bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic status of women in India: paradox of paid–unpaid work and poverty
Authors: Singh Pushpendra , Pattanaik Falguni
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of women labor considering their unpaid work status. The intention is to understand the precise meaning of unpaid work and its magnitudes and trends in India. This study explores the causes of women to be engaged in unpaid work and the reason behind the non-reduction of unpaid labor as prophesied by the standard theories of economic development. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the nexus of the work status of women and its impact on poverty to give possible recommendations for promoting faster and more inclusive growth of the Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

For addressing the above-mentioned issues, this study has used the data of 50th, 55th, 61st and 68th surveys conducted from 1993–1994 to 2011–2012 by National Sample Survey Office. In the first stage of analysis, the magnitude of unpaid work by women has been estimated. Subsequently, the relative contributions of socio-economic and demographics on the work status of women (paid and unpaid) in India have been assessed by using logistic regression model. In the second stage, the level of poverty among paid and unpaid women has been measured by using poverty estimation methodology. Furthermore, the incidence of poverty among unpaid women has been decomposed, and the contribution of socio-economic predictors has been measured.

Findings

The study reveals that the participation of women in paid activities has been consistently declined. During the study period, it is observed that the amount of unpaid work activities of women has significantly increased. Moreover, the increase of unpaid activities is more intense for those women who are less educated, marginalized and belong to the poorer household.

Originality/value

The key contributions of this study are to underpin the issue of low and declining participation of female labor force in India as well as to understand the dynamics of changing work status (paid to unpaid) of females in the neo-liberal development framework. Furthermore, this study explores the consequences of the increase in unpaid work on poverty, which has not been the focus of previous studies.
Molecular cloning and comparative analysis of transcripts encoding chemosensory proteins from two plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus
Authors: Hull J. Joe , Perera Omaththage P. , Wang Mei‐Xian
Published: December 2018

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are soluble carrier proteins typically characterized by a six‐helix bundle structure joined by two disulfide bridges and a conserved Cys spacing pattern (C1‐X6‐8‐C2‐X16‐21‐C3‐X2‐C4). CSPs are functionally diverse with reported roles in chemosensation, immunity, development, and resistance. To expand our molecular understanding of CSP function in plant bugs, we used recently developed transcriptomic resources for Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus to identify 17 and 14 CSP‐like sequences, respectively. The Lygus CSPs are orthologous and share significant sequence identity with previously annotated CSPs. Three of the CSPs are predicted to deviate from the typical CSP structure with either five or seven helical segments rather than six. The seven helix CSP is further differentiated by an atypical C3‐X3‐C4 Cys spacing motif. Reverse transcriptase PCR‐based profiling of CSP transcript abundance in adult L. lineolaris tissues revealed broad expression for most of the CSPs with antenna specific expression limited to a subset of the CSPs. Comparative sequence analyses and homology modeling suggest that variations in the amino acids that comprise the Lygus CSP binding pockets affect the size and nature of the ligands accommodated.
Self‐criticism and self‐reassurance as mediators between mental health attitudes and symptoms: Attitudes toward mental health problems in Japanese workers
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Gilbert Paul , Asano Kenichi , Ishimura Ikuo , Sheffield David
Published: December 2018

Japanese workers suffer high rates of mental health symptoms, recognised recently by the Japanese government, which has enacted workplace well‐being initiatives. One reason for poor mental health concerns negative attitudes about mental health problems such as shame, which may be mediated by self‐reassurance and self‐criticism. This study aimed to evaluate shame‐based attitudes toward mental health problems and explore the relationship between mental health attitudes, self‐criticism, self‐reassurance, and mental health symptoms. Japanese workers (n = 131) completed three measures: attitudes toward mental health problems, mental health symptoms, and self‐criticism/reassurance. A high proportion of workers reported negative attitudes about mental health problems. There were strong relationships between mental health attitudes, mental health symptoms, self‐criticism, and self‐reassurance. Path analyses revealed that the total and indirect effects (through self‐criticism and self‐reassurance) of mental health attitudes on mental health were larger than the direct effect alone. Hated‐self and family reflected shame were identified as predictors for mental health symptoms. The findings suggest the importance of self‐criticism and self‐reassurance in mental health and mental health attitudes. Implications for help‐seeking behaviours also are discussed. Interventions aimed at reducing self‐criticism and enhancing self‐reassurance are recommended to improve mental health attitudes and increase help‐seeking in Japanese workers.
Subtyping of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms – pitfalls of MUC1 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Klausen Pia , Kovacevic Bojan , Toxværd Anders , Kalaitzakis Evangelos , Karstensen John Gásdal , Rift Charlotte Vestrup , Hansen Carsten Palnæs , Storkholm Jan , Vilmann Peter , Hasselby Jane Preuss
Published: December 2018

