bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of tensile stress in carotid artery: evidence from ultrasonography
Authors: Luo Xianghong , Wu Rong , Du Lianfang , Li Zhaojun 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background Arterial remodeling reflects adaptation of the vessel wall to mechanical and hemodynamic stimuli and contributes to the progression of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tensile stress (TS) is one of the mechanical properties of the artery wall. We sought to investigate the effects of carotid viscoelasticity on its tensile stress (TS) in different age subjects.Methods Forty-five subjects were recruited and divided into the group1 (≥50 years old) and the group2 (<50 years old) according to the median age. The carotid arteries were examined by ultrasonography, including shear wave elastography (SWE), shear wave dispersion (SWD) and radiofrequency (RF) technologies. The values were obtained, including the carotid elastic modulus (SWE R ) and viscous index (SWD R ), as well as the peak and mean TS of the left and right carotid arteries (L-PTS, R-PTS, L-MTS and R-MTS). The correlations between SWE R , SWD R and tensile stress were investigated, respectively.Results In the group1, the carotid arteries had lower SWE R and SWD R than those in the group2 (SWE R , [10.29±9.57] kPa vs. [17.24±14.07] kPa; SWD R [11.99±3.51] (m/s)/kHz vs. [13.97±3.71] (m/s)/kHz, all P values < 0.05). In addition, the R-PTS was also lower in the group 1 ( P <0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the carotid SWE R was positively correlated with tensile stress. R -values for R-PTS, R-MTS, L-PTS and L-MTS were r =0.218, r =0.359, r =0.209 and r =0.369, respectively (all P <0.05). However, the carotid SWD R was not significantly associated with TS.Conclusion Ultrasonic shear wave imaging could be used to quantitatively assess carotid viscoelasticity. The carotid TS was related to its elasticity while little related to its viscosity, suggesting that mechanical properties of the arterial wall might be better revealed.
Disease-free survival as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in adjuvant trials of pancreatic cancer: evidence from 20 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Nie Run-Cong , Zou Xue-Bin , Yuan Shu-Qiang , Chen Ying-Bo , Chen Shi , Chen Yong-Ming , Chen Guo-Ming , Chen Xiao-Jiang , Luo Tian-Qi , Li Shu-Man , Duan Jin-Ling , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Li Yuan-Fang 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: we aimed to assess whether disease-free survival (DFS) could serve as a reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS) in adjuvant trials of pancreatic cancer.
Methods: We systematically reviewed adjuvant randomized trials for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer after curative resection that reported a hazard ratio (HR) for DFS and OS. We assessed the correlation between treatment effect (HR) on DFS and OS, weighted by sample size or precision of hazard ratio estimate, assuming fixed and random effects, and calculated the surrogate threshold effect (STE). We also performed sensitivity analyses and a leave-one-out cross validation approach to evaluate the robustness of our findings.
Results: After screening 450 relevant articles, we identified a total of 20 qualifying trails comprising 5170 patients for quantitative analysis. We noted a strong correlation between the treatment effects for DFS and OS, with coefficient of determination of 0.82 in the random effect model, 0.82 in the fixed effect model, and 0.80 in the sample size weighting; the robustness of this finding was further verified by the leave-one-out cross-validation approach. Sensitivity analyses with restriction to phase 3 trials, large trials, trials with mature follow-up periods, and trials with adjuvant therapy versus adjuvant therapy strengthened the correlation (0.75 to 0.88) between DFS and OS. The STE was 0.96 for DFS.
Conclusions: Therefore, DFS could be regarded as a surrogate endpoint for OS in adjuvant trials of pancreatic cancer. In future similar adjuvant trials, a hazard ratio for DFS of 0.96 or less would predict a treatment impact on OS.
Central nervous system involvement in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma: analysis of the risk factors and prognostic from a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Li Qing , Shao Jie , Ma Yan , Lin Zhiguang , Kang Hui , Chen Bobin 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for central nervous system (CNS) involvement in systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and to explore prognostic for DLBCL patients with CNS involvement (relapse or progression).

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study in our hospital. Data were collected from all DLBCL patients diagnosed in our institutes from January, 2013 to June, 2018. Clinical information was collected from medical records.

Result

The participants included 138 patients with DLBCL. Among them, 38 patients were diagnosed as CNS lymphoma, including 15 patients exhibited CNS involvement while DLBCL were pathologically confirmed, and 23 patients developed CNS lymphoma during or after initial chemotherapy. The median disease-free interval to CNS involvement was 13 months. Multivariate analysis identified elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) level [hazard ratio(HR)=4.035; 95% confidence interval(95%CI):1.147~14.195] was independent predictor of CNS involvement.

