bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of abdominal muscle composition with prediabetes and diabetes: The CARDIA study
Authors: Granados Andrea , Gebremariam Achamyeleh , Gidding Samuel S. , Terry James G. , Carr John Jeffrey , Steffen Lyn M. , Jacobs David R. , Lee Joyce M. 
Published: August 2018

AimTo evaluate the relationship of abdominal muscle lean tissue and adipose tissue volumes with prediabetes and diabetes.Research Design and MethodsWe measured abdominal muscle composition in 3170 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study who underwent computed tomography (CT) at Year 25 of follow‐up (ages, 43‐55 years). Multinomial regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of CT‐measured intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), lean muscle tissue (lean) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes with diabetes at any point during the CARDIA study, newly detected prediabetes, prior history of prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance. Models were adjusted for potential confounding factors: age, sex, race, height, smoking status, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, cardiorespiratory fitness and study centre.ResultsHigher IMAT, lean and VAT volumes were all separately associated with a higher prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes. Inclusion of VAT volume in models with both IMAT volume and lean volume attenuated the association of IMAT with both prediabetes and diabetes, but higher lean volume retained its association with prediabetes and diabetes. Individuals in the highest IMAT quartile, coupled with VAT in its lower three quartiles, had a higher prevalence of diabetes, but not of prediabetes, than those with both IMAT and VAT in their respective lower three quartiles. Adjusting for cardiorespiratory fitness did not substantially change the findings.ConclusionHigher IMAT volume was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes even after adjustment for VAT volume. However, further study is warranted to understand the complicated relationship between abdominal muscle and adipose tissues.
The headspace Brief Interventions Clinic: Increasing timely access to effective treatments for young people with early signs of mental health problems
Authors: Schley Carsten , Pace Nicholas , Mann Rhianna , McKenzie Catherine , McRoberts Alison , Parker Alexandra 
Published: August 2018

AimTimely access to treatment in the early stages of mental illness is pivotal to recovery and prevention of longer‐term disablement. Yet, this can be challenging at times of growing service demands. The headspace Brief Interventions Clinic (BIC) is an innovative treatment model aiming to promote quick access to evidence‐based interventions for young people presenting with early signs of mental disorders.MethodsThe BIC treatment package comprises eight skill‐building and behavioural intervention modules that young people can choose from. Treatment occurs over a maximum of six sessions with graduate students under supervision. Treatment outcomes are compared at baseline and final sessions, with client satisfaction measured at the final session.ResultsAllocation to the BIC occurred within 2 to 3 weeks of initial referral. Most young people (73%) completed their treatment, attending on average four sessions. Significant reductions in overall psychological distress, depressive symptomatology and anxiety severity ratings were observed at completion of treatment, as well as significant improvements in social and occupational functioning. About 91% of young people stated that their outcome expectations had been entirely met and 95% were entirely satisfied with their treatment experience. A strong therapeutic relationship, specific strategies for managing emotions, coping and problem‐solving and a choice of engaging in flexible and modularised content were identified as the most valued experiences by young people.ConclusionThe BIC might be ideally suited for health care settings aiming to promote timely access to treatments for young people with early signs of mental disorders.
Elevated CO2 and warming cause interactive effects on soil carbon and shifts in carbon use by bacteria
Authors: Carrillo Yolima , Dijkstra Feike , LeCain Dan , Blumenthal Dana , Pendall Elise 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccurate predictions of soil C feedbacks to climate change depend on an improved understanding of responses of soil C pools and C use by soil microbial groups. We assessed soil and microbial C in a 7‐year manipulation of CO2 and warming in a semi‐arid grassland. Continuous field isotopic labelling under elevated CO2 further allowed us to study the dynamics of the existing C (Old C) in soil and microbes as affected by warming. Warming reduced soil C under elevated CO2 but had no impact under ambient CO2. Loss of soil C under warming and elevated CO2 was attributed to increased proportional loss of Old C. Warming also reduced the proportion of Old C in microbes, specifically the bacteria, but not the fungi. These findings highlight that warming impacts are C pool and microbial taxa dependent and demonstrate interactive effects of warming and atmospheric CO2 on soil C.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, periictal physiology, and the SUDEP‐7 Inventory
Authors: Odom Nicole , Bateman Lisa M. 
