bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemostasis biomarkers in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ziliotto N. , Bernardi F. , Jakimovski D. , Baroni M. , Marchetti G. , Bergsland N. , Ramasamy D. P. , Weinstock‐Guttman B. , Schweser F. , Zamboni P. , Ramanathan M. , Zivadinov R. 
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeThe aim was to investigate the plasma levels of hemostasis components in multiple sclerosis (MS) and their association with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes.MethodsIn all, 138 MS patients [85 with relapsing–remitting MS (RR‐MS) and 53 with progressive MS (P‐MS) with a mean age of 54 years; 72.5% female; median Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.5; mean disease duration 21 years] and 42 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals (HI) were studied. All subjects were examined with 3 T MRI and clinical examinations. Plasma levels of hemostasis factors [procoagulant, factor XII (FXII)] and inhibitors [tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombomodulin, heparin cofactor II, a disintegrin‐like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1)] were evaluated by magnetic Luminex assays and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between hemostasis plasma levels and clinical and MRI outcomes were assessed.ResultsLower ADAMTS13 levels were found in MS patients compared to HI (P = 0.008) and in MS patients presenting with cerebral microbleeds compared to those without (P = 0.034). Higher PAI‐1 levels were found in MS patients compared to HI (P = 0.02). TFPI levels were higher in the P‐MS subgroup compared to RR‐MS patients (P = 0.011) and compared to HI (P = 0.002). No significant associations between hemostasis plasma levels and clinical or MRI outcomes were found.ConclusionsDecreased ADAMTS13, particularly in MS patients with cerebral microbleeds, which deserves further investigation, and increased PAI‐1 and TFPI levels were observed in MS patients, which deserves further investigation. No relationship between hemostasis plasma levels and measures of disease severity was detected.
Interobserver variation in CD30 immunohistochemistry interpretation; consequences for patient selection for targeted treatment
Authors: Koens Lianne , van de Ven Peter M , Hijmering Nathalie J , Kersten Marie J , Diepstra Arjan , Chamuleau Martine , de Jong Daphne 
Published: May 2018

AimsCD30 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in malignant lymphoma is used for selection of patients in clinical trials using brentuximab vedotin, an antibody drug‐conjugate targeting the CD30 molecule. For reliable implementation in daily practice and meaningful selection of patients for clinical trials, information on technical variation and interobserver reproducibility of CD30 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining is required.Methods and resultsWe conducted a three‐round reproducibility assessment of CD30 scoring for categorised frequency and intensity, including a technical validation, a ‘live polling’ pre‐ and post‐instruction scoring round and a web‐based round including individual scoring with additional IHC information to mimic daily diagnostic practice. Agreement in all three scoring rounds was poor to fair (κ = 0.12–0.35 for CD30‐positive tumour cell percentage and κ = 0.16–0.41 for staining intensity), even when allowing for one category of freedom in percentage of tumour cell positivity (κ = 0.30–0.61). The first round with CD30 staining performed in five independent laboratories showed objective differences in staining intensity. In the second round, approximately half the pathologists changed their opinion on CD30 frequency after a discussion on potential pitfalls, highlighting hesitancy in decision‐making. Using fictional cut‐off points for percentage of tumour cell positivity, agreement was still suboptimal (κ = 0.35–0.60).ConclusionsLack of agreement in cases with heterogeneous expression is shown to influence patient eligibility for treatment with brentuximab vedotin, both in clinical practice and within the context of clinical trials, and limits the potential predictive value of the relative frequency of CD30‐positive neoplastic cells for clinical response.