The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time of DLBCL patients with CNS involved were 12.5 months and 22 months, respectively. Multivariate prognostic analysis showed that eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) score>2(P=0.018; HR=7.333; 95%CI:1.424~42.002), elevated serum LDH level (P=0.046; HR=6.510; 95%CI:1.035~40.949), deep lesion (P=0.005; HR=10.957; 95%CI:2.050~58.569), and CNS with systemic involvement (P=0.023; HR=2.730; 95%CI:1.151~6.479) were independent poor prognostic factors for the patients. The cases with lymphocyte absolute count >0.75×109/L (HR=0.047; 95%CI:0.003~0.732) had better prognosis. The OS of DLBCL patients with secondary CNS lymphoma was inferior to DLBCL patients without CNS involvement. There was no significant difference between the patients with CNS and extra-CNS involvement. There was no significant difference between the patients with CNS involvement and stage III-IV DLBCL cases without CNS lymphoma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, elevated serum LDH was independent high-risk factor for secondary CNS lymphoma. For patients DLBCL with CNS involvement, ECOG score>2, elevated serum LDH level, deep lesion, lymphocyte absolute count ≤0.75×109/L and CNS with systemic involvement retained a significant association with outcome.
Associated Factors of Caesarean Section in Ethiopia Using 2016 Demographic Health Survey Data; Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Azene Abebaw Gedef , Aragaw Abiba Mihret , Gedefaw Mihretie 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Objective:The rate of caesarean section is increasing in Ethiopia, recently. Identifying associated demographic health factors was the aim of this study.Results:More educated mothers were more delivering by C-section compared with those illiterate. Those mother having higher body mass index were more likely to deliver with caesarean section (p = 0.0001). C-section was increased when mothers go to elder (p = 0.0001). Maternal education, birth order, preceding birth interval, multiple pregnancy, maternal age and interaction effect BMI with household wealth index statistically significantly associated factors to increase the rate of C-section. Residence and region were community level factors to increase caesarean section.Therefore; community awareness creation towards C-section with its side effect is essential in Ethiopia.
Determinants of Tooth Brushing Practice among Medical and Health Sciences Students of University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dagnew Baye , Dagne Henok , Andualem Zewudu 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Tooth brushing is an effective preventive measure to maintain individual dental health which is an integral part of general health. The current study aimed to assess determinant factors of practice of tooth brushing among Medical and Health sciences students in University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 using simple random sampling technique and self- administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% uncertainty interval and p<0.05 was used to identify determinants of tooth brushing practice

Of the study participants in this study 69.6% with 95% UI (65.0, 74.5%) had good tooth brushing practice. Being female [AOR = 7.76, 95% UI (3.79, 15.88)], good dental health knowledge [AOR = 1.66, 95% UI (1.01, 2.75)] and dental flossing [AOR = 2.74, 95% UI (1.64, 4.59)] were determinant factors of tooth brushing practice. The aforementioned factors demand the attention of health sector stakeholders to improve dental health knowledge to substantially increase practice of tooth brushing.
The effects of an experimental approach to writing instruction on monolingual and multilingual pupils in Italian primary schools
Authors: Pallotti Gabriele , Borghetti Claudia 
Published: August 2019

This article reports on the results of an action-research project in Italian primary schools. Its main principles are formative evaluation, a process orientation to writing, cooperative learning, and an inclusive approach that does not separate pupils according to their linguistic or writing skills. Pupils aged eight to eleven years old participated in the study in seven experimental (N = 106) and seven control classes (N = 118). Their texts were examined both holistically, through scales of communicative effectiveness, and by means of analytical measurements. The comparison of monolingual and multilingual pupils in both experimental and control classes shows a number of similarities in terms of textual competence, as well as a few differences, especially regarding the more linguistic aspects of writing, such as verb tense cohesion. A remarkable result is that students’ text quality seems to depend more on their participation to the program than on their monolingual or multilingual status.
Cauchy, Cauchy–Santos–Sartori–Faria, Logit, and Probit Functions for Estimating Seed Longevity in Soybean
Authors: dos Santos Amanda Rithieli Pereira , de Faria Rute Quelvia , Amorim Deoclecio Jardim , Giandoni Valéria Cristina Retameiro , da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido Amaral , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira 
Published: August 2019

