bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Hemibrycon (Characiformes, Characidae, Stevardiinae) from the upper Magdalena River basin in Colombia
Authors: García‐Melo J. E. , Albornoz‐Garzón J. G. , García‐Melo L. J. , Villa‐Navarro F. A. , Maldonado‐Ocampo J. A.
Published: April 2018

Hemibrycon iqueima sp. nov., is described from small streams in the Magdalena drainage at the foothills of the western slope of the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, Suarez municipality, Tolima Department, Colombia. The new species is distinguished from its congeners in the Magdalena–Cauca River basin by a combination of characters related to snout–anal‐fin origin length, head length, dorsal–pectoral fin distance, dorsal‐fin–hypural distance, postorbital distance, orbital diameter, snout length, number of total vertebrae, pre‐dorsal scales, scale rows between anal‐fin origin and lateral line, number of branched rays of the anal fin, maxillary teeth number and number and arrangement of hooks on the branched rays of the pectoral and dorsal fins. In addition, the validity of this species is supported by previous molecular analyses that included specimens of the new species that had been erroneously identified. Phylogenetic relationships between the new species and congeners from Pacific coast basins are discussed.
State of the Science: Apathy As a Model for Investigating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia
Authors: Massimo Lauren , Kales Helen C. , Kolanowski Ann
Published: April 2018

Apathy is one of the most common and pervasive of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs). Apathy has profound consequences for morbidity, mortality, and caregiver burden. Treatment of apathy has been hindered because of poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying this heterogeneous syndrome. Research has demonstrated that apathy is associated with disruption of the frontal‐striatal system in individuals with neurodegenerative disease. As with other BPSDs, these neural mechanisms alone do not completely account for the syndrome; individual, caregiver, and environmental factors also contribute to apathy. In this article, we modify a current conceptual model of the factors contributing to BPSDs to examine determinants of apathy. This integrative model provides a more complete and theoretically informed understanding of apathy, allowing for greater insight into potential targets for research, intervention, and care. We end by proposing an agenda for moving the science of BPSDs in general, and apathy in particular, forward.
Health and Aging Policy Fellows: Dementia and Mental Health Policy to Improve Lives of Older Adults
Authors: Cacchione Pamela Z. , Pike Kathleen M. , Spaeth‐Rublee Brigitta , Pincus Harrold A.
Published: April 2018

The Health and Aging Policy Fellows (HAPF) Program has, since its inception in 2008, provided health policy training and mentorship for 113 gerontological professionals across a wide range of disciplines and stages of careers. The fellows' shared passion is the effective engagement of policy levers to improve the lives of older adults. This article briefly describes the HAPF Program and provides a sample of policies with which fellows have been engaged related to dementia and late‐life mental health. Approximately 20% of the fellows have specifically addressed one of these areas during their fellowship year. This would be expected, given that 14% of older adults aged 71 and older have a diagnosis of dementia, and although new mental health diagnoses decline as adults age, mental health conditions remain prevalent. Thus, we conclude by describing opportunities for future advocacy and policy efforts in dementia and mental health in the areas of funding, translating science to practice, interprofessional education and innovative models of care for persons with these conditions.
Efficacy and safety of a new 5% minoxidil formulation in male androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, noninferiority study
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Issiakhem Zahida , Gautier Stephanie , Kottner Jan , Wigger‐Alberti Walter , Fischer Tobias , Hoffmann Rolf , Tonner Françoise , Bouroubi Athmane , Voisard Jean‐Jacques
Published: April 2018

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Topical minoxidil solutions can help to treat AGA but have to be applied continuously to be effective.

Objectives

A new minoxidil formulation with improved cosmetic characteristics (DC0120, Pierre‐Fabre Dermatologie) was tested for noninferiority vs a comparator minoxidil product (ALOSTIL®, Johnson & Johnson) in stimulating hair growth in men with AGA.

Methods

Two 10 cm2 areas on the scalp of each subject were randomized to receive DC0120, the comparator, or one of their corresponding vehicles, applied twice per day for 16 weeks. Nonvellus target area hair count (TAHC) was measured within treatment areas at baseline (day 1) and after 8 and 16 weeks by digital phototrichogram.

