bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Cochlear Implant Outcomes in Older Adults Using HERMES: A National Web-based Database
Authors: Chen Stephanie Y. , Grisel Jedidiah J. , Lam Anne , Golub Justin S. 
Published: October 2017

Objective:
Cochlear implant (CI) outcomes research has been largely limited to retrospective or single-institution studies in the United States. The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a novel, national, web-based CI database through evaluating CI outcomes in older adults.

Study Design:
Analysis of a prospective, national, web-based database designed for CI outcome tracking (HERMES; HIPAA-secure, Encrypted, Research Management and Evaluation Solution).

Setting:
Multi-centered at 18 private practice and academic US medical centers.

Patients:
Older (age ≥75, n = 47) or younger (age <75, n = 103) adult CI patients (n = 150 total, n = 160 ears).

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Arizona Biomedical (AzBio), CI usage, postoperative complications.

Results:
Older adults had slightly lower performance on most recent AzBio (56.0%, n = 26, 12.2 ± 6.5 mo postoperatively) compared with younger adults (74.0%, n = 52, 12.6 ± 6.5 mo postoperatively; p < 0.01, Mann–Whitney). However, on multiple regression, age was not a significant predictor of AzBio scores after controlling for sex, hearing loss duration, use, and postoperative follow-up duration. Most recent CI use was similar but significantly different (11.4 h/d in older, n = 24 versus 13.0 in younger, n = 45; p = 0.01). Usage also did not decline over time (p = 0.81 in older versus p = 0.46, in younger). The most common complications were similar (vertigo 25 versus 20%, p = 0.45; tinnitus 4 versus 4%, p = 0.93) in older and younger adults, respectively.

Conclusion:
We demonstrate the feasibility of a novel user-friendly, web-based, national CI database to analyze CI outcomes. Older age was not a significant predictor of AzBio scores after adjusting for multiple factors. Additionally, CI use did not decline over time.
Green neutrophilic inclusions: current understanding and review of literature
Authors: Yang Jay , Gabali Ali 
Published: October 2017

Purpose of reviewGreen cytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils are an uncommon finding on the peripheral blood smear. A comprehensive review of the literature is presented here with the goal of summarizing knowledge to date and increasing awareness.Recent findingsA total of 41 cases have been reported in the literature, indicating the rarity of these green neutrophilic inclusions. Clinically, the inclusions have most consistently been associated with elevated transaminases, hepatic failure, and a high early mortality rate. The precise composition of the inclusions has not been confirmed.SummaryClinicians, hematologists, and laboratory technicians should be educated and have a high level of awareness of green neutrophilic inclusions. A more comprehensive analysis of a larger number of cases will be needed to clarify the true prevalence, associated conditions, biochemical nature, and clinical significance of this unusual finding.
An Exploration of Factors Impacting Preexposure Prophylaxis Eligibility and Access Among Syringe Exchange Users
Authors: Roth Alexis M. , Aumaier Brenna L. , Felsher Marisa A. , Welles Seth L. , Martinez-Donate Ana P. , Chavis Martha , Van Der Pol Barbara 
Published: October 2017

Background
In 2015, approximately 50,000 new HIV infections occurred in the United States, 2,400 of which were attributable to injection drug use. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to curb HIV acquisition; however, uptake remains low among persons who inject drugs (PWID). The purpose of the study is to describe PrEP eligibility, willingness to use PrEP, and ability to access PrEP among PWID recruited from a pilot program that paired screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections with mobile syringe exchange program (SEP) services.

Methods
Between 2015 and 2016, 138 PWID 18 years or older were recruited from a mobile SEP in Camden, New Jersey. Participants completed a survey assessing sociodemographics and HIV risk and underwent chlamydia and gonorrhea screening. Centers for Disease Control clinical guidelines were used to calculate PrEP eligibility. Differences by sex were examined using inferential statistics.

Results
Most women (95.4%) and men (84.5%) were considered PrEP eligible (P < 0.04). More women than men were willing to take PrEP (88.9% vs. 71.0%; P < 0.02). Participants reported substantial barriers to PrEP including feeling embarrassed (45.0%) or anxious (51.6%) about taking PrEP, nondisclosure to partners (51.4%), limited engagement with health care providers where PrEP might be provided (43.8%), and lacking health insurance (32.9%).

Conclusions
Despite reporting behavior that warrants the use of PrEP to prevent HIV and finding the concept acceptable, PWID face multiple barriers to PrEP access. Without tailored interventions to promote PrEP, uptake will likely remain suboptimal. Packaging PrEP with SEP services could provide a viable option for reaching eligible and interested PWID.
A protocol for non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis
Authors: Loftus Tyler J. , Dessaigne Camille G. , Croft Chasen A. , Smith R. Stephen , Efron Philip A. , Moore Frederick A. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Mohr Alicia M. , Jordan Janeen R. 
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND
We developed a protocol to identify candidates for non-operative management (NOM) of uncomplicated appendicitis. Our objective was to evaluate protocol efficacy with the null hypothesis that clinical outcomes, hospital readmission rates, and hospital charges would be unchanged after protocol implementation.

