bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dancing to “groovy” music enhances the experience of flow
Authors: Bernardi Nicolò F. , Bellemare‐Pepin Antoine , Peretz Isabelle 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe investigated whether dancing influences the emotional response to music, compared to when music is listened to in the absence of movement. Forty participants without previous dance training listened to “groovy” and “nongroovy” music excerpts while either dancing or refraining from movement. Participants were also tested while imitating their own dance movements, but in the absence of music as a control condition. Emotion ratings and ratings of flow were collected following each condition. Dance movements were recorded using motion capture. We found that the state of flow was increased specifically during spontaneous dance to groovy excerpts, compared with both still listening and motor imitation. Emotions in the realms of vitality (such as joy and power) and sublimity (such as wonder and nostalgia) were evoked by music in general, whether participants moved or not. Significant correlations were found between the emotional and flow responses to music and whole‐body acceleration profiles. Thus, the results highlight a distinct state of flow when dancing, which may be of use to promote well‐being and to address certain clinical conditions.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of exercise‐based falls prevention strategies in adults aged 50+ years with visual impairment
Authors: Dillon Lisa , Clemson Lindy , Ramulu Pradeep , Sherrington Catherine , Keay Lisa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeTo determine the impact of exercise or physical training on falls or physical function in people aged 50+ years with visual impairment, compared with control (no intervention or usual care).MethodsAn updated systematic review of randomised controlled trials, investigating the effect of exercise or physical activity on falls prevention or physical function in adults aged 50+ with visual impairment. Searches of CINAHL, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Medline were undertaken. Three trials were identified for the period February 2013 to July 2017 and added to the four in the original review.ResultsNew trials evaluated yoga, the Otago Exercise Programme in combination with a home safety programme and the Alexander Technique. Meta‐analysis of data from two trials (n = 163) indicated a non‐statistically significant positive impact of exercise on the Chair Stand Test (WMD −1.85 s, 95% CI −4.65 to 0.96, p = 0.20, I2 22%). In this update, two new trials measured falls so meta‐analysis was possible for three trials (n = 539) and revealed no impact on falls (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.50, p = 0.81, I2 30%).DiscussionAlthough exercise or physical training can improve physical function in older adults with visual impairment, and diverse strategies are being evaluated, there are no proven falls prevention strategies. In the few studies available, falls are not consistently reported and more work is required to investigate falls prevention in older adults with visual impairment.
Tracheobronchial angles in children: Three‐dimensional computed tomography‐based measurements
Authors: Wani Tariq M. , Buchh Basharat , AlGhamdi Faris Saeed , Jan Ravees , Tumin Dmitry , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundStudies have shown significant variation in the tracheobronchial angles in pediatric‐aged patients. The current study revisits tracheobronchial angle measurements in children using accurate computed tomography‐based 3‐dimensional images to add clarity to the understanding of tracheobronchial angles. The primary objective of the current study was to measure the right and left bronchial angle take off from the trachea using 3‐dimensional computed tomography‐based images of the air column in the tracheobronchial tree.MethodsComputed tomography‐based images of 45 children younger than 8 years were reviewed. The children were evaluated during spontaneous ventilation either during natural sleep or with sedation. The right and left bronchial angles were computed between the central axes of the respective main bronchi and a vertical line passing through the central axis of the longitudinal tracheal air column. The right and left bronchial angles were compared using paired t tests, and the age dependence of the right bronchial angle and left bronchial angle difference was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsThe study cohort included 18 males and 27 females with an average age of 49 ± 25 months. The right bronchial angle ranged from 23° to 56° (mean 42 ± 7°), whereas left bronchial angle varied between 25° and 68° (mean 43 ± 9°). The difference in means of 1 degree was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval of difference: −1°, 4°; P = .282). No association was found between left and right bronchial angle difference and patient age (r = −.019).ConclusionAccording to computed tomography‐based 3‐dimensional imaging, right and left bronchial angles are virtually identical in children up to 8 years of age, and the difference between right and left bronchial angles does not vary with age in this population.
Water relations in silver birch during springtime: How is sap pressurised?
Authors: Hölttä T. , Dominguez Carrasco M. D. R. , Salmon Y. , Aalto J. , Vanhatalo A. , Bäck J. , Lintunen A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPositive sap pressures are produced in the xylem of birch trees in boreal conditions during the time between the thawing of the soil and bud break. During this period, xylem embolisms accumulated during wintertime are refilled with water. The mechanism for xylem sap pressurization and its environmental drivers are not well known.We measured xylem sap flow, xylem sap pressure, xylem sap osmotic concentration, xylem and whole stem diameter changes, and stem and root non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations, along with meteorological conditions at two sites in Finland during and after the sap pressurisation period.The diurnal dynamics of xylem sap pressure and sap flow during the sap pressurisation period varied, but were more often opposite to the diurnal pattern after bud burst,i.e. sap pressure increased and sap flow rate mostly decreased when temperature increased. Net conversion of soluble sugars to starch in the stem and roots occurred during the sap pressurisation period. Xylem sap osmotic pressure was small in comparison to total sap pressure, and it did not follow changes in environmental conditions or tree water relations.Based on these findings, we suggest that xylem sap pressurisation and embolism refilling occur gradually over a few weeks through water transfer from parenchyma cells to xylem vessels during daytime, and then the parenchyma are refilled mostly during nighttime by water uptake from soil. Possible drivers for water transfer from parenchyma cells to vessels are discussed. Also the functioning of thermal dissipation probes in conditions of changing stem water content is discussed.
Party System Change and the Quality of Democracy in East Africa
Authors: Pelizzo Riccardo , Nwokora Zim 
Published: May 2018

