bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterisation of Cu2FeSnS4 micro/nano particles by a liquid reflux method
Authors: Zhou Jicheng , Wang Yunyun , Ye Zhibin , Hu Yao , Liu Hanjian , Peng Yinqiao 
Published: March 2016

Quaternary compounds Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS), a promising alternative material for solar cell absorber layer, were successfully synthesised by a liquid reflux method in a mixture solvent of triethylenetetramine‐ethylene glycol (TETA‐EG, 1:1, v/v) at 230°C for 3 h under the atmospheric pressure condition. The phase, micro‐structure, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of the as‐synthesised CFTS micro/nano particles were characterised using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the stannite structured CFTS micro/nano particles with close to theoretical stoichiometric ratio were pure and well‐crystallised, the particle size ranged from 70 to 240 nm and the particles were well‐distributed, the band gap was about 1.25 eV which indicated its suitable application as the absorption layer of thin film solar cells.
Preserving temporal relations in clinical data while maintaining privacy
Authors: Hripcsak George , Mirhaji Parsa , Low Alexander FH , Malin Bradley A 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Objective Maintaining patient privacy is a challenge in large-scale observational research. To assist in reducing the risk of identifying study subjects through publicly available data, we introduce a method for obscuring date information for clinical events and patient characteristics.
Methods The method, which we call Shift and Truncate (SANT), obscures date information to any desired granularity. Shift and Truncate first assigns each patient a random shift value, such that all dates in that patient’s record are shifted by that amount. Data are then truncated from the beginning and end of the data set.
Results The data set can be proven to not disclose temporal information finer than the chosen granularity. Unlike previous strategies such as a simple shift, it remains robust to frequent – even daily – updates and robust to inferring dates at the beginning and end of date-shifted data sets. Time-of-day may be retained or obscured, depending on the goal and anticipated knowledge of the data recipient.
Conclusions The method can be useful as a scientific approach for reducing re-identification risk under the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and may contribute to qualification for the Safe Harbor implementation.
A standardized framework for examination of oral lesions in wolf skulls (Carnivora: Canidae: Canis lupus)
Authors: Janssens Luc , Verhaert Leen , Berkowic Daniel , Adriaens Dominique 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Oral lesions in wolves (Carnivora: Canidae: Canis lupus) are usually reported in a nonstandardized manner, and often only a few abnormalities are indicated. This approach has likely led to underreporting of oral lesions, thus limiting our ability to interpret wolf health conditions and thus making comparisons across geographical and taxonomic groups difficult. Here, we present a standardized oral exam protocol to examine wolf skulls for their oral lesions. Using this protocol, we analyzed 40 skulls of adult wild Middle East wolves representing 1,680 teeth. Six wolves were Canis lupus arabs, 34 were Canis lupus pallipes. Only 3 skulls showed no oral lesions. We were able to identify a large range of oral lesions and refined subclasses, exceeding the variety of what has been reported on wolf oral lesions so far. No statistical differences were found in the type and number of lesions between the 2 subspecies of wolves. Therefore, the lesions were pooled in subsequent analyses. This standardized protocol should provide a useful framework to assess oral lesions in wolf skulls, facilitating rigorous comparisons across geographic and taxonomic groups.
Dried Blood Spot Methodology in Combination With Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Facilitates the Monitoring of Teriflunomide
Authors: Filali-Ansary Aziz , Lunven Catherine , Turpault Sandrine , Beyer Yann-Joel , O'Brien Amy , Delfolie Astrid , Boyanova Neli , Sanderink Ger-Jan , Baldinetti Francesca 
Published: March 2016

Background:Teriflunomide, a once-daily oral immunomodulator approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, is eliminated slowly from plasma. If necessary to rapidly lower plasma concentrations of teriflunomide, an accelerated elimination procedure using cholestyramine or activated charcoal may be used. The current bioanalytical assay for determination of plasma teriflunomide concentration requires laboratory facilities for blood centrifugation and plasma storage. An alternative method, with potential for greater convenience, is dried blood spot (DBS) methodology. Analytical and clinical validations are required to switch from plasma to DBS (finger-prick sampling) methodology.Methods:Using blood samples from healthy subjects, an LC-MS/MS assay method for quantification of teriflunomide in DBS over a range of 0.01–10 mcg/mL was developed and validated for specificity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and stability. Results were compared with those from the current plasma assay for determination of plasma teriflunomide concentration.Results:Method was specific and selective relative to endogenous compounds, with process efficiency ∼88%, and no matrix effect. Inaccuracy and imprecision for intraday and interday analyses were <15% at all concentrations tested. Quantification of teriflunomide in DBS assay was not affected by blood deposit volume and punch position within spot, and hematocrit level had a limited but acceptable effect on measurement accuracy. Teriflunomide was stable for at least 4 months at room temperature, and for at least 24 hours at 37°C with and without 95% relative humidity, to cover sampling, drying, and shipment conditions in the field. The correlation between DBS and plasma concentrations (R2= 0.97), with an average blood to plasma ratio of 0.59, was concentration independent and constant over time.Conclusions:DBS sampling is a simple and practical method for monitoring teriflunomide concentrations.
The Role of Surgeon Technique in Current Practice Patterns for Combined Ptosis and Dermatochalasis
Authors: Neimkin Michael G. , Couch Steven M. , Holds John B. , Bodnar Zachary M. , Reggie Sara N. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:
The goal of this study is to identify and describe the role of surgical incision preference, insurance reimbursement, and geographical location on the current ptosis repair practice patterns of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) members.

