bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergent evolution in lemur environmental niches
Authors: Herrera James P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimTo test the hypothesis that adaptive convergent evolution of climate niches occurred in multiple independent lemur lineages.LocationMadagascar.TaxonLemurs.MethodsI collected climate and altitude data from WorldClim and summarized the niches of almost all living lemurs (83 species) into phylogenetically controlled principal components. To test for convergent evolution, I searched for multiple, similar climate optima using multi‐peak Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models (surface, l1‐ou, bayou). I compared the observed level of climate convergence to that simulated under neutral and single‐optimum models. To test if behavioural or morphological traits were related to climate niches, I used phylogenetic regressions with activity pattern, diet, and body size.ResultsFrom an ancestral niche with high rainfall and low seasonality, four lemur lineages independently converged on climate niche optima characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall, supporting adaptive evolution in southwest deciduous and arid habitats. The observed level of convergence was more frequent than expected under Brownian motion and single‐optimum simulations, which illustrates that the results are likely not a result of stochastic evolution over long time periods. Nocturnal and cathemeral activity patterns were common among lineages in the arid climate niche.ConclusionLemur climate niche evolution demonstrated that convergence explains the distribution of four independent clades in hot, arid environments of southwest Madagascar. The timing of these convergent shifts coincided with the origination of modern arid‐adapted plant genera, some of which are important lemur food sources. These communities have high endemicity and are especially threatened by habitat loss. Arid environments are arenas in which convergent evolution is predicted to occur frequently.
Adjuvant therapy for cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of new therapies
Authors: Longo C. , Pampena R. , Lallas A. , Kyrgidis A. , Stratigos A. , Peris K. , Garbe C. , Pellacani G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNew drugs have been recently approved as adjuvant therapies for melanoma. In this Bayesian network meta‐analysis, we aimed to assess the best therapeutic option in terms of recurrence‐free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and the American Society of Clinical Oncology databases were searched from inception until 20 August 2018. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for RFS and OS and relative odds ratios (ORs) for AEs and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities were calculated. A number of 872 records were identified, and six were finally included in the meta‐analysis. A total of 4244 patients in six studies were randomized. The following therapies were considered in the selected studies: combined dabrafenib and trametinib, vemurafenib, nivolumab, ipilimumab and pembrolizumab. Nivolumab demonstrated the highest probability (75.1%) of being the best in term of RFS, followed by dabrafenib+trametinib, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab and vemurafenib; however, OS was not estimable. Concerning AEs, pembrolizumab and nivolumab showed the highest probability to be less associated with any and 3–4 grade AEs (83.1% and 64.4%, respectively). In conclusion, all new drugs are highly effective in adjuvant setting, and the best choice is dependent of patient's context.
Optimizing the measurement of comorbidity for a South Australian colorectal cancer population using administrative data
Authors: Pule Lettie , Buckley Elizabeth , Niyonsenga Theo , Roder David 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRationale and objectivesIn epidemiological research, it is essential to account for the confounding effects of factors such as age, stage, and comorbidity for accurate prediction of cancer outcomes. There are several internationally developed and commonly used comorbidity indices. However, none are regarded as the gold‐standard method. This study will assess and compare the predictive validity of established indices for use in a South Australian (SA) colorectal cancer (CRC) population against a local index. Furthermore, the prognostic influence of comorbidity on survival is investigated.MethodsA population‐based study of patients diagnosed with CRC from 2003 to 2012 and linked to in‐hospital data to retrieve comorbidity information was conducted. The predictive performance of established indices, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), National Cancer Institute comorbidity index (NCI), Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI), and C3 index was evaluated using the Fine and Gray competing risk regression and reported using measures of calibration and discrimination, area under the curve (AUC), and Brier score. Furthermore, to identify the optimal index, a local CRC comorbidity index (CRCCI) was also developed and its performance compared with the established indices.ResultsComorbidity models adjusted for age, sex, and stage showed that all indices were good predictors of mortality as measured by the AUC (CCI: 0.738, NCI: 0.742, ECI: 0.733, C3: 0.739). CRCCI had similar mortality prediction as established indices (CRCCI: 0.747). There was a significant increase in cumulative risk of noncancer and CRC‐specific mortality with increase in comorbidity scores. The two most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes.ConclusionsThe existing indices are still valid for adjusting for comorbidity and accurately predicting mortality in an SA CRC population. Internationally developed indices are preferred when policymakers and researchers wish to compare local study results with those of studies (national and international) that have used these indices. Comorbidity is a predictor of mortality and should be considered when assessing CRC survival.
Identification and characterisation of tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) associated factor 3 from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Han Xue‐qing , Gao Fengying , Lu Maixin , Liu Zhi‐gang , Wang Miao , Ke Xiao‐li , Gao Yan‐xia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this study, we cloned the complementary (c)DNA sequences of tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)‐associated factor 3 (traf3) in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The expression patterns of the traf3 gene were investigated and preliminary functional analyses were performed. In healthy fish, traf3 transcript was broadly expressed in all examined tissues, with the highest expression level in the blood and the lowest in the liver. The traf3 gene reached its highest expression at 8 days post‐fertilisation (dpf) during embryonic development. Moreover, we found that expression of traf3 was clearly altered following stimulation with Streptococcus agalactiae in vivo and that traf3 could be induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), Poly I: C and S. agalactiae WC1535 in Nile tilapia macrophages. Overexpression in 293T cells showed that Traf3 protein was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and could significantly increase nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation. Taken together, these results implied that traf3 could play important roles in the immune response to pathogen invasion.
Colonic neuronal loss and delayed motility induced by high‐fat diet occur independently of changes in the major groups of microbiota in Swiss mice
