bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and tolerability of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in nontransplant and post‐liver transplant patients with hepatitis C genotype 1
Authors: Lutchman G. , Nguyen N. H. , Chang C. Y. , Ahmed A. , Daugherty T. , Garcia G. , Kumari R. , Gupta S. , Doshi D. , Nguyen M. H. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundHepatitis C virus genotype 1a (HCV‐1a), prior treatment, cirrhosis and post‐transplant status are historically associated with poor treatment responses. The new oral direct‐acting agents appear to be effective and safe in these patients.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in a diverse real‐life cohort of patients, including difficult‐to‐treat patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in 198 consecutive patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 (148 nontransplant, 50 post transplant), who were treated with simeprevir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks between December 2013 and December 2014. Primary outcome was sustained virological response with undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12). Risk factors evaluated for lack of SVR12 included HCV 1a (vs. 1b), prior treatment (vs. none), and cirrhosis (vs. no cirrhosis).ResultsSVR12 rates were similar in non‐ and post‐transplant settings, 82% and 88%, respectively. There were no significant differences in adverse events in patients regardless of cirrhosis or transplant status. On multivariate analysis also inclusive of gender and liver transplant status, negative predictors of SVR12 were having at least 2 or 3 risk factors (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.87, P = 0.027 or 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.85, P = 0.025, respectively).ConclusionSimeprevir and sofosbuvir combination is a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of non‐ and post‐transplant patients with traditional risk factors for poor treatment response, unless more than 2 difficult‐to‐treat risk factors are present.
Effects of addition of Aspergillus oryzae culture and 2‐hydroxyl‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid on milk performance and rumen fermentation of dairy cows
Authors: Sun Hua , Wu Yueming , Wang Yanming , Wang Chong , Liu Jianxin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTo investigate effects of Aspergillus oryzae culture (AOC) and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMB) on milk performance and rumen fermentation of dairy cows. Sixty‐four multiparous Chinese Holstein cows were randomly allocated into four experimental diets: (i) Control diet; (ii) AOC diet: 5 g AOC/day per head; (iii) HMB diet: 25 g HMB/day; and (iv) AH diet: 5 g AOC plus 25 g HMB/day. Added HMB tended to increase the yield of milk protein (P = 0.06) and 3.5% fat‐corrected milk (P = 0.08) and milk fat content (P = 0.09). Milk fat yield (P = 0.03) and the contents of milk protein (P = 0.05) were increased by adding HMB. The cows fed on AOC diet had a tendency for higher body weight (BW) gain (P = 0.08). Addition of AOC, HMB and AH increased content of microbial protein (MCP) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) (P < 0.01) in rumen fluid. Populations of rumen fungi, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens relative to total bacterial 16S rDNA (P ≤ 0.03) and activity of carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) (P < 0.01) were increased with added AOC or HMB. It is inferred that added AOC or HMB can increase the contents of MCP and total VFA potentially by stimulating rumen microbe populations and CMCase activity.
Sufficient Dimension Reduction for Censored Predictors
Authors: Tomassi Diego , Forzani Liliana , Bura Efstathia , Pfeiffer Ruth 
Published: August 2016

