bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping standards to patents using declarations of standard‐essential patents
Authors: Baron Justus , Pohlmann Tim
Published: August 2018

This paper describes a new database of declared standard‐essential patents (SEPs), discusses methods for matching declared SEPs to specific standard documents, and presents empirical evidence on technology standards subject to declared SEPs. Although there is a growing body of empirical research using data on declared SEPs, this research has so far focused on the declared patents, and neglected the implications of SEP declarations for specific standards. Furthermore, we present a new methodology for matching standards with technology classes, using the classification of declared SEPs. This method allows identifying other standard‐related patents, and provides information on technological relationships between standards and standard‐related patenting. The paper discusses opportunities for new empirical research using databases of declared SEPs and data on patenting in standard‐related technology classes.
Acoustic barriers as an acoustic deterrent for native potamodromous migratory fish species
Authors: Jesus Joaquim , Amorim Maria Clara P. , Fonseca Paulo J. , Teixeira Amílcar , Natário Silvestre , Carrola João , Varandas Simone , Torres Pereira Luís , Cortes Rui M. V.
Published: August 2018

This study focused on the use of sound playbacks as acoustic deterrents to direct native potamodromous migratory species away from all kind of traps. The effects of two acoustic treatments, a repeated sine sweep up to 2 kHz (sweep‐up stimulus) and an intermittent 140 Hz tone, were tested in three fish species native to Iberia: Salmo trutta, Pseudochondrostoma duriense and Luciobarbus bocagei. In contrast with S. trutta, the endemic cyprinids P. duriense and L. bocagei exhibited a strong repulse reaction to the frequency sweep‐up sound. The 140 Hz stimulus did not seem to alter significantly the behaviour of any of the studied species. These results highlight the potential of acoustic stimuli as fish behavioural barriers and their application to in situ conservation measures of native Iberian fish populations, to protect them from hydropower dams. In addition, this study shows that acoustic deterrents can be used selectively on target species.
Organic and mineralogic heterogeneity of the Paris meteorite followed by FTIR hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Dionnet Z. , Aleon‐Toppani A. , Baklouti D. , Borondics F. , Brisset F. , Djouadi Z. , Sandt C. , Brunetto R.
Published: August 2018

Significant compositional and structural heterogeneity at nm to mm scales is an important characteristic of primitive extraterrestrial materials. Here, we report the analysis of high‐resolution Fourier transform IR hyperspectral imaging analytical measurements at the micron scale on a fragment of the Paris carbonaceous chondrite, supported by Raman and SEM‐EDS measurements. The fragment is crushed in a diamond compression cell. The micro‐FTIR analyses are performed in transmission with two setups, an imaging microscope with a matrix detector using a thermal source and a system using a single point detector coupled with the synchrotron source at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility. We obtain the spatial distribution of chemical/mineralogical components. We confirm at a larger scale (10 μm) the presence of hydrated amorphous silicates observed at a smaller scale (1 μm). Based on the relative abundance of different minerals (hydrated amorphous silicate, olivine, diopside, and serpentine), we propose a sequence of aqueous alteration. Considering the spatial correlation of minerals with organic matter, we discuss the effects of aqueous alteration on the organic matter in bulk. In particular, we detect an increase in the CH2/CH3 ratio in the altered zone and present the possible scenarios that led to the observed chain length shortening/cracking of hydrocarbons.
Global analysis of H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in Brachypodium distachyon reveals VRN3 as critical epigenetic regulation point in vernalization and provides insights into epigenetic memory
Authors: Huan Qing , Mao Zhiwei , Chong Kang , Zhang Jingyu
Published: August 2018

Vernalization, the requirement of plants for long‐term exposure to low environmental temperature for flowering, is an epigenetic phenomenon. Histone modification regulation has been revealed in vernalization, but is limited to key genes. Now, we know that VRN1 is epigenetically critical for monocots. Genome‐wide analysis is still unavailable, however.

We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing for H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in Brachypodium distachyon to obtain a global view of histone modifications in vernalization on a genome‐wide scale and for different pathways/genes.

Our data showed that H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 play distinct roles in vernalization. Unlike H3K4me3, H3K27me3 exhibited regional regulation, showed main regulation targets in vernalization and contributed to epigenetic memory. For genes in four flowering regulation pathways, only FT2 (functional ortholog of VRN3 in B. distachyon) and VRN1 showed coordinated changes in H3K4me3/H3K27me3. The epigenetic response at VRN3 was weaker under short‐day than under long‐day conditions. VRN3 was revealed as an epigenetic regulation point integrating vernalization and day length signals. We globally identified genes maintaining vernalization‐induced epigenetic changes. Most of these genes showed dose‐dependent vernalization responses, revealing a quantitative ‘recording system’ for vernalization.

