bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is religion (interest) an impediment to Nigeria’s financial inclusion targets by the year 2020?
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Ado Muhammad Bilyaminu , Ayuba Habibu
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish whether religion (interest) is an impediment to Nigeria’s financial inclusion targets to be achieved by the year 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview responses.

Findings

It was found that all the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) programs that contribute toward achieving financial inclusion are interest-based ones. Further, none of them provides a non-interest window except Commercial Agricultural Credit Schemes (CACS). Even the CACS is not fully Shari’a-compliant, as it requires further modification. Despite the fact that interest is condemned in Islam, a majority of Muslims have been found to be accessing interest-based funds. Hence, interest is not a factor that hinders the achievement of reducing Nigeria’s financial exclusion rate to 20 per cent by the year 2020.

Research limitations/implications

This study inquired into the programs under the Development Finance Department of the CBN by using semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence. Other programs of the federal government, state governments, NGOs and other private organizations and individuals are not considered. The findings have pointed out the areas to conduct future studies on religion and financial inclusion.

Practical implications

Although Muslims who complained about interest are a minority, there is the need to provide non-interest windows in the programs before they start shunning these programs, as a lot influential Muslim scholars are currently preaching against the interest.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few studies that support the view that interest does not hinder the achievement of financial inclusion in a Muslim majority country.
Optimization of adhesion of poly lactic acid 3D printed onto polyethylene terephthalate woven fabrics through modelling using textile properties
Authors: Eutionnat-Diffo Prisca Aude , Chen Yan , Guan Jinping , Cayla Aurélie , Campagne Christine , Zeng Xianyi , Nierstrasz Vincent
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate and simulate the impact of the build platform temperature of the three-dimensional (3D) printer, the structure and heat transfer of textiles on the adhesion and durability after washing properties of 3D printed polymer onto textile materials using thin layers of conductive and non-conductive extruded poly lactic acid monofilaments (PLA) deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) woven fabrics through fused deposition modeling (FDM) process.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior to FDM process, thermal conductivity, surface roughness and mean pore size of PET woven fabrics were assessed using the “hot disk,” the profilometer and the capillary flow porometry methods, respectively. After the FDM process, the adhesion and durability after the washing process properties of the materials were determined and optimized based on reliable statistical models connecting those properties to the textile substrate properties such as surface roughness, mean pore size and thermal conductivity.

Findings

The main findings point out that higher roughness coefficient and mean pore size and lower thermal conductivity of polyester woven textile materials improve the adhesion properties and the build platform presents a quadratic effect. Additionally, the adhesion strength decreases by half after the washing process and rougher and more porous textile structures demonstrate better durability. These results are explained by the surface topography of textile materials that define the anchorage areas between the printed layer and the textiles.

Originality/value

This study is for great importance in the development of smart textiles using FDM process as it presents unique and reliable models used to optimize adhesion resistance of 3D printed PLA primary layer onto PET textiles.
Commentary to “Ac-counting for carbon emissions: simulating absence through experimental sites of material politics”
Authors: Faria Pedro Cabral Santiago
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to elaborate on the concept of avoided emissions, as a topical issue in the carbon accounting debate, both in practice and in academia. It is a commentary on the paper by Revellino (2019) who analyses an avoided emissions technology in the transport sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a commentary based on secondary data analysis.

Findings

This commentary reviews the history of quantification for avoided emissions and elaborates on three major challenges that project using “avoided emissions” face. This commentary is also a reflection on why avoided emissions calculations are needed in a world of transition, and how this leads to the concept being used and abused while being central to the building of new foundations.

Practical implications

The commentary flags a few areas that could be research focus areas in future.

Social implications

This paper can lead to changes in the public perception of “avoided emissions” and corporate claims around emission avoidance.

Originality/value

This commentary outlines clear avenues for research, asking notably to reflect on the acceptable uses and acceptable claims related to avoided emissions.
Theoretical foundations of analytical psychology: recent developments and controversies
Authors: Roesler Christian
Published: October 2019

This article gives an introductory overview of the papers in this volume originally given at the Joint Conference of the IAAP and the University of Basel, Basel, October 18‐20, 2018. The aim of the conference was to bring core concepts of analytical psychology together with theorizing and research from academic sciences, at the very place where Jung started his academic career, the University of Basel. The conference focussed on three fields: the relationship of consciousness and the unconscious and the theory of complexes; the theory of archetypes; and the status of analytical psychotherapy in contemporary psychotherapy research. The aim of the conference was to further the development of theory in analytical psychology in relation to results and insights in contiguous areas of knowledge. In the first area, contributors pointed to the solid evidence especially from the neurosciences for the psychodynamic conceptualizations of the unconscious, and also for the concept of complexes. In contrast to this, the concept of archetypes is controversial, with a majority of contributors questioning Jung’s biological conceptualizations of archetypes, and speaking instead for reformulations from the perspective of cultural theory, dynamic systems theory and other approaches. In the field of psychotherapy research, contributors pointed to the profound need for conducting more empirical studies on the outcome of Jungian psychotherapy, but also for a thorough reconsideration of standard research designs in the field.
The controversy around the concept of archetypes and the place for an emergent/developmental model
Authors: Merchant John
Published: October 2019

