bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameter Estimation in Rasch Models for Examinee‐Selected Items
Authors: Liu Chen‐Wei , Wang Wen‐Chung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe examinee‐selected‐item (ESI) design, in which examinees are required to respond to a fixed number of items in a given set of items (e.g., choose one item to respond from a pair of items), always yields incomplete data (i.e., only the selected items are answered and the others have missing data) that are likely nonignorable. Therefore, using standard item response theory models, which assume ignorable missing data, can yield biased parameter estimates so that examinees taking different sets of items to answer cannot be compared. To solve this fundamental problem, in this study the researchers utilized the specific objectivity of Rasch models by adopting the conditional maximum likelihood estimation (CMLE) and pairwise estimation (PE) methods to analyze ESI data, and conducted a series of simulations to demonstrate the advantages of the CMLE and PE methods over traditional estimation methods in recovering item parameters in ESI data. An empirical data set obtained from an experiment on the ESI design was analyzed to illustrate the implications and applications of the proposed approach to ESI data.
Effects ofTomato chlorosis viruson the performance of its key vector,Bemisia tabaci, in China
Authors: Li J. , Ding T. B. , Chi H. , Chu D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTomato chlorosis virus(ToCV), which is a newly emerged and rapidly spreading plant virus in China, has seriously reduced tomato production and quality over the past several years. In this study, the effect of ToCVon the demography of the whitefly,Bemisia tabacibiotype Q (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), fed on infected and healthy tomato plants was evaluated using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table. When reared on ToCV‐infected tomato plants, the fecundity, length of oviposition period and female adult longevity ofB. tabacibiotype Q decreased significantly, while the pre‐adult duration significantly increased compared to controls reared on healthy tomatoes. Consequently, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite of increase (λ) ofB. tabacibiotype Q on ToCV‐infected tomato plants significantly decreased compared to those on healthy tomatoes. Population projection predicted that a population ofB. tabacibiotype Q fed on ToCV‐infected tomatoes increases slower than on healthy plants. These findings demonstrated that ToCVinfection decreased the performance ofB. tabacibiotype Q on tomato plants.
Improving screening and brief intervention activities in primary health care: Secondary analysis of professional accuracy based on the AUDIT‐C
Authors: Palacio‐Vieira J. , Segura L. , Anderson P. , Wolstenholme A. , Drummond C. , Bendtsen P. , Wojnar M. , Kaner E. , Keurhorst M.N. , van Steenkiste B. , Kłoda K. , Mierzecki A. , Parkinson K. , Newbury‐Birch D. , Okulicz‐Kozaryn K. , Deluca P. , Colom J. , Gual A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroduction and objectiveThe ODHIN trial found that training and support and financial reimbursement increased the proportion of patients that were screened and given advice for their heavy drinking in primary health care. However, the impact of these strategies on professional accuracy in delivering screening and brief advice is underresearched and is the focus of this paper.MethodFrom 120 primary health care units (24 in each jurisdiction: Catalonia, England, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden), 746 providers participated in the baseline and the 12‐week implementation periods. Accuracy was measured in 2 ways: correctness in completing and scoring the screening instrument, AUDIT‐C; the proportion of screen‐negative patients given advice, and the proportion of screen‐positive patients not given advice. Odds ratios of accuracy were calculated for type of profession and for intervention group: training and support, financial reimbursement, and internet‐based counselling.ResultsThirty‐two of 36 711 questionnaires were incorrectly completed, and 65 of 29 641 screen‐negative patients were falsely classified. At baseline, 27% of screen‐negative patients were given advice, and 22.5% screen‐positive patients were not given advice. These proportions halved during the 12‐week implementation period, unaffected by training. Financial reimbursement reduced the proportion of screen‐positive patients not given advice (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.99; P < .05).ConclusionAlthough the use of AUDIT‐C as a screening tool was accurate, a considerable proportion of risky drinkers did not receive advice, which was reduced with financial incentives.
