bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermoscopic features of psoriasis of the skin, scalp and nails – a systematic review
Authors: Golińska J. , Sar‐Pomian M. , Rudnicka L.
Published: November 2018

Dermoscopy is a non‐invasive in‐office method, which enables the diagnosis of many dermatoses and reduces the need for performing biopsies. To date, no systematic review about the diagnostic usability of dermoscopy in psoriasis has been available. The objective of this article was to summarize and critically analyse literature data on the dermoscopy of skin, scalp and nail changes in psoriasis. A systematic search of three medical databases was performed. A total of 45 articles were included into the analysis. Cutaneous psoriatic lesions assessed in all studies at a low magnification showed regularly distributed red dots. At a 50‐fold or higher magnification capillary bushes (glomerular vessels) with a diameter range of 50–146 μm were observed. The background colour was described as reddish or pinkish with white or yellowish scales. The most frequent dermoscopic (trichoscopic) feature of scalp psoriasis was the presence of red dots/globules and twisted red loops. Typical dermoscopic (onychoscopic) signs of nail psoriasis were onycholysis, salmon patches and splinter haemorrhages. There is an accumulating body of evidence that dermoscopy (both handheld and videodermoscopy) is a useful tool in differential diagnosis in doubtful cases of psoriasis of the skin, scalp, nails, palms, soles and genital regions.
Costs of weaponry: Unarmed males sire more offspring than armed males in a male‐dimorphic mite
Authors: Van den Beuken Tom P. G. , Duinmeijer Chris C. , Smallegange Isabel M.
Published: November 2018

Morphological structures used as weapons in male–male competition are not only costly to develop but are also probably costly to maintain during adulthood. Therefore, having weapons could reduce the energy available for other fitness‐enhancing actions, such as post‐copulatory investment. We tested the hypothesis that armed males make lower post‐copulatory investments than unarmed males, and that this difference will be most pronounced under food‐limited conditions. We performed two experiments using the male‐dimorphic bulb miteRhizoglyphus robini, in which males are either armed “fighters” or unarmed “scramblers.” Firstly, we tested whether fighters and scramblers differed in their reproductive output after being starved or fed for 1 or 2 weeks. Secondly, we measured the reproductive output of scramblers and fighters (starved or fed) after one, two or three consecutive matings. Scramblers sired more offspring than fighters after 1 week, but scramblers and fighters only sired a few offspring after 2 weeks. Scramblers also sired more offspring than fighters at the first mating, and males rarely sired offspring after consecutive matings. Contrary to our hypothesis, the fecundity of starved and fed males did not differ. The higher reproductive output of scramblers suggests that, regardless of nutritional state, scramblers make larger post‐copulatory investments than fighters. Alternatively, (cryptic) female choice generally favours scramblers. Why the morphs differed in their reproductive output is unclear. Neither morph performed well relatively late in life or after multiple matings. It remains to be investigated to what extent the apparent scrambler advantage contributes to the maintenance and evolution of male morph expression.
The effect of Peruvian small‐scale fisheries on sunfishes (Molidae)
Authors: Mangel Jeffrey C. , Pajuelo Mariela , Pasara‐Polack Andrea , Vela German , Segura‐Cobeña Eduardo , Alfaro‐Shigueto Joanna
Published: November 2018

Reports were compiled of sunfish (family Molidae) by‐catch in Peruvian small‐scale fisheries and sunfish by‐catch rates were estimated using data from shore‐based and onboard monitoring programmes. A total of 114 sunfishes were reported in the longline and gillnet fisheries along the Peru coast from 2005 to 2017. Systematic monitoring effort of small‐scale gillnets leads to an estimate of between 23 and 352 individuals captured annually by the fleet fishing from the northern port of Salaverry and central ports of Ancon and Chorrillos and suggests that the actual number captured by the Peruvian gillnet fleet is in the thousands of individuals. Thus, Peruvian small‐scale fisheries have the potential to greatly affect populations of these still poorly studied species. Moreover, new occurrence locations are reported for the newly described Mola tecta, which was only observed south of 11° S. Because of physical similarities among Mola species it was difficult to identify sunfishes to the species level and thus further studies (e.g., genetics) will be required to provide more detailed information on individual species vulnerability to by‐catch in Peruvian waters.
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine gene variants: Impact on susceptibility and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Darweesh Samar Kamal , Abd Alziz Rasha Ahmed , Omar Heba , Sabry Dina , Fathy Wael
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a glycoprotein involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, which regulates cell growth. It could be involved in hepatic fibrogenesis related to chronic inflammations, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) angiogenesis, and tumor progression. We aimed to study the expressions of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SPARC gene and their impact on susceptibility and survival of HCC patients.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study on 200 HCC patients and 50 matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to laboratory investigations, ultrasound, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction to detect the genetic polymorphisms (rs3210714, rs11950384, and rs7719521) in the SPARC gene in the blood.

