bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative Thieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene Isoindigo Polymers for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Neophytou Marios , Bryant Daniel , Lopatin Sergei , Chen Hu , Hallani Rawad K. , Cater Lewis , McCulloch Iain , Yue Wan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis work reports the synthesis, characterization, photophysical, and photovoltaic properties of five new thieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene isoindigo (TBTI)‐containing low bandgap donor–acceptor conjugated polymers with a series of comonomers and different side chains. When TBTI is combined with different electron‐rich moieties, even small structural variations can have significant impact on thin film morphology of the polymer:phenyl C70 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends. More importantly, high‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy is used to investigate the phase‐separated bulk heterojunction domains, which can be accurately and precisely resolved, enabling an enhanced correlation between polymer chemical structure, photovoltaic device performance, and morphology.
Affective symptoms and quality of life in patients with voiding or storage dysfunction: Results before and after sacral neuromodulation: A prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Jairam Ranjana , Drossaerts Jamie , Vrijens Desiree , Leue Carsten , van Kerrebroeck Philip , van Koeveringe Gommert 
Published: March 2018

AimsSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment for patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or non‐obstructive urinary retention (NOR). These lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are the result of a functional urological cause but often coincide with psychological and/or psychiatric factors. It has been stated that there is an association between LUTS, depression and anxiety disorders.With this study we will investigate whether affective symptoms and quality of life (QoL) improve after successful SNM.MethodsAll patients eligible for SNM between March 2013 and March 2016, filled out the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), SF‐36 (Short Form‐36) and either the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) on Male/Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (M/F‐LUTS), or the OAB‐q questionnaire, before and after the test procedure. Symptom improvement of ≥50% was considered as success. Results were analyzed by paired T‐tests and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsIn total 95 patients were included. Mean age was 52.1 (SD 13.9). Fifty‐six patients (59%) were implanted. Successful OAB patients reported a significant improvement in all domains of OAB‐q, health change and affective symptoms. Successful NOR patients showed a significant improvement in voiding symptoms (P = 0.04) and health change (P = 0.03). However, they did not report significant improvement in affective symptoms.ConclusionQoL and affective symptoms can significantly improve in LUTS patients who are successfully treated with SNM. When divided per indication, a significant improvement in affective symptoms together with QoL was only reported in successful OAB patients and not in successfully treated NOR patients.
Phase I monitoring of social networks based on Poisson regression profiles
Authors: Fotuhi Hatef , Amiri Amirhossein , Maleki Mohammad Reza 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNowadays, due to the increasing role of social networks in our daily life, monitoring and forecasting social trends have attracted the attention of many researchers. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the literature includes few studies of monitoring social networks. Existing researches have focused on analyzing only the existence of communications between people and have neglected to monitor the number of such communications. In this paper, first counts of communications between people are modeled using Poisson regression profiles. Then, 3 Phase I monitoring methods, extended T2, F, and a standardized likelihood ratio test method is suggested to detect step changes, drift, and outliers in the parameters of Poisson regression profiles. The proposed methods are evaluated via simulation studies in terms of signal probability criterion. The results show that in most out‐of‐control situations the standardized likelihood ratio test method outperforms the T2 and F methods. Then, a numerical example and a case study based on Enron email data are presented to illustrate the application of the extended methods.
Direct Formation of Amides from Carboxylic Acids and Amines Catalyzed by Niobium(V) Oxalate Hydrate
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Bao Xinyu , Xu Mengying , Deng Zihao , Han Yongshun , Wang Ningfeng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA wide range of metal salts and oxides were screened to test the catalytic effect in the formation of amides. A water‐compatible catalyst, Niobium(V) oxalate hydrate, proved the ability to catalyze the direct formation of amides from carboxylic acids and amines with a low catalyst loading of 1% in a 1:1 ratio of acids and amines, with the water removal through azeotropic distillation of toluene/water mixtures, which showed a good atomic economic efficiency. Both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids worked well with primary aliphatic amines in the reaction, however, aniline, as an example of primary aromatic amines, needed more than one equivalent amount to complete the amide formation.