Microleakage around zirconia crown margins after ultrasonic scaling with self‐adhesive resin or resin modified glass ionomer cement
Authors: Chang Bright , Goldstein Ronald , Lin Chee Paul , Byreddy Sudha , Lawson Nathaniel C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo measure microleakage around zirconia crown margins cemented with self‐adhesive resin or resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement after ultrasonic scaling.Methods16 molars were prepared for crowns (margin 0.5 mm coronal of cementum‐enamel junction). Preparations were digitally scanned and zirconia crowns milled. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 8): self‐adhesive resin (RelyX Unicem 2) or resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) (RelyX Luting Plus) cements. After cementation, specimens were ultrasonic scaled with a piezoelectric device (60 s, hand pressure). After thermocycling (20,000 cycles/5‐55°C), specimens were immersed in 5 wt% fuchsine dye before sectioning bucco‐lingually. Microleakage was examined under 40× light magnification. Statistical comparisons were made using a paired t test and a two‐sample t test (α = .05).ResultsUltrasonic scaling did not alter microleakage at the margins of crowns (P = .31). There was no significant difference in microleakage of scaled and untreated margins with the use of different cements (P = .21). The amount of microleakage around margins that were scaled was not significantly different between cements (P = .14). Untreated margins of crowns cemented with RelyX Luting Plus showed a significantly higher microleakage than those cemented with RelyX Unicem 2 (P = .005).ConclusionsPiezoelectric ultrasonic scaling did not increase microleakage at the margin of zirconia crowns cemented with self‐adhesive resin or RMGI cements.Clinical significancePiezoelectric ultrasonic scaling around zirconia crowns did not impact marginal microleakage cemented with self‐adhesive resin or RMGI cements.
Involvement of shared mucosal‐associated microbiota in the duodenum and rectum in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Li Gangping , Yang Min , Jin Yu , Li Ying , Qian Wei , Xiong Hanhua , Song Jun , Hou Xiaohua 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimMost studies of diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) focused on microbiota dysbiosis in a single segment of the intestine such as the colon. However, the intestine as a whole is involved in IBS‐D and knowledge about the role of microbiota shared by the duodenum and rectum in IBS‐D is limited. Here, we investigated the characteristics of mucosal microbiota shared by the duodenum and rectum in IBS‐D patients.MethodsWe collected duodenal and rectal mucosal samples from 33 adult IBS‐D patients and 15 healthy control (HC) subjects. The 454 pyrosequencing method and multiple bioinformatics analyses were used to examine bacterial 16S rRNA. Clinical data including symptoms and Bristol Stool Form were analyzed.ResultsMucosal microbiota in duodenal samples differed from rectal samples in HC, while less difference was shown in IBS‐D. More numbers in terms of shared operational taxonomic units and genera found in IBS‐D compared with HC. The frequency of genera in the duodenum and rectum of HC differed from that of IBS‐D. We identified 24 genera shared in the duodenum and rectum, which both changed dramatically in IBS‐D. Among these 24 genera, half had similar trends in frequency differences, and the other half had opposite trends. The frequency of Faecalibacterium and Hyphomicrobium were associated with clinical data of IBS‐D patients.ConclusionsShared mucosal‐associated microbiota in the duodenum and rectum appear to contribute to the etiology and pathophysiology of whole intestine of IBS‐D and to be potential therapeutic targets.