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Current edition of WHO Classification of Tumors of the Digestive System recognizes four different subtypes (gastric, intestinal, pancreatobiliary, and oncocytic) and recommends analysis of mucin expression (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6) as well as evaluation of architectural and cell differentiation patterns for correct classification. However, there is no consensus on MUC1 expression of IPMN‐lesions in the literature. Current recommendations are based on studies where antibodies against the core MUC1 protein or sialylated MUC1 (tumor associated MUC1), not the fully glycosylated MUC1 were used. We have recently reported that MUC1 is strongly expressed in both gastric and intestinal types IPMN specimens from the cystic wall, obtained by endoscopic ultrasound guided microbiopsy procedure. We have used a commercial MUC1 antibody, validated and recommended for diagnostic use, which recognizes fully glycosylated MUC1. Based on the above, we propose a revision of the WHO Classification, specifying that antibodies against tumor associated MUC1 should be used for IPMN subtyping.
Single‐incision laparoscopy‐assisted gastric transposition combined with thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal replacement
Authors: Dokumcu Zafer , Divarci Emre , Ozcan Coskun , Erdener Ata
Published: December 2018

Introduction

We present a novel approach to single‐incision laparoscopy‐assisted gastric transposition combined with thoracoscopic esophagectomy in a child with long‐segment corrosive esophageal stricture (CES).

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 2.5‐year‐old boy with a history of caustic ingestion underwent periodic esophageal dilatations at 3‐week intervals, four sessions of topical mitomycin C application, and a strict antacid/H2 antagonist therapy for 8 months. The esophageal replacement was indicated because of persistent corrosive esophageal stricture. First, thoracoscopic native esophagus dissection was performed. After gastric mobilization with single‐incision laparoscopy, esophagectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis were performed through the cervical incision. There was no complication, and the patient had gained weight by the end of the 12‐month follow‐up.

Discussion

Single‐incision laparoscopy‐assisted gastric transposition combined with thoracoscopic esophagectomy is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with corrosive esophageal stricture.
Beliefs about managing dental problems among older people and dental professionals in Southern Brazil
Authors: Goulart Mariél de Aquino , De Marchi Renato José , Padilha Dalva Maria P. , Brondani Mario A. , MacEntee Michael I.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To explore the sociocultural context in which patients and dentists in urban and rural communities in Southern Brazil interpret dental problems.

Method

Beliefs and experiences related to dental problems were explored in eight focus groups involving a total of 41 older patients, and in direct interviews with two dentists and two dental assistants. The interactions were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.

Results

The beliefs and experiences of the participants focused on four main themes: cultural beliefs; dental services; decisions to extract teeth; and expectations for change. A culture of pre‐nuptial tooth loss and complete dentures was considered beneficial to young women. Although dental services at the time were scarce in the region, demands for relief of pain were extensive despite the fear and anxiety of the participants. Extraction of teeth and fabrication of complete dentures were the usual dental treatments available, although some participants felt that dentists withheld other treatment options. Participants were hopeful that dental services would improve for their children.

Conclusions

Patients and dental professionals in urban and rural communities of Southern Brazil managed dental problems within a culture of limited access and availability of services that favoured dental extractions and complete dentures.
The Challenge of Redefining the Imprisoned Self as an Artist: The Pedagogical Rituals of a Prison Arts Instructor
Authors: MICHALSKI JOSEPH H.
Published: December 2018

While some advocate the use of arts programmes to help improve inmates’ lives and reduce recidivism, the process of how such programmes can have therapeutic and practical value in prison's hostile environs requires further study. This project investigates how one prison arts instructor approaches the task of developing the inmates’ creative potential and unleashing their ‘inner artist’. The article describes the pedagogical approach aimed at helping prison inmates redefine themselves as artists via art classroom rituals. The imprisoned self as the artist, however, emerges mainly as a temporary identity that must be submerged upon return to the daily routines of hypermasculine prison environments. Thus inmates experience a profound duality of their identities, split between ‘artist’ and ‘inmate’, which constrains the long‐term therapeutic and rehabilitative value of the intervention.
Biallelic CCM3 mutations cause a clonogenic survival advantage and endothelial cell stiffening
Authors: Schwefel Konrad , Spiegler Stefanie , Ameling Sabine , Much Christiane D. , Pilz Robin A. , Otto Oliver , Völker Uwe , Felbor Ute , Rath Matthias
Published: December 2018

