bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two subpopulations of Crocosphaera watsonii have distinct distributions in the North and South Pacific
Authors: Bench Shellie R. , Frank Ildiko , Robidart Julie , Zehr Jonathan P. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryCrocosphaera watsonii is a unicellular nitrogen (N2)‐fixing cyanobacterium with ecological importance in oligotrophic oceans. In cultivated strains there are two phenotypes of C. watsonii (large and small cells) with differences that could differentially impact biogeochemical processes. Recent work has shown the phenotypes diverged through loss or addition of type‐specific genes in a fraction of their genomes, whereas the rest of the genomes were maintained at 99–100% DNA identity. Previous molecular assays for C. watsonii abundances targeted the conserved regions and therefore could not differentiate between phenotypes, so their relative distributions in natural communities were unknown. To determine phenotype distributions, this study developed and applied type‐specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to samples from the North and South Pacific. Abundances of both Crocosphaera types declined sharply with depth between 45 and 75 m in both sites. In surface water small cells were 10–100 times more abundant than large cells in the N. Pacific, whereas in the S. Pacific the two phenotypes were nearly equal. Evidence for large cell aggregation was only found in N. Pacific samples. The differences in C. watsonii sub‐populations in the North and South Pacific have direct implications for biogeochemistry and carbon export in oligotrophic gyres.
Can Economists Forecast Exchange Rates? The Debate Re‐Visited: The Case of the USD/GBP Market
Authors: Goss Barry A. , Avsar S. Gulay 
Published: December 2015

In the debate on forecasting exchange rates, critics claimed that traditional macroeconomic models could not outperform a random walk in post‐sample forecasts. Perceived deficiencies include inadequate allowance for simultaneity, and expectations hypotheses inconsistent with the structure of models employed. This paper re‐visits the debate, first to address critics' major concerns, and second because in the view of the present authors, the debate closed on an unduly pessimistic note.This paper develops a simultaneous, rational expectations model of the USD/GBP market, with functional relationships for hedgers, speculators and a spot rate equation. The model is estimated with data contemporaneous to the debate, including a period during which the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission did not collect data on traders' open positions. Using the results of post‐debate research on tests for stationarity with missing observations, the model, using only public information, outperforms a random walk in post‐sample forecasts of the spot rate. Recent microstructure models of the exchange rate based on order flow have re‐kindled the forecasting debate. The model developed here, however, is differentiated from these microstructure models, first because order flow utilises both public and private information, and second because the microstructure models do not directly address critics' concerns.
Cost‐effectiveness of first trimester non‐invasive fetal RHD screening for targeted antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis in RhD‐negative pregnant women: a model‐based analysis
Authors: Neovius M , Tiblad E , Westgren M , Kublickas M , Neovius K , Wikman A 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the cost‐effectiveness of first trimester non‐invasive fetal RHD screening for targeted antenatal versus no routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis (RAADP) or versus non‐targeted RAADP.DesignModel based on a population‐based cohort study.SettingThe Swedish health service.PopulationIntervention subjects in the underlying cohort study were RhD‐negative pregnant women receiving first trimester fetal RHD screening followed by targeted anti‐D in 2010–2011 (n = 6723). Historical comparators were RhD‐negative women who delivered in 2008–2009 when standard care did not include RAADP (n = 7099).MethodsHealthcare costs for the three strategies were included for the first and subsequent pregnancies. For the comparison with non‐targeted RAADP, the immunisation rate was based on the observed rate for targeted therapy and adjusted downwards by removing the influence of false negatives.Main outcome