Published: August 2018

SummarySudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant public health burden. Epidemiological studies have identified clinical SUDEP risk factors across large populations, but the means to apply this information to individual patients are lacking. The SUDEP‐7 Inventory was developed as a marker of clinical SUDEP risk and has been used in studies of potential SUDEP biomarkers. We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 16 patients dying of SUDEP and 48 matched living epilepsy controls to determine whether individuals succumbing to SUDEP could be distinguished from living epilepsy controls using the revised SUDEP‐7 Inventory, the absolute number of clinical risk factors as identified by an International League Against Epilepsy meta‐analysis (ILAE score), and physiological characteristics previously associated with SUDEP risk. Mean revised SUDEP‐7 Inventory score was 3.3 ± 2.0 in SUDEP cases and 3.8 ± 2.3 in controls (P = 0.39). Mean ILAE score was 2.4 ± 1.1 in SUDEP cases and 2.6 ± 1.4 in controls (P = 0.62). There were no significant differences in interictal heart rate variability (measured by the root mean square of differences of successive RR intervals), periictal cardiorespiratory dysfunction, and postictal generalized electroencephalographic suppression between the groups. This demonstrates that a reliable instrument for individual SUDEP risk stratification is lacking and highlights the need for improved understanding of SUDEP pathophysiology and individual risk determination.
Application of EMC‐J criterion to fracture prediction of U‐notched polymeric specimens with nonlinear behaviour
Authors: Majidi Hamid Reza , Razavi Nima , Torabi Ali Reza 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe main purpose of the present research paper is to investigate applicability of a new energy‐based failure prediction model, called EMC‐J criterion, to predict the critical loads of U‐notched polymeric samples having a ductile behaviour and loaded under symmetric 3‐point bending. The evaluated polymeric single edge notch bending samples containing U‐notches failed by considerable plastic deformations around the notch border, making it inappropriate to directly use classic linear elastic‐based formulations. Due to the elastic‐plastic behaviour of the tested polymeric material, EMC‐J criterion is applied to avoid using complex and extremely time‐consuming nonlinear analysis for failure load predictions. Finally, it is shown that EMC‐J criterion can provide a good consistency between the experimental and theoretical results with an average discrepancy of about 10%.
A new method to estimate the plane strain fracture toughness of materials
Authors: Li He Fei , Duan Qi Qiang , Zhang Peng , Qu Rui Tao , Zhang Zhe Feng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAlthough the testing method for fracture toughness KIC has been implemented for decades, the strict specimen size requirements make it difficult to get the accurate KIC for the high‐toughness materials. In this study, different specimen sizes of high‐strength steels were adopted in fracture toughness testing. Through the observations on the fracture surfaces of the KIC specimen, it is shown that the fracture energy can be divided into 2 distinct parts: (1) the energy for flat fracture and (2) the energy for shear fracture. According to the energy criterion, the KIC values can be acquired by small‐size specimens through derivation. The results reveal that the estimated toughness value is consistent with the experimental data. The new method would be widely applied to predict the fracture toughness of metallic materials with small‐size specimens.
