bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood eosinophilia, use of inhaled corticosteroids, and risk of COPD exacerbations and mortality
Authors: Oshagbemi Olorunfemi A. , Franssen Frits M.E. , Braeken Dionne C.W. , Henskens Yvonne , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse , Burden Andrea M. , de Vries Frank 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeIt remains unclear whether eosinophilia is useful for in guiding inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The goal of this study is to evaluate the risk of acute exacerbations, COPD‐related hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits, and all‐cause mortality with various levels of eosinophil counts among COPD patients using ICS.MethodsA cohort study was conducted using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients were aged 40+ and had COPD (n = 32 693). Current users of ICS were stratified by relative and absolute eosinophil counts to determine the risk of outcomes with blood eosiniphilia using Cox regression analysis.ResultsAmong COPD patients, current use of ICS was not associated with a reduced risk of acute COPD exacerbations, COPD‐related hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits, and all‐cause mortality. Stratification of ICS use by absolute or relative eosinophil counts did not result in significant differences in risk of COPD exacerbations or hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits. However, all‐cause mortality was reduced by 12% to 24% among patients with eosinophilia.ConclusionsCOPD‐related acute exacerbations or hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits were not reduced with eosinophilia among users of ICS with COPD. However, all‐cause mortality was reduced by 12% to 24%. These findings are potentially important and require further evaluation in prospective studies.
Simultaneously enhanced mechanical properties and thermal properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene with polydopamine‐coated α‐alumina platelets
Authors: Cao Jingshi , Wang Huaming , Cao Changlin , Li Hongzhou , Xiao Liren , Qian Qingrong , Huang Baoquan , Chen Qinghua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPolydopamine (PDA) was employed to modify micrometric Al2O3 platelets to improve the interfacial compatibility between α‐Al2O3 powder and ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The structure of PDA‐coated Al2O3 and UHMWPE composites was investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal stability and mechanical performance of the samples were also evaluated. It is clear that UHMWPE/PDA‐Al2O3 composites exhibit better mechanical properties, higher thermal stability and higher thermal conductivity than UHMWPE/Al2O3 composites, owing to the good dispersion of Al2O3 powder in the UHMWPE matrix and the strong interfacial force between the macromolecules and the inorganic filler caused by the presence of PDA. The tensile strength and the tensile elongation at break of UHMWPE/PDA‐Al2O3 composite with 1 wt% PDA‐Al2O3 are 62.508 MPa and 462%, which are 1.96 and 1.98 times higher than those of pure UHMWPE, respectively. The thermal conductivity of UHMWPE/PDA‐Al2O3 composite increases from 0.38 to 0.52 W m−1 K−1 with an increase in the dosage of PDA‐Al2O3 to 20 wt%. The results show that the prepared PDA‐coated Al2O3 powder can simultaneously enhance the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of UHMWPE. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Shewhart control schemes with supplementary 2‐of‐(h + 1) side‐sensitive runs‐rules under the Burr‐type XII distribution
Authors: Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Malandala Serge Kajingulu , Graham Marien Alet 
Published: September 2018

