bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of respiratory syncytial virus activity in children and adults presenting with acute respiratory illness at primary care clinics in Singapore, 2014‐2018
Authors: Ang Li Wei , Mak Tze Minn , Cui Lin , Leo Yee Sin , Lee Vernon Jian Ming , Lin Raymond Tzer‐Pin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important respiratory pathogen that affects people of all ages.ObjectivesWe examined the patterns of RSV circulation in 2014‐2018, and investigated their age‐specific differences in tropical Singapore.MethodsNasopharyngeal and/or throat swabs were taken from outpatient attendees for the national influenza virological surveillance among those who presented with acute respiratory illness in the community. Specimens tested negative for influenza were then tested for RSV and other respiratory pathogens.ResultsAmong 8436 influenza‐negative specimens tested during the five‐year period, 5.8% (95% confidence interval 5.3%‐6.3%) were positive for RSV. The peak of RSV activity occurred around middle of the year. The age‐specific proportion of RSV detections showed a reverse J‐shaped pattern; RSV positivity was the highest in young children ≤2 years of age (10.9%), followed by those aged 3‐5 years (6.4%) and persons aged ≥65 years (5.3%), while the nadir was observed in the age group of 15‐24 years (1.2%). RSV type A was predominantly circulating in children ≤5 years of age from 2014 to 2015 and 2017, whereas in 2016, they were more affected by type B.ConclusionRespiratory syncytial virus was more frequently detected among the two age groups that have been recommended for influenza vaccination; persons ≥65 years of age and children 6 months to <5 years of age. Characterisation of RSV activity in the community helps to better inform public health policies for effective prevention and control interventions.
Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of the Cardiovascular Prognostic COUPLING Study in Japan (the COUPLING Registry)
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Fujiwara Takeshi , Negishi Keita , Nishizawa Masafumi , Yamamoto Mitsuyoshi , Yamagiwa Kayo , Kawashima Akihiro , Yoshida Tetsuro , Nakazato Jun , Matsui Yoshio , Sekizuka Hiromitsu , Abe Hideyasu , Abe Yasuhisa , Fujita Yumiko , Sato Kei , Narita Keisuke , Tsuchiya Norihiro , Kubota Yoshiaki , Hashizume Toshikazu , Hoshide Satoshi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractVascular biomarkers, including the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI), are increasingly being recognized as important indicators of cardiovascular risk. CAVI has been shown to have good discriminative ability for detecting new‐onset hypertension, but results of studies investigating cardiovascular risk prediction are inconsistent. Furthermore, there is a lack of data on the prognostic value of changes in CAVI over time. The Cardiovascular Prognostic Coupling study was designed to determine the impact of baseline CAVI and changes in CAVI on cardiovascular events in a Japanese cohort. The design of the ongoing, multicenter, prospective, observational registry and baseline characteristics of the enrolled population are reported. Eligible consecutive patients were aged ≥30 years, had ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor, and were being treated according to relevant Japanese guidelines. The primary outcome is time to onset of a major cardiovascular event (a composite of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke of unknown etiology, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular intervention for angina pectoris, and sudden death). Screening and enrollment occurred over a period of 3 years, followed by ≥7 years of follow‐up, with CAVI determined annually. A total of 5279 patients were registered, of whom 5109 had baseline data available and will be included in future analyses. Mean CAVI at baseline was 8.8 ± 1.4. The proportion of patients with CAVI of <8, 8‐10 or >10 was 25.3%, 57.0%, and 17.7%, respectively. Data from this registry should provide information on the significance of baseline CAVI and change in CAVI as indicators of cardiovascular prognosis in a representative patient population.