This article explores in greater detail the nexus between party system change and democratic qualities. In doing so, we do not simply assess whether, how, and to what extent qualities of democracy in East Africa are affected by the instability of the patterns of interparty competition (fluidity of the party system); we also plan to show how the subcomponents of party system fluidity (frequency of change, scope of change, variety of change) influence the democratic qualities. By disaggregating fluidity in its constitutive elements and by testing how each of them affects the qualities of democracy, we find that while the frequency of change has a beneficial impact on the qualities of democracy, the other subcomponents of fluidity—namely, the “scope” and “variety” of system change—have a consistently negative effect on democratic quality.Related Articles

Nwokora, Zim, and
Riccardo Pelizzo. 2015. “.” Politics & Policy 43 (): 453‐473. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12124/full

Pelizzo, Riccardo, and
Zim Nwokora. 2016. “.” Politics & Policy 44 (): 1017‐1052. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12188/full

Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 769‐804. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12094/full
Related Media
The East African. 2018. “Wachira Maina, Africa's Constitutional Democracies.” March 12. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Africa-constitutional-democracies/2558-4338554-15s7ca3z/index.html

BBC Africa. 2016. “Debate: Is Africa Reinventing Democracy?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJc2b47EiGE

ISS Africa TV. 2016. “The Future of Democracy in Africa.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiTtArtupE

Babones, Salvatore. 2018. “Midnight in America with Riccardo Pelizzo.” February 16‐27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=advrSqmO96g&t=13s
Effect of cumulus cells and sperm concentration on fertilization and development of pig oocytes
Authors: Li R , Liu Y , Pedersen HS , Callesen H 
Published: May 2018

