bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Update on Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Fracture Prevention
Authors: Stepan Jan J. , Hruskova Hana , Kverka Miloslav 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The goal of the review is to assess the appropriateness of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for the primary prevention of bone loss in women at elevated risk in the early years after menopause.

Recent Findings
Estrogen alone or combined with progestin to protect the uterus from cancer significantly reduces the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. MHT increases type 1 collagen production and osteoblast survival and maintains the equilibrium between bone resorption and bone formation by modulating osteoblast/osteocyte and T cell regulation of osteoclasts. Estrogens have positive effects on muscle and cartilage. Estrogen, but not antiresorptive therapies, can attenuate the inflammatory bone-microenvironment associated with estrogen deficiency. However, already on second year of administration, MHT is associated with excess breast cancer risk, increasing steadily with duration of use.

Summary
MHT should be considered in women with premature estrogen deficiency and increased risk of bone loss and osteoporotic fractures. However, MHT use for the prevention of bone loss is hindered by increase in breast cancer risk even in women younger than 60 years old or who are within 10 years of menopause onset.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
Authors: Menon Tara , Afzali Anita 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose of review
This review addresses our current knowledge of immune-mediated colitis (IMC) and offers a practical guide to its management.

Recent findings
Due to the similarity in clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings between IMC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenterologists have tailored their approach to IMC management to that of IBD.

Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that augment the T-cell anti-tumor response of the immune system and have demonstrated their importance in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies. With the growing benefits of ICIs, there are immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that mirror many known autoimmune diseases. Diarrhea and IMC are the most common and severe irAEs noted. No standardized guidelines exist in the management of these irAEs.
Quantification of the bacterial community of drinking water-associated biofilms under different flow velocities and changing chlorination regimes
Authors: Tsvetanova Z. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Microbial growth in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) depends on a great number of factors, and its control represents a great challenge for management of these engineering systems. The present case study assessed the influence that a pair of factors—water chlorination and flow velocity—had on the biofilms formed in a model DWDS in 626 days. The culturable bacteria number and biomass of the biofilms developed under the flow velocities of 0.3 m/s, 0.5 m/s, 0.7 m/s and 1 m/s were determined during three consecutively applied regimes of water chlorination to 0.05 mg/l (in 380 days), 0.42 mg/l (in 46 days) and 0.14 mg/l free chlorine (in 200 days). The results demonstrated that biofilm formation was a prolonged process directly depended on flow velocity at drinking water chlorination to 0.05 mg/l. The increase in the water chlorination to 0.42 mg/l chlorine resulted in both the reduction in culturable bacteria number and biomass removal, but the bacteria killing and the biofilm removal were distinct processes. The biocide action of chlorine was faster and more effective than its biomass removal effect. The chlorine decreasing from 0.42 to 0.14 mg/l resulted in increasing the biofilm HPC densities, although the biomass removal process was still continuing. The study carried out contributes for better understanding the biofilm behavior in DWDS and demonstrates that biofilm formation could be managed within a DWDS through operational decisions on parameters that can be changed and controlled as flow velocity and chlorination to safeguard drinking water quality.
Irrigation of a golf course with UV-treated wastewater: effects on soil and turfgrass bacteriological quality
Authors: Bihadassen Brahim , Hassi Mohammed , Hamadi Fatima , Aitalla Aicha , Bourouache Mohamed , EL Boulani Abdellah , Mimouni Rachida 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This research was carried out to assess the impact of treated wastewater irrigation on soil bacteriological and physicochemical properties and turfgrass bacteriological quality. Two golf courses were studied: a golf course A irrigated with freshwater (FW) and a golf course B irrigated with UV-treated wastewater (UV-TW). The physicochemical parameters (electrical conductivity and pH) of the soil were determined. FW, UV-TW, lake-stored water (LSW), turfgrass, and soil were collected, and their bacteriological parameters were determined. These parameters include: Escherichia coli, faecal enterococci, and faecal coliform. The results showed that the soil irrigated with treated wastewater (S-TW) showed a significant increase in the pH when compared with the soil irrigated with freshwater (S-FW). However, no significant difference was recorded in soil electrical conductivity. Faecal indicators concentration of the irrigation water samples varied considerably, and the concentrations in LSW frequently exceed those of the water at the output of the treatment plant (UV-TW). The comparison of the faecal contamination between the two golf courses indicates no significant difference in E. coli and faecal coliform concentrations. However, a significant difference was detected in faecal enterococci contamination. This study confirms that, under appropriate conditions, treated wastewater produced by M’zar wastewater treatment plant can be used as an alternative water resource for golf courses irrigation in Agadir city, Morocco.
