bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of R(D*
) with hadronic τ decays
Authors: Siddi B G 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Lepton universality, described in the Standard Model (SM), predicts equal coupling between gauge bosons and the three lepton families. SM extensions give additional interactions, implying in some cases a stronger coupling with the third generation of leptons. Semileptonic decays of b-hadrons provide a sensitive probe to such New Physics effects. The presence of additional charged Higgs bosons, required by such SM extensions, can have significant effect on the semileptonic decay rate of B
0 → D*τν. A probe of new physics effects is the measurement of the quantities:

R
(
D
*
)
=

B
(

B
¯

0

→

D

*
+

τ
−

ν
¯

τ

)

B
(

B
¯

0

→

D

*
+

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

)

and

R
(
D
)
=

B
(

B
¯

0

→

D

+

τ
−

ν
¯

τ

)

B
(

B
¯

0

→

D

+

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

)

. The combination of experimental measurements performed by BaBar, Belle and LHCb observing the channel where the τ decays in leptons, gives a deviation from the SM prediction of about 4 σ. It is therefore important to perform additional measurements in this sector in order to improve the precision and confirm or disprove this deviation. Another possibility is to perform this measurement using the channel where the semileptonic τ decays in 3 pions. This in LHCb allows to have e better reconstruction of vertices and other kinematic variables. Results obtained by LHCb on B
0 → D*τν decays, where the τ decays hadronically, are reported.
Do Demographic Changes Jeopardize Social Integration among Aging Adults Living in Rural Regions?
Authors: Huxhold Oliver , Fiori Katherine L 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Contextual influences of the living environment on the social integration of adults have been primarily studied cross-sectionally. Here, we argue that context (i.e., urban vs rural environment) as well as changes in context (i.e., population decline) are potentially important for the development of social integration across middle adulthood and late life.

Method
We used a large-scale longitudinal data set representative of the late middle-aged and older German population (N = 4,790; aged 40 to 85 years) that assessed participants every 6 years across 3 waves. To examine our assumptions, we implemented multilevel latent growth curve models.

Results
We found that declines in network size were more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. Moreover, age-related declines in network size, social engagement, and social support were particularly pronounced in rural districts that demonstrated above average population decline.

Discussion
Our results imply that ongoing demographic changes, particularly in rural areas, may introduce additional barriers for maintaining social integration into late life.
The Admission of Older People Into Residential Care Homes in Argentina: Coercion and Human Rights Abuse
Authors: Lloyd-Sherlock Peter , Penhale Bridget , Redondo Nelida 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background and Objectives
There is very little information about the appropriateness of procedures for admitting older people into care homes in low and middle-income countries like Argentina. This study provides the first systematic study of practice and assesses the extent to which current practice respects fundamental human rights.

Research Design and Methods
We apply different methods, including document review and national survey analysis. The study also includes a case study of a single city, La Plata, which draws on local key informant interviews, focus group discussions in different neighborhoods, and a clandestine surrogate patient survey led by local pensioners. This innovative design provides a highly triangulated and contextualized data set.

Results
Many older people admitted to care homes did not have high levels of care dependency. Care homes did not usually require or even seek the informed consent of older people, regardless of their cognitive status. There were indications of coercive admission by family members, sometimes in order to obtain access to older people’s homes and other property and finances.

