bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between incremental and thrice‐weekly haemodialysis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Yueming , Zou Wenli , Wu Juan , Liu Lin , He Qiang
Published: March 2018

Aim

Incremental haemodialysis (HD) regimen has recently gained attention. However, its efficacy and safety, compared with conventional thrice‐weekly HD, are controversial and previous research results are not convincing. We sought to conduct a meta‐analysis to evaluate the benefits and limitations of incremental HD regimen in patients with end‐stage renal disease.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register databases for controlled trials published until January 2017. Outcomes of interest included baseline patient characteristics, mortality risk, renal function, urine volume, laboratory values, and hospitalization rate.

Results

Overall, 16 studies (n = 252 330), including 15 observational studies and 1 cross‐sectional study, were included. Incremental HD reduced mortality risk, compared with conventional HD (risk ratio [RR], 0.797; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.731–0.870; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Renal function (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.677, 95% CI: 0.035 to 1.318, P = 0.039; I2 = 92.7%) and urine volume (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 333.37, 95% CI: 86.81 to 579.93, P = 0.008; I2 = 92.7%) were also better preserved in patients on incremental HD. Other clinical outcomes, including serum levels of calcium, phosphate, albumin, haemoglobin, and hospitalization rate, were similar between groups.

Conclusion

An incremental therapeutic approach as a beginning haemodialysis regimen is associated with lower mortality and better preservation of greater residual renal function.
Mylohyoid motor evoked potentials can effectively predict persistent dysphagia 3 months poststroke
Authors: Lee K. M. , Joo M. C. , Yu Y. M. , Kim M.‐S.
Published: March 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between mylohyoid motor‐evoked potentials (MH‐MEP) and swallowing function and determine the value of MH‐MEP for predicting aspiration 3 months poststroke.

Methods

Subacute patients within a month of their first stroke were enrolled up for 2 consecutive years. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were performed twice. Patients were evaluated during VFSS using the penetration aspiration scale (PAS) and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS). MH‐MEP was recorded in the mylohyoid muscles. The active electrode was positioned submentally, 2 cm lateral to midline. Magnetic stimulation was performed on the contralateral motor cortex, 2‐4 cm anterior and 4‐6 cm lateral to the cranial vertex. The resting motor threshold (rMT), latency, and amplitude stimulation at 120% (amp120) and 150% (amp150) of the rMT were assessed. The ratio of each parameter was also estimated. The relationship between MH‐MEP and VFSS findings was analyzed.

Key Results

Sixty‐eight patients completed the study. On VFSS at 3 months poststroke, 24 (35.3%) patients showed aspiration. The rMT, rMT ratio, amp120 and amp120 ratio were significantly correlated with the PAS and VDS (P < .05). The rMT ratio (OR = 1.208, P = .001) and amp120 ratio (OR = 0.821, P = .002) were independent predictors of aspiration at 3 months. The optimal cut‐off value of the rMT ratio was 126.1 (AUC = 0.94, sensitivity = 0.92, specificity = 0.89); that of the amp120 ratio was 66.5 (AUC = 0.89, sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.86).

Conclusions and Inferences

MH‐MEP was well‐correlated with dysphagia severity assessed by VFSS. The rMT ratio and amplitude ratio of MH‐MEP can effectively predict persistent dysphagia 3 months poststroke.
Relationships between music training, speech processing, and word learning: a network perspective
Authors: Elmer Stefan , Jäncke Lutz
Published: March 2018

Numerous studies have documented the behavioral advantages conferred on professional musicians and children undergoing music training in processing speech sounds varying in the spectral and temporal dimensions. These beneficial effects have previously often been associated with local functional and structural changes in the auditory cortex (AC). However, this perspective is oversimplified, in that it does not take into account the intrinsic organization of the human brain, namely, neural networks and oscillatory dynamics. Therefore, we propose a new framework for extending these previous findings to a network perspective by integrating multimodal imaging, electrophysiology, and neural oscillations. In particular, we provide concrete examples of how functional and structural connectivity can be used to model simple neural circuits exerting a modulatory influence on AC activity. In addition, we describe how such a network approach can be used for better comprehending the beneficial effects of music training on more complex speech functions, such as word learning.
Neural predictors of eating behavior and dietary change
Authors: Giuliani Nicole R. , Merchant Junaid S. , Cosme Danielle , Berkman Elliot T.
Published: March 2018

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of human neuroimaging studies seeking to predict behavior above and beyond traditional measurements such as self‐report. This trend has been particularly notable in the area of food consumption, as the percentage of people categorized as overweight or obese continues to rise. In this review, we argue that there is considerable utility in this form of health neuroscience, modeling the neural bases of eating behavior and dietary change in healthy community populations. Further, we propose a model and accompanying evidence indicating that several basic processes underlying eating behavior, particularly reactivity, regulation, and valuation, can be predictive of behavior change. We also discuss future directions for this work.
Costs and benefits of non‐random seed release for long‐distance dispersal in wind‐dispersed plant species
Authors: Treep Jelle , de Jager Monique , Kuiper Leandra S. , Duman Tomer , Katul Gabriel G. , Soons Merel B.
Published: March 2018

The dispersal ability of plants is a major factor driving ecological responses to global change. In wind‐dispersed plant species, non‐random seed release in relation to wind speeds has been identified as a major determinant of dispersal distances. However, little information is available about the costs and benefits of non‐random abscission and the consequences of timing for dispersal distances.