Methods:
A 9-question survey was designed with surveymonkey.com and a participation link was emailed to all active ASOPRS members’ email addresses in February 2015. After a reminder email, the survey was closed and the results were analyzed. There are 3 major questions the survey data is to be used answer: 1) Surgical approach preference: The first question established preferred surgical technique (internal vs. external approach) for ptosis repair. This result was/is used to stratify the remaining responses into 2 groups. 2) Functional versus cosmetic surgical indication: Three clinical scenarios were presented for a functional versus cosmetic patient for ptosis repair and blepharoplasty. 3) Location: The responses were analyzed based on location to determine any geographic bias for surgical preference. For this analysis, the US was separated into 4 regions (West, Midwest, North, and South), as defined by the United States Census Bureau; all international respondents were grouped together.

Results:
Three hundred and ten responses were included and analyzed; 61% preferred the internal surgical approach, there was no statistical significance to geographic location (p = 0.17). Surgeons who prefer the external surgical approach (76.1%) were more likely than internal (62.5%) to include a bundled (nonreimbursed) blepharoplasty at no additional charge in the setting of functional ptosis repair (p = 0.015). Treatment plans differed significantly in both groups between functional and cosmetic patients with visually significant ptosis (Margin Reflex Distance < 1.5) and moderate dermatochalasis; with both the internal and external group electing combined surgery at a higher rate in cosmetic patients (p < 0.01 for functional vs. cosmetic within each group, and internal vs. external repair). There was no statistical difference in the timeframe for adjusting external ptosis for functional or cosmetic patients (p = 0.79). More surgeons use nonabsorbable closure for cosmetic blepharoplasty patients (68.7%) than for functional (54.1%) surgery patients (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:
Previous studies have documented the immediate effect of Medicare reimbursement changes on the management of concurrent ptosis and dermatochalasis. This study illustrates current practice patterns for ptosis repair and blepharoplasty. The necessity of creating a separate surgical site for surgeons who prefer the internal approach to ptosis surgery to perform a functional blepharoplasty has a significant influence on surgeon’s willingness to perform concurrent blepharoplasty as a nonreimbursed bundled procedure.
Evisceration With Injectable Hydrogel Implant in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Koreen Irina V. , McClintic Elysa A. , Mott Ryan T. , Stanton Constance , Yeatts R. Patrick 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:
To determine the safety, durability, and biocompatibility of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (Aquamid, Specialty European Pharma, Ltd., London, UK) as an injectable viscoelastic implant following evisceration in a rabbit model.

Methods:
The protocol was reviewed and approved by the Wake Forest Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Adult New Zealand rabbits underwent cornea-sparing evisceration of the right eye with injection of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel implant. The rabbits were sacrificed after 2 weeks (n = 1), 5 weeks (n = 2), 12 weeks (n = 3), 25 weeks (n = 3), and 1 year (n = 3) to evaluate the implant volume and host reaction to the implant. Both eyes were enucleated and their diameters were measured. The eviscerated eyes were fixed in formalin and processed using routine histopathologic methods to assess inflammatory reaction and vascularization.

Results:
The implant material was well tolerated with a moderate giant cell reaction seen at 6 weeks that improved over time. Extensive vascularization of the implant was noted starting at 6 weeks. There was excellent maintenance of globe volume that did not diminish over time. The relative diameters of the eviscerated eyes compared with control were 89 ± 6% (mean% ± SD) at 12 weeks (n = 3), 94 ± 2% at 25 weeks (n = 3), and 93 ± 4% at 1 year (n = 3).

Conclusion:
With further study, injectable 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel may provide an excellent alternative to solid orbital implants. The implant material was universally well tolerated and maintained appropriate volume in the orbit for the study period of 1 year. Extensive vascularization of the implant was noted indicating biointegration.
Elevated liver enzymes in inflammatory bowel disease: the role and safety of infliximab
Authors: Parisi Ioanna , O’Beirne James , Rossi Roberta E. , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Manousou Pinelopi , Theocharidou Eleni , Hamilton Mark , Murray Charles , Epstein Owen , Burroughs Andrew K. 
Published: March 2016

Background
Abnormal liver enzymes are frequently encountered in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Infliximab has been implicated in inducing drug-induced liver injury, autoimmune hepatitis or reactivation of hepatitis B virus. We aimed to clarify the role of infliximab in liver impairment in an IBD cohort.

