bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Random Assignment
Authors: Berger Vance W. , Zhou YanYan , Martin Keshia‐Lee 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The primary objective of a comparative trial is to provide a precise and valid treatment comparison. Another objective may be to minimize exposure to the inferior treatment, the identity of which may be revealed only during the course of the study. Unrestricted randomization is not generally used because it is susceptible to chronological bias, and this would interfere with the first objective, the valid treatment comparison. Yet, too many restrictions lead to a predictable allocation sequence, which can also compromise validity. It can be a challenge to find the right balance of restrictions on the randomization, and sometimes a covariate‐adaptive design is used. When the second objective is considered as well, the solution must necessarily be a response‐adaptive design that evolves depending on the responses of those enrolled.
Predictors of disability worsening in clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Jokubaitis Vilija G. , Spelman Tim , Kalincik Tomas , Izquierdo Guillermo , Grand'Maison François , Duquette Pierre , Girard Marc , Lugaresi Alessandra , Grammond Pierre , Hupperts Raymond , Cabrera‐Gomez José , Oreja‐Guevara Celia , Boz Cavit , Giuliani Giorgio , Fernández‐Bolaños Ricardo , Iuliano Gerardo , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette , Verheul Freek , van Pesch Vincent , Petkovska‐Boskova Tatjana , Fiol Marcela , Moore Fraser , Cristiano Edgardo , Alroughani Raed , Bergamaschi Roberto , Barnett Michael , Slee Mark , Vella Norbert , Herbert Joseph , Shaw Cameron , Saladino Maria Laura , Amato Maria Pia , Liew Danny , Paolicelli Damiano , Butzkueven Helmut , Trojano Maria ,   the MSBasis Study Group
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess demographic, clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and treatment exposure predictors of time to 3 or 12‐month confirmed disability worsening in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsWe utilized the MSBase Incident Study (MSBasis), a prospective cohort study of outcome after CIS. Predictors of time to first 3 and 12‐month confirmed expanded disability status scale worsening were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsAbout 1989 patients were analyzed, the largest seen‐from‐onset cohort reported to‐date. A total of 391 patients had a first 3‐month confirmed disability worsening event, of which 307 were sustained for 12 months. Older age at CIS onset (adjusted hazard ratio: aHR 1.17, 95% 1.06, 1.30), pyramidal (aHR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13, 1.89) and ambulation (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.09, 2.34) system dysfunction, annualized relapse rate (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.18, 1.22), and lower proportion of observation time on treatment were associated with 3‐month confirmed worsening. Predictors of time to 12‐month sustained worsening included pyramidal system dysfunction (Hazard ratio: aHR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05, 1.83), and older age at CIS onset (aHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04, 1.31). Greater proportion of follow‐up time exposed to treatment was associated with greater reductions in the rate of worsening.InterpretationThis study provides class IV evidence for a strong protective effect of disease‐modifying treatment to reduce disability worsening events in patients with CIS and early MS, and confirms age and pyramidal dysfunction at onset as risk factors.
Formal Synthesis of the Human Rhinovirus 3 C Protease Inhibitor (−)‐Thysanone
Authors: Mulay Sandip V. , Gholap Sachin P. , Fernandes Rodney A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA strategy based on Dötz benzannulation and an oxa‐Pictet‐Spengler reaction toward the formal synthesis of a human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease inhibitor, the pyranonaphthoquinone (−)‐thysanone, is presented.
Preparation and properties of polymerizable 1,8‐naphthalimide fluorescent dye grafted linear low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Lin Zesen , Zhang Jianfu , Ma Haifeng , Yao Zhanhai 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTLight converting greenhouse films are novel plastic films for agriculture. In this study, 4‐methoxy‐N‐allyl‐1,8‐naphthalimide (MOANI) was grafted onto linear low‐density polyethylenes (LLDPE‐g‐MOANI) by melt reactive mixing. The effects of monomer concentration, chamber temperature, and reaction time on grafting degree were systematically studied. Evidence of the grafting reaction was determined by 1HNMR, FTIR, UV–Vis, and fluorescence spectrometry. Dynamic rheological properties, isothermal crystallization kinetics, surface morphologies of LLDPE, LLDPE‐g‐MOANI, and blends of LLDPE and MOANI (LLDPE/MOANI) were also analyzed. In addition, mechanical and fluorescent properties of unpurified LLDPE‐g‐MOANI films were further studied after the UV condensation weathering and acceleration migration test, respectively. We demonstrated that the cross‐linking of LLDPE could be inhibited effectively by the graft of MOANI; the grafted MOANI acted as a nucleation agent to accelerate crystallization; the grafted MOANI effectively inhibited the aging process of LLDPE and the migration of free MOANI to the surface of the unpurified LLDPE‐g‐MOANI film. The modified LLDPE showed the potential application in long‐term light converting films. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42172.