Erythrocytes from patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and splanchnic venous thrombosis show greater expression of Lu/BCAM
Authors: Novitzky‐Basso I. , Spring F. , Anstee D. , Tripathi D. , Chen F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionLutheran/BCAM protein (Lu) on the surface of erythrocytes is key for their adhesion to the endothelium, and erythrocytes from individuals with JAK2V617F‐mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have increased endothelial adhesion. Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a devastating thrombotic complication of MPN, and frequently, the only diagnostic feature is the JAK2V617F mutation. We sought to examine whether erythrocytes from patients with JAK2V617F mutated SVT (MPN‐SVT) exhibited increased Lu expression, thereby supporting a mechanistic contribution to the development of thrombosis.MethodsWe report the validation of a novel flow cytometry assay for Lu expression on erythrocytes. We examined the expression of Lu on erythrocytes from a cohort of MPN patients with and without SVT, and healthy controls. Samples were obtained from 20 normal individuals, 22 with MPN (both JAK2V617F‐mutated and wild‐type) and 8 with JAK2V617F‐mutated MPN‐SVT.ResultsLu expression by erythrocytes from patients with MPN and MPN‐SVT is significantly increased compared to erythrocytes from healthy individuals (P < .05), but there was no significant difference between patients with MPN‐SVT and MPN.ConclusionsPatients with MPN have increased expression of the red cell Lu/BCAM adhesion molecule. Further work is required to determine the role of the increased Lu/BCAM adhesion to the endothelium in the development of thrombosis in MPN of all genotypes.
Acute arthritis: predictive factors and current practice in the approach to diagnosis and management across two hospitals in Sydney
Authors: Pavic Katrina , Pandya Jay , Sebak Sophie , Shetty Amith , Spencer David , Manolios Nicholas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundLiterature pertaining to the predictive factors for septic arthritis is limited.AimsThe primary objective was to investigate the predictive factors for septic arthritis. The secondary objectives were to investigate the predictive factors for crystal arthritis and to explore current practices in the management of acute arthritis.MethodsA retrospective analysis was undertaken. All patients with an acute arthritis who underwent a joint aspiration for diagnostic and management purposes were considered for inclusion. The outcome measures were patient demographics, findings on physical examination, findings on blood and synovial fluid analysis and management.ResultsOf the patients who presented with an acute arthritis, 24 of the 172 joint aspirations undertaken were positive for bacteria (13.95%). Of the 172 joint aspirations, 90 were positive for crystals (52.33%). Investigated variables associated with increased risk for the presence of bacteria on synovial fluid included features of sepsis (P < 0.001), joint‐restricted range of motion (P = 0.048), elevated C‐reactive protein (P < 0.001) and elevated total leukocyte count on synovial fluid (P < 0.001). Of the 24 joint aspirations that were positive for bacteria, 13 had associated positive blood cultures (54.17%). Of the 172 joint aspirations, antibiotics were administered in 96 cases (55.81%). Of these, antibiotics were administered prior to joint aspiration in 41 cases (42.71%).ConclusionsIn our study, the most common cause of acute arthritis was crystal arthropathy. An accurate physical examination in conjunction with synovial fluid analysis is of particular importance in diagnosing septic arthritis. Blood cultures are not a reliable substitute for joint aspiration but should nevertheless be undertaken.
Improving adolescents’ periodontal health: evaluation of a mobile oral health App associated with conventional educational methods: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Marchetti Gisele , Fraiz Fabian Calixto , Nascimento Willian Muniz do , Soares Geisla Mary Silva , Assunção Luciana Reichert da Silva 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundAdolescence is a decisive period in the construction of new conduits. Objective: The influence of an App associated with conventional educational methods in adolescents’ oral health.Study designRandomized controlled trial including 291 participants (mean age = 16.1 years) in baseline. The study consisted of four phases. Interventions were evaluated through the knowledge score (KS) and oral indexes (OHI‐S/GBI). KS was obtained through five affirmations about periodontal diseases applied in different moments (pre‐test, post‐test, and follow‐up test). Phase I included pre‐test and oral clinical examination. Sample was randomly divided into two groups: oral (OG) and video orientation (VG) and post‐test (phase II). Phase III characterized the formation of groups: OG + App/OG without App/VG + App/VG without App. App consisted of reinforcement messages which was sent during 30 days. Phase IV comprised follow‐up test and clinical evaluation.ResultsThere was no significant difference in KS between OG/VG. Overall, App improved KS (P < 0.001). VG + App showed a significant increase in KS in the follow‐up test compared to the post‐test (P = 0.046). There was a significant reduction in oral indexes for all methods.ConclusionApp was effective in increasing knowledge, especially associated with video. The different methods were equally effective for a better standard in oral hygiene.
