bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful Replication of GWAS Hits for Multiple Sclerosis in 10,000 Germans Using the Exome Array
Authors: Dankowski Theresa , Buck Dorothea , Andlauer Till F. M. , Antony Gisela , Bayas Antonios , Bechmann Lukas , Berthele Achim , Bettecken Thomas , Chan Andrew , Franke Andre , Gold Ralf , Graetz Christiane , Haas Jürgen , Hecker Michael , Herms Stefan , Infante‐Duarte Carmen , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Kieseier Bernd C. , Knier Benjamin , Knop Matthias , Kümpfel Tania , Lichtner Peter , Lieb Wolfgang , Lill Christina M. , Limmroth Volker , Linker Ralf A. , Loleit Verena , Meuth Sven G. , Moebus Susanne , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Nischwitz Sandra , Nöthen Markus M. , Paul Friedemann , Pütz Michael , Ruck Tobias , Salmen Anke , Stangel Martin , Stellmann Jan‐Patrick , Strauch Konstantin , Stürner Klarissa H. , Tackenberg Björn , Then Bergh Florian , Tumani Hayrettin , Waldenberger Melanie , Weber Frank , Wiendl Heinz , Wildemann Brigitte , Zettl Uwe K. , Ziemann Ulf , Zipp Frauke , Hemmer Bernhard , Ziegler Andreas ,   on behalf of the German Competence Network for Multiple Sclerosis (KKNMS)
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) successfully identified various chromosomal regions to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary aim of this study was to replicate reported associations from GWAS using an exome array in a large German study. German MS cases (n = 4,476) and German controls (n = 5,714) were genotyped using the Illumina HumanExome v1‐Chip. Genotype calling was performed with the Illumina Genome StudioTM Genotyping Module, followed by zCall. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in seven regions outside the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region showed genome‐wide significant associations with MS (P values < 5 × 10−8). These associations have been reported previously. In addition, SNPs in three previously reported regions outside the HLA region yielded P values < 10−5. The effect of nine SNPs in the HLA region remained (P < 10−5) after adjustment for other significant SNPs in the HLA region. All of these findings have been reported before or are driven by known risk loci. In summary, findings from previous GWAS for MS could be successfully replicated. We conclude that the regions identified in previous GWAS are also associated in the German population. This reassures the need for detailed investigations of the functional mechanisms underlying the replicated associations.
Consideration Sets and Their Role in Modelling Doctor Recommendations About Contraceptives
Authors: Fiebig Denzil G. , Viney Rosalie , Knox Stephanie , Haas Marion , Street Deborah J. , Hole Arne R. , Weisberg Edith , Bateson Deborah 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDecisions about prescribed contraception are typically the result of a consultation between a woman and her doctor. In order to better understand contraceptive choice within this environment, stated preference methods are utilized to ask doctors about what contraceptive options they would discuss with different types of women. The role of doctors is to confine their discussion to a subset of products that best match their patient. This subset of options forms the consideration set from which the ultimate recommendation is made. Given the existence of consideration sets we address the issue of how to model appropriately the ultimate recommendations. The estimated models enable us to characterize doctor recommendations and how they vary with patient attributes and to highlight where recommendations are clear and when they are uncertain. The results also indicate systematic variation in recommendations across different types of doctors, and in particular we observe that some doctors are reluctant to embrace new products and instead recommend those that are more familiar. Such effects are one possible explanation for the relatively low uptake of more cost effective longer acting reversible contraceptives and indicate that further education and training of doctors may be warranted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical Malpractice Damage Caps and Provider Reimbursement
Authors: Friedson Andrew I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA common state legislative maneuver to combat rising healthcare costs is to reform the tort system by implementing caps on noneconomic damages awardable in medical malpractice cases. Using the implementation of caps in several states and large database of private insurance claims, I estimate the effect of damage caps on the amount providers charge to insurance companies as well as the amount that insurance companies reimburse providers for medical services. The amount providers charge insurers is unresponsive to tort reform, but the amount that insurers reimburse providers decreases for some procedures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presence of starch enhances in vitro biodegradation and biocompatibility of a gentamicin delivery formulation
Authors: Balmayor Elizabeth R. , Baran Turker E. , Unger Marina , Marques Alexandra P. , Azevedo Helena S. , Reis Rui L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe effect of α‐amylase degradation on the release of gentamicin from starch‐conjugated chitosan microparticles was investigated up to 60 days. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed an increase in the porosity and surface roughness of the microparticles as well as reduced diameters. This was confirmed by 67% weight loss of the microparticles in the presence of α‐amylase. Over time, a highly porous matrix was obtained leading to increased permeability and increased water uptake with possible diffusion of gentamicin. Indeed, a faster release of gentamicin was observed with α‐amylase. Starch‐conjugated chitosan particles are non‐toxic and highly biocompatible for an osteoblast (SaOs‐2) and fibroblast (L929) cell line as well as adipose‐derived stem cells. When differently produced starch‐conjugated chitosan particles were tested, their cytotoxic effect on SaOs‐2 cells was found to be dependent on the crosslinking agent and on the amount of starch used. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1610–1620, 2015.
