bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of syphilis in pregnancy: Knowledge and practices of health care providers and barriers to the control of disease in Teresina, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Danielle Carvalho , Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAimsThe aim of the study is to verify the knowledge and practices of health professionals working in prenatal care (PNC) related with syphilis during pregnancy and to identify the main barriers to the implementation of protocols for the control of this disease.MethodsA cross‐sectional study in Teresina, Brazil, from January to May 2015, was conducted with 366 physicians and nurses working in PNC, corresponding to 70% of eligible professionals. We evaluated 20 knowledge and practice criteria related to the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy with a 95% compliance standard. We performed descriptive analysis of the data and used χ2 statistical test to verify differences according to professional category.ResultsOnly 2 criteria, “knowledge about mother to child transmission according to gestational age” and “counselling on infection,” reached 95% compliance. Knowledge of the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis and the goal of elimination of congenital syphilis and knowledge about serological tests had scores below 50%, while practices related with posttest counselling, cure control, and treatment of partners reached 60%. We identified organisational barriers related to the late initiation of PNC, to the delayed return of syphilis test results, to the application of benzathine penicillin in primary care units and to the treatment of partners.ConclusionsStrategies for early initiation of PNC, implementation of rapid tests for syphilis, ensuring treatment of pregnant women with penicillin, adequate partner treatment, and continued education of health professionals on clinical management and counselling in sexually transmitted diseases are necessary to eliminate congenital syphilis.
Contribution of occult precipitation to the water balance of páramo ecosystems in the Colombian Andes
Authors: Cárdenas Maria Fernanda , Tobón Conrado , Buytaert Wouter 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPáramos are high‐altitudinal neotropical ecosystems located in the upper regions of the northern Andes. Their hydrology is characterized by an extraordinarily high run‐off ratio. One major contributing mechanism is thought to be fog occurrence, which is common in the páramos and occurs by the cooling of near‐surface moist air, as it is forced to higher elevations by topography. However, field‐based observations and quantification of this flux are rare. We present results of monitoring of occult precipitation, understood as the combination of fog and drizzle inputs, combined with meteorological and soil moisture monitoring for periods between 7 to 17 months in 6 sites distributed over 3 páramos catchments in Colombia: three sites in Romerales (Quindío), two in Chingaza (Cundinamarca), and one in Belmira (Antioquia). Occult precipitation inputs were measured with cylindrical fog gauges with a cover on top. We estimate occult precipitation inputs to add between 7% and 28% to rainfall inputs in the study sites. Our results also show that occult precipitation has a large temporal and spatial variability, both within one site and between sites, which make it difficult to upscale and quantify at a catchment scale. Nevertheless, occult precipitation can be important for downstream water supply given that these inputs are especially concentrated during periods with low rainfall. Lastly, we also find evidence for an increase in soil moisture related to occult precipitation during a dry period in Romerales páramo.
Estimating daily lake evaporation from biweekly energy‐budget data
Authors: Andreasen Mie , Rosenberry Donald O. , Stannard David I. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEstimates of daily lake evaporation based on energy‐budget data are poor because of large errors associated with quantifying change in lake heat storage over periods of less than about 10 days. Energy‐budget evaporation was determined during approximately biweekly periods at a northern Minnesota, USA, lake for 5 years. Various combinations of shortwave radiation, air temperature, wind speed, lake‐surface temperature, and vapour‐pressure difference were related to energy‐budget evaporation using linear‐regression models in an effort to determine daily evaporation without requiring the heat‐storage term. The model that combined the product of shortwave radiation and air temperature with the product of vapour‐pressure difference and wind speed provided the second best fit based on statistics but provided the best daily data based on comparisons with evaporation determined with the eddy‐covariance method. Best‐model daily values ranged from −0.6 to 7.1 mm/day over a 5‐year period. Daily averages of best‐model evaporation and eddy‐covariance evaporation were nearly identical for all 28 days of comparisons with a standard deviation of the differences between the two methods of 0.68 mm/day. Best‐model daily evaporation also was compared with two other evaporation models, Jensen–Haise and a mass‐transfer model. Best‐model daily values were substantially improved relative to Jensen–Haise and mass‐transfer values when daily values were summed over biweekly energy‐budget periods for comparison with energy‐budget results.
