bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi-parametric frailty model for clustered interval-censored data
Authors: Yavuz Aysun Çetinyürek , Lambert Philippe 
Published: July 2016

Abstract: The shared frailty model is a popular tool to analyze correlated right-censored time-to-event data. In the shared frailty model, the latent frailty is assumed to be shared by the members of a cluster and is assigned a parametric distribution, typically a gamma distribution due to its conjugacy. In the case of interval-censored time-to-event data, the inclusion of frailties results in complicated intractable likelihoods. Here, we propose a flexible frailty model for analyzing such data by assuming a smooth semi-parametric form for the conditional time-to-event distribution and a parametric or a flexible form for the frailty distribution. The results of a simulation study suggest that the estimation of regression parameters is robust to misspecification of the frailty distribution (even when the frailty distribution is multimodal or skewed). Given sufficiently large sample sizes and number of clusters, the flexible approach produces smooth and accurate posterior estimates for the baseline survival function and for the frailty density, and it can correctly detect and identify unusual frailty density forms. The methodology is illustrated using dental data from the Signal Tandmobiel[Formula: see text] study.
The Efficacy of CIK-Based Immunotherapies for Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Chu Hongjin , Du Fengcai , Jiang Lixin , Wang Zhixin , Gong Zhaohua , Lian Peiwen , Li Peng , Chen Jian 
Published: July 2016

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapies in patients with advanced malignant solid tumors and the difference in clinical efficiency among 3 kinds of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapies. Methods: One hundred forty-six cases with advanced solid tumor, 230 cycles of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapies, were involved in this study. T-lymphocyte subsets, carcinoembryonic antigen, and adverse reactions were recorded. Results: CD3+ T lymphocyte, Th, NKT, and Th/Tc were increased after cytokine-induced killer cell-based treatment, from 55.67 ± 3.64 to 84.12 ± 5.15, 26.56 ± 4.47 to 42.76 ± 3.68, 1.82 ± 0.58 to 7.08 ± 0.92, 0.79 ± 3.64 to 1.35 ± 0.20, respectively ( P < .001). Carcinoembryonic antigen was decreased from 398.39 ± 219.16 to 127.26 ± 153.41 ( P < .001). Difference values were greater than 0 ( P < .001). Difference value of carcinoembryonic antigen was obviously less than 0 ( P < .001). There was no obvious difference in all variations between cytokine-induced killer cell and DC+CIK groups ( P > .05). The highest amount of CD3+ T lymphocyte and Th was recorded after at least 4 cycles of immunotherapy. And CD8+ T/CD4+ T also began to decrease after 4 cycles of immunotherapy. Difference value of T lymphocyte and Tc of patients with surgery is higher than that of patients without surgery. Conclusion: Cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapy is capable of increasing T-lymphocyte subsets, recovering cellular immunity without severe side effects, and is suitable for different kinds of solid cancer. Clinical efficiency of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapy is influenced by many factors such as surgery, stage.
Methimazole-induced insulin autoimmune syndrome
Authors: Jain Nidhi , Savani Malvi , Agarwal Manyoo , Kadaria Dipen 
Published: July 2016

