bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring treatment response to tafamidis by serial native T1 and extracellular volume in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shintani Yasuhiro , Okada Atsushi , Morita Yoshiaki , Hamatani Yasuhiro , Amano Masashi , Takahama Hiroyuki , Amaki Makoto , Hasegawa Takuya , Ohta‐Ogo Keiko , Kanzaki Hideaki , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yasuda Satoshi , Shimazaki Chihiro , Yoshinaga Tsuneaki , Yazaki Masahide , Sekijima Yoshiki , Izumi Chisato 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTafamidis meglumine, a transthyretin (TTR) stabilizer, is effective in delaying the progression of neuropathy in TTR amyloidosis with Val30Met mutations. However, its efficacy in TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy is not fully elucidated. Herein, we report a 73‐year‐old Japanese man with a diagnosis of TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy with Val30Met mutation treated with tafamidis. To evaluate treatment response, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed before and after 12 months of tafamidis treatment. Native T1, extracellular volume, and left ventricular mass showed no obvious worsening, and findings of other diagnostic studies also supported the efficacy of tafamidis to delay the progression of amyloid cardiomyopathy. Our case suggests that serial native T1 and extracellular volume may be novel non‐invasive imaging methods to monitor the treatment response to TTR stabilizers in cardiac amyloidosis and also that tafamidis may be effective in suppressing cardiac progression in TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy with Val30Met mutation.
Multiplexed Electrochemical Cancer Diagnostics With Automated Microfluidics
Authors: Mercer Conan , Jones Abby , Rusling James F. , Leech Dónal 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMicrofluidic platforms can lead to miniaturisation, increased throughput and reduced reagent consumption, particularly when the processes are automated. Here, a programmable microcontroller is used for automation of a microfluidic platform configured to electrochemically determine the levels of 8 proteins simultaneously in complex liquid samples. The platform system is composed of a programmable Arduino microcontroller that controls inexpensive valve actuators, pump, magnetic stirrer and electronic display. The programmable microcontroller results in repeatable timing for each step in a complex assay protocol, such as sandwich immunoassays. Application of the platform is demonstrated using a multiplexed electrochemical immunoassay based on capture at the electrode surface of magnetic particles labelled with horseradish peroxidase and detection antibody. The multiplexed assay protocol is completed in less than 30 mins and results in detection of eight proteins associated with prostate cancer. The approach presented can be used to automate and simplify high‐throughput screening campaigns, such as detection of multiple biomarkers in patient samples.
Beyond the traditional simulation design for evaluating type 1 error control: From the “theoretical” null to “empirical” null
Authors: Zhang Ting , Sun Lei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhen evaluating a newly developed statistical test, an important step is to check its type 1 error (T1E) control using simulations. This is often achieved by the standard simulation design S0 under the so‐called “theoretical” null of no association. In practice, the whole‐genome association analyses scan through a large number of genetic markers (s) for the ones associated with an outcome of interest (), where comes from an alternative while the majority of s are not associated with ; the relationships are under the “empirical” null. This reality can be better represented by two other simulation designs, where design S1.1 simulates from analternative model based on , then evaluates its association with independently generated ; while design S1.2 evaluates the association between permutated and . More than a decade ago, Efron (2004) has noted the important distinction between the “theoretical” and “empirical” null in false discovery rate control. Using scale tests for variance heterogeneity, direct univariate, and multivariate interaction tests as examples, here we show that not all null simulation designs are equal. In examining the accuracy of a likelihood ratio test, while simulation design S0 suggested the method being accurate, designs S1.1 and S1.2 revealed its increased empirical T1E rate if applied in real data setting. The inflation becomes more severe at the tail and does not diminish as sample size increases. This is an important observation that calls for new practices for methods evaluation and T1E control interpretation.