Postprandial hypotension in older people receiving tube feeding through gastrostomy
Authors: Sato Koichi , Sugiura Tomonori , Ohte Nobuyuki , Dohi Yasuaki 
Published: August 2018

AimPostprandial hypotension (PPH) is recognized as a clinical problem, constituting a potential risk for cerebral and cardiovascular events, as well as mortality. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that PPH is prevented by slowing the infusion rate of enteral nutrition through tube feeding and by avoiding the administration of antihypertensive drugs just before the start of tube feeding.MethodsParticipants were older people receiving tube feeding through gastrostomy who used a geriatric health services facility (n = 12; mean age 79.8 years). Changes in blood pressure during and after enteric nutrient infusion lasting for 1 or 2 h were investigated with or without the administration of antihypertensive drugs just before the start of tube feeding.ResultsWhen enteric nutrient was infused for 1 h, after the administration of antihypertensive drugs, nine of 12 participants showed PPH with a maximal reduction in systolic blood pressure of 37.6 ± 6.5 mmHg. Although PPH was not prevented by avoiding drug administration before infusion (maximal blood pressure reduction 30.2 ± 5.0 mmHg) or by extending the infusion time to 2 h (26.5 ± 7.5 mmHg), the combination of the two actions prevented PPH and reduced the postprandial fall in systolic blood pressure to 17.6 ± 5.8 mmHg.ConclusionsThe prevalence of PPH in older people receiving tube feeding was 75%. Slowing the enteric nutrient infusion rate combined with avoiding antihypertensive drugs just before the infusion was useful for preventing PPH. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1474–1478.
Expertise and the PhD: Between depth and a flat place
Authors: Barnacle Robyn , Schmidt Christine , Cuthbert Denise 
Published: August 2018

AbstractExpertise is under sustained interrogation. We see it in so‐called edu‐scepticism and pessimism about graduates’ apparently diminishing employment prospects, challenges to the role of Higher Education institutions as arbiters of knowledge and post‐truth rhetoric more broadly. This paper examines how the PhD is being discursively positioned in this context. We ask what these changing conceptions of expertise, education and work mean for how PhD‐level expertise is understood. Drawing on a range of sources, from the scholarly to the wider media, we draw together five exemplar models of expertise to expose the transforming ratio between generalist, transferable skills and specialist knowledge. The evident diminution of specialisation raises numerous issues for the PhD as it is increasingly called upon to serve multiple and potentially contradictory needs: an innovation society on the one hand and the discipline on the other. Reconciling the tension between depth and breadth is an important issue for a degree whose hallmark is—or at least has been—depth.
Evaluating digital libraries: a systematised review
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Soleymani Mohammad R. , Hashemian Alireza , Hashemian Mohammad R. , Daei Azra 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the models and methods for evaluating digital libraries.MethodsSpringer, Science Direct, ProQuest, Emerald, Wiley, LISTA, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Magiran (Persian), Irandoc (Persian), SID (Persian) and Noormags (Persian) databases were searched systematically based on the defined criteria. Selection criteria included full‐text articles and dissertations published in English and Persian languages in 2004–2017. The final included articles (n = 64) were reviewed, selected and analysed by group discussions.ResultsThe results of analysing 64 included articles for this systematised review specified that the evaluation of digital libraries is mostly focused on the service quality aspect, and DigiQual was the most frequently used model. Few studies have evaluated digital libraries in the health sector. The researcher developed questionnaire is the most frequently used method to evaluate digital libraries.ConclusionBecause there are fewer studies of digital libraries evaluation in the health sector, the specific features of health digital libraries should be addressed by librarians and health digital library designers to develop specific models.
