bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower calyceal and renal pelvic stones in preschool children: A comparative study of mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
Authors: ElSheemy Mohammed S , Daw Kareem , Habib Enmar , Aboulela Waseem , Fathy Hesham , Shouman Ahmed M , El Ghoneimy Mohamed , Shoukry Ahmed I , Morsi Hany A , Badawy Hesham 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo compare outcomes of the mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for lower calyceal and renal pelvic stones in preschool children.MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2014, single renal pelvic or lower calyceal calculi 10–25 mm in size in children (age ≤6 years) treated by either extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (64 patients) or the mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique (54 patients) were included. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy was carried out by using a Dornier electromagnetic lithotripter. The mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique was through 14‐Fr renal access using a 9.5‐Fr semirigid ureteroscope with holmium:yttrium aluminium garnet lithotripsy. The two study groups were compared using Mann–Whitney, χ2‐test or Fisher's exact test.ResultsStone parameters were similar in the mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy groups in all patients, and in the pelvic (39 Miniperc, 52 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy) and lower calyceal (15 Miniperc, 12 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy) subgroups. Stone‐free rates in the mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy groups were 88.9% versus 43.8% (P < 0.001) and 94.4% versus 81.2% (P = 0.032) after first and last sessions, respectively. In the renal pelvis, they were 87.2% versus 50% (P < 0.001) and 94.9% versus 84.6% (P = 0.179), whereas in the lower calyx, they were 93.3% versus 16.7% (P < 0.001) and 93.3% versus 66.7% (P = 0.139) after first and last sessions, respectively. Retreatment rates in the mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique versus extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy were 7.4% versus 50% (P < 0.001), 7.7% versus 46.2% (P < 0.001), and 6.7% versus 66.7% (P = 0.003) in all patients, renal pelvic and lower calyceal stones, respectively. No significant difference was found in complications (P = 0.521). Auxiliary procedures were required in 9.4% and 1.9% of children in the extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique groups, respectively.ConclusionsThe mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotripsy technique has significantly higher stone‐free rates than extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for renal pelvic and lower calyceal stones (10–25 mm), with a lower retreatment rate and without a significant increase in complications.
Stock Liquidity Risk and the Cross‐sectional Earnings‐Returns Relationship
Authors: Isshaq Zangina , Faff Robert 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe argue that a higher sensitivity to aggregate market‐wide liquidity shocks (i.e., a higher liquidity risk) implies a tendency for a stock's price to converge to fundamentals. We test this intuition within the framework of the earnings‐returns relationship. We find a positive liquidity risk effect on the relationship between return and expected change in earnings. This effect on the earnings‐returns relationship is distinct from the negative effect observed for stock illiquidity level. Notably, the liquidity risk effect is evident (absent) during periods of neutral/low (high) aggregate market liquidity. We also show that the liquidity risk effect is dominant in firms that: (a) are of intermediate size; (b) are of intermediate book‐to‐market; and (c) are profit making.
Differential diagnosis of Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms
Authors: Stefanaki C. , Stefanaki K. , Chardalias L. , Soura E. , Stratigos A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAtypical Spitzoid neoplasms represent a controversial and incompletely defined diagnostic category for lesions with intermediate architecture and cytomorphology between Spitz nevus and melanoma. The vast majority of these neoplasms have a good overall prognosis. Only a small proportion of patients will end up developing distant metastases and death. The distinction between Spitz tumours with atypical features and Spitzoid melanoma remains difficult on clinical and histological grounds and the prediction of the biological behaviour of those tumours even with sentinel lymph node biopsy is impossible. Tools such as immunohistochemistry, genetic analysis, mutation analysis and mass spectometry have contributed to the better understanding of those tumours and may be useful in the differential diagnosis of Spitzoid tumours.
Effects of Elevated Temperature on the Shell Density of the Large Benthic Foraminifera Amphistegina lobifera
Authors: Prazeres Martina , Pandolfi John M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of elevated temperature on shell density and Mg‐ATPase activity of Amphistegina lobifera. This species is abundant in shallow reef habitats, and can be vulnerable to daily physicochemical fluctuations. To assess potential responses and acclimation mechanisms of A. lobifera to changing temperature conditions, we performed a blocked‐design experiment exposing specimens collected from different reef sites (inshore and offshore) to three temperature treatments (Control: 24 °C, + 2 °C: 26 °C and + 5 °C: 29 °C) for 30 days. The final size and shell density of inshore reef foraminifera were unaffected by elevated temperature, and the enzyme activity in these individuals showed that they were able to acclimate to new temperature conditions. In contrast, offshore A. lobifera were more sensitive to changes in temperature, and heat stress caused growth impairment and inhibited Mg‐ATPase activity. However, newly added chambers were not affected. These results suggested that Mg‐ATPase plays an important role in regulating intracellular Mg2+ ions, but has little influence in the onset of calcification in A. lobifera. Moreover, it suggests that even though A. lobifera can regulate intracellular functions, local habitat seems to play a crucial role in determining how foraminifera respond to environmental changes.
