bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A More Flexible Bayesian Multilevel Bifactor Item Response Theory Model
Authors: Fujimoto Ken A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMultilevel bifactor item response theory (IRT) models are commonly used to account for features of the data that are related to the sampling and measurement processes used to gather those data. These models conventionally make assumptions about the portions of the data structure that represent these features. Unfortunately, when data violate these models' assumptions but these models are used anyway, incorrect conclusions about the cluster effects could be made and potentially relevant dimensions could go undetected. To address the limitations of these conventional models, a more flexible multilevel bifactor IRT model that does not make these assumptions is presented, and this model is based on the generalized partial credit model. Details of a simulation study demonstrating this model outperforming competing models and showing the consequences of using conventional multilevel bifactor IRT models to analyze data that violate these models' assumptions are reported. Additionally, the model's usefulness is illustrated through the analysis of the Program for International Student Assessment data related to interest in science.
Treatment patterns of lipid‐lowering therapies and possible statin intolerance among statin users with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes mellitus (DM) in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jone , Wen Yao‐Chun , Fox Kathleen M. , Shen Li‐Jiuan , Lin Lian‐Yu , Qian Yi , Zhao Zhongyun , Rane Pratik P. , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo assess treatment patterns of statin and/or ezetimibe and possible statin intolerance among patients initiating statin or statin plus ezetimibe and with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes mellitus (DM) in Taiwan.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's 2005 to 2013 National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was conducted. Patients with history of clinical ASCVD or DM (without previous clinical ASCVD) and initiating statin or statin plus ezetimibe therapy during 2006 to 2012 were identified. The treatment initiation date was defined as index date. Treatment patterns (including discontinuation, reinitiation, subtraction, switching, and augmentation), adherence (medication possession ratio [MPR]), persistence (gap no greater than 60 d) of statin and/or ezetimibe, and possible statin intolerance during 12‐month follow‐up from the index date were examined.ResultsAmong patients initiating statin or statin plus ezetimibe, 11 092 patients with history of clinical ASCVD and 31 100 patients with DM but without clinical ASCVD were analysed. The discontinuation, reinitiation, and switching rates among patients with clinical ASCVD were 54.0%, 11.3%, and 25.7% during 12‐month follow‐up period, respectively. Among patients with DM, the rates were 57.5%, 14.2%, and 28.5%. The MPRs of statin among clinical ASCVD and DM cohorts were 0.62 and 0.60, respectively. As for ezetimibe, the MPRs were 0.56 and 0.59. Persistence to statin treatment was 46.1% among ASCVD patients and 42.6% among DM patients. Among the ASCVD and DM cohorts, possible statin intolerance was observed among 19.9% and 21.4% of patients, respectively.ConclusionsLarge number of patients with either ASCVD or DM discontinued lipid‐lowering therapies with suboptimal adherence and persistence among Taiwanese population. There is a large unmet medical need to provide safe and more effective therapies, which can be used in combination with statins or alone, to reduce the risk of CV events and improve outcomes in high‐risk patients.
Nonlinear and multiple linear regression analysis of airflow resistance in multiplier onion
Authors: Gomathy K. , Balakrishnan M. , Pandiselvam R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe estimation of horizontal and vertical airflow resistance is essential for fabricating storage cum curing structure for multiplier onion. The horizontal and vertical airflow resistance of multiplier onion (var. CO‐4) was investigated at three different moisture levels of 80.8, 84.2, and 88.8% w.b., and the airflow rates varied from 1 to 1.7 m3 s−1 m−2. The horizontal airflow resistance was studied at three different depths of fill of 10, 20, and 30 cm. The resistance of multiplier onion to airflow increased significantly with increasing depth of fill, moisture content, and airflow rate. Models, namely Shedd's, Hukill and Ives equation, were investigated to explore the horizontal airflow resistance of onion. Shedd's equation was found to be the most suitable model with a high coefficient of determination and low RMSE value. The vertical airflow resistance was studied at a depth of fill of 5–15 cm and spacing between racks of 20–40 cm. The airflow resistance may be best expressed by the linear model with the highest adjusted R2 of .842 and a predicted R2 of .8053. The optimum curing conditions were obtained at an airflow rate of 1.15 m3 s−1 m−2, 14.5 cm depth of fill, and 35 cm spacing between racks.Practical applicationsMultiplier onion being an important spice crop in southern parts of India, the effective storage of the same becomes very essential. Under monsoon conditions, farmers face heavy postharvest losses of rotting and sprouting caused due to improper aeration within the storage structures. The efficient designing of storage structure requires data on the effect of airflow rate, depth of filling, and spacing between racks. The airflow resistance data are vital for optimizing the dimensions of the storage structure. The effect of these parameters and their interactions has been analyzed for the first time using nonlinear and multiple linear regression analysis. The optimized design dimensions could be utilized by farmers for constructing an optimal storage structure for multiplier onion with minimal storage losses even under monsoon conditions.