Anoplasty for Post‐hemorrhoidectomy Low Anal Stenosis: A New Technique
Authors: Asfar Sami 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPost‐hemorrhoidectomy anal stenosis though rare is very disturbing and devastating complication. Many surgical procedures have been described, but despite good results, many complications can ensue like flap necrosis, mucosal ectropion, and restenosis.ObjectiveWe report a new simple technique for repair of severe/moderate anal stenosis which requires no extensive flap mobilization or many sutures.Patients and interventionsThis is a personal series of 65 patients treated over a period of 20 years. The data were prospectively recorded by the author. The essence of this simple procedure is mobilizing the anal mucosa to the dentate line via a vertical incision and mobilizing the adjacent perianal skin and subcutaneous fat to allow a completely tension‐free approximation of the perianal skin and the anal mucosa which are sutured together transversely. A tension‐releasing incision is made in the perianal region which is left to heal by secondary intention.ResultsFifty‐nine patients (90.8%) continued the 5‐year follow‐up, and 6 patients left the country after 2 years of follow‐up. There was only one case of recurrence after 2 years, which was treated by a second anoplasty. Four patients (59–66 years old) developed transient urine retention after surgery. One patient developed partial dehiscence of the suture line which was treated conservatively. No mucosal ectropion or perianal skin necrosis was observed. Complete healing of the perianal tension‐releasing wound was within 2–3 months. By the third week after surgery, all the patients discontinued use of stool softeners or laxatives and were able to defecate comfortably.ConclusionsThis procedure is simple and requires little dissection and only a few sutures with minimal complications. It is suitable for low severe and moderate anal stenosis.
Models for estimating empirical Gompertz mortality: With an application to evolution of the Gompertzian slope
Authors: Tai Tzu Han , Noymer Andrew 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUsing data from the human mortality database (HMD), and five different modeling approaches, we estimate Gompertz mortality parameters for 7,704 life tables. To gauge model fit, we predict life expectancy at age 40 from these parameters, and compare predicted to empirical values. Across a diversity of human populations, and both sexes, the overall best way to estimate Gompertz parameters is weighted least squares, although Poisson regression performs better in 996 cases for males and 1,027 cases for females, out of 3,852 populations per sex. We recommend against using unweighted least squares unless death counts (to use as weights or to allow Poisson estimation) are unavailable. We also recommend fitting to logged death rates. Over time in human populations, the Gompertz slope parameter has increased, indicating a more severe increase in mortality rates as age goes up. However, it is well‐known that the two parameters of the Gompertz model are very tightly (and negatively) correlated. When the slope goes up, the level goes down, and, overall, mortality rates are decreasing over time. An analysis of Gompertz parameters for all of the HMD countries shows a distinct pattern for males in the formerly socialist economies of Europe.
Movement of Genetic Counselors from Clinical to Non‐clinical Positions: Identifying Driving Forces
Authors: Cohen Stephanie A. , Tucker Megan E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA previous study of genetic counselors (GCs) in the state of Indiana identified movement out of clinical positions within the past 2 years. The aims of this study were to determine if this trend is nationwide and identify reasons why GCs are leaving their positions and factors that might help employers attract and retain GCs. An email was sent to members of the American Board of Genetic Counseling with a link to an online confidential survey. There were 939 responses (23.5% response rate). Overall, 52% of GCs report being highly satisfied in their current position, although almost two thirds think about leaving and one third had changed jobs within the past 2 years. Of those who had changed jobs (n = 295), 74.9% had been working in a hospital/clinic setting but only 46.3% currently do, demonstrating a major shift out of the clinic (p < 0.001). The top three reasons cited for leaving a position were work environment/institutional climate, salary/benefits, and a lack of feeling valued/recognized as a professional. These results confirm that GCs are moving out of clinical positions and document elements of job satisfaction. We suggest points for employers to consider when trying to recruit or retain GCs.
Risk factors in securing successful surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakanishi Yoshitaka , Yamada Shin‐ichi , Nishizawa Rishiho , Shimane Tetsu , Kamata Takahiro , Koike Takeshi , Uehara Shinobu , Kurita Hiroshi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the factors that had a significant effect on securing a successful surgical resection (surgical margin) in oral cancer surgery. One hundred forty‐eight consecutive patients who underwent planned radical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were analyzed. Successful resection was judged if pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a clear surgical margin (no SCC within 5 mm, n = 116), while an unsuccessful resection was judged if there was a close and involved surgical margin (SCC within 5 mm, n = 21; and SCC at margin, n = 11). Univariate analyses showed that gender, age, and T‐classification had significant influence on successful surgical resection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.042, 95% CI = 1.001‐1.084), T‐classification (OR = 1.656, 95% CI = 1.060‐2.587), and the presence of preoperative treatment (OR = 2.868, 95% CI = 1.047‐7.85) had significant effects on successful surgical resection. The results of this study suggested that successful resection of oral SCC was difficult in patients with either older age or advanced (T4) tumor. It is also suggested that preoperative therapy had a positive effect on securing a pathologically clear surgical margin.
