bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Equation Penalized Likelihood Estimation of Vehicle Accident Injury Severity
Authors: Donat Francesco , Marra Giampiero 
Published: March 2018

SummaryA bivariate system of equations is developed to model ordinal polychotomous dependent variables within a simultaneous additive regression framework. The functional form of the covariate effects is assumed fairly flexible with appropriate smoothers used to account for non-linearities and spatial variability in the data. Non-Gaussian error dependence structures are dealt with by means of copulas whose association parameter is also specified in terms of a generic additive predictor. The framework is employed to study the effects of several risk factors on the levels of injury sustained by individuals in two-vehicle accidents in France. The use of the methodology proposed is motivated by the presence of common unobservables that may affect the interrelationships between the parties involved in the same crash and by the possible heterogeneity in individuals’ characteristics and accident dynamics. Better calibrated estimates are obtained and misspecification reduced via an enhanced model specification.
Modelling Correlated Binary Variables: An Application to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Barcella William , De Iorio Maria , Malone-Lee James 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWe present a semiparametric model for time evolving vectors of correlated binary variables. We introduce continuous latent variables which are discretized to obtain the sampling model. We assume that the distribution of the latent variables is an infinite mixture of distributions with weights that vary across some covariate space and with mean and covariance matrix being component specific. This distribution includes also an auto-regressive term that captures the time evolution of the latent variables and therefore of the binary observations. The method proposed is motivated by the study of lower urinary tract symptoms observed at subsequent attendance visits. In particular, we evaluate the temporal dependence among the symptoms controlling for the presence of urinary tract infection. The results show that the most recurrent symptoms are stress incontinence and voiding, which are also the most related with presence of pyuria, the best biomarker of infections. Furthermore, we observe that the correlation between symptoms changes over time. The pair of symptoms which appear to be the most correlated are pain and voiding.
Dialysis modality and survival: Done to death
Authors: Trinh Emilie , Chan Christopher T , Perl Jeffrey 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe debate surrounding whether peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis is associated with differential survival continues as the numerous comparative studies over the past 3 decades have yielded conflicting results. Findings have also evolved over time in the setting of changing patient characteristics, advances in dialytic technologies, and the use of more robust statistical and epidemiologic approaches. Here, we will critically review the body of evidence, both historical and contemporary, comparing survival across dialysis modalities. Significant limitations of the observational nature of the current literature will be highlighted given that no adequately powered randomized controlled trials exist. Given the lack of consistency and limitations of current studies, coupled with the poor survival across both modalities, we can likely conclude that survival comparisons between both modalities do not appreciably differ. Hence, the choice of dialysis modality should not be dictated by survival comparisons, but rather be based on an individualized and informed decision making that places patient preference and lifestyle considerations at the forefront, while integrating medical factors and availability of resources and support. The emphasis of future research should move beyond survival outcomes when comparing dialysis modalities, and instead be redirected to patient‐endorsed and patient‐reported outcomes.
Impact of drinking water, sanitation and handwashing with soap on childhood diarrhoeal disease: updated meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Wolf Jennyfer , Hunter Paul R. , Freeman Matthew C. , Cumming Oliver , Clasen Thomas , Bartram Jamie , Higgins Julian P. T. , Johnston Richard , Medlicott Kate , Boisson Sophie , Prüss‐Ustün Annette 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesSafe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are protective against diarrhoeal disease; a leading cause of child mortality. The main objective was an updated assessment of the impact of unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) on childhood diarrhoeal disease.MethodsWe undertook a systematic review of articles published between 1970 and February 2016. Study results were combined and analysed using meta‐analysis and meta‐regression.ResultsA total of 135 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several water, sanitation and hygiene interventions were associated with lower risk of diarrhoeal morbidity. Point‐of‐use filter interventions with safe storage reduced diarrhoea risk by 61% (RR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.48); piped water to premises of higher quality and continuous availability by 75% and 36% (RR = 0.25 (0.09, 0.67) and 0.64 (0.42, 0.98)), respectively compared to a baseline of unimproved drinking water; sanitation interventions by 25% (RR = 0.75 (0.63, 0.88)) with evidence for greater reductions when high sanitation coverage is reached; and interventions promoting handwashing with soap by 30% (RR = 0.70 (0.64, 0.77)) vs. no intervention. Results of the analysis of sanitation and hygiene interventions are sensitive to certain differences in study methods and conditions. Correcting for non‐blinding would reduce the associations with diarrhoea to some extent.ConclusionsAlthough evidence is limited, results suggest that household connections of water supply and higher levels of community coverage for sanitation appear particularly impactful which is in line with targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Change of apheresis device decreased the incidence of severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease among patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with sibling donors
Authors: Wang T. , Remberger M. , Axdorph Nygell U. , Sundin M. , Björklund A. , Mattsson J. , Uhlin M. , Watz E. 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDThe composition of the graft used for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is important for the treatment outcome. Different apheresis devices may yield significant differences in peripheral blood stem cell graft cellular composition. We compared stem cell grafts produced by Cobe Spectra (Cobe) and Spectra Optia (Optia) with use of the mononuclear cell (MNC) protocol, and evaluated clinical outcome parameters such as graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD), transplant‐related mortality (TRM), relapse, and overall survival.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSDuring 5 years, 31 Cobe Spectra and 40 Spectra Optia grafts were analyzed for CD34, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD56 cell content. Clinical outcome parameters were correlated and compared between the two patient groups using different apheresis devices.RESULTSOptia grafts contained fewer lymphocytes compared to Cobe (p < 0.001). Optia grafts had a significantly lower incidence of acute GvHD Grades II through IV (Cobe 45% vs. Optia 23%; p = 0.039) and TRM (16% vs. 2.5%; p < 0.05) but higher chronic GvHD (32% vs. 67%; p = 0.005) compared to Cobe grafts. Finally, the multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation among the different apheresis devices and both acute GvHD II through IV and severe chronic GvHD. The multivariate analysis also showed a significant correlation between the CD3+ cell dose and the incidence of severe acute GvHD.CONCLUSIONOptia‐obtained grafts yielded a lower acute GvHD Grades II‐IV and TRM risk, but had no impact on relapse or overall survival in this study. Understanding and further improvement of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) apheresis techniques may be used in the future to personalize HSCT by, for example, fine‐tuning the GvHD incidence.
Hübner's eyelid reconstruction using a free tarsomarginal autograft in eight dogs. A retrospective study
Authors: Poinsard Anne‐Sophie , Mathieson Iona , Balland Olivier 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our work was to study the potential of tarsomarginal grafting technique, in canine.Animal studiedAll dogs included in this study had tumors of the upper or lower eyelid. Furthermore, resection of the tumor necessitated excision of the eyelid margin comprising 1/4 and 2/3.ProcedureHarvesting of the graft with the length of half the length of the tumor, including its free margins was performed via a full‐thickness incision on the ipsilateral healthy eyelid. The cutaneous layer and all of the muscle fibers of the transplant were meticulously removed except a 3 mm strip along the free lid margin. A full‐thickness tumor excision was then performed. The graft was sutured at the level of the defect to be reconstructed. A sliding H flap was generated. The resulting nourishing myocutaneous flap was then sutured along the free margin of the tarso‐conjunctivo‐marginal graft. The lateral edges of the advancement flap were sutured to the edges of the receiving sites.ResultsThe average size of the reconstructed area was 17.8 mm. The resulting stretched lid fissure length after surgery was shortened over 7 to 11 mm. This technique for grafting was used to reconstruct an eyelid that had lost tissue measuring between 1/4 and 2/3 of its length. The few complications that were encountered were mainly the occurrence of keratitis or suture dehiscence.ConclusionsThis tarsomarginal grafting technique has yielded encouraging results in dogs. This technique can fill large lid defects with a physiologic lid margin but is shortening the stretched lid fissure length.
Human noroviruses in the faeces of wild birds and rodents—new potential transmission routes
Authors: Summa M. , Henttonen H. , Maunula L. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryHuman noroviruses (HuNoVs) are one of the leading global causes of diarrhoeal diseases and are transmitted mainly from person to person but also through contaminated food, water and fomites. The possible zoonotic nature of NoVs has occasionally been discussed, although the viruses are generally considered to be host‐species‐specific. We investigated whether wild birds and rodents could serve as carriers of HuNoVs, thereby transmitting the virus to humans directly or indirectly by contaminating foods. All samples, 115 avian and 100 rat faeces collected in springs 2009–2013 from dump sites, and 85 faeces from yellow‐necked mice trapped in late autumn 2008 and 2009 after the rodents entered human settlements due to the first night frosts, were screened for HuNoV using real‐time reverse transcription PCR. HuNoVs were detected in 31 (27%) faecal samples of wild birds, in two (2%) faecal samples of rats and in no samples of mice. Most (25) of the positive bird samples and both rat samples contained genogroup II, and six positive bird samples contained genogroup I HuNoV. The avian species shedding faeces containing HuNoVs were identified as gulls and crows using DNA barcoding. Our results show that wildlife, birds and rats in particular, is capable of spreading HuNoVs in the environment.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil B. , Struck Christopher J. 
Published: March 2018

