bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the presence of von Willebrand factor in FVIII‐deficient plasma influences the measurement of FVIII inhibitor titres in haemophilia A patients?
Authors: Pouplard C. , Desconclois C. , Sobas F. , Aillaud M. F. , Ternisien C. , Caron C. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionReliable measurement of FVIII inhibitor is critical in the follow‐up of haemophilia A patients. We performed a multicentre study to evaluate whether the presence of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in FVIII‐deficient plasma (FVIII‐DP) influences FVIII inhibitor titres.MethodsSix French haematology laboratories participated in this study. Three samples with varying FVIII inhibitor titres (1, 5 and 15 BU/mL) and one sample without any detectable FVIII inhibitor were tested using four different procedures for FVIII inhibitor assay. The Nijmegen method and a modified assay with imidazole were performed using FVIII‐DP with and without VWF in the control mixture and as substrate plasma in the FVIII one stage assay (OSA). Each mixture (reference and test) was incubated for two hours at 37 °C with buffered normal pool plasma.ResultsHigher inhibitor titres were measured in 5 and 15 BU/mL samples when assays were performed with the Nijmegen method and FVIII‐DP without VWF. When samples were diluted in imidazole buffer, similar inhibitor titres, close to expected values, were measured whether VWF was present in the FVIII‐DP or not. The data obtained were also more accurate when residual FVIII activity levels between 40% and 60% were used to calculate inhibitor titres, despite a linear type I reaction kinetics.ConclusionThese results support the hypothesis that reliable FVIII inhibitor titres can be measured without the use of FVIII‐DP containing VWF when an imidazole‐modified assay is used.
Performance evaluation of the new hematology analyzer Sysmex XN‐series
Authors: Seo J. Y. , Lee S.‐T. , Kim S.‐H. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe Sysmex XN‐series is a new automated hematology analyzer designed to improve the accuracy of cell counts and the specificity of the flagging events.MethodsThe basic characteristics and the performance of new measurement channels of the XN were evaluated and compared with the Sysmex XE‐2100 and the manual method. Fluorescent platelet count (PLT‐F) was compared with the flow cytometric method. The low WBC mode and body fluid mode were also evaluated. For workflow analysis, 1005 samples were analyzed on both the XN and the XE‐2100, and manual review rates were compared.ResultsAll parameters measured by the XN correlated well with the XE‐2100. PLT‐F showed better correlation with the flow cytometric method (r2 = 0.80) compared with optical platelet count (r2 = 0.73) for platelet counts <70 × 109/L. The low WBC mode reported accurate leukocyte differentials for samples with a WBC count <0.5 × 109/L. Relatively good correlation was found for WBC counts between the manual method and the body fluid mode (r = 0.88). The XN made less flags than the XE‐2100, while the sensitivities of both instruments were comparable.ConclusionThe XN provided reliable results on low cell counts, as well as reduced manual blood film reviews, while maintaining a proper level of diagnostic sensitivity.
Detection of malignant B lymphocytes by PCR clonality assay using direct lysis of cerebrospinal fluid and low volume specimens
Authors: Liu L. , Cao F. , Wang S. , Zhou J. , Yang G. , Wang C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies is often challenging in paucicellular specimens. PCR may also be limited by insufficient cells for DNA isolation and incomplete coverage of gene rearrangements. This study aims to evaluate a PCR method for IgH clonality using direct cell lysates.MethodsPCR amplification used cell lysate from detergent‐based lysis and BIOMED‐2 primers. CSF specimens were tested for 20 patients with primary CNS lymphoma or systemic lymphoma suspected for CNS involvement. Cytology and flow cytometry analysis was performed in parallel with PCR.ResultsDirect lysis produced a better yield than the column‐based method for DNA isolation. PCR using lysate showed an efficiency of clonality detection from a minimum of 20 tumor cells. PCR clonality was found in nine of the 20 CSFs, and positive PCR was concordant with both cytology and flow cytometry in seven cases. There were two cases positive for PCR, but indeterminate for flow cytometry because of insufficient cell events. Of the eleven PCR‐negative cases, two were considered as false negative, as flow cytometry showed positive for malignant cells. The PCR was also performed successfully with a specimen from the anterior chamber of the eye.ConclusionPCR clonality with direct cell lysis of CSF is feasible, and it may overcome the limitation of DNA isolation. This PCR method may be particularly useful for small volume and low cell CSF when flow cytometry is inconclusive.
