bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Group Sequential Clinical Trial Design Using Total Toxicity Burden and Progression-Free Survival
Authors: Hobbs Brian P. , Thall Peter F. , Lin Steven H. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryDelivering radiation to eradicate a solid tumour while minimizing damage to nearby critical organs remains a challenge. For oesophageal cancer, radiation therapy may damage the heart or lungs, and several qualitatively different, possibly recurrent toxicities that are associated with chemoradiation or surgery may occur, each at two or more possible grades. We describe a Bayesian group sequential clinical trial design, based on total toxicity burden (TTB) and the duration of progression-free survival, for comparing two radiation therapy modalities for oesophageal cancer. Each patient’s toxicities are modelled as a multivariate doubly stochastic Poisson point process, with marks identifying toxicity grades. Each grade of each type of toxicity is assigned a severity weight, elicited from clinical oncologists who are familiar with the disease and treatments. TTB is defined as a severity-weighted sum over the different toxicities that may occur up to 12 months from the start of treatment. Latent frailties are used to formulate a multivariate model for all outcomes. Group sequential decision rules are based on posterior mean TTB and progression-free survival time. The design proposed is shown to provide both larger power and smaller mean sample size when compared with a conventional bivariate group sequential design.
A General Angular Regression Model for the Analysis of Data on Animal Movement in Ecology
Authors: Rivest Louis-Paul , Duchesne Thierry , Nicosia Aurélien , Fortin Daniel 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe paper investigates angular regressions that express the angles of an animal’s motion in terms of time varying directions and distances to environmental features that could influence its displacement. The mean direction proposed is a compromise between several possible targets. Conditions for the identifiability of the regression parameters are provided. Maximum likelihood estimators for the parameters are derived under two von Mises error structures. Robust sandwich estimators of the parameter variance–covariance matrix are obtained. The statistical methodology proposed is first used to reanalyse a classical data set on periwinkle movement. A second application investigates how bison trails are shaped by meadows and canopy gaps in Saskatchewan’s Prince Albert National Park.
Dividend Taxes and Income Shifting
Authors: Alstadsæter Annette , Jacob Martin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze whether a dividend tax cut for owner‐managers of closely held corporations encourages income shifting, income generation, or both. We use rich Swedish administrative micro data from 2000 to 2011 comprising detailed firm‐ and individual‐level information. We find robust evidence of extensive income shifting across tax bases in response to the 2006 Swedish dividend tax cut. Owner‐managers of closely held corporations reclassify earned income as dividend income but do not increase total income. The response is more pronounced for owner‐managers with tax incentives and with easier access to income shifting through a high ownership share.
Public Provision of Private Goods, Self‐Selection, and Income Tax Avoidance
Authors: Blomquist Sören , Christiansen Vidar , Micheletto Luca 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRedistributive taxation should benefit those with low earnings capacity rather than those who choose a lower income to obtain tax savings. Several contributions have highlighted how public provision of work complements can discourage people from lowering labor supply to diminish taxable income. We show how tax avoidance, previously neglected, can alter the conclusions regarding public provision. Tax avoidance breaks the link between labor supply and reported income. An agent reducing his reported income to escape taxes might no longer forego a publicly provided labor complement, because he can now lower his income by avoiding more rather than working less.
Post‐Malthusian Dynamics in Pre‐Industrial Scandinavia
Authors: Klemp Marc , Møller Niels Framroze 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTheories of economic growth hypothesize that the transition from pre‐industrial stagnation to sustained growth is associated with a post‐Malthusian phase in which technological progress raises income and spurs population growth while offsetting diminishing returns to labor. Evidence suggests that England was characterized by post‐Malthusian dynamics preceding the Industrial Revolution. However, given England's special position as the forerunner of the Industrial Revolution, it is unclear if a transitory post‐Malthusian period is a general phenomenon. Using data from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, this research provides evidence for the existence of a post‐Malthusian phase in the transition from stagnation to growth in Scandinavia.
Optimal Redistribution with Endogenous Social Norms
Authors: Boadway Robin W. , Martineau Nicolas‐Guillaume 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the effect of social norms on redistributive policies, where social norms are reflected in the degree of work participation among the different skill classes. Participation is driven both by the material incentives and heterogeneous preferences for leisure of each skill class, and by an endogenous social norm. Results for optimal redistributive taxation show that when the social norm enters as a benefit or cost for participants, participation taxes are generally lower than in its absence. Multiple participation equilibria can occur, and an engineered shift from a low‐ to a high‐participation equilibrium can be Pareto‐improving in the long run.
