bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single cell analysis of the developing mouse kidney provides deeper insight into marker gene expression and ligand-receptor crosstalk
Authors: Combes Alexander N. , Phipson Belinda , Lawlor Kynan T. , Dorison Aude , Patrick Ralph , Zappia Luke , Harvey Richard P. , Oshlack Alicia , Little Melissa H. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
Recent advances in the generation of kidney organoids and the culture of primary nephron progenitors from mouse and human have been based on knowledge of the molecular basis of kidney development in mice. Although gene expression during kidney development has been intensely investigated, single cell profiling provides new opportunities to further subsect component cell types and the signalling networks at play. Here, we describe the generation and analysis of 6732 single cell transcriptomes from the fetal mouse kidney [embryonic day (E)18.5] and 7853 sorted nephron progenitor cells (E14.5). These datasets provide improved resolution of cell types and specific markers, including subdivision of the renal stroma and heterogeneity within the nephron progenitor population. Ligand-receptor interaction and pathway analysis reveals novel crosstalk between cellular compartments and associates new pathways with differentiation of nephron and ureteric epithelium cell types. We identify transcriptional congruence between the distal nephron and ureteric epithelium, showing that most markers previously used to identify ureteric epithelium are not specific. Together, this work improves our understanding of metanephric kidney development and provides a template to guide the regeneration of renal tissue.
Clavicle fracture following neck dissection: imaging features and natural course
Authors: Fujimoto Keita , Kato Hiroki , Kaneko Yo , Aoki Mitsuhiro , Kuze Bunya , Kato Keizo , Shibata Toshiyuki , Matsuo Masayuki 
Published: May 2019

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the imaging features and natural course of clavicle fracture following neck dissection (ND).

Methods and materials:
Eight patients with clavicle fracture following ND were included. Because bilateral clavicle fractures occurred in one patient, a total of nine clavicle fractures following ND were assessed using CT images. Pathological fracture due to bone metastasis or local recurrence was carefully ruled out.

Results:
The time interval from ND to clavicle fracture ranged from 2 to 8 months (median, 4 months). On CT images, all the nine fractures occurred in the proximal clavicles and displayed increased bone marrow density with extraosseous soft-tissue mass formation. Osteolysis of the clavicle was not observed. Intra articular fractures were observed in three (33%), displaced fractures in two (22%), and free bone fragments in three (33%) cases. Further follow-up using CT showed that six (67%) fractures resulted in pseudoarthrosis. For the remaining three (33%) fractures with bone union during follow-up, the time interval between clavicle fracture and bone union ranged from 4 to 16 months (median, 6 months).

Conclusion:
Proximal clavicle fractures, which are rarely observed following ND, always display extraosseous soft-tissue mass formation without osteolysis. They frequently result in pseudoarthrosis; however, occasionally, they also result in bone union within 24 weeks.

Advances in knowledge:
The location of proximal clavicle, the lack of osteolysis, and the presence of free bone fragments may be the key to diagnosis of clavicle fracture following ND.
“It builds your confidence… you’ve done well”: Healthcare workers’ experiences of participating in a low-dose, high-frequency training to improve newborn survival on the day of birth in Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Amos , Nelson Allyson R. , Gomez Patricia P. , Tappis Hannah , Effah Fred , Allen Chantelle 
Published: May 2019

Background: The majority of newborn deaths occur during the first week of life, and 25‒45% occur within the first 24 hours. A low-dose, high-frequency (LDHF) training approach was introduced in 40 hospitals in Ghana to improve newborn survival. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore healthcare workers’ experiences with the LDHF approach to in-service training. Methods: A total of 20 in-depth interviews and nine focus group discussions were conducted in 2016 in three regions of Ghana with healthcare workers who participated in implementation of the LDHF training approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 master mentors and peer practice coordinators; 51 practicing doctors, midwives and nurses participated in focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Healthcare workers reflected on the differences between the LDHF approach and past learning experiences, highlighting how the skills-based team training approach, coupled with high-frequency practice and mobile mentoring, built their competency and confidence. As participants shared their experiences, they highlighted relationships established between Master Mentors and healthcare workers, and motivation stemming from pride in contributing to reductions in maternal and newborn deaths as critical factors in improving quality of care at participating health facilities. Conclusion: This nested qualitative study documents experiences of healthcare workers and mentors involved in implementation of a multi-faceted intervention that effectively improved maternal and newborn care at health facilities in Ghana. The way the intervention was implemented created an environment conducive to learning within the hospital setting, thus providing an opportunity for professional growth and quality improvement for all staff working in the maternity ward.
Study design and protocol for investigating social network patterns in rural and urban schools and households in a coastal setting in Kenya using wearable proximity sensors
Authors: Kiti Moses Chapa , Melegaro Alessia , Cattuto Ciro , Nokes David James 
Published: May 2019

