bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Regional Compound Poisson Process for Hurricane and Tropical Storm Damage
Authors: Mak Simon , Bingham Derek , Lu Yi 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn light of intense hurricane activity along the US Atlantic coast, attention has turned to understanding both the economic effect and the behaviour of these storms. The compound Poisson–log-normal process has been proposed as a model for aggregate storm damage but does not shed light on regional analysis since storm path data are not used. We propose a fully Bayesian regional prediction model which uses conditional auto-regressive models to account for both storm paths and spatial patterns for storm damage. When fitted to historical data, the analysis from our model both confirms previous findings and reveals new insights on regional storm tendencies. Posterior predictive samples can also be used for pricing regional insurance premiums, which we illustrate by using three different risk measures.
Salivary parameters and oral health in the Moebius syndrome
Authors: Martins Mussi Maria Carolina , Moffa Eduardo , Castro Talita , Lira Ortega Adriana , Freitas Gabrielle , Braga Mariana , Siqueira Walter L. , Cury Gallottini Marina Helena 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTPurposeTo evaluate salivary characteristics, such as flow rate, buffering capacity and amylase activity, and associate these parameters with oral health in individuals with Moebius syndrome (MS) and controls.MethodsThe researchers assessed caries (ICDAS), periodontal disease (PSR), and plaque (Silness Löe) indexes in both groups. Unstimulated, stimulated, and bilateral parotid saliva were also collected. The salivary flow (milliliters/minute) and α‐amylase activity were measured in all samples. The α‐amylase activity was determined by maltose production. The buffering capacity was measured in stimulated saliva by titration of 0.01N HCl.ResultsThe occurrence of carious lesions, related to cut‐off 2, as well as the occurrence of periodontal disease, was significantly higher (p > 0.05) in participants with MS when compared to the control group. Also, MS individuals presented decreased salivary flow, decreased buffering capacity, and amylase activity.ConclusionsMS individuals present salivary alterations, which can be related to higher risk for caries.
Oral P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors in Hemodialysis Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Jain Nishank , Reilly Robert F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOral P2Y12 receptor inhibitors are commonly used drugs in patients on hemodialysis (HD) to treat acute coronary syndrome with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and patients with stable coronary artery disease after PCI. Clopidogrel is the most commonly prescribed P2Y12 receptor inhibitor because it is effective in the general population and is not as costly as newer FDA‐approved agents (prasugrel, ticagrelor). However, increasing evidence is accumulating that clopidogrel may not be as effective in reducing mortality and preventing future ischemic events in patients with kidney disease. In this review, we will explore some of the studies that form the basis for this statement and discuss potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic reasons why clopidogrel might be less effective in HD patients, as well as explore potential risks and benefits of alternatives to clopidogrel therapy.
We Use Impure Water to Make Dialysate for Hemodialysis
Authors: Upadhyay Ashish , Jaber Bertrand L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPatients receiving hemodialysis are exposed to a large volume of water, used to prepare dialysate for each treatment session. Technological advancements now make it possible to generate ultrapure dialysate that has substantially lower bacterial and endotoxin counts than the standard dialysate used in the United States. Low‐level water contamination is thought to propagate a state of chronic inflammation seen in hemodialysis patients, and a number of studies demonstrate that the use of ultrapure dialysate has a favorable effect on laboratory parameters of inflammation, nutrition, erythropoietin responsiveness, dialysis‐associated amyloidosis, and atherosclerosis. Few studies even suggest a direct clinical benefit of adopting ultrapure dialysate. As there is no proven harm with use of ultrapure dialysate and the economic implication appears to be minimal when using modern dialysis machines, it is imperative for regulatory agencies and the dialysis community to ensure that our vulnerable patients are no longer exposed to impure water during their hemodialysis treatments.
Sedimentary patterns and palaeoceanography of the Albian Marne a Fucoidi Formation (Central Italy) revealed by high‐resolution geochemical and nannofossil data
Authors: Giorgioni Martino , Tiraboschi Daniele , Erba Elisabetta , Hamann Yvonne , Weissert Helmut 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe pelagic Marne a Fucoidi Formation from the Umbria–Marche Basin (Central Italy) is one of the best‐preserved deep‐marine archives of the Aptian–Albian. Frequent changes in lithology, from black to green and red marlstones and limestones, record fluctuating oceanographic and climatic conditions during the deposition of these sediments. Here, the lithological changes in the Albian of the Marne a Fucoidi Formation are studied with unprecedented resolution using X‐ray fluorescence core scanning measurements of major and minor element abundances, as well as statistical analyses of calcareous nannofossil indices. The results obtained with these two independent methodologies are in good agreement and allow for improving the understanding of the peculiar palaeoceanographic conditions of the western Tethys during the Albian. Black shale–marlstone couplets were driven by orbitally forced changes in physical oceanography, resulting in oxygen‐depleted bottom water at times of decreased mixing of shallow water masses. On the other hand, red marlstones represent episodes of enhanced oxygenation at the bottom, probably due to the influence of deep waters from the eastern Tethys. Overall, the Marne a Fucoidi Formation is the expression of highly variable oceanographic conditions related to an unstable Albian circulation mode.