We asked: 1) to what extent is non‐random abscission able to promote long‐distance dispersal and what is the effect of potentially increased pre‐dispersal risk costs? 2) Which meteorological factors and respective timescales are important for maximizing dispersal? These questions were addressed by combining a mechanistic modelling approach and field data collection for herbaceous wind‐dispersed species.

Model optimization with a dynamic dispersal approach using measured hourly wind speed showed that plants can increase long‐distance dispersal by developing a hard wind speed threshold below which no seeds are released. At the same time, increased risk costs limit the possibilities for dispersal distance gain and reduce the optimum level of the wind speed threshold, in our case (under representative Dutch meteorological conditions) to a threshold of 5–6 m s–1. The frequency and predictability (auto‐correlation in time) of pre‐dispersal seed‐loss had a major impact on optimal non‐random abscission functions and resulting dispersal distances.

We observed a similar, but more gradual, bias towards higher wind speeds in six out of seven wind‐dispersed species under natural conditions. This confirmed that non‐random abscission exists in many species and that, under local Dutch meteorological conditions, abscission was biased towards winds exceeding 5–6 m s–1.

We conclude that timing of seed release can vastly enhance dispersal distances in wind‐dispersed species, but increased risk costs may greatly limit the benefits of selecting wind conditions for long‐distance dispersal, leading to moderate seed abscission thresholds, depending on local meteorological conditions and disturbances.
Density‐independent predation affects migrants and residents equally in a declining partially migratory elk population
Authors: Hebblewhite Mark , Eacker Daniel R. , Eggeman Scott , Bohm Holger , Merrill Evelyn H.
Published: March 2018

Migration is expected to benefit individuals through exposure to higher quality forage and reducing predation rates more than non‐migratory conspecifics. Previous studies of partially migratory ungulates (with migrant and resident individuals) have focused on bottom–up factors regulating resident and migrant segments, yet differential predation between strategies could also be a density‐dependent regulatory mechanism. Our study tested for density‐dependence in mortality, as well as mechanisms of ­bottom–up or top–down regulation in the resident and migrant portions of the partially migratory Ya Ha Tinda elk population. We tested for density dependence in adult female and juvenile survival rates, and then discriminated between predator‐ and food‐regulation hypotheses by testing for density‐dependence amongst mortality causes for adult female elk. Notably, the population declined almost 70% from near previously published estimates of carrying capacity over 10 years, providing ideal conditions to test for density dependence. In contrast to predictions, we found only weak support for density dependence in adult survival and juvenile survival. We also found few differences between migrant and resident elk in adult or juvenile survival, though juvenile survival differences were biologically significant. Predation by humans and grizzly bears was density dependent, but similar between migratory strategies. Predation by wolves was the leading known cause of mortality, yet remained constant with declining elk density equally for both migrant and resident elk, indicating wolf predation was density‐independent. Instead of being strongly regulated by food or predation, we found adult female survival was driven by density‐independent predation and climatic factors. The few differences between migratory strategies suggest equivalent fitness payoffs for migrants and residents. This population is being limited by density‐independent predation leading to declines of both migratory strategies. Our results challenge classical predator–prey theory, and call for better integration between predator–prey and migration theory.
Chronic cutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease in children: A report of 14 patients from a tertiary care pediatric dermatology clinic
Authors: Nanda Arti , Husain Maitham A. A. , Al‐Herz Waleed , Almekaimi Adla , Al‐Sabah Humoud , Al‐Otaibi Mohammad
Published: March 2018

Background/Objectives

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment option for many life‐threatening disorders in children. Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is a significant complication of HSCT, and its treatment is challenging. Skin is the most common organ affected in cGVHD, with protean manifestations posing a challenge in diagnosis and management. The objective was to have a better understanding of the spectrum of chronic cutaneous GVHD (cc‐GVHD) in children.

Methods

Hospital records of 14 children with cc‐GVHD, registered over 9 years, were reviewed.

Results

All the patients had received HSCT from related donors. Median duration between HSCT and onset of cc‐GVHD was 7.5 months. Eighty‐six percent of the patients had a prior history of aGVHD, and 14% had de novo onset of cc‐GVHD. Of 14 patients, 71% had classic cc‐GVHD. Overlap syndrome was observed in 29%. Tandem occurrence of multiple morphologies was noticed in 6 (43%) patients. Of classic cc‐GVHD, lichen planus‐like cc‐GVHD was most common (57%) followed by scleroderma‐like (29%) and poikiloderma (7%). Rare variants included eczema‐like (14%) and psoriasis‐like (7%) cc‐GVHD. Mucosal involvement was seen in 78.6% of the patients, nail involvement in 50%, and hair abnormalities in 43%. After a median follow‐up of 4.8 years, complete remission was observed in 50% and mortality in 14%.