Comparison of three different step-down feeding to weaning programmes on performance, body measurements and age at first breeding of Holstein heifers
Authors: Zahmatkesh D. , Niazi F. , Hossein Yazdi M. , Mahjoubi E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPerformance of female Holstein calves (n = 60) were evaluated in three step-down milk feeding programmes: step-down 1 (STP1: 7.5 litres/day milk from days 1 to 21, 6 litres/day milk from days 22 to 42, 4 litres/day milk from days 43 to 63 and 2 litres/day milk from days 64 to 84 of the study); step-down 2 (STP2; 7.5 litres/day milk from days 1 to 21, 6 litres/day milk from days 22 to 42 and 2 litres/day milk from days 43 to 63 of the study); and step-down 3 (STP3; 7.5 litres/day milk from days 1 to 21, 4 litres/day milk from days 22 to 42 and 2 litres/day milk from days 43 to 63 of the study). Intakes of starter were monitored daily and body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and wither height (WH) were measured monthly. Calves in STP3 had lower dry matter intake between 22 and 42 days than STP2 animals, but starter intake was greater in STP2 and STP3 calves than those in the STP1 treatment between 43–63 and 64–84 days. Total ADG was greater in STP2 and STP3 animals than in STP1 calves. No effect of treatment was observed on breeding age, BW, WH or service per conception. In addition, conception rate at first breeding was not influenced by treatment. It was concluded that the STP2 and STP3 milk feeding regimes improved performance in calves and there was no benefit in feeding milk for longer than 63 days in terms of breeding outcomes.
Helminths of zoonotic importance in slaughtered food animals in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Karshima S.N. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractKnowledge of endemic helminths in a resource-limited country such as Nigeria is essential for their diagnosis, treatment and cost-effective control. In the present study, the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guideline was employed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of zoonotic helminths in food animals slaughtered in Nigerian abattoirs between 1970 and 2016. Pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) was determined by the random-effects model while heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran'sQ-test. Results from 42 eligible studies reported across 19 Nigerian states revealed 85,466 cases of zoonotic helminths from 3,771,832 slaughtered food animals. Overall PPE was 2.27% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.25, 2.28). PPEs for sub-groups ranged between 0.51% (95% CI: 0.46, 0.56) and 18.05% (95% CI: 17.12, 19.01) across regions, hosts, study periods and diagnostic methods.Ascaris suumhad the highest pooled prevalence of 25.46% (95% CI: 24.04, 26.92). Overall prevalence estimates for cestodes, nematodes and trematodes were 0.60% (95% CI: 0.59, 0.61), 21.51% (95% CI: 20.73, 22.30) and 1.86% (95% CI: 1.84, 1.87), respectively. A high degree of heterogeneity 99.97% (95% CI: 2.25, 2.28,P: 0.000) was observed. Zoonotic helminths were prevalent in slaughtered food animals, with higher prevalence estimates in the north–central region, pigs and during the last decade reviewed.Ascaris suumwas the most prevalent helminth, whileFasciola giganticahad the widest geographical distribution. It is envisaged that the present information will help in the formulation of disease-control policies, encourage on-farm good agricultural practices, and adequate hygiene and sanitation in abattoirs and meat-processing plants, with the aim of protecting public health.
Urban rodent reservoirs of Borrelia spp. in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Gryczyńska A. , Gortat T. , Kowalec M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe anticipated worldwide surge in urban environments is generating ever-greater interest in the study of host–pathogen interactions in this specific type of habitat. We investigated the potential of city-inhabiting rodents to serve as the main Lyme borreliosis agents (Borrelia spp.) reservoir. We also tried to verify if anthropogenic disturbances changing the vertebrate species community composition may also alter the scheme of Borrelia spp. circulation. A total of 252 Apodemus mice (A. agrarius, A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus) were captured in Warsaw (Poland), at sites classified into different zones of anthropogenic disturbance, ranging from suburban forests to municipal parks strictly in the city centre. Borrelia spp. infection, ascertained based on bacterium DNA presence in the rodents’ blood, was found only in A. agrarius and A. flavicollis (7.6 and 6%, respectively). Only one species from the Borrelia genus – the mammal-associated species B. afzelii – was found in the mice studied. We found no statistical evidence of a correlation between infection in Apodemus mice and the zone of anthropogenic disturbance where the mice were caught. Non-homogeneous concentrations of Borelia spp. infected specimens within the strict city centre area suggest a lack of contact between members of particular mice subpopulations, and their responsibility for relatively high, but local Borrelia spp. infection.
A Meta-analysis of Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Management
Authors: Davis Stacy , Mangold Jane , Menalled Fabian , Orloff Noelle , Miller Zach , Lehnhoff Erik 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough stand-alone and integrated management techniques have been cited as viable approaches to managing Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense(L.) Scop.], it continues to impact annual cropping and perennial systems worldwide. We conducted meta-analyses assessing effectiveness of management techniques and herbicide mechanism of action groups for controllingC. arvenseusing 55 studies conducted in annual cropping systems and 45 studies in perennial systems. Herbicide was the most studied technique in both types of systems and was effective at reducingC. arvense. However, integrated multitactic techniques, with or without herbicides, were more effective than sole reliance on herbicides for long-term control in both annual cropping and perennial systems. A variety of management techniques such as biocontrol, crop diversification, mowing, and soil disturbance provided control similar to that of herbicide. Our results suggest that many management techniques aimed at reducingC. arvensecan also improve crop yield or abundance of desired plants. This study highlights the need to devote more research to nonchemical and integrated management approaches forC. arvensecontrol.