Our studies shed light on the epigenetic role of VRN3 and H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in vernalization and reveal genes underlying epigenetic memory, laying the foundation for further study.
A New Estimator of Search Duration and Its Application to the Marriage Market
Authors: Jelnov Pavel
Published: August 2018

It is well known that female age at first marriage positively correlates with male income inequality. The common interpretation of this fact is that marital search takes longer when the pool of potential mates is more unequal. This paper challenges that interpretation with a novel econometric method. I utilize the fact that the female age at first marriage was shown to be a sum of a skewed term, possibly related to search, and a normally distributed residual. I estimate search duration as the expected skewed term. I find that in the American data this term does not positively correlate with male income inequality and female education.
The Effect of Weight Loss on Some Physical Fitness Factors of Wrestlers
Authors: Uçan Izzet
Published: August 2018

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of weight loss on some physical fitness factors of wrestlers. So thirty wrestlers were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into two groups (n=15); active and sauna groups. They participated in some motor fitness factors tests such as; Sargent tests to measure the anaerobic acid-alkaline power, chest press for strength measurements, dynamic balance and coordination. We found that acute dehydration in the active group had a significant effect on strength, balance and coordination, but did not have a significant effect on strength. In sauna group, the effects of acute dehydration on strength and balance were significant but did not have a significant effect on strength.
Experiencias y proyecciones del patrimonio industrial chileno
Authors: Lorca Mauricio
Published: August 2018

En Chile, la toma de conciencia del valor patrimonial de los bienes legados por la industria es un proceso social más tardío que en los países desarrollados. Pese a que desde el año 1952 numerosos decretos leyes han entregado la condición de monumento nacional al centenar de elementos que conforman esta tipología, hubo que esperar hasta la década de 1990 para que el sector industrial se consolidara dentro del campo patrimonial chileno. Este artículo reflexiona sobre la trayectoria y las perspectivas del patrimonio industrial del país, identifica los períodos que ha atravesado, su distribución geográfica, los sectores productivos representados y las proyecciones que se estima posee.
Transformación del paisaje cultural de Santa Fe de Antioquia: impactos del paisaje regional, en el urbano y el cotidiano
Authors: Patiño Zuluaga Evelyn , Montoya Arenas Catalina , Escobar Ocampo Lina María , González Escobar Luis Fernando
Published: August 2018

Las escasas investigaciones registradas en nuestro país sobre el paisaje cultural han adolecido, en buena medida, de establecer vínculos teórico-prácticos entre los procesos históricos, estéticos y simbólicos, contrastados con agentes transformadores del modelo económico (discurso de la competitividad, la industria turística y la presión inmobiliaria). A partir del levantamiento de nuevos mapas que combinan la lectura y análisis de la cartografía, la coreografía y la narrativa histórica-literaria-pictórica con un análisis multivariado y multitemporal, este artículo profundizará en el paisaje regional de Santa Fe de Antioquia como aquel que teje lazos históricos y funcionales en diversas escalas y temporalidades, sus implicaciones espaciales en el paisaje urbano y un análisis físico-perceptual de las transformaciones acaecidas en un sector del centro histórico declarado y su área de influencia (sector del paisaje cotidiano). Diversos proyectos de infraestructura nacional desarrollados en las inmediaciones del municipio, que solo cruzan por él o que hacen uso de cierta condición geoestratégica del mismo, plantean posibilidades, y a la vez retos y grandes conflictos con las condiciones del paisaje cultural, el cual actualmente es partícipe de una supra-estructura de desarrollo territorial de tres futuras áreas metropolitanas contiguas, y que para este caso ya revelan desequilibrios espaciales en el modelo de ocupación que estos agentes promueven. De esta interacción surgen efectos espaciales que pueden ser leídos tanto en la estructura territorial, centrada de manera fundamental en el reparto de cargas poblacionales, en el modelo de ocupación del centro histórico y del contexto no monumental, así como sus imbricaciones en el hábitat doméstico.
La base de conocimiento y su impacto en la capacidad de absorción de pymes de baja tecnología
Authors: VEGA JURADO Jaider Manuel , Polo-Otero José Luís , Cotes-Torres María Alejandra , Vega-Cárcamo Jean Carlos
Published: August 2018

Este artículo examina los efectos de la base de conocimiento sobre la capacidad de absorción (CA) de pymes de baja tecnología, teniendo en cuenta el efecto mediador de los antecedentes organizacionales. El estudio empírico se basa en el uso de ecuaciones estructurales a partir de los datos derivados de un cuestionario aplicado a 96 empresas de los sectores agroindustrial y logístico del departamento del Atlántico, Colombia. Los resultados muestran que la base de conocimiento no es suficiente para generar impactos significativos en la CA empresarial, requiriendo de antecedentes organizacionales y, en particular, del desarrollo de redes de comunicación internas (capacidades de socialización) que capitalicen las habilidades de los empleados en beneficio de la capacidad de absorción empresarial.
Prioridades competitivas y áreas de decisión estratégica en la manufactura. Un estudio empírico en el sector de alimentos
Authors: Castaño Laura , Vivares Vergara Jorge Andres , Sarache William 
Published: August 2018