Seed longevity is characterized as the time for which seed remains viable during storage. Seed longevity can be estimated by a Probit model that determines the period in which 50% of seeds have lost viability (P50). The transformed data are binary and when they are not normally distributed, it is necessary to modify the Probit model or apply other functions to estimate longevity. This work aimed studied the use of the Logit, Cauchy, and Cauchy–Santos–Sartori–Faria (Cauchy‐SSF) functions to estimate the longevity of soybean seed [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and compared Probit longevity models for the ordinary least squares (OLS) adjustment method and the generalized linear model (GLM). Ten seed lots were used to estimate water content, germination, and longevity. The P50 data were transformed via the Probit, Logit, Cauchy, and Cauchy‐SSF functions to estimate the coefficients of determination, the Akaike information criterion, deviance, dispersion, and the regression residuals. The effect on the results was observed, depending on the link function. The Cauchy‐SSF function as part of the OLS method estimated longevity in eight seed lots within the interval of interest (II), and the Cauchy function as part of the GLM estimated longevity in nine seed lots. The Cauchy, Cauchy‐SSF, and Logit models were capable of estimating the longevity of soybean seeds (P50) slightly better than the Probit model. We suggest the Cauchy‐SSF function for the OLS method and the Cauchy function for the GLM method to estimate soybean seed longevity when the data are not normally distributed.Core Ideas

The Cauchy, Cauchy–Santos–Sartori–Faria Cauchy‐SSF, and Logit functions estimated longevity in soybean seeds more robustly than the Probit function.
The ordinary least squares method combined with the Cauchy‐SSF function is as good as the generalized linear model method with the Cauchy function.
The selection of the function changes the estimated time when 50% of seeds have lost viability, emphasizing the importance of the correct choice.
Potassium Fertilization Affects Alfalfa Forage Yield, Nutritive Value, Root Traits, and Persistence
Authors: Jungers Jacob M. , Kaiser Daniel E. , Lamb JoAnn F.S. , Lamb John A. , Noland Reagan L. , Samac Deborah A. , Wells M. Scott , Sheaffer Craig C. 
Published: August 2019

Potassium (K) is a critical macronutrient for alfalfa growth; however, reports of the effects of K fertilization on alfalfa yield, quality, and persistence have been inconsistent. Five K fertilizer rates ranging from 0 to 403 kg K ha−1 were applied to eight alfalfa cultivars during the establishment year (2011) and three subsequent production years (2012–2014) at three locations varying in baseline soil test potassium (STK) levels. Alfalfa yield, nutritive value, and STK were measured annually. During the final year, stem density and belowground traits were quantified. Forage yield, nutritive value, and root traits varied by cultivar, but there were no interactions between cultivar and K rate. Crown rot varied by cultivar but was not affected by K rate. Averaged across cultivars, the effect of K on yield varied by location and stand age. At the site with the lowest baseline STK values, K fertilizer had a positive quadratic effect on yield, which plateaued at a K rate of 296 kg K ha−1. There was no effect of K on yield at the site with the greatest baseline STK. Potassium fertilizer reduced forage nutritive value and increased forage K concentration. Aboveground and belowground biomass K concentration increased with K fertilizer at rates beyond those that maximized yield, indicating luxury consumption of K. However, mineralization of soil K resulted in a net increase in STK after accounting for K removal during harvest. Potassium removal rates that resulted in maintained STK were 167, 227, and 268 kg K ha−1 yr−1 at three locations.Core Ideas

A positive effect of K fertilizer on alfalfa yield was consistent across cultivars.
K fertilization reduced alfalfa nutritive value.
K fertilization increased root biomass but did not affect root diameter or crown rot.
Alfalfa demonstrated luxury consumption of K.
Soil test K increased after accounting for K removal during harvest.
Winter Cover Crop and Fall‐Applied Poultry Litter Effects on Winter Cover and Soil Nitrogen
Authors: Seman‐Varner R. , Varco Jac J. , O'Rourke M.E. 
Published: August 2019

