bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled clinical pilot study of all‐ceramic single‐tooth implant reconstructions: clinical and microbiological outcomes at one year of loading
Authors: Brandenberg Francine D. , Sailer Irena , Fehmer Vincent , Büchi Dominik L. E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To test whether or not pink veneering of the submucosal part of zirconia abutments influences clinical, microbiological and histological outcomes of cemented implant‐supported single crowns (ISSC).

Materials and methods

A total of 20 patients with one single‐tooth implant in the esthetic zone were included. Implants were randomly restored with either pink‐veneered zirconia abutments (test group; n = 10) or non‐veneered white zirconia abutments (control group; n = 10) and with adhesively cemented all‐ceramic crowns. At the 6‐month follow‐up, soft tissue biopsies were prepared for histological evaluation and microbiological samples were collected around abutments and the respective contra‐lateral teeth (in 10 of 20 patients). One year after the initiation of loading, clinical parameters were assessed. Robust linear mixed model and cumulative linked mixed model analyses were performed to investigate the effect of group and time‐point on clinical and biological outcomes.

Results

Clinical evaluations revealed stable peri‐implant soft tissues in terms of probing pocket depth, but a high BOP index (87.5% control; 80.0% test). No statistically significant differences were observed between the test and control group for any outcome measure (P > 0.05). No major biological complications occurred during the observation period. Histological samples revealed a remarkable degree of inflammation in both groups without clear differences in qualitative histological features. Microbiological evaluation demonstrated a slightly higher bacterial count at implants compared to natural teeth at one year of loading without marked differences between groups.

Conclusion

Limited by a small sample size and a relatively short observation period, pink‐veneered zirconia abutments exhibited similar clinical, histological and microbiological outcomes as non‐veneered zirconia abutments supporting cemented single crowns.
Measuring Graded Membership: The Case of Color
Authors: Douven Igor , Wenmackers Sylvia , Jraissati Yasmina , Decock Lieven
Published: March 2016

This paper considers Kamp and Partee's account of graded membership within a conceptual spaces framework and puts the account to the test in the domain of colors. Three experiments are reported that are meant to determine, on the one hand, the regions in color space where the typical instances of blue and green are located and, on the other hand, the degrees of blueness/greenness of various shades in the blue–green region as judged by human observers. From the locations of the typical blue and typical green regions in conjunction with Kamp and Partee's account follow degrees of blueness/greenness for the color shades we are interested in. These predicted degrees are compared with the judged degrees, as obtained in the experiments. The results of the comparison support the account of graded membership at issue.
Efficacy and safety of liraglutide, a once‐daily human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue, in Latino/Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes: post hoc analysis of data from four phase III trials
Authors: Davidson J. A. , Ørsted D. D. , Campos C.
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide in Latino/Hispanic individuals with type 2 diabetes, in addition to comparing its treatment effects with those observed in non‐Latino/Hispanic individuals. Analyses were performed on patient‐level data from a subset of individuals self‐defined as Latino/Hispanic from four phase III studies, the LEAD‐3, LEAD‐4, LEAD‐6 and 1860‐LIRA‐DPP‐4 trials. Endpoints included change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight from baseline. In Latino/Hispanic patients (n = 505; 323 treated with liraglutide) after 26 weeks, mean HbA1c reductions were significantly greater with both liraglutide 1.2 and 1.8 mg versus comparator or placebo in the LEAD‐3 and LEAD‐4 studies, and with 1.8 mg liraglutide in the 1860‐LIRA‐DPP‐4 trial. In LEAD‐3 both doses led to significant differences in body weight change among Latino/Hispanic patients versus the comparator. With 1.8 mg liraglutide, difference in weight change was significant only in the 1860‐LIRA‐DPP‐4 trial versus sitagliptin. For both endpoints Latino/Hispanic and non‐Latino/Hispanic patients responded to liraglutide similarly. In summary, liraglutide is efficacious for treatment of type 2 diabetes in Latino/Hispanic patients, with a similar efficacy to that seen in non‐Latino/Hispanic patients.
Evolution of pharmacological obesity treatments: focus on adverse side‐effect profiles
Authors: Krentz A. J. , Fujioka K. , Hompesch M.
Published: March 2016