Results

One hundred sixty (80%) patients were men with a mean age of 43 years. The SPARC gene showed a significant higher prevalence of rs3210714 mutation (i.e. AA or AG) and a significant lower prevalence of rs11950384 mutation (i.e. AA or AC) among HCC patients in comparison with controls (83% vs 22%, P ≤ 0.001) and (65.5 vs 86%, P = 0.005), respectively, while rs7719521 mutation did not reach significance. On univariate and multivariate analyses, elder age and having at least one copy of the mutant rs3210714 were associated with a significantly increased risk of HCC (P < 0.001 for both), whereas the presence of at least one copy of the mutant rs11950384 carried a significantly reduced risk of having HCC (P < 0.01). Overall survival did not differ significantly between any of the SPARC gene mutation groups.

Conclusions

The SPARC gene polymorphisms had a diverse impact on the susceptibility of HCC due to its ability to inhibit or promote tumor progression. SPARC gene polymorphisms were not related to survival of our HCC patients, and probably, this needs further analysis of other SPARC gene nucleotides.
Prevalence of Falls and Fall‐Related Outcomes in Older Adults with Self‐Reported Vision Impairment
Authors: Ehrlich Joshua R. , Hassan Shirin E. , Stagg Brian C.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of falls, fear of falling (FoF), and activity limitation due to FoF in a nationally representative study of older adults with self‐reported vision impairment (VI).

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of panel survey data.

Setting

National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey administered annually from 2011 to 2016 to U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older.

Participants

Respondents (N=11,558) who contributed 36,229 participant observations.

Measurements

We performed logistic regression to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence of self‐reported history of more than 1 fall in the past year, any fall in the past month, FoF, and activity limitation due to FoF in participants with and without self‐reported VI.

Results

The weighted proportion of participants reporting VI was 8.6% (95% confidence interval (CI)=8.0–9.2%). The unadjusted prevalence of more than 1 fall in the past year was 27.6% (95% CI=25.5–29.7%) in participants with self‐reported VI and 13.2% (95% CI=12.7–13.7%) in those without self‐reported VI. In respondents with self‐reported VI, the prevalence of FoF was 48.3% (95% CI=46.1–50.6%) and of FoF limiting activity was 50.8% (95%CI 47.3–54.2%), and in those without self‐reported VI, the prevalence of FoF was 26.7% (95% CI=25.9–27.5%) and of FoF limiting activity was 33.9% (95% CI=32.4–35.4%). The prevalence of all fall and fall‐related outcomes remained significantly higher among those with self‐reported VI after adjusting for sociodemographics and potential confounders.

Conclusion

The prevalence of falls, FoF, and activity limitation due to FoF is high in older adults with self‐reported VI. This is the first study to provide nationally representative data on the prevalence of fall‐related outcomes in older Americans with self‐reported VI. These findings demonstrate the need to treat avoidable VI and to develop interventions to prevent falls and fall‐related outcomes in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:239–245, 2019.
Hospital‐Associated Complications of Older People: A Proposed Multicomponent Outcome for Acute Care
Authors: Mudge Alison M. , McRae Prue , Hubbard Ruth E. , Peel Nancye M. , Lim Wen Kwang , Barnett Adrian G. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVES

To propose a new multicomponent measure of hospital‐associated complications of older people (HAC‐OP) and evaluate its validity in a large hospital sample.

DESIGN

Observational study using baseline (pre‐intervention) data from the Collaboration for Hospitalised Elders Reducing the Impact of Stays in Hospital cluster randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Acute medical and surgical wards in 4 hospitals in Queensland, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older (mean age 76, 48% female) with a hospital stay of 72 hours or longer (N=434).

MEASUREMENTS

We developed a multicomponent measure including 5 well‐recognized hospital‐associated complications of older people: hospital‐associated delirium, functional decline, incontinence, falls, and pressure injuries. To evaluate construct validity, we examined associations with common risk factors (aged ≥75, functional impairment, cognitive impairment, history of falls). To evaluate predictive validity, we examined the association between length of stay, facility discharge, and 6‐month mortality and any HAC‐OP and total number of HAC‐OP.

RESULTS

Overall, 192 (44%) participants had 1 or more HAC‐OP during their admission. Any HAC‐OP was strongly associated with the proposed shared risk factors, and there was a strong and graded association between HAC‐OP and length of stay (9.1±7.4 days for any HAC‐OP vs 6.8 ±4.1 days with none, p < .001), facility discharge (59/192 (31%) vs 27/242 (11%), p < .001) and 6‐month mortality (26/192 (14%) vs 17/242 (7%), p = .02).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of construct and predictive validity of the proposed measure of HAC‐OP as a potential outcome measure for research investigating and improving hospital care of older people. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:352–356, 2019.
Sex‐ and sub region‐dependent modulation of arcuate kisspeptin neurones by vasopressin and vasoactive intestinal peptide
Authors: Schafer Danielle , Kane Grace , Colledge William H. , Piet Richard , Herbison Allan E.
Published: November 2018