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact asastds@acousticalsociety.org.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Factors That Influence the Rating of Perceived Exertion After Endurance Training
Authors: Roos Lilian , Taube Wolfgang , Tuch Carolin , Frei Klaus Michael , Wyss Thomas 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) is an often-used measure to assess athletes’ training load (TL). However, little is known about which factors could optimize the quality of data collection thereof. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the survey methods and the time points when sRPE was assessed on the correlation between subjective (sRPE) and objective (heart-rate training impulse; TRIMP) assessment of TL.Methods:In the first part of the study, 45 well-trained subjects (30 men and 15 women) performed 20 running sessions with a heart-rate monitor and reported sRPE 30 min after training cessation. For the reporting, the subjects were grouped into 3 groups (paper–pencil, online questionnaire, and mobile device). In the second part of the study, another 40 athletes (28 men and 12 women) performed 4 × 5 running sessions with the 4 time points to report the sRPE randomly assigned (directly after training cessation, 30 min postexercise, in the evening of the same day, and the next morning directly after waking up).Results:The assessment of sRPE is influenced by time point, survey method, TRIMP, sex, and training type. It is recommended to assess sRPE values via a mobile device or online tool, as the paper survey method displayed lower correlations between sRPE and TRIMP.Conclusions:Subjective TL measures are highly individual. When compared with the same relative intensity, lower sRPE values were reported by women for the training types representing slow runs and for time points with greater duration between training cessation and sRPE assessment. The assessment method for sRPE should be kept constant for each athlete, and comparisons between athletes or sexes are not recommended.
Lysosome activation clears aggregates and enhances quiescent neural stem cell activation during aging
Authors: Leeman Dena S. , Hebestreit Katja , Ruetz Tyson , Webb Ashley E. , McKay Andrew , Pollina Elizabeth A. , Dulken Ben W. , Zhao Xiaoai , Yeo Robin W. , Ho Theodore T. , Mahmoudi Salah , Devarajan Keerthana , Passegué Emmanuelle , Rando Thomas A. , Frydman Judith , Brunet Anne 
Published: March 2018