Results

Two hundred and twenty subjects were included and randomized, of which 210 completed the study. The mean change in nonvellus TAHC between baseline and week 16 was +22.0 hairs/cm2 (95% CI: 18.1; 25.9) in the DC0120 group and +20.5 hairs/cm2 (95% CI: 16.6; 24.4) in the comparator group. The adjusted mean difference in TAHC changes between the two treatments was +1.5 hairs/cm2 (95% CI −2.3; 5.2), with the lower 95% confidence interval above the noninferiority threshold of −7 hairs/cm2. This indicated that DC0120 was noninferior to the comparator. Both minoxidil treatments also increased nonvellus TAHC compared to vehicle groups at 8 and 16 weeks. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusions

DC0120 was as safe and effective as a similar marketed minoxidil product for stimulating hair growth in men with AGA.
Management of oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation: newer agents, newer conundrums?
Authors: Leggio M. , Fusco A. , D'Emidio S. , Severi P. , Lombardi M. , Caldarone E. , Armeni M. , Mereu D. , Bendini M. G. , Mazza A.
Published: April 2018

Click here to view the Original article by Dr. Staerk et al.
Radiographic morphology of intrabony defects in the first molars of patients with localized aggressive periodontitis: Comparison with health and chronic periodontitis
Authors: Nibali L. , Tomlins P. , Akcalı A.
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the radiographic features of the first molars of patients with localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) and of their associated intrabony defects and to compare them with a control sample of chronic periodontitis cases and healthy subjects.

Methods

Data from a total of 93 patients were included in this analysis. First, dental panoramic tomograms of 34 patients with LAgP (131 first molars) and 30 periodontally healthy patients (110 first molars) were compared. Then, periapical radiographs of the first molars of the same patients with LAgP and of 29 patients with chronic periodontitis affected by intrabony defects were analysed.

Results

Shorter root trunks were associated with the presence of intrabony defects in patients with LAgP (P = .002 at multilevel logistic regression), also when LAgP molars were compared with healthy subjects (P = .036). Although no difference in defect depth and angle was noted between LAgP and chronic periodontitis intrabony defects, LAgP intrabony defects appeared to be more frequently symmetrical and arch‐shaped than in chronic periodontitis (P = .008), with positive predictive value and negative predictive value of for ‘wide arch’ defect of 87.3% (95% CI = 77.2%‐93.3%) and 32.3% (95% CI = 27.7%‐37.2%) respectively.

Conclusion

First molars of patients with LAgP affected by intrabony defects may have some distinct radiographic anatomical characteristics to those of healthy subjects. The shape of intrabony defects seems to differ between LAgP and chronic periodontitis cases. Further studies need to confirm these features and investigate if they are related to the initiation and progression of periodontitis.
Shortened therapy of eight weeks with paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir is highly effective in people with recent HCV genotype 1 infection
Authors: Martinello M. , Bhagani S. , Gane E. , Orkin C. , Cooke G. , Dore G. J. , Petoumenos K. , Applegate T. L. , Tu E. , Marks P. , Pagani N. , Grebely J. , Nelson M. , Matthews G. V.
Published: April 2018

Paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks are approved for treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. This study assessed the efficacy of shortened duration paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin for 8 weeks among people with recent HCV infection. In this open‐label single‐arm trial conducted in Australia, England and New Zealand, adults with recent HCV (duration of infection <12 months) received paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir (with weight‐based ribavirin for genotypes 1a and 1, no subtype) for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population. Thirty people (median age 38 years, male 93%) commenced treatment (with ribavirin, 97%), of whom 77% (n = 23) were HIV‐positive, 93% (n = 28) had genotype 1a infection and 53% (n = 16) had ever injected drugs. Median maximum ALT in the preceding 12 months was 433 IU/L (IQR 321, 1012). Acute clinical hepatitis with ALT > 10 x ULN was documented in 83% (n = 25); one participant (3%) had jaundice. At baseline, median estimated duration of infection was 30 weeks (range 11, 51), and median HCV RNA was 5.7 log10 IU/mL (range 2.7, 7.3). SVR12 was achieved in 97% (29/30; early discontinuation at week 2, n = 1; per protocol 100%, 29/29). No relapse or reinfection was observed. In conclusion, paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir (with ribavirin) for eight weeks were highly effective among HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative individuals with recent HCV infection. These data support the use of this shortened duration direct‐acting antiviral regimen in this population.
Sewer Discharge Estimation by Stereoscopic Imaging and Synchronized Frame Processing
Authors: Sirazitdinova Ekaterina , Pesic Igor , Schwehn Patrick , Song Hyuk , Satzger Matthias , Sattler Marcus , Weingärtner Dorothea , Deserno Thomas M.
Published: April 2018

A system for fully automatic contact‐less image‐based measurement of volumetric flow rate in urban drainage structures is presented. The hardware includes two original equipment manufacturer cameras and a single‐board computer on which our custom image processing software is running. The value of water discharge depends on the surface velocity, water level and channel's geometry. The level of the flow is estimated as the difference between distances from the camera to the water surface and from the camera to the channel's bottom. Camera‐to‐water distance is recovered automatically using large‐scale stereo‐matching, whereas the distance to the channel's bottom is measured upon installation. Surface velocity is calculated using cross‐correlation template matching: individual natural particles in the flow are detected and tracked throughout the sequence of images recorded over a fixed time interval. The relative discharge computation error is lower than 1.34% of the theoretical maximal discharge for a given location, which makes our system competitive to commercial components such as ultrasonic flow meters, while using cheaper technologies.
God's Holiness. A Reappraisal of Transcendence
Authors: Durand Emmanuel
Published: April 2018