Background: Social contact patterns shape the transmission of respiratory infections spread via close interactions. There is a paucity of observational data from schools and households, particularly in developing countries. Portable wireless sensors can record unbiased proximity events between individuals facing each other, shedding light on pathways of infection transmission. Design and methods: The aim is to characterize face-to-face contact patterns that may shape the transmission of respiratory infections in schools and households in Kilifi, Kenya. Two schools, one each from a rural and urban area, will be purposively selected. From each school, 350 students will be randomly selected proportional to class size and gender to participate. Nine index students from each school will be randomly selected and followed-up to their households. All index household residents will be recruited into the study. A further 3-5 neighbouring households will also be recruited to give a maximum of 350 participants per household setting. The sample size per site is limited by the number of sensors available for data collection. Each participant will wear a wireless proximity sensor lying on their chest area for 7 consecutive days. Data on proximal dyadic interactions will be collected automatically by the sensors only for participants who are face-to-face. Key characteristics of interest include the distribution of degree and the frequency and duration of contacts and their variation in rural and urban areas. These will be stratified by age, gender, role, and day of the week. Expected results: Resultant data will inform on social contact patterns in rural and urban areas of a previously unstudied population. Ensuing data will be used to parameterize mathematical simulation models of transmission of a range of respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, and used to explore the impact of intervention measures such as vaccination and social distancing.
Managerial Biases and Debt Contract Design: The Case of Syndicated Loans
Authors: Adam Tim R. , Burg Valentin , Scheinert Tobias , Streitz Daniel 
Published: May 2019

We examine whether managerial overconfidence impacts the use of performance-pricing provisions in loan contracts (performance-sensitive debt [PSD]). Managers with biased views may issue PSD because they consider this form of debt to be mispriced. Our evidence shows that overconfident managers are more likely to issue rate-increasing PSD than regular debt. They choose PSD with steeper performance-pricing schedules than those chosen by rational managers. We reject the possibility that overconfident managers have (persistent) positive private information and use PSD for signaling. Finally, firms seem to benefit less from using PSD ex post if they are managed by overconfident rather than rational managers. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Managing Appointment-Based Services in the Presence of Walk-in Customers
Authors: Wang Shan , Liu Nan , Wan Guohua 
Published: May 2019

Despite the prevalence and significance of walk-ins in healthcare, we know relatively little about how to plan and manage the daily operations of a healthcare facility that accepts both scheduled and walk-in patients. In this paper, we take a data-analytics approach and develop an optimization model to determine the optimal appointment schedule in the presence of potential walk-ins. Our model is the first known approach that can jointly handle general walk-in processes and heterogeneous, time-dependent no-show behaviors. We demonstrate that, with walk-ins, the optimal schedules are fundamentally different from those without. Our numerical study reveals that walk-ins introduce a new source of uncertainties to the system and cannot be viewed as a simple solution to compensate for patient no-shows. Scheduling, however, is an effective way to counter some of the negative impact from uncertain patient behaviors. Using data from practice, we predict a significant cost reduction (42%–73% on average) if the providers were to switch from current practice (which tends to overlook walk-ins in planning) to our proposed schedules. Although our work is motivated by healthcare, our models and insights can also be applied to general appointment-based services with walk-ins. This paper was accepted by Gad Allon, operations management.
A nurse practitioner-led community palliative care service in Australia
Authors: Edwards Julie , Hooper Dawn , Rothwell Gillian , Kneen Kerrie , Watson John , Saurman Emily 
Published: May 2019

Background: Patients want community-based palliative care, but there was no continuity of care for patients at the Sydney Adventist Hospital to receive palliative and end-of-life care within a community setting. A nurse practitioner (NP)-led community palliative care service was developed. Aims: To present the background, design, function, and essential elements of the Sydney Adventist Hospital Community Palliative Care Service (SanCPCS). Methods: Semi-structured and cyclical discussions with key informants alongside internal document reviews. Findings: This is the first description of an NP-led community palliative care service model. The NP role ensured specialist training and extended clinical practice within the community setting. The SanCPCS delivers accessible, continuous, community-based palliative care throughout the patient's palliative and end-of-life journey. Conclusion: NP-led models for palliative and end-of-life care in the outpatient or community setting are a logical direction to meet patient need.
Diagnostic Accuracy of a High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assay with a Single Serum Test in the Emergency Department
Authors: Body Richard , Twerenbold Raphael , Austin Catrin , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Almashali Malak , Nestelberger Thomas , Morris Niall , Badertscher Patrick , McDowell Garry , Wildi Karin , Moss Phil , Rubini Gimenez Maria , Jarman Heather , Bigler Nina , Einemann Rachael , Koechlin Luca , Pourmahram Ghazaleh , Todd John , Mueller Christian , Freemont Anthony 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We sought to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the emergency department (ED). The assay has high precision at low concentrations and can detect cTnI in 96.8% of healthy individuals.