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/silica/polydimethylsiloxane rubber composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Zhang Dian , Huang Guangsu , Shi Yunhui , Zhang Guangya , Liu Yufeng 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTComposites of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber modified by three kinds of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) as well as fumed silica were prepared through solution blending and then open two‐roll mill blending with curing agent. Subsequently, the influences of POSS on mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites were investigated in detail. The addition of POSS significantly enhanced the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite but lowered the tensile modulus, which could be ascribed to the interruption of silica–silica and silica–PDMS interactions. Octamethylsilsesquioxane (OMS)/silica/PDMS and octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS)/silica/PDMS composites did not show desirable mechanical and thermal properties. Nevertheless, heptaphenylvinylsilsesquioxane (VPS)/silica/PDMS composite with 5 wt % VPS exhibited enhanced glass transition temperature (Tg), mechanical properties, and thermal stability. Further studies revealed that more VPS unfavorably affected properties of the composite. Scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction demonstrated that owing to the grafting reaction, 5 wt % VPS in the rubber matrix could form microcrystal domains the most effectively. Thus, the improved mechanical properties and thermal stability just resulted from the the formation of microcrystal domains and the increase in stiffness of PDMS chains because of the graft of VPS onto PDMS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42173.
Architecture–process relationships in stochastic honeycombs
Authors: Hostetter Megan , Hibbard Glenn 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTStochastic honeycomb sandwich panels are fabricated through a simple process of melt‐stretching molten polymer blanks. This study mapped their internal architecture over a wide domain of material process space, defined by the areal density and melt‐stretch rate. The internal architectures were characterized using both topological and geometric parameters: the node density, the total length of webs, the Euler number, and a characteristic fractal area fraction. The mechanical response of the polymer melt was quantified in terms of peak stress and stiffness, along with apparent elongation viscosity. The observed architectures and polymer melt responses were consistent with a varying activated entanglement density in the melt and illustrate how the fabrication conditions can be tuned to obtain a desired architecture. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42174.
Maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and major structural birth defects
Authors: Lim Hyeyeun , Agopian A.J. , Whitehead Lawrence W. , Beasley Charles W. , Langlois Peter H. , Emery Robert J. , Waller Dorothy Kim ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2015

BackgroundIonizing radiation (IR) is known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic, but little is known about the association between maternal occupational exposure to IR and birth defects.MethodsWe studied 38,009 mothers who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and delivered between 1997 and 2009. We assessed odds ratios [ORs] for the association between maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR and 39 birth defects.ResultsWe observed significant odds ratios (ORs) for isolated hydrocephaly (adjusted OR [AOR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–4.2), isolated anotia/microtia (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0–4.0), isolated colonic atresia (crude OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 2.5–22.3), isolated omphalocele (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.6) and isolated anencephaly (crude OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06–0.94). We also observed a nonsignificant OR for birth defects in aggregate (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9–4.6) among mothers with potential occupational exposure to fluoroscopy.ConclusionWe assessed 39 birth defects, observing that maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR were associated with a significantly increased risk for 4 birth defects and a significantly protected risk for 1 birth defect. These results should be interpreted cautiously because our measurement of exposure is qualitative, some of these associations may be due to occupational exposures that are correlated with IR and some may be due to chance. However, these findings serve as the first evaluation of these relationships in a large study and may be useful for generating hypotheses for future studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:243–254, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are Corporate Carbon Management Practices Reducing Corporate Carbon Emissions?