Mean and variance equation dynamics: Time deformation, GARCH, and a robust analysis of the London housing market
Authors: Cook Steve , Watson Duncan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe potential relationship between time deformation and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) is examined. Despite time deformation and GARCH being mean and variance equation phenomena, respectively, they are argued herein to share a common motivation relating to the examination of changes in the temporal evolution of time‐series processes. Via extensive simulation analysis, a close connection between the two concepts is established. It is found that the presence of GARCH can result in the spurious detection of time deformation, particularly when examining the heavy‐tailed distributions and volatile data typically considered in empirical finance. It is shown that although the application of heteroskedasticity corrected covariance matrix estimators often increases, rather than corrects, the detected oversizing of the tests of time deformation, the application of GARCH filters does provide a solution to size distortion. The findings of the experimental analysis are drawn upon to provide a robust empirical examination of the London housing market where evidence of overwhelming and widespread nonlinearity is detected in the form of time deformation. The implications of these findings for the conduct of future, and the interpretation of previous, research are discussed.
Impact of maternal vaccination timing and influenza virus circulation on birth outcomes in rural Nepal
Authors: Kozuki Naoko , Katz Joanne , Englund Janet A. , Steinhoff Mark C. , Khatry Subarna K. , Shrestha Laxman , Kuypers Jane , Mullany Luke C. , Chu Helen Y. , LeClerq Steven C. , Tielsch James M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the effect of maternal vaccination on birth outcomes in rural Nepal, modified by timing of vaccination in pregnancy and influenza virus activity.MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted using data from two annual cohorts of a randomized controlled trial. A total of 3693 pregnant women from Sarlahi District were enrolled between April 25, 2011, and September 9, 2013. All participants were aged 15–40 years and received a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine or placebo. The outcome measures included birth weight, pregnancy length, low birth weight (<2500 g), preterm birth, and small‐for‐gestational‐age birth.ResultsData were available on birth weight for 2741 births and on pregnancy length for 3623 births. Maternal vaccination increased mean birthweight by 42 g (95% confidence interval [CI] 8–76). The magnitude of this increase varied by season but was greatest among pregnancies with high influenza virus circulation during the third trimester. Birth weight increased by 111 g (95% CI −51 to 273) when 75%–100% of a pregnancy's third trimester had high influenza virus circulation versus 38 g (95% CI −6 to 81) when 0%–25% of a pregnancy's third trimester had high influenza virus circulation. However, these results were nonsignificant.ConclusionSeasonal maternal influenza vaccination in rural Nepal increased birth weight; the magnitude appeared larger during periods of high influenza virus circulation.ClinicalTrials.govNCT01034254.
AN INITIAL ONTOLOGY FOR SYSTEM QUALITIES
Authors: Boehm Barry , Kukreja Nupul 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an initial ontology for reasoning about a system's System Qualities (SQs), ilities, or non‐functional requirements (reliability, usability, affordability, and more). The need for such ontology is based primarily on two factors. One is the importance of getting the SQs sufficiently well defined such that the system's definition, development, and evolution result in a satisfactory balance of SQ values for the system's success‐critical stakeholders, given the frequent system shortfalls and overruns that occur when the system does not achieve this balance. The other is that current system acquisition and evolution guidance descriptions have numerous deficiencies and inconsistencies in their coverage of SQ considerations. This situation is becoming more serious as systems and their stakeholders become increasingly complex, dynamic, and diverse. This paper provides an elaboration of the needs, a set of initial SQ ontology elements and definitions, examples of their application to some key SQs and their relationships, and an identification of further research and development needed to make the ontology fully useful and evolvable.
SEMANTICALLY‐ENABLED MODEL‐BASED SYSTEMS
Authors: Petnga Leonard , Austin Mark , Blackburn Mark 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper describes a novel approach to the development and integration of semantics to the model‐based systems engineering and operation of safety‐critical network of systems. Engineering models work directly with formal domain and meta‐domain (especially time and space) knowledge that are determinate, provable (ambiguity free), and executable. Engineers encode knowledge as semantic blocks, which are an integration of ontologies, rules, and communication and computation interfaces. This paper exercises these concepts in a collision avoidance problem involving autonomous agents at a traffic intersection.