Paracrine cellular senescence exacerbates biliary injury and impairs regeneration
Authors: Ferreira-Gonzalez Sofia , Lu Wei-Yu , Raven Alexander , Dwyer Benjamin , Man Tak Yung , O’Duibhir Eoghan , Lewis Philip J. Starkey , Campana Lara , Kendall Tim J. , Bird Thomas G. , Tarrats Nuria , Acosta Juan-Carlos , Boulter Luke , Forbes Stuart J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCellular senescence is a mechanism that provides an irreversible barrier to cell cycle progression to prevent undesired proliferation. However, under pathological circumstances, senescence can adversely affect organ function, viability and regeneration. We have developed a mouse model of biliary senescence, based on the conditional deletion of Mdm2 in bile ducts under the control of the Krt19 promoter, that exhibits features of biliary disease. Here we report that senescent cholangiocytes induce profound alterations in the cellular and signalling microenvironment, with recruitment of myofibroblasts and macrophages causing collagen deposition, TGFβ production and induction of senescence in surrounding cholangiocytes and hepatocytes. Finally, we study how inhibition of TGFβ-signalling disrupts the transmission of senescence and restores liver function. We identify cellular senescence as a detrimental mechanism in the development of biliary injury. Our results identify TGFβ as a potential therapeutic target to limit senescence-dependent aggravation in human cholangiopathies.
p63 is a key regulator of iRHOM2 signalling in the keratinocyte stress response
Authors: Arcidiacono Paola , Webb Catherine M. , Brooke Matthew A. , Zhou Huiqing , Delaney Paul J. , Ng Keat-Eng , Blaydon Diana C. , Tinker Andrew , Kelsell David P. , Chikh Anissa 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHyperproliferative keratinocytes induced by trauma, hyperkeratosis and/or inflammation display molecular signatures similar to those of palmoplantar epidermis. Inherited gain-of-function mutations in RHBDF2 (encoding iRHOM2) are associated with a hyperproliferative palmoplantar keratoderma and squamous oesophageal cancer syndrome (termed TOC). In contrast, genetic ablation of rhbdf2 in mice leads to a thinning of the mammalian footpad, and reduces keratinocyte hyperproliferation and migration. Here, we report that iRHOM2 is a novel target gene of p63 and that both p63 and iRHOM2 differentially regulate cellular stress-associated signalling pathways in normal and hyperproliferative keratinocytes. We demonstrate that p63–iRHOM2 regulates cell survival and response to oxidative stress via modulation of SURVIVIN and Cytoglobin, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant compound Sulforaphane downregulates p63–iRHOM2 expression, leading to reduced proliferation, inflammation, survival and ROS production. These findings elucidate a novel p63-associated pathway that identifies iRHOM2 modulation as a potential therapeutic target to treat hyperproliferative skin disease and neoplasia.
Author Correction: A Systems Pharmacology Approach to Determine Active Compounds and Action Mechanisms of Xipayi Kuijie’an enema for Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yu Wei , Li Zhihong , Long Fei , Chen Wen , Geng Yurong , Xie Zhiyong , Yao Meicun , Han Bo , Liu Teigang 
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Integration of speed and time for estimating time to contact
Authors: Chang Chia-Jung , Jazayeri Mehrdad 
Published: March 2018

Significance
Existing theories suggest that reacting to dynamic stimuli is made possible by relying on internal estimates of kinematic variables. For example, to catch a bouncing ball the brain relies on the position and speed of the ball. However, when kinematic information is unreliable one may additionally rely on temporal cues. In the bouncing ball example, when visibility is low one may benefit from the temporal information provided by the sound of the bounces. Our work provides evidence that humans rely on such temporal cues and automatically integrate them with kinematic information to optimize their performance. This finding reveals a hitherto unappreciated role of the brain’s timing mechanisms in sensorimotor function.
Rare variants in axonogenesis genes connect three families with sound–color synesthesia
Authors: Tilot Amanda K. , Kucera Katerina S. , Vino Arianna , Asher Julian E. , Baron-Cohen Simon , Fisher Simon E. 
Published: March 2018

SignificanceOur physical senses are separated not only into distinct experiences but also into specialized regions within the cerebral cortex. Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon that causes unusual links between sensory experiences, and its molecular basis is completely unknown. We demonstrate that three families who experience color when listening to sounds are connected by rare genetic variants affecting genes that contribute to axonogenesis, a process essential for neuronal connections within and across brain regions. Multiple genes with similar activity patterns during neural development fall within parts of the genome previously linked to the condition. Our results connect synesthetes’ altered structural and functional connectivity to genes that support the development of those connections.