Study
A total of 305 patients with IBD, without evidence of chronic liver disease, were included in the study and retrospectively evaluated. Laboratory and clinical data were retrieved from a prospectively acquired database. In all, 176 consecutive patients treated with infliximab during the last 5 years were compared with a matched population of 129 patients who did not receive any antitumour necrosis factor treatment.

Results
Elevation of alanine transaminase (ALT) was frequent in the entire population (36.4%) and it was not significantly associated with the use of infliximab (P=0.284). Elevations more than 3 upper limit of normal were observed in 7.9% and these resolved spontaneously in 83%. The use of immunomodulators was the only factor that was significantly associated with liver enzyme abnormalities in multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR) 2.666, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.576–4.511, P<0.005]. Overall, 39% of patients on infliximab had elevated liver enzymes and this was associated with increased ALT before starting infliximab (OR 3.854, 95% CI 1.800–8.251, P=0.001) and with longer duration of infliximab treatment (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.013–1.047, P=0.001).

Conclusion
Elevated liver enzymes are frequently found in IBD patients and they usually resolve spontaneously. The use of immunomodulators was independently associated with increased ALT. Infliximab is relatively safe in terms of liver impairment and discontinuation of treatment is rarely required in the setting of modest elevations of ALT.
Zika virus outbreak in the Americas: IsAedes albopictusan overlooked culprit?
Authors: Butt Azeem Mehmood , Nasrullah Izza , Qamar Raheel , Tong Yigang 
Published: March 2016

Summary / AbstractCodon usage patterns of viruses reflect a series of evolutionary changes that enable viruses to shape their survival rates and fitness toward the external environment and, most importantly, their hosts. In the present study, we employed multiple codon usage analysis indices to determine genotype specific codon usage patterns of Zika virus (ZIKV) strains from the current outbreak and those reported previously. Several genotype specific and common codon usage traits were noted in ZIKV coding sequences, indicative of independent evolutionary origins from a common ancestor. The overall influence of natural selection was found to be more profound than that of mutation pressure and acting on specific set of viral genes belonging to ZIKV strains of Asian genotype from the recent outbreak. Furthermore, an interplay of codon adaptation and deoptimization have been observed in ZIKV genomes. The collective findings of codon analysis in association with the geographical data ofAedespopulations in the Americas suggests that ZIKV have evolved a dynamic set of codon usage patterns in order to maintain a successful replication and transmission chain within multiple hosts and vectors.
Escherichia colipopulations adapt to complex, unpredictable fluctuations without any trade-offs across environments
Authors: Karve Shraddha , Bhave Devika , Nevgi Dhanashri , Dey Sutirth 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn nature, organisms are simultaneously exposed to multiple stresses (i.e. complex environments) that often fluctuate unpredictably. While both these factors have been studied in isolation, the interaction of the two remains poorly explored. To address this issue, we selected laboratory populations ofEscherichia coliunder complex (i.e. stressful combinations of pH, H2O2and NaCl) unpredictably fluctuating environments for ~900 generations. We compared the growth rates and the corresponding trade-off patterns of these populations to those that were selected under constant values of the component stresses (i.e. pH, H2O2and NaCl) for the same duration. The fluctuation-selected populations had greater mean growth rate and lower variation for growth rate over all the selection environments experienced. However, while the populations selected under constant stresses experienced severe tradeoffs in many of the environments other than those in which they were selected, the fluctuation-selected populations could by-pass the across-environment trade-offs completely. Interestingly, trade-offs were found between growth rates and carrying capacities. The results suggest that complexity and fluctuations can strongly affect the underlying trade-off structure in evolving populations.
Transvection and pairing of aDrosophilaHox long noncoding RNA in the regulation ofSex combs reduced
Authors: Pettini Tom , Ronshaugen Matthew 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTLong noncoding RNAs have emerged as abundant and important regulators of gene expression in diverse animals. InD. melanogasterseveral lncRNAs involved in regulating Hox gene expression in the Bithorax Complex have been reported. However, no functional Hox long noncoding RNAs have been described in the Antennapedia Complex. Here we have characterized a long noncoding RNAlincXfrom the Antennapedia Complex, that is transcribed from previously identifiedcis-regulatory sequences of the Hox geneSex combs reduced (Scr). We use both the GAL4-UAS system and mutants to ectopically overexpress thelincXRNA from exogenous and endogenous loci respectively, in order to dissect the potential regulatory functions oflincXRNA versuslincXtranscription. Our findings suggest that transcription through thelincXlocus, but not thelincXRNA itself, may facilitate initiation ofScrincisin the early embryo. Transvection phenomena, where regulatory sequences on one chromosome can affect expression on the homolog, have previously been reported in genetic studies ofScr. By analysinglincXandScrnascent transcriptional sites in embryos heterozygous for a gain of function mutation, we directly visualize this transvection, and observe that the ectopiclincXtranscriptional state appears to be relayed intransto the homologous wild-type chromosome. Thistrans-activation oflincXcorrelates with both ectopic activation ofScrincis, and increased chromosomal proximity. Our results are consistent with a model whereby early long noncoding RNA transcription through cis-regulatory sequences can be communicated between chromosomes, and facilitates long-range initiation of Hox gene expression incis.
Decision Making byDrosophilaFlies
Authors: Adler Julius , Vang Lar L. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT“Decision making has all the secrets of everything: who we are, what we do, how we navigate the world.” “How Do I Decide? The Brain with David Eagleman”, 2015.When presented with attractant (light) together with an amount of repellent (methyl eugenol) that exceeds attractant,Drosophila melanogasterfruit flies are of course repelled, but nine mutants have now been isolated that were not repelled. Although able to respond to attractant alone and to repellent alone, these mutants fail to make a decision when the two are together during the first two months of the study. They are considered defective in a decision-making mechanism. The defect occurs at 34°C but not at room temperature, so these are conditional mutants. Efforts at genetic mapping have been made. Our aim is to discover how decision making gets accomplished and how this results in a behavioral response. We indicate that there is a mechanistic relationship between decision making and the central complex inDrosophilaand between decision making and the prefrontal cortex in humans and other vertebrates.Over a period of six months these mutants changed into ones that are attracted when presented with attractant together with what was overpowering repellent before. Nearly full attraction was achieved at fifteen to thirty days. With attractant alone these mutants were attracted like the original parent and with repellents alone they were repelled like the original parent. The mutants have been genetically mapped.
Revisiting IT readiness: an approach for small firms
Authors: Dyerson Romano , Spinelli Riccardo , Harindranath G 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– Drawing from the literature, the purpose of this paper is to offer an empirically validated framework for examining information technology (IT) readiness in small firms.

