bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid in outpatient renal transplant recipients using a volumetric dried blood spot sampling device
Authors: Zwart Tom C. , Gokoel Sumit R.M. , van der Boog Paul J.M. , de Fijter Johan W. , Kweekel Dina M. , Swen Jesse J. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan , Moes Dirk Jan A.R. 
Published: September 2018

AimsTacrolimus and mycophenolic acid dosing after renal transplantation is individualized through therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Home‐based dried blood spot (DBS) sampling has the potential to replace conventional TDM sampling at the clinic. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) assay was developed to quantify tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid in DBS and clinically validated for abbreviated area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) monitoring using an innovative volumetric DBS sampling device.MethodsClinical validation was performed by direct comparison of paired DBS and whole blood (WB) (tacrolimus) and plasma (mycophenolic acid) concentrations and AUCs. Agreement was evaluated using Passing–Bablok regression, Bland–Altman analysis and DBS‐to‐WB predictive performance. TDM dosing recommendations based on both methods were compared to assess clinical impact.ResultsPaired tacrolimus (n = 200) and mycophenolic acid (n = 192) DBS and WB samples were collected from 65 kidney(–pancreas) transplant recipients. Differences for tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid were within ±20% for 84.5% and 76.6% of concentrations and 90.5% and 90.7% of AUCs, respectively. Tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid dosing recommendation differences occurred on 44.4% and 4.7% of occasions. Tacrolimus DBS dosing recommendations were 0.35 ± 0.14 mg higher than for WB and 8 ± 3% of the initial dose. Mycophenolic acid DBS dosing recommendations were 23.3 ± 31.9 mg lower than for plasma and 2 ± 3.5% of the initial dose.ConclusionsTacrolimus and mycophenolic acid TDM for outpatient renal transplant recipients, based on abbreviated AUC collected with a DBS sampling device, is comparable to conventional TDM based on WB sampling. Patient training and guidance on good blood‐spotting practices is essential to ensure method feasibility.
Long‐term outcomes and mutation profiling of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who discontinued ibrutinib
Authors: Jain Preetesh , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Zhang Shaojun , Ahmed Makhdum , Ghorab Ahmad , Zhang Liang , Ok Chi Young , Li Shaoying , Hagemeister Frederick , Zeng Dongfeng , Gong Tiejun , Chen Wendy , Badillo Maria , Nomie Krystle , Fayad Luis , Medeiros Leonard J. , Neelapu Sattva , Fowler Nathan , Romaguera Jorge , Champlin Richard , Wang Linghua , Wang Michael L. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryLong term outcomes and mutations in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who discontinued ibrutinib have not been described. Using deep targeted next generation sequencing, we performed somatic mutation profiling from 15 MCL patients (including 5 patients with paired samples; before and after progression on ibrutinib). We identified 80 patients with MCL who discontinued ibrutinib therapy for various reasons. Median follow‐up after ibrutinib discontinuation was 38 months. The median duration on ibrutinib was 7·6 months. Forty‐one (51%) patients discontinued ibrutinib due to disease progression/transformation, 20 (25%) for intolerance, 7 (9%) due to patient choice, 5 (6%) for stem cell transplant, 4 (5%) due to second cancers and 3 (4%) other causes. The median survival after ibrutinib was 10 and 6 months for disease progression and transformation, respectively, and 25 months for patients with ibrutinib intolerance. Overall, BTK mutations were observed in 17% patients after progression on ibrutinib. Notably, TP53 alterations were observed after progression in 75% patients. Among the 4 patients with blastoid transformation, 3 (75%) had NSD2 mutations (co‐existing with TP53). Ibrutinib‐refractory MCL patients had a short survival. Demonstration of TP53 and NSD2 mutations in patients who developed blastoid transformation and ATM and TP53 mutations in patients who progressed, opens the door for future investigations in ibrutinib‐refractory MCL.