Background: Hypoglycemia in a critical care setting is often multifactorial with iatrogenic insulin use, sulfonylurea (SU) use, sepsis, adrenal insufficiency and insulinoma among the common causes. Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a rare cause of hypoglycemia characterized by the presence of insulin-binding autoantibodies to the sulfhydryl group-containing agents. We report a case of methimazole-induced IAS managed in the intensive care unit. Case presentation: A 76-year-old woman with a history of primary hyperthyroidism was sent from a nursing home for unresponsiveness. Vital signs were significant for hypotension (74/46) and low blood sugars. Fluid resuscitations with normal saline and 50% dextrose stabilized the blood pressure (BP) to 135/75 and her blood glucose to 264. Due to respiratory distress and septic appearance, she required emergency intubation. Nursing home medications were noted for methimazole and absence of any insulin or SU use. Empiric antibiotic treatment was started and fluid resuscitation was continued while home medications were held. Her laboratory values were significant for elevated creatinine, lactic acid, serum cortisol, C-peptide, and insulin. Her cultures, SU screen and computerized tomography (CT) scan were negative for significant findings. On day 2, in addition to 10% dextrose, octreotide was initiated for recurrent hypoglycemia. Her blood glucose (BG) continued to drop throughout the day for which she required glucagon support and a D20 infusion. By day 4, the rate of infusion was titrated up and her BG continued to drop to <60 mg/dl despite D20, octreotide and tube feeds with concentrated calories (1.5 cal/ml). Due to her declining health, her family endorsed palliative care and she was extubated. After day 11, her hypoglycemic episodes resolved and she remained endogenously euglycemic. Conclusions: IAS is associated with methimazole use due to formation of autoantibodies to insulin after its interaction with Sulfhydryl (SH) group in methimazole. While IAS is a rare entity, it demands consideration in hypoglycemia in patients with autoimmune conditions.
Observed medical and surgical complications of prolonged barbiturate coma for refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , Wisco Dolora , Nattanmai Premkumar , Sarwal Aarti 
Published: July 2016

Background: Refractory status epilepticus is often treated with third-line therapy, such as pentobarbital coma. However, its use is limited by side effects. Recognizing and preventing major and minor adverse effects of prolonged pentobarbital coma may increase good outcomes. This study retrospectively reviewed direct and indirect medical and surgical pentobarbital coma. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients with refractory status epilepticus treated with pentobarbital over a 1 year period at a large tertiary care center. We collected baseline data, EEG data, and complications that were observed. Results: Overall, nine patients [median age 46.4 (IQR 21.7, 75.5) years] were induced with pentobarbital coma median 11 (IQR 3, 33) days after seizure onset for a median of 9 (IQR 3.5, 45.4) days. A total of four to eight concurrent antiepileptics were tried prior to the pentobarbital coma. Phenobarbital, due to recurrence of seizures on weaning pentobarbital coma, was required in seven patients. Observed complications included peripheral neuropathy (77.8%), cerebral atrophy (33.3%), volume overload (44.4%), renal/metabolic (77.8%), gastrointestinal (66.6%), endocrine (55.6%), cardiac/hemodynamic/vascular (77.8%), respiratory (100%), and infectious (77.8%). The number of complications trended with duration of induced coma but was nonsignificant. Median ICU length of stay was 40 (IQR 28, 97.5) days. Overall, five patients were able to follow commands after a median 37 (IQR 25.5, 90) days from coma onset. There were eight patients that were discharged from hospital with three remaining in a prolonged unresponsive state. There was one patient that died prior to discharge. Conclusions: This study highlights the high morbidity in patients with refractory status epilepticus requiring pentobarbital coma. Anticipating and addressing the indirect and direct complications in prolonged pentobarbital coma may improve survival and functional outcomes in patients with refractory status epilepticus.
Using social network analysis of human aspects for online social network software: a design methodology
Authors: Ghafoor Faiza , Niazi Muaz A. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background
Online social networks share similar topological characteristics as real-world social networks. Many studies have been conducted to analyze the online social networks, but it is difficult to link human interests with social network software design.

Purpose
The goal of this work is to propose a methodology involving the analysis of human interactions for use in designing online social network software.

Methods
We propose a novel use of social network analysis techniques to elicit requirements in order to design better online Social network-based software. The validation case study involved the collection of real-world data by means of a questionnaire to perform a network design construction and analysis. The key idea is to examine social network to help in the identification of behaviors and interests of people for better software requirements elicitation.

