bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental Labelling of Voronoi Vertices for Shape Reconstruction
Authors: Peethambaran J. , Parakkat A.D. , Tagliasacchi A. , Wang R. , Muthuganapathy R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe present an incremental Voronoi vertex labelling algorithm for approximating contours, medial axes and dominant points (high curvature points) from 2D point sets. Though there exist many number of algorithms for reconstructing curves, medial axes or dominant points, a unified framework capable of approximating all the three in one place from points is missing in the literature. Our algorithm estimates the normals at each sample point through poles (farthest Voronoi vertices of a sample point) and uses the estimated normals and the corresponding tangents to determine the spatial locations (inner or outer) of the Voronoi vertices with respect to the original curve. The vertex classification helps to construct a piece‐wise linear approximation to the object boundary. We provide a theoretical analysis of the algorithm for points non‐uniformly (ε‐sampling) sampled from simple, closed, concave and smooth curves. The proposed framework has been thoroughly evaluated for its usefulness using various test data. Results indicate that even sparsely and non‐uniformly sampled curves with outliers or collection of curves are faithfully reconstructed by the proposed algorithm.
Value of ejection fraction/velocity ratio in the prognostic stratification of patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Antonini‐Canterin Francesco , Di Nora Concetta , Cervesato Eugenio , Zito Concetta , Carerj Scipione , Ravasel Andreea , Cosei Iulian , Popescu Andreea Catarina , Popescu Bogdan Alexandru 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe ejection fraction/velocity ratio (EFVR) is a simple function‐corrected index of aortic stenosis severity with a good correlation with aortic valve area measured using the Gorlin formula at cardiac catheterization. It is calculated by dividing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to 4 × (peak jet velocity)2.ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate the value of EFVR in predicting adverse events in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis.MethodsWe analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data of 216 asymptomatic patients with at least moderate aortic stenosis (AVA ≤ 1.5 cm2). The primary end‐point was cardiovascular death or aortic valve replacement.ResultsThere were 119 (55%) men and mean age was 68 ± 10 years. The mean follow‐up time was 4.2 ± 1.6 years (median 4.3 years). During follow‐up, the composite end‐point of death or aortic valve replacement was reached in 105 patients (49%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, EFVR and valvulo‐arterial impedance emerged as independent variables associated with outcome (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the subgroup of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AVA < 1 cm2), EFVR ≤ 0.9 was associated with an increased hazard ratio for the composite end‐point of mortality and aortic valve replacement (HR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.15–4.0, P = 0.017), even after adjusting for aortic valve area.ConclusionsIn patients with asymptomatic moderate to severe aortic stenosis, EFVR is useful for risk stratification. Our results suggest that incorporating EFVR in the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis might help identify those who are most likely to benefit from early elective aortic replacement.
A review of fungal endometritis in the mare
Authors: Scott C. J. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryFungal endometritis is a relatively rare cause of infertility in the mare, accounting for only 1–5% of all cases of endometritis. However, it remains a challenge to the clinician due to difficulties in diagnosing and effectively treating affected mares, resulting in a high rate of recurrence and a guarded prognosis for ongoing fertility. Often occurring as an opportunistic infection, the most common causes of fungal endometritis in the mare are yeasts (Candida spp.) and moulds with septated hyphae (Aspergillus spp.). Early detection and identification of the causative agent are vital when choosing appropriate treatment as sensitivities to commonly used antifungals vary significantly. Assessing in vitro sensitivity for each isolate is accordingly recommended. Treatment of mares with fungal endometritis is multifaceted and includes; correction of any anatomical defects, uterine lavage and systemic and/or intrauterine infusion of antifungals. Concurrent bacterial infection is common so anticipation and subsequent treatment of bacterial endometritis is also often required.
