bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of vitamin D status with lung function measurements in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Loukou Ioanna , Moustaki Maria , Sardeli Olympia , Plyta Marina , Douros Konstantinos 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D status is considered a potential determinant of lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this retrospective longitudinal study was to investigate the decline of spirometric values in association with vitamin D status.MethodsThe data regarding 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) serum levels, spirometric measurements (FEV1, FVC, FEF25‐75%), and factors known to be associated with the decline of lung function in CF were retrospectively collected over a 5‐year period. The spirometric indices were recorded as the best and the average value of each year, as well as the value, recorded concurrently or closely with 25OHD level measurement.ResultsA significantly positive relationship was observed between 25OHD serum levels and the best annual value of FEV1 (P = .034), and the values of FEV1 (P = .010) and FVC (P = .018) measured concurrently or closely with serum 25OHD levels. The evolution of the best annual value of FEV1 was worse in patients with a mean 5‐year value of 25OHD levels less than 20 ng/mL compared with patients with a mean 5‐year value of ≥30 ng/mL (P < .001), or ≥20 to <30 (P < .001). There was no significant difference between patients with mean 5‐year 25OHD levels ≥30 ng/mL and ≥20 to <30 ng/mL (P = .76).ConclusionsVitamin D status is associated with lung function in patients with CF. Levels of 25OHD above 20 ng/mL were associated with higher best annual FEV1.
Ethnic residential segregation: A matter of ethnic minority household characteristics?
Authors: Coenen Ad , Verhaeghe Pieter‐Paul , Van de Putte Bart 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDespite the importance of household characteristics for residential mobility, these characteristics are seldom considered in research on ethnic residential segregation. This study seeks to fill this gap when focusing on the residential behaviour of ethnic minorities and the constraints they face on the housing market. We use conditional logit modelling to analyse the Belgian Census 2011 in order to investigate the relationship between, on the one hand, the presence of children and marital status and, on the other hand, living in neighbourhoods with many coethnics in Brussels and Antwerp, focusing on households formed by young adults of Moroccan descent. We find no association for the presence of children but find clear differences based on marital status. Unmarried couples are less likely than married couples to live in neighbourhoods with many coethnics. Moreover, there appear to be gender differences: Female‐headed single‐person households are less likely than married couples to live in neighbourhoods with many coethnics, whereas male‐headed single‐person households are more likely to do so. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the existing ethnic residential segregation theories that focus on ethnic minorities should take household characteristics into account.
CuO Nanoplates for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Kangzhe , Liu Huiqiao , Li Wangyang , Han Qingqing , Zhang Zhang , Huang Kejing , Jing Qiangshan , Jiao Lifang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPotassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries because of the abundance and low cost of K. However, an important challenge faced by KIBs is the search for high‐capacity materials that can hold large‐diameter K ions. Herein, copper oxide (CuO) nanoplates are synthesized as high‐performance anode materials for KIBs. CuO nanoplates with a thickness of ≈20 nm afford a large electrode–electrolyte contact interface and short K+ ion diffusion distance. As a consequence, a reversible capacity of 342.5 mAh g−1 is delivered by the as‐prepared CuO nanoplate electrode at 0.2 A g−1. Even after 100 cycles at a high current density of 1.0 A g−1, the capacity of the electrode remains over 206 mAh g−1, which is among the best values for KIB anodes reported in the literature. Moreover, a conversion reaction occurs at the CuO anode. Cu nanoparticles form during the first potassiation process and reoxidize to Cu2O during the depotassiation process. Thereafter, the conversion reaction proceeds between the as‐formed Cu2O and Cu, yielding a reversible theoretical capacity of 374 mAh g−1. Considering their low cost, easy preparation, and environmental benignity, CuO nanoplates are promising KIB anode materials.
Forecasting benchmarks of long-term stock returns via machine learning
Authors: Kyriakou Ioannis , Mousavi Parastoo , Nielsen Jens Perch , Scholz Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecent advances in pension product development seem to favour alternatives to the risk free asset often used in the financial theory as a performance standard for measuring the value generated by an investment or a reference point for determining the value of a financial instrument. To this end, in this paper, we apply the simplest machine learning technique, namely, a fully nonparametric smoother with the covariates and the smoothing parameter chosen by cross-validation to forecast stock returns in excess of different benchmarks, including the short-term interest rate, long-term interest rate, earnings-by-price ratio, and the inflation. We find that, net-of-inflation, the combined earnings-by-price and long-short rate spread form our best-performing two-dimensional set of predictors for future annual stock returns. This is a crucial conclusion for actuarial applications that aim to provide real-income forecasts for pensioners.
Spatial mobility and opportunity-driven entrepreneurship: the evidence from China labor-force dynamics survey
Authors: Fu Wenying 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLiterature on regional entrepreneurship has tended to neglect inter-regional flows of human capital, and yet spatial mobility provide the nascent entrepreneurs with multi-location knowledge and networks to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. The paper fills the gap by adopting an agent-environment interactionist perspective in the investigation on the interrelation between mobility and entrepreneurship. To be more specific, it deals with two underlying themes. First, the way through which the multi-location experiences and non-local knowledge equip the migrants with the pursuit of opportunity-driven entrepreneurship. Second, the distinctive relationship between the regional environment and opportunity-driven entrepreneurial motives for individuals with and without spatial mobility experiences. These themes are investigated with the China labor-force dynamics survey data, comparing the characteristics and drivers of entrepreneurial motives of the migrants and locals. The survey data presents clear evidence of a higher prevalence of opportunity-driven entrepreneurship in migrant entrepreneurs compared to their local counterparts. Furthermore, the ordered logit regression results demonstrate that spatial mobility experiences significantly promote the likelihood of entering into opportunity-based business. The regional environment exerts impacts on migrants and non-migrants’ entrepreneurial motives, yet in different ways. Local entrepreneurs are more influenced by the endogenous nature of firm ecology in the city, whereas migrant entrepreneurs start business pulled by both local demands and extra-local connectedness to greater market areas. Finally, the paper reflects upon possible implications for a more targeted and inclusive entrepreneurial policy, as well as the future areas of research.
Iron Ore Reduction by Hydrogen Using a Laboratory Scale Fluidized Bed Reactor: Kinetic Investigation—Experimental Setup and Method for Determination
Authors: Spreitzer Daniel , Schenk Johannes 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The reduction kinetics of hematite iron ore fines to metallic iron by hydrogen using a laboratory fluidized bed reactor were investigated in a temperature range between 873 K and 1073 K, by measuring the weight change of the sample portion during reduction. The fluidization conditions were checked regarding plausibility within the Grace diagram and the measured pressure drop across the material during experiments. The apparent activation energy of the reduction was determined against the degree of reduction and varied along an estimated two-peak curve between 11 and 55 kJ mol−1. Conventional kinetic analysis for the reduction of FeO to metallic iron, using typical models to describe gas–solid reactions, does not show results with high accuracy. Multistep kinetic analysis, using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model, shows that the initial stage of reduction from Fe2O3 to Fe3O4, and partly to FeO, is controlled by diffusion and chemical reaction, depending on the temperature. Further reduction can be described by a combination of nucleation and chemical reaction, whereby the influence of nucleation increases with an increasing reduction temperature. The results of the kinetical analysis were linked to the shape of the curve from apparent activation energy against the degree of reduction.
Comparative Cost-effectiveness of Surgery, Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum, and Penile Traction Therapy in Men with Peyronie’s Disease in an Era of Effective Clinical Treatment
Authors: Wymer Kevin , Kohler Tobias , Trost Landon 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