Summary
Motivated by a study conducted to evaluate the associations of 51 inflammatory markers and lung cancer risk, we propose several approaches of varying computational complexity for analyzing multiple correlated markers that are also censored due to lower and/or upper limits of detection, using likelihood-based sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) methods. We extend the theory and the likelihood-based SDR framework in two ways: (i) we accommodate censored predictors directly in the likelihood, and (ii) we incorporate variable selection. We find linear combinations that contain all the information that the correlated markers have on an outcome variable (i.e., are sufficient for modeling and prediction of the outcome) while accounting for censoring of the markers. These methods yield efficient estimators and can be applied to any type of outcome, including continuous and categorical. We illustrate and compare all methods using data from the motivating study and in simulations. We find that explicitly accounting for the censoring in the likelihood of the SDR methods can lead to appreciable gains in efficiency and prediction accuracy, and also outperformed multiple imputations combined with standard SDR.
FORECASTING GLOBAL EQUITY INDICES USING LARGE BAYESIAN VARS
Authors: Huber Florian , Krisztin Tamás , Piribauer Philipp 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a large Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (BVAR) model with common stochastic volatility to forecast global equity indices. Using a monthly dataset on global stock indices, the BVAR model controls for co‐movement commonly observed in global stock markets. Moreover, the time‐varying specification of the covariance structure accounts for sudden shifts in the level of volatility. In an out‐of‐sample forecasting application we show that the BVAR model with stochastic volatility significantly outperforms the random walk both in terms of point as well as density predictions. The BVAR model without stochastic volatility, on the other hand, shows some merits relative to the random walk for forecast horizons greater than six months ahead. In a portfolio allocation exercise we moreover provide evidence that it is possible to use the forecasts obtained from our model with common stochastic volatility to set up simple investment strategies. Our results indicate that these simple investment schemes outperform a naive buy‐and‐hold strategy.
Alignment between values of dryland pastoralists and conservation needs for small mammals
Authors: Addison Jane , Pavey Chris R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPolicies for conservation outside protected areas, such as those designed to address the decline in Australian mammals, will not result in net improvements unless they address barriers to proenvironmental behavior. We used a mixed‐methods approach to explore potential value‐action gaps (disconnects between values and subsequent action) for small mammal conservation behaviors among pastoralists in dryland Australia. Using semistructured surveys and open‐ended interviews (n = 43), we explored values toward small mammals; uptake of a range of current and intended actions that may provide benefit to small mammals; and potential perceived barriers to their uptake. Pastoralists assigned great conservation value to small mammals; over 80% (n = 36) agreed to strongly agreed that small mammals on their property were important. These values did not translate into stated willingness to engage in voluntary cessation of wild‐dog control (r2 = 0.187, p = 0.142, n = 43). However, assigning great conservation value to small mammals was strongly related to stated voluntary willingness to engage in the proenvironmental behavior most likely to result in benefits to small mammals: cat and fox control (r2 = 0.558, p = 0.000, n = 43). There was no significant difference between stated voluntarily and incentivized willingness to engage in cat and fox control (p = 0.862, n = 43). The high levels of willingness to engage in voluntary cat and fox control highlight a potential entry point for addressing Australia's mammal declines because the engagement of pastoralists in conservation programs targeting cat and fox control is unlikely to be prevented by attitudinal constraints. Qualitative data suggest there is likely a subpopulation of pastoralists who value small mammals but do not wish to engage in formal conservation programs due to relational barriers with potential implementers. A long‐term commitment to engagement with pastoralists by implementers will thus be necessary for conservation success. On‐property cat and fox control programs that build and leverage trust, shared goals, collaboration, and shared learning experiences between stakeholders and that explicitly recognize the complexity of small mammal dynamics and the property‐level ecological knowledge of pastoralists are more likely to gain traction.
Prevalence of autism and attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder in Down syndrome: a population‐based study
Authors: Oxelgren Ulrika Wester , Myrelid Åsa , Annerén Göran , Ekstam Bodil , Göransson Cathrine , Holmbom Agneta , Isaksson Anne , Åberg Marie , Gustafsson Jan , Fernell Elisabeth 
Published: August 2016

AimTo investigate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a population‐based group of children and adolescents with Down syndrome, and to relate the findings to level of intellectual disability and to medical conditions.MethodFrom a population‐based cohort of 60 children and adolescents with Down syndrome, 41 individuals (29 males, 12 females; mean age 11y, age range 5–17y) for whom parents gave consent for participation were clinically assessed with regard to ASD and ADHD. The main instruments used were the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham–IV Rating Scale, and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System–II.ResultsHigh rates of ASD and ADHD were found: 17 (42%) and 14 (34%) of the 41 children met DSM criteria for ASD and ADHD respectively.InterpretationChildren with Down syndrome and coexisting neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders in addition to intellectual disability and medical disorders constitute a severely disabled group. Based on the results, we suggest that screening is implemented for both ASD and ADHD, at the age of 3 to 5 years and early school years respectively, to make adequate interventions possible.
Adequacy of initial evaluation of fever in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Yamada Kosuke , Nakagawa Takafumi , Hatto Hidenori , Miyachi Junichiro , Narushima Masato , Sakushima Ken , Fukuma Shingo , Yamada Yukari , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: August 2016