Pharmacotherapy directed toward reducing body weight may provide benefits for both curbing obesity and lowering the risk of obesity‐associated comorbidities; however, many weight loss medications have been withdrawn from the market because of serious adverse effects. Examples include pulmonary hypertension (aminorex), cardiovascular toxicity, e.g. flenfluramine‐induced valvopathy, stroke [phenylpropanolamine (PPA)], excess non‐fatal cardiovascular events (sibutramine), and neuro‐psychiatric issues (rimonabant; approved in Europe, but not in the USA). This negative experience has helped mould the current drug development and approval process for new anti‐obesity drugs. Differences between the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency, however, in perceptions of risk–benefit considerations for individual drugs have resulted in discrepancies in approval and/or withdrawal of weight‐reducing medications. Thus, two drugs recently approved by the FDA, i.e. lorcaserin and phentermine + topiramate extended release, are not available in Europe. In contrast, naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR received FDA approval, and liraglutide 3.0 mg was recently approved in both the USA and Europe. Regulatory strategies adopted by the FDA to manage the potential for uncommon but potentially serious post‐marketing toxicity include: (i) risk evaluation and mitigation strategy programmes; (ii) stipulating post‐marketing safety trials; (iii) considering responder rates and limiting cumulative exposure by discontinuation if weight loss is not attained within a reasonable timeframe; and (iv) requiring large cardiovascular outcome trials before or after approval. We chronicle the adverse effects of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy and consider how the history of high‐profile toxicity issues has shaped the current regulatory landscape for new and future weight‐reducing drugs.
THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL RACIAL COMPOSITIONS ON NEIGHBORHOOD RACIAL COMPOSITIONS: EVIDENCE FROM SCHOOL REDISTRICTING
Authors: Weinstein Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2016

I use data surrounding public school redistricting to study how school racial compositions affect neighborhood racial compositions. This redistricting followed from the end of court‐ordered busing for racial desegregation, significantly changing the racial composition of the assigned school for many neighborhoods. Over a 5‐year period, the impact of an increase in the percent black of the assigned elementary school on the percent black of the neighborhood was positive. The effects increased over time, consistent with a simple model of short‐run neighborhood racial dynamics. These results have implications for potential effects of school racial desegregation policy changes on neighborhood racial compositions. (JEL H75, I28, R23)
Cardiac non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma: clinical characteristics and trends in survival
Authors: Gordon Max J. , Danilova Olga , Spurgeon Stephen , Danilov Alexey V.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in cardiac non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 94 cases of NHL with biopsy‐proven cardiac involvement in PubMed between 1990 and 2015.

Results

Among cases with cardiac involvement, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma was the most common histologic subtype (58%), followed by T‐cell lymphoma (16%), Burkitt's lymphoma (9%), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (6%). Symptomatic heart failure was the most common clinical presentation (34%), and 20% of patients had no cardiac symptoms. Median survival was 3 months (range, 0–72) among all patients. Patients who presented with heart failure had inferior outcomes. Patients with primary, vs. secondary, cardiac involvement had a trend toward superior outcomes. Importantly, chemotherapy treatment was associated with a prolongation in median survival (18 vs. 1 month, HR 0.16, 95% CI, 0.47–0.54, P = 0.0003), and patients diagnosed in the chemo‐immunotherapy era demonstrated a trend toward better outcomes. Median survival was not reached among patients with B‐cell malignancies who were alive for 1 month after the diagnosis.

Conclusion

Pathologic lymphomatous involvement of cardiac tissue should be considered in the evaluation of patients with NHL. Durable remissions can be achieved in B‐cell NHL with cardiac involvement, and thus, therapy should be considered in such cases.
Extracellular granzyme K mediates endothelial activation through the cleavage of protease‐activated receptor‐1
Authors: Sharma Mehul , Merkulova Yulia , Raithatha Sheetal , Parkinson Leigh G. , Shen Yue , Cooper Dawn , Granville David J.
Published: March 2016

Granzymes are a family of serine proteases that were once thought to function exclusively as mediators of cytotoxic lymphocyte‐induced target cell death. However, non‐apoptotic roles for granzymes, including granzyme K (GzK), have been proposed. As recent studies have observed elevated levels of GzK in the plasma of patients diagnosed with clinical sepsis, we hypothesized that extracellular GzK induces a proinflammatory response in endothelial cells. In the present study, extracellular GzK proteolytically activated protease‐activated receptor‐1 leading to increased interleukin 6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 production in endothelial cells. Enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 along with an increased capacity for adherence of THP‐1 cells was also observed. Characterization of downstream pathways implicated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 pathway for intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression, and both the p38 and the extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 pathways in cytokine production. GzK also increased tumour necrosis factor α‐induced inflammatory adhesion molecule expression. Furthermore, the physiological inhibitor of GzK, inter‐α‐inhibitor protein, significantly inhibited GzK activity in vitro. In summary, extracellular GzK promotes a proinflammatory response in endothelial cells.
Comparison of glass eel stages of American eel and speckled worm eel in a northeast Florida estuary
Authors: Bonvechio K. I.
Published: March 2016

Since 2001, a glass American eel, Anguilla rostrata (Lesueur), survey has been conducted at Guana River Dam, Florida, USA. Although present in earlier samples, glass speckled worm eel, Myrophis punctatus Lütken, were not identified until a large proportion appeared in samples in 2006. To determine whether the species could be separated in historical samples, weight–length relationships were compared between the two species. Then, with data from the full survey period, relationships between catch rate and annual percent contribution of glass speckled worm eel were explored in relation to temperature, water flow and salinity. Glass speckled worm eel were found to weigh significantly less and had distinguishing physical characteristics that could be used for identification. Glass speckled worm eel constituted between 0 and 34% of the catch, with no detectable pattern in timing or abundance among years. In 2006 and 2012, which had the two largest catches of glass speckled worm eel, relationship between nightly catch rate and measured environmental variables was inconsistent, even when measured variables had a similar range in values. It is recommended that south‐eastern, including Gulf of Mexico, USA, states restrict harvest of glass American eel to prevent the incidental capture and exportation of glass speckled worm eel. Efforts should be made to ensure proper species identification in glass eel surveys.
Privileged Mobilities: Locating the Expatriate in Migration Scholarship
Authors: Kunz Sarah
Published: March 2016

