bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound tissue characterisation of the superficial digital flexor tendons in juvenile Thoroughbred racehorses during early race training
Authors: Plevin S. , McLellan J. , van Schie H. , Parkin T. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundInjuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) are one of the leading causes of Thoroughbred (TB) wastage. Increasingly, the aim is to prevent injury rather than treat it. Conventional ultrasonography is not sufficiently sensitive to accurately monitor tendon and predict injury. Ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) is a relatively new technique, which improves tendon characterisation by providing a 3‐dimensional (3D) SDFT reconstruction and objective calculation of fibre alignment by classifying fibres into one of 4 echo‐types.ObjectivesTo report a reference range of echo‐types in a population of normal juvenile TB racehorses. It was hypothesised that: UTC would be easy to use on juvenile TB racehorses in a field setting; that results would be repeatable; that the UTC would demonstrate a physiologic response of the tendon and, finally, that the technique would allow monitoring of the SDFT for early detection of degenerative changes.Study designProspective longitudinal cohort pilot study.MethodsThirty‐two TB yearling racehorses were recruited. UTC measurements of bilateral forelimb SDFTs were taken every 60–90 days. The proportion of 4 echo‐types were quantified as a relative percentage at specific zones over the length of the SDFT. Relationships were assessed by pairedTtests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests.ResultsMean percentage for echo‐type I fibres were >85%; echo‐type II fibres were <15%, with negligible echo‐type III and IV. Significant right to left limb, zonal, and temporal differences in echo‐type were identified.Main limitationsNo control group of untrained horses, limiting ability to differentiate whether findings were training‐related as opposed to age‐related changes.ConclusionsChanges in SDFT characterisation over the first 6 months of training were identified. UTC may provide useful objective information when assessing juvenile SDFTs.The Summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
Analysis of a token density metric for concern detection in Matlab sources using UbiSOM
Authors: Cavalheiro Marques Nuno , Monteiro Miguel , Silva Bruno 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMatrix and data manipulation programming languages are an essential tool for data analysts. However, these languages are often unstructured and lack modularity mechanisms. This article presents a knowledge discovery approach for studying manifestations of the lack of modularity support in that sort of languages. The study is focused on Matlab, as a well‐established representative of those languages. We present a technique for the automatic detection and quantification of concerns in Matlab and their exploration in a code base. The Ubiquitous Self Organizing Map (UbiSOM) is used to perform exploratory data analysis over concerns detected in a, possibly changing, repository of Matlab files. The UbiSOM is quite effective in detecting patterns of co‐occurrence of multiple concerns. To illustrate the technique, a repository comprising over 35,000 Matlab files is analysed. The results show that the use of Token Density metrics in conjunction with UbiSOM enables the detection of patterns of co‐occurrence of multiple concerns in m‐files.
An analytically formulated structural strain method for fatigue evaluation of welded components incorporating nonlinear hardening effects
Authors: Pei Xianjun , Dong Pingsha 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAn analytically formulated structural strain method is presented for performing fatigue evaluation of welded components by incorporating nonlinear material hardening effects by means of a modified Ramberg‐Osgood power law hardening model. The modified Ramberg‐Osgood model enables a consistent partitioning of elastic and plastic strain increments during both loading and unloading. For supporting 2 major forms of welded structures in practice, the new method is applied for computing structural strain defined with respect to a through‐thickness section in plate structures and cross section in piping systems. In both cases, the structural strain is formulated as the linearly deformation gradient on their respective cross sections, consistent with the “plane sections remain plane” assumption in structural mechanics. The structural strain‐based fatigue parameter is proposed and has been shown effective in correlating some well‐known low‐cycle and high‐cycle fatigue test data, ranging from gusset‐to‐plate welded plate connections to pipe girth welds.
Effect of whey protein supplementation after resistance exercise on the muscle mass and physical function of healthy older women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mori Hiroyasu , Tokuda Yasunobu 
Published: August 2018

AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a 24‐week program of nutritional supplementation using whey protein, ingested after resistance exercise, in increasing muscle mass and physical function among community‐dwelling healthy older Japanese women.MethodsWe carried out a randomized controlled trial, with 81 healthy women, aged 65–80 years, allocated to three groups of 27 participants each: the exercise and protein supplementation group, the exercise only group, and the protein supplementation only group. A 24‐week program of resistance exercise, carried out twice per week, was combined with whey protein supplementation, containing 22.3 g of protein. The total protein intake for participants in all three experimental groups was adjusted to a level of at least 1.2 g/kg bodyweight/day, and more during the intervention period. Between‐group differences in the pre‐ to post‐intervention change in skeletal muscle mass and physical function were evaluated using an analysis of variance.ResultsThe pre‐ to post‐intervention increase in the skeletal muscle mass index was significantly higher for the exercise only group than for the protein supplementation only group (P =0.008), and significantly higher for the exercise and protein supplementation group than for either the exercise only (P =0.007) or protein supplementation only (P <0.001) groups. Similarly, the increase in grip strength and gait speed was significantly greater for the exercise and protein supplementation group than for the protein supplementation only group (grip strength P =0.014, gait speed P =0.026).ConclusionsWhey protein supplementation, ingested after resistance exercise, could be effective for the prevention of sarcopenia among healthy community‐dwelling older Japanese women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1398–1404.
