bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Assessment and Extension of the Mechanism-Based Approach to the Identification of Age-Period-Cohort Models
Authors: Bijlsma Maarten J. , Daniel Rhian M. , Janssen Fanny , De Stavola Bianca L. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Many methods have been proposed to solve the age-period-cohort (APC) linear identification problem, but most are not theoretically informed and may lead to biased estimators of APC effects. One exception is the mechanism-based approach recently proposed and based on Pearl’s front-door criterion; this approach ensures consistent APC effect estimators in the presence of a complete set of intermediate variables between one of age, period, cohort, and the outcome of interest, as long as the assumed parametric models for all the relevant causal pathways are correct. Through a simulation study mimicking APC data on cardiovascular mortality, we demonstrate possible pitfalls that users of the mechanism-based approach may encounter under realistic conditions: namely, when (1) the set of available intermediate variables is incomplete, (2) intermediate variables are affected by two or more of the APC variables (while this feature is not acknowledged in the analysis), and (3) unaccounted confounding is present between intermediate variables and the outcome. Furthermore, we show how the mechanism-based approach can be extended beyond the originally proposed linear and probit regression models to incorporate all generalized linear models, as well as nonlinearities in the predictors, using Monte Carlo simulation. Based on the observed biases resulting from departures from underlying assumptions, we formulate guidelines for the application of the mechanism-based approach (extended or not).
Fluid Genetic Algorithm (FGA)
Authors: Jafari-Marandi Ruholla , Smith Brian K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGenetic Algorithm (GA) has been one of the most popular methods for many challenging optimization problems when exact approaches are too computationally expensive. A review of the literature shows extensive research attempting to adapt and develop the standard GA. Nevertheless, the essence of GA which consists of concepts such as chromosomes, individuals, crossover, mutation, and others rarely has been the focus of recent researchers. In this paper method, Fluid Genetic Algorithm (FGA), some of these concepts are changed, removed, and furthermore, new concepts are introduced. The performance of GA and FGA are compared through seven benchmark functions. FGA not only shows a better success rate and better convergence control, but it can be applied to a wider range of problems including multi-objective and multi-level problems. Also, the application of FGA for a real engineering problem, Quadric Assignment Problem (AQP), is shown and experienced.Highlights This work presents a novel Genetic Algorithm alteration. Chromosome concept and structure in FGA is more similar to the real genetic world. FGA comprises global and individual learning rates. We show FGA enjoys higher success rate, and better convergence control.
Study design of GENERAL (general practitioners and embolism prevention in NVAF patients treated with rivaroxaban: Real‐life evidence): A multicenter prospective cohort study in primary care physicians to investigate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in Japanese patients with NVAF
Authors: Kusano Kengo , Akao Masaharu , Tsuji Hikari , Matsui Kunihiko , Hiramitsu Shinya , Hatori Yutaka , Odakura Hironori 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundRivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), has become available for stroke prevention in patients with non‐valular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, little is known about its effectiveness and safety when prescribed by general practitioners in real‐life settings.MethodsGENERAL is a multicenter, prospective, non‐interventional observational study of patients receiving rivaroxaban for NVAF in daily clinical practice prescribed specifically by general practitioners. The target number of participating medical institutions is 500–700 clinics with fewer than 20 beds and the target number of participants is 5000. The baseline clinical data, including antidementia medication and frailty, and follow‐up data including concomitant treatment and outcomes until September 2018 (maximum three years) will be collected. The primary efficacy endpoints will be stroke and/or systemic embolism and the secondary endpoints will be major bleeding meeting the ISTH guidelines, non‐major and clinically relevant bleeding, onset of symptomatic stroke (ischemic/hemorrhagic), systemic embolism, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary thromboembolism, myocardial infarction and/or cardiovascular death, and systemic embolism. Based on the provided information, the event assessment committee will investigate the endpoint‐related events. The annual incidence and predictive factors for primary/secondary endpoint will be investigated based on underlying disease, age, renal function, and CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASC, and HAS‐BLED scores using Cox regression. We will also compare the incidence of the primary/secondary endpoint between the present study, EXPAND study, and FUSHIMI AF registry study.ResultsThe results of this study are currently under investigation.ConclusionThis study will provide important information regarding the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban treatment in Japanese patients with NVAF among general practitioners.