Revisiting dominant practices in floodwater harvesting systems: making flood events worth their occurrence in flood-prone areas
Authors: Malota Mphatso , Mchenga Joshua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The lower Shire valley region in Malawi has long been characterized by floods which have accounted for many fatalities and disaster-related economic losses in the region. Rain-fed crop production has also been adversely affected by such floods, subsequently leading to the region registering the highest levels of poverty in the country due to low agricultural crop production. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods and based on what is practiced in the region and elsewhere, recommended strategies that would lower the risk of engaging in crop production under floodwater harvesting. Study results revealed that farmers in the region have sought to dig networks of water ponds and shallow wells as coping strategies to future water scarcity at a scheme level. The absence of well-designed networks of field waterways in the irrigation schemes results in an unequal distribution of floodwaters among field plots. The study concluded that in addition to digging a network of shallow wells and small water ponds to enhance infiltration of floodwaters and increasing groundwater recharge, a resilient and low-risk package of the floodwater harvesting system in the region must also include (1) construction of floodwater diversion structures to increase the chances of flooding even from relatively small rainfall storms, (2) construction of floodwater field distribution channel networks to facilitate field to field distribution of floodwaters, and (3) formulating water distribution rules to enhance equal floodwater distribution among field plots.
Correction to: Characterization of oogonia stem cells in mice by Fragilis
Authors: Sheng Xiaoyan , Tian Chenglei , Liu Linlin , Wang Lingling , Ye Xiaoying , Li Jie , Zeng Ming , Liu Lin 
Published: November 2019

In the original publication the labelling of Figure 1D, Y-axis is incorrectly published. The correct labeling should be read as Fragilis+/SSEA1+ and the correct figure is provided in this correction.
Cochlear protein biomarkers as potential sites for targeted inner ear drug delivery
Authors: Naples James G. , Miller Lauren E. , Ramsey Andrew , Li Daqing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe delivery of therapies to the cochlea is notoriously challenging. It is an organ protected by a number of barriers that need to be overcome in the drug delivery process. Additionally, there are multiple sites of possible damage within the cochlea. Despite the many potential sites of damage, acquired otologic insults preferentially damage a single location. While progress has been made in techniques for inner ear drug delivery, the current techniques remain non-specific and our ability to deliver therapies in a cell-specific manner are limited. Fortunately, there are proteins specific to various cell-types within the cochlea (e.g., hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, stria vascularis) that function as biomarkers of site-specific damage. These protein biomarkers have potential to serve as targets for cell-specific inner ear drug delivery. In this manuscript, we review the concept of biomarkers and targeted- inner ear drug delivery and the well-characterized protein biomarkers within each of the locations of interest within the cochlea. Our review will focus on targeted drug delivery in the setting of acquired otologic insults (e.g., ototoxicity, noise-induce hearing loss). The goal is not to discuss therapies to treat acquired otologic insults, rather, to establish potential concepts of how to deliver therapies in a targeted, cell-specific manner. Based on our review, it is clear that future of inner ear drug delivery is a discipline filled with potential that will require collaborative efforts among clinicians and scientists to optimize treatment of otologic insults.
Piloting national diagnostic assessment for strategic calculation
Authors: Graven Mellony , Venkat Hamsa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we share the results of the piloting of national diagnostic assessments for strategic calculation with Grade 3 learners in South Africa. The diagnostic assessment pilot intervention was focused on promoting strategic use of calculation strategies and aimed to move learners on from the concrete one-to-one counting methods that persist in this grade and into higher grades. Working with a broader team of mathematics education specialists, including international leaders in the field and department of education representatives, we designed a series of assessments that focus on key calculation strategies such as bridging through ten. Each assessment, comprised a pre- and repeat post-assessment, was accompanied by interim lesson starters for teacher use in eight 10-min mental mathematics sessions. These were designed to develop learner fluency in each of the focal strategies and related skills. The pre- and post-assessments allow teachers to track improvement in student learning. The pilot focused on the “bridging through ten” strategy in seven classes across the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces. Positive results indicate that the format of these assessments paired with the lesson starters is potentially useful for broader national trialling and implementation. This work feeds into the need for diagnostic assessments that inform teaching focused on strategic efficiency rather than simply accepting correct answers produced through highly inefficient methods.
