bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FINGER (Forming and Identifying New Groups of Expected Risks): developing and validating a new predictive model to identify patients with high healthcare cost and at risk of admission
Authors: Orueta Juan F , García-Alvarez Arturo , Aurrekoetxea Juan J , García-Goñi Manuel
Published: June 2018

Objective

Predictive statistical models used in population stratification programmes are complex and usually difficult to interpret for primary care professionals. We designed FINGER (Forming and Identifying New Groups of Expected Risks), a new model based on clinical criteria, easy to understand and implement by physicians. Our aim was to assess the ability of FINGER to predict costs and correctly identify patients with high resource use in the following year.

Design

Cross-sectional study with a 2-year follow-up.

Setting

The Basque National Health System.

Participants

All the residents in the Basque Country (Spain) ≥14 years of age covered by the public healthcare service (n=1 946 884).

Methods

We developed an algorithm classifying diagnoses of long-term health problems into 27 chronic disease groups. The database was randomly divided into two data sets. With the calibration sample, we calculated a score for each chronic disease group and other variables (age, sex, inpatient admissions, emergency department visits and chronic dialysis). Each individual obtained a FINGER score for the year by summing their characteristics’ scores. With the validation sample, we constructed regression models with the FINGER score for the first 12 months as the only explanatory variable.

Results

The annual FINGER scores obtained by patients ranged from 0 to 57 points, with a mean of 2.06. The coefficient of determination for healthcare costs was 0.188 and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.838 for identifying patients with high costs (>95th percentile); 0.875 for extremely high costs (>99th percentile); 0.802 for unscheduled admissions; 0.861 for prolonged hospitalisation (>15 days); and 0.896 for death.

Conclusion

FINGER presents a predictive power for high risks fairly close to other classification systems. Its simple and transparent architecture allows for immediate calculation by clinicians. Being easy to interpret, it might be considered for implementation in regions involved in population stratification programmes.
Is having asthma associated with an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease? A prospective cohort study of 446 346 Taiwanese adults
Authors: Strand Linn Beate , Tsai Min Kuang , Wen Chi Pang , Chang Shu-Sen , Brumpton Ben M
Published: June 2018

Objectives

A significant proportion of cardiovascular disease (CVD) cannot be explained by well-known risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. One potential novel risk factor for CVD is asthma. We aimed to investigate the association between asthma and mortality due to CVD.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A large health check-up programme from 1994 to 2011 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Participants

446 346 Taiwanese adults. Each participant answered questions regarding asthma history (yes/no) and current daily use of asthma medications (yes/no). Active asthma was defined as those using current daily medications for asthma.

Outcomes

The participants were followed for mortality from CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke obtained through linkage to the cause-of-death register until 31 December 2011.

Results

We found an increased risk of dying from CVD in individuals with active asthma (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.62). The risk of death from CHD or stroke was increased in a similar manner (aHR 1.16, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.73 and aHR 1.23, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.74, respectively) although the HR estimates were less precise than that of CVD. For deaths from CVD, CHD and stroke, we found stronger associations with active asthma than non-active asthma, and for CVD and stroke stronger associations in men than women.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that asthma, particularly active asthma, may be associated with adverse cardiovascular consequences.
Determinants of frequent and infrequent STI testing and STI diagnosis related to test frequency among men who have sex with men in the eastern part of the Netherlands: a 6-year retrospective study
Authors: Kampman Carolina J G , Heijne Janneke C M , Kistemaker-Koedijk Petronella H M , Koedijk Femke D H , Visser Maartje , Hautvast Jeannine L A
Published: June 2018

Objective

Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are advised to be tested at least twice a year. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of test frequency and their associations with an STI diagnosis.

Design

A 6-year retrospective study.

Setting

5 STI clinics in the eastern part of the Netherlands.

Participants

MSM whose mean test interval was 6 months or more were grouped as ‘infrequently tested’ (n=953), and those with a mean test interval less than 6 months were grouped as ‘frequently tested’ (n=658).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Test frequency and STI diagnosis and determinants.

Results

MSM who were ever diagnosed with an STI (OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7), MSM who had never had STI symptoms (OR=0.8, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0), and MSM who had ever had sex with both men and women (OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.8) were more often frequently tested. Moreover, in both groups, MSM who had ever been notified by a partner (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.7 to 2.9 infrequently tested; OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.9 frequently tested), MSM who had ever had STI symptoms (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1 infrequently tested; OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.6 frequently tested) and MSM who were ever diagnosed with HIV (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.6 infrequently tested; OR=6.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 17.5 frequently tested) were more likely to be diagnosed with an STI.