Refeeding syndrome is uncommon in alcoholics admitted to a hospital detoxification unit
Authors: Manning S. , Gilmour M. , Weatherall M. , Robinson G. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe refeeding syndrome is increasingly recognised. It is a serious change in electrolytes when nutrition is reintroduced to malnourished patients. Alcohol dependence is a risk factor for the refeeding syndrome. We report a prospective cohort study of 36 alcoholics hospitalised for withdrawal management. We found no evidence of refeeding syndrome in any patient after 3 days of hospitalisation, despite hypomagnesaemia, a risk factor for the refeeding syndrome being prevalent (44% of subjects). Low thiamine levels were infrequent affecting 3/29 (10%). We recommend that in alcoholics admitted for managed withdrawal, risk of refeeding syndrome appears to be low, and routine testing of repeat electrolytes appears unnecessary.
Second thoughts on the exporter productivity premium
Authors: Schröder Philipp J.H. , Sørensen Allan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract Contrary to the prevailing interpretation, this paper shows that the central models of trade with heterogeneous firms (Melitz 2003; Bernard et al. 2003) exhibit ambiguous predictions for the exporter productivity premium. This prospect arises because of differences between theoretical and empirical representations of firm productivity. Instead of marginal productivity, we examine in both models the theoretical equivalent of empirically observable productivity (value‐added per employee). Given the presence of fixed export costs or heterogeneous mark‐ups and trade costs, the observable productivity of exporters in proximity to the export‐indifferent firm turns out to be lower than that of non‐exporters; that is, the productivity distributions overlap. The paper reviews empirical literature that reports non‐positive exporter productivity premia in firm‐level data and discusses implications for empirical research on exporter performance, including learning and the role of non‐parametric regressions (stochastic dominance, quantile regressions), fixed costs, and productivity distributions.
New targets for increasing endogenous testosterone production: clinical implications and review of the literature
Authors: Le B. , Chen H. , Zirkin B. , Burnett A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryOver the past several decades, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of testosterone production has increased significantly. Concurrently, the medical treatment of hypogonadism, particularly in the ageing male has increased. This review article consolidates some of our insights into the regulatory mechanisms of endogenous testosterone production and examines promising new targets that may allow endogenous production of testosterone to be re‐established in males with primary hypogonadism. We examined the published scientific literature regarding regulatory mechanisms of testosterone biosynthesis with a focus on Leydig cell physiology and small‐molecule regulation that resulted in increased testosterone production. We identified several pathways that have been manipulated pharmacologically to increase Leydig cell testosterone production, including phosphodiesterases, the cholesterol translocator protein, the electron transport chain of mitochondria, cyclooxygenases and osteocalcin. Manipulation of these pathways with small molecules has helped further our understanding of the regulatory pathways of testosterone biosynthesis. Herein, we identified five future targets that might promote increased endogenous testosterone production through the Leydig cell instead of relying on exogenous testosterone administration.
Low Cost Porous Alumina with Tailored Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity Prepared using Rice Husk and Sucrose
Authors: Mohanta Kalyani , Kumar Ajay , Parkash Om , Kumar Devendra 
Published: May 2014

This study demonstrates a cost‐effective way to fabricate porous ceramics with tailored porosity and pore microstructure using 5–40 wt% rice husk (RH) in <75 μm, 75–180 μm, 180–355 μm, 355–420 μm, and 420–600 μm size, as pore former. Sucrose, used as binder, also acted as a pore former. Porous alumina compacts with 20%–66% volume fraction porosity and 50–516 μm pore size (length) were successfully fabricated. Microstructure of samples reveal randomly oriented elongated coarse pores and fine pores (avg. size 4 μm), created during burnout of RH and sucrose, respectively. Samples with isolated and/or interconnected pores were fabricated using this process. Thermal conductivity of the samples prepared was measured using Transient Plane Source (TPS) technique. Thermal conductivity ranges from 1.2 to 24 W/mK. Experimental results agree closely with predictions made based on Effective Medium Theory (EMT) for a two‐phase system.