Discussion and Implications
The study indicates the widespread abuse of the fundamental human rights of tens of thousands of older people in Argentina. There is a need for researchers, policy-makers, and civil society to acknowledge the scale of abuse and develop safeguards.
Global Well-Posedness for the Defocusing, Cubic, Nonlinear Wave Equation in Three Dimensions for Radial Initial Data in .H
s × .H
s-1, s&gt; 1/2
Authors: Dodson Benjamin 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In this paper we study the defocusing, cubic nonlinear wave equation in three dimensions with radial initial data. The critical space is $\dot{H}^{1/2} \times \dot{H}^{-1/2}$. We show that if the initial data is radial and lies in $\left (\dot{H}^{s} \times \dot{H}^{s - 1}\right ) \cap \left (\dot{H}^{1/2} \times \dot{H}^{-1/2}\right )$ for some $s&gt; \frac{1}{2}$, then the cubic initial value problem is globally well-posed. The proof utilizes the I-method, long time Strichartz estimates, and local energy decay. This method is quite similar to the method used in [11].
Invariant Hopf 2-Cocycles for Affine Algebraic Groups
Authors: Etingof Pavel , Gelaki Shlomo 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We generalize the theory of the second invariant cohomology group $H^{2}_{\textrm{inv}}(G)$ for finite groups G, developed in [3, 4, 14], to the case of affine algebraic groups G, using the methods of [9, 10, 12]. In particular, we show that for connected affine algebraic groups G over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, the map Θ from [14] is bijective (unlike for some finite groups, as shown in [14]). This allows us to compute $H^{2}_{\textrm{inv}}(G)$ in this case, and in particular show that this group is commutative (while for finite groups it can be noncommutative, as shown in [14]).
Genetic variation in Sorghum bicolor strigolactones and their role in resistance against Striga hermonthica
Authors: Mohemed Nasreldin , Charnikhova Tatsiana , Fradin Emilie F , Rienstra Juriaan , Babiker Abdelgabar G T , Bouwmeester Harro J 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Sorghum is an important food, feed, and industrial crop worldwide. Parasitic weeds of the genus Striga constitute a major constraint to sorghum production, particularly in the drier parts of the world. In this study we analysed the Striga germination stimulants, strigolactones, in the root exudates of 36 sorghum genotypes and assessed Striga germination and infection. Low germination-stimulating activity and low Striga infection correlated with the exudation of low amounts of 5-deoxystrigol and high amounts of orobanchol, whereas susceptibility to Striga and high germination-stimulating activity correlated with high concentrations of 5-deoxystrigol and low concentrations of orobanchol. Marker analysis suggested that similar genetics to those previously described for the resistant sorghum variety SRN39 and the susceptible variety Shanqui Red underlie these differences. This study shows that the strigolactone profile in the root exudate of sorghum has a large impact on the level of Striga infection. High concentrations of 5-deoxystrigol result in high infection, while high concentrations of orobanchol result in low infection. This knowledge should help to optimize the use of low germination stimulant-based resistance to Striga by the selection of sorghum genotypes with strigolactone profiles that favour normal growth and development, but reduce the risk of Striga infection.
Role of epigenetics in the development of childhood asthma
Authors: Davidson Elizabeth J. , Yang Ivana V. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
Epigenetic marks are emerging as mediators of genetics and the environment on complex disease phenotypes, including childhood asthma and allergy.

Recent findings
Epigenome-wide association studies over the past year have added to the growing body of evidence supporting significant associations of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and asthma and allergy. Studies in children have identified signatures of eosinophils in peripheral blood, Th2 cell transcription factors and cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and epithelial dysfunction in the respiratory epithelium. Importantly, studies at birth have begun to decipher the contribution of epigenetic marks to asthma inception. Few studies have also begun to address the contribution of genetics and the environment to these associations.

Summary
Next generation of epigenome-wide association studies that will deal with confounders, study the influence of the genetics and environment, and incorporate multiple datasets to provide better interpretation of the findings are on the horizon. Identification of key epigenetic marks that are shaped by genetics and the environment, and impact transcription of specific genes will help us have a better understanding of etiology, heterogeneity and severity of asthma, and will also empower us to develop biologically driven therapeutics and biomarkers for secondary prevention of this disease.
Development of allergic sensitization and its relevance to paediatric asthma
Authors: Oksel Ceyda , Custovic Adnan 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize the recent evidence on the distinct atopic phenotypes and their relationship with childhood asthma. We start by considering definitions and phenotypic classification of atopy and then review evidence on its association with asthma in children.Recent findingsIt is now well recognized that both asthma and atopy are complex entities encompassing various different sub-groups that also differ in the way they interconnect. The lack of gold standards for diagnostic markers of atopy and asthma further adds to the existing complexity over diagnostic accuracy and definitions. Although recent statistical phenotyping studies contributed significantly to our understanding of these heterogeneous disorders, translating these findings into meaningful information and effective therapies requires further work on understanding underpinning biological mechanisms.SummaryThe disaggregation of allergic sensitization may help predict how the allergic disease is likely to progress. One of the important questions is how best to incorporate tests for the assessment of allergic sensitization into diagnostic algorithms for asthma, both in terms of confirming asthma diagnosis, and the assessment of future risk.
Emergence and treatment of chikungunya arthritis
Authors: Sutaria Ravi B. , Amaral Jose K. , Schoen Robert T. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
To review the emergence, clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment of acute chikungunya (CHIK) fever and chronic CHIK arthritis.

Recent findings
Since 2004, CHIK, an arboviral infection, has spread throughout the world, infecting millions of people. The illness occurs in two phases: an acute viremic infection followed by chronic arthritis. In less developed countries, there are limited resources and effective treatment. For acutely ill CHIK fever patients, management is symptomatic. The treatment of chronic CHIK arthritis should be determined by an understanding of pathogenesis. Is chronic CHIK arthritis a persistent viral infection or a postinfectious inflammatory process? Multiple proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors have been identified in chronic CHIK arthritis. Attempts to isolate CHIK virus from synovial fluid have been unsuccessful. Given pathogenetic similarities (as well as differences) compared with rheumatoid arthritis and the painful, disabling nature of the arthritis, it is not surprising that disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate have begun to be used.