Elevational changes in the avian community of a Mesoamerican cloud forest park
Authors: Neate‐Clegg Montague H. C. , Jones Samuel E. I. , Burdekin Oliver , Jocque Merlijn , Şekercioğlu Çağan Hakkı 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHarboring many range‐restricted and specialized species, high elevation tropical cloud forests are diverse habitats represented in many protected areas. Despite this, many such areas receive little practical protection from deforestation and land conversion. Moreover, montane species may be more sensitive to climate change owing to various factors affecting community assembly across elevational gradients. Few studies have used annual monitoring to assess how biological communities in cloud forests may be shifting in response to habitat or climate change or assessed the efficacy of protected areas in buffering these effects. We analyzed avifaunal community trends in a 10‐yr dataset of constant‐effort bird point‐count data in a cloud forest national park in Honduras, Central America. We found that species richness and diversity increased at higher elevations, but decreased at lower elevations. Abundances of most dietary and forest‐dependency groups exhibited similar trends, and many key cloud forest species shifted upslope and/or increased in abundance. Taken together, our results suggest that the avian community is moving upslope and species composition is changing. Results for species richness and diversity were similar when only nondegraded transects were considered, suggesting the role of climate change as an important driver. At lower elevations, however, many species may be negatively affected by increased habitat degradation, favoring species with low forest dependency. Continued habitat conversion and climate change could push the cloud forest bird community further upslope, potentially resulting in increased competition, mortality, and even extirpation of some species. Increased protection is unlikely to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Non‐motor symptoms in early Parkinson's disease with different motor subtypes and their associations with quality of life
Authors: Huang X. , Ng S. Y.‐E. , Chia N. S.‐Y. , Setiawan F. , Tay K.‐Y. , Au W.‐L. , Tan E.‐K. , Tan L. C.‐S. 
Published: September 2018

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to examine non‐motor symptoms in different Parkinson's disease (PD) motor subtypes and their associations with quality of life (QoL).MethodsA total of 132 patients with early PD with comprehensive motor examinations and non‐motor symptom assessments were included. Motor subtypes were classified based on Stebbins’ method. Non‐motor symptoms were assessed by the Non‐Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS) and validated by more comprehensive instruments, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). QoL was measured by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐8.ResultsWe identified 66 patients (50%) with tremor‐dominant (TD) subtype, 47 (35.6%) with postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) subtype and 19 (14.4%) with Intermediate subtype. By comparing NMSS scores, patients with the PIGD subtype had more severe sleep impairment and fatigue (domain 2 score: 5.64 vs. 2.52, P < 0.001), urinary symptoms (domain 7 score: 6.96 vs. 3.48, P = 0.005) and overall more severe non‐motor symptoms (NMSS total score: 25.89 vs. 17.27, P = 0.031), compared with patients with the TD subtype. Validation using the PSQI and FSS again suggested that patients with the PIGD subtype had independently and significantly more severe sleep impairment (PSQI score: 5.57 vs. 4.29, P = 0.020) and fatigue (FSS score: 34.81 vs. 25.85, P = 0.003) compared with patients with the TD subtype. Several non‐motor symptoms had significant associations with QoL, among which sleep impairment and fatigue (P < 0.0001, partial r2 = 0.273) explained the largest proportion of QoL variability in patients with PD.ConclusionsPatients with the PIGD subtype had more severe sleep impairment, fatigue and urinary disturbance compared with patients with the TD subtype. Sleep impairment and fatigue were the most important factors affecting QoL independent of motor subtypes. Prompt identification and treatment of these non‐motor symptoms may improve patients’ QoL.
Experts, Expertise and Drug Policymaking
Authors: MONAGHAN MARK , WINCUP EMMA , WICKER KATE 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOver the past two decades, policymakers have been encouraged to develop evidence‐based policies in collaboration with experts. Drug policy is unique since it has an established inbuilt mechanism for soliciting expertise via the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). Increasingly alternative mechanisms have been used. Based upon detailed analysis of two case studies of drug policymaking using alternative methods to solicit expertise, we argue that the framing of the policy problem, the mechanisms used to involve experts and the type of evidence actively sought, have continued to marginalise the involvement of the drug user in policymaking.
