bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semiparametric inverse propensity weighting for nonignorable missing data
Authors: Shao Jun , Wang Lei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTo estimate unknown population parameters based on data having nonignorable missing values with a semiparametric exponential tilting propensity, Kim & Yu (2011) assumed that the tilting parameter is known or can be estimated from external data, in order to avoid the identifiability issue. To remove this serious limitation on the methodology, we use an instrument, i.e., a covariate related to the study variable but unrelated to the missing data propensity, to construct some estimating equations. Because these estimating equations are semiparametric, we profile the nonparametric component using a kernel-type estimator and then estimate the tilting parameter based on the profiled estimating equations and the generalized method of moments. Once the tilting parameter is estimated, so is the propensity, and then other population parameters can be estimated using the inverse propensity weighting approach. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators are established. The finite-sample performance of the estimators is studied through simulation, and a real-data example is also presented.
First Report of Fruit Rot of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula) Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Kousik Chandrasekar S. , Ikerd Jennifer , Mandal Mihir 
Published: January 2016

Ridge gourd is a specialty cucurbit vegetable cultivated in the United States on a small scale for select markets. We report the infection of ridge gourd fruit by Sclerotium rolfsii (teleomorph: Athelia rolfsii). This appears to be the first report of Sclerotium rot of ridge gourd. In fields with history of S. rolfsii, the gourds should be grown on trellis to prevent fruit contact with wet soil. Several fungicides are available to manage S. rolfsii and may have to be applied if and when needed. Accepted for publication 12 January 2016. Published 14 January 2016.
Survival of Microsclerotia of Calonectria pseudonaviculata and C. henricotiae Exposed to Sanitizers
Authors: Shishkoff Nina 
Published: January 2016

Discrete microsclerotia of C. pseudonaviculata from culture were treated with eight commercially available sanitizers (ZeroTol 2.0, Oxidate, Sanidate, X3, Greenshield, and Lysol Concentrate at maximum label rates, plus 70% Ethanol and 0.6% sodium hypochlorite) to determine effective methods of disinfestation of nursery beds and benches. Ethanol proved most effective, killing microsclerotia in less than 5 min. ZeroTol, 10% bleach, and 70% ethanol were used in comparison tests of microsclerotia of C. pseudonaviculata and C. henricotiae. Microsclerotia of C. henricotiae were found to be more sensitive regardless of size. This finding, along with other research that has found differences in fungicide sensitivity and thermotolerance between the two species, suggests that differences between the species should be elucidated. Accepted for publication 8 January 2016. Published 14 January 2016.
Effect of Foliar Fungicides on Hail-damaged Corn
Authors: Sisson Adam J. , Kandel Yuba R. , Robertson Alison E. , Hart Chad E. , Asmus Amy , Wiggs Stith N. , Mueller Daren S. 
Published: January 2016

To test if fungicide applied to hail-injured corn improves yield and reduces disease, we simulated hail at VT and R2 growth stages for three years at three Iowa locations for a total of five site years. Hail damage was simulated using a string trimmer or an ice-propelling machine and non-hail controls were included. Estimated defoliation ranged from 5 to 51%, along with ear and stalk injury. After hail events, Headline AMP fungicide (pyraclostrobin + metconazole) was applied at an “immediate” or “deferred” timing (averaging 3 and 8 days afterwards, respectively). A non-fungicide treated control was included in hailed and non-hail control plots. Hail injury reduced fungal foliar disease compared to plants without hail injury, although overall disease severity was low during this study. Hail events at VT or R2 decreased yield compared to control plots (P = 0.1). Fungicide application did not provide yield-increasing plant health benefits after VT and R2 hail, at either “immediate” or “deferred” timing. While yield differences were not statistically significant, a cost/benefit analysis showed deferred fungicide application after VT hail, and immediate and deferred applications after VT for non-hail plots did provide positive economic returns. Results will help inform decisions about fungicide use in hail-damaged corn when foliar diseases are not present at high levels. Accepted for publication 7 January 2016. Published 13 January 2016.