A population of kisspeptin neurones located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARN) very likely represent the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone pulse generator responsible for driving pulsatile luteinising hormone secretion in mammals. As such, it has become important to understand the neural inputs that modulate the activity of ARN kisspeptin (ARNKISS) neurones. Using a transgenic GCaMP6 mouse model allowing the intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) of individual ARNKISS neurones to be assessed simultaneously, we examined whether the circadian neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) modulated the activity of ARNKISS neurones directly. To validate this methodology, we initially evaluated the effects of neurokinin B (NKB) on [Ca2+]i in kisspeptin neurones residing within the rostral, middle and caudal ARN subregions of adult male and female mice. All experiments were undertaken in the presence of tetrodotoxin and ionotropic amino acid antagonists. NKB was found to evoke an abrupt increase in [Ca2+]i in 95%‐100% of kisspeptin neurones throughout the ARN of both sexes. By contrast, both VIP and AVP were found to primarily activate kisspeptin neurones located in the caudal ARN of female mice. Although 58% and 59% of caudal ARN kisspeptin neurones responded to AVP and VIP, respectively, in female mice, only 0%‐8% of kisspeptin neurones located in other ARN subregions responded in females and 0%‐12% of cells in any subregion in males (P < 0.05). These observations demonstrate unexpected sex differences and marked heterogeneity in functional neuropeptide receptor expression amongst ARNKISS neurones organised on a rostro‐caudal basis. The functional significance of this unexpected influence of VIP and AVP on ARNKISS neurones remains to be established.
Increased incidence of axonal Guillain‐Barré syndrome in La Spezia area of Italy: A 13‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Benedetti Luana , Briani Chiara , Beronio Alessandro , Massa Federico , Giorli Elisa , Sani Cinzia , Delia Paola , Artioli Stefania , Sormani Maria P. , Mannironi Antonio , Tartaglione Antonio , Mancardi Giovanni L.
Published: November 2018

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune‐mediated polyradiculoneuropathy with a worldwide incidence of 0.81‐1.89 per 100 000 person‐years. In Europe and North America only 5% of patients with GBS have axonal subtypes, which in South America and Asia account for 30%‐47% of cases. The aim of our study is to assess the annual incidence and clinical features of GBS in La Spezia area in Italy. A retrospective (from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2011) followed by a prospective (from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015) analysis was carried out on patients admitted to La Spezia hospital who fulfilled the GBS diagnostic criteria. A total of 86 patients (58 men), mean age of 62.7 years (range 21‐90), were included. The mean annual incidence rate was 3/100 000 (range: 0.9/100 000‐5.37/100 000) significantly higher than the European incidence (P < 0.001). Forty‐seven percent were classified as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), 35% as acute motor and motor‐sensory axonal neuropathy (AMAN‐AMSAN), 13% as variant forms, and 5% were not defined. AIDP was most common in “Golfo dei Poeti” (50%) and “Val di Magra” (63.2%), whereas AMAN/AMSAN prevailed in “Val di Vara” (63.6%) and “Riviera Spezzina” (62.5%) (P = 0.024). In La Spezia area GBS incidence (especially the AMAN subtype) is significantly higher than the incidence reported in Europe. AIDP predominates in the eastern area whereas AMAN/AMSAN in the western, with a significantly different incidence rate (P = 0.003). Prospective studies to assess possible predisposing environmental factors are needed.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA
Authors: Prasad Punam , Narayanasamy Sivasankaran , Paul Samit , Chattopadhyay Subir , Saravanan Palanisamy
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study is to take a stock of what has been studied on working capital management (WCM) so far and ascertain the factors which are more likely to be impacted by poor WCM. Moreover, it aims to spell out the areas for further research on WCM so that the body of knowledge can be expanded. A systematic literature review of the research works on WCM has been performed using Google Scholar. Articles with citations of 50 and above as of June 05, 2018 are considered for the detailed citation based analysis. Further, classification of such articles has been done on the basis of common themes followed by a thorough content analysis. The citation based analysis suggests that there is a growing popularity of studies related to WCM in recent times. However, majority of the impactful studies are published in relatively lower category journals. This further intrigues us to explore the content of such studies. Based on the content, the studies are classified under five different themes. It is found that majority of the highly cited articles have examined the relation between the WCM and profitability of the firms. Moreover, repetitive uses of few proxies in such studies have also been identified. This finding most probably explains the reason behind so many highly cited articles getting published in relatively lower category journals. In view of this, this study tries to explore further scope of research on WCM and lists down potential research questions for the future researches. Firstly, it provides an idea about the most cited area of researches related to WCM and the recent growth of studies in this domain. Academicians can decide upon their future area of research based on the findings related to the proxies and outcome from these studies. Secondly, it shows the most popular avenue of publishing the articles related to WCM which will certainly motivate the researchers to pursue such study. It has been found from the analysis that majority of the impactful articles are published in lower category journals. Therefore, this study identifies the reason behind the same and lists down some innovative research questions to provide some future research directions. Thirdly, the finance managers can use this finding to identify the relevant consequences of poor WCM. Finally, it can serve as a reference point for all future ideas related to WCM. The paper classifies the present literature on WCM into five major themes and performs a content analysis of the same. This is essential as the content analysis highlights different proxies used as inputs which effectively drive efficient WCM. Moreover, the study also identifies the huge scope of future research in the domain of WCM. According to our limited knowledge, such extensive literature review on WCM is rare.
Machine‐learning‐derived sleep–wake staging from around‐the‐ear electroencephalogram outperforms manual scoring and actigraphy
Authors: Mikkelsen Kaare B. , Ebajemito James K. , Bonmati‐Carrion Maria A. , Santhi Nayantara , Revell Victoria L. , Atzori Giuseppe , della Monica Ciro , Debener Stefan , Dijk Derk‐Jan , Sterr Annette , de Vos Maarten
Published: November 2018

