bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable selection and prediction using a nested, matched case‐control study: Application to hospital acquired pneumonia in stroke patients
Authors: Qian Jing , Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Kemmling André , Lev Michael H. , Schwamm Lee H. , Betensky Rebecca A. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryMatched case‐control designs are commonly used in epidemiologic studies for increased efficiency. These designs have recently been introduced to the setting of modern imaging and genomic studies, which are characterized by high‐dimensional covariates. However, appropriate statistical analyses that adjust for the matching have not been widely adopted. A matched case‐control study of 430 acute ischemic stroke patients was conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in order to identify specific brain regions of acute infarction that are associated with hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) in these patients. There are 138 brain regions in which infarction was measured, which introduce nearly 10,000 two‐way interactions, and challenge the statistical analysis. We investigate penalized conditional and unconditional logistic regression approaches to this variable selection problem that properly differentiate between selection of main effects and of interactions, and that acknowledge the matching. This neuroimaging study was nested within a larger prospective study of HAP in 1915 stroke patients at MGH, which recorded clinical variables, but did not include neuroimaging. We demonstrate how the larger study, in conjunction with the nested, matched study, affords us the capability to derive a score for prediction of HAP in future stroke patients based on imaging and clinical features. We evaluate the proposed methods in simulation studies and we apply them to the MGH HAP study.
Optimizing engagement with Internet‐based health behaviour change interventions: Comparison of self‐assessment with and without tailored feedback using a mixed methods approach
Authors: Morrison Leanne , Moss‐Morris Rona , Michie Susan , Yardley Lucy 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesInternet‐based health behaviour interventions have variable effects on health‐related outcomes. Effectiveness may be improved by optimizing the design of interventions. This study examined the specific effect on engagement of providing two different design features – tailoring and self‐assessment.DesignThree versions of an Internet‐delivered intervention to support the self‐care of mild bowel problems were developed that provided (1) self‐assessment without tailored feedback, (2) self‐assessment with tailored feedback, and (3) generic information only.MethodsA qualitative study explored participants' engagement with each version of the intervention (N = 24). A larger quantitative study systematically compared participants' use of the intervention and self‐reported engagement using a partial factorial design (n = 178).ResultsFindings from the qualitative study suggested that self‐assessment without tailored feedback appeared to be less acceptable to participants because it was viewed as offering no personal benefit in the absence of personalized advice. In the quantitative study, self‐assessment without tailored feedback was associated with greater dropout than when provided in conjunction with tailored feedback. There were significant group differences in participants' engagement with the intervention and perceptions of the intervention. Self‐assessment without tailored feedback was rated as marginally less engaging and was associated with fewer positive perceptions than the generic information condition.ConclusionsThe acceptability of self‐assessment or monitoring components may be optimized by also providing tailored feedback. Without tailored feedback, these components do not appear to be any more engaging than generic information provision.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Digital interventions can be effective for improving a range of health outcomes and behaviours.

There is huge variation in the success of different interventions using different combinations of design features.

What does this study add?

This study used a systematic experimental design to identify the effect on engagement of providing interactive intervention design features alone and in combination.

Intervention engagement was better when self‐assessment was provided in conjunction with tailored feedback.
Amphibian diversity on the roof of Africa: unveiling the effects of habitat degradation, altitude and biogeography
Authors: Zancolli Giulia , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Rödel Mark‐Oliver 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimElevational gradients and land use changes can act together as drivers of species richness and composition. Responses to these drivers can be multidirectional, and resulting patterns of diversity might be unexpected or difficult to interpret. Present ecological relationships often reflect a legacy resulting from the influence of past geological, climatic and environmental changes on species dispersal, extinction and speciation. Here, we investigate amphibian diversity along altitudinal and disturbance gradients and evaluate how historical events may underlie contemporary distributional patterns.LocationMount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.MethodsDuring two rainy seasons in 2011, we recorded anurans at 36 sites from the foothills to 3500 m altitude. A combination of multiple regression, ordination technique and cluster analysis were used to determine the effects of altitudinal changes and habitat modification on species richness and composition. Furthermore, we compared the anuran fauna of Mt. Kilimanjaro with other East African mountains by means of cluster analysis and analysed patterns of distributions with a special focus on montane forest species.ResultsSpecies richness declined with elevation and species assemblages were distinctly separated between lowland and highland altitudes. Presence of water bodies locally increased species richness, but we did not find significant correlations of species richness with other environmental variables. Mountains clustered into two major groups which reflected latitudinal position and differences in species distributions.Main conclusionsThis study highlights the importance of considering the geological history of a place especially when assessing the effects of anthropogenic disturbance. The young age of the volcano and the complex biogeographical processes which occurred in East Africa during the last 20 million years prevented most montane forest frogs from colonizing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Increasing aridification and land use changes may cause contraction of breeding sites with consequent local extinctions in the near future.
Differential niche dynamics among major marine invertebrate clades
Authors: Hopkins Melanie J , Simpson Carl , Kiessling Wolfgang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe degree to which organisms retain their environmental preferences is of utmost importance in predicting their fate in a world of rapid climate change. Notably, marine invertebrates frequently show strong affinities for either carbonate or terrigenous clastic environments. This affinity is due to characteristics of the sediments as well as correlated environmental factors. We assessed the conservatism of substrate affinities of marine invertebrates over geological timescales, and found that niche conservatism is prevalent in the oceans, and largely determined by the strength of initial habitat preference. There is substantial variation in niche conservatism among major clades with corals and sponges being among the most conservative. Time‐series analysis suggests that niche conservatism is enhanced during times of elevated nutrient flux, whereas niche evolution tends to occur after mass extinctions. Niche evolution is not necessarily elevated in genera exhibiting higher turnover in species composition.
Sensitivity to change of oral and general health‐related quality of life during prosthodontic treatment
Authors: Wickert Melanie , John Mike T. , Schierz Oliver , Hirsch Christian , Aarabi Ghazal , Reissmann Daniel R. 
Published: December 2013

