bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability in Antinuclear Antibody Testing to Assess Patient Eligibility for Clinical Trials of Novel Treatments for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pisetsky David S. , Thompson Dana Kathryn , Wajdula Joseph , Diehl Annette , Sridharan Sudhakar 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveIn the development of novel therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity represents a criterion for trial eligibility. Since as many as 30% of patients enrolled in trials have been ANA negative, we evaluated the performance characteristics of immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) for ANA determinations for screening.MethodsThis study used 5 commercially available IFAs to assess the ANA status of 181 patients enrolled in a phase II clinical trial for an anti–interleukin‐6 antibody. Enrollment included a detailed review of medical records to verify a historical ANA value. IFA results were related to various clinical and serologic features at enrollment.ResultsWhile the frequency of ANA negativity assessed by the central laboratory was 23.8% in a cohort of 181 patients, the evaluated IFA kits demonstrated frequencies of negativity from 0.6 to 27.6%. With 2 IFA kits showing a significant frequency of ANA negativity, positive and negative samples differed in levels of anti–double‐stranded DNA, C3, and presence of other ANAs as well as the frequency of high interferon (IFN) expression.ConclusionThese findings indicate that, when used for screening, IFAs can vary because of performance characteristics of kits and thus can affect determination of trial eligibility. With kits producing a significant frequency of ANA negativity, ANA status can be associated with other serologic measures as well as the presence of the IFN signature, potentially affecting responsiveness to a trial agent.
Risk Factors for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Phase III and Long‐Term Extension Studies of Tofacitinib in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Charles‐Schoeman Christina , DeMasi Ryan , Valdez Hernan , Soma Koshika , Hwang Lie‐Ju , Boy Mary G. , Biswas Pinaki , McInnes Iain B. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTofacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to evaluate the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with RA receiving tofacitinib.MethodsData were pooled from patients with moderately to severely active RA receiving ≥1 tofacitinib dose in 6 phase III and 2 long‐term extension studies over 7 years. MACE (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death) were independently adjudicated. Cox regression models were used to evaluate associations between baseline variables and time to first MACE. Following 24 weeks of tofacitinib, changes in variables and time to future MACE were evaluated after adjusment for age, baseline values, and time‐varying tofacitinib dose. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsFifty‐two MACE occurred in 4,076 patients over 12,873 patient‐years of exposure (incidence rate 0.4 patients with events per 100 patient‐years). In univariable analyses of baseline variables, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and glucocorticoid and statin use were associated with MACE risk; disease activity and inflammation measures were not. In subsequent multivariable analyses, baseline age, hypertension, and the total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio remained significantly associated with risk of MACE. After 24 weeks of treatment, an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in the total to HDL cholesterol were associated with decreased MACE risk; changes in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and disease activity measures were not. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rates trended with increased future MACE risk.ConclusionIn this post hoc analysis, after 24 weeks of tofacitinib treatment, increased HDL cholesterol, but not increased LDL cholesterol or total cholesterol, appeared to be associated with lower future MACE risk. Further data are needed to test the cardiovascular safety of tofacitinib.
Space use and social association in a gregarious ungulate: Testing the conspecific attraction and resource dispersion hypotheses
Authors: Peignier Mélissa , Webber Quinn M. R. , Koen Erin L. , Laforge Michel P. , Robitaille Alec L. , Vander Wal Eric 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAnimals use a variety of proximate cues to assess habitat quality when resources vary spatiotemporally. Two nonmutually exclusive strategies to assess habitat quality involve either direct assessment of landscape features or observation of social cues from conspecifics as a form of information transfer about forage resources. The conspecific attraction hypothesis proposes that individual space use is dependent on the distribution of conspecifics rather than the location of resource patches, whereas the resource dispersion hypothesis proposes that individual space use and social association are driven by the abundance and distribution of resources. We tested the conspecific attraction and the resource dispersion hypotheses as two nonmutually exclusive hypotheses explaining social association and of adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We used location data from GPS collars to estimate interannual site fidelity and networks representing home range overlap and social associations among individual caribou. We found that home range overlap and social associations were correlated with resource distribution in summer and conspecific attraction in winter. In summer, when resources were distributed relatively homogeneously, interannual site fidelity was high and home range overlap and social associations were low. Conversely, in winter when resources were distributed relatively heterogeneously, interannual site fidelity was low and home range overlap and social associations were high. As access to resources changes across seasons, caribou appear to alter social behavior and space use. In summer, caribou may use cues associated with the distribution of forage, and in winter caribou may use cues from conspecifics to access forage. Our results have broad implications for our understanding of caribou socioecology, suggesting that caribou use season‐specific strategies to locate forage. Caribou populations continue to decline globally, and our finding that conspecific attraction is likely related to access to forage suggests that further fragmentation of caribou habitat could limit social association among caribou, particularly in winter when access to resources may be limited.