Design/methodology/approach
– A conceptual framework of IT readiness for small firms is developed and validated empirically using a quantitative survey of 117 UK manufacturing small firms to identify distinct clusters of firms according to their states of IT readiness.

Findings
– The survey responses are grouped according to three distinct profiles that display varying degrees of IT readiness depending upon their strategic motivation, IT processes, project management and technology complexity.

Research limitations/implications
– Prior studies examining IT readiness in small-and medium-sized enterprises have not offered a differentiated understanding of small firms that is grounded in quantitative data. The varying profiles of small firms discovered indicate potential paths of IT readiness which offers a basis for further research using longitudinal case studies.

Practical implications
– Managerial motivation is not a sufficient condition for achieving IT readiness; it requires both strategic and operational capabilities that have significant implications for training and skills development in small firms. Understanding the level of IT readiness of their organisation can help managers identify areas needing improvement in their use of IT.

Social implications
– Findings suggest differentiated policy support is required for various small business clusters identified in the study.

Originality/value
– The novelty of the conceptual model differs from the prior literature on IT readiness by explicitly recognising the potential effect of IT maturity on the capability of the firm to respond to opportunities in its external environment. The paper also distinguishes between internal IT processes and project management skills.
The capital constraint paradox in micro and small family and nonfamily firms
Authors: Bornhäll Anders , Johansson Dan , Palmberg Johanna 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of the entrepreneur’s quest for independence and control over the firm for governance and financing strategies with a special focus on family firms and how they differ from nonfamily firms.

Design/methodology/approach
– The analysis is based on 1,000 telephone interviews with Swedish micro and small firms. The survey data are matched with firm-level data from the Bureau van Dijks database ORBIS.

Findings
– The analysis shows that independence is a prime motive for enterprises, statistically significantly more so for family owners. Family owners are more prone to use either their own savings or loans from family and are more reluctant to resort to external equity capital. Our results indicate a potential “capital constraint paradox”; there might be an abundance of external capital while firm growth is simultaneously constrained by a lack of internal funds.

Research limitations/implications
– The main limitation is that the study is based on cross-section data. Future studies could thus be based on longitudinal data.

Practical implications
– The authors argue that policy makers must recognize independence and control aversion as strong norms that guide entrepreneurial action and that micro- and small-firm growth would profit more from lower personal and corporate income taxes compared to policy schemes intended to increase the supply of external capital.

Originality/value
– The paper offers new insights regarding the value of independence and how it affects strategic decisions within the firm.