bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Path weights in concentration graphs
Authors: Roverato Alberto , Castelo Robert 
Published: February 2020

SummaryA graphical model provides a compact and efficient representation of the association structure in a multivariate distribution by means of a graph. Relevant features of the distribution are represented by vertices, edges and higher-order graphical structures such as cliques or paths. Typically, paths play a central role in these models because they determine the dependence relationships between variables. However, while a theory of path coefficients is available for directed graph models, little research exists on the strength of the association represented by a path in an undirected graph. Essentially, it has been shown that the covariance between two variables can be decomposed into a sum of weights associated with each of the paths connecting the two variables in the corresponding concentration graph. In this context, we consider concentration graph models and provide an extensive analysis of the properties of path weights and their interpretation. Specifically, we give an interpretation of covariance weights through their factorization into a partial covariance and an inflation factor. We then extend the covariance decomposition over the paths of an undirected graph to other measures of association, such as the marginal correlation coefficient and a quantity that we call the inflated correlation. Application of these results is illustrated with an analysis of dietary intake networks.
Rising Pneumococcal Antibiotic Resistance in the Post–13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era in Pediatric Isolates From a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Pham Minh , Yu Karl O A , Pichichero Michael E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains may cause infections that fail to respond to antimicrobial therapy. Results reported from hospitalized patients with invasive, bacteremic infections may not be the same as those observed in a primary care setting where young children receive care for noninvasive infections. Young children experience the highest burden of pneumococcal disease. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of S. pneumoniae strains isolated from children in a primary care setting in the post–13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) era.

Methods
This was a prospective collection of 1201 isolates of S. pneumoniae from 2006 through 2016 in a primary care setting. Antibiotic susceptibility testing to 16 different antibiotics of 10 classes was performed. Participants were children aged 6–36 months. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from patients during acute otitis media (AOM) visits and routine healthy visits. Middle ear fluid was obtained by tympanocentesis.

Results
After introduction of PCV13, antibiotic susceptibility of pneumococci, especially to penicillin, initially improved largely due to disappearance of serotype 19A, included in PCV13. However, beginning in 2013, antibiotic susceptibility among pneumococcal strains began decreasing due to new serotypes not included in PCV13. In addition to reduced susceptibility to penicillin, the most recent isolates show reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems, antibiotics commonly used to treat life-threatening, invasive pneumococcal diseases.