Assessing potential shared genetic aetiology between body mass index and sleep duration in 142,209 individuals
Authors: Garfield Victoria , Fatemifar Ghazaleh , Dale Caroline , Smart Melissa , Bao Yanchun , Llewellyn Clare H. , Steptoe Andrew , Zabaneh Delilah , Kumari Meena 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObservational studies find an association between increased body mass index (BMI) and short self‐reported sleep duration in adults. However, the underlying biological mechanisms that underpin these associations are unclear. Recent findings from the UK Biobank suggest a weak genetic correlation between BMI and self‐reported sleep duration. However, the potential shared genetic aetiology between these traits has not been examined using a comprehensive approach. To investigate this, we created a polygenic risk score (PRS) of BMI and examined its association with self‐reported sleep duration in a combination of individual participant data and summary‐level data, with a total sample size of 142,209 individuals. Although we observed a nonsignificant genetic correlation between BMI and sleep duration, using LD score regression (rg = −0.067 [SE = 0.039], P = 0.092) we found that a PRS of BMI is associated with a decrease in sleep duration (unstandardized coefficient = −1.75 min [SE = 0.67], P = 6.13 × 10−7), but explained only 0.02% of the variance in sleep duration. Our findings suggest that BMI and self‐reported sleep duration possess a small amount of shared genetic aetiology and other mechanisms must underpin these associations.
Application of artificial neural networks (ANN) for vapor‐liquid‐solid equilibrium prediction for CH4‐CO2 binary mixture
Authors: Ali Abulhassan , Abdulrahman Aymn , Garg Sahil , Maqsood Khuram , Murshid Ghulam 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe
study of the frosting behavior of CO2 in the binary CH4‐CO2 is very important for energy minimization and for the smooth operation of the cryogenic purification process for natural gas due to its extensive cooling requirements. The present study focuses on the solid region of the phase envelope and the development of a predictive model using the artificial neural network (ANN) technique. It validates the model using available experimental data. The model points out the outlying data points. The ANN prediction method developed in this work can be successfully used for the vapor‐solid (V‐S) and vapor‐liquid‐solid (V‐L‐S) equilibrium of a CH4‐CO2 binary mixture for CO2 concentration of 1 to 54.2% and a temperature range of −50°C to −200°C. The use of the model for the liquid‐solid (L‐S) region in its current form is not recommended because the model was not validated due to lack of experimental data in this region. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tectonic affinity and evolution of the Alxa Block during the Neoproterozoic: Constraints from zircon U‐Pb dating, trace elements, and Hf isotopic composition
Authors: Xiao Wenzhou , Lai Jianqing , Dick Jeffrey M. , Mao Xiancheng , Chen Yan , Ou Quan , Xie Fenquan , Zeng Renyu 
Published: November 2018

The Jinchuan deposit, which is located in the Longshoushan uplift (LU) on the southwest margin of the Alxa Block (AB), is the third largest Ni‐Cu deposit in the world. There are igneous rocks in the LU that widely developed in ~830 Ma, which include ore‐bearing ultramafic rock and ore‐poor mafic‐ultramafic rocks. These rocks were produced in an intracontinental extension‐rift environment, which is likely related to the Rodinia supercontinent (RS) breakup. However, contemporary magmatic rocks are absent in the AB, except the ~830 Ma igneous rocks in the LU. In this study, we present two types of metamorphic mafic‐ultramafic rocks at the border of Jinchuan II and IV mineral areas, which is inside the F17 fault zone. One type is a red‐coloured altered rock formed by ultramafic rock oxidation; there are a small number of zircons with multiple ages in the rock, which are considered to be inherited and metamorphic (hydrothermal) zircons. The other type is a chlorite tremolite schist formed by the metamorphism of fault clastics; there are a large number of zircons developed in this rock, which are mostly magmatic zircons with ages between 900 and 800 Ma and a few hydrothermal zircons. Analysis of the trace elements, the 900–800 Ma zircons, have high (Sm/La)N, low Ce/Ce*, and high Th/U values, which fit the characteristics of typical magmatic zircons. There are also high Y, U, HREE, Nb, and Ta values, which indicates that the host rocks were mostly larvikite and dolerite, and high Y, Ce, Yb, Th, Gd, and Er values indicate a within‐plate basaltic origin. All these 900–800 Ma zircons have a εHf (t) in the range of −2 to −7, which is similar to the Jinchuan ore‐bearing ultramafic rock with a partial melting origin of enriched mantle. The absence of detrital zircon age peaks in the Neoproterozoic indicates that the AB has been separated from the North China Craton since the Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic. The detrital zircons in the Yangtze Block (YB) strata with Neoproterozoic ages are slightly younger than those in the AB, with more depleted εHf (t) values, which is similar to the zircons from the Jiangnan Orogen igneous rocks. All this evidence indicates that the AB may have experienced at least 100 Myr of intracontinental extension‐rift environment from 900 to 800 Ma during the Neoproterozoic and participated in the breakup of the RS. However, the location of the AB during the Rodinia may not have been beside the YB.