Measuring regional and district variations in the incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertension in Ghana: challenges, opportunities and implications for maternal and newborn health policy and programmes
Authors: Antwi Edward , Klipstein‐Grobusch Kerstin , Quansah Asare Gloria , Koram Kwadwo A. , Grobbee Diederick , Agyepong Irene A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives were to assess the quality of health management information system (HMIS) data needed for assessment of local area variation in pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) incidence and to describe district and regional variations in PIH incidence.MethodsA retrospective review of antenatal and delivery records of 2682 pregnant women in 10 district hospitals in the Greater Accra and Upper West regions of Ghana was conducted in 2013. Quality of HMIS data was assessed by completeness of reporting. The incidence of PIH was estimated for each district.ResultsKey variables for routine assessment of PIH such as blood pressure (BP) at antenatal visits, weight and height were 95–100% complete. Fundal height, gestational age and BP at delivery were not consistently reported. The incidence of PIH differed significantly between Greater Accra region (6.1%) and Upper West region (3.2%). Prevalence of obesity among pregnant women in Greater Accra region (13.9%) was significantly higher than that of women in Upper West region (2.2%).ConclusionsMore attention needs to be given to understanding local area variations in PIH and possible relationships with urbanisation and lifestyle changes that promote obesity, to inform maternal and newborn health policy. This can be done with good quality routine HMIS data.
Microbiological effectiveness of household water treatment technologies under field use conditions in rural Tanzania
Authors: Mohamed Hussein , Clasen Thomas , Njee Robert Mussa , Malebo Hamisi M. , Mbuligwe Stephen , Brown Joe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the microbiological effectiveness of several household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) options in situ in Tanzania, before consideration for national scale‐up of HWTS.MethodsParticipating households received supplies and instructions for practicing six HWTS methods on a rotating 5‐week basis. We analysed 1202 paired samples (source and treated) of drinking water from 390 households, across all technologies. Samples were analysed for thermotolerant (TTC) coliforms, an indicator of faecal contamination, to measure effectiveness of treatment in situ.ResultsAll HWTS methods improved microbial water quality, with reductions in TTC of 99.3% for boiling, 99.4% for Waterguard™ brand sodium hypochlorite solution, 99.5% for a ceramic pot filter, 99.5% for Aquatab® sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) tablets, 99.6% for P&G Purifier of Water™ flocculent/disinfectant sachets, and 99.7% for a ceramic siphon filter. Microbiological performance was relatively high compared with other field studies and differences in microbial reductions between technologies were not statistically significant.ConclusionsGiven that microbiological performance across technologies was comparable, decisions regarding scale‐up should be based on other factors, including uptake in the target population and correct, consistent, and sustained use over time.
Structurally divergent lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases with high selectivity for saturated medium chain fatty acids from Cuphea seeds
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Silva Jillian E. , Iskandarov Umidjon , Andersson Mariette , Cahoon Rebecca E. , Mockaitis Keithanne , Cahoon Edgar B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryLysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAT) catalyzes acylation of the sn‐2 position on lysophosphatidic acid by an acyl CoA substrate to produce the phosphatidic acid precursor of polar glycerolipids and triacylglycerols (TAGs). In the case of TAGs, this reaction is typically catalyzed by an LPAT2 from microsomal LPAT class A that has high specificity for C18 fatty acids containing Δ9 unsaturation. Because of this specificity, the occurrence of saturated fatty acids in the TAG sn‐2 position is infrequent in seed oils. To identify LPATs with variant substrate specificities, deep transcriptomic mining was performed on seeds of two Cuphea species producing TAGs that are highly enriched in saturated C8 and C10 fatty acids. From these analyses, cDNAs for seven previously unreported LPATs were identified, including cDNAs from Cuphea viscosissima (CvLPAT2) and Cuphea avigera var. pulcherrima (CpuLPAT2a) encoding microsomal, seed‐specific class A LPAT2s and a cDNA from C. avigera var. pulcherrima (CpuLPATB) encoding a microsomal, seed‐specific LPAT from the bacterial‐type class B. The activities of these enzymes were characterized in Camelina sativa by seed‐specific co‐expression with cDNAs for various Cuphea FatB acyl–acyl carrier protein thioesterases (FatB) that produce a variety of saturated medium‐chain fatty acids. CvLPAT2 and CpuLPAT2a expression resulted in accumulation of 10:0 fatty acids in the Camelina sativa TAG sn‐2 position, indicating a 10:0 CoA specificity that has not been previously described for plant LPATs. CpuLPATB expression generated TAGs with 14:0 at the sn‐2 position, but not 10:0. Identification of these LPATs provides tools for understanding the structural basis of LPAT substrate specificity and for generating altered oil functionalities.
