bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Living with Earthquakes along the Silk Road
Authors: Kázmér Miklós 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEarthquakes are among the most horrible events of nature due to unexpected occurrence, for which no spiritual means are available for protection. The only way of preserving life and property is to prepare for the inevitable: applying earthquake-resistant construction methods. Zones of damaging earthquakes along the Silk Road are reviewed for seismic hazard and to understand the ways local civilizations coped with it during the past two thousand years. China and its wide sphere of cultural influence certainly had earthquake-resistant architectural practice, as the high number of ancient buildings, especially high pagodas, prove. A brief review of anti-seismic design and construction methods (applied both for wooden and masonry buildings) is given, in the context of earthquake-prone zones of Northern China. Muslim architects in Western China and Central Asia used brick and mortar to construct earthquake-resistant structural systems. Ancient Greek architects in Anatolia and the Aegean applied steel clamps embedded in lead casing to hold together columns and masonry walls during frequent earthquakes. Romans invented concrete and built all sizes of buildings as a single, non-flexible unit. Masonry, surrounding and decorating the concrete core of the wall, did not bear load. Concrete resisted minor shaking, yielding only to forces higher than fracture limits. Roman building traditions survived the Dark Ages, and 12th century Crusader castles erected in earthquake-prone Syria survive until today in reasonably good condition. Usage of earthquake-resistant technology depends on the perception of earthquake risks and on available financial resources. Earthquake-resistant construction practice is significantly more expensive than regular construction. Frequent earthquakes maintain safe construction practices, like the timber-laced masonry tradition in the Eastern Mediterranean throughout 500 years of political and technological development.
Dry and Humid Periods Reconstructed from Tree Rings in the Former Territory of Sogdiana (Central Asia) and Their Socio-economic Consequences over the Last Millennium
Authors: Opała-Owczarek Magdalena , Owczarek Piotr 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOne of the richest societies along the Silk Road developed in Sogdiana, located in present-day Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This urban civilisation reached its greatest prosperity during the golden age of the Silk Road (sixth to ninth century ce). Rapid political and economic changes, accelerated by climatic variations, were observed during last millennium in this region. The newly developed tree-ring-based reconstruction of precipitation for the past millennium revealed a series of dry and wet stages. During the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA), two dry periods occurred (900–1000 and 1200–1250), interrupted by a phase of wetter conditions. Distinct dry periods occurred around 1510–1650, 1750–1850, and 1920–1970, respectively. The juniper tree-ring record of moisture changes revealed that major dry and pluvial episodes were consistent with those indicated by hydroclimatic proxy data from adjacent areas. These climate fluctuations have had long- and short term consequences for human history in the territory of former Sogdiana.
The Key Role of Actors in the Agroecological Transition of Farmers: A Case-Study in the Tarn-Aveyron Basin
Authors: Ryschawy Julie , Sarthou Jean-Pierre , Chabert Ariane , Therond Olivier 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFor farmers, the transition towards agroecology implies redesigning both their production system and their commercialisation system. To engage in this type of transition, they need to develop new knowledge on practices adapted to local conditions, which will involve new actors in their network. This chapter explores the role of actors’ networks in the agroecological transition of farmers, with a particular focus on farming practices and modes of commercialisation. We held semi-structured interviews to understand: (i) individual farmers’ trajectories of change, considering practices at the farm and food system levels; (ii) the role of farmers’ networks in their involvement in the agroecological transition; and (iii) the role of their networks on a broader scale. In the Tarn-Aveyron basin, we interviewed ten dairy farmers and 50 actors interacting with them in connection with their farming practices. We focus on two dairy farmers’ trajectories: one who took a path towards agroecology, and the other who did not. We then show that the role of actors’ network is crucial in facilitating or impeding the agroecological transition. We highlight the importance of considering actors’ networks as a whole, including in the commercial sector, as having a key role in farmers’ shift towards agroecological transition.
