bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Academic achievement and employment in young adults with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Murray Peter D. , Brodermann Maximillian H. , Gralla Jane , Wiseman Alexander C. , Harden Paul N. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYBackgroundYoung adults with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at a pivotal stage of life: progressing through education, seeking employment and developing relationships. We set out to explore how ESKD impacts education and employment attainment in a matched UK and USA patient cohort. Moreover, we aimed to determine if there were significant differences in reported perceptions of impact.DesignA mixed methods design combining previously validated quantitative questionnaire surveys and qualitative semi‐structured interviews.ParticipantsYoung people with ESKD aged 18–30 years (N = 27), attending single‐centre follow‐up in Oxford, UK were matched with 27 comparable young people aged 19–30 years, under follow‐up in Denver, USA. Twelve of these patients from Denver were selected for interview.MeasurementsSelf‐report questionnaires surveyed patient demographics, educational and employment achievement and experiences. Questionnaire categorical data for matched pairs were analysed using Bowker's test of symmetry. Sequential flow analyses of interview content delineated perception patterns through thematic coding.ResultsSixty percent of non‐student Oxford participants were employed compared with 41% in Denver (p = 0.023). Forty‐four percent of Oxford patients compared with 52% in Denver, reported illness had made it difficult to gain employment (p = 0.88). In Oxford, 32% completed high school as their highest educational achievement, versus 68% in Denver (p = 0.22). Qualitative themes included fatigue, self‐esteem loss, social isolation and low mood. The impact of dialysis and poor understanding from educators/employers resulted in lost work time, and/or limited educational attainment.ConclusionESKD profoundly impacts on education and employment of young adults in the United States and United Kingdom, generating substantial barriers. Poor understanding appears prevalent amongst educators and employers. Healthcare providers must recognise these problems and invest resources towards tailored support in order to improve associated psychosocial and clinical outcomes.
Gonyaulax whaseongensis sp. nov. (Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae), a new phototrophic species from Korean coastal waters
Authors: Lim An Suk , Jeong Hae Jin , Kwon Ji Eun , Lee Sung Yeon , Kim Ji Hye 
Published: October 2018