Conclusions
In recent years, pneumococcal nasopharyngeal and AOM isolates from children exhibit reduced susceptibility to penicillin, third-generation cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone, and carbapenem antibiotics. The new strains have a different profile of resistance compared to the pre-PCV13 era.
Clinical and Biological Factors Associated With Early Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Exposed Uninfected Infants in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Montoya-Ferrer Ana , Sanosyan Armen , Fayd’herbe de Maudave Alexis , Pisoni Amandine , Bollore Karine , Molès Jean-Pierre , Peries Marianne , Tylleskar Thorkild , Tumwine James K , Ndeezi Grace , Gorgolas Miguel , Nagot Nicolas , van de Perre Philippe , Tuaillon Edouard 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundImmune control of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is impaired in individuals with HIV. We explored maternal factors associated with EBV acquisition in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants and the relationship between EBV infection and serious adverse events (SAEs) during the first year of life.Methods201 HEU infants from Uganda enrolled in the ANRS 12174 trial were tested for antiviral capsid antigen (anti-VCA) antibodies at week 50. Date of infection was estimated by testing EBV DNA at weeks 1, 6, 14, 26, 38, and 50 postpartum on dried blood spots.ResultsEighty-seven (43%) infants tested positive for anti-VCA IgG at week 50. Among the 59 infants positive for EBV DNA, 25% were infected within the first 26 weeks. Almost half (12%) were infected before week 14. Shedding of EBV in breast milk was associated with EBV DNA in maternal plasma (P = .009), HIV RNA detection (P = .039), and lower CD4 count (P = .001) and correlated with plasma EBV DNA levels (P = .002). EBV infant infection at week 50 was associated with shedding of EBV in breast milk (P = .009) and young maternal age (P = .029). Occurrence of a clinical SAE, including malaria and pneumonia, was associated with higher levels of EBV DNA in infants (P = .010).ConclusionsBy assessing EBV infection in HEU infants we observed that infection during the first year is determined by HIV and EBV maternal factors and that EBV DNA levels were higher among infants with clinical SAEs.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT00640263.
Improved electrophoretic separation of creatine kinase isoenzymes.
Authors: Burlina A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Creatine kinase isoenzymes are separated electrophoretically on cellulose acetate, with use of an improved procedure for reactivation and visualization of enzymic activity. N-Acetyl cysteine is used as the reactivator and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide for visualization in a tetrazolium-coupled system. This test, both practical and reliable, is a suitable alternative to chromatographic or immunochemical assay. The method allows: (a) detection of the MB isoenzyme on the basis of its electrophoretic migration, (b) confirmation of results obtained with other methods, particularly by immunoinhibition, and (c) detection of atypical bands of possible diagnostic significance in addition to the recognized fractions.
Measurement of tricyclic antidepressants. Part II. Applications of methodology.
Authors: Scoggins B A , Maguire K P , Norman T R , Burrows G D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This review, together with Part 1 (Clin. Chem. 26: 5-17, 1980), summarizes progress in measurement of tricyclic antidepressants in biological fluids and the application of the methodology to clinical practice. For many of the older drugs and for all of the new-generation antidepressants, further studies are required to delineate the precise relationship between plasma concentration and clinical response in well-defined diagnostic groups. For new drugs, rigorous evaluation of a method of measurement is required before it is applied to clinical studies. Assessment of drug interactions, inter-patient variability in plasma concentrations, and determination of the plasma concentrations required for therapeutic response all depend almost entirely on the quality of the assay methodology.
Liquid-chromatographic assay of urinary 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid, with electrochemical detection.
Authors: Shihabi Z K , Scaro J 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
After extraction with two organic solvent mixtures, urinary 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid can be assayed by "high-performance" liquid chromatography on a reversed-phase column, with electrochemical detection. Compared to the nitrosonaphthol method (J. Biol. Chem. 216: 499, 1955), this method is more specific for detection of patients with carcinoid tumors.
Physiological limits to life in anoxic subseafloor sediment
Authors: Orsi William D , Schink Bernhard , Buckel Wolfgang , Martin William F 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTIn subseafloor sediment, microbial cell densities exponentially decrease with depth into the fermentation zone. Here, we address the classical question of 'why are cells dying faster than they are growing?’ from the standpoint of physiology. The stoichiometries of fermentative ATP production and consumption in the fermentation zone place bounds on the conversion of old cell biomass into new. Most fermentable organic matter in deep subseafloor sediment is amino acids from dead cells because cells are mostly protein by weight. Conversion of carbon from fermented dead cell protein into methanogen protein via hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenesis occurs at ratios of ∼200:1 and 100:1, respectively, while fermenters can reach conversion ratios approaching 6:1. Amino acid fermentations become thermodynamically more efficient at lower substrate and product concentrations, but the conversion of carbon from dead cell protein into fermenter protein is low because of the high energetic cost of translation. Low carbon conversion factors within subseafloor anaerobic feeding chains account for exponential declines in cellular biomass in the fermentation zone of anoxic sediments. Our analysis points to the existence of a life–death transition zone in which the last biologically catalyzed life processes are replaced with purely chemical reactions no longer coupled to life.
Bail-out thoracic endovascular aortic repair for incorrect deployment of frozen elephant trunk into the false lumen
Authors: Kawashima Motoharu , Nomura Yoshikatsu , Matsumori Masamichi , Murakami Hirohisa 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We report a rare case of bail-out thoracic endovascular aortic repair after incorrect deployment of a frozen elephant trunk into the false lumen. A 54-year-old man presented to our department complaining of chest pain. Enhanced computed tomography revealed Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, which had a large entry site at the mid-descending aorta. Emergency total aortic arch replacement with a frozen elephant trunk was performed. Progressive intraoperative acidosis was observed. Immediate postoperative enhanced computed tomography showed that the distal end of the frozen elephant trunk was deployed into the false lumen through the initial tear at the proximal descending aorta. We performed emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair through a fenestration made into the intimal flap using an Outback LTD re-entry device. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 67 after a complete recovery.
Understanding Usage Behavior of Different Mobile Application Categories Based on Personality Traits
Authors: Huseynov Farid 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This study assessed the influence of personality traits on individuals’ mobile application usage behavior in different application categories. In the assessment of personality, this study used the well-known Big Five personality traits taxonomy. The Big Five personality traits were measured by using the Mini-International Personality Item Pool scale. Rather than using participants’ self-reports about their app usage behavior, this study utilized actual app usage data that were collected via app usage tracker installed in the participants’ mobile devices. Instead of focusing on a single category of app, this study assessed the participants’ actual behavior across 10 broad and distinct categories of apps. This study showed that personality traits do play an important role in usage behavior of different mobile application categories. Results of this research show that individuals who are extravert and open to experience are more likely to spend time using photography and video editing-related mobile apps. While emotionally stable individuals are less likely to access social networking apps, conscientious individuals tend to stay away from e-commerce-related apps. This research also found that agreeableness is negatively related with access and usage of health and lifestyle mobile apps as well as Internet searching and browsing apps. Application developers and marketers can use the findings of this research to increase users’ adoption and usage rate of their apps.
Hepatitis Testing Performance of an Analyzer Integrated into Another Manufacturer’s Automation System
Authors: Baste Charisse Liz , Loeffler David M , Brana-Mulero Carmen , Shah Archana , Jin Ming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
The capacity to integrate platforms across vendors and disciplines has become an essential feature in the design of total laboratory automation (TLA) due space and test menu constraints. However, data on its performance are lacking. We aim to evaluate an integrated third-party immunoassay platform to the TLA system for the performance of hepatitis testing using turnaround time (TAT).