Lysosomes keep neuronal stem cells youngAn important consequence of aging is loss of regenerative capacity in stem cells, particularly those of the nervous system. Leemanet al.isolated quiescent and activated stem cells from mice and compared their transcriptomes. The findings emphasize the role of large lysosomes in quiescent neuronal stem cells in which aggregated proteins accumulate. Treatments that stimulated lysosomal function allowed aged quiescent stem cells to clear protein aggregates and restored the cells' ability to be activated. Such restoration of stem cell function might alleviate compromised proteostasis in aging.Science, this issue p.1277
Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis Utilizes a Four-Step Pathway for NAD
+
Salvage through Nicotinamide Deamination
Authors: Hachisuka Shin-ichi , Sato Takaaki , Atomi Haruyuki 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Many organisms possess pathways that regenerate NAD
+
from its degradation products, and two pathways are known to salvage NAD
+
from nicotinamide (Nm). One is a four-step pathway that proceeds through deamination of Nm to nicotinic acid (Na) by Nm deamidase and phosphoribosylation to nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN), followed by adenylylation and amidation. Another is a two-step pathway that does not involve deamination and directly proceeds with the phosphoribosylation of Nm to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), followed by adenylylation. Judging from genome sequence data, the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Thermococcus kodakarensis
is supposed to utilize the four-step pathway, but the fact that the adenylyltransferase encoded by TK0067 recognizes both NMN and NaMN also raises the possibility of a two-step salvage mechanism. Here, we examined the substrate specificity of the recombinant TK1676 protein, annotated as nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase. The TK1676 protein displayed significant activity toward Na and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) and only trace activity with Nm and PRPP. We further performed genetic analyses on TK0218 (quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase) and TK1650 (Nm deamidase), involved in
de novo
biosynthesis and four-step salvage of NAD
+
, respectively. The ΔTK0218 mutant cells displayed growth defects in a minimal synthetic medium, but growth was fully restored with the addition of Na or Nm. The ΔTK0218 ΔTK1650 mutant cells did not display growth in the minimal medium, and growth was restored with the addition of Na but not Nm. The enzymatic and genetic analyses strongly suggest that NAD
+
salvage in
T. kodakarensis
requires deamination of Nm and proceeds through the four-step pathway.

IMPORTANCE
Hyperthermophiles must constantly deal with increased degradation rates of their biomolecules due to their high growth temperatures. Here, we identified the pathway that regenerates NAD
+
from nicotinamide (Nm) in the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Thermococcus kodakarensis
. The organism utilizes a four-step pathway that initially hydrolyzes the amide bond of Nm to generate nicotinic acid (Na), followed by phosphoribosylation, adenylylation, and amidation. Although the two-step pathway, consisting of only phosphoribosylation of Nm and adenylylation, seems to be more efficient, Nm mononucleotide in the two-step pathway is much more thermolabile than Na mononucleotide, the corresponding intermediate in the four-step pathway. Although NAD
+
itself is thermolabile, this may represent an example of a metabolism that has evolved to avoid the use of thermolabile intermediates.
Association of low birth weight with myopic refractive error and lower visual acuity in adulthood: results from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)
Authors: Fieß Achim , Schuster Alexander Karl-Georg , Nickels Stefan , Elflein Heike M , Schulz Andreas , Beutel Manfred E , Blettner Maria , Pfeiffer Norbert 
Published: March 2018

