bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring conceptual understanding in randomised controlled trials: Can comparative judgement help?
Authors: Jones Ian , Bisson Marie , Gilmore Camilla , Inglis Matthew 
Published: June 2019

An impediment to conducting high‐quality quantitative research studies in education is the paucity of valid measures of learning gains. Studies often seek to investigate students’ deep, conceptual understanding yet many measures assess only surface, procedural understanding. One reason is that the development of validated measures of conceptual understanding is resource intensive and time consuming, and success is not guaranteed. We evaluated a novel and efficient technique, based on comparative judgement, for assessing conceptual understanding. We applied the technique to a randomised controlled trial in which students were taught simple algebra based on either the Grid Algebra or the MiGen software package. The participants were Year 5 students (N = 188) drawn from four primary schools who had not encountered algebra previously. An instrument from the literature (Concepts in Secondary Mathematics and Science: Algebra Scale) and a novel comparative judgement assessment were administered following the intervention. Students in the Grid Algebra condition outperformed those in the MiGen condition on both post‐test measures. The comparative judgement technique performed similarly to the standard instrument but was far more efficient to design and implement. The technique can, in principle, be quickly applied to any target concept of interest. We conclude that comparative judgement is a valid, reliable and practical tool that could help to increase both the quantity and quality of quantitative research in education.
Stability‐indicating chromatographic and chemometric methods for environmentally benign determination of canagliflozin and its major degradation product; A comparative study and greenness assessment
Authors: Emam Aml A. , Abdelwahab Nada S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRecently, concepts of sustainable developments, like considering the environmental effect of chemicals used and the amount of hazardous wastes produced, has gained much interest. In this work, a recently approved treatment for type II diabetes mellitus, canagliflozin, was quantified along with its degradation product by two eco‐friendly methods. The first was a specific green HPLC method using a C18 column as a stationary phase and a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water (98:2, v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with UV detection at 225 nm, and using ibuprofen as an internal standard. The second method was a partial least square chemometric method with the wavelength range 220–320 nm and the data was autoscaled as a preprocessing step for determination of canagliflozin and its degradation product. The greenness profile of the developed methods was studied and compared with the reported methods. The proposed methods were suitable alternatives for the environmentally harmful reported methods for quality control analyses of canagliflozin‐containing samples, analysis of pharmaceutical formulations and sensitive tracing of its possible degradation product. The methods were validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and statistically compared with the reported HPLC method.
Core–Shell Pd@M (M=Ni, Cu, Co) Nanoparticles/Graphene Ensembles with High Mass Electrocatalytic Activity Toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Perivoliotis Dimitrios K. , Sato Yuta , Suenaga Kazu , Tagmatarchis Nikos 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHerein, it is demonstrated that pyrene butyric acid (PBA)‐stabilized metal nanoparticles with core–shell morphology, Pd@MNPs (M=Ni, Cu, Co), non‐covalently supported on graphene (G) sheets, are more active towards oxygen electroreduction in alkaline environments than the benchmark Pd/C catalyst, albeit with a 70 % lower precious metal loading. The PBA‐stabilized Pd@MNPs (M=Ni, Cu, Co)/G ensembles were prepared by employing a simple modified polyol method and galvanic replacement and thoroughly characterized with advanced microscopy imaging and complementary spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical studies revealed that Pd@NiNPs/G presents the optimum performance, exhibiting a 30 mV more positive onset potential and 3.2 times greater mass activity over Pd/C. Moreover, chronoamperometric assays showed the minimum activity loss for Pd@NiNPs/G, not only among its core–shell counterparts but importantly when compared with the benchmark catalyst. The excellent performance of Pd@NiNPs/G was attributed to the (a) presence of PBA as stabilizer, (b) uniform Pd@NiNPs dispersion onto the graphene sheets, (c) efficient intra‐ensemble interactions between the two species, (d) existence of the core–shell structure for Pd@NiNPs, and (e) stability of the Ni core metal under the reaction conditions. Last, the oxygen reduction on Pd@NiNPs/graphene occurs by the direct four‐electron reduction pathway, showing great potential for use in energy related applications.