CCM3, originally described as PDCD10, regulates blood‐brain barrier integrity and vascular maturation in vivo. CCM3 loss‐of‐function variants predispose to cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we here present a model which mimics complete CCM3 inactivation in cavernous endothelial cells (ECs) of heterozygous mutation carriers. Notably, we established a viral‐ and plasmid‐free crRNA:tracrRNA:Cas9 ribonucleoprotein approach to introduce homozygous or compound heterozygous loss‐of‐function CCM3 variants into human ECs and studied the molecular and functional effects of long‐term CCM3 inactivation. Induction of apoptosis, sprouting, migration, network and spheroid formation were significantly impaired upon prolonged CCM3 deficiency. Real‐time deformability cytometry demonstrated that loss of CCM3 induces profound changes in cell morphology and mechanics: CCM3‐deficient ECs have an increased cell area and elastic modulus. Small RNA profiling disclosed that CCM3 modulates the expression of miRNAs that are associated with endothelial ageing. In conclusion, the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing provides new insight into the consequences of long‐term CCM3 inactivation in human ECs and supports the hypothesis that clonal expansion of CCM3‐deficient dysfunctional ECs contributes to CCM formation.
The effect of gamma irradiation on microbial load of purple basil (Ocimum bacilicum L.) leaves dried in different methods
Authors: Altay Kadriye , Dirim Safiye Nur , Hayaloglu Ali Adnan
Published: December 2018

The effect of different drying methods on microbial load of the purple basil leaves was studied with sunlight drying, convective drying at 50 °C, a microwave drying at 460 W and freeze‐drying. Microbial contamination control was evaluated using a gamma irradiation method at 10 kGy. Microbial analysis of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and, yeast and molds count were performed. The results showed that the dried materials were contaminated with aerobic mesophilic bacteria which varied from 5.25 to 6.31 log cfu/g, and yeasts and molds 4.92–5.35 log cfu/g. The lower numbers of total mesophilic bacteria and yeasts and molds were counted in purple basil leaves dried by microwave and convective methods. According to the International standards, the dried purple basil leaves of the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeasts and molds counts were unsatisfactory. No microorganisms were detected after gamma‐irradiation dose of 10 kGy.

Practical applications

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an aromatic and medicinal plant for cooking and seasoning, and it is commercialized in both fresh and dried forms. The leaves can be used as a spice in fresh or dried form for adding distinctive aroma and flavor in food or for medicinal purposes such as inflammations, colds, headaches, and cosmetics. Several drying methods have been applied for the basil leaves. However, to reduce microbial load, it is important to implement the gamma‐irradiation process. This study was done to investigate the microbial load and the effect of different methods of drying treatment (sunlight, convective, microwave, freeze‐drying, and gamma irradiation) on microbial load of dried purple basil leaves.
Effects of transtheoretical model‐based intervention on the self‐management of patients with an ostomy: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wen Sha‐Li , Li Juan , Wang An‐Ni , Lv Meng‐Meng , Li Hui‐Yuan , Lu Yan‐Fang , Zhang Jing‐Ping
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives

To determine the effect of a transtheoretical model (TTM)‐based intervention on patients with an ostomy and provide patient‐centred, accessible assistance and dynamic education to improve patient self‐management.

Background

Proper self‐management may promote the rehabilitation of patients with an ostomy. TTM‐based interventions have resulted in positive health behavioural changes.

Design

Randomised controlled trial performed according to the CONSORT guidelines.

Subject and setting

The sample comprised 55 men and 37 women (24–77 years old, mean ± SD = 52.8 ± 11.13 years). The study settings included three tertiary hospitals in Changsha, Hunan, China.

Methods

The 92 patients, recruited from August 2012 to March 2013, were randomised into a control group and an intervention group. Randomisation was done by using a block randomisation list with a block size of 4. Self‐management behaviours were assessed at the baseline, 2 days before discharge and after 1, 3 and 6 months of follow‐up. The chi‐squared test, independent sample t test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyse the data.

Results

Patients in the intervention group were more likely to be at the action and maintenance stages compared with those in the control group. We also observed significant improvements in the self‐management ability in the process of change, the decisional balance and self‐efficacy in the intervention group compared with those in the control group after four intervention sessions and up to 6 months of follow‐up. No serious intervention‐related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The TTM‐based intervention had positive effects on self‐management behaviours of patients with an ostomy.

Relevance to clinical practice

The TTM‐based intervention had positive effects on self‐management behaviours of patients with an ostomy and may provide a reference for health providers to develop behaviour promotion programmes to improve the self‐management of patients with an ostomy.
Development and initial validation of the Positive Sexuality Scale for female adults
Authors: Casu Giulia
Published: December 2018

Aim and objectives

To develop and initially validate the Positive Sexuality Scale (PSS) to assess adult female‐positive sexuality.

Background

While traditional approaches focus on negative sexual experiences and sexual dysfunctions, within the positive psychology framework positive sexuality is a subjective experience of happiness and fulfilment with one’s sexual expression, which contributes to well‐being. No measure exists that specifically measures adult female‐positive sexuality and can be confidently used with women of any fertility/childlessness status.

Design

Two‐stage cross‐sectional study with a 4‐week test–retest, which follows the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Participants were 912 Italian women aged 18–45 (52.74% mothers, 23.79% voluntarily childless and 23.46% primary infertile), who completed the 5‐item PSS and a self‐report of psychological well‐being. A subsample (n = 61) completed the 4‐week test–retest.