Inference for Multi‐dimensional High‐frequency Data with an Application to Conditional Independence Testing
Authors: Bibinger Markus , Mykland Per A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe find the asymptotic distribution of the multi‐dimensional multi‐scale and kernel estimators for high‐frequency financial data with microstructure. Sampling times are allowed to be asynchronous and endogenous. In the process, we show that the classes of multi‐scale and kernel estimators for smoothing noise perturbation are asymptotically equivalent in the sense of having the same asymptotic distribution for corresponding kernel and weight functions. The theory leads to multi‐dimensional stable central limit theorems and feasible versions. Hence, they allow to draw statistical inference for a broad class of multivariate models, which paves the way to tests and confidence intervals in risk measurement for arbitrary portfolios composed of high‐frequently observed assets. As an application, we enhance the approach to construct a test for investigating hypotheses that correlated assets are independent conditional on a common factor.
Flying Under the Radar? Risks of Social Exclusion for Older People in Rural Communities in Australia, Ireland and Northern Ireland
Authors: Warburton Jeni , Scharf Thomas , Walsh Kieran 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRisk individualisation is increasingly apparent in policy and practice discourses on social exclusion. For older people who live in rural communities, potentially compounding risk factors associated with social exclusion emerge from the intersection of ageing and rurality. When linked to the diversity of individuals, rural settings, and national jurisdictions, this raises intriguing questions concerning how rural communities perceive and manage related risk. The article draws on comparable data from Australia, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to explore rural community stakeholders’ perceptions of the construction of, and responsibility for, risk of old‐age social exclusion. Data derive from interviews and focus groups with 84 stakeholders from 13 settings across the three jurisdictions. Analysis illustrates an almost universal narrative around the individualisation of risk of old‐age social exclusion, where rural communities serve a role in risk mitigation more than construction. The narrative's policy, sociocultural and contextual drivers, together with its implications, are discussed with reference to the contrasting national contexts.
The Population's Confidence in the Child Protection System – A Survey Study of England, Finland, Norway and the United States (California)
Authors: Juhasz Ida , Skivenes Marit 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis article examines the confidence the population (N = 4,003) has in the child welfare system in four countries – England, Finland, Norway and the USA (California). We find that about half or less of the population reports having confidence in the system, which is slightly higher than the confidence in the civil servants in the same countries. The Nordic countries display more confidence in the child welfare system than the Anglo‐American countries. The similarity between the countries is, however, greater than anticipated. As for independent variables that can shed light on differences in confidence levels, we find three variables to be related to a higher confidence level, and these are a left wing political orientation, lower age, and higher education. This study contributes in filling a knowledge gap on studies about trust in the child welfare system, but we emphasize that we have studied an aspect of trust that rests on the population's impressions of a system, and not their substantial knowledge about, or identification with, this system.
Soil organic matter quality and microbial activities in spruce swamp forests affected by drainage and water regime restoration
Authors: Mastný J. , Urbanová Z. , Kaštovská E. , Straková P. , Šantrůčková H. , Edwards K. R. , Picek T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe effect of spruce swamp forest (SSF) drainage and water regime restoration on soil organic matter (SOM) quality and soil microbial heterotrophic activities was studied in pristine, drained and restored SSF in the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic. Sequential chemical SOM fractionation using cold and hot water and hot acid was used to separate SOM fractions according to their mobility and potential lability/recalcitrance, and Fourier transform infrared spectra were used for SOM characterization. Soil physicochemical parameters and heterotrophic microbial activities were also determined. Drainage of SSF had significant long‐term effects (more than 50 yr) on plant communities and SOM quality. On drained sites, cover of sphagnum moss and sedge was much smaller than on pristine locations. A greater proportion of recalcitrant compounds and a smaller proportion of labile compounds were found in drained SSF as compared to pristine sites, which first led to an energy limitation and was followed by a decrease in microbial biomass and heterotrophic microbial activities (CO2 production, methanogenesis and methanotrophy). Restoration resulted in slow progressive changes in the vegetation cover, including the spread of sphagnum mosses, retreat of mosses typical of drier conditions and increased sedge cover compared with drained SSF. Moreover, soil physicochemical parameters (pH and bulk density), hot‐water‐extractable C and methanotrophic activity tended to evolve towards the pristine SSF and seem to be good indicators of the restoration process. No other SOM fractions changed significantly after restoration. Thus, to change significantly overall SOM quality and most microbial heterotrophic activities following restoration, more than 7 yr are required.