The literature presents conflicting findings on whether health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measures have sufficient evaluative properties to assess changes caused by dental interventions. The aim of our study was to compare sensitivity to change in HRQoL and OHRQoL in prosthodontic patients. In this prospective intervention study, a total of 165 consecutively recruited patients completed the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and the 49‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), as self‐administered questionnaires, before prosthodontic treatment and 1 month after treatment was finished. Differences in SF‐36 and OHIP scores between baseline and follow up were tested for statistical significance using paired t‐tests. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated. Health‐related quality of life improved during prosthodontic treatment, indicated by a slight, but statistically significant, increase in the SF‐36 physical component (difference: 1.0 points), whereas perceived mental health did not change substantially (difference: −0.5 points). Improvement in OHRQoL (difference in OHIP sum score: −6.7 points) was statistically significant. Although the OHIP effect size (of 0.2) was considered as small, according to guidelines, it was greater than for the SF‐36 component scores (physical: 0.1; mental: 0.1). Sensitivity to change in quality of life measures was greater for OHRQoL than for HRQoL, limiting the usefulness of HRQoL as an outcome measure in dentistry.
Estimating numbers of persons with persistent hepatitis B virus infection transmitted vertically and horizontally in the birth cohort during 1950–1985 in Japan
Authors: Sato Tomoki , Do Son Huy , Asao Takako , Akita Tomoyuki , Katayama Keiko , Tatara Kozo , Miyakawa Yuzo , Tanaka Junko 
Published: December 2013

AimWe estimated numbers of persons, born between 1950 and 1985 in Japan, who were persistently infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) through vertical and horizontal infections.MethodsHBV carrier rates with vertical and horizontal infections were computed using sex‐ and age‐specific prevalence rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) by mathematical model. Probabilities of vertical HBV transmission in babies born to carrier mothers with and without HBeAg were presumed to be 90% and 10%, respectively.ResultsHBV carrier rates with vertical infection stayed contrast at approximately 0.3% in birth cohorts through 36 years (1950–1985), both in men and women. By a remarkable constant, HBV carrier rates with horizontal infection decreased steadily from 1.43% to 0.10% in men and from 0.95% to 0.03% in women. The estimated total number of HBV carriers born between 1950 and 1985 was 522 500 (355 488–693 606). Of them, the numbers of HBV carriers with vertical and horizontal infections were 197 574 (149 505–288 709) and 324 926 (205 983–404 896); they accounted for 37.81% and 62.19%, respectively, with a ratio of 1:1.64. The ratio between vertical and horizontal infections was 1:2.20 in men and 1:1.06 in women.ConclusionVertical HBV infection had stayed constant until immunoprophylaxis of mother‐to‐baby transmission was implemented in 1986 in Japan. In contrast, horizontal HBV infection decreased over years. The decrease would be due to many factors, including improved socioeconomic environments, advanced medical maneuvers and equipment, and careful vaccination procedures.
War and Peace: War Memories and Museums in Japan
Authors: Allen Matthew , Sakamoto Rumi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHow is war remembered in public places in Japan? The high profile ‘peace’ museums of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Yushukan, the museum that is attached to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, have dominated both the English and Japanese language literature about sites of remembrance since the 1990s. The thrust of much of the literature emphasises the divide between Japan's recognition of its place as a victim of atomic bombing in war, and its recognition or denial of its aggression in East and Southeast Asia. In the 21st century, other less well‐known public institutions in Japan (Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, Shokeikan Museum for Wounded Soldiers, Showakan, Okinawa Prefectural Peace Park and Memorial Museum, and Himeyuri Memorial and Museum) have produced different perspectives of Japan's wartime history. By briefly examining these lesser‐known museums, we demonstrate how the concept of ‘peace’ has been recast in various ways to provide legitimating contexts in which to rehabilitate Japanese people's experiences during the war. This research suggests that beyond the binary of ‘victim‐victimiser’ analyses of Japanese war memory there is room for research in this field that recognises and engages the complexity of how Japan's controversial wartime past is presented in the Japanese public domain.
Simon de Montfort and King Henry III: The First Revolution in English History, 1258–1265
Authors: Ambler Sophie T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe reign of Henry III (1216–1272) was pivotal in English political history. It saw the entrenchment of Magna Carta, the growth of parliament and the widening of political society, as well as England's first revolution (1258–1265), led by Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester. Montfort and his confederates seized the reins of government from Henry III and governed by a council in the king's name, in the most dramatic political upheaval before the 17th century civil war. Blessed with a rich collection of sources, historians over the past two decades have used the tools of military, biographical, intellectual and social history, as well as sociological approaches, to analyse these events. Their work has placed 13th century politics firmly within its own society and culture, throwing fresh light on Henry III, Simon de Montfort and the events of the first revolution in English history. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Microcystic urothelial carcinoma: morphology, immunohistochemistry and clinical behaviour
Authors: Lopez Beltran Antonio , Montironi Rodolfo , Cheng Liang 
Published: December 2013