METHODS
We performed a single-center 4-year propensity score matched retrospective cohort analysis of 406 patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis. The protocol recommended NOM for patients with modified Alvarado score ≤6 and no appendicolith. Patients admitted before (n = 203) and after (n = 203) protocol implementation were matched by Charlson comorbidity index, duration of symptoms, and modified Alvarado score. Outcomes included operative management, days on antibiotic therapy, length of stay, and hospital charges, as well as readmissions, complications, and mortality within 180 days.

RESULTS
Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (age 31 years, ASA class 2.0, Charlson comorbidity index 0.0). Protocol compliance was higher when the protocol recommended appendectomy (97%) rather than NOM (73%, p < 0.001). The incidence of operative management decreased from 99% to 82% after protocol implementation (p < 0.001). In the protocol group, there was a lower incidence of open surgery (4% vs. 10%, p = 0.044) despite a longer interval between admission and surgery (8.6 vs. 7.1 hours, p < 0.001). After protocol implementation, 51 patients had NOM: 18 failed NOM during admission and 6 failed NOM after discharge. Compared to the pre-protocol group, the protocol group had similar length of stay, antibiotic days, and overall complication rates, but more readmissions (6% vs. 1%, p = 0.019) and lower hospital charges for the index admission ($5,630 vs. $6,878, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of a protocol to identify candidates for NOM of acute uncomplicated appendicitis was associated with lower rates of open surgery, fewer appendectomies, decreased hospital charges, and no difference in overall complications despite high rates of readmission and failure of NOM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic study, level IV.
Fibrinolysis shutdown is associated with a fivefold increase in mortality in trauma patients lacking hypersensitivity to tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: Moore Hunter B. , Moore Ernest E. , Huebner Benjamin R. , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Stettler Gregory R. , Nunns Geoffrey R. , Lawson Peter J. , Ghasabyan Arsen , Chandler James , Banerjee Anirban , Silliman Christopher , Sauaia Angela , Hansen Kirk C. 
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND
Fibrinolysis shutdown (SD) is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in trauma. High levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) directly binding tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a proposed mechanism for SD; however, patients with low PAI-1 levels present to the hospital with a rapid TEG (r-TEG) LY30 suggestive SD. We therefore hypothesized that two distinct phenotypes of SD exist, one, which is driven by t-PA inhibition, whereas another is due to an inadequate t-PA release in response to injury.

METHODS
Trauma activations from our Level I center between 2014 and 2016 with blood collected within an hour of injury were analyzed with r-TEG and a modified TEG assay to quantify fibrinolysis sensitivity using exogenous t-PA (t-TEG). Using the existing r-TEG thresholds for SD (<0.9%), physiologic (LY30 0.9–2.9%), and hyperfibrinolysis (LY30 > 2.9%) patients were stratified into phenotypes. A t-TEG LY30 greater than 95th percentile of healthy volunteers (n = 140) was classified as t-PA hypersensitive and used to subdivide phenotypes. A nested cohort had t-PA and PAI-1 activity levels measured in addition to proteomic analysis of additional fibrinolytic regulators.

RESULTS
This study included 398 patients (median New Injury Severity Score, 18), t-PA-Sen was present in 27% of patients. Shutdown had the highest mortality rate (20%) followed by hyperfibinolysis (16%) and physiologic (9% p = 0.020). In the non–t-PA hypersensitive cohort, SD had a fivefold increase in mortality (15%) compared with non-SD patients (3%; p = 0.003) which remained significant after adjusting for Injury Severity Score and age (p = 0.033). Overall t-PA activity (p = 0.002), PAI-1 (p < 0.001), and t-PA/PAI-1 complex levels (p = 0.006) differed between the six phenotypes, and 54% of fibrinolytic regulator proteins analyzed (n = 19) were significantly different.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, acute fibrinolysis SD is not caused by a single etiology, and is clearly associated with PAI-1 activity. The differential phenotypes require an ongoing investigation to identify the optimal resuscitation strategy for these patients.