Functional reduction of Feynman integrals
Authors: Tarasov O. V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA method for reducing Feynman integrals, depending on several kinematic variables and masses, to a combination of integrals with fewer variables is proposed. The method is based on iterative application of functional equations proposed by the author. The reduction of the one-loop scalar triangle and box integrals with massless internal propagators to simpler integrals is described in detail. The triangle integral depending on three variables is represented as a sum over three integrals depending on two variables. By solving the dimensional recurrence relations for these integrals, an analytic expression in terms of the2F1Gauss hypergeometric function and the logarithmic function was derived.By using the functional equations, the one-loop box integral with massless internal propagators, which depends on six kinematic variables, was expressed as a sum of 12 terms. These terms are proportional to the same integral depending only on three variables different for each term. For this integral with three variables, an analytic result in terms of theF1Appell and2F1Gauss hypergeometric functions was derived by solving the recurrence relation with respect to the spacetime dimensiond. The reduction equations for the box integral with some kinematic variables equal to zero are considered.
Differentiation of Autoimmune Pancreatitis from Pancreatic Cancer Remains Challenging
Authors: Dickerson L. D. , Farooq A. , Bano F. , Kleeff J. , Baron R. , Raraty M. , Ghaneh P. , Sutton R. , Whelan P. , Campbell F. , Healey P. , Neoptolemos J. P. , Yip V. S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an uncommon form of chronic pancreatitis. Whilst being corticosteroid responsive, AIP often masquerades radiologically as pancreatic neoplasia. Our aim is to appraise demographic, radiological and histological features in our cohort in order to differentiate AIP from pancreatic malignancy.MethodsClinical, biochemical, histological and radiological details of all AIP patients 1997–2016 were analysed. The initial imaging was re‐reviewed according to international guidelines by three blinded independent radiologists to evaluate features associated with autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.ResultsThere were a total of 45 patients: 25 in type 1 (55.5%), 14 type 2 (31.1%) and 6 AIP otherwise not specified (13.3%). The median (IQR) age was 57 (51–70) years. Thirty patients (66.6%) were male. Twenty‐six patients (57.8%) had resection for suspected malignancy and one for symptomatic chronic pancreatitis. Three had histologically proven malignancy with concurrent AIP. Two patients died from recurrent pancreatic cancer following resection. Multidisciplinary team review based on radiology and clinical history dictated management. Resected patients (vs. non‐resected group) were older (64 vs. 53, p = 0.003) and more frequently had co‐existing autoimmune pathologies (22.2 vs. 55.6%, p = 0.022). Resected patients also presented with less classical radiological features of AIP, which are halo sign (0/25 vs. 3/17, p = 0.029) and loss of pancreatic clefts (18/25 vs. 17/17, p = 0.017). There were no differences in demographic features other than age.ConclusionDespite international guidelines for diagnosing AIP, differentiation from pancreatic cancer remains challenging. Resection remains an important treatment option in suspected cancer or where conservative treatment fails.
Trends in the Incidence, Treatment and Outcomes of Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in the USA: Facility Type is Associated with Margin Status, Use of Lymphadenectomy and Overall Survival
Authors: Wu Lu , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Paredes Anghela Z. , Mehta Rittal , Hyer J. Madison , Merath Katiuscha , Sahara Kota , Bagante Fabio , Beal Eliza W. , Shen Feng , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionIntrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains an uncommon disease with a rising incidence worldwide. We sought to identify trends in therapeutic approaches and differences in patient outcomes based on facility types.MethodsBetween January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015, a total of 27,120 patients with histologic diagnosis of ICC were identified in the National Cancer Database and were enrolled in this study.ResultsThe incidence of ICC patients increased from 1194 in 2004 to 3821 in 2015 with an average annual increase of 4.16% (p < 0.001). Median survival of the cohort improved over the last 6 years of the study period (2004–2009: 8.05 months vs. 2010–2015: 9.49 months; p < 0.001). Among surgical patients (n = 5943, 21.9%), the incidence of R0 resection, lymphadenectomy and harvest of ≥6 lymph nodes increased over time (p < 0.001). Positive surgical margins (referent R0: R1, HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.24–1.79, p < 0.001) and treatment at community cancer centers (referent academic centers; HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.49, p = 0.023) were associated with a worse prognosis. Patients treated at academic centers had higher rates of R0 resection (72.4% vs. 67.7%; p = 0.006) and lymphadenectomy (55.6% vs. 49.5%, p = 0.009) versus community cancer centers. Overall survival was also better at academic versus community cancer programs (median OS: 11 months versus 6 months, respectively; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe incidence of ICC has increased over the last 12 years in the USA with a moderate improvement in survival over time. Treatment at academic cancer centers was associated with higher R0 resection and lymphadenectomy rates, as well as improved OS for patients with ICC.
