bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and characteristics of transverse myelitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in the United Arab Emirates: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Holroyd Kathryn B. , Aziz Faisal , Szolics Miklos , Alsaadi Taoufik , Levy Michael , Schiess Nicoline 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the epidemiology and characteristics of transverse myelitis (TM) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.MethodsRetrospective chart review at four large government‐run hospitals in Abu Dhabi between 2010 and 2016. Data collected included year of onset, presentation, laboratory results including aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G (IgG)/myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibodies and the occurrence of any relapses.ResultsA total of 46 individuals were identified. Of these, 23 (50%) were Emirati citizens. Within the overall group including pediatrics, the crude prevalence rate for monophasic TM was 1.0 per 100 000, and for NMOSD was 0.34 per 100 000. Incidence rates within the overall group for TM and NMOSD were 0.18 per 100 000 and 0.05 per 100 000, respectively. For Emirati citizens aged ≥20 years, the prevalence rate for monophasic TM was 2.46 per 100 000 and 1.76 per 100 000 for NMOSD, and the incidence was 0.57 per 100 000 and 0.17 per 100 000, respectively. The incidence of monophasic TM and NMOSD within the Emirati pediatric population (aged ≤19 years) was 0.18 per 100 000 and 0.06 per 100 000, respectively. The mean age of onset for monophasic TM was 36 years, and for NMOSD was 43 years. Nine patients had a positive aquaporin‐4 IgG or anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibody result. Of the 30 participants with available laboratory cerebrospinal fluid analysis, 36.6% had elevated white blood counts (>5.0 × 106/L), and 43% had elevated protein levels. A total of 19 participants had documentation of oligoclonal bands or IgG index, and just four (21%) had either oligoclonal bands or elevated IgG index.ConclusionThe present study describes the epidemiology and characteristics of TM and NMOSD among populations in Abu Dhabi. The adult prevalence rate for Emirati citizens was 2.46 per 100 000 for monophasic TM, and 1.76 per 100 000 for NMOSD. The overall incidence was 0.18 per 100 000 and 0.05 per 100 000, respectively.
Nasopharyngeal versus hypopharyngeal packing during sino‐nasal surgeries: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alfiky M.G. , Margalani O.A. , Rajeh A.F. , Alghamdi F.E. , Abu Suliman O.A. , Muathen S.H. , Elmorsy S.A. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesPrimary: To compare the severity of postoperative throat pain between patients who received a nasopharyngeal pack and those who received a hypopharyngeal pack during their sino‐nasal surgery. Secondary: To assess the efficacy of using a nasopharyngeal pack in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and to compare its result with patients who received a hypopharyngeal pack.DesignProspective, randomised, controlled trial.SettingTertiary Hospital.ParticipantsForty‐seven patients were evaluated. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into one of the two following groups: Group (A): hypopharyngeal packing during the surgery, or Group (B): nasopharyngeal packing during the surgery.Main outcome measuresThe blinded Patients from both groups were evaluated at 2 hours, 24 hours and 1 week after the surgery by a blinded assessor. Throat pain was assessed using the standardised numeric rating scale for pain from zero to ten. The presence of PONV, oedema, congestion and ulceration of the pharyngeal mucosa was recorded.ResultsAt 2 hours after the surgery, the median pain score for the nasopharyngeal group was less than the hypopharyngeal group (3.5 and 4.0, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .195). Patients in both groups had the same median score (4.0) when throat pain was assessed 24 hours after surgery. The hypopharyngeal packing group has a lower incidence of PONV at 2 hours, 24 hours and 1 week, these differences were not statistically significant (P > .050). Pharyngeal ulceration was found in one patient from the hypopharyngeal group during the second assessment at 24 hours. No differences in the assessed pharyngeal physical signs were statistically significant at any of the assessment time points.ConclusionThe location of the throat pack does not affect the early postoperative throat pain. The nasopharyngeal pack is a safe alternative for the hypopharyngeal pack if throat packing is indicated. There is a need for review of the available current evidence on throat packs and more adequately powered randomised controlled trials on a larger scale of participants.