Production of near‐full density uranium nitride microspheres with a hot isostatic press
Authors: McMurray Jacob W. , Kiggans Jim O. , Helmreich Grant W. , Terrani Kurt A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDepleted uranium nitride (UN) kernels with diameters ranging from 420 to 858 microns and theoretical densities (TD) between 87 and 91 percent were postprocessed using a hot isostatic press (HIP) in an argon gas media. This treatment was shown to increase the TD up to above 97%. Uranium nitride is highly reactive with oxygen. Therefore, a novel crucible design was implemented to remove impurities in the argon gas via in situ gettering to avoid oxidation of the UN kernels. The density before and after each HIP procedure was calculated from average weight, volume, and ellipticity determined with established characterization techniques for particle. Micrographs confirmed the nearly full densification of the particles using the gettering approach and HIP processing parameters investigated in this work.
Cu/LaCrO3joining by local melt infiltration through laser cladding
Authors: Wasilewski Eric , Wolf Matthias , Zhang Wei , Ossenbrink Ralf , Michailov Vesselin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDirect bonding of copper and porous LaCrO3without an extra filler interlayer was successfully completed using local and fast Cu‐infiltration through laser cladding. This significantly reduced the susceptibility of the ceramic to cracking. A high‐speed camera investigation into the wetting and infiltration behavior of a Cu‐melt into LaCrO3with a porosity of ~63 vol% was performed. By adjusting the focal distance with a constant laser power of 300 W, the Cu‐melt was rapidly infiltrated into the ceramic preform in 10 seconds. This was completed under atmospheric air conditions, without added inert gas. The joining process developed can be used to fabricate ceramic/metal joints with targeted (micro‐) structure properties by adjusting the infiltrated melt and the infiltration depth, which would be suitable for many applications, such as multifunctional devices, solid oxide fuel cells or heating elements.
AGENT‐BASED MACROECONOMICS AND DYNAMIC STOCHASTIC GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELS: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Authors: Dilaver Özge , Calvert Jump Robert , Levine Paul 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAgent‐based computational economics (ACE) has been used for tackling major research questions in macroeconomics for at least two decades. This growing field positions itself as an alternative to dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. In this paper, we provide a much needed review and synthesis of this literature and recent attempts to incorporate insights from ACE into DSGE models. We first review the arguments raised against DSGE in the macroeconomic ACE (macro ACE) literature, and then review existing macro ACE models, their explanatory power and empirical performance. We then turn to the literature on behavioural New Keynesian models that attempts to synthesize these two approaches to macroeconomic modelling by incorporating insights of ACE into DSGE modelling. Finally, we provide a thorough description of the internally rational New Keynesian model, and discuss how this promising line of research can progress.
THE EURO'S TRADE EFFECT: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Polák Petr 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMany studies have estimated the trade effect of the euro, but their results vary greatly. This meta‐analysis collects 3323 estimates of the euro effect along with 28 characteristics of estimation design from almost 60 studies and quantitatively examines the literature. The results show evidence of publication bias, but they also suggest that the bias decreases over time. After correcting for the bias, the meta‐analysis shows that the literature is consistent with an effect ranging between 2% and 6%. The results from Bayesian model averaging, which takes into account model uncertainty, show that the differences among estimates are systematically driven by data sources, data structure, control variables, and estimation techniques. The mean reported estimate of the euro's trade effect conditional on best‐practice approach is 3%, but is not statistically different from zero.
Capital Commitment and Illiquidity in Corporate Bonds
Authors: BESSEMBINDER HENDRIK , JACOBSEN STACEY , MAXWELL WILLIAM , VENKATARAMAN KUMAR 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTWe study trading costs and dealer behavior in U.S. corporate bond markets from 2006 to 2016. Despite a temporary spike during the financial crisis, average trade execution costs have not increased notably over time. However, dealer capital commitment, turnover, block trade frequency, and average trade size decreased during the financial crisis and thereafter. These declines are attributable to bank‐affiliated dealers, as nonbank dealers have increased their market commitment. Our evidence indicates that liquidity provision in the corporate bond markets is evolving away from the commitment of bank‐affiliated dealer capital to absorb customer imbalances, and that postcrisis banking regulations likely contribute.