Diterpenoid phytoalexin factor, a bHLH transcription factor, plays a central role in the biosynthesis of diterpenoid phytoalexins in rice
Authors: Yamamura Chihiro , Mizutani Emi , Okada Kazunori , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Fukushima Setsuko , Tanaka Atsunori , Maeda Satoru , Kamakura Takashi , Yamane Hisakazu , Takatsuji Hiroshi , Mori Masaki 
Published: October 2015

SummaryRice (Oryza sativa) produces diterpenoid phytoalexins (DPs), momilactones and phytocassanes as major phytoalexins. Accumulation of DPs is induced in rice by blast fungus infection, copper chloride or UV light. Here, we describe a rice transcription factor named diterpenoid phytoalexin factor (DPF), which is a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor. The gene encoding DPF is expressed mainly in roots and panicles, and is inducible in leaves by blast infection, copper chloride or UV. Expression of all DP biosynthetic genes and accumulation of momilactones and phytocassanes were remarkably increased and decreased in DPF over‐expressing and DPF knockdown rice, respectively. These results clearly demonstrated that DPF positively regulates DP accumulation via transcriptional regulation of DP biosynthetic genes, and plays a central role in the biosynthesis of DPs in rice. Furthermore, DPF activated the promoters of COPALYL DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE2 (CPS2) and CYTOCHROME P450 MONOOXYGENASE 99A2 (CYP99A2), whose products are implicated in the biosynthesis of phytocassanes and momilactones, respectively. Mutations in the N‐boxes in the CPS2 upstream region, to which several animal bHLH transcription factors bind, decreased CPS2 transcription, indicating that DPF positively regulates CPS2 transcription through the N‐boxes. In addition, DPF partly regulates CYP99A2 through the N‐box. This study demonstrates that DPF acts as a master transcription factor in DP biosynthesis.
Blood transfusion in acute and chronic pediatric settings: beliefs and practices
Authors: Fortin Sylvie , Cardona Liliana Gomez , Latreille Martin , Tucci Marisa , Lacroix Jacques 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUNDBlood has been imbued with powerful connotations through history and across cultures. Currently bestowed with scientific meaning, blood nevertheless carries symbolic resonance. This study examines these representations among practitioners and sheds light on the clinical and nonclinical factors that guide blood transfusion (BT) decision‐making in Quebec, Canada.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWith a qualitative exploratory study design, data were collected in the pediatric intensive care unit and the hematology‐oncology unit of Sainte‐Justine Hospital in 2009. A total of fifteen 1‐hour‐long semistructured interviews were conducted with physicians.RESULTSPhysicians affirm that the symbolic connotations of blood found in the lay population do not influence their transfusion decisions. However, there are other “social” and “cultural’ aspects that influence these practices. Also, BT strategies remain diverse across units. Practitioners perceive these situations as resulting from insufficient training and by the existence of an “oral tradition” and a professional culture that are resistant to change.CONCLUSIONBT practices differ within and across units. Many dimensions intervene in the decision to transfuse, from individual clinical appreciation and local unit “culture” to formal and ad hoc training. Consistent change in BT can only occur with the implementation of norms and guidelines that are endorsed by key influential figures. An extensive multicentered study is necessary to better understand how social and cultural factors affect BT practices. This knowledge will sustain an enlightened clinical practice and lead to the recognition that peer practices are also embedded in professional cultures.
Preliminary evaluation of a highly automated instrument for the selection of CD34+ cells from mobilized peripheral blood stem cell concentrates
Authors: Stroncek David F. , Tran Minh , Frodigh Sue Ellen , David‐Ocampo Virginia , Ren Jiaqiang , Larochelle Andre , Sheikh Virginia , Sereti Irini , Miller Jeffery L. , Longin Kevin , Sabatino Marianna 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUNDCell selection is an important part of manufacturing cellular therapies. A new highly automated instrument, the CliniMACS Prodigy (Miltenyi Biotec), was evaluated for the selection of CD34+ cells from mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) concentrates using monoclonal antibodies conjugated to paramagnetic particles.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPBSCs were collected by apheresis from 36 healthy subjects given granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) or G‐CSF plus plerixafor. CD34+ cells from 11 PBSC concentrates were isolated with the automated CliniMACS Prodigy and 25 with the semiautomated CliniMACS Plus Instrument.RESULTSThe proportion of CD34+ cells in the selected products obtained with the two instruments was similar: 93.6 ± 2.6% for the automated and 95.7 ± 3.3% for the semiautomated instrument (p > 0.05). The recovery of CD34+ cells from PBSC concentrates was less for the automated than the semiautomated instrument (51.4 ± 8.2% vs. 65.1 ± 15.7%; p = 0.019). The selected products from both instruments contained few and similar quantities of platelets (PLTs) and red blood cells. The depletion of CD3+ cells was less with the automated instrument (4.34 ± 0.2 log depletion vs. 5.20 ± 0.35 log depletion; p < 1 × 10−6). Removal of PLTs from PBSC concentrates by washing was associated with better CD34+ cell recovery. We explored the reasons for lower CD34+ cell recovery by the Prodigy and found that the nonselected cells for the Prodigy contained more PLTs than those for the CliniMACS Plus.CONCLUSIONSCD34+ cells can be effectively selected from mobilized PBSC concentrates with the CliniMAC Prodigy, but the recovery of CD34+ cells and depletion of CD3+ cells was lower than with the semiautomated CliniMACS Plus Instrument.