The planktonic phototrophic dinoflagellate Gonyaulax whaseongensis sp. nov., isolated from coastal waters of western Korea, was described from living and fixed cells under light and scanning electron microscopy, and its rDNA was sequenced. Gonyaulax whaseongensis had a plate formula of 2pr, 4′, 6′′, 6c, 6′′′, 1p, and 1′′′′ with S‐type ventral organization like the other species in the genus. However, this dinoflagellate had a narrow cingulum (ca. 2.6 μm), small displacement of the cingulum, slight overhang and steep angle between the ends of the cingulum, quadrangular sixth precingular plate, reticulated cell surface without longitudinal lines or ridges, and two unequal antapical spines, together which distinguish this from all other reported Gonyaulax species. In addition, the SSU and LSU rDNA sequences were 8%–12% and 11%–24%, respectively, different from those of Gonyaulax polygramma, Gonyaulax spinifera, Gonyaulax fragilis, Gonyaulax membranacea, and Gonyaulax digitale, the putatively closest related species in the phylogenetic analysis.
From Performativity to Representation as Intervention: Rethinking the 2008 Financial Crisis and the Recent History of Social Science
Authors: Curran Dean 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPerformativity has been one of the most dynamic research programmes in the last few decades that has sought to move beyond conventional, positivistic understandings of science. This paper interrogates the central premise of performativity – that science makes rather than describes its phenomena – through a critical analysis of the hugely influential performativity turn in economic sociology. The paper argues that while the performativity turn has importantly highlighted how economic theory shapes economic practices, its conflation of economic theory and its objects of analysis renders it unable to recognize economic processes that are not identified by economic models themselves. To address this limitation, this paper then proposes an alternative account, representation as intervention, that retains the critical impulse of exploring how economic models reshape economic life without conflating theories and their objects.
Applicability of Sepsis‐3 criteria and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment in patients with cirrhosis hospitalised for bacterial infections
Authors: Augustinho Fernanda C. , Zocche Tamara L. , Borgonovo Ariane , Maggi Dariana C. , Rateke Elayne C. M. , Matiollo Camila , Dantas-Correa Esther B. , Narciso‐Schiavon Janaína L. , Schiavon Leonardo L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsAn algorithm including Sepsis‐3 criteria and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) was recently proposed to predict severity of infection in cirrhosis. However, its applicability among patients without a baseline SOFA available for Sepsis‐3 definition is unknown. We sought to investigate the applicability and prognostic value of qSOFA and Sepsis‐3 criteria in patients with cirrhosis hospitalised for bacterial infections, without pre‐hospitalisation SOFA.MethodsIn this cohort study, 164 patients were followed up to 30 days. Data collection, including the prognostic models, was performed at admission and at day‐3.ResultsAll patients fulfilled Sepsis‐3 criteria (admission SOFA ≥ 2) and, therefore, admission Sepsis‐3 was not included in further analysis. Admission qSOFA was an independent predictor of survival (HR = 2.271, P = 0.015). For patients initially classified as high risk by qSOFA, Chronic Liver Failure ‐ Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (CLIF‐SOFA) was the only prognostic predictor. Among patients initially classified as low risk by qSOFA, the following parameters evaluated at day‐3 were independent predictors of survival: qSOFA, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, and Child‐Pugh classification. Although not independently related to survival, Sepsis‐3 criteria at day‐3 was associated with lower 30‐day survival in Kaplan‐Meier analysis (66% vs 85%, P = 0.008). However, prognosis was better predicted by day‐3 qSOFA, with 30‐day Kaplan‐Meier survival probability of 88% when qSOFA < 2 and 24% among those with qSOFA ≥ 2.ConclusionSepsis‐3 criteria evaluated at admission are very limited in infected patients with cirrhosis without baseline SOFA. qSOFA was independently related to survival and appears to be a valuable tool for determining severity of infection and to follow patients initially classified as low risk.
Invasive fungal infections amongst patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure at high risk for fungal infections
Authors: Verma Nipun , Singh Shreya , Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Singh Virendra , Dhiman Radha K. , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Chawla Yogesh K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimsTo study the prevalence, risk factors, role of serum biomarkers for diagnosis and impact of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF).MethodsAn analysis of IFI in patients with ACLF (EASL criteria) was conducted retrospectively. The diagnosis of IFI in clinically suspected patients was based on EORTC/MSG criteria. The demographical, clinical, laboratory details and outcomes were analysed.ResultsOut of 264 patients with ACLF, 54 (20.4%) patients with suspicion of IFI were evaluated and IFI was diagnosed in 39 (14.7%). Invasive candidiasis was documented in 25 (64.1%) and invasive aspergillosis in 14 (35.8%). The most common source of infection was respiratory (n = 13) followed by renal (n = 7) and spontaneous fungal peritonitis (n = 6). On univariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hemodialysis, prior antibiotic use, cerebral and respiratory organ failures, Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (CLIF‐OF and CLIF‐C ACLF) scores were predictors for development of IFI (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, hemodialysis and prior antibiotics use predicted the development of IFI (P < 0.05). Non‐survivors were more likely to have IFI (P = 0.029), high CLIF‐OF and CLIF‐C ACLF scores (P < 0.001; for both) and higher 1,3‐β D Glucan (BDG) levels (P = 0.009). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of BDG (80 pg/mL) and Galactomannan index (GMI [0.5]) for diagnosing IFI were 97.4%, 60%, 0.770% and 43.6%, 100%, 0.745 respectively.ConclusionsInvasive fungal infections constitutes an important cause of mortality in ACLF patients. BDG and GMI can be useful markers to guide antifungal therapy in patients at high risk for IFI.
