pork liver sausage and raw‐dried wild boar sausage. None of these exposures was statistically significant, even if eating raw‐dried wild boar sausage approached significance (P = 0.06). The HEV incidence we found was considerable compared with other similar studies. The nearly significant association of incident infection with wild boar and other game meat consumption was in agreement with the 3c subtype isolation in the viremic donor. However, beyond eating habits, also other exposure sources are likely important in hyperendemic areas, where incidence and risk exposure studies need to be undertaken for effectively preventing HEV transmission.
Increased interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) expression is associated with disease severity in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Khanam Arshi , Trehanpati Nirupma , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: December 2018

Background

Th17 cells mediated immune response is important in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and inflammation associated diseases; however, little is known about their immunopathogenic role in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). Interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) is essential for the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells; therefore, we aimed to evaluate IL‐23R expression and its correlation with disease severity in ACLF.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with ACLF (HBV and alcohol‐related), thirty‐two with CHB and twenty healthy controls (HC) were studied. Circulating and intrahepatic profile of Th17 cells and IL‐23R was investigated. Association of IL‐23R with disease severity was determined.

Results

Circulating Th17 cells were significantly increased in both ACLF groups (P = 0.03, P = 0.006) than CHB and HC. Percentage of Th17 cells was higher in liver than peripheral blood of ACLF patients (P = 0.04). Expression of IL‐23R was immensely up‐regulated on Th17 cells of ACLF patients. Importantly, IL‐23R not only correlated with the increased percentage of Th17 cells but also had significant association with inflammation (P = 0.03) and clinical disease severity indices including Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (P = 0.001) and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (P = 0.002) scores. The ACLF non‐survivors showed higher IL‐23R expression (P = 0.01). Transcription factor retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan nuclear receptor gamma‐t (ROR‐γt) was also high in circulation and in liver of ACLF patients and it positively correlated with ALT levels (P = 0.03). Surface receptors, including CCR6, IL‐17R and pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐17A, IL‐22, CXCL8 and GM‐CSF were highly augmented in ACLF.

Conclusion

ACLF patients express high IL‐23R on Th17 cells which induces inflammation and strongly correlates with liver disease severity.
Pushing the Speed of Assistive Technologies for Reading
Authors: Schneps Matthew H. , Chen Chen , Pomplun Marc , Wang Jiahui , Crosby Anne D. , Kent Kevin
Published: December 2018

People who are practiced in using text‐to‐speech can drive listening speeds to surprisingly high limits. Here, we investigate the extent to which people who are otherwise untrained, with and without dyslexia, can increase their reading speed when forcibly accelerated visual or auditory presentations are used in isolation or in tandem. The experiment examined the reading speed and comprehension of 43 college students using three methods enabled by software on a handheld device: forcibly accelerated visual augmentation, auditory text‐to‐speech, and a combination of the two. We found that both typical and impaired readers attained the highest reading speed using the combined method, controlling for comprehension. Importantly, those with dyslexia using the combined methods reached the equivalent reading speed of typical readers using paper, visual, or auditory methods, with no loss in comprehension. Findings here suggest that in future evolutions—using technologies available today—parallel neurological pathways for language processing can be exploited to optimize reading for those impaired.
Chromosomal fusion and life history‐associated genomic variation contribute to within‐river local adaptation of Atlantic salmon
Authors: Wellband Kyle , Mérot Claire , Linnansaari Tommi , Elliott J. A. K. , Curry R. Allen , Bernatchez Louis
Published: December 2018