Methods
We use the Beckman Power Express (PE) system with linked 2 Beckman AU5800, 2 Beckman DxI 800, 2 Abbott Architect i2000, and other accessory components. The PE system is managed and interfaced to the laboratory information system (LIS) through Beckman Remisol (middleware) and Cennexus (track software). The hepatitis tests are performed on the Abbott Architect i2000 using Abbott Instrument Manager (middleware) for test results and this is interfaced with LIS and Cennexus. Using Viewics and Microsoft Excel, the test volumes and TAT of hepatitis results were analyzed before (February 2017 to January 2018) and after (February 2018 to January 2019) integration.

Results
The TAT for each hepatitis test has decreased significantly, ranging from 13 to 81-minute reductions (P value &lt;0.0001 for all tests) after instrument integration. The standard deviations of the TAT also decreased for each test. In addition, savings in labor expenditure of around 2 hours per day were observed. There were no laboratory space savings identified. Instead, 47.6 square foot more of space was utilized by the track connection lines.

Conclusions
Our findings show significant improvement of TAT of hepatitis testing with the integration of the third-party Abbott Architect i2000 to Beckman PE system. In addition, the synchronization of multiple middleware for specimen management and result reporting allow the laboratory to achieve new efficiencies handling reflex tests and managing human resources.
Interference of Asfotase Alfa in Immunoassays Employing Alkaline Phosphatase Technology
Authors: Piec Isabelle Danielle , Tompkins Beatrice , Fraser William Duncan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Asfotase alfa (STRENSIQ®, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) is the only approved treatment for patients with pediatric-onset hypophosphatasia, a disease caused by a mutation in the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) gene. ALP is often used as signaling system in routine immunoassays. Because asfotase alfa contains the active site of the full ALP enzyme, it can catalyze the substrate as the antibody-conjugated ALP would within an assay. Therefore, its presence in a treated patient’s sample may generate false positive or false negative results. We investigated whether the presence of asfotase alfa within a sample induced interference in immunoassays that utilize ALP or alternative detection systems.

Methods
Asfotase alfa was added to samples at concentrations from 0.08–5 µg/mL and analysed on various immunoassays following manufacturer’s instructions.

Results
Asfotase alfa was detected in all ALP assays but ALKP1 (RayBiotech). We observed no changes in normetanephrine and noradrenaline (IBL) at any asfotase alfa concentration. However, asfotase alfa notably interfered in an oxytocin (ENZO) assay in nonextracted samples. Extraction using a C18 column eliminated the interference. No interference was observed on automated analyzers using alternative detection system (COBAS fT4 and TSH; Advia Centaur FSH, fT4; Architect LH; FSH). Immulite 2000 fT4, TSH, testosterone and hCG (ALP-based) showed no interference. However, the presence of asfotase alfa resulted in a dose-dependent increase of Troponin I signal.