AbstractControl schemes that require strict distributional assumptions are called parametric control schemes. When the distributional assumptions fail to hold, nonparametric control schemes and other schemes based on more flexible probability distributions are needed. The traditional Shewhart control scheme has been improved upon using various techniques, one being the addition of non–side‐sensitive (NSS) and side‐sensitive runs‐rules. Many authors showed that side‐sensitive runs‐rules schemes are significantly superior to NSS runs‐rules schemes. In this paper, we propose side‐sensitive Shewhart‐type
schemes supplemented with 2‐of‐(h + 1) standard and improved runs‐rules (where h is a nonzero positive integer) under the violation of the normality assumption for monitoring the process mean. The zero‐state and steady‐state performances of the proposed schemes are investigated using a Markov chain approach. It is observed that the proposed schemes outperform the existing schemes in many situations and possess very interesting zero‐state and steady‐state properties under normal and non‐normal distributions. An illustrative example is provided to facilitate the design and implementation of the proposed schemes.
Comparison of coarse‐resolution rapid methods for assessing fish passage at riverine barriers: ICE and SNIFFER protocols
Authors: Barry James , Coghlan Brian , Cullagh Alan , Kerr James R. , King James J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMan‐made barriers have led to river fragmentation, restricting fish migrations to critical habitat. Fragmentation is relevant to the Water Framework and Habitats (Annex II fish) Directives of the European Union. SNIFFER (Water Framework Directive 111) is a United Kingdom‐developed fish passability assessment method with passability scores based on published data describing the physiological abilities of different fish species/life stages. SNIFFER is an objective protocol, but final scores require assessor opinion on specific nonquantified elements. The French ICE fish passability assessment protocol covers a larger number of fish species/life stages and removes the requirement for velocity readings (except in a few situations) and expert opinion with assessors following a decision tree process. In most situations, fewer direct measurements are required for the ICE protocol, and the evaluation process is quicker and simpler. Both protocols utilize a similar passability scoring system (0 = total barrier, 0.3 = high impact, 0.6 = low impact, 1 = no risk). Comparison of outcomes for species categories for both protocols was made in paired comparisons for 112 transversal sections (fish passage routes) recorded at 52 barriers (in‐river structures) of varying complexity in Irish rivers. Overall scores were found to be in high agreement for species groups at impassable (Score 0) and no risk (Score 1) barriers. Protocol agreement dropped significantly for high‐impact (Score 0.3) and low‐impact (Score 0.6) barriers. Results are discussed in the context of barrier passability at the 52 structures examined, primarily in the context of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus L.). In total, 22 of the structures had one or more fishways or fish passage solutions built into them as part of the original design. Both protocols identified substantial problems for sea lamprey and adult salmon at the majority of the fish passage solutions surveyed. The merits and shortcomings of both protocols, for managers assessing fish passability at complex riverine structures, are discussed.
The Nile Basin waters and the West African rainforest: Rethinking the boundaries
Authors: Gebrehiwot Solomon Gebreyohannis , Ellison David , Bewket Woldeamlak , Seleshi Yilma , Inogwabini Bila‐Isia , Bishop Kevin 
Published: September 2018

This focus article presents the state of the West African rainforest (WARF), its role in atmospheric moisture transport to the Nile Basin, and the potential impact of its deforestation on the Nile Basin's water regime, as well as options for improving transboundary water governance. The Nile is the longest river in the world, but delivers less water per unit area than other major rivers. Pressures from the Basin's rapidly growing population and agricultural demand risk exacerbating transboundary water conflicts. About 85% of the surface water reaching Aswan in Egypt originates from the Ethiopian Highlands which comprise less than 10% of the Nile Basin's total area (3.3 million km2). Some of the atmospheric moisture reaching the Highlands crosses over the WARF; other moisture source areas include the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The WARF adds atmospheric moisture and modifies the regional climate system. Deforestation in the WARF has the potential to alter rainfall patterns over the Ethiopian Highlands and thus flows in the Nile River, with reductions a likely outcome. Transregional governance that looks beyond basin boundaries to the sources and routes of moisture transport (the precipitationshed) has yet to be integrated into land–atmosphere and water management negotiations. To better achieve sustainable land management and water resource development in the Nile Basin, scientific and governance frameworks need to be established that include the WARF region states in the ongoing negotiations between the Nile riparian states.This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water
Human Water > Water Governance
Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Hepatic Pedicle Occlusion with the Pringle Maneuver During Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Reduces the Conversion Rate
Authors: Zhao Rongce , Liu Fei , Jia Chenyang , Chen Kefei , Wei Yonggang , Chen Junhua , Li Bo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn the presence of cholecystitis or portal hypertension, hemorrhage is common during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) because the vessels of Calot’s triangle are fragile and tortuous. Bleeding can obstruct surgical field visibility and increase conversion rates and risk of common bile duct injury. The Pringle maneuver is a simple occlusion approach that could limit blood flow from the hepatic pedicle, thus controlling bleeding to provide a clear surgical field to reduce conversion rate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of hepatic pedicle occlusion with the Pringle maneuver during difficult LC.MethodsFrom 2011 to 2015, LC with hepatic pedicle occlusion by the Pringle maneuver was performed in 67 patients (Pringle group). Another group of 67 cases with matched clinical parameters where LC was performed without the Pringle maneuver (non‐Pringle group) was retrieved from a database to serve as the control group.ResultsThe Pringle group had a significantly lower conversion rate (1.49% vs. 11.9%; P = 0.038), less blood loss (37.5 ± 24.1 mL vs. 94.5 ± 67.8 mL; P = 0.002), shorter postoperative hospitalization (2.5 ± 1.4 days vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 days; P = 0.005), and lower cost ($1343 ± $751 USD vs. $1674 ± $609 USD; P = 0.024) than non‐Pringle group. There was one case each of bile duct injury and readmission within 30 days because of bile leakage in the non‐Pringle group, but none in the Pringle group.ConclusionsHepatic pedicle occlusion could provide a clear surgical field and enable the recognition of structures during LC. The Pringle maneuver offers a feasible and safe approach to lower conversion rates in difficult LC.
Support vector regression and extended nearest neighbor for video object retrieval
Authors: Ghuge C. A. , Ruikar Sachin D. , Prakash V. Chandra 
Published: September 2018