This paper attempts a cross‐examination of divine holiness and transcendence. Contemporary continental philosophy shows both concern and embarrassment when dealing with God's transcendence. It is often interpreted as an exclusion from this world. The underlying projection belongs to some residual Deism of our age. By analyzing three biblical accounts of holiness (Hosea 11; Isaiah 6; Exodus 3), this paper proposes a requalification of transcendence according to the narratives through which it is revealed and addressed to three specific partners of God. Ultimately, holiness proves to be the transforming power of God.
Inhibition of OsSWEET11 function in mesophyll cells improves resistance of rice to sheath blight disease
Authors: Gao Yue , Zhang Chong , Han Xiao , Wang Zi Yuan , Ma Lai , Yuan De Peng , Wu Jing Ni , Zhu Xiao Feng , Liu Jing Miao , Li Dao Pin , Hu Yi Bing , Xuan Yuan Hu
Published: April 2018

Pathogen–host interaction is a complicated process; pathogens mainly infect host plants to acquire nutrients, especially sugars. Rhizoctonia solani, the causative agent of sheath blight disease, is a major pathogen of rice. However, it is not known how this pathogen obtains sugar from rice plants. In this study, we found that the rice sugar transporter OsSWEET11 is involved in the pathogenesis of sheath blight disease. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and β‐d‐glucuronidase expression analyses showed that R. solani infection significantly enhanced OsSWEET11 expression in leaves amongst the clade III SWEET members. The analyses of transgenic plants revealed that Ossweet11 mutants were less susceptible, whereas plants overexpressing OsSWEET11 were more susceptible, to sheath blight compared with wild‐type controls, but the yield of OsSWEET11 mutants and overexpressors was reduced. SWEETs become active on oligomerization. Split‐ubiquitin yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that mutated OsSWEET11 interacted with normal OsSWEET11. In addition, expression of conserved residue mutated AtSWEET1 inhibited normal AtSWEET1 activity. To analyse whether inhibition of OsSWEET11 function in mesophyll cells is related to defence against this disease, mutated OsSWEET11 was expressed under the control of the Rubisco promoter, which is specific for green tissues. The resistance of transgenic plants to sheath blight disease, but not other disease, was improved, whereas yield production was not obviously affected. Overall, these results suggest that R. solani might acquire sugar from rice leaves by the activation of OsSWEET11 expression. The plants can be protected from infection by manipulation of the expression of OsSWEET11 without affecting the crop yield.
Bourgeois Hong Kong and its South Seas connections: a cultural logic of overseas Chinese nationalism, 1898–1933
Authors: Kuo Huei‐Ying
Published: April 2018

This paper elaborates upon a cultural logic of overseas Chinese nationalism. Around the early twentieth century, some bourgeois members of overseas Chinese in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Seas mobilised Confucianism as an ethno‐symbol. The latter helped the overseas Chinese bourgeoisie to counter the quest for greater secularisation and to confront the surge of anti‐imperialist movements. The implications of this research include to recentre the role of overseas Chinese in China's modern transformation; to decentre the May Fourth agendas in the understanding of overseas Chinese nationalism; and to situate overseas Chinese nationalism in an extraterritorial space, which includes the Confucian zone created in the dialogical connections between Confucian intellectual elites (such as Zheng Xiaoxu and Chen Huanzhang) and overseas Chinese bourgeois networks that converged in Hong Kong and spread transnationally.
Yasukuni and Hiroshima in Clash? War and Peace Museums in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Lee Jooyoun
Published: April 2018

This study investigates the role of museums in collective memory by focusing on the Yūshūkan and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to excavate the meanings of their visual, narrative, and material constructions of Japan's past war. The research found that the museums in Yasukuni and Hiroshima exhibit markedly contrasting memories in terms of what happened during World War II, what kind of lessons can be drawn, and how the Japanese self‐identify. The article demonstrates that the Yūshūkan and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum not only produce knowledge of the nation's past, but also trigger the emotions of contemporary people to connect them to the war dead, by exhibiting personal stories, photographs, and belongings of the deceased and thereby generating an affective national identity that transcends time and space. It argues that the two museums’ contrasting messages are integrated into the larger, nationally contested discourse on war and peace in contemporary Japan, beyond museum narratives, rendering the Yūshūkan and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum socially constituted institutions. It also argues that, despite the stark contrast in their portrayals of collective memory, the museums in Yasukuni and Hiroshima share a commonality in neglecting to exhibit or draw lessons from Japan's colonial past in Asia, leaving a profound effect on younger generations. In light of its findings, this article offers implications for historical reconciliation in East Asia.
Frame Contest of Foreign Policy: Who Influences Whom in South Korea?
Authors: Hur Jaeyoung
Published: April 2018