Trading algorithms with learning in latent alpha models
Authors: Casgrain Philippe , Jaimungal Sebastian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlpha signals for statistical arbitrage strategies are often driven by latent factors. This paper analyzes how to optimally trade with latent factors that cause prices to jump and diffuse. Moreover, we account for the effect of the trader's actions on quoted prices and the prices they receive from trading. Under fairly general assumptions, we demonstrate how the trader can learn the posterior distribution over the latent states, and explicitly solve the latent optimal trading problem. We provide a verification theorem, and a methodology for calibrating the model by deriving a variation of the expectation–maximization algorithm. To illustrate the efficacy of the optimal strategy, we demonstrate its performance through simulations and compare it to strategies that ignore learning in the latent factors. We also provide calibration results for a particular model using Intel Corporation stock as an example.
Resident and attending perceptions of direct observation in internal medicine: a qualitative study
Authors: Gauthier Stephen , Melvin Lindsay , Mylopoulos Maria , Abdullah Nadine 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesDirect observation is the foundation of assessment and learning in competency‐based medical education (CBME). Despite its importance, there is significant uncertainty about how to effectively implement frequent and high‐quality direct observation. This is particularly true in specialties where observation of non‐procedural skills is highly valued and presents unique challenges. It is therefore important to understand perceptions of direct observation to ensure successful acceptance and implementation. In this study, we explored perceptions of direct observation in internal medicine.MethodsWe interviewed internal medicine attending physicians (n = 9) and residents (n = 8) at the University of Toronto, purposively sampled for diversity. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, constant comparative analysis was performed to develop a framework to understand perceptions of direct observation on the clinical teaching units.ResultsParticipants articulated a narrow perception of what constitutes direct observation, in contrast to their own descriptions of skills that were observed. This resulted in the perception that certain valuable skills that participants felt were routinely observed were nonetheless not ‘directly observable’, such as clinical reasoning, observed through case presentations and patient care discussions. Differentiating direct observation from informal observation led to overestimation of the time and resource requirements needed to enhance direct observation, which contributed to scepticism and lack of engagement related to CBME implementation.ConclusionsIn an internal medicine training programme, perceptions of what constitutes direct observation can lead to under‐recognition and hinder acceptance in workplace‐based assessment and learning. Our results suggest a reframing of ‘direct observation’ for residents and attending physicians, by explicitly identifying desired skills in non‐procedurally‐based specialties. These findings may help CBME‐based training programmes improve the process of direct observation, leading to enhanced assessment and learning.
Estimating morphometric attributes of baleen whales with photogrammetry from small UASs: A case study with blue and gray whales
Authors: Burnett Jonathan D. , Lemos Leila , Barlow Dawn , Wing Michael G. , Chandler Todd , Torres Leigh G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSmall unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) are fostering novel approaches to marine mammal research, including baleen whale photogrammetry, by providing new observational perspectives. We collected vertical images of 89 gray and 6 blue whales using low cost sUASs to examine the accuracy of image based morphometry. Moreover, measurements from 192 images of a 1 m calibration object were used to examine four different scaling correction models. Results indicate that a linear mixed model including an error term for flight and date contained 0.17 m less error and 0.25 m less bias than no correction. We used the propagation uncertainty law to examine error contributions from scaling and image measurement (digitization) to determine that digitization accounted for 97% of total variance. Additionally, we present a new whale body size metric termed Body Area Index (BAI). BAI is scale invariant and is independent of body length (R2 = 0.11), enabling comparisons of body size within and among populations, and over time. With this study we present a three program analysis suite that measures baleen whales and compensates for lens distortion and corrects scaling error to produce 11 morphometric attributes from sUAS imagery. The program is freely available and is expected to improve processing efficiency and analytical continuity.
Of puzzles and pavements: a quantitative exploration of leaf epidermal cell shape
Authors: Vőfély Róza V. , Gallagher Joseph , Pisano Grace D. , Bartlett Madelaine , Braybrook Siobhan A. 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Epidermal cells of leaves are diverse: tabular pavement cells, trichomes, and stomatal complexes. Pavement cells from the monocot Zea mays (maize) and the eudicot Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) have highly undulate anticlinal walls. The molecular basis for generating these undulating margins has been extensively investigated in these species. This has led to two assumptions: first, that particular plant lineages are characterized by particular pavement cell shapes; and second, that undulatory cell shapes are common enough to be model shapes.