This paper addresses two key controversial questions to do with the concept of archetypes – do they operate autonomously without connection to an individual's personal life experience? Does their biological base mean they are genetically determined, innate and thus a priori inherited psychic structures? These questions are addressed through the case of a person who began life as an unwanted pregnancy, was adopted at birth and as an adult, experienced profound waking visions. An emergent/developmental model of archetype is outlined which stresses developmental start‐points through this infant's engagement via response and reaction to the affective and material world of the infant/birth mother matrix and from which emergence later occurs by way of participation in a socio‐cultural and material context. The emergentism aspect of this model rescues it from being reductionist since it allows for cultural and socialisation inputs. The model's explanatory power is vastly enlarged by combining this with the developmental component. Critically, once developmentally produced mind/brain (image schema) structures are in place, they have the capacity to generate psychological life. Imagery can then appear as if it is innately derived when that is not the case. The contemporary neuroscience which supports this model is both outlined and related back to the case example.
Synchronicity and meaning
Authors: Kime Philip
Published: October 2019

It is usually thought that synchronicity, characterised as ‘meaningful coincidence’, is therefore understandable in relation to the concept of ‘meaning’. I will explore the largely unhelpful symbiotic relationship between ‘coincidence’ and ‘meaning’ by comparing synchronicity with synchoricity ‐ coincidence in space rather than time. These two concepts are often mixed together and I will attempt to describe a ‘pure’ synchronicity in order to sharpen our sense of how meaning is felt to arise from coincidence. It will then be suggested that the standard concept of synchronicity is mostly psychologically irrelevant and, when adjusted to remove elements which are explained quite naturally by evolutionary theory, we are left with a concept which has implications both for the metaphysical foundations of Analytical Psychology and the individualistic emphasis one commonly finds in the field.
Competitive Storage, Biofuels and the Corn Price
Authors: Gilbert Christopher L. , Mugera Harriet Kasidi
Published: October 2019

The use of corn as an ethanol feedstock has been stimulated by US biofuels policy. This has changed both the position and the slope of the corn demand curve and increased the pass‐through from crude oil to corn prices. The principal constraints on ethanol consumption and production have been regulation (the biofuels mandate), capacity constraints in ethanol refining and the blend wall, which puts a ceiling on the ethanol content of gasoline. The incidence of these constraints has varied over time. We model these impacts within the competitive storage model using structural break regression analysis. Our analysis shows that the pass‐through has varied over time in relation to the share of ethanol in total US corn use. Our analysis provides robust empirical evidence of an increase in the pass‐through from crude oil to corn prices over the period from the start of the century to a high level over 2004–2008 when corn use in ethanol was growing very fast. This enhanced sensitivity was driven by competition for corn as an ethanol feedstock with stock demand exerting strong upward pressure on the corn price.
Prognostic Impact of Early Versus Late Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy Based on Early Warning Algorithm in Critical Care Patients With Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Tekdöş Şeker Yasemin , Çukurova Zafer , Özel Bilgi Deniz , Hergünsel Oya
Published: October 2019

The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of early vs. late initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), defined by clinical information system (CIS) software using an early warning algorithm based on acute kidney injury network (AKIN) stages, on survival outcome of critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Of 1144 patients (mean [SD] age: 61.3 [17.9] years, 57.7% were males) hospitalized in ICU over a 2‐year‐period from January 2016 to December 2017, a total of 272 patients who had developed AKI requiring CRRT were included in this retrospective cross‐sectional study. Data on patient demographics (age, gender), reason for ICU hospitalization, AKIN stage, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, indications for CRRT, and time of CRRT initiation with respect to AKIN early warning algorithm were retrieved from hospital records and the CIS software database. Survivorship status was assessed based on total, in‐hospital and 90‐day post‐discharge mortality rates and analyzed with respect to CRRT onset before vs. after AKIN alarm. CRRT was initiated before the AKIN alarm in 41(15.0%) patients, and after the AKIN alarm in 231(85.0%) patients involving treatment within 0–24 h of alarm in 146 (63.2%) patients and within 24–120 h of alarm in 85 (36.8%) patients. Mortality occurred in 175 (64.3%) patients involving 25 (61.0%) out of 41 patients who received CRRT before AKIN alarm and 150 (64.9%) out of 231 patients who received CRRT after AKIN alarm. Mortality rate was significantly higher in those who received CRRT 24–120 h vs. 0–24 h after the AKIN alarm (82.4% vs. 54.8%, P < 0.001). Pre‐ and post‐CRRT SOFA scores were significantly lower in patients who received CRRT 0–24 h vs. 24–120 h after the AKIN alarm (P = 0.009 and P = 0.004, respectively), while pre‐CRRT APACHE II scores were significantly lower in patients who received CRRT before vs. after the AKIN alarm (P = 0.008). In conclusion, our findings indicate the potential role of using AKIN stage‐based early warning system in guiding time to start CRRT and improved survival in critically ill patients with AKI, provided that the CRRT was initiated within the early (first 24 h) of the alarming AKIN Stage II–III events. Future well‐designed clinical trials addressing early vs. late initiation of CRRT in critical care patients with AKI are needed to find and answer to the ongoing controversy and help clinicians in refining their indications for starting CRRT.
The utility of reptile blood transcriptomes in molecular ecology
Authors: Waits Damien S. , Simpson Dasia Y. , Sparkman Amanda M. , Bronikowski Anne M. , Schwartz Tonia S.
Published: October 2019