Predictive analysis of stitched aerospace structures for advanced aircraft
Authors: Horton B. , Song Y. , Jegley D. , Collier F. , Bayandor J. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the aviation industry has taken a leading role in the integration of composite structures to develop lighter and more fuel efficient aircraft. Among the leading concepts to achieve this goal is the Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) concept. The focus of most PRSEUS studies has been on developing an hybrid wing body structure, with only a few discussing the application of PRSEUS to a tube-wing fuselage structure. Additionally, the majority of investigations for PRSEUS have focused on experimental validation of anticipated benefits rather than developing a methodology to capture the behavior of stitched structure analytically. This paper presents an overview of a numerical methodology capable of accurately describing PRSEUS’ construction and how it may be implemented in a barrel fuselage platform resorting to high-fidelity mesoscale modeling techniques. The methodology benefits from fresh user defined strategies developed in a commercially available finite element analysis environment. It further proposes a new approach for improving the ability to predict deformation in stitched composites, allowing for a better understanding of the intricate behavior and subtleties of stitched aerospace structures.
What to lobby on? Explaining why large American firms lobby on the same or different issues
Authors: Selling Niels 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWhat determines whether or not firms lobby on the same policy issues? Scholars offer two broad answers to this question. Firms that are (1) similar or (2) connected through interorganizational ties target the same policy issues. In this article, I argue that the co-occurrence of these two conditions produces the opposite outcome, namely a tendency to lobby on different issues. This expectation draws on ideas from collective action theory and the literature on issue niches. From these, I derive the following assumptions: similar firms share political objectives and they should, when possible, act collectively by jointly delegating their lobbying activities. The reason for doing this is that it allows them to focus on their issue niches. However, the ability to delegate hinges on coordination and monitoring, which is facilitated by interorganizational relations. To test this proposition, I study the largest American corporations. The dependent variable isactivity overlap, a measure of the extent to which firms lobby on the same issues. According to expectations, activity overlap is reduced when firms operate in the same industry and, simultaneously, enjoy favorable conditions for social interactions, such as a concentrated market structure. These results lend support to collective action theory.
Distinguishing prisoners who think about suicide from those who attempt suicide
Authors: Favril Louis , O'Connor Rory C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMany people who consider suicide do not translate these intentions into action. Although prisoners constitute a particularly high-risk group for suicide, little is known about the factors that distinguish those who think about suicide from those who attempt suicide.MethodsParticipants were 1326 adult offenders (1203 men) randomly selected from 15 Belgian prisons, representing 14% of the national prison population. Multivariate regression analysis compared prisoners who attempted suicide (n = 277) with those who thought about suicide but never made an attempt (n = 312) on a range of established risk factors.ResultsAmong the 589 participants reporting a lifetime history of suicidal ideation (44% of the total sample), almost half (47%) had made a suicide attempt. Relative to those who only thought about suicide, participants who attempted suicide were more likely to be violent offenders (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.49–3.62) and have a history of non-suicidal self-injury (aOR 3.19, 95% CI 2.09–4.86). The presence of self-reported mental disorder diagnosis (aOR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.91–4.24) and illicit substance abuse (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.24–3.28) also independently differentiated prisoners who attempted v. considered suicide.ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence that behavioural and mental health factors are implicated in the transition from thoughts to acts of suicide in prisoners. Prospective studies are warranted to explore whether these risk factors predict progression from ideation to action over time.
Childhood cognitive skill trajectories and suicide by mid-adulthood: an investigation of the 1958 British Birth Cohort
Authors: Richard-Devantoy Stéphane , Orri Massimiliano , Bertrand Josie-Anne , Greenway Kyle T. , Turecki Gustavo , Gunnell David , Power Chris , Geoffroy Marie-Claude 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPoor cognitive abilities and low intellectual quotient (IQ) are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and suicide mortality. However, knowledge of how this association develops across the life-course is limited. Our study aims to establish whether individuals who died by suicide by mid-adulthood are distinguishable by their child-to-adolescence cognitive trajectories.MethodsParticipants were from the 1958 British Birth Cohort and were assessed for academic performance at ages 7, 11, and 16 and intelligence at 11 years. Suicides occurring by September 2012 were identified from linked national death certificates. We compared mean mathematics and reading abilities and rate of change across 7–16 years for individuals who died by suicide v. those still alive, with and without adjustment for potential early-life confounding factors. Analyses were based on 14 505 participants.ResultsFifty-five participants (48 males) had died by suicide by age 54 years. While males who died by suicide did not differ from participants still alive in reading scores at age 7 [effect size (g) = −0.04, p = 0.759], their reading scores had a less steep improvement up to age 16 compared to other participants. Adjustments for early-life confounding factors explained these differences. A similar pattern was observed for mathematics scores. There was no difference between individuals who died by suicide v. participants still alive on intelligence at 11 years.ConclusionsWhile no differences in tests of academic performance and IQ were observed, individuals who died by suicide had a less steep improvement in reading abilities over time compared to same-age peers.
