bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon‐free therapy in hepatitis C virus mixed cryoglobulinaemia: a prospective, controlled, clinical and quality of life analysis
Authors: Gragnani L. , Cerretelli G. , Lorini S. , Steidl C. , Giovannelli A. , Monti M. , Petraccia L. , Sadalla S. , Urraro T. , Caini P. , Xheka A. , Simone A. , Arena U. , Matucci‐Cerinic M. , Vergani D. , Laffi G. , Zignego A. L. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackgroundCryoglobulinaemic vasculitis (CV) is a lymphoproliferative disorder related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; anti‐viral therapy is the first therapeutic option. CV can be incapacitating, compromising the patients’ quality of life (QoL). In a controlled study, interferon‐based therapy was associated with a lower virological response in vasculitic patients than in patients without vasculitis. Limited, uncontrolled data on direct‐acting anti‐virals are available.AimTo evaluate safety, clinical efficacy, virological response and the impact of interferon‐free treatment on QoL in HCV patients with and without mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC).MethodsWe prospectively studied HCV patients with cryoglobulinaemia (with vasculitis‐CV‐ and without vasculitis‐MC‐) and without cryoglobulinaemia (controls), treated with direct‐acting anti‐virals. Hepato‐virological parameters, CV clinical response and impact on QoL were assessed.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐two HCV patients were recruited (85 with CV, 54 with MC and 43 controls). A sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) was achieved in 166 (91.2%) patients (77/85 CV, 48/54 MC, 41/43 controls). In CV SVR patients, cryocrit levels progressively decreased and clinical response progressively improved, reaching 96.7%, 24 weeks after treatment. QoL, baseline physical and mental component summaries were lower in the CV group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Scores improved in all groups, and significantly in CV patients after SVR.ConclusionsNo significant differences in SVR rates were recorded between cryoglobulinaemic patients and controls and a high clinical and immunological efficacy was confirmed in CV, supporting the role of interferon‐free therapy as the first therapeutic option. Interestingly, CV patients had worse baseline QoL than other HCV‐positive groups and interferon‐free therapy was effective in significantly increasing QoL, suggesting the important role of direct‐acting anti‐viral‐based therapy in improving CV's individual and social burden.
“Girls Are as Good as Boys at Math” Implies That Boys Are Probably Better: A Study of Expressions of Gender Equality
Authors: Chestnut Eleanor K. , Markman Ellen M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAlthough “Girls are as good as boys at math” explicitly expresses equality, we predict it could nevertheless suggest that boys have more raw talent. In statements with this subject‐complement structure, the item in the complement position serves as the reference point and is thus considered more typical and prominent. This explains why “Tents are like houses,” for instance, sounds better than “Houses are like tents”—people generally think of houses as more typical. For domains about ability, the reference point should be the item that is typically more skilled. We further propose that the reference point should be naturally more skilled. In two experiments, we presented adults with summaries of actual scientific evidence for gender equality in math (Experiment 1) or verbal ability (Experiment 2), but we manipulated whether the reference point in the statements of equality in the summaries (e.g., “Boys’ verbal ability is as good as girls’”) was girls or boys. As predicted, adults attributed more natural ability to each gender when it was in the complement rather than subject position. Yet, in Experiment 3, we found that when explicitly asked, participants judged that such sentences were not biased in favor of either gender, indicating that subject‐complement statements must be transmitting this bias in a subtle way. Thus, statements such as “Girls are as good as boys at math” can actually backfire and perpetuate gender stereotypes about natural ability.
The Inner Life of Democracy: Learning in Deliberation between the Police and Communities of Color
Authors: Wahl Rachel 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTDeliberation has become a defining ideal of democratic theory, and learning is central to robust deliberation. It is challenging for people to learn from each other, however, in contexts of inequality and deep social cleavages — though this is precisely when such learning is most needed. The political theorist Danielle Allen has argued that the cultivation of “political friendships” and the development of verbal empowerment can mitigate the negative effects of difference and inequality in such settings. In this essay, Rachel Wahl uses her fieldwork on deliberation between police and communities of color to illuminate the challenges that are frequently encountered in efforts to adhere to Allen's aims and prescriptions, and also to consider the kind of learning that might make political friendship possible in the most challenging circumstances. Wahl shows how, in the context of divisive and unequal settings, people must develop the capacity not only to learn from those who are different from themselves but even from their sharpest critics. This requires a prior education that cultivates a kind of receptivity that can complement the long‐standing focus on agency and self‐expression in education for democratic citizenship. Her detailed account of the deliberative dynamics observed at a series of police–community fora reveals the political importance of inner life and of receiving an education that cultivates in individuals the disposition of receptive listening. Complicating deeply ingrained distinctions between the public and private spheres within a liberal society, it points to the value not only of cultivating skills, but also of shaping the person.
