bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi-Markov Arnason–Schwarz Models
Authors: King Ruth , Langrock Roland 
Published: November 2015

Summary
We consider multi-state capture–recapture–recovery data where observed individuals are recorded in a set of possible discrete states. Traditionally, the Arnason–Schwarz model has been fitted to such data where the state process is modeled as a first-order Markov chain, though second-order models have also been proposed and fitted to data. However, low-order Markov models may not accurately represent the underlying biology. For example, specifying a (time-independent) first-order Markov process involves the assumption that the dwell time in each state (i.e., the duration of a stay in a given state) has a geometric distribution, and hence that the modal dwell time is one. Specifying time-dependent or higher-order processes provides additional flexibility, but at the expense of a potentially significant number of additional model parameters. We extend the Arnason–Schwarz model by specifying a semi-Markov model for the state process, where the dwell-time distribution is specified more generally, using, for example, a shifted Poisson or negative binomial distribution. A state expansion technique is applied in order to represent the resulting semi-Markov Arnason–Schwarz model in terms of a simpler and computationally tractable hidden Markov model. Semi-Markov Arnason–Schwarz models come with only a very modest increase in the number of parameters, yet permit a significantly more flexible state process. Model selection can be performed using standard procedures, and in particular via the use of information criteria. The semi-Markov approach allows for important biological inference to be drawn on the underlying state process, for example, on the times spent in the different states. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated in a simulation study, before being applied to real data corresponding to house finches where the states correspond to the presence or absence of conjunctivitis.
Differing effects of two synthetic phonics programmes on early reading development
Authors: Shapiro Laura R. , Solity Jonathan 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundSynthetic phonics is the widely accepted approach for teaching reading in English: Children are taught to sound out the letters in a word then blend these sounds together.AimsWe compared the impact of two synthetic phonics programmes on early reading.SampleChildren received Letters and Sounds (L&S; 7 schools) which teaches multiple letter–sound mappings or Early Reading Research (ERR; 10 schools) which teaches only the most consistent mappings plus frequent words by sight.MethodWe measured phonological awareness (PA) and reading from school entry to the end of the second (all schools) or third school year (4 ERR, 3 L&S schools).ResultsPhonological awareness was significantly related to all reading measures for the whole sample. However, there was a closer relationship between PA and exception word reading for children receiving the L&S programme. The programmes were equally effective overall, but their impact on reading significantly interacted with school‐entry PA: Children with poor PA at school entry achieved higher reading attainments under ERR (significant group difference on exception word reading at the end of the first year), whereas children with good PA performed equally well under either programme.ConclusionsThe more intensive phonics programme (L&S) heightened the association between PA and exception word reading. Although the programmes were equally effective for most children, results indicate potential benefits of ERR for children with poor PA. We suggest that phonics programmes could be simplified to teach only the most consistent mappings plus frequent words by sight.
Theory of Mind in Children With Specific Language Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nilsson Kristine Kahr , de López Kristine Jensen 
Published: November 2015

The relation between language and theory of mind (ToM) has been debated for more than two decades. In a similar vein, ToM has been examined in children with specific language impairment (SLI), albeit with inconsistent results. This meta‐analysis of 17 studies with 745 children between the ages of 4 and 12 found that children withSLIhad substantially lower ToM performance compared to age‐matched typically developing children (d = .98). This effect size was not moderated by age and gender. By revealing that children withSLIhave ToM impairments, this finding emphasizes the need for further investigation into the developmental interface between language and ToM as well as the extended consequences of atypical language development.