Unlike under authoritarian rule in South Korea, the autonomy of political actors has increased vastly over the years since democratization in 1987. Moreover, diversified participants of policy‐making beyond political entities, including the media, interest groups, and civil society, have become an important variable to the policy‐making process. From the beginning of his candidacy, President Roh Moo‐hyun called for changes to the policy towards the United States, and his continuous efforts to persuade diverse actors brought about controversies throughout his term. Policies that deviated from past administrations triggered criticisms from his political opposition, while policies similar to the past administrations prompted disapproval from his supporters. This study attempts to explain how the political actors during the Roh administration framed certain issues to gain the upper hand in foreign policy. I have selected issues that drew great social attention and controversies (such as troop dispatch to Iraq and wartime operational control transition) and conducted vector autoregression analysis to empirically analyze the reciprocal relationship among the president, the National Assembly, and the media. As a result, this study was able to highlight their reciprocal relationship depending on the foreign‐policy goals – national interest or national prestige – on the nature of policy prosecution, either passive or proactive, and on the urgency of policy enforcement.
A new method for restoring ditches in peatlands: ditch filling with fiber bales
Authors: Chimner Rodney A. , Cooper David J. , Bidwell Marcie D. , Culpepper Anthony , Zillich Kay , Nydick Koren
Published: April 2018

Ditching is a common practice to dewater wetlands, including peatlands, and ditch blocking is a common method for restoring wetlands because substrate is often unavailable for filling the ditches. However, filling has many advantages compared to blocking ditches. Our goal was to test whether ditches could be filled in a Colorado sloping fen (Chattanooga Fen) using bales created from shredded aspen (Populus tremuloides) tree‐fiber. We monitored water table levels before and after we filled two ditches (combined length of approximately 165 m × 3 m wide) as well as an undisturbed reference portion of Chattanooga fen. The reference site had stable water tables that rarely dropped more than 20 cm below the soil surface. The ditches had been dewatering large areas of the fen for at least 100 years. Filling the ditches with fiber bales resulted in a water table increase between 2 and 22 cm in an area up to 150 m below the ditch. Native sedges now cover the area where we filled the ditches, with no erosion or compression/settling of the ground observed and no water backing up behind the filled ditches. Filling the ditches with shredded fiber bales is a good option for restoration in wilderness areas, or areas lacking peat or mineral soil fill because it is a natural material that is easily transported and placed in the ditches.
Is the management of diabetes different in dialysis patients?
Authors: Coelho Silvia
Published: April 2018

Diabetes is highly and increasingly prevalent in the dialysis population and negatively impacts both quality and quantity of life. Nevertheless, the best approach to these patients is still debatable. The question of whether the management of diabetes should be different in dialysis patients does not have a clear yes or no answer but is divided into too many sub‐issues that should be carefully considered. In this review, lifestyle, cardiovascular risk, and hyperglycemia management are explored, emphasizing the possible pros and cons of a similar approach to diabetes in dialysis patients compared to the general population.
The novel KIR2DL1 allele, KIR2DL1*037, defined in the cell line SPO010 (IHW9036)
Authors: Bultitude W. P. , Gymer A. W. , Robinson J. , Mayor N. P. , Marsh S. G. E.
Published: April 2018

The novel KIR2DL1*037 allele discovered and characterised by single molecule real‐time (SMRT) DNA sequencing.
At home with the boss: Migrant live‐in caregivers, social reproduction and constrained agency in the UK, Canada, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: Schwiter Karin , Strauss Kendra , England Kim
Published: April 2018

In many countries of the global North, families increasingly rely on live‐in caregivers to look after their children and elderly. Although much care work remains unpaid and informal, several states have set up a variety of migration and labour regimes to guarantee a steady supply of workers to provide paid live‐in care in the home. This paper contributes to a broadening of the focus of labour geography beyond “productive” labour by factoring in the theoretical perspective of social reproduction into the debates on constrained agency. Our aim is to identify the mechanisms that make these regimes function for employers and employees, and their consequences for the social reproduction of the workers. To do so we compare live‐in care schemes in the UK, Canada, Austria and Switzerland and examine the ways in which live‐in care is differentially institutionalised. Our policy analysis in these four countries shows that the constrained agency of the workers does not solely stem from their status as migrants, but is produced by the nexus of specific migration, care and gendered labour regimes. Furthermore, we argue that we need to extend our perspective beyond the immediate work context to see how live‐in care regimes not only infringe, but also enable, the social reproduction of the workers – a fact that has often been neglected by existing research.
Detection of hepatitis E virus RNA in saliva for diagnosis of acute infection
Authors: Rivero‐Juarez A. , Frias M. , Lopez‐Lopez P. , Martinez‐Peinado A. , Risalde M. Á. , Brieva T. , Machuca I. , Camacho Á. , García‐Bocanegra I. , Gomez‐Villamandos J. C. , Rivero A.
Published: April 2018