Reptiles and other nonmammalian vertebrates have transcriptionally active nucleated red blood cells. If blood transcriptomes can provide quantitative data to address questions relevant to molecular ecology, this could circumvent the need to euthanize animals to assay tissues. This would allow longitudinal sampling of animals’ responses to treatments, as well as sampling of protected taxa. We developed and annotated blood transcriptomes from six reptile species and found on average 25,000 proteins are being transcribed in the blood, and there is a CORE group of 9,282 orthogroups that are found in at least four of six species. In comparison to liver transcriptomes from the same taxa, approximately two‐thirds of the orthogroups were found in both blood and liver; and a similar percentage of ecologically relevant gene groups (insulin and insulin‐like signalling, electron transport chain, oxidative stress, glucocorticoid receptors) were found transcribed in both blood and liver. As a resource, we provide a user‐friendly database of gene ids identified in each blood transcriptome. Although on average 37% of reads mapped to haemoglobin, importantly, the majority of nonhaemoglobin transcripts had sufficient depth (e.g., 97% at ≥10 reads) to be included in differential gene expression analysis. Thus, we demonstrate that RNAseq blood transcriptomes from a very small blood sample (<10 μl) is a minimally invasive option in nonmammalian vertebrates for quantifying expression of a large number of ecologically relevant genes that would allow longitudinal sampling and sampling of protected populations.
Paleoproterozoic Granitoids on Liaodong Peninsula, North China Craton
Authors: ZHU Kai , LIU Zhenghong , XU Zhongyuan , LIU Jiexun , WANG Xing'an
Published: October 2019

Paleoproterozoic granitoids are an important constituent of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt (JLJB). The spatial‐temporal distribution and types of Paleoproterozoic granitoids are closely related to the evolution of the JLJB. In this paper, we review the field occurrence, petrography, geochronology, and geochemistry of Paleoproterozoic granitoids on Liaodong Peninsula, northeast China. The Paleoproterozoic granitoids can be divided into pre‐tectonic (∼2.15 Ga; peak age=2.18 Ga) and post‐tectonic (∼1.85 Ga) granitoids. The pre‐tectonic granitoids are magnetite and hornblende–biotite monzogranites and granodiorites. Pre‐tectonic monzogranites are widespread in the JLJB and have A2‐type affinities. In contrast, pre‐tectonic granodiorites are only present in the Simenzi area and have adakitic affinities. The post‐tectonic granitoids consist of porphyritic monzogranite, syenite, diorite, granodiorite, quartz monzonite, monzogranite, and granitic pegmatite, which are adakitic rocks and I‐, S‐, and A2‐type granitoids. The assemblage of pre‐tectonic A2‐type granitoids and adakitic rocks indicates the initial tectonic setting of the JLJB was a continental back‐arc basin. The assemblage of post‐tectonic adakitic rocks and I‐, S‐, and A2‐type granitoids indicates a post‐collisional setting. The 2.20–2.15 Ga A2‐type granitoids and adakitic rocks were associated with the initial stage of back‐arc extension, and the peak of back‐arc extension is inferred from the subsequent (2.15–2.10 Ga) mafic intrusive activity. The ∼1.90 Ga adakitic rocks mark the beginning of the post‐collisional stage, which was followed by the intrusion of low‐temperature S‐ and I‐type granitoids. High‐ to low‐pressure granitoids (S‐type) were generated during the peak of post‐collisional lithospheric delamination and asthenospheric upwelling. The emplacement of later granitic pegmatites occurred during the waning of the orogeny.
Initiation Timing of the Jiamusi–Yitong Fault Zone in NE China
Authors: WEN Quanbo , LIU Yongjiang , LIANG Chenyue , Weimin Li , SHAO Yilun , ZHANG Qian , ZHANG Duo , LIU Xinyue
Published: October 2019