Quantification of sleep is important for the diagnosis of sleep disorders and sleep research. However, the only widely accepted method to obtain sleep staging is by visual analysis of polysomnography (PSG), which is expensive and time consuming. Here, we investigate automated sleep scoring based on a low‐cost, mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) platform consisting of a lightweight EEG amplifier combined with flex‐printed cEEGrid electrodes placed around the ear, which can be implemented as a fully self‐applicable sleep system. However, cEEGrid signals have different amplitude characteristics to normal scalp PSG signals, which might be challenging for visual scoring. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential of automatic scoring of cEEGrid signals using a machine learning classifier (“random forests”) and compares its performance with manual scoring of standard PSG. In addition, the automatic scoring of cEEGrid signals is compared with manual annotation of the cEEGrid recording and with simultaneous actigraphy. Acceptable recordings were obtained in 15 healthy volunteers (aged 35 ± 14.3 years) during an extended nocturnal sleep opportunity, which induced disrupted sleep with a large inter‐individual variation in sleep parameters. The results demonstrate that machine‐learning‐based scoring of around‐the‐ear EEG outperforms actigraphy with respect to sleep onset and total sleep time assessments. The automated scoring outperforms human scoring of cEEGrid by standard criteria. The accuracy of machine‐learning‐based automated scoring of cEEGrid sleep recordings compared with manual scoring of standard PSG was satisfactory. The findings show that cEEGrid recordings combined with machine‐learning‐based scoring holds promise for large‐scale sleep studies.
Visual Data and the Law
Authors: Brayne Sarah , Levy Karen , Newell Bryce Clayton
Published: November 2018

Visual data are transforming the documentation of activities across many legal domains. Visual data can incriminate or exonerate; they can shape and reshape public opinion. Visual evidence can legitimize certain accounts of events while calling others into question. The proliferation of visual data creates challenges for the law at multiple points of entry: recording, distribution or disclosure, redaction or deletion, or use as evidence. This symposium outlines and analyzes legal challenges posed by recent developments in visual data technologies and practices. This introductory essay and the articles that follow highlight legal issues that arise when state actors collect visual data and when visual data are used in legal disputes. Technological development is outpacing empirical research on, and legal regulation of, visual data within society and inside the courtroom. This symposium provides a much-needed opportunity to highlight new legal and empirical research at the intersection of visual data and law.
Protease‐deficient SOS constitutive cells have RecN‐dependent cell division phenotypes
Authors: Warr Alyson R. , Klimova Anastasiia N. , Nwaobasi Amy N. , Sandler Steven J.
Published: November 2018

In Escherichia coli, after DNA damage, the SOS response increases the transcription (and protein levels) of approximately 50 genes. As DNA repair ensues, the level of transcription returns to homeostatic levels. ClpXP and other proteases return the high levels of several SOS proteins to homeostasis. When all SOS genes are constitutively expressed and many SOS proteins are stabilized by the removal of ClpXP, microscopic analysis shows that cells filament, produce mini‐cells and have branching protrusions along their length. The only SOS gene required (of 19 tested) for the cell length phenotype is recN. RecN is a member of the Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) class of proteins. It can hold pieces of DNA together and is important for double‐strand break repair (DSBR). RecN is degraded by ClpXP. Overexpression of recN+ in the absence of ClpXP or recN4174 (A552S, A553V), a mutant not recognized by ClpXP, produce filamentous cells with nucleoid partitioning defects. It is hypothesized that when produced at high levels during the SOS response, RecN interferes with nucleoid partitioning and Z‐Ring function by holding together sections of the nucleoid, or sister nucleoids, providing another way to inhibit cell division.
From Traditional to Computational Archaeology. An Interdisciplinary Method and New Approach to Volume and Weight Quantification
Authors: Moreno Elena , Arévalo Alicia , Moreno José Francisco
Published: November 2018