Do feeding practices during transfusion influence the risk of developing necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants?
Authors: Hilditch Cathie , Keir Amy 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOur evidence‐based review set out to answer the clinical question ‘In a preterm infant (patient) with anaemia of prematurity, do feeding practices (intervention) during blood transfusion reduce the risk of developing transfusion‐associated necrotising enterocolitis (outcome)’? We found limited evidence that withholding feeding during red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants may reduce the risk of development of transfusion‐associated necrotising enterocolitis. As clinical equipoise seemingly exists, it seems reasonable for individual units to make their own decisions regarding whether to withhold or continue enteral feeds during red blood cell transfusion until further evidence is available. The UK‐based Withholding Enteral Feeds Around Transfusion (WHEAT) trial, a nation‐wide multi‐centre ‘opt‐out’ randomised controlled study, hopefully will definitively answer our clinical question. Further research in other areas of neonatal care, using this innovative study design, is needed and it is exciting to see such a study underway.
Anticorruption reforms, tax evasion, and the role of harassment
Authors: Banerjee Dyuti S. , Vaidya Samarth 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe examine the impact of anticorruption reforms on tax evasion when corruption and potentially harassment are endemic among tax auditors. We find that the threat of harassment may counterintuitively boost the impact of such anticorruption reforms on tax evasion and also eliminate corruption. Specifically, a moderate anticorruption policy can discontinuously reduce tax evasion to a level even below that under no corruption. Further strengthening of such policy can nonetheless prove counterproductive and increase tax evasion. On the contrary, in the absence of harassment, a moderate anticorruption reform induces higher tax evasion and sustenance of bribery. In this case, only a large reform can reduce tax evasion and eliminate corruption.
Are sequential round‐robin tournaments discriminatory?
Authors: Sahm Marco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractI examine sequential round‐robin tournaments with three and four symmetric players. Each player is matched once with each other player and each match is organized as a Tullock contest. A single prize is allocated to the player with the most matches won. I show that, depending on the position of their matches in the sequence of the tournament, the players'ex antewinning probabilities and expected payoffs differ. Compared to tournaments with matches organized as all‐pay auctions, however, discrimination is weaker and partially reversed. Moreover, aggregate effort in tournaments with suitable Tullock contests is larger than in tournaments with all‐pay auctions. The fairness of round‐robin tournaments may be improved by an endogenous sequence of matches or the requirement that players fix their effortex ante.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism prevents obesity‐induced cerebral artery remodeling and reduces white matter injury in rats
Authors: Pires Paulo W. , McClain Jonathon L. , Hayoz Sebastian F. , Dorrance Anne M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveMidlife obesity is a risk factor for dementia development. Obesity has also been linked to hyperaldosteronism, and this can be modeled in rats by high fat (HF) feeding from weaning. Aldosterone, or activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) causes cerebrovascular injury in lean hypertensive rats. We hypothesized that rats fed a HF diet would show inward middle cerebral artery (MCA) remodeling that could be prevented by MR antagonism. We further proposed that the cerebral artery remodeling would be associated with white mater injury.MethodsThree‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a HF diet ± the MR antagonist canrenoic acid (Canr) for 17 weeks. Control rats received normal chow (control NC). MCA structure was assessed by pressure myography.ResultsThe MCAs from HF fed rats had smaller lumens and thicker walls when compared to arteries from control NC rats; Canr prevented the MCA remodeling associated with HF feeding. HF feeding increased the mRNA expression of markers of cell proliferation and vascular inflammation in cerebral arteries and Canr treatment prevented this. White mater injury was increased in the rats fed the HF diet and this was reduced by Canr treatment. The expression of doublecortin, a marker of new and immature neurons was reduced in HF fed rats, and MR antagonism normalized this.ConclusionsThese data suggest that HF feeding leads to MR dependent remodeling of the MCA and this is associated with markers of dementia development.