Calculation of optimum insulation thickness of external walls in residential buildings by using exergetic life cycle cost assessment method: Case study for Turkey
Authors: Guven Sengul 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEnergy is one of the most fundamental event of the universe and it is impossible to imagine an area where energy is not used. The energy demand is also increasing with the ever‐increasing population of the world. We also use energy to meet our heating and cooling needs. Heat loss from the exterior walls of buildings is important, so thermal insulation on the wall is very critical. In this study, optimum insulation thickness is determined for four provinces and two different insulation materials selected from four different climatic regions of Turkey. In order to calculate insulation thicknesses, the number of the degree‐day and exergetic environmental impact factor have been used. Natural gas is used as fuel. By using exergetic life cycle cost assessment method for rock wool and glass wool as insulation materials, the changes of CO2 emission values, the environmental impact factor, and energy saving values are determined for optimum insulation thickness. The optimum insulation thickness, which are calculated by using the number of the degree‐day and exergetic environmental impact factor for glass wool and rock wool is 0.1103 m and 0.04375 m for Antalya, 0.1667 m and 0.07292 m for Isparta, 0.1667 m and 0.0625 m for Bursa, and 0.2188 m and 0.1021 m for Erzurum, respectively. The reduction of carbon dioxide emission values for glass wool and rock wool 86% and 64% for Antalya, 90% and 76% for Isparta, 92% and 82% for Erzurum, and 90% and 73% for Bursa, respectively. Net exergetic environmental impact saving values for glass wool and rock wool: 589 mPts/m2‐yr and 342 mPts/m2‐yr for Antalya, 1,318 mPts/m2‐yr and 642 mPts/m2‐yr for Bursa, 1,315 mPts/m2‐yr and 878 mPts/m2‐yr for Erzurum, and 2,248 mPts/m2‐yr and 1,687 mPts/m2‐yr for Isparta, respectively.
Myeloid malignancies with isolated 7q deletion can be further characterized by their accompanying molecular mutations
Authors: Hartmann Luise , Haferlach Claudia , Meggendorfer Manja , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Torsten , Stengel Anna 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDeletions in the long arm of chromosome 7 (del(7q)) are recurrent cytogenetic aberrations in myeloid neoplasms. They occur either isolated or as part of a complex karyotype and are associated with unfavorable prognosis in certain disease entities. We performed detailed cytogenetic analysis, molecular analysis, and array comparative genomic hybridization in a cohort of 81 patients with a variety of myeloid malignancies and del(7q) as sole chromosomal alteration. In 70% (57/81) of patients, we identified a commonly deleted region (size: 18 Mb) involving the genomic region 101 912.442 (7q22.1)‐119 608.824 (7q31.31). Furthermore, in 80 patients, we analyzed 17 genes commonly mutated in myeloid neoplasms and identified high mutation frequencies in ASXL1 34% (27/80), TET2 33% (26/80), RUNX1 25% (20/80), DNMT3A 25% (20/80), while TP53 was rarely affected (5%, 4/80). ASXL1 and TET2 showed similar mutation frequencies across all analyzed entities while RUNX1, CBL, and JAK2 were specifically mutated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and myeloproliferative neoplasms, respectively. We detected a significantly higher frequency of RUNX1 (42% vs 13%, P = .0001) and ASXL1 (32% vs 14%, P = .008) mutations in AML patients with del(7q) compared to other AML patients in the Medical Research Council unfavorable risk group (n = 464), indicating a cooperative leukemogenic potential. Our data provide further insight into the pathomechanism of this cytogenetic subgroup.
Comparative light and scanning electron microscopy in authentication of adulterated traded medicinal plants
Authors: Ahmed Sidra N. , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Rashid Sofia , Yaseen Ghulam , Sultana Shazia , Siddiq Zafar , Kilic Omer , Ozdemir Fethi A. , Kayani Sadaf 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe medicinal plants are utilized globally considering the cheap and chemical free source, but their correct identification and authentication is prerequisite for safety and efficacy of plant‐based medicines. The present study encompassed traded medicinal plants (16) with high therapeutic value from diverse families like Brassicaceae, Berberidaceae, Malvaceae, Salicaceae, Myrtaceae, Papilionaceae, Ascelpiadaceae, Colchicaceae, Violaceae, and Vitaceae for detailed microscopic study of characters that is, morphology, pollen shape and sizes, P/E ratio, pore length and width, spine length, colpi dimensions, and exine sculpture pattern. The plants showed noteworthy differences in microscopy of Wattakaka volubilis having pollinia, translator and corpusculum like structures while pores were visible in Colchicum luteum, Alcea rosea, and Hibiscus syriacus. The spines were observed in Centipeda minima, A. rosea, and H. syriacus being dimorphic spines in A. rosea and monomorphic in H. syriacus. The exine sculpturing pattern was reticulate in mostly studied plants however distinctive exine pattern was noted in Berberis aristata and Berberis lyceum. The highest polar diameter, equatorial diameter and exine thickness among studied plants were observed in H. syriacus (161 μm), C. luteum (50 μm) and Vitis jacquemontii (1.10), respectively. Thus, microscopy of medicinal plants in addition to other taxonomic evidence offers a supportive skill in authentication, consequently utilization by local consumers and pharmaceutical industries.