Level of Evidence
Prognostic, level III.
Prediction for electronic, vibrational and thermoelectric properties of chalcopyrite AgX(X=In,Ga)Te
2
: PBE + U approach
Authors: Yang Jianhui , Fan Qiang , Cheng Xinlu 
Published: October 2017

The electronic, vibrational and thermoelectric transport characteristics of AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
with chalcopyrite structure have been investigated. The electronic structures are calculated using the density-functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional considering the Hubbard-U exchange correlation. The band-gaps of AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
are much larger than previous standard GGA functional results and agree well with the existing experimental data. The effective mass of the hole and the shape of density of states near the edge of the valence band indicate AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
are considerable p-type thermoelectric materials. An analysis of lattice dynamics shows the low thermal conductivities of AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
. The thermoelectric transport properties' dependence on carrier concentration for p-type AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
in a wide range of temperatures has been studied in detail. The results show that p-type AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
at 800 K can achieve the merit values of 0.91 and 1.38 at about 2.12 × 10
20
cm
−3
and 1.97 × 10
20
cm
−3
carrier concentrations, respectively. This indicates p-type AgGaTe
2
is a potential thermoelectric material at high temperature.
Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs
Authors: Saunders Manu E. , Duffy Meghan A. , Heard Stephen B. , Kosmala Margaret , Leather Simon R. , McGlynn Terrence P. , Ollerton Jeff , Parachnowitsch Amy L. 
Published: October 2017

The popularity of science blogging has increased in recent years, but the number of academic scientists who maintain regular blogs is limited. The role and impact of science communication blogs aimed at general audiences is often discussed, but the value of science community blogs aimed at the academic community has largely been overlooked. Here, we focus on our own experiences as bloggers to argue that science community blogs are valuable to the academic community. We use data from our own blogs (
n
= 7) to illustrate some of the factors influencing reach and impact of science community blogs. We then discuss the value of blogs as a standalone medium, where rapid communication of scholarly ideas, opinions and short observational notes can enhance scientific discourse, and discussion of personal experiences can provide indirect mentorship for junior researchers and scientists from underrepresented groups. Finally, we argue that science community blogs can be treated as a primary source and provide some key points to consider when citing blogs in peer-reviewed literature.
A Novel Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Genome (strain D3) and Comparative Analysis with Other Uropathogenic and Nonpathogenic Strains
Authors: Nadel Brian B. , Cokus Shawn J. , Morselli Marco , Marinelli Laura J. , Lopez David , Modlin Robert L. , Distefano Joseph , Pellegrini Matteo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundBacterial urinary tract infections are extremely prevalent, with half of women having at least one infection at some point in their lives. Most often the causative pathogen is the common gut microbe Escherichia coli. One such E. coli, strain D3, caused a bladder infection in a male adult, and was resistant to multiple antibiotics. We sequenced and assembled the genome of D3, and present it along with a comparative analysis against other pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. Coli strains.ResultsBy comparing the predicted proteins of D3 with those from 5 uropathogenic and 7 nonpathogenic E. Coli strains, we generated a list of 38 genes present in most (4-5) pathogenic strains, but absent in all nonpathogenic strains. Among these were 9 proteins of the Pap fimbrial operon, which has previously been associated with cell adherence and the formation of biofilms. Lastly, we analyzed the list of predicted genes uniquely present in D3 compared to all other strains, and identified multiple transposable elements.ConclusionsThe presence of fimbria in most pathogenic E. coli strains, and their absence in nonpathogenic ones, suggests that they play a role in pathogenicity, a notion supported by previous work. We also found that D3-specific genes are strongly enriched with transposases, recombinases, and integrase, suggesting that these mobile elements have been inserted or expanded in D3, relative to other strains in the study.
Individual differences in locomotor function predict the capacity to reduce asymmetry and modify the energetic cost of walking post-stroke
Authors: Sánchez Natalia , Finley James M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChanges in the control of the lower extremities post-stroke lead to persistent biomechanical asymmetries during walking. These asymmetries are associated with an increase in energetic cost, leading to the possibility that reduction of asymmetry can improve economy. However, the influence of asymmetry on economy may depend on the direction and cause of asymmetry. For example, impairments with paretic limb advancement may result in shorter paretic steps while deficits in paretic support or propulsion result in shorter non-paretic steps. Given differences in the underlying impairments responsible for each type of step length asymmetry, the capacity to reduce asymmetry, and the associated changes in energetic cost may not be consistent across this population. Here, we identified factors explaining individual differences in the capacity to voluntarily reduce step length asymmetry and modify energetic cost during walking. Twenty-four individuals post-stroke walked on a treadmill with visual feedback of their step lengths to aid explicit modification of asymmetry. We found that individuals who naturally took longer paretic steps had a greater capacity to reduce asymmetry, and were better able to transfer the effects of training to over-ground walking. In addition, baseline energetic cost was negatively correlated with reductions in cost, such that participants with a more economical gait were more likely to reduce energetic cost by improving symmetry. These results demonstrate that many stroke survivors retain the capacity to voluntarily walk more symmetrically on a treadmill and over-ground. However, whether reductions in asymmetry reduce metabolic cost depends on individual differences in impairments affecting locomotor function.
Evolution-informed forecasting of seasonal influenza A (H3N2)
Authors: Du Xiangjun , King Aaron A. , Woods Robert J. , Pascual Mercedes 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTInter-pandemic or seasonal influenza exacts an enormous annual burden both in terms of human health and economic impact. Incidence prediction ahead of season remains a challenge largely because of the virus’ antigenic evolution. We propose here a forecasting approach that incorporates evolutionary change into a mechanistic epidemiological model. The proposed models are simple enough that their parameters can be estimated from retrospective surveillance data. These models link amino-acid sequences of hemagglutinin epitopes with a transmission model for seasonal H3N2 influenza, also informed by H1N1 levels. With a monthly time series of H3N2 incidence in the United States over 10 years, we demonstrate the feasibility of prediction ahead of season and an accurate real-time forecast for the 2016/2017 influenza season.SUMMARYSkillful forecasting of seasonal (H3N2) influenza incidence ahead of the season is shown to be possible by means of a transmission model that explicitly tracks evolutionary change in the virus, integrating information from both epidemiological surveillance and readily available genetic sequences.
Shearing in flow environment promotes evolution of social behavior in microbial populations
Authors: Uppal Gurdip , Can Vural Dervis 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is advantageous for microbes to form social aggregates when they commonly benefit from secreting a public good. However, cooperating microbial groups can be evolutionarily unstable, since a cheating strain that does not secrete the public good can reproduce quicker and take over. Here we study the effects of fluid advection patterns on group reproduction as a mechanism to enable or enhance social behavior in microbial populations. We use a realistic advection-diffusion-reaction model to describe microbial growth and mutation in a flow environment. Social groups arise naturally from our model as self-reproducing Turing patterns that can avoid mutant takeovers at steady state. Our central finding is that flow shear enables and promotes social behavior in microbes by limiting the spread of cheating strains. Regions of the flow domain with higher shear admits high cooperativity and large population density, whereas low shear regions are devoid of life due to opportunistic mutations.
Effect of climate variability on crop income and indigenous adaptation strategies of households
Authors: Shumetie Arega , Alemayehu Yismaw Molla 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of climate variability on smallholders’ crop income and the determinants of indigenous adaptation strategies in three districts (Mieso, Goba-koricha and Doba) of West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. These three districts are located in high-moisture-stress areas because of crop season rainfall variability.