Attitudes towards Englishes in India
Authors: BERNAISCH TOBIAS , KOCH CHRISTOPHER 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTWith the help of a survey building on 13 bipolar pairs arranged on a six‐point semantic differential scale, the present paper studies Indian English speakers’ attitudes towards their local variety Indian English contrastively by simultaneously examining their attitudes towards American English, British English and Sri Lankan English. The results show that although Indian speakers of English display a positive attitude towards Indian English, which is most pronounced with the group of young female informants possibly leading an ongoing linguistic change in India, the informants view British English in a more favourable light. In addition, Indian English speakers show the least positive attitude towards Sri Lankan English, which may be an indication of mutual attitudinal demarcation between the two neighbour varieties.
Parametric and Thermal Management Optimization of a Steel Slag Based Packed Bed Heat Storage
Authors: Ortega-Fernández Iñigo , Gil Antoni , Faik Abdessamad , Rodríguez-Aseguinolaza Javier , D’Aguanno Bruno 
Published: October 2015

In this work steel slag, one of the main by-products of the steelmaking industry, is proposed as a competitive and effective heat storage material. The implemented storage design suggested for this material is a solid packed bed arrangement based in the temperature stratification (thermocline) phenomena. In particular, two different solutions based on different storage tank geometries, cylindrical and conical, have been modeled by using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods. In addition, both geometries have been simulated under two different operation modes as a function of the used heat transfer fluid: solar salt and air. This selection permitted to investigate the operation of the proposed storage for current CSP technologies which make use of molten salt as storage/heat transfer fluid and also the analysis of the system when the operation parameters are potentially associated to new generation CSP plants at higher temperatures, above 600 °C. The comparison between the simulated systems has allowed to determine the influence of the driving parameters on the proposed storage solution, such as the operation temperature range, nature of the heat transfer fluid or geometrical implications. The thermal management of the storage unit has also been shown during a transient operation up to a reproducible behavior.
Overall, the selected parameters for the presented modeling analysis have revealed the high potential of steel slag as heat storage material and the suitability and flexibility of the implemented packed bed solution.
Industrial Surplus Heat Storage in Smart Cities
Authors: Chiu Justin N. W. , Martin Viktoria 
Published: October 2015

Surplus heat generated from industrial sectors amounts to between 20% and 50% of the total industrial energy input. Smart reuse of surplus heat resulted from industrial sectors and power generation companies is an opportunity to improve the overall energy efficiency through more efficient use the primary energy sources. A potential solution to tackle this issue is through use of thermal energy storage (TES) to match user demand to that of the generated surplus heat. A mobile TES (M-TES) concept of transportation of industrial surplus heat from production sites to end customers has shown promising results. One commissioned demonstration project using industrial heat for swimming pool water temperature regulation in Dortmund, Germany proved the interest and attention given to this concept.
In this paper, a techno-economic case study in Sweden of transportation of surplus thermal energy to district heating in smart cities is presented. The application consists of heat storage at 110°C–130°C through the use of phase change materials (PCM) based TES, notably with use of Erythritol (90 kWh/ton) for the considered temperature range, to remote district heating network located at 48 km from the thermal energy generation site. The advantages of using latent heat based PCM are the high enthalpy density per unit volume and per unit mass, as well as the quasi-constant temperature during charging and releasing of heat. The M-TES in this study has a total storage capacity of 2.1 MWh, the optimization of charge/discharge time to the amount of stored/released energy and to that of energy transportation rate is presented in this paper. Contrary to logical thinking, it is shown through this work that under certain conditions, it is more cost-effective to operate at partial load of storage units albeit the increased number of transport trips and charge/discharge cycles.