Factors Associated with Adherence to Transdermal Nicotine Patches within a Smoking Cessation Effectiveness Trial
Authors: Handschin Jonnie , Hitsman Brian , Blazekovic Sonja , Veluz-Wilkins Anna , Wileyto E. Paul , Leone Frank T. , Ashare Rebecca L. , Schnoll Robert A. 
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Adherence to transdermal nicotine patches, one of the most popular and effective treatments for nicotine dependence, remains very low and is a strong predictor of cessation rates.Aims: This study examined individual factors related to adherence as well as differences over time between adherent (>85% of daily patch use) and non-adherent participants (<85% of daily patch use).Methods: We analysed data from 440 participants who received 8 weeks of 21 mg transdermal nicotine and four behavioural counselling sessions within an effectiveness trial that examined the effects of long-term treatment. Multiple logistical regression assessed baseline variables associated with patch adherence and generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to evaluate changes in craving and withdrawal, depressive and anxiety symptoms, substitute and complementary reinforcers, and side effects between participants who were or were not adherent.Results: Adherence to patch use was strongly associated with smoking cessation at week 8 (p< 0.05). In a logistic regression model, being female, living with a child or children, and higher self-reported anxiety symptoms were predictive of lower patch adherence (p< 0.05). In the GEE analysis, adherence was significantly associated with a greater reduction in craving, a greater engagement in substitute reinforcers, and a greater decrease in complementary reinforcers over time (p< 0.05).Conclusions: Difficulties adhering to transdermal nicotine patches may be related to psychiatric comorbidity, difficulty managing nicotine craving, and challenges with engaging in substitute reinforcers and reducing exposure to complementary reinforcers. These constructs may serve as targets for interventions designed to increase treatment adherence.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01047527
A novel duplex ddPCR assay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica: proof of concept in an experimental mouse model
Authors: WEERAKOON KOSALA G. , GORDON CATHERINE A. , CAI PENGFEI , GOBERT GEOFFREY N. , DUKE MARY , WILLIAMS GAIL M. , MCMANUS DONALD P. 
Published: March 2017

SUMMARYThe current World Health Organization strategic plan targets the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2025 and accurate diagnostics will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. DNA-based detection methods provide a viable alternative to some of the commonly used tests, notably microscopy and serology, for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The detection of parasite cell-free DNA in different clinical samples is a recent valuable advance, which provides significant benefits for accurate disease diagnosis. Here we validated a novel duplex droplet digital PCR assay for the diagnosis of Chinese (SjC) and Philippine (SjP) strains of Schistosoma japonicum infection in a mouse model. The assay proved applicable for both SjC and SjP infections and capable of detecting infection at a very early intra-mammalian stage in conveniently obtainable samples (urine and saliva) as well as in serum and feces. The target DNA copy numbers obtained in the assay showed a positive correlation with the infection burden assessed by direct traditional parasitology. The potential to detect parasite DNA in urine and saliva has important practical implications for large-scale epidemiological screening programmes in the future, particularly in terms of logistical convenience, and the assay has the potential to be a valuable additional tool for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica.