Evolutionary stability of jointly evolving traits in subdivided populations
Authors: Mullon Charles , Keller Laurent , Lehmann Laurent 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe evolutionary stability of quantitative traits depends on whether a population can resist invasion by any mutant. While uninvadability is well understood in well-mixed populations, it is much less so in subdivided populations when multiple traits evolve jointly. Here, we investigate whether a spatially subdivided population at a monomorphic equilibrium for multiple traits can withstand invasion by any mutant, or is subject to diversifying selection. Our model also explores the among traits correlations arising from diversifying selection and how they depend on relatedness due to limited dispersal. We find that selection favours a positive (negative) correlation between two traits, when the selective effects of one trait on relatedness is positively (negatively) correlated to the indirect fitness effects of the other trait. We study the evolution of traits for which this matters: dispersal that decreases relatedness, and helping that has positive indirect fitness effects. We find that when dispersal cost is low and the benefits of helping accelerate faster than its costs, selection leads to the coexistence of mobile defectors and sessile helpers. Otherwise, the population evolves to a monomorphic state with intermediate helping and dispersal. Overall, our results highlight the importance of population subdivision for evolutionary stability and correlations among traits.
The genetic Allee effect: A unified framework for the genetics and demography of small populations
Authors: Lucque Gloria M. , Vayssade Chloé , Facon Benoît , Guillemaud Thomas , Courchamp Franck , Fauvergue Xavier 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Allee effect is a theoretical model predicting low growth rates and the possible extinction of small populations. Historically, studies of the Allee effect have focused on demography. As a result, underlying processes other than the direct effect of population density on fitness components are not generally taken into account. There has been heated debate about the potential of genetic processes to drive small populations to extinction, but recent studies have shown that such processes clearly impact small populations over short time scales, and some may generate Allee effects. However, as opposed to the ecological Allee effect, which is underpinned by cooperative interactions between individuals, genetically driven Allee effects require a change in genetic structure to link the decline in population size with a decrease in fitness components. We therefore define the genetic Allee effect as a two-step process whereby a decrease in population size leads to a change in population genetic structure, and in turn, to a decrease in individual fitness. We describe potential underlying mechanisms, and review the evidence for this original type of component Allee effect, using published examples from both plants and animals. The possibility of considering demogenetic feedback in light of genetic Allee effects clarifies the analysis and interpretation of demographic and genetic processes, and the interplay between them, in small populations.
Pathologic gene network rewiring implicates PPP1R3A as a central cardioprotective factor in pressure overload heart failure
Authors: Cordero Pablo , Parikh Victoria N. , Erbilgin Ayca , Shang Ching , Smith Kevin S. , Dewey Frederick , Zaleta Kathia , Morley Michael , Brandimarto Jeff , Glazer Nicole , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Moravec Christine , Tang Wilson H. , Viterna Jamie , Malloy Christine , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Li Hongzhe , Ritter Scott , Li Mingyao , Connolly Andrew , Hakonarson Hakon , Lusis Aldons J. , Margulies Kenneth B. , Depaoli-Roach Anna A. , Montgomery Stephen , Wheeler Matthew T. , Cappola Thomas , Ashley Euan A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHeart failure is a leading cause of mortality, yet our understanding of the genetic interactions underlying this disease remains incomplete. Here, we harvested 1352 healthy and failing human hearts directly from transplant center operating rooms, and obtained genome-wide genotyping and gene expression measurements for a subset of 313. We built failing and non-failing cardiac regulatory gene networks, revealing important regulators and cardiac expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs).PPP1R3Aemerged as a novel regulator whose network connectivity changed significantly between health and disease. Time-course RNA sequencing afterPPP1R3Aknock-down validated network-based predictions of metabolic pathway expression, increased cardiomyocyte size, and perturbed respiratory metabolism. Mice lackingPPP1R3Awere protected against pressure-overload heart failure. We present a global gene interaction map of the human heart failure transition, identify new cardiac eQTLs, and demonstrate the discovery potential of disease-specific networks through the description ofPPP1R3Aas a novel central protective regulator in heart failure.