METHODS
In successive prospective multicenter studies (“testing” and “validation”), we included ED patients with suspected ACS. We drew blood for hs-cTnI [Singulex Clarity® cTnI; 99th percentile, 8.67 ng/L; limit of detection (LoD), 0.08 ng/L] on arrival. Patients also underwent hs-cTnT (Roche Elecsys) testing over ≥3 h. The primary outcome was an adjudicated diagnosis of ACS, defined as acute myocardial infarction (AMI; prevalent or incident), death, or revascularization within 30 days.

RESULTS
The testing and validation studies included 665 and 2470 patients, respectively, of which 94 (14.1%) and 565 (22.9%) had ACS. At a 1.5-ng/L cutoff, hs-cTnI had good sensitivity for AMI in both studies (98.7% and 98.1%, respectively) and would have “ruled out” 40.1% and 48.9% patients. However, sensitivity was lower for ACS (95.7% and 90.6%, respectively). At a 0.8-ng/L cutoff, sensitivity for ACS was higher (97.5% and 97.9%, ruling out 28.6% patients in each cohort). The hs-cTnT assay had similar performance at the LoD (24.6% ruled out; 97.2% sensitivity for ACS).

CONCLUSIONS
The hs-cTnI assay could immediately rule out AMI in 40% of patients and ACS in &gt;25%, with similar accuracy to hs-cTnT at the LoD. Because of its high precision at low concentrations, this hs-cTnI assay has favorable characteristics for this clinical application.
Expression of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen in Tumor-Associated Vasculature Predicts Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jiao Dian , Li Yu , Yang Fa , Han Donghui , Wu Jieheng , Shi Shengjia , Tian Feng , Guo Zhangyan , Xi Wenjin , Li Guodong , Zhao Aizhi , Yang An-Gang , Qin Weijun , Wang He , Wen Weihong 
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION:
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was originally found to be specifically expressed in normal prostate, and its expression was upregulated in almost all stages of prostate cancer. In recent years, PSMA was also found to be expressed in tumor-associated vasculature in many nonprostatic solid tumors. However, the expression pattern of PSMA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well studied.

METHODS:
In this study, we examined PSMA expression in 103 HCC tissues using immunohistochemical staining and analyzed the association between PSMA expression and other clinicopathological features and prognosis.

RESULTS:
Among the 103 cases, 27 cases (26%) showed PSMA expression in more than 50% of tumor-associated vasculature, 49 cases (48%) showed PSMA expression in less than 50% of vasculature, and 27 cases (26%) did not have detectable PSMA expression. Vascular PSMA expression was associated with several clinicopathological features, such as tumor stage, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and Ki-67 index. Furthermore, high vascular PSMA expression was also associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high vascular PSMA expression can be used as an independent prognostic marker for HCC.

DISCUSSION:
Our study provides the evidence that PSMA is specifically expressed in tumor-associated vasculature of HCC, and vascular PSMA expression may be used as a novel prognostic marker and a vascular therapeutic target for HCC.
Sentidos de sexualidade nos anais dos Encontros Nacionais de Ensino de Biologia (2005-2016)
Authors: Pinho Raquel , Bastos Felipe 
Published: May 2019