Whats and Hows of Family Financial Socialization: Retrospective Reports of Emerging Adults, Parents, and Grandparents
Authors: LeBaron Ashley B. , Hill E. Jeffrey , Rosa Christina M. , Marks Loren D. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo qualitatively explore the whats and hows of financial socialization in families, as reported by emerging adults and their parents and grandparents.BackgroundPrevious research has examined the positive impact of financial socialization in families as well as the negative consequences of a lack of sufficient financial education. However, there is a need to explore the breadth of parent–child financial socialization methods and topics.MethodA convenience sample of 90 emerging adults (18–30 years of age), 17 of their parents, and eight of their grandparents (N = 115) were interviewed at three diverse universities regarding what and how their parents taught them about money. Parents and grandparents were also interviewed regarding what and how they taught their children about money.ResultsThematic content coding revealed three core how themes (modeling, discussion, and experiential learning) and four core what themes (financial planning, work ethic, money management, and sharing). The themes coded most often were discussion and money management.ConclusionThe findings provide a starting point for gaining insight about how and what parents teach children about money but leave many questions unanswered that future research will need to address to build efficient and effective evidence‐based approaches for parental financial socialization in future generations.ImplicationsFamily life educators and others can use our findings to better understand how financial socialization occurs in families as a necessary step in ultimately improving financial socialization and increasing the financial capability and independence of emerging adults.
Controlling lead times and minor ordering costs in the joint replenishment problem with stochastic demands under the class of cyclic policies
Authors: Braglia Marcello , Castellano Davide , Santillo Liberatina , Song Dongping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the periodic review joint replenishment problem under the class of cyclic policies. For each item, the demand in the protection interval is assumed stochastic. Moreover, a fraction of shortage is lost, while the other quota is backordered. We suppose that lead times and minor ordering costs are controllable. The problem concerns determining the cyclic replenishment policy, the lead times, and the minor ordering costs in order to minimize the long‐run expected total cost per time unit. We established several properties of the cost function, which permit us to derive a heuristic algorithm. A lower bound on the minimum cost is obtained, which helps us to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed heuristic. The heuristic is also compared with a hybrid genetic algorithm that is specifically developed for benchmarking purposes. Numerical experiments have been carried out to investigate the performance of the heuristic.
Fabrication and microstructure characterizations of transparent Er:CaF2 composite ceramic
Authors: Liu Zuodong , Jia Mengying , Yi Guoqiang , Mei Bingchu , Jing Qiangshan , Liu Peng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA novel layered transparent Er:CaF2 composite ceramic was proposed in the present study. Er:CaF2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation method. The crystal structures and morphologies of synthesized nanoparticles were performed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) measurements, respectively. Transparent composite ceramic was fabricated by the combination of multistep dry pressing and hot‐pressed sintering method without any sintering aids or binders. The average grain size of 2% Er‐doped and 5% Er‐doped layers were about 30 and 55 μm, respectively. The thickness of interfacial between two different Er‐doped layers was 150‐200 μm. For a 1.5 mm thickness transparent Er:CaF2 composite ceramic, the optical transmittance reached 44.9% at 500 nm and 53.6% at 1200 nm. The luminescence spectra and thermal conductivities of transparent ceramic specimens were also discussed.
Vitamin D3supplementation improves testicular function in diabetic rats through peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ/transforming growth factor‐beta 1/nuclear factor‐kappa B
Authors: Liu Yang , He Yanyan , Wang Qingzhu , Guo Feng , Huang Fengjuan , Ji Linlin , An Tingting , Qin Guijun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionVitamin D3deficiency can lead to male hypogonadism in diabetes mellitus, but the target organs and the mechanism driving the disorder are unclear. This experiment was designed to study the relationship between vitamin D3deficiency and hypogonadism in diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsRats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes were randomly divided into four groups and treated with different doses of vitamin D3: blank (no vitamin D3), low (0.025 μg/kg/day), high (0.1 μg/kg/day), high (0.1 μg/kg/day) and with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma inhibitor 30 mg/kg/day). They were compared with wild‐type rats.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, the vitamin D3supplements had partially restored testicular pathological changes, as shown by reduced testicular fibrosis related to downregulation transforming growth factor beta 1 and apoptosis related to downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B, but not the pituitary gland. The expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, which can inhibit transforming growth factor beta 1 and nuclear factor kappa B, was significantly increased after treatment with vitamin D3.ConclusionsThese results suggest that treatment with vitamin D3can improve testicular function in diabetic rats through the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma/transforming growth factor beta 1/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.