Authors: Beraldi Evandro José , Borges Stephanie Carvalho , de Almeida Fernanda Losi Alves , dos Santos Andrey , Saad Mario José Abdalla , Buttow Nilza Cristina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundObesity has been linked to gastrointestinal disorders, and the loss of myenteric neurons in the intestine caused by high‐fat diets (HFD) has been attributed to changes in microbiota and lipotoxicity. We investigated whether the prebiotic inulin modulates bacterial populations and alleviates neuronal loss in mice fed HFD.MethodsSwiss mice were fed purified rodent diet or HFD (59% kcal fat), or both diets supplemented with inulin for 17 weeks. Intestinal motility was assessed and a metagenome analysis of the colonic microbiota was performed. The gene expression of inflammatory markers was evaluated, and immunofluorescence was performed for different types of myenteric neurons and glial cells in the distal colon.Key ResultsThe HFD caused obesity and delayed colonic motility. The loss of myenteric neurons and glial cells in obese mice affected all of the studied neuronal populations, including neurons positive for myosin‐V, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and calretinin. Although obese mice supplemented with inulin exhibited improvements in colonic motility, neuronal, and glial cell loss persisted. The HFD did not altered the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in the intestine or the prevalence of the major groups in microbiota, but inulin increased the proportion of the genus Akkermansia in the obese mice.Conclusions and InferencesIn Swiss mice, the HFD‐induced neuronal loss but did not change the major groups in microbiota. This suggests that, despite the increase in the beneficial bacteria, other factors that are directly linked to excess dietary lipid intake affect the enteric nervous system.
Maybe not so independent after all: The possibility, prevalence, and consequences of violating the independence assumptions in psychometric meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Zhenyu , Morgeson Frederick P. , LeBreton James M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPsychometric meta‐analysis assumes that moderators are unrelated to study artifacts (e.g., criterion reliability), and that study artifacts are independent of true validities. Meeting these assumptions is important for researchers seeking to accurately partition the variance in effect sizes due to study artifacts from the variance due to meaningful moderators. Despite the critical role of these assumptions, we know very little about their tenability. To address this basic gap in the literature, we conducted three studies to determine if there are potential violations of the independence assumptions (Study 1), the prevalence of such violations (Study 2), and the consequences of violating the independence assumptions via a series of Monte Carlo simulations (Study 3). We found that violations of the independence assumptions are not only plausible but also routinely detected across a wide array of topics. Simulation results indicate that violating the independence assumptions can result in biases under certain circumstances, which are further accentuated due to the lack of stability in the estimators. We offer suggestions for the future use of psychometric meta‐analysis and discuss the implications for research focused on refining psychometric meta‐analysis.
Application of photogrammetry to generate quantitative geobody data in ephemeral fluvial systems
Authors: Priddy Charlotte L. , Pringle Jamie K. , Clarke Stuart M. , Pettigrew Ross P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOutcrop studies are often used as analogues to subsurface sedimentary reservoirs, with photogrammetry representing a useful technique to obtain quantitative geometrical data of sedimentary architectures. Digital photogrammetric techniques were used to study fluvial sediments of the Lower Jurassic Kayenta Formation of the western USA. Model‐extracted statistics for channel and sheetflood elements, relevant to reservoir modelling, were compared with 1D and 2D datasets from the same outcrops. Results suggest that the 1D/2D data significantly underestimated element dimensions and ranges in ephemeral fluvial systems. Consequently, this study demonstrates the value of photogrammetric techniques for obtaining statistically relevant and more accurate reservoir modelling input data from outcrops.
Set‐theoretic Multimethod Research: The Role of Test Corridors and Conjunctions for Case Selection
Authors: Schneider Carsten Q. , Rohlfing Ingo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSet‐theoretic multimethod research (SMMR) using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) formalizes the choice of cases based on a truth table analysis. We make three recommendations for improving SMMR. First, current standards can lead to faulty case selection if causal inference on a conjunction is the goal. Case selection needs to take into account that the non‐members of a conjunction might be empirically diverse and that only selected types of non‐members are ideal for causal inference. Second, we formally show that cases with similar fuzzy‐set memberships in a term and the outcome are the superior choice for process tracing. They minimize the expected membership in the mechanism and make it most difficult to pass a hypothesis test. Third, we propose formulas that comply with all SMMR principles and identify the best pairs of cases for analysis. We illustrate our arguments with a study of the effectiveness of sanctions against authoritarian regimes.
Nurse‐Led Tele‐Coaching on Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yu‐Mei Chen Delphine , Wu Xi Vivien , Chan Ee Yuee , Goh Yong Shian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundTele‐coaching has been used by nurses as one of the accessible and sustainable interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, evidence has been lacking to demonstrate its effectiveness in mitigating the related cardiovascular risk factors.AimsTo systematically evaluate the effectiveness of nurse‐led tele‐coaching on the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, & lipid levels) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA systematic search of eight databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, & ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) was conducted for randomized controlled trials of nurse‐led tele‐coaching for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus published in English up to October 30, 2018. A meta‐analysis was conducted for the primary outcomes of the studies.ResultsTwelve randomized controlled trials were selected that included 3,030 participants. Results from the meta‐analysis revealed statistically significant reductions for not only glycated hemoglobin (pooled mean difference = −1.23, 95% CI: −1.63 to −0.8, I2 = 0%, p < .00) but also systolic blood pressure (SBP; pooled mean difference = −2.22, 95% CI: −3.95 to −0.49, I2 = 0%, p < .01); such findings are supportive of the use of nurse‐led tele‐coaching on the primary outcome.Linking Evidence to ActionResults from the meta‐analyses have shown that nurse‐led tele‐coaching is an effective and accessible intervention that could improve the glycemic control and SBP among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Early postoperative mobilization in patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Hu Yan , McArthur Alexa , Yu Zhenghong 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
The aim of this project was to improve early postoperative mobilization in patients undergoing abdominal surgery according to best practice.