Potential distribution of the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus in the Great Lakes region
Authors: Escobar L E , Kurath G , Escobar‐Dodero J , Craft M E , Phelps N B D 
Published: May 2016

AbstractViral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) genotype IVb has been responsible for large‐scale fish mortality events in the Great Lakes of North America. Anticipating the areas of potential VHSV occurrence is key to designing epidemiological surveillance and disease prevention strategies in the Great Lakes basin. We explored the environmental features that could shape the distribution of VHSV, based on remote sensing and climate data via ecological niche modelling. Variables included temperature measured during the day and night, precipitation, vegetation, bathymetry, solar radiation and topographic wetness. VHSV occurrences were obtained from available reports of virus confirmation in laboratory facilities. We fit a Maxent model using VHSV‐IVb reports and environmental variables under different parameterizations to identify the best model to determine potential VHSV occurrence based on environmental suitability. VHSV reports were generated from both passive and active surveillance. VHSV occurrences were most abundant near shore sites. We were, however, able to capture the environmental signature of VHSV based on the environmental variables employed in our model, allowing us to identify patterns of VHSV potential occurrence. Our findings suggest that VHSV is not at an ecological equilibrium and more areas could be affected, including areas not in close geographic proximity to past VHSV reports.
Microwave Blanching: An Emerging Trend in Food Engineering and its Effects on Capsicum annuum L
Authors: Ranjan Shivendu , Dasgupta Nandita , Walia Niharika , Thara Chand C. , Ramalingam Chidambaram 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBlanching is the most widely used processing techniques that increases the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and canned food. It softens the fruits and vegetables, aids in peeling and is vital to the canning process. This review elucidates the pros and cons of blanching – both wet and dry – on food products, with a special reference to bell peppers. Agricultural products with high nutritional value and substantial market demand need to be preserved to retain freshness and nutritional qualities till it reaches the processing industry or the consumer. In this review, we described the various attributes of the wet and dry blanching processes with the aim of providing a guide for the reader to design a blanching technique that may maximize the retention of nutrients, micronutrients and volatiles while minimizing the retention of enzymes that cause degradation of fruits and vegetables.Practical ApplicationsThis study shows that microwave blanching of food products is far better approach than other blanching methods as it causes minimal/lesser damage unlike IR blanching and wet blanching methods. This can be said based on the fact that microwave blanching does not involve water as required in the process of wet blanching and, thus, reduces the chances of microbial contamination. The results found in this study can be applied in the development of an optimized blanching approach as to minimize the retention of enzymes that causes degradation and to maximize the retention of nutrients, micronutrients and volatiles.
Economic burden and health‐related quality of life associated with Prader–Willi syndrome in France
Authors: Chevreul K. , Berg Brigham K. , Clément M.‐C. , Poitou C. , Tauber M. ,   Members of the BURQOL‐RD Research Network listed in the Online Appendix
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo date, there has been no published comprehensive estimation of costs related to Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Our objective was therefore to provide data on the economic burden and health‐related quality of life associated with PWS in France in order to raise awareness of the repercussions on individuals suffering from this syndrome and on caregivers as well as on the health and social care systems.MethodA retrospective cross‐sectional study was carried out on 51 individuals recruited through the French PWS patient association. Data on their demographic characteristics and resource use were obtained from an online questionnaire, and costs were estimated by a bottom‐up approach. The EQ‐5D‐5L health questionnaire was used to measure the health‐related quality of life of individuals suffering from PWS and their caregivers.ResultsThe average annual cost of PWS was estimated at €58 890 per individual, with direct healthcare accounting for €42 299, direct non‐healthcare formal costs €13 865 and direct non‐healthcare informal costs €8459. The main contributors to PWS costs were hospitalisations and social services. Indirect costs resulting from loss of productivity in the labour market was €32 542 for adults suffering from PWS. Mean EQ‐5D utility scores were 0.4 for individuals with PWS and 0.7 for caregivers.ConclusionsPrader–Willi syndrome represents a major economic burden from a societal perspective and has a significant impact on health‐related quality of life both for individuals suffering from PWS and for their caregivers in France. These results underscore the need to develop tailored policies targeted at improving care. Likewise, a larger study collecting a broader range of medical characteristics should be undertaken to achieve more precise estimations.