Chromosomal inversions have been implicated in facilitating adaptation in the face of high levels of gene flow, but whether chromosomal fusions also have similar potential remains poorly understood. Atlantic salmon are usually characterized by population structure at multiple spatial scales; however, this is not the case for tributaries of the Miramichi River in North America. To resolve genetic relationships between populations in this system and the potential for known chromosomal fusions to contribute to adaptation, we genotyped 728 juvenile salmon using a 50 K SNP array. Consistent with previous work, we report extremely weak overall population structuring (GlobalFST = 0.004) and failed to support hierarchical structure between the river's two main branches. We provide the first genomic characterization of a previously described polymorphic fusion between chromosomes 8 and 29. Fusion genomic characteristics included high LD, reduced heterozygosity in the fused homokaryotes, and strong divergence between the fused and the unfused rearrangement. Population structure based on fusion karyotype was five times stronger than neutral variation (FST = 0.019), and the frequency of the fusion was associated with summer precipitation supporting a hypothesis that this rearrangement may contribute local adaptation despite weak neutral differentiation. Additionally, both outlier variation among populations and a polygenic framework for characterizing adaptive variation in relation to climate identified a 250‐Kb region of chromosome 9, including the genesix6that has previously been linked to age‐at‐maturity and run‐timing for this species. Overall, our results indicate that adaptive processes, independent of major river branching, are more important than neutral processes for structuring these populations.
Local injection of RANKL facilitates tooth movement and alveolar bone remodelling
Authors: Li Chengri , Chung Chooryung J. , Hwang Chung‐Ju , Lee Kee‐Joon
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To investigate the effect of local injection of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) on experimental tooth movement and subsequent alveolar bone remodelling in mice.

Materials and Methods

Sixty mice were randomised to receive daily local RANKL or phosphate‐buffered saline injections in the buccal premaxillary bone for 14 of 21 days of incisor movement, followed by a 21‐day retention period. Five mice from each group were euthanised on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 42, and specimens were prepared for haematoxylin and eosin, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and immunohistochemical staining. Five mice from each group were subjected to serial microcomputed tomography until day 42 for tooth movement and bone volume quantification.

Results

The experimental group showed significantly greater tooth movement and bone volume reduction on days 14 and 21; an increased osteoclast number on days 3, 7, 14 and 21; and no difference on day 42. Higher RANKL expression was observed on days 7 and 14, with remarkable alkaline phosphatase activity. No significant systemic changes were observed.

Conclusion

Local RANKL injection leads to increased osteoclastic activity and facilitates tooth movement, followed by subsequent alveolar bone formation; this implies a reversible transitional acceleration of bone resorption.
A Network‐Based Formulation for Scheduling Clinical Rotations
Authors: Cire Andre A. , Diamant Adam , Yunes Tallys , Carrasco Alejandro
Published: December 2018

We investigate the scheduling practices of a medical school that must assign a cohort of students to a series of clinical rotations, while respecting both operational and quality‐of‐service requirements. Students become available to start clerkship progressively throughout the year and can complete rotations at hospitals in different geographic regions. Each hospital may offer a subset of the clinical rotations, with different start dates, capacities, and cost rates. We propose a novel network‐flow model based on decision diagrams, a graphical structure that compresses the state space of a dynamic program, to model feasible schedules. We demonstrate that our network model has several interesting structural features, is computationally superior as compared to a classical mixed‐integer linear program, and can be used to generate useful insights that can aid in managerial decision‐making. Using a dataset collected from the American University of the Caribbean, we perform a counterfactual analysis which shows that had our scheduling approach been implemented, a cost reduction of approximately 19% on average could have been achieved. To understand how assignment decisions can affect future costs, we develop a discrete‐event simulation of the licensing examination and clerkship scheduling process. We then compare our exact scheduling approach with current practice and achieve an average cost reduction of 25%. We also show that this cost reduction is robust with respect to estimation and forecast uncertainty, specifically, the licensing exam failure rate and the future cohort size.
Multi‐Attribute Procurement Auctions in the Presence of Satisfaction Risk
Authors: Huang He , Liu Liming , Parker Geoffrey , Tan Yinliang (Ricky) , Xu Hongyan
Published: December 2018