High EMSY expression defines a BRCA‐like subgroup of high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma with prolonged survival and hypersensitivity to platinum
Authors: Hollis Robert L. , Churchman Michael , Michie Caroline O. , Rye Tzyvia , Knight Laura , McCavigan Andrena , Perren Timothy , Williams Alistair R. W. , McCluggage W. Glenn , Kaplan Richard S. , Jayson Gordon C. , Oza Amit , Harkin D. Paul , Herrington C. Simon , Kennedy Richard , Gourley Charlie 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundApproximately half of high‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) demonstrate homologous recombination repair (HR) pathway defects, resulting in a distinct clinical phenotype comprising hypersensitivity to platinum, superior clinical outcome, and greater sensitivity to poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. EMSY, which is known to be amplified in breast and ovarian cancers, encodes a protein reported to bind and inactivate BRCA2. Thus, EMSY overexpression may mimic BRCA2 mutation, resulting in HR deficiency. However, to our knowledge, the phenotypic consequences of EMSY overexpression in HGSOC patients has not been explored.MethodsHere we investigate the impact of EMSY expression on clinical outcome and sensitivity to platinum‐based chemotherapy using available data from transcriptomically characterized HGSOC cohorts.ResultsHigh EMSY expression was associated with better clinical outcome in a cohort of 265 patients with HGSOC from Edinburgh (overall survival multivariable hazard ratio, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.38‐0.88; P = .011] and progression‐free survival multivariable hazard ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.40‐0.96; P = .030]). Superior outcome also was demonstrated in the Medical Research Council ICON7 clinical trial and multiple publicly available data sets. Patients within the Edinburgh cohort who had high EMSY expression were found to demonstrate greater rates of complete response to multiple platinum‐containing chemotherapy regimens (radiological complete response rate of 44.4% vs 12.5% at second exposure; P = .035) and corresponding prolonged time to disease progression (median, 151.5 days vs 60.5 days after third platinum exposure; P = .004).ConclusionsPatients with HGSOCs demonstrating high EMSY expression appear to experience prolonged survival and greater platinum sensitivity, reminiscent of BRCA‐mutant cases. These data are consistent with the notion that EMSY overexpression may render HGSOCs HR deficient.
The Therapy Process Questionnaire ‐ Factor analysis and psychometric properties of a multidimensional self‐rating scale for high‐frequency monitoring of psychotherapeutic processes
Authors: Schiepek Günter , Stöger‐Schmidinger Barbara , Kronberger Helmut , Aichhorn Wolfgang , Kratzer Leonhard , Heinz Peter , Viol Kathrin , Lichtwarck‐Aschoff Anna , Schöller Helmut 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMany outcome measures and session‐related questionnaires in psychotherapy are designed for weekly or biweekly administration. Yet, today, technical developments allow for higher frequency assessments to monitor human change dynamics more closely by daily assessments. For this purpose, the Therapy Process Questionnaire (TPQ) was developed, with a specific focus on inpatient psychotherapy. In this article, we present an explorative and confirmative factor analysis of the TPQ on the basis of the time series data of 150 patients collected during their hospital stay (mean time series length: 69.1 measurement points). A seven‐factor solution was identified, which explains 68.7% of variance and associates 43 items onto the factors, which are “well‐being and positive emotions,” “relationship with fellow patients,” “therapeutic relationship and clinical setting,” “emotional and problem intensity,” “insight/confidence/therapeutic progress,” “motivation for change,” and “mindfulness/self‐care.” The internal consistency (Cronbach's α), the inter‐item correlations of the subscales, and the discriminative power of the items are excellent. The TPQ can be applied in practice and research for creating time series with equidistant measurement points and time series lengths, which are appropriate for the application of nonlinear analysis methods. Especially in clinical practice, it is important to identify precursors of phase transitions, changing synchronization patterns, and critical or instable periods of a process, which now is possible by internet‐ or app‐based applications of this multidimensional questionnaire.