Molecular Photoacoustic Contrast Agents: Design Principles & Applications
Authors: Borg Raymond E. , Rochford Jonathan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPhotoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a rapidly growing field which offers high spatial resolution and high contrast for deep‐tissue imaging in vivo. PAI is nonionizing and noninvasive and combines the optical resolution of fluorescence imaging with the spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. In particular, the development of exogenous PA contrast agents has gained significant momentum of late with a vastly expanding complexity of dye materials under investigation ranging from small molecules to macromolecular proteins, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles. The goal of this review is to survey the current state of the art in molecular photoacoustic contrast agents (MPACs) for applications in biomedical imaging. The fundamental design principles of MPACs are presented and a review of prior reports spanning from early‐to‐current literature is put forth.
Predicting Trail-Running Performance With Laboratory Exercise Tests and Field-Based Results
Authors: Scheer Volker , Janssen Tanja I. , Vieluf Solveig , Heitkamp Hans-Christian 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Trail running is a complex sport, and performance prediction is challenging. The aim was to evaluate 3 standard laboratory exercise tests in trail runners and correlate measurements to the race time of a trail competition evaluating its predictive power. Methods: Nine competitive male trail runners (mean age: 31 [5.8] y) completed 3 different laboratory exercise tests (step, ramp, and trail tests) for determination of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), vVO2max, ventilatory (VT) and lactate thresholds (LT), mechanical power output, and running economy (RE), followed by a 31-km trail race. Runners had previously participated in the same race (previous year) and finished in the top 2%. Finishing times (dependent value) were tested in multiple-regression analysis with different independent value combinations. Results: Linear-regression analysis revealed that variables measured during step and ramp tests significantly predicted performance. Step-test variables (speed at individual anaerobic threshold 16.4 [1.7] km/h and RE 12 km/h in %VO2max 65.6% [5.4%]) showed the highest performance prediction (R2 = .651, F2,6 = 5.60, P = .043), followed by the ramp test (vVO2max 20.3 [1.3] km/h; R2 = .477, F1,7 = 6.39, P = .04) and trail test (maximal power 3.9 [0.5] W/kg, VO2max 63.0 [4.8] mL O2·kg−1·min−1, vVT1 11.9 [0.7] km/h; R2 = .68, F3,5 = 3.52, P = .11). Adding race time from the preceding year to the step test improved the predictive power of the model (R2 = .988, F3,5 = 66.51, P < .001). Conclusions: The graded exercise test (VO2max, individual anaerobic threshold, and RE) most accurately predicted a 31.1-km trail-running performance. Combining submaximal intensities (individual anaerobic threshold and RE) with the previous year’s race time of that specific event increased the predictive power of the model to 99%.
Estimating Resting Core Temperature Using Heart Rate
Authors: Looney David P. , Buller Mark J. , Gribok Andrei V. , Leger Jayme L. , Potter Adam W. , Rumpler William V. , Tharion William J. , Welles Alexander P. , Friedl Karl E. , Hoyt Reed W. 
Published: June 2018

ECTemp™ is a heart rate (HR)-based core temperature (CT) estimation algorithm mainly used as a real-time thermal-work strain indicator in military populations. ECTemp™ may also be valuable for resting CT estimation, which is critical for circadian rhythm research. This investigation developed and incorporated a sigmoid equation into ECTemp™ to better estimate resting CT. HR and CT data were collected over two calorimeter test trials from 16 volunteers (age, 23 ± 3 yrs; height, 1.72 ± 0.07 m; body mass, 68.5 ± 8.1 kg) during periods of sleep and inactivity. Half of the test trials were combined with ECTemp™’s original development dataset to train the new sigmoid model while the other was used for model validation. Models were compared by their estimation accuracy and precision. While both models produced accurate CT estimates, the sigmoid model had a smaller bias (−0.04 ± 0.26°C vs. −0.19 ± 0.29°C) and root mean square error (RMSE; 0.26°C vs. 0.35°C). ECTemp™ is a validated HR-based resting CT estimation algorithm. The new sigmoid equation corrects lower CT estimates while producing nearly identical estimates to the original quadratic equation at higher CT. The demonstrated accuracy of ECTemp™ encourages future research to explore the algorithm’s potential as a non-invasive means of tracking CT circadian rhythms.
Injury Risk Factors Integrated Into Self-Guided Real-Time Biofeedback Improves High-Risk Biomechanics
Authors: Bonnette Scott , DiCesare Christopher A. , Kiefer Adam W. , Riley Michael A. , Barber Foss Kim D. , Thomas Staci , Kitchen Katie , Diekfuss Jed A. , Myer Gregory D. 