Tracking the timing and nature of protolith, metamorphism, and partial melting of tourmaline‐bearing migmatites by zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic compositions in the Yuka terrane, North Qaidam UHP metamorphic belt
Authors: Gao Shunbao , Chen Xin , Xu Rongke , Cai Pengjie , Lu Lihui , Hou Weidong , Guo Xianzheng 
Published: November 2018

An integrated study using cathodoluminescence (CL) images, U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopic characterization of zircons was performed on migmatites from the Yuka terrane to provide insights into the timing and nature of the protoliths, metamorphism, and partial melting of these rocks. Zircon grains separated from the migmatites have three distinct domains. Residual zircon cores in samples YKT01 and YKT02 exhibit oscillatory zoning, high Th/U ratios (0.10–0.79), steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns, and mean ages of 936 ± 5 Ma and 927 ± 11 Ma, respectively, indicating that they are igneous in origin and record Neoproterozoic magmatism during the Grenvillian Orogeny. CL‐grey cores record an ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) peak metamorphism age of 435 ± 5 Ma and have low Th/U and176Lu/177Hf ratios, weak negative Eu anomalies, and relatively flat HREE patterns. The CL‐bright rims have steep HREE patterns with lower middle rare earth element (MREE) concentrations but higher HREE concentrations compared with the metamorphic cores and a weighted average age of 422 ± 4 Ma, which records the timing of melt crystallization. The migmatites incorporate garnet relicts coexisting with fluid inclusions and hydrous minerals like peritectic phengite and peritectic large anhedral poikilitic tourmaline in the leucosomes. Peak temperatures are less than 750°C, suggesting that the anatectic melts may be derived from melting of felsic gneiss in the presence of water. The timing of melt crystallization is ca. 13 Ma later than UHP metamorphism, indicating that the partial melting took place during the exhumation stage. The metamorphic zircon cores have higher176Hf/177Hf(t) ratios than the residual magmatic cores, which provides powerful evidence for the generation of the metamorphic zircons through the incorporation of internal high Hf minerals other than zircon in a closed system. Anatectic rims with lower176Hf/177Hf(t) ratios but higher176Lu/177Hf ratios than metamorphic cores suggest that the main formation mechanism is dissolution‐reprecipitation of pre‐existing zircons. In conclusion, the elevated176Hf/177Hf(t), TDM2age and decreasing176Lu/177Hf(t) ratios in the metamorphic and anatectic domains imply that the new zircons in some migmatites and granites may not reflect the Hf isotope compositions of their source rocks, accounting for the variable Hf isotope compositions in S‐type granites.
Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology of early Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in Dingzi Bay and Taolin area from the Sulu Orogen: Provenances and tectonic implications
Authors: Liu Feifei , Zhou Yaoqi , Zhang Zhenkai , Yue Baojing 
Published: November 2018

Early Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in the Sulu Orogen (SO) have been a popular topic in recent years. The provenances of sedimentary rocks can help elucidate the tectonic history of the SO, China. The Dingzi Bay and Taolin areas in the SO have always been poorly known. Thus, we date detrital zircons from four sedimentary rock samples including sandstone, siltstone, and greywacke collected in both areas. Age distributions from Dingzi Bay exhibit three major age populations including Palaeoproterozoic (1900–1800 Ma), Neoproterozoic (800–700 Ma), and Early Cretaceous (136–106 Ma) ages and small age populations including early Mesozoic, Palaeozoic, and Palaeoproterozoic–Archean ages, while age distributions in the Taolin area show the largest age population of Early Cretaceous (132–102 Ma) with minor early Mesozoic, Palaeozoic, and Neoproterozoic populations. The youngest detrital zircon populations yield weighted mean ages of ca. 116 Ma in Dingzi Bay and ca. 120 Ma in the Taolin area as the maximum depositional ages, which correspond to the Early Cretaceous Lower Qingshan Group. Age distributions in both areas indicate that the local SO served as the primary source area, whereas the Yangtze Block might have been a lesser source of detrital zircons. The comparison of geochronological, geochemical, and sedimentary data among Dingzi Bay, Taolin, Laoshan, and Lingshan Island suggests an Early Cretaceous marine basin formed over the SO. Further, considering previous regional tectonic history, we propose a two‐stage (Laiyang and Qingshan stages) evolutionary model for this marine basin. We suggest that transpression between the Laiyang and Qingshan stages due to subduction of the Pacific Plate might have caused rapid uplift of the south‐eastern SO and closing of the marine basin. Correspondingly, this process influenced the input of the source material from the Yangtze Block to the marine basin during the Qingshan stage.
