bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empty morphemes in Dutch dialect atlases: Reducing morphosyntactic variation by refining emptiness typology
Authors: Cavirani Edoardo , van Oostendorp Marc 
Published: July 2019

In the literature on Dutch morphosyntactic microvariation, it is sometimes assumed that a subpart of Dutch dialects lack certain morphemes, because they have no direct phonetic exponent. More careful analyses, however, suggest that these dialects display so-called zero morphemes, whose presence is argued for either on paradigmatic or phonological ground. In this contribution, we present some examples of such morphemes in the verbal inflection and adjectival concord systems, and develop an analysis that, by exploiting the formal mechanism relating underlying and surface phonological representations provided by Turbidity Theory, allows for the formalization of various degrees of emptiness: morphosyntactic, phonological and phonetic. This, in turn, allows for the shifting of the burden of (some instances of) microvariation from morphosyntax to PF.
“The use of Arabic version of Social Communication Questionnaires (SCQ) in School Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Qatar”
Authors: Alshaban Fouad , Fombonne Eric , Aldosari Mohammad , El-Haj Saba , Alshammari Hawraa , Ghazal Iman 
Published: July 2019

IntroductionThe prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Qatar is uncertain, obtaining a reliable estimate is important in shedding the light on the magnitude of the problem, and help in better planning for providing the health care facilities needed for early detection and management of this disorder, since early intensive rehabilitation can improve the outcome of those affected tremendously.Aims of the studyTo estimate the prevalence rate of ASD among children age 5–12 years residing in Qatar.MethodologyThe research plan is to identify children with possible ASD among children attending ordinary primary schools as a “Low Probability Group”, through using the Social Communication Questionnaires (SCQ), and those who score above the cut-off point will be further diagnosed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and/or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS–2).ResultsWe worked on translating the English version of SCQ to Arabic, and we worked to validate this version through a pilot screening study that involved 35 cases of ASD and 778 controls from the schools. The pilot sample includes 813 (35 cases of ASD and 778 control children). The control children were selected in 8 schools, 3 for girls, 3 for boys and 2 mixed, between 14/6/2015 and 28/6/2015. The ASD children surveyed with the SCQ were selected from the Shafalla Center (N = 35). The boy: girl ratio was 4.0:1 (61/41; 80% male) in the ASD group. In the control group, the corresponding values were 0.59:1 (287/488; 35.9% male). The mean SCQ total score was significantly higher in cases as compared to controls (18.06 (SD = 7.2) vs 7.31 (SD = 5.2); p < .0001); as expected, the variability was larger in cases than in controls as illustrated by the standard deviations. Figure 1 shows the distribution of the SCQ scores in the total sample, and the distribution separately for cases and controls. A total of 93 children (22 cases, 71 controls) had scores equal or above the cut-off of 15; the remaining 13 cases (37.1% of the cases) had scores below the cut-off.ConclusionsThe analysis to examine the overall performance of the SCQ showed excellent discrimination between cases and controls. An examination of the performance for each possible cut point on the SCQ showed that the sensitivity and specificity were optimal for the cut-offs of 10, compared to the published cut-off of the SCQ (15).
Association of Seminal Fluid -Immunologic Inflammatory Markers with Cotinine Concentration in Smoker Unexplained Infertile- Males
Authors: Ali Naael Hussein 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the causing association of the cigarettes smoking (measured by cotinine level in the seminal plasma) on the immunologic inflammatory markers (PMN-elastase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and leukocytospermia) in seminal fluid (SF) of unexplained infertile men.Materials and MethodsTow hundred-thirty six unexplained infertile men, one hundred fourteen smoking and ninety six non-smokers were included in the study. They were being found without evident cause for infertility after initial workups. Other ninety fertile healthy non-smokers men were enrolled in the study as a control group. Seminal immunologic inflammatory markers (PMN-elastase, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-6, and leukocytospermia) were measured in seminal plasma (SP) of all participants. Cotinine level in SP was measured as well, and correlated with inflammatory markers in all three hundred- twenty six specimens.ResultsThe differences of seminal plasma inflammatory markers and cotinine level were significant between the three groups of the study, and significantly correlated with inflammatory markers.ConclusionThe resulted substantial negative impact on sperm motility and morphology, and the correlation of cotinine level with immunologic inflammatory markers in SP, strongly indicate the presence of immunologic reaction in genital tract of the smokers. That may lead to silent genital tract inflammation. Which is, may be, the main cause for their unexplained infertility, and so, it would be sensible to advise infertile men to abstain from smoking cigarettes.
