bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AN EXAMINATION OF NEW GENERATION COOPERATIVES IN THE UPPER MIDWEST: SUCCESSES, FAILURES, AND LIMITATIONS
Authors: GRASHUIS Jasper , COOK Michael 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTA new organizational form, the new generation cooperative (NGC), emerged in the United States during the 1990s as farm producers came together to collectively add value to raw farm commodities. As compared to the traditional cooperative, the NGC facilitates a strong market orientation by defining membership and requiring high supply and equity capital commitments. Approximately 100 such value‐added ventures formed during a period called ‘cooperative fever’, but public and producer interest dissipated in the 2000s. With secondary data collected from print media publications, we conclude that many of the original NGCs exited by means of bankruptcy or liquidation because of challenges common to most business organizations. However, other failures and conversions of large, successful NGCs also indicate an inherent equity and liquidity constraint, suggesting a limited ability of the organizational form to drive complex and capital‐intensive value‐added ventures. We conclude by raising possible conditions for the future viability of producer‐owned business organizations in the value‐added agri‐food industry.
Pharmacokinetics and C‐reactive protein modelling of anti‐interleukin‐6 antibody (PF‐04236921) in healthy volunteers and patients with autoimmune disease
Authors: Li Cheryl , Shoji Satoshi , Beebe Jean 
Published: May 2018

AimsThe purpose of this study was to characterize pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF‐04236921, a novel anti‐interleukin‐6 monoclonal antibody, and its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship on serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) in healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsPopulation modelling analyses were conducted using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Data from two phase 1 healthy volunteer studies, a phase 1 RA study, a Phase 2 CD study and a Phase 2 SLE study were included.ResultsA two‐compartment model with first order absorption and linear elimination and a mechanism‐based indirect response model adequately described the PK and PK/PD relationships, respectively. Central compartment volume of distribution (Vc) positively correlated with body weight. Clearance (CL) negatively correlated with baseline albumin concentration and positively correlated with baseline CRP and creatinine clearance, and was slightly lower in females. After correcting for covariates, CL in CD subjects was approximately 60% higher than other populations. Maximum inhibition of PF‐04236921 on CRP production (Imax) negatively correlated with baseline albumin. Imax positively correlated with baseline CRP and the relationship was captured as a covariance structure in the PK/PD model.ConclusionIntegrated population PK and PK/PD models of PF‐04236921 have been developed using pooled data from healthy subjects and autoimmune patients. The current model enables simulation of PF‐04236921 PK and PD profiles under various dosing regimens and patient populations and should facilitate future clinical study of PF‐04236921 and other anti‐interleukin‐6 monoclonal antibodies.
Optimal Two-Stage Dynamic Treatment Regimes from a Classification Perspective with Censored Survival Data
Authors: Hager Rebecca , Tsiatis Anastasios A. , Davidian Marie 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Clinicians often make multiple treatment decisions at key points over the course of a patient's disease. A dynamic treatment regime is a sequence of decision rules, each mapping a patient's observed history to the set of available, feasible treatment options at each decision point, and thus formalizes this process. An optimal regime is one leading to the most beneficial outcome on average if used to select treatment for the patient population. We propose a method for estimation of an optimal regime involving two decision points when the outcome of interest is a censored survival time, which is based on maximizing a locally efficient, doubly robust, augmented inverse probability weighted estimator for average outcome over a class of regimes. By casting this optimization as a classification problem, we exploit well-studied classification techniques such as support vector machines to characterize the class of regimes and facilitate implementation via a backward iterative algorithm. Simulation studies of performance and application of the method to data from a sequential, multiple assignment randomized clinical trial in acute leukemia are presented.
Varying-Coefficient Semiparametric Model Averaging Prediction
Authors: Li Jialiang , Xia Xiaochao , Wong Weng Kee , Nott David 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Forecasting and predictive inference are fundamental data analysis tasks. Most studies employ parametric approaches making strong assumptions about the data generating process. On the other hand, while nonparametric models are applied, it is sometimes found in situations involving low signal to noise ratios or large numbers of covariates that their performance is unsatisfactory. We propose a new varying-coefficient semiparametric model averaging prediction (VC-SMAP) approach to analyze large data sets with abundant covariates. Performance of the procedure is investigated with numerical examples. Even though model averaging has been extensively investigated in the literature, very few authors have considered averaging a set of semiparametric models. Our proposed model averaging approach provides more flexibility than parametric methods, while being more stable and easily implemented than fully multivariate nonparametric varying-coefficient models. We supply numerical evidence to justify the effectiveness of our methodology.