Endogenous ocular lipids as potential modulators of intraocular pressure
Authors: Edwards Genea , Arcuri Jennifer , Wang Haiyan , Ziebarth Noel , Zode Gulab , Lee Richard K. , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractElevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor in glaucoma, a group of irreversible blinding diseases. Endogenous lipids may be involved in regulation of IOP homeostasis. We present comparative fold analysis of phospholipids and sphingolipids of aqueous humour and trabecular meshwork from human control vs primary open‐angle glaucoma and mouse control (normotensive) vs ocular hypertensive state. The fold analysis in control vs disease state was based on ratiometric mass spectrometric data for above classes of lipids. We standardized in vitro assays for rapid characterization of lipids undergoing significant diminishment in disease state. Evaluation of lipids using in vitro assays helped select a finite number of lipids that may potentially expand cellular interstitial space embedded in an artificial matrix or increase fluid flow across a layer of cells. These assays reduced a number of lipids for initial evaluation using a mouse model, DBA/2J with spontaneous IOP elevation. These lipids were then used in other mouse models for confirmation of IOP lowering potential of a few lipids that were found promising in previous assessments. Our results provide selected lipid molecules that can be pursued for further evaluation and studies that may provide insight into their function.
Using Natural Language Processing to Predict Item Response Times and Improve Test Construction
Authors: Baldwin Peter , Yaneva Victoria , Mee Janet , Clauser Brian E. , Ha Le An 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this article, it is shown how item text can be represented by (a) 113 features quantifying the text's linguistic characteristics, (b) 16 measures of the extent to which an information‐retrieval‐based automatic question‐answering system finds an item challenging, and (c) through dense word representations (word embeddings). Using a random forests algorithm, these data then are used to train a prediction model for item response times and predicted response times then are used to assemble test forms. Using empirical data from the United States Medical Licensing Examination, we show that timing demands are more consistent across these specially assembled forms than across forms comprising randomly‐selected items. Because an exam's timing conditions affect examinee performance, this result has implications for exam fairness whenever examinees are compared with each other or against a common standard.
Adaptation accuracy of milled lithium disilicate crowns: A 2D and 3D microCT analysis
Authors: De Freitas Bruna N. , Tonin Bruna S. H. , Macedo Ana P. , dos Santos Thais M. P. , De Mattos Maria d. G. C. , Hotta Takami H. , Matsumoto Wilson 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the effects of the scanning techniques and the crystallization in the internal and marginal adaptation of milled lithium disilicate crowns by two techniques computer microtomography analysis.Materials and MethodsSixteen polyurethane teeth prepared for a complete crown were divided into two groups according to the scanner method (n = 8): indirect (IND), dental stone models were scanned with laser‐surface scanner, and direct (DIR), digital typodont creates with an intraoral scanner. Internal and marginal gap were evaluated by micro‐computed tomography (microCT). The replica technique (RT) was applied for analysis of total volume (TV) and marginal volume (MV) gap in microCT. The data showed normal distribution (Shapiro‐Wilk test). One‐way ANOVA (scanner techniques) with repeated measures (crystallization) was performed. Multiple comparisons were performed with Bonferroni adjustment (α = .05).ResultsThe axial gap showed a significant difference between the times (P = .017) for lower values after crystallization. The vertical marginal gap presented a significant difference in times for higher value after crystallization (P = .001). The marginal horizontal gap IND was greater than DIR after crystallization (P = .001) and IND before lower than after crystallization. For TV was not significant difference and MV in DIR was reduction (P = .002) after crystallization. Conclusion: Crystallization changes the relationship between the crown and tooth, reducing internal gap and preventing the adequate fit in indirect and direct scanning.Clinical SignificanceThe measure gap under technological methodology is useful for adjust clinical parameters prosthetic in the CAD/CAM and the applicability of the new possibilities of analysis.
Medical Doctors and Dementia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Vassilaki Maria , Syrjanen Jeremy A. , Kremers Walter K. , Hagen Philip T. , Knopman David S. , Mielke Michelle M. , Geda Yonas E. , Alhurani Rabe E. , Machulda Mary M. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Petersen Ronald C. 