A target image–oriented dictionary learning–based method for fully automated latent fingerprint forensic
Authors: Xu Jinwei , Hu Jiankun , Jia Xiuping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSeveral fully automated latent print forensic techniques have been reported. In this paper, we propose a fully automated latent print segmentation module for the partition of the fingerprint region in a query latent image, which can help find a corresponding match of the suspect reliably. Being different from the existing methods that build the prelearned dictionary from the high‐quality fingerprint image patches, the proposed dictionary learning procedure is conducted on the target images. The advantages of the proposed method are the following: (i) it does not require a large number of high‐quality “ridge‐valley” atoms and (ii) not only the structure similarity but also the pattern scale has been kept consistent between the target image patches and learned dictionary atoms. Because no commercial latent fingerprint matcher is publicly available and the latent matcher reported in the literature is not accessible to the public either, a latent fingerprint matching platform is implemented to evaluate the obtained segmentation results and automated latent fingerprint matching performance. On the basis of this platform, experimental comparisons are conducted to assess closeness to the system performance upper bound when different segmentation modules are deployed. Moreover, matcher‐independent criteria such as genuine minutiae preservation rate and the segmented region of interest's accuracy are used. All the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed segmentation approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art techniques in terms of finding the correct fingerprint of the suspect subject.
Commentary: Harm reduction, managed alcohol programs and doing the right thing
Authors: Gaetz Stephen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this commentary to the special issue on managed alcohol programs, the necessity of working from a harm reduction orientation when supporting people who experience homelessness is explored. While not all people who experience homelessness have substance use disorders, many respond to experiences of trauma and exclusion through the use of substances, and in many cases this leads to problematic use. In a context where people who are homeless regularly experience the control and regulation of their lives through emergency services, harm reduction approaches provide a welcomed alternative through humane, respectful, effective and client centred approaches to addressing substance use disorders. The articles in this volume demonstrate the value of managed alcohol programs to support people whose consumption of alcohol is problematic. The emerging evidence base for managed alcohol programs has important implications for policy and practice.
Children with cerebral palsy in Ghana: malnutrition, feeding challenges, and caregiver quality of life
Authors: Polack Sarah , Adams Mel , O'banion David , Baltussen Marjolein , Asante Sandra , Kerac Marko , Gladstone Melissa , Zuurmond Maria 
Published: May 2018

AimTo assess feeding difficulties and nutritional status among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Ghana, and whether severity of feeding difficulties and malnutrition are independently associated with caregiver quality of life (QoL).MethodThis cross‐sectional survey included 76 children with CP (18mo–12y) from four regions of Ghana. Severity of CP was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and anthropometric measures were taken. Caregivers rated their QoL (using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module) and difficulties with eight aspects of child feeding. Logistic regression analysis explored factors (socio‐economic characteristics, severity of CP, and feeding difficulties) associated with being underweight. Linear regression was undertaken to assess the relationship between caregiver QoL and child malnutrition and feeding difficulties.ResultsPoor nutritional status was common: 65% of children aged under 5 years were categorized as underweight, 54% as stunted, and 58% as wasted. Reported difficulties with child's feeding were common and were associated with the child being underweight (odds ratio 10.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3–49.6) and poorer caregiver QoL (p<0.001). No association between caregiver QoL and nutritional status was evident.InterpretationAmong rural, low resource populations in Ghana, there is a need for appropriate, accessible caregiver training and support around feeding practices of children with CP, to improve child nutritional status and caregiver well‐being.What this paper adds

Malnutrition is very common among children with cerebral palsy in this rural population in Ghana.

Feeding difficulties in this population were strongly associated with being underweight.

Feeding difficulties were associated with poorer caregiver quality of life (QoL).