The NE–striking Jiamusi–Yitong fault zone (JYFZ) is the most important branch in the northern segment of the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone. The precise shearing time of its large–scale sinistral strike–slip has yet to determined and must be constrained. Detailed field investigations and comprehensive analyses show that strike–slip faults or ductile shear belts exist as origination structures along the western region of Yitong Graben. The strike of the shear belts trend to the NE–SW with steep mylonitic foliation. The zircon U–Pb dating result for the granite was 264.1±1 Ma in the ductile shear belt of the JYFZ. The microstructural observation (rotated feldspar porphyroclasts, S–C fabrics, and quartz c–axis fabrics, etc.) demonstrated the sinistral shearing of the ductile shear zones. Moreover, the recrystallized quartz types show a transitional stage of the subgrain rotation toward the recrystallization of the grain boundary migration (SR–GBM). Therefore, we suggest that the metamorphic grade of the shear zone in the ductile shear zones should have reached high greenschist facies conditions, and the deformation temperatures should approximately 450–500°C, which is obviously higher than the blocking temperature of muscovite (300–400°C). Hence, the40Ar /39Ar isochron age of muscovite from ductile shear zones should be a cooling age (162.7±1 Ma). We infer that the sinistral strike–slipping event at the JYFZ occurred in the late Jurassic period, and it was further inferred from the ages of the main geological events in this region that the second sinistral strike–slip age of the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone occurred during the period of tectonic movements in the Circum–Pacific tectonic domain. This discovery also indicates the age of the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone that stretches to northeastern China. The initiation of the JYFZ in the late Jurassic is related to the speed and direction of oblique subduction of the west Pacific Plate under the Eurasian continent and is responsible for collision during the Jurassic period.
Geology, Mineralization, Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope of the Early Cretaceous Sn and Associated Metal Deposits in the Southern Great Xing'an Range, NE China: A Review
Authors: WANG Chengyang , LIU Guanghu , SUN Zhenjun , LIU Jie , LI Jianfeng , LIANG Xinyang
Published: October 2019

The Southern Great Xing'an Range (SGXR) hosts a number of Early Cretaceous Sn and associated metal deposits, which can be divided into three principal types according to their geological characteristics: skarn type deposits, porphyry type deposits and hydrothermal vein type deposits. Fluid inclusion assemblages of different types of deposits are quite different, which represent the complexities of metallogenic process and formation mechanism. CH4 and CO2 have been detected in fluid inclusions from some of deposits, indicating that the ore‐forming fluids are affected by materials of Permian strata. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data from ore minerals and associated gangue minerals indicate that the initial ore fluids were dominated by magmatic waters, some of which had clearly exchanged oxygen with wall rocks during their passage through the strata. The narrow range for the δ34S values presumably reflects the corresponding uniformity of the ore forming fluids, and these δ34S values have been interpreted to reflect magmatic sources for the sulfur. The comparation between lead isotope ratios of ore minerals and different geological units’ also reveals that deeply seated magma has been a significant source of lead in the ores.
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Early Cretaceous Granitic Plutons in the Xing'an Massif, Great Xing'an Range, NE China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications
Authors: DONG Yu , GE Wenchun , TIAN Dexin , JI Zheng , YANG Hao , BI Junhui , WU Haoran , HAO Yujie
Published: October 2019

In this study, we present zircon U‐Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemical data and Hf isotopic compositions for the Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons in Xing'an Massif, Great Xing'an Range, which can provide important information in deciphering both Mesozoic magmatism and tectonic evolution of NE China. The zircon U‐Pb dating results indicate that alkali feldspar granite from Meiguifeng pluton was emplaced at ∼145 to 137 Ma, and granite porphyry of Arxan pluton was formed at ∼129 Ma. The Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons have similar geochemical features, which are characterized by high silica, total alkalis, differentiation index, with low P2O5, CaO, MgO, TFe2O3 contents. They belong to high‐K calc‐alkaline series, and show weakly peraluminous characteristics. The Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons are both enriched in LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Th, U and K), and depleted in HREEs and HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta and Ti). Combined with the petrological and geochemical features, the Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons show highly fractionated I‐type granite affinity. Moreover, the Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons may share a common or similar magma source, and they were probably generated by partial melting of Neoproterozoic high‐K basaltic crust. Meanwhile, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, biotite, apatite, monazite, allanite and Ti‐bearing phases fractionated from the magma during formation of Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons. Combined with spatial distribution and temporal evolution, we assume that the generation of Early Cretaceous Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons in Great Xing'an Range was closely related to the break‐off of Mudanjiang oceanic plate. Furthermore, the Mudanjiang Ocean was probably a branch of Paleo‐Pacific Ocean.
Genetic assignment of individuals to source populations using network estimation tools
Authors: Kuismin Markku , Saatoglu Dilan , Niskanen Alina K. , Jensen Henrik , Sillanpää Mikko J.
Published: October 2019

Dispersal, the movement of individuals between populations, is crucial in many ecological and genetic processes. However, direct identification of dispersing individuals is difficult or impossible in natural populations. By using genetic assignment methods, individuals with unknown genetic origin can be assigned to source populations. This knowledge is necessary in studying many key questions in ecology, evolution and conservation.

We introduce a network‐based tool BONE (Baseline Oriented Network Estimation) for genetic population assignment, which borrows concepts from undirected graph inference. In particular, we use sparse multinomial Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to estimate probability of the origin of all mixture individuals and their mixture proportions without tedious selection of the LASSO tuning parameter. We compare BONE with three genetic assignment methods implemented in R packages radmixture, assignPOP and RUBIAS.