AbstractVideo retrieval is one of the emerging areas in video capturing that gained various technical advances, increasing the availability of a huge mass of videos. For the text or the image query given, retrieving the relevant videos and the objects from the videos is not always an easy task. A hybrid model was developed in the previous work using the Nearest Search Algorithm (NSA) and exponential weighted moving average (EWMA), for the video object retrieval. In NSA + EWMA, the object trajectories are retrieved based on the query specific distance. This work extends the previous work by developing a novel path equalization scheme for equalizing the path length of the query and the tracked object. Initially, a hybrid model based on Support Vector Regression and NSA tracks the position of the object in the video. The proposed density measure scheme equalizes the path length of the query and the object. Then, the identified path length related to the query is given to extended nearest neighbor classifier for retrieving the video. From the simulation results, it is evident that the proposed video retrieval scheme achieved high values of 0.901, 0.860, 0.849, and 0.922 for precision, recall, F-measure, and multiple object tracking precision, respectively.
Verteporfin as a Medical Treatment in Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Mohede Daan C.J. , de Jong Igle Jan , Bank Ruud A. , van Driel Mels F. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Introduction
In Europe and the United States, verteporfin (Visudyne; VP) is registered and used in treating macular degeneration. Research showed that VP decreased expression of fibrotic genes in fibroblasts collected from nodules of patients suffering from Dupuytren’s disease, plausibly by de-activating transcription in the Yes Activated Protein (YAP) pathway.

Aim
To analyze the effect of VP on myofibroblasts cultured from Peyronie’s disease (PD) plaques.

Methods
At surgery for PD we took biopsies from the plaques of 5 patients. By immunostaining, the presence of the pathologic myofibroblasts was determined. After culturing cells, VP was dispensed in starvation medium for 24 and 48 hours and messenger(m)RNA levels of COL1A1, ACTA2, COL5A1, EDA-FN, LOXL2, CCN2, SERPINH1, PLOD2, and YAP were quantified and compared with controls with real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Outcome Measure
mRNA-levels of COL1A1, ACTA2, COL5A1, EDA-FN, LOXL2, CCN2, SERPINH1, PLOD2, and YAP.