Locking the nontemplate DNA to control transcription
Authors: Nedialkov Yuri , Svetlov Dmitri , Belogurov Georgiy A. , Artsimovitch Irina 
Published: May 2018

SummaryUniversally conserved NusG/Spt5 factors reduce RNA polymerase pausing and arrest. In a widely accepted model, these proteins bridge the RNA polymerase clamp and lobe domains across the DNA channel, inhibiting the clamp opening to promote pause‐free RNA synthesis. However, recent structures of paused transcription elongation complexes show that the clamp does not open and suggest alternative mechanisms of antipausing. Among these mechanisms, direct contacts of NusG/Spt5 proteins with the nontemplate DNA in the transcription bubble have been proposed to prevent unproductive DNA conformations and thus inhibit arrest. We used Escherichia coli RfaH, whose interactions with DNA are best characterized, to test this idea. We report that RfaH stabilizes the upstream edge of the transcription bubble, favoring forward translocation, and protects the upstream duplex DNA from exonuclease cleavage. Modeling suggests that RfaH loops the nontemplate DNA around its surface and restricts the upstream DNA duplex mobility. Strikingly, we show that RfaH‐induced DNA protection and antipausing activity can be mimicked by shortening the nontemplate strand in elongation complexes assembled on synthetic scaffolds. We propose that remodeling of the nontemplate DNA controls recruitment of regulatory factors and R‐loop formation during transcription elongation across all life.
Response to capture stress involves multiple corticosteroids and is associated with serum thyroid hormone concentrations in Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi)
Authors: DeRango Eugene J. , Greig Denise J. , Gálvez Casandra , Norris Tenaya A. , Barbosa Lorraine , Elorriaga‐Verplancken Fernando R. , Crocker Daniel E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGuadalupe fur seals are a threatened species with few breeding locations, which potentially makes them sensitive to environmental or anthropogenic stressors. We present the first study to quantify adrenal and thyroid function in this species in an effort to measure their stress response to capture. We analyzed a suite of corticosteroid hormones released over time during capture in both adult females (n = 10) and weanling pups (n = 26) during March 2016. Multiple corticosteroids were released during capture, and aldosterone was associated with the response to stress in adults only. These results suggest the regulation of aldosterone secretion in association with the HPA axis in otariids as reported in other marine mammals. Individuals varied markedly in the magnitude of their endocrine response to capture. A lower total integrated stress response to capture for both cortisol and corticosterone was associated with decreased concentrations of thyroid hormone T3 and elevated concentrations of reverse T3 (rT3), suggesting parallel downregulation of adrenal and thyroid endocrine axes in some individuals. A scaled body condition index was negatively associated with T3 and positively associated with rT3 in adults. Together these findings suggest utility in using endocrine responses to capture stress to evaluate individual and population health.
The carboxylate‐releasing phosphorus‐mobilizing strategy can be proxied by foliar manganese concentration in a large set of chickpea germplasm under low phosphorus supply
Authors: Pang Jiayin , Bansal Ruchi , Zhao Hongxia , Bohuon Emilien , Lambers Hans , Ryan Megan H. , Ranathunge Kosala , Siddique Kadambot H. M. 
Published: May 2018

Summary

Root foraging and root physiology such as exudation of carboxylates into the rhizosphere are important strategies for plant phosphorus (P) acquisition. We used 100 chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes with diverse genetic backgrounds to study the relative roles of root morphology and physiology in P acquisition.

Plants were grown in pots in a low‐P sterilized river sand supplied with 10 μg P g−1 soil as FePO4, a poorly soluble form of P.

There was a large genotypic variation in root morphology (total root length, root surface area, mean root diameter, specific root length and root hair length), and root physiology (rhizosheath pH, carboxylates and acid phosphatase activity). Shoot P content was correlated with total root length, root surface area and total carboxylates per plant, particularly malonate. A positive correlation was found between mature leaf manganese (Mn) concentration and carboxylate amount in rhizosheath relative to root DW.

This is the first study to demonstrate that the mature leaf Mn concentration can be used as an easily measurable proxy for the assessment of belowground carboxylate‐releasing processes in a range of chickpea genotypes grown under low‐P, and therefore offers an important breeding trait, with potential application in other crops.