Peri‐implant soft tissue analyses comparing Ti and ZrO2abutments: an animal study on beagle dogs
Authors: Blanco Juan , Caneiro Leticia , Liñares Antonio , Batalla Pilar , Muñoz Fernando , Ramos Isabel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the soft tissue histomorphometric composition around implant abutments comparing two different materials, titanium (Ti) and zirconia (ZrO2).Material and methodsTwelve implants were placed at bone level in the mandible of six beagle dogs (one in each side). At the same day of surgery one titanium abutment was screwed to the implant in one side (control group) and a zirconia abutment was screwed in the contralateral side. Nine months after implant/abutments placement, animals were sacrificed for histological analysis. Descriptive analysis was calculated for each variable and Wilcoxon test was applied to evaluate histomorphometric variables.ResultsAt the end of the study the soft tissue dimension at Ti and ZrO2were similar in all counterparts: biological width, the length of the barrier epithelium, length of the connective tissue, and the percentage of collagen fibers density. However, the percentage of blood vessels was higher for the Ti in comparison to ZrO2(5.11% ± 1.70 and 2.23% ± 0.98, respectively [P = 0.016]).ConclusionsPeri‐implant soft tissue histomorphology composition was similar in implant abutments made of ZrO2and titanium after 9 months of healing.
Paradoxical increase in nasal airway resistance after topical nasal decongestion – does it really exist? A retro‐ and prospective study
Authors: Swoboda S. , Thulesius H.L. , Jessen M. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence and reproducibility of paradoxically increased nasal airway resistance after decongestion of the nasal mucosa as well as to identify patient‐related factors associated with it.DesignRetrospective analysis of all rhinomanometric measurements carried out at one ENT department in Sweden in the time between 1990 and 2010. In the baseline material, 207 of 4435 patients (4.7%) showed a paradoxically increased nasal airway resistance >20%. A follow‐up rhinomanometry was performed in patients eligible for the study.SettingSecondary care centre.ParticipantsPatients with paradoxically increased nasal airway resistance >20% who returned a complete questionnaire and had not undergone any nasal‐ or sinus surgery. Thirty‐six patients (33–72 years) were eligible for the study.Main outcome measuresAll patients answered a questionnaire and underwent rhinoscopy. Nasal airway resistance before and after decongestion with 0.1% xylometazoline hydrochloride was assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry.ResultsTwelve of thirty‐six patients (33%) showed a paradoxically increased nasal airway resistance in the follow‐up rhinomanometry. No patient‐related factors were identified.ConclusionThe results indicate the existence and reproducibility of paradoxically increased nasal airway resistance.
Deconstructing Darwin's Naturalization Conundrum in the San Juan Islands using community phylogenetics and functional traits
Authors: Marx Hannah E. , Giblin David E. , Dunwiddie Peter W. , Tank David C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimDarwin posed a conundrum about species invasions, postulating the importance of functional distinctiveness from the receiving native community to avoid competition, and, at the same time, the importance of shared similarity to pass environmental filters and successfully establish. Using phylogenetic distances and functional traits, we assessed this conundrum in the flora of 80 mostly uninhabited islands, where over 30% of the species are invasive. We highlight the importance of publicly available datasets to disentangle ecological processes that may drive invasion.LocationSan Juan Islands archipelago, Pacific Northwest of North America.MethodsUsing a supermatrix approach, we inferred a maximum‐likelihood estimate of the mega‐phylogeny for the vascular plants on the San Juan Islands. We gathered measurements for five ecologically relevant functional traits – seed mass, maximum height, specific leaf area, leaf size and leaf nitrogen content. We assessed phylogenetic and functional trait similarity between invasive species and the receiving native community, and tested the significance of the observed patterns against a randomly generated invading community.ResultsInvasive species were more closely related (phylogenetically clustered) to their nearest native than natives were on 40 of the islands and were more clustered than any random invasive in the species pool on 22 islands. Despite phylogenetic similarity, functional traits differed between the two status groups, at least for maximum height and specific leaf area. When comparing functional differences between phylogenetically close relatives, more complex patterns emerge.Main conclusionOnly with the combination of both evolutionary history and phenotypic traits were we able to discover support for both sides of Darwin's conundrum – although invasive species have phylogenetically close native relatives, functional traits differ between the two status groups. This implies that both environmental filtering and competitive interactions may be important for invasion success in this archipelago.