ContentsEffect of sperm concentrations and cumulus cells (CCs) on porcine IVF was re‐evaluated using current improved IVM and IVC system. Our results showed that both CCs and sperm concentration had significant effect on penetration rate, frequency of polyspermy and embryonic development. The best IVF results were obtained with oocytes with CCs fertilized with 0.5 × 105 sperm/ml. Such an IVP system works on both sow and gilt oocytes.
Complement system's role in cancer and its therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bareke H. , Akbuga J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCancer immunotherapy is a strong candidate for the long‐awaited new edition to standard cancer therapies. For an effective immunotherapy, it is imperative to delineate the players of antitumour immune response. As an important innate immune system effector mechanism, complement is highly likely to play a substantial role in cancer immunity. Studies suggest that there may be two different “states of complement” that show opposing effects on cancer cells; a complement profile that has antitumour effects with low expression of membrane‐bound complement regulator proteins (mCRPs), lytic membrane attack complex (MAC) concentration and moderate C5a concentration, and a complement profile that has protumour effects with high expression of mCRPs, sublytic MAC and high concentrations of C5a. One of the cancers that urgently require innovative therapeutic approaches is ovarian cancer, and complement has a potential to be a good target for this purpose. A combinatorial approach where the complement cascade is fine‐tuned by inhibiting some of its activities while promoting the others can prove to be a fruitful approach. Herein, we will briefly discuss the cancer‐immune system interaction and then present a discussion of complement system's role in tumour immunity and its therapeutic potential for ovarian cancer immunotherapy.
Estimated fetal weight percentile as a tool to predict collection of cord blood units with higher cellular content: implications for prenatal selection of cord blood donors
Authors: Lin Xinxin , Torrabadella Marta , Amat Lluís , Gómez Susana , Azqueta Carmen , Sánchez Mar , Cuadras Daniel , Martínez Lorenzo Maria José , Brull José María , Gayà Antoni , Cemborain Arantxa , Pérez Garcia Cristina , Arroyo JoséLuís , Querol Sergi , Gómez Roig Maria Dolores 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDThe need for high‐cellular‐content cord blood units (CBUs) for allogenic transplantation is evident to improve clinical outcomes. In our environment and with current donation programs, very few collected units meet suggested clinical thresholds, making collection programs highly inefficient. To increase the clinical conversion rate, we have assessed factors influencing the cellular content of the cord blood collection and established the estimated fetal weight percentile (EFWp) as a tool to predict which deliveries will obtain higher cellular counts.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 11,349 collected CBUs. An analysis of diagnostic efficiency (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve) was performed to establish the cutoffs of several obstetric and perinatal variables from which we would obtain more than 1500 × 106 total nucleated cells and 4 × 106 CD34 cells. We then calculated the optimal EFWp cutoff to increase efficiency.RESULTSIn the univariate analysis, factors positively and significantly associated were a greater neonatal and placental weight and longer weeks of gestation. In the multivariate analysis only neonatal and placental weight remain significant (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal EFWp cutoff is 60, which has the maximum area under the curve. Applying this, donations meeting clinical cellular numbers will increase more than 30% with respect to not using any threshold.CONCLUSIONThe EFWp predicts the quality of the collected CBUs and can be used to make a prenatal selection of the donors, therefore increasing the efficiency of umbilical cord blood collection programs.
Inactivation of Ebola virus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in platelet concentrates and plasma by ultraviolet C light and methylene blue plus visible light, respectively
Authors: Eickmann Markus , Gravemann Ute , Handke Wiebke , Tolksdorf Frank , Reichenberg Stefan , Müller Thomas H. , Seltsam Axel 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDEbola virus (EBOV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) have been identified as potential threats to blood safety. This study investigated the efficacy of the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets and THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma pathogen inactivation systems to inactivate EBOV and MERS‐CoV in platelet concentrates (PCs) and plasma, respectively.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPCs and plasma were spiked with high titers of cell culture–derived EBOV and MERS‐CoV, treated with various light doses of ultraviolet C (UVC; THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets) or methylene blue (MB) plus visible light (MB/light; THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma), and assessed for residual viral infectivity.RESULTSUVC reduced EBOV (≥4.5 log) and MERS‐CoV (≥3.7 log) infectivity in PCs to the limit of detection, and MB/light decreased EBOV (≥4.6 log) and MERS‐CoV (≥3.3 log) titers in plasma to nondetectable levels.CONCLUSIONSBoth THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets (UVC) and THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma (MB/light) effectively reduce EBOV and MERS‐CoV infectivity in platelets and plasma, respectively.
A triangular purchasing power parity hypothesis
Authors: Wang Peijie , Liu Zhiyuan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe propose a triangular purchasing power parity (PPP) analytical framework, which is theoretically justified and empirically validated. The mechanisms and channels through which a seemingly mystery relationship emerges are deliberated and examined, which renders significant implications to international monetary economics, finance and business. The de facto peg of the RMB to the US dollar, together with trade activities and arrangements, causes a triangular PPP effect that the dollar euro exchange rate is not a function of the relative prices in the US and Euroland. Instead, it becomes a function of the relative prices in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Euroland. The results are supportive of triangular PPP in a three‐economy world of the US, Euroland and PRC.
The WTO in Buenos Aires: The outcome and its significance for the future of the multilateral trading system
Authors: Hannah Erin , Scott James , Wilkinson Rorden 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe conclusion of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Buenos Aires ministerial conference (10–13 December 2017) was immediately celebrated and derided in equal measure. For its supporters, Buenos Aires opened the way toward negotiations in e‐commerce, investment facilitation for development, and measures designed to help micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). For its detractors, the meeting underscored the gridlock that continues to blight the WTO’s negotiating function and underlined the organisation's declining credibility as a mechanism for governing global trade. In this paper we provide one of the first full length critical evaluations of the Buenos Aires conference and its outcome. In so doing, we offer answers to three questions. What accounts for such dramatically different assessments of the meeting's outcome? How should the outcome be interpreted? What is its significance for the future of the WTO and the multilateral trading system? We argue that the meeting's outcome was indeed significant. It has consolidated the process of reconfiguring the WTO‘s negotiating function; and it enables members to tackle more effectively a range of pressing economic and social issues as well as to navigate blockers and blockages in the negotiations. However, it also poses challenges for the WTO‘s poorest constituents.
The comparative efficacy of afoxolaner, spinosad, milbemycin, spinosad plus milbemycin, and nitenpyram for the treatment of canine cutaneous myiasis
Authors: Han Hock Siew , Chen Charles , Schievano Carlo , Noli Chiara 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundCanine screw‐worm myiasis due to Cochliomyia hominivorax or Chrysomya bezziana has traditionally been treated with extra‐label use of ivermectin. The larvicidal activities of nitenpyram and spinosad/milbemycin also have been described, but there have been no reports to describe the efficacy of isoxazolines such as afoxolaner.ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare the efficacy of spinosad, spinosad/milbemycin, milbemycin, nitenpyram and afoxolaner for the treatment of canine screw‐worm myiasis.AnimalsForty client‐owned and naturally infested dogs.MethodsCases were randomized into five groups of eight dogs, with each receiving an insecticide at the dose recommended by the manufacturer. Each case was evaluated hourly for 7 h and then again 24 h after treatment. Scores of 0 (no visualized effect), 0.5 (partial eradication) or 1 (complete kill and eradication) were recorded at each observation and compared between groups. Time to complete killing of all larvae was recorded for each dog and compared between treatment groups.ResultsNitenpyram killed all larvae at 6 h post‐consumption and spinosad/milbemycin at 7 h. In groups receiving afoxolaner or spinosad, all larvae were killed within 24 h. For those receiving milbemycin, two cases were still infested with live larvae at 24 h. Shih tzus and their crosses were most commonly affected.ConclusionSpinosad/milbemycin or nitenpyram seem to be effective drugs for the treatment of canine screw‐worm myiasis. Afoxolaner and milbemycin are effective but exhibited slower larvicidal activity. Synergism between spinosad and milbemycin was observed.
Quality of life of living with a transplanted liver :The issue of returning to normalcy
Authors: Wainwright Bethli , Waring Marilyn J , Julich Shirley , Yeung Polly , Green Jenny K 
Published: May 2018