Difficult to swallow: warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a Jehovah's Witness treated with hemoglobin concentrate complicated by achalasia
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Strouse Christopher , VanSandt Amanda M. , Foy Patrick 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDThe acute treatment of severe warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is focused on maximizing the oxygen delivery capacity of the patient's circulation and reversal of the underlying autoimmune process. The most effective means of preventing ischemic injury acutely is replacement of red blood cells (RBCs) via allogeneic RBC transfusion. However, in cases where this is not an option, other strategies must be considered including the use of hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs).CASE REPORTHerein we present a case of a 70‐year‐old Jehovah's Witness with wAIHA who required emergent HBOC‐201 to prevent life‐threatening decompensation. The treatment was complicated by hypertension and achalasia likely related to the nitric oxide scavenging effects of HBOC‐201. These side effects were managed appropriately, and the patient ultimately recovered.CONCLUSIONEarly recognition of the need and ready familiarity with its properties on the part of the physician are critical to the utilization of HBOC‐201 in a safe and timely fashion.
Aggregation Issues of Foreign Direct Investment Estimation in an Interdependent World
Authors: Naughton Helen , Norbäck Pehr‐Johan , Tekin‐Koru Ayça 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper attempts to understand foreign direct investment (FDI) heterogeneity and offers useful insights about aggregation issues in FDI estimations by carrying out a spatial econometric analysis using affiliate‐level data on sales activities of Swedish multinational corporations around the globe. The results indicate that the multilayered nature of aggregation in FDI matters for empirical analysis. Affiliate‐level host‐country and third‐country sales activity provides evidence of a negative spatial lag or substitution of FDI in space, broadly supporting the export‐platform theory. For exports back to Sweden, we find a positive spatial lag suggesting agglomeration of production activities and vertical specialisation. The sequential aggregation from affiliate level to firm and country level provides evidence of a severe scale problem particularly in export‐platform FDI. This aggregation bias is likely present in many of the country‐level analyses in previous literature.
Impact of menstruation on select hematology and clinical chemistry variables in cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Perigard Christopher J. , Parrula M. Cecilia M. , Larkin Matthew H. , Gleason Carol R. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundIn preclinical studies with cynomolgus macaques, it is common to have one or more females presenting with menses. Published literature indicates that the blood lost during menses causes decreases in red blood cell mass variables (RBC, HGB, and HCT), which would be a confounding factor in the interpretation of drug‐related effects on clinical pathology data, but no scientific data have been published to support this claim.ObjectivesThis investigation was conducted to determine if the amount of blood lost during menses in cynomolgus macaques has an effect on routine hematology and serum chemistry variables.MethodsTen female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), 5 to 6.5 years old, were observed daily during approximately 3 months (97 days) for the presence of menses. Hematology and serum chemistry variables were evaluated twice weekly.ResultsThe results indicated that menstruation affects the erythrogram including RBC, HGB, HCT, MCHC, MCV, reticulocyte count, RDW, the leukogram including neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, and chemistry variables, including GGT activity, and the concentrations of total proteins, albumin, globulins, and calcium. The magnitude of the effect of menstruation on susceptible variables is dependent on the duration of the menstrual phase. Macaques with menstrual phases lasting ≥ 7 days are more likely to develop changes in variables related to chronic blood loss.ConclusionsIn preclinical toxicology studies with cynomolgus macaques, interpretation of changes in several commonly evaluated hematology and serum chemistry variables requires adequate clinical observation and documentation concerning presence and duration of menses. There is a concern that macaques with long menstrual cycles can develop iron deficiency anemia due to chronic menstrual blood loss.
A systematic review of human and veterinary applications of noninvasive tissue oxygen monitoring
Authors: Salcedo Mallory C. , Tart Kelly , Hall Kelly 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the methodology for and utilization of tissue oxygen monitoring by near infrared spectroscopy, and to review the current literature on the use of this monitoring modality in human and veterinary settings.Data SourcesScientific reviews and original research found using the PubMed and CAB Abstract search engines with the following keywords: “tissue oxygen monitoring,” “near‐infrared tissue spectroscopy,” and “tissue oxygen saturation (StO2).”Human Data SynthesisTissue oxygen monitors have been evaluated in a wide variety of human clinical applications including trauma and triage, surgery, sepsis, and septic shock, and early goal‐directed therapy. StO2 more rapidly identifies occult shock in human patients compared to traditional methods, which can lead to earlier intervention in these patients.Veterinary Data SynthesisVeterinary studies involving tissue oxygen monitoring are limited, but the technology may have utility for identification of hemorrhagic shock earlier than changes in base excess, blood lactate concentration, or other traditional perfusion parameters.ConclusionTissue oxygen monitoring is most commonly performed utilizing a noninvasive, portable monitor, which provides real‐time, continuous, repeatable StO2 measurements. A decline in StO2 is an early indicator of shock in both human and veterinary patients. Low StO2 values in human patients are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and length of hospitalization, as well as the development of multiple organ system dysfunction and surgical site infections.