Conclusions

Among MSM visiting STI clinics, those who were ever diagnosed with HIV were more often diagnosed with an STI, but did not visit STI clinics more frequently than HIV-negative MSM. This highlights the necessity of encouraging MSM who are diagnosed with HIV to have STI tests more frequently.
Evaluating the impact of an intervention to increase uptake of modern contraceptives among adolescent girls (15–19 years) in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania: the Adolescents 360 quasi-experimental study protocol
Authors: Atchison Christina Joanne , Mulhern Emma , Kapiga Saidi , Nsanya Mussa Kelvin , Crawford Emily E , Mussa Mohammed , Bottomley Christian , Hargreaves James R , Doyle Aoife Margaret
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania have some of the highest teenage pregnancy rates and lowest rates of modern contraceptive use among adolescents. The transdisciplinary Adolescents 360 (A360) initiative being rolled out across these three countries uses human-centred design to create context-specific multicomponent interventions with the aim of increasing voluntary modern contraceptive use among girls aged 15–19 years.

Methods

The primary objective of the outcome evaluation is to assess the impact of A360 on the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) among sexually active girls aged 15–19 years. A360 targets different subpopulations of adolescent girls in the three countries. In Northern Nigeria and Ethiopia, the study population is married girls aged 15–19 years. In Southern Nigeria, the study population is unmarried girls aged 15–19 years. In Tanzania, both married and unmarried girls aged 15–19 years will be included in the study. In all settings, we will use a prepopulation and postpopulation-based cross-sectional survey design. In Nigeria, the study design will also include a comparison group. A one-stage sampling design will be used in Nigeria and Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling design will be used in Tanzania. Questionnaires will be administered face-to-face by female interviewers aged between 18 and 26 years. Study outcomes will be assessed before the start of A360 implementation in late 2017 and approximately 24 months after implementation in late 2019.

Ethics and dissemination

Findings of this study will be widely disseminated through workshops, conference presentations, reports, briefings, factsheets and academic publications.
Surgical management of focal ionising radiation burns
Authors: Swain Cara , Khan M
Published: June 2018

The management of focal radiation burns after prolonged exposure to ionising radiation remains a relatively rare but significant therapeutic challenge. This narrative aims to highlight certain aspects of management that can be overlooked and mitigation strategies in the management of these potentially fatal injuries.
Correlation between angiographic stenosis and physiologic venous sinus outflow obstruction in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: West James L , Greeneway Garret P , Garner Rebecca M , Aschenbrenner Carol A , Singh Jasmeet , Wolfe Stacey Q , Fargen Kyle M
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The relationship between degree of angiographic venous sinus stenosis and the trans-stenosis pressure gradient magnitude in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is poorly understood. The present study aimed to assess the utility of angiography, venography, and non-invasive imaging (MRV or CTV) for the diagnosis and characterization of clinically significant VSS.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was performed to identify patients with medically refractory IIH who were evaluated by angiography and venous manometry for the presence of VSS with associated clinically significant pressure gradient. Angiographic stenosis was measured by two independent raters using novel methodology.

Results

Thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria for the study. In total, 70% of patients had clinically significant pressure gradients and were selected for stenting. The optimal percentage stenosis for detection of a significant pressure gradient was 34% stenosis on venous phase arteriography (sensitivity 0.81 and specificity 0.91) and 31% stenosis on venography (0.92 and 0.73). For every 10% increase in stenosis, an approximate increase in pressure gradient of 3.5 mmHg is seen. MRV/CTV had a calculated sensitivity of 0.42, and a negative predictive value of 22%.

Conclusion

The degree of stenosis predictive of a clinically significant pressure gradient (30–35%) in the venous sinuses is considerably lower than the arterial stenosis at which pathologic hemodynamic alterations occur. While highly predictive of a venous pressure gradient when a stenosis is identified, non-invasive imaging does not appear to be a suitable diagnostic evaluation for the purpose of ruling out clinically significant cerebral VSS.
Exercise for people with Parkinson’s: a practical approach
Authors: Ramaswamy Bhanu , Jones Julie , Carroll Camille
Published: June 2018

Exercise is key to a healthy and productive life. For people with Parkinson’s, exercise has reported benefits for controlling motor and non-motor symptoms alongside the use of pharmacological intervention. For example, exercise prolongs independent mobility and improves sleep, mood, memory and quality of life, all further enhanced through socialisation and multidisciplinary team support. Recent research suggests that optimally prescribed exercise programmes following diagnosis may alter neurophysiological processes, possibly slowing symptom progression.

Given its benefits, professionals should encourage and motivate people with Parkinson’s to exercise regularly from the time of diagnosis and provide guidance on what exercise to do. We provide examples of how the growing body of evidence on exercise for people with Parkinson’s is revolutionising the services they are provided. We also highlight new resources available to help the wider support network (people such as volunteers, partners and friends of people with Parkinson’s) with an interest in exercise promote a consistent message on the benefits of exercise.
Weed management in adzuki bean: a review
Authors: Belfry K. , Sikkema P.H.
Published: June 2018

