bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravaginal practices and genital human papillomavirus infection among female sex workers in Cambodia
Authors: Bui Thanh Cong , Scheurer Michael E. , Pham Vy Thi‐Tuong , Tran Ly Thi‐Hai , Hor Leng Bun , Vidrine Damon J. , Ross Michael W. , Markham Christine M. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesIntravaginal practices (IVPs) include washing, wiping, or inserting something inside the vagina. This study investigates the associations between IVPs and genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 200 female sex workers aged 18 to 35 years in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From August to September 2014. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, IVPs, and other behaviors were collected through face‐to‐face interviews. Self‐collected cervicovaginal specimens were tested for 37 HPV genotypes.ResultsMultivariable Poisson regression models showed that a lower number of infecting HPV genotypes were associated with intravaginal washing in the past 3 months (incident rate ratios [IRR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46‐0.94) and often performing intravaginal washing shortly after sex (IRR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.99). Intravaginal washing before vaginal sex, intravaginal wiping, and intravaginal insertion were not associated with HPV infection.ConclusionThese findings challenge the existing view that all types of vaginal cleansing are harmful. Specifically, intravaginal washing shortly after sex (mainly with water) may help prevent HPV infection in female sex workers, who have several partners and thus frequently expose to sources of HPV infection with different genotypes.
Immunotoxicity of aflatoxin M1: as a potent suppressor of innate and acquired immune systems in a subacute study
Authors: Shirani Kobra , Zanjani Bamdad R , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Jafarian Amir H , Hassani Faezeh V , Giesy John P , Karimi Gholamreza 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough, to date, there have been several in vitro and in vivo studies of immunomodulatory effects of aflatoxin M1 (AFB1), little is known about the effect of AFM1 on various aspects of innate and acquired immunity. In the present study, AFM1 was administered intraperitoneally, at doses of 25 and 50 μg kg−1, body mass for 28 days and various immunological parameters were measured.RESULTSSeveral parameters related to immune function were suppressed: organ mass, cellularity of spleen, proliferation response to lipopolysaccaride and phytohemagglutinin‐A, hemagglutination titer, delayed type of hypersensitivity response, spleen cell subtypes, serum hemolytic activity, serum immunoglobulin G level and cytokine production. AFM1 did not cause changes in body mass, hematological parameters or the concentration of immunoglobulin M in blood serum.ConclusionsOverall, the data suggested that AFM1 suppressed innate and acquired immunity. Therefore, with respect to consumer safety, it is extremely important to further control the level of AFM1 in milk, and this should be considered as a precedence for risk management actions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Formally continuous functions on Baire space
Authors: Kawai Tatsuji 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA function from Baire space to the natural numbers is called formally continuous if it is induced by a morphism between the corresponding formal spaces. We compare formal continuity to two other notions of continuity on Baire space working in Bishop constructive mathematics: one is a function induced by a Brouwer‐operation (i.e., inductively defined neighbourhood function); the other is a function uniformly continuous near every compact image. We show that formal continuity is equivalent to the former while it is strictly stronger than the latter. The equivalence of formally continuous functions and those induced by Brouwer‐operations requires Countable Choice.
Reversible Corticobasal Syndrome due to Coeliac Disease
Authors: Paramanandam Vijayashankar , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Olszewska Diana Angelika , Munteanu Tudor , Williams Laura , Magennis Brian , Fearon Conor , O'Connell Martin , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios , Lynch Tim 
Published: July 2018

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Analytical solution to axisymmetric consolidation of unsaturated soil stratum under equal strain condition incorporating smear effects
Authors: Ho Liem , Fatahi Behzad 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes closed‐form analytical solutions to the axisymmetric consolidation of an unsaturated soil stratum using the equal strain hypothesis. Following the 1‐dimensional (1D) consolidation theory for unsaturated soil mechanics, polar governing equations describing the air and water flows are first presented on the basis of Fick's law and Darcy's law, respectively. The current study takes into account the peripheral smear caused by an installation of vertical drain. Separation of variables and Laplace transformation are mainly adopted in the analytical derivation to obtain final solutions. Then, the hydraulic conductivity ratio, the radius of influence zone and smear parameters influencing time‐dependent excess pore pressures, and the average degree of consolidation are graphically interpreted. In this study, a comparison made between the proposed equal strain results and the existing free strain results suggests that both hypotheses would deliver similar predictions. Moreover, it is found that the smear zone resulting from vertical drain installations would hinder the consolidation rate considerably.