Conclusion

The study signifies the diverse nature of cc‐GVHD and indicates the need for multicenter surveys including larger number of patients to have proper insight into and develop treatment guidelines for cc‐GVHD in children.
Long‐term prognosis of human herpesvirus 6 reactivation following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Iesato Kotoe , Hori Tsukasa , Yoto Yuko , Yamamoto Masaki , Inazawa Natsuko , Kamo Kenichi , Ikeda Hiroshi , Iyama Satoshi , Hatakeyama Naoki , Iguchi Akihiro , Sugita Junichi , Kobayashi Ryoji , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: March 2018

Background

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) frequently have HHV‐6 reactivation typically during the early phase following HSCT. The long‐term clinical complications and prognosis, however, remain unclear.

Methods

Between September 2010 and October 2012, whole blood samples from 105 patients collected weekly from prior to 6 weeks after HSCT underwent multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for viral DNA, followed by real‐time PCR for quantitative estimation. In 48 patients, only HHV‐6 was detected in at least one sample. In 30 patients, no viral DNA was detected. Long‐term clinical records were reviewed in March 2016. All 48 HHV‐6‐positive patients, and 24 patients in whom no viral DNA detected, were followed up.

Results

Median maximum HHV‐6 DNA load in the blood of the HHV‐6 reactivation group (n = 48) was 11 800 copies/μg peripheral blood leukocyte DNA (range, 52–310 000 000). Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) was diagnosed in two subjects with HHV‐6 reactivation. Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) developed more frequently in patients with HHV‐6 reactivation than in patients without viral reactivation (P = 0.002), but there was no difference in incidence of chronic GVHD. There was no difference in engraftment of neutrophils and platelets between groups. There was also no difference in overall survival between groups. Onset of HPS, however, was associated with lower overall survival (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Human herpesvirus 6 reactivation was associated with acute GVHD, but not with chronic GVHD, engraftment or overall survival. Onset of HPS, however, predicts lower overall survival.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of heme oxygenase‐1 expression in small intestinal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Jun Sun‐Young , Hong Seung‐Mo , Bae Young Kyung , Kim Hee Kyung , Jang Kyu Yun , Eom Dae Woon
Published: March 2018

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), a stress‐response protein, is highly induced in various carcinomas. It is implicated in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. High HO‐1 expression is associated with better prognosis of patients with colorectal and gastric cancers. Induction or inhibition of HO‐1 can mediate chemo‐sensitivity, therefore it might be a therapeutic target to develop anticancer agents. To define the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of HO‐1 expression in small‐intestinal adenocarcinomas (SIACs), immunohistochemical microarray analysis of HO‐1 expression was performed for 191 surgically resected SIAC cases and results were compared with various clinicopathologic variables, including survival. HO‐1 was highly expressed in 127 (66.5%) cases. Patients with high HO‐1 expression were associated with younger age (P = 0.048), lower pT category (P = 0.017), and less pancreatic invasion (P = 0.047). Patients with high HO‐1 expression tended to have longer overall survival (median, 38.5 months) than those with low HO‐1 expression (24.5 months), although the difference in overall survival was not statistically significant (P = 0.677). In summary, high HO‐1 expression is frequently observed in SIACs. It is related to favorable clinicopathologic parameters, including younger age, lower T category, and less pancreatic invasion. Therefore, HO‐1 may serve as a prognostic marker and a new target to modulate chemotherapeutic effects in patients with SIACs.
Alliance Value and Status Enhancement: Canada's Disproportionate Military Burden Sharing in Afghanistan
Authors: Massie Justin , Zyla Benjamin
Published: March 2018

In choosing not to free ride while the United States was in Afghanistan, second‐tier powers like Canada challenge conventional accounts of military burden sharing. To elucidate the puzzle posed by excessive military contributions, the article considers two explanatory factors: alliance value and status seeking. We pair them with insights on elite consensus to explain Canada's desire to have a large role in the war in Afghanistan. We argue that it is expected to support U.S.‐led military operations and contributes more than its relative power if it seeks recognition of an elevated status by valued alliance members. Absent elite consensus, however, state executives may have difficulty implementing their status enhancement objectives. We further demonstrate the value of our reasoning by confronting it with the ever‐increasing factor of threat perceptions. We conclude by stressing that ideational motivations for intra‐alliance burden sharing pose a serious challenge to conventional accounts of state contributions to U.S.‐led military interventions.