Adzuki bean is a niche market, high-value field crop suited to the temperate growing regions of the world. Adzuki bean lacks early season vigour and thus early season weed control is critical for profitable production. Efficacious application of preplant incorporated (PPI), preemergence (PRE), and, to a lesser degree, postemergence (POST) herbicides have been documented, however, the number of registered herbicides is currently limited due to the sensitivity of adzuki bean crops. In addition to the currently registered products, the literature shows the potential utility of cloransulam-methyl or halosulfuron applied PPI and (or) PRE, and imazamox or acifluorfen applied POST in adzuki. Furthermore, growers should avoid atrazine, metribuzin, EPTC, pethoxamid, pyroxasulfone, clomazone, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, alachlor, dimethenamid-P, and S-metolachlor applied PPI and (or) PRE, and halosulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, and bentazon applied POST, due to poor adzuki bean tolerance to these herbicides. While crop tolerance research represents a growing body of work, there is a paucity of available weed control data to assist growers. The persistence of volunteer adzuki bean is a significant hurdle for adzuki bean growers. However, crop and herbicide mode-of-action rotation, in combination with early-season [PPI and (or) PRE] control, have demonstrated success. There is an ongoing need to evaluate weed control and expand the number of registered herbicides for adzuki bean growers.
Julia sets of complex Hénon maps
Authors: Guerini Lorenzo , Peters Han
Published: June 2018

There are two natural definitions of the Julia set for complex Hénon maps: the sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Whether these two sets are always equal is one of the main open questions in the field. We prove equality when the map acts hyperbolically on the a priori smaller set [Formula: see text], under the additional hypothesis of substantial dissipativity. This result was claimed, without using the additional assumption, in [J. E. Fornæss, The julia set of hénon maps, Math. Ann. 334(2) (2006) 457–464], but the proof is incomplete. Our proof closely follows ideas from [J. E. Fornæss, The julia set of hénon maps, Math. Ann. 334(2) (2006) 457–464], deviating at two points, where substantial dissipativity is used.

We show that [Formula: see text] also holds when hyperbolicity is replaced by one of the two weaker conditions. The first is quasi-hyperbolicity, introduced in [E. Bedford and J. Smillie, Polynomial diffeomorphisms of [Formula: see text]. VIII. Quasi-expansion. Amer. J. Math. 124(2) (2002) 221–271], a natural generalization of the one-dimensional notion of semi-hyperbolicity. The second is the existence of a dominated splitting on [Formula: see text]. Substantially dissipative, Hénon maps admitting a dominated splitting on the possibly larger set [Formula: see text] were recently studied in [M. Lyubich and H. Peters, Structure of partially hyperbolic hénon maps, ArXiv e-prints (2017)].
A Massively Parallel Implementation of a Modular Self-Organizing Map on FPGAs
Authors: Khalifa Khaled Ben , Bedoui Mohamed Hédi
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the architecture design of novel massively parallel self-organizing map (SOM) neural networks. The proposed architecture, referred to as the planar SOM (PSOM), is described as a soft IP core synthesized in VHDL. The SOM neural network’s size and the input data vectors’ dimension are adjustable parameters. In this work, several SOM architectures are synthesized and their performance is evaluated for Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGAs. The presented hardware architecture allows online learning and can be easily adapted to a large variety of SOM topologies without a considerable design effort. A [Formula: see text] SOM hardware is validated through the FPGA implementation and its performances with an estimated working frequency of 297[Formula: see text]MHz for a 23-element input vector will reach 21,970 MCUPS in the learning phase and 35,902 MCPS in the recall one.
Direct signals from electroweak singlets through the Higgs portal
Authors: Dick Rainer
Published: June 2018

We review predictions and constraints for nuclear recoil signals from Higgs portal dark matter under the assumption of standard thermal creation from freeze-out. Thermally created scalar and vector Higgs portal dark matter masses are constrained to be in the resonance region near half the Higgs mass, [Formula: see text], or above several TeV. The resonance region for these models will be tested by XENONnT and LZ. The full mass range up to the unitarity limit can be tested by DarkSide-20k and DARWIN. Fermionic Higgs portal dark matter with a pure CP odd coupling is constrained by the Higgs decay width, but has strongly suppressed recoil cross sections which cannot be tested with upcoming experiments. Fermionic Higgs portal dark matter with a combination of CP even and odd Higgs couplings can be constrained by the direct search experiments.
Dynamic Capacity Reduction of Railway Prestressed Concrete Sleepers Due to Surface Abrasions Considering the Effects of Strain Rate and Prestressing Losses
Authors: Ngamkhanong Chayut , Li Dan , Remennikov Alex M. , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: June 2018