Increasing diversity in monoculture production through inclusion of cover crops (CC) and reducing chemical fertilizer inputs by application of animal manures could increase multiple ecosystem services and agroecosystem function. This study was designed to quantify selected ecosystem services from legume, grass, and biculture CC and poultry litter (PL) in strip‐tilled corn (Zea mays L.). Treatments included hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), vetch‐rye biculture, and winter fallow (WF) all with and without fall‐applied PL. Prior to CC termination and corn planting, aboveground dry matter, N content, and C/N ratios of CC and weed biomass were measured; soil inorganic N (ΣNO3− and NH4+) was analyzed every 2 wk following CC termination. Biculture transgressively over‐yielded in 2014 but not in 2015, accumulated levels of biomass N similar to vetch treatment (Vetch), suppressed weeds as effectively as rye treatment (Rye), and maintained soil inorganic N levels similar to Vetch by the second year of study. Overall, CC yield increased 20 to 30% with fall applied PL. Vetch C/N ratio decreased 14% with PL in 2015, while Rye C/N ratio was unaffected. Average weed C/N ratios were 24.5 with Rye and 16.2 with vetch + poultry litter treatment (VetchPL). Cover crop systems with Vetch showed the greatest soil inorganic N, while Rye inorganic N levels were similar to WF. Winter annual weeds were suppressed at least 92% by CC, and most effectively when Rye was present. Ultimately, optimization of cropping systems including CCs and PL will require consideration of interspecific interactions and variable responses among species.Core Ideas

Cover crop yield increased 20 to 30% with fall applied poultry litter.
Biculture cover crop optimized yield, nitrogen content, weed suppression, and soil nitrogen.
Carbon/nitrogen ratios of vetch and weeds were affected by poultry litter and cover crop treatments.
Apparent poultry litter nitrogen recovery was greatest when a legume was present.
Soil inorganic nitrogen increased with vetch and poultry litter.
Use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to Assess N Status and Predict Grain Yield in Rice
Authors: Rehman Telha H. , Borja Reis Andre Froes , Akbar Nadeem , Linquist Bruce A. 
Published: August 2019

Fine tuning N recommendations requires an understanding of crop N status and yield potential early enough in the growing season when changes to N management can influence yields. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess crop N status and predict yield in wheat (Tricticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.); however, there has been relatively little such research on rice (Oryza sativa L.). The objectives of this study were to determine how well NDVI measured at the panicle initiation (PI) rice growth stage assesses crop N status and predicts final grain yield. Nitrogen response trials were established over a 4‐yr period (10 site‐years) at various locations throughout the Sacramento Valley rice growing region of California. Additionally, the relationship between NDVI and crop N status was characterized across 28 on‐farm plots representing a range of environmental conditions and management practices. The NDVI at PI was best correlated with total N uptake (NUP, r2 = 0.66), followed by N concentration (NCONC, r2 = 0.54), and aboveground biomass (AGB, r2 = 0.51). The utility of NDVI was greatest at lower values of crop N status, whereas at higher values, NDVI saturated. The NDVI at PI was positively correlated with final grain yield (r2 = 0.58) indicating utility for developing in‐season yield predictions. While NDVI is a potentially useful tool to improve N fertilizer management and develop in‐season yield predictions in rice, alternative indices that do not saturate would likely provide a basis for a better tool.Core Ideas

The ability of NDVI to assess rice N status and predict final grain yield was evaluated across 38 sites and four years.
NDVI at panicle initiation was most closely related to crop N uptake.
At high values of crop N status NDVI had limited utility due to saturation.
NDVI at panicle initiation was positively correlated (r2 = 0.58) with final grain yield.
NDVI of 0.66 at panicle initiation indicated sufficient crop N uptake to achieve average maximum grain yield.
Predicting Economic Optimal Nitrogen Rate with the Anaerobic Potentially Mineralizable Nitrogen Test
Authors: Clark Jason D. , Fernández Fabián G. , Veum Kristen S. , Camberato James J. , Carter Paul R. , Ferguson Richard B. , Franzen David W. , Kaiser Daniel E. , Kitchen Newell R. , Laboski Carrie A. M. , Nafziger Emerson D. , Rosen Carl J. , Sawyer John E. , Shanahan John F. 
Published: August 2019

Estimates of mineralizable N with the anaerobic potentially mineralizable N (PMNan) test could improve predictions of corn (Zea mays L.) economic optimal N rate (EONR). A study across eight US midwestern states was conducted to quantify the predictability of EONR for single and split N applications by PMNan. Treatment factors included different soil sample timings (pre‐plant and V5 development stage), planting N rates (0 and 180 kg N ha−1), and incubation lengths (7, 14, and 28 d) with and without initial soil NH4–N included with PMNan. Soil was sampled (0–30 cm depth) before planting and N application and at V5 where 0 or 180 kg N ha−1 were applied at planting. Evaluating across all soils, PMNan was a weak predictor of EONR (R2 ≤ 0.08; RMSE, ≥67 kg N ha−1), but the predictability improved (15%) when soils were grouped by texture. Using PMNan and initial soil NH4–N as separate explanatory variables improved EONR predictability (11–20%) in fine‐textured soils only. Delaying PMNan sampling from pre‐plant to V5 regardless of N fertilization improved EONR predictability by 25% in only coarse‐textured soils. Increasing PMNan incubations beyond 7 d modestly improved EONR predictability (R2 increased ≤0.18, and RMSE was reduced ≤7 kg N ha−1). Alone, PMNan predicts EONR poorly, and the improvements from partitioning soils by texture and including initial soil NH4–N were relatively low (R2 ≤ 0.33; RMSE ≥ 68 kg N ha−1) compared with other tools for N fertilizer recommendations.Core Ideas