Managerial Stock Ownership and Debt Diversification
Authors: Jadiyappa Nemiraja , Saikia Namrata , Parikh Bhavik 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, we examine the impact of managerial behavior on the debt diversification decisions of firms using the agency cost of debt framework. We hypothesize that managers with higher equity ownership should favor debt diversification to avoid efficient monitoring by debt holders and thus, be able to engage in risk‐shifting behavior. Our empirical results provide strong evidence for a positive association between managerial ownership and debt diversification. This relationship is observed to be stronger for smaller firms, which are traditionally more susceptible to the moral hazard problem. Our results remain robust for an alternate measure of debt diversification.
CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 corrosion behavior of air‐plasma‐sprayed (LaxYb1−x)2Zr2O7
Authors: Wang Min , Lai Xinchun , Guo Sicong , Wang Ziyuan , Pan Wei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 (CMAS) corrosion of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is a crucial problem for the lifetime of blades and vanes of jet engine and gas turbine at high operating temperature. Although many new alternative materials for TBCs have been developed in recent years, their application is limited by the CMAS corrosion. On the other hand, the composition difference of CMAS between regions makes solving this problem very difficult. Therefore, in this study, the yearly composition changes of sand‐dust around Beijing area were investigated. The high‐temperature corrosion behavior of air‐plasma‐sprayed 8YSZ and newly developed (LaxYb1−x)2Zr2O7 TBCs by the representative sand‐dust of Beijing was investigated. In comparison, a universally used CaO‐riched composition of simulated silicate deposit was also adopted for the TBCs corrosion test. It is found that the (LaxYb1−x)2Zr2O7 TBCs performs much better anti‐corrosion behavior than that of 8YSZ, both by Beijing sand‐dust and simulated one. Particularly, Yb2Zr2O7 TBCs appear to be the optimum material against silicate deposits attack. The mechanism of silicate deposits corrosion has also been discussed.
Energy efficient spark plasma sintering: Breaking the threshold of large dimension tooling energy consumption
Authors: Manière Charles , Lee Geuntak , McKittrick Joanna , Olevsky Eugene A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAn energy efficient spark plasma sintering method enabling the densification of large size samples assisted by very low electric current levels is developed. In this method, the electric current is concentrated in the graphite foils around the sample. High‐energy dissipation is then achieved in this area enabling the heating and full densification of large (alumina) parts (Ø 40 mm) at relatively low currents (800 A). The electrothermal mechanical simulation reveals that the electric current needed to heat the large samples is 70% lower in the energy efficient configuration compared to the traditional configuration. The presence of thermal and densification gradients is also revealed for the larger size samples. Potential solutions for this problem are discussed. The experiments confirm the possibility of full densification (96%‐99%) of large alumina samples. This approach allows using small (and low cost) SPS devices (generally limited to 10‐15 mm samples) for large‐size samples (40‐50 mm). The developed technique enables also an optimized energy consumption by large‐scale SPS systems.
Four compartment method as an efficacious and simplified technique for autologous non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension preparation in vitiligo surgery: A randomized, active‐controlled study
Authors: Mrigpuri S. , Razmi T M. , Sendhil Kumaran M. , Vinay K. , Srivastava N. , Parsad D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundAutologous non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) is a successful surgical method for repigmentation of stable, refractory vitiligo. The need for laboratory equipment and expertise restricts its use to only a few research centres; hence, there is a requisite to simplify the technique of NCES preparation.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of NCES prepared by four compartment (4C) method compared to the laboratory‐based method (lab‐NCES).MethodsAnatomically based matched lesions (41 pairs) in 30 stable vitiligo patients were randomized to receive NCES prepared by 4C method or lab‐NCES. Each patient was evaluated at 4, 8, 16 weeks after surgery by a blinded observer with regard to extent of repigmentation, colour match, patient global assessment (PGA) and pattern of repigmentation.ResultsRepigmentation outcome in 4C method as compared to lab‐NCES was as follows: excellent (≥90%) repigmentation: 34% vs. 37%, P = 1.000, good (≥75%) repigmentation: 68% vs. 71%, P = 1.000; colour match: 59% vs. 54%, P = 0.794, patient satisfaction based on PGA score – 23.02 vs. 23.39 (P = 0.210) and major pattern of repigmentation (diffuse) – 76% vs. 71% (P = 0.618).LimitationsShort follow‐up period of 16 weeks.ConclusionFour compartment method is a simple and effective technique for vitiligo surgery in routine clinical practice.