INTRODUCTION: Advanced technology in medical and pharmacology has increased surgical survival rates for transplant recipients. Therefore, post-transplant care is critical and tightly connected with key focuses on the recipient’s quality of life (QOL). Post-transplant QOL is multifaceted, encompassing morbidity and personal, social, familial and environmental support for recipients. Post-liver transplantation recovery extends well beyond returning home.METHOD: Building on Wainwright’s research (Wainwright, 2011a, 2011b; Wainwright, Jülich, Waring, Yeung, & Green, 2016), herself a liver transplant recipient, this article reports transplant recipients’ perceptions and experiences after the first three years and discusses how they re-established function in everyday life as they adapted to their new normal to achieve QOL. The research employed interpretive description to interview transcripts and field-notes of 17 liver transplant recipients. Data were evaluated according to inductive thematic analysis. Eschewing the health-related QOL measure for its rigidity and lack of qualitative data, this research captured the lived experiences of liver transplant recipients unlike clinically focused studies.FINDINGS: The results showed that, although transplantation can make positive changes in their lives, recipients continued to be influenced subtly by illness which can alter their re-conceptualisation and re-definition of QOL and normalcy. The success of a liver transplant does not depend only on the physical care given; to the recipients as the spectre of future ill health and transplant failure continue to be perceived as a constant risks. Ongoing support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals are none-the-less fundamental in the post-transplantation journey.
Protein Binding of First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs
Authors: Alghamdi Wael A. , Al-Shaer Mohammad H. , Peloquin Charles A. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

The 4-drug regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol is an inexpensive, reliable option for treating patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB). Its efficacy could be further improved by determining the free drug concentrations in plasma, knowing that only the unbound drug can freely penetrate to the tissues. Using an ultrafiltration technique, we determined the protein binding (PB) extent and variability of the first-line anti-TB drugs when given simultaneously to TB patients, representing a real-life case scenario. We used clinical samples routinely received by our laboratory. Plasma proteins were also measured. A protein-free medium was used to determine the nonspecific binding. Plasma samples from 22 patients were included, of which plasma proteins were measured for 18 patients. The median PB was determined for rifampin (88%; range, 72 to 91%), isoniazid (14%; range, 0 to 34%), pyrazinamide (1%; range, 0 to 7%), and ethambutol (12%; range, 4 to 24%). Plasma proteins were not found to be significant predictors for the PB of first-line anti-TB drugs. Rifampin PB was positively correlated with its plasma concentration (
P
value = 0.0051). Conversely, isoniazid PB was negatively correlated with its plasma concentration (
P
value = 0.0417). Age was found to have a significant effect on isoniazid PB (
P
value = 0.0376). No correlations were observed in pyrazinamide or ethambutol. In conclusion, we have determined variable PB of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol in patient plasma samples, with median values of 88, 14, 1, and 12%, respectively. In this small study, PB of rifampin and that of isoniazid are dependent on their plasma concentrations.