Authors: Doda Baran , Gennaioli Caterina , Gouldson Andy , Grover David , Sullivan Rory 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper is the first large scale, quantitative study of the impact of corporate carbon management practices on corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using data for 2009 and 2010 from the Carbon Disclosure Project survey, we find little compelling evidence that commonly adopted management practices are reducing emissions. This finding is unexpected and we propose three possible explanations for it. First, it may be because corporate carbon data and management practice information have not been reported in a standardized way. Second, there may be a delay between the application of corporate carbon management practices and their impact on emissions performance. Third, carbon management practices are not sufficiently impact‐oriented, meaning there is no relationship to observe. Our findings are important for policymakers designing corporate GHG reporting standards, for the multiple stakeholders trying to understand the drivers of corporate carbon performance, and for the corporate managers responsible for measuring, reporting and mitigating emissions. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Hair cortisol concentrations in higher‐ and lower‐stress mother–daughter dyads: A pilot study of associations and moderators
Authors: Ouellette Sarah J. , Russell Evan , Kryski Katie R. , Sheikh Haroon I. , Singh Shiva M. , Koren Gideon , Hayden Elizabeth P. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTHair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are receiving increased attention as a novel biomarker of psychophysiological responses to chronic stress, with potential relevance for psychopathology risk research. We examined the validity of HCC as a marker of psychosocial stress in mother (Mage = 37.87 years)–daughter (Mage = 7.62 years) dyads characterized by higher (n = 30) or lower (n = 30) maternal chronic stress. Additionally, we examined whether early care moderated similarity of HCC levels within dyads. Higher‐stress mothers had significantly lower HCC compared to lower‐stress mothers, consistent with other research showing that chronic stress leads to blunted HPA axis activity over time. Further, HCC in daughters were significantly and positively associated with previously assessed salivary cortisol stress reactivity. Finally, mother–daughter HCC associations were significantly moderated by negative parenting styles, such that associations became stronger as quality of parenting decreased. Findings overall indicate that HCC may be a useful marker of cortisol responses to chronic stress. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 519–534, 2015.
Blood group AB is protective factor for gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective population‐based study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Li Yi , Wang Leishen , Sun Shurong , Liu Gongshu , Leng Junhong , Guo Jia , Lv Li , Li Weidong , Zhang Cuilin , Hu Gang , Yu Zhijie , Yang Xilin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe ABO blood types are associated with cancers, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus but whether they are also associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unknown. We examined the relationship between the ABO blood types and the risk of GDM in a prospective population‐based Chinese cohort.MethodsFrom 2010 to 2012, we recruited 14 198 pregnant women within the first 12 weeks of gestation in Tianjin, China. All women had a glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24–28 gestational weeks, followed by a 75‐g 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test if the results from GCT were ≥7.8 mmol/L. GDM was diagnosed based on the glucose cut‐points of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for traditional risk factors. Stratified analysis was performed by family history of diabetes (yes versus no). Sensitivity analyses were also performed by using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for GDM.ResultsWomen with blood groups A, B or O (i.e. non‐AB) were associated with increased risk of GDM as compared with those with blood group AB (adjusted OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13–1.83). Sensitivity analyses showed that the result was consistent using WHO criteria. The adjusted OR of blood group non‐AB versus AB for GDM was enhanced among women with a family history of diabetes (2.69, 1.21–5.96) and attenuated among those without (1.33, 1.03–1.71).ConclusionsBlood group AB was a protective factor against GDM in pregnant Chinese women. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The gene encoding the mouse contactin‐1 axonal glycoprotein is regulated by the collier/Olf1/EBF family early B‐Cell factor 2 transcription factor
Authors: Bizzoca Antonella , Picocci Sabrina , Corsi Patrizia , Arbia Stefania , Croci Laura , Consalez G. Giacomo , Gennarini Gianfranco 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe Contactin‐1 axonal glycoprotein (formerly F3/Contactin) plays a relevant role in cerebellar ontogenesis, as shown in Contactin‐1 KO‐mice and in transgenic mice misexpressing the corresponding cDNA from a heterologous promoter. Likewise, null mutant mice for the Collier/Olf1/Early B‐cell family transcription factor EBF2, in which Purkinje neuron development is primarily affected, exhibit abnormalities in cerebellar corticogenesis. Here, to evaluate the contribution to the Ebf2 null phenotype of changes in the profile of Contactin‐1, we study its expression in Ebf2 null mice. In addition, we explore the activation profile of the Cntn1 gene promoter upon transferring the Ebf2 mutation to transgenic mice expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter under control of Cntn1 gene regulatory sequences. In Ebf2 null mice, Contactin‐1 protein expression and Cntn1 gene promoter activity are both downregulated during embryonic and early postnatal cerebellar development, both in the rostral and caudal folia, while in the latter an upregulation is observed at postnatal day 8. In vitro, vectors driving EBF1,2,3 transcription factors from a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter transactivate a Cntn1‐Choline acetyltransferse (CAT) promoter‐reporter construct in cotransfection assays and, accordingly, by chromatin immunoprecipitation, we show that the Cntn1 gene 5′ flanking region is bound by the EBF2 transcription factor, consistent with the evidence that this region bears the cognate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) consensus sequences. These data indicate that Contactin‐1 expression is dependent upon EBF factors, suggesting that the Cntn1 gene belongs to the expanding regulatory cascade driven by these transcriptional regulators so that changes in its activation may contribute to the phenotype of Ebf2 null mutant mice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 1420–1440, 2015
