bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review: Yoga and mindfulness for youth with autism spectrum disorder: review of the current evidence
Authors: Semple Randye J. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundYoga and mindfulness‐based programs are becoming increasingly popular as a supplemental intervention for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Increasing numbers of children, parents, and schools are participating in programs around the country with an enthusiasm that far exceeds the research support for their efficacy. Therapies that are safe but not effective may not cause immediate harm. Nevertheless, the misappropriation of limited time and financial resources may result in missed opportunities. The need for clearly defined, evidence‐based therapies for youth with ASD is essential.MethodElectronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed intervention research studies using the key words autistic or autism in combination with yoga, mindfulness, or meditation. Eight studies met inclusion criteria.ResultsThe findings are described in this critical review of eight empirical research studies that implemented yoga and mindfulness‐based interventions for children with ASD. Although few studies reported improvements in core symptoms of ASD, preliminary findings suggest that yoga and mindfulness‐based interventions are feasible and may improve a variety of prosocial behaviors, including communication and imitative behaviors; increased tolerance of sitting and of adult proximity; self‐control; quality of life; and social responsiveness, social communication, social cognition, preoccupations, and social motivation. Reductions in aggressive behaviors, irritability, lethargy, social withdrawal, and noncompliance were also reported.ConclusionsBased on the available literature, the empirical evidence to support the efficacy of yoga and mindfulness‐based interventions for children and adolescents with ASD is inconclusive. The current body of research has significant limitations, including small sample sizes, no fidelity measures, and no control groups. Each of the eight studies, however, reported some positive effects on social, emotional, or behavioral metrics. These early results are promising and sufficient to warrant support for further research.
Simple Co‐Occurrence Statistics Reproducibly Predict Association Ratings
Authors: Hofmann Markus J. , Biemann Chris , Westbury Chris , Murusidze Mariam , Conrad Markus , Jacobs Arthur M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhat determines human ratings of association? We planned this paper as a test for association strength (AS) that is derived from the log likelihood that two words co‐occur significantly more often together in sentences than is expected from their single word frequencies. We also investigated the moderately correlated interactions of word frequency, emotional valence, arousal, and imageability of both words (r's ≤ .3). In three studies, linear mixed effects models revealed that AS and valence reproducibly account for variance in the human ratings. To understand further correlated predictors, we conducted a hierarchical cluster analysis and examined the predictors of four clusters in competitive analyses: Only AS and word2vec skip‐gram cosine distances reproducibly accounted for variance in all three studies. The other predictors of the first cluster (number of common associates, (positive) point‐wise mutual information, and word2vec CBOW cosine) did not reproducibly explain further variance. The same was true for the second cluster (word frequency and arousal); the third cluster (emotional valence and imageability); and the fourth cluster (consisting of joint frequency only). Finally, we discuss emotional valence as an important dimension of semantic space. Our results suggest that a simple definition of syntagmatic word contiguity (AS) and a paradigmatic measure of semantic similarity (skip‐gram cosine) provide the most general performance‐independent explanation of association ratings.
ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction possibly caused by thromboembolism from left atrial appendage thrombus after incomplete surgical ligation
Authors: Guner Ahmet , Kılıcgedik Alev , Kalçık Macit , Ozkan Mehmet 
Published: August 2018

Coronary embolism (CE) is the underlying cause of 3% of acute coronary syndromes but is frequently overlooked in the differential diagnoses of acute coronary syndromes. The CE may be direct (left sided from the native or prosthetic heart valve, the left atrium, left atrial appendage or pulmonary venous bed), paradoxical (from the venous circulation through a patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defects, cyanotic congenital heart defects or pulmonary arteriovenous malformations), or iatrogenic (following cardiac interventions. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation during mitral valve surgery has long been recommended to decrease the future risk of embolic events such as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Recently, Aryana et al reported that in patients with AF who underwent surgical ligation of LAA, the presence of incomplete ligation was associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke/systemic embolization than complete ligation (24% vs 2%).