Sitagliptin and pancreatic cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tseng Chin‐Hsiao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of pancreatic cancer associated with incretin‐based therapies is controversial.MethodsThis study retrospectively analysed the National Health Insurance database including patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus at an age ≥ 25 years between 1999 and 2010. A total of 71 137 ever users of sitagliptin and 933 046 never users were followed for pancreatic cancer until 31 December 2011. A time‐dependent approach was used to calculate incidence and estimate hazard ratios adjusted for propensity score using Cox regression.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 83 ever users and 3658 never users developed pancreatic cancer, representing an incidence of 73·6 and 55·0 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) for ever versus never users was 1·40 (1·13–1·75). The respective adjusted hazard ratio for the first, second and third tertile of cumulative dose < 14 700, 14 700–33 700 and > 33 700 mg was 1·83 (1·28–2·62), 1·97 (1·41–2·76) and 0·72 (0·45–1·15). For average daily dose of < 50, 50–99·9 and ≥ 100 mg, the respective hazard ratio was 3·10 (1·17–8·26), 1·01 (0·63–1·61) and 1·53 (1·18–1·97).ConclusionsSitagliptin is significantly associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, especially when the cumulative dose is < 33 700 mg. The risk diminished in users with a higher cumulative dose. The daily dose of sitagliptin should better be kept < 100 mg, and its use should be reconsidered in patients who suffer from severe renal impairment and thus a daily dose of < 50 mg is always recommended. Future studies are required to confirm the findings with more appropriate adjustment for smoking.
Hypertension subtypes modify metabolic response to thiazide diuretics
Authors: Huang Chin‐Chou , Leu Hsin‐Bang , Huang Po‐Hsun , Lin Liang‐Yu , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chen Jaw‐Wen 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundBlood pressure (BP) and metabolic response to thiazide diuretics might be varied in patients with different hypertension subtypes and ethnicities. This study aimed to investigate the response of BP and metabolic profiles to short‐term thiazide treatment in an Asian cohort with different hypertension subtypes.DesignSerial ethnic Chinese nondiabetic subjects with hypertension were evaluated. After diet instruction and lifestyle modification for 2 weeks, patients who still had elevated systolic BP (SBP≥140 mmHg) and/or diastolic BP (DBP≥90 mmHg) were given 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide daily for 2 weeks. The responses of BP and metabolic profiles were evaluated before and after treatment according to the patient's baseline BP subtype – isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), systo‐diastolic hypertension (SDH) and isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH).ResultsHydrochlorothiazide treatment significantly reduced the BP in all 92 patients (62 males, aged 45·7 ± 9·6 years), irrespective of their baseline BP subtypes. In patients with SDH (n = 39) or IDH (n = 40), hydrochlorothiazide treatment significantly increased serum adiponectin (P = 0·001 and 0·007, respectively) and reduced asymmetric dimethylarginine levels (P < 0·001, in both groups). Serum cholesterol (P = 0·027) and fasting blood sugar levels (P = 0·044) were significantly improved only in the IDH patients. Furthermore, IDH was independently associated with changes in fasting blood sugar (β = −11·178, P = 0·022) and cholesterol (β = −22·654, P = 0·027).ConclusionsThe characteristics of the Asian hypertensive patients with diastolic hypertension can present a favourable metabolic response to the short‐term hydrochlorothiazide treatment. The potential positive effect on cardiovascular risk should be validated in long‐term studies in this diastolic type of hypertension.
Frequency and temporal profile of recanalization after cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis
Authors: Herweh C. , Griebe M. , Geisbüsch C. , Szabo K. , Neumaier‐Probst E. , Hennerici M. G. , Bendszus M. , Ringleb P. A. , Nagel S. 