A multi-manned assembly line balancing problem with classified teams: a new approach
Authors: Yilmaz Hamid , Yilmaz Mustafa 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– Within team-oriented approaches, tasks are assigned to teams before being assigned to workstations as a reality of industry. So it becomes clear, which workers assemble which tasks.

Design/methodology/approach
– Team numbers of the assembly line can increase with the number of tasks, but at the same time, due to physical situations of the stations, there will be limitations of maximum working team numbers in a station. For this purpose, heuristic assembly line balancing (ALB) procedure is used and mathematical model is developed for the problem.

Findings
– Well-known assembly line test problems widely used in the literature are solved to indicate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach in practice.

Originality/value
– This paper draws attention to ALB problem in which workers have been assigned to teams in advance due to the need for specialized skills or equipment on the line for the first time.
Exploratory analysis of the pathway towards operationalizing resilience in transportation infrastructure management
Authors: Mostafavi Ali , Inman Alex 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the pathway toward operationalizing resilience in management of transportation infrastructure.Design/methodology/approach– The research approach includes a comprehensive survey of the State Transportation Agencies (STA) in the USA. The information collected from the survey is analyzed using statistical analysis to explore the determinants of operationalizing resilience in transportation infrastructure management.Findings– The results reveal that the current practices of STA need improvement in terms of pre-disaster vulnerability and exposure analysis as well as pre-disaster retrofit and betterment efforts. A pathway toward this end is identified with the major components being: funding availability, integration of efforts across different units, use of risk and vulnerability assessment approaches, and use of resilience indices.Practical/implications– The pathway, along with the other findings, enhances the understanding of the status quo, drivers, and barriers toward operationalizing resilience in transportation infrastructure management. Such an understanding is critical for infrastructure agencies to better adapt and enhance the resilience of their assets in response to various stressors such as the impacts of climate change as well as natural disasters.Originality/value– The study presented in this paper is the first of its kind to identify the pathway toward operationalizing resilience in transportation infrastructure management.
Safety of a Four‐factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Versus Plasma for Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal: An Integrated Analysis of Two Phase IIIb Clinical Trials
Authors: Milling Truman J. , Refaai Majed A. , Sarode Ravi , Lewis Brandon , Mangione Antoinette , Durn Billie L. , Harman Amy , Lee Martin L. , Goldstein Joshua N. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesClinicians often need to rapidly reverse vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the setting of major hemorrhage or urgent need for surgery. Little is known about the safety profile of the traditional reversal agent, plasma, or the newly approved agent, four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC), in a randomized setting. This is an integrated analysis of safety data from two clinical trials that evaluated 4F‐PCC versus plasma for the treatment of patients requiring rapid VKA reversal for acute major bleeding or prior to an urgent surgical/invasive procedure.MethodsThis descriptive analysis comprised adverse event (AE) data from two phase IIIb, randomized, controlled trials. The bleeding and surgical studies were performed across 36 and 33 sites, respectively, in nine countries, with the integrated analysis comprising 388 patients (4F‐PCC, n = 191; plasma, n = 197) aged ≥ 18 years, who required VKA reversal due to major bleeding or prior to an urgent surgical/invasive procedure. Patients received either 4F‐PCC, containing nonactivated factors II, VII, IX, and X and proteins C and S (Beriplex/Kcentra, CSL Behring) or plasma, both dosed according to baseline international normalized ratio and body weight. Patients were also to receive vitamin K1. AEs and serious AEs (SAEs) were assessed up to days 10 and 45, respectively.ResultsThe proportion of patients with AEs (4F‐PCC, 115/191 [60.2%]; plasma, 124/197 [62.9%]) and SAEs (4F‐PCC, 54/191 [28.3%]; plasma, 49/197 [24.9%]) was similar between groups. The proportion of patients with thromboembolic events was also similar between groups (4F‐PCC, 14/191 [7.3%]; plasma, 14/197 [7.1%]). There were 13 (6.8%) deaths in the 4F‐PCC group and 13 (6.6%) in the plasma group. Fluid overload events occurred in more patients in the plasma group than the 4F–PCC group (25 [12.7%] and 9 [4.7%], respectively).ConclusionsThese safety data represent the largest controlled assessment of a 4F‐PCC to date. For patients requiring urgent VKA reversal, 4F‐PCC had a safety profile similar to that of plasma (AEs, SAEs, thromboembolic events, and deaths), but was associated with fewer fluid overload events.