Identifying cut‐off scores for interpretation of the Heart Failure Impact Questionnaire
Authors: Hsu Tsui‐Wen , Chang Hui‐Chin , Huang Chi‐Hung , Chou Ming‐Chih , Yu You‐Tsz , Lin Long‐Yau 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) influences health‐related quality of life. However, the factors that contribute to health‐related quality of life remain unclear in Taiwan. We aim to identify the factors influencing health‐related quality of life in HF patients.MethodsHospitalized HF (N = 225) patients were included from April 2011 to April 2014. Health‐related quality of life was assessed by using the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. A new cut‐off was conducted based on the combination of SF‐36 and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire.ResultsThere were significant differences between good and poor quality groups on age, gender, education levels, occupational classification caregiver, New York Heart Association classes, and the numbers of comorbidities. The logistic regression analysis showed that the number of comorbidities was more than three and New York Heart Association class IV were significantly associated with health‐related quality of life.
Translation, psychometric validation, and baseline results of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric measures to assess health‐related quality of life of patients with pediatric lymphoma in Malawi
Authors: Westmoreland Katherine , Reeve Bryce B. , Amuquandoh Amy , van der Gronde Toon , Manthalu Olivia , Correia Helena , Stanley Christopher , Itimu Salama , Salima Ande , Chikasema Mary , Ward Paula , Mpasa Atupele , Wachepa Stella , Mtete Idah , Butia Mercy , Chasela Mary , Mtunda Mary , Wasswa Peter , Martin Steven , Kim Nader El‐Mallawany , Kazembe Peter , Gopal Satish 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionInternationally validated tools to measure patient‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) are available, but efforts to translate and culturally validate such tools in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce, particularly among children.MethodsThe Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 25‐item pediatric short form (PROMIS‐25) assesses six HRQoL domains—mobility, anxiety, depression, fatigue, peer relationships, and pain interference—by asking four questions per domain. There is a single‐item pain intensity item. The PROMIS‐25 was translated into Chichewa and validated for use in Malawi using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. The validity and reliability of the PROMIS‐25 was assessed.ResultsFifty‐four pediatric patients with lymphoma completed the PROMIS‐25. Structural validity was supported by interitem correlations and principal component analysis. Reliability of each scale was satisfactory (range alpha = 0.71‐0.93). Known group validity testing showed that anemic children had worse fatigue (P = 0.016) and children with poor performance status had worse mobility (P < 0.001) and pain interference (P = 0.005). Compared to children with cancer in the United States, children from Malawi reported lower levels of mobility, higher anxiety, higher depressive symptoms, higher fatigue, better satisfaction with peer relationships, and higher pain interference.ConclusionTranslation and cultural validation of the PROMIS‐25 into Chichewa for Malawi was successful. Baseline HRQoL for patients with pediatric lymphoma in Malawi is poor for all domains except peer relationships. This emphasizes an urgent need to address HRQoL among children undergoing cancer treatment in SSA using self‐reported instruments validated within the local context.
Extraversion and happiness: The mediating role of social support and hope
Authors: Tan Chee‐Seng , Low Sew‐Kim , Viapude Glory Nancy 
Published: July 2018

AbstractStudies have found that extraversion enhances happiness indirectly through social support. However, it is unclear how social support may be connected to happiness. On the basis of a literature review, we hypothesize that individual hope may play an important role in the relationship between social support and happiness. Using a serial mediation model, the present study attempted to investigate the hypothetical mediating role of hope in the relationship between extraversion and happiness and between social support and happiness. Analysis of responses of 360 undergraduate students showed that extraversion, social support, and hope were significantly linked with happiness. Moreover, hope was found to mediate the linkage of extraversion and happiness and of social support and happiness. The results also supported the view that extraversion enhances happiness through social support and then hope (serial mediating effect). Lastly, the serial mediating effect was found to be significantly lower than the other two indirect effects. The findings offer insights into the effect of social support on happiness and extend the understanding of the relationship between extraversion and happiness.
Mental health literacy and intervention program adaptation in the internationalization of school psychology for Vietnam
Authors: Dang Hoang‐Minh , Weiss Bahr , Lam Trung , Ho Ha 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper discusses how school psychology technology developed in Western countries can be adapted for global contexts and “internationalized.” The article reports results of two studies, providing examples of (1) our school psychology internationalization experiences in Vietnam, as lessons hopefully useful for other professionals interested in international development, and (2) how Western researchers can learn through internalization experiences. Because mental health literacy is foundational for mental health development, Study 1 focused on assessment of mental health literacy among 353 Vietnamese teachers, with findings suggesting overall low mental health literacy among these participants. Study 2 focused on our Vietnam ACES ProS high‐school problem‐solving therapy program. We discuss the Mental Health Capacity Development Model guiding development of ACES ProS and report positive results of an evaluation of ACES ProS involving 100 Vietnamese high‐school students. Program cultural adaptation (e.g., deciding whether teacher classroom praise should be excluded from classroom behavior management because of Vietnamese students’ tendency to react to praise with increased competitive behavior) is reviewed as an example of challenges faced in school psychology internationalization. This program of research shows that school psychology internationalization can be successful but requires careful attention and close collaboration.
