bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Model Selection Methods for Multilevel IRT Models: A Comparison of Five DIC‐Based Indices
Authors: Zhang Xue , Tao Jian , Wang Chun , Shi Ning‐Zhong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractModel selection is important in any statistical analysis, and the primary goal is to find the preferred (or most parsimonious) model, based on certain criteria, from a set of candidate models given data. Several recent publications have employed the deviance information criterion (DIC) to do model selection among different forms of multilevel item response theory models (MLIRT). The majority of the practitioners use WinBUGS for implementing MCMC algorithms for MLIRT models, and the default version of DIC provided by WinBUGS focused on the measurement‐level parameters only. The results herein show that this version of DIC is inappropriate. This study introduces five variants of DIC as a model selection index for MLIRT models with dichotomous outcomes. Considering a multilevel IRT model with three levels, five forms of DIC are formed: first‐level conditional DIC computed from the measurement model only, which is the index given by many software packages such as WinBUGS; second‐level marginalized DIC and second‐level joint DIC computed from the second‐level model; and top‐level marginalized DIC and top‐level joint DIC computed from the entire model. We evaluate the performance of the five model selection indices via simulation studies. The manipulated factors include the number of groups, the number of second‐level covariates, the number of top‐level covariates, and the types of measurement models (one‐parameter vs. two‐parameter). Considering the computational viability and interpretability, the second‐level joint DIC is recommended for MLIRT models under our simulated conditions.
Routing Strategies and Optimizing Design for Multistage Testing in International Large‐Scale Assessments
Authors: Svetina Dubravka , Liaw Yuan‐Ling , Rutkowski Leslie , Rutkowski David 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of several design and administration choices on item exposure and person/item parameter recovery under a multistage test (MST) design. In a simulation study, we examine whether number‐correct (NC) or item response theory (IRT) methods are differentially effective at routing students to the correct next stage(s) and whether routing choices (optimal versus suboptimal routing) have an impact on achievement precision. Additionally, we examine the impact of testlet length on both person and item recovery. Overall, our results suggest that no single approach works best across the studied conditions. With respect to the mean person parameter recovery, IRT scoring (via either Fisher information or preliminary EAP estimates) outperformed classical NC methods, although differences in bias and root mean squared error were generally small. Item exposure rates were found to be more evenly distributed when suboptimal routing methods were used, and item recovery (both difficulty and discrimination) was most precisely observed for items with moderate difficulties. Based on the results of the simulation study, we draw conclusions and discuss implications for practice in the context of international large‐scale assessments that recently introduced adaptive assessment in the form of MST. Future research directions are also discussed.
Association between echo intensity of the tongue and its thickness and function in elderly subjects
Authors: Chantaramanee Ariya , Tohara Haruka , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Hara Koji , Nakane Ayako , Yamaguchi Kohei , Yoshimi Kanako , Junichi Furuya , Minakuchi Shunsuke 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundThe tongue plays an important role during the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing. Each part of the tongue has a different function during swallowing. Ageing causes changes in muscle quantity and quality. Qualitative changes, such as an increase in intramuscular adipose tissue, can be determined by the echo intensity (EI) of the tongue on ultrasonography (US).ObjectiveTo clarify the relationship between EI and thickness and function of the tongue.MethodsNinety‐four healthy elderly individuals (30 male, 64 female) aged >65 years (mean 71.10 ± 4.13 years) were enrolled. Tongue thickness (TT) and EI were determined by US. Tongue function was evaluated by measurement of tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis (OD). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factor with the strongest influence on EI of the tongue.ResultsThe mean thickness of the middle of the tongue was 40.42 ± 4.24 mm and that of the base was 23.35 ± 3.32 mm; the respective EI values were 46.54 ± 9.33 and 49.33 ± 9.83. The average OD rates for /ta/ and /ka/ were 5.73 ± 1.09 and 5.40 ± 1.00 times/s, respectively. Multiple regression analysis for EI showed that /ta/ (β = −2.518,P = 0.042) and thickness of the middle of the tongue (β = −1.278,P < 0.001) were significant independent variables. Similarly, the EI at the base of the tongue showed that /ka/ (β = −4.038,P = 0.021) and base of TT (β = −0.913,P = 0.004) were significant independent variables.ConclusionEI may be an indicator of TT and OD in both the middle and base of the tongue. Ultrasound is beneficial for evaluating TT and function.
Long‐term survival analysis of standard‐length and short implants with multifunctional abutments
Authors: Martinolli Matteo , Bortolini Sergio , Natali Alfredo , Pereira Luciano José , Castelo Paula Midori , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus , Gonçalves Thais Marques Simek Vega 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundSpherical shape and connecting bypass screw of the OT Equator abutment (Rhein83, Italy) provides several retentive possibilities, even in non‐parallel implants.ObjectiveThis study assessed the long‐term survival of standard‐length and short implants receiving this multifunctional abutment.MethodsPartially, edentulous patients (44 males and 64 females) (mean age 58.2 ± 10.5 years) rehabilitated with a fixed implant‐supported prosthesis where the OT Equator abutments (Rhein83) were applied. Follow‐up evaluations were performed up to 5 years following prosthesis delivery. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to determine whether the distribution of time to failure differed based on implant characteristics (length and region), adjusting for sex (α = 0.05).ResultsIn total, 216 implants (5 × 8 mm, n = 126; 5 × 6 mm, n = 90) (Betwice, Mech & Human, Italy) were installed. The average follow‐up period was 25.3 months (±19.3 months). Eight failures occurred, with most observed before loading (n = 6). Cumulative survival rates (CSR) at implant and abutment levels were 94.3% and 97.1%, respectively. Regarding implant length, CSRs were 97.8% and 90.6% for short and standard‐length implants, respectively, with no difference between subgroups (logrank: χ2 = 1.34, df = 1, P = 0.25). No significant difference was also found between implants of maxilla (CSR = 92.2%) and mandible (CSR = 95.5%; logrank: χ2 = 0.08, df = 1, P = 0.78).ConclusionThe OT Equator abutment (Rhein83) showed a stable clinical performance, with continuous and predictable survival.
Manufacturing (co)agglomeration in a transition country: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Aleksandrova Ekaterina , Behrens Kristian , Kuznetsova Maria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe document the geographic concentration patterns of Russian manufacturing using detailed microgeographic data. About 80% of three‐digit industries are significantly agglomerated, and a similar share of three‐digit industry pairs is significantly coagglomerated. Industry pairs with stronger buyer–supplier links—as measured using Russian input–output tables—tend to be slightly more coagglomerated. This result is robust to instrumental variable estimation using either Canadian or US instruments. Using Canadian ad valorem transport costs as a proxy for transport costs in Russia, we further find that industries with higher transport costs are more dispersed, and industry pairs with higher transport costs are less coagglomerated.
Cervical hyperaesthesia in dogs: an epidemiological retrospective study of 185 cases
Authors: De Strobel F. , Paluš V. , Vettorato E. , Cherubini G. B. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence, clinical findings and predictors of disease in dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia.Materials and MethodsMedical records of dogs referred for neurological investigation of cervical hyperaesthesia between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were assigned to one of the following groups according to the final diagnosis: Non‐Neurologic, Brain, Cervical Spine, Multifocal, and Chiari‐like Malformation/Syringomyelia. Demographic data, clinical and neurological signs and laboratory findings were compared between groups using univariate analysis; predictors of disease location were assessed by multivariate analysis.ResultsFinal diagnostic allocations of the 185 records included in the study were as follows: 2.7%Non‐Neurologic, 2.2%Brain, 63.2%Cervical Spine, 22.2%Multifocaland 9.7%Chiari Malformation/Syringomyelia. Intervertebral disc extrusion and steroid‐responsive meningitis arteritis were the most common diseases. Compared toMultifocaldogs, those allocated aCervical Spinediagnosis were older, heavier, more frequently ataxic and lame on a thoracic limb; furthermore, they were less frequently depressed or hyperthermic at presentation. Leucocytosis, neutrophilia and monocytosis were more frequent in dogs allocated aMultifocaldiagnosis. Dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia older than 36 months and non‐hyperthermic at presentation were more likely to have a lesion of the cervical region rather than a multi‐focal disease.Clinical SignificanceAlthough non‐specific, these results may be useful to guide clinicians in management of dogs presenting with cervical hyperaesthesia. Animal age and body temperature may support the suspicion of either focal or multi‐focal cervical spinal disease.
Equine platelet concentrate preparation and validation
Authors: Bozorgmanesh Rana , Magdesian K. Gary , Sutton‐Burges Julie W. , Owens Sean D. , Tablin Fern 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundDevelopment of equine platelet concentrate (PC) would aid management of cases requiring transfused platelets (PLTs), where adminstration of whole‐blood or platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) might be contraindicated.ObjectivesTo test and validate a method for production of an equine PRP‐PC product.AnimalsSix healthy Thoroughbred geldings from a research herd.MethodsIn this prospective experimental study, whole blood was collected and processed through multiple centrifugation steps to yield 120 mL of PC. The PC was stored at 22°C and gently and continuously agitated. Measurements of PLT count, pH, and concentrations of glucose, lactate, electrolytes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide were performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Platelet aggregometry and bacterial culture were also performed.ResultsThe PC always had a PLT count of ≥550 × 103cells/μL. Aggregometry graph amplitude (P < .0001) and area under the curve (P < .05) significantly decreased over time. Sodium, chloride, lactate (P < .0001), and oxygen (P < .01) concentrations significantly increased over time. pH (P < .001), glucose and bicarbonate concentrations (P < .0001) significantly decreased over time. There was no significant difference in potassium concentration, PLT count, LDH and AST activities and no bacterial growth from culture.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe described technique yielded a PC that meets the standards of the American Association of Blood Banks for human PC.
How Borrowing Constraints Hinder Migration: Theoretical Insights from a Random Utility Maximization Model*
Authors: Marchal Léa , Naiditch Claire 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe provide a theoretical framework to analyze how financial constraints hinder migration. Introducing wealth heterogeneity and borrowing constraints into a random utility maximization model of migration, we find evidence of multilateral resistance to migration stemming from borrowing constraints. We calibrate the model on 22 European countries, and we show that omitting the constraints biases upward the estimation of bilateral migration rates. We then simulate an increase in the bilateral cost of migration to the United Kingdom. We find that omitting the constraints biases downward the change entailed by the cost increase in the bilateral rates of migration to all destinations.
Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis with hepatic artery and portal vein thrombosis caused by Pleurostomophora richardsiae in a liver transplant recipient: A case report
Authors: Sribenjalux Wantin , Chongtrakool Piriyaporn , Chayakulkeeree Methee 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPleurostomophora richardsiae is a dematiaceous mold that causes subcutaneous cystic phaeohyphomycosis. Few cases of invasive P richardsiae infection have been reported. Hepatic artery thrombosis following organ transplantation caused by a fungal organism is also very rare. We present here a 57‐year‐old man with refractory ascites and liver failure following liver transplantation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated total occlusion of hepatic artery and blood clot in the portal vein and inferior vena cava. P richardsiae was isolated from blood culture and the blood clot in his liver. The patient was treated successfully with a 4‐week course of amphotericin B deoxycholate and liver retransplantation.