Background
Traditionally, surgery has been considered the gold standard treatment for Peyronie’s disease (PD). Less-invasive alternatives, such as collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) and traction therapy, have been proposed and proven effective.

Aim
To compare cost-effectiveness of management options for PD.

Methods
A Markov analytic model was created to compare the cost-effectiveness of treatment with a novel traction device, RestoreX (RXPTT), vs CCH vs surgery. Outcomes were derived from single-institution, prospective data of 63 men treated with RXPTT, 115 with CCH, and 23 with plication or incision and grafting. Costs were based on 2017 Medicare reimbursement and utility values from the literature.

Main Outcome Measures
Model outcomes included complications for each treatment arm, as well as the probability of success, which was defined as ≥20% improvement in curvature. Univariable and multivariable sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model.

Results
Overall success rates were 96% (surgery), 66% (CCH), and 48% (RXPTT). At 10 years after treatment, RXPTT was the most cost-effective, with mean costs per patient of $883 (RXPTT), $11,419 (surgery), and $33,628 (CCH). CCH and surgery both resulted in a gain of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) relative to RXPTT (9.44 and 9.36 vs 9.27, respectively). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated greater cost-effectiveness for surgery if lower (≤46%) rates of postoperative erectile dysfunction or length loss (≤3%). CCH became more cost-effective at lower costs (≤$16,726) or higher success rates (≥76%). On multivariable sensitivity analysis at a willingness to pay threshold of $100,000/QALY, the most cost-effective strategy was RXPTT in 49%, surgery in 48%, and CCH in 3% of simulations. At a willingness to treat threshold of $150,000/QALY, the most cost-effective treatment option was RXPTT in 33%, surgery in 55%, and CCH in 12% of simulations.

Clinical Implications
In an era of value-based care, this model can guide cost-effective treatment selection on the basis of provider, patient, and payer characteristics.