Procurement auctions are widely used by governments and corporations to solicit bids for services and projects. Such auctions involve significant risk for the buyer, because the delivered quality is highly uncertain. We examine a multi‐attribute procurement auction combined with a performance‐based contract. In this setting, suppliers submit bids which include both price and promised quality. After the buyer awards the contract to the winning bidder with the highest score, the supplier exerts efforts to accomplish the project, and buyer satisfaction is randomly affected by both promised quality and effort. A performance‐contingent reward or penalty occurs upon project delivery. We show that bidders jointly optimize promised quality and effort before submitting a bid price. Depending upon the relative impacts from promised quality and effort on buyer’s satisfaction, the promised quality and execution effort can be complements or substitutes. Our analysis reveals that the information rent that the supplier gains depends on the relationship between promised quality and buyer satisfaction. Further, the optimal scoring rule distorts promised quality downwardly. We find that either reserve quality or price alone is insufficient to exclude undesirable bidders. Compared with efficient mechanism, the effort under optimal mechanism is distorted upwardly (downwardly) when it substitutes (complements) promised quality. We also find that the risk uncertainty can benefit both buyer and supplier, under certain conditions of an additive relationship between supplier’s behaviors and randomness, resulting in a Pareto improvement.
Integration of partial resistance, plant density and use of fungicide for management of white mould in common bean
Authors: Lima R. C. , Teixeira P. H. , Sousa L. R. V. , Rodrigues L. B. , Carneiro J. E. S. , Lehner M. S. , Paula Júnior T. J. , Vieira R. F.
Published: December 2018

In‐row plant densities have not been studied for common beans with type II growth habit and contrasting reactions to white mould. Advanced breeding lines with partial resistance or susceptibility to white mould were combined with 4, 7, 10 or 13 plants m−1 and with or without fungicide at a constant between‐row spacing of 0.5 m in five sprinkler‐irrigated field trials conducted during the autumn–winter season in Brazil. White mould pressures in the trials covered the whole range from zero to moderate/high (46–60% of white mould severity index). In all trials, means of white mould incidence, severity and yield did not vary significantly between 7 and 13 plants m−1 for the partially resistant line, regardless of the fungicide levels. For the susceptible line, 13 plants m−1 increased white mould incidence and severity under moderate disease, regardless of the fungicide levels, and decreased yield compared with 10 plants m−1 when fungicide was applied twice under moderate/high disease pressure. For the susceptible line, 7 or 10 plants m−1 maximized yield in all trials, with or without fungicide applications. The results suggest that the current recommendation of 11–13 plants m−1 could be used for type II beans with partial resistance to white mould in either a conventional or organic system. For susceptible genotypes, 7–10 plants m−1 seems to be the most appropriate in‐row plant density. This study may improve the recommendation of in‐row plant density for type II beans cultivated under white mould pressure.
A quantitative trait locus,qSE3, promotes seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress in rice
Authors: He Yongqi , Yang Bin , He Ying , Zhan Chengfang , Cheng Yanhao , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping , Wang Zhoufei
Published: December 2018

Seed germination is a complex trait determined by both quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and environmental factors and also their interactions. In this study, we mapped one majorQTLqSE3for seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress in rice. To understand the molecular basis of thisQTL, we isolatedqSE3by map‐based cloning and found that it encodes a K+transporter gene,OsHAK21. The expression ofqSE3was significantly upregulated by salinity stress in germinating seeds. Physiological analysis suggested thatqSE3significantly increased K+and Na+uptake in germinating seeds under salinity stress, resulting in increased abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and activatedABAsignaling responses. Furthermore,qSE3significantly decreased the H2O2level in germinating seeds under salinity stress. All of these seed physiological changes modulated byqSE3might contribute to seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress. Based on analysis of single‐nucleotide polymorphism data of rice accessions, we identified aHAP3 haplotype ofqSE3that was positively correlated with seed germination under salinity stress. This study provides important insights into the roles ofqSE3in seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress and facilitates the practical use ofqSE3in rice breeding.
A dual strategy to optimize hematopoietic progenitor cell collections: validation of a simple prediction algorithm and use of collect flow rates guided by mononuclear cell count
Authors: Godbey Elizabeth A. , Dormesy Stephanie , Gowda Lohith , Nandi Vijay , Paradiso Sarai , Sachais Bruce S. , Shi Patricia A.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Previous prediction algorithms to achieve target CD34+ goals have not been widely adopted, with many centers still using a set volume to process for hematopoietic progenitor cell collections. This may be because previous algorithms are challenging to implement. Additionally, no study has yet examined the utility of adjusting the collect flow rate (CFR) based on the donor's preprocedure total mononuclear cell (MNC) count, which correlates with CD34+ yield.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of mobilized allogeneic donors collected using MNC (COBE Spectra, Terumo BCT) or continuous mononuclear cell collection (CMNC) (Spectra Optia, Terumo BCT) procedures, we validated a one‐step prediction algorithm to achieve the target CD34+ product dose (Appendix S1, available as supporting information in the online version of this paper). The COBE Spectra MNC Collect Flow Tool (Appendix S2, available as supporting information in the online version of this paper) was used to select the collect flow rate for both MNC and CMNC procedures. Procedural collection efficiency (CE) was compared to that of historical procedures utilizing fixed CFRs (1.0–1.5 mL/min).