El objetivo de este artículo es contrastar algunas hipótesis relacionadas con las prioridades competitivas (PC) y las áreas de decisión estratégica (ADE) en estrategia de manufactura (EM). Se identificó un conjunto ampliado de PC respecto a los estudios previos y se aporta evidencia empírica en el sector de alimentos. Para tal fin se realizó un estudio en 49 empresas en el Departamento de Caldas, Colombia. En las PC se identificó su importancia relativa y el enfoque de gestión dominante (cono de arena o trade-off). En cuanto a las ADE se evaluó la relación de su grado de desarrollo con el desempeño en las PC. Los resultados corroboran diversas posturas teóricas y demuestran que no existe un único camino para abordar la estrategia de manufactura.
Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Riesgos Psicosociales Copsoq- Istas 21 y aplicación en docentes universitarios argentinos
Authors: Pujol-Cols Lucas , Arraigada Mariana C.
Published: August 2018

En este artículo se examinan, primero, las propiedades psicométricas de la versión corta del Copsoq-Istas 21 (1.5) y, segundo, la prevalencia de seis factores de riesgo psicosocial, en una muestra de 175 docentesuniversitarios argentinos. Los resultados revelan que el instrumento observa una confiabilidad aceptable, con excepción de la sub-escala de doble presencia. Si bien los hallazgos de este estudio brindan soportea un modelo compuesto por seis factores latentes, la obtención de resultados poco satisfactorios en las pruebas de validez convergente y discriminante sugiere la necesidad de rediseñar el instrumento con elpropósito de mejorar su validez de constructo. Finalmente, los análisis practicados revelan una prevalencia elevada de doble presencia, exigencias psicológicas e insuficiente estima en los docentes participantes.
Comprehensiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility Reports of Brazilian Companies: An Analysis of its Evolution and Determinants
Authors: Do Nascimento Costa Benedito Manoel , Crisóstomo Federal Vicente Lima
Published: August 2018

This paper aims to assess the degree of comprehensiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports of Brazilian companies and its determinants. Literature suggests that a report is considered comprehensive when it contains three types of information for each CSR item published: vision and objectives; management actions; and performance indicators. A content analysis of 272 CSR reports of Brazilian companies that follow the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines was conducted for the period from 2010 to 2013. Results indicate that, despite the still low coverage of contents in CSR reports, there has been an increase in the degree of comprehensiveness over the period of study. Some firm attributes aﬀect the comprehensiveness degree of CSR reports: ownership concentration in hands of the main shareholder; company presence in the ISE (Corporate Brazilian Sustainability Index); the environmental risk of firm industry; firm size and profitability.
Avaliação cognitiva de pacientes em cuidados paliativos: estudo piloto
Authors: Coelho Silvia Patricia Fernandes , Pinho-Reis Cintia , Vilas Capelas Manuel Luis , Sá Luis
Published: August 2018

Objetivo: avaliar o estado cognitivo dos pacientes com necessidades paliativas, internados numa unidade de convalescença, através da utilização do instrumento, Escala de Pfeiffer. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, observacional e transversal, realizado em 23 pacientes internados numa unidade de convalescença, em Portugal, no período 18 de fevereiro e 5 de março de 2014. A avaliação cognitiva foi efetuada com recurso à Escala de Pfeiffer-Versão Portuguesa. A análise estatística foi realizada com metodologia descritiva e analítica. Resultados: mais de 50% dos inquiridos erraram as questões que solicitavam o número de telefone e morada (82,6%), conta de subtração (60,9%) e o nome do anterior Presidente da República (56,5%). Pacientes com alterações cognitivas têm uma mediana de 83 (66-87 anos). Conclusão: o estudo sugere que o uso da Escala de Pfeiffer constitui-se um instrumentoadequado para a avaliação do estado cognitivo, dos pacientes com necessidades paliativas.
Comprensión del proceso de educación para salud en un programa de atención a la primera infancia, Medellín, Colombia (2014-2015)
Authors: Gallego-Osorio Gloria Yaneth , Peñaranda-Correa Fernando , Molina-Berrío Diana Patricia
Published: August 2018

Se presenta la comprensión del proceso educativo del programa Buen Comienzo, modalidad de gestación y primer año, como insumo para ampliar los aprendizajes sobre la educación para la salud en general. Esto forma parte de los resultados de una investigación cualitativa, bajo enfoque hermenéutico y orientación etnográfica. El trabajo de campo se realizó mediante obser­vación participante, entrevistas semiestructuradas y revisión de documentos institucionales. Los resultados mostraron que, si bien el programa busca privilegiar el intercambio de experiencias y reconocer los saberes y percepciones de las familias respecto a la crianza —en una relación dialógica con los saberes disciplinares de los agentes educativos—, las prácticas educativas privilegian y legitiman el saber científico biomédico sobre el saber de los adultos significativos. Ello evidenció su peso cultural concretado en procesos educativos fuertemente clasificados y enmarcados según la propuesta de Bernstein, bajo la cual se realizó el análisis del estudio.
Prevención de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en Colombia: brechas y realidades
Authors: Mora-Rojas Ruth Beatriz , Alzate-Posada Marta Lucia , Rubiano-Mesa Yurian Lida
Published: August 2018