Child nutritional status was not associated with caregiver QoL.
Why did socialist economies fail? The role of factor inputs reconsidered
Authors: Vonyó Tamás , Klein Alexander 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article presents new estimates for investment and new growth accounts for three socialist economies between 1950 and 1989. Government statistics reported distorted measures for both the rate and the trajectory of productivity growth in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Researchers have benefited from revised output data, but have continued to use official statistics on capital input, or estimated capital stock from official investment data. Investment levels and rates of capital accumulation were much lower than officially claimed and over‐reporting worsened over time. A setback in factor accumulation—both investment in equipment and labour input—contributed very significantly to the socialist growth failure of the 1980s.
Relations between bacterial communities and enzyme functions of two paddy soils
Authors: Luo X. , Yang Y. , Wang L. , Zhang Y. , Liao H. , Peng S. , Chen W. , Huang Q. 
Published: May 2018

Until recently, the relation between the microbial community structure and paddy soil enzyme functions has not been clear. Two types of paddy soil, located only 2 km apart and involved in the same field experiment, were used. We found a clear spatial effect on the bacterial community structure that could be related to the types of soil. The bacterial community structure was linked statistically to four indices of soil enzyme activity involving Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), suggesting that the bacterial community has a more important role than fungi and other eukaryotes in modulating enzyme function in paddy soil. Redundancy analysis also showed that the two soil bacterial communities regulated soil enzyme activity with different effects. The α‐diversity of the bacterial community was positively associated with invertase activity, and negatively associated with the biomass normalized urease and arylsulphatase activities. In addition, the differences in soil enzyme activities were closely linked to dominant optimal taxonomic units (OTUs), most of which were phylogenetically related to enzyme producers from Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi with different 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels. Our results suggested that the enzyme function of paddy soil was linked to both the diversity and composition of bacteria in this study.HighlightsWe quantified the relation between the soil enzyme functions and bacterial community.
Enzyme activities of paddy soil correlated with G+ and G− PLFAs.
Bacterial α‐diversity was correlated statistically with paddy soil enzyme function.
Species of Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi comprised the primary enzyme regulators.
Unraveling past impacts of climate change and land management on historic peatland development using proxy‐based reconstruction, monitoring data and process modeling
Authors: Heinemeyer Andreas , Swindles Graeme T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPeatlands represent globally significant soil carbon stores that have been accumulating for millennia under water‐logged conditions. However, deepening water‐table depths (WTD) from climate change or human‐induced drainage could stimulate decomposition resulting in peatlands turning from carbon sinks to carbon sources. Contemporary WTD ranges of testate amoebae (TA) are commonly used to predict past WTD in peatlands using quantitative transfer function models. Here we present, for the first time, a study comparing TA‐based WTD reconstructions to instrumentally monitored WTD and hydrological model predictions using the MILLENNIA peatland model to examine past peatland responses to climate change and land management. Although there was very good agreement between monitored and modeled WTD, TA‐reconstructed water table was consistently deeper. Predictions from a larger European TA transfer function data set were wetter, but the overall directional fit to observed WTD was better for a TA transfer function based on data from northern England. We applied a regression‐based offset correction to the reconstructed WTD for the validation period (1931–2010). We then predicted WTD using available climate records as MILLENNIA model input and compared the offset‐corrected TA reconstruction to MILLENNIA WTD predictions over an extended period (1750–1931) with available climate reconstructions. Although the comparison revealed striking similarities in predicted overall WTD patterns, particularly for a recent drier period (1965–1995), there were clear periods when TA‐based WTD predictions underestimated (i.e. drier during 1830–1930) and overestimated (i.e. wetter during 1760–1830) past WTD compared to MILLENNIA model predictions. Importantly, simulated grouse moor management scenarios may explain the drier TA WTD predictions, resulting in considerable model predicted carbon losses and reduced methane emissions, mainly due to drainage. This study demonstrates the value of a site‐specific and combined data‐model validation step toward using TA‐derived moisture conditions to understand past climate‐driven peatland development and carbon budgets alongside modeling likely management impacts.