AimsTo report on the clinicopathological features of 20 cases of microcystic urothelial bladder carcinoma.Methods and resultsThe extent of microcystic component varied from 50–100% of the specimens. The cysts were round–oval and of varying sizes; the periphery of large cysts was frequently punctuated by many smaller cysts. The cysts were lined by urothelial, low columnar cells or by a single layer of flattened epithelium of low–intermediate nuclear grade. Focal high‐grade conventional urothelial carcinoma was present in eight cases. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated variable positivity for cytokeratins 7 and 20, MUC1, MUC5AC, p63 and GATA3. Extent of expression of Ki67, p53 and p27kip1 ranged from 20–60%, 10–40% and 10–30% of cells, respectively. On follow‐up, 11 patients died of disease at 11–56 months and three patients were alive with disease at 26–37 months. Univariate survival analysis showed no differences for microcystic carcinoma versus conventional urothelial carcinoma (P = 0.548).ConclusionsMicrocystic urothelial carcinoma may pose diagnostic difficulties, especially in limited biopsy samples, where it may be mistaken for cystitis glandularis or adenocarcinoma of the bladder. Histological features, clinical history and appropriate immunohistochemical studies should help to distinguish it from its mimics. Aggressiveness seems to be related to higher stage at diagnosis.
Effects of low‐temperature blanching on tissue firmness and cell wall strengthening during sweet potato flour processing
Authors: He Jiwen , Cheng Li , Gu Zhengbiao , Hong Yan , Li Zhaofeng 
Published: December 2013

SummaryFree starch rate has been one of the most important criterions to evaluate the quality of sweet potato flour. Low‐temperature blanching (LTB) of sweet potatoes before steam cooking has shown significant increase in tissue firmness and cell wall strengthening. This research indicated that pectin methylesterase (PME) activity decreased by 87.8% after 30 min of blanching in water at 60 °C, while polygalacturonase (PG) and β‐amylase activity decreased 69.4% and 7.44%, respectively, under the same condition. Both PME and β‐amylase played important roles in tissue firmness. Further studies of tissue firmness and methyl esterification showed that the combination of LTB and Ca2+ could increase the activity of PME and significantly enhance the pectin gel hardness to strengthen the cell walls and decrease free starch rate from 12.83% to 7.28%.
Hemipelvectomy: Modified surgical technique and clinical experiences from a retrospective study
Authors: Bray Jonathan P. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo report a technique for hemipelvectomy surgery in the dog and cat.Study DesignDescriptive report.AnimalsDogs and cats.MethodsTo describe patient selection and an anatomically based surgical technique for hemipelvectomy.ResultsSurgery of the pelvis requires detailed anatomic knowledge of the pelvic region. Hemipelvectomy is a major surgical procedure with potential for substantial hemorrhage because of transection through large muscle groups and proximity to major vessels. The anatomic dissection may enable better adherence to principles of compartmental resection of tumors and reduced patient morbidity.ConclusionsWhen performed with appropriate care, preoperative planning, and good anesthesia support, hemipelvectomy can be performed safely and is effective for radical excision of various tumor types arising from or near the pelvis.
Predicting young adult outcome among more and less cognitively able individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Anderson Deborah K. , Liang Jessie W. , Lord Catherine 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe range of outcomes for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the early childhood factors associated with this diversity have implications for clinicians and scientists.MethodsThis prospective study provided a unique opportunity to predict outcome 17 years later for a relatively large sample of children diagnosed with ASD at 2 years old. Diagnostic and psychometric instruments were administered between 2 and 19 with data from 2, 3, and 19 included in this study. Clinicians administered tests without knowledge of previous assessments whenever possible. Caregivers provided additional information through questionnaires.ResultsSignificant intellectual disabilities at 19 were predicted by age 2 about 85% of the time from VIQ and NVIQ scores together, though prediction of young adult outcome for youths with average or higher intelligence was more complex. By 19, 9% of participants had largely overcome core difficulties associated with ASD and no longer retained a diagnosis. These youths with Very Positive Outcomes were more likely to have participated in treatment and had a greater reduction in repetitive behaviors between age 2 and 3 compared to other Cognitively Able youths (VIQ ≥70) with ASD. Very Positive Outcome youths did not differ phenotypically from Cognitively Able ASD individuals at 2 but both groups differed from Cognitively Less Able individuals (VIQ <70).ConclusionThose most at risk for intellectual disabilities and ASD can be reliably identified at an early age to receive comprehensive treatment. Findings also suggest that some cognitively able children with ASD who participate in early intervention have very positive outcomes, although replication with randomized, larger samples is needed. In order to improve understanding of very positive outcomes in ASD, future research will need to identify how variations in child characteristics and environmental factors contribute to the nature and timing of growth across individuals and areas of development.
Drying and Quality Characteristics of Flos Lonicerae in Modified Atmosphere with Heat Pump System
Authors: Liu Yun‐Hong , Miao Shuai , Wu Jian‐Ye , Liu Jian‐Xue 
Published: December 2013