Effects of whole‐body vibration on heart rate variability: acute responses and training adaptations
Authors: Wong Alexei , Figueroa Arturo 
Published: May 2018

SummaryHeart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive and practical measure of cardiac autonomic nervous system function, mainly the sympathetic and parasympathetic modulations of heart rate. A low HRV has been shown to be indicative of compromised cardiovascular health. Interventions that enhance HRV are therefore beneficial to cardiovascular health. Whole‐body vibration (WBV) training has been proposed as an alternative time‐efficient exercise intervention for the improvement of cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effect of WBV both acute and after training on HRV. WBV training appears to be a useful therapeutic intervention to improve cardiac autonomic function in different populations, mainly through decreases in sympathovagal balance. Although the mechanisms by which WBV training improves symphathovagal balance are not yet well understood; enhancement of baroreflex sensitivity, nitric oxide bioavailability and angiotensin II levels seem to play an important role.
High pressure Raman study of type‐I collagen
Authors: Paschou Amalia Maria , Katsikini Maria , Christofilos Dimitrios , Arvanitidis John , Ves Sotirios 
Published: May 2018

The high pressure response of type‐I collagen from bovine Achilles tendon is investigated with micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Fluorinert™ and methanol‐ethanol mixtures were used as pressure transmitting media (PTM) in a diamond anvil cell. The Raman spectrum of collagen is dominated by three bands centred at approximately 1450, 1660 and 2930 cm−1, attributed to C–H deformation, C=O stretching of the peptide bond (amide‐I band) and C–H stretching modes respectively. Upon pressure increase, using Fluorinert™ as PTM, a shift towards higher frequencies of the C–H stretching and deformation peaks is observed. Contrary, the amide‐I band peaks are shifted to lower frequencies with moderate pressure slopes. On the other hand, when using the alcohol mixture as PTM, the amide‐I band exhibits more pronounced C=O bond softening, deduced from the shift to lower frequencies, suggesting a strengthening of the hydrogen bonds between glycine and proline residues of different collagen chains due to the presence of the polar alcohol molecules. Furthermore, some of the peaks exhibit abrupt changes in their pressure slopes at approximately 2 GPa, implying a variation in the compressibility of the collagen fibres. This could be attributed to a pitch change from 10/3 to 7/2, sliding of the tropocollagen molecules, twisting variation at the molecular level and/or elimination of the D‐gaps induced by kink compression. All spectral changes are reversible upon pressure release, which indicates that denaturation has not taken place. Finally, a minor lipid phase contamination was detected in some sample spots. Its pressure response is also monitored.
Dialysis modality and mortality in polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Zhou Chenchen , Gu Yaodong , Mei Changlin , Dai Bing , Wang Yi , Xue Cheng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroduction: Identifying the appropriate modality between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an unresolved issue in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients. This study aims to illustrate whether the mortality and survival are different among individuals receiving HD comparing PD.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure about cohort studies involving PKD patients with end stage renal disease and comparing HD with PD. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data. Primary outcomes were the mortality and survival (not the technique survival).Findings: Eight studies involving 7685 PKD patients were identified. There were no significant differences in mortality (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.84–1.34, P = 0.61) and 5‐year survival rate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.80–1.22, P = 0.90) between HD and PD. PD was not associated with higher risks of abdominal infections and hernia. However, HD was associated with a higher incidence of renal cyst hemorrhage (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.05–6.12, P = 0.04).Discussion: There are no significant differences of mortality and survival between different dialysis modalities in PKD. PD may be as successful as HD for PKD patients receiving renal replacement therapy.
Comparison of creatinine index and geriatric nutritional risk index for nutritional evaluation of patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Hwang Wonsun , Cho Mi Sook , Oh Ji Eun , Lee Ji Hyun , Jeong Jong Cheol , Shin Gyu‐Tae , Kim Heungsoo , Park Inwhee 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroduction: Malnutrition is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and the risk of mortality is strongly correlated with malnutrition. Current methods of nutritional evaluation are mostly subjective, time‐consuming, and cumbersome. Creatinine index (CI) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) are very simple and objective methods to assess the nutritional status of HD patients. The present study compares the performance of CI and GNRI as nutritional risk assessment tools.Methods: Eighty‐eight patients with end‐stage renal disease on HD were recruited from a single tertiary center. A clinical dietitian carried out individual interviews of all patients and made nutritional diagnosis. Demographic and clinical data were also used to derive GNRI and CI over 4 months.Findings: Thirty‐eight out of 88 patients (44%) were diagnosed with normal nutritional status. Twenty‐two patients (25%) were diagnosed with severe malnutrition and 27 (31%) had moderate malnutrition. Compared with patients with severe malnutrition, the normal group and those with moderate malnutrition showed significantly higher levels of body mass index and GNRI. Even though GNRI was associated with CI, protein intake, uric acid, and normalized protein nitrogen were not significantly correlated with GNRI, whereas the markers were highly associated with CI (P = 0.000). GNRI enable the identification of the severe malnutrition group but not the normal and moderate‐malnutrition groups. However, based on CI, the normal group was distinguished while those with severe and moderate malnutrition were not.Discussion: Either CI or GNRI was a valid tool for longitudinal observation of nutritional status of patients on chronic HD and facilitated the screening of cases with malnutrition. Compared with GNRI, CI ranked higher in performance for the assessment and monitoring of nutritional status in HD patients.