Economic impacts of chronic conditions in a country with high levels of population health coverage: lessons from Mongolia
Authors: Dugee Otgontuya , Sugar Bolormaa , Dorjsuren Bayarsaikhan , Mahal Ajay 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the impact of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) on household out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenses, catastrophic health payments and medical impoverishment in Mongolia, a middle‐income country with a high population health insurance coverage rate.MethodsSecondary data analysis of the Mongolian Household Socioeconomic Survey with 12 840 households, including information on standard of living, OOP spending, and health conditions of household members. Measures of catastrophic spending and medical impoverishment were constructed for Mongolia. The association of medical impoverishment and catastrophic spending with a range of socioeconomic and demographic covariates and health conditions was assessed using multiple regression models.ResultsOOP health spending contributed to an 8% increase in the incidence of poverty in Mongolia. The impoverishment associated with medical expenses is concentrated in the poorer quintiles, indicating some deepening of poverty among the already poor. Households with a member affected by NCDs and with multiple morbidities were more likely to experience catastrophic spending and medical impoverishment than those with infectious diseases. The main drivers of the financial distress were expenditures incurred for outpatient services, including for diagnostics and drugs.ConclusionDespite high rates of population health insurance coverage, health expenditures have substantial impoverishing effects in Mongolia, with the impacts being greater among households containing individuals with chronic conditions. Addressing the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) in Mongolia needs attention to the depth of coverage, especially for expenditures on outpatient care and medicines, and targeting the poor effectively.
Evaluation of tissue oxygen saturation in naturally occurring canine shock patients
Authors: Berg Alexia N. , Conzemius Michael G. , Evans Richard B. , Tart Kelly M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo measure tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) in a population of dogs with naturally occurring shock and to evaluate the relationship of StO2 with an established veterinary severity scoring system (Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation) and patient survival.DesignProspective observational study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsTwenty‐five adult dogs presenting in shock, as determined by the presence of hypotension, the calculated shock index, and hyperlactatemia.InterventionsStO2 was measured prior to any therapeutic interventions. Blood samples were also collected for measurement of plasma lactate, complete blood count, and a serum biochemical profile. Abdominal and thoracic focused assessment with sonography was also performed.Measurements and Main ResultsDogs enrolled in this study had lower mean (±SD) StO2 values (65.12 ± 17.7%) than previously reported in experimental models of canine hemorrhagic shock. There was a moderate correlation between lower StO2 and increasing Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation scores. A single StO2 value, assessed prior to therapeutic intervention, was not a sensitive predictor of mortality in this population.ConclusionsDogs with naturally occurring shock have lower mean StO2 values than those previously reported in dogs with experimentally induced shock. A lower initial StO2 was associated with worse disease severity but was not a significant predictor of survival in this population.
Delirium screening in patients in a palliative care ward: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Lai Xiao Bin , Huang Zhe , Chen Chun Yan , Stephenson Matthew 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
The objective was to promote evidence-based practice in screening for delirium in patients in the palliative care ward of a cancer hospital in Shanghai.