Diagnosis of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is established by detection of anti‐HEV IgM antibodies by ELISA or by amplification of serum viral RNA. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic value of testing HEV RNA in saliva to identify patients with acute HEV infection. Prospective proof‐of‐concept study including patients with acute hepatitis. Whole blood and neat saliva samples were obtained from all patients. Saliva samples were processed and analysed for HEV RNA by RT‐PCR within 2 hr after collection. A total of 34 patients with acute hepatitis and 12 healthy donors were included in the study. HEV RNA in serum was confirmed by RT‐PCR in eight of these patients (23.5%; 95% CI: 12.2%–40.2%). HEV was isolated in the saliva of eight of 34 patients (23.5%; 95% CI: 12.2%–40.2%). All patients with HEV RNA amplified in saliva had detectable HEV RNA in serum. HEV was isolated neither in the saliva of any of the 26 patients without detectable HEV RNA in serum nor in healthy donors. Our study suggests that acute HEV infection could be diagnosed by assessing viral load in saliva.
Transmedia Storytelling and Teaching Experience in Higher Education
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Josefina , Albaladejo-Ortega Sergio
Published: April 2018

The present paper analyzes an innovative teaching experience, Transmedia Narrative, in the field of Higher Education. This experience based on the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method and collaborative processes, that has a solid constructivist framework, is proposed as a fertile ground for creative experimentation and the production of interesting pieces and exemplary transmediation strategies. The innovative teaching project was conducted between 2013 and 2017 at the Faculty of Communication, Catholic University of Murcia (Spain). Part of the results at this project were presented at the ‘International Conference on Communication in the profession and the university of today: contents, research, innovation and teaching’ (CUICIID) in 2014, in order to make the premier disclosure of preliminary data and test the design of the project. So far, the project created works in progress of immense professional and academic value. Results of this project are not only relevant, but also provide a significant and original contribution to the international literature related to contemporary education.
Compromiso pulmonar en pacientes con infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH)
Authors: González Villarreal Laura Camila , Hincapié Echeverría Marcela , Tassinari Stefano , Cañas Arboleda Alejandra , Celis Preciado Carlos Andrés
Published: April 2018

El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) continúa siendo un problema de salud pública mundial, a pesar de la introducción de la terapia antirretroviral y la profilaxis frente a patógenos oportunistas. El pulmón es uno de los órganos más afectados por condiciones tanto infecciosas como no infecciosas en el contexto de la enfermedad retroviral; sin embargo, la prevalencia de las enfermedades de las vías respiratorias ha cambiado en las últimas dos décadas, tanto local como globalmente, por lo que se decidió realizar una búsqueda de la literatura más reciente en las bases de datos Medline y SciELO, incluyendo revisiones de tema y estudios originales, con el objetivo de elaborar una descripción actualizada de las principales enfermedades pulmonares descritas en pacientes con VIH, desde los puntos de vista clínico, paraclínico, radiológico y broncoscópico.
Funcionalidad familiar y factores de riesgo modificables para hipertensión arterial
Authors: Poma Jorge , Carrillo Lucia , González José
Published: April 2018

La salud de la familia está ligada con su funcionamiento efectivo; por otra parte, la hipertensión arterial (HTA) es un proceso de gran prevalencia y una de las principales causas prevenibles de complicaciones cardiovasculares. El presente estudio transversal correlacional realizado con 414 participantes de 20 a 64 años de edad determina la relación entre funcionalidad familiar con factores de riesgo para HTA. La disfunción familiar constituye un factor de riesgo para presentar: nivel bajo de actividad física (OR: 1,61;IC95 %: 1,03-2,52), consumo de tabaco (OR: 1,63; IC95 %: 1,04-2,55), sobrepeso-obesidad (OR: 1,77; IC95 %: 1,13-2,76), tensión arterial alterada (OR: 2,00; IC95 %: 1,22-3,28) y consumo de alcohol de riesgo (OR: 5,69; IC95 %: 3,59-9,01). El análisis de esta relación contribuye al avance del conocimiento y como base para delinear estrategias preventivas.
Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernández María del Mar , Saulyte Jurgita , Inskip Hazel M , Takkouche Bahi
Published: April 2018

Objective

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a very common disorder worldwide which carries an important economic burden. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the role of alcohol in the occurrence of PMS.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the five regional bibliographic databases of the WHO, the Proceedings database and the Open Access Thesis and Dissertations (OATD) from inception to May 2017. We also reviewed the references of every article retrieved and established personal contact with researchers to trace further publications or reports. We did not include any language limitations. Studies were included if: (1) they presented original data from cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies, (2) PMS was clearly defined as the outcome of interest, (3) one of the exposure factors was alcohol consumption, (4) they provided estimates of odds ratios, relative risks, or any other effect measure and their confidence intervals, or enough data to calculate them.

Results

We identified 39 studies of which 19 were eligible. Intake of alcohol was associated with a moderate increase in the risk of PMS (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.79). Heavy drinking yielded a larger increase in the risk than any drinking (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.32).

