bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translation and validation of the arabic version of the myasthenia gravis activities of daily living scale
Authors: Alanazy Mohammed H. , Abuzinadah Ahmad R. , Muayqil Taim 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe translated the myasthenia gravis (MG)‐specific activities of daily living (MG‐ADL) scale into Arabic (MG‐ADL‐A) and assessed its psychometric properties.MethodsWe assessed reliability using Cronbach's α, reproducibility using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and validity using Spearman's correlations with MG composite (MGC) score, MG‐specific manual muscle test (MG‐MMT), and MG quality‐of‐life revised Arabic version (MGQOL15R‐A). Differences in MG‐ADL‐A scores among patients with different disease severity were evaluated by using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Sensitivity to change was examined by using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsWe recruited 87 patients. The mean MG‐ADL‐A score was 3.38 ± 3.38 (α = 0.77, ICC = 0.99). The correlation coefficients between the MG‐ADL‐A and MGQOL15R‐A, MGC, and MG‐MMT were 0.63, 0.74, and 0.61, respectively (P < 0.001). The MG‐ADL‐A discriminated between different severity groups and was responsive to clinical improvement at follow‐up.DiscussionThe MG‐ADL‐A has rigorous psychometric properties and can be used with Arabic‐speaking patients with MG. Muscle Nerve 59:583–583, 2019
Impact of Free‐Choice Diets High in Fat and Different Sugars on Metabolic Outcome and Anxiety‐Like Behavior in Rats
Authors: Peris‐Sampedro Fiona , Mounib Myriam , Schéle Erik , Edvardsson Christian E. , Stoltenborg Iris , Adan Roger A. H. , Dickson Suzanne L. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveRats were exposed to free‐choice diets (fat plus one of two different sugar solutions, glucose or sucrose), and the metabolic consequences and impact on locomotor activity and anxiety‐like behavior were explored.MethodsFor 3 weeks, 7‐week‐old male rats were offered either chow only or free‐choice high‐fat diets differing in their added sugar: no sugar, sucrose, or glucose. In a second experiment, after 2 weeks on the diets, rats were switched from high sucrose to high glucose for two additional weeks. Metabolic end points included body weight, food intake, food choice, glycemic control, metabolic hormones, fat pad weight, brown adipose tissue weight, and gene expression. Behavioral analysis included locomotor and anxiety‐like activity in the open field and elevated plus maze.ResultsBoth sugar diets enhanced adiposity and induced hyperphagia, favoring unhealthier dietary selection above that of the control diets (chow or free‐choice high‐fat with no sugar). Despite isocaloric intake in the sugar‐containing diets, offering glucose instead of sucrose was associated with improved insulin sensitivity. The sugar‐containing diets reduced activity (but with movements of increased velocity) and induced an anxiety‐like phenotype.ConclusionsAlthough free‐choice diets negatively impacted on metabolism and anxiety‐like behavior, replacing sucrose with glucose improved insulin sensitivity and may therefore be better for health.
Informing a roadmap for cross‐sectoral collaboration on portion size management as a national strategy to improve population nutrition – a Delphi study
Authors: Barata‐Cavalcanti O. , Ty D. , Novelli W. , Costa S. , Huang T. T.‐K. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundAddressing food portion sizes is a key untapped opportunity to help tackle obesity. This study sought to inform the agenda of a national movement involving diverse sectors to manage portion sizes in packaged foods, restaurants, cafeterias and prepared foods in grocery stores.MethodsA Delphi study was conducted with representatives from public health, private‐sector food companies and academia that formed a panel of experts (n = 32). Three iterative rounds of surveys were administered over 3 months. The surveys gathered opinions on psychological mindsets affecting portion size choice, eating habits, portion perception and distortion, passive overconsumption and challenges and advantages of this tool to improve population nutrition. The survey also inquired about visions for a future food environment. After every round, responses were analysed and questions narrowed to reach group consensus on specific items in the subsequent round.ResultsAlthough many experts fear that portion size interventions might be perceived as paternalistic, 91% of respondents agreed stealth interventions were preferable. Seventy‐three per cent of experts believed that the most impactful portion size intervention was product reformulation while smaller packages were the most effective intervention according to only 28% of experts. The majority of the panel (59%) also believed that creating an artificial stopping point in packages was the best strategy to reduce food consumption. Finally, the study found that one of the most complex aspects of establishing a multi‐sector collaboration for obesity prevention was to ascertain trust in the private sector's ability to balance profit versus social responsibility.[Corrections added on 21 March 2019, after first online publication: The percentage of experts who believed that small packages were the most effective intervention has been changed from “16%” to “28%”.]ConclusionThis study informs the agenda of a cross‐sectoral, coordinated movement to tackle obesity through a combination of changing social norms, individual behaviours and industry practices around portion size. Although cross‐sectoral collaboration for non‐communicable disease prevention is encouraged by different organizations, strategic efforts to define a common agenda on portion size have been limited thus far. This research highlights important strategies in portion size interventions and steps needed for the success of such a movement, as part of a wider effort across sectors and stakeholders to halt and reverse obesity rates in the USA.