Nanostructured fumarate copolymer‐chitosan crosslinked scaffold: Anin vitroosteochondrogenesis regeneration study
Authors: Lastra María Laura , Molinuevo María Silvina , Blaszczyk‐Lezak Iwona , Mijangos Carmen , Cortizo María Susana 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn the tissue engineering field, the design of the scaffold inspired on the natural occurring tissue is of vital importance. Ideally, the scaffold surface must promote cell growth and differentiation, while promote angiogenesis in thein vivoimplant of the scaffold. On the other hand, the material selection must be biocompatible and the degradation times should meet tissue reparation times. In the present work, we developed a nanofibrous scaffold based on chitosan crosslinked with diisopropylfumarate‐vinyl acetate copolymer using anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. We have previously demonstrated its biocompatibility properties with low cytotoxicity and proper degradation times. Now, we extended our studies to demonstrate that it can be successfully nanostructured using the AAO templates methodology, obtaining a nanorod‐like scaffold with a diameter comparable to those of collagen fibers of the bone matrix (170 and 300 nm). The nanorods obtained presented a very homogeneous pattern in diameter and length, and supports cell attachment and growth. We also found that both osteoblastic and chondroblastic matrix production were promoted on bone marrow progenitor cells and primary condrocytes growing on the scaffolds, respectively. In addition, the nanostructured scaffold presented no cytotoxicity as it was evaluated using a model of macrophages on culture. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 570–579, 2018.
miR‐422a suppresses SMAD4 protein expression and promotes resistance to muscle loss
Authors: Paul Richard , Lee Jen , Donaldson Anna V. , Connolly Martin , Sharif Mohammad , Natanek Samantha Amanda , Rosendahl Ulrich , Polkey Michael I. , Griffiths Mark , Kemp Paul R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundLoss of muscle mass and strength are important sequelae of chronic disease, but the response of individuals is remarkably variable, suggesting important genetic and epigenetic modulators of muscle homeostasis. Such factors are likely to modify the activity of pathways that regulate wasting, but to date, few such factors have been identified.MethodsThe effect of miR‐422a on SMAD4 expression and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signalling were determined by western blotting and luciferase assay. miRNA expression was determined by qPCR in plasma and muscle biopsy samples from a cross‐sectional study of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a longitudinal study of patients undergoing aortic surgery, who were subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).ResultsmiR‐422a was identified, by a screen, as a microRNA that was present in the plasma of patients with COPD and negatively associated with muscle strength as well as being readily detectable in the muscle of patients. In vitro, miR‐422a suppressed SMAD4 expression and inhibited TGF‐beta and bone morphogenetic protein‐dependent luciferase activity in muscle cells. In male patients with COPD and those undergoing aortic surgery and on the ICU, a model of ICU‐associated muscle weakness, quadriceps expression of miR‐422a was positively associated with muscle strength (maximal voluntary contraction r = 0.59, P < 0.001 and r = 0.51, P = 0.004, for COPD and aortic surgery, respectively). Furthermore, pre‐surgery levels of miR‐422a were inversely associated with the amount of muscle that would be lost in the first post‐operative week (r = −0.57, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese data suggest that differences in miR‐422a expression contribute to the susceptibility to muscle wasting associated with chronic and acute disease and that at least part of this activity may be mediated by reduced TGF‐beta signalling in skeletal muscle.
Outcome and validation of a new clinically based staging system for predicting survival of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients
Authors: Laoveeravat Passisd , Jaruvongvanich Veeravich , Wongjarupong Nicha , Linlawan Sittikorn , Tanpowpong Natthaporn , Phathong Chonlada , Phatharacharukul Parkpoom , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee 
Published: October 2017

Background and AimCurrently available staging systems for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are not applicable to patients with unresectable stage. A new clinical staging system for perihilar CCA (pCCA) subtype has been recently developed in a US cohort, with a good performance in predicting survival of all pCCA patients. We aimed to determine outcomes of pCCA patients and evaluate predictive performance of this staging system in an Asian population.MethodsAll 141 patients diagnosed with pCCA between 2003 and 2012 were identified. Clinical information was retrospectively abstracted. Patients were classified into four stages based on the new staging system. Survival predictors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis.ResultsOf the 141 pCCA patients, 38 (27%), 101 (72%), and 2 (1%) received resection, palliative biliary drainage ± chemotherapy, and best supportive care, respectively. Survival predictors included resectable disease, tumor size, distant metastasis, and cancer antigen 19‐9 ≥ 1000 U/mL. When classified by clinical stages, 13, 4, 99, and 25 patients were in stages I, II, III, and IV, with median survivals of 18.4, 7.3, 6.3, and 2.6 months; and hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.0 (reference), 1.7 (0.5–5.5), 3.2 (1.5–6.7), and 10.8 (4.6–25.0), respectively.ConclusionThe clinical staging system has a limited performance in differentiating stage II pCCA patients from stage III patients in the Thai cohort. This can be due to differences in patient characteristics and treatment modalities between the Asian and White pCCA populations. However, the median survivals of patients with other stages are significantly different.