PurposeLow birth weight (BW) is linked to impaired organ development in childhood, including altered ocular morphological and functional development. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether low BW has long-term effects on visual acuity and refraction in adulthood.MethodsThe Gutenberg Health Study is a population-based, observational cohort study in Germany, including 15 010 participants aged between 35 and 74 years. These participants were divided into three different BW groups (low: <2500 g; normal: between 2500 and 4000 g; and high: >4000 g). Best-corrected visual acuity and objective refraction were examined. We used multivariable linear regression models with adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic status and self-reported glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal disease and cataract to assess associations between BW and the main outcome measures, best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent and astigmatism.ResultsOverall, 8369 participants reported their BW. In a multivariable analysis, an association for low BW with spherical equivalent (B=−0.28 per dioptre, P=0.005) and best-corrected visual acuity (B=0.02 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, P=0.006) compared with normal BW was observed. For participants with high BW, an association was observed with spherical equivalent (B=0.29 per dioptre, P<0.001), while none with visual acuity.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that low BW is linked to visual acuity and refractive long-term outcomes long after childhood. Individuals with low BW are more likely to have lower visual acuity and a higher myopic refractive error in adulthood. Adults with high BW are more likely to have a more hyperopic refractive error.
Effect of vaccination with a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome subunit vaccine on sow reproductive performance in endemic farms
Authors: Jeong Jiwoon , Kim Seeun , Park Changhoon , Kang Ikjae , Park Kee Hwan , Ham Hee Jin , Chae Chanhee 
Published: March 2018

The objective of this field study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows after vaccination with a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) subunit vaccine (PRRSFREE PRRS subunit vaccine, Reber Genetics, Taiwan, Republic of China) under field conditions. The study was performed in three farms with endemic infections with both PRRS virus (PRRSV)‐1 and PRRSV‐2, a situation representative of most Korean farms. Pregnant sows were immunised intramuscularly with 2.0 ml of the PRRS subunit vaccine at 58 and 79 days of gestation (eight and five weeks antepartum) according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Vaccination did not result in any observed adverse reaction. Vaccinated sows exhibited a significant improvement in reproductive performance (reduction of abortions) and litter characteristics (increase of weaned pigs) compared with unvaccinated sows. Vaccinated sows had significantly (P<0.05) higher PRRSV ELISA sample/positive ratio and number of PRRSV‐specific interferon‐γ‐secreting cells compared with the unvaccinated control group. The results of this study demonstrate that the PRRS subunit vaccine can improve the reproductive performance of sows in farms with endemic PRRSV infection.
Cosmological solutions and finite time singularities in Finslerian geometry
Authors: Paul Nupur , De S. S. , Rahaman Farook 
Published: March 2018

We consider a very general scenario of our universe where its geometry is characterized by the Finslerian structure on the underlying spacetime manifold, a generalization of the Riemannian geometry. Now considering a general energy–momentum tensor for matter sector, we derive the gravitational field equations in such spacetime. Further, to depict the cosmological dynamics in such spacetime proposing an interesting equation of state identified by a sole parameter [Formula: see text] which for isotropic limit is simply the barotropic equation of state [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] being the barotropic index), we solve the background dynamics. The dynamics offers several possibilities depending on this sole parameter as follows: (i) only an exponential expansion, or (ii) a finite time past singularity (big bang) with late accelerating phase, or (iii) a nonsingular universe exhibiting an accelerating scenario at late time which finally predicts a big rip type singularity. We also discuss several energy conditions and the possibility of cosmic bounce. Finally, we establish the first law of thermodynamics in such spacetime.
Higgs exotic decays in general NMSSM with self-interacting dark matter
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Zhang Mengchao , Zhao Jun 
Published: March 2018

Under current LHC and dark matter constraints, the general NMSSM can have self-interacting dark matter to explain the cosmological small structure. In this scenario, the dark matter is the light singlino-like neutralino [Formula: see text] which self-interacts through exchanging the light singlet-like scalars [Formula: see text]. These light scalars and neutralinos inevitably interact with the 125 GeV SM-like Higgs boson [Formula: see text], which cause the Higgs exotic decays [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We first demonstrate the parameter space required by the explanation of the cosmological small structure and then display the Higgs exotic decays. We find that in such a parameter space the Higgs exotic decays can have branching ratios of a few percent, which should be accessible in the future [Formula: see text] colliders.