The Impact of Multidimensionality on Extraction of Latent Classes in Mixture Rasch Models
Authors: Jang Yoonsun , Kim Seock‐Ho , Cohen Allan S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of multidimensionality on extraction of latent classes in mixture Rasch models. In this study, two‐dimensional data were generated under varying conditions. The two‐dimensional data sets were analyzed with one‐ to five‐class mixture Rasch models. Results of the simulation study indicate the mixture Rasch model tended to extract more latent classes than the number of dimensions simulated, particularly when the multidimensional structure of the data was more complex. In addition, the number of extracted latent classes decreased as the dimensions were more highly correlated regardless of multidimensional structure. An analysis of the empirical multidimensional data also shows that the number of latent classes extracted by the mixture Rasch model is larger than the number of dimensions measured by the test.
A Comparison of Procedures for Estimating Person Reliability Parameters in the Graded Response Model
Authors: LaHuis David M. , Bryant‐Lees Kinsey B. , Hakoyama Shotaro , Barnes Tyler , Wiemann Andrea 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPerson reliability parameters (PRPs) model temporary changes in individuals’ attribute level perceptions when responding to self‐report items (higher levels of PRPs represent less fluctuation). PRPs could be useful in measuring careless responding and traitedness. However, it is unclear how well current procedures for estimating PRPs can recover parameter estimates. This study assesses these procedures in terms of mean error (ME), average absolute difference (AAD), and reliability using simulated data with known values. Several prior distributions for PRPs were compared across a number of conditions. Overall, our results revealed little differences between using the χ or lognormal distributions as priors for estimated PRPs. Both distributions produced estimates with reasonable levels of ME; however, the AAD of the estimates was high. AAD did improve slightly as the number of items increased, suggesting that increasing the number of items would ameliorate this problem. Similarly, a larger number of items were necessary to produce reasonable levels of reliability. Based on our results, several conclusions are drawn and implications for future research are discussed.
Cholangiocarcinoma in Germany: Epidemiologic trends and impact of misclassification
Authors: Walter Dirk , Ferstl Philip , Waidmann Oliver , Trojan Jörg , Hartmann Sylvia , Schnitzbauer Andreas A. , Zeuzem Stefan , Kraywinkel Klaus 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsDiverging trends of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) incidence in different countries warrant further subtype‐specific characterization. In this study, we aimed to determine current epidemiologic trends of CCA in Germany and evaluated impact of misclassification of perihilar CCA (pCCA) as intrahepatic CCA (iCCA).MethodsSubtype‐specific incidence was assessed based on data of approximately 40 million German citizens from 2003 to 2014, and mortality data of entire Germany were assessed from 1998 to 2015.ResultsReclassification of pCCA to extrahepatic CCA (eCCA) led to an enhancement of an increasing average annual percentage change (AAPC) for iCCA in men (3.8 to 4.8) and women (3.3 to 4.8). Likewise, a stable or slightly decreasing trend in extrahepatic CCA was strengthened in women (AAPC: −0.2 to −0.9) and men (1 to 0.5). pCCA accounted for 13% of biliary tract tumours (iCCA: 46%, distal CCA: 41%). In line with incidence trends, mortality of iCCA in Germany increased for women (AAPC 7.8) and men (6.5), while it was stable for eCCA (women: −0.6, men: 2.1).ConclusionIncidence of iCCA in Germany is increasing while it is stable for eCCA. Misclassification of pCCA as iCCA is present, but clearly declining.