Severe Acute Malnutrition Results in Lower Lumefantrine Exposure in Children Treated With Artemether‐Lumefantrine for Uncomplicated Malaria
Authors: Chotsiri Palang , Denoeud‐Ndam Lise , Baudin Elisabeth , Guindo Ousmane , Diawara Halimatou , Attaher Oumar , Smit Michiel , Guerin Philippe J. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Wiesner Lubbe , Barnes Karen I. , Hoglund Richard M. , Dicko Alassane , Etard Jean‐Francois , Tarning Joel 
Published: June 2019

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) has been reported to be associated with increased malaria morbidity in Sub‐Saharan African children and may affect the pharmacology of antimalarial drugs. This population pharmacokinetic (PK)‐pharmacodynamic study included 131 SAM and 266 non‐SAM children administered artemether‐lumefantrine twice daily for 3 days. Lumefantrine capillary plasma concentrations were adequately described by two transit‐absorption compartments followed by two distribution compartments. Allometrically scaled body weight and an enzymatic maturation effect were included in the PK model. Mid‐upper arm circumference was associated with decreased absorption of lumefantrine (25.4% decreased absorption per 1 cm reduction). Risk of recurrent malaria episodes (i.e., reinfection) were characterized by an interval‐censored time‐to‐event model with a sigmoid maximum‐effect model describing the effect of lumefantrine. SAM children were at risk of underexposure to lumefantrine and an increased risk of malaria reinfection compared with well‐nourished children. Research on optimized regimens should be considered for malaria treatment in malnourished children.
A single nuclear polymorphism in let‐7g binding site affects the doubling time of thyroid nodule by regulating KRAS‐induced cell proliferation
Authors: Liu Ailin , Zhang Wanli , Zhao Tao , Xiao Ming , Mei Qijian , Zhu Hui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAs an indicator for the malignancy of thyroid nodules (TN), the doubling time of TN was studied in this study to evaluate the effect of rs712 polymorphism on the progression of TN. In addition, we aimed to study the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the pathological effect of rs712 polymorphism upon TN. A Taqman method was used to genotype the patients according to their rs712 polymorphism. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay was conducted to study the correlation between KRAS expression and the pathological effect of rs712 polymorphism. In‐silicon analysis and luciferase assay were utilized to establish the regulatory relationship between let‐7g and KRAS. KRAS messenger RNA (mRNA)/protein levels in the GG group were upregulated with a decreased apoptosis index. KRAS mRNA was validated to be a virtual target of let‐7g. In addition, the mRNA/protein level of KRAS as well as cell proliferation index was decreased in primary thyroid cancer cells genotyped as TT/TG and transfected with KRAS small interfering RNA (siRNA)/let‐7g precursors. The cell apoptosis index was evidently elevated in the KRAS siRNA/let‐7g precursors group compared with that in the scramble controls. Moreover, KRAS mRNA/protein only showed slight reduction when GG‐genotyped primary thyroid cancer cells were transfected by let‐7g precursors. Additionally, let‐7g precursors exhibited no significant effect on cell proliferation index or cell apoptosis in GG cells. Rs712 polymorphism T>G in the 3′‐untranslated region of KRAS interrupts the interactions between let‐7g and KRAS mRNA, leading to a higher cell proliferation index and reduced doubling time of TN.