Insights into the GTP‐dependent allosteric control of c‐di‐GMP hydrolysis from the crystal structure of PA0575 protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mantoni Federico , Paiardini Alessandro , Brunotti Paolo , D'Angelo Cecilia , Cervoni Laura , Paone Alessio , Cappellacci Loredana , Petrelli Riccardo , Ricciutelli Massimo , Leoni Livia , Rampioni Giordano , Arcovito Alessandro , Rinaldo Serena , Cutruzzolà Francesca , Giardina Giorgio 
Published: August 2018

Bis‐(3′‑5′)‐cyclic diguanylic acid (c‑di‑GMP) belongs to the class of cyclic dinucleotides, key carriers of cellular information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic signal transduction pathways. In bacteria, the intracellular levels of c‐di‐GMP and their complex physiological outputs are dynamically regulated by environmental and internal stimuli, which control the antagonistic activities of diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and c‐di‐GMP specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Allostery is one of the major modulators of the c‐di‐GMP‐dependent response. Both the c‐di‐GMP molecule and the proteins interacting with this second messenger are characterized by an extraordinary structural plasticity, which has to be taken into account when defining and possibly predicting c‐di‐GMP‐related processes. Here, we report a structure‐function relationship study on the catalytic portion of the PA0575 protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bearing both putative DGC and PDE domains. The kinetic and structural studies indicate that the GGDEF‐EAL portion is a GTP‐dependent PDE. Moreover, the crystal structure confirms the high degree of conformational flexibility of this module. We combined structural analysis and protein engineering studies to propose the possible molecular mechanism guiding the nucleotide‐dependent allosteric control of catalysis; we propose that the role exerted by GTP via the GGDEF domain is to allow the two EAL domains to form a dimer, the species competent to enter PDE catalysis.
Hepatitis C virus infection in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Wigneswaran John , Van Wyck David , Pegues David , Gholam Pierre , Nissenson Allen R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health problem affecting 3–5 million people in the United States and over 100 million worldwide. Chronic HCV infection, which can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, also results in numerous other complications, including impairment of renal function. Because HCV is most often transmitted via parenteral exposure to blood or blood products, patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis are at particular risk for infection. Historically, the medications available to treat HCV infection in these patients had significant side effects and were not particularly effective in generating a sustained virologic response. Since 2011, a number of direct‐acting antiviral therapies have emerged that can lead to virological cure in the vast majority of patients, with low pill burden and few side effects. Here, we describe the biology and pathophysiology of HCV infection, and summarize current information on new therapies, with a particular focus on their application in patients with chronic kidney disease including ESRD.
Prevalence of early loss of primary molar and its impact in schoolchildren's quality of life
Authors: Monte‐Santo Aline S. , Viana Silvânia V. C. , Moreira Kelly Maria S. , Imparato José Carlos P. , Mendes Fausto M. , Bonini Gabriela A. V. C. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundEvidence regarding the impact of premature loss of primary molars on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is lacking.AimTo evaluate the prevalence of premature loss of primary molars in schoolchildren and its impact on OHRQoL.DesignWe randomly selected 667 children aged 8‐9 years enrolled in public and private schools from Aracaju (Brazil). The presence of untreated dental caries and early loss of primary molars were recorded, and its impacts on OHRQoL evaluated using Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8‐10). Influence of some variables on tooth loss and OHRQoL was assessed by multilevel Poisson's regression analysis (P < 0.05).ResultsThe prevalence for early tooth loss was 65.4% (95% confidence interval 51.1%‐77.3%). Children with untreated dental caries and attending public schools presented higher prevalence of early tooth loss. Moreover, early loss of primary molars provoked negative impact on OHRQoL considering total score of CPQ8‐10 and domains “oral symptoms,” “functional limitations” and “emotional well‐being.” Children presenting early teeth loss presented significantly higher scores of CPQ8‐10, as well as females and children with dental caries in other teeth.ConclusionsThe prevalence of early loss of primary molars is high, and it impacts the OHRQoL of children aged 8‐9 years.
Influence of partial charge on the material removal rate during chemical polishing
Authors: Suratwala Tayyab , Steele Rusty , Miller Philip E. , Wong Lana , Destino Joel F. , Feigenbaum Eyal , Shen Nan , Feit Michael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA partial charge‐based chemical polishing model has been developed, which can serve as metric for describing the relative polishing material removal rate for different combinations of slurries and workpieces. A series of controlled polishing experiments utilizing a variety of colloidal polishing slurries (SiO2, CeO2, ZrO2, MgO, Sb2O5) and optical materials [single crystals of Al2O3 (sapphire), SiC, Y3Al5O12 (YAG), CaF2, and LiB3O5 (LBO); a SiO2‐Al2O3‐P2O5‐Li2O glass ceramic (Zerodur); and glasses of SiO2:TiO2 (ULE), SiO2 (fused silica), and P2O5‐Al2O3‐K2O‐BaO (Phosphate)] was performed and its material removal rate was measured. As previously proposed by Cook (J Non‐Cryst Solids. 1990;120:152), for many polishing systems, the removal rate is governed by a series of chemical reactions which include the formation of a surface hydroxide, followed by condensation of that hydroxyl moiety with the polishing particle, and a subsequent hydrolysis reaction. The rate of condensation can often be the rate limiting step, thus it can determine the polishing material removal rate. By largely keeping the numerous other factors that influence material removal rate fixed (such as due to particle size distributions, interface interactions, pad topography, kinematics, and applied pressure), the material removal rate is shown to scale exponentially with the partial charge difference (δwp‐s) between the workpiece and polishing slurry particle for many of the slurry‐workpiece combinations indicating that condensation rate is the rate limiting step. The partial charge (δ) describes the equilibrium distribution of electron density between chemically bonded atoms and is related to the electronegativity of the atoms chemically bonded to one another. This partial charge model also explains the age‐old experimental finding of why cerium oxide is the most effective polishing slurry for chemical removal of many workpieces. Some of the slurry‐workpiece combinations that did not follow the partial charge dependence offer insight to other removal mechanisms or rate limiting reaction pathways.