Influence of apical enlargement on the repair of apical periodontitis in rats
Authors: Jara C. M. , Hartmann R. C. , Böttcher D. E. , Souza T. S. , Gomes M. S. , Figueiredo J. A. P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the influence of different apical enlargement protocols on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis in rats.MethodologyApical periodontitis was induced bilaterally in the mandibular right and left first molars of 24 Wistar rats by pulp exposure to the oral cavity for 3 weeks. A standard serial root canal preparation technique was performed in the molar of one side, whilst the opposite side was the control group. Rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8), according to the diameter of apical enlargement during root canal preparation: K‐files size 20 (EG1), size 25 (EG2) and size 30 (EG3). Each animal was its own positive control, because the opposite arch remained untreated. Root canals were filled with a standard technique. After 3 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The main outcome of apical periodontitis healing was evaluated radiographically (mm2) and histologically (ordinal scores of inflammation) using a HE staining technique. The measurement of effect was obtained between the three experimental groups by carrying out generalized estimating equations, with Poisson regression with robust variance, pairing each experimental group with its respective control group within animals, adjusted for the mean within animal differences, with α = 5%.ResultsThe mean and standard deviations of radiographic apical periodontitis size (mm2) and intensity of histological inflammatory scores were, respectively: EG1 (0.44 ± 0.27; 2.25 ± 0.46), EG2 (0.33 ± 0.10; 2.50 ± 0.53) and EG3 (0.22 ± 0.08; 2.63 ± 0.74). After 3 weeks, a significantly more favourable radiographic repair was observed when larger apical enlargement was performed (EG3), compared to EG1 and EG2 (P = 0.001). All experimental groups were associated with a significant difference on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis compared with its respective control group.ConclusionUnder the experimental conditions of this study, a larger apical enlargement protocol favoured a more rapid radiographic repair of apical periodontitis in rats after a 3‐week follow‐up.
Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 coated porous silica beads on degradation of cumene hydroperoxide
Authors: Pinato Kamonwan , Suttiponparnit Komkrit , Panpa Withaya , Jinawath Supatra , Kashima Dujreutai 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecently, due to an increasing global concern on environmental safety, titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst has been extensively researched for use as air and water pollution treatments. This study was initiative for producing an economically viable TiO2 photocatalyst material with recyclability for degradation of CHP contaminated wastewater. TiO2 P‐25, a well‐known photocatalyst, with a proper amount (15% w/w of CAC) was coated on porous silica beads (ECOLITE®) by granulation technique, using high calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as a binder (EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25). The experiments revealed that high concentration CHP solutions were completely degraded by EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25 within 5 and 7 hours. The recyclability of EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25 was evaluated by investigation the degradation activity of freshly prepared CHP solution under UV light irradiation using the repetitive photocatalyst beads for 6 runs. HPLC analyses indicated that the CHP degradation was completed in the 1st run and down to over 90% in the 6th run. Hence, EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25 showed a long durability and good recyclability for CHP degradation, resulted from the good adherence of hydration product layer of CAC for TiO2 particles as well as its large surface area that offered good adsorption for CHP.
