bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole hepatic lipid volume quantification and color mapping by multi‐slice and multi‐point magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Igarashi Hiroyuki , Shigiyama Fumika , Wakui Noritaka , Nagai Hidenari , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Shiraga Nobuyuki , Hirose Takahisa , Kumashiro Naoki 
Published: July 2019

AimCurrent approaches for hepatic steatosis assess only a small point within the liver and might cause inaccuracy for longitudinal observation. We aimed to establish a reliable non‐invasive method for whole hepatic lipid content evaluation.MethodsA total of 52 patients with hepatic steatosis underwent liver biopsy. Hepatic lipid content was assessed by Dixon in‐phase/out‐of‐phase magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using multi‐slice and multi‐point magnetic resonance imaging, we calculated the lipid intensity of every voxel throughout the liver and showed the color‐mapped lipid distributions. This new analysis could also quantify the whole hepatic lipid and whole liver volumes absolutely. The diagnostic performance of hepatic lipid content between the new analysis and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods was compared by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis referring to the steatosis scores of the liver biopsy.ResultsAreas under the receiver operating characteristic for the diagnosis of steatosis scores ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 using magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.00) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.93–1.00), 0.94 (95% CI 0.87–1.00) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86–1.00), and 0.95 (95% CI 0.89–1.00) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.93–1.00), respectively, showing comparable diagnostic accuracies. However, color mapping showed some inconsistencies between the methods.ConclusionsWe described a non‐invasive and repeatable evaluation method of whole hepatic lipid accumulation with absolute quantification and color mapping. Hepatic steatosis was accurately evaluated regardless of heterogeneous lipid accumulation. The whole hepatic lean volume, reflecting the hepatic parenchymal condition, can also be determined by this method.
Characterisation of starch quality from barley varieties grown in South Africa
Authors: Balet Sandra , Gous Peter , Fox Glen , Lloyd James , Manley Marena 
Published: July 2019

SummaryStarch is a major determinant of grain quality in cereals but the variation in starch structure has yet to be fully explored in its relation to processing impacts. This study examined the starch properties of South African grown malting barley varieties. Starch amounts, amylose content, covalently bound phosphate, starch granule size, starch molecular structure and pasting properties were examined. There was no difference in amylose content but there was variation in the amylose chain length distribution, despite all barleys showing similar granule parameters. The longer amylose chain length resulted in increased pasting temperature. There was no difference in phosphate content for these samples. Starch properties for the brewing industry are important in the context of the production of fermentable sugars. The variation in starch structure was not observed when measuring content and could impact on fermentation efficiency through variation in fermentable sugars hydrolysed from the starch.
Factors associated with diabetic polyneuropathy‐related sensory symptoms and signs in patients with polyneuropathy: A cross‐sectional Japanese study (JDDM 52) using a non‐linear model
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroki , Tsuji Toshinaga , Hayashi Shinji , Kabata Daijiro , Shintani Ayumi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo assess the prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN)‐related sensory symptoms/signs and associated factors in patients with polyneuropathy, considering non‐linear effects for numerical variables.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 17 primary care clinics across Japan was carried out. DPN and DPN‐related sensory symptoms/signs were diagnosed according to the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group in Japan criteria.ResultsOf the 9,914 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this study, 2,745 had DPN and 1,689 had DPN‐related sensory symptoms/signs (61.5% of patients with DPN). There were significant correlations between DPN‐related sensory symptoms/signs and smoking status (odds ratio 2.04 for current and 1.64 for former; P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively), sex (odds ratio 0.56 for male/female; P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (odds ratio 2.02 for former/never; P = 0.004). Based on the non‐linear logistic regression model, significant correlations were observed between the presence of DPN‐related sensory symptoms/signs and higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), longer diabetes duration, and decreasing age. The logarithm of odds for SBP increased until reaching approximately 130 mmHg, then it plateaued.ConclusionsSome modifiable factors assessed in the large survey database might be associated with DPN‐related sensory symptoms/signs, namely smoking, alcohol consumption and SBP. Maintaining SBP <130 mmHg was associated with lower odds of DPN‐related sensory symptoms/signs in patients with DPN.