Published: November 2015

Background and purposeThe temporal course of recanalization and its association with clinical outcome were analysed in our patients with cerebral sinus and/or venous thrombosis (CSVT) and follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsBetween January 1998 and September 2014 all patients from our institutions with CSVT were systematically analysed. Baseline data, treatment characteristics and follow‐up MRI were retrospectively recorded. The status of recanalization was assessed as complete (CRec), partial (PRec) or failed recanalization. Clinical follow‐up was measured with the modified Rankin Scale. Excellent outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0–1.ResultsNinety‐nine patients were identified; 97% of these patients were treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC) and the median (min–max) time of OAC was 7 months (1–84). CRec was achieved in 57.6% (57/99), PRec in 29.3% (29/99) and only 13 (13.1%) patients did not recanalize. The median (min–max) time to PRec was 4 months (0.25–14) and to CRec 6 months (2–34). Median time to last clinical follow‐up was 8 months (1–88); 91.8% (89/99) had an excellent outcome at last clinical follow‐up and only 2.1% (2/99) died. Only thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus was independently associated with successful recanalization (odds ratio 16, 95% confidence interval 2–138). No severe haemorrhagic complications and no recurrence of CSVT occurred within clinical follow‐up. No association of outcome and recanalization status was found.ConclusionsThe recanalization rate of CSVT under OAC was high and the median time to CRec was 6 months. Thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus is a positive predictor of recanalization. Outcome in this cohort was excellent but no significant association of outcome and recanalization status was found.
The Role of Motivation and Learner Variables in L1 and L2 Vocabulary Development in Japanese Heritage Language Speakers in the United States
Authors: Mori Yoshiko , Calder Toshiko M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study investigates the role of motivation and learner variables in bilingual vocabulary development among first language (L1) Japanese students attending hoshuukoo (i.e., supplementary academic schools for Japanese‐speaking children) in the United States. One hundred sixteen high school students ages 15–18 from eight hoshuukoo completed Japanese and English vocabulary tests and a student characteristics questionnaire. A principal component analysis identified six motivational factors: preference for Japan, Japanese heritage, no choice, career orientation, American identity, and positive perceptions. The students highly rated career orientation, positive perceptions, and Japanese heritage as reasons to learn both languages. Regression analysis revealed negative effects of American identity and career orientation on L1 Japanese vocabulary knowledge and a positive impact of positive perceptions on second language (L2) English proficiency. The students' college plans were highly related to the motivational factor of preference for Japan. In sum, bilingual competence can be related to motivational factors, and individual differences in bilingual proficiency among young learners of Japanese as a heritage language can be, at least partially, accounted for by socio‐psychological factors.
Validation of the FIB‐4 index for evaluation of fibrosis in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation: A single center experience
Authors: Kitajima Toshihiro , Kaido Toshimi , Hamaguchi Yuhei , Yagi Shintaro , Taura Kojiro , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Hatano Etsuro , Okajima Hideaki , Haga Hironori , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: November 2015

AimThe FIB‐4 index has been proposed as a simple, non‐invasive surrogate marker of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the utility of FIB‐4 in HCV positive patients after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of FIB‐4 in the detection of significant liver graft fibrosis caused by recurrent HCV infection after LDLT compared with other simple fibrosis markers.MethodsA total of 259 liver biopsies (LB) with evidence of recurrent HCV were taken from 110 HCV positive LDLT patients who had undergone concomitant splenectomy before administration of antiviral therapy. In LB performed at 3 months or later after LT (n = 202, subject group), FIB‐4 was compared between fibrosis stages and the accuracy of FIB‐4 in predicting significant fibrosis (METAVIR, F ≥ 2) was assessed compared with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, age–platelet index, and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI).ResultsFIB‐4 was significantly different between all fibrosis stages (F0 and F1–F4, P = 0.022; F0/1 and F2–F4, P < 0.0005; and F0–F2 and F3F4, P = 0.034) and provided the best area under the receiver–operator curve (AUROC) compared with other markers (FIB‐4, 0.711; APRI, 0.693; age–platelet index, 0.663; and AST to ALT ratio, 0.562). The optimal cut‐off value to identify significant fibrosis was 2.20 with 65% sensitivity and 69% specificity.ConclusionFIB‐4 is a more reliable marker for diagnosing significant liver fibrosis than APRI, age–platelet index, and AST to ALT ratio in LDLT patients with HCV.