Migrants who are privileged by citizenship, class or ‘race’ are largely still absent from mainstream migration research and theory; until recently, they were generally assumed to be adaptable and acceptable cosmopolites, positive drivers of cross‐border transfers of knowledge and skills. This has been addressed by an emerging scholarship on ‘expatriates’. This article offers a review and critical reading of that literature; it considers the instabilities and ambiguities of the term ‘expatriate’ and situates expatriate migrants within the global economy, before examining the gendered nature of expatriation and attending to migrants' incorporation in host contexts and expatriate negotiations of identity. The literature suggests that at the heart of these processes lie complex configurations of racialisation, gender, class and nationality, often involving problematic reproductions of the colonial past. This article argues that these issues are inherently related to the category's inconsistencies, rendering it difficult as a ‘category of analysis’. Instead, rather than using the term as a pre‐given conceptual frame, it needs to be treated as a ‘category of practice’ to be investigated in its own right. Especially as the subject becomes more established in migration studies, scholars need to reckon with the ongoing challenge that lies in studying the identity category ‘expatriate’ while resisting reproducing a reified understanding of it.
The Use of Antiepileptics in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Bagnato Francesca , Good Janine
Published: March 2016

Background

Migraine is a chronic debilitating disorder. Selected antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are proposed as preventives for migraine. Clinical efficacy and side effects of these AEDs are discussed.

Summary of review

The American Academy of Neurology and the American Society of Headache classify topiramate (TPM) and divalproex sodium (DVPX) as Level‐A medications and recommend offering them to patients for migraine prophylaxis. Their mechanism(s) of actions remains not entirely known. Their recognized action as sodium channel blockers may affect the neural component of migraine pain.

TPM or DVPX can be considered an obvious choice for those patients with a concomitant seizure disorder. Care must be taken to plan their treatment with their psychiatrist if a mood disorder is present. DVPX tends not to be prescribed as first/second choice due to its potential for weight gain and hepatotoxicity. TPM is generally first choice, but bears severe contraindications. Both medications require education on teratogenesis in childbearing women.

Consideration of gabapentin, acetazolamide, leviteracetam, zonisamide, and carbamazipine may be given later as empiric options and in selected patients. Patients must be made aware that there is insufficient scientific support for their use in migraine.

Conclusions

Available AEDs to prophylactically treat migraine are few but of robust clinical efficacy. Special care needs to be exerted with respect to their side effects. Future research is needed for a better understanding of their mechanisms of action in migraine. Such research has the potential of providing some insight into the pathophysiology of migraine.
Folate and Inflammatory Markers Moderate the Association Between Helicobacter pylori Exposure and Cognitive Function in US Adults
Authors: Berrett Andrew N. , Gale Shawn D. , Erickson Lance D. , Brown Bruce L. , Hedges Dawson W.
Published: March 2016

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with cognitive deficits in humans, an association potentially mediated or moderated by folate concentration or inflammation.

Materials and Methods

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets to examine whether folate concentration or inflammation mediates or moderates the relationship between H. pylori and cognitive function. Models were performed using linear, Poisson, and zero‐inflated Poisson regression, and we performed separate analyses for groups aged 20–59 and 60–90 years with sample sizes ranging from 700 to 1700.

Results

We did not find evidence of mediation in either age group. In the 20‐ to 59‐year group, interactions between H. pylori and ferritin (p values ranging from .004 to .039) were associated with worse processing speed, better working memory, and worse reaction time. Interactions between H. pylori and fibrinogen (p values ranging from .023 to .045), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (p = .023), and the inflammatory index (p = .045) were associated with worse processing speed. In 60‐ to 90‐year‐olds, H. pylori interacted with ferritin and the inflammatory index to predict fewer mathematical errors (p values of .036 and .023). Interactions with folate (p values of .016 and .006) and C‐reactive protein (p values ranging from <.001 to .048) were inconsistent in directionality.

Conclusions

In this dataset, representative of the US population, inflammation and folate concentrations moderated but did not mediate the association between H. pylori seropositivity and cognition.
Organic farming and landscape factors affect abundance and richness of hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) in grasslands
Authors: Power Eileen F. , Jackson Zoë , Stout Jane C.
Published: March 2016

Hoverflies provide ecosystem services including pollination, pest regulation and waste decomposition, but not enough is known about how they are influenced by organic farming and landscape composition, and structure to effectively manage them in different landscapes.

By conducting transect walks and pan‐trapping, we investigated how hoverfly abundance/richness were related to organic farming, floral abundance, land‐use cover and hedgerows in nine pairs of organic and conventional dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland.