Head‐To‐Head Assessment of Diagnostic Performance of Testosterone Immunoassays in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Schüring Andreas N. , Nolte Stefan , Fobker Manfred , Kannenberg Frank , Nofer Jerzy‐Roch 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundDetermination of plasma testosterone is critical for the proper diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the interpretation of biochemical tests is hampered by inadequate specificity and precision of available immunoassays. We here compared the diagnostic performance of three testosterone immunoassays (Advia Centaur, Immulite 2000 XPi, Cobas e411) in PCOS patients using receiver operator characteristics curve analysis.Methods and ResultsPlasma levels of testosterone, androstendione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, estradiol, progesterone, steroid hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, and follicular stimulating hormone were determined in 188 patients with PCOS and 202 controls. Free testosterone (fT) levels and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated. Testosterone levels measured on Advia Centaur, Immulite 2000 XPi, and Cobas e411 showed clear linear relationship to each other. Testosterone measured with Advia Centaur showed discriminatory performance superior to Immulite 2000 XPi and Cobas e411. Calculation of fT or FAI improved the performance of Advia Centaur and Immulite 2000 XPi, which nevertheless performed better than Cobas e411. The performance of other parameters was inferior to that of testosterone, fT, and FAI.ConclusionPresent study documents striking differences between testosterone immunoassays with respect to their capacity to identify PCOS patients and favors the use of calculated parameters reflecting active testosterone in plasma.
Vancomycin AUC24/MIC Ratio in Patients with Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia
Authors: Ji Misuk , Kim Hyun‐Ki , Kim Soo‐Kyung , Lee Woochang , Sung Heungsup , Chun Sail , Kim Mi‐Na , Min Won‐Ki 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundVancomycin is the treatment of choice for serious methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 hr (AUC24)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio was recently introduced as a parameter for assessing clinical outcome by S. aureus. This study was purposed to apply the vancomycin AUC24/MIC in patients with MRSA pneumonia.MethodsForty‐seven patients with confirmed lower respiratory infection caused by MRSA during 2011 were enrolled. All patients were treated with vancomycin. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were collected. AUC24/MIC values were calculated as previously reported and patients were divided into two groups based on the bacteriologic response, which was eradicated or not, and an AUC24/MIC value (above or below 400).ResultsMRSA infections were eradicated in 39 patients but 8 patients had persistent MSRA infection in the following cultures. The mean AUC24/MIC values and vancomycin concentrations were not statistically different between patients with and without MRSA eradication. All 13 patients with a vancomycin MIC of 2 mg/L had an AUC24/MIC below 400.ConclusionAUC24/MIC might not be a reliable indicator for assessing treatment response of vancomycin in MRSA pneumonia. Relationship between vancomycin AUC24/MIC and therapeutic outcome needs to undergo further studies, including sufficiently large sample size.