Development of a smart, anti‐water polyurethane polymer hair coating for style setting
Authors: Liu Y. , Liu Y.J. , Hu J. , Ji F.L. , Lv J. , Chen S.J. , Zhu Y. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this work was to develop a novel polyurethane polymer coating for the surface of the hair that could be used for style setting via the shape memory effect (SME). The features of the films are in accordance with conventional hair styling methods used in the laboratory.MethodsIn this study, a new polyurethane polymer was synthesized; the morphology and mechanical behaviour of the coated hair were systematically investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an Instron 5566 (with a temperature oven). The SME of the hair was tested using a 35‐g weight and over five washing and drying cycles.ResultsThe experimental result shows that the polyurethane polymer has effects on the mechanical behaviour of the hair. It indicates that the fixed shape (at 22°C) and recover rate (at 60°C) of different casted thickness films are similar. And the stress of the film becomes larger with increasing film thickness. Furthermore, the shape memory ability could be endowed with the hair styling using this polymer; the hair fibre could recover to the 65% of its original shape after five cycle deformation by 35 g mass under the heat‐treated condition; it could recover its original setting styling even after 5th water washing and drying. The SEM results indicated that the microsurface of the hair is coated with the polymer membrane; it contributes to the shape memory ability of the coated hair to keep and recover to the original setting styling. The styling hair can return to the original hair because the polyurethane polymer can be washed out by water with suitable strength and shampoo totally which does not leave any flake.ConclusionThe polyurethane polymer‐based hair setting agent has been developed successfully, and it could be coated evenly on the human hair with good hand feeling and SMEs. The SME is highly related to the quantity of polyurethane polymer solution, and the effect could be improved by increasing the solution quantity. The maximum deformation of the coated hair could be recovered 94% at 75°C, once its shape is changed by an external force. The treated hair can withstand warm water rinsing for at least five cycles, and it can keep 65% of its original setting style after water rinsing. The polyurethane polymer could be totally removed by shampooing the hair and hot towel covering for 5–10 min. This research provides an effective way for the development of new intelligent shaping agents.
Unconventional T‐cell recognition of an arthritogenic epitope of proteoglycan aggrecan released from degrading cartilage
Authors: Falconer Jane , Mahida Rahul , Venkatesh Divya , Pearson Jeffrey , Robinson John H. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIt has been proposed that peptide epitopes bind to MHC class II molecules to form distinct structural conformers of the same MHC II–peptide complex termed type A and type B, and that the two conformers of the same peptide–MHC II complex are recognized by distinct CD4 T cells, termed type A and type B T cells. Both types recognize short synthetic peptides but only type A recognize endosomally processed intact antigen. Type B T cells that recognize self peptides from exogenously degraded proteins have been shown to escape negative selection during thymic development and so have the potential to contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. We generated and characterized mouse CD4 T cells specific for an arthritogenic epitope of the candidate joint autoantigen proteoglycan aggrecan. Cloned T‐cell hybridomas specific for a synthetic peptide containing the aggrecan epitope showed two distinct response patterns based on whether they could recognize processed intact aggrecan. Fine mapping demonstrated that both types of T‐cell recognized the same core epitope. The results are consistent with the generation of aggrecan‐specific type A and type B T cells. Type B T cells were activated by supernatants released from degrading cartilage, indicating the presence of antigenic extracellular peptides or fragments of aggrecan. Type B T cells could play a role in the pathogenesis of proteoglycan‐induced arthritis in mice, a model for rheumatoid arthritis, by recognizing extracellular peptides or protein fragments of joint autoantigens released by inflamed cartilage.