Pedagogical Considerations for Examining Rater Variability in Rater‐Mediated Assessments: A Three‐Model Framework
Authors: Wesolowski Brian C. , Wind Stefanie A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRater‐mediated assessments are a common methodology for measuring persons, investigating rater behavior, and/or defining latent constructs. The purpose of this article is to provide a pedagogical framework for examining rater variability in the context of rater‐mediated assessments using three distinct models. The first model is the observation model, which includes ecological/environmental considerations for the evaluation system. The second model is the measurement model, which includes the transformation of observed, rater response data to linear measures using a measurement model with specific requirements of rater‐invariant measurement in order to examine raters’ construct‐relevant variability stemming from the evaluative system. The third model is the interaction model, which includes an interaction parameter to allow for the investigation into raters’ systematic, construct‐irrelevant variability stemming from the evaluative system. Implications for measurement outcomes and validity are discussed.
Modeling Rater Response Processes in Evaluating Score Meaning
Authors: Lane Suzanne 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRater‐mediated assessments require the evaluation of the accuracy and consistency of the inferences made by the raters to ensure the validity of score interpretations and uses. Modeling rater response processes allows for a better understanding of how raters map their representations of the examinee performance to their representation of the scoring criteria. Validity of score meaning is affected by the accuracy of raters' representations of examinee performance and the scoring criteria, and the accuracy of the mapping process. Methodological advances and applications that model rater response processes, rater accuracy, and rater consistency inform the design, scoring, interpretations, and uses of rater‐mediated assessments.
Association of multiple patient and disease characteristics with the presence and type of pain in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Olesen Søren S , Kuhlmann Louise , Novovic Srdan , Nøjgaard Camilla , Kalaitzakis Evangelos , Jensen Nanna M , Engjom Trond , Dimcevski Georg , Waage Anne , Haas Stephan L , Vujasinovic Miroslav , Riauka Romualdas , Pukitis Aldis , Ozola‐Zālīte Imanta , Okhlobystin Alexey , Parhiala Mikael , Laukkarinen Johanna , Drewes Asbjørn M ,   for the Scandinavian Baltic Pancreatic Club
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and AimPain is the primary symptom of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and associates with a number of patient and disease characteristics. However, the complex interrelations of these parameters are incompletely understood, and pain treatment remains unsatisfactory in a large proportion of patients. The aim of this study is to investigate multiple pain risk factors in a large population of CP patients, with a special emphasis on patients' patterns of smoking and alcohol use.MethodsThis was a multicenter, cross‐sectional study including 1384 patients with CP. Patient demographics and disease characteristics, as well as current patterns of smoking and alcohol use, were compared for patients with pain (n = 801) versus without pain (n = 583). Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess the variables associated with the presence and type of pain (constant vs intermittent pain).ResultsThe mean age of participants was 52.1 ± 14.6 years, and 914 (66%) were men. Active smoking (odds ratio 1.6 [95% confidence interval 1.1–2.2], P = 0.005) and alcohol consumption (odds ratio 1.8 [95% confidence interval 1.1–3.0], P = 0.03) were independently associated with the presence of pain. In addition, patients' age at diagnosis, pancreatic duct pathology, and the presence of pseudocysts, duodenal stenosis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were confirmed as pain risk factors (all P ≤ 0.01). Constant pain, as opposed to intermittent pain, was more frequently reported by smokers (P = 0.03), while alcohol consumption was associated with intermittent pain (P = 0.006).ConclusionMultiple patient and disease characteristics, including patterns of smoking and alcohol consumption, associate with the presence and type of pain in patients with CP.
Heterogeneity in age at death for adults with developmental disability
Authors: Landes S. D. , Stevens J. D. , Turk M. A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough increased attention has been devoted to mortality trends for adults with developmental disability, research has not accounted for possible differences in age at death between disability types. We examine whether heterogeneity is present in age at death between adults with different types of developmental disability.MethodsData were from the 2012–2016 U.S. Multiple Cause‐of‐Death Mortality files. Mean age at death and age at death distributions were analysed for adults, aged 18–126, with and without developmental disability collectively and then stratified by biological sex.ResultsThere were 33 154 decedents with and 13 026 759 without developmental disability. Compared with adults without developmental disability, age at death was lower for all decedents with developmental disability but varied markedly by disability type and biological sex. Among adults with developmental disability, those with intellectual disability had the highest age at death, and those with cerebral palsy or other rare developmental disabilities, especially if co‐morbid for a second developmental disability, had the lowest age at death.ConclusionResearch on age at death for adults with developmental disability must account for heterogeneity among disability types in order to ensure reliable estimates. Failure to do so conceals important differences between disability types, which can misguide public health and preventive care efforts to reduce premature mortality and/or provide aging‐related supports.