A discrete information coding matrix algorithm based on image features for tracking circulation of commodities
Authors: Wan Guo Chun , Zhou Fo Zhi , Gao Chuang , Tang Ling Yi , Tong Mei Song 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFor fast‐consumed‐commodities industry, it is usually difficult for producers to track the commodities in their circulation process, especially, when their labels have been damaged. In this paper, we develop a novel method based on channel coding theory of forward error correction (FEC) to prevent the flooding of counterfeit products with a very low cost and easy implementation. This anti‐interference matrix information coding method has a strong ability to resist damage and high recovery rate, and can produce a large number of nonrepeated codes in terms of different characteristics of demand, yielding a great enhancement of anti‐counterfeiting trace capacity. However, the process of reading information strongly relies on artificial means that requires a high cost and reduces the efficiency. For this reason, we propose an efficient approach for image feature extraction based on discrete information coding matrix. It takes the advantage of wearing perspective clipping method to obtain the revised image with printed matrix information and then extract the regions of interest (ROI) that carry the information about the coding matrix by working out its row and column coordinates with the center of gravity method. The matrix code recognition software is implemented. The simulation and experimental results show that the method is effective and robust.
A new method to study inhomogeneities in climate records: Brownian motion or random deviations?
Authors: Lindau Ralf , Venema Victor 
Published: April 2019

AbstractClimate data are affected by inhomogeneities due to historical changes in the way the measurements were performed. Understanding these inhomogeneities is important for accurate estimates of long‐term changes in the climate. These inhomogeneities are typically characterized by the number of breaks and the size of the jumps or the variance of the break signal, but a full characterization of the break signal also includes its temporal behaviour. This study develops a method to distinguish between two types of breaks: random deviations from a baseline and Brownian motion. Strength and frequency of both break types are estimated by using the variance of the spatiotemporal differences in the time series of two nearby stations as input. Thus, the result is directly obtained from the data without running a homogenization algorithm to estimate the break signal from the data. This opens the possibility to determine the total number of breaks and not only that of the significantly large ones. The application to German temperature observations suggests generally small inhomogeneities dominated by random deviations from a baseline. U.S. stations, on the other hand, also show the characteristics of a strong Brownian‐motion‐type component.
High efficiency heavy metal free QD‐LEDs for next generation displays
Authors: Ippen Christian , Guo Wenzhuo , Zehnder Don , Kim Daekyoung , Manders Jesse , Barrera Diego , Newmeyer Benjamin , Hamilton Dylan , Wang Chunming , Hotz Charlie , Ma Ruiqing , Bin Jong‐Kwan , Kim ByungGeol , Kim KyuNam , Jang KyungKook , Park Jaehyun , Lee Taeyang , Kim Wy‐Yong , Lee JounHo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we report on our progress on developing heavy metal free (or Cd‐free) QD‐LEDs for all three colors. With improvement in synthesis, we have developed high quantum yield heavy metal free quantum dots (more than 95% for red and green and more than 80% for blue), with peak wavelengths suitable for BT.2020. Building upon these high‐performance quantum dots and through novel device structure design and optimization we have demonstrated high efficiency heavy metal free QD‐LEDs with EQE = 16.9%, 13%, 9% for red, green, and blue, respectively. Specifically, we report a systematic study on the impact of shell thickness to the device efficiency performance.
High‐efficiency OLED microdisplay with microlens array
Authors: Motoyama Yosuke , Sugiyama Kouhei , Tanaka Hideyuki , Tsuchioka Hiroaki , Matsusaki Koji , Fukumoto Hirohide 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA high‐efficiency organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) microdisplay has been developed with some new technologies including microlens array. We focused on the improvement of the out‐coupling efficiency and achieved three times higher efficiency as compared with conventional OLED. By using our developed technologies, it is possible to improve the maximum luminance from 1600 to 5000 cd/m2 while maintaining same lifetime.