Analyzing the PharmD Programme at Qatar University (QU) Using the Theoretically Driven Communities of Practice Feamework (CoPF)
Authors: Mukhalalati Banan 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundDuncan-Hewitt and Austin (2005) argue that pharmacist education has shifted from apprenticeship into higher education. This shift created “a gap between education theory and education practice”. Therefore, the role education theory plays in educational practices should be examined.ObjectivesAnalyze the PharmD programme at QU through the lens of a theory-informed CoPF comprising of six elements: enablers, challenges, curriculum, teaching strategies, assessment and outputs.MethodologyUsing a a case study methodology, the CoPF was used to examine the PharmD programme at QU. Data from Interviews and focus groups with programme stakeholders and programme documents were thematically analyzed using NVIVO software.ResultsThe CoPF has proved useful in identifying, systematically, the elements of design needed for a fully integrated PharmD programme. Key CoPF elements existed in the PharmD at QU, whilst others were missing. For example, practitioners have not been involved in designing the programme, as anticipated in the Enablers, and they lack understanding of education theory, identified in the Challenges. This has led to the lack of collaboration in curriculum, teaching and assessment between faculty and preceptors. This has subsequently limited one of the outputs of CoP, which is the integration between theory, practice and research.DiscussionSome elements were identified as significant to have in place for an effective PharmD programme which aligns with CoP. Specifically the collaboration between practitioners and faculty in the design phase, in education process comprising curriculum, teaching and assesment in order to reach the ultimate output of integration between theory, practice and research.ReferencesBraun, V. & Clarke, V., 2006. Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101. Bristol: University of the West of England.Duncan-Hewitt, W & Austin, Z. 2005. Pharmacy Schools as Expert Communities of Practice? A Proposal to Radically Restructure Pharmacy Education to Optimize Learning. Am J Pharm Educ American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 69(3):54.Lave, J. & Wenger, E. 2001. Legitimate peripheral participation in communities of practice. Supporting lifelong learning: Perspective on learning, 1:111–126.Yin, R.K. 1994. Case study research: design and methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Calcium and Phosphate Intake May Influence Bone Remodeling Marker in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Terranegra Annalisa , Brasacchio Caterina , Mingione Alessandra , Dogliotti Elena , Pivari Francesca , Arcidiacono Teresa , Macrina Lorenza , Vezzoli Giuseppe , Soldati Laura 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundVascular calcification and increased mortality is now well linked in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Among the inhibitors and promoters of calcium-phosphate and bone metabolism, we studied Sclerostin, a glycoprotein mainly expressed by osteocytes, involved in regulating bone formation by inhibiting Wnt–β-catenin signaling. Studies demonstrated, in experimental CDK animal model, a positive association between Sclerostin production and dietary phosphate intake.Materials and MethodsWe investigated the relation between Sclerostin levels (SL) and dietary habits in 49 Caucasian HD patients (age 36–90, M/F 31/18, dialysis vintage 1–144 months). Nutrient intake was analyzed with 24 h-recall method. Serum Sclerostin was measured by ELISA method. Statistically analysis was performed by SPSS software.ResultsMean calcium and phosphate intake were 705 ± 584 and 1196 ± 498 mg/day, respectively. Serum SL (3356 ± 2118 pg/ml) were increased in HD patients. Positive correlation was found between serum SL and calcium (r = 0.33, p = 0.025) and phosphate intake (r = 0.34, p = 0.021). Patients with SL higher were older (p = 0.003), showed higher protein (p = 0.012), calcium (p = 0.017) and phosphate (p = 0.004) intake. Multiple linear regression testing Sclerostin as dependent variable (dialysis vintage, age, body-weight, serum calcium and phosphate, serum PTH, calcium and phosphate intake as independent variables) found that dietary phosphate intake was the only significant determinant of SL (r = 0.356, B = 1.5, p = 0.004). In Patients with calcium carbonate or acetate therapy (n = 31), serum SL was positively correlated with dietary calcium (r = 0.433, p = 0.017) and phosphate intake (r = 0.377, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe dietary phosphate and calcium intake may influence serum Sclerostin levels and potentially affect bone remodeling or soft tissue calcification in HD patients.