measureAdditional cost per RhD immunisation averted.ResultsCompared with RAADP, targeted prophylaxis was associated with fewer immunisations (0.19 versus 0.46% per pregnancy) and lower costs (cost‐savings of €32 per RhD‐negative woman). The savings were from lower costs during pregnancy and delivery, and lower costs of future pregnancies through fewer immunisations. Non‐targeted anti‐D was estimated to result in 0.06% fewer immunisations and an additional €16 in cost‐savings per mother, compared with targeted anti‐D.ConclusionBased on effect data from a population‐based cohort study, targeted prophylaxis was associated with lower immunisation risk and costs versus no RAADP. Based on effect data from theoretical calculations, non‐targeted RAADP was predicted to result in lower costs and immunisation risk compared with targeted prophylaxis.Tweetable abstractFetal RHD screening and targeted prophylaxis resulted in lower immunisation risk and costs compared with no RAADP.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A multicenter registry study in Guangdong, China
Authors: Yang Daizhi , Deng Hongrong , Luo Guochun , Wu Ge , Lin Shaoda , Yuan Lin , Xv Meilun , Li Shaoqing , Zhang Xiuwei , Wu Jianneng , Lang Jiangming , Liang Ganxiong , Lin Jiancai , Chen Dingyu , Li Lu , Fang Yishan , Wu Yongxin , Ou Wenxin , Li Jin , Weng Jianping , Yan Jinhua 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundA lack of demographic and clinical data hinders efforts of health care providers in China to support patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Therefore, the aim of the present retrospective study was to provide an overview of the demographic and clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with T1D.MethodsHospital medical records of patients with T1D (diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2011) in 105 secondary and tertiary hospitals across Guangdong province were reviewed. Data were collected on patient age at diagnosis, presentations at onset, physical examination, and diabetes management.ResultsIn all, 3173 patients diagnosed with T1D between January 2000 and December 2011 were included in the study (46.2% female). The median age at diagnosis was 27.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 18.0–38.0) years and the median body mass index (BMI) at onset was 19.6 kg/m2 (IQR 17.4–21.8 kg/m2). Among adult patients, 0.9% were obese, 6.6% were overweight, 62.3% were normal weight, and 30.3 % were underweight. The prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at onset was 50.1%. The proportion of patients with retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy was 8.1%, 20.7 %, and 11.1%, respectively.ConclusionThe adult‐onset form of T1D is not rare in China. The registry participants were characterized by older age at onset, lower BMI, and a higher prevalence of DKA at onset compared with those in regions with a high incidence of T1D, such as northern Europe. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of T1D in different populations and so will help healthcare providers to develop management models that are more suitable for these patients.
Hemodynamics in fetal arrhythmia
Authors: Sonesson Sven‐Erik , Acharya Ganesh 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFetal arrhythmias are among the few conditions that can be managed in utero. However, accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management. Ultrasound‐based imaging methods can be used to study fetal heart structure and function noninvasively and help to understand fetal cardiovascular pathophysiology, and they remain the mainstay of evaluating fetuses with arrhythmias in clinical settings. Hemodynamic evaluation using Doppler echocardiography allows the elucidation of the electrophysiological mechanism and helps to make an accurate diagnosis. It can also be used as a tool to understand fetal cardiac pathophysiology, for assessing fetal condition and monitoring the effect of antiarrhythmic treatment. This narrative review describes Doppler techniques that are useful for evaluating fetal cardiac rhythms to refine diagnosis and provides an overview of hemodynamic changes observed in different types of fetal arrhythmia.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of γ‐hydroxybutyrate in healthy subjects
Authors: Liechti Matthias E. , Quednow Boris B. , Liakoni Evangelia , Dornbierer Dario , von Rotz Robin , Gachet Maria Salomé , Gertsch Jürg , Seifritz Erich , Bosch Oliver G. 