RESULTS

Ninety‐three percent of collections achieved the target CD34+ goal using our algorithm‐calculated process volumes. The remaining 7% of cases had CEs lower than the algorithm CE (0.40), and thus were below goal. Second, an MNC‐based CFR improved MNC and CD34+ CEs in patients with higher MNC counts compared to our historical controls.

CONCLUSION

We validated that this simple, single‐step prediction algorithm achieves the target CD34+ goal in most HPC collections. Secondly, we showed that an MNC‐based CFR for hematopoietic progenitor cell collections improves CE at higher MNCs; this may be preferable to a WBC‐based CFR because of variability of MNC counts at a given WBC count.
Continued use of poliovirus after eradication: hyper‐attenuated strains as a safe alternative for release testing of human immunoglobulins
Authors: Farcet Maria R. , Modrof Jens , Rabel Philip O. , Schirmer Andreas , Macadam Andrew J. , Fox Helen , Minor Philip D. , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Wild‐type poliovirus may be eradicated soon and under WHO GAPIII guidance, laboratory use will be discontinued or subject to strict containment. Per US Code of Federal Regulations, however, immunoglobulin lot release testing will still require use of replicating poliovirus. The suitability of S19 hyper‐attenuated and apathogenic poliovirus strains as alternatives to the currently used wild‐type virus in such a release assay was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

S19 poliovirus strains were propagated in a commercial setting using good virological practices and maintenance of the S19 hyper‐attenuated genotype was confirmed by massively parallel sequencing.

RESULTS

The attenuated phenotype of the produced S19 stocks was confirmed in a highly sensitive mouse‐model. Equivalency in performance was seen in the lot release assay for the S19 and wild‐type polioviruses.

CONCLUSION

The deployment of such hyper‐attenuated and thoroughly characterized S19 stocks in these and other essential activities might reconcile final containment measures with continued safe use of poliovirus.
Biofilm‐associated accumulation‐associated protein (Aap): A contributing factor to the predominant growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis in platelet concentrates
Authors: Alabdullatif Meshari , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a predominant contaminant of platelet concentrates (PCs), outcompeting other skin flora bacteria such as Staphylococcus capitis. The accumulation‐associated protein (Aap), encoded by the aap gene, is involved in formation of bacterial aggregates (biofilms) in S. epidermidis and is absent in S. capitis. In this study, the role of S. epidermidis aap in enhancing biofilm formation and conferring an advantageous growth in PCs was investigated.

Materials and Methods

Biofilm formation assays of S. epidermidis 1457, S. epidermidis 1457∆aap, S. capitis 517 and S. capitis 517 carrying S. epidermidis aap (S. capitis 517/pRBaap) were performed in glucose‐supplemented trypticase soy broth (TSBg) and PCs. Additionally, competition assays with paired cultures (1:1 ratio) of S. epidermidis and S. capitis strains were seeded in PCs, followed by determination of viable counts of each organism at the end of PC storage.