Are All Stroke Patients Eligible for Fast Alteplase Treatment? An Analysis of Unavoidable Delays
Authors: Choi Philip M. C. , Desai Jamsheed A. , Kashyap Devika , Stephenson Caroline , Kamal Noreen , Vogt Sheldon , Bohm Victoria , Suddes Michael , Bugbee Erin , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Smith Eric E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe National Quality Forum recently endorsed a performance measure for time to intravenous thrombolytic therapy which allows exclusions for circumstances in which fast alteplase treatment may not be possible. However, the frequency and impact of unavoidable patient reasons for long door‐to‐needle time (DNT), such as need for medical stabilization, are largely unknown in clinical practice. As part of the Hurry Acute Stroke Treatment and Evaluation‐2 (HASTE‐2) project, we sought to identify patient and systems reasons associated with longer DNT.MethodsFrom June 2012 to June 2013 we collected data on DNT and potential reasons for delays from 102 consecutive patients presenting directly to the emergency department who were treated with alteplase within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.ResultsMean age was 71 years, 56/113 (54%) were women, median NIH Stroke Scale score was 13, and median DNT was 53 minutes. Potential delays were noted in 59/102 (58%), of which 31/102 (31%) were unavoidable patient‐related or eligibility reasons. Median DNT was longer when patient‐related or eligibility reasons for delay were present (60 minutes) than when absent (45 minutes, p = 0.005). Multivariable modeling showed that need for urgent medical stabilization, presentation with seizure and inability to confirm eligibility were associated with 35%–50% longer DNT times.ConclusionsUp to 31% of patients have delays due to medical or eligibility‐related causes that may be legitimate reasons for providing alteplase later than the benchmark time of 60 minutes.
Evaluating the Impact of Clinical Decision Tools in Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis: A Population‐based Cohort Study
Authors: Bahm Allison , Freedman Stephen B. , Guan Jun , Guttmann Astrid 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveAcute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a leading cause of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits. Despite evidence‐based guidelines, variation in adherence exists. Clinical decision tools can enhance evidence‐based care, but little is known about their use and effectiveness in pediatric AGE. This study sought to determine if the following tools—1) pathways/order sets, 2) medical directives for oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or ondansetron, and 3) printed discharge instructions—are associated with AGE admission and ED revisits.MethodsThis was a retrospective population‐based cohort study of all children 3 months–18 years with an AGE ED visit in Ontario, Canada, from 2008 to 2010, using linked survey and health administrative databases. Logistic regression models associating clinical decision tools (CDTs) with hospitalizations and revisits controlling for hospital and patient characteristics were employed.ResultsOf the 57,921 patient visits during the study period, there were 2,401 hospitalizations (4.2%). A total of 55,520 patients were discharged from the ED, with 2,378 (4.3%) experiencing a 72‐hour return visit. In adjusted models, none of the tools were significantly associated with admission. Medical directive for ORT was associated with lower return visit rates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79–0.94] and printed discharge instructions with higher return visits (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.08–1.65); pathways/order sets and medical directives for ondansetron had no association.ConclusionsAdmissions in children with AGE are not associated with the presence of CDTs. While ORT medical directives are associated with lower ED revisits, printed discharge instructions have the opposite effect. The simple presence/absence of decision support tools does not guarantee improved clinical outcomes.