Epilepsy in Qatar: Causes, Treatment and Outcome
Authors: Haddad Naim , Elzafarany Abdullah Hesham , Aqeel Faten , Al Jurdi Ayman , Laswi Mujahed , Mahfoud Ziad , Abuhadra Nour , Al-Samman Yasser , Melikyan Gayane , Deleu Dirk 
Published: July 2019

RationaleEpilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurologic conditions. It is estimated to affect 70 million people worldwide. Epilepsy is an important cause of disability and mortality. It is associated with social stigma and significant economic costs. Although epilepsy is a disease with a worldwide distribution, its prevalence varies between different countries. Very little is known about the epidemiology of epilepsy in Qatar. Qatar's population is a mixture of native citizens and immigrants. We aim at describing the features of epilepsy in Qatar as such information is virtually lacking from the current literature.MethodsA database was created in 2014 to summarize information retrospectively collected on patients with epilepsy seen through the national health system (HMC) adult neurology clinic. For each subject, in addition to the typical demographic variables, we identified the age at onset, seizure types, epilepsy syndrome, etiology, treatment and outcome. Brain imaging and EEG results were also tabulated. All these variables were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (IBM-SPSS, version 20).ResultsOf 504 patients included in the database, 467 with sufficient information were analyzed. Sixty percent were men. The mean age at the last clinic visit was 35. Native Qataris represented 38.5%, Asian subjects 33%, and Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) origin accounted for 25% of the studied population. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common seizure type, noted in 89% of subjects. Epilepsy was classified as focal in 65.5% of the cases, and generalized in 23%. EEGs were abnormal in 55.5 %, showing epileptiform discharges in 49% of subjects. Imaging studies revealed epileptogenic pathologies in 40% of reports. Common causes of epilepsy were: vascular (11%), hippocampal sclerosis (8%), infectious (6%) and trauma (6%). Sixty six percent of patients were receiving a single antiepileptic drug, and 53% were seizure free at the last follow-up. Overall, the most commonly prescribed drug was Leviteracetam (41%) followed by Valproic Acid (25%) and Carbamazepine (22%). On current therapy, 54% of patients were seizure-free, 41% had a partial response and five percent were refractory. When the patients were divided by geographical background, some differences were noted. Remote infections caused the epilepsy in 15% of Asian patients (with neurocysticercosis accounting for 10%), but only in 1% of Qatari and 3% of MENA subjects (with no reported neurocysticercosis) (p
Diabetes Mellitus: Unwanted Visitor in the Tertiary Heart Hospitals
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Albinali Hajar , Al-Thani Hassan 
Published: July 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) constitute a major health care challenge worldwide. We evaluated the trends and outcome of DM in patients presenting with CVD over a 22-year period in the state of Qatar.MethodsWe performed a descriptive retrospective chart review of all admitted CVD patients, including DM from the Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery database at the Heart Hospital (HH) of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar over a 22-year period.ResultsDuring the study period between the year 1991 and 2012, a total of 48,803 patients (77% males; 40.3% diabetics) were admitted to the HH, resulting in an average admissions rate of 2218 CVD patients per year. Two out of five CVD patients (40%) were known diabetics. Thus, it was estimated that 14.2 per 10,000 people of the general population in Qatar have both DM and CVD. On average each year, 895 CVD patients admitted to the HH are diabetics. The overall proportion of admissions for diabetic patients with CVD increased over the study duration. Diabetic males were 6 years younger than females. DM was more prevalent in Arabs (68 vs. 32%), but its burden showed a decreasing trend over time compared with South Asians. Diabetics presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (47.5 vs. 22.7%), tended to be 8 years younger compared with heart failure with DM. Over the study period, beta-blocker use increased substantially (from 10 to 71%). However, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) were underutilized (from 30 to 56%). There were 4.4 deaths per 100 CVD admissions, which is equivalent to 97 deaths per year. Of this, 52% had DM (2.3 deaths per 100 CVD admissions). The overall case fatality rate (CFR) of DM was 5.6%. Diabetic Asian patients died 9 years earlier than diabetic Arabs at the HH. Age-adjusted Predictors of mortality in DM patients in the HH included lack of beta-blocker use (OR 4.35), lack of ACEI/ARBs use (OR 3.58), myocardial infarction (OR 3.20), lack of aspirin use (OR 2.56), and congestive heart failure (OR 1.75) (P = 0.001 for all).ConclusionsIn Qatar, DM is still a healthcare challenge. Although the admission rate of diabetic patients is increasing at the HH, the mortality rate is decreasing. Evidence-based medication use remains far from the guideline recommendation; however, it shows a substantial improvement. Lack of evidence-based CVD medications in diabetic patients is associated with a significant increase in the mortality in the HH. Efforts should be directed toward public awareness regarding CVD risk factors and DM through education programs and efficient primary and secondary prevention strategies.