Results

Factor analyses supported a one‐factor model with measurement invariance across adulthood stage and fertility/childlessness status and good reliability. Younger and fertile women showed higher PSS scores, and moderate‐to‐high variability in infertile women’s well‐being was accounted for by PSS scores.

Conclusion

The PSS is a brief self‐report with initial evidence of validity and reliability that could be used in sex research, practice and education.

Relevance to clinical practice

The PSS could assist health professionals to identify a positive resource to which women can draw on to deal with sex‐related issues. Implementing the assessment of female‐positive sexuality in infertility protocols could help professionals to identify a potential resource within couples facing infertility and its treatment.
Overview of dementia care under the three‐tier long‐term care system of China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Leung Angela Y. M.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This paper provides an overview of the status of dementia care in Mainland China under the framework of the three‐tier long‐term care system proposed by the Chinese government, and gives the direction for service development.

Methods

Official documents, annual reports of related associations, and studies conducted in Mainland China from 2006 to 2017, published both in English and Chinese were reviewed.

Results

With the establishment of the three‐tier long‐term care system, the Government has invested a lot in long‐term care, and improvements have been made. However, specific areas of dementia care still face challenges.

Discussion

Strategies in improving the long‐term care services have been achieved. These included training for informal caregivers at home settings, increased investment in community health centers, and increased institutional placements, etc. However, these are not enough to fulfill the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Multiple levels of training and interaction within the framework of the three‐tier long‐term care system as well as more research are recommended for improving dementia care.
Harvesting Chlorella species using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Bharte Supriya , Desai Krutika
Published: December 2018

Microalgae are very useful organisms as it provides many beneficial products for human use. For large scale cultivation and further applications, its harvesting procedure needs to be enhanced to make the production process of the end product highly affordable. Magnetic nanoparticles have great potential to harvest microalgae as it can easily attract and attach to the algal cell surface forming a layer, which can be harvested quickly under the influence of a magnetic field. Our work on Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella minutissima shows, 500 mg of the synthesized bare iron oxide nanoparticles, harvests 90% of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (1 g L−1), in 60 s at pH 3 and 600 mg iron oxide nanoparticles, harvests 85% of Chlorella minutissima (1 g L−1) in 60 s at pH 5, which can decrease the amount of time and energy consumed in the overall production costs.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*15:271 allele by sequencing‐based typing in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Wu Kangle , Liu Yuanyuan , Tang Zhaohui , Li Guoying
Published: December 2018

HLA‐B*15:271 differs from HLA‐B*15:25:01 by 1 nucleotide substitution at codon 197 in exon 4.
Learning From Surprise: Harnessing a Metacognitive Surprise Signal to Build and Adapt Belief Networks
Authors: Munnich Edward , Ranney Michael A.
Published: December 2018

One's level of surprise can be thought of as a metacognitive signal indicating how well one can explain new information. We discuss literature on how this signal can be used adaptively to build, and, when necessary, reorganize belief networks. We present challenges in the use of a surprise signal, such as hindsight bias and the tendency to equate difficulty with implausibility, and point to evidence suggesting that one can overcome these challenges through consideration of alternative outcomes—especially before receiving feedback on actual outcomes—and by calibrating task difficulty with one's knowledge level. As such, we propose that a major function of education—broadly construed as the work of teachers, journalists, parents, etc.—is to assist learners in using their metacognitive surprise signals to facilitate the building and adaptation of belief networks.
Experimental Study of the Leakage and Rotordynamic Coefficients of a Long-Smooth Seal With Two-Phase, Mainly Oil Mixtures
Authors: Zhang Min , Childs Dara W. , Mclean James E. , Tran Dung L. , Shrestha Hari
Published: December 2018

This paper experimentally studies the leakage and rotordynamic performance of a long-smooth seal with air–oil mixtures. Tests are performed with inlet gas-volume-fraction gas volume fraction (GVF) = 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 10%, rotor speed ω = 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 krpm, inlet temperature Ti = 39.4 °C, exit pressure Pe = 6.9 bars, and pressure drop (PD) = 31, 37.9, and 48.3 bars. Test results show that adding air into the oil flow does not change the seal's mass flow leakage m˙ discernibly but significantly impacts the seal's rotordynamic characteristics. For all PDs and speeds, K increases as inlet GVF increases from zero to 10% except for 6% ≤ inlet GVF ≤ 10% when PD = 48.3 bars, where K decreases as inlet GVF increases. The K increment will increase a pump rotor's natural frequency and critical speed. Increasing the rotor's natural frequency would also increase the onset speed of instability (OSI) and improve the stability of the rotor. Adding air into the oil flow has little impact on cross-coupled stiffness k, direct damping C, and effective damping Ceff. Ceff = C − k/ω + mqω, where mq is the cross-coupled virtual-mass. Test results are compared to predictions from San Andrés's (San Andrés, 2011, “Rotordynamic Force Coefficients of Bubbly Mixture Annular Pressure Seals,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 134(2), p. 022503.) bulk-flow model, which assumes that the liquid–gas mixture is isothermal and homogenous. The model reasonably predicts m˙, C, and Ceff. All predicted K values are positive, while measured K values are negative for some test cases. Predicted k values are close to measurements when ω = 5 krpm and are larger than measurements when 7.5 ≤ ω ≤ 15 krpm.
The Use of a Fast-Paced, Competitive Drawing Game as a Student-Approved Review Strategy for Microbiology
Authors: Mosovsky Kara
Published: December 2018