The ESG Integration Paradox
Authors: Cappucci Michael 
Published: August 2018

Today, most investment managers have something to say about environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and written ESG policies are ubiquitous.Yet, a written policy is not a reliable indicator of a firm's commitment. Actual ESG incorporation practices vary greatly, with most investment managers falling well short of full integration. Only a few firms seem to be using ESG factors to deliver alpha, hence, the paradox. If not implemented wholeheartedly, responsible investing can lead to lower financial returns. So, why have so few investment managers gone all the way?The paradox involves a “valley” of lower returns where portfolios first absorb the costs of ESG integration before the promised benefits materialize. In the early days of ethical investing, the focus was on using negative screens to exclude certain companies for moral or ethical reasons but lower financial returns are inherent to exclusionary screening.Hard exclusions force managers to tradeoff certain risks for others. So, for example, if the market discounts tobacco stock prices to account for changing consumer behavior, eventually tobacco stock prices become attractive again as, indeed, has been the case over the last two decades. Exclusionary screening alone is a self‐limiting strategy.By contrast, ESG strategies range from active ownership and engagement, to positive screening (selecting for certain attributes), to relative weighting (sometimes called “best‐in‐class selection”), to risk factor investing, to full integration.Because the relationship between an asset manager's ESG efforts and its risk‐adjusted performance is not classically linear, asset owners should look for managers that are on the upward slope of the ESG intensity curve and are fully committed to advancing up it.
An Empirical Study of Insurance Performance Measure
Authors: Bharathkumar Sai Ranjani 
Published: August 2018

This author applies Insurance Performance Measure (IPM) to a set of Indian insurance companies over the period 2005–2016. This is the first article published that applies the IPM model on real industry data and studies its implications.The IPM was introduced in a Winter 2002 JACF article by Joseph Calandro, Jr., then at General Star management, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and by Scott Lane, then an accounting professor at the University of New Haven. Those authors explained why financial reporting for insurance companies was so challenging and presented the IPM metric as a better way to assess industry and company performance. Evaluating P&C companies is difficult because the unique format of insurance company financials does not lend itself to traditional financial accounting analysis and because the industry's preeminent performance measure, the Underwriting Ratio, captures underwriting and claims activity but says nothing about investment and risk distribution (reinsurance).By contrast, the IPM represents the interrelation of underwriting, investment and reinsurance along with a hurdle rate and is quite consistent with Warren Buffett's expressed desire for a balanced overview of industry performance. IPM uses financial data without modification thereby simplifying and fastening computation. Operationally, it could help in negotiations for reinsurance renewals and identify “Maximum Profitable capacity”—the threshold limit for overall profitability.
Variation in activation time during bipolar vs extended bipolar left ventricular pacing
Authors: Sieniewicz Benjamin J. , Jackson Tom , Claridge Simon , Pereira Helder , Gould Justin , Sidhu Baldeep , Porter Bradley , Niederer Steve , Yao Cheng , Rinaldi Christopher A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is typically delivered via quadripolar leads that allow stimulation using either true bipolar pacing, where stimulation occurs between two electrodes (BP) on the quadripolar lead, or extended bipole (EBP) left ventricular (LV) pacing, with the quadripolar electrodes and right ventricular coil acting as the cathode and anode, respectively. True bipolar pacing is associated with reductions in mortality and it has been postulated that these differences are the result of enhanced electrical activation.Materials and MethodsPatients undergoing a CRT underwent an electrocardiographic imaging study where electrical activation data were recorded while different LV pacing vectors were temporarily programmed.ResultsThere were no differences in the total electrical activation times or dispersion of electrical activation between biventricular pacing with bipolar or corresponding EBP LV vector configurations (left ventricular total activation time [LVtat] BP 74.70 ± 18.07 vs EBP 72.4 ± 22.64; P = 0.45). When dichotomized according to etiology, no difference was observed in the activation time with either BP or EBP pacing (LVtat BP ischemic cardiomyopathy 72.2 ± 17.4 vs BP dilated cardiomyopathy 79.9 ± 18.9;
P = 0.38).ConclusionsBipolar pacing alters the mechanical activation sequence of the LV and is associated with reductions in all‐cause mortality. It has been postulated these benefits derive from improvements in electromechanical activation of the LV. Our study would suggest that true bipolar pacing does not necessarily result in more favorable activation of the LV or improved electrical resynchronization and other mechanisms should be explored.