In reality, railway prestressed concrete sleepers frequently experience significant aggressive loading conditions and harsh environments. Especially in sharp curves, lateral loading of train wheels in combination with incompressible hydraulic pressure aggravates the lateral oscillation and abrades the surface of sleepers right underneath the rail seats. Many investigators in the past have proposed various material models to improve abrasive resistance characteristics, but those have been mostly applied to the new products using novel materials such as fiber-reinforced concrete. On the other hand, prestressed concrete sleepers have been used for over 50 years and they have become worn over time. This paper highlights the dynamic capacity evaluation of worn sleepers, which will lead to predictive models that could be realistically applied to asset management of railway lines. This paper presents an investigation into the structural capacity reduction in worn railway prestressed concrete sleepers considering the effects of strain rate and loss of prestressing steel. RESPONSE2000 has been used to evaluate the residual dynamic capacity based on the modified compression field theory. Unprecedented parametric studies have been carried out to determine the influences of uniform and gradient prestress losses on prestressed concrete capacity. The study results exhibit the level of wear and tear, which is critical to the dynamic integrity of sleepers required for immediate replacement. The outcome of this study will help improve the practical maintenance and monitoring technology in railway industry.
Effect of Column Base Behavior on Seismic Performance of Multi-Story Steel Moment Resisting Frames
Authors: Cui Yao , Wang Fengzhi , Yamada Satoshi
Published: June 2018

Column base is one of the most important elements of steel structures. Exposed column base is commonly used in low-to-medium-rise steel moment resisting frames because of better constructability and low cost. To study the effect of exposed column base behavior on the seismic behavior of low-to-medium-rise steel moment resisting frames, a four-story, four-bay steel moment frame is studied by the nonlinear time history analysis. In the numerical analysis, two types of column base connections (rigid and semi-rigid) are considered. The width–thickness ratio of column and stiffness ratio of column base to column are chosen as the analysis parameters. The characteristics of structural responses, hysteresis loops, and the distribution of plastic energy dissipation are compared. It indicates that the collapse margin ratio is significantly increased when the exposed column base behavior is considered for the moment resisting frames with large width–thickness ratio. Moreover, if the column base connection is allowed to rotate and transfer a portion of the moment, the demand of plastic deformation capacity of steel columns is reduced, then subsequently strength deterioration caused by the local buckling at the bottom of column could be avoided. Also, the whole structure has a better ductility, the ability of plastic deformation and energy absorbance of the moment resisting frame under earthquake are therefore enhanced. The structure with the semi-rigid column base connection has larger potential to avoid the structural collapse caused by the local buckling of first-story columns.
Uncertainty Quantification of Load Effects under Stochastic Traffic Flows
Authors: Mu He-Qing , Hu Qin , Guo Hou-Zuo , Zhang Tian-Yu , Su Cheng
Published: June 2018

Load effect characterization under traffic flow has received tremendous attention in bridge engineering, and uncertainty quantification (UQ) of load effect is critical in the inference process. Bayesian probabilistic approach is developed to overcome the unreliable issue caused by negligence of uncertainty of parametric and modeling aspects. Stochastic traffic load simulation is conducted by embedding the random inflow component into the Nagel–Schreckenberg (NS) model, and load effects are calculated by stochastic traffic load samples and influence lines. Two levels of UQ are performed for traffic load effect characterization: at parametric level of UQ, not only the optimal parameter values but also the associated uncertainties are identified; at model level of UQ, rather than using a single prescribed probability model for load effects, a set of probability distribution model candidates is proposed, and model probability of each candidate is evaluated for selecting the most suitable/plausible probability distribution model. Analytic work was done to give closed-form solutions for the expression involved in both parametric and model UQ. In the simulated examples, the efficiency and robustness of the proposed approach are firstly validated, and UQ are performed to different load effect data achieved by varying the structural span length under the changing total traffic volume. It turns out that the uncertainties of load effects are traffic-specific and response-specific, so it is important to conduct UQ of load effects under different traffic scenarios by using the developed approach.
Damage Identification of Periodically-Supported Structures Following the Bayesian Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Yin Tao , Zhu Hong-ping , Fu Shao-jun
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a probabilistic damage identification methodology tailor-made for periodically-supported structures with finite-length. The free wave motion of a general periodically-supported structure with a single disorder is analyzed through the characteristic receptance approach, and the corresponding frequency characteristic equation is developed. In addition, a concept of nondimensional frequency is introduced, and the sensitivity matrix of the nondimensional frequencies with respect to changes in stiffness of periodic cells is obtained by solving the frequency characteristic equation and utilizing the sensitivity analysis technique. Following the sensitivity-based identification equation with nondimensional frequency information, the probabilistic methodology for identifying the damage occurring in the periodically-supported structures is developed by implementing the Bayesian approach and the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation with the Metropolis–Hasting sampling algorithm. The validity of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by both numerical simulations for a periodically-supported flanged pipeline example and experimental case studies conducted for a multi-span aluminum beam model endowed with bolted connections in the laboratory.
Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach
Authors: Goyal Manu S. , Iannotti Lora L. , Raichle Marcus E.
Published: June 2018

Appraising success in meeting the world's nutritional needs has largely focused on infant mortality and anthropometric measurements with an emphasis on the first 1,000 days (conception to approximately age 2 years). This ignores the unique nutritional needs of the human brain. Although the intrauterine environment and the early postnatal years are important, equally critical periods follow during which the brain's intricate wiring is established for a lifetime of experience-driven remodeling. At the peak of this process during childhood, the human brain may account for 50% of the body's basal nutritional requirement. Thus, the consequences of proper nutritional management of the brain play out over a lifetime. Our motivation in preparing this review was to move the human brain into a more central position in the planning of nutritional programs. Here we review the macro- and micronutrient requirements of the human brain and how they are delivered, from conception to adulthood.
Key Pathways and Regulators of Vitamin K Function and Intermediary Metabolism
Authors: Shearer Martin J. , Okano Toshio
Published: June 2018