Timing and evolution of Mesozoic volcanism in the central Great Xing'an Range, northeastern China
Authors: Tang Zong‐Yuan , Sun De‐You , Mao An‐Qi , Yang Dong‐Guang , Deng Chang‐Zhou 
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we report on LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dates of 14 Mesozoic volcanic rocks from the central Great Xing'an Range (CGXR). These data are integrated with the temporal and spatial distribution of local magmatism‐related Mesozoic mineralization, in an effort to develop an understanding of the geodynamic evolution of the region. Periodic magmatic events in the GXR date from ~1,703 through ~145 Ma. Mesozoic volcanism in the CGXR can be subdivided into three episodes: Triassic (250–205 Ma), Early–Middle Jurassic (182–165 Ma), and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (155–115 Ma). A revision of the previously defined volcanic sequence is offered using a combination of our zircon U–Pb ages and published Mesozoic geological and geophysical evidence from northeast China. We propose that (a) Early–Middle Triassic volcanism in the CGXR resulted from subduction of the Paleo‐Asian oceanic plate; (b) Late Triassic volcanism was related to subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate (especially near the Erguna Block) and subsequent extension after the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean; (c) Early–Middle Jurassic volcanism was mainly controlled by the southward subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate; (d) Late Jurassic–initial Early Cretaceous magmatism was initiated by closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean; and (e) late Early Cretaceous volcanism was induced following the final closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean and rollback of the Paleo‐Pacific oceanic plate.
40Ar/39Ar ages and geological significance of Neoproterozoic–Cambrian mafic rocks in the Aksu–Wushi area, NW Tarim Craton
Authors: Lu Yuanzhi , Zhu Wenbin , Jourdan Fred , Ge Rongfeng , Cui Xiang , Wen Bin 
Published: November 2018

Mafic dyke swarms and continental flood basalts record crucial information on mantle dynamics, crustal palaeostress, and supercontinent cycle. However, these mafic rocks are relatively difficult to date using zircon U–Pb methods because autogenous magmatic zircons are rare or absent in the rapidly cooled mafic magmas and most zircons extracted from these rocks are likely captured from their wall rocks. One good example of this dilemma is the Precambrian mafic dykes and layered basites in the Aksu–Wushi area, NW Tarim Craton, from which abundant zircon U–Pb data have yielded age spectra similar to those of the detrital zircons from the associated (meta‐)sedimentary rocks. In this paper, we performed the first40Ar/39Ar dating on separated mineral grains from the mafic dykes (plagioclase and amphibole) and layered basites (plagioclase and pyroxene) in this area. Amphiboles from a mafic dyke cross‐cutting the blueschist‐bearing Aksu Group yielded a40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 744.5 ± 2.8 Ma, whereas pyroxenes from a layered basite within the Sugetbrak Formation yielded a40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 521.0 ± 2.1 Ma. The40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 744.5 ± 2.8 was interpreted as the crystallization age of the studied mafic dykes and provides a minimum constraint for the third phase of deformation of the blueschist terrane. The mini‐plateau age of 521.0 ± 2.1 Ma was interpreted as a minimum crystallization age for basite of the Sugetbrak Formation. We also conducted geochemical analyses on layered basites of the Sugetbrak Formation from the Xiaoenbrak Formation, and the results indicated that these layered basites shared a uniform geochemical characteristic. Combining geochronological and geochemical analyses, we propose that the basites of the Sugetbrak Formation probably recorded a rifting event on the north‐western margin of the Tarim Craton during Early Cambrian.