Anaerobic potentially mineralizable N (PMNan) is a weak predictor of economic optimal N rate (EONR).
Predictability of EONR by PMNan improves when accounting for soil texture.
For coarse‐textured soils, PMNan at V5 improves EONR predictability.
Increasing incubation length does not substantially improve EONR predictability.
PMNan alone is not a reliable management tool for N rate determination.
ÇOCUK DOSTU OTELLER İLE İLGİLİ ŞİKÂYETLERE YÖNELİK BİR İÇERİK ANALİZİ
Authors: ASLAN Sevinç , TOSUN Nurperihan , ARSLAN KURTULUŞ Sümeyye 
Published: August 2019

Amaç: Ebeveynler tatillerini planlarken,
konaklayacakları otel işletmesinin hem kendileri, hem de çocukları için uygun
bir tesis olmasına dikkat etmektedirler. TUİK 2017 verilerine göre Türkiye’de
toplam hane halkı içerisinde eş ve çocuklardan oluşan aile oranının % 43,5
olduğu düşünüldüğünde, çocuklu ailelerin turistik ürün satın alma kararlarının
önemi daha iyi anlaşılmaktadır. Yalnızca yerli turistler değil, yurt dışından
gelen turistler de çocuklarıyla rahat tatil yapabilecekleri otel arayışına
girmektedirler. Bu noktada “çocuk dostu otel” niteliği taşıyan tesisler,
çocuklu ailelerin ilgisini çekmektedir. Bu tür tesisler, aileler tarafından
çocuklarının rahat etmesi açısından öncelikli olarak tercih edilebilmektedir. Seyahat
eden çocuklu ailelerin sayısı ve talepleri
arttığından; çocuklar için çeşitli imkan ve faaliyetleri barındıran, aileler
için uygun oda, yeme içme gibi olanakları sunabilen oteller olarak tanımlanan
çocuk dostu otellere ilişkin araştırmalar yapmak önem kazanmıştır. Çocuk dostu
otel olma niteliğinin tam olarak yerine getirilmesi bu açıdan önemlidir. Ancak
bu otellere de bir takım şikâyetler geldiği gözlemlenmektedir. Bu çalışma
ile bu şikayetlerin belirlenmesi ve kategorileştirilmesi yoluyla, bu alanda
hizmet veren işletmeler için yol gösterici olmak amaçlanmaktadır.Yöntem: Bu çalışmada, 2018 yılı Nisan ayına
kadar Türkiye’de ultra her şey dahil çocuk dostu otellerden hizmet alan ve çok
bilinen bir web sitesine yorum bırakan müşterilerin bu otellere ilişkin bütün
yorumları içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Çalışma nitel özellikte olup, web
sitesindeki şikayetlerden meydana gelmektedir. İlgili stedeki yorumların tamamı
incelenerek en çok tekrarlanan kelimeler üzerinden kategorizasyon yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Araştırma sonucunda şikâyetler: genel
temizlik; sağlık; çocuklara yönelik hizmetler; otelle ilgili genel sıkıntılar;
çalışanlar ve davranışlarına ilişkin şikayetler olarak 5’e ayrılmıştır. En çok
tekrarlanan kelimeler ise sırayla “Havuz, Yemek, Kötü, Temiz ve Para”dır.

Sonuç: Ailelerin bu otelleri çocuklarının
rahat etmesini sağlamak amacıyla seçtikleri yapılan yorumlardan
anlaşabilmektedir. Otellerin bu tür bir konsepte sahip olması ailelerin
beklentisini yükseltmekte dolayısıyla şikayet oranını artırmaktadır. Özellikle
hijyen, temizlik, sağlık gibi konularda çokça şikayet görmek mümkündür. Otel yönetimlerinin bu şikâyetleri
değerlendirerek çözüm bulması, çocuklu aileler tarafından daha fazla tercih
edilmelerini sağlayacaktır.