Introduction:
Early mobilization is a crucial element of postoperative care; however, there are challenges implementing early mobilization protocols in daily practice. This project used the evidence to improve awareness and practice of early mobilization in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods:
This study utilized clinical audit strategies under the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) module. An audit-feedback cycle was used from April 2018 to August 2018. The baseline audit was conducted using 18 nurses and 30 patients in a general surgery ward. The Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tool was used to identify barriers, strategies, resources and outcomes. After implementing evidence-based strategies, a follow-up was conducted using the same number of samples and audit criteria. We analyzed the compliance with best practice and its impact on length of hospitalization, postoperative physical activities, gastrointestinal function and complications.

Results:
After implementing best-practice strategies, the compliance rate of the six criteria improved as follows: criterion 1 from 0% to 100% (P = 0.000), criterion 2 from 87% to 100% (χ2 = 4.29, P = 0.038), criterion 3 from 60% to 70% (χ2 = 6.67, P = 0.010), criterion 4 from 7% to 79% (χ2 = 52.55, P = 0.000), criterion 5 from 40% to 70% (χ2 = 35.00, P = 0.000), and criterion 6 from 0% to 100% (P = 0.000). The differences in the length of hospitalization and physical activities between the pre-implementation and post-implementation were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The rate of postoperative complications did not show a significant difference because of low occurrence.

Conclusions:
The results indicate that evidence-based practice is an effective method for enhancing early recovery in patients undergoing abdominal surgery through promoting early mobilization. Sustaining best practice should continue through further follow-up audits.
A closed-loop readout interface for MEMS accelerometer with time-multiplexing electrostatic force feedback
Authors: Sun Zhi Yuan , Yin Liang , Yu Jian Hai 
Published: November 2019

The noise and linearity performance of a MEMS accelerometer is a critical issue for land seismic acquisition applications. Incorporating closed-loop force feedback is an effective way to enhance those performances. However, additional electrode to exert the electrostatic force is typically not available and residue displacement of proof mass would introduce significant nonlinearity to the closed-loop transfer function, impairing the efficiency of the method. This paper proposes a switched-capacitor closed-loop readout interface for MEMS accelerometer which greatly alleviates those problem. First, the proposed system incorporates a time-multiplexing technique, thus the sensing and force feedback can be realized using the same electrode and get separated in time sequence. Furthermore, the cross-coupling of high-voltage feedback signal and weak sensing signal can be minimized. Second, a correlated double sampling (CDS) technique and a PID control mechanism is introduced in the loop. Thus, the two sources of residue displacement: interface mismatch and insufficient loop gain can be well-suppressed. The test results show that the proposed closed-loop MEMS accelerometer can achieve an SNR better than 120 dB, with an in-band noise spectral density lower than 500 ng/Hz[Formula: see text].
An Attribute-Weighted Bayes Classifier Based on Asymmetric Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Liu Jingxian , Zhang Yulin 
Published: November 2019