This competitive drawing game, much like the “All Play” round of the popular board game Pictionary™, is a fast-paced, energy-rich review game, proven to keep students entertained, engaged, and learning. One representative from each of two competing teams simultaneously draw the same secret microbiology term, while their teammates frantically guess. The first team to correctly guess the word or phrase, wins a point. Unlike traditional Pictionary rules where only one team draws at a time, pitting teams against each other seems to increase the energy and engagement of student drawers and guessers, and allows every student to participate in each round of the game. Drawing microbiology terms not only helps strengthen associations between form and function, a crucial theme in microbiology, but also forces students to think differently and creatively about how to convey scientific terms through pictures. In addition, the game encourages simple recall of terms and definitions from past chapters. After one team has correctly guessed the secret term, all students participate in answering rapid-fire review questions related to the term. The result is a fun and stimulating review session of microbiology. In an anonymous survey administered after the game, about 94% of students found the activity to be an “effective” or “very effective” strategy to review previously covered material from the course. Out of those who participated in the survey, 100% rated the drawing game as a fun classroom activity, and 98% would recommend it for future semesters.
Motor imagery ability assessments in four disciplines: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Suica Zorica , Platteau-Waldmeier Petra , Koppel Szabina , Schmidt-Trucksaess Arno , Ettlin Thierry , Schuster-Amft Corina
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Motor imagery (MI) is a very popular and well-accepted technique in different disciplines. Originating from sport and psychology, MI is now also used in the field of medicine and education. Several studies confirmed the benefits of MI to facilitate motor learning and skill acquisition. The findings indicated that individual’s MI ability might influence the effectiveness of MI interventions. Over the last two centuries, researchers have developed several assessments to evaluate MI’s abstract construct. However, no systematic reviews (SR) exist for MI ability evaluation methods and their measurement properties.

Methods and analysis

The SR will evaluate available MI ability assessments and their psychometric properties in four relevant disciplines: sports, psychology, medicine and education. This involves performing searches in SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC. Working independently, two reviewers will screen articles for selection. Then all raw information will be compiled in an overview table—including the articles’ characteristics (eg, a study’s setting or the population demographics) and the MI ability assessment (psychometric properties). To evaluate the articles’ methodological quality, we will use the COSMIN checklist. Then we will evaluate all the included assessments’ quality and perform a best-evidence synthesis. Results of this review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The SR is based on published data, and ethical approval is not required. This review will provide information on assessment performance and equipment, as well as its main focus and usefulness. Furthermore, we will present the methodological quality of all the included articles and assess the included instruments’ quality. Ultimately, this will act as a valuable resource, providing an overview of MI ability assessments for individual clinical settings, treatment aims, and various populations. The SR’s final report will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077004
Effectiveness of self-testing kits availability on improving HIV testing frequency for chinese men who have sex with men and their sexual partners: a protocol for a multicenter randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Ci , Li Xianhong , Koniak-Griffin Deborah , Goldsamt Lloyd A. , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2018

Introduction

HIV epidemic is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, yet HIV testing uptake remains low. As an emerging approach, HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to promote HIV testing coverage and frequency in this population. However, evidence of the effectiveness on implementation of HIVST among Chinese MSM and their sexual partners is scarce.

Methods and analysis

The randomised controlled trial will be performed in Changsha, Changde, Shaoyang and Yiyang, Hunan province, China, recruiting 184 recent testers (men who had at least one HIV test within the past 2 years) and 26 non-recent testers (men who did not have HIV tests within 2 years or never had an HIV test). Eligible men will be randomly divided 1:1 into two groups: intervention (with free HIVST kits plus site-based HIV testing services) and control (site-based HIV testing services only). Participants in the intervention group will be provided with two free finger-prick-based HIVST kits, and can apply for two to four kits every 3 months for 1 year.