Vitamin K (VK) is an essential cofactor for the post-translational conversion of peptide-bound glutamate to γ-carboxyglutamate. The resultant vitamin K–dependent proteins are known or postulated to possess a variety of biological functions, chiefly in the maintenance of hemostasis. The vitamin K cycle is a cellular pathway that drives γ-carboxylation and recycling of VK via γ-carboxyglutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) and vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), respectively. In this review, we show how novel molecular biological approaches are providing new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms caused by rare mutations of both GGCX and VKOR. We also discuss how other protein regulators influence the intermediary metabolism of VK, first through intestinal absorption and second through a pathway that converts some dietary phylloquinone to menadione, which is prenylated to menaquinone-4 (MK-4) in target tissues by UBIAD1. The contribution of MK-4 synthesis to VK functions is yet to be revealed.
Mechanisms Underlying Establishment of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbioses
Authors: Choi Jeongmin , Summers William , Paszkowski Uta
Published: June 2018

Most land plants engage in mutually beneficial interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, the fungus providing phosphate and nitrogen in exchange for fixed carbon. During presymbiosis, both organisms communicate via oligosaccharides and butenolides. The requirement for a rice chitin receptor in symbiosis-induced lateral root development suggests that cell division programs operate in inner root tissues during both AM and nodule symbioses. Furthermore, the identification of transcription factors underpinning arbuscule development and degeneration reemphasized the plant's regulatory dominance in AM symbiosis. Finally, the finding that AM fungi, as lipid auxotrophs, depend on plant fatty acids (FAs) to complete their asexual life cycle revealed the basis for fungal biotrophy. Intriguingly, lipid metabolism is also central for asexual reproduction and interaction of the fungal sister clade, the Mucoromycotina, with endobacteria, indicative of an evolutionarily ancient role for lipids in fungal mutualism.
Force-velocity relationship during isometric and isotonic fatiguing contractions
Authors: Devrome Andrea N. , MacIntosh Brian R.
Published: June 2018

Fatiguing contractions change the force-velocity relationship, but assessment of this relationship in fatigue has usually been obtained after isometric contractions. We studied fatigue caused by isometric or isotonic contractions, by assessment of the force-velocity relationship while the contractions maintaining fatigue were continued. This approach allowed determination of the force-velocity relationship during a steady condition of fatigue. We used the in situ rat medial gastrocnemius muscle, a physiologically relevant preparation. Intermittent (1/s) stimulation at 170 Hz for 100 ms resulted in decreased isometric force to ~35% of initial or decreased peak velocity of shortening in dynamic contractions to ~45% of initial. Dynamic contractions resulted in a transient initial increase in velocity, followed by a rapid decline until a reasonably steady level was maintained. Data were fit to the classic Hill equation for determination of the force-velocity relationship. Isometric and dynamic contractions resulted in similar decreases in maximal isometric force and peak power. Only Vmax was different between the types of contraction ( P < 0.005) with greater decrease in Vmax during isotonic contractions to 171.7 ± 7.3 mm/s than during isometric contractions to 208.8 mm/s. Curvature indicated by a/Po (constants from fit to Hill equation) changed from 0.45 ± 0.04 to 0.71 ± 0.11 during isometric contractions and from 0.51 ± 0.04 to 0.85 ± 0.18 during isotonic contractions. Recovery was incomplete 45 min after stopping the intermittent contractions. At this time, recovery of low-frequency isometric force was substantially less after isometric contractions, implicating force during intermittent contractions as a determining factor with this measure of fatigue.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The force-velocity relationship was captured while fatigue was maintained at a constant level during isometric and dynamic contractions. The curvature of the force-velocity relationship was less curved during fatigue than prefatigued, but within 45 min this recovered. Low-frequency fatigue persisted with greater depression of low-frequency force after isometric contractions, possibly because of higher force contractions during intermittent contractions.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma Is Associated with Certain Poor Prognostic Histopathological Factors but May Not be Correlated with Nodal Involvement, Recurrence, and a Worse Survival
Authors: Tas Faruk , Erturk Kayhan
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a small subtype of melanoma affecting Caucasians far more often than other ethnic groups, such as blacks, Hispanics, and Asians. Only a few studies have yielded controversial results on ALM so far. The aim of this study was to define the histopathological and clinical expressions of ALM and to compare them with those of non-ALM in a large group of Turkish patients from a single referral institution. Methods: One hundred two ALM patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The median age of the patients was 58 years. The lower limbs (the thigh and leg as well as the foot) were predominantly affected (78%) and cases were mostly nonungual (89%). ALM were found more frequently in females (p = 0.04). They were ulcerated (p = 0.0001), they were associated with neurotropism (p = 0.0001), they lacked the BRAF mutation (p = 0.03), and they less often coexisted with a preceding melanocytic nevus (p = 0.0001). No correlations were found between ALM and either nodal involvement or distant metastasis. The recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates for ALM patients were similar to those of patients with other histopathologies. The 5-year recurrence-free survival and 5-year overall survival rates for ALM patients were 58.7 and 59%, respectively. Conclusion: Although ALM is associated with some aggressive histopathological factors, it may not correlated with nodal involvement, recurrence, or poor survival.
Prevalence and Molecular Study of G6PD Deficiency in the Dai and Jingpo Ethnic Groups in the Dehong Prefecture of the Yunnan Province
Authors: He Ming , Lin Kun , Huang Youguang , Zhou Licun , Yang Qingcheng , Li Shude , Jiang Weiying
Published: June 2018