Right ventricular strain by MR quantitatively identifies regional dysfunction in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vigneault Davis M. , te Riele Anneline S.J.M. , James Cynthia A. , Zimmerman Stefan L. , Selwaness Mariana , Murray Brittney , Tichnell Crystal , Tee Michael , Noble J. Alison , Calkins Hugh , Tandri Harikrishna , Bluemke David A. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundAnalysis of regional wall motion of the right ventricle (RV) is primarily qualitative with large interobserver variation in clinical practice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use feature tracking to analyze regional wall motion abnormalities in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).MethodsWe enrolled 110 subjects (39 overt ARVC [mutation+/phenotype+] (35.5%), 40 preclinical ARVC [mutation+/phenotype–] (36.3%), and 31 control subjects (28.2%)). Cine steady state free precession cardiac MR was performed with temporal resolution ≤40 ms in the horizontal long axis (HLA), axial, and short axis directions. Regional strain was analyzed using feature tracking software and reproducibility was assessed by means of intraclass correlation coefficient. Dunnett's test was used in univariate analysis for comparisons to control subjects; cumulative odds logistic regression was used for minimally and fully adjusted multivariate models.ResultsStrain was significantly impaired in overt ARVC compared with control subjects both globally (P < 0.01) and regionally (all segments of HLA view, P < 0.01). In the HLA view, regional reproducibility was excellent within (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.81) and moderate between (ICC = 0.62) observers. Using a threshold of –31% subtricuspid strain in the HLA view, the sensitivity and specificity for overt ARVC were 75.0% and 78.2%, respectively. In multivariable analysis involving all three groups, subtricuspid strain less than –31% (beta = 1.38; P = 0.014) and RV end diastolic volume index (beta = 0.06; P = 0.001) were significant predictors of disease presence.ConclusionRV strain can be reproducibly assessed with MR feature tracking, and regional strain is abnormal in overt ARVC compared with control subjects. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1132–1139.
An overview of ice storms and their impact in the United States
Authors: Degelia Samuel K. , Christian Jordan I. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Mitchell Trevor J. , Gardner Daniel F. , Jackson Sara E. , Ragland John C. , Mahan Hayden R. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIce storms, defined by the US National Weather Service as freezing rain accumulations over 0.635 cm (0.25 inch), are often costly and destructive. Formation processes include the classic ‘melting’ process and supercooled warm rain process. Freezing rain is most commonly found ahead of a warm front or occlusion, where warm air is lifted over a cold shallow layer near the surface. Other synoptic patterns conducive to freezing rain include arctic fronts, isentropic lift over an arctic air mass, and cold air damming. Causes of spatial and temporal variations in freezing rain include, but are not limited to, terrain and proximity to water. Areas with the most occurrences of freezing rain in the United States include the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest, and Northeast/Appalachian regions. Empirical forecasting methods and numerical weather prediction are currently used to predict freezing rain. Successful forecasting of ice storm events requires evaluation of the thermodynamic profile of the atmosphere. Local effects such as proximity to water and topography must be taken into account, and non‐linear processes such as latent heating and cooling must not be ignored. Ice accumulation can cause tree damage, which, in addition to breakage of electrical cables, can lead to power outages. Deposition of ice also impacts road, rail, and air travel, with associated economic costs due to lost hours as workers are unable to travel. Ice storms also provide a significant risk to human health and life, with falling debris and slippery surfaces being primary threats.
From Lignin‐derived Aromatic Compounds to Novel Biobased Polymers
Authors: Llevot Audrey , Grau Etienne , Carlotti Stéphane , Grelier Stéphane , Cramail Henri 
Published: October 2015

Nowadays, the synthesis of (semi)aromatic polymers from lignin derivatives is of major interest, as aromatic compounds are key intermediates in the manufacture of polymers and lignin is the main source of aromatic biobased substrates. Phenols with a variety of chemical structures can be obtained from lignin deconstruction; among them, vanillin and ferulic acid are the main ones. Depending on the phenol substrates, different chemical modifications and polymerization pathways are developed, leading to (semi)aromatic polymers covering a wide range of thermomechanical properties. This review discusses the synthesis and properties of thermosets (vinyl ester resins, cyanate ester, epoxy, and benzoxazine resins) and thermoplastic polymers (polyesters, polyanhydrides, Schiff base polymers, polyacetals, polyoxalates, polycarbonates, acrylate polymers) prepared from vanillin, ferulic acid, guaiacol, syringaldehyde, or 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid.