Interlaminar crack onset in co‐cured and co‐bonded composite joints under mode I cyclic loading
Authors: Shiino Marcos Yutaka , González Ramírez Francis Mariana , Garpelli Felipe Parise , Alves da Silveira Núbia Nale , de Cássia Mendonça Sales Rita , Donadon Maurício Vicente 
Published: October 2018

AbstractComposite joints exhibit different behavior in regard to delamination resistance when dealing with fatigue phenomenon. This research work focuses on an investigation to understand the failure mechanisms on the interfacial strength domain for delamination onset in cocured and cobonded joints. The analysis was based on strain energy release rate versus number of cycles plots that were obtained from fatigue tests in mode I with a stress ratio R = 0.1. The analysis encompassed from the microscopic to mesoscopic level obtained from scanning electron microscopic, and the images processed to extract the most relevant fracture patterns. The main difference between the two technologies was the stress concentration at the crack tip in which the cobonded joint presents a fabric carrier that blunts the adhesive layer, then delaying the delamination. This paper provides important information and guidelines to aid designers in the selection of the best composite joint for high‐performance structural applications.
Functional reorganization of marine fish nurseries under climate warming
Authors: McLean Matthew J. , Mouillot David , Goascoz Nicolas , Schlaich Ivan , Auber Arnaud 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWhile climate change is rapidly impacting marine species and ecosystems worldwide, the effects of climate warming on coastal fish nurseries have received little attention despite nurseries’ fundamental roles in recruitment and population replenishment. Here, we used a 26‐year time series (1987–2012) of fish monitoring in the Bay of Somme, a nursery in the Eastern English Channel (EEC), to examine the impacts of environmental and human drivers on the spatial and temporal dynamics of fish functional structure during a warming phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). We found that the nursery was initially dominated by fishes with r‐selected life‐history traits such as low trophic level, low age and size at maturity, and small offspring, which are highly sensitive to warming. The AMO, likely superimposed on climate change, induced rapid warming in the late 1990s (over 1°C from 1998 to 2003), leading to functional reorganization of fish communities, with a roughly 80% decline in overall fish abundance and increased dominance by K‐selected fishes. Additionally, historical overfishing likely rendered the bay more vulnerable to climatic changes due to increased dominance by fishing‐tolerant, yet climatically sensitive species. The drop in fish abundance not only altered fish functional structure within the Bay of Somme, but the EEC was likely impacted, as the EEC has been unable to recover from a regime shift in the late 1990s potentially, in part, due to failed replenishment from the bay. Given the collapse of r‐selected fishes, we discuss how the combination of climate cycles and global warming could threaten marine fish nurseries worldwide, as nurseries are often dominated by r‐selected species.
High Achievement Motivation is Not Related to Increased Use of Acute Headache Medication in Migraine: A Cross‐sectional Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Sorgenfrei Verena , Kropp Peter , Straube Andreas , Ruscheweyh Ruth 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo determine if migraine patients with high achievement motivation have an increased use of acute headache medication.BackgroundIt has been hypothesized that high achievement‐motivated migraine patients have an increased use of acute headache medication to be able to perform at work and during daily life, putting them at risk for medication overuse headache (MOH).MethodsThe Achievement Motivation Inventory and use of acute headache medication were assessed in 117 migraine patients (60 episodic, 57 chronic) at their first appointment at our tertiary headache center.ResultsPatients with low vs high achievement motivation were not significantly different in acute headache medication days per month (10.8 ± 6.9 vs 10.9 ± 7.8, P = .98), in acute headache medication use in the absence of headache (to prevent occurrence of headache later that day: 51.8% vs 48.2%, P = .38), in having a diagnosis of MOH (37.9 vs 23.7%, P = .12), or in reduction of acute headache medication days at 3 and 6 months follow‐up (both P > .20).ConclusionsHigh achievement motivation in migraine patients was not associated with increased acute headache medication use or more frequent diagnosis of MOH.