Properties and microstructural aspects of TiO2‐doped sintered Alumina‐Zirconia composite ceramics
Authors: Khaskhoussi Amani , Bouhamed Hazem , Calabrese Luigi , Proverbio Edoardo , Bouaziz Jamel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe effect of titania content on the densification, the phase transformation, the microstructures, and mechanical properties of 50 wt% Al2O3‐50 wt% ZrO2 (12 mol% CeO2) was evaluated. Ceramic composites with different TiO2 content (0.27, 5, 10 wt%) were prepared by pressureless sintering at low temperature (1400°C) for 2 hours in air. Dense ceramic was obtained by adding 5 wt% of TiO2 loading to improved mechanical properties. The microstructure analysis provided lots of information about solid‐state reactivity in alumina‐zirconia‐titania ternary system. The content of TiO2 strongly affected the phases evolution and the grain growth during sintering. Furthermore, a significant effect on mechanical properties and fracture behavior was also observed.
Ertapenem – a potent treatment for clinical and quality of life improvement in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Braunberger Taylor L. , Nartker Nathan T. , Nicholson Cynthia L. , Nahhas Amanda F. , Parks‐Miller Angela , Hanna Zachary , Jayaprakash Rachna , Ramesh Mayur S. , Rambhatla Pranita V. , Hamzavi Iltefat H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundA paucity of knowledge exists regarding the use of ertapenem in hidradenitis suppurativa. Our retrospective chart review and telephone interview aims to investigate the utility of intravenous ertapenem in severe, refractory hidradenitis suppurativa.MethodsThis retrospective chart review and telephone interview included patients with severe, refractory hidradenitis suppurativa treated with intravenous ertapenem between March 2013 and December 2016. Data were obtained from medical charts. During the telephone interview, patients were asked questions relating to satisfaction, quality of life changes, and disease state changes with ertapenem therapy.ResultsA total of 36 patients including 22 females and 14 males with Hurley stage II or III hidradenitis suppurativa were included. Thirty‐five patients (97.2%), demonstrated improvements in hidradenitis suppurativa with ertapenem treatment. In total, 28 patients participated in our telephone interview. Twenty patients (71.4%) were very satisfied (n = 12) or satisfied (n = 8). Quality of life improved in 85.7% of patients (n = 24).ConclusionFollowing ertapenem therapy, patients reported improvements in quality of life. This treatment appears promising as an adjunct to biologics or as a bridge to surgery in the treatment of severe, refractory hidradenitis suppurativa.
A Brief Review of Approaches to Non‐ignorable Non‐response
Authors: Sikov Anna 
Published: May 2018

SummaryWhile there exist numerous methods to handle ignorable non‐response, the literature on non‐ignorable non‐response is somewhat sparse. In this article, we review the main approaches to imputation for missing data and to parameter estimation in the presence of missing data. We focus almost exclusively on the methods applicable to situations where non‐response is not missing at random, such that the probability to respond depends on the variables that are missing. In this case, the non‐response cannot be ignored. We discuss item non‐response, where the missingness occurs only in the outcome variable, while the auxiliary (explanatory) variables are observed for both respondents and non‐respondents, as well as unit non‐response, where neither the outcome variable nor the covariates of the non‐respondents are observed. We also illustrate an application of some of the methods described and compare their performance using a real data set.
Differences in primary cardiovascular disease prevention between the 2013 and 2016 cholesterol guidelines and impact of the 2017 hypertension guideline in the United States
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Li Jiexiang , Davis Robert A. , Fiscella Kevin A. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Jones Daniel W. , Sinopoli Angelo 
Published: May 2018

The US Preventive Services Task Force cholesterol guideline recommended statins for fewer adults than the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline by setting a higher 10‐year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease threshold (≥10.0% vs ≥7.5%) and requiring concomitant diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or cigarette smoking. The 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline lowered the hypertension threshold, increasing 2016 guideline statin‐eligible adults. Cross‐sectional data on US adults aged 40 to 75 years enabled estimated numbers for the 2013 guideline and 2016 guideline with hypertension thresholds of ≥140/≥90 mm Hg and ≥130/80 mm Hg, respectively, on: (1) untreated, statin‐eligible adults for primary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention (25.40, 14.72, 15.35 million); (2) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events prevented annually (124 000, 70 852, 73 199); (3) number needed to treat (21, 21, 21); and (4) number needed to harm (38, 143, 143) per 1000 patient‐years for incident diabetes mellitus (42 800, 6700, 7100 cases per year). Despite the lower hypertension threshold, the 2013 cholesterol guideline qualifies approximately 10 million more adults for statins and prevents approximately 50 600 more primary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events but induces approximately 35 700 more diabetes mellitus cases annually than the 2016 guideline.