Participants in both groups will complete questionnaires via WeChat at five separate times: baseline, third, sixth, ninth and twelfth month. The primary outcome is the mean number of HIV tests for MSM over the 12-month study period. The secondary outcome is the mean number of HIV tests for sexual partners of MSM over the 12-month study period. The tertiary outcomes are the self-reported proportion of consistent condom usage for anal sex, and the numbers of sexual partners during the 12-month study period.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Behavioural and Nursing Research in Xiangya School of Nursing of Central South University, China (2018002). Study results will be disseminated through conferences and academic journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800015584; Pre-results.
Role of diffusional kurtosis imaging in grading of brain gliomas: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdalla Gehad , Sanverdi Eser , Machado Pedro M , Kwong Joey S W , Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Rojas-Garcia Antonio , Yoneoka Daisuke , Yousry Tarek , Bisdas Sotirios
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Central nervous system (CNS) gliomas are the most common primary intra-axial brain tumours and pose variable treatment response according to their grade, therefore, precise staging is mandatory. Histopathological analysis of surgical tumour samples is still deemed as the state-of-the-art staging technique for gliomas due to the moderate specificity of the available non-invasive imaging modalities. A recently evolved analysis of the tissue water diffusion properties, known as diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI), is a dimensionless metric, which quantifies water molecules’ degree of non-Gaussian diffusion, hence reflects tissue microenvironment’s complexity by means of non-invasive diffusion-weighted MRI acquisitions. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the performance of DKI in the presurgical grading of gliomas, both regarding the differentiation between high-grade and low-grade gliomas as well as the discrimination between gliomas and other intra-axial brain tumours.

Methods and analysis

We will search PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Embase and Scopus in July 2018 for research studies published between January 1990 and June 2018 with no language restrictions, which have reported on the performance of DKI in diagnosing CNS gliomas. Robust inclusion/exclusion criteria will be applied for selection of eligible articles. Two authors will separately perform quality assessment according to the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool. Data will be extracted in a predesigned spreadsheet. A meta-analysis will be held using a random-effects model if substantial statistical heterogeneity is expected. The heterogeneity of studies will be evaluated, and sensitivity analyses will be conducted according to individual study quality.

Ethics and dissemination

This work will be based on published studies; hence, it does not require institutional review board approval or ethics clearance. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018099192.
Investigation of the penetration resistance of monolithic and double-layered steel plates
Authors: Cui Jie , Chen Xin , Tian Ali , Ye Renchuan , Qiao Yanxi , Miu Dongqin
Published: December 2018

To analyze the influence of penetration resistance for different steel plate configurations, different steel plates impacted by various projectiles were studied using the LS-DYNA code. The calculation results obtained using the LS-DYNA code and prior experimental results reported in the literature agree well with the damaged image of projectiles penetrating steel plates and the initial residual velocity curve of the projectile. The Q235 steel constitutive model is modified based on the Johnson–Cook model. It can be concluded that the LS-DYNA code analysis is reliable when compared with the experimental results. We then used the LS-DYNA code to conduct an extensive study into the penetration resistance of monolithic, contact-type double-layered and gap-type double-layered targets with the same surface density, impacted by different projectiles. The failure mode of the steel plate, initial residual velocity, ballistic limit velocity, energy absorption and plastic deformation of the monolithic and double-layered plates were studied. The results in this paper can provide guidance for the design and application of structural protection using steel plates.
Multidirectional Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm for Solving Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Tawhid Mohamed A. , Ali Ahmed F.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we propose a new hybrid population-based meta-heuristics algorithm inspired by grey wolves in order to solve integer programming and minimax problems. The proposed algorithm is called Multidirectional Grey Wolf Optimizer (MDGWO) algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, we try to accelerate the standard grey wolf optimizer algorithm (GWO) by invoking the multidirectional search method with it in order to accelerate the search instead of letting the standard GWO run for more iterations without significant improvement in the results. MDGWO starts the search by applying the standard GWO search for a number of iterations, and then the best-obtained solution is passed to the multidirectional search method as an intensification process in order to accelerate the search and overcome the slow convergence of the standard GWO algorithm. We test MDGWO algorithm on seven integer programming problems and 10 minimax problems. Moreover, we compare against 11 algorithms for solving integer programming problems and 10 algorithms for solving minimax problems. Furthermore, we show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm and its ability to solve integer and minimax optimization problems in reasonable time by giving several results of the experiments.
Tempo-HindiWordNet
Authors: Kamila Sabyasachi , Hasanuzzaman Mohammad , Ekbal Asif , Bhattacharyya Pushpak
Published: December 2018

Temporality has significantly contributed to various Natural Language Processing and Information Retrieval applications. In this article, we first create a lexical knowledge-base in Hindi by identifying the temporal orientation of word senses based on their definition and then use this resource to detect underlying temporal orientation of the sentences. To create the resource, we propose a semi-supervised learning framework, where each synset of the Hindi WordNet is classified into one of the five categories, namely,
past
,
present
,
future
,
neutral
, and
atemporal
. The algorithm initiates learning with a set of seed synsets and then iterates following different expansion strategies,
viz.
probabilistic expansion based on classifier’s confidence and semantic distance based measures. We manifest the usefulness of the resource that we build on an external task,
viz.
sentence-level temporal classification. The underlying idea is that a temporal knowledge-base can help in classifying the sentences according to their inherent temporal properties. Experiments on two different domains,
viz.
general and Twitter, show interesting results.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital Retinal Fundus Image Analysis in Detecting Diabetic Maculopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: D’Aloisio Rossella , Giglio Rosa , Di Nicola Marta , De Giacinto Chiara , Pastore Marco Rocco , Tognetto Daniele , Peto Tunde
Published: December 2018