AbstractModified atmosphere drying of Flos Lonicerae is conducted, and the effects of drying temperature and oxygen content on drying characteristics and product quality are investigated in this study. Nitrogen gas is aerated into the dryer to adjust the oxygen content, and a heat pump system is used to control the drying temperature. The results showed that the increase in drying temperature and the decrease in oxygen content could improve the drying rate and effective moisture diffusivity. Increase in chlorogenic acid and chlorophyll contents as well as decrease in color difference were observed with decreasing drying temperature and oxygen content. High product quality could be achieved at all drying temperature levels when oxygen content was as low as 5%. Therefore, reducing oxygen content in the drying atmosphere is an effective method to improve product quality.Practical ApplicationA modified atmosphere dryer equipped with a heat pump system is developed. The effects of drying parameters, including drying temperature and oxygen content, on drying characteristics and quality of Flos Lonicerae are studied. Nitrogen gas is used to replace certain portions of air to achieve different oxygen content levels in drying processes. The results show that drying under low oxygen content increases effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). It also promotes higher chlorogenic acid and chlorophyll contents as well as better product appearance. Therefore, modified atmosphere drying is a promising method to protect the quality of dried products. The results of this study are helpful to the technological application of modified atmosphere drying with heat pump system for Flos Lonicerae dehydration and preservation.
Relationship Between Persistent Pain and 5‐Year Mortality: A Population‐Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shega Joseph W. , Andrew Melissa , Kotwal Ashwin , Lau Denys T. , Herr Keela , Ersek Mary , Weiner Debra K. , Chin Marshall H. , Dale William 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the association between self‐reported noncancer pain and 5‐year mortality.DesignCohort.SettingCommunity‐dwelling older adults.ParticipantsCanadian Study of Health and Aging 1996 wave.MeasurementsRegistrar of Vital Statistics–established 5‐year mortality. Noncancer pain was assessed using the 5‐point verbal descriptor scale, dichotomized into no or very mild versus moderate, severe, or very severe pain. Frailty was the accumulation of health deficits. Cognitive status (Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination) and depressed mood (five‐item mental health screening questionnaire) were also assessed. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards were used to analyze the relationship between pain and 5‐year mortality.ResultsOf 5,703 participants, 4,694 (82.3%) had complete data for analysis; 1,663 of these (35.4%) reported moderate, severe, or very severe pain, and 1,343 (28.6%) had died at 5‐year follow‐up. Four hundred ninety‐six of those who died (29.8%) reported moderate, severe, or very severe pain and 847 (27.9%) no or very mild pain. Multivariate logistic analysis found that individuals with moderate, severe, or very severe pain had lower odds of 5‐year mortality than those with no or very mild pain (odds ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66–0.92; P < .001). The risk of death was lower in persons reporting moderate or greater pain than in those with no or very mild pain (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75–0.96; P = .01). An interaction between pain and sex explained this effect. Men with pain were not significantly more likely than men without pain to die (HR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.84–1.19; P = .99), whereas women without pain (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.47–0.63; P < 0.01) and women with pain (HR = 0.40; CI = 0.33–0.47; P < .01) had less risk of death than men without and with pain, respectively.ConclusionOlder women with pain were less likely to die within 5 years than older women without pain, men in pain, or men without pain.