Related Articles

Haar, Roberta. 2015. “” Politics & Policy 43 (): 287‐314. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12111/abstract

Dumbrell, John. 2006. “.” Politics & Policy 34 (): 452‐472. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2006.00021.x/abstract

Walsh, James I. 2005. “.” Politics & Policy 33 (): 642‐670. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2005.tb00217.x/full

Related Media

n.d. “Kandahar Journals.” http://www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel/docs/kandahar-journals

n.d. http://www.wagingpeacefilm.com/Home.html

2017. “Out of Afghanistan ‐ Canada's 12‐Year War.” http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/afghanistan
Does the Awareness of Mortality Shape People's Openness to Violence and Conflict? An Examination of Terror Management Theory
Authors: Vergani Matteo , O'Brien Kerry S. , Lentini Peter , Barton Greg
Published: March 2018

Terror management theory (TMT) proposes that evoking death‐related thoughts (mortality salience; MS) in individuals or groups can lead to stronger worldview defence and greater support for extremist violence. In three experiments, we tested whether an MS manipulation, and associated moderators, increased support for extremist violence. In Australian university students, Study 1 found no statistically significant main or moderated effects for MS on measures of extremist violence. However, participants exposed to the MS manipulation reported increases in conservative religiosity (belief in divine power). In Study 2, the MS manipulation had no significant effect on support for extremist violence for Australian university students primed with an antiviolent extremism norm. And in young Australian Jewish people (Study 3), the MS manipulation did not increase support for violence against migrants. However, there was an increase in support for policies that act to fight against violent extremism in Iraq and Syria in those exposed to the MS manipulation. Across three studies, we find little support for the hypothesis that MS results in increased support for violent extremism. Larger more methodological sound studies are needed to address inconsistencies in the evidence surrounding TMT and the MS hypothesis, at least in regards to violence and extremism.
A transnational and holistic breeding approach is needed for sustainable wheat production in the Baltic Sea region
Authors: Chawade Aakash , Armoniené Rita , Berg Gunilla , Brazauskas Gintaras , Frostgård Gunilla , Geleta Mulatu , Gorash Andrii , Henriksson Tina , Himanen Kristiina , Ingver Anne , Johansson Eva , Jørgensen Lise Nistrup , Koppel Mati , Koppel Reine , Makela Pirjo , Ortiz Rodomiro , Podyma Wieslaw , Roitsch Thomas , Ronis Antanas , Svensson Jan T. , Vallenback Pernilla , Weih Martin
Published: March 2018

The Baltic Sea is one of the largest brackish water bodies in the world. Eutrophication is a major concern in the Baltic Sea due to the leakage of nutrients to the sea with agriculture being the primary source. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most widely grown crop in the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea and thus promoting sustainable agriculture practices for wheat cultivation will have a major impact on reducing pollution in the Baltic Sea. This approach requires identifying and addressing key challenges for sustainable wheat production in the region. Implementing new technologies for climate‐friendly breeding and digital farming across all surrounding countries should promote sustainable intensification of agriculture in the region. In this review, we highlight major challenges for wheat cultivation in the Baltic Sea region and discuss various solutions integrating transnational collaboration for pre‐breeding and technology sharing to accelerate development of low input wheat cultivars with improved host plant resistance to pathogen and enhanced adaptability to the changing climate.
Incubation matters: Measuring the effect of business incubators on the innovation performance of start‐ups
Authors: Sedita Silvia Rita , Apa Roberta , Bassetti Thomas , Grandinetti Roberto
Published: March 2018

This article explores the role of business incubators on the innovation performance of start‐ups; in addition, we also investigate how the incubation effect moderates other important factors driving their innovation performance. The empirical evidence comes from a sample of firms located in Northern Italy belonging to the manufacturing (mechanical engineering firms) and service sectors (knowledge‐intensive business services). The results suggest that the incubation effect is very important in shaping the innovation performance of new ventures (measured as a percentage of sales of new‐to‐market innovations). Moreover, it positively moderates the impact of (1) the internal technical capabilities and (2) the adoption of a limited portfolio of collaborations for innovation.
Hepatic steroid inactivating enzymes, hepatic portal blood flow and corpus luteum blood perfusion in cattle
Authors: Hart CG , Voelz BE , Brockus KE , Lemley CO
Published: March 2018