Relationship between non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, PNPLA3 I148M genotype and bone mineral density in adolescents
Authors: Mosca Antonella , Fintini Danilo , Scorletti Elenora , Cappa Marco , Paone Laura , Zicari Anna M. , Nobili Valerio , Byrne Christopher D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsIt is uncertain whether non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD). Our aim was to investigate: (a) associations between NASH and BMD values and (b) associations between PNPLA3 I148M genotypes and BMD, in children with histologically proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsBMD area (g/cm2) was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). NASH was diagnosed by a Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis (SAF) score and FLIP algorithm. Genotyping for patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing‐3 (PNPLA3) I148M genotype (rs738409) (CC, CG and GG) was undertaken using the TaqMan SNP genotyping allelic discrimination method. Logistic regression was used to test associations [OR (95% CIs)] between low BMD, and both NASH and PNPLA3 I148M genotypes.ResultsThirty‐four adolescents (mean age 13.8 ± 1.1 years) with histologically confirmed NAFLD were studied. Subjects with NASH (n = 25) had a lower BMD (means (SDs) 0.87 ± 0.06 vs 0.97 ± 0.12, P = 0.005), compared to subjects without NASH. Subjects with PNPLA3 CG+GG genotypes had a lower BMD compared with subjects with PNPLA3‐CC genotype (means (SDs) 0.79 ± 0.20 vs 0.92 ± 0.10, P = 0.009). PNPLA3 CG+GG genotypes were independently associated with NASH [OR (95% CIs 1.78, 1.24, 2.99)], and low BMD was associated with both PNPLA3 CG+GG (OR 3.62 (95% CIs 1.21, 5.53), P = 0.028) and with SAF score (OR 2.76 (95% CIs 1.12, 5.41), P = 0.045).ConclusionsTaken together the independent associations between: (a) low BMD and PNPLA3 CG+GG genotype; (b) low BMD and NASH; and (c) PNPLA3 CG+GG genotype and NASH, provide support for a causal relationship between NASH and low BMD.
A high‐density EEG study of differentiation between two speeds and directions of simulated optic flow in adults and infants
Authors: Vilhelmsen Kenneth , Agyei Seth B. , van der Weel F. R. (Ruud) , van der Meer Audrey L. H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA high‐density EEG study was carried out to investigate cortical activity in response to forward and backward visual motion at two different driving speeds, simulated through optic flow. Participants were prelocomotor infants at the age of 4–5 months and infants with at least 3 weeks of crawling experience at the age of 8–11 months, and adults. Adults displayed shorter N2 latencies in response to forward as opposed to backward visual motion and differentiated significantly between low and high speeds, with shorter latencies for low speeds. Only infants at 8–11 months displayed similar latency differences between motion directions, and exclusively in response to low speed. The developmental differences in latency between infant groups are interpreted in terms of a combination of increased experience with self‐produced locomotion and neurobiological development. Analyses of temporal spectral evolution (TSE, time‐dependent amplitude changes) were also performed to investigate nonphase‐locked changes at lower frequencies in underlying neuronal networks. TSE showed event‐related desynchronization activity in response to visual motion for infants compared to adults. The poorer responses in infants are probably related to immaturity of the dorsal visual stream specialized in the processing of visual motion and could explain the observed problems in infants with differentiating high speeds of up to 50 km/h.
A typology of board design for highly effective monitoring in intergovernmental organizations under the United Nations system
Authors: Federo Ryan , Saz‐Carranza Angel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe United Nations (UN) system comprises several intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) that were established to contribute to the functioning of the overall transnational system of delivering global public goods. However, many IGOs under the UN system are criticized for their failure to accomplish their mandates. Research argues that IGO boards serve as a governance mechanism that should be designed in order to effectively perform the monitoring function to ensure fulfillment of IGO mandates. Thus, using an inductive fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, this study explores 13 IGO boards under the UN system to identify the board designs that are associated with highly effective monitoring. Our findings reveal a board design typology reflecting the interplay of the level of organizational complexity and the extent of the distribution problem in IGOs. This research contributes to our understanding of IGO governance by underscoring the relationship between board designs and highly effective monitoring to help researchers and practitioners improve IGO performance.
The Effects of Customer Satisfaction on Company Profitability: Evidence From the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry
Authors: Pooser David M. , Browne Mark J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPrior literature presents a positive link between customer satisfaction and firms’ financial outcomes, including greater revenue, profitability, and prices. However, few studies approach the topic of customer satisfaction in the insurance industry. Using a unique data set obtained from J.D. Power, we observe customer satisfaction among U.S. auto insurers and link their customer satisfaction rating to insurer profitability metrics. Our results support the notion that greater customer satisfaction leads to reduced expenses and increased profitability. A potential explanation is that more satisfied customers are more likely to remain with an insurance company and refer others to the insurer, reducing customer acquisition expenses.