Numerical modeling and simulation of temperature profiles in finger millet bed during solid state fermentation
Authors: Chandrasekar Veerapandian , Ganapathy Shunmugam , Karthikeyan Subburamu , Nambi Eyarkai , Pandiselvam Ravi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe temperature profile (core temperature and temperature gradient) of the finger millets bed affects the efficiency of the solid‐state fermentation (SSF) process and quality of the product. Despite its detrimental effect, it is difficult to measure/monitor the temperature profile inside a chamber. Hence, the temperature profiles in the finger millets bed during SSF were predicted and analyzed using numerical modeling. The bed thicknesses (0.075, 0.15, and 0.225 m) and air flow velocities (0.12, 0.24, and 0.36 m/s) were varied to study the temperature profiles in the SSF process. Fermentation was carried out in a fixed bed solid‐state fermenter. The results showed that temperature profiles were depending upon both bed thickness and air velocity and the lesser differences in temperature profiles were observed at 0.15 m bed thickness and 0.24 m/s air velocity. The low relative error (−0.335–0.250) and chi‐square (0.00–4.09) values indicated that the model could be used for prediction of temperature profiles in finger millet bed and it could be used for online temperature profiling in commercial‐scale solid state fermenter.Practical applicationsSSF of finger millet is a promising bioconversion process and it is used for improving the nutritional and functional properties of millets. During the SSF process, continuous metabolic heat emission affects the quality of the end product. Hence, maintaining and controlling the temperature during SSF helps to improve the quality of product formation. However, formation of hard mass or densification of substrate does not enable to measure the temperature variation in the finger millet bed (substrate) and causes difficulty to maintain and control the temperature. Therefore, numerical models were developed to predict the temperature profile in the SSF process. The models could be useful for developing controllers to maintain the temperature in the SSF process that is required for quality product formation. Also, the developed model could be useful to develop the sensors for online measurement of temperature during SSF process and design and development of large‐scale solid state fermenter.
Statins After Myocardial Infarction in the Oldest: A Cohort Study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Database
Authors: Lefeber Geert J. , Koek Huiberdina L. , Souverein Patrick C. , Bouvy Marcel L. , de Boer Anthonius , Knol Wilma 
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of initiating statins for secondary prevention after a first myocardial infarction (MI) in patients aged 80 years and older.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGClinical Practice Research Datalink (1999‐2016).PARTICIPANTSPatients, aged 65 years and older, hospitalized after a first MI without a statin prescription in the year before hospitalization. The age group of 65 to 80 years was included to compare our results to current evidence.MEASUREMENTSThe primary outcome was a composite of recurrent MI, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality; and the secondary outcome was all‐cause mortality. A time‐varying Cox model was used to account for statin prescription over time. We compared at least 2 years of statin prescription time with untreated and less than 2 years of prescription time. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. The number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated based on the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and corrected for deaths during the first 2 years of follow‐up.RESULTSA total of 9020 patients were included. Among the 3900 patients aged 80 years and older, 2 years of statin prescriptions resulted in a lower risk of the composite outcome (adjusted HR = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66‐0.99) and of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.73‐0.97). During 4.5 years of median follow‐up, the NNT for prevention of the primary outcome was 59; and for mortality, the NNT was 36. Correcting for 36.2% deaths during the first 2 years increased the NNT on the primary outcome to 93 and to 61 on all‐cause mortality.CONCLUSIONOur data support statin initiation after a first MI in patients aged 80 years and older if continued for at least 2 years. Especially in patients with a low risk of 2‐year mortality, statins should be considered. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:329–336, 2020
Intersected functional zone of transcriptional regulators patterns stemness within stem cell niche of root apical meristem
Authors: Xu Meizhi , Gu Xu , Liang Nengsong , Bian Xinxin , Wang Hong , Qin Yaxin , Pi Limin , Wu Shuang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRoot stem cell niche (SCN) consists of a quiescent center (QC) and surrounding stem cells. Disrupted symplastic communication leads to loss of stemness in the whole SCN. Several SCN regulators were reported to move between cells for SCN maintenance. However, single mutant of these regulators is insufficient to abolish QC stemness despite the high differentiation rate in surrounding stem cells. To dissect the mechanism behind such distinct stemness in SCN, we combined the mis‐expression strategy with pWOX5:icals3m system in which QC is symplastically isolated. We found the starch accumulation in QC could be synergistically repressed by WUSCHEL‐RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5), SHORT‐ROOT (SHR), SCARCROW (SCR), and PLETHORA (PLT). Like PLTs, other core regulators also exhibited dimorphic functions by inhibiting differentiation at a higher dose while promoting cell division at a low protein level. Being located in the center of the intersected expression zones, QC cells receive the highest level of core regulators, forming the most robust stemness within SCN. WUSCHEL‐RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 was sufficient to activate PLT1/2 expression, contributing to the QC‐enriched PLTs. Our results provide experimental evidence supporting the long‐standing hypothesis that the combination of spatial expression, synergistic function and dosage effect of core regulators result in spatially distinct stemness in SCN.