Water, Sanitation, and Child Health: Evidence From Subnational Panel Data in 59 Countries
Authors: Headey Derek , Palloni Giordano 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) investments are widely seen as essential for improving health in early childhood. However, the experimental literature on WASH interventions identifies inconsistent impacts on child health outcomes, with relatively robust impacts on diarrhea and other symptoms of infection but weak and varying impacts on child nutrition. In contrast, observational research exploiting cross-sectional variation in water and sanitation access is much more sanguine, finding strong associations with diarrhea prevalence, mortality, and stunting. In practice, both literatures suffer from significant methodological limitations. Experimental WASH evaluations are often subject to poor compliance, rural bias, and short duration of exposure, while cross-sectional observational evidence may be highly vulnerable to omitted variables bias. To overcome some of the limitations of both literatures, we construct a panel of 442 subnational regions in 59 countries with multiple Demographic Health Surveys. Using this large subnational panel, we implement difference-in-difference regressions that allow us to examine whether longer-term changes in water and sanitation at the subnational level predict improvements in child morbidity, mortality, and nutrition. We find results that are partially consistent with both literatures. Improved water access is statistically insignificantly associated with most outcomes, although water piped into the home predicts reductions in child stunting. Improvements in sanitation predict large reductions in diarrhea prevalence and child mortality but are not associated with changes in stunting or wasting. We estimate that sanitation improvements can account for just under 10 % of the decline in child mortality from 1990 to 2015.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Gabon
Authors: Damiens Armelle Pambou , Ganga-Zandzou Patrice Serge , Ibounde Eudine Tsoucka , Kayemba-Kay's Simon , Baye Eric , Biloghe Peggy , Kakou Chantal , Ntyonga-Pono Pierrette 
Published: February 2019

Background and Objective
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in children. Its replacement therapy requires insulin, without which, death is inevitable. This treatment is expensive and a financial burden for diabetic children and their families, especially in Africa.
In the absence of a national T1DM register, the purpose of this study was to describe epidemiological aspects of type 1 diabetes in children in Gabon, specify the difficulties met by the patients during the follow-up and identify factors explaining poor therapeutic observance and metabolic control.

Material and methods
Prospective transversal monocentric study. Data were firstly extracted from the registers of the Endocrinology Department of the University Hospital of Libreville (CHUL), Gabon, between 2010 and 2017.
Secondly, patients were interviewed by telephone about the availability and cost of insulin, their self-monitoring of blood glucose, and diet.

Results
306 patients (154 girls and 152 boys) were diagnosed with T1D during the study period and followed-up in the Endocrinology Department at CHUL. Mean age at diagnosis was 17 ± 7 years (5% of patients were over 5 years of age, 30% were >20 years old). Mean follow-up period was 4.0 ± 2.0 years. 16% of the patients were hospitalized at least 2 times per month for ketoacidosis.
Hospital mortality was about 7%. Number of factors linked with poor therapeutic observance (high cost of treatment, lack of patients’ therapeutic education, etc.) were identified.

Conclusion
T1D prevalence is constantly increasing worldwide, but at slower pace in Africa in comparison to developed countries. Difficulties to access to high standard care and population poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, represents a major independent factor of poor therapeutic observance.