In this research, an attribute-weighted one-dependence Bayes estimation algorithm based on the asymmetric correlation coefficient is proposed. The asymmetric correlation coefficients Tau_y and Lambda_y, respectively, are used to calculate the correlation between parent attributes and category labels, then the result of calculation is regarded as weight to the parent attribute. The algorithm is applied to eight types of different datasets including binary classification and multiple classification from the UCI database. By comparing the time complexity and classification accuracy, experimental results show that the algorithm can significantly improve the classification performance with less prediction error. In addition, several baseline methods such as KNN, ANN, logistic regression and SVM are used for comparison with the proposed method.
IMPROVING FLUORITE FLOTATION UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE AND NEUTRAL pH CONDITIONS
Authors: LI SHUOFU , GONG DAOZHEN , ZHANG WEI , LI GENZHUANG , JUE KOU 
Published: November 2019

The authors provide insight into the problem of selective flotation of fluorite from quartz–fluorite ores. The flotation of fluorite mineral from ores by using acidized water glass as depressant has been studied for substitution of the commonly used depressant. It was found that the acidized water glass could achieve higher selectivity of fluorite minerals against gangue minerals in the fluorite flotation. The experimental results showed that YF collector has high selectivity in the flotation of fluoride for low-grade fluorite ores. The use of the YF collector also made it unnecessary to heat the pulp to a high temperature and achieved an acceptable reduction in the flotation temperature to [Formula: see text]C. The YF collector should be used in neutral pH to separate fluorite from gangue and it could also improve fluorite recovery and flotation rate.
Baseline Predictors of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Systolic Blood Pressure Goal Attainment After 1 Year in the ISCHEMIA Trial
Authors: Newman Jonathan D. , Alexander Karen P. , Gu Xiangqiong , O’Brien Sean M. , Boden William E. , Govindan Sajeev C. , Senior Roxy , Moorthy Nagaraja , Rezende Paulo C. , Demkow Marcin , Lopez-Sendon Jose Luis , Bockeria Olga , Pandit Neeraj , Gosselin Gilbert , Stone Peter H. , Spertus John A. , Stone Gregg W. , Fleg Jerome L. , Hochman Judith S. , Maron David J. ,   on behalf of the ISCHEMIA Research Group
Published: November 2019

Background:
Risk factor control is the cornerstone of managing stable ischemic heart disease but is often not achieved. Predictors of risk factor control in a randomized clinical trial have not been described.

Methods and Results:
The ISCHEMIA trial (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) randomized individuals with at least moderate inducible ischemia and obstructive coronary artery disease to an initial invasive or conservative strategy in addition to optimal medical therapy. The primary aim of this analysis was to determine predictors of meeting trial goals for LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, goal <70 mg/dL) or systolic blood pressure (SBP, goal <140 mm Hg) at 1 year post-randomization. We included all randomized participants in the ISCHEMIA trial with baseline and 1-year LDL-C and SBP values by January 28, 2019. Among the 3984 ISCHEMIA participants (78% of 5179 randomized) with available data, 35% were at goal for LDL-C, and 65% were at goal for SBP at baseline. At 1 year, the percent at goal increased to 52% for LDL-C and 75% for SBP. Adjusted odds of 1-year LDL-C goal attainment were greater with older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11 [95% CI, 1.03–1.20] per 10 years), lower baseline LDL-C (OR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.17–1.22] per 10 mg/dL), high-intensity statin use (OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.12–1.51]), nonwhite race (OR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.07–1.63]), and North American enrollment compared with other regions (OR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.06–1.66]). Women were less likely than men to achieve 1-year LDL-C goal (OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.58–0.80]). Adjusted odds of 1-year SBP goal attainment were greater with lower baseline SBP (OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.22–1.33] per 10 mm Hg) and with North American enrollment (OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.04–1.76]).

Conclusions:
In ISCHEMIA, older age, male sex, high-intensity statin use, lower baseline LDL-C, and North American location predicted 1-year LDL-C goal attainment, whereas lower baseline SBP and North American location predicted 1-year SBP goal attainment. Future studies should examine the effects of sex disparities, international practice patterns, and provider behavior on risk factor control.