Published: December 2015

Aimsγ‐Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is used as a treatment for narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal and as a recreational substance. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic relationships of GHB in humans. We characterized the pharmacokinetic profile and exposure‐psychotropic effect relationship of GHB in humans.MethodsTwo oral doses of GHB (25 and 35 mg kg−1) were administered to 32 healthy male subjects (16 for each dose) using a randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over design.ResultsMaximal concentrations of GHB were (geometric mean and 95% CI): 218 (176–270) nmol ml−1 and 453 (374–549) nmol ml−1 for the 25 and 35 mg kg−1 GHB doses, respectively. The elimination half‐lives (mean ± SD) were 36 ± 9 and 39 ± 7 min and the AUC∞ values (geometric mean and 95% CI) were 15 747 (12 854–19 290) and 40 113 (33 093–48 622) nmol∙min ml−1 for the 20 and 35 mg kg−1 GHB doses, respectively. Thus, plasma GHB exposure (AUC0‐∞) rose disproportionally (+40%) with the higher dose. γ‐Hydroxybutyrate produced mixed stimulant‐sedative effects, with a dose‐dependent increase in sedation and dizziness. It did not alter heart rate or blood pressure. A close relationship between plasma GHB exposure and its psychotropic effects was found, with higher GHB concentrations associated with higher subjective stimulation, sedation, and dizziness. No clockwise hysteresis was observed in the GHB concentration effect plot over time (i.e., no acute pharmacological tolerance).ConclusionEvidence was found of a nonlinear dose‐exposure relationship (i.e., no dose proportionality) at moderate doses of GHB. The effects of GHB on consciousness were closely linked to its plasma exposure and exhibited no acute tolerance.
Primary lung mucoepidermoid carcinoma: analysis of prognostic factors using surveillance, epidemiology and end results program
Authors: Komiya Takefumi , Perez Raymond P. , Yamamoto Satomi , Neupane Prakash 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionMucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) primarily occurs in salivary glands, but can also arise in other organs; however, the impact of primary location on patient prognosis is largely unknown.MethodsUsing Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) data we investigated whether the clinical and prognostic features of MEC differed among multiple organ sites. The SEER‐18 dataset from 18 cancer registries in the US between 1972 and 2012 was chosen. The common organ sites with 100 or more cases were further analyzed. Survival analysis included Log‐rank tests of Kaplan–Meier curves and univariate/multivariate proportional hazard analysis.ResultsA total of 7,191 MEC cases with survival data were identified in the SEER data. Major salivary gland (MSG) was the primary site in 52.9% of cases, followed by gum and other mouth (23.6%), lung (5.9%), tongue (3.4%) and others. Compared to MSG‐MEC, primary lung MEC had significantly more patients with age <=70, diagnosis in 2002 and earlier, distant stage, undetermined grade and nonsurgical treatment. Primary lung MEC, older age, male gender, early year of diagnosis, distant stage, high histologic grade and radiation alone were significantly associated with poor 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate. Among patients with primary lung MEC, univariate analysis demonstrated that those with main bronchus or upper lobe primary sites had significantly decreased 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate.ConclusionsThis study suggests that there is a major difference in prognosis of MEC among primary sites. Primary lung MEC might have poor prognosis over MSG‐MEC.
An evaluation of the state of spatial point pattern analysis in ecology
Authors: Velázquez Eduardo , Martínez Isabel , Getzin Stephan , Moloney Kirk A. , Wiegand Thorsten 
Published: December 2015

Over the last two decades spatial point pattern analysis (SPPA) has become increasingly popular in ecological research. To direct future work in this area we review studies using SPPA techniques in ecology and related disciplines. We first summarize the key elements of SPPA in ecology (i.e. data types, summary statistics and their estimation, null models, comparison of data and models, and consideration of heterogeneity); second, we review how ecologists have used these key elements; and finally, we identify practical difficulties that are still commonly encountered and point to new methods that allow current key questions in ecology to be effectively addressed.Our review of 308 articles published over the period 1992–2012 reveals that a standard canon of SPPA techniques in ecology has been largely identified and that most of the earlier technical issues that occupied ecologists, such as edge correction, have been solved. However, the majority of studies underused the methodological potential offered by modern SPPA. More advanced techniques of SPPA offer the potential to address a variety of highly relevant ecological questions. For example, inhomogeneous summary statistics can quantify the impact of heterogeneous environments, mark correlation functions can include trait and phylogenetic information in the analysis of multivariate spatial patterns, and more refined point process models can be used to realistically characterize the structure of a wide range of patterns. Additionally, recent advances in fitting spatially‐explicit simulation models of community dynamics to point pattern summary statistics hold the promise for solving the longstanding problem of linking pattern to process. All these newer developments allow ecologists to keep up with the increasing availability of spatial data sets provided by newer technologies, which allow point patterns and environmental variables to be mapped over large spatial extents at increasingly higher image resolutions.