Should I stay or should I go? Approach/avoidance conflict and emotional functioning
Authors: Wilborn Dexter D. , Kramer Matthew P. , Stevenson Brittany L. , Dvorak Robert D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPersonality has long held a prevalent place in the pantheon of psychological research. In the last 40 years, neuropsychological models of personality have become a popular predictor of human behaviour and emotionality. With a particular focus on Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, this study investigated the interaction of high Behavioural Activation System (BAS) and Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) as a predictor of emotional functioning. Participants (n = 499) recruited from the community completed an online survey composed of questions on demographic information, behavioural inhibition and activation, emotional instability and indices of depression, anxiety and mixed depression–anxiety. Consistent with our primary hypothesis, the interaction of high BAS × BIS predicted emotional instability using an observed variable path model. This was subsequently associated with depression, anxiety and mixed depression–anxiety symptoms. Future avenues for research using BIS/BAS monitoring in clinical practice and study limitations are discussed. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Block Krylov methods for accelerating ensembles of variational data assimilations
Authors: Mercier François , Gürol Selime , Jolivet Pierre , Michel Yann , Montmerle Thibaut 
Published: July 2018

We consider the problem of efficiently solving ensembles of variational data assimilations in the context of numerical weather prediction. Running several assimilations notably allows us to initialize ensemble prediction systems and to more accurately represent background‐error statistics, but is computationally expensive, limiting ensemble size. We propose a new class of algorithms for speeding up the minimization of the ensemble of data assimilations. It consists of using block Krylov methods to simultaneously perform the minimization for all members of the ensemble, instead of performing each minimization separately.We develop preconditioned block Krylov versions of the Full Orthogonal Method and of the Lanczos algorithm in both primal and dual space. The latter works in observation space that is usually of smaller dimension than the state space, thus giving an advantage in terms of memory requirements and computational cost. We describe and compare several parallelization strategies for speeding up the minimization and limiting the communications.These methods have been tested on a quasi‐geostrophic system, consisting of a simplified atmospheric circulation model equipped with an ensemble of 3D‐Var schemes tuned to mimic some features of a limited‐area numerical weather prediction system. Experimentation shows that the number of iterations needed to converge is drastically reduced by the block Krylov approaches. We indicate that, while working in primal space does not save significant computational time, working in the dual space may reduce the computational time by a factor of 2 to 5 (depending on ensemble size) compared to standard Krylov methods, making our approach attractive for operational use.
Examining potential reductions in wind tunnel testing requirements
Authors: Hill Raymond R. , Ahner Darryl K. , Dillard Douglas A. , Montgomery Douglas C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWind tunnel test campaigns involve a large number of experimental data points, can take a long time to accomplish, and can consume tremendous resources. Design of experiments is a systematic approach to experimental design and analysis that has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wind tunnel testing. We use a legacy wind tunnel test campaign and compare the resulting data from that campaign to data generated using smaller experimental design strategies. The comparison is accomplished using a Monte Carlo sampling methodology coupled with a statistical comparison of the estimated surfaces. Initial results from a 2‐phase experiment suggest a tremendous opportunity to reduce wind tunnel test efforts without losing test information and provide suggestions on the types of designs to use to best realize the test matrix reductions.
Electrochemical Behavior of Single CuO Nanoparticles: Implications for the Assessment of their Environmental Fate
Authors: Zampardi Giorgia , Thöming Jorg , Naatz Hendrik , Amin Hatem M. A. , Pokhrel Suman , Mädler Lutz , Compton Richard G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of copper oxide nanoparticles is investigated at both the single particle and at the ensemble level in neutral aqueous solutions through the electrode‐particle collision method and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. The influence of Cl− and NO3− anions on the electrochemical processes occurring at the nanoparticles is further evaluated. The electroactivity of CuO nanoparticles is found to differ between the two types of experiments. At the single‐particle scale, the reduction of the CuO nanoparticles proceeds to a higher extent in the presence of chloride ion than of nitrate ion containing solutions. However, at the multiparticle scale the CuO reduction proceeds to the same extent regardless of the type of anions present in solution. The implications for assessing realistically the environmental fate and therefore the toxicity of metal‐based nanoparticles in general, and copper‐based nanoparticles in particular, are discussed.