Defining and validating a Body Skin Discomfort Index (BSDI)
Authors: Segot‐Chicq E. , Salah S. , Jullien M. , Portal N. , Deschodt C. , Gagnebien D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo understand the drivers of body skin discomfort and to validate a new index to assess its severity. This index should be sensitive enough to capture changes in response to treatment.MethodsPrevious consumer studies suggested seven potential main dimensions behind skin discomfort. Four of them refer to self‐declarations (stinging, itching, warming and tightening), whereas three can be assessed by a dermatologist (skin dryness, redness and desquamation). Intensity and frequency or extent of these items were measured using 0–9 ordinal scales. To generate the data for validation of a new index based on the 7 items, a group of 49 subjects complaining of skin discomfort was followed up for 5 weeks: 1‐week without product application to check reproducibility, followed by 4 weeks of treatment to evaluate sensitivity to change. Items not significantly reported at baseline or with changes because of treatment not sufficiently correlated with the overall change measured by the index were discarded. A control group of 49 subjects presenting no discomfort at all was also included to check the capacity of our index to discriminate both groups. The final index (Body Skin Discomfort Index, BSDI) was normalized to facilitate the clinical interpretation of the results.ResultsAfter discarding warming and skin redness, the BSDI is finally a five‐dimension score calculated as follows: (TI + TF + SI + SF + ItI + ItF + DI + DE + DqI + DqE) 9 9/90 where T, S, It, D and Dq refer to tightness, stinging, itching, dryness, desquamation respectively, and I, F or E refers to intensity, frequency or extent. The final BSDI score displayed a good capacity to discriminate people with skin discomfort from people with ‘normal skin’, a good reproducibility (intraclass coefficient correlation ICC = 0.85) and a good sensitivity to detect change because of treatment (Difference vs. Baseline of 2.63 on a 0–9 scale).ConclusionThe developed index, BSDI, is a reliable way to address the measurement issue of the multidimensional skin discomfort syndrome. It thus should simplify the evaluation of cosmetic products effect and helps to compare products dedicated to body cleansing.
Laser coating of bioactive glasses on bioimplant titanium alloys
Authors: Kuo Po‐Hsuen , Joshi Sameehan S. , Lu Xiaonan , Ho Yee‐Hsien , Xiang Ye , Dahotre Narendra B. , Du Jincheng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLaser‐assisted material processing is a promising field for new material synthesis. This study explores the feasibility of using laser as a tool to synthesize SiO2‐Na2O‐CaO‐P2O5 bioactive glass coatings on Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy for bio‐implant application. Various laser processing conditions were explored to investigate their effects on coating characteristics. Detailed microstructure and elemental distribution on the top surface and in the cross‐sectional region of the bioactive glass‐coated alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Bio‐mineralization in simulated body fluid for both representative‐coated samples and uncoated control sample for comparison was carried out. The thermokinetic effects during laser processing were simulated using a multi‐physics finite element model. The results demonstrated synthesis of bioactive glass coating on the metal substrate with local segregation of Na, P, and Si elements and considerable dilution of Al and Ti in the coating from the alloy substrate impacted the bioactivity of the coating. Although the observations suggest that the laser processing is a promising method in applying bioactive glasses coatings, further efforts are warranted to optimize laser processing conditions to produce adherent coating while retaining its bioactivity.
A move in the Right Direction? The Model Law against Trafficking in Persons and the ILO Operational Indicators
Authors: Vijeyarasa Ramona 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhile the Palermo Protocol sought to offer the global community the first‐ever definition of trafficking and the parameters for who constitutes a victim, the result was an inaccurate, ill‐defined and cumbersome definition that fails to match the realities of the phenomenon. Since 2000, two other international instruments were drafted: the UNODC Model Law against Trafficking in Persons and the ILO Operational Indicators on Trafficking in Human Beings. This article navigates through various hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate the limitations of the Palermo Protocol in accommodating the autonomy exercised by victims of trafficking in the process of migrating into exploitative work and the more accurate picture of the victim offered by these newer instruments. By identifying the strengths in international law when it comes to trafficking and the problems that remain, this article offers potential solutions to how international law can better reflect trafficking and victimhood.