Relations among maternal physical activity during pregnancy and child body composition
Authors: Mudd L. M. , Scheurer J. M. , Pruett M. , Demerath E. W. , Kapur A. , Ramel S. E. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectivePhysical activity (PA) during pregnancy is associated with lower neonatal fat mass, but associations with child body composition are mixed. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between trimester‐specific pregnancy PA and child body composition at 4 years.MethodsParticipants of the Minnesota Infant Nutrition, Neurodevelopment, and Obesity Study were asked to recall participation in any moderate or vigorous PA in the first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) trimesters at about 5 years postpartum. Child fat mass and fat‐free mass were measured via air displacement plethysmography at 2 weeks, 3 months and 4 years of age. Multivariate linear regression was used for analyses.ResultsOf 51 possible participants, 37 recalled pregnancy PA. Any vigorous PA in T3 was associated with lower child fat mass at 4 years (adjβ = −1.077, p < 0.05).ConclusionLate pregnancy PA may have lasting benefits for child body composition. Replication of these findings is needed in a larger sample with prospective measures.
Blood transfusion therapy for β‐thalassemia major and hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia: Adequacy, trends, and determinants in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mettananda Sachith , Pathiraja Hashan , Peiris Ravindu , Wickramarathne Nethmi , Bandara Dayananda , de Silva Udaya , Mettananda Chamila , Premawardhena Anuja 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundRegular blood transfusion therapy still remains the cornerstone in the management of β‐thalassemia. Although recommendations are clear for patients with β‐thalassemia major, uniform transfusion guidelines are lacking for patients with hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia. In this study, we aim to describe the adequacy, trends, and determinants of blood transfusion therapy in a large cohort of pediatric patients with β‐thalassemia major and hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia.Methods/procedureThis cross‐sectional study was performed among all regularly transfused patents with β‐thalassemia aged 2 to 18 years attending three large thalassemia centers in Sri Lanka. Data were collected using an interviewer‐administered questionnaire, perusal of clinical records, and physical examination of patients by trained doctors.ResultsA total of 328 patients (male 47%) were recruited; 83% had β‐thalassemia major, whereas 16% had hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia. Sixty‐one percent of patients had low pretransfusion hemoglobin levels (< 9.0 g/dL) despite receiving high transfusion volumes (> 200 mL/kg/year) by a majority (56%). Median pretransfusion hemoglobin was significantly lower in patients with hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia compared with β‐thalassemia major (P < 0.001); however, there was no difference in requirement for high transfusion volumes over 200 mL/kg/year in both groups (P = 0.14). Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were more common in hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia and were associated with lower pretransfusion hemoglobin. Transfusion requirements were higher among patients with hepatitis C and in those who are underweight.ConclusionsOver 60% of regularly transfused patients with β‐thalassemia have low pretransfusion hemoglobin levels despite receiving large transfusion volumes. Patients with hemoglobin E β‐thalassemia are undertransfused and specific recommendations should be developed to guide transfusions in these patients.
Impact of fetal brain ultrasound tutor smartphone application on normal anatomy learning
Authors: Volpe Nicola , Dall'Asta Andrea , Schera Giovanni Battista Luca , Di Pasquo Elvira , Frusca Tiziana , Ghi Tullio 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe “Fetal Brain Tutor 4us” (FBTApp) is a recently developed application for interactive multiplanar navigation through the normal fetal brain. The purpose of this work was to assess its impact on normal anatomy learning.MethodsA multiple‐choice quiz (MCQ) was administered to first‐year resident doctors in Obstetrics and Gynecology in two separate sessions, before and 2 weeks after downloading the FBTApp. For each MCQ, the junior trainee was asked to use one out of five items to label a specific cerebral structure on an ultrasound image of a normal midtrimester fetal brain. Six sonographic images of the fetal brain on each of the three scanning planes (axial, sagittal, and coronal) were shown to the participants at either session. The results of the two sessions were analysed and compared.ResultsOverall, 216 questions were administered to the trainees in the 2‐week study, 108 before and 108 after the use of the FBTApp. From the first to the second sessions, a significant increase of correct answers was noted (from 47/108 or 43% to 77/108 or 71%, P < 0.01). Particularly, a better improvement was obtained in the correct labelling of cerebral structures on the nonaxial (from 32% to 67%, +35%) vs axial (from 67% to 81%, +14%) view planes of the brain (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe use of FBTApp seems capable to improve the knowledge of the normal fetal brain anatomy in subjects naive to dedicated prenatal ultrasound. This improvement seems greater on nonaxial planes.