The antimalarial action of FK506 and rapamycin: evidence for a direct effect on FK506-binding protein PfFKBP35
Authors: MONAGHAN PAUL , LENEGHAN DARREN B. , SHAW WESLEY , BELL ANGUS 
Published: March 2017

SUMMARYFK506 and rapamycin (Rap) are immunosuppressive drugs that act principally on T-lymphocytes. The receptors for both drugs are FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), but the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression differ. An FK506–FKBP complex inhibits the protein phosphatase calcineurin, blocking a key step in T-cell activation, while the Rap –FKBP complex binds to the protein kinase target of rapamycin (TOR), which is involved in a subsequent signalling pathway. Both drugs, and certain non-immunosuppressive compounds related to FK506, have potent antimalarial activity. There is however conflicting evidence on the involvement ofPlasmodiumcalcineurin in the action of FK506, and the parasite lacks an apparent TOR homologue. We therefore set out to establish whether inhibition of thePlasmodium falciparumFKBP PfFKBP35 itself might be responsible for the antimalarial effects of FK506 and Rap. Similarities in the antiparasitic actions of FK506 and Rap would constitute indirect evidence for this hypothesis. FK506 and Rap acted indistinguishably on: (i) specificity for different intra-erythrocytic stages in culture, (ii) kinetics of killing or irreversible growth arrest of parasites and (iii) interactions with other antimalarial agents. Furthermore, PfFKBP35's inhibitory effect on calcineurin was independent of FK506 under a range of conditions, suggesting that calcineurin is unlikely to be involved in the antimalarial action of FK506.
The tension between emotive/aesthetic and analytic/scientific motifs in the work of amateur visual documenters of Antarctica's Heroic Era
Authors: Millar Pat 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTVisual documenters made a major contribution to the recording of the Heroic Era of Antarctic exploration. By far the best known were the professional photographers, Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley, hired to photograph British and Australasian expeditions. But a great number of images – photographs and artworks – were also produced by amateurs on lesser known European expeditions and a Japanese one. These amateurs were sometimes designated official illustrators, often scientists recording their research. This paper offers a discursive examination of illustrations from the Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897–1899), German Deep Sea Expedition (1898–1899), German South Polar Expedition (1901–1903), Swedish South Polar Expedition (1901–1903), French Antarctic Expedition (1903–1905) and Japanese Antarctic Expedition (1910–1912), assessing their representations of exploration in Antarctica in terms of the tension between emotive/aesthetic and systematic analytic/scientific motifs. Their depictions were influenced by their illustrative skills and their ‘ways of seeing’, produced from their backgrounds and the sponsorship needs of the expedition.
Extender supplementation with catalase maintains the integrity of sperm plasma membrane after freezing–thawing of semen from capuchin monkey
Authors: Leão Danuza L. , Brito Adriel B. , Miranda Stefânia A. , Oliveira Karol G. , Almeida Débora V.C. , Santos Regiane R. , Domingues Sheyla F. S. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryWe aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of ACP-118® extender with the antioxidant catalase (10 and 50 µg/ml) on Sapajus apella sperm motility, vigour, and plasma membrane integrity during the processes of seminal liquefaction, cooling, and freezing. Catalase did not affect any of the evaluated parameters after semen dilution or cooling. Cryopreserved sperm in the presence of 50 µg/ml catalase presented a plasma membrane integrity similar to that fresh sperm, however.
Mitochondria during sea urchin oogenesis
Authors: Agnello Maria , Roccheri Maria Carmela , Morici Giovanni , Rinaldi Anna Maria 
Published: March 2017

SummarySea urchin represents an ideal model for studies on fertilization and early development, but the achievement of egg competence and mitochondrial behaviour during oogenesis remain to be enlightened. Oocytes of echinoid, such as sea urchin, unlike other echinoderms and other systems, complete meiotic maturation before fertilization. Mitochondria, the powerhouse of eukaryotic cells, contain a multi-copy of the maternally inherited genome, and are involved directly at several levels in the reproductive processes, as their functional status influences the quality of oocytes and contributes to fertilization and embryogenesis. In the present paper, we report our latest data on mitochondrial distribution, content and activity duringParacentrotus lividusoogenesis. The analyses were carried out using confocal microscopy,in vivoincubating oocytes at different maturation stages with specific probes for mitochondria and mtDNA, and by immunodetection of Hsp56, a well known mitochondrial marker. Results show a parallel rise of mitochondrial mass and activity, and, especially in the larger oocytes, close to germinal vesicle (GV) breakdown, a considerable increase in organelle activity around the GV, undoubtedly for an energetic aim. In the mature eggs, mitochondrial activity decreases, in agreement with their basal metabolism. Further and significant information was achieved by studying the mitochondrial chaperonin Hsp56 and mtDNA. Results show a high increase of both Hsp56 and mtDNA. Taken together these results demonstrate that during oogenesis a parallel rise of different mitochondrial parameters, such as mass, activity, Hsp56 and mtDNA occurs, highlighting important tools in the establishment of developmental competence.