Combined transcranial alternating current stimulation and continuous theta burst stimulation: a novel approach for neuroplasticity induction
Authors: Goldsworthy Mitchell R. , Vallence Ann‐Maree , Yang Ruiting , Pitcher Julia B. , Ridding Michael C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNon‐invasive brain stimulation can induce functionally relevant plasticity in the human cortex, making it potentially useful as a therapeutic tool. However, the induced changes are highly variable between individuals, potentially limiting research and clinical utility. One factor that might contribute to this variability is the level of cortical inhibition at the time of stimulation. The alpha rhythm (~ 8–13 Hz) recorded with electroencephalography (EEG) is thought to reflect pulsatile cortical inhibition; therefore, targeting non‐invasive brain stimulation to particular phases of the alpha rhythm may provide an approach to enhance plasticity induction. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has been shown to entrain cortical oscillations in a frequency‐specific manner. We investigated whether the neuroplastic response to continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) was enhanced by timing bursts of stimuli to the peak or the trough of a tACS‐imposed alpha rhythm. While motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were unaffected when cTBS was applied in‐phase with the peak of the tACS‐imposed oscillation, MEP depression was enhanced when cTBS was applied in‐phase with the trough. This enhanced MEP depression was dependent on the individual peak frequency of the endogenous alpha rhythm recorded with EEG prior to stimulation, and was strongest in those participants classified as non‐responders to standard cTBS. These findings suggest that tACS may be used in combination with cTBS to enhance the plasticity response. Furthermore, the peak frequency of endogenous alpha, as measured with EEG, may be used as a simple marker to pre‐select those individuals likely to benefit from this approach.
Hierarchical axon targeting of Drosophila olfactory receptor neurons specified by the proneural transcription factors Atonal and Amos
Authors: Okumura Misako , Kato Tomoko , Miura Masayuki , Chihara Takahiro 
Published: December 2015

Sensory information is spatially represented in the brain to form a neural map. It has been suggested that axon–axon interactions are important for neural map formation; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We used the Drosophila antennal lobe, the first olfactory center in the brain, as a model for studying neural map formation. Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) expressing the same odorant receptor target their axons to a single glomerulus out of approximately 50 glomeruli in the antennal lobe. Previous studies have showed that the axons of Atonal ORNs, specified by Atonal, a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor, pioneer antennal lobe formation; however, the details remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that genetic ablation of Atonal ORNs affects antennal lobe structure and axon targeting of Amos ORNs, another type of ORN specified by the bHLH transcription factor Amos. During development, Atonal ORNs reach the antennal lobe and form the axon commissure before Amos ORNs. We also found that N‐cadherin knockdown specifically in Atonal ORNs disrupts the glomerular boundary in the whole antennal lobe. Our results suggest that Atonal ORNs function as pioneer axons. Thus, correct axon targeting of Atonal ORNs is essential for formation of the whole antennal lobe.