The Secure Degrees of Freedom of the MIMO BC and MIMO MAC with Multiple Unknown Eavesdroppers
Authors: Khalil Mohamed , Khattab Tamer , Elfouly Tarek , Mohamed Amr 
Published: July 2019

We investigate the secure degrees of freedom (SDoF) of a two-transmitter Gaussian multiple access channel with multiple antennas at the transmitters, a legitimate receiver and an unknown number of eavesdroppers each with a number of antennas less than or equal to a known value NE. The channel matrices between the legitimate transmitters and the receiver are available everywhere, while the legitimate pair have no information about the fading eavesdroppers’ channels. We provide the exact sum SDoF for the considered system. We show that it is equal to min(M1 + M2 − NE, 1/2(max(M1;N2 + max(M2;N) − NE,N). A new comprehensive upperbound is deduced and a new achievable scheme based on utilizing jamming is exploited. We prove that Cooperative Jamming is SDoF optimal even without the eavesdropper CSI available at the transmitters.
De digitale civiele procedure als onderdeel van een behoorlijke rechtspleging
Authors: de Groot Dineke 
Published: July 2019

De digitale civiele procedure als onderdeel van een behoorlijke rechtspleging
Digitaal procederen in civiele procedures is in ontwikkeling. In dit artikel wordt ingegaan op de digitaliseringsdoelstelling van de wetgever en op ervaringen die zijn opgedaan rondom de ontwikkeling van digitaal procederen in civiele vorderingszaken (dagvaardingszaken) over rechtsgevolgen ter vrije bepaling van partijen.
Management of Nasal Silicone Granuloma
Authors: Harlim Ago 
Published: July 2019

The use of silicone as filler material has been banned by the FDA. Nevertheless, there are still some risks of using topical silicone, particularly cosmetic products that contain silicone. Bioavailability of silicone in skin tissues and long-term complications of silicone use in cosmetic products must be evaluated for safety reasons. Silicone can penetrate to the skin by injection. Because of economic issues and the rarity of medical grade silicone, various developing countries use industrial silicone, which results in even more complications. Patients with liquid silicone injected to their nose will usually visit a doctor after experiencing complication issues such as granuloma, edema, and redness with telangiectasia. Usually the patients want to remove the silicone and treat the complication. Unfortunately, silicone is difficult to be removed completely. Some complications are difficult to treat. To handle this complication issue, the doctor has to create a specific design of nose implant, perform curettage, or remove silicone and granuloma, and then a laser treatment and steroid injection will be performed.