Discussion

Our results suggest that alcohol intake presents a moderate association with PMS risk. Future studies should avoid cross-sectional designs and focus on determining whether there is a threshold of alcohol intake under which the harmful effect on PMS is non-existent.
Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration
Authors: Sheppard Amy L , Wolffsohn James S
Published: April 2018

Digital device usage has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups, so that extensive daily use for both social and professional purposes is now normal. Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome, encompasses a range of ocular and visual symptoms, and estimates suggest its prevalence may be 50% or more among computer users. Symptoms fall into two main categories: those linked to accommodative or binocular vision stress, and external symptoms linked to dry eye. Although symptoms are typically transient, they may be frequent and persistent, and have an economic impact when vocational computer users are affected. DES may be identified and measured using one of several available questionnaires, or objective evaluations of parameters such as critical flicker–fusion frequency, blink rate and completeness, accommodative function and pupil characteristics may be used to provide indices of visual fatigue. Correlations between objective and subjective measures are not always apparent. A range of management approaches exist for DES including correction of refractive error and/or presbyopia, management of dry eye, incorporating regular screen breaks and consideration of vergence and accommodative problems. Recently, several authors have explored the putative role of blue light-filtering spectacle lenses on treating DES, with mixed results. Given the high prevalence of DES and near-universal use of digital devices, it is essential that eye care practitioners are able to provide advice and management options based on quality research evidence.
British Thoracic Society quality standards for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules
Authors: Baldwin David , Callister Matthew , Akram Ahsan , Cane Paul , Draffan Jeanette , Franks Kevin , Gleeson Fergus , Graham Richard , Malhotra Puneet , Pearson Philip , Subesinghe Manil , Waller David , Woolhouse Ian
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The purpose of the quality standards document is to provide healthcare professionals, commissioners, service providers and patients with a guide to standards of care that should be met for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules in the UK, together with measurable markers of good practice.

Methods

Development of British Thoracic Society (BTS) Quality Standards follows the BTS process of quality standard production based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process manual for the development of quality standards.

Results

7 quality statements have been developed, each describing a key marker of high-quality, cost-effective care for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules, and each statement is supported by quality measures that aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of healthcare.

Discussion

BTS Quality Standards for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules form a key part of the range of supporting materials that the Society produces to assist in the dissemination and implementation of guideline recommendations.
Option Contract Design and Risk Analysis: Supplier’s Perspective
Authors: Feng Yi , Wu Qing
Published: April 2018

We examine an option contract from a supplier’s perspective and apply mean-variance method to analyze the supplier’s risk. Compared with the newsvendor model without an option contract, we theoretically prove that the option contract can also benefit the supplier. We find for a given option exercise price, there exists an option price such that the contract with the option price dominates those with smaller option price in terms of mean variance of the supplier’s profit. Computational studies have also been conducted in the paper.
Optimal Strategy of Social Responsibility and Quality Effort in Service Supply Chain with Quality Preference
Authors: Zhang Cui-Hua , Xing Peng , Li Jin
Published: April 2018

We investigate the optimal strategy of service supply chain (SSC) including one integrator and two suppliers under a two-layer game structure. Service integrator decides social responsibility and service price, while the two service suppliers with quality preference determine their quality efforts, respectively. By analyzing the two-layer game structure and eight different scenarios of decision models (i.e., CD, DD, ICD, IDD, ISD, SCD, SDD, and SSD), we establish members’ utility functions under different decision models. Meanwhile, based on game theory, the optimal strategies of SSC are obtained. Mathematical reasoning and numerical simulations show that, firstly, quality preference has impact on optimal strategy and members’ utilities under different constraints. Secondly, utility of supply chain with integrator as a leader is greater than the case with suppliers as the leader.
MPS-FEM Coupled Method for Fluid–Structure Interaction in 3D Dam-Break Flows
Authors: Zhang Youlin , Wan Decheng
Published: April 2018

In the present study, the moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method and finite element method (FEM) coupled method is developed for the 3D fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems. Herein, the MPS method is employed for the simulation of fluid domain while the FEM approach is used for the analysis of structural domain. For the implementation of the coupled approach, we proposed a mapping algorithm to transfer quantity values between the particles of flow field and the elements of structural field. In this mapping algorithm, the nonmatching refinement levels of both domains are permitted, which implies that the much larger size of element can be used in the FSI simulation and the computational efficiency can be improved. With the benefit of the proposed MPS–FEM coupled method, the 3D FSI problem of dam-break flow impacting onto the flexible wall is numerically investigated. The evolutions of free surface and the impacting loads on the wall are compared against those regarding rigid tank. In addition, the deformation and the strength behaviors of the flexible wall are exhibited.
Viable Algorithmic Options for Designing Reactive Robot Swarms
Authors: Wareham Todd , Vardy Andrew
Published: April 2018