Plasma IL‐8 signature correlates with pain and depressive symptomatology in patients with burning mouth syndrome: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Barry Alison , O'Halloran Ken D. , McKenna Joseph P. , McCreary Christine , Downer Eric J. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundBurning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a neuropathic orofacial pain condition of unknown aetiology that encompasses intra‐oral burning pain without abnormal clinical findings. Psychological, neural and inflammatory processes are associated with BMS pathogenesis. Currently, studies characterising plasma cytokine/chemokine profiles with pain and depression in patients with BMS are lacking. Considering that inflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of BMS, and that inflammation is closely associated with pain and depression, we aimed to correlate depressive symptomatology and oral cavity pain with plasma cytokine/chemokine signatures in a cohort of patients with BMS.MethodsIn this study, plasma protein levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐12p70, TNF‐α), Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐13) and the chemokine IL‐8 were assessed in patients with BMS (n = 10) and healthy volunteers (n = 10), using pro‐inflammatory‐10‐plex assays. Clinical histories, alongside self‐rated oral cavity pain intensities and depressive symptomatology were assessed using a visual analogue scale and the 16‐item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology questionnaires, respectively.ResultsWe present evidence that BMS is associated with increased depressive symptomatology and enhanced oral cavity pain. Plasma isolated from BMS patients display enhanced expression of the pro‐inflammatory chemokine IL‐8, when compared to plasma from healthy individuals. Plasma IL‐8 signature correlates with pain and depressive symptomatology in the study cohort.ConclusionsOverall, these findings indicate that plasma IL‐8 profiles are dysregulated in BMS and that modulation of IL‐8 production in the disorder may be a tool in the management of BMS symptomatology.
Quantification of Tetradesmus obliquus (Chlorophyceae) cell size and lipid content heterogeneity at single‐cell level
Authors: Di Caprio Fabrizio , Pagnanelli Francesca , Wijffels Rene H. , Van der Veen Douwe 
Published: December 2017

Much of our current knowledge of microbial growth is obtained from studies at a population level. Driven by the realization that processes that operate within a population might influence a population's behavior, we sought to better understand Tetradesmus obliquus (formerly Scenedesmus obliquus) physiology at the cellular level. In this work, an accurate pretreatment method to quantitatively obtain single cells of T. obliquus, a coenobia‐forming alga, is described. These single cells were examined by flow cytometry for triacylglycerol (TAG), chlorophyll, and protein content, and their cell sizes were recorded by coulter counter. We quantified heterogeneity of size and TAG content at single‐cell level for a population of T. obliquus during a controlled standard batch cultivation. Unexpectedly, variability of TAG content per cell within the population increased throughout the batch run, up to 400 times in the final stage of the batch run, with values ranging from 0.25 to 99 pg · cell−1. Two subpopulations, classified as having low or high TAG content per cell, were identified. Cell size also increased during batch growth with average values from 36 to 70 μm3 · cell−1; yet cell size variability increased only up to 16 times. Cell size and cellular TAG content were not correlated at the single‐cell level. Our data show clearly that TAG production is affected by cell‐to‐cell variation, which suggests that its control and better understanding of the underlying processes may improve the productivity of T. obliquus for industrial processes such as biodiesel production.
Dietary exposure assessment of cyadox based on tissue depletion of cyadox and its major metabolites in pigs, chickens, and carp
Authors: Huang L. L. , Qiu Y. M. , Sun L. L. , Li J. , Pan Y. H. , Wang Y. L. , Yuan Z. H. 
Published: December 2017

The tissue kinetics of cyadox, an antibacterial agent used in food animals, and its major metabolites in pigs, chickens, and carp were investigated followed by a complete dietary exposure assessment to evaluate the food safety of cyadox. Cyadox and its major metabolites, bisdeoxycyadox (Cy1), 4‐desoxycyadox (Cy2), N‐(quinoxaline‐2‐methyl)‐cyanide acetyl hydrazine (Cy4), quinoxaline‐2‐carboxylic acid (Cy6), and 2‐hydromethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐quinoxaline (Cy12), were simultaneously quantitated with a high‐performance liquid chromatography−ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) method. Pigs, chickens, and carp were fed with 150 mg/kg cyadox in feed for consecutive 60, 40, and 30 days, respectively. The residue amount of cyadox and its major metabolites in liver, kidney, muscle, and fat (skin) tissues was determined. Cy2 was below the limit of quantitation even at the withdrawal time of 6 hr, cyadox, Cy4, Cy6, and Cy12 could be detected at 6–24 hr with low level less than 50 μg/kg. By contrast, Cy1 persisted for 3 days in the kidney of pigs and chickens, and in the liver of carp. Based on these residue depletion data and previous toxicology results, the global estimated chronic dietary exposure assessment of cyadox for general population was conducted, indicating a zero withdrawal time (WDT) may be appropriate for cyadox in food animals when used in feed for prolonged administration. These results provide analytical techniques and safety standards suitable for residue monitoring of cyadox in food animals.