Efficacy and safety of elbasvir plus grazoprevir combination therapy in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b
Authors: Takeuchi Yasue , Akuta Norio , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: August 2018

AimTreatment with all‐oral direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) is associated with high sustained virologic response (SVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and treatment efficacy of EBR/GZR in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 147 consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection who were treated with EBR (50 mg) plus GZR (100 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. The rates of SVR at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) were evaluated based on patient baseline characteristics. Treatment efficacy was analyzed according to background chronic kidney disease (CKD), and retreatment efficacy in patients who failed to respond to previous DAAs.ResultsThe SVR12 was 94% (138 of 147 patients), based on intention‐to‐treat analysis. Rates of SVR12 were 97% (131 of 135) and 58% (7 of 12) in cases naïve to DAA treatment and failure to respond to prior DAAs, respectively. The SVR12 rates in patients with CKD stage 4–5 was 100% (8 of 8). All patients (4 of 4 patients) with stage 4–5 and advanced fibrosis (Fibrosis‐4 index ≥3.25) also achieved SVR12. Multivariate analysis that included the above variables identified pretreatment with other DAAs as an independent factor that was significantly and independently associated with non‐SVR12 (odds ratio, 97.5; P < 0.001). Relapsers of first DAAs, excluding the combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, achieved SVR12. Characteristic novel non‐structural protein 5A substitutions were not detected after failure of retreatment with EBR/GZR.ConclusionTreatment with EBR/GZR was highly efficacious with acceptable safety, even in patients with CKD stage 4–5. Retreatment of relapsers to prior DAAs, excluding ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, achieved SVR12.
Igbo historiography: Parts I, II, and III
Authors: Chuku Gloria 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIgbo historiography has advanced since the publication of the epic narrative of Olaudah Equiano in 1789 and its different versions, especially that of Paul Edwards, a British literary historian in 1969. The main objective of this essay is to demonstrate the vitality and diversity of Igbo historical studies and provide informative and thoughtful interpretations of its strengths and weaknesses. In three parts, the essay examines the origin, dispersal, and settlement of the people; sociopolitical institutions and organization; economic systems, including slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, and the colonial economy; Igbo religion, Islam, Christianity, and Western education; colonial encounter; the Igbo in precolonial and modern Nigeria with focus on intergroup relations, ethnicity, and the Nigeria–Biafra War; and Igbo intellectual history. The essay makes a spirited critique of areas of overemphasis and the conceptual and methodological issues. It suggests important neglected themes that require further historical investigations. Its primary goal is to nudge Igbo historiography in new and challenging directions and inspire historians interested in Igbo studies to adopt a historiographical approach that emphasizes currency, relevance, and usability.
Digital humanities, digital methods, digital history, and digital outputs: History writing and the digital revolution
Authors: Brennan Claire 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhile the term “digital humanities” appears inclusive, its exact meaning remains unclear and its early association with studies in English Literature means the term has already been partially superceded by “digital methods.” However, that renaming is problematic as it emphasises the research tools used while the field itself is adjusting to include new methods, new topics, and new types of production, not just new ways of working with existing materials. Historians have long been alert to new tools as they become available to researchers. However, even as historians have revelled in the increased access to primary sources provided by digitisation and have analysed the opportunities that access offers, they have been aware of the unevenness of the digitisation process and the gaps it both creates and disguises. Issues of copyright and the ethics of creating public access to private lives have also caused historians concern. More recently, discussion about the evaluation of digital scholarship has begun. Often purely digital outputs are not formally recognised by their authors' institutions, despite having a significant online presence and contributing to scholarship. In parallel with being concerned about fairly assessing the work of peers, historians have also begun to consider how to teach (and assess) the digital skills now expected of history graduates.