A central problem in swarm robotics is to design a controller that will allow the member robots of the swarm to collectively perform a given task. Of particular interest in massively distributed applications are reactive controllers with severely limited computational and sensory abilities. In this article, we give the results of the first computational complexity analysis of the reactive swarm design problem. Our core results are derived relative to a generalization of what is arguably the simplest possible type of reactive controller, the so-called computation-free controller proposed by Gauci et al., which operates in grid-based environments in a noncontinuous manner. We show that the design of a generalized computation-free swarm for an arbitrary given task in an arbitrary given environment is not polynomial-time solvable either in general or by the most desirable types of approximation algorithms (including evolutionary algorithms with high probabilities of producing correct solutions) but is solvable in effectively polynomial time relative to several types of restrictions on swarms, environments, and tasks. All of our results hold for the design of several more complex types of generalized computation-free swarms. Moreover, all of our intractability and inapproximability results hold for the design of any type of reactive swarm (including those based on the popular feed-forward neural network and Brooks-style subsumption controllers) operating in grid-based environments in a noncontinuous manner whose member robots satisfy two simple conditions. As such, our results give the first theoretical survey of the types of efficient exact and approximate solution algorithms that are and are not possible for designing several types of reactive swarms.
Self-Organizing Control Mechanism Based on Collective Decision-Making for Information Uncertainty
Authors: Kuze Naomi , Kominami Daichi , Kashima Kenji , Hashimoto Tomoaki , Murata Masayuki
Published: April 2018

Because of the rapid growth in the scale and complexity of information networks, self-organizing systems are increasingly being used to realize novel network control systems that are highly scalable, adaptable, and robust. However, the uncertainty of information (with regard to incompleteness, vagueness, and dynamics) in self-organizing systems makes it difficult for them to work appropriately in accordance with the network state. In this study, we apply a model of the collective decision-making of animal groups to enable self-organizing control mechanisms to adapt to information uncertainty. Specifically, we apply a mathematical model of collective decision-making that is known as the effective leadership model (ELM). In the ELM, informed individuals (those who are experienced or well-informed) take the role of leading the others. In contrast, uninformed individuals (those who perceive only local information) follow neighboring individuals. As a result of the collective behavior of informed/uninformed individuals, the animal group achieves consensus. We consider a self-organizing control mechanism using potential-based routing with an optimal control, and propose a mechanism for determining a data-packet forwarding scheme based on the ELM. Through evaluation by simulation, we show that, in a situation in which the perceived information is incomplete and dynamic, nodes can forward data packets in accordance with the network state by applying the ELM.
Angiodrastic Chemokines in Colorectal Cancer: Clinicopathological Correlations
Authors: Emmanouil George , Ayiomamitis George , Zizi-Sermpetzoglou Adamantia , Tzardi Maria , Moursellas Andrew , Voumvouraki Argyro , Kouroumalis Elias
Published: April 2018

Aim. To study the expression of angiodrastic chemokines in colorectal tumors and correlate findings with clinicopathological parameters and survival.Methods. The proangiogenic factor VEGF, the angiogenic chemokines CXCL8 and CXCL6, and the angiostatic chemokine CXCL4 were measured by ELISA in tumor and normal tissue of 35 stage II and III patients and correlated with the histopathology markers Ki67, p53, p21, bcl2, EGFR, and MLH1 and 5-year survival. The Wilcoxon and chi-square tests were used for statistical comparisons.Results. There was a significant increase of CXCL6 (p=0.005) and VEGF (p=0.003) in cancerous tissue compared to normal. Patients with lower levels of CXCL8 and CXCL4 lived significantly longer. Patients with loss of EGFR expression had higher levels of CXCL8 while p21 loss was associated with higher levels of CXCL6. Chemokine levels were not correlated with TNM or Dukes classification. Strong expression of p53 was accompanied by decreased survival.Conclusions. (1) The angiogenic factors CXCL6 and VEGF are increased in colorectal cancer tissue with no association with the clinical stage of the disease or survival. (2) However, increased levels of tissue CXCL8 and CXCL4 are associated with poor survival. (3) Strong expression of p53 is found in patients with poor survival.
Miliary Histoplasmosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lum Jessica , Z. Abidi Maheen , McCollister Bruce , Henao-Martínez Andrés F.
Published: April 2018