To test these assumptions, we quantified pavement cell shape in epidermides from the leaves of 278 vascular plant taxa.

We found that monocot pavement cells tended to have weakly undulating margins, fern cells had strongly undulating margins, and eudicot cells showed no particular undulation degree. Cells with highly undulating margins, like those of Arabidopsis and maize, were in the minority. We also found a trend towards more undulating cell margins on abaxial leaf surfaces; and that highly elongated leaves in ferns, monocots and gymnosperms tended to have highly elongated cells.

Our results reveal the diversity of pavement cell shapes, and lays the quantitative groundwork for testing hypotheses about pavement cell form and function within a phylogenetic context.
Endophyte traits relevant to stress tolerance, resource use and habitat of origin predict effects on host plants
Authors: Giauque Hannah , Connor Elise W. , Hawkes Christine V. 
Published: October 2018

Summary

All terrestrial plants are colonized by foliar endophytic fungi that can affect plant growth and physiology, but the prediction of these effects on the plant host remains a challenge. Here, we examined three paradigms that potentially control how endophytes affect plant hosts: habitat adaptation, evolutionary history and functional traits.

We screened 35 plant–endophyte pairings in a microcosm experiment under well‐watered and drought conditions with Panicum virgatum as the host. We related the measured plant responses to fungal phylogenetic relatedness, characteristics of fungal habitats across a rainfall gradient and functional traits of the fungi related to stress tolerance and resource use.

The functional traits and habitat characteristics of the fungi predicted 26–53% of endophyte‐mediated effects on measures of plant growth, physiology and survival. Overall, survival was higher for plants grown with more stress‐tolerant fungi, and aboveground biomass was enhanced by fungi from warmer and drier habitats. Plant growth and physiology were also dependent on fungal resource use indicators; however, specific predictors were dependent on water availability.