Contents

Production from the corpus luteum (CL) and/or hepatic steroid inactivation impacts peripheral concentrations of P4, which can alter reproductive performance. Our primary objective was to examine hepatic steroid inactivating enzymes, portal blood flow, and luteal blood perfusion at 10 days post‐insemination in pregnant versus non‐pregnant beef and dairy cows. Twenty early lactation Holstein cows and 20 lactating commercial beef cows were utilized for this study. At day 10 post‐insemination, hepatic portal blood flow and CL blood perfusion were measured via Doppler ultrasonography. Liver biopsies were collected and frozen for later determination of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), 2C (CYP2C), 3A (CYP3A), uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and aldo‐keto reductase 1C (AKR1C) activities. Pregnancy was determined at day 30 post‐insemination and treatment groups were retrospectively assigned as pregnant or non‐pregnant. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS. Steroid metabolizing enzyme activity was not different (p > .10) between pregnant versus non‐pregnant beef or dairy cows. Hepatic portal blood flow tended (p < .10) to be increased in pregnant versus non‐pregnant dairy cows. Luteal blood perfusion was increased (p < .05) in pregnant versus non‐pregnant dairy cows. Pregnant dairy cows appear to have an increased rate of hepatic clearance of P4 in combination with increased synthesis from the CL. This could account for the lack of difference in peripheral P4 concentrations between pregnant and non‐pregnant dairy cows. This study highlights the relevance of further investigation into steroid secretion and inactivation and their impact on the maintenance of pregnancy in cattle.
Fibroblast–matrix interplay: Nintedanib and pirfenidone modulate the effect of IPF fibroblast‐conditioned matrix on normal fibroblast phenotype
Authors: Epstein Shochet Gali , Wollin Lutz , Shitrit David
Published: March 2018

Background and objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with poor prognosis. Activated fibroblasts are the key effector cells in fibrosis, producing excessive amounts of collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Whether the ECM conditioned by IPF fibroblasts determines the phenotype of naïve fibroblasts is difficult to explore.

Methods

IPF‐derived primary fibroblasts were cultured on Matrigel and then cleared using ammonium hydroxide, creating an IPF‐conditioned matrix (CM). Normal fibroblast CM served as control. Normal fibroblasts were cultured on both types of CM, and cell count, cell distribution and markers of myofibroblast differentiation; transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling; and ECM expression were assessed. The effects of the anti‐fibrotic drugs nintedanib and pirfenidone at physiologically relevant concentrations were also explored.

Results

Normal fibroblasts cultured on IPF‐CM arranged in large aggregates as a result of increased proliferation and migration. Moreover, increased levels of pSmad3, pSTAT3 (phospho signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and Collagen1a were found, suggesting a differentiation towards a myofibroblast‐like phenotype. SB505124 (10 μmol/L) partially reversed these alterations, suggesting a TGFβ contribution. Furthermore, nintedanib at 100 nmol/L and, to a lesser extent, pirfenidone at 100 μmol/L prevented the IPF‐CM‐induced fibroblast phenotype alterations, suggesting an attenuation of the ECM–fibroblast interplay.

Conclusion

IPF fibroblasts alter the ECM, thus creating a CM that further propagates an IPF‐like phenotype in normal fibroblasts. This assay demonstrated differences in drug activities for approved IPF drugs at clinically relevant concentrations. Thus, the matrix–fibroblast phenotype interplay might be a relevant assay to explore drug candidates for IPF treatment.
‘Good enough’ is ‘not enough’ when managing indigenous adults with bronchiectasis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: McCallum Gabrielle B , Chang Anne B.
Published: March 2018

See related Article
Fluid Inclusion Studies of Comb Quartz and Stibnite at the Hishikari Au–Ag Epithermal Deposit, Japan
Authors: Shimizu Toru
Published: March 2018

Fluid inclusion microthermometry was conducted on late‐stage barren comb quartz and the latest stibnite at the Hishikari deposit to characterize the hydrothermal activity responsible for vein formation. Eight fluid inclusion assemblages (i.e. fluid inclusions trapped at the same time, ‘FIAs’) were studied to determine the formation fluid temperatures and salinities for the comb quartz in the Shosen No. 2 vein, Sanjin ore zone, and the stibnite in the Seisen No. 1–1 vein, Yamada ore zone.

The average homogenization temperatures (the formation temperatures) of the seven FIAs from the comb quartz were between 207 and 230°C, while the average homogenization temperature (the formation temperature) of an FIA from the stibnite was 113°C. The measured fluid salinities of the seven FIAs from the comb quartz were low, ranging between 0.0 and 1.1 wt% NaCl equiv., indicating that dilute fluids were responsible for the comb quartz formation.

By comparison with previous microthermometric data, the formation temperatures of the studied comb quartz were higher than those of columnar adularia and comb quartz at most other veins (generally around 200°C) but were similar to those of columnar adularia at Keisen veins (230°C) in the same ore zone. The higher formation temperatures both in the Shosen and the Keisen veins in the Sanjin ore zone indicate that the fractures corresponding to the vein system at the Sanjin ore zone were main conduits for hot ascending fluids.