Muscle moment arms and sensitivity analysis of a mouse hindlimb musculoskeletal model
Authors: Charles James P. , Cappellari Ornella , Spence Andrew J. , Wells Dominic J. , Hutchinson John R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMusculoskeletal modelling has become a valuable tool with which to understand how neural, muscular, skeletal and other tissues are integrated to produce movement. Most musculoskeletal modelling work has to date focused on humans or their close relatives, with few examples of quadrupedal animal limb models. A musculoskeletal model of the mouse hindlimb could have broad utility for questions in medicine, genetics, locomotion and neuroscience. This is due to this species’ position as a premier model of human disease, having an array of genetic tools for manipulation of the animal in vivo, and being a small quadruped, a category for which few models exist. Here, the methods used to develop the first three‐dimensional (3D) model of a mouse hindlimb and pelvis are described. The model, which represents bones, joints and 39 musculotendon units, was created through a combination of previously gathered muscle architecture data from microdissections, contrast‐enhanced micro‐computed tomography (CT) scanning and digital segmentation. The model allowed muscle moment arms as well as muscle forces to be estimated for each musculotendon unit throughout a range of joint rotations. Moment arm analysis supported the reliability of musculotendon unit placement within the model, and comparison to a previously published rat hindlimb model further supported the model's reliability. A sensitivity analysis performed on both the force‐generating parameters and muscle's attachment points of the model indicated that the maximal isometric muscle moment is generally most sensitive to changes in either tendon slack length or the coordinates of insertion, although the degree to which the moment is affected depends on several factors. This model represents the first step in the creation of a fully dynamic 3D computer model of the mouse hindlimb and pelvis that has application to neuromuscular disease, comparative biomechanics and the neuromechanical basis of movement. Capturing the morphology and dynamics of the limb, it enables future dissection of the complex interactions between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems as well as the environment.
Presidential Address: Debt and Money: Financial Constraints and Sovereign Finance
Authors: BOLTON PATRICK 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTEconomic analyses of corporate finance, money, and sovereign debt are largely considered separately. I introduce a novel corporate finance framing of sovereign finance based on the analogy between fiat liabilities for sovereigns and equity for corporations. The analysis focuses on financial constraints at the country level, making explicit the trade‐offs involved in relying on domestic versus foreign‐currency debt to finance investments or government expenditures. This framing provides new insights into issues ranging from the costs and benefits of inflation, optimal foreign exchange reserves, and sovereign debt restructuring.
Quantitative Analysis Using High‐Resolution 3T MRI in Acute Intracranial Artery Dissection
Authors: Jung Seung Chai , Kim Ho Sung , Choi Choong‐Gon , Kim Sang Joon , Lee Deok Hee , Suh Dae Chul , Kwon Sun U. , Kang Dong‐Wha , Kim Jong S. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEQuantitative measurements, as well as qualitative characterizations, of the vessel walls of the small intracranial arteries became clinically available and reliable beyond the resolution limit of 1.5 T high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR‐MRI) with the development of 3 T HR‐MRI. We present the quantitative dissection findings of spontaneous and unruptured acute intracranial artery dissection (SID) using 3 T HR‐MRI and investigate the differences between each cerebral artery.METHODSTwenty‐eight lesions (anterior cerebral artery = 6; middle cerebral artery = 4; vertebral artery = 18) from 26 patients (17 male and 9 female patients; mean age = 47 years; age range = 32–74 years) with presumptive diagnoses of SID were included. The diagnosis was determined based on the clinical features, findings on luminal angiography (such as digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance angiography), and HR‐MRI. HR‐MRI was performed within one month from onset. The neuroimaging indices (maximal outer diameter and area, remodeling index and modified remodeling index, and wall thickness and wall area index) of aneurysmal dilatation and the signal intensities of the intramural hematomas were rated using HR‐MRI. The results were compared between each cerebral artery.RESULTSThe maximal outer diameter and area, remodeling index and modified remodeling index, and wall thickness index and length were significantly different between anterior and posterior circulation (P < .05). The mean relative signal intensities of the intramural hematoma showed consistent values, regardless of the cerebral arteries, without significant difference.CONCLUSIONSNeuroimaging indices of aneurysmal dilatation may be adjunctive indicators in the evaluation of SID.
Parenting matters: a longitudinal study into parenting and adolescent sleep
Authors: Meijer Anne Marie , Reitz Ellen , Dekoviċ Maja 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe current three‐wave longitudinal study examined the differential relations between general parenting behaviour (monitoring, autonomy granting, and the quality of the parent–adolescent relationship) and adolescent sleep (bedtimes, time in bed, sleep quality and sleepiness) over a period of 2 years. At Time 1, the sample consisted of 650 adolescents between 12 and 15 years old (M = 13.36 years; SD = 0.55 years). At Time 2, 563 adolescents participated, and at Time 3 there were 493 adolescents. The distribution of boys and girls was about equal. Adolescents completed questionnaires in the classroom. Linear mixed model analyses were performed, controlling for sex, age, social economic status and ethnicity. Results showed that higher levels of monitoring contributed to earlier bedtimes, longer time in bed, better sleep quality and less sleepiness. The parent–adolescent relationship quality showed positive associations with time in bed, sleep quality and sleepiness, but not with bedtimes. Autonomy granting appeared hardly to be related to any of the sleep variables. In addition, passing of time, sex and ethnicity contributed to adolescent sleep as main effects or in interaction with parental control and support, suggesting that the main effects of monitoring and the quality of the parent–adolescent relationship are not constant across the whole range of the covariates. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that general parenting behaviour may contribute to better adolescent sleep over time. Therefore, the involvement of parents in improvement of adolescent sleep is highly advocated.