The evolution of egg shape in birds: selection during the incubation period
Authors: Birkhead Tim R. , Thompson Jamie E. , Biggins John D. , Montgomerie Robert 
Published: August 2018

A recent broad comparative study suggested that factors during egg formation – in particular ‘flight efficiency’, which explained only 4% of the interspecific variation – are the main forces of selection on the evolution of egg shape in birds. As an alternative, we tested whether selection during the incubation period might also influence egg shape in two taxa with a wide range of egg shapes, the alcids (Alcidae) and the penguins (Spheniscidae). To do this, we analysed data from 30 species of these two distantly related but ecologically similar bird families with egg shapes ranging from nearly spherical to the most pyriform eggs found in birds. The shape of pyriform eggs, in particular, has previously proven difficult to quantify. Using three egg‐shape indices – pointedness, polar‐asymmetry and elongation – that accurately describe the shapes of all birds’ eggs, we examined the effects of egg size, chick developmental mode, clutch size and incubation site on egg shape. Linear models that include only these factors explained 70–85% of the variation in these egg‐shape indices, with incubation site consistently explaining > 60% of the variation in shape. The five species of alcids and penguins that produce the most pyriform eggs all incubate in an upright posture on flat or sloping substrates, whereas species that incubate in a cup nest have more spherical eggs. We suggest that breeding sites and incubation posture influence the ability of parents to manipulate egg position, and thus selection acting during incubation may influence egg‐shape variation across birds as a whole.
Explorative study on quality of life in relation to salivary secretion rate in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy up to 2 years post treatment
Authors: Almståhl Annica , Skoogh Andersson Jessica , Alstad Torgny , Fagerberg‐Mohlin Bodil , Finizia Caterina 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse quality of life (QoL) pretreatment and up to 24 months post radiation therapy (RT) in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer.MethodsTwenty‐nine patients (19 men and 10 women) with a mean age of 59 ± 8 years were included. The stimulated salivary secretion was measured and the patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and H&N35) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) pretreatment and at 6, 12 and 24 months post RT.ResultsAt all time‐points after RT (6, 12, and 24 months), patients with hyposalivation (stimulated secretion rate ≤0.7 mL/min) reported clinically significant differences (> 10 points) regarding insomnia, swallowing, social eating, dry mouth, and sticky saliva. Statistically significant differences were found for emotional functioning and insomnia at 12 months (P < 0.05 for both) and for sticky saliva at both 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). The number of clinically significant differences increased from 10 at both 6 and 12 months post‐RT to 14 functioning/symptom scales and single items at the 24 months follow‐up. At 24 months post RT, 21% of patients with hyposalivation had HADS scores suggesting anxiety problems compared to 7% for those with stimulated salivary secretion rates >0.7 mL/min.ConclusionPatients with hyposalivation showed deterioration in health related quality of life (QoL) at 24 months compared with 12 months post RT. Most pronounced were problems with insomnia, swallowing, social eating, dry mouth, and sticky saliva.
Pension Freedom Day in the United Kingdom: Early evaluation of consumer response
Authors: Loibl Cäzilia , Summers Barbara , McNair Simon , Bruine de Bruin Wändi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUnderstanding decumulation decisions in retirement is an important component of public policy that influences pension regulations in aging societies. This research examined a recent, substantial change to pension regulation in the United Kingdom: the newly established flexibility to obtain a lump‐sum payout from personal or occupational pension savings. Conducting an online survey of individual’s eligible to take advantage of the Pension Freedom regulation, we find that almost half of study participants plan to obtain a lump‐sum payout, on average £33,741, intending it for an average of three different investments or purchases. The decision to obtain a lump‐sum withdrawal was related to better knowledge of the new regulation. It was also more likely among older respondents and those not worried about a decline in standard of living during retirement. Dispositional measures did not affect the lump‐sum decision. Close to one‐third of study participants still planned to invest retirement savings into an annuity, especially those who retire at a later age, have concerns about care costs and worry about decline in standard of living in retirement. Comments about the changes to pension regulation were slightly more positive than negative. From our analysis of the effect of the Pension Freedom regulation on savings decumulation decisions, we conclude that the new Pension Freedom regulations do meet consumer demands, and demonstrate that pension knowledge and retirement expectations, in particular, influence consumer evaluations. We further conclude that annuity investments continue to play a role for older adults in the United Kingdom, especially for those concerned about meeting financial needs during retirement.
Spark plasma sintering microscopic mechanisms of metallic systems: Experiments and simulations
Authors: Trzaska Zofia , Collard Christophe , Durand Lise , Couret Alain , Chaix Jean‐Marc , Fantozzi Gilbert , Monchoux Jean‐Philippe 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe microscopic densification mechanisms of metallic systems (TiAl, Ag‐Zn) by spark plasma sintering (SPS) have been studied by simulations and experiments. Finite element simulations showed that, despite very high current densities at the necks between metallic powder particles (≈5 × 104 A/cm2), only very limited Joule overheating can be expected at these locations (<1°C), because of very fast heat diffusion. The microscopic plasticity mechanisms under these high electric currents have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. For this purpose, thin foils have been extracted by focused ion beam at the necks between TiAl powder particles. This is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that microscopic plasticity mechanisms at the necks between powder particles are investigated by TEM during densification of a metallic powder. Dislocation glide and climb mechanisms were identified, followed by recovery and recrystallization. The elementary mechanism kinetically controlling these phenomena is proposed to be bulk diffusion of Al, which activation energy (360 kJ/mol) is close to the activation energy measured for densification (308 ± 20 kJ/mol). Comparisons of densification kinetics by SPS (≈60‐110 A/cm2) and by hot pressing (0 A/cm2) showed no influence of current on these mechanisms. Finally, reaction experiments in the Ag‐Zn system did not show any influence of very high currents (>1000 A/cm2) on diffusion kinetics. Consequently, densification by SPS occurs by classical mechanisms not affected by the current.