We found more flowers on organic farms which attracted more hoverfly species. Organic farming also increased hoverfly abundance and richness beyond the benefits from increased floral resources, indicating that other organic management practices benefit hoverflies. This was evident regardless of the surrounding landscape composition.

Hoverfly abundance and richness were most strongly related to land use within 4 km around sites, indicating the importance of large spatial scales. Homogenous grassland landscapes (i.e. high grassland cover) supported higher hoverfly abundance and richness, possibly because they contain abundant macrohabitats suitable for the proliferation of grassland hoverflies. Hedgerow structure was also important, with hoverfly abundances greater on sites surrounded by a higher total cover of hedgerows, but with lower total hedgerow lengths (i.e. greater hedgerow volumes) within 1 km.

Our findings illustrate complex relationships between hoverflies and local and landscape factors, and they contrast with previous findings for other pollinators. We encourage increased floral resources and organic farming as a means of conserving hoverflies in grassland systems. Future management of grassland hoverflies needs to account for large spatial scales and the possibility that hedgerows greatly impact hoverfly diversity in hedgerow‐dominated landscapes.
The effects of different levels of brush end rounding on gingival abrasion: a double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Slot DE , Van der Sluijs E , Adam R , Grender JM , Van der Weijden GA
Published: March 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of filament end rounding on gingival abrasions (GAs).

Methods

The study was a crossover, split‐mouth, contra‐lateral, double‐blinded, randomized design using professional brushing. Three manual toothbrushes, with 0%, 40–50% and >90% end‐rounded filaments, were investigated. Participants refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 48 h prior to each of the three visits. Prior to brushing, oral soft tissue (OST) and GAs were assessed. Based on the randomization, during every visit contra‐lateral quadrants were brushed with one of the three test brushes. After brushing, GAs were re‐assessed. The means of the GAs prebrushing and post‐brushing and differences per brush were calculated. Subanalyses were performed based on the size of the abrasion and its location.

Results

A total of 46 generally healthy participants without periodontitis completed the study and provided a full data set. All brushes had statistically significant increases of abrasions following their use (P < 0.001). Non‐end‐rounded brushes provided significantly more GAs than did the 40–50% and the >90% brushes (P ≥ 0.001). A subanalysis showed that significantly more small‐sized (P ≥ 0.002) abrasions located at the gingival margin (P < 0.001) occurred when a non‐end‐rounded brush was used. No significant differences were found between the 40–50% and >90% end‐rounded brushes in any of the analyses. OST deviations were not observed.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this experiment involving professional brushing, it can be concluded that 40–50% or greater end‐rounded filaments can provide a significant reduction in gingival abrasions compared to non‐end‐rounded filaments.
Paracrystalline Structure of Glass‐Like Carbons
Authors: Jurkiewicz Karolina , Duber Stanisław , Burian Andrzej
Published: March 2016

This study reports on structural characterization of a series of glass‐like carbons obtained by pyrolysis of polyfurfuryl alcohol at 600, 800, 980, and 2700°C. The atomic scale structure of the prepared materials has been studied using wide‐angle X‐ray scattering technique. The acquired diffraction data were analyzed in reciprocal space as the structure factor and in real space in the form of the pair distribution function to reveal the structural attributes such as number of hexagonal network layers, size of the layers, interlayer correlations, interlayer and interatomic distances. The parameters have different effects on the diffraction intensity and the pair distribution function and are verified in reciprocal and real diffraction space simultaneously. The obtained results show that the structure of the glass‐like carbons consists of defective graphite‐like domains which size increase with the pyrolysis temperature. The heat treatment leads to a noticeable ordering of coherently scattering domains of glass‐like carbon in directions perpendicular to graphene‐like layers. However, paracrystalline type of disorder within individual layers manifesting itself in decrease in intensity and broadening of the diffraction lines is preserved in the atomic structure even at heat‐treatment temperature of 2700°C.
EV‐D68 infection in children with asthma exacerbation and pneumonia in Mexico City during 2014 autumn
Authors: Vazquez‐Perez Joel A. , Ramirez‐Gonzalez Jose E. , Moreno‐Valencia Yazmin , Hernandez‐Hernandez Victor A. , Romero‐Espinoza Jose A. I. , Castillejos‐Lopez Manuel , Hernandez Andres , Perez‐Padilla Rogelio , Oropeza‐Lopez Lizbeth E. , Escobar‐Escamilla Noe , Gonzalez‐Villa Maribel , Alejandre‐Garcia Alejandro , Regalado‐Pineda Justino , Santillan‐Doherty Patricio , Lopez‐Martínez Irma , Diaz‐Quiñonez Alberto , Salas‐Hernandez Jorge
Published: March 2016

Background

Human enterovirus D68 (EV‐D68) recently caused an increase in mild‐to‐severe pediatric respiratory cases in North America and some European countries. Even though few of these children presented with acute paralytic disease, direct causal relationship cannot yet be assumed.

Objectives

The purposes of this report were to describe the clinical findings of an outbreak of EV‐D68 infection in Mexico City and identify the genetic relationship with previously reported strains.