Liver stiffness‐spleen size‐to‐platelet ratio risk score identifies esophageal varices in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Shibata Soichiro , Umemura Takeji , Yamazaki Tomoo , Fujimori Naoyuki , Ichikawa Yuki , Kimura Takefumi , Joshita Satoru , Komatsu Michiharu , Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimNon‐invasive methods are needed to identify esophageal varices (EV) in patients with chronic liver disease. To this end, we evaluated liver stiffness (LS)‐spleen diameter‐to‐platelet ratio risk score (LSPS) in predicting EV among Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients.MethodsA total of 99 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had undergone endoscopy, LS measurement and ultrasonography between 2013 and 2014 were enrolled. Clinical data were compared with those for other non‐invasive markers (platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio, FIB‐4 index and platelet‐to‐spleen ratio), spleen size, LS and controlled attenuation parameter. Diagnostic applicability was assessed by the area under the receiver–operator curve (AUC) and predictive values along with multivariate logistic regression.ResultsLSPS was significantly correlated to the grade of EV (ρ = 0.617, P < 0.001) and was superior to the other non‐invasive indices for determination of EV. LSPS was independently associated with EV by multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 3.079; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.137–4.438; P < 0.001). The cut‐off value of LSPS for EV was 0.7, for which the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 0.928 (95% CI, 0.876–0.980), 86.3%, 89.6%, 70.4%, 95.8% and 88.9%, respectively.ConclusionLSPS may also identify EV in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Japan. The clinical values of LSPS for EV risk merit further validation in larger prospective studies.
Exploring the association between maternal prenatal multivitamin use and early infant growth: The Healthy Start Study
Authors: Sauder K. A. , Starling A. P. , Shapiro A. L. , Kaar J. L. , Ringham B. M. , Glueck D. H. , Dabelea D. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundPrenatal multivitamin supplementation is recommended to improve offspring outcomes, but effects on early infant growth are unknown.ObjectivesWe examined whether multivitamin supplementation in the year before delivery predicts offspring mass, body composition and early infant growth.MethodsMultivitamin use was assessed longitudinally in 626 women from the Healthy Start Study. Offspring body size and composition was measured with air displacement plethysmography at birth (<3 days) and postnatally (median 5.2 months). Separate multiple linear regressions assessed the relationship of weeks of daily multivitamin use with offspring mass, body composition and postnatal growth, after adjustment for potential confounders (maternal age, race, pre‐pregnant body mass index; offspring gestational age at birth, sex; breastfeeding exclusivity).ResultsMaternal multivitamin use was not related to offspring mass or body composition at birth, or rate of change in total or fat‐free mass in the first 5 months. Multivitamin use was inversely associated with average monthly growth in offspring percent fat mass (β = −0.009, p = 0.049) between birth and postnatal exam. Offspring of non‐users had a monthly increase in percent fat mass of 3.45%, while offspring at the top quartile of multivitamin users had a monthly increase in percent fat mass of 3.06%. This association was not modified by exclusive breastfeeding.ConclusionsIncreased multivitamin use in the pre‐conception and prenatal periods was associated with a slower rate of growth in offspring percent fat mass in the first 5 months of life. This study provides further evidence that in utero nutrient exposures may affect offspring adiposity beyond birth.
Prevalence of childhood obesity in the state of Kuwait
Authors: Elkum N. , Al‐Arouj M. , Sharifi M. , Shaltout A. , Bennakhi A. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundOverweight and obesity have reached an epidemic in Kuwait, with the highest rate of adult obesity in the region. National estimates of childhood obesity in Kuwait are scarce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children in Kuwait.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study of a representative sample of 6–18 years old school children, randomly selected from 244 schools in Kuwait. Anthropometric data was measured from 6574 students in September 2012–June 2013. Overweight and obesity have been defined in accordance with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 criteria.ResultsThe prevalence estimate overweight was based on the three different systems (CDC = 17.7%, IOTF = 23.3%, WHO = 21.6%). The prevalence of obesity was (CDC = 33.9%, IOTF = 28.2%, WHO = 30.5%). Boys had a higher percentage of obesity regardless of the classification system used.ConclusionsThe prevalence of childhood obesity is alarmingly high in the State of Kuwait and exceeds the prevalence rates reported from neighbouring countries and from North America.