Ce3+/Pr3+: YAGG: A Long Persistent Phosphor Activated by Blue‐Light
Authors: Wang Bo , Lin Hang , Yu Yunlong , Chen Daqin , Zhang Rui , Xu Ju , Wang Yuansheng 
Published: May 2014

The requirement of using ultraviolet light to stimulate afterglow luminescence has seriously restricted indoors/outdoors applications of most persistent materials developed hitherto. Herein, efficient blue‐light‐activated Ce3+, Pr3+: YAGG phosphors, showing optimized long‐persistent luminescence lasting for 1 h, were prepared and investigated in detail with the aid of X‐ray diffraction refinement, steady‐state/persistent photoluminescence spectra, room/low‐temperature persistent decay curves, and three‐dimensional thermo‐luminescence spectra. Notably, the afterglow properties were found highly dependent on the Ga content which greatly alters both the host band gap energy and the Ce3+: 5d level structure and thus is beneficial to the electrons' photoionization and trapping processes. Moreover, Pr3+ additive was found not only prolonged the afterglow lifetime of Ce3+ through improving concentration of carriers captured at the trap, but also served as the red‐emissive centers for color tuning. The persistent energy transfer from Ce3+ to Pr3+ was experimentally demonstrated for the first time.
Sm‐Doped LaSi3N5: Synthesis, Computed Electronic Structure, and Band Gaps
Authors: Ibrahim Ismail A.M. , Lenčéš Zoltán , Benco Ľubomír , Hrabalová Monika , Šajgalík Pavol 
Published: May 2014

LaSi3N5‐based phosphor doped with Sm was prepared by the nitridation of LaSi‐Si‐Si3N4‐Sm2O3 powder mixture. The emission spectrum shows two main bands with maxima at 595 nm in the orange region and at ~650 nm in the red region. The excitation spectrum of Sm‐doped LaSi3N5 shows a maxima at 585, 570, and 405 nm. First‐principles density‐functional theory calculations were performed using Vienna ab initio simulation package to enhance the understanding of the electronic structure of the stoichiometric LaSi3N5 and Sm‐doped LaSi3N5. The electronic structure and band gaps were calculated in 2 × 1 × 2 supercell with 144 atoms using the more precise screened Coulomb hybrid functional HSE06. Both La3+/Sm3+ and La3+/Sm2+ substitutions were calculated. The calculated band gap of Sm(III)‐doped LaSi3N5 is 2.01 eV, in reasonable agreement with the experimental value of 2.12 eV, but corresponds to the unrealistic transition between the N, Si p states, and unoccupied Sm 4f states. The band gap of 1.43 eV calculated for Sm(II)‐doped LaSi3N5 is smaller than the available experimental value, but corresponds to the correct transition between nonbonding Sm 4f states and empty La 5d states. Optical properties are found to be governed by f electrons of the Sm(II) dopant.
Influence of Temperature and Material Deposit on Material Removal Uniformity during Optical Pad Polishing
Authors: Suratwala Tayyab , Feit Michael D. , Steele William A. , Wong Lana L. 