Upscaling single unit monomer insertion to synthesize discrete oligomers
Authors: Huang Zixuan , Corrigan Nathaniel , Lin Shiyang , Boyer Cyrille , Xu Jiangtao 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTAs one of the emerging techniques for preparing discrete oligomers, the photo‐RAFT single unit monomer insertion (SUMI) process has shown its uniqueness and superiority in the control of both monomer sequence and stereochemistry. However, current precision polymer synthesis techniques are still burdened by the scalability challenges, such as low reaction yields, small product quantities, and long production times. Herein, we successfully established a practical protocol to address scalability problems in the photo‐RAFT SUMI processes. A series of discrete oligomers containing up to five monomer units were synthesized in batch and flow reactors by sequential and alternating SUMI of two monomers into a trithiocarbonate RAFT agent under mild reaction conditions and purified by automated flash chromatography. This protocol offers the process with large quantity (grams scale), excellent isolated yields (82%–95% for each step and 59% for five iterations), and short production time (several days for a pentamer). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1947–1955
Effectiveness of interventions to improve cancer treatment and follow‐up care in socially disadvantaged groups
Authors: Ruiz‐Pérez Isabel , Rodríguez‐Gómez Marina , Pastor‐Moreno Guadalupe , Escribá‐Agüir Vicenta , Petrova Dafina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and characterize the interventions that aimed to improve cancer treatment and follow‐up care in socially disadvantaged groups. To summarize the state of the art for clinicians and researchers.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials and quasi‐experimental studies with a control group (usual care or enhanced usual care) conducted in Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) member countries and published until 2016.ResultsThirty‐one interventions were identified, the majority of which were conducted in the United States in patients with breast cancer. Most interventions aimed to decrease social inequalities based on ethnicity/race and/or socioeconomic level, with fewer interventions targeting inequalities based on geographical area. The most frequently assessed outcomes were quality of life (n = 20) and psychosocial factors (n = 20), followed by treatment adherence or satisfaction (n = 12,), knowledge (n = 11), pain management (n = 10), and lifestyle habits (n = 3).ConclusionsThe impact of interventions designed to improve cancer treatment and follow‐up care in socially disadvantages groups is multifactorial. Multicomponent‐intervention approaches and cultural adaptations are common, and their effectiveness should be evaluated in the populations of interest. More interventions are needed from outside the Unite States and in patients with cancers other than breast cancer, targeting gender or geographical inequalities and addressing key outcomes such as treatment adherence or symptom management.
Reproducibility of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Models: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
Authors: Kirouac Daniel C. , Cicali Brian , Schmidt Stephan 
Published: January 2019

The provision of model code is required for publication in CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology, enabling quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model availability. A searchable repository of published QSP models would enhance model accessibility. We assess the feasibility of establishing such a resource based on 18 QSP models published in this journal. However, because of the diversity of software platforms (nine), file formats, and functionality, such a resource is premature. We evaluated 12 of the models (those coded in R, PK‐Sim/MoBi, and MATLAB) for functionality. Of the 12, only 4 were executable in that figures from the associated manuscript could be generated via a “run” script. Many researchers are aware of the challenges involved in repurposing published models. We offer some ideas to enable model sharing going forward, including annotation guidelines, standardized formats, and the inclusion of “run” scripts. If practitioners can agree to some minimum standards for the provision of model code, model reuse and extension would be accelerated.
Empirics of currency crises: A duration analysis approach
Authors: Karimi Mohammad , Voia Marcel‐Cristian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper empirically analyzes the origins of currency crises for a group ofOECDeconomies from 1970 through 1998. We apply duration analysis to examine how the probability of a currency crisis depends on the length of non‐crisis periods, contagion channels, and macroeconomic fundamentals. Our findings confirm the negativeduration dependenceof a currency crisis—the likelihood of speculative attack sharply increases at the beginning of non‐crisis periods and then declines over time until it abruptly rises again. The results also indicate the hazard of a crisis increase with high values of the volatility of unemployment rates, inflation rates, contagion factors—which mostly work through trade channels, unemployment rates, real effective exchange rate, trade openness, and size of economy. To address concerns regarding validity of the identified crisis episodes, we exploit crisis episodes that are identified by a more objective approach based on the extreme value theory. Our results are robust under various specifications including two different crisis event sets that are identified on monthly and quarterly basis.