Effects of the dual orexin receptor antagonist DORA‐22 on sleep in 5XFAD mice
Authors: Duncan Marilyn J. , Farlow Hannah , Tirumalaraju Chairtra , Yun Do‐Hyun , Wang Chanung , Howard James A. , Sanden Madison N. , O'Hara Bruce F. , McQuerry Kristen J. , Bachstetter Adam D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionSleep disruption is a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that may exacerbate disease progression. This study tested whether a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) would enhance sleep and attenuate neuropathology, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits in an AD‐relevant mouse model, 5XFAD.MethodsWild‐type (C57Bl6/SJL) and 5XFAD mice received chronic treatment with vehicle or DORA‐22. Piezoelectric recordings monitored sleep and spatial memory was assessed via spontaneous Y‐maze alternations. Aβ plaques, Aβ levels, and neuroinflammatory markers were measured by immunohistochemistry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.ResultsIn 5XFAD mice, DORA‐22 significantly increased light‐phase sleep without reducing Aβ levels, plaque density, or neuroinflammation. Effects of DORA‐22 on cognitive deficits could not be determined because the 5XFAD mice did not exhibit deficits.DiscussionThese findings suggest that DORAs may improve sleep in AD patients. Further investigations should optimize the dose and duration of DORA‐22 treatment and explore additional AD‐relevant animal models and cognitive tests.
Falsolikanella campanensis(Azéma and Jaffrezo, 1972) Granier, 1987 revisited on type material, evidence of polyphysacean nature (green algae)
Authors: Barattolo Filippo , Carras Nicola , Conrad Marc André , Radoičić Rajka 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe genusFalsolikanella, introduced by Granier (1987), was based on the basal Cretaceous speciesLikanella campanensisAzéma and Jaffrezo (1972) and assigned to the tribe Diploporeae (Pia, 1920) emend. Güvenc, 1979 within the green alga order Dasycladales. Later, other species were assigned toFalsolikanella. Sections of the type specimens ofLikanella campanensisare reviewed. They show that in this species, the arrangement of the laterals is not metaspondyl, but typical of the genusActinoporella(Gümbel in Alth, 1882) emend Conrad, Praturlon, and Radoičić, 1974, with coronae arising from a single primary lateral. Therefore, the species is assigned to the genusActinoporellawithin the tribe Acetabularieae Decaisne, 1842, family Polyphysaceae Kützing, 1843, and the generic attribution of other species previously assigned toFalsolikanellais discussed.
Pennsylvanian sponge from the Mecca Quarry Shale, Carbondale Group (Indiana, USA) and the paleobiogeographic distribution ofTeganiellain the paleoequatorial region of Laurentia
Authors: Mouro Lucas D. , Horodyski Rodrigo S. , Fernandes Antonio. C.S. , Carvalho Marcelo A. , Silva Mateus. S. , Waichel Breno L. , Saldanha João P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe sponges may be the oldest group of Metazoa, with a long and successful evolutionary history. Despite their intermittent fossil record quality, the group has been considered reliable for paleoecological and paleobiogeographic analyses because they have inhabited various types of aquatic environments, forming a significant part of benthic communities. We have presented a detailed description of a new species from the genusTeganiella,Teganiella finksinew species, which expands the chronologic range and classifies the genus as endemic to the paleoequatorial regions of Laurentia associated with arid climate conditions linked to hypersaline periods. Combining the paleoecological and paleoenvironmental features of theTeganiellaspecies, our findings also suggest a trend toward more closed-inlet conditions, which may be related to competition and/or specific habitat supplies, for example, heavy metals such as vanadium, zinc, and molybdenum.UUID:http://zoobank.org/12901a63-7cd5-4207-ac7a-0ce12649fcaf
Centrorhynchus nahuelhuapensisn. sp. (Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchidae) from rufous-legged owl (Strix rufipesKing) in Patagonia
Authors: Steinauer M. , Flores V. , Rauque C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCentrorynchus nahuelhuapensisn. sp. is described from the intestine ofStrix rufipes, the rufous-legged owl, in Patagonia, Argentina. This species is characterized by the presence of 31–33 hook rows with 16–17 hooks per row, distributed as follows: 5 true hooks, 4 transitional hooks with 4 alate processes, more evident in the first three, 7–8 spiniform hooks, and three cement glands. It differs from most members of the genus by having a filiform body, the arrangement and size of the hooks, the number of cement glands, and egg size. Part of the SSU and LSU genes were sequenced and compared to those in GenBank. Sequences are most similar to other species ofCentrorhynchus, supporting their placement within this genus. We present the first molecular study for a species ofCentrorhynchusfrom South America. Additionally, it is the second species of the genus described in Argentina, and the first species of a terrestrial acanthocephalan from a bird in Patagonia.