Effect of incorporation of soy flour to wheat flour on nutritional and sensory quality of biscuits fortified with mushroom
Authors: Farzana Tasnim , Mohajan Suman 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe research study was conducted to evaluate the quality characteristics of soy‐mushroom‐enriched biscuits which could be used as a protein supplemented cereal snack food. In this study, wheat flour was replaced with soy flour at different levels that is 20% (T3), 15% (T2), and 10% (T1) and without soy flour was kept as control (To). Mushroom was added in both biscuits. Biscuits were analyzed for chemical and sensory parameters. Protein content of soy flour‐supplemented biscuits increased from 11.07% to 17.86% as compared to control along with a significant increased in fat (17.36–20.89%), fiber (0.48–0.92%), iron (1.56–1.99 mg/100 g), and energy value (463–485 Kcal/g). Ash content also increased but not significantly. Results from chemical analyses and organoleptic evaluation indicate that good quality biscuits can be prepared by substituting wheat flour with 15% soy flour and addition of mushroom powders may affect the backing quality. Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) of the Bangladeshi population can be reduced through the development of biscuits in this way.
Human pulvinar functional organization and connectivity
Authors: Barron Daniel S. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Clos Mareike , Fox Peter T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe human pulvinar is the largest thalamic area in terms of size and cortical connectivity. Although much is known about regional pulvinar structural anatomy, relatively little is known about pulvinar functional anatomy in humans. Cooccurrence of experimentally induced brain activity is a traditional metric used to establish interregional brain connectivity and forms the foundation of functional neuroimaging connectivity analyses. Because functional neuroimaging studies report task‐related coactivations within a standardized space, meta‐analysis of many whole‐brain studies can define the brain's interregional coactivation across many tasks. Such an analysis can also detect and define variations in functional coactivations within a particular region. Here we use coactivation profiles reported in ∼ 7,700 functional neuroimaging studies to parcellate and define the pulvinar's functional anatomy. Parcellation of the pulvinar's coactivation profile identified five clusters per pulvinar of distinct functional coactivation. These clusters showed a high degree of symmetry across hemispheres and correspondence with the human pulvinar's cytoarchitecture. We investigated the functional coactivation profiles of each resultant pulvinar cluster with meta‐analytic methods. By referencing existent neuroimaging and lesion‐deficit literature, these profiles make a case for regional pulvinar specialization within the larger human attention‐controlling network. Reference to this literature also informs specific hypotheses that can be tested in subsequent studies in healthy and clinical populations. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2417–2431, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensation‐to‐cognition cortical streams in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Carmona Susana , Hoekzema Elseline , Castellanos Francisco X. , García‐García David , Lage‐Castellanos Agustín , Van Dijk Koene R.A. , Navas‐Sánchez Francisco J. , Martínez Kenia , Desco Manuel , Sepulcre Jorge 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe sought to determine whether functional connectivity streams that link sensory, attentional, and higher‐order cognitive circuits are atypical in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We applied a graph‐theory method to the resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 120 children with ADHD and 120 age‐matched typically developing children (TDC). Starting in unimodal primary cortex—visual, auditory, and somatosensory—we used stepwise functional connectivity to calculate functional connectivity paths at discrete numbers of relay stations (or link‐step distances). First, we characterized the functional connectivity streams that link sensory, attentional, and higher‐order cognitive circuits in TDC and found that systems do not reach the level of integration achieved by adults. Second, we searched for stepwise functional connectivity differences between children with ADHD and TDC. We found that, at the initial steps of sensory functional connectivity streams, patients display significant enhancements of connectivity degree within neighboring areas of primary cortex, while connectivity to attention‐regulatory areas is reduced. Third, at subsequent link‐step distances from primary sensory cortex, children with ADHD show decreased connectivity to executive processing areas and increased degree of connections to default mode regions. Fourth, in examining medication histories in children with ADHD, we found that children medicated with psychostimulants present functional connectivity streams with higher degree of connectivity to regions subserving attentional and executive processes compared to medication‐naïve children. We conclude that predominance of local sensory processing and lesser influx of information to attentional and executive regions may reduce the ability to organize and control the balance between external and internal sources of information in ADHD. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2544–2557, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.