Este artigo objetiva compreender os sentidos de sexualidade atribuídos às produções científicas apresentadas no Encontro Nacional de Ensino de Biologia (ENEBIO). Todos os 2.517 trabalhos apresentados nas seis edições do encontro foram triados através de ferramentas de busca e 107 foram selecionados de acordo como recorte desejado: temas relativos a sexualidade, tais como sexo, gênero, DST, gravidez, entre outros. Concluímos que a sexualidade é uma área emergente e em consolidação nos encontros, visto o aumento de trabalhos relacionados ao longo dos anos. Os artigos foram majoritariamente escritos por autoras mulheres, de universidades públicas. De modo geral, as pesquisas têm como foco estudantes e professoras da educação básica, principalmente do ensino fundamental. Quantitativamente, observamos o predomínio da abordagem sociológica da sexualidade, mas também foram analisadas abordagens biológicas, psicológicas e éticas. Por fim, traçamos algumas considerações sobre a importância de se analisar o campo, tanto para a pesquisa quanto para a docência.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Sexualidade. Gênero. Evento científico. ENEBIO.
Ordinary and Markov-Switching Autoregressive Models for Firm-Level Underwriting Data
Authors: Feng Frank Y. , Powers Michael R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFor many decades, the analysis of underwriting-profitability regimes (i. e. successive “hard” and “soft” markets) has formed an important topic in insurance research. In the present article, we study the characteristics of firm-level underwriting results by applying both ordinary and Markov-switching autoregressive models to data from individual U.S. property-liability companies. The research employs both univariate and multivariate methods. Our analysis argues against the existence of distinct, firm-level underwriting regimes in the U.S. property-liability market, but offers evidence of cross-company interactions over time.
Comparison of bone biomechanical properties after bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell or alendronate treatment in an osteoporotic animal model
Authors: Piao Chengdong , Li Zhengwei , Ding Jie , Kong Daliang 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and alendronate sodium (ALN) intervention on osteoporosis (OP). Sixty-eight 6-month-old healthy female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used to generate an OP model by removal of the ovaries. After 12 weeks, rats were treated with BMMSCs (BMMSC group) or ALN (ALN group) for 5 weeks. Serum type I collagen C terminal peptide (CTX_1), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were tested along with the femur bone density and other properties, including bone mineral density (BMD), BALP, percent trabecular area (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (TbN), maximum load, maximum stress, maximum strain, and elastic modulus. BMD, BALP, BV/TV, Tb.Th, TbN, maximum load, maximum stress, maximum strain, and elastic modulus values were higher in the BMMSC group versus the ALN group relative to the control group (p < 0.05); CTX_1, PINP, trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and osteoclast number (OC.N) were lowest in the BMMSC group versus the ALN group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Both BMMSCs and ALN could improve the metabolic function and bone quality in osteoporotic mice while restoring the strength and toughness of bones. The intervention effects of BMMSCs are better than ALN in this model.
What interventions could reduce diagnostic error in emergency departments? A review of evidence, practice and consumer perspectives
Authors: Wright Breanna , Faulkner Nicholas , Bragge Peter , Graber Mark 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to synthesise review evidence, practice and patient perspectives on interventions to reduce diagnostic error in emergency departments (EDs). A rapid review methodology identified nine systematic reviews for inclusion. Six practice interviews were conducted to identify local contextual insights and implementation considerations. Finally, patient perspectives were explored through a citizen panel with 11 participants. The rapid review found evidence for the following interventions: second opinion, decision aids, guided reflection and education. Practitioners suggested three of the four interventions from the academic review: second opinion, decision aids and education. Practitioners suggested four additional interventions: improving teamwork, engaging patients, learning from mistakes and scheduled test follow-up. Patients most favoured interventions that improved communication through education and patient engagement, while also suggesting that implementation of state-wide standards to reduce variability in care and sufficient staffing are important to address diagnostic errors. Triangulating these three perspectives on the evidence allows for the intersections to be highlighted and demonstrates the usefulness of incorporating practitioner reflections and patient values in developing potential interventions.
Acid precipitation of kraft lignin from aqueous solutions: the influence of anionic specificity and concentration level of the salt
Authors: Sewring Tor , Theliander Hans 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
In this study, the formation of particles and evolution of the particle size distribution in the micron range were monitored in situ during acid precipitation of kraft lignin. The objective of this work was to study the influence of anionic specificity and the ion concentration level. The concentrations of ions in the solution were altered both in terms of the concentration of Na+ and the type of anion in the salt added (

SO

4

2
−

${\rm{SO}}_4^{2 - }$

and Cl−). The results indicate that a salting-out phenomenon occurred as NaCl was added (Na+ ≥2 mol kg−1 water) to the kraft lignin solution at high pH, but not when Na2SO4 was added. However, the onset pH of the formation of particles (≥1 μm), triggered by acidification, showed to be virtually non-specific to the anion but strongly dependent on the Na+ concentration. As the pH decreased further to below the onset pH of the formation of particles ≥1 μm, the chord length distributions (particle-size related) indicated that most of the volume of the precipitated kraft lignin (and thus possibly also the mass) may be found among the micron-sized particles, despite the fact that a relatively large number of submicron particles may also be present. The volume-based distributions tended to be wide at relatively low pH and high Na+ concentrations (e.g. pH 9.4 and 2.0 mol kg−1 water).
Unauthorized Use of Famous Brands and Its Impact on Brand Equity Dimensions
Authors: Macías Washington , Cerviño Julio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study is to analyze the effect of unauthorized use of famous brand names on their brand equity dimensions. In addition, we explored the moderation effect of similarity between the unauthorized brand (junior brand) and the famous brand. An experimental design with four real famous brands and sixteen fictitious junior brands was applied to 617 undergraduate students from a large university in Ecuador. Hypotheses about the effect on brand equity dimensions and overall brand equity construct were tested using structural equation models. Results showed that awareness of a famous brand was not diluted by consumers’ exposure to junior brands. However, associations, perceived quality, loyalty and an overall construct of brand equity were diluted. There was evidence that similarity between famous and junior brands attenuated dilution. Therefore, considering that brand equity dimensions have desirable consequences on consumer behavior and firm value, this paper’s results highlight the importance of protecting brands against unauthorized use.