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVETo examine the association between being a medical doctor (MD) and the risk of incident dementia.DESIGNCohort study.SETTINGOlmsted County, Minnesota.PARTICIPANTSA total of 3460 participants (including 104 MDs), aged 70 years or older, of the population‐based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.MEASUREMENTSParticipants were randomly selected from the community and had comprehensive cognitive evaluations at baseline and approximately every 15 months to assess for diagnosis of dementia. For participants who withdrew from the follow‐up, dementia diagnosis was also assessed using information available in their medical record. The associations were examined using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for sex, education, and apolipoprotein E ε4, using age as the time scale.RESULTSMDs were older (vs “general population”), and most were males (93.3%). MDs without dementia at baseline did not have a significantly different risk for incident dementia (hazard ratio = 1.12; 95% confidence interval = 0.69‐1.82; P = .64) compared to the general population.CONCLUSIONSAlthough the study includes a small number of older, mainly male, MDs, it provides a preliminary insight on cognitive health later in life in MDs, while most previous studies examine the health of younger MDs. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to examine these associations and investigate if associations are modified by sex. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1250–1255, 2020.
Rheology of starch dispersions at high temperatures
Authors: Ahuja Amit , Lee Reginald , Latshaw Alina , Foster Peter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the food industry, many food products experience extreme processing conditions of high temperature and high shear stresses. The measurements of sample behavior for water‐based formulations above 100°C is extremely challenging due to changes in material composition from the boiling of volatile ingredients. We have developed a high‐sensitivity, pressurized starch pasting cell (up to 5 bar) which utilizes a design free of mechanical bearings and seals, resulting in an order‐of‐magnitude improvement in torque sensitivity (1 μN.m in oscillatory and 10 μN.m in shear flows) compared to traditional pressure cells. A pressurized atmosphere in the cell suppresses boiling of the volatile components, allowing the characterization of the structure–property relationships of the sample over a range of testing conditions (−5 to 150°C) which simulate industrial processing and storage conditions. This cell is employed to investigate the pasting properties of a commercial starch dispersed in water. In situ gelatinization of starch dispersions of varying starch particle weight fractions (ϕ) subjected to a high temperature (120°C) at elevated pressure and at a fixed shear rate is studied. A phase transition, from an initial flowable starch slurry to a paste, takes place during which the viscosity evolves by several orders of magnitude. Typical parameters associated with the viscosity evolution during gelatinization such as onset temperature, peak temperature, and peak viscosity are analyzed to probe the impact of high temperature on the gelation process and the rheological properties of the final starch paste. Furthermore, yield stresses of the final paste, measured at 120°C, are examined for varying ϕ through traditional rheological methods such as flow ramps, oscillatory shear, and stress growth, demonstrating the capabilities of this cell for studies of steady shear and nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of the starch pastes. The yield stress values are found to be in good agreement when comparing various testing methods. Yield stresses range from 0.25 to 6.5 Pa for ϕ between 0.05 and 0.15, with 0.05 being the minimum starch weight fraction for which there is any measurable yield stress. The yield stress and the paste viscosity both scale with starch particle weight fraction as (ϕ − ϕc)
m, where ϕc = 0.04 as no yield stress is observed for ϕ ≤ 0.04. The exponent, m, for yield stress is found to be in the range of 1.15–1.4 depending on the analytical method used and the definition of yield stress while for peak and breakdown viscosities it is noted to be 1.6 and 1.1, respectively. The Herschel‐Bulkley model is found to fit the flow curves well. The starch pastes are found to exhibit shear‐thinning and significant thixotropic behavior.
The amount of liver fat predicts mortality and development of type 2 diabetes in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nasr Patrik , Fredrikson Mats , Ekstedt Mattias , Kechagias Stergios 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to evaluate whether conventional histological grading of steatosis and accurate quantification of fat content in liver biopsies using stereological point counting (SPC) can predict mortality and future development of T2DM in NAFLD patients.Methods129 patients with biopsy proven NAFLD, enrolled between 1988 and 1992, were re‐evaluated on two occasions, after 13.7 (±1.5) and 23.2 (±6.8) years. In patients accepting to undergo the procedure, repeat liver biopsies were performed on each follow‐up and were evaluated with conventional histopathological methodology and SPC.ResultsOf the 106 patients without T2DM at baseline, 66 (62%) developed T2DM during a mean follow‐up of 23.2 (± 6.8) years. Steatosis grade and liver fat measured with SPC independently (adjusted for age, BMI, fibrosis stage) predicted development of T2DM with an aHR of 1.60 per grade and 1.03 for each SPC percentage increase respectively. Overall mortality and development of T2DM was more common in patients with grade 3 steatosis compared to lower grades of steatosis. Liver fat measured with SPC was significant for overall mortality (aHR 1.04). In patients that underwent repeat biopsy, reduction in liver fat measured with SPC was associated with decreased risk of developing T2DM (aHR 0.91 for each SPC percentage decrease).ConclusionSteatosis grade and liver fat measured with SPC predict mortality and the risk of developing T2DM in NAFLD. Reduction in liver fat decreases the risk of developing T2DM.