The present study aims to show the effectiveness of a methodological procedure to estimate the volumetric capacity of archaeological ceramic vessels and the net and gross weights of their probable contents. This method can be easily applied, independently of cultural or chronological contexts, and, alongside other historical and economic conclusions, might serve to verify the possible existence of typological and metrological standardizations of domestic or commercial containers. This study gives a detailed description of a simple methodological protocol which uses profile drawings to calculate the approximate volume of any vessel, thus enabling assessment of its conformity to ancient weight systems. This article will illustrate the strength of the method using a sample of Ramon T‐11213 amphorae made in the Bay of Cadiz during the fifth century BC, which, given its quantitative and qualitative strengths, proves to be an exemplary case study and a valid pilot.
The Jerusalem Legio X Fretensis Kilnworks: Contextualizing Ceramic Manufacture and ‘Legionary Wares’
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth A. , Goldfus Haim , Arubas Benny
Published: November 2018

The Legio X Fretensis Kilnworks at Binyanei Ha’uma (Jerusalem) is one of the few such legionary production sites to be excavated in recent decades and the only legionary kilnworks to be found in the Near East and Asia Minor to date. The study of its production‐related material therefore offers a necessary complement to consumer‐focused discussions of so‐called ‘legionary wares’ by providing a more refined contextualization of ceramic manufacturing within a military context. Detailed analyses of production techniques and technologies, as well as comparative study of contemporaneous legionary kilnworks in other regions and other ceramic production sites from the eastern provinces, serve to contextualize the Jerusalem site and offer new perspectives on the technological choices that were made in such settings. These technological choices demonstrate a balance between some commonly shared structural features of production and labour organizations, with locally specific circumstances of raw material availability and technological knowledge.
Oral esomeprazole in Japanese pediatric patients with gastric acid‐related disease: Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Shimizu Toshiaki , Nakayama Yoshiko , Ishii Eizaburo , Ida Shinobu , Satou Tomoki , Tokuhara Daisuke , Arai Katsuhiro , Nii Masahiro , Rydholm Hans , Yajima Toshitaka ,   the J‐NEPECS (Japan Nexium Pediatrics Study) Group
Published: November 2018

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are widely used for the treatment of gastric acid‐related disease, but they are not approved for use in children in Japan. To assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy (gastrointestinal symptom improvement) of PPI in Japanese pediatric patients with gastric acid‐related disease, we conducted an 8 week, open‐label, parallel‐group, multicenter, phase I/III study of once‐daily oral esomeprazole use.

Methods

Japanese children, aged 1–14 years with gastric acid‐related disease, were stratified by weight and age into five groups (10 patients/group) to receive esomeprazole as granules for suspension (10 mg) or capsules (10 mg or 20 mg) once daily.

Results

Esomeprazole was absorbed and eliminated rapidly in all groups, with a median time to reach maximum plasma concentration of 1.47–1.75 h, an arithmetic mean terminal elimination half‐life of 0.80–1.37 h, and a weight‐correlated apparent total body clearance of 0.216–0.343 L/h/kg. Area under the plasma concentration–time curve during a dosage interval and maximum plasma drug concentration were generally higher in groups given a higher dose (20 mg) or with a lower age/weight, but also in patients identified as poor metabolizers on cytochrome P450 2C19 genotype. Most patients who had any upper gastrointestinal symptoms at baseline were asymptomatic at the end of the study. Thirty‐three patients (66%) reported ≥1 adverse events, including three patients who reported serious adverse events not judged to be causally related to esomeprazole.

Conclusions

Oral esomeprazole, at 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, had a similar safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profile in Japanese pediatric patients to that previously seen in adults and Caucasian children.
Early luteal development in Santa Inês ewes superovulated with reduced doses of porcine follicle‐stimulating hormone
Authors: Garcia Kako Rodriguez Mariana , Serpa Maciel Giovanna , Ramirez Uscategui Ricardo Andres , Correia Santos Victor José , Perecin Nociti Ricardo , Del Aguila da Silva Priscila , Rossi Feliciano Marcus Antônio , Zandonadi Brandão Felipe , Ferreira Fonseca Jeferson , Franco Oliveira Maria Emilia
Published: November 2018

Contents

The aim was to compare the early luteal development in ewes superovulated with different doses of pFSH. Twenty‐nine Santa Inês ewes received a progesterone device (CIDR®) for 8 days. Gonadotrophic treatment started on Day 6: G200 (control, n = 9, 200 mg); G133 (n = 10, 133 mg); and G100 (n = 10, 100 mg of pFSH). On Day 6, all females received eCG (300 IU). B‐mode and spectral Doppler ultrasonography were performed daily during the early luteal phase (Days 11–15) to monitor the development of corpora lutea (CLs; dimensions) and ovarian arteries indices. CLs were also classified as normal or prematurely regressed (PRCL) on Day 15 by videolaparoscopy. Ewes from G100 and G133 showed gradual increase in luteal diameter during the early luteal phase (p < 0.001), whereas G200 animals presented increase from Day 11 to Day 13, and then decrease on Days 14 and 15 (p < 0.001). The G200 females showed greater percentage of PRCL (45.20%) than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). The normal CLs number was greater in G100 than in G133 (p = 0.04), while the PRCL number was greater in G200 than in the other groups (p = 0.03). Resistive index (RI) was greater in G200 than in G100 (p = 0.02). RI was lower in Day 12 than Day 15 (p = 0.02). Pulsatility index (PI) was greater on Days 14 and 15 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the lowest dose of pFSH (100 mg) can be considered sufficient for an efficient superovulatory response in sheep, producing better CLs development dynamic in early luteal phase and ovarian blood perfusion and smaller number of PRCL than the traditional (200 mg) pFSH dose.
Differences in adolescents’ motivations for indirect, direct, and hybrid peer defending
Authors: Pronk Jeroen , Olthof Tjeert , Goossens Frits A. , Krabbendam Lydia
Published: November 2018