Published: June 2018

Context: Existing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs have failed to reverse the high rate of ACL injuries in adolescent female athletes. Objective: This investigation attempts to overcome factors that limit efficacy with existing injury prevention programs through the use of a novel, objective, and real-time interactive visual feedback system designed to reduce the biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injuries. Design: Cross-over study. Setting: Medical center laboratory. Participants: A total of 20 females (age = 19.7 [1.34] y; height = 1.74 [0.09] m; weight = 72.16 [12.45] kg) participated in this study. Methods: Participants performed sets of 10 bodyweight squats in each of 8 training blocks (ie, 4 real-time and 4 control blocks) and 3 testing blocks for a total of 110 squats. Feedback conditions were blocked and counterbalanced with half of participants randomly assigned to receive the real-time feedback block first and half receiving the control (sham) feedback first. Results: Heat map analysis revealed that during interaction with the real-time feedback, squat performance measured in terms of key biomechanical parameters was improved compared with performance when participants squatted with the sham stimulus. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the interactive feedback system guided participants to significantly improve movement biomechanics during performance of a body weight squat, which is a fundamental exercise for a longer term ACL injury risk reduction intervention. A longer training and testing period is necessary to investigate the efficacy of this feedback approach to effect long-term adaptations in the biomechanical risk profile of athletes.
Non-classical human leucocyte antigens in ankylosing spondylitis: possible association with HLA-E and HLA-F
Authors: Santos Margarida Rodrigues , Couto Ana Rita , Foroni Iris , Bettencourt Bruno Filipe , Li Zhixiu , Meneses Raquel , Wheeler Lawrie , Pereira Joaquim , Pimentel-Santos Fernando , Fonseca João Eurico , Alves Helena , Martinho António , Lima Manuela , Brown Matthew A , Bruges-Armas Jácome 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is the most prevalent form of spondyloarthritis, with a known genetic association with the HLA-B27 molecule. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of the HLA-G, HLA-E and HLA-F to AS susceptibility/protection in Portuguese patients with HLA-B27 AS and HLA-B27 unaffected controls.MethodsHigh-resolution typing ofHLA-G,HLA-EandHLA-Fwas performed in 228 patients with HLA-B27 AS and 244 HLA-B27 unaffected controls. Allelic, genotypic and haplotypic frequencies were compared between cohorts. To replicate the results, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inHLA-EandHLA-Fgenes were typed in Australian cohorts. For further confirmation, a group of European-descent patients with AS and unaffected controls were genotyped for Major Histocompatibility Complex SNPs using the Illumina microarray.ResultsIn the Portuguese population, no significant differences were found inHLA-G. For HLA-E, a significant difference was detected for the genotypeHLA-E*01:01:01/01:03:01(p=0.009; pc=0.009; OR=0.51), with a protection effect. For HLA-F, significant differences were detected in the alleleHLA-F*01:01:02(p=0.0049; pc=0.0098; OR=0.60) and corresponding SNP rs2075682 (p=0.0004; pc=0.0008; OR=0.53), suggesting protection and in the genotypeHLA-F*01:01:01/01:03:01(p=0.011; pc=0.043; OR=2.00), suggesting a susceptibility effect. ThreeG-E-Fhaplotypes with significant differences were detected but occur in a very small number of individuals. The only significant differences detected in the replication studies were forHLA-Ers1059510 in the Australians and forHLA-Frs1736924 in the European-descent cohorts.ConclusionOur results reveal suggestive AS protective and susceptibility effects from bothHLA-EandHLA-Floci, however with population differences. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing association ofHLA-Fwith AS.
The Sun Solutions Intervention for Operating Engineers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Duffy Sonia A. , Hall Stephanie V. , Tan Alai , Waltje Andrea H. , Cooper Samantha A. , Heckman Carolyn J. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Background: Because Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators) are outdoor workers at risk for skin cancer, interventions are needed to promote sun safety. The objectives were to determine changes in sunscreen use and sunburning among Operating Engineers randomized to four conditions in the Sun Solutions study: (i) education only; (ii) education and text message reminders; (ii) education and mailed sunscreen; and (iv) education, text message reminders, and mailed sunscreen.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, Operating Engineers (N = 357) were recruited at required safety training sessions throughout Michigan during winter/spring of 2012 to 2013 and provided baseline surveys. The four interventions were delivered over the summer. Postintervention surveys were collected in the fall (82.1% follow-up).
Results: Sunscreen use improved significantly from baseline to follow-up in all four conditions (P &lt; 0.05), except sunscreen use among those receiving education and text message reminders was only marginally significant (P = 0.07). There were significantly greater increases in sunscreen use in the two conditions that were mailed sunscreen (P &lt; 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the number of reported sunburns from baseline to follow-up in all four conditions (P &lt; 0.001), but there were no significant differences in sunburns among the groups. Participant evaluated the interventions highly with those who received mailed sunscreen rating the intervention the highest.
Conclusions: Providing proper sun-safety education and minimizing barriers to sunscreen use can increase sunscreen use and decrease reported sunburns.
Impact: The implementation of the Sun Solutions intervention may be an effective method to modify skin cancer–related behaviors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 864–73. ©2018 AACR.