Choosing to Decline: Finding Common Ground through the Perspective of Shared Decision Making
Authors: Megregian Michele , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRespectful communication is a key component of any clinical relationship. Shared decision making is the process of collaboration that occurs between a health care provider and patient in order to make health care decisions based upon the best available evidence and the individual's preferences. A midwife and woman (and her support persons) engage together to make health care decisions, using respectful communication that is based upon the best available evidence and the woman's preferences, values, and goals. Supporting a woman's autonomy, however, can be particularly challenging in maternity care when recommended treatments or interventions are declined. In the past, the real or perceived increased risk to a woman's health or that of her fetus as a result of that choice has occasionally resulted in coercion. Through the process of shared decision making, the woman's autonomy may be supported, including the choice to decline interventions. The case presented here demonstrates how a shared decision‐making framework can support the health care provider‐patient relationship in the context of informed refusal.
Alternative therapies for GERD: a way to personalized antireflux surgery
Authors: Rieder Erwin , Riegler Martin , Simić Aleksandar P. , Skrobić Ognjan M. , Bonavina Luigi , Gurski Richard , Paireder Matthias , Castell Donald O. , Schoppmann Sebastian F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, known to affect about 20% of the Western population. Although conventional medical or surgical treatment has proven effective, there is certainly room for improvements. As only 10% of GERD patients are finally treated by antireflux surgery, a large therapeutic window exists. This treatment gap consists of patients who are not effectively treated with proton pump inhibitor but do not want to run the potential risks of conventional surgery. During the last two decades, several novel and intriguing options for the surgical treatment of GERD have been introduced and found their way into clinical use. The following summary will give an update of certain alternative therapeutic options to treat GERD or its pathological consequences.
A mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase influences grain size and weight in rice
Authors: Xu Ran , Yu Haiyue , Wang Junmin , Duan Penggen , Zhang Baolan , Li Jing , Li Yu , Xu Jinsong , Lyu Jia , Li Na , Chai Tuanyao , Li Yunhai 
Published: May 2018

SummaryGrain size and weight are directly associated with grain yield in crops. However, the molecular mechanisms that set final grain size and weight remain largely unknown. Here, we characterize two large grain mutants, large grain8‐1 (large8‐1) and large grain8‐2 (large8‐2). LARGE8 encodes the mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase1 (OsMKP1). Loss of function mutations in OsMKP1 results in large grains, while overexpression of OsMKP1 leads to small grains. OsMKP1 determines grain size by restricting cell proliferation in grain hulls. OsMKP1 directly interacts with and deactivates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase 6 (OsMAPK6). Taken together, we identify OsMKP1 as a crucial factor that influences grain size by deactivating OsMAPK6, indicating that the reversible phosphorylation of OsMAPK6 plays important roles in determining grain size in rice.
Mineralization can be an incidental ultrasonographic finding in equine tendons and ligaments
Authors: O'Brien Etienne J. O. , Smith Roger K. W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTendon/ligament mineralization is recognized in horses but information regarding its clinical significance is limited. The aims of this observational study were to report the structures most commonly affected by ultrasonographically detectable mineralization and, for these, determine frequency of diagnosis and key clinical features. Cases presented at our hospital in April 1999–April 2013 and September 2014–November 2015 were included: a total of 27 horses (22 retrospective, five prospective). Mineralizations were most common in deep digital flexor tendons (10) and suspensory ligament branches (eight), representing 10% and 7% (estimated), respectively, of horses diagnosed with injuries to these structures during the study. Two deep digital flexor tendon and three suspensory ligament branch cases showed bilateral mineralization. Deep digital flexor tendon mineralization was restricted to the digital flexor tendon sheath, most commonly in the proximal sheath (±sesamoidean canal), and seven of 10 cases involved hindlimbs. Suspensory ligament branch mineralization was visible in the same ultrasound window as the proximal sesamoid bones in 10/11 limbs and six of eight cases involved forelimbs. Previous corticosteroid medication was a feature of one deep digital flexor tendon and one suspensory ligament branch case. Mineralization was associated with lameness in some but not all limbs. Mineralized foci within the deep digital flexor tendon preceded hypoechoic lesion formation in two limbs. Of the cases with deep digital flexor tendon or suspensory ligament branch injury only, one of three and two of three cases, respectively, became sound. Findings indicated that tendon/ligament mineralization can be associated with lameness in some horses, but can also be an incidental finding.