Importance of physical evaluation using skeletal muscle mass index and body fat percentage to prevent sarcopenia in elderly Japanese diabetes patients
Authors: Fukuoka Yuki , Narita Takuma , Fujita Hiroki , Morii Tsukasa , Sato Takehiro , Sassa Mariko Harada , Yamada Yuichiro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia, its related factors and indicators of physical evaluation in elderly diabetes patients.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional observation study. A total of 267 diabetes patients (159 men, 108 women) aged >65 years were recruited in the present study. Skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength and usual gait speed were measured to diagnose sarcopenia according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage were evaluated in quartiles to investigate the relationship with sarcopenia. A multiple logistic regression analysis examined sarcopenia‐related factors.ResultsThe prevalence of sarcopenia in all participants was 18.7% and increased with age. Sarcopenia decreased as BMI increased (P < 0.01, Cochran–Armitage test). In contrast, the third quartile body fat percentage group showed the lowest prevalence of sarcopenia. A strong positive correlation was observed between body mass and skeletal muscle mass indices (R = 0.702–0.682). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was associated with lower BMI, non‐use of metformin and lower bone mineral content in men (P < 0.05), and lower bone mineral content, lower serum levels of albumin and older age in women (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that diabetes patients with a high body fat percentage in addition to low BMI might develop sarcopenia. It is suggested that physical management in elderly diabetes patients should be carried out based on the evaluation of BMI and body fat percentage to prevent sarcopenia.
Randomized controlled trial of emotionally focused couple therapy compared to treatment as usual for depression: Outcomes and mechanisms of change
Authors: Wittenborn Andrea K. , Liu Ting , Ridenour Ty A. , Lachmar E. Megan , Mitchell Erica A. , Seedall Ryan B. 
Published: August 2018

This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for depression and relationship satisfaction versus usual care (i.e., couple therapy other than EFT), and explored mechanisms of change. Mixed model trajectory analyses of 16 couples indicated EFT was associated with greater improvement in relationship satisfaction among men and women. Men receiving EFT reported greater improvements in depressive symptoms compared to usual care. Unified structural equation modeling revealed changes in relationship satisfaction preceded changes in depressive symptoms in one cluster of partners, while changes in depression preceded changes in relationship satisfaction in a second cluster. Two other clusters reported simultaneous changes in satisfaction and depression. This study provides encouraging results on the effectiveness of EFT for depression, and insight into mechanisms of change.
Informing a Risk Prediction Model for Binary Outcomes with External Coefficient Information
Authors: Cheng Wenting , Taylor Jeremy M. G. , Gu Tian , Tomlins Scott A. , Mukherjee Bhramar 
Published: August 2018

SummaryWe consider a situation where rich historical data are available for the coefficients and their standard errors in an established regression model describing the association between a binary outcome variable Y and a set of predicting factors X, from a large study. We would like to utilize this summary information for improving estimation and prediction in an expanded model of interest, Y|X,B. The additional variable B is a new biomarker, measured on a small number of subjects in a new data set. We develop and evaluate several approaches for translating the external information into constraints on regression coefficients in a logistic regression model of Y|X,B. Borrowing from the measurement error literature we establish an approximate relationship between the regression coefficients in the models Pr(Y=1|X,β), Pr(Y=1|X,B,γ) and E(B|X,θ) for a Gaussian distribution of B. For binary B we propose an alternative expression. The simulation results comparing these methods indicate that historical information on Pr(Y=1|X,β) can improve the efficiency of estimation and enhance the predictive power in the regression model of interest Pr(Y=1|X,B,γ). We illustrate our methodology by enhancing the high grade prostate cancer prevention trial risk calculator, with two new biomarkers: prostate cancer antigen 3 and TMPRSS2:ERG.
The application of stable‐isotope tracers to study human musculoskeletal protein turnover: a tale of bag filling and bag enlargement
Authors: Millward D. Joe , Smith Ken 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe nutritional regulation of protein and amino acid balance in human skeletal muscle carried out by the authors with Mike Rennie is reviewed in the context of a simple physiological model for the regulation of the maintenance and growth of skeletal muscle, the “Bag Theory”. Beginning in London in the late 1970s the work has involved the use of stable isotopes to probe muscle protein synthesis and breakdown with two basic experimental models, primed‐dose continuous tracer infusions combined with muscle biopsies and arterio‐venous (A‐V) studies across a limb, most often the leg, allowing both protein synthesis and breakdown as well as net balance to be measured. In this way, over a 30 year period, the way in which amino acids and insulin mediate the anabolic effect of a meal has been elaborated in great detail confirming the original concepts of bag filling within the muscle endomysial “bag”, which is limited by the “bag” size unless bag enlargement occurs requiring new collagen synthesis. Finally we briefly review some new developments involving 2H2O labelling of muscle proteins.
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