Single step genomic evaluation for female fertility in Nordic Red dairy cattle
Authors: Matilainen Kaarina , Strandén Ismo , Aamand Gert Pedersen , Mäntysaari Esa A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractJoint Nordic (Denmark, Finland, Sweden) genetic evaluation of female fertility is currently based on the multiple trait multilactation animal model (BLUP). Here, single step genomic model (ssGBLUP) was applied for the Nordic Red dairy cattle fertility evaluation. The 11 traits comprised of nonreturn rate and days from first to last insemination in heifers and first three parities, and days from calving to first insemination in the first three parities. Traits had low heritabilities (0.015–0.04), but moderately high genetic correlations between the parities (0.60–0.88). Phenotypic data included 4,226,715 animals with records and pedigree 5,445,392 animals. Unknown parents were assigned into 332 phantom parent groups (PPG). In mixed model equations animals were associated with PPG effects through the pedigree or both the pedigree and genomic information. Genotype information of 46,914 SNPs was available for 33,969 animals in the pedigree. When PPG used pedigree information only, BLUP converged after 2,420 iterations whereas the ssGBLUP evaluation needed over ten thousand iterations. When the PPG effects were solved accounting both the pedigree and the genomic information, the ssGBLUP model converged after 2,406 iterations. Also, with the latter model breeding values by ssGBLUP and BLUP became more consistent and genetic trends followed each other well. Models were validated using forward prediction of the young bulls. Reliabilities and variance inflation of predicted genomic breeding values (values for parent averages in brackets) for the 11 traits ranged 0.22–0.31 (0.10–0.27) and 0.81–0.95 (0.83–1.06), respectively. The ssGBLUP model gave always higher validation reliabilities than BLUP, but largest increases were for the cow fertility traits.
Diatoms do radiate: evidence for a freshwater species flock
Authors: Stelbrink Björn , Jovanovska Elena , Levkov Zlatko , Ognjanova‐Rumenova Nadja , Wilke Thomas , Albrecht Christian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDue to the ubiquity and high dispersal capacity of unicellular eukaryotes, their often extraordinary diversity found in isolated and long‐lived ecosystems such as ancient lakes is typically attributed to multiple colonization events rather than to in situ speciation. However, respective evolutionary studies are very scarce and the often high number of species flocks in ancient lakes across multicellular taxa raises the question whether unicellular species, such as diatoms, may radiate as well. Here, we use an integrative approach that includes molecular data from benthic diatom species of the genus Aneumastus endemic to ancient Lake Ohrid, fossil data obtained from the sediment record of a recent deep‐drilling project and biogeographical information to test if this group, indeed, constitutes a species flock. Molecular‐clock and phylogenetic analyses indicate a young monophyletic group of several endemic species. Molecular, fossil and biogeographical data strongly suggest a rapid intralacustrine diversification, which was possibly triggered by the emergence of novel habitats. This finding is the first evidence for a species flock in diatoms and suggests that in situ speciation is also a relevant evolutionary process for unicellular eukaryotes in isolated ecosystems.
Risk factors for challenging behaviour and psychopathology in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Nevill R. E. , Benson B. A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study explored the role of demographic, psychosocial, stress and life event‐related risk factors for psychopathology and challenging behaviour in a clinical sample of adults with Down syndrome.MethodA convenience sample of adults with Down syndrome seen through a specialised clinic was assessed through interviews and questionnaires specifically designed for use in people with intellectual disabilities.ResultsRecent negative life events and stressors were significantly correlated with mental and behavioural health, and significantly predicted irritability, lethargy and depressed mood. Social avoidance was predicted by stress related to anticipation and social–environmental stressors, and negatively predicted by verbal ability. Ritual‐related stress predicted obsessive–compulsive behaviour. Participants who did not have a job or vocational placement were significantly more depressed than participants who did.ConclusionsAdults with Down syndrome should be provided increased supports for coping with negative life events and stressors. Interventions should also emphasise community engagement, such as employment, and access to psychosocial supports that teach coping and self‐regulation skills when faced with stressors and negative life events.