Adaptive Evolution in Rapid Assessments: A 25-Year Perspective
Authors: Corabian Paula , Guo Bing , Moga Carmen , Scott N. Ann 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis article retrospectively examines the evolution of rapid assessments (RAs) produced by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Program at the Institute of Health Economics over its 25-year relationship with a single requester, the Alberta Health Ministry (AHM).MethodsThe number, types, and methodological attributes of RAs produced over the past 25 years were reviewed. The reasons for developmental changes in RA processes and products over time were charted to document the push–pull tension between AHM needs and the HTA Program's drive to meet those needs while responding to changing methodological benchmarks.ResultsThe review demonstrated the dynamic relationship required for HTA researchers to meet requester needs while adhering to good HTA practice. The longstanding symbiotic relationship between the HTA Program and the AHM initially led to increased diversity in RA types, followed by controlled extinction of the less fit (useful) “transition species.” Adaptations in RA methodology were mainly driven by changes in best practice standards, requester needs, the healthcare environment, and staff expertise and technology.ConclusionsRAs are a useful component of HTA programs. To remain relevant and useful, RAs need to evolve according to need within the constraints of HTA best practice.
Differences in Chromatin Texture and Nuclear Fractal Dimension Between Hashimoto's and Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Lymphocytes
Authors: Todorović Jasna , Dinčić Marko , Nešović Ostojić Jelena , Zaletel Ivan , Lopičić Srdjan , Dundjerović Duško , Tatić Svetislav , Kovačević Sanjin , Paunović Ivan , Puškaš Nela , Marković Ljiljana 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPrevious evidence suggested that lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) was a variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), thus the aim of the current study is to quantify structural changes in histological specimens taken from HT and LT patients. A total of 600 images containing a single lymphocyte nucleus (300 nuclei per group) were obtained from 20 patients with HT and LT. In order to quantify changes in the nuclear architecture of investigated lymphocytes, the fractal dimension (FD) and some gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture parameters (angular second moment, inverse difference moment, contrast, entropy, and correlation) were calculated for each nucleus. A statistically significant difference in the FD of the “binary-outlined” nucleus and that of the corresponding “black-and-white” nucleus was detected between HT and LT lymphocyte nuclei. In addition, there was also a statistically significant difference in contrast and correlation between HT and LT lymphocyte nuclei. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that there was a difference in structural complexity between investigated lymphocyte nuclei; additionally, LT lymphocytes possessed probably more complex texture and larger variations as well as more asymmetrical nuclei compared with HT lymphocytes. Accordingly, these findings indicate that LT is probably not a variant of HT; however, more complex studies are necessary to estimate differences between these types of thyroiditis.
Alternative measures of non-cognitive skills and their effect on retirement preparation and financial capability
Authors: Zamarro Gema 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIndividuals are increasingly asked to take responsibility for preparing for retirement and available financial products to do so are growing in sophistication. A better understanding of how non-cognitive skills influence financial capability and retirement preparation could help effective policy design. This area of research has been hampered by the struggle to find reliable measures of these skills. I argue that questionnaires themselves can be seen as performance tasks, such that measures of survey effort could lead to meaningful measures of non-cognitive skills. I exploit the fact that I observe respondents taking multiple survey modules covering different topics in different moments of time to build survey effort measures in a nationally representative internet panel. I use survey effort measures along with self-reports to study the role of non-cognitive skills on retirement preparation and financial capability. My results show that non-cognitive skills can have a significant role, beyond the role of cognitive ability.