Patients/Methods

Between September and December 2014, 126 nasopharyngeal samples (NPS) of hospitalized children <15 years of age with ARI were tested for the presence of respiratory viruses using a multiplex RT‐qPCR and EV‐D68‐specific RT‐qPCR. Clinical, epidemiological, and demographic data were collected and associated with symptomatology and viral infections. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using VP1 region.

Results

Enterovirus/rhinovirus infection was detected in 40 patients (31·7%), of which 24 patients were EV‐D68‐positive. EV‐D68 infection prevailed over September and October 2014 and was associated with neutrophilia and lymphopenia, and patients were more likely to develop hypoxemia. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Mexican EV‐D68 belongs to the new B1 clade.

Conclusions

This is the first EV‐D68 outbreak described in Mexico and occurred few weeks after the United States reported similar infections. Although EV‐D68 belongs to new B1 clade, no neurological affection was observed.
Life history of the freshwater mussel Unio tumidiformis (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in a temporary Mediterranean‐type stream
Authors: Reis Joaquim , Araujo Rafael
Published: March 2016

Mediterranean‐type streams are characterized by great seasonal and annual variation in flow. We studied the biology of the freshwater mussel Unio tumidiformis in such a stream, the Vascão River in southern Portugal, during a period of great interannual variation in hydrology. We studied growth patterns of the mussels between 2002–2008, and the reproductive cycle between 2005–2006. Life‐history parameters were calculated and related to environmental variables and fish community patterns. Mark–recapture growth data confirmed that observed annuli were formed annually and are therefore reliable for use in growth studies of U. tumidiformis. The von Bertalanffy growth constant K and the asymptotic length L∞ were negatively correlated. K varied between 0.20 and 0.58 and was positively correlated with factors related to eutrophication. The maximum observed age was 7 years, and the maximum observed length was 52 mm. There was no apparent sexual dimorphism, and sexual maturity was reached at the age of 2 years. Fecundity was low, between 1500–15000 glochidia per female, and positively correlated with body length. Only one annual gametogenic cycle was identified, leading to a short‐term reproductive period in spring (tachyticity). The reproductive cycle was similar in the two years sampled, between which hydrology and water quality differed greatly. The presence of glochidia was synchronized with the period when the proportion of fish hosts (genus Squalius) was higher in the fish community. Unio tumidiformis seems to be well adapted to the natural variability in flow in temporary Mediterranean‐type streams. Modifications of the natural flow regime caused by climate change or increased water exploitation may lead to rapid declines in mussel populations.
Fit, Bias, and Enacted Sensemaking in Data Visualization: Frameworks for Continuous Development in Operations and Supply Chain Management Analytics
Authors: Bendoly Elliot
Published: March 2016

Data visualization has a critical role in the advancement of modern data analytics. Visualization lends assurances to data validity and completeness, as well as to the effectiveness of cleaning and aggregation tactics. It provides the means by which to explore and discover relationships otherwise hidden from default assumptions in statistical modeling. Strong visualization is also fundamental to end‐result conveyance and audience interpretation. But how can one ensure that strength? How can one avoid developing representations that are marginal in value, or worse misleading? In this paper, I will discuss theory, evidence, and practical approaches to managing data visualization development, viewing data visualization not simply as an outcome but as a continuous process and facet of organizational culture.
Maximizing the Potential of Contemporary Workplace Monitoring: Techno‐Cultural Developments, Transactive Memory, and Management Planning
Authors: Cantor David E.
Published: March 2016

Nonintrusive data collection and analysis technologies are increasingly being used to monitor worker behavior in the global workplace. This essay explores the factors that can affect the extent to which management, work teams, and even individuals can benefit from real‐time data monitoring of worker productivity, coordination, and performance. Leveraging organizational information processing and transactive memory systems theories, I develop a theoretical framework for how access to real‐time data can impact team coordination activities and how the implementation of work monitoring technology and analytics might be best approached. Last, I present a set of future research opportunities that supply chain scholars should pursue to examine how the real‐time monitoring of work affects team performance.
Who are the top contributors in a MOOC? Relating participants' performance and contributions
Authors: Alario‐Hoyos C. , Muñoz‐Merino P. J. , Pérez‐Sanagustín M. , Delgado Kloos C. , Parada G. H. A.
Published: March 2016

The role of social tools in massive open online courses (MOOCs) is essential as they connect participants. Of all the participants in an MOOC, top contributors are the ones who more actively contribute via social tools. This article analyses and reports empirical data from five different social tools pertaining to an actual MOOC to characterize top contributors and provide some insights aimed at facilitating their early detection. The results of this analysis show that top contributors have better final scores than the rest. In addition, there is a moderate positive correlation between participants' overall performance (measured in terms of final scores) and the number of posts submitted to the five social tools. This article also studies the effect of participants' gender and scores as factors that can be used for the early detection of top contributors. The analysis shows that gender is not a good predictor and that taking the scores of the first assessment activities of each type (test and peer assessment in the case study) results in a prediction that is not substantially improved by adding subsequent activities. Finally, better predictions based on scores are obtained for aggregate contributions in the five social tools than for individual contributions in each social tool.
Abnormalities of Anthropometric, Hemodynamic, and Autonomic Variables in Offspring of Hypertensive Parents
Authors: Motta Josiane M. , Lemos Tércio M. , Consolim‐Colombo Fernanda M. , Moyses Rosa M.A. , Gusmão Marcelo A.N. , Egan Brent M. , Lopes Heno F.
Published: March 2016