Strengths & Limitations
The current study represents the first cost-effectiveness comparison of treatment modalities for PD and is strengthened by prospective data collection, large CCH and traction sample sizes, and robust sensitivity analyses. Consistent with cost-effective models, the model is limited by assumptions and may not apply to all scenarios.

Conclusions
RXPTT represents a more cost-effective method for achieving ≥20% curvature improvement compared with surgery or CCH. Depending on treatment goals, rate of surgical complications, and willingness to pay threshold, surgery and CCH may become more cost-effective in select scenarios.
An integrated design methodology for the deployment of constellations of small satellites
Authors: Crisp N. H. , Smith K. L. , Hollingsworth P. M. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTA growing interest in constellations of small satellites has recently emerged due to the increasing capability of these platforms and their reduced time and cost of development. However, in the absence of dedicated launch services for these systems, alternative methods for the deployment of these constellations must be considered which can take advantage of the availability of secondary-payload launch opportunities. Furthermore, a means of exploring the effects and tradeoffs in corresponding system architectures is required. This paper presents a methodology to integrate the deployment of constellations of small satellites into the wider design process for these systems. Using a method of design-space exploration, enhanced understanding of the tradespace is supported , whilst identification of system designs for development is enabled by the application of an optimisation process. To demonstrate the method, a simplified analysis framework and a multiobjective genetic algorithm are implemented for three mission case-studies with differing application. The first two cases, modelled on existing constellations, indicate the benefits of design-space exploration, and possible savings which could be made in cost, system mass, or deployment time. The third case, based on a proposed Earth observation nanosatellite constellation, focuses on deployment following launch using a secondary-payload opportunity and demonstrates the breadth of feasible solutions which may not be considered if only point-designs are generated by a priori analysis. These results indicate that the presented method can support the development of future constellations of small satellites by improving the knowledge of different deployment strategies available during the early design phases and through enhanced exploration and identification of promising design alternatives.
Lessons learned from a prolonged norovirus GII.P16-GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant outbreak in a long-term care facility in Portugal, 2017
Authors: Sáez-López Emma , Marques Rodrigo , Rodrigues Nuno , Oleastro Mónica , Andrade Helena , Mexía Ricardo , de Sousa Rita 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjective:To investigate an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis caused by norovirus (NoV) in a long-term care facility (LTCF) in Portugal to describe and estimate its extent, and we implemented control measures.Design:Outbreak investigation.Methods:Probable cases were residents or staff members in the LTCF with at least 1 of the following symptoms: (1) diarrhea, (2) vomiting, (3) nausea, and/or (4) abdominal pain between October 31 and December 8, 2017. Confirmed cases were probable cases with positive NoV infection detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the same genotype in stool specimens.Results:The outbreak was caused by NoV GII.P16-GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant and affected 146 people. The highest illness rates were observed in residents (97 of 335, 29%) and nurses (16 of 83, 19%). All 11 resident wards were affected. Data on cases and their working or living areas suggest that movement between wards facilitated the transmission of NoV, likely from person to person.Conclusions:The delay in the identification of the causative agent, a lack of restrictions of resident and staff movement between wards, and ineffective initial deep-cleaning procedures resulted an outbreak that continued for >1 month. The outbreak ended only after implementation of strict control measures. Recommendations for controlling future NoV outbreaks in LTCFs include emphasizing the need to control resident’s movements and to restrict visitors, timely and effective environmental cleaning and disinfection, leave of absence for ill staff, and encouraging effective hand hygiene.
A Prophetic Guide for a Perplexed World: Louis Finkelstein and the 1940 Conference on Science, Philosophy, and Religion
Authors: Rock-Singer Cara 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThis article traces negotiations over the epistemic, ethical, and political authority of Judaism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and science in mid-twentieth-century America. Specifically, it examines how the president of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Dr. Louis Finkelstein, led a diverse group of intellectual elites as they planned and convened the 1940 Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in Their Relation to the Democratic Way of Life (CSPR). Based on the conference's transcripts, proceedings, and papers, in addition to Finkelstein's writings from the period, this article shows how Finkelstein used his vision of the Jewish tradition as a model to form a pluralistic intellectual space that brought together the representatives of multiple religious traditions and modern science. To accredit the American way of life to Judaism, Finkelstein traced America's ethical values, democratic politics, and scientific genius back to the Hebrew Prophets through Rabbinic Judaism. In response to Finkelstein's historiography and the political and ideological challenges of World War II, scientific and religious experts negotiated their authority and debated how to mobilize their traditions in a quest for political stability. By analyzing the CSPR as a meeting of multiple discourses, this article reinstates science as a fundamental player in the story of American pluralism and demonstrates the way a non-Protestant tradition shaped the terms of an elite public's understanding of the “democratic way of life.”