Este artículo pretende analizar cómo ha sido la prevención de la infección por el VIH en Colombia, desde la década de los ochenta hasta la actualidad, por ser una de las principales medidas para el control de la infección. Presenta el contexto epidemiológico en el mundo y en Colombia, el desarrollo de la prevención de la infección y finaliza con reflexiones sobre brechas y realidades de lo que ha caracterizado la prevención del VIH en nuestro medio. Metodología: se analizaron documentos y artículos científicos en español, inglés y portugués del año 2000 al 2016, disponibles en PubMed Lilacs, Ebsco, Medline, Justor y Scielo. Se revisaron setenta y cinco artículos y se seleccionaron veintinueve. Conclusiones: la prevención del VIH debe avanzar del enfoque asistencialista a políticas que promuevan el desarrollo humano, social y económico, sin olvidar que la población en general se encuentra en riesgo de adquirir la infección.
Two new species of Lasioseius Berlese (Acari: Blattisociidae) from Brazil, and a key for separation of the Brazilian species of the genus
Authors: Argolo Poliane S. , Santos Jandir Cruz , Oliveira Anibal R. , Moraes Gilberto J. De
Published: August 2018

Lasioseius is a genus widely distributed across the continents, found in many types of hosts. Two new species of blattisociid mites from Brazil, Lasioseius jorgeamadoi sp. nov. and Lasioseius gabrielae sp. nov., are described based on the morphology of adult females collected on buds of cocoa plants, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) and inflorescences of ornamental plants (Heliconiaceae and Musaceae) in the State of Bahia, and collected on sugar cane, Saccharum officinarum L. in the State of São Paulo. A key for the separation of females of the 14 species of Lasioseius recorded in Brazil is provided.
Guiding kinetic trajectories between jammed and unjammed states in 2D colloidal nanocrystal-polymer assemblies with zwitterionic ligands
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Jiang Yufeng , Huang Caili , Chai Yu , Goldfine Elise , Liu Feng , Feng Wenqian , Forth Joe , Williams Teresa E. , Ashby Paul D. , Russell Thomas P. , Helms Brett A.
Published: August 2018

A framework is presented to control phase transformations in colloidal nanocrystal assemblies at liquid-liquid interfaces.
Evolving wastewater infrastructure paradigm to enhance harmony with nature
Authors: Wang Xu , Daigger Glen , Lee Duu-Jong , Liu Junxin , Ren Nan-Qi , Qu Jiuhui , Liu Gang , Butler David
Published: August 2018

This study advances our understanding of how to regain a balance between satisfying human demands and maintaining ecosystems.
Amplified warming of droughts in southern United States in observations and model simulations
Authors: Chiang Felicia , Mazdiyasni Omid , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: August 2018

Droughts have warmed faster than the average climate in southern U.S.; these changes are likely driven by concurrent atmospheric moisture shifts.
The fragile X mutation impairs homeostatic plasticity in human neurons by blocking synaptic retinoic acid signaling
Authors: Zhang Zhenjie , Marro Samuele G. , Zhang Yingsha , Arendt Kristin L. , Patzke Christopher , Zhou Bo , Fair Tyler , Yang Nan , Südhof Thomas C. , Wernig Marius , Chen Lu
Published: August 2018

Inactivation of the
Fmr1
gene that is mutated in fragile X syndrome leads to loss of retinoic acid–mediated homeostatic plasticity in human neurons.
Increasing tolerance of hospital
Enterococcus faecium
to handwash alcohols
Authors: Pidot Sacha J. , Gao Wei , Buultjens Andrew H. , Monk Ian R. , Guerillot Romain , Carter Glen P. , Lee Jean Y. H. , Lam Margaret M. C. , Grayson M. Lindsay , Ballard Susan A. , Mahony Andrew A. , Grabsch Elizabeth A. , Kotsanas Despina , Korman Tony M. , Coombs Geoffrey W. , Robinson J. Owen , Gonçalves da Silva Anders , Seemann Torsten , Howden Benjamin P. , Johnson Paul D. R. , Stinear Timothy P.
Published: August 2018

The multidrug-resistant bacterium
Enterococcus faecium
has become increasingly tolerant to the alcohols in hospital disinfectants.
Biopharmaceutical Characterization of Nebulized Antimicrobial Agents in Rats: 6. Aminoglycosides
Authors: Marchand Sandrine , Boisson Matthieu , Mehta Shachi , Adier Christophe , Mimoz Olivier , Grégoire Nicolas , Couet William
Published: August 2018

Amikacin and gentamicin pharmacokinetic behaviors after nebulization were determined by comparing plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (ELF) concentrations in rats after intratracheal and intravenous administrations. ELF areas under concentration-time curve were 874 and 162 times higher after nebulization than after intravenous administration for amikacin and gentamicin, respectively.
Limited
ERG11
Mutations Identified in Isolates of Candida auris Directly Contribute to Reduced Azole Susceptibility
Authors: Healey Kelley R. , Kordalewska Milena , Jiménez Ortigosa Cristina , Singh Ashutosh , Berrío Indira , Chowdhary Anuradha , Perlin David S.
Published: August 2018

Multiple Erg11 amino acid substitutions were identified in clinical isolates of
Candida auris
originating from India and Colombia. Elevated azole MICs were detected in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
upon heterologous expression of
C. auris
ERG11
alleles that encoded for Y132F or K143R substitutions; however, expression of alleles encoding I466M, Y501H, or other clade-defined amino acid differences yielded susceptible MICs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Blautia sp. Strain BCRC 81119, Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Huang Chien-Hsun , Liou Jong-Shian , Wang Chun-Lin , Huang Lina
Published: August 2018