The plant N‐degron pathways of ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis
Authors: Holdsworth Michael John , Vicente Jorge , Sharma Gunjan , Abbas Mohamad , Zubrycka Agata 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe amino‐terminal residue of a protein (or amino‐terminus of a peptide following protease cleavage) can be an important determinant of its stability, through the Ubiquitin Proteasome System associated N‐degron pathways. Plants contain a unique combination of N‐degron pathways (previously called the N‐end rule pathways) E3 ligases, PROTEOLYSIS (PRT)6 and PRT1, recognizing non‐overlapping sets of amino‐terminal residues, and others remain to be identified. Although only very few substrates of PRT1 or PRT6 have been identified, substrates of the oxygen and nitric oxide sensing branch of the PRT6 N‐degron pathway include key nuclear‐located transcription factors (ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR VIIs and LITTLE ZIPPER 2) and the histone‐modifying Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 component VERNALIZATION 2. In response to reduced oxygen or nitric oxide levels (and other mechanisms that reduce pathway activity) these stabilized substrates regulate diverse aspects of growth and development, including response to flooding, salinity, vernalization (cold‐induced flowering) and shoot apical meristem function. The N‐degron pathways show great promise for use in the improvement of crop performance and for biotechnological applications. Upstream proteases, components of the different pathways and associated substrates still remain to be identified and characterized to fully appreciate how regulation of protein stability through the amino‐terminal residue impacts plant biology.
Fathers matter too! Lived experience of pedagogical hope in raising children with Down syndrome
Authors: Armijos‐Yambay K. , Jordán Sierra J. A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPedagogical hope is a fundamental disposition for raising children. This attitude among fathers of children with Down syndrome (DS) plays an essential role in their children's development. This phenomenological study sought to explore fathers' lived experiences and to reflect on what it means to be a pedagogically hopeful father of a child with DS.MethodsMax van Manen's hermeneutic–phenomenological method was applied. Phenomenological interviews were held with 10 fathers of children with DS in Spain, Ecuador and Scotland. Anecdotal narratives from the transcribed interviews were analysed based on philosophical, philological and human science methods.ResultsThe four eidetic themes in the phenomenological text show how a pedagogically hopeful father (1) is realistic; (2) believes in the strengths of his child with DS; (3) trusts in his positive influence; and (4) is open to unexpected surprises.ConclusionsLived experiences of pedagogical hope reveal fathers' fundamental roles in stimulating the utmost development of their child's capabilities. Reflecting on this pedagogical attitude will undoubtedly encourage fathers, educators and health care professionals to make the most of this disposition and enhance their relationship with their children with DS.
Platinum‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Staff Nathan P. , Cavaletti Guido , Islam Badrul , Lustberg Maryam , Psimaras Dimitri , Tamburin Stefano 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPlatinum‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (PIPN) is a common side effect of platinum‐based chemotherapy that may cause dose reduction and discontinuation, with oxaliplatin being more neurotoxic. PIPN includes acute neurotoxicity restricted to oxaliplatin, and chronic non‐length‐dependent sensory neuronopathy with positive and negative sensory symptoms and neuropathic pain in both upper and lower limbs. Chronic sensory axonal neuropathy manifesting as stocking‐and‐glove distribution is also frequent. Worsening of neuropathic symptoms after completing the last chemotherapy course may occur. Motor and autonomic involvement is uncommon. Ototoxicity is frequent in children and more commonly to cisplatin. Platinum‐based compounds result in more prolonged neuropathic symptoms in comparison to other chemotherapy agents. Patient reported outcomes questionnaires, clinical evaluation and instrumental tools offer complementary information in PIPN. Electrodiagnostic features include diffusely reduced/abolished sensory action potentials, in keeping with a sensory neuronopathy. PIPN is dependent on cumulative dose but there is a large variability in its occurrence. The search for additional risk factors for PIPN has thus far yielded no consistent findings. There are currently no neuroprotective strategies to reduce the risk of PIPN, and symptomatic treatment is limited to duloxetine that was found effective in a single phase III intervention study. This review critically examines the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors (both clinical and pharmacogenetic), clinical phenotype and management of PIPN.
Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity: A multifaceted, still unsolved issue
Authors: Cavaletti Guido , Alberti Paola , Argyriou Andreas A. , Lustberg Maryam , Staff Nathan P. , Tamburin Stefano ,   on behalf of the Toxic Neuropathy Consortium of the Peripheral Nerve Society
Published: October 2019

AbstractChemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a potentially dose‐limiting side effect of several commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. The main pharmacological classes that may cause CIPN include classical anticancer drugs, as well as the recently introduced immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody drug conjugates. The absence of a complete knowledge of CIPN pathophysiology is only one of the several unsolved issues related to CIPN. Among some of the most relevant aspects of CIPN deserving further attention include the real number of patients exposed to the risk of CIPN, the long‐term impact on cancer survivors' quality of life due to incomplete recovery from CIPN, the economic burden related to acute and chronic CIPN, and the different perspective and education of the healthcare specialists in charge of managing patients with CIPN. Overall, CIPN remains a very challenging area of research as there are still several unresolved issues to be addressed in the future. In this special issue, the multifaceted profile of CIPN will be presented, with particular emphasis on bolstering the need to develop more optimized outcome measures than the existing ones to accurately evaluate the extent of CIPN, but also to ascertain the differences in the incidence, risk factors, clinical phenotype, and management of CIPN, according to the most commonly used neurotoxic chemotherapy classes. Perspectives for future research to pursue in order to cover the gaps in knowledge in the CIPN field will also be discussed.
Bortezomib and other proteosome inhibitors—induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Velasco Roser , Alberti Paola , Bruna Jordi , Psimaras Dimitri , Argyriou Andreas A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractProteasome inhibitors (PIs), especially bortezomib (BTZ), have come to the forefront over the last years because of their unprecedented efficacy mainly against multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, peripheral neuropathy (PN) secondary to treatment of MM with PIs has emerged as a clinically relevant complication, which negatively impacts the quality of life of MM survivors. Bortezomib‐induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a dose‐limiting toxicity, which develops in 30% to 60% of patients during treatment. Typically, BIPN is a length‐dependent sensory axonopathy characterized by numbness, tingling, and severe neuropathic pain in stocking and glove distribution. BIPN mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Experimental studies suggest that aggresome formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, myotoxicity, microtubule stabilization, inflammatory response, and DNA damage could contribute to this neurotoxicity. A new generation of structurally distinct PIs has been developed, being increasingly used in clinical settings. Carfilzomib exhibits a much lower neurotoxicity profile, with a significantly lower incidence of PN compared to BTZ. Pre‐existing PN increases the risk of developing BIPN. Besides, BIPN is related to dose, schedule and mode of administration and modifications of these factors have lowered the incidence of PN. However, to date there is no cure for PIs‐induced PN (PIIPN), and a careful neurological monitoring and dose adjustment is a key strategy for preserving quality of life. This review critically looks at the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, both clinical and pharmacogenetics, clinical phenotype and management of PIIPN. We also make recommendations for further elucidating the whole clinical spectrum of PIIPN.
Pregnancy and symptomatic relief following ultrasound‐guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation in patients with adenomyosis
Authors: Nam Jang‐Hyun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo report the reproductive results and symptomatic relief of patients with adenomyosis who attempted to conceive after ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).MethodsOf 182 consecutive patients with adenomyosis who had undergone RFA, only 81 patients were eligible for this study. Pregnancy outcomes, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative pictorial blood loss assessment chart scores, and pain scores were evaluated.ResultsOf these 81 patients, 74 were infertile and seven were single at the time of RFA. The mean age at the time of operation was 35.8 years. The mean duration from the time of RFA to conception was 18.9 months (range, 2–72 months). Fifty‐nine patients tried natural conception, while 22 patients attempted conception with assisted reproductive techniques. Twenty‐nine (35.8%) patients achieved 39 pregnancies. Except for the 23 patients who did not actively try to conceive and who inevitably or arbitrarily discontinued pregnancy attempts, the pregnancy success rate reached 50%. Twenty‐two (84.6%) of the 29 patients delivered 24 (66.7%) live babies (nine vaginal deliveries and 15 cesarean sections). Twelve (33.3%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortions. No uterine ruptures occurred. Paired sample t‐tests revealed that preoperative pictorial blood loss assessment chart and pain scores were significantly (P < 0.05) different from the postoperative scores at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐months.ConclusionRFA could be considered a minimally‐invasive treatment option for patients with adenomyosis who desire to maintain fertility and alleviate symptoms.