Adolescents’ defending of peers who are being bullied—or peer defending—was recently found to be a heterogeneous behavioral construct. The present study investigated individual differences in adolescents’ motivations for executing these indirect, direct, and hybrid defending behaviors. In line with the literature on bullying as goal‐directed strategic behavior, we adopted a social evolution theory framework to investigate whether these peer‐defending behaviors could qualify as goal‐directed strategic prosocial behaviors. A sample of 549 Dutch adolescents (49.4% boys; Mage = 12.5 years, SD = 0.6 years) participated in this study. Their peer reported defending behaviors (including bullying behavior as a control variable) and the following behavioral motivations were assessed: (a) agentic and communal goals (self‐report), (b) prosocial and coercive social strategies (peer report), and (c) altruistic and egocentric motivations for prosocial behavior (self‐report). The outcomes of hierarchical linear regression analyses suggest that adolescents’ motivations for executing the different subtypes of peer defending partially overlap but are also different. While indirect defending was fostered by genuine concerns for victims’ well‐being, direct defending was more motivated by personal gains. Hybrid defending combined favorable aspects of both indirect and direct defending as a goal‐directed, strategic, and altruistically motivated prosocial behavior. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Parents’ perceptions of bedside teaching
Authors: Khoo Erwin Jiayuan , Parameshwara Neela , Kutzsche Stefan
Published: November 2018

Background

Bedside teaching (BST) in a hospital setting can play an important role during medical students’ clinical placements in paediatrics. Parents often feel obliged to allow their child to participate, even if they are reluctant. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of parents who, with their children, were involved in medical students’ BST.

Methods

Consenting parents participated in a semi‐structured interview assessing their experience of having their child involved in BST. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Parents were assured that their children's treatment would not be negatively affected in the case of withdrawal from the study.

Results

A total of 54 parents responded and discussed their experience of their children's participation in clinical teaching. The majority of parents were keen to support medical students’ learning, and felt that they could develop better insight into their child's health in association with the teaching session. Some parents found the sessions tiring; their interest increased when they were more actively involved in planning the BST sessions.

Discussion

This study emphasises children's and adolescents’ autonomy as a main principle in making decisions about involving them in BST. Clinical teachers often face problems attempting to properly plan and conduct BST sessions. Parents appreciate having an active role in planning the sessions and are supportive of medical student education. Clinical teachers must ensure that they protect the best interests of paediatric patients and their parents. At the same time, they should advocate for the obvious benefits of BST.
Fixed dose combinations of anti‐tubercular, antimalarial and antiretroviral medicines on the Indian market: critical analysis of ubiquity, sales and regulatory status
Authors: Ligade Virendra S. , Thakar Tanmay M. , Dengale Swapnil J.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To assess the proportion and sales of unapproved Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of anti‐tubercular, antimalarial and antiretroviral medicines available on the Indian market.

Methods

Available FDCs of anti‐tubercular, antimalarial and antiretrovirals were screened against the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) database of approved FDCs. The FDC sales information in the given categories was obtained from AIOCD AWACS PharmaTrac, a market database. FDCs available in India were also screened against the National List of Essential Medicines India 2015 and the Orange Book Database of products approved by USFDA.

Results

Of 110 available first‐ to fourth‐line anti‐tubercular FDCs, only 32 were approved. Of 20 antimalarial FDCs available, eight were approved. However, almost 95% of available antiretroviral FDCs and branded products were approved. The sales volume of all anti‐tubercular drugs was 730 million units of which 71% were unapproved, amounting to 14.30 billion rupees in sales value (58%). Almost half of the sales value and volume of antimalarials was generated by unapproved products. About 1% of sales volume of antiretroviral FDCs came from unapproved formulations, accounting for 5% of sales value.

Conclusion

A large proportion of FDC formulations available in India has never been approved by CDSCO, hence raising the doubts about their safety and efficacy. An opaque regulatory framework and ambiguity over licensing powers have contributed to the problem. The rationality of unapproved FDCs should be reviewed and irrational formulations should be banned.
Nature and causes of errors in the blood transfusion chain – a step towards patient safety
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Kaur Gagandeep , Kaur Paramjit
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives

A wide range of errors (all deviations from standard operating procedures) occur at various steps of the transfusion process. This study was conducted to identify the nature and cause of errors in the process of blood transfusion.

Materials and methods

A prospective study was conducted in the department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary care hospital in India over a period of 18 months. All the errors that occurred during the process of blood transfusion starting from the donor phlebotomy till the transfusion of blood component to the patient were reported and analysed.