Three‐dimensional frequency‐domain optical anisotropy imaging of biological tissues with near‐infrared light
Authors: Addoum Ahmad , Contassot‐Vivier Sylvain , Asllanaj Fatmir 
Published: June 2019

PurposeNear‐infrared optical imaging aims to reconstruct the absorption and scattering coefficients in order to detect tumors at early stage. However, the reconstructions have only been limited to and due to theoretical and computational limitations. The authors propose an efficient method of the reconstruction, in three‐dimensional geometries, of the anisotropy factor g of the Henyey–Greenstein phase function as a new optical imaging biomarker.MethodsThe light propagation in biological tissues is accurately modeled by the radiative transfer equation (RTE) in the frequency‐domain. The reconstruction algorithm is based on a gradient‐based updating scheme. The adjoint method is used to efficiently compute the gradient of the objective function which represents the discrepancy between simulated and measured boundary data. A parallel implementation is carried out to reduce the computational time.ResultsWe show that by illuminating only one surface of a tissue‐like phantom, the algorithm is able to accurately reconstruct optical values and different shapes (spherical and cylindrical) that characterize small tumor‐like inclusions. Numerical simulations show the robustness of the algorithm to reconstruct the anisotropy factor with different contrast levels, inclusion depths, initial guesses, heterogeneous background, noise levels, and two‐layered medium. The crosstalk problem when reconstructing simultaneously and g has been reported and achieved with a reasonable quality.ConclusionsThe proposed RTE‐based reconstruction algorithm is robust to spatially retrieve and localize small tumoral inclusions. Heterogeneities in g‐factor have been accurately reconstructed which makes the new algorithm a candidate of choice to image this factor as new intrinsic contrast biomarker for optical imaging.
Aquae Granni und Sulfur
Authors: Offermanns Heribert 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSein charakteristischer Geruch hat das Aachener Thermalwasser berühmt gemacht. Chemikern, die im Herbst zum GDCh‐Wissenschaftsforum Chemie nach Aachen reisen, dürfte der Duft von Schwefelwasserstoff und organischen Schwefelverbindungen vertraut sein.
Measuring the effects of guided clinical reasoning on the Advanced Nursing Process quality, on nurses’ knowledge and attitude: Study protocol
Authors: Leoni‐Scheiber Claudia , Mayer Hanna , Müller‐Staub Maria 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimThis article is a report of a study protocol designed to examine the effects of guided clinical reasoning on the quality of the Advanced Nursing Process—the evidence‐based version of the traditional nursing process. It aims to describe the theoretical framework—Kirkpatrick's evaluation model, the key concepts and the instruments for the planned study.DesignA complex experimental intervention study using data and method triangulation is proposed.MethodsRegistered Nurses (N = 92), nursing records (N = 180) and 24 patients will be included. Nurses’ knowledge and attitude will be evaluated by questionnaires/tests, their clinical performance by observations. Patients’ perspective will be addressed by qualitative interviews and patient records by using the instrument Quality of Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes revised (Q‐DIO R).DiscussionKirkpatrick's model (including quantitative and qualitative methods) is providing evaluations from different perspectives on the quality of the Advanced Nursing Process and on intervention effects.
Main‐chain poly(1,2,3‐triazolium hydroxide)s obtained through AA+BB click polyaddition as anion exchange membranes
Authors: Flachard Dimitri , Serghei Anatoli , Fumagalli Matthieu , Drockenmuller Eric 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA series of aromatic poly(1,2,3‐triazolium iodide)s were synthesized by step growth polymerization of dipropargyl bisphenol A with aliphatic and aromatic diazides followed by quantitative or partial N‐alkylation of the main‐chain 1,2,3‐triazole groups using iodomethane. After characterization by 1H NMR spectroscopy, SEC and DSC the corresponding self‐standing membranes were obtained by hot pressing. Poly(1,2,3‐triazolium iodide) membranes were converted to the corresponding hydroxide‐containing membranes by anion exchange. Structure–property correlations are discussed based on the evolution of water uptake and ionic conductivity with respect to the ionic exchange capacities of the different materials having distinct chemical structure, quaternization degree and counter‐anion structure. Poly(1,2,3‐triazolium hydroxide) anion exchange membranes exhibit water uptakes below 150% and ionic conductivity in the hydrated state up to 4 mS cm−1 for ionic exchange capacities up to 3.2 meq g−1. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Pests and diseases of trees in Africa: A growing continental emergency
Authors: Graziosi Ignazio , Tembo Mathias , Kuate Jean , Muchugi Alice 
Published: June 2019