The low formation temperature of stibnite in the latest stage (113°C) indicates that stibnite precipitation occurred during a waning stage of hydrothermal activity. Combined with previous thermodynamic data on antimony solubilities, the large discrepancy between the formation temperature of the comb quartz (200–230°C) and that of the stibnite suggests that the stibnite may have precipitated as a result of a drastic cooling of the hydrothermal system.
Simultaneous Equation Penalized Likelihood Estimation of Vehicle Accident Injury Severity
Authors: Donat Francesco , Marra Giampiero
Published: March 2018

A bivariate system of equations is developed to model ordinal polychotomous dependent variables within a simultaneous additive regression framework. The functional form of the covariate effects is assumed fairly flexible with appropriate smoothers used to account for non-linearities and spatial variability in the data. Non-Gaussian error dependence structures are dealt with by means of copulas whose association parameter is also specified in terms of a generic additive predictor. The framework is employed to study the effects of several risk factors on the levels of injury sustained by individuals in two-vehicle accidents in France. The use of the methodology proposed is motivated by the presence of common unobservables that may affect the interrelationships between the parties involved in the same crash and by the possible heterogeneity in individuals’ characteristics and accident dynamics. Better calibrated estimates are obtained and misspecification reduced via an enhanced model specification.
Modelling Correlated Binary Variables: An Application to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Barcella William , De Iorio Maria , Malone-Lee James
Published: March 2018

We present a semiparametric model for time evolving vectors of correlated binary variables. We introduce continuous latent variables which are discretized to obtain the sampling model. We assume that the distribution of the latent variables is an infinite mixture of distributions with weights that vary across some covariate space and with mean and covariance matrix being component specific. This distribution includes also an auto-regressive term that captures the time evolution of the latent variables and therefore of the binary observations. The method proposed is motivated by the study of lower urinary tract symptoms observed at subsequent attendance visits. In particular, we evaluate the temporal dependence among the symptoms controlling for the presence of urinary tract infection. The results show that the most recurrent symptoms are stress incontinence and voiding, which are also the most related with presence of pyuria, the best biomarker of infections. Furthermore, we observe that the correlation between symptoms changes over time. The pair of symptoms which appear to be the most correlated are pain and voiding.
Dialysis modality and survival: Done to death
Authors: Trinh Emilie , Chan Christopher T , Perl Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

The debate surrounding whether peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis is associated with differential survival continues as the numerous comparative studies over the past 3 decades have yielded conflicting results. Findings have also evolved over time in the setting of changing patient characteristics, advances in dialytic technologies, and the use of more robust statistical and epidemiologic approaches. Here, we will critically review the body of evidence, both historical and contemporary, comparing survival across dialysis modalities. Significant limitations of the observational nature of the current literature will be highlighted given that no adequately powered randomized controlled trials exist. Given the lack of consistency and limitations of current studies, coupled with the poor survival across both modalities, we can likely conclude that survival comparisons between both modalities do not appreciably differ. Hence, the choice of dialysis modality should not be dictated by survival comparisons, but rather be based on an individualized and informed decision making that places patient preference and lifestyle considerations at the forefront, while integrating medical factors and availability of resources and support. The emphasis of future research should move beyond survival outcomes when comparing dialysis modalities, and instead be redirected to patient‐endorsed and patient‐reported outcomes.
Spatiotemporal wetland changes and their threats in North Central Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Hussien Kassaye , Demissie Biadgilgn , Meaza Hailemariam
Published: March 2018

Wetlands are important environmental resources for rural livelihoods in Ethiopia. The study investigated spatiotemporal change of wetlands, drivers and effects in North Central Ethiopian Highlands. Landsat satellite imageries of 1984, 1993, 2000, and 2013 were used to analyse wetland changes over the last three decades. Practical observations, interviews and discussions with local communities and officers were also conducted to address the main objective. Furthermore, secondary data on crop yields were collected to supplement the primary data. The study shows that wetlands have been converted into built‐up areas and farmlands. Wetlands in the study area experienced annual loss across the entire study period. Consequently, the area size of wetlands decreased from 7.4 per cent in 1984 to 2.6 per cent in 2013. About 66 per cent of the total wetlands was lost within 30 years mainly due to farmland encroachment and urban expansions. The highest rate of wetland change was recorded between 2000 and 2013. Such wetland changes increased conflicts among land users. However, the converted wetlands increased short‐term benefits due to wetland recession agriculture. To conclude, wetland resources are under enormous threats, and challenge the sustainability of livelihoods. Thus, integrated and adaptive wetland restoration policies could improve the degraded wetlands.
Impact of drinking water, sanitation and handwashing with soap on childhood diarrhoeal disease: updated meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Wolf Jennyfer , Hunter Paul R. , Freeman Matthew C. , Cumming Oliver , Clasen Thomas , Bartram Jamie , Higgins Julian P. T. , Johnston Richard , Medlicott Kate , Boisson Sophie , Prüss‐Ustün Annette
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are protective against diarrhoeal disease; a leading cause of child mortality. The main objective was an updated assessment of the impact of unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) on childhood diarrhoeal disease.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of articles published between 1970 and February 2016. Study results were combined and analysed using meta‐analysis and meta‐regression.