Summary
CHIK infection has emerged with major arthritic epidemics for which evidence-based therapy is limited. But there is an opportunity to improve the treatment of chronic CHIK arthritis and, from this disease, to gain understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory arthritis more generally.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment in patients with a history of cancer
Authors: Regierer Anne C. , Strangfeld Anja 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
What is the best treatment option in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who have a history of malignant disease? Rheumatologists are increasingly faced with this question in their daily practice. As uncontrolled high disease activity is an important risk factor for further comorbidities and shortened life expectancy, the treatment has to be effective, without bearing a higher risk for cancer recurrence. What data is available today to guide treatment decisions and how robust is its evidence?

Recent findings
As patients with prior cancer are usually not included in randomized controlled trials, all data we have to elucidate this topic stems from observational cohort studies, mainly biologics registers established in several European countries. The registries investigated the risk of recurrence of cancer mainly by comparing treatments with csDMARDs and TNF inhibitors. Few results are available so far for the treatment with rituximab. However, because of their observational design, the data can only reflect current clinical practice. Because of the lack of evidence, questions such as: are biologics soon after cancer diagnosis safe, remain.

Summary
There is still insufficient data for patients with a very recent history of cancer. However, in patients with cancer being in longer remission, observational data suggest no increased risk of overall cancer recurrence when they are treated either with TNF inhibitors or rituximab.
IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS RELATED TO SUBFOVEAL DETACHMENT SECONDARY TO EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE
Authors: Muftuoglu Ilkay Kilic , Lin Tiezhu , Nudleman Eric , Gaber Raouf , Bartsch Dirk-Uwe , Freeman William R. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose:
To demonstrate factors related to the presence of subfoveal detachment (SD) secondary to epiretinal membrane (ERM) and to characterize the predictors for the resolution of SD after membrane peeling.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted for the patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for the idiopathic ERM peeling. Preoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography characteristics of the eyes including central foveal thickness, foveal center point thickness, presence of intraretinal cyst, continuity of the membrane, area of the membrane within fovea (1 mm), and entire macula (6 mm) were evaluated to find the best predictors for the presence of SD. These predictors as well as perioperative parameters including use of internal tamponade and volume of SD were considered for time of resolution of SD.

Results:
Of 158 included eyes, 20.2% eyes (32 eyes) had SD, and the presence of SD was significantly related to involvement of the membrane within the macula. After surgery, SD completely resolved in 90.6% of eyes (29 eyes) at a median of 2.97 months (range: 0.03–12.0 months). The area of the membrane within fovea was the only significant predictor for time to resolution of SD (hazard ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval = 1.100–1.324, P = 0.021). A small percent of eyes showed some further changes including fluctuation (6.2%) or persistence (3.1%) of fluid.

Conclusion:
A larger extension of ERM over the macula is related to higher likelihood of the presence of SD. Time for resolution of subfoveal detachment does not seem to be affected by the preoperative and perioperative factors except the extent of membrane within 1,000 μm of the fovea.
Distribution of Anterior Chamber Parameters in Normal Chinese Children and the Associated Factors
Authors: Wang Jing , He Xiangui , Xiong Shuyu , Zhou Minwen , Wang Mingjin , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun 
Published: February 2018

Purpose:
To describe the distribution of anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) and establish the associated factors in the pediatric population in Shanghai, China.

Materials and Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, children aged 6 to 18 years from 9 primary and middle schools in Shanghai were enrolled. The Pentacam Scheimpflug camera was used to measure anterior eye chamber parameters. The distribution of ACD, ACV, ACA, and their associations with age, sex, body mass index, cycloplegic refractive error, axial length, intraocular pressure, and other parameters were analyzed.

Results:
A total of 1321 children were included, with a mean age of 9.65±2.95 years. The mean ACA, ACD, and ACV values were 37.95±7.96 degrees, 3.22±0.23 mm and 194.89±28.95 mm3, respectively, and were higher in boys than in girls. ACV and ACD had similar growth trend curves with age, whereas ACA was stable. Overall, 5% of the tested children had ACA values ≤24.91 degrees. Greater ACV, deeper ACD, shorter pupil diameter, shorter axial length, and thinner apex corneal thickness were the independent factors associated with wider ACA (R
2=13.0%, P<0.001).