Epidemiological survey of hemoglobin A1c and liver fibrosis in a general population with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ono Masafumi , Oza Noriko , Kitajima Yoichiro , Kawanaka Miwa , Chayama Kazuaki , Saibara Toshiji , Anzai Keizo , Eguchi Yuichiro 
Published: October 2018

AimThe association between glycemia and liver fibrosis was analyzed using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index in a large general population cohort that underwent a health checkup.MethodsA total of 6927 subjects without hepatitis B or C virus infection or habitual alcohol intake were enrolled. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was diagnosed by ultrasonography and potential liver fibrosis (FIB‐4 index ≥1.3) in NAFLD was analyzed in relation to HbA1c level. Factors associated with potential liver fibrosis of NAFLD were also analyzed.ResultsThe overall frequency of NAFLD was 27.9% (1935 subjects) and the frequency of NAFLD by HbA1c level (<4.9%, 5.0–5.9%, 6.0–6.9%, 7.0–7.9%, ≥8.0%) was 16%, 27%, 54%, 53%, and 54%, respectively. Among the 1935 NAFLD cases, the frequency of potential liver fibrosis was 25.2% (487 subjects) overall and 19%, 22%, 30%, 52%, and 31%, respectively, by HbA1c category. From multivariate analysis, an HbA1c level ≥6.5% was significantly associated with potential liver fibrosis (P = 0.017, hazard ratio = 1.7).ConclusionsThe prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis of NAFLD increased according to glycemia, up to 8.0% HbA1c. Measuring HbA1c and calculating the FIB‐4 index in health checkups could help to identify potential cases of liver fibrosis of NAFLD, which should then be further evaluated using other techniques to confirm liver fibrosis.
Hepatitis C virus infection could affect the pathogenesis of ischemic heart diseases in northern Japan
Authors: Fukuda Ryo , Kondo Yasuteru 
Published: October 2018

AimsPreviously, our group reported that lymphotropic hepatitis C virus (HCV) could induce various kinds of immune dysfunctions. The immune dysfunctions could cause vascular disease by inducing cryoglobulinemia. It has been reported that ischemic heart diseases might be caused by HCV. However, the infectious rate of HCV in patients with ischemic heart disease has not been clarified in northern Japan. Therefore, we tried to determine the rate of HCV infectivity in patients with ischemic heart disease.MethodsThe target patients of this study were automatically selected using an electronic medical record system to exclude selection bias. The system identified 16 484 patients with ischemic heart disease who were included in this study. In addition, 12 902 subjects who had received medical checkups were included as the control group.ResultsThe positive rate of HCV antibody among the patients with ischemic disease in our hospital was 2.58%, which was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the medical checkup patients (0.84%). The positive rate of HCV antibody in the patients with ischemic heart disease in each age group was significantly higher than in the corresponding age groups of the medical checkup patients. The rate of chronic kidney disease in HCV antibody‐positive patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was significantly higher than in HCV antibody‐negative patients treated by PCI (P = 0.02).ConclusionsHepatitis C virus infection might be associated with the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease and HCV antibody positivity might be a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in northern Japan.
How We Speak of Nature: A Plea for a Discourse of Depth
Authors: Mccarthy John W. , Tuchman Nancy C. 
Published: October 2018

Once there were brook trout in the streams in the mountains. You could see them standing in the amber current where the white edges of their fins wimpled softly in the flow. They smelled of moss in your hand. Polished and muscular and torsional. On their backs were vermiculate patterns that were maps of the world in its becoming. Maps and mazes. Of a thing which could not be put back. Not be made right again. In the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery.Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Does oral health influence school performance and school attendance? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa , Rebelo Vieira Janete Maria , Pereira Juliana Vianna , Quadros Larissa Neves , Vettore Mario Vianna 
Published: October 2018

AimTo examine the evidence on the influence of oral health status on school performance and school attendance in children and adolescents.DesignA systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA included epidemiological studies that assessed concomitantly oral health measures, participants’ school performance and/or school attendance. Electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and LILACS. Studies published up to May 2018 in any language were eligible. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Meta‐analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates between oral health measures and school performance and school attendance.ResultsEighteen studies were included. Of them, fifteen studies were used for the meta‐analyses. Most studies were assessed as moderate quality. Children with one or more decayed teeth had higher probability of poor school performance (OR = 1.44 95%CI: 1.24‐1.64) and poor school attendance (OR = 1.57 95%CI: 1.08‐2.05) than caries‐free children. Poor parent's perception of child's oral health increased the odds of worse school performance (OR = 1.51 95%CI: 1.10‐1.92) and poor school attendance (OR = 1.35 95%CI: 1.14‐1.57).ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with dental caries and those reporting worse oral health experience poor school performance and poor school attendance.