High temperature anti‐oxidation behavior of in situ and ex situ nanostructured C/SiC/ZrB2‐SiC gradient coatings: Thermodynamical evolution, microstructural characterization, and residual stress analysis
Authors: Abdollahi Alireza , Valefi Zia , Ehsani Naser , Torabi Shahla 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNanostructured C/SiC/ZrB2–SiC oxidation protective gradient coating was prepared by a two‐step reactive melt infiltration method. In order to reduce production cost, ZrB2 phase was synthesized by the in situ reactive that included low‐cost ZrO2 and B2O3 powders as raw materials. High‐temperature oxidation behavior of coatings was evaluated by isothermal oxidation test at 1773 K in air for 10 hours. Thermodynamical behavior of the coatings at various temperatures during oxidation test and coating process was predicted by HSC Chemistry 6.0 software. Compressive residual stresses of 36.9 MPa and 41 MPa were calculated for in situ and ex situ coatings by Williamson‐Hall method. After 10 hours of isothermal oxidation at 1773K, in situ and ex situ coatings showed 12.84% and 15.69% of weight losses with oxidation rates of 1.87 × 10−2 g cm−3 h−1 and 0.91 × 10−2 g cm−3 h−1, respectively. These results indicated that the oxidation protection ability of the coating produced by the in situ method was very close to ex situ coating.
Socioeconomic status and survival for patients with melanoma in the United States: an NCDB analysis
Authors: Sitenga Jenna L. , Aird Gregory , Ahmed Aabra , Walters Ryan , Silberstein Peter T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of socioeconomic factors and healthcare treatment and outcomes for lower income patients is tremendous, affecting not only those afflicted by poverty and decreased quality of care but also physicians, healthcare professionals, and society at large.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was used to identify 80,907 patients with stage 0–4 melanoma and analyze variables to track patterns in survival and outcome.ResultsThis study demonstrates that disparities in income, insurance status, and education affects treatment and survival rates across all stages of melanoma and seeks to establish further understanding surrounding socioeconomic factors and quality of healthcare in America.ConclusionThrough investigation and analysis, the goal of this study is to highlight how the existing socioeconomic gap in America impacts the quality of treatment and survival in patients diagnosed with melanoma.
Skill development, bargaining power, and a theory of job design
Authors: Moon Seongwuk 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe examine the job design decision in the context of skill development and bargaining power. The choice between specialization and multitasking requires employees to develop either specialized or varied task‐specific skills. Employees' (i.e., the owners of the acquired skills) bargaining power depends on their skill sets, which differentiate their ability to hold up production and threaten to leave a firm. When a firm cannot meaningfully elicit skill investments through job design, it will pursue inefficient multitasking to reduce production holdups or inefficient specialization to prevent skilled employees from leaving. We obtain inefficient job design results only for mediocre ability workers.
Accuracy of liver stiffness, spleen stiffness, and LS‐spleen diameter to platelet ratio score in detection of esophageal varices: Systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Manatsathit Wuttiporn , Samant Hrishikesh , Kapur Saurabh , Ingviya Thammasin , Esmadi Mohammad , Wijarnpreecha Karn , McCashland Timothy 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThere is increasing evidence of non‐invasive measurement using elastography such liver stiffness (LS), spleen stiffness (SS), and LS‐spleen diameter to platelet ratio score (LSPS) for detection of esophageal varices (EV); however, data regarding comparison between these three parameters are limited.MethodsWe performed a systemic review and meta‐analysis of studies evaluating performance of LS, SS, and LSPS for detection of EV and high risk/clinically significant EV (HREV). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, log diagnostic odd ratio (LDOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of LS, SS, and LSPS for detection of EV and HREV were analyzed and compared. Publication bias was assessed by Deeks' funnel plot.ResultsSS and LSPS were superior to LS for detection of EV with higher sensitivity (0.90 and 0.91 vs 0.85), specificity (0.73 and 0.76 vs 0.64), LDOR (3.24 and 3.35 vs 2.26), and AUC (0.899 and 0.851 vs 0.817). For HREV, SS had the highest sensitivity (0.87) followed by LS (0.85) and LSPS (0.82); however, SS had the lowest specificity (0.52), LDOR (2.09), and AUC (0.807) whereas LSPS had the highest specificity (0.77), LDOR (2.74), and AUC (0.861).ConclusionFor detection of EV, we prefer using LSPS and SS over LS when available, while LS, SS, and LSPS cannot be recommended for detection of HREV due to their moderate sensitivity and specificity.