Trajectories of social support in adults with type 2 diabetes: Associations with depressive symptoms and functional disability
Authors: Levy Melanie , Deschênes Sonya S. , Burns Rachel J. , Elgendy Randa , Schmitz Norbert 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesLittle is known about temporal trajectories of social support in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and how they are associated with diabetes‐related outcomes. This study identified and explored different trajectories of social support in a community sample of adults with T2D, as well as the extent to which different trajectories were prospectively associated with depressive symptoms and functional disability.MethodsData came from five annual waves of the Evaluation of Diabetes Treatment study (N = 1077). Social support, depressive symptoms, and functional disability were assessed via self‐report. Separate analyses were conducted to examine the associations between social support trajectories, depressive symptoms, and functional disability, adjusting for demographic characteristics, diabetes‐related covariates, and baseline depressive symptoms and functional disability.ResultsLatent class growth modeling identified four distinct social support trajectories. Trajectory Groups 1 and 2 comprised participants with persistently low and persistently moderate‐low social support, respectively. Trajectory Groups 3 and 4 included participants with persistently moderate‐high and persistently high social support, respectively. People with persistently low social support reported higher functional disability relative to those with persistently moderate‐high and persistently high social support.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that temporal patterns of social support are a predictor of future functional disability among adults with T2D.
Medical leadership competencies: A comparative study of physicians in public and private sector hospitals in India
Authors: Gulati Kamal , Madhukar Vikas , Verma Vivek , Singh Angel Rajan , Gupta Shakti Kumar , Sarkar Chitra 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPurposeIndian health care system comprising of public and private sectors needs enhancement of medical leadership capacity to face the growing challenges. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate medical leadership competencies of public and private sector doctors.FindingsA survey questionnaire was developed to assess “self‐assessed proficiency levels” as well as “perceived importance of competency levels,” to which 532 doctors responded—290 (54.5%) from private sector and 242 (45.5%) from public sector hospitals. Statistically significant “leadership competency gap” was observed for all 30 leadership competencies in both sectors, more so in public sector. The 10 most deficient competencies were mainly in the NHS‐MLCF domains of “working with others,” “managing services,” and “setting direction.” The most low‐rated competency among public sector doctors was “knowledge of HR, procurement, financial, and contract management” while “ability to influence key decision makers who determine future government policies” was most deficient among private sector physicians. Further, deficiencies related to “time and stress management” and “conducting need analysis, identifying and prioritizing requirements” were confined to public and private sector doctors, respectively.ConclusionsThis study, first from India, highlights a critical need for medical leadership development programs in both sectors for enhancement of medical leadership capacity in the country.
Availability of health workforce in urban and rural areas in relation to Canadian seniors
Authors: Ariste Ruolz 
Published: November 2018

SummaryGeographic imbalances in health human resources exist in a health care system when the composition, level, or use of health care providers does not lead to the same optimal health‐system goals in all regions. This can lead to inequitable distribution of health care services, particularly for rural and remote populations. This study aims to determine to what extent the distribution of regulated health professionals and seniors in urban and rural areas of the Canadian jurisdictions is different from one another and from the national average. Data used in this study are for the 2016 calendar year. Information about physicians was obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Scott's Medical Database. The data for nurses (nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses) were also sourced from CIHI, Health Workforce Database. Geographic information is based on the postal code of physicians' preferred mailing address, and the residence in the case of nurses and the population. Using the Statistical Area Classification from Statistics Canada, each physician and nurse was assigned to either an urban metropolitan, urban non‐metropolitan, or rural/remote area. Findings indicate that there were twice as many nurses per 1000 seniors in urban Canada than in rural Canada. However, this gap was threefold in the case of physicians. Provinces with the largest and lowest gap and international comparisons are also provided. Three broad strategies are offered for policymakers in order to mitigate this health workforce imbalance and reduce the regional shortage of nurses and physicians.