Alphasat Aldo Paraboni, an advanced Q/V band mission space segment
Authors: Rivera Juan J. , Martellucci Antonio , Sivac Philippe , Benzi Edoardo , Pandolfi Alberto , de Bernardo Domenico , Falzini Stefano , Codispoti Giuseppe 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThis paper provides an overview of the space segment of the Aldo Paraboni mission on the Alphasat satellite and the technology programme that has developed one of the most powerful geostationary satellites in Europe. The Aldo Paraboni technology demonstration payload, funded by ASI under European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunications System Programme, was embarked as a hosted payload on the Alphasat satellite, launched on 25 July 2013. The Aldo Paraboni payload is composed of two main elements, an experimental communication payload operating at Q/V bands (COMEX) and a scientific payload formed by 2 beacons at Ka and Q bands (SCIEX). The Aldo Paraboni payload is a key technology element of the Aldo Paraboni Mission, which covers two main objectives: the communication segment of the mission aims at assessing the performance of satellite communication links at Q/V bands and investigating use Fade Mitigation Techniques (FMT, eg, Adaptive Coding and Modulation defined in DVB‐S2 standard), while the scientific segment aims at characterizing in time, space, and frequency the K and Q band radio channel over Europe to permit development and improvement of propagation channels for slant paths.
Product proliferation, complexity, and deterrence to imitation in differentiated‐product oligopolies
Authors: Piazzai Michele , Wijnberg Nachoem M. 
Published: January 2019

Research SummaryGame theory suggests that, in oligopolistic markets characterized by nonprice competition, dominant incumbents can use product proliferation to occupy a region of the product space (i.e., a subspace) and deter rivals from imitating their products. In part, this is because product proliferation makes the introduction of close substitutes comparatively less profitable; in part, it is because the strategy conveys a threat of retaliation to potential imitators. Yet this threat is only credible if the proliferator has high costs of exit from the occupied region of space. We hypothesize that complexity, as a property of product (sub)spaces, generates exit costs for the proliferator and increases the deterrent power of its strategy. We test this hypothesis by studying sequential product introductions in the U.S. recording industry, 2004–2014.Managerial SummaryDifferentiated‐product markets are often concentrated in the hands of a few dominant organizations, which strive to keep on equal footing by offering similar products. In these markets, a product proliferation strategy can help one of the dominant incumbents claim a particular submarket as its territory. Investing heavily in that submarket communicates a threat that the proliferator will retaliate against invaders to protect these investments. However, this threat is not credible enough to deter rivals unless the occupied submarket is sufficiently complex in terms of product attributes, as precisely this kind of complexity makes it harder for proliferators to back down if challenged. We find evidence of this mechanism in an analysis of product competition among major record companies and discuss implications for strategic decision‐making.RESOURCESThis article has earned an Open Data badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://github.com/piazzai/smj-18-19552. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
The clinical outcome of pregnancies of unknown location: an audit of 112 cases
Authors: Young Lee , Necas Martin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionPregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is a descriptive term applied when a woman presents with a positive pregnancy test but no signs of either intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) or ectopic pregnancy (EP) on ultrasound. This implies a level of diagnostic uncertainty requiring further investigation, with the main concern being an undetected EP.MethodWe examined the outcome of 112 pregnancies of unknown location (PUL) in a tertiary teaching hospital in New Zealand.ResultsOf 585 women referred to our service with a clinical suspicion of EP, 112 (19%) were categorised as PULs. The final outcomes in these women were complete miscarriage (52%), IUP (13%), presumed EP (11%), incomplete miscarriage (11%), confirmed EP (10%), and molar pregnancy (2%). A large proportion of women (42%) required a second ultrasound examination, and of those, 36% further required a third examination. The distribution of bHCG at presentation and symptomatology demonstrated considerable overlap in women with different clinical outcomes.ConclusionPUL continues to be a challenging and resource‐intensive clinical scenario. The rate of undiagnosed EP requiring intervention is around 10%, and the probability that a PUL represents a small nonvisualised ongoing IUP is relatively low (15%).
Teaching science skills and knowledge to students with developmental disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Apanasionok Magdalena M. , Hastings Richard P. , Grindle Corinna F. , Watkins Richard C. , Paris Andreas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to identify current practice on teaching science to students with intellectual disability (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in relation to two review questions—students' science outcomes and students' and teachers' experiences of the interventions. Six databases related to education, psychology, and science were systematically searched. A detailed protocol can be viewed on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42017057323). Thirty studies were identified that reported on science interventions and 20 on student/teacher experiences of the interventions. The majority of the studies targeted science vocabulary and concepts. Other targets included inquiry skills and comprehension skills. The majority of the interventions used components of systematic instruction (n = 23). Five studies focused on self‐directed learning and two on comprehension‐based instruction. Students and teachers reported positive experiences of the interventions. The findings suggest that components of systematic instruction in particular might be effective in teaching science content to students with ID and/or ASD. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of identified interventions on teaching more complex science skills and with students with severe disabilities. Some limitations related to the search strategy are highlighted.