The behavior of ions in water is controlled by their water affinity
Authors: Collins Kim D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe strong, long-range electrostatic forces described by Coulomb's law disappear for ions in water, and the behavior of these ions is instead controlled by their water affinity – a weak, short-range force which arises from their charge density. This was established experimentally in the mid-1980s by size-exclusion chromatography on carefully calibrated Sephadex®G-10 (which measures the effective volume and thus the water affinity of an ion) and by neutron diffraction with isotopic substitution (which measures the density and orientation of water molecules near the diffracting ion and thus its water affinity). These conclusions have been confirmed more recently by molecular dynamics simulations, which explicitly model each individual water molecule. This surprising change in force regime occurs because the oppositely charged ions in aqueous salt solutions exist functionally as ion pairs (separated by 0, 1 or 2 water molecules) as has now been shown by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy; this cancels out the strong long-range electrostatic forces and allows the weak, short-range water affinity effects to come to the fore. This microscopic structure of aqueous salt solutions is not captured by models utilizing a macroscopic dielectric constant. Additionally, the Law of Matching Water Affinity, first described in 1997 and 2004, establishes that contact ion pair formation is controlled by water affinity and is a major determinant of the solubility of charged species since only a net neutral species can change phases.
Experimental Study of Reinforcement Learning in Mobile Robots Through Spiking Architecture of Thalamo-Cortico-Thalamic Circuitry of Mammalian Brain
Authors: Azimirad Vahid , Fattahi Sani Mohammad 
Published: November 2019

SUMMARYIn this paper, the behavioral learning of robots through spiking neural networks is studied in which the architecture of the network is based on the thalamo-cortico-thalamic circuitry of the mammalian brain. According to a variety of neurons, the Izhikevich model of single neuron is used for the representation of neuronal behaviors. One thousand and ninety spiking neurons are considered in the network. The spiking model of the proposed architecture is derived and prepared for the learning problem of robots. The reinforcement learning algorithm is based on spike-timing-dependent plasticity and dopamine release as a reward. It results in strengthening the synaptic weights of the neurons that are involved in the robot’s proper performance. Sensory and motor neurons are placed in the thalamus and cortical module, respectively. The inputs of thalamo-cortico-thalamic circuitry are the signals related to distance of the target from robot, and the outputs are the velocities of actuators. The target attraction task is used as an example to validate the proposed method in which dopamine is released when the robot catches the target. Some simulation studies, as well as experimental implementation, are done on a mobile robot named Tabrizbot. Experimental studies illustrate that after successful learning, the meantime of catching target is decreased by about 36%. These prove that through the proposed method, thalamo-cortical structure could be trained successfully to learn to perform various robotic tasks.
State responsibility and positive obligations in the European Court of Human Rights: The contribution of the ICJ in advancing towards more judicial integration
Authors: Garciandia Rosana 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) follows its own rules regarding the responsibility of states, although the international law of state responsibility enshrined in the International Law Commission (ILC) Articles on State Responsibility for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA) remains, as general international law, relevant to its decisions. However, case law of the ECtHR shows that the Court is departing from certain ARSIWA principles as it adopts a broad interpretation of rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) giving rise to positive obligations.1Exploring those trends in the state responsibility regime of the ECHR, this article argues that, by clarifying certain ARSIWA provisions, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can play an important role by contributing to a higher degree of judicial integration on the law of state responsibility. It is desirable that the ICJ takes any upcoming opportunity to provide greater clarity on the challenges and nuances of the applicability of the law of state responsibility, in particular as it relates to positive obligations. That would contribute to a more systematic use of those rules by regional courts such as the ECtHR, and ultimately to guaranteeing a greater protection of human rights.