Prioritizing challenges of agile process in distributed software development environment using analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Shameem Mohammad , Kumar Rakesh Ranjan , Kumar Chiranjeev , Chandra Bibhas , Khan Arif Ali 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSoftware organizations are increasingly combining agile methodologies and distributed software development (DSD) for efficiently and effectively built software products. There are numerous challenges associated with scaling agile methods in a distributed environment. Our study is intended to explore and prioritize the challenges for scaling agile practices in the DSD environment. This study was divided into 3 stages. In the first stage, 22 challenges were identified from literature review and grouped into 4 categories: management, team, technology, and process based on discussion with experts. In the second stage, an online questionnaire study was conducted to validate the identified challenges. Finally, analytic hierarchy process method was used to prioritize challenges and their categories based on their relative importance. The results highlighted that management is a most significant category as compared with the other categories. Similarly, lack of management commitments, lack of effective communication, lack of knowledge sharing, etc are identified as the most significant challenges that need to be focused by the organizations for scaling agile methodologies. On the basis of the research findings, we could conclude that the identified challenges along with their categories provide a robust framework to scale agile methodologies in the DSD environment.
Soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 to placental growth factor ratio: ruling out pre‐eclampsia for up to 4 weeks and value of retesting
Authors: Zeisler H. , Llurba E. , Chantraine F. J. , Vatish M. , Staff A. C. , Sennström M. , Olovsson M. , Brennecke S. P. , Stepan H. , Allegranza D. , Schoedl M. , Grill S. , Hund M. , Verlohren S. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is generally elevated some time before and at the clinical onset of pre‐eclampsia. The PROGNOSIS study validated a sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio cut‐off of ≤ 38 to rule out the onset of pre‐eclampsia within 1 week of testing in women with suspected disease. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio to rule out the onset of pre‐eclampsia for up to 4 weeks, and to assess the value of repeat measurements.MethodsThis was an exploratory post‐hoc analysis of data from the PROGNOSIS study performed in pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years with suspected pre‐eclampsia, who were at 24 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation at their first clinic visit. Serum samples were collected at the first visit and weekly thereafter. sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels were measured using Elecsys® sFlt‐1 and PlGF immunoassays. Whether the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio cut‐off of ≤ 38 used to rule out the onset of pre‐eclampsia within 1 week could predict the absence of pre‐eclampsia 2, 3, and 4 weeks post‐baseline was assessed. The value of repeat sFlt‐1/PlGF testing was assessed by examining the difference in sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio 2 and 3 weeks after the first measurement in women with, and those without, pre‐eclampsia or adverse fetal outcome.ResultsOn analysis of 550 women, sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio ≤ 38 ruled out the onset of pre‐eclampsia 2 and 3 weeks post‐baseline with high negative predictive values (NPV) of 97.9% and 95.7%, respectively. The onset of pre‐eclampsia within 4 weeks was ruled out with a high NPV (94.3%) and high sensitivity and specificity (66.2% and 83.1%, respectively). Compared with women who did not develop pre‐eclampsia, those who developed pre‐eclampsia had significantly larger median increases in sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio at 2 weeks (∆, 31.22 vs 1.45; P < 0.001) and at 3 weeks (∆, 48.97 vs 2.39; P < 0.001) after their initial visit. Women who developed pre‐eclampsia and/or adverse fetal outcome compared with those who did not had a significantly greater median increase in sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio over the same period (∆, 21.22 vs 1.40; P < 0.001 at 2 weeks; ∆, 34.95 vs 2.30; P < 0.001 at 3 weeks).ConclusionThe Elecsys® immunoassay sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio can help to rule out the onset of pre‐eclampsia for 4 weeks in women with suspected pre‐eclampsia. © 2018 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Despite dislocations: Uganda's Indians remaking home
Authors: Nair Savita 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe distinctive migration history of Uganda's Indians allows us to rethink diaspora identities and memory in forming translocal communities. Settlement, citizenship and displacement created a postcolonial order of overlapping allegiances and multiple, mobile identities. ‘Home’ had been extended and thus connected to sites in India and East Africa, yet the 1972 expulsion called into question the ways in which Uganda's Indians recalled the very idea of home. While expulsion was a momentous crescendo to nineteenth- and early twentieth-century migrations, it did not put an end to the history of Uganda's Indians. This article focuses on the life histories of diverse Indian migrants: an industrialist's multi-local legacy, the post-expulsion return of Indians to two Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) neighbourhoods, the repatriation of former residents back to Uganda in the 1980s and 1990s, and a brand-new generation of Indians coming to Uganda. By tracing these movements, I examine Indian migrants’ articulations of identity, investment and interaction vis-à-vis East Africa and India. How do experiences of rejection and return factor into (multi)national loyalties, notions of home and diaspora identities? How does an autobiography, a built structure or a neighbourhood construct and complicate both memories of migration and a migrant community's identity? I place India and Africa on the same historical map, and, by doing so, offer a way to include Indians in the framework of African political economy and society.