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and mutation types of G6PD deficiency and evaluate the relationship between G6PD genotypes and erythrocyte phenotypes in the Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups in the Dehong prefecture of the Yunnan province, China. Methods: G6PD deficiency was screened in Dai (1,530 individuals) and Jingpo (372 individuals) populations using a modified G6PD/6PGD ratio assay. Red blood cell traits were analyzed using the Sysmex XE2100 fully automated blood analyzer. PCR-direct sequencing for G6PD genotyping analysis was performed, and then the linkage disequilibrium blocks of the target SNPs were constructed with Haploview 4.2 software. Results: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was higher in the Dai ethnic group (8.63%) than in the Jingpo ethnic group (5.91%). The major mutations in descending order were rs137852314 G>A, rs72554664 G>A, rs72554665 G>T, and rs137852341 G>T. Hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the rs137852314 G>A group than in the normal group (p = 0.021). Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were substantially higher in the rs137852341 G>T group compared to the normal group (p = 0.049, p = 0.042). A linkage disequilibrium block of 13 SNPs was constructed for the G6PD deficiency group from the Dai sample. Conclusions: The Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups have distinctive incidence rates and gene frequencies of G6PD deficiency, and the genotypes of G6PD deficiency are associated with erythrocyte phenotypes.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase Can Modulate Neutrophil Activity via Infection of Human Dental Stem Cells
Authors: Kriebel Katja , Hieke Cathleen , Engelmann Robby , Potempa Jan , Müller-Hilke Brigitte , Lang Hermann , Kreikemeyer Bernd
Published: June 2018

Periodontitis (PD) is a widespread chronic inflammatory disease in the human population. Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with PD and can citrullinate host proteins via P. gingivalis peptidyl arginine deiminase (PPAD). Here, we hypothesized that infection of human dental follicle stem cells (hDFSCs) with P. gingivalis and subsequent interaction with neutrophils will alter the neutrophil phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we established and analyzed a triple-culture system of neutrophils and hDFSCs primed with P. gingivalis. Mitogen-activated pathway blocking reagents were applied to gain insight into stem cell signaling after infection. Naïve hDFSCs do not influence the neutrophil phenotype. However, infection of hDFSCs with P. gingivalis prolongs the survival of neutrophils and increases their migration. These phenotypic changes depend on direct cellular contacts and PPAD expression by P. gingivalis. Active JNK and ERK pathways in primed hDFSCs are essential for the phenotypic changes in neutrophils. Collectively, our results confirm that P. gingivalis modifies hDFSCs, thereby causing an immune imbalance.
Nationwide Study of Sudden Cardiac Death in People With Congenital Heart Defects Aged 0 to 35 Years
Authors: Lynge Thomas Hadberg , Jeppesen Alexander Gade , Winkel Bo Gregers , Glinge Charlotte , Schmidt Michael Rahbek , Søndergaard Lars , Risgaard Bjarke , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob
Published: June 2018

Background:

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are among the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young. Nationwide incidence of SCD in people with CHD (SCD-CHD) has not been established in the young general population. The aims of this study were to investigate incidence of SCD-CHD and whether incidence of SCD-CHD in infants declined after implementation of nationwide fetal ultrasound screening in Denmark.

Methods:

All deaths (n=11 451) among people aged 0 to 35 years in Denmark in 2000 to 2009 (24.4 million person-years) were included. Danish death certificates, autopsy reports, records from hospitals and general practitioners, and data from nationwide Danish registries were used to identify SCD-CHD cases.