Effects of topical hyaluronic acid on corneal wound healing in dogs: a pilot study
Authors: Gronkiewicz Kristina M. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Sharma Ajay , Mohan Rajiv R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of topical 0.2% hyaluronic acid in canine corneal ulcers in vivo.ProceduresSix purpose‐bred beagles were randomly assigned into two groups (three dogs/group): group A received experimental product (Optimend™, containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid, KineticVet™); group B received control product (Optimend™ without 0.2% hyaluronic acid and supplemented with carboxymethylcellulose). The clinical scorer was masked to product content and subject assignment. Under sedation and topical anesthesia, 6‐mm axial corneal epithelial debridements were performed in the left eye. Wounded corneas received standard ulcer treatment and topical product (group A) or control product (group B) three times a day (TID) until ulcers were healed. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy was performed 6 h after wounding and then every 12 h; findings were graded according to modified McDonald–Shadduck scoring system; extraocular photography was performed after fluorescein stain application at all examination time points. Images were analyzed using NIH image j software to quantify rate of corneal epithelialization. Gelatin zymography was used to analyze matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 protein expression in tears collected at set time points during the study period.ResultsNo statistical differences in clinical ophthalmic examination scores, rate of corneal epithelialization, or MMP2 or MMP9 protein expression were found between groups at any tested time point.ConclusionsThe application of 0.2% hyaluronic acid to standard ulcer medical management is well tolerated. Topical addition of the viscoelastic did not accelerate corneal wound healing compared to a topical control with similar viscosity in this study.
Evaluation of soluble glycoprotein V as an in vitro quality marker for platelet concentrates: a correlation study between in vitro platelet quality markers and the effect of storage medium
Authors: Kiminkinen L. K. M. , Krusius T. , Javela K. M. 
Published: April 2016

Background and objectivesExtent of shape change (ESC), hypotonic shock response (HSR), the adhesive glycoprotein CD62P and lactate have been widely used as in vitro quality makers of platelet concentrates. Our aim was to evaluate soluble glycoprotein V (sGPV) as a platelet in vitro activation marker for platelet concentrates. Data were obtained from different validations during a twelve‐year period.Materials and methodsPlatelet concentrates stored in PAS B, PAS E with 20–35% plasma carry‐over or in plasma were prepared either from buffy coats or collected by apheresis. The samples were analysed up to day seven using sGPV, ESC, HSR, CD62P and lactate in addition to normal quality control assays.ResultssGPV correlated statistically significantly with ESC, HSR, CD62P and lactate in platelet concentrates stored in PASs.ConclusionWe propose that quantitative sGPV which is calculated per platelet number could be used as the first choice in vitro platelet activation marker in validations and monitoring platelet production processes. sGPV could also be a promising alternative to platelet activation assays used in interlaboratory comparisons of the quality of platelet concentrates. Quantitative lactate and lactate production rate can be used to evaluate the quality of platelets concentrates during storage. However, the formation of lactate depends on the platelet count and the amount of glucose in the product making the comparison more difficult.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of skin substitutes in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: Highlights of a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Santema T. B. Katrien , Poyck Paul P. C. , Ubbink Dirk T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSkin substitutes are increasingly used in the treatment of various types of acute and chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of skin substitutes on ulcer healing and limb salvage in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Randomized clinical trials were searched and assessed following the methodology of The Cochrane Collaboration. We included 17 trials, totaling 1655 randomized participants. Risk of bias was variable among included trials. Thirteen trials compared the skin substitutes with standard care. The pooled results showed that that skin substitutes can, in addition to standard care, increase the likelihood of achieving complete ulcer closure compared with standard care alone after 6–16 weeks (risk ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.85). Four of the included trials compared two types of skin substitutes but no particular product showed a superior effect over another. Two trials reported on total incidence of lower limb amputations. Pooling the results of these two trials yielded a statistically significantly lower amputation rate among patients treated with skin substitutes (risk ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.81), although the absolute risk difference was small (−0.06, 95% CI −0.10 to −0.01). This systematic review provides evidence that skin substitutes can, in addition to standard care, increase the likelihood of achieving complete ulcer closure compared with standard care alone in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. However, effectiveness on the long term, including lower limb salvage and recurrence, is currently lacking and cost‐effectiveness is unclear.