Published: May 2014

The effects of temperature and material deposit on workpiece material removal spatial uniformity during optical pad polishing are described. Round and square‐fused silica workpieces (25–265 mm in size) were polished on a polyurethane pad using ceria slurry under various conditions. Using a nonrotated workpiece on a rotating lap, elevated temperatures (as measured by IR imaging), due to frictional heating at the workpiece–lap interface, were observed having a largely radial symmetric profile (relative to the lap center) on both the workpiece and lap with a peak temperature corresponding to the workpiece center. A 3D steady‐state thermal model of the polishing process, which accounts for the frictional heating and effective heat transfer from various surfaces, quantitatively describes the observed thermal profiles. The temperature spatial uniformity, which affects the material removal spatial uniformity, can be significantly improved using a rotated workpiece and a specially designed compensating septum during polishing. Next, using a rotating workpiece and lap, the workpiece surface develops two types of mid‐range structure: (1) fine ripples (sub‐mm scale length) that run circumferentially with respect to the lap, which have been attributed to microscopic islands of slurry on the lap leading to radial material removal nonuniformities; and (2) a center depression (cm scale length) which has been attributed to nonlinear slurry & glass products buildup at a specific radial lap location. A polishing simulator model (called Surface Figure or SurF), which accounts for workpiece wear, pad wear, and now deposition on the pad, correctly simulates the preferential material deposit on the pad and the center depression structure developed on the workpiece. Strategies, such as time averaging through kinematics and diamond conditioning, for preventing both these nonuniformities are demonstrated.
Flash Sintering of Nanocrystalline Zinc Oxide and its Influence on Microstructure and Defect Formation
Authors: Schmerbauch Christoph , Gonzalez‐Julian Jesus , Röder Robert , Ronning Carsten , Guillon Olivier 
Published: May 2014

We report the sintering behavior of nanocrystalline zinc oxide under external AC electric field between 0 and 160 V/cm. In situ acquisition of density by means of laser dilatometry, evaluation of specimen temperature, real‐time measurement of electric field and current help analyze this peculiar behavior. Field strength and blocking electrodes significantly affect densification and microstructure, which was evaluated in the vicinity of the flash event and for the fully sintered material. High current densities flow through the sample at high electric fields, entailing a sudden increment of the temperature estimated to several hundreds of K and an exaggerated grain growth. In contrast, low current density flows through the sample at lower electric fields, which guarantees normal grain growth and highest final density. Macroscopic photoluminescence measurements give insights into the development of the defect structure. Electric fields are expected to enhance defect mobility, explaining the high densification rates observed during the sintering process.
Optical Property of Dy3+‐and Ce3+‐Doped Si–B–Na–Sr Glasses
Authors: He Wanyi , Wang Xiangfu , Zheng Jin , Yan Xiaohong 
Published: May 2014

Novel Dy3+ and Ce3+ doped Si–B–Na–Sr (SBNS) glasses were synthesized by melt‐quenching technique. Excited by 327 nm, the 0.5Dy3+‐and 0.5Ce3+‐doped SBNS exhibits white emission with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.308, 0.280). Basic optical characterizations have been performed by measuring the absorption and emission spectra and calculating Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters, radiative probability, luminescence branching ratio, cross sections, and effective bandwidth. The Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6 indicate a high asymmetrical environment and covalent environment in the optical glass. The emission color of Ce3+ and Dy3+ codoped transparent glass can be tuned from blue to white through energy transfer from Ce3+ to Dy3+ ions. The resulting glass may have potential application in white‐light‐emitting source.
Children's relative age in class and use of medication for ADHD: a Danish Nationwide Study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Hallas Jesper , Hernández‐Díaz  , Zoëga Helga 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundPrevious studies from North America and Iceland have shown that the youngest children within a grade are up to twice as likely to be diagnosed and treated for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with their older classmates. We aimed to investigate whether younger age in class is associated with an increased probability of being prescribed medication for ADHD among school‐aged children in Denmark.MethodsWe followed all Danish children between 2000 and 2012 from 1st through 6th grade (7–12 years). Among children who started school on their age‐assigned grade level, we estimated the prevalence proportion ratio (PPR) of receiving ADHD medication between the youngest children in class (born in October–December) and the oldest in class (born in January–March), specified by grade level, calendar year and gender. As a sensitivity analysis, we added children not on their age‐assigned grade level to the main calculations.ResultsWe identified 932,032 eligible children for the main analysis, of whom 17.3% were among the youngest and 26.5% among the oldest in class. In total, 1.2% eligible children filled at least one prescription for ADHD medication in 2000–2012. The average PPR over the study period was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04–1.12) and remained stable across subgroups and sensitivity analyses. Overall, 40% of children born October–December had entered school a year after their age‐assigned grade level.ConclusionsContrary to previous study results, we observed almost no relative age effect on medication use for ADHD among children in Denmark. We postulate that this may be due to the high proportion of relatively young children held back by 1 year in the Danish school system and/or a generally low prevalence of ADHD medication use in the country.