Simple ecological traits of foliar endophytic fungi observed in culture can translate to symbiotic lifestyles. These findings offer new insights and key testable predictions for likely pathways by which endophytes benefit the plant host.
A randomized controlled trial of oral chloral hydrate vs intranasal dexmedetomidine plus buccal midazolam for auditory brainstem response testing in children
Authors: Li Bi L. , Yuen Vivian M. , Zhou Jia L. , Zhang Na , Huang Jun X. , Tian Hang , Song Xing R. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundModerate to deep sedation is required for an auditory brainstem response test when high‐intensity stimulation is used. Chloral hydrate is the most commonly used sedative, whereas intranasal dexmedetomidine is increasingly used in pediatric non‐painful procedural sedations.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the sedation success rate after oral chloral hydrate at 50 mg kg−1 and intranasal dexmedetomidine at 3 μg kg−1 plus buccal midazolam at 0.1 mg kg−1 for an auditory brainstem response test.MethodsChildren who required an auditory brainstem response test were recruited and randomly assigned to receive oral chloral hydrate at 50 mg kg−1 and intranasal placebo, or intranasal dexmedetomidine at 3 μg kg−1 with buccal midazolam 0.1 mg kg−1. The primary outcome was the rate of successful sedation for auditory brainstem response tests.ResultsFifty‐seven out of 82 (69.5%) were successfully sedated after chloral hydrate, while 70 out of 78 (89.7%) children were successfully sedated with dexmedetomidine plus midazolam combination, with the odd ratio (95% CI) for successful sedation between dexmedetomidine plus midazolam combination and chloral hydrate estimated to be 3.84 (1.61‐9.16), P = 0.002. Dexmedetomidine plus midazolam was associated with quicker onset with median onset time 15 (IQR 11.0‐19.8) for dexmedetomidine plus midazolam and 20 (IQR 15.0‐27.0) for chloral hydrate respectively, with difference between median (95% CI) of 5 [3‐8], P < 0.0001). The behavior observed during drug administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine and buccal midazolam was better that of the children who had oral chloral hydrate. No children required oxygen therapy or medical intervention for hemodynamic disturbances in this study and the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was similar.ConclusionIntranasal dexmedetomidine plus buccal midazolam was associated with higher sedation success with deeper level of sedation, with similar discharge time and adverse event rate when compared to chloral hydrate.
Involvement of neutrophils in Chagas disease pathology
Authors: de Andrade Micássio Fernandes , de Almeida Valéria Duarte , de Souza Lara Michelly Soares , Paiva Dayane Carla Costa , Andrade Cléber de Mesquita , de Medeiros Fernandes Thales Allyrio Araújo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractChagas disease (CD) is a public health problem in Latin America. The acute phase presents nonspecific symptoms and most patients recover from acute parasitemia and undergo a prolonged asymptomatic phase. Several years later, about 30% of infected individuals develop chronic cardiopathy with progressive cardiomegaly, arrhythmia, thromboembolic events and heart failure. These symptoms suggest a persistent association with the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and tissue, and cellular destruction in the heart muscle. Nevertheless, few research studies have attempted to understand the role of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, in establishing the pathology and progression of CD. Only recently have some studies been performed with this intention. Despite this effort, the role of neutrophils in CD is still considered controversial. This review discusses the morphological and functional characteristics of neutrophils that describes their participation in the establishment and progression of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, through the development of its effector functions, such as release of lithic components, production of oxidative agents and release of inflammatory mediators capable of modulating the host immune response.
Understanding the patient's experience of care in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Burnett Kimberley , Glaspole Ian , Holland Anne E. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveNew treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have improved survival; however, the complexity of care may be difficult for patients. The aim of this study was to assess the patient experience of modern IPF care.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken for 100 people with IPF with a range of disease severity (forced vital capacity range: 46–106% predicted). Participants were asked about their experience of care using semi‐structured interviews. Two investigators independently undertook analysis using the principles of grounded theory.ResultsParticipants reported dissatisfaction with information received about IPF, particularly at the time of diagnosis. Most were enthusiastic about the benefits of specialist IPF centres including regular monitoring, frequent contact with health professionals and access to clinical trials. However, the burden of travel to specialist centres and costs of treatment were significant. Many reported that side effects of anti‐fibrotics caused them to titrate or pause therapy, sometimes without consulting their treating team. Co‐morbid medical conditions had a negative impact on well‐being and highlighted poor coordination of care. Participants perceived a responsibility for self‐management that included exercise, diet, vaccination and treatment of chest infections; many felt this active role should receive more positive emphasis from health professionals.ConclusionThese data show opportunities to improve modern IPF care including accurate and timely provision of information, improving access to specialist care, more support for managing treatment side effects and better coordination of care for patients with co‐morbid conditions. Future research should explore the impact of self‐management strategies on IPF outcomes.
Rectangular Latent Markov Models for Time-Specific Clustering, with An Analysis of the Wellbeing of Nations
Authors: Anderson Gordon , Farcomeni Alessio , Pittau Maria Grazia , Zelli Roberto 
Published: October 2018

SummaryA latent Markov model admitting variation in the number of latent states at each time period is introduced. The model facilitates subjects switching latent states at each time period according to an inhomogeneous first-order Markov process, wherein transition matrices are generally rectangular. As a consequence, latent groups can merge, split or be rearranged. An application analysing the progress of wellbeing of nations, as measured by the three dimensions of the human development index over the last 25 years, illustrates the approach.