Treatment of multiple recession defects with vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA): A retrospective pilot study utilizing digital analysis
Authors: Gil Alfonso , Bakhshalian Neema , Min Seiko , Zadeh Homayoun H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the correlation between initial site‐specific characteristics of patients with multiple gingival recession defects and the outcome of root coverage therapy.Materials and MethodsPretherapy and post‐therapy study models of 21 patients (154 teeth) with multiple gingival recession defects, treated with Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA), were optically scanned. Three‐dimensional analysis of superimposed preoperative and postoperative images was performed. Linear and surface root coverage were calculated and correlated to various clinical and/or anatomical parameters. A multilevel statistical analysis was conducted, adjusting for the correlation among multiple observations.ResultsThe mean percentages of linear root coverage were 96.2 ± 13.1% and 84.3 ± 14.4% for Miller Class I/II and Class III recessions, respectively. The mean percentages of root surface area coverage were 92.1 ± 12.0% and 78.6 ± 15.7% for Miller Class I/II and III defects, respectively. Root prominence, initial recession width and posterior tooth type were negatively correlated with linear and root surface area coverage. Initial recession depth was negatively correlated with root surface area coverage. Initial gingival margin thickness was positively associated with both linear and root surface area coverage.ConclusionThe results of the present study identified important positive and negative site‐specific characteristics that may have utility in predicting the outcome of root coverage.Clinical SignificanceThis study used sensitive 3‐dimensional digital analysis tools to examine the correlation between initial site‐specific characteristics of patients with multiple gingival recession defects and the outcome of periodontal root coverage therapy. Results demonstrated that initial root prominence, loss of interdental tissue (Miller Class III), molar tooth type, initial recession depth and width were negatively correlated with the outcome of periodontal root coverage achieved. Conversely, initial gingival margin thickness was associated with increased percentage of root coverage. These site‐specific characteristics may serve as important risk indicators to predict the outcome of root coverage procedure.
The effect of electronic cigarettes on dental enamel color
Authors: Pintado‐Palomino Karen , de Almeida Cecilia Vilela Vasconcelos Barros , Oliveira‐Santos Christiano , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda Panzeri , Tirapelli Camila 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe use of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) has recently increased as an alternative to conventional smoking tobacco products. The literature is scarce on the effects of ECIGs on dental and oral structures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to observe whether ECIG aerosol could alter the color of dental enamel.Materials and methodsSixty‐three bovine enamel specimens were randomly separated into groups (n = 7) and treated with aerosols with different e‐liquid flavors (neutral, menthol, and tobacco) and nicotine content (0, 12, and 18 mg). The initial color assessment was performed using a spectrophotometer (Easy Shade—Vita). Dental enamel was exposed to 20 cycles of ECIG aerosol in a smoking machine, and the final color was measured. The color change was evaluated using ΔEab, ΔE00, and Whiteness Index (WID) formulae. Differences in L* a* b* coordinates were calculated, and data were analyzed (two‐way ANOVA, uncorrected Fisher's LSD post hoc test, α = 0.05).ResultsLuminosity (ΔL) was reduced by aerosols with almost all levels of nicotine content and neutral and menthol flavors. Flavored e‐liquids caused more color change (P < .05) according to ΔEab and ΔE00. ΔE values from both formulae exceeded the thresholds for perceptible visual alterations of color. WID increased after ECIGs exposure for menthol and tobacco and decreased for neutral flavors.ConclusionsECIG aerosol from e‐liquids with different nicotine contents and flavors altered enamel color. Menthol and tobacco e‐liquids may alter the enamel color decreasing the yellowness of the enamel compared to neutral e‐liquid.Clinical significanceElectronic cigarettes can cause perceptible changes in tooth color, altering dental esthetics.