Probability of the origin and mixture proportion estimates of both simulated and real data (an insular house sparrow metapopulation and Chinook salmon populations) given by BONE are competitive or superior compared to other assignment methods. Our examples illustrate how the network estimation method adapts to population assignment, combining the efficiency and attractive properties of sparse network representation and model selection properties of the L1 regularization. As far as we know, this is the first approach showing how one can use network tools for genetic identification of individuals' source populations.

BONE is aimed at any researcher performing genetic assignment and trying to infer the genetic population structure. Compared to other methods, our approach also identifies outlying mixture individuals that could originate outside of the baseline populations. BONE is a freely available R package under the GPL licence and can be downloaded at GitHub. In addition to the R package, a tutorial for BONE is available at https://github.com/markkukuismin/BONE/.
A primary canine and an impacted permanent canine with infection potentially induced an intracranial abscess
Authors: Nagata E , Nishiyama T , Yamashita M , Ishigami T , Oho T
Published: October 2019

Intracranial abscess is a rare but life‐threatening disease. There have been no reports on intracranial abscess induced by the residual primary tooth and the impacted successive permanent tooth with infection. We report on an interesting case of a 29‐year‐old man suffering from an epidural abscess, potentially caused by an infection of the residual primary maxillary right canine and the impacted permanent maxillary right canine. The patient recovered completely after prolonged antibiotic treatment and extraction of both of the suspected teeth. Fusobacterium sp. was isolated from the culture of a peripheral blood sample. This case alerts us to realize that the lack of suitable and timely intervention in oral conditions might produce a harmful effect on general health.
Economic growth, convergence, and agricultural economics
Authors: Martin Will
Published: October 2019

After nearly two centuries of lagging behind the industrial countries, growth in many developing countries has surged since the early 1990s. This outperformance has major implications for almost all areas of agricultural economics and, if continued, will likely do so into the future. This article aims to identify the key ways in which the changes in rich and poor country growth rates matter for agricultural economists, as a basis for formulating better research agendas. A key impact arises through sharp increases in demand for agricultural resources as demand for livestock products increases. This changing structure of food demand has important implications for nutrition studies and policies, with the emergence of a double burden of malnutrition. On the supply side, growth in developing countries tends to increase domestic food supply, which is also boosted by increases in research and development spending. Growth in developing countries both stimulates and benefits from increases in infrastructure investment, evaluation of which requires new analytical tools. Negative impacts include the contribution of increased demand for livestock products to global greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of trade policy, growth in developing country is tending to lead to convergence of agricultural policies with the pattern of assistance seen in today's developed countries, raising concerns about the future need to deal with collective action problems, particularly those that increase the volatility of world prices.
Bayesian density regression for discrete outcomes
Authors: Papageorgiou Georgios
Published: October 2019

We develop Bayesian models for density regression with emphasis on discrete outcomes. The problem of density regression is approached by considering methods for multivariate density estimation of mixed scale variables, and obtaining conditional densities from the multivariate ones. The approach to multivariate mixed scale outcome density estimation that we describe represents discrete variables, either responses or covariates, as discretised versions of continuous latent variables. We present and compare several models for obtaining these thresholds in the challenging context of count data analysis where the response may be over‐ and/or under‐dispersed in some of the regions of the covariate space. We utilise a nonparametric mixture of multivariate Gaussians to model the directly observed and the latent continuous variables. The paper presents a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for posterior sampling, sufficient conditions for weak consistency, and illustrations on density, mean and quantile regression utilising simulated and real datasets.
A reflected feature space for CART
Authors: Wickramarachchi D. C. , Robertson B. L. , Reale M. , Price C. J. , Brown J. A.
Published: October 2019

We present an algorithm for learning oblique decision trees, called HHCART(G). Our decision tree combines learning concepts from two classification trees, HHCART and Geometric Decision Tree (GDT). HHCART(G) is a simplified HHCART algorithm that uses linear structure in the training examples, captured by a modified GDT angle bisector, to define splitting directions. At each node, we reflect the training examples with respect to the modified angle bisector to align this linear structure with the coordinate axes. Searching axis parallel splits in this reflected feature space provides an efficient and effective way of finding oblique splits in the original feature space. Our method is much simpler than HHCART because it only considers one reflected feature space for node splitting. HHCART considers multiple reflected feature spaces for node splitting making it more computationally intensive to build. Experimental results show that HHCART(G) is an effective classifier, producing compact trees with similar or better results than several other decision trees, including GDT and HHCART trees.
Early prediction of transition to durable mechanical circulatory support in patients undergoing peripheral veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for critical cardiogenic shock
Authors: Prasad Amit , Brehm Christoph E. , Goldenberg Michael , Ghodsizad Ali , Koerner Michael M. , El‐Banayosy Aly , Singbartl Kai
Published: October 2019

