bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Function After the Initiation of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Ganz Patricia A. , Petersen Laura , Castellon Steven A. , Bower Julienne E. , Silverman Daniel H.S. , Cole Steven W. , Irwin Michael R. , Belin Thomas R. 
Published: September 2014

Purpose This report examines cognitive complaints and neuropsychological (NP) testing outcomes in patients with early-stage breast cancer after the initiation of endocrine therapy (ET) to determine whether this therapy plays any role in post-treatment cognitive complaints. Patients and Methods One hundred seventy-three participants from the Mind Body Study (MBS) observational cohort provided data from self-report questionnaires and NP testing obtained at enrollment (T1, before initiation of ET), and 6 months later (T2). Bivariate analyses compared demographic and treatment variables, cognitive complaints, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and NP functioning between those who received ET versus not. Multivariable linear regression models examined predictors of cognitive complaints at T2, including selected demographic variables, depressive symptoms, ET use, and other medical variables, along with NP domains that were identified in bivariate analyses. Results Seventy percent of the 173 MBS participants initiated ET, evenly distributed between tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. ET-treated participants reported significantly increased language and communication (LC) cognitive complaints at T2 (P = .003), but no significant differences in NP test performance. Multivariable regression on LC at T2 found higher LC complaints significantly associated with T1 LC score (P < .001), ET at T2 (P = .004), interaction between ET and past hormone therapy (HT) (P < .001), and diminished improvement in NP psychomotor function (P = .05). Depressive symptoms were not significant (P = .10). Conclusion Higher LC complaints are significantly associated with ET 6 months after starting treatment and reflect diminished improvements in some NP tests. Past HT is a significant predictor of higher LC complaints after initiation of ET.
Visual pigments, oil droplets, lens, and cornea characterization in the whooping crane (Grus americana)
Authors: Porter Megan L. , Kingston Alexandra C.N. , McCready Robert , Cameron Evan G. , Hofmann Christopher M. , Suarez Lauren , Olsen Glenn H. , Cronin Thomas W. , Robinson Phyllis R. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Vision has been investigated in many species of birds, but few studies have considered the visual systems of large birds and the particular implications of large eyes and long-life spans on visual system capabilities. To address these issues we investigated the visual system of the whooping crane, Grus americana (Gruiformes: Gruidae). G. americana (an endangered species) is one of only two North American crane species and represents a large, long-lived bird where ultraviolet sensitivity may be degraded by chromatic aberrations and entrance of ultraviolet light into the eye could be detrimental to retinal tissues. To investigate the whooping crane visual system we used microspectrophotometry to determine the absorbance spectra of retinal oil droplets and to investigate if the ocular media (i.e., the lens and cornea) absorbs UV light. In vitro expression and reconstitution was used to determine the absorbance spectra of rod and cone visual pigments. The rod visual pigments had wavelengths of peak absorbance (λmax) at 500 nm, while the cone visual pigments λmax values were determined to be 404 nm (SWS1), 450 nm (SWS2), 499 nm (RH2), and 561 nm (LWS), similar to other characterized bird visual pigment absorbance values. The oil droplet cutoff wavelength (λcut) values similarly fell within ranges recorded from other avian species: 576 nm (R-type), 522 nm (Y-type), 506 nm (P-type), and 448 nm (C-type). We confirm that G. americana has a violet-sensitive visual system, although based on the λmax of the SWS1 visual pigment (404 nm) may also have some ability for UV sensitivity.