Comparative Analysis of Detonation Growth Characteristics between HMX‐ and TATB‐based PBXs
Authors: Bai Zhiling , Duan Zhuoping , Wen Lijing , Zhang Zhenyu , Ou Zhuocheng , Huang Fenglei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper offers a new method for calculating the reaction rate based on the pore collapse “hot‐spot” ignition mechanism in multi‐component polymer bonded explosives (PBXs), and proposes a mesoscopic reaction rate model that allows us to predict the shock initiation and detonation behaviors of multi‐component PBXs with any explosive component proportion and explosive particle size. The pressure‐time histories in PBXC03 (87 % HMX, 7 % TATB, and 6 % Viton by weight) and PBXC10 (25 % HMX, 70 % TATB, and 5 % Kel‐F800 by weight) are calculated by using the new mesoscopic reaction rate model, and the numerical results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. It is found that the shock initiation and detonation behaviors of PBXC03 with the dominant component of HMX is mainly controlled by the hot‐spot ignition. The subsequent combustion reacts fast once the hot‐spot is ignited and shows an accelerated reaction characteristic. While, with the dominant component of insensitive TATB, the critical initiation pressure of PBXC10 is high enough to make almost saturated reactive hot spots just behind the precursory shock‐wave front, and the shock initiation behavior is basically determined by the combustion reaction, which is characterized by a stable reaction due to the slow combustion‐wave velocity.
Nordic Higher Education in Flux: System Evolution and Reform Trajectories
Authors: Pinheiro Rómulo , Aarrevaara Timo , Berg Laila Nordstrand , Fumasoli Tatiana , Geschwind Lars , Hansen Hanne Foss , Hernes Helge , Kivistö Jussi , Lind Jonas Krog , Lyytinen Anu , Pekkola Elias , Pulkkinen Kirsi , Stensaker Bjørn , Söderlind Johan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis chapter provides a brief description of how the four national systems included in this study—Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden—are currently organised and structured. In doing so, it illuminates several specific features such as the types and sizes of the institutions, enrolment patterns, performance measures, and funding. In addition, the chapter gives a snapshot of how higher education systems have evolved historically by shedding light on policy dynamics from the late 1990s to 2013, the baseline period for the FINNUT comparative study, the research project that provides the basis for this edited volume. This is followed by a section describing the aim, methods, theoretical framework, and conceptual and analytical backdrops underpinning the study. The chapter concludes with an overview of the volume’s structure and key insights from the individual contributions.
Camera trapping reveals a diverse and unique high-elevation mammal community under threat
Authors: Pillco Huarcaya Ruthmery , Beirne Christopher , Serrano Rojas Shirley Jennifer , Whitworth Andrew 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Cerros del Sira in Peru is known to hold a diverse composition of endemic birds, amphibians and plants as a result of its geographical isolation, yet its mammalian community remains poorly known. There is increasing awareness of the threats to high-elevation species but studying them is often hindered by rugged terrain. We present the first camera-trap study of the mammal community of the Cerros del Sira. We used 45 camera traps placed at regular elevational intervals over 800–1,920 m, detecting 34 medium-sized and large mammal species. Eight are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, three are categorized as Data Deficient and one is yet to be assessed. Although other authors have reported that the upper elevations of the Cerros del Sira are free from hunting, we found evidence of hunting activity occurring above 1,400 m, and inside the core protected area. In addition to this direct evidence of hunting, recent information has identified significant amounts of canopy loss in the northern reaches of the core zone. Despite widespread ecological degradation in the surrounding lowlands, the high-elevation areas of the Cerros del Sira still maintain a unique assemblage of lowland and highland tropical rainforest mammals. It has been assumed that the Cerros del Sira and other similar remote locations are safe from disturbance and protected by their isolation but we suggest this is an increasingly dangerous assumption to make, and secure protection strategies need to be developed.
A Psychometric Assessment of a Human Resources Practice Measure for Temporary Agency Workers
Authors: Sobral Filipa , Chambel Maria José , Castanheira Filipa , Cesário Francisco 
Published: April 2019

AbstractStudies have proposed and validated several measures that evaluate employee’s perceptions of the human resources practices (HRP). However, given the changes occurring in the labor market, there is a need to develop a measure specially adapted to the contingent workers specific employment relationship. Thus, this study assesses an HRP system scale that was administered to temporary agency workers (TAW) to examine the scale’s response process, internal structure and relation to other variables (i.e., affective commitment). The measure was administered to 4,551 Portuguese TAW. The Messick’s validation framework (1995) was use and two sectors were compared. Descriptive analyses, scale reliabilities, item characteristics, exploratory, confirmatory, and multiple group analyses demonstrated that the measure had good psychometric properties. Moreover, there were positive correlations between the HRP scale and affective commitment. The results contribute to a better understanding of managing TAW’s in agencies and client companies. HRP are a valuable method for “communicating” with these workers, who are then able to recognize and respond to the investment. This is the first study to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an HRP system measure for TAW and to cross-validate it with workers’ affective commitment towards both companies that are involved in this employment relation.