Results:

We identified 90 (11%) cases of SCD-CHD from 809 SCD. The incidence rate of SCD-CHD was 0.4 per 100 000 person-years among people aged 0 to 35 years. In total, 53 (59%) were diagnosed with CHD before death. Incidence of SCD was 9.6× higher among patients with CHD compared with people without CHD (
P
<0.01). Annual incidence of physical activity–related SCD-CHD among patients aged 2 to 35 years diagnosed with CHD was 0.9 per 100 000. The annual incidence rate of SCD-CHD in infants declined after implementation of nationwide fetal ultrasound screening (incidence rate ratio, 3.8;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

The proportion of SCD-CHD in the young was 11%, which is higher than previously reported. Physical activity–related SCD-CHD was a rare event among patients with CHD. We observed an ≈4-fold lower incidence of SCD-CHD among infants born after implementation of nationwide screening.
Another Day Another Dollar Metric? An Event History Analysis of Student Loan Repayment
Authors: Conzelmann Johnathan G. , Lacy T. Austin , Smith Nichole D.
Published: June 2018

Students increasingly borrow money to attend postsecondary education. Yet, little attention in the literature has been paid to the repayment of student loans, aside from failure indicators like default. This study examines a nationally representative sample of bachelor's degree recipients and the time it takes to reach different repayment thresholds on federal student loans. Motivated by a new federal emphasis on student loan repayment rates, we use event history analysis to show that bachelor's degree recipients have little trouble paying down $1 of their principal balance upon entering repayment. After just six months, 65 percent of this student borrower population had already done so, often paying back much more than $1. However, borrowers enrolled in federal Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans took much longer to pay down any loan balance, and many never did in the time we observed their repayment. The consistently negative relationship we find between IDR and paying down loan balances highlights a tension between repayment rate policies and the push for IDR reform of the U.S. repayment system. We discuss the policy implications of these findings and offer an alternative repayment metric to accommodate the contrasting goals and structures of standard repayment schedules versus income-contingent repayment policies.
A Fractured Service: Frances Webster and The Great War, 1914–1918
Authors: Mcguire Michael
Published: June 2018

Born to privilege in Boston, Frances Webster, like her peers volunteered overseas with the American Red Cross as a nurse's aide. Where the activities of other Americans during the First World War is characterized as a “culture of coercive volunterism,” Webster's reflected a more complex mixture of altruism and tourism. Her history of participation in the First World War suggests historians need more multifaceted frameworks to explain Americans' First World War service.
An updated key to the millipede-hunting subgenus Aganhyboma Kolbe, 1893 of the genus Deltochilum Eschscholtz, 1822 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae), with description of a new species from Bolivia and Peru
Authors: Silva Fernando A. B. , Vaz-de-Mello Fernando , Barclay Maxwell V. L.
Published: June 2018

Deltochilum (Aganhyboma) mariafernandae
sp. nov., from Santa Cruz, Bolivia and Cuzco, Peru is described based on differences in external and male genital morphology. Its diagnostic characters and an identification key to the species of the subgenus are provided.
Le mythe des préadamites en islam chiite
Authors: De Smet Daniel
Published: June 2018

In apparent contradiction with the story of Adam as told in the Bible and the Qurʾān, Shiite tradition accepts the existence of several Adams (usually seven) prior to « our Adam », the father of mankind. Each Adam opened an era during which the earth was inhabited by « pre-Adamites », rational creatures preceding the appearance of the human species. In this paper we study the evolution of this myth of the pre-Adamites, starting from traditions attributed to the first Imams and their use in writings stemming from the Shiite milieu in Kūfa ; then we move to pre-Fatimid and Fatimid Ismailism, Druze and Nuṣayrī literature, before ending with the Ṭayyibī Ismailis. Although there are many differences in details, all these movements share a common myth, which was elaborated with a remarkable continuity from the first centuries of Islam until today. This myth is rooted in the sources of Shīʿism, which seem close to Manichaeism.
Two new species of Bredemeyera (Polygalaceae) from Brazil
Authors: MOTA M. , PASTORE J.F.B.
Published: June 2018

Two new species of Bredemeyera (Polygalaceae) for Brazil are described and illustrated. Bredemeyera atlantica occurs in Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, whereas B. petiolata occurs in Cerrado savanna vegetation along the São Francisco river in the Northeast, in the state of Bahia and Piauí. Photographic plates of the habit and comparative floral morphology with allied species, as well as a distribution map, are provided.
Asplenium cyrtosorum (Aspleniaceae), a new fern from Yunnan, China
Authors: XU KE-WANG , JIANG LEI , ZHANG LI-BING , LIAO WEN-BO
Published: June 2018

A new species, Asplenium cyrtosorum, is described and illustrated from Pu’er, southwestern Yunnan, China. It was observed to grow in humid and shady conditions in the tropical seasonal rainforest. The new species differs from the morphologically most similar species A. trapezoideum by its shape of rhizome, length of rhizome scales, structure of laminae, pinna pairs and rachis structure.
Long-Term Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Fang , Ma Yue , Ge Hailong , Zhao Yingxin , Shen Hua , Zhang Dai , Sun Yan , Ma Xiaoteng , Cheng Yujing , Zhou Yujie
Published: June 2018