Larval size and age affect colonization in a marine invertebrate
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. , Steinberg Peter D. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The relationship between offspring size and performance determines the optimal trade-off between producing many small offspring or fewer large offspring and the existence of this relationship has become a central tenet of life-history theory. For organisms with multiple life-history stages, the relationship between offspring size and performance is the product of the effects of offspring size in each life-history stage. Marine invertebrates have long been a model system for examining the evolutionary ecology of offspring size, and whilst offspring size effects have been found in several life-history stages, the crucial stage of colonization has received less attention. We examined the effect of offspring size on the settlement response of sea-urchin larvae (Heliocidaris erythrogramma) to preferred and less preferred hostplants, how these effects changed over the larval period and estimated the success of juveniles in the field on preferred and less preferred host plants. We found that smaller larvae became competent to respond to preferred host plant cues sooner than larger larvae but larger larvae rejected less preferred host plants for longer than smaller larvae. Overall, smaller H. erythrogramma larvae are likely to have less dispersal potential and are more likely to settle in less preferred habitats whereas larger larvae appear to have an obligately longer dispersal period but settle in preferred habitats. Our results suggest that marine invertebrates that produce non-feeding larvae may have the potential to affect the dispersal of their offspring in previously unanticipated ways and that offspring size is subject to a complex web of selection across life-history stages.
Pay What You Want as a Marketing Strategy in Monopolistic and Competitive Markets
Authors: Schmidt Klaus M. , Spann Martin , Zeithammer Robert 
Published: September 2014

Pay what you want (PWYW) can be an attractive marketing strategy to price discriminate between fair-minded and selfish customers, to fully penetrate a market without giving away the product for free, and to undercut competitors that use posted prices. We report on laboratory experiments that identify causal factors determining the willingness of buyers to pay voluntarily under PWYW. Furthermore, to see how competition affects the viability of PWYW, we implement markets in which a PWYW seller competes with a traditional seller. Finally, we endogenize the market structure and let sellers choose their pricing strategy. The experimental results show that outcome-based social preferences and strategic considerations to keep the seller in the market can explain why and how much buyers pay voluntarily to a PWYW seller. We find that PWYW can be viable on a monopolistic market, but it is less successful as a competitive strategy because it does not drive traditional posted-price sellers out of the market. Instead, the existence of a posted-price competitor reduces buyers' payments and prevents the PWYW seller from fully penetrating the market. When given the choice, most sellers opt for setting a posted price rather than a PWYW pricing strategy. We discuss the implications of these results for the use of PWYW as a marketing strategy. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1946 . This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Discriminative validity of sensory evaluation in a whiplash-associated disorder II population
Authors: Rushton Alison , Wright Christine , Kontakiotis Nikolaos , Mystrakis Anastasios , Frydas Dimitrios , Heneghan Nicola 
Published: September 2014

Aim: Evidence suggests chronic whiplash is associated with sensory hypersensitivity. Understanding the degree of sensory impairment could enhance rehabilitation strategies. This preliminary study determined whether differences in sensory evaluation occur post whiplash injury. Methods: Single-blinded, case control observational study using a convenience sample of 20 participants (median age 28.5 years, low disability) with chronic grade II whiplash-associated disorder (CWADII) and 22 control participants (median age 26 years) with no history of whiplash/neck injury. Outcome measures included vibration and cold pain perception threshold, and joint position error. Results: Significant associations using Kendall's tau correlation coefficient were found between: vibration thresholds (thenar and hypothenar eminences) for the CWADII group (p<0.01); cold pain thresholds (thenar, 5th metacarpophalangeal, mid cervical spine) in both groups (p<0.01); joint positioning errors (global positioning following right/left rotations, left rotation/extension) (p<0.01) in the CWADII group; and between vertical direction errors (following right/left rotation) in both groups (p<0.01). Discrimination between groups was not identified using separate logistic regressions on vibration or cold pain thresholds (thenar eminence) or on global flexion/extension/right rotation position errors (p>0.01). Conclusions: The findings do not support the use of vibration, cold pain threshold or joint position error to identify individuals with CWADII with low disability.
Validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire
Authors: Silva Anabela G , Queirós Alexandra , Alvarelhão Joaquim , Rocha Nelson P 
Published: September 2014

Aim: To translate and validate a European Portuguese version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire. Methods: The original English version of RAPA was translated into Portuguese following standardized procedures. Fifty-five Portuguese older adults were assessed in two sessions, approximately one week apart. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by weighted kappa (K). Construct validity was evaluated by Spearman's correlation coefficient between the RAPA and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB) (gait and chair stands tests, and total score); and by the Mann-Whitney U test between participants with and without depression and able and unable to complete the SPPB balance test. Results: Weighted K was 0.67 (95% CI=0.52–0.81) for reliability. A significant correlation was found between the RAPA and WHODAS 2.0 (rs=–0.47, p<0.01), gait test (rs=–0.45, p<0.01) and total SPPB score (rs=0.45, p<0.01). Participants able to complete the SPPB balance test had higher levels of physical activity than those unable (3.25±1.23 vs 2.37±1.30, p<0.05), and those without depression had higher levels of physical activity than those with depression (3.24±1.23 vs 2.50±1.34, p<0.05). Conclusions: The European Portuguese version of the RAPA questionnaire seems valid. However, its reliability requires further investigation.
The KITE Model for Assessment of Academic Software Products
Authors: Rojas Galeano Sergio Andrés , Diosa Henry Alberto , Melgarejo Rey Miguel Alberto 
Published: September 2014

<p>We reflect on the topic of assessing the merit of soft-ware products developed by research groups within the<br />academia. For this aim, a model is proposed consisting of four determinants defining the scoring of an arbitrary software product: new knowledge dissemination effect (K), impact in target population (I), technological in-novation (T), and engineering achievement (E). These determinants are integrated into a “KITE” graphical model. The model admits both a geometric or numeric interpretation, enabling decision makers to analyze pro-files of software productivity of an academic unit, from a quantitative or qualitative viewpoint. The ratings en-abling the software to be scored in each determinant are<br />also described. Preliminary test lists are sketched as a<br />proposal of measurement instruments for these scores, according to the model.</p>
Harmonization in hemolysis detection and prevention. A working group of the Catalonian Health Institute (ICS) experience
Authors: Fernandez Pilar , Llopis María Antonia , Perich Carmen , Alsina Maria Jesús , Alvarez Virtudes , Biosca Carmen , Busquets Gloria , Domenech Maria Vicenta , Gómez Rubén , Llovet Isabel , Minchinela Joana , Pastor Rosa , Ruiz Rosa , Tarrés Ester , Ibarz Mercè , Simón Margarita , Montesinos Mercè 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHemolysis is the main cause of non-quality samples in clinical laboratories, producing the highest percentage of rejections in the external assurance programs of preanalytical quality. The objective was to: 1) study the agreement between the detection methods and quantification of hemolysis; 2) establish comparable hemolysis interference limits for a series of tests and analytical methods; and 3) study the preanalytical variables which most influence hemolysis production.Different hemoglobin concentration standards were prepared using the reference method. Agreement was studied between automated methods [hemolytic indexes (HI)] and reference method, as well as the interference according to hemolysis degree in various biochemical tests was measured. Preanalytical variables which could influence hemolysis production were studied: type of extraction, type of tubes, transport time, temperature and centrifugation conditions.Good agreement was obtained between hemoglobin concentrations measured using the reference method and HI, for the most of studied analyzers, particularly those giving quantitative HI. The hemolysis interference cut-off points obtained for the majority of tests studied (except LDH, K) are dependent on the method/analyzer utilized. Furthermore, discrepancies have been observed between interference limits recommended by the manufacturer. The preanalytical variables which produce a lower percentage of hemolysis rejections were: centrifugation at the extraction site, the use of lower volume tubes and a transport time under 15 min at room temperature.The setting of interference limits (cut-off) for each used test/method, and the study of preanalytical variability will assist to the results harmonization for this quality indicator.