Results
The pathologic phenotype of cells isolated from PD plaques was confirmed with baseline immunofluorescent stainings that showed considerable levels of α-smooth muscle actin, being a marker for the presence of myofibroblasts. The mRNA ratios of all the genes related to fibrosis (COL1A1, etc.) except YAP decreased significantly after treatment with VP within 24 and 48 hours. These results suggest inhibition of fibrosis in the YAP cascade, downstream of YAP.

Conclusion
In our opinion, urologists must move the focus to disease before deformity, and the search for new oral or intralesional agents, well-tolerated and effective in both the acute and chronic phase of PD must continue. VP blocked the expression of genes related to fibrosis in the YAP cascade in myofibroblasts derived from PD plaque.
The Importance of Male Ejaculation for Female Sexual Satisfaction and Function
Authors: Burri Andrea , Buchmeier Joceline , Porst Hartmut 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Although links between ejaculatory control or intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and female sexual functioning have frequently been reported in the past, no study has investigated the importance of other male ejaculatory characteristics, such as ejaculation volume and intensity, for women’s sexuality.

Aim
To assess the importance of subjectively perceived ejaculation intensity and ejaculation volume for female sexual function and satisfaction.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional online survey including 240 sexually active, heterosexual women (median age 27.4 years), using study-specific questions and validated questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measure
Results are presented as means, percentages, and age-controlled partial correlation coefficients of the main study variables.

Results
50.43% of women considered it very important that the partner ejaculates during intercourse. 18.3% of women preferred that the partner ejaculates before they reach orgasm, whereas for 53.5% this did not matter. 22.6% of women stated that they experienced a more intense orgasm when their partner ejaculated during vaginal intercourse. 17.4% reported that they definitely experienced a more intensive orgasm depending on the intensity of their partner’s ejaculation, whereas for 17.8% this did not matter at all. 20.9% of women did not feel that their orgasm was more intense depending on the subjectively felt ejaculate quantity, whereas the majority (37.9%) stated that it did not matter. 13.1% of women regarded the quantity of expelled ejaculate as an expression of their own sexual attractiveness. Women stating that they experienced more intense orgasms when the partner ejaculated, when the partner experienced a more intense ejaculation, and when he expelled a greater ejaculate quantity also reported better lifelong orgasmic function (r = 0.24, r = 0.15, r = .26, respectively) and more lifelong sexual satisfaction (r = .29, r = .15, r = 26, respectively).

Clinical Implications
The perception of ejaculatory characteristics can be related to the female partner’s sexual satisfaction and overall sexual functioning.

Strength & Limitations
This is the very first study to explore the importance of male ejaculation volume and intensity for women’s sexual functioning. Data are of self-report nature and ejaculation characteristics were not objectively measured but by women’s self-report.