Conclusion
The presence of asfotase alfa must be taken into consideration when analyzing blood samples in treated patients to avoid any risk of misinterpretation of false positive/negative results. It is essential that assays be tested for this possible interference.
The use of portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure apparent total tract digestibility in beef cattle and sheep
Authors: Hoffmann Carly A , Sarturi Jhones O , Weindorf David C , Henry Darren D , Ramirez- Ramirez Hugo A , Jackson Samuel , Ballou Michael A , Sandes Michael D , Bouyi Legrand 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The use of portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometry to detect external markers on processed or unprocessed cattle and sheep fecal specimens to estimate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) was evaluated. Exp. 1: ruminally cannulated Angus-crossbred steers (n = 7; BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were individually fed ad libitum for 21 d in a completely randomized design (CRD). Markers (Cr2O3 and TiO2) were placed inside the rumen twice daily (7.5 g of each marker). Fecal samples were collected twice daily from day 14 to 21. Exp. 2: crossbred wethers (n = 8; BW = 68 ± 3 kg) were individually fed ad libitum for 21 d in a CRD. During this period, 2 g of Cr2O3 and TiO2 were top-dressed onto the feed twice daily. Sheep were housed in metabolism crates for 5 d for total fecal collection. Concentration of markers was determined on diets, refusals, and fecal specimens (fresh, dry-only, and dried/ground) using atomic absorption to detect Cr and spectrophotometry for Ti. Concentration of both markers was also determined via the PXRF spectrometer. Delta between ATTD estimated by wet chemistry and PXRF was not different from zero (P ≥ 0.14) when using cattle fresh fecal specimens for both markers, whereas ATTD estimated by PXRF with dry-only and dried/ground fecal specimens were 3.6 and 1.1 percent units lower (P ≤ 0.04), respectively, than ATTD estimated by wet chemistry for Cr and Ti, respectively. Regardless of the fecal sample preparation method on cattle specimens, Ti concentration was similar (P = 0.39) among methodologies, while Cr was underestimated (P &lt; 0.01) by 13% when PXRF was used in dry-only or dried/ground samples. The ATTD of sheep was underestimated (P &lt; 0.01) by 2.4 percent units compared with control when Cr was measured by PXRF in dry-only samples. The Cr concentration in dry-only fecal specimens of sheep tended (P = 0.09) to be lower compared with wet chemistry analysis. Fresh and dry/ground sheep fecal samples assessed for Cr, and dry-only assessed for Ti were not (P ≥ 0.49) affected by detection method. The Cr fecal recovery tended (P = 0.10) to be the lowest for dry-only, the greatest for wet chemistry, intermediate for fresh and dry/ground sheep-fecal specimens; while not affected (P = 0.40) for Ti. The PXRF is an accurate technology to detect Cr and Ti in fresh cattle fecal samples to estimate ATTD. For fresh and dry/ground, the technology was effective for determining the concentration of Cr, or dry-only fecal specimens when detecting Ti in sheep specimens.
Progressive matching optimisation method for FWI
Authors: Moura Francisco A , Silva Suzane A , de Araújo João M , Lucena Liacir S 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo eliminate the dependency on a good initial model of the traditional full waveform inversion (FWI) method, we propose an optimisation method combining a derivative free optimisation method of modified particle swarm with gradient descent search. We worked with the acoustic wave approximation, in two dimensions, with the synthetic Marmousi velocity model as the test case. We were able to obtain a high-precision inversion of this model, comparable to traditional FWI methods, with the distinct advantage of not using an initial model close to the global optimal, as would usually be required. For this result, we used a progressive inversion scheme by consecutive layers, and a modified particle swarm optimisation algorithm where we introduced the gradient of the misfit function as a local search guide, and other regularization terms.
Building Coalitions Out of Thin Air: Transferable Development Rights and “Constituency Effects” in Land Use Law
Authors: Hills Roderick M , Schleicher David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTransferable Development Rights (TDRs) were supposed to be a solution to the intractable problems of land use, a bit of institutional design magic that married the interests of development and preservation at no cost to taxpayers and with no legal risk. Under a TDR program, development is limited or barred on properties targeted for preservation or other regulatory goals, but owners of those lots are allowed to sell their unused development rights to other property owners. In theory, this allows the same amount of development to occur while preserving favored uses without tax subsidies or constitutional challenges. Reviewing their use over the past fifty years, this Article shows that the traditional justifications for TDRs do not work. In practice, TDRs are not necessary to avoid takings litigation, are not costless to taxpayers, and do not balance the interests of preservation and development. Instead, they serve as yet another growth control in metropolitan areas where such controls have caused housing crises and major harms to the national economy. Assessed as a technocratic tool for solving problems in land use, TDRs are a failure.But this Article shows that there is a case for TDRs not as a technocratic but rather as a political tool. By giving valuable development rights to some popular or otherwise politically influential owners of regulated property, a city can build a coalition for re-zonings that might otherwise be politically impossible. The effect of TDRs on politics can be positive to the extent that TDRs strengthen constituencies or land use goals that local politics systematically undercounts, as we show through an analysis of New York City’s Special District Transfer TDR program. In particular, TDRs could help break Not In My Back Yard opposition to new housing by building a competing pro-growth coalition.More generally, using TDRs as an example, the Article shows how land use law is the creator as well as creature of local politics. Existing property law helps cement anti-development coalitions, but savvy leaders could use moments in power to create stable pro-growth coalitions by enacting new laws that help mobilize new pro-growth constituencies. Understanding these “constituency effects” of land use law allows policymakers to redesign entitlements like TDRs to produce a healthier land use policies.