Seed dispersal by rivers in tropical dry forests: An overlooked process in tropical central Mexico
Authors: Esper‐Reyes Karen A. , Mariano Néstor A. , Alcalá Raúl E. , Bonilla‐Barbosa Jaime R. , Flores‐Franco Gabriel , Wehncke Elisabet V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimsRivers are important corridors for the movement, migration and dispersal of aquatic organisms, including seeds from riparian plants. Although tropical dry forests (TDF) are among the most extensive and floristically rich ecosystems of tropical habitats, and the most globally endangered ecosystem, less attention has been given to riparian corridors within this ecosystem. Although mostTDFs manifest peak seed dispersal during dry seasons, we hypothesized that riparian corridors may show a dispersal peak during the rainy season, due to an anticipated ‘sweep or drag effect’, resulting from river overflow and bank erosion. Our main aims were to investigate whether there were any differences in the seed communities transported by the river to sites in rainy as opposed to dry seasons, and to evaluate any possible relationship between the riparian seed community and river flow.LocationAmacuzac River, drainage of the Balsas basin, State of Morelos, Mexico.MethodsTo evaluate the above assumption, we associated Amacuzac River flow with the number of species and seeds dispersed by water. We also characterized and evaluated differences between seed communities transported by the river during the rainy and dry seasons, and between four different sites located along the river. We used univariate and ordinationNMDStechniques to evaluate patterns between seasons at the community level.ResultsForty‐five plant species were identified from 909 seeds collected from the river. The composition of riparian seed communities was markedly different between seasons but not between sites. Seed abundances were significantly higher in the rainy than in the dry season and varied between sites. Seed species diversity in the river (H’ = 1.6–1.9) showed no significant differences between seasons or sites, but species assemblages and dominance varied according to season. Ordination techniques and subsequent fitting analyses showed that seed species composition was positively associated with river flow.ConclusionsSeed dispersal patterns generated by rivers are significant mechanisms for structuring the composition and distribution of the riparian plant community in MexicanTDF. Varying species assemblages and seed abundance dispersed by the river throughout the year is a relevant and until now unknown consequence that may affect the dynamics and composition of riparian plant communities in this region. This study initiative will promote new avenues of research regarding plant establishment and succession.
The origin of alteration “orangettes” in Dhofar 019: Implications for the age and aqueous history of the shergottites
Authors: Hallis L. J. , Kemppinen L. , Lee M. R. , Taylor L. A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe shergottites are the largest group of Martian meteorites, and the only group that has not been found to contain definitive evidence of Martian aqueous alteration. Given recent reports of current liquid water at the surface of Mars, this study aimed to investigate in detail the possibility of Martian phyllosilicate within shergottite Dhofar 019. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, followed by transmission electron microscopy, confirmed the presence of alteration orangettes, with a layered structure consisting of poorly ordered Mg‐phyllosilicate and calcite. These investigations identified maskelynite dissolution, followed by Mg‐phyllosilicate and calcite deposition within the dissolution pits, as the method of orangette production. The presence of celestine within the orangette layers, the absence of shock dislocation features within calcite, and the Mg‐rich nature of the phyllosilicate, all indicate a terrestrial origin for these features on Dhofar 019.