Results

A total of 156 errors were found during the study period. The actual events which include no‐harm and adverse events were 10% and 5%, respectively, whereas near‐miss events were 85% (ratio of actual to near miss was 1:5.6). Laboratories were found to have the highest level of error occurrence (48% of all errors). Wrong blood in tube errors was found to be 1 per 3308 samples received. Frequency of haemolytic transfusion reactions due to ABO incompatibility was found to be 1 in 6770. The majority of errors (74.4%) were recovered due to system check built within the departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs), and thus, recovery was planned. However, the remaining 25.6% events were discovered only after the product was issued.

Conclusion

The data obtained through this study highlight the various critical steps where errors can occur in the long chain of blood transfusion.
Blood donor behaviour, motivations and the need for a systematic cross‐cultural perspective: the example of moral outrage and health‐ and non‐health‐based philanthropy across seven countries
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Dorner Laszlo , France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Masser Barbara , Lam Michael , Marta Elena , Alfieri Sara , Merz Eva‐Maria , Adams Byron , Huis in ’t Veld Elisabeth , Scerri Josianne
Published: November 2018

Background

Blood donation is a prosocial altruistic act that is motived by the mechanisms that underlie altruism (e.g. warm‐glow, reciprocity, fairness/trust). Because there is consistent evidence that altruism and its mechanisms show cross‐cultural variability, in the present paper we make the case for a cross‐cultural perspective in blood donor research.

Methods

We analyse a subset of variables from a larger study, with samples drawn from seven countries (England, Malta, the Netherlands, Australia, the USA, Hungary, Italy: average N per country = 282). This subset of variables focuses on health (organ donor registration) and non‐health (volunteering, donating money) philanthropy, family traditions of helping and moral outrage as predictors of blood donor status.

Results

We show two cross‐cultural universals: (1) organ donor registration in opt‐in countries is positively associated with blood donor status and (2) non‐health philanthropy is generally unrelated to blood donor status. We also show two country‐specific effects: (1) a family tradition for helping is associated with blood donor status in Italy only and (2) moral outrage is a predictor only in the USA.

Conclusions

We contend that these findings provide proof of principle why a cross‐cultural perspective on blood donor behaviour is needed.
A mixing‐length‐scale‐based analytical model for predicting velocity profiles of open‐channel flows with submerged rigid vegetation
Authors: Tang Xiaonan
Published: November 2018

In open‐channel flows with submerged vegetation, the vertical velocity profile can often be described by two layers: the vegetation layer in the lower region and the surface layer in the upper non‐vegetated region. In this paper, a new mixing‐length scale of eddy is proposed for predicting the vertical velocity profile of flow in an open‐channel with submerged rigid vegetation. The analytical model of velocity profile is based on the momentum equation of flow where the turbulent eddy viscosity is assumed to have a linear relationship with the local velocity. The proposed model was tested against different datasets from the literature. The 22 datasets used cover a range of submergence [flow depth (H)/vegetation height (h) = 1.25 ~ 3.38], different vegetation densities of ah = 0.11 ~ 1.85 (a defined as the frontal area of the vegetation per unit volume) and bed slopes (So = 1.8 × 10−6 ~4.0 × 10−3). This study showed that the proposed model can predict the velocity profiles well against all datasets, and that the mixing length scale of eddies (λ) is well related with both vegetation height (h) and flow depth of surface layer (i.e. the height of non‐vegetation layer, H–h). Close examination of λ in the proposed model showed that when λ = 0.03, the model predicts vertical velocity profiles well for all datasets used except for very shallow submergence (i.e. H/h < 1.5).
A cluster analysis of attitudes to English in Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Edwards Alison , Fuchs Robert
Published: November 2018

Although English is becoming increasingly entrenched in Western Europe, large‐scale comparative studies of attitudes among the general public to this development are scarce. We investigate over 4,000 Dutch and Germans’ attitudes towards English based on responses to an attitudinal questionnaire. Respondents saw English as a useful additional language, but not generally as a threat to their national language. Using k‐means, an unsupervised clustering algorithm, we identified two attitudinal groups per country. Respondents with positive attitudes towards English, regardless of nationality, tended to be younger, urban, better educated and more proficient in English than their compatriots with more negative views of English. These within‐country differences outweighed between‐country ones, for example, that Germans were more confident in the status of their L1, whereas Dutch showed signs of ‘English fatigue’. The findings thus appear to confirm the previously identified divide between elite ‘haves’ versus ‘have‐nots’ of English.
Dynamical system proof of Fermat’s little theorem: An alternative approach
Authors: Florence Olamide Funmilayo , Ahmad Tahir , Olalekan Adaraniwon Amos
Published: November 2018