AimFebrile residents in long‐term care facilities (LTCF) might be inadequately evaluated by caregivers. The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with inadequacy of initial fever evaluations by caregivers at night in LTCF.MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional study among a convenience sample of caregivers employed at 11 LTCF in Japan using a vignette‐based questionnaire. The respondents were randomly assigned to one of two scenarios describing a mild or severe febrile episode in an LTCF resident at night. The respondents’ thinking patterns were classified based on influential factors in their fever evaluation. Associations between adequacy of evaluation and respondents’ characteristics were evaluated using generalized linear mixed models.ResultsA total of 34% of fever evaluations among caregivers were considered to be inadequate regarding the necessity for examination by a physician, due in most cases to underestimating the severity of the fever. Respondents’ thinking patterns in fever evaluation were significantly associated with the adequacy of the evaluation. Caregivers who placed particular importance on the preferences of residents and families versus other factors including the resident's febrile condition, were more likely to make an inadequate evaluation than those who did not.ConclusionsOur findings here suggest that eagerness to comply with residents’ preference in fever evaluation could prompt caregivers not to call for an appropriate diagnostic procedure. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1294–1299.
Custom Map Projections for Regional Groundwater Models
Authors: Kuniansky Eve L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFor regional groundwater flow models (areas greater than 100,000 km2), improper choice of map projection parameters can result in model error for boundary conditions dependent on area (recharge or evapotranspiration simulated by application of a rate using cell area from model discretization) and length (rivers simulated with head‐dependent flux boundary). Smaller model areas can use local map coordinates, such as State Plane (United States) or Universal Transverse Mercator (correct zone) without introducing large errors. Map projections vary in order to preserve one or more of the following properties: area, shape, distance (length), or direction. Numerous map projections are developed for different purposes as all four properties cannot be preserved simultaneously. Preservation of area and length are most critical for groundwater models. The Albers equal‐area conic projection with custom standard parallels, selected by dividing the length north to south by 6 and selecting standard parallels 1/6th above or below the southern and northern extent, preserves both area and length for continental areas in mid latitudes oriented east‐west. Custom map projection parameters can also minimize area and length error in non‐ideal projections. Additionally, one must also use consistent vertical and horizontal datums for all geographic data. The generalized polygon for the Floridan aquifer system study area (306,247.59 km2) is used to provide quantitative examples of the effect of map projections on length and area with different projections and parameter choices. Use of improper map projection is one model construction problem easily avoided.
A systematic review of the psychometric properties of bronchiolitis assessment tools
Authors: Davies Clare J. , Waters Donna , Marshall Andrea 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of tools developed for the purpose of assessing infants with bronchiolitis.BackgroundBronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants under the age of 1 year. Several bronchiolitis assessment tools have been developed primarily for use in randomized control trials of medical treatments for infants with bronchiolitis, however, the reliability and validity of many of these tools is not well reported.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesCINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed electronic databases were searched between January 1960–December 2015 using the key words ‘bronchiolitis’ and ‘assessment’ or ‘screen’ or ‘tool’ or ‘scale’ or ‘score’.Review methodsA systematic review of the psychometric properties of bronchiolitis assessment tools was undertaken using the COSMIN checklist.ResultsFourteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed and the methodological quality of the studies and reported psychometric properties of 11 instruments were assessed. Overall, the reliability and validity of bronchiolitis assessment tools was poorly established. Although several studies reported that their tools had good inter‐rater reliability, the methodological quality of these studies was generally poor. Only one study underwent psychometric testing that was assessed as being of excellent quality. The Respiratory Distress Assessment Index was deemed to have undergone the most rigorous psychometric testing but had poor to moderate construct validity and considerable test–retest error.ConclusionCurrent bronchiolitis assessment tools lack clearly established reliability and validity and may not be sensitive to clinically meaningful outcomes for patients.
Is Facebook still a suitable technology‐enhanced learning environment? An updated critical review of the literature from 2012 to 2015
Authors: Manca S. , Ranieri M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis study provides an updated critical review of the literature on Facebook as a technology‐enhanced learning environment based on papers published between 2012 and 2015. It adopts a revised classification of the categories identified in a previous study, which emphasized three main Facebook affordances – mixing information and learning resources, hybridization of expertise and widening context of learning. The aim is to investigate to what extent studies using Facebook as a learning environment exploited these affordances. Literature has been also analysed according to three types of educational use of Facebook – formal use in formal learning settings (FUF), informal use in formal learning settings (IUF) and use in informal learning settings (UI) – to highlight if and how Facebook affordances have been exploited in these learning settings. Literature search identified 147 articles published in peer‐reviewed journals. The results show that most of the articles can be classified as dealing with FUF (N = 69; 46.9%) or as IUF (N = 68; 46.3%); only a minority concerns the UI (N = 10; 6.8%). Overall, the study found that Facebook pedagogical affordances are still partially implemented, although different types of educational use of Facebook exploit these affordances to different degrees. It also provides indications for future research.Lay descriptionWhat is currently known about the subject matter:

Facebook still stands as the most popular social network site
There is an abundant research literature on Facebook
Studies on the educational value of Facebook have grown exponentially in the last years
A review on Facebook as a technology‐enhanced learning environment was published in 2013
What this paper adds:

This study is an update of the critical review published in 2013
It takes into account studies published between 2012 and 2015
It refines the methodology adopted in the 2013 review
It introduces a classification of educational uses of Facebook according to the formal/informal continuum
Implications of study findings for practitioners:

Facebook is still mostly considered as an open alternative to traditional learning management systems
Facebook pedagogical affordances are still partially implemented
Teacher guidance and forms of assessment are claimed according to degrees of formality and informality
Cultural issues in the use of Facebook in education should be further investigated
A Novel Annotation Technique During Mapping to Facilitate the Termination of Atrial Tachycardia Following Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: RAV‐ACHA MOSHE , NG CHEE YUAN , HEIST E. KEVIN , ROZEN GUY , CHALHOUB FADI , KOSTIS WILLIAM J. , RUSKIN JEREMY , MANSOUR MOUSSA 
Published: August 2016

A Novel Annotation Technique During Mapping to Facilitate the Termination of ATIntroductionThe treatment of atrial tachycardia (AT) occurring after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging. The most common ablation strategy relies on entrainment, and electroanatomic activation mapping (EAM) using a conventional window of interest (WOI), centered on the easily detectable atrial signal on the coronary sinus catheter. We describe a novel EAM annotation technique that uses a WOI starting 40 milliseconds prior to the P wave in order to detect the reentrant AT exit site. This WOI timing is based on the similarity between scar‐related reentrant AT and scar‐related ventricular tachycardia.MethodsPatients with AT after prior ablation for AF were included. The EAM of the AT was performed using the novel mapping annotation technique. The ablation was considered successful if the AT terminated during ablation at the site identified by this strategy.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients with 36 ATs were included. The ATs were classified as follows: mitral annulus (13/36), roof (11/36), anterior/posterior/lateral left atrial wall (10/36), and RA (2/36). A complete EAM using the novel annotation technique was achieved in 34 of 36 AT's, encompassing 94 ± 6.5% of the cycle length. Low amplitude pre‐P fractionated electrograms were found in 34 of 36 (94%) ATs and these occurred at a mean distance of 1.8 ± 1.2 mm from the “early‐meets‐late” line. Ablation at these areas resulted in termination of 34 of 36 ATs (94%).ConclusionThe novel EAM annotation allows the accurate detection of the critical isthmus of post‐AF ablation AT. Ablation of these isthmuses results in termination of the AT in the vast majority of patients.
The effect on clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation following non‐surgical periodontal therapy with ultrasonics and chemotherapeutic cooling solutions: a systematic review
Authors: Van der Sluijs Marjolein , Van der Sluijs Eveline , Van der Weijden Fridus , Slot Dagmar Else 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimTo establish the added effect of a chemotherapeutic cooling solution in an ultrasonic device on clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation following non‐surgical periodontal therapy.MethodsThe MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, and the EMBASE databases were searched. Probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) and their changes were selected as outcome variables. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the following active ingredients: essential oils (EO), povidone–iodine (PVP), and chlorhexidine (CHX).ResultsScreening of 100 unique papers resulted in 14 eligible publications, including 16 comparisons. The meta‐analysis (MA) showed that when the ultrasonic cooling solution had adjuvant chemotherapeutic properties, the difference of means (DiffM) for end value PPD‐0.12 (95% CI: −0.42; 0.18) and for CAL the DiffM+‐0.13 (95% CI: −0.39; 0.14). None of these were statistically significant, and the findings were supported by the overall descriptive analysis. Subgroup analysis only revealed a small effect for PVP on the difference (DiffM = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.43; −0.02) with respect to CAL (p = 0.03).ConclusionsThe collective evidence indicates that overall, no additional effects were observed. There is a “very weak” recommendation based on the sub‐analysis showing that in conjunction with PVP, a very small gain in CAL may be expected. For the use of CHX or EO, the added effect can be considered to be “zero.” Therefore, the strength and direction of the recommendation emerging from this review is against their use.
Reference intervals for biochemical and haematological analytes of juvenile captive‐bred long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from Mauritius with examination of the effects of individual characteristics using principal component analysis
Authors: Naiken Sandiren , Griffiths Mary‐Ann , Hurdial Jaymahalaxmi R. , Narainapoulle Sam , Honess Paul 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe Mauritian cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is widely used in biomedical research. Determining reference intervals for biochemical and haematological analytes provides an important tool for clinical diagnosis and pre‐clinical research.MethodsBlood samples from 736 Mauritian long‐tailed macaques were analysed to determine reference intervals of 13 biochemical and 10 haematological analytes. The need for partitioning the reference interval between males and females was determined. To examine the variation associated with age, body weight and sex on the analytes, our correlating, multivariate data set was first reduced using principal component analysis, and then the effect of these characteristics on factor scores was examined using GLM analysis.ResultsPartitioning of reference intervals, based on sex, was recommended for albumin, alkaline phosphatase and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Sex significantly influenced the concentration of lymphocytes, granulocytes and white blood cells.ConclusionThese findings provide useful reference data for research involving Mauritian long‐tailed macaques.