Young adult offspring of hypertensive parents (pHTN⊕) are a good model for assessing abnormalities of anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and autonomic variables prior to clinical hypertension. The objectives of this study were to determine whether these variables and autonomic responses to oral carbohydrates were altered in offspring of pHTN⊕. Two hundred consecutive patients, including 100 pHTN⊕, were evaluated, with 29 patients, including 14 pHTN⊕, given a 70‐gram carbohydrate load. The pHTN⊕ group had higher blood pressure, pulse pressure, abdominal circumference (AC), weight, body mass index, and basal metabolic rate than offspring of normotensive parents (pHTN∅). At baseline, the low‐frequency (LF, sympathetic) to high‐frequency (HF, parasympathetic) ratio, assessed by spectral analysis of heart rate variability, was similar in both groups. After the carbohydrate load, the LF/HF ratio was greater in offspring of pHTN⊕. pHTN⊕ individuals have abnormalities of anthropometric and hemodynamic variables at baseline and autonomic responses to oral carbohydrates before developing hypertension.
Systemic inflammatory impact of periodontitis on acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Widén Cecilia , Holmer Helene , Coleman Michael , Tudor Marian , Ohlsson Ola , Sättlin Susanna , Renvert Stefan , Persson Goesta Rutger
Published: March 2016

Aim

A causative relationship between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and periodontitis has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to assess differences in levels of serum cytokines between individuals with or without ACS or periodontal comorbidity.

Material and Methods

In a case–control study, individuals with ACS (78 individuals, 10.3% females) and matching healthy controls (78 individuals, 28.2% females) were included. Medical and dental examinations were performed to diagnose ACS and periodontitis. Serum levels of cytokines were assessed, using Luminex technology.

Results

A diagnosis of periodontitis in the ACS and control group was diagnosed in 52.6% and 12.8% of the individuals, respectively. The unadjusted odds‐ratio that individuals with ACS also had periodontitis was 7.5 (95% CI: 3.4, 16.8, p < 0.001). Independent of periodontal conditions, individuals with ACS had significantly higher serum levels of IL8 (mean: 44.3 and 40.0 pg/ml) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (mean: 82.3 and 55.3 pg/ml) than control individuals. A diagnosis of periodontitis made no difference in serum cytokine expressions.

Conclusion

Elevated serum levels of VEGF were associated with ACS. Serum cytokine expression in individuals with ACS is unrelated to periodontal conditions.
Hybrid Computerized Adaptive Testing: From Group Sequential Design to Fully Sequential Design
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Lin Haiyan , Chang Hua‐Hua , Douglas Jeff
Published: March 2016

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and multistage testing (MST) have become two of the most popular modes in large‐scale computer‐based sequential testing.  Though most designs of CAT and MST exhibit strength and weakness in recent large‐scale implementations, there is no simple answer to the question of which design is better because different modes may fit different practical situations. This article proposes a hybrid adaptive framework to combine both CAT and MST, inspired by an analysis of the history of CAT and MST. The proposed procedure is a design which transitions from a group sequential design to a fully sequential design. This allows for the robustness of MST in early stages, but also shares the advantages of CAT in later stages with fine tuning of the ability estimator once its neighborhood has been identified. Simulation results showed that hybrid designs following our proposed principles provided comparable or even better estimation accuracy and efficiency than standard CAT and MST designs, especially for examinees at the two ends of the ability range.
Assessment of Person Fit Using Resampling‐Based Approaches
Authors: Sinharay Sandip
Published: March 2016

De la Torre and Deng suggested a resampling‐based approach for person‐fit assessment (PFA). The approach involves the use of the statistic, a corrected expected a posteriori estimate of the examinee ability, and the Monte Carlo (MC) resampling method. The Type I error rate of the approach was closer to the nominal level than that of the traditional approach of using along with the assumption of a standard normal null distribution. This article suggests a generalized resampling‐based approach for PFA that allows one to employ or another person‐fit statistic (PFS) based on item response theory, the corrected expected a posteriori estimate or another ability estimate, and the MC method or another resampling method. The suggested approach includes the approach of de la Torre and Deng as a special case. Several approaches belonging to the generalized approach perform very similarly to the approach of de la Torre and Deng's in two simulation studies and in applications to three real data sets, irrespective of the PFS used. The generalized approach promises to be useful to those interested in resampling‐based PFA.
Diel variations in the assemblage structure and foraging ecology of larval and 0+ year juvenile fishes in a man‐made floodplain waterbody
Authors: Tewson L. H. , Cowx I. G. , Nunn A. D.
Published: March 2016