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A flexible nested sodium and proton coil array with wideband matching for knee cartilage MRI at 3T
Authors: Brown Ryan , Lakshmanan Karthik , Madelin Guillaume , Alon Leeor , Chang Gregory , Sodickson Daniel K. , Regatte Ravinder R. , Wiggins Graham C. 
Published: October 2015

PurposeWe describe a 2 × 6 channel sodium/proton array for knee MRI at 3T. Multielement coil arrays are desirable because of well‐known signal‐to‐noise ratio advantages over volume and single‐element coils. However, low tissue–coil coupling that is characteristic of coils operating at low frequency can make the potential gains from a phased array difficult to realize.MethodsThe issue of low tissue–coil coupling in the developed six‐channel sodium receive array was addressed by implementing 1) a mechanically flexible former to minimize the coil‐to‐tissue distance and reduce the overall diameter of the array and 2) a wideband matching scheme that counteracts preamplifier noise degradation caused by coil coupling and a high‐quality factor. The sodium array was complemented with a nested proton array to enable standard MRI.ResultsThe wideband matching scheme and tight‐fitting mechanical design contributed to >30% central signal‐to‐noise ratio gain on the sodium module over a mononuclear sodium birdcage coil, and the performance of the proton module was sufficient for clinical imaging.ConclusionWe expect the strategies presented in this study to be generally relevant in high‐density receive arrays, particularly in x‐nuclei or small animal applications. Magn Reson Med 76:1325–1334, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic pricing in a dual‐market environment
Authors: Chen Wen , Fleischhacker Adam J. , Katehakis Michael N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article is concerned with the determination of pricing strategies for a firm that in each period of a finite horizon receives replenishment quantities of a single product which it sells in two markets, for example, a long‐distance market and an on‐site market. The key difference between the two markets is that the long‐distance market provides for a one period delay in demand fulfillment. In contrast, on‐site orders must be filled immediately as the customer is at the physical on‐site location. We model the demands in consecutive periods as independent random variables and their distributions depend on the item's price in accordance with two general stochastic demand functions: additive or multiplicative. The firm uses a single pool of inventory to fulfill demands from both markets. We investigate properties of the structure of the dynamic pricing strategy that maximizes the total expected discounted profit over the finite time horizon, under fixed or controlled replenishment conditions. Further, we provide conditions under which one market may be the preferred outlet to sale over the other. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 531–549, 2015
Understanding the in situ crosslinked gelatin hydrogel
Authors: Joy Jincy , Gupta Amlan , Jahnavi Sarvepalli , Verma Rama S , Ray Alok R , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe present study focuses on an in‐depth investigation at the molecular level of in situ crosslinked gelatin hydrogel by oxidized carboxymethylcellulose (OCMC), intended for biomedical purposes. The crosslinking parameters, namely the crosslinking temperature, crosslinking time and the amount of crosslinker, were varied. The surface and bulk properties were investigated to construct a representative model postulating the interaction of gelatin and OCMC encompassing their physical and covalent linking which determines the properties of the hydrogel. It was inferred that covalent crosslinking facilitates the interfacial interaction between gelatin and OCMC which beyond 30% OCMC composition is impeded due to depletion: microdomain formation leading to phase separation. This study might enable the fabrication of tunable hydrogel with crosslinking parameters in accordance with its purpose. The preliminary biocompatibility studies of the hydrogel conclude that the crosslinked hydrogel generates favourable conditions for cells to adhere and proliferate showing potential for biomedical purposes. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Soluble and transparent polyimides with high Tg from a new diamine containing tert‐butyl and fluorene units