Results

A total of 135 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several water, sanitation and hygiene interventions were associated with lower risk of diarrhoeal morbidity. Point‐of‐use filter interventions with safe storage reduced diarrhoea risk by 61% (RR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.48); piped water to premises of higher quality and continuous availability by 75% and 36% (RR = 0.25 (0.09, 0.67) and 0.64 (0.42, 0.98)), respectively compared to a baseline of unimproved drinking water; sanitation interventions by 25% (RR = 0.75 (0.63, 0.88)) with evidence for greater reductions when high sanitation coverage is reached; and interventions promoting handwashing with soap by 30% (RR = 0.70 (0.64, 0.77)) vs. no intervention. Results of the analysis of sanitation and hygiene interventions are sensitive to certain differences in study methods and conditions. Correcting for non‐blinding would reduce the associations with diarrhoea to some extent.

Conclusions

Although evidence is limited, results suggest that household connections of water supply and higher levels of community coverage for sanitation appear particularly impactful which is in line with targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Change of apheresis device decreased the incidence of severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease among patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with sibling donors
Authors: Wang T. , Remberger M. , Axdorph Nygell U. , Sundin M. , Björklund A. , Mattsson J. , Uhlin M. , Watz E.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The composition of the graft used for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is important for the treatment outcome. Different apheresis devices may yield significant differences in peripheral blood stem cell graft cellular composition. We compared stem cell grafts produced by Cobe Spectra (Cobe) and Spectra Optia (Optia) with use of the mononuclear cell (MNC) protocol, and evaluated clinical outcome parameters such as graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD), transplant‐related mortality (TRM), relapse, and overall survival.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

During 5 years, 31 Cobe Spectra and 40 Spectra Optia grafts were analyzed for CD34, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD56 cell content. Clinical outcome parameters were correlated and compared between the two patient groups using different apheresis devices.

RESULTS

Optia grafts contained fewer lymphocytes compared to Cobe (p < 0.001). Optia grafts had a significantly lower incidence of acute GvHD Grades II through IV (Cobe 45% vs. Optia 23%; p = 0.039) and TRM (16% vs. 2.5%; p < 0.05) but higher chronic GvHD (32% vs. 67%; p = 0.005) compared to Cobe grafts. Finally, the multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation among the different apheresis devices and both acute GvHD II through IV and severe chronic GvHD. The multivariate analysis also showed a significant correlation between the CD3+ cell dose and the incidence of severe acute GvHD.

CONCLUSION

Optia‐obtained grafts yielded a lower acute GvHD Grades II‐IV and TRM risk, but had no impact on relapse or overall survival in this study. Understanding and further improvement of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) apheresis techniques may be used in the future to personalize HSCT by, for example, fine‐tuning the GvHD incidence.
Report of a workshop on ensuring sustainable access to safe blood in developing countries: International Blood Safety Forum, March 24, 2017
Authors: Katz Louis M. , Donnelly John J. , Gresens Christopher J. , Holmberg Jerry A. , MacPherson James , Zacharias Peter J.K. , Stanley Jean , Bales Christine
Published: March 2018

On March 24, 2017, more than 90 experts in blood safety and international development from blood centers, industry, government, and international and nongovernmental organizations gathered in Arlington, Virginia, for the Third International Blood Safety Forum, cosponsored by America's Blood Centers and Global Healing. This report summarizes presentations and major conclusions. The meeting explored ways to increase access to affordable, safe blood for low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries (LMICs) in an era when funding from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund has been redirected from preventing the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to diagnosing and treating the 25 million‐plus people living with HIV in LMICs. More effective management systems must be developed to improve cost recovery for blood. While blood systems become more sustainable, continued investment is required to keep them operating. The traditional model of large grants from bilateral and multilateral donors will need to be supplemented (or replaced) with public‐private partnerships and nongovernmental investment. A continued emphasis on quality is fundamental. Blood systems must build quality programs, based on accepted standards, including hospitals, clinics, and rural health care providers to ensure proper and safe use of blood. Proposals to resolve health care inequities between LMICs and high‐income countries (HICs) must include helping LMICs to define sustainable national policies and practices for blood availability and utilization to suit local contexts. The blood safety lexicon should be revised to include availability, accessibility, and affordability of safe blood and blood products as the goal of all blood safety initiatives.
Hübner's eyelid reconstruction using a free tarsomarginal autograft in eight dogs. A retrospective study
Authors: Poinsard Anne‐Sophie , Mathieson Iona , Balland Olivier
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of our work was to study the potential of tarsomarginal grafting technique, in canine.

Animal studied

All dogs included in this study had tumors of the upper or lower eyelid. Furthermore, resection of the tumor necessitated excision of the eyelid margin comprising 1/4 and 2/3.

Procedure

Harvesting of the graft with the length of half the length of the tumor, including its free margins was performed via a full‐thickness incision on the ipsilateral healthy eyelid. The cutaneous layer and all of the muscle fibers of the transplant were meticulously removed except a 3 mm strip along the free lid margin. A full‐thickness tumor excision was then performed. The graft was sutured at the level of the defect to be reconstructed. A sliding H flap was generated. The resulting nourishing myocutaneous flap was then sutured along the free margin of the tarso‐conjunctivo‐marginal graft. The lateral edges of the advancement flap were sutured to the edges of the receiving sites.