This study investigated diel variations in zooplankton composition and abundance, and the species composition, density, size structure, feeding activity, diet composition and prey selection of larval and 0+ year juvenile fishes in the littoral of a man‐made floodplain waterbody over five 24 h periods within a 57 day period. There was a significant difference in the species composition of diurnal and nocturnal catches, with most species consistently peaking in abundance either during daylight or at night, reflecting their main activity period. There were no consistent diel patterns in assemblage structure or the abundance of some species, however, most likely, respectively, due to the phenology of fish hatching and ontogenetic shifts in diel behaviour or habitat use. There were few clear diel patterns in the diet composition or prey selection of larval and 0+ year juvenile roach Rutilus rutilus and perch Perca fluviatilis, with most taxa consistently selected or avoided irrespective of the time of day or night, and no obvious shift between planktonic and benthic food sources, but dietary overlap suggested that interspecific interactions were probably strongest at night. It is essential that sampling programmes account for the diel ecology of the target species, as diurnal surveys alone could produce inaccurate assessments of resource use. The relative lack of consistent diel patterns in this study suggests that multiple 24 h surveys are required in late spring and early summer to provide accurate assessments of 0+ year fish assemblage structure and foraging ecology.
Diabetic biomarkers and the risk of proximal or distal gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Tae Jun , Lee Hyuk , Min Yang Won , Min Byung‐Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Son Hee Jung , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Baek Sun‐Young , Jung Sin‐Ho , Kim Jae J
Published: March 2016

Background and Aim

The role of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for gastric cancer has been controversial. We studied the association between diabetic biomarkers and the risk of gastric cancer and whether these associations depend on cancer location.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study with subjects with negative initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings (n = 23 218) during a routine health checkup, we measured fasting glucose and insulin levels, calculated the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) values, and analyzed the risk of gastric cancer in relation to diabetic biomarker tertiles and the presence of diabetes mellitus.

Results

The incidence rate of gastric cancer was 9.7 per 10 000 person‐years during the mean 6.8‐year follow up. Patients with diabetes, higher fasting glucose levels, or higher HOMA‐IR levels were older; men, current smokers, and heavy alcohol consumers represented larger proportions of these groups. They also had high body mass index and hemoglobin A1c more often. In the multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression analyses, the incidence of gastric cancer was not significantly associated with diabetes mellitus or higher diabetic biomarker levels. Compared with normal glucose levels, lower glucose levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of distal gastric cancer. The hazard ratio for fasting glucose level tertile 1 was 2.39 (95% confidence interval, 1.48–3.85) (reference, tertile 2). Lower glucose levels were not associated with a risk of proximal gastric cancer, compared with a normal glucose level.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that fasting glucose levels have a different effect on distal and proximal gastric cancers.
Understanding the causes of obesity in children with trisomy 21: hyperphagia vs physical inactivity
Authors: Foerste T. , Sabin M. , Reid S. , Reddihough D.
Published: March 2016

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. This is particularly evident in people with trisomy 21 and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Although metabolic factors are known to contribute to obesity in trisomy 21 and hyperphagia plays a primary role in PWS, hyperphagia has not yet been investigated as a possible contributing factor to obesity in trisomy 21.

Methods

Participants comprised three diagnostic groups: trisomy 21 (T21 group), PWS (PWS group) and lifestyle‐related obesity (LRO group). They were required to be aged 6–18 years and have a body mass index over the 85th percentile for age and gender. A parent of each participant completed the Hyperphagia Questionnaire and the Children's Leisure Activity Study Survey. Mean scores for each domain and across all domains of the Hyperphagia Questionnaire and the Children's Leisure Activity Study Survey were compared between diagnostic groups using linear regression analysis.

Results

The study group consisted of 52 young people (23 men and 29 women) aged 6–18 years (mean 12.5 years; T21 group n = 17, PWS group n = 16 and LRO group n = 19). As hypothesised, the PWS group had the highest mean scores across all domains of the Hyperphagia Questionnaire, and the LRO group had the lowest. Food‐seeking behaviour was more pronounced in the PWS group than the T21 group (mean score 13.2 vs. 8.6, p = 0.008). The LRO group spent more hours per week engaged in physical activity (14.7) in comparison with the other groups (9.6 and 9.7), whereas between the groups, differences in time spent in sedentary activities were less pronounced.

Conclusions

Preoccupation with food and low levels of physical activity may contribute to the development of overweight and obesity in some individuals with trisomy 21. These factors warrant consideration in the clinical context.
Prion protein in exosomes: partnering Aβ peptides and driving fibrilization
Authors: Martins Vilma R. , Prado Marco A. M.
Published: March 2016

image

This Editorial highlights a study by Falker and coworkers in which the authors expanded the notion of how prion protein (PrPC) can be involved with the neurotoxicity promoted by Aβ oligomers, the most toxic component in Alzheimer's Disease. While confirming that PrPC is secreted from cells in exosomes, they showed that at the surface of these vesicles PrPC is capable of binding to dimeric up to pentameric, oligomeric Aβ42, and Aβ42 fibrils. In addition, by binding to diverse oligomeric Aβ42 components, exosomal PrPC accelerated Aβ42 fibrilization leading to decrease in the neurotoxicity mediated by Aβ42 as well as Aβ42 internalization. These data suggest an opportunity to design new therapeutic compounds for Alzheimer's disease.