Blautia
sp. strain BCRC 81119 was isolated from a fecal sample from a 34-year-old male in Taiwan.
Draft Genome Sequence of Microbacterium esteraromaticum MM1, a Bacterium That Hydrolyzes the Organophosphorus Pesticide Fenamiphos, Isolated from Golf Course Soil
Authors: Panneerselvan Logeshwaran , Krishnan Kannan , Subashchandrabose Suresh R. , Naidu Ravi , Megharaj Mallavarapu
Published: August 2018

In this study, we report the first draft genome sequence of
Microbacterium esteraromaticum
MM1, isolated from golf course soil in South Australia. The genome possesses genes for the hydrolysis of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Highly Halotolerant Strain Zygosaccharomyces rouxii ATCC 42981 and the Novel Allodiploid Strain Zygosaccharomyces sapae ATB301
T
Obtained Using the MinION Platform
Authors: Bizzarri Melissa , Cassanelli Stefano , Pryszcz Leszek P. , Gawor Jan , Gromadka Robert , Solieri Lisa
Published: August 2018

Here, we report draft genome sequences of the halotolerant and allodiploid strains
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
ATCC 42981 and
Zygosaccharomyces sapae
ABT301
T
. Illumina and Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing revealed genome sizes of 20.9 and 24.7 Mb, respectively.
‘Van Herick Plus’: a modified grading scheme for the assessment of peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle
Authors: Sihota Ramanjit , Kamble Neha , Sharma Ajay K , Bhari Anju , Gupta Amisha , Midha Neha , Selvan Harathy , Dada Tanuj , Gupta Viney , Pandey Ravindra M
Published: August 2018

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of a new, modified grading scheme involving a short vertical slit beam, at the inferior angle for peripheral anterior chamber depth (PAC) and angle estimation and its correlation with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT).

Methods

A cross-sectional study of consecutive phakic patients, above 40 years of age, was performed. Using a short, vertical slit beam not reaching the pupil, the inferior angle at the sclerolimbal junction was evaluated, photographed and assessed by a ratio of peripheral anterior chamber depth to peripheral corneal thickness (PAC:PCT) and iridocorneal angle (ICA) on ImageJ software. The inferior angle at the same meridian was also recorded on ASOCT.

Results

Based on the PAC:PCT ratio, the subjects were divided into four groups: I (<1/4), II (1/4-1/2), III (>1/2–1) and IV (>1). The clinically assessed angle by short vertical slit beam correlated well with ASOCT values, trabecular-iris angle (TIA) (r=0.918; p<0.001) and scleral spur angle (r=0.903, p<0.001). The mean difference between ICA and TIA on ASOCT was 0.7970; 95% limits of agreement:−5.7670 to 7.3610 (±1.96 SD). For angles graded narrow on ASOCT (TIA <200), using a cut-off of peripheral PAC:PCT <1/4, the area under the curve was 0.918 with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 88.2%. There was good agreement between ImageJ parameters with those assessed subjectively on photograph of the slit beam examination by a glaucoma fellow (weighted kappa=0.74) as compared with a general ophthalmologist, where there was moderate agreement (weighted kappa=0.57).

Conclusion

A short, vertical slit lamp beam evaluation at the inferior angle is an easy and relatively accurate method for both peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle assessment. It correlated well with ASOCT and can be used as a more reliable screening tool to identify eyes with possibly occludable angles.
Defining and measuring health equity effects in research on task shifting interventions in high-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Orkin Aaron M , McArthur Allison , McDonald André , Mew Emma J , Martiniuk Alexandra , Buchman Daniel Z , Kouyoumdjian Fiona , Rachlis Beth , Strike Carol , Upshur Ross
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Task shifting interventions are intended to both deliver clinically effective treatments to reduce disease burden and address health inequities or population vulnerability. Little is known about how health equity and population vulnerability are defined and measured in research focused on task shifting. This systematic review will address the following questions: Among task shifting interventions in high-income settings that have been studied using randomised controlled trials or variants, how are health inequity or population vulnerability identified and defined? What methods and indicators are used to describe, characterise and measure the population’s baseline status and the intervention’s impacts on inequity and vulnerability?

Methods and analysis

Studies were identified through database searches (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science). Eligible studies will be randomised controlled trials published since 2004, conducted in high-income countries, concerning task shifting interventions to treat any disease, in any population that may face health disadvantage as defined by the PROGRESS-Plus framework (place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender/sex, religion, social capital, socioeconomic position, age, disability, sexual orientation, other vulnerable groups). We will conduct independent and duplicate title and abstract screening, then identify related papers from the same programme of research through further database and manual searching. From each programme of research, we will extract study details, and definitions and measures of health equity or population vulnerability based on the PROGRESS-Plus framework. Two investigators will assess the quality of reporting and measurement related to health equity and vulnerability using a scale developed for this study. A narrative synthesis will highlight similarities and differences between the gathered studies and offer critical analyses and implications.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not involve primary data collection, does not constitute research on human subjects and is not subject to additional institutional ethics review or informed consent procedures. Dissemination will include open-access peer-reviewed publication and academic conference presentations.

PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42017049959.
Vitamin D status among adolescents in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Taiar Abdullah , Rahman Abdur , Al-Sabah Reem , Shaban Lemia , Al-Harbi Anwar
Published: August 2018

Objectives

In Kuwait, as in many Arab states in the Gulf region, there are limited data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a nationally representative sample of adolescents and investigate factors associated with vitamin D status.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1416 adolescents aged 11–16 years, who were randomly selected from middle schools in all governorates of Kuwait. Data were collected from parents through self-administered questionnaire and from adolescents through face-to-face interview. Vitamin D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression was used to investigate the independent factors associated with vitamin D status.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 81.21% (95% CI 71.61% to 90.81%), while severe deficiency was 39.48%. Only 3.60% of adolescents were vitamin D-sufficient. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher among girls compared with boys (91.69% vs 70.32%; p<0.001). There was a significant inverse correlation between vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (Spearman correlation=−0.35; p<0.001). In the final model, gender, age, governorate, parental education, body mass index, vitamin D supplement and the number of times adolescents walk to schools per week were all significantly related to vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was noted among adolescents in Kuwait despite the abundant sunshine, which may reflect strong sun avoidance behaviour. Adequate outdoor daytime activities should be encouraged especially for girls. We call for locally tailored guidelines for vitamin D supplement in which girls should have a higher dose compared with boys.
Randomised controlled feasibility trial of the Active Communication Education programme plus hearing aid provision versus hearing aid provision alone (ACE to HEAR): a study protocol
Authors: Thyer Nicholas J , Watson Jude , Jackson Cath , Hickson Louise , Maynard Christina , Forster Anne , Clark Laura , Bell Kerry , Fairhurst Caroline , Cocks Kim , Gardner Rob , Iley Kate , Gailey Lorraine
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Up to 30% of hearing aids fitted to new adult clients are reported to be of low benefit and used intermittently or not at all. Evidence suggests that additional interventions paired with service-delivery redesign may help improve hearing aid use and benefit. The range of interventions available is limited. In particular, the efficacy of interventions like the Active Communication Education (ACE) programme that focus on improving communication success with hearing-impaired people and significant others, has not previously been assessed. We propose that improved communication outcomes associated with the ACE intervention, lead to an increased perception of hearing aid value and more realistic expectations associated with hearing aid use and ownership, which are reported to be key barriers and facilitators for successful hearing aid use. This study will assess the feasibility of delivering ACE and undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial to evaluate whether ACE would be a cost-effective and acceptable way of increasing quality of life through improving communication and hearing aid use in a public health service such as the National Health Service.

Methods and analysis

This will be a randomised controlled, open feasibility trial with embedded economic and process evaluations delivered in audiology departments in two UK cities. We aim to recruit 84 patients (and up to 84 significant others) aged 18 years and over, who report moderate or less than moderate benefit from their new hearing aid. The feasibility of a large-scale study and the acceptability of the ACE intervention will be measured by recruitment rates, treatment retention, follow-up rates and qualitative interviews.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval granted by South East Coast-Surrey Research Ethics Committee (16/LO/2012). Dissemination of results will be via peer-reviewed research publications both online and in print, conference presentations, posters, patient forums and Trust bulletins.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN28090877.
Cutting care clusters: the creation of an inverse pharmacy care law? An area-level analysis exploring the clustering of community pharmacies in England
Authors: Todd Adam , Thomson Katie , Kasim Adetayo , Bambra Clare
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To (1) explore the clustering of community pharmacies in England and (2) determine the relationship between community pharmacy clustering, urbanity and deprivation.

Design

An area-level analysis spatial study.

Setting

England.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Community pharmacy clustering determined as a community pharmacy located within 10 min walking distance to another community pharmacy.

Participants

Addresses and postal codes of each community pharmacy in England were used in the analysis. Each pharmacy postal code was assigned to a lower layer super output area, which was then matched to urbanity (urban, town and fringe or village, hamlet and isolated dwellings) and deprivation decile (using the Index of Multiple Deprivation score).

Results

75% of community pharmacies in England were located in a ‘cluster’ (within 10 min walking distance of another pharmacy): 19% of community pharmacies were in a cluster of two, while 56% of community pharmacies were in clusters of three or more. There was a linear relationship between community pharmacy clustering and social deprivation—with clustering more prevalent in areas of higher deprivation: for community pharmacies located in areas of lowest deprivation (decile 1), there was a significantly lower risk of clustering compared with community pharmacies located in areas of highest deprivation (relative risk 0.12 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.16)).