Peripheral veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pVA‐ECMO) has gained increasing value in the management of patients with critical cardiogenic shock (cCS), allowing time for myocardial recovery. Failure of myocardial recovery has life‐altering consequences: transition to durable mechanical circulatory support (dMCS), urgent heart transplantation, or withdrawal of support. Clinical factors controlling myocardial recovery under these circumstances remain largely unknown. Using a retrospective cohort, we developed a model for early prediction of transition to dMCS in patients undergoing pVA‐ECMO for cCS. To promote myocardial recovery, our clinical management centered around left ventricular pressure unloading, that is, targeting pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) ≤18 mm Hg. We collected demographic data, laboratory findings, inotrope use, and two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography measurements, all limited to the first 72h of pVA‐ECMO (D1‐3). Out of 70 patients who were alive after pVA‐ECMO, 27 patients underwent implantation of dMCS. There was no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge between patients with or without transition to dMCS. Ejection fractionD1‐3(per 10% increase, OR 0.37 [0.17‐0.79]) and amount of inotropic supportD1‐3(OR 4.77 [1.6‐14.18]) but neither myocardial wall tension nor PCWP emerged as significant predictors of transition to dMCS. Optimism‐corrected c‐index (0.90 [0.89‐0.90]) revealed an excellent discriminative ability of our model. In summary, our model for early prediction of transition to dMCS in patients with cCS undergoing pVA‐ECMO identifies indicators of inotropic state as relevant factors. Absence of markers for myocardial oxygen consumption or left ventricular pressure loading allows us to hypothesize sufficient cardiac unloading in our cohort with PCWP‐targeted management.
In vitro study on the hemocompatibility of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on titanium substrates
Authors: Klein Mario , Kuhn Yasmin , Woelke Eva , Linde Torsten , Ptock Christoph , Kopp Alexander , Bletek Thomas , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Arens Jutta , Clauser Johanna C.
Published: October 2019

Passively levitated ventricular assist devices (VADs) are vulnerable to impeller‐housing contact and could benefit from surface coatings that improve wear resistance. Such coatings can be manufactured by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), but their suitability for blood‐contact applications needs further investigation. We therefore compared blood–surface interactions of polished titanium grade 5 (Ti Gr 5), as a general VAD reference material, uncoated ground titanium grade 4 (Ti Gr 4) and two commercially available PEO coatings on Ti Gr 4. In n = 4 static platelet adhesion tests, material samples were incubated with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and consecutively analyzed for adhesive platelets by immunofluorescence microscopy. Additionally, PRP supernatant of incubated material samples was analyzed for changes in antithrombin III and fibrinogen concentrations by turbodimetry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We could not find any significant differences between the materials in the analyzed hemocompatibility markers (P > .05). Thus, we conclude that PEO coatings might offer a similar hemocompatibility to that of polished Ti Gr 5 and uncoated Ti Gr 4. Nevertheless, future studies should investigate blood–surface interactions of PEO coatings under realistic VAD‐related flow conditions to better evaluate their potential for VAD applications.
Surgical device exchange provides improved clinical outcomes compared to medical therapy in treating continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device thrombosis
Authors: Koda Yojiro , Kitahara Hiroto , Kalantari Sara , Chung Bow , Smith Bryan , Raikhelkar Jayant , Kim Gene , Sarswat Nitasha , Sayer Gabriel , Onsager David , Song Tae , Uriel Nir , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Ota Takeyoshi
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with device thrombosis who underwent device exchange (DE) or medical therapy (MT) alone. Consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implant between July 2008 and December 2017 were included. Device thrombosis was diagnosed with comprehensive assessments including ramp test, laboratory data, device parameters, and clinical presentations. First, MT was initiated in all patients. After MT, DE was considered if device thrombosis was refractory to initial MT, and it caused end‐organ impairment and/or hemodynamic instability. Among 319 consecutive LVAD patients, 43 patients (13.5%) were diagnosed with device thrombosis. DE was performed in 28 patients (DE group); device explant was performed in 1 patient. MT was continued in 14 patients (MT group). In‐hospital mortality was significantly lower in the DE group than the MT group (3.6% [1/28] vs. 28.6% [4/14], P = .0184). One‐year survival was significantly better in the DE group (74.0% vs. 30.1%; log‐rank = .001), and freedom from cerebrovascular accident (CVA) at 1 year was greater in the DE group (87.1% vs. 47.7%; log‐rank = .004). DE was associated with improved 1‐year survival and fewer CVAs. Surgical intervention, if feasible, is recommended for LVAD device thrombosis.
Population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in obesity: Finding the optimal dose for (morbidly) obese individuals
Authors: Smit Cornelis , Wasmann Roeland E. , Goulooze Sebastiaan C. , Wiezer Marinus J. , van Dongen Eric P.A. , Mouton Johan W. , Brüggemann Roger J.M. , Knibbe Catherijne A.J.
Published: October 2019

Aims

For vancomycin treatment in obese patients, there is no consensus on the optimal dose that will lead to the pharmacodynamic target (area under the curve 400–700 mg h L−1). This prospective study quantifies vancomycin pharmacokinetics in morbidly obese and nonobese individuals, in order to guide vancomycin dosing in the obese.