Miliary histoplasmosis is a rare presentation that may mimic miliary tuberculosis. We report a case of miliary histoplasmosis in a 52-year-old male who was being treated with hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine for his rheumatoid arthritis and presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and fevers. Computed tomography (CT) chest revealed miliary pulmonary nodules. UrineHistoplasmaantigen and serumHistoplasmaantigen were negative; however,Coccidioides immitiscomplement immunofixation assay andCoccidioidesIgM were positive. The patient was initiated on treatment for pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and immunosuppression was held. However, a few days later,Histoplasma capsulatumwas isolated from cultures from bronchoscopy. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients and the importance of having a broad differential diagnosis for miliary pulmonary nodules. Tissue culture and histopathology remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Further research needs to be conducted to determine the optimal duration of histoplasmosis treatment in immunocompromised patients.
Effect of Allicin against Ischemia/Hypoxia‐Induced H9c2 Myoblast Apoptosis via eNOS/NO Pathway‐Mediated Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Ma Lina , Chen Shangke , Li Shaochun , Deng Lijuan , Li Yikui , Li Hao
Published: April 2018

Allicin (2‐propene‐1‐sulfinothioic acid S‐2‐propenyl ester, diallyl thiosulfinate) is the main biologically active ingredient in garlic. The present study investigated the protective effect of allicin against cardiomyocyte apoptosis that was induced by ischemia in vitro and the potential molecular mechanisms that were involved in this antiapoptotic effect. The results indicated that allicin increased H9c2 cell activity and attenuated the rate of apoptosis that was induced by ischemia/hypoxia. Intracellular calcium concentrations significantly decreased in the allicin‐treated groups. Bax expression significantly decreased, and Bcl‐2 expression increased in allicin‐treated rats. Nitric oxide blockade significantly inhibited these effects. Allicin also increased the activity of SOD and NO release and decreased MDA levels. Allicin significantly increased the expression of eNOS, Nrf2, and HO‐1 proteins. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that allicin protects H9c2 cells against apoptosis, and this protective effect appears to occur via eNOS/NO pathway‐mediated antioxidant activity.
Brittleness Evaluation of Shale Based on the Brazilian Splitting Test
Authors: Hou Bing , Zeng Yijin , Fan Meng , Li Dandan
Published: April 2018

Brittleness is an important mechanical parameter of shale reservoirs and has a significant effect on hydraulic fracturing. Traditional evaluation methods of shale brittleness are mainly based on complete stress-strain curves under compressive loading, which can barely describe the fracture characteristics of shale during hydraulic fracturing. This paper proposes to define the brittleness index based on the Brazilian splitting test and establishes a corresponding evaluation method, forming a tensile brittleness evaluation system for noncontinuous shale. The Brazilian splitting test and discrete element numerical simulation are carried out to study the crack distribution characteristics after tensile failure as well as the influence of anisotropy and scale effect on the brittleness of shale. The results show that the tensile brittleness index is more accurate and sensitive to condition changes than the compressive brittleness index. The experimental shale cores are from the Longmaxi formation, Silurian system, Sichuan basin.
Linking Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gelders Géraldine , Baekelandt Veerle , Van der Perren Anke
Published: April 2018

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impose a pressing burden on our developed and consequently aging society. Misfolded protein aggregates are a critical aspect of several neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, several questions remain unanswered regarding the role of misfolded protein aggregates and the cause of neuronal cell death. Recently, it has been postulated that neuroinflammatory processes might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD. Numerous postmortem, brain imaging, epidemiological, and animal studies have documented the involvement of the innate and adaptive immunity in neurodegeneration. Whether these inflammatory processes are directly involved in the etiology of PD or represent secondary consequences of nigrostriatal pathway injury is the subject of intensive research. Immune alterations in response to extracellularα-synuclein may play a critical role in modulating Parkinson’s disease progression. In this review, we address the current concept of neuroinflammation and its involvement in PD-associated neurodegeneration.
Attack Potential Evaluation in Desktop and Smartphone Fingerprint Sensors: Can They Be Attacked by Anyone?
Authors: Goicoechea-Telleria Ines , Sanchez-Reillo Raul , Liu-Jimenez Judith , Blanco-Gonzalo Ramon
Published: April 2018

The use of biometrics keeps growing. Every day, we use biometric recognition to unlock our phones or to have access to places such as the gym or the office, so we rely on the security manufacturers offer when protecting our privileges and private life. It is well known that it is possible to hack into a fingerprint sensor using fake fingers made of Play‐Doh and other easy‐to‐obtain materials but to what extent? Is this true for all users or only for specialists with a deep knowledge on biometrics? Are smartphone fingerprint sensors as reliable as desktop sensors? To answer these questions, we performed 3 separate evaluations. First, we evaluated 4 desktop fingerprint sensors of different technologies by attacking them with 7 different fake finger materials. All of them were successfully attacked by an experienced attacker. Secondly, we carried out a similar test on 5 smartphones with embedded sensors using the most successful materials, which also hacked the 5 sensors. Lastly, we gathered 15 simulated attackers with no background in biometrics to create fake fingers of several materials, and they had one week to attack the fingerprint sensors of the same 5 smartphones, with the starting point of a short video with the techniques to create them. All 5 smartphones were successfully attacked by an inexperienced attacker. This paper will provide the results achieved, as well as an analysis on the attack potential of every case. All results are given following the metrics of the standard ISO/IEC 30107‐3.