Read the highlighted article ‘Exosomal cellular prion protein drives fibrillization of amyloid beta and counteracts amyloid beta‐mediated neurotoxicity’ on page 88.
WHICH PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE HAVE THE GREATEST SYMPTOM BURDEN? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ADVANCED CKD STAGE AND DIALYSIS MODALITY
Authors: Almutary Hayfa , Bonner Ann , Douglas Clint
Published: March 2016

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to a range of symptoms, which are often under‐recognised and little is known about the multidimensional symptom experience in advanced CKD.

Objectives

To examine (1) symptom burden at CKD stages 4 and 5, and dialysis modalities, and (2) demographic and renal history correlates of symptom burden.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, a convenience sample of 436 people with CKD was recruited from three hospitals. The CKD Symptom Burden Index (CKD‐SBI) was used to measure the prevalence, severity, distress and frequency of 32 symptoms. Demographic and renal history data were also collected.

Results

Of the sample, 75.5 % were receiving dialysis (haemodialysis, n = 287; peritoneal dialysis, n = 42) and 24.5 % were not undergoing dialysis (stage 4, n = 69; stage 5, n = 38). Participants reported an average of 13.01 ± 7.67 symptoms. Fatigue and pain were common and burdensome across all symptom dimensions. While approximately one‐third experienced sexual symptoms, when reported these symptoms were frequent, severe and distressing. Haemodialysis, older age and being female were independently associated with greater symptom burden.

Conclusions

In CKD, symptom burden is better understood when capturing the multidimensional aspects of a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Fatigue, pain and sexual dysfunction are key contributors to symptom burden, and these symptoms are often under‐recognised and warrant routine assessment. The CKD‐SBI offers a valuable tool for renal clinicians to assess symptom burden, leading to the commencement of timely and appropriate interventions.
Prosodic Boundary Strengthening in the Phonetics–Prosody Interface
Authors: Cho Taehong
Published: March 2016

Prosodic structure has been assumed to serve as a frame for articulation, so that phonetic shaping of abstract phonological representations is fine‐tuned as a function of the prosodic system of the language. The intricate relationship between phonetics and prosodic structure has been explored in the literature under the rubric of the phonetics–prosody interface. This paper reviews various aspects of the phonetics–prosody interface and discusses how prosodic structure modulates phonetic realization within and across languages. A particular attention is paid to boundary‐related prosodic strengthening (i.e., spatial and/or temporal expansion of articulation that arises in the vicinity of prosodic junctures), especially in association with domain‐initial positions (also known as domain‐initial strengthening, DIS, effects). Prosodic boundary strengthening is further discussed in terms of how it is language‐specifically fine‐tuned, how it is understood in dynamical terms, and how it relates to linguistic functions (as syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic contrast enhancement) that are all further conditioned by other factors of the linguistic sound system of individual languages such as the prominence system and the phonetic feature system.
Amphibian‐killing chytrid in Brazil comprises both locally endemic and globally expanding populations
Authors: Jenkinson T. S. , Betancourt Román C. M. , Lambertini C. , Valencia‐Aguilar A. , Rodriguez D. , Nunes‐de‐Almeida C. H. L. , Ruggeri J. , Belasen A. M. , da Silva Leite D. , Zamudio K. R. , Longcore J. E. , Toledo L. F. , James T. Y.
Published: March 2016

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is the emerging infectious disease implicated in recent population declines and extinctions of amphibian species worldwide. Bd strains from regions of disease‐associated amphibian decline to date have all belonged to a single, hypervirulent clonal genotype (Bd‐GPL). However, earlier studies in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil detected a novel, putatively enzootic lineage (Bd‐Brazil), and indicated hybridization between Bd‐GPL and Bd‐Brazil. Here, we characterize the spatial distribution and population history of these sympatric lineages in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. To investigate the genetic structure of Bd in this region, we collected and genotyped Bd strains along a 2400‐km transect of the Atlantic Forest. Bd‐Brazil genotypes were restricted to a narrow geographic range in the southern Atlantic Forest, while Bd‐GPL strains were widespread and largely geographically unstructured. Bd population genetics in this region support the hypothesis that the recently discovered Brazilian lineage is enzootic in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and that Bd‐GPL is a more recently expanded invasive. We collected additional hybrid isolates that demonstrate the recurrence of hybridization between panzootic and enzootic lineages, thereby confirming the existence of a hybrid zone in the Serra da Graciosa mountain range of Paraná State. Our field observations suggest that Bd‐GPL may be more infective towards native Brazilian amphibians, and potentially more effective at dispersing across a fragmented landscape. We also provide further evidence of pathogen translocations mediated by the Brazilian ranaculture industry with implications for regulations and policies on global amphibian trade.