Results

The average size of the reconstructed area was 17.8 mm. The resulting stretched lid fissure length after surgery was shortened over 7 to 11 mm. This technique for grafting was used to reconstruct an eyelid that had lost tissue measuring between 1/4 and 2/3 of its length. The few complications that were encountered were mainly the occurrence of keratitis or suture dehiscence.

Conclusions

This tarsomarginal grafting technique has yielded encouraging results in dogs. This technique can fill large lid defects with a physiologic lid margin but is shortening the stretched lid fissure length.
Human noroviruses in the faeces of wild birds and rodents—new potential transmission routes
Authors: Summa M. , Henttonen H. , Maunula L.
Published: March 2018

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are one of the leading global causes of diarrhoeal diseases and are transmitted mainly from person to person but also through contaminated food, water and fomites. The possible zoonotic nature of NoVs has occasionally been discussed, although the viruses are generally considered to be host‐species‐specific. We investigated whether wild birds and rodents could serve as carriers of HuNoVs, thereby transmitting the virus to humans directly or indirectly by contaminating foods. All samples, 115 avian and 100 rat faeces collected in springs 2009–2013 from dump sites, and 85 faeces from yellow‐necked mice trapped in late autumn 2008 and 2009 after the rodents entered human settlements due to the first night frosts, were screened for HuNoV using real‐time reverse transcription PCR. HuNoVs were detected in 31 (27%) faecal samples of wild birds, in two (2%) faecal samples of rats and in no samples of mice. Most (25) of the positive bird samples and both rat samples contained genogroup II, and six positive bird samples contained genogroup I HuNoV. The avian species shedding faeces containing HuNoVs were identified as gulls and crows using DNA barcoding. Our results show that wildlife, birds and rats in particular, is capable of spreading HuNoVs in the environment.
The Airy phase of explosive sounds in shallow water
Authors: Wan Lin , Badiey Mohsen , Knobles David P. , Wilson Preston S.
Published: March 2018

The Airy phase is identified in the received signals from explosive charges deployed in a shallow water acoustic experiment conducted in the New England Mudpatch region during the spring of 2017. Measured and modeled time-frequency dispersion curves are compared and a geoacoustic sensitivity study utilizing marginal probability distributions for the sound speed in five sediment layers is performed. The analysis suggests that inclusion of the Airy phase frequency and arrival time in a geoacoustic-inversion method could lower the uncertainty of sound speed parameter estimation in a multi-layer sediment as compared to methods that do not include the Airy phase structure.
Effect of mouth-opening levels on sound field gain in the ear canal
Authors: Yu Jen-Fang , Hsien Hsiang-Chi , Lee Kun-Che , Xiao Jimg-Hong , Chiu Hsiu-Hui , Hong Hsiang-Hsi , Shen Yu-Fu , Peng Ying-Chin
Published: March 2018

The human external auditory canal can become deformed when the mandible moves, and this changes the sound field in the external auditory canal. This study measured the sound field gain in the external auditory canal while varying mouth-opening in three levels. The mandible was fixed at the 1/3, the 2/3, and the maximal mouth-opening levels. Seven 65-dB tones of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, which are the sound pressure level and frequency range when people are talking at a normal level, were adopted as the sound stimulus to measure sound field gains at 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm to the interior of the external auditory canal. The results show that, with the exception of the 1.25 dB decrease from 12.96 to 11.71 dB at a depth of 5 mm with a stimulus at 8000 Hz, the differences in the sound field gain at the other depths and stimulus frequencies were within 1 dB and were not statistically significant. These results suggest that mouth-opening level has no effect on the measurement of the sound field in the external auditory canal.
Speech recognition for school-age children and adults tested in multi-tone vs multi-noise-band maskers
Authors: Buss Emily , Leibold Lori J. , Lorenzi Christian
Published: March 2018

The present study set out to test whether greater susceptibility to modulation masking could be responsible for immature recognition of speech in noise for school-age children. Listeners were normal-hearing four- to ten-year-olds and adults. Target sentences were filtered into 28 adjacent narrow bands (100–7800 Hz), and the masker was either spectrally matched noise bands or tones centered on each of the speech bands. In experiment 1, odd- and even-numbered bands of target-plus-masker were presented to opposite ears. Performance improved with child age in all conditions, but this improvement was larger for the multi-tone than the multi-noise-band masker. This outcome is contrary to the expectation that children are more susceptible than adults to masking produced by inherent modulation of the noise masker. In experiment 2, odd-numbered bands were presented to both ears, with the masker diotic and the target either diotic or binaurally out of phase. The binaural difference cue was particularly beneficial for young children tested in the multi-tone masker, suggesting that development of auditory stream segregation may play a role in the child-adult difference for this condition. Overall, results provide no evidence of greater susceptibility to modulation masking in children than adults.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil B. , Struck Christopher J.
Published: March 2018

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact asastds@acousticalsociety.org.

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.