Fatty liver is not independently associated with the rates of complete response to oral antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Li Jie , Le An K. , Chaung Kevin T. , Henry Linda , Hoang Joseph K. , Cheung Ramsey , Nguyen Mindie H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground & aimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are common liver diseases. Concurrent NAFLD may affect antiviral treatment outcomes in CHB patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of NAFLD on complete viral suppression ([CVS], HBV DNA <20‐100 IU/mL) and/or biochemical response ([BR], ALT of ≤25 U/L for females; 35 U/L for males) in CHB patients who received oral antiviral therapy.MethodsA retrospective study of 555 treated CHB patients (187 NAFLD; 368 non‐NAFLD) from 2000 to 2016 at a USA medical centre. NAFLD was diagnosed by imaging and/or histology after ruling out secondary causes of hepatic steatosis.ResultsThe majority of patients were male (60.7%), Asian (87.56%) and HBeAg‐negative (66.7%). NAFLD patients compared to non‐NAFLD were more likely HBeAg negative (74.3% vs 62.8%, P = .02), hypertensive (33.2% vs 22.8%, P = .009) and male (67.4% vs 57.3%, P = .02) with a higher mean BMI (25.4 ± 4.3 vs 23.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2, P < .001). Both cohorts achieved similar rates of CVS (86% vs 88%) and BR (38% vs 41%) during the follow‐up of up to 60 months (P > .05), but NAFLD had higher cumulative rates of CVS + BR, compared with non‐NAFLD patients (32.5% vs 22.8%, P = .03). In multivariate analyses, NAFLD was not independently associated with CVS and/or BR outcomes. Receipt of entecavir or tenofovir (vs older therapies) and lower baseline HBV DNA or higher ALT were positively associated with achieving CVS or BR.ConclusionConcomitant NAFLD had no impact on the long‐term rates of CVS and/or BR in treated CHB patients.
Association between plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 in young adulthood and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in midlife: CARDIA
Authors: Campbell Patrick T. , VanWagner Lisa B. , Colangelo Laura A. , Lewis Cora E. , Henkel Anne , Ajmera Veeral H. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Vaughan Douglas E. , Khan Sadiya S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrior studies have demonstrated a cross‐sectional association between elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there are no prospective longitudinal assessments of the association between PAI‐1 and NAFLD. We aimed to describe the association between PAI‐1 levels in early adulthood with NAFLD in midlife.MethodsAmong the 5115 participants in the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study, participants were randomly selected from a subset that was free of obesity, diabetes and hypertension at the 1992‐1993 exam and attended the 2005‐2006 exam (n = 996). A subset of participants (n = 896) also had CT liver fat measured (2010‐2011). Participants with secondary causes of steatosis were excluded (n = 87). NAFLD was defined as liver attenuation ≤51 Hounsfield units. Logistic regression models assessed the association between PAI‐1 and NAFLD.ResultsOf 809 participants, 53% were female, 37% black with a mean age of 32 years. Median PAI‐1 level at 1st assessment (1992‐1993) was 23.4 ng/mL among participants with NAFLD vs 11.9 ng/mL among those without NAFLD (P < .0001). Median PAI‐1 level at 2nd assessment (2005‐2006) was 55.6 ng/mL among participants with NAFLD vs 19.5 ng/mL among those without NAFLD (P < .0001). Higher PAI‐1 levels were independently associated with NAFLD (1st assessment adjusted OR [AOR] 2.16 per 1 standard deviation higher log(PAI‐1) level (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63‐2.85); 2nd assessment AOR 2.71 (95% CI 2.03‐3.61)).ConclusionsPlasma PAI‐1 levels in young adulthood were independently associated with NAFLD in midlife. Further studies may indicate whether PAI‐1 plays a role in NAFLD pathophysiology.