Conclusions

Clustering of community pharmacies in England is common, although there is a positive trend between community pharmacy clustering and social deprivation, whereby clustering is more significant in areas of high deprivation. Arrangements for future community pharmacy funding should not solely focus on distance from one pharmacy to another as means of determining funding allocation, as this could penalise community pharmacies in our most deprived communities, and potentially have a negative effect on other healthcare providers, such as general practitioner and accident and emergency services.
Protocol for the mixed-methods development of a concussion-specific health-related quality of life outcome measure based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health
Authors: van Ierssel Jacqueline , Sveistrup Heidi , Marshall Shawn
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Recovery from concussion has traditionally been evaluated by patient-reported symptoms, objective measures such as loss of consciousness, specific dimensions such as depression or fatigue, cognitive status, employment status, level of physical activity and the more complex construct of disability. Increasingly, patient-reported outcome measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are being emphasised as an important end point in patient care, clinical trial and health policy decisions. Currently, no standardised concussion-specific HRQOL outcome measure exists. The process for developing a concussion-specific HRQOL outcome measure based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health is outlined.

Methods and analysis

A multistage, patient-centred approach to developing the outcome measure will integrate evidence from systematic reviews, qualitative research and cognitive interviewing into a self-report questionnaire to guide clinical decision-making. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire will be evaluated to assess the inter-rater reliability and construct validity of the measure in individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms. To date, the systematic review and the clinical expert interviews within the preparatory phase have been completed and work is progressing on the subsequent phases. It is anticipated that the outcome measure will be ready for psychometric testing in September 2018.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board (Protocol #20170720-01H) on 31 October 2017 to conduct the patient and clinical expert interviews. Ethical approval for psychometric testing of the outcome measure will be sought by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board in Phase II, after the development of the final HRQOL questionnaire. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and professional conferences.

PROSPERO registration

Phase I systematic review registration number CRD42017075588 (15 June 2017). Phase II systematic review registration number CRD42017075588 (27 September 2017).
How do people with dementia use the ambulance service? A retrospective study in England: the HOMEWARD project
Authors: Voss Sarah , Brandling Janet , Taylor Hazel , Black Sarah , Buswell Marina , Cheston Richard , Cullum Sarah , Foster Theresa , Kirby Kim , Prothero Larissa , Purdy Sarah , Solway Chris , Benger Jonathan Richard
Published: August 2018

Objectives

An increasing number of older people are calling ambulances and presenting to accident and emergency departments. The presence of comorbidities and dementia can make managing these patients more challenging and hospital admission more likely, resulting in poorer outcomes for patients. However, we do not know how many of these patients are conveyed to hospital by ambulance. This study aims to determine: how often ambulances are called to older people; how often comorbidities including dementia are recorded; the reason for the call; provisional diagnosis; the amount of time ambulance clinicians spend on scene; the frequency with which these patients are transported to hospital.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of ambulance patient care records (PCRs) from calls to patients aged 65 years and over. Data were collected from two ambulance services in England during 24 or 48 hours periods in January 2017 and July 2017. The records were examined by two researchers using a standard template and the data were extracted from 3037 PCRs using a coding structure.

Results

Results were reported as percentages and means with 95% CIs. Dementia was recorded in 421 (13.9%) of PCRs. Patients with dementia were significantly less likely to be conveyed to hospital following an emergency call than those without dementia. The call cycle times were similar for patients regardless of whether or not they had dementia. Calls to people with dementia were more likely to be due to injury following a fall. In the overall sample, one or more comorbidities were reported on the PCR in over 80% of cases.

Conclusion

Rates of hospital conveyance for older people may be related to comorbidities, frailty and complex needs, rather than dementia. Further research is needed to understand the way in which ambulance clinicians make conveyance decisions at scene.
A novel approach to selecting a competition index: the effect of competition on individual-tree diameter growth of Calabrian pine
Authors: Kahriman Aydın , Şahin Abdurrahman , Sönmez Turan , Yavuz Mehmet
Published: August 2018

In this study, we evaluated the performance of 18 competition indices composed of nine distance-dependent and nine distance-independent indices in explaining the variation in individual-tree diameter growth of Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in the central Mediterranean region of Turkey. The data were obtained from 432 sample plots with varying stand age, site index, and stand density. To evaluate the performance of each competition index, the mean square error reduction approach was used relative to the noncompetition. Also, this study compared fixed and mixed effects models to analyze diameter growth. Statistical analyses showed that the best distance-independent competition indices performed as well as the best distance-dependent competition indices. The distance-independent competition index of Schröder and Gadow (1999; Can. J. For. Res. 29(2): 280–283, doi: 10.1139/x98-199) performed best and is recommended for use in future growth and yield models to be used in the central Mediterranean region of Turkey. Also, the best selection of competitive neighbors was achieved using the area of influence overlap method, whereas the fixed-radius and angle count sampling methods had no significant improvement in quantifying the competition effects. On the other hand, all mixed effects models provided much better fits than their fixed model counterparts.
Inhibition of DNA methyltransferase-1 instigates the expression of DNA methyltransferase-3a in angioplasty-induced restenosis
Authors: Boosani Chandra S. , Gunasekar Palanikumar , Block Megan , Jiang Wanlin , Zhang Zefu , Radwan Mohamed M. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: August 2018