Methods

Morbidly obese individuals (n = 20) undergoing bariatric surgery and nonobese healthy volunteers (n = 8; total body weight [TBW] 60.0–234.6 kg) received a single vancomycin dose (obese: 12.5 mg kg−1, maximum 2500 mg; nonobese: 1000 mg) with plasma concentrations measured over 48 h (11–13 samples per individual). Modelling, internal validation, external validation using previously published data and simulations (n = 10.000 individuals, TBW 60–230 kg) were performed using NONMEM.

Results

In a 3‐compartment model, peripheral volume of distribution and clearance increased with TBW (both p < 0.001), which was confirmed in the external validation. A dose of 35 mg kg−1 day−1 (maximum 5500 mg/day) resulted in a > 90% target attainment (area under the curve > 400 mg h L−1) in individuals up to 200 kg, with corresponding trough concentrations of 5.7–14.6 mg L−1 (twice daily dosing). For continuous infusion, a loading dose of 1500 mg is required for steady state on day 1.

Conclusion

In this prospective, rich sampling pharmacokinetic study, vancomycin clearance was well predicted using TBW. We recommend that in obese individuals without renal impairment, vancomycin should be dosed as 35 mg kg−1 day−1 (maximized at 5500 mg/day). When given over 2 daily doses, trough concentrations of 5.7–14.6 mg L−1 correspond to the target exposure in obese individuals.
Maternal comorbidity index and severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalizations in Texas, 2011‐2014
Authors: Salahuddin Meliha , Mandell Dorothy J. , Lakey David L. , Ramsey Patrick S. , Eppes Catherine S. , Davidson Christina M. , Ortique Carla F. , Patel Divya A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) prevalence was 194.0 per 10 000 deliveries in Texas in 2015. Chronic, behavioral, and pregnancy‐induced conditions, as captured by a maternal comorbidity index, increase the risk for delivery‐related morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to examine the association between maternal comorbidity index and SMM among delivery hospitalizations in Texas.

Methods

Delivery‐related hospitalizations among Texan women aged 15‐49 years were identified using the 2011‐2014 Texas all‐payer inpatient hospitalization public use data files (n = 1 434 441). The primary outcome of interest was SMM, based on the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health's coding scheme. The exposure of interest was a maternal comorbidity index. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between maternal comorbidity index and SMM.

Results

SMM prevalence remained consistent between 2011 and 2014 (196.0‐197.0 per 10 000 deliveries, P > .05; n = 1 434 441). Nearly 40% of delivery‐related hospitalizations had a maternal comorbidity index of at least 1, and the proportion of deliveries in the highest risk category of comorbidity index (≥5) increased by 12.0% from 2011 to 2014. SMM prevalence was highest among the youngest and oldest age groups. With each unit increase in maternal comorbidity index, the odds of SMM increase was 1.43 (95% CI 1.42‐1.43).

Conclusions

Maternal comorbidity index is associated with SMM; however, the low predictive power of the model suggests that other, unmeasured factors may influence SMM in Texas. These findings highlight a need to understand broader contextual factors (practitioner, facility, systems of care, and community) that may be associated with SMM to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Texas.
UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)‐mediated attenuations of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity: UGT isoform‐dependent mechanism of suppression
Authors: Miyauchi Yuu , Tanaka Yoshitaka , Nagata Kiyoshi , Yamazoe Yasushi , Mackenzie Peter I. , Yamada Hideyuki , Ishii Yuji
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Cytochrome P450 (CYP, P450) 3A4 is involved in the metabolism of 50% of drugs and its catalytic activity in vivo is not explained only by hepatic expression levels. We previously demonstrated that UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B7 suppressed CYP3A4 activity through an interaction. In the present study, we target UGT1A9 as another candidate modulator of CYP3A4.

Experimental Approach

We prepared co‐expressed enzymes using the baculovirus‐insect cell expression system and compared CYP3A4 activity in the presence and absence of UGT1A9. Wistar rats were treated with dexamethasone and liver microsomes were used to elucidate the role of CYP3A–UGT1A interactions.

Key Results

UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 interacted with and suppressed CYP3A4. Kinetic analyses showed that both of the UGTs significantly reduced Vmax of CYP3A4 activity. In addition, C‐terminal truncated mutants of UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 still retained the suppressive capacity. Dexamethasone treatment induced hepatic CYP3As and UGT1As at different magnitudes. Turnover of CYP3A was enhanced about twofold by this treatment.