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with poor prognosis. It has been reported that there is no difference in in-hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between patients with and without HCM. However, whether there are differences in long-term outcomes after AMI between patients with and without HCM remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the clinical profiles of 78 consecutive patients with HCM and AMI (HCM and AMI group), 78 sex- and age-matched patients with AMI and without HCM (AMI group), and 78 sex- and age-matched patients with HCM and without AMI (HCM group). The study end points were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and secondary end points. During the follow-up period of 4.8 ± 3.6 years, MACEs occurred in 19 (27.9) patients in the HCM and AMI group, in 11 (16.7%) patients in the AMI group, and in 8 (12.3%) patients in the HCM group. The long-term outcomes of the HCM and AMI group were inferior to that of the other 2 groups (log-rank P = .030 for MACEs, log-rank P = .032 for secondary end points). In conclusion, patients with AMI with HCM exhibited worse long-term outcomes than did patients with AMI without HCM and patients with HCM without AMI.
Intravenous 5-Fluorouracil in Patients With Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Buxó Elvira , Sosa Aaron , Reig Oscar , Victoria Ivan , Caballero Miguel , Grau Juan José , Garcia-Morillo Marcial
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

In the EXTREME trial, a combination of cisplatin or carboplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cetuximab was superior to cisplatin/carboplatin plus 5-FU for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). With the aim of improving fluoropyrimidine-related tolerance without decreasing its efficacy, the safety and efficacy of carboplatin plus the oral fluoropyrimidine tegafur and cetuximab were investigated.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 104 patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC was conducted. Patients were treated with carboplatin (area under the curve: 5 mg/mL/min) on day 1, oral tegafur (250 mg/m2 twice daily) for 21 consecutive days, and cetuximab (400 mg/m2 as an initial 2-hour intravenous infusion, then 250 mg/m2 as a 1-hour weekly infusion for 3 weeks) for ≤6 cycles. Patients who responded to the therapy then received weekly cetuximab maintenance therapy.

Results:

Treatment was well tolerated with a high level of compliance (relative dose intensity: 96%, 88%, and 81% for carboplatin, tegafur, and cetuximab, respectively). Grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 38% of patients (skin reactions in 17% of patients, anemia 4%, and neutropenia 3%). Grade 1-2 AEs included skin reactions (52% of patients), hypomagnesemia (20%), asthenia (19%), and anemia (13%). No venous thrombosis related to chemotherapy perfusion was observed. Over a median follow-up of 21 months, the median overall and progression-free survival were 11 and 6 months, respectively, and the overall response rate was 35%.

Conclusions:

Carboplatin plus oral tegafur and cetuximab is a safe, well-tolerated first-line therapy for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.
RDoC, Psychopathology, and Naturalism: What’s New Is What’s Old?
Authors: Porter Douglas
Published: June 2018

The Research Domain Criteria project, although innovative, remains thoroughly grounded in a naturalist conception of psychopathology. Exploring the meaning of psychopathology with reference to social categories such as race and gender makes it apparent that, by taking this naturalist approach, Research Domain Criteria runs the risk of treating contingent social norms as immutable facts of nature. The political impact of this approach is inherently conservative as it perpetuates the status quo, even if the status quo entails discrimination. These political effects are not an inevitable outcome of the application of neuroscience to the study of psychopathology. Exploring the implications of neuroplasticity demonstrates that maintaining rigid dichotomies between the biological and the social is untenable. Accordingly, taking a neuroscience approach to psychopathology actually reveals the significance of social science, phenomenological, and narrative-based approaches to research and ultimately points toward the ethical significance of service user participation in the science of nosology.
A Systematic Review of Paraprofessional Training Materials
Authors: Douglas Sarah N. , Uitto Denise J. , Reinfelds Claudia L. , D’Agostino Sophia
Published: June 2018

Paraprofessional training is essential for high quality special education services. Yet, educators may struggle to select appropriate materials for paraprofessional training. A review was conducted of 26 paraprofessional training materials using a rubric designed to evaluate the alignment with federal legislation and professional standards, and use of research-based adult learning methods. Results indicate many training materials aligned with federal legislation, but varied in their content focus, alignment with paraprofessional standards, and use of adult learning methods. Based on results of the review, three paraprofessional training materials reflected high quality training. Features of paraprofessional training materials, recommendations for practice, suggested improvements to training materials, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Into the Interstices: Everyday Practices of Refugees and Their Supporters in Europe’s Migration ‘Crisis’
Authors: Fontanari Elena , Ambrosini Maurizio
Published: June 2018

This article investigates the interconnections between migration to Europe for asylum and the multiple ‘crises’ of the border regime that have occurred in recent decades. Drawing on 22 months of ethnographic research with refugees in Italy and Germany, the article highlights the tensions between migration policy and legislation at the structural level and the agency of refugees. The case study focuses on a protest staged by refugees in Berlin and the active involvement of its civil-society supporters. The everyday practices of refugees, including building relationships with local residents, cross-border mobility within Europe and ‘inhabiting’ the grey zones where different national jurisdictions intersect, generate frictions that open up spaces of autonomy: the ‘interstices’. Territorial, social and judicial interstices develop out of the power relations in Europe’s migration ‘battleground’.