The relationship between the Spine Deformity Index, biochemical parameters of bone metabolism and vascular calcifications: results from the Epidemiological VERtebral FRACtures iTalian Study (EVERFRACT) in dialysis patients
Authors: Fusaro Maria , Gallieni Maurizio , Noale Marianna , Tripepi Giovanni , Miozzo Davide , Plebani Mario , Zaninotto Martina , Guglielmi Giuseppe , Miotto Diego , Fabris Fabrizio , Piccoli Antonio , Vilei Maria Teresa , Sella Stefania , Morachiello Paolo , Stoppa Fabrizio , Rossini Maurizio , Giannini Sandro 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe Spine Deformity Index (SDI) is a measure of vertebral fractures (VFs), providing information on both their number and severity.We evaluated the relationships between SDI and clinical, biochemical and arterial calcification parameters in 387 hemodialysis (HD) patients. VFs, assessed by quantitative vertebral morphometry, and vascular calcifications were identified in the same lateral spinal X-ray. To improve the detection of fracture severity, we created a corrected SDI (c-SDI), by dividing SDI for the number of VFs. We assessed routine biochemistry, bone-Gla-protein (BGP), undercaboxylated BGP (ucBGP), and matrix-Gla-protein (MGP).VFs prevalence was 55.3%. HD patients with a SDI >1 were more frequently males (p<0.05), and had lower BGP (p<0.01). Patients with a c-SDI >1 had higher LDL-cholesterol (p<0.05) and lower ucBGP (p<0.05) and MGP (p<0.05). Calcifications of the abdominal aorta (AAoC) were more frequent in patients with SDI >1 (p<0.05) and with c-SDI >1 (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that male sex (OR 1.86, CI 1.20–2.91), age (OR 1.03, CI 1.01–1.05) and albumin ≥3.5 g/dL (OR 0.54, CI 0.31–0.93) were predictors of a SDI >1. Age (OR 1.05, CI 1.03–1.07), LDL-cholesterol (OR 1.74, CI 1.04–2.92) and ucBGP (OR 0.35, CI 0.18–0.70) were associated with c-SDI >1.We conclude that the severity of VFs was associated with age, atherogenic factors and bone metabolism markers.
Global coagulation tests: their applicability for measuring direct factor Xa- and thrombin inhibition and reversal of anticoagulation by prothrombin complex concentrate
Authors: Dinkelaar Jasper , Patiwael Sanne , Harenberg Job , Leyte Anja , Brinkman Herm Jan M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSpecific mass spectrometry and direct activated factor X (Xa)- and thrombin inhibition assays do not allow determination of the reversal of anticoagulant effects of non-vitamin K direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs) by prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). The objective of this study was the evaluation of the applicability of a variety of commercially available global coagulation assays in analyzing the reversal of NOAC anticoagulation by PCC.Plasma and whole blood were spiked with apixaban or dabigatran and PCC was added to these samples. Prothrombin time (PT), modified PT (mPT), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), thrombography (CAT method) and thromboelastography (ROTEM, TEG) were performed.Assays triggered by contact activation (APTT, INTEM) did not show inhibitor reversal by PCC. Assays triggered by tissue factor (TF) showed NOAC type and NOAC concentration dependent anticoagulation reversal effects of PCC ranging from partial normalization to overcorrection of the following parameters: clotting or reaction time (PT, mPT TEG-TF, EXTEM, FIBTEM); angle in thromboelastography (TEG-TF); thrombin generation (CAT) lag time, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin. Extent of reversal was assay reagent dependent. ETP (5 pM TF) was the only parameter showing complete reversal of anticoagulation by PCC for all NOACs ranging from 200 to 800 μg/L.ETP fits with the concept that reversal assessment of NOAC anticoagulation by PCC should be based on measurements on the clotting potential or thrombin generating potential of the plasma or whole blood patient sample. Low sensitivity of ETP for NOACs and its correlation with bleeding are issues that remain to be resolved.