The effects of gene polymorphisms on glioma prognosis
Authors: Cui Ying , Li Guolin , Yan Mengdan , Li Jing , Jin Tianbo , Li Shanqu , Mu Shijie 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundMalignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Various genetic factors play important roles in the development and prognosis of glioma. The present study focuses on the impact of MPHOSPH6, TNIP1 and several other genes (ACYP2, NAF1, TERC, TERT, OBFC1, ZNF208 and RTEL1) on telomere length and how this affects the prognosis of glioma.MethodsForty‐three polymorphisms in nine genes from 605 glioma patients were selected. The association between genotype and survival outcome was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression analysis and the log‐rank test.ResultsThe 1‐year overall survival (OS) rates of patients younger than 40 years of age was higher compared to those in patients older than 40 years of age. The 1‐year OS rate of patients who underwent total resection was higher than that of patients whose gliomas were not completely resected. The 1‐year OS rates of patients undergoing chemotherapy and of patients who did not undergo chemotherapy were 39.90% and 26.80%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that ACYP2 rs12615793 and TERT rs2853676 loci affected progression‐free survival in glioma patients; both ZNF208 rs8105767 and ACYP2 rs843720 affected the OS of patients with low‐grade gliomas. Multivariate analyses suggested that MPHOSPH6 rs1056629 and rs1056654, and TERT rs2853676 loci were associated with good prognoses of patients with glioma or high‐grade gliomas, whereas ZNF208 rs8105767 was associated with good prognosis of patients with low‐grade glioma.ConclusionsAge, surgical resection and chemotherapy influenced the survival rates of glioma patients. TERT, MPHOSPH6, ACYP2 and ZNF208 genes were found to affect glioma prognosis.
Age‐ and sex‐related effects in children with mild traumatic brain injury on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging properties: A comparison of voxelwise and tractography methods
Authors: Goodrich‐Hunsaker Naomi J. , Abildskov Tracy J. , Black Garrett , Bigler Erin D. , Cohen Daniel M. , Mihalov Leslie K. , Bangert Barbara A. , Taylor H. Gerry , Yeates Keith O. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlthough there are several techniques to analyze diffusion‐weighted imaging, any technique must be sufficiently sensitive to detect clinical abnormalities. This is especially critical in disorders like mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), where pathology is likely to be subtle. mTBI represents a major public health concern, especially for youth under 15 years of age. However, the developmental period from birth to 18 years is also a time of tremendous brain changes. Therefore, it is important to establish the degree of age‐ and sex‐related differences. Participants were children aged 8–15 years with mTBI or mild orthopedic injuries. Imaging was obtained within 10 days of injury. We performed tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS), deterministic tractography using Automated Fiber Quantification (AFQ), and probabilistic tractography using TRACULA (TRActs Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy) to evaluate whether any method provided improved sensitivity at identifying group, developmental, and/or sex‐related differences. Although there were no group differences from any of the three analyses, many of the tracts, but not all, revealed increases of fractional anisotropy and decreases of axial, radial, and mean diffusivity with age. TBSS analyses resulted in age‐related changes across all white matter tracts. AFQ and TRACULA revealed age‐related changes within the corpus callosum, cingulum cingulate, corticospinal tract, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and uncinate fasciculus. The results are in many ways consistent across all three methods. However, results from the tractography methods provided improved sensitivity and better tract‐specific results for identifying developmental and sex‐related differences within the brain.
Circulation weather types associated with extreme flood events in Northwestern Mediterranean
Authors: Gilabert Joan , Llasat María Carmen 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work was to identify the circulation weather types associated with flood events that occurred in Catalonia (Northeastern Spain) during the period 1900–2010. To achieve this objective, 261 extraordinary and catastrophic flood and flash flood events that were recorded during this period were characterized and classified based on impact data. A preliminary analysis of maximum precipitation and discharge was conducted in order to have some quantitative hydrometeorological indicators associated with these kinds of events. The objective classification developed by Jenkinson and Collison, which is based on differences in synoptic patterns according to surface pressure, was implemented. Once the weather regimes for each flood event had been established, a statistical and comparative analysis was performed that allowed us to determine which synoptic patterns were more frequently associated with the different flood types, their differences and their similarities. The results show that most synoptic situations were pure cyclonic structures, in both extraordinary and catastrophic events, although they were more frequent in the latter. Catastrophic floods generally had a synoptic origin enhanced by certain mesoscale factors, while extraordinary floods were usually associated with local flash floods that occurred primarily in summer and early autumn, highlighting the undetermined types that were not reflected at a synoptic scale. As the Mediterranean basin is a region where floods cause serious socio‐economic impacts, this work will help improve prevention measures and provide information for policymakers, mainly for land‐use planning and early warning systems.