Authors: Yi Lang , Li Congyan , Huang Wei , Yan Deyue 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTA novel diamine monomer 1, 4,4'‐(9H‐fluorene‐9,9‐diyl)‐bis(2‐tert‐butylaniline), was synthesized from 9‐fluorenone and 2‐tert‐butylaniline by the condensation reaction. Then it was polymerized with several commercial aromatic dianhydrides, respectively, to produce polyimides (PIs) by the one‐pot method. The number‐averaged molecular weights of the resulting PIs are in the range of (4.54–8.82) × 104 with polydispersity indices from 2.51 to 4.33 by gel permeation chromatography measurement. They are soluble in many organic solvents and can form transparent and tough films by solution‐casting. The cut‐off wavelengths of UV–vis absorption for the PI films are below 360 nm, which are much lower than that of Kapton film. The light transparency of them is above 90% in the visible light range from 400 to 760 nm. They also display relatively low dielectric constants (from 2.79 to 3.00), low water absorption rates (<1%), and high tensile strength (> 50 MPa). Their excellent solubility and transparency can be attributed to the incorporation of tert‐butyl groups and fluorene units into the rigid backbones of PIs. Simultaneously, they still maintain the high thermal stability (the 5% weight loss temperature in the range from 526 to 539 °C in nitrogen) and the high glass transition temperatures (Tg > 340 °C). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 976–984
Lattice dynamics and thermoelectric properties of nanocrystalline silicon–germanium alloys
Authors: Claudio Tania , Stein Niklas , Petermann Nils , Stroppa Daniel G. , Koza Michael Marek , Wiggers Hartmut , Klobes Benedikt , Schierning Gabi , Hermann Raphaël P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe lattice dynamics and thermoelectric properties of sintered phosphorus‐doped nanostructured silicon–germanium alloys obtained by gas‐phase synthesis were studied. Measurements of the density of phonon states by inelastic neutron scattering were combined with measurements of the elastic constants and the low‐temperature heat capacity. A strong influence of nanostructuring and alloying on the lattice dynamics was observed. The thermoelectric transport properties of samples with different doping as well as samples sintered at different temperature were characterized between room temperature and C. A peak figure of merit at C is observed and is comparatively insensitive to the aforementioned parameter variations.
From thermoelectric bulk to nanomaterials: Current progress for Bi2Te3 and CoSb3
Authors: Peranio N. , Eibl O. , Bäßler S. , Nielsch K. , Klobes B. , Hermann R. P. , Daniel M. , Albrecht M. , Görlitz H. , Pacheco V. , Bedoya‐Martínez N. , Hashibon A. , Elsässer C. 
Published: October 2015

Bi2Te3 and CoSb3 based nanomaterials were synthesized and their thermoelectric, structural, and vibrational properties analyzed to assess and reduce ZT‐limiting mechanisms. The same preparation and/or characterization methods were applied in the different materials systems. Single‐crystalline, ternary p‐type Bi15Sb29Te56, and n‐type Bi38Te55Se7 nanowires with power factors comparable to nanostructured bulk materials were prepared by potential‐pulsed electrochemical deposition in a nanostructured Al2O3 matrix. p‐type Sb2Te3, n‐type Bi2Te3, and n‐type CoSb3 thin films were grown at room temperature using molecular beam epitaxy and were subsequently annealed at elevated temperatures. This yielded polycrystalline, single phase thin films with optimized charge carrier densities. In CoSb3 thin films the speed of sound could be reduced by filling the cage structure with Yb and alloying with Fe yielded p‐type material. Bi2(Te0.91Se0.09)3/SiC and (Bi0.26Sb0.74)2Te3/SiC nanocomposites with low thermal conductivities and ZT values larger than 1 were prepared by spark plasma sintering. Nanostructure, texture, chemical composition, as well as electronic and phononic excitations were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, nuclear resonance scattering, inelastic neutron scattering, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. For Bi2Te3 materials, ab‐initio calculations together with equilibrium and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for point defects yielded their formation energies and their effect on lattice thermal conductivity, respectively.Current advances in thermoelectric Bi2Te3 and CoSb3 based nanomaterials are summarized. Advanced synthesis and characterization methods and theoretical modeling were combined to assess and reduce ZT‐limiting mechanisms in these materials.