Harmonisation of seven common enzyme results through EQA
Authors: Weykamp Cas , Franck Paul , Gunnewiek Jacqueline Klein , de Jonge Robert , Kuypers Aldy , van Loon Douwe , Steigstra Herman , Cobbaert Christa 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEquivalent results between different laboratories enable optimal patient care and can be achieved with harmonisation. We report on EQA-initiated national harmonisation of seven enzymes using commutable samples.EQA samples were prepared from human serum spiked with human recombinant enzymes. Target values were assigned with the IFCC Reference Measurement Procedures. The same samples were included at four occasions in the EQA programmes of 2012 and 2013. Laboratories were encouraged to report IFCC traceable results. A parallel study was done to confirm commutability of the samples.Of the 223 participating laboratories, 95% reported IFCC traceable results, ranging from 98% (ASAT) to 87% (amylase). Users of Roche and Siemens (97%) more frequently reported in IFCC traceable results than users of Abbott (91%), Beckman (90%), and Olympus (87%). The success of harmonisation, expressed as the recovery of assigned values and the inter-laboratory CV was: ALAT (recovery 100%; inter-lab CV 4%), ASAT (102%; 4%), LD (98%; 3%), CK (101%; 5%), GGT (98%; 4%), AP (96%; 6%), amylase (99%; 4%). There were no significant differences between the manufacturers. Commutability was demonstrated in the parallel study. Equal results in the same sample in the 2012 and 2013 EQA programmes demonstrated stability of the samples.The EQA-initiated national harmonisation of seven enzymes, using stable, commutable human serum samples, spiked with human recombinant enzymes, and targeted with the IFCC Reference Measurement Procedures, was successful in terms of implementation of IFCC traceable results (95%), recovery of the target (99%), and inter-laboratory CV (4%).
Eszopiclone for Insomnia Associated With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Sangal R. Bart , Blumer Jeffrey L. , Lankford D. Alan , Grinnell Todd A. , Huang Holly 
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate efficacy and safety of eszopiclone compared with placebo in children and adolescents with insomnia associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS:
A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated efficacy and safety of high- or low-dose eszopiclone (1 or 2 mg in children aged 6–11 years, 2 or 3 mg in children ages 12–17 years), given every evening, in 486 patients with ADHD-related insomnia. The primary efficacy variable was change in latency to persistent sleep from baseline to week 12, based on polysomnography. Key secondary measures were polysomnography-measured wake time after sleep onset, Clinical Global Impression Parent/Caregiver and Child scales, and the Conners’ ADHD rating scales. The safety of eszopiclone was further studied over 1 year of open-label treatment in 55 patients who completed the double-blind study, and 249 patients with no previous eszopiclone exposure.

RESULTS:
Neither low-dose nor high-dose eszopiclone significantly reduced latency to persistent sleep compared with placebo after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes were considered nonsignificant based on the hierarchical statistical analysis plan. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events over 12 weeks with eszopiclone were headache, dysgeusia, and dizziness. The study results demonstrated that eszopiclone was well tolerated over 1 year of treatment, with 11.2% of patients discontinuing open-label treatment because of an adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS:
Eszopiclone (up to 3 mg) failed to reduce latency to persistent sleep on polysomnography after 12 weeks in children aged 6 to 17 years with ADHD-related insomnia. Eszopiclone was well tolerated in the 1-year study.
Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with Titanium Mesh. A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Poli Pier P , Beretta Mario , Cicciù Marco , Maiorana Carlo 
Published: September 2014

An adequate amount of bone all around the implant surface is essential in order to obtain long-term success of implant restoration. Several techniques have been described to augment alveolar bone volume in critical clinical situations, including guided bone regeneration, based on the use of barrier membranes to prevent ingrowth of the epithelial and gingival connective tissue cells. To achieve this goal, the use of barriers made of titanium micromesh has been advocated.A total of 13 patients were selected for alveolar ridge reconstruction treatment prior to implant placement. Each patient underwent a tridimensional bone augmentation by means of a Ti-mesh filled with intraoral autogenous bone mixed with deproteinized anorganic bovine bone in a 1:1 ratio. Implants were placed after a healing period of 6 months. Panoramic x-rays were performed after each surgical procedure and during the follow-up recalls. Software was used to measure the mesial and the distal peri-implant bone loss around each implant. The mean peri-implant bone loss was 1.743 mm on the mesial side and 1.913 mm on the distal side, from the top of the implant head to the first visible bone-implant contact, at a mean follow-up of 88 months.The use of Ti-mesh allows the regeneration of sufficient bone volume for ideal implant placement. The clinical advantages related to this technique include the possibility of correcting severe vertical atrophies associated with considerable reductions in width and the lack of major complications if soft-tissue dehiscence and mesh exposures do occur.