Reevaluating geographic variation in life‐history traits of a widespread Nearctic amphibian
Authors: Davenport J. M. , Hossack B. R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAnimals from cold environments are usually larger than animals from warm environments, which often produce clines in body size. Because variation in body size can lead to trade‐offs between growth and reproduction, life‐history traits should also vary across climatic gradients. To determine if life‐history traits of wood frogs Rana sylvatica vary with climate, we examined female and male body length, clutch size, and ovum size from 37 locations across an unprecedented 32° of latitude. In conflict with recent research, body size, and ovum size decreased in cold climates and at higher latitudes. Clutch size did not vary with climate or latitude, but reproductive effort (clutch size:female size) did, suggesting selection for a life‐history traits that favors maximizing propagule number over propagule size in cold climates. With accelerating climate change that will expose populations to novel environmental conditions, it is important to identify the limits of adaptation, which can be informed by greater understanding of variation in life‐history traits.
Mechanism of synergy between SIPI-8294 and β-lactam antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: He M. , Shao L. , Liu Q. , Li J. , Lin H. , Jing L. , Li M. , Chen D. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
SIPI-8294, as an erythromycin derivative, has only weak antibacterial effects on MRSA and MSSA. Interestingly, synergistic effect of SIPI-8294 with oxacillin was observed both in vitro and in vivo. Western blot and RT-PCR results demonstrate that mecA expressions were suppressed by SIPI-8294 in MRSA. Furthermore, the knock out of mecA in ATCC 43300 led to the loss of synergy of the combinations while mecA complemented strain showed almost the same synergistic capability compared to the wild type strain. However, the knock out of mecR1 and mecI in MRSA displayed no impact on the synergy of the combinations and the ability of SIPI-8294 to suppress mecA expression. In summary, our study has demonstrated that SIPI-8294 could dramatically reverse MRSA resistance to β-lactams both in vitro and in vivo owing to inhibiting mecA expression. However, mecR1 and mecI, as the pivotal regulatory genes of mecA, do not participate in SIPI-8294-mecA pathway. The research indicates that it may be a promising strategy for combating MRSA infections with the combinations of SIPI-8294 and β-lactam antibiotics. The research of the mechanism is important for structure modification and new drug development.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This study is the first report on the mechanism of synergy between SIPI-8294 and β-lactams against MRSA on the molecular level. In this study, SIPI-8294 showed strong synergistic effects on β-lactam antibiotics both in vitro and in vivo owing to inhibiting mecA expression. As pivotal regulatory genes of mecA, mecR1 and mecI do not participate in SIPI-8294-mecA pathway and are not involved in the synergism of SIPI-8294 and β-lactams. The research indicates that it may be a promising strategy for combating MRSA infections with the combinations of SIPI-8294 and β-lactams. The research is important for structure modification and new drug development.
Optimal Fleet Size and Fare Setting in Emerging Taxi Markets with Stochastic Demand
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Ukkusuri Satish V. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe emerging taxi services, for instance, Uber and Lyft, are challenging traditional fully regulated taxi markets. Transportation agencies are spending significant efforts to understand the optimal pricing and fleet size taxis that are efficient for a given urban area. This study develops a modeling framework for studying a decentralized equilibrium based market study where the fare is strictly regulated by a taxi commission. The nature of demand‐supply equilibria with stochastic demand are discussed to determine optimal development strategies, for instance, number of issued licenses and fare setting. Two Stackelberg games are formulated to specify leader‐follower relationships between transportation authorities and and the followers — taxi drivers and passengers. An iterative approach is designed to simulate the games and solve corresponding mathematical optimization problems. The case study is based on New York City data which shows that the taxi market may be oversupplied and underpriced, which confirms findings from other studies and price hikes in 2012. Furthermore, different development strategies are proposed based on two Stackelberg games to respond to intended taxi system changes, such as price and quantity elasticity of taxi demand, levels of demand variance, average taxi operation speed, passengers' waiting time value, and taxi service coverage. The results have important implications in determining development strategies for taxi industry with emerging taxi services, stochastic demand, and the rapidly changing environment.