Results
The validation case study demonstrates how unexpected centrality measures can emerge in real world networks. Our case study can thus conducted as a baseline for better requirement elicitation studies for online social network software design. This work also indicates how sociometric methods may be used to analyze any social domain as a possible standard practice in online social network software design. Overall, the study proved the effectiveness of the proposed novel methodology for the design of online social network software. The methodology specifically improves upon traditional methods for software design by involving social network modeling and analysis to first study the behavior and elicit requirements to develop more resilient online social network sites.
Serum Cortisol: An Up-To-Date Assessment of Routine Assay Performance
Authors: Hawley James M , Owen Laura J , Lockhart Stephen J , Monaghan Phillip J , Armston Annie , Chadwick Carrie A , Wilshaw Heather , Freire Maisa , Perry Leslie , Keevil Brian G 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Accurate serum cortisol quantification is required for the correct diagnosis and management of adrenal pathologies. Presently, most laboratories use immunoassay to measure serum cortisol with proficiency schemes demonstrating a wide dispersion of results. Here, we investigate the effects of sex, matrix, and antibody specificity on serum cortisol quantification in 6 routine assays.

METHODS
Surplus serum was obtained before disposal and the following cohorts were created: males, nonpregnant females, pregnant patients, and patients prescribed either metyrapone or prednisolone. Samples were anonymized and distributed to collaborating laboratories for cortisol analysis by 6 routine assays. Cortisol was also measured in all samples using an LC-MS/MS candidate reference measurement procedure (cRMP); cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) was measured in the nonpregnant and pregnant female cohorts.

RESULTS
Considerable inter- and intraassay variation was observed across the male and nonpregnant female cohorts relative to the cRMP. Four immunoassays underrecovered cortisol in the pregnancy cohort, and CBG was found to be significantly higher in this cohort than in the nonpregnant females. In the metyrapone and prednisolone cohorts, all immunoassays overestimated cortisol. The first generation Roche E170 and Siemens Centaur XP were particularly prone to overestimation. In all cohorts the routine LC-MS/MS assay aligned extremely well with the cRMP.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite the clinical importance of serum cortisol, the performance of routine immunoassays remains highly variable. Accurate quantification is compromised by both matrix effects and antibody specificity. Underpinning this study with a cRMP has highlighted the deficiencies in standardization across routine cortisol immunoassays.
Characterization of non-dispersive infrared gas detection system for multi gas applications
Authors: Mikuta Reinhard , Silinskas Mindaugas , Bourouis Riad , Kloos Sven , Burte Edmund P. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
In this work, we present a low cost multi gas detection system for
simultaneous measurement of up to three gases. The main conclusions
are based on the investigation of the concentrations of CO2
gas as well as of CH4 gas and of H2O vapor. It was
found that the continuous heating of the IR source and the absolute
values of thermopile voltages are not suitable parameters for the gas
detection because of their high sensitivity to the influence of
temperature and/or gas flow parameters. A sine like signal is
preferential for our measurement system. The amplitude of the sine is
very stable and is proportional only to the concentration of
particular gas (according to the optical filter) and is not dependent
on the concentration of other gases or on temperature. In this way,
the CO2 gas concentration can be measured from
50 ppm to 400000 ppm with the same measurement
setup. The lowest detectable concentration of CH4 was about
500 ppm.
Dynamisches Verhalten von Berührungsthermometern unter
Berücksichtigung der Temperaturabhängigkeit der Materialdaten –
Erweiterung der VDI/VDE-Richtlinie 3522
Authors: Augustin Silke , Fröhlich Thomas 
Published: July 2016