Increased expression of DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) associates with the progression of many human diseases. Because DNMT1 induces cell proliferation, drugs that inhibit DNMT1 have been used to treat proliferative diseases. Because these drugs are nonspecific inhibitors of DNMT1, subsidiary events or the compensatory mechanisms that are activated in the absence of DNMT1 limit their therapeutic application. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms that occur during angioplasty-induced restenosis and found that DNMT1 inhibition in both in vitro and in vivo approaches resulted in the induction of DNA methyltransferase-3a (DNMT3a) expression. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the microRNA hsa-miR-1264 mimic, specifically inhibiting DNMT1, induced nuclear expression of DNMT3a. On the contrary, there was no induced expression of DNMT3a in VSMCs that were transfected with hsa-miR-1264 inhibitor. Further, ectopic expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) through adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery in the coronary arteries of Yucatan microswine showed inhibition of both DNMT1 and DNMT3a in vivo. These findings show the existence of an inter-regulatory mechanism between DNMT1 and DNMT3a where, in the absence of DNMT1, induction of DNMT3a compensates for the loss of DNMT1 functions, suggesting that the inhibition of both DNMT1 and DNMT3a are required to prevent restenosis.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SPL gene family in woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca
Authors: Xiong Jin-Song , Zheng Dan , Zhu Hong-Yu , Chen Jian-Qiu , Na Ran , Cheng Zong-Ming
Published: August 2018

SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) is a class of plant-specific transcription factors that play critical roles in regulating plant growth and development. However, little systematic research on SPL genes has been conducted in strawberry. In this study, 14 SPL genes were identified in the genome of woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), one of the model plants of the family Rosaceae. Chromosome localization analysis indicated that the 14 FvSPL genes were unevenly distributed on six chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the FvSPL proteins could be clustered into six groups (G1 to G6). Genes with similar structure were classified into the same group, implying their functional redundancy. In addition, nine out of the 14 FvSPL genes, belonging to G1, G2, and G5, were found to be the putative targets of FvmiR156 genes. Expression analysis indicated FvSPL genes exhibited highly diverse expression patterns in the tissues and organs examined. The transcript levels of most FvmiR156-targeted FvSPL genes in fruit were lower than those non-miR156-targeted genes. In addition, the expression of the FvmiR156-targeted FvSPL genes decreased during fruit ripening, whereas the expression of FvmiR156 genes increased in fruit during this process. The results provide a foundation for future functional analysis of FvSPL genes in strawberry growth and development.
Investigation on field-emission properties of graphdiyne–ZnO composite
Authors: Yuan Xiaoming , Yang Yanqi , Guo Juan , Ge Daohan , Yang Ping
Published: August 2018

Graphdiyne–ZnO composite is constructed to investigate field-emission. We hope the tip effect of graphdiyne can be strengthened by doping ZnO. We find that the effective movement of the Fermi level and the dwindling of band gap have contributed to the modification of the electronic structures of this composite significantly with increase in the electric field. The high binding energy indicates that the composite model is very stable. In addition, the ionization energies and work functions decrease linearly with the increasing electric field, which represents an improvement of field-emission properties. It implies that graphdiyne–ZnO composite may become a promising material for field-emission.
Minimal free resolutions of 2 × n domino tilings
Authors: Bouchat Rachelle R. , Brown Tricia Muldoon
Published: August 2018

We introduce a squarefree monomial ideal associated to the set of domino tilings of a [Formula: see text] rectangle and proceed to study the associated minimal free resolution. In this paper, we use results of Dalili and Kummini to show that the Betti numbers of the ideal are independent of the underlying characteristic of the field, and apply a natural splitting to explicitly determine the projective dimension and Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity of the ideal.
Goldie twisted partial skew power series rings
Authors: Cortes Wagner , Ruiz Simone
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we work with a unital twisted partial action of [Formula: see text] on a unital ring [Formula: see text]. We introduce the twisted partial skew power series rings and twisted partial skew Laurent series rings. We study primality, semi-primality and the prime ideals in these rings. We describe the prime radical in twisted partial skew Laurent series rings. We investigate the Goldie property in twisted partial skew power series rings and twisted partial skew Laurent series rings. Moreover, we describe conditions for the semiprimality in twisted partial skew power series rings.
Preparation of Fluorinated Graphene Oxide/Polyimide Composites with Low Dielectric Constant and Moisture Resistance
Authors: He Dongqing , Wang Zhiguo , Long Jiapeng , Liang Bing
Published: August 2018

Fluorinated graphene oxide (FGO) was successfully prepared in this paper, and the chemical structure of FGO was characterized. A series of polyimide (PI) composite films with different content of FGO was prepared by in situ polymerization. Because of the homogeneous dispersion of FGO and the strong interfacial interaction between FGO and the PI matrix, the resulting composite films that contained FGO exhibited effects of mechanical properties, thermal properties and dielectric properties that were even better than the pure PI. Furthermore, due to the hydrophobic properties of FGO, the water absorption of the composite films were reduced. The result showed when the 0.6[Formula: see text]wt.% FGO was filled into the PI, the tensile strength was increased about 66.3%, the decomposition temperature was increased from 540∘C to 570∘C, and the dielectric constant (Dk) decreased with the increasing content of FGO, and a Dkvalue of 2.28 was achieved when the content of FGO was 1.0[Formula: see text]wt.%.