Quality of Pinzgau bull spermatozoa following different periods of cryostorage
Authors: Chrenek P. , Spaleková E. , Olexikova L. , Makarevich A. , Kubovicova E. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe aim of this work was to examine the influence of cryostorage duration of Pinzgau bull's insemination doses (IDs) on some sperm traits. The IDs were frozen by a slow freezing method and stored in liquid nitrogen for different periods: less than 8 years (group 1), 8–13 years (group 2) and 14–18 years (group 3). Motility (CASA), pathological sperm rate (Giemsa staining), apoptotic (Yo-Pro-1-positive) and necrotic (propidium iodide-positive) cell occurrence and fertilizing ability (penetration/fertilization test) of spermatozoa were evaluated post-thaw. The average post-thaw sperm motility in all examined groups was over 40%. No significant influence of storage length either on the sperm total motility or progressive movement was revealed. In each tested group the average rate of malformed spermatozoa did not exceed 20%. No effect of cryostorage length on the occurrence of apoptotic or necrotic sperm was noted. Similarly, penetrating/fertilizing ability of sperm did not differ among the groups, excepting differences in the rate of pronuclei (PN) formation. In group 1, 72.9% of eggs showed two visible PN following 20 h incubation with sperm, whilst in groups 2 and 3 only 67 and 54.5% of zygotes, respectively, had both PN at this time. These results revealed no influence of storage time on the bull spermatozoa in all parameters excepting the rate of PN formation. As high inter-male variability was observed in the susceptibility of bull sperm to cryostorage, individual differences should be taken into account when semen from individual bulls is to be stored for a long time.
Improving Data Quality in Mass-Gatherings Health Research
Authors: Guy Andrew , Prager Ross , Turris Sheila , Lund Adam 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMass gatherings attract large crowds and can strain the planning and health resources of the community, city, or nation hosting an event. Mass-Gatherings Health (MGH) is an evolving niche of prehospital care rooted in emergency medicine, emergency management, public health, and disaster medicine. To explore front-line issues related to data quality in the context of mass gatherings, the authors draw on five years of management experience with an online, mass-gathering event and patient registry, as well as clinical and operational experience amassed over several decades.Here the authors propose underlying human, environmental, and logistical factors that may contribute to poor data quality at mass gatherings, and make specific recommendations for improvement through pre-event planning, on-site actions, and post-event follow-up. The advancement of MGH research will rely on addressing factors that influence data quality and developing strategies to mitigate or enhance those factors. This is an exciting time for MGH research as higher order questions are beginning to be addressed; however, quality research must start from the ground up to ensure optimal primary data capture and quality.GuyA, PragerR, TurrisS, LundA. Improving data quality in mass-gatherings health research. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(3):329–332.