Zusammenfassung
Schon in Publikationen
der 80er und 90er Jahre wurde auf die Temperaturabhängigkeit der
dynamischen Kennwerte von Berührungsthermometern verwiesen [1,2,3]. Diese Untersuchungen wurden
durch die Autoren aufgegriffen [4] und bei der Überarbeitung der
VDI/VDE-Richtlinie 3522 „Dynamisches
Verhalten von Berührungsthermometern“
berücksichtigt. Die Erweiterung der
Temperatureinsatzgrenzen von Temperaturfühlern
(z. B. in der
Automobil- und Kraftwerksindustrie) infolge von
Wirkungsgrad- und Prozessoptimierungen erforderte eine
Neufassung dieser Richtlinie, um auch das dynamische
Verhalten von Temperaturfühlern bei hohen Temperaturen und
Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten sowie bei Temperatursprüngen mit
großen Temperaturdifferenzen genauer zu beschreiben.
Gegenstand dieses Beitrages sind die Darstellung der Notwendigkeit sowie die
Information über die Änderungen bzw.
Ergänzungen, die in der Neufassung der
VDI/VDE-Richtlinie 3522 vorgenommen
wurden. Die im September 2014 veröffentlichte
Richtlinie [5] löste die Fassung aus dem Jahr 1987 [6]
ab. In der Neufassung wurden der Unterschied des
dynamischen Verhaltens der Berührungsthermometer beim Einsatz in Fluiden
von dem bei der Messung an bzw. in Oberflächen von
Festkörpern und der Einfluss der Temperaturabhängigkeit von
Materialdaten auf das dynamische Verhalten verdeutlicht.
In diesem Sinne wurden die Prüfvorschriften und Vorrichtungen zur
Bestimmung der dynamischen Kennwerte erweitert. Die
Richtlinie wurde von den Mitgliedern des Richtlinienausschusses
„VDI/VDE-GMA FA 2.52
Berührungsthermometrie“ erarbeitet.
Tolerance to Ethanol or Nicotine Results in Increased Ethanol Self-Administration and Long-Term Depression in the Dorsolateral Striatum
Authors: Abburi Chandrika , Wolfman Shannon L. , Metz Ryan A. E. , Kamber Rinya , McGehee Daniel S. , McDaid John 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEthanol (EtOH) and nicotine are the most widely coabused drugs. Tolerance to EtOH intoxication, including motor impairment, results in greater EtOH consumption and may result in a greater likelihood of addiction. Previous studies suggest that cross-tolerance between EtOH and nicotine may contribute to the abuse potential of these drugs. Here we demonstrate that repeated intermittent administration of either EtOH or nicotine in adult male Sprague Dawley rats results in tolerance to EtOH-induced motor impairment and increased EtOH self-administration. These findings suggest that nicotine and EtOH cross-tolerance results in decreased aversive and enhanced rewarding effects of EtOH. Endocannabinoid signaling in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) has been implicated in both EtOH tolerance and reward, so we investigated whether nicotine or EtOH pretreatment might modulate endocannabinoid signaling in this region. Using similar EtOH and nicotine pretreatment methods resulted in increased paired-pulse ratios of evoked EPSCs in enkephalin-positive medium spiny neurons in DLS slices. Thus, EtOH and nicotine pretreatment may modulate glutamatergic synapses in the DLS presynaptically. Bath application of the CB1 receptor agonist Win 55,2-212 increased the paired-pulse ratio of evoked EPSCs in control slices, while Win 55,2-212 had no effect on paired-pulse ratio in slices from either EtOH- or nicotine-pretreated rats. Consistent with these effects, nicotine pretreatment occluded LTD induction by high-frequency stimulation of the corticostriatal inputs to the dorsolateral striatum. These results suggest that nicotine and EtOH pretreatment modulates striatal synapses to induce tolerance to the motor-impairing effects of EtOH, which may contribute to nicotine and EtOH coabuse.
Peningkatan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Siswa Melalui Strategi Abduktif-Deduktif Pada Pembelajaran Matematika
Authors: Shodikin Ali 
Published: July 2016

