Keele University

About: Keele University is a education organization based out in Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Stars. The organization has 11318 authors who have published 26323 publications receiving 894671 citations. The organization is also known as: Keele University.

The Replication Recipe: What Makes for a Convincing Replication?

Abstract: Psychological scientists have recently started to reconsider the importance of close replications in building a cumulative knowledge base; however, there is not a consensus about what constitutes a convincing replication study. To facilitate close and convincing replication attempts we have developed a Replication Recipe, outlining standard criteria for a convincing close replication. This includes faithfully recreating the original study while keeping track of differences, achieving high statistical power, checking the study’s assumptions in new contexts, and pre-registering the study. We also discuss methods for evaluating and reporting replications. Identifying differences between replication and original (sample, culture, lab context, etc.) allows researchers to identify where their replication is on the continuum from “close” to “conceptual”. Our replication recipe can be used by established researchers, teachers, and students to conduct meaningful replication studies and integrate replications into their scholarly habits.

Minimum sample size for developing a multivariable prediction model: PART II ‐ binary and time‐to‐event outcomes

Abstract: When designing a study to develop a new prediction model with binary or time-to-event outcomes, researchers should ensure their sample size is adequate in terms of the number of participants (n) and outcome events (E) relative to the number of predictor parameters (p) considered for inclusion. We propose that the minimum values of n and E (and subsequently the minimum number of events per predictor parameter, EPP) should be calculated to meet the following three criteria: (i) small optimism in predictor effect estimates as defined by a global shrinkage factor of ≥0.9, (ii) small absolute difference of ≤ 0.05 in the model's apparent and adjusted Nagelkerke's R2 , and (iii) precise estimation of the overall risk in the population. Criteria (i) and (ii) aim to reduce overfitting conditional on a chosen p, and require prespecification of the model's anticipated Cox-Snell R2 , which we show can be obtained from previous studies. The values of n and E that meet all three criteria provides the minimum sample size required for model development. Upon application of our approach, a new diagnostic model for Chagas disease requires an EPP of at least 4.8 and a new prognostic model for recurrent venous thromboembolism requires an EPP of at least 23. This reinforces why rules of thumb (eg, 10 EPP) should be avoided. Researchers might additionally ensure the sample size gives precise estimates of key predictor effects; this is especially important when key categorical predictors have few events in some categories, as this may substantially increase the numbers required.

Effect of molecular weight (Mw) of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers on body distribution and rate of excretion after subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intravenous administration to rats.

Abstract: A copolymer of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) and N-methacryloyltyrosinamide was prepared and fractionated using Sepharose 4B/6B (1:1) chromatography to produce eight HPMA copolymer fractions of narrow polydispersity and mean molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 12 to 778 kD. These fractions were radioiodinated and injected intravenously, subcutaneously, and intraperitoneally into rats. Their bloodstream-concentration profiles were monitored and rates of excretion assessed. Following intravenous administration the circulating blood volume available to the copolymers was not molecular-weight-dependent. A molecular-weight threshold limiting glomerular filtration was identified at approximately 45 kD, and preparations greater than this threshold were lost from the bloodstream only slowly by extravasation. Molecular weight did not influence the movement of copolymers from the peritoneal compartment to the bloodstream after intraperitoneal injection. The transfer rates observed could be accounted for by bulk phase lymphatic drainage alone, no transcapillary routes being implicated. Following subcutaneous administration the largest HPMA copolymer fraction (Mw = 778 kD, diameter approximately 30 nm) showed increased retention at the site of the injection, approximately 20% of the dose remaining there after 21 days. This could result from physical restriction of movement or from internalization into local phagocytic cells. The smaller copolymer fractions moved readily into the bloodstream whence they were either lost in the urine or they gradually penetrated into other tissues and organs. Long-term (21 days) body distribution of copolymers following both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration showed size-dependent accumulation in organs of the reticuloendothelial system.

The spread of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)

Abstract: 1 Since the late 1970s, the western flower thrips has spread from its original distribution in western North America to become a major worldwide crop pest. 2 A wide range of data sources have been used to map the original distribution in the U.S.A. and Canada, and the progress of the spread in the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, northern Africa and Australia. 3 The possible reasons for the start of the spread are discussed. The most likely reason is that intensive insecticide use in horticulture in the 1970s and 1980s selected an insecticide resistant strain or strains. These then established in glasshouses across North America and spread from there to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. 4 The international spread of the western flower thrips occurred predominantly by the movement of horticultural material, such as cuttings, seedlings and potted plants. Within Europe, an outward spread from the original outbreak in the Netherlands is discernible. The speed of spread was 229 ± 20 km/year. 5 The spread has not been restricted to glasshouses. The western flower thrips has established outdoors in areas with milder winters; for example, across the southern U.S.A., southern Europe and Australia. It also overwinters in some regions with colder winters. 6 Polyphagous phytophagous thrips have many factors predisposing them to become worldwide crop pests, particularly in glasshouses. Some other species that might spread in a similar way to the western flower thrips are listed.