Introduction:
Delirium is common but under recognized among patients in palliative care settings. Early detection is essential for timely management. Practice guidelines recommend an initial screening at first contact, followed by continuous screening.

Methods:
The Joanna Briggs Institute's three-phase Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and the Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tool were used to enhance evidence-based practice. In phase 1, four audit criteria were developed and a baseline audit was conducted. In phase 2, barriers to compliance were identified, and strategies were adopted to promote best practice. In phase 3, a follow-up audit was conducted.

Results:
In the baseline audit, no delirium screening was performed, either on admission or regularly during hospitalization, hence compliance with these two audit criteria was 0%. Two out of 18 nurses had received training in delirium management, however neither had been trained to use the delirium screening tool. Compliance with the two criteria for nurse training was 11% and 0%, respectively. Four barriers were identified, including lack of a standardized screening tool, lack of a standardized screening procedure, inadequate knowledge on the part of the nurses, and potential inconsistencies between nurses in the rating of screening criteria. After applying strategies to address these barriers, compliance with the four audit criteria was 100%, 100%, 72%, and 72%, respectively, in the follow-up audit.

Conclusions:
Best practice in delirium screening was successfully established in the ward.
Analysis of quantitative correlations between microaneurysm, ischaemic index and new vessels in ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography images using automated software
Authors: Son Gisung , Kim Yoon Jeon , Sung Yu Sub , Park Bumwoo , Kim June-Gone 
Published: March 2019

Background/AimTo analyse ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA) images of diabetic retinopathy using a novel software that automatically calculates microaneurysm (MA) and non-perfusion area.MethodsTwo hundred UWF-FA images of treatment-naïve diabetic retinopathy (38 proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 162 non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy) from 120 patients (mean age 54.22; 80 male) were analysed using novel software to determine the number of MAs, area of capillary non-perfusion (ischaemic index) and number of neovascularisations. Each result was compared according to its retinal regions.ResultsFor the total retina, the mean number of MAs was 292.02 (±175.57) and the ischaemic index was 59.42% (±14.78%). Most MAs were located in the mid-peripheral retina (80.54%); however, the density of MAs was highest in the posterior pole (p<0.001). The ischaemic index was highest in the peripheral retina (89.19%), followed by mid-periphery (50.65%) and posterior pole (1.85%). Patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME) presented more MA and a greater ischaemic index (p<0.001, each) than those without DME.ConclusionThe automated software allowed prompt and quantitative analysis of UWF-FA images of DMR. MAs were most frequent in the nasal and mid-peripheral retina, with their density being highest in the posterior pole and nasal retina. Ischaemic index increased with distance from the posterior pole, showing strong correlation with central foveal thickness in all retinal areas except the posterior pole.
Comparison of methodologies for the detection ofBRAFmutations in bone marrow trephine specimens
Authors: Cardus Beatrix , Colling Richard , Hamblin Angela , Soilleux Elizabeth 
Published: March 2019

AimsBRAFV600E detection assists in the diagnosis of hairy cell leukaemia (HCL); however, testing practices vary. We evaluated the clinical utility of 5BRAFmutation testing strategies for use on bone marrow trephines (BMT).Methods11 HCL, 5 HCL ‘mimic’, 2 treated HCL and 10 normal BMT specimens were tested for mutantBRAF,comparing Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, amplicon-based next generation sequencing (NGS), automated (Idylla) PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC).ResultsPCR and IHC were cheaper and identified V600E in 100 % of HCL cases. Pyrosequencing detected the mutation in 91%, NGS in 55% of cases and Sanger sequencing in 27%. All assays gave wild-typeBRAFresults in HCL mimics and normal BMT samples.ConclusionsPCR and IHC were most sensitive and cost-effective, but these have limited scope for multiplexing and are likely to be replaced by NGS gene panels or whole genome sequencing in the medium to long term.
Mathematics and Speed for Interval Arithmetic
Authors: Kulisch Ulrich 
Published: March 2019

After a short introduction, the article begins with an axiomatic definition of rounded arithmetic. The concepts of rounding and of rounded arithmetic operations are defined in an axiomatic manner fully independent of special data formats and encodings. Basic properties of floating-point and interval arithmetic can directly be derived from this abstract mathematical model. Interval operations are defined as set operations for elements of the set ¯IR of closed and connected sets of real numbers. As such, they form an algebraically closed subset of the powerset of the real numbers. This property leads to explicit formulas for the arithmetic operations of floating-point intervals of ¯IF, which are executable on the computer. Arithmetic for intervals of ¯IF forms an exception free calculus, i.e., arithmetic operations for intervals of ¯IF always lead to intervals of ¯IF again.
Later sections are concerned with programming support and hardware for interval arithmetic. Both are a must and absolutely necessary to move interval arithmetic more into the center of scientific computing. With some minor hardware additions, interval operations can be made as fast as simple floating-point operations.

In vector and matrix spaces for real, complex, and interval data, the dot product is a fundamental arithmetic operation. Computing the dot product of two vectors with floating-point components
exactly
substantially speeds up floating-point and interval arithmetic as well as the accuracy of the computed result. Hardware needed for the exact dot product is very modest. The exact dot product is essential for long real and long interval arithmetic.

Section 9 illustrates that interval arithmetic as developed in this article already has a long tradition. Products based on these ideas have been available since 1980. Implementing what the article advocates would have a profound effect on mathematical software. Modern processor architecture from Intel, for example, comes quite close to what is requested in this article.