Design/methodology/approach
Primary data collected from 400 sample households were used for identifying factors that affect households’ crop income. The study used ordinary least square (OLS) regression to examine the effect of climate variability. Given this, binary logit model was used to assess smallholders’ adaptation behavior. Finally, the study used multinomial logistic regression to identify determinants of smallholders’ indigenous adaptation strategies.

Findings
The OLS regression result shows that variability in rainfall during the cropping season has a significant and negative effect, and cropland and livestock level have a positive effect on farmers’ crop income. The multinomial logistic regression result reveals that households adopt hybrid crops (maize and sorghum) and dry-sowing adaptation strategies if there is shortage during the cropping season. Variability in rainfall at the time of sowing and the growing are main factors in the area’s crop production. Cropland increment has positive and significant effect on employing each adaptation strategy. The probability of adopting techniques such as water harvesting, hybrid seeds and dry sowing significantly reduces if a household has a large livestock.

Originality/value
The three districts are remote and accessibility is difficult without due support from institutions. Thus, this study was conducted on the basis of the primary data collected by the researchers after securing grant from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
Valuing the historical heritage: the case of the Venetian Villas in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Laura , Farinelli Valeria 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The historic assets are heterogeneous and different to each other, and for this reason, consolidated valuation methodologies do not exist in practice or in the literature. It is, therefore, necessary to dwell on the study of a particular historic building type or category. The assessment process of the valuers of Venetian Villas was explored, focusing on the study of the valuation function construction. The paper investigated if a possible value function, based on the partition of the characteristics, which significantly influence the value, exists and it is generalizable to the whole set of Venetian Villas. The purpose of this paper is to contribute knowledge on the economic valuation of Venetian Villas.

Design/methodology/approach
An application of Hedonic Pricing study to a database of 71 Venetian Villas has been tested. This statistical procedure allowed the authors to discover which results in a percentage of property values can be attributed to the historical characteristics of a building. Using a multiple linear regression and its variables an analysis of residuals and data relating to the variance has been performed.

Findings
This research identifies and proposes, therefore, a valuation approach that can be generalizable to the whole set of Venetian Villas (over 4,000 properties). The models show that the most important variables which influence the value of the villas are: age, internal and external area, maintenance conditions, and author. This model could be used for future valuations of the same type of asset.

Originality/value
The model enables valuers to address better to the property valuation of the Venetian Villas through the valuation functions, which suggest which are the main features which focus in the case of a Venetian Villa valuation and what impact they have on the value asset. The model can be specifically used for valuation reports in the enhancement project of such properties.