Short‐term health outcomes of newborn infants of substance‐using mothers in Australia and New Zealand: A systematic review
Authors: Oni Helen T. , Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed , Buultjens Melissa , Islam M Mofizul 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimSubstance use is not unusual among women of childbearing age. Pregnant women who use a substance and the consequent impacts on a newborn vary across studies and settings. We reviewed New Zealand and Australian literature to examine the short‐term health outcomes of newborn of substance‐using mothers and their demographic characteristics.MethodsFive medical/nursing databases and google scholar were searched in April 2017. Studies were considered eligible if they described outcomes of newborn of substance‐using mothers. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment of candidate studies. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using narrative synthesis. Based on data availability, a subset of studies was included in meta‐analysis.ResultsAlthough findings of individual studies vary, there are some evidence that the infants born to substance‐using mothers were likely to have preterm birth, low birthweight, small‐for‐gestational age, low Apgar score, and admission to neo‐natal intensive care unit. The likelihood of adverse health outcomes was much higher for newborns of polysubstance‐using mothers, than newborns of mothers using a single substance. Pregnant women who use illicit substance are predominantly socially disadvantaged, in their twenties and or of Aboriginal descent.ConclusionInfants of substance‐using mothers suffer a range of adverse health outcomes. Multidisciplinary and integrated approach of services that ensure supportive social determinants of health may result in a better outcome for newborn and positive behavioral change among mothers.
Glucose and Nitrogen Amendments Can Mitigate Wastewater‐Borne Bacteria Competition Effect Against Algal Growth in Wastewater‐Based Systems
Authors: Conceição Gabriele R. , Xavier Larissa M. B. D. , Matos Josilene B. T. L. , de Almeida Paulo F. , de Moura‐Costa Lilia F. , Chinalia Fábio Alexandre 
Published: July 2019

The reuse of wastewater is important for reducing costs involved with algal lipid production. However, nutrient limitations, wastewater‐borne microbes, and mixotrophic growth can significantly affect biomass yields and lipid/biomass ratios. This research compared the growth performances of both Chlorella vulgaris and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata on domestic wastewater effluent. The experiments were conducted in the presence and absence of wastewater‐borne bacteria, while additionally assessing the impact of distinct nitrate and glucose supplementations. When compared to the sterilized controls, the presence of wastewater‐borne bacteria in the effluent reduced C. vulgaris and P. subcapitata total biomass production by 37% and 46%, respectively. In the corresponding treatments supplemented with glucose and nitrate, total biomass production increased by 12% and 61%, respectively. The highest biomass production of 1.11 and 0.72 g · L−1 was, however, observed in the sterilized treatments with both glucose and nitrate supplementations for C. vulgaris and P. subcapitata, respectively. Lipid to biomass ratios were, on average, threefold higher when only nitrate was introduced in the sterilized treatments for both species (0.4 and 0.5, respectively). Therefore, the combination of nitrate and glucose supplementation is shown to be an important strategy for enhancing algal lipid and biomass production when those algae are grown in the presence of wastewater‐borne bacteria. On the other hand, in the absence of wastewater‐borne bacteria, only nitrate supplementation can significantly improve lipid/biomass ratios.
Acceleration of the identification of sepsis‐inducing bacteria in cultures of dog and cat blood
Authors: Ulrich S. , Gottschalk C. , Straubinger R. K. , Schwaiger K. , Dörfelt R. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) combined with the Sepsityper kit (Bruker Daltoniks GmbH, Bremen) for the direct detection of bacterial species from inoculated blood cultures from dogs and cats.Materials and MethodsCanine and feline blood samples were inoculated with typical sepsis‐causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus canis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at two distinct concentrations (each in triplicate), resulting in 72 blood culture bottles incubated at 37°C. Samples were comparatively analysed with MALDI‐TOF MS after preparation with the Sepsityper kit and also by standard bacteriology (culturing and biochemical characterisation).ResultsBacterial species identified from agar plates and by MALDI‐TOF MS from blood culture bottles were identical for all samples. The MALDI Biotyper software (Bruker Daltoniks) correctly identified all bacterial strains from inoculated canine and feline blood with analysis indicating very good precision.Clinical SignificanceMALDI‐TOF MS analysis combined with the Sepsityper kit is a reliable tool for a quick detection of veterinary‐relevant bacterial species directly from blood culture bottles. This approach could reduce the time for identification of critical species to only 24 hours.