Impact of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on heart failure patients referred to a tertiary advanced heart failure unit: improvements in diagnosis and management
Authors: Lum Ying H. , McKenzie Scott , Brown Martin , Hamilton‐Craig Christian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical use of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in Australian heart failure (HF) patients has limited evidence.AimTo examine how CMR, compared with routine echocardiography, affects the diagnosis and management of patients with HF.MethodsSingle‐centre retrospective study of HF patients newly referred to the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant unit at The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane. Between January 2010 and December 2014, all patients clinically referred for both CMR and echocardiography in the workup of HF were analysed. Imaging results, electronic records and medical charts were reviewed for final diagnosis and changes in clinical management.ResultsA total of 114 new HF referrals was included. Evaluation of HF of uncertain aetiology (70%) was the most common indication for CMR. In 20% of cases, CMR led to a completely new diagnosis or diagnostic confirmation of suspicions raised by echocardiography. Clinical decision‐making was altered in 48%, with the greatest impact on decisions regarding revascularisation. Overall, CMR had a significant impact on 50% of patients. In a multivariable model, the only independent variable significantly associated with clinical impact was the presence/absence of late gadolinium enhancement (P < 0.001). Importantly, body mass index, echocardiography image quality and the presence of sinus rhythm did not show statistical significance in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionCMR makes a substantial contribution to both the diagnosis and management of HF patients over and above standard echocardiography. This study provides evidence of its clinical utility in the HF population in Australia and supports the role of CMR in the routine assessment of this cohort.
Coenzyme Q10 in acute influenza
Authors: Chase Maureen , Cocchi Michael N. , Liu Xiaowen , Andersen Lars W. , Holmberg Mathias J. , Donnino Michael W. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesThe goal of this investigation was to determine if acute influenza infection is associated with depletion of CoQ10 compared to healthy controls and to determine any associations between CoQ10 levels and illness severity and inflammatory biomarkers.Patients and MethodsWe analyzed serum CoQ10 concentrations of patients with acute influenza enrolled in a randomized clinical trial prior to study drug administration. Patients were enrolled at a single urban tertiary care center over 3 influenza seasons (December 27, 2013 to March 31, 2016). Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare CoQ10 levels between influenza patients and healthy controls. Correlations with inflammatory biomarkers and severity of illness were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient.ResultsWe analyzed CoQ10 levels from 50 patients with influenza and 29 controls. Overall, patients with acute influenza had lower levels of CoQ10 (.53 μg/mL, IQR .37‐.75 vs .72, IQR .58‐.90, P = .004). Significantly more patients in the influenza group had low CoQ10 levels (<.5 μg/mL) compared to controls (48% vs 7%, P < .001). Among influenza patients, there were significant but weak correlations between CoQ10 levels and IL‐2 (r = −.30, P = .04), TNF‐alpha (r = −.35, P = .01) and VEGF (r = .38, P = .007), but no correlation with IL‐6, IL‐10, VCAM or influenza severity of illness score (all P > .05).ConclusionsWe found that CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in patients with acute influenza infection and that these levels had significant although weak correlations with several inflammatory biomarkers.
Pharmacological characterization of hetrombopag, a novel orally active human thrombopoietin receptor agonist
Authors: Xie Chengying , Zhao Huajun , Bao Xubin , Fu Haoyu , Lou Liguang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNonpeptide thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR/MPL) agonists, such as eltrombopag, have been used to treat thrombocytopenia of various aetiologies. Here, we investigated the pharmacological properties of hetrombopag, a new orally active small‐molecule TPOR agonist, in preclinical models. Hetrombopag specifically stimulated proliferation and/or differentiation of human TPOR‐expressing cells, including 32D‐MPL and human hematopoietic stem cells, with low nanomolar EC50 values through stimulation of STAT, PI3K and ERK signalling pathways. Notably, hetrombopag effectively up‐regulated G1‐phase–related proteins, including p‐RB, Cyclin D1 and CDK4/6, normalized progression of the cell cycle, and prevented apoptosis by modulating BCL‐XL/BAK expression in 32D‐MPL cells. Moreover, hetrombopag and TPO acted additively in stimulating TPOR‐dependent signalling, promoting cell viability, and preventing apoptosis. Orally administered hetrombopag specifically promoted the viability and growth of 32D‐MPL cells in hollow fibres implanted into nude mice with much higher potency than that of the well‐known TPOR agonist, eltrombopag, in association with activation of TPOR‐dependent signal transduction in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that, given its favourable pharmacological characteristics, hetrombopag may represent a new, orally active, small‐molecule TPOR agonist for patients with thrombocytopenia.