Conclusion
Although male ejaculation and its different aspects seem to play an important role for women, the study demonstrates a considerable variability of women’s attitudes toward ejaculatory characteristics. Further research is required to examine the sources of this variability.
THE BUREAUCRATIZATION OF MUSLIM MARRIAGE IN INDONESIA
Authors: Nisa Eva F. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe phenomenon of “secret” (siri) Muslim marriages—marriages that are conducted without state recognition—has become a hotly debated topic in Indonesia, particularly since the emergence of Muslim marriage agencies that organize unregistered online marriages. The issue is particularly contested between the state, women's activists, legal activists, and religious leaders. This article analyses the current efforts of the Indonesian state to bureaucratize Muslim marriages by insisting that unregistered marriages need to be registered with the state, and the societal responses to such regulations. Those who believe in the importance of state registration of Muslim marriage emphasize that it is an integral part of social reform. However, it has also been seen as creating problems when it only serves the interests of the majority and stands in the way of minority religious understandings, particularly by some conservative Muslims who believe that marriages within the Muslim community should be regulated by Muslim leaders (ʿulamāʾ) only, and not the state. This article argues that unregistered marriage has been the real test of the bureaucratization of religion in Indonesia. The government's effort to demonstrate its Islamic credentials by accommodating the people's majority religion has led it to assume an ambiguous position on the issue of unregistered marriages.
Myths of the medical methods exclusion: medicine and patents in nineteenth century Britain
Authors: Burrell Robert , Kelly Catherine 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the interaction of British medical practitioners with the nascent intellectual property system in the nineteenth century. It challenges the generally accepted view that throughout the nineteenth century there was a settled or professionally agreed hostility to patenting. It demonstrates that medical practitioners made more substantial use of the patent system and related forms of protection than has previously been recognised. Nevertheless, the rate of patenting remained lower than in other fields of technical endeavour, but this can largely be explained by the public nature of medical practice during this period. This paper therefore seeks to retell the history of the exclusion of medical methods from patent protection, an exclusion whose history has produced a substantial body of scholarship. However, its aims go beyond this in that it also seeks to illuminate how medical practitioners engaged with the broader political and policy landscape in order to secure financial remuneration for their inventions. Through an exploration of how prominent doctors interacted with Parliament around claims for a financial reward, it demonstrates that doctors sought to use reputational advantage to leverage financial success and the important role that Parliament could play in that process.
ALCOHOL AND POLITICS IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY BRITAIN
Authors: YOKOE RYOSUKE 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThis review surveys recent developments in the historiography of the politics of alcohol in twentieth-century Britain. The ‘drink question’ has undergone a set of tumultuous shifts, beginning with the decline of the temperance movement after the First World War, diminished conflict in the interwar and post-1945 periods, and the revived concerns over consumption and harm in the late twentieth century. Historians have traditionally presented the drink question as a binary conflict between advocates and opponents of the liberal distribution of drink. Newer narratives question the assumed ‘rationality’ of modern approaches to alcohol, especially concerning the post-1970s public health model which has been increasingly understood as an indirect manifestation of the temperance movement. The concept of ‘moral panics’ has been frequently employed to frame the formation of public attitudes towards drink. The article argues that these multifarious developments illustrate how alcohol offers a unique vantage point into various social developments in modern Britain, including that of the changing role of the state, the contested nature of scientific knowledge, and the formation of public opinion. It also suggests that the historiography should overcome its narrow focus on alcohol in modern Britain by juxtaposing it with other substances, regions, and periods.
Estimating the density of Pennant's swimming crab, Portumnus latipes (Pennant, 1777) in the swash zone using baited stakes and area of attraction
Authors: Cores Claudia , Gaspar Miguel B. , Erzini Karim 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe used a new, easy to use, highly selective, low impact and cheap method of sampling in the swash zone of a sandy beach to obtain catch per unit effort data (CPUE) for Pennant's swimming crab, Portumnus latipes (Pennant, 1777). Metal stakes baited with sardines were used to attract the crabs that were caught by hand. Crab density was estimated based on area of attraction and maximum CPUE and compared with estimates from bivalve dredges used at depths from 3 to 6.5 m. The baited stake method gave an estimate of 0.026 crabs m−2, which is comparable to bivalve dredge estimates (0.0059–0.045 crabs m−2). This approach can be used for crustaceans, gastropods and other mobile benthic organisms.
Beyond Colonial Dichotomies: The deficits of Spain and the peripheral powers in treaty-port China
Authors: BROGGI CARLES BRASÓ , MARTINEZ-ROBLES DAVID 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe semi-colonial character of China during the treaty-port era brings into question the dichotomy between the colonizer and the colonized. China's foreign trade had an overall negative balance, and Great Britain, Japan, and the United States of America benefited from it. However, dozens of minor powers suffered a negative balance with China, despite the favourable conditions set in the treaty ports. This article examines the presence of Spain in China during the first decades of the twentieth century, focusing on trade, population, and issues of self-representation. Through a comparative analysis of the Sino-Spanish trade with that of other smaller powers in China, this article shows both the diversity of colonial formations in China and the existence of colonial relations that, although peripheral and complementary, pose a doubt on the adequacy, not only of the colonizer/colonized dichotomy, but also of the representation of colonialism in China.