Background: Digital retinal imaging is the gold standard technique for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular oedema (DME) assessment during DR screening. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of digital retinal fundus image (DRFI) analysis in detecting DME using three manual grading systems (MGS) and comparing it with optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. Method: A total of 287 DRFI of 287 eyes were analysed. Non-stereoscopic 45° images were acquired using a Kowa VX-20 camera and were graded according to three MGS: Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR), and United Kingdom National Screening Committee (UKNSC). The two graders were masked to the patient’s clinical DR status. DME characteristics were analysed using OCTs. Results: A very good agreement in detecting DME was found with Cohen’s κ = 0.83 (ICDR vs. ETDRS), κ = 0.83 (ICDR vs. UKNSC), and κ = 0.82 (ETDRS vs. UKNSC). Sensitivity and specificity of DRFI analysis in DME assessment were 70.0 and 69.6% for UKNSC, 71.9 and 67.4% for ETDRS, and 70.9 and 65.2% for ICDR, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 91.7 and 32.7% for UKNSC, 91.4 and 33.3% for ETDRS, and 90.7 and 31.9% for ICDR, respectively. On OCT scans, micro-architectural damages of both inner and outer retinal layers and mean ganglion cell layer thickness showed a significant association with the presence of DME detected with DRFI analysis. Conclusions: Despite the low negative predictive value, the good specificity and sensitivity of DRFI in detecting DME make it a useful tool in a routine clinical setting, and its potential in diabetic eye screening is yet to be realized.
Is There A Relation Between Serum Uric Acid Values and Prostatic Calculi Presence?
Authors: Balasar Mehmet , Sönmez Mehmet Giray , Aydın Arif , Göger Yunus Emre , Özkent Mehmet Serkan , Poyraz Necdet
Published: December 2018

Objective: We planned to examine the connection between serum uric acid (UA) values and prostatic calculi (PCal) presence and to evaluate the relation between PCal and other etiological factors. Methods: Patients between 20 and 60 years of age who were referred to the clinic with any reason and had non-contrast abdominal tomography (NCACT) for PCal were included in the study. While the patients were separated into 2 groups based on their serum UA level as ≥7 mg/dL (Group 1) and < 7 mg/dL (Group 2), NCACT was also divided into 2 groups as PCal presence (PCal+) and lack (PCal–) serum UA, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, prostate-specific antigen levels and urinary analysis results of the patients were evaluated and compared. Results: PCal were detected in 38 of 169 patients (22%). PCal presence was detected to be significantly high in Group 1 (p = 0.015). While Type A localization PCal were present both in Groups 1 and 2. Based on PCal presence, UA level was detected to be significantly high in PCal+ patients (p = 0.01). No significant difference was detected among the groups in biochemical parameters and urine-related parameters other than UA. Conclusion: A significant relation was found between high UA value and PCal in this study. These results may show that UA plays an active role in PCal etiology.
A Family with Autosomal Dominant Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis Presents with Atypical Phenotype Caused by a Missence Mutation (R388C) of the Human Kidney Anion Exchanger
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Yu Yang , Wang Renee , Cai Yitong , Li Yacai , Choe Chol min , Guan Haixia , Wang Xiaoli
Published: December 2018

Hereditary forms of distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) are rare and mainly caused by mutations in ATP6V1B1, ATP6V0A4 and SLC4A1. About 20 mutations in SLC4A1 gene have been found that are related to either autosomal dominant (AD) or autosomal recessive dRTA. AD dRTA often manifest as constitutional and can easily be delayed in diagnosis and treatment. A 30-year-old male patient has a history of paroxysmal paralysis for 7 years, presenting with mild hypokalemia, alkalization of urine, normal blood PH value and increased urinary calcium. Patient’s father has similar presentations but never came to the hospital. We find a heterozygous mutation (c.1162C>T, p.Arg388Cys) located in exon 11 of SLC4A1 gene by utilization of next-generation sequencing technology. Both patient and his father carry the same mutation. Highly conserved R388 is located in amphipathic helix 1 of N-terminal of the kAE1 protein, which may cause AD dRTA by changing the conformation of kAE1. Expression studies provide evidence that the mutant kAE1 R388C proteins are impaired in trafficking to the cell surface.
Stroke After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Era of Transradial Intervention
Authors: Shoji Satoshi , Kohsaka Shun , Kumamaru Hiraku , Sawano Mitsuaki , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Ueda Ikuko , Noma Shigetaka , Suzuki Masahiro , Numasawa Yohei , Hayashida Kentaro , Yuasa Shinsuke , Miyata Hiroaki , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: December 2018

Background:

Periprocedural stroke is a rare but life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Transradial intervention (TRI) is more beneficial than transfemoral intervention for periprocedural bleeding and acute kidney injuries, but its effect on periprocedural stroke has not been fully investigated. Our study aimed to assess risk predictors of periprocedural stroke according to PCI access site.