Conclusions:
As one of diagnostic indicators of angle closure, ACA was stable with age. The results of this study should improve the current understanding of the distribution of anterior chamber parameters and the main factors affecting their variation.
Systemic effects of epidural steroid injections for spinal stenosis
Authors: Friedly Janna L. , Comstock Bryan A. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Bauer Zoya , Rothman Micol S. , Suri Pradeep , Hansen Ryan , Avins Andrew L. , Nedeljkovic Srdjan S. , Nerenz David R. , Akuthota Venu , Jarvik Jeffrey G. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This analysis of the lumbar epidural steroid injections for spinal stenosis multicenter randomized controlled trial data identifies the degree of and risk factors for cortisol suppression after epidural steroid injections in older adults with spinal stenosis. Four hundred patients aged 50 years and older with back or leg pain and central lumbar spinal stenosis completed baseline demographic and psychosocial measures. Morning serum cortisol levels were measured at baseline and 3 weeks after initial injection. Patients were randomized to receive epidural injections of either local anesthetic with corticosteroid (n = 200) or local anesthetic only (n = 200). The specific corticosteroid was chosen at the treating physician's discretion (methylprednisolone, betamethasone, triamcinolone, or dexamethasone). Thirty-two patients (20.3%) treated with corticosteroid experienced cortisol reduction at 3 weeks of >50% compared with 10 patients (6.7%) treated with lidocaine only (adjusted treatment effect = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-7.9, P = 0.002). The effect on 3-week cortisol changes did not differ by demographic or patient-level characteristics. Those treated with methylprednisolone or triamcinolone had an average 3-week cortisol reduction of 41.0% (P = 0.005) and 41.6% (P < 0.001) from baseline, respectively, whereas patients treated with betamethasone or dexamethasone were not significantly different than comparable patients in the lidocaine arm. The higher rates of cortisol suppression at 3 weeks in those receiving epidural corticosteroid injections, particularly with longer-acting insoluble corticosteroid formulations, are consistent with sustained systemic absorption of corticosteroid.
Practice Differences in the Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Among Adult and Pediatric Gastroenterologists in Israel
Authors: Zifman Eyal , Banai Hagar , Shamir Raanan , Ringel‐Kulka Tamar , Zevit Noam 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTObjectives:Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) guidelines call for similar practices in adults and children with EoE. We compared the diagnostic and management practices of gastroenterologists treating adult and pediatric patients suspected of having, or diagnosed with, EoE.Methods:A 19‐question multiple‐choice questionnaire was given to gastroenterologists treating either adults or children. Questions explored 4 areas of interest: physician demographics, diagnosis and tissue sampling practices, management, and the need for societal publications on EoE.Results:Completed questionnaires were returned by 85/180 adult and 30/40 pediatric gastroenterologists (PGs). Compared to PGs, adult gastroenterologists (AGs) took esophageal biopsies significantly less frequently in the following scenarios: endoscopy without esophageal symptoms or macroscopic endoscopic findings (10% vs 57%; P < 0.001), dysphagia without macroscopic findings (83% vs 100%; P = 0.019), and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms with distal esophageal erythema (44% vs 100%; P < 0.001). Significantly fewer AGs reported taking gastric and duodenal biopsies when EoE was suspected (29% vs 90%; P < 0.001). AGs more often followed patients clinically (30% vs 0%; P < 0.001) rather than endoscopically, and were far less inclined to implement elimination diets compared to PGs (23% vs 68%; P < 0.001).Conclusions:Significant disparities exist between gastroenterologists treating adult and pediatric patients with EoE. These findings may impact rates of diagnosis, appropriate treatment, monitoring, long‐term outcomes, and may affect negatively transition from pediatric to adult care.
MRI in epilepsy: clinical standard and evolution
Authors: Rüber Theodor , David Bastian , Elger Christian E. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
MRI has a crucial position in the diagnostic routine of epilepsy patients. It relevantly contributes to etiological diagnostics and is indispensable in presurgical evaluation. As modern MRI research has been a boon to clinical neuroscience in general, it also holds the promise of enhancing diagnostics of epilepsy patients; i.e. increasing the diagnostic yield while decreasing the number of MRI-negative patients. Its rapid progress, however, has caused uncertainty about which of its latest developments already are of clinical interest and which still are of academic interest. It is the purpose of this review to clarify what, to the authors’ mind, good practice of MRI in epilepsy patient care is today and what it might be tomorrow.

Recent findings
Progress of diagnostic MRI in epilepsy patients is driven by development of scanner hardware, scanner sequence and data postprocessing. Ultra high-field MRI and elaborate sequences provide datasets of novel quality which can be fed into postprocessing programs extracting pathognomonic features of structural or functional anatomy. The integration of these features by means of computerized classifiers yield previously unsurpassed diagnostic validity. Enthusiasm about Diffusion Tensor Imaging and functional MRI in the evaluation before epilepsy surgery is quelled.

Summary
The application of an epilepsy tailored MRI protocol at 3 Tesla followed by meticulous expert evaluation early after the onset of epilepsy is most crucial. It is hoped that future research will result in MRI workups more standardized than today and widely used postprocessing routines analyzing co-registered three-dimensional volumes from different modalities.