bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proactive, Backward Analysis and Learning in Road Probabilistic Bayesian Network Models
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Grande Zacarías , Mora Elena , Xu Xiangdong , Lo