Cost‐effectiveness of classroom‐based cognitive behaviour therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents: a trial‐based analysis
Authors: Anderson Rob , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Sayal Kapil , Phillips Rhiannon , Taylor John A. , Spears Melissa , Araya Ricardo , Lewis Glyn , Millings Abigail , Montgomery Alan A. , Stallard Paul 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundA substantial minority of adolescents suffer from depression and it is associated with increased risk of suicide, social and educational impairment, and mental health problems in adulthood. A recently conducted randomized controlled trial in England evaluated the effectiveness of a manualized universally delivered age‐appropriateCBTprogramme in school classrooms. The cost‐effectiveness of the programme for preventing low mood and depression for all participants from a health and social care sector perspective needs to be determined.MethodsA trial‐based cost‐effectiveness analysis based on a cluster‐randomized controlled trial (trial registration –ISRCTN19083628) comparing classroom‐basedCBTwith usual school provision of Personal Social and Health Education. Per‐student cost of intervention was estimated from programme records. The study was undertaken in eight mixed‐sexUKsecondary schools, and included 3,357 school children aged 12 to 16 years (in the two trial arms evaluated in the cost‐effectiveness analysis). The main outcome measures were individual self‐reported data on care costs, Quality‐Adjusted Life‐Years (QALYs, based on theEQ‐5D health‐related quality‐of‐life instrument) and symptoms of depression (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) at baseline, 6 and 12 months.ResultsAlthough there was lower quality‐adjusted life‐years over 12 months (−.05QALYs per person, 95% confidence interval −.09 to −.005,p = .03) withCBT, this is a ‘clinically’ negligible difference, which was not found in the complete case analyses. There was little evidence of any between‐arm differences inSMFQscores (0.19, 95%CI−0.57 to 0.95,p = .62), or costs (£142, 95%CI−£132 to £415,p = .31) per person forCBTversus usual school provision.ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that the universal provision of classroom‐basedCBTis unlikely to be either more effective or less costly than usual school provision.
ADHD and risky sexual behavior in adolescents: Conduct problems and substance use as mediators of risk
Authors: Sarver Dustin E. , McCart Michael R. , Sheidow Ashli J. , Letourneau Elizabeth J. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundRecent studies have linked attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to elevated rates of risky sexual behavior (RSB) in adult samples. The current study tested whether ADHD symptoms were associated with RSB among adolescents, and examined comorbid conduct problems and problematic substance use as joint mediators of this association.MethodsADHD symptoms, conduct problems (oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder symptoms), problematic alcohol use (alcohol use disorder symptoms, alcohol use frequency), problematic marijuana use (marijuana use disorder symptoms, marijuana use frequency), and RSB were assessed among an ethnically diverse cross‐sectional sample of adolescents (N = 115; mean age = 14.9 years) involved in the juvenile justice system.ResultsBootstrapped mediation models revealed an initial association between ADHD symptoms and RSB that was accounted for fully by the influence of problematic alcohol and marijuana use, but not conduct problems. A follow‐up multiple groups mediation analysis demonstrated that the relationship between ADHD symptoms and RSB emerged only among youth with clinically elevated conduct problems, and that problematic marijuana use fully accounted for this relationship. Hyperactive/impulsive, but not inattentive, symptoms were related to RSB, although the pattern of indirect effects was consistent with the multiple groups analysis.ConclusionsThe association between ADHD and adolescent RSB is restricted to youth with elevated comorbid conduct problems and reflects the contributions of comorbid marijuana use problems, and to a lesser extent alcohol use problems. Early identification and treatment of these comorbid conditions may be important for the prevention of negative sexual health outcomes among youth with ADHD.