Influencing factors on preventive health behaviours for Zika virus in pregnant women and their partners
Authors: Jo Sungho , Kim Youngji , Choi Jeong Sil 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesTo identify Zika virus‐related knowledge, attitudes to Zika virus and health motivations of pregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy and their partners, and to identify factors that influence preventive health behaviours for Zika virus infection.BackgroundPrevention of Zika virus infection is becoming a major worldwide public health effort. The high‐risk group for Zika virus infection comprises women who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy. Few studies have addressed preventive health behaviours for Zika virus infection by gender.DesignThis study was a descriptive cross‐sectional survey.MethodsParticipants (112 males and 147 females) were selected by convenience sampling from three obstetric clinics located in South Korea. Women and their partners who visited obstetric clinics during pregnancy or preparing for pregnancy were included as subjects.ResultsFactors associated with preventive health behaviours for Zika virus were checking infection status of Zika virus on destinations when planning a trip and attitudes to Zika virus in males and age, educational level, intention to travel to Zika virus endemic countries, attitudes to Zika virus and health motivation in females.ConclusionsFactors that influence preventive health behaviours for Zika virus were different by gender. However, attitudes to Zika virus were influential to both genders. Gender differences should be considered in development of health policies to improve preventive health behaviours for Zika virus. Younger and less educated women are to be targeted, and health management programmes should be developed to promote health motivation.Relevance to clinical practicePregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy and their partners need education and public health promotion to improve self‐management during travel to places where Zika virus is endemic. Health policies and health management programmes considering age and educational background should be developed to promote health motivation in women of childbearing age.
Differences in productive performance and intestinal transcriptomic profile in two modern fast‐growing chicken hybrids
Authors: Zampiga Marco , Bertocchi Micol , Bosi Paolo , Trevisi Paolo , Meluzzi Adele , Sirri Federico 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to characterize growth performance and ileum transcriptomic profile of two fast‐growing chicken hybrids (HA and HB). A total of 1,170 one‐day‐old female chicks (n = 585 per genotype) were weighed and randomly divided into 18 pens (9 replications/group). Both the groups received the same commercial diet (starter, 0–9 days; grower I, 10–21 days; grower II, 22–34 days; and finisher, 35–43 days). Body weight (BW), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on a pen basis at the end of each feeding phase. At the processing (43 days), incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD) was evaluated on all the birds and ileum mucosa was collected from 1 bird/replication. Total mRNA was extracted to perform microarray analysis (Chicken Gene 1.1ST Array Strip), and an exploratory pathway analysis was then conducted (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis software). The two genotypes showed different growth patterns throughout the study. HA birds exhibited higher BW and better FCR than HB after 9 days (228 vs. 217 g and 1.352 vs. 1.419, respectively, p < 0.05). At 21, 34 and 43 days, HB birds reported higher BW (807 vs. 772 g; 1,930 vs. 1,857 g and 2,734 vs. 2,607 g, respectively; p < 0.01), DFI (74.9 vs. 70.6 g bird−1 day−1, p < 0.01; 144.4 vs. 139.6 g bird−1 day−1, p = 0.06; and 196.5 vs. 182.4 g bird−1 day−1, p < 0.01) and similar FCR compared to HA ones. HB group showed a higher percentage of birds with no FPD (75% vs. 48%; p < 0.001). Transcriptomic analysis revealed enriched gene sets for mitochondria, cellular energy metabolism, and cell structure and integrity in ileum mucosa of HA broilers and enriched gene sets for immune system activation, cell signalling and inflammation in HB ones. In conclusion, these results indicated that the two chicken genotypes are characterized by different growth patterns, feeding behaviour and gene expression profiles in the intestinal mucosa.