Methods and Results:

Between 2008 and 2016, 17 966 patients undergoing PCI were registered in a prospective multicenter database. Periprocedural stroke was defined as loss of neurological function caused by an ischemic or hemorrhagic event with residual symptoms lasting at least 24 hours after onset. Periprocedural stroke was observed in 42 patients (0.3%). Stroke patients were older and had a higher incidence of chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, and acute coronary syndrome but were less likely to undergo TRI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed TRI (odds ratio; 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16–0.71;
P
=0.004) was significantly associated with a lower occurrence of periprocedural stroke. Finally, propensity score–matching analysis showed that TRI was associated with a reduced risk of periprocedural stroke compared with transfemoral intervention (0.1% versus 0.4%;
P
=0.014). According to our sensitivity analysis, this finding was robust to the presence of an unmeasured confounder in almost all plausible scenarios.

Conclusions:

TRI was associated with a reduced risk of periprocedural stroke compared with transfemoral intervention. Increased TRI use may reduce overall PCI complications and should be recommended as the optimal access site for both urgent/emergent and elective PCIs.
Rethinking Autism, Theism, and Atheism
Authors: Visuri Ingela
Published: December 2018

This anthropologically informed study explores descriptions of communication with invisible, superhuman agents in high functioning young adults on the autism spectrum. Based on material from interviews, two hypotheses are formulated. First, autistic individuals may experience communication with bodiless agents (e.g., gods, angels, and spirits) as less complex than interaction with peers, since it is unrestricted by multisensory input, such as body language, facial expressions, and intonation. Second, descriptions of how participants absorb into “imaginary realities” suggest that such mental states are desirable due to qualities that facilitate social cognition: While the empirical world comes through as fragmented and incoherent, imaginary worlds offer predictability, emotional coherence, and benevolent minds. These results do not conform to popular expectations that autistic minds are less adapted to experience supernatural agents, and it is instead argued that imaginative, autistic individuals may embrace religious and fictive agents in search for socially and emotionally comprehensible interaction.
Religion and Subjective Well-Being in Chinese College Students: Does Meaningfulness Matter?
Authors: Hou Yanfei , Feng Xiangang , Yang Xueling , Yang Zicong , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Koenig Harold G.
Published: December 2018

Studies from the West have reported a positive relationship between religion and mental health, and yet research on the relationship between religiosity and well-being among Chinese is rare. The present study investigated this relationship in a representative sample of Chinese college students. From a total sample of 11139 college students in 16 universities nationwide, 1418 students with self-reported religious beliefs were selected. We assessed religiosity (organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic/extrinsic religiosity), subjective well-being (life satisfaction), psychological distress (depression & anxiety), and meaning in life. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 psychologically distressed and 10 non-distressed religious students. Results indicated that religiosity was associated with higher life satisfaction, a relationship partially mediated by meaning in life. Unexpectedly, religiosity was also associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms. Qualitative interviews revealed that distressed religious believers suffered from greater mental distress before becoming involved in religion, compared to non-distressed religious students.
The Revision of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System Ahead of the Fourth Trading Period, 2021–2030
Authors: Prentice Joshua
Published: December 2018

The EU ETS is the cornerstone of the European Union’s climate policy. The EU ETS will play a decisive role in the European Union plan to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement. In November 2017, following more than two years of negotiations, EU member states and the European Parliament reached a final agreement on the revision of the EU ETS for the period 2021–2030. The final agreement struck an important, ambitious balance on a number of measures designed to ensure that the EU ETS achieves its legislative aims of promoting emission reductions in a cost-effective manner. The negotiations also provide a number of policy lessons for future negotiations relating to the role of EU institutions and the rules for free allocation which will be important for the EU ETS to meet its legislative objectives.
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The Large Audience: Life-sized Stucco Figures of Royal Princes from the Seljuq Period
Authors: Heidemann Stefan , de Lapérouse Jean-François , Parry Vicki
Published: December 2018

A pair of almost life-sized polychrome stucco sculptures attributed to the Seljuq period in Iran was closely examined prior to the reinstallation of the Islamic galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011. Iconographical analysis of their crowns and other accoutrements suggests that they represent a pair of royal figures that were once part of a larger decorative program dated to 1050–1150. Given the itinerant nature of the Seljuq court, it is proposed that this stucco decoration was created for a temporary reception structure, or kūshk, probably in western Iran. While scientific analyses have indicated that much if not all of the polychromy is modern, technical examination of the plaster used to create these figures and related examples in other collections is ongoing.