Construction materials affect the hydrological properties of bird nests
Authors: Biddle L. E. , Dickinson A. M. , Broughton R. E. , Gray L. A. , Bennett S. L. , Goodman A. M. , Deeming D. C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBird nests are highly variable structures that represent extended phenotypes, which may have a range of roles during avian reproduction, but all nests serve as the location for incubation of eggs. Nest characteristics should counter any adverse weather conditions that could potentially reduce hatchability or chick survival. Thermal properties of nests are relatively well studied, but the effects of moisture on nest insulation are largely unknown. Wet nests could reduce thermal insulation or deleteriously cool the eggs or nestlings. In this study, a novel method of simulated rainfall was applied to open‐cup nests from nineteen different passerine species. The amount of water absorbed by the nest and the time it took to dry were recorded. To determine the factors affecting these characteristics, nests were deconstructed to provide data on materials used. Compared with smaller nests, larger nests absorbed more water and took longer to dry. The amount of water absorbed was a function of the proportion of grass, moss, roots and hair present in the nest. The time taken for the nest to dry completely was affected by the proportion of grass, moss, and hair in the nest. When tested individually, the materials all had different rates of water absorption and took different times to dry; moss absorbed the most water and took the longest time to dry. We concluded that simulated rainfall was a realistic approach to understanding the hydrological characteristics of nests. Structural considerations for nest construction may affect the hydrological properties of nests, but ex situ studies provide no information about the possible shelter provided to a nest by its immediate surroundings. Further research into nest function should consider the importance of exposure to water to nest construction and function.
Robust martingale selection problem and its connections to the no‐arbitrage theory
Authors: Burzoni Matteo , Šikić Mario 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe analyze the martingale selection problem of Rokhlin in a pointwise (robust) setting. We derive conditions for solvability of this problem and show how it is related to the classical no‐arbitrage deliberations. We obtain versions of the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing in models spanning frictionless markets, models with proportional transaction costs, and models for illiquid markets. In all these models, we also incorporate trading constraints.
The ameliorating effects of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules and Kunling Wan on impaired angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity in rats following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Authors: Lv Bo‐Yang , Sun Hao‐Yu , Li Quan , Zhang Hao‐Lin , Pan Chun‐Shui , Yan Li , Fan Jing‐Yu , Li Dong , Han Jing‐Yan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules and Kunling Wan, the two Chinese medicines, on vascular dysfunction and the impairment of endometrial receptivity caused by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and its underlying mechanism.MethodsFemale Sprague Dawley rats with regular estrous cycle were enrolled and given Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan by gavage for 12 days, and then, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation model was induced. We assessed endometrial microvessels, endometrial blood flow, levels of estradiol and progesterone in serum, vascular endothelial growth factor A upstream molecules estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium, and pregnancy outcome.ResultsPre‐treatment of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan increases endometrial blood flow of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats, up‐regulates vascular endothelial growth factor A and microvessels, improves the endometrial morphology of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats during implantation, decreases the super physiological concentration of estradiol and progesterone in serum, and increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A upstream molecules estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium. In addition, Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan elevates the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 that participates in vascularization and increases the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor through up‐regulating the expression of p53 in the endometrium, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcome.ConclusionThis study demonstrated Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan as a potential strategy for prevention of impairment in angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity induced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
Food for thought: Harbor porpoise foraging behavior and diet inform vulnerability to disturbance
Authors: Booth Cormac G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractResearch has shown that noise disturbance can disrupt the behavior of harbor porpoises. The significance of such disturbance is unclear. However, these animals may be vulnerable to starvation when disturbed due to their high energy requirements. Important parameters determining harbor porpoise energy balance are the size and energy content of prey, their foraging behavior and their energetic requirements for homeostasis, growth, and reproduction. Energy intake can be estimated using published data from tagged animals. Such analysis indicates a broad range of plausible levels of energy intake, in line with those from captive studies. Metabolizable energy intake estimates were most strongly affected by variations in target prey size and to a lesser extent, by the foraging intensity of porpoises. In all but the worst case scenarios, harbor porpoises are well equipped for their ecological niche due to their generalist diet, consisting of a range of moderate to high energy‐density prey combined with ultra‐high foraging rates and high capture success. If animals can find suitable prey, porpoises may be capable of recovering from some lost foraging opportunities. Minimizing disturbances is, however, important for their health. Further research into prey and the environment are required to fully test the assumption of vulnerability.