<p>Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah menggunakan strategi abduktif-deduktif. Penelitian yang dilakukan merupakan eksperimental dengan desain pretes-postes dan kelompok kontrol tidak acak pada siswa kelas XI di salah satu SMA di Kabupaten Pati, Jawa Tengah. Analisis data penelitian dilakukan secara kuantitatif-kualitatif berdasarkan kategori kemampuan awal matematis (KAM) maupun keseluruhan. Selain peningkatan kemampuannya, dianalisis pula interaksi antara pembelajaran dan KAM. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis siswa yang mendapatkan pembelajaran dengan strategi abduktif-deduktif lebih baik daripada siswa yang mendapat pembelajaran ekspositori. Secara lebih rinci dari kategori KAM, hanya pada kategori tengah yang menunjukkan peningkatan yang lebih baik. Sedangkan pada kategori KAM atas dan bawah memiliki peningkatan kemampuan pemecahan masalah yang sama. Interaksi antara pembelajaran dan KAM dalam meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah tidak menunjukkan hubungan yang signifikan.</p><p><em>Th</em><em>is</em><em> research purpose is </em><em>to </em><em>improv</em><em>e</em><em> the </em><em>problem solving</em><em> ability using abductive-deductive strategy. </em><em>This study</em><em> </em><em>is </em><em>experimental </em><em>research </em><em>using a pretest-posttest design </em><em>with</em><em> </em><em>nonrandomized control group in XI class</em><em> </em><em>student at one senior high school in Pati, Central Java</em><em>, Indonesia</em><em>. Data analysis was performed </em><em>by</em><em> quantitative-qualitative analysis based o</em><em>n</em><em> categories of early mathematical ability and overall. In addition,</em><em> it</em><em> also analyzed the interaction between learning and early mathematical ability. The results showed that</em><em> the </em><em>improvement </em><em>of </em><em>mathematical </em><em>problem solving</em><em> abilities in students with abductive-deductive strategy better than </em><em>those</em><em> who received the expository learning. More detail</em><em>s</em><em> </em><em>based on</em><em> early mathematical ability categories, only the middle category which showed better improvement. While the </em><em>upper and the under </em><em>categories ha</em><em>ve</em><em> </em><em>equal</em><em> improvement. </em><em>The i</em><em>nteraction between learning and early mathematical ability showed </em><em>no</em><em> significant relationship</em><em> </em><em>to improve </em><em>problem solving</em><em> ability.</em></p><p> </p>
Flexural and fatigue behavior of prestressed concrete beams made with portland pozzolana cement
Authors: Arora V. V. , Singh Brijesh , Yadav Lalit 
Published: July 2016

There is rapid growth of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) production over the last few years. The use of PPC has been included by Indian and international standards/specifications in the past. But in India, the use of PPC for prestressed concrete (PSC) is generally not recommended in different specifications due to apprehension of late strength development and a lack of data on other critical properties of PSC like creep, shrinkage, and fatigue. The critical properties affecting PSC structures such as strength, modulus of elasticity, drying shrinkage, and creep as studied in the past by NCB are at par in case of available PPC when compared with ordinary portland cement (OPC). The present study is carried out to evaluate the flexural and fatigue behavior of PSC beams made with OPC and PPC. The study was conducted on M40 grade concrete using two locally available Indian cements, i.e. OPC and PPC. The test results of flexural strength test conducted on PSC beams indicate that flexural behavior for both OPC and PPC made PSC beams are similar. Based on fatigue studies, it is seen that the fatigue effects are also similar in case of both OPC and PPC made concrete. During flexure testing without fatigue, it was observed that the first cracking load is slightly lower in case of PPC but ultimate load is almost equal in PPC and OPC. Fatigue test results of PSC beams are similar for both OPC and PPC made concrete.
Controlling Hypertension to Prevent Target Organ Damage: Perspectives from the World Hypertension League President
Authors: Lackland Daniel T. 
Published: July 2016

<p> </p><p>The evidence from epidemiological and observational studies over the past five decades consistently identify a significant association of blood pressure level and disease risks for both sexes, all races and cultures, as well as all age groups. The evidence is strong such that clinical guidelines and intervention programs focus on blood pressure management and lower blood pressure levels for primary and secondary stroke prevention supported and promoted by numerous organizations including the World Hypertension League. These comprehensive components of population risk reduction are ideal models for the clinical medicine and population health partnership, and timely for global implementation. The accelerated decline in blood pressure-related outcomes (eg, stroke mortality), which began in the 1970s in the US and Western countries, included models for aggressive detection, treatment and control strategies for hypertension. These strategies can be implemented on a global scale to respond to the global risks from blood pressure, which is developing in the most vulnerable populations. <em>Ethn Dis. </em>2016;26(3):267-270; doi: 10.18865/ed.26.3.267</p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p>