Renal function up to the 5th decade of life after nephrectomy in childhood: A literature review
Authors: Cozzi Denis A , Ceccanti Silvia , Cozzi Francesco 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to find out if in children ablation of 50% of renal mass may be associated with a progressive renal damage (Brenner’s hypothesis). We collected 1035 adult or adolescent survivors who underwent nephrectomy for unilateral oncological or non‐oncological causes during childhood. Stratification of all survivors for age revealed that the number of subjects with blood hypertension and/or renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate < 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2) to be significantly higher in survivors ≥30 years old in comparison with younger patients. Available data on long‐term renal function after nephrectomy during childhood support the Brenner’s hypothesis.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Hemophilia Patients: A Mid‐term to Long‐term Follow‐up
Authors: Wu Guo‐liang , Zhai Ji‐liang , Feng Bin , Bian Yan‐yan , Xu Chi , Weng Xi‐sheng 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo report the results of mid‐term to long‐term follow‐up after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in hemophiliacs and to hypothesize that THA can provide satisfactory outcomes in these patients.MethodsTwenty‐four primary THA performed in 21 hemophilia patients between 2002 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively, including 20 cases of hemophilia A and 1 case of hemophilia B. The standard lateral approach was used for all implantations. Substitution therapy for factor VIII and activated prothrombin complex concentrates were administered to patients with hemophilia A and B, respectively. Total and hidden blood loss were calculated. Outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score before surgery and at the final follow‐up visit. Complications were recorded by clinical and radiographic assessment and then compared to those in previous reports.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 113 months (range, 5–15 years). The average total blood loss was 3559 mL (range, 1494–7506 mL). The mean amount of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was 4.4 U (range, 0–14 U). The mean amount of clotting factor used in the perioperative period for management of hemophilia was 14 031.3 U (range, 8100–25 200 U). Harris hip scores improved from 37 points (range, 15–81) before surgery to 90 points (range, 70–96) at the last follow‐up. No signs of loosening, infection or other complications of the implant components occurred after discharge. The overall survivorship of the implants was 100% for all patients, and no revision surgery was performed.ConclusionsWith modern techniques and hematological management, THA in patients with hemophilia leads to significant improvement in joint function with a relatively low incidence of complications. Increased blood loss and substitution therapy have no obvious negative influences on the mid‐term to long‐term results of THA.
A New Intraoperative Syndesmosis Instability Classification System: Utility and Medium‐term Results in Closed Displaced Ankle Fractures
Authors: Qiu Hai‐bin , Jiang Jun , Porter Daniel 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the utility and medium‐term results of a new intra‐operative classification system for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury in ankle fractures.MethodsBetween January 2010 and January 2015, 116 patients diagnosed with displaced closed Weber B and C ankle fractures were treated in our department. The etiology of injury was 56 cases of fall‐sprain, 36 of traffic injury, 14 of fall from a height, and 10 of multiple injuries. After fixation of the fibular fracture, we classify syndesmosis stability as either normal or one of three grades of instability using the fibular hook traction test. This determined further fixation selection and final syndesmosis treatment.ResultsOf 116 cases, 82 (71%) demonstrated a tibiofibular syndesmosis injury and 52 (45%) were unstable. Twenty‐six cases were type I injuries (<4 mm displacement), 41% cases were type II injuries (4–7 mm displacement), and 3% of cases were type III injuries (>7 mm displacement). Types II and III are defined as unstable and require stabilization. Type III injuries have multiplanar instability and require two screws at the syndesmosis. Weber C fractures demonstrate significantly greater degrees of instability than Weber B fractures (χ2 = 15.50, P = 0.0014). All patients were followed up for 12–24 months, with no cases of non‐union or broken screws. Good and excellent results were achieved in 93% of cases (according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system).ConclusionThe syndesmosis instability classification system provides a rational and efficient basis for managing syndesmosis instability. Our results from application of the algorithm justify its further evaluation in the treatment of patients with closed displaced Weber B and C ankle fractures.
Paradoxic eczema in infants after heart transplantation
Authors: Jackson Cullison Stephanie R. , Siegfried Elaine C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNew‐onset psoriasis in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors is well recognized in children and adults. We describe three children who underwent cardiac transplantation and developed an analogous form of paradoxic eczema occurring 2‐48 months after starting systemic tacrolimus, a drug widely used topically to treat eczema. Anecdotal reports and our experience suggest that tacrolimus taper with alternative systemic antirejection immunosuppressant may lead to skin clearance. Pending additional insight, treatment should include optimizing skin barrier function, minimizing microbial and allergic triggers, and coordinating care to choose the best‐tolerated systemic immunosuppressant regimen at the lowest effective dose.