Societal Impact StatementThe increasing occurrence of native and non‐native pests and diseases of trees in Africa is impacting rural livelihoods, economic development, and biodiversity across the continent. Here we provide an updated and comprehensive overview of insect pests and pathogens targeting natural and planted forests in Africa, and raise awareness of this growing emergency. Data availability and limited biosecurity of some countries are limiting the ability to tackle this invasion. An improved knowledge of taxonomy, distribution, and damage caused by these organisms will be crucial for developing continent‐wide strategies to manage this emergency and enhance country‐level intervention capacity.SummaryAn increasing multitude of insect pests and pathogens is targeting indigenous trees of natural forests, agroforestry systems, and exotic trees in planted forests in Africa. This is raising major concerns for a continent already challenged by adaptations to climate change, as it threatens a vital resource for food security of rural communities, economic growth, and ecosystem conservation. The accidental introduction through trade of non‐native species in particular is accelerating, and it adds to the damage to tree‐based landscapes by native pests and diseases. Old‐time and new invaders heavily impact planted forests of exotic eucalypts, pines, and acacias, and are spreading quickly across African regions. But many non‐native pathogens are recently found affecting important indigenous trees. We describe the threat to African trees by providing an overview of highly relevant insect pests and diseases of indigenous and exotic trees in Africa, and discuss implications for management and future research. The implementation of an integrated and globally coordinated approach based on improved biosecurity, biological control, and tree resistance would contribute to mitigate the potentially devastating impact of these invasions on African natural resources.
A two‐stage degradation model considering the stage‐varying of dispersity regulation
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Wei Yian , Wu Qiong , Liu Chengrui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn reliability analysis, degradation test has been recognized as an effective method for high reliable products and complex systems when key performance indicators can be observed. Then, a reasonable degradation model becomes a key issue to guarantee a reasonable reliability assessment. Motivated by practical needs, this paper proposes a novel two‐stage degradation model considering the different dispersity regulations corresponding to the two stages. A maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method for unknown parameters is established, and an initial guess procedure is given to improve the efficiency of optimization algorithm. Then, the reliability inference regarding the product population is discussed. A comprehensive simulation study is conducted to validate the proposed approach where the two‐stage Wiener process model is adopted as a reference for a better understanding. Finally, the constructed model is further verified by two real applications. Comparative results clearly demonstrate the reasonability and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Socio-economic determinants of participation in the Lolland-Falster health study
Authors: Jepsen Randi , Wingstrand A. , Abild S. L. , Ellervik C. , Simonsen E. , Rasmussen K. , Andersen Z. J. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Aim
The Lolland-Falster Health Study (LOFUS) is an ongoing prospective cohort study at Lolland-Falster, one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas of Denmark. The aim of this study was to examine the participation rates and socio-economic determinants of participation in LOFUS, approximately halfway through the data collection.

Subjects and methods
LOFUS started in 2016 and should include 20,000 participants from the total of 103,000 inhabitants of Lolland-Falster by the end of 2019. For the participation analyses, we used data on the 36,883 subjects invited between January 2016 and November 2018. For the analyses of determinants of participation, we used data on the 24,283 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) invited between January 2016 and June 2018, for whom we extracted data on personal income, employment, education, marital status, citizenship, and household type from Danish registers. We used logistic regression to estimate associations between socio-economic factors and participation, adjusting for age and gender.

Results
34.1% of invited subjects participated (men: 31.9%, women: 36.4%), with the highest rate in women aged 60–69 years (47.5%) and the lowest in women aged ≥ 90 years (7.3%). Odds ratios for participation increased with income, education level, and employment status, and among married persons, Danish citizens, middle-aged persons (aged 50–69 years), and women.

Conclusion
Subjects with lower socio-economic status were underrepresented halfway through the LOFUS data collection, in line with other cohort studies.
Sequentializing cellular automata
Authors: Kari Jarkko , Salo Ville , Worsch Thomas 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
We study the problem of sequentializing a cellular automaton without introducing any intermediate states, and only performing reversible permutations on the tape. We give a decidable characterization of cellular automata which can be written as a single sweep of a bijective rule from left to right over an infinite tape. Such cellular automata are necessarily left-closing, and they move at least as much information to the left as they move information to the right.