Fermat’s little theorem has been proved using different mathematical approaches, which majority of them are based on number theory. These approaches have only exposed the usability of Fermat’s little theorem for logical, linear and structural predictions. Only small numbers of attempts had only been made to proof Fermat’s little theorem from other perspectives. This paper exhibits an alternative approach to proof the Fermat’s little theorem via dynamical system. Two lemmas are proven with respect to a redefined function, Tn (x) in order to achieve the task.
Performance evaluation of carbonized rubber seed shell (CRSS) filler as reinforcer in rubber binder
Authors: Onn Munirah , Mohamad Nor Fadilah , Abdul Rani Noor Hidayu , Amir Zulkifly Zafryll
Published: November 2018

The use of rubber-seed shell as a raw material for the production of carbonized filler was investigated. The produced carbonized rubber seed shells (CRSS) waste were characterized by its particle size, density and FTIR value. In this study, the effect of CRSS on the rheological and mechanical properties of rubber had shown great changes and nearly meet the properties of conventional used of filler which is carbon black. Five samples of rubber compounded with different loading of CRSS (0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 phr) were prepared. The higher filler loadings show increment in tensile strength, tensile modulus and hardness but decrease in elongation at break properties. At optimum CRSS loading (20 phr), the tensile strength and tensile modulus (M300) depict positive improvement. Meanwhile, the higher CRSS loading that have less developed structure also will worn the surfaces of rubber compound, thus result in decreasing abrasion resistance index (ARI) value as filler loading increase. This is due to higher CRSS loading will result in poor interaction between rubber matrix and filler content. Lastly, crosslinked density via Flory-Rehner equation depicts solvent uptake decrease linearly by adding more CRSS filler. Therefore, from the conclusive data and observations, the produced CRSS as alternative to current rubber black has great potential to be used as reinforcement filler in rubber compounding along with commercializing the waste materials to the next level.
The relationships and interactions between age, exercise and physiological function
Authors: Lazarus Norman R. , Lord Janet M. , Harridge Stephen D. R.
Published: November 2018

This brief review focuses on the relationships and interactions between human ageing, exercise and physiological function. It explores the importance of the selection of participants for ageing research, the strengths and deficiencies of both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies, and the complexities involved in understanding time‐dependent, lifelong physiological processes. As being physically active is crucial to fostering healthy ageing, it is essential that participants in health and ageing research are defined in terms of their physical activity/exercise status as well as other lifestyle factors. Comparisons of exercisers with non‐exercisers has suggested that there is a mosaic of regulation of ageing both within and across physiological systems. We suggest that four broad categories exist which encompass this regulation. These are (i) systems and indices that are age dependent, but activity independent; (ii) systems that are age dependent, but also malleable by exercise; (iii) systems that are not age affected but are altered by exercise; and (iv) systems that are neither age nor activity dependent. We briefly explore the concept of a mosaic of regulation in a selection of physiological systems. These include skeletal muscle, the immune and endocrine systems, gastrointestinal as well as cognitive function. We go onto examine how these categories might fit within the broad framework of understanding the physiology of human ageing.

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An Interactive Real-Time SCADA Platform With Customizable Virtual Instruments for Cloud Control Systems
Authors: Tan Haoran , Huang Zhiwu , Wu Min
Published: November 2018

This paper studies the design and implementation of an interactive real-time cloud supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platform. The platform relying on C# and client/server architecture provides full support for data supervision of the cloud control system (CCS). Users are allowed to design supervisory interfaces by dynamically creating and customizing virtual instruments, which are seamlessly integrated into the platform by reconstructing it. Both the scalar and matrix data from different cloud nodes are supported for supervising simultaneously in real-time through receiving data asynchronously. The user can tune the parameters of the CCS online via duplex channels based on the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (IP). To overcome the disturbance of network delays to data display, a stable data and real-time data communication scheme are proposed. All the supervised data can be stored in separate files for further analysis. Finally, the online simulation and experiment are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the designed SCADA platform.
Ethanol: Tolerant Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts in Alkaline Media
Authors: Chaiburi Chakkrapong , Cermenek Bernd , Pichler Birgit Elvira , Grimmer Christoph , Hacker Viktor
Published: November 2018

This paper describes electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFCs), using the non-noble metal electrocatalyst Ag/C, MnO2/C and AgMnO2/C. These electrocatalysts showed tolerance toward ethanol in alkaline media and therefore resistance to ethanol crossover in ADEFCs. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), cyclic voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode (RDE) were employed to determine the morphology, composition, and electrochemical activity of the catalysts. The herein presented results confirm that the AgMnO2/C electrocatalyst significantly outperforms the state-of-the art ORR catalyst platinum.
Development of Fatigue Design Standards for Marine
Structures
Authors: Lotsberg Inge
Published: November 2018

Fatigue design standards for offshore structures became needed with development of offshore structures in harsh environments like the North Sea during the 1970s. The need for fatigue design of ship structures became increased as more high strength steel was being used in these structures during the 1970s. New types of structures and structural components have been developed such as tension leg platforms and floating production platforms and support structures for wind turbines. These structures are subjected to significant dynamic loading such that fatigue design becomes the main issue and relevant fatigue design standards are needed. This paper gives an overview of the development of fatigue design standards for marine structures over the last 40 years.