The Relationship Between Atomic Structure and Strain Distribution of Misfit Dislocation Cores at Cubic Heteroepitaxial Interfaces
Authors: Wen Cai 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe atomic reconstruction of a misfit dislocation (MD) core causes change in the strain distribution around the core. Several MD cores at the AlSb/GaAs (001) cubic zincblende interface, including a symmetrical glide set Lomer dislocation (LD), a left-displaced glide set LD, a glide set LD with an atomic step, a symmetrical shuffle set LD, and a 60° dislocation pair, were studied using simulated projected potential and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope images. Image deconvolution was also used to restore structure images from nonoptimum-defocus images. The corresponding biaxial strain maps,εxx(in-plane) andεyy(out-of-plane), were obtained by geometric phase analysis using the GaAs substrate as the reference lattice. The results show that atomic structure characteristics of MD cores can be revealed by the strain maps. The strain maps should be measured from optimum-defocus images or restored structure images. Furthermore, theεxxstrain map has been found more accurate than theεyystrain map for MD cores, and the specimen thickness should be below the critical thickness due to the influence of dynamical scattering.
An electrically actuated molecular toggle switch
Authors: Gerhard Lukas , Edelmann Kevin , Homberg Jan , Valášek Michal , Bahoosh Safa G. , Lukas Maya , Pauly Fabian , Mayor Marcel , Wulfhekel Wulf 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMolecular electronics is considered a promising approach for future nanoelectronic devices. In order that molecular junctions can be used as electrical switches or even memory devices, they need to be actuated between two distinct conductance states in a controlled and reproducible manner by external stimuli. Here we present a tripodal platform with a cantilever arm and a nitrile group at its end that is lifted from the surface. The formation of a coordinative bond between the nitrile nitrogen and the gold tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope can be controlled by both electrical and mechanical means, and leads to a hysteretic switching of the conductance of the junction by more than two orders of magnitude. This toggle switch can be actuated with high reproducibility so that the forces involved in the mechanical deformation of the molecular cantilever can be determined precisely with scanning tunnelling microscopy.
Oriented graphene nanoribbons embedded in hexagonal boron nitride trenches
Authors: Chen Lingxiu , He Li , Wang Hui Shan , Wang Haomin , Tang Shujie , Cong Chunxiao , Xie Hong , Li Lei , Xia Hui , Li Tianxin , Wu Tianru , Zhang Daoli , Deng Lianwen , Yu Ting , Xie Xiaoming , Jiang Mianheng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGraphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are ultra-narrow strips of graphene that have the potential to be used in high-performance graphene-based semiconductor electronics. However, controlled growth of GNRs on dielectric substrates remains a challenge. Here, we report the successful growth of GNRs directly on hexagonal boron nitride substrates with smooth edges and controllable widths using chemical vapour deposition. The approach is based on a type of template growth that allows for the in-plane epitaxy of mono-layered GNRs in nano-trenches on hexagonal boron nitride with edges following a zigzag direction. The embedded GNR channels show excellent electronic properties, even at room temperature. Such in-plane hetero-integration of GNRs, which is compatible with integrated circuit processing, creates a gapped channel with a width of a few benzene rings, enabling the development of digital integrated circuitry based on GNRs.
MicroRNA-92a is a circadian modulator of neuronal excitability in Drosophila
Authors: Chen Xiao , Rosbash Michael 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMany biological and behavioural processes of animals are governed by an endogenous circadian clock, which is dependent on transcriptional regulation. Here we address post-transcriptional regulation and the role of miRNAs in Drosophila circadian rhythms. At least six miRNAs show cycling expression levels within the pigment dispersing factor (PDF) cell-pacemaker neurons; only mir-92a peaks during the night. In vivo calcium monitoring, dynamics of PDF projections, ArcLight, GCaMP6 imaging and sleep assays indicate that mir-92a suppresses neuronal excitability. In addition, mir-92a levels within PDF cells respond to light pulses and also affect the phase shift response. Translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) and in vitro luciferase reporter assay indicate that mir-92a suppresses expression of sirt2, which is homologous to human sir2 and sirt3. sirt2 RNAi also phenocopies mir-92a overexpression. These experiments indicate that sirt2 is a functional mir-92a target and that mir-92a modulates PDF neuronal excitability via suppressing SIRT2 levels in a rhythmic manner.