Utility of Pediatric Appendicitis Score in Female Adolescent Patients
Authors: Scheller RoseAnn L. , Depinet Holly E. , Ho Mona L. , Hornung Richard W. , Reed Jennifer L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesAcute appendicitis is common in the pediatric population and is difficult to diagnose in adolescent females. The validated Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) has unclear utility in female adolescents. The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of the PAS for female adolescents compared to all other patients.MethodsThis study examined a retrospective observational cohort of patients ages 3 to 21 years in a pediatric emergency department with prospectively assigned PAS from an existing database. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the PAS for acute appendicitis among female adolescent patients (13 to 21 years) and all other patients.ResultsOf the 1,228 patients enrolled, 901 (73.4%) had a complete PAS. Among the 901 patients, 249 (27.6%) had pathology‐proven appendicitis, 494 (54.8%) were female, and 272 (30.2%) were adolescent females. At a cutoff of ≥8, the PAS showed a specificity of 89% for adolescent females and 78% for all other patients (p < 0.001), although the specificities did not differ at a cutoff of ≥7. At both cutoffs, the PPVs were poor in both groups. At a cutoff of ≥3, the PAS showed similar sensitivities in both groups. At a cutoff of <3, the NPVs did not significantly differ between groups.ConclusionAt a cutoff of ≥8 (although not ≥7), the PAS demonstrated a higher specificity among female adolescents compared to all other patients. The PPV for both cutoffs in both groups were poor. At a cutoff of ≥3, sensitivities were equivalent. The NPV for a cutoff of <3 was acceptable but similar in both groups. While sensitivities were similar to previously reported, specificities in both groups were lower. This highlights the need for further investigation of the PAS's performance in specific subpopulations.
The Use of Intravenous Acetaminophen for Acute Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sin Billy , Wai Mabel , Tatunchak Tamara , Motov Sergey M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesAcetaminophen (APAP) is a mainstay for pain management worldwide. The intravenous (IV) formulation has been widely used in Europe for more than 20 years in adults and children. In the United States, IV APAP obtained full approval from the Food and Drug Administration in 2010. There is emerging literature to suggest the use of IV APAP for pain reduction in the emergency department (ED). This evidence‐based review examines the evidence pertaining to the use of IV APAP for acute pain control in the ED.MethodsThe MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that described or evaluated the use of IV APAP for acute pain in the ED were included. Duplicate articles, unpublished reports, abstracts, review articles, and non‐English literature were excluded. The primary outcome of interest in this review was the difference in pain score between IV APAP and active comparator or placebo from baseline to a cutoff time specified in the original trials. Secondary outcome measures were the incidence of adverse events and reduction in the amount of adjuvant analgesics consumed by patients who received IV APAP. Methodologic quality of the trials was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria.ResultsFourteen RCTs with various methodologic flaws, which enrolled a total of 1,472 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The level of evidence for the individual trials ranged from very low to moderate. In three of the 14 trials, a significant reduction in pain scores was observed in patients who received IV APAP. The first trial found a significant reduction in mean pain scores when IV APAP was compared to IV morphine at 30 minutes after drug administration (4.7 ± 2.3 vs. 2.9 ± 2.2). In the second trial, patients who received IV APAP reported of lower pain scores (31.7 ± 18 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.2 to 25.2 mm) compared to those who received IV morphine (48.3 ± 14.1 mm, 95% CI = 8.2 to 25.2 mm), 15 minutes after drug administration. A third trial found a significant reduction (p = 0.005) in the mean pain scores when IV APAP was compared to intramuscular piroxicam at 90 minutes after drug administration. In the remaining eight trials, pain scores were not statistically different when IV APAP was compared to other pain medications. The incidence of side effects associated with IV APAP was very low.ConclusionsFourteen RCTs with various methodologic flaws provided limited evidence to support the use of IV APAP as the primary analgesic for acute pain control in patients who present to the ED.