Team diversity and individual performance
Authors: Homroy Swarnodeep , Soo Kwok Tong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUsing a field experiment, we investigate the impact of working in a diverse team on team and individual performance. We find no short‐term effect of team diversity on team performance, but a positive (albeit small) effect on subsequent individual performance. In the latter case, it is diversity in terms of nationality which matters, not diversity in terms of gender or ability. Our results suggest that the gains from asymmetries in work teams are assimilated by individuals.
Behaviorally measured tactile sensitivity in the common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Strahan Madelyn G. , Houser Dorian S. , Finneran James J. , Mulsow Jason , Crocker Daniel E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLittle research has been conducted on the somatosensory system of toothed whales and it remains uncertain how tactile sensitivity varies about their bodies. In this study, tactile sensitivity to high‐frequency (250‐Hz) displacement of the skin was quantified in three trained adult common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using a vibratory device (tactor). The magnitude of skin displacement was controlled by varying the voltage to the tactor held against the skin surface with a constant force. Tactile thresholds were determined using an adaptive method of limits in which dolphins reported perception of the tactile stimulus by producing a whistle. Displacement thresholds ranged from 2.4 to 40 μm, with the greatest sensitivity found along the rostrum, melon, and blowhole. Sensitivity decreased caudally along the body, with the dorsal fin and tip of the fluke being the least sensitive locations tested. The results support hypotheses that the follicles on the dolphin rostrum are particularly important for perception. The reduction in tactile sensitivity at the appendages is consistent with their primary role in stabilization and locomotion compared to exploration or environmental sensing.
Mapping musical automatism: Further insights from epileptic high‐frequency oscillation analysis
Authors: Rini James , Ochoa Juan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAs ictal semiology is increasingly understood to arise from epileptogenic networks, high‐frequency oscillation propagation patterns are helping elucidate networks relevant for surgical planning. Musical automatisms, a well‐documented but very rare phenomenon of epilepsy, have yet to be examined as a manifestation of high‐frequency propagation in the public literature. In our current study, we report a rare case intractable epilepsy with ictal humming whose epileptogenic zone was associated with the non‐dominant left anterior medial temporal region. Mapping our case's ictal semiology and high‐frequency propagation pattern both facilitated treatment and further supports prior observations that the rare phenomena of musical automatisms localize to a non‐dominant frontal‐temporal network rather than a specific cortical territory.
The force stability of tissue contact and lesion size index during radiofrequency ablation: An ex‐vivo study
Authors: Parwani Abdul S. , Hohendanner Felix , Bode David , Kuhlmann Stefan , Blaschke Florian , Lacour Philipp , Heinzel Frank R. , Pieske Burkert , Boldt Leif‐Hendrik 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionRadiofrequency (RF) ablation is a commonly used tool in the invasive electrophysiology laboratory to treat a variety of rhythm disorders. Reliable creation of transmural ablation lesions is crucial for long‐term success. Lesion size index (LSI) is a multiparametric index that incorporates time, power, contact force (CF), and impedance data recorded during RF ablation in a weighted formula and has been shown to predict the extent of myocardial tissue lesions. Whether the force stability of contact influences lesion size in LSI‐guided ablations is unknown.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the force stability of contact on lesion size during LSI‐guided ablations in an ex‐vivo model.Methods and ResultsA total of 267 RF lesions (n = 6 hearts) were created on porcine myocardial slabs by using an open‐tip irrigated ablation catheter with the following settings: 35 W with either intermittent (varied between 0 and up to 20 g), variable (10 to 20 g), or constant tissue contact (15 g) in a perpendicular or parallel fashion (applied manually) up to a target LSI of either 5 or 6. Subsequently, lesion width and depth were determined. Lesion width was mainly influenced by catheter tip orientation and LSI, whereas lesion depth was mainly influenced by LSI alone. The force stability of catheter contact had no relevant impact on lesion width or depth.ConclusionThe force stability of catheter contact has only little effect on lesion depth or width in LSI‐guided catheter ablation while the catheter orientation primarily affects lesion width.