A Novel Dedicated HVE 14C AMS System
Authors: Klein M , Podaru N C , Mous D J W 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTHigh Voltage Engineering Europa (HVE) has designed a vacuum-insulated tandem accelerator dedicated to radiocarbon (14C) analysis. A unique feature of the design is a magnetic charge state selector that is incorporated in the high voltage terminal, which reduces the primary source of background that originates from the injection of 13CH− to negligible levels. As a result, background levels in the low 10−16 regimes are anticipated, thus supporting the most stringent 14C dating applications. Another feature of the system is the incorporation of several slit feedback loops for stabilization of the position of the ion beam throughout the system, which avoids drift and ensures stable, long-term operation. Finally, this article presents measurements and quantitative analysis of background contributions from 13CH−.
A new species ofPhysaloptera(Nematoda: Spirurida) fromProechimys gardneri(Rodentia: Echimyidae) from the Amazon rainforest and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the genus
Authors: Maldonado A. , Simões R.O. , Luiz J. São , Costa-Neto S.F. , Vilela R.V. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNematodes of the genusPhysalopteraare globally distributed and more than 100 species are known. Their life cycle involves insects, including beetles, cockroaches and crickets, as intermediate hosts. This study describes a new species ofPhysalopteraand reports molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine its relationships within the family Physalopteridae.Physaloptera amazonican. sp. is described from the stomach of the caviomorph rodentProechimys gardnericollected in the Amazon rainforest in the state of Acre, Brazil. The species is characterized by the male having the first and second pair of sessile papillae asymmetrically placed, lacking a median papilla-like protuberance between the third pairs of sessile papillae, differentiated by size and shape of the spicules, while females have four uterine branches. For both nuclear 18S rRNA and MT-CO1 gene-based phylogenies, we recoveredTurgidasequences forming a clade nested withinPhysaloptera, thus makingPhysalopteraparaphyletic to the exclusion ofTurgida, suggesting that the latter may have evolved from the former monodelphic ancestral state to a derived polydelphic state, or that some species ofPhysalopteramay belong to different genera. Relationships between most taxa withinPhysalopterawere poorly resolved in our phylogenies, producing multifurcations or a star phylogeny. The star-like pattern may be attributed to evolutionary processes where past simultaneous species diversification events took place.Physaloptera amazonican. sp. formed an independent lineage, separately from the other species ofPhysaloptera, thus supporting the status of a new species. However, all molecular data suggested a closer relationship with other Neotropical species. In conclusion, we added a new species to this already largely diverse genusPhysaloptera, bringing new insights to its phylogenetic relationships. Further analyses, adding more species and markers, should provide a better understanding of the evolutionary history of physalopterids.
Stories of Patient Involvement Impact in Health Technology Assessments: A Discussion Paper
Authors: Single Ann N.V. , Facey Karen M. , Livingstone Heidi , Silva Aline Silveira 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesAs more health technology assessment (HTA) bodies seek to implement patient involvement, there is a desire to learn from other HTA bodies about their experiences and understand what approaches can be used and which ones make a real difference to HTA. This is difficult, as the impact of patient involvement in HTA is not well documented. This study aims to promote further discussion about the ways in which patient involvement can impact HTAs by studying stories of impact.MethodsIn a multi-stakeholder workshop, experts leading patient involvement in four HTA bodies shared examples of HTAs where they believed patient involvement made a difference, then they reflected on these impact stories within the wider context of impact evaluation.ResultsThe HTA bodies drew on patient input and patient-based evidence to inform their HTAs. The patient involvement was observed to elucidate patients’ experiences, needs and preferences which, in turn, was observed to influence the HTA recommendations about optimal use of technologies, including taking account of issues for sub-groups, outcomes that matter to patients and educational needs.ConclusionsPersonal stories of patient involvement may enable a wider understanding of different approaches to and impact of patient involvement. The examples relate to both patient input and patient-based evidence and highlight the role that patient involvement can play in reducing uncertainties and complementing the clinical and economic evidence in HTA. They suggest that impact can be seen in recommendations about how and when a technology is used.
Willingness of general dental practices in South East London to
engage with research
Authors: Afeef Marwah , Redican Caillin , Bernabé Eduardo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This study assessed the willingness of general dental practices (GDPs) to
participate in research. All 263 GDPs in South East London that provide dental
care under National Health Service (NHS) contracts were invited. The survey
instrument was adapted from previous studies and piloted before administration.
Geographical factors and practice characteristics associated with willingness to
participate in research were explored in logistic regression models. A total of
77 responses were received (response rate: 29%). Of them, 40 (53%)
expressed interest in being involved in primary care research. They saw their
main role as collecting data and facilitating access to patients. Time,
bureaucracy and lack of energy were the main reasons behind a decision not to
engage with research. Those spending more time in NHS services were more likely
to be willing to participate in research. Other possible indicators were
single-handed GDPs, participation in the dental foundation training programme
and location in more affluent areas.