Conclusion and Implications

The changes of kinetic parameters suggested that UGT1A9 suppressed CYP3A4 activity with almost the same mechanism as UGT2B7. The luminal domain of UGTs contains the suppressive interaction site(s), whereas the C‐terminal domain may contribute to modulating suppression in a UGT isoform‐specific manner. CYP3A–UGT1A interaction seemed to be disturbed by dexamethasone treatment and the suppression was partially cancelled. CYP3A4–UGT interactions would help to better understand the causes of inter/intra‐individual differences in CYP3A4 activity.
Beclomethasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate and glycopyrronium bromide: Synergy of triple combination therapy on human airway smooth muscleex vivo
Authors: Rogliani Paola , Matera Maria Gabriella , Facciolo Francesco , Page Clive , Cazzola Mario , Calzetta Luigino
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Combining inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), long‐acting β2‐adrenoceptor agonists (LABAs) and long‐acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) is recommended to treat severe forms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clinical benefits have been demonstrated for ICS/LABA/LAMA combinations. This study characterized the interaction between the ICS beclomethasone dipropionate, the LABA formoterol fumarate and the LAMA glycopyrronium bromide in human airways.

Experimental Approach

Human passively sensitized airways and bronchi from COPD donors were stimulated with histamine or carbachol. Tissues were incubated overnight with beclomethasone and then treated with formoterol and glycopyrronium, alone or in triple combination. The interaction was assessed by using Bliss Independence and Unified Theory theorems.

Key Results

Beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrronium combination synergistically relaxed medium bronchi and small airways. Beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrronium combination at 100:6:12.5 combination ratio was a balanced drug mixture leading to very strong synergistic effect on relaxation of medium bronchi (Combination Index: from 0.042 to 0.96) and middle to very strong synergy in small airways (Combination Index: from 0.018 to 0.310). The synergy was related with the activation of intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and Gsαsubunit G‐protein of β2‐adrenoceptors, leading to the modulation of cyclic AMP‐dependent PKA pathway.

Conclusion

Triple beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrronium combination induces synergistic bronchorelaxant effect in medium and small human airways, at least inex vivoexperiments. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in clinical studies in patients with asthma or COPD.
Circulating β cell-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by high-risk HLA class I molecules show antigen experience in children with and at risk of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yeo L , Pujol-Autonell I , Baptista R , Eichmann M , Kronenberg-Versteeg D , Heck S , Dolton G , Sewell A K , Härkönen T , Mikk M-L , Toppari J , Veijola R , Knip M , Ilonen J , Peakman M
Published: October 2019

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), autoreactive cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are implicated in the destruction of insulin-producing β cells. The HLA-B*3906 and HLA-A*2402 class I genes confer increased risk and promote early disease onset, suggesting that CD8+ T cells that recognize peptides presented by these class I molecules on pancreatic β cells play a pivotal role in the autoimmune response. We examined the frequency and phenotype of circulating preproinsulin (PPI)-specific and insulin B (InsB)-specific CD8+ T cells in HLA-B*3906+ children newly diagnosed with T1D and in high-risk HLA-A*2402+ children before the appearance of disease-specific autoantibodies and before diagnosis of T1D. Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were detected using human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I tetramers and flow cytometry was used to assess memory status. In HLA-B*3906+ children with T1D, we observed an increase in PPI5–12-specific transitional memory CD8+ T cells compared to non-diabetic, age- and HLA-matched subjects. Furthermore, PPI5–12-specific CD8+ T cells in HLA-B*3906+ children with T1D showed a significantly more antigen-experienced phenotype compared to polyclonal CD8+ T cells. In longitudinal samples from high-risk HLA-A*2402+ children, the percentage of terminal effector cells within the InsB15–24-specific CD8+ T cells was increased before diagnosis relative to samples taken before the appearance of autoantibodies. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to report HLA-B*3906-restricted autoreactive CD8+ T cells in T1D. Collectively, our results provide evidence that β cell-reactive CD8+ T cells restricted by disease-associated HLA class I molecules display an antigen-experienced phenotype and acquire enhanced effector function during the period leading to clinical diagnosis, implicating these cells in driving disease.
Corporate governance and correlation in corporate defaults
Authors: Fernando Jayasuriya M.R. , Li Leon , Hou Yang (Greg)
Published: October 2019

Research Question/Issue

This study examines the effect of weak corporate governance in terms of concentrated ownership, low board effectiveness, low financial transparency and higher shareholder rights on default correlation when firms have different credit qualities.

Research Findings/Insights

Using historical default data in the United States from 2000 to 2015, we find that the degree of default correlation increases disproportionately for firms with concentrated ownership, low board effectiveness, low financial transparency and disclosures, and higher shareholder rights. More importantly, the effect of weak corporate governance on default correlation is high during a financial crisis.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This is one of the first studies testing the impact of corporate governance on the correlation in corporate defaults. It indicates new avenues of research for both corporate governance and credit risk management in relation to why joint default probabilities vary among firms.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our results imply that good corporate governance is essential for credit risk management because poor corporate governance may increase individual default risk and create the domino effect of credit defaults. Practitioners and policy makers should enhance control over poor governance practices to reduce the probabilities of default. Moreover, the impact of corporate governance on correlation in corporate defaults is more pronounced in financial crises and warrants consideration from policy makers to take steps toward cushioning its effects.