Cell Attachment and Osteoinductive Properties of Tissue Engineered, Demineralized Bone Fibers for Bone Void Filling Applications
Authors: B. McLean Julie , Carter Nigeste , Sohoni Payal , A. Moore Mark 
Published: July 2019

Demineralized bone matrices (DBMs) have been used in a wide variety of clinical applications involving bone repair. Ideally, DBMs should provide osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, while offering versatile handling capabilities. With this, a novel fiber technology, LifeNet Health-Moldable Demineralized Fibers (L-MDF), was recently developed. Human cortical bone was milled and demineralized to produce L-MDF. Subsequently, the fibers were lyophilized and terminally sterilized using low-dose and low-temperature gamma irradiation. Using L929 mouse fibroblasts, L-MDF underwent cytotoxicity testing to confirm lack of a cytotoxic response. An alamarBlue assay and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated L-MDF supported the cellular function and attachment of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, L-MDF demonstrated BMP-2 and 7 levels similar to those reported in the literature. In vivo data from an athymic mouse model implanted with L-MDF demonstrated the formation of new bone elements and blood vessels. This study showed that L-MDF have the necessary characteristics of a bone void filler to treat osseous defects.
Analysis of Causes of Death as Determined at Autopsy in a Single Institute, The Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai, India, Between 1884 and 1966: A Retrospective Analysis of 13 024 Autopsies in Adults
Authors: Lanjewar Dhaneshwar Namdeorao , Sheth Nikita Subhash , Lanjewar Sonali Dhaneshwar , Wagholikar Ulhas Laxman 
Published: July 2019

Context.—Grant Medical College and Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai (India), have a long tradition of clinical autopsies, wherein autopsy records have existed since 1884. The old autopsy records from 1884 to 1966 were discovered during a refurbishing drive of the pathology department in 2007.Objective.—To know the relative causes of deaths in Sir J. J. Hospital Mumbai from 1884 through 1966. To determine the rate of antemortem and postmortem discrepancies in the prehistology and posthistology era.Design.—The reports of clinical autopsies in the archives of the Department of Pathology from January 1884 to December 1966 were reviewed. Data such as sex, age, and clinical and autopsy diagnoses were collected, based on the autopsy records of 13 024 patients.Results.—Of 13 024 patients, 10 197 (78%) were male and 2827 (22%) were female. Most deaths (55%) involved individuals ages 21 to 40 years. Infections were the cause of death in 7281 of 13 024 patients (56%), followed by cardiovascular diseases in 2138 (16%) and neoplasms in 963 (7%). The overall disagreement between clinical diagnoses and postmortem findings was 4105 of 13 024 patients (31%). Discrepancy between antemortem and postmortem diagnoses in the prehistology era (before 1950) was found in 3053 of 8951 patients (34%), whereas in the posthistology era (after 1950), discrepancy was found in 1019 of 4073 patients (25%).Conclusions.—Historical collections provide baseline data against which modern observations can be compared. Such collections also offer a window on the past and often provide a less biased account of events. Historical collections of museum materials such as ours are valuable because they can serve as potential biorepository materials to facilitate future research. Apart from providing reliable data on the occurrence of diseases, the autopsy has an important role in providing information about conditions that are no longer prevalent. Medical institutes possessing old autopsy records, wet specimens, paraffin blocks, and slides should preserve such historical collections.
Long-term warming results in species-specific shifts in seed mass in alpine communities
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Ma Zhen , Zhou Huakun , Zhao Xinquan 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundGlobal warming can cause variation in plant functional traits due to phenotypic plasticity or rapid microevolutionary change. Seed mass represents a fundamental axis of trait variation in plants, from an individual to a community scale. Here, we hypothesize that long-term warming can shift the mean seed mass of species.MethodsWe tested our hypothesis in plots that had been warmed over 18 years in alpine meadow communities with a history of light grazing (LG) and heavy grazing (HG) on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. In this study, seeds were collected during the growing season of 2015.ResultsWe found that warming increased the mean seed mass of 4 (n = 19) species in the LG meadow and 6 (n = 20) species in the HG meadow, while decreasing the mean seed mass of 6 species in the LG and HG meadows, respectively. For 7 species, grazing history modified the effect of warming on seed mass. Therefore, we concluded that long-term warming can shift the mean seed mass at the species level. However, the direction of this variation is species-specific. Our study suggests that mean seed mass of alpine plant species appears to decrease in warmer (less stressful) habitats based on life-history theory, but it also suggests there may be an underlying trade-off in which mean seed mass may increase due to greater thermal energy inputs into seed development. Furthermore, the physical and biotic environment modulating this trade-off result in complex patterns of variation in mean seed mass of alpine plant species facing global warming.