Results

Staphylococcus epidermidis aap had no effect on biofilm formation in TSBg. By contrast in PCs, S. epidermidis 1457 showed higher biofilm formation than S. epidermidis 1457∆aap (P < 0·05). Biofilm formation was also enhanced in S. capitis 517/pRBaap compared to S. capitis 517 (P = 0·054). Competition assays showed that S. epidermidis 1457 outcompeted S. capitis 517, and importantly, S. capitis 517/pRBaap outcompeted S. capitis 517 and S. epidermidis 1457∆aap.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that S. epidermidis aap plays a role in biofilm formation in PCs conferring an advantageous proliferation to skin flora bacteria in this milieu. The molecular mechanisms of action of Aap merit further investigation.
Mass ablated controlled laser induced V2O5 plasma parameters for controllable VO2 films growth
Authors: Lafane Slimane , Abdelli-Messaci Samira , Kechouane Mohamed , Ngom Balla Diop , Malek Smail , Guedouar Bendiba , Kerdja Tahar
Published: December 2018

The effect of the laser fluence on V2O5 plasma dynamics, composition, and ionization state was studied. By combining three plasma diagnostic techniques, fast imaging, optical emission spectroscopy, and Langmuir probe, two ablation regimes have been identified. These ablation regimes depend on the evolution of the amount of the ablated mass that was measured by the method of mass loss. The transition between the two regimes at 1.3 J cm−2. For fluences lower than this threshold value, the expansion velocity of the plasma elements, the plasma dimensions, and the ionic current increase rapidly, unlike the fluences higher than the threshold fluence. Reverse behavior was observed for the ablated mass. This effect of the ablated mass would have a significant impact on the control of the properties of vanadium dioxide layers deposited by pulsed laser deposition in a reactive atmosphere of oxygen.
Can mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) increase the prognostic accuracy of NEWS in predicting deterioration in patients admitted to hospital with mild to moderately severe illness? A prospective single-centre observational study
Authors: Graziadio Sara , O’Leary Rachel Amie , Stocken Deborah D , Power Michael , Allen A Joy , Simpson A John , Price David Ashley
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess the value added to the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) by mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) blood level in predicting deterioration in mild to moderately ill people.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

The Medical Admissions Suite of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

Participants

300 adults with NEWS between 2 and 5 on admission. Exclusion criteria included receiving palliative care, or admitted for social reasons or self-harming. Patients were enrolled between September and December 2015, and followed up for 30 days after discharge.

Outcome measure

The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who, within 72 hours, had anacuity increase, defined as any combination of an increase of at least 2 in the NEWS; transfer to a higher-dependency bed or monitored area; death; or for those discharged from hospital, readmission for medical reasons.

Results

NEWS and MR-proADM together predictedacuity increasemore accurately than NEWS alone, increasing the area under the curve (AUC) to 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.69) from 0.55 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.62). When the confounding effects of presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure and interaction with MR-proADM were included, the prognostic accuracy further increased the AUC to 0.69 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.76).

Conclusions

MR-proADM is potentially a clinically useful biomarker for deterioration in patients admitted to hospital with a mild to moderately severe acute illness, that is, with NEWS between 2 and 5. As a growing number of National Health Service hospitals are routinely recording the NEWS on their clinical information systems, further research should assess the practicality and use of developing a decision aid based on admission NEWS, MR-proADM level, and possibly other clinical data and other biomarkers that could further improve prognostic accuracy.
Effect of fenofibrate on plasma apolipoprotein C-III levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Sahebkar Amirhossein , Simental-Mendía Luis E , Katsiki Niki , Reiner Željko , Banach Maciej , Pirro Matteo , Atkin Stephen L
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials aimed to assess the effect of fenofibrate on apolipoprotein C-III (apo C-III), a key regulator of triglyceride metabolism.

Materials and methods

Randomised placebo-controlled trials investigating the impact of fenofibrate treatment on apo C-III levels were searched in PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases from inception to 18 August 2017. Quantitative data synthesis was determined by a random-effects model and generic inverse variance method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method. A weighted random-effects meta-regression was performed to evaluate glycaemic parameter confounders.

Results

Meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials involving 477 subjects showed fenofibrate therapy decreased apo C-III levels (weighted mean difference (WMD) −4.78 mg/dL, 95% CI −6.95 to –2.61, p<0.001; I266.87%). Subgroup analysis showed that fenofibrate reduced plasma apo C-III concentrations in subgroups of trials with treatment durations of either <12 weeks (WMD −4.50 mg/dL, p=0.001) or ≥12 weeks (WMD: −4.73 mg/dL, p=0.009) and doses of fenofibrate <200 mg/day (WMD −6.33 mg/dL, p<0.001) and >200 mg/day (p=0.006), with no significant difference between the subgroups.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis found that fenofibrate therapy significantly decreases apo C-III levels, an effect evident with both short-term treatment and doses less than 200 mg/day.
Timing of household food insecurity exposures and asthma in a cohort of US school-aged children
Authors: Mangini Lauren D , Hayward Mark D , Zhu Yeyi , Dong Yongquan , Forman Michele R
Published: December 2018

Objective

Food insecurity is positively associated with asthma, the most common chronic childhood disease, yet directionality is unclear. The objective was to determine the association between exposure to food insecurity in early childhood and the odds of asthma later in childhood.

Design

Data from four waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten (ECLS-K) cohort, a prospective, dual-frame, multistage probability cluster sampling study of school-aged US children were entered in multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for covariates. Exposures to food insecurity were based on parental responses to the validated USDA 18-item module at each wave.

Setting

Public and private primary and secondary schools between 1998 and 2007.

Participants

At its inception (1999), the ECLS-K had 20 578 kindergarteners; by the spring of eighth grade (2007), the cohort dropped to 9725 due to attrition. Children missing an exposure, outcome or confounding variable were excluded, final n=6731.

Primary outcome measure

Child’s diagnosis of asthma by a healthcare professional as reported by the parent.

Results

Household food insecurity (vs food security) in the year before kindergarten and in second grade had a higher odds of asthma by 18% (95% CI 1.17 to 1.20) and 55% (95% CI 1.51 to 1.55). After removing asthmatics before third grade from the model, food insecurity in second grade was associated with higher odds of asthma at fifth or eighth grades (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.53 to 1.58), whereas food insecurity in the year before kindergarten had a lower odds at fifth or eighth grades.

Conclusions

Food insecurity in the year before kindergarten and in second grade were associated with a higher odds of asthma in third grade. Food insecurity in second grade retained the signal for increased odds of asthma after third and through eighth grades. Additional research is needed to explore childhood windows of vulnerability to asthma.
Assessment of surgical outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in patients with low compliance to postoperative follow-up: a retrospective observational study in a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wang Jing , Li Mohan , Ding Xiaohu , Tao Liming
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Poor follow-up after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) is common in general clinical practice. We aimed to assess the surgical outcomes of patients with poor compliance to FS-LASIK follow-up but who returned to the clinic with additional prompting at a 1-year visit. We also compared their surgical outcomes with those of patients who returned unprompted.

Design

Retrospective and observational study.

Setting

An urban tertiary hospital in China.

Participants

We reviewed the medical records of myopic patients who underwent binocular FS-LASIK. These patients were all recommended, but not compulsively required, to return for termly postoperative examinations including measurement of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), refraction and assessment of complications. According to records of follow-up visits, 1009 eligible patients were categorised as follows: (1) 124 who returned unprompted at the 1-year visit (group 1) and (2) 885 lost to follow-up at the 1-year visit. We randomly selected and called back 105 (group 2) out of the 885 patients for an extra postoperative examination.

Results

At the 1-year visit, the visual outcomes of the two groups of patients were comparable. No differences in postoperative UDVA were found between the two groups (−0.02±0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and −0.02±0.05 logMAR for groups 1 and 2, respectively, p=0.175). Patients in group 2 showed greater hyperopic dioptres than patients in group 1 (0.37±0.59 D vs −0.29±0.69, p<0.0001). No vision-threatening complications were observed in either group of patients.

Conclusions

The visual and refractive outcomes of patients who were lost to follow-up after FS-LASIK surgery were good and comparable to those who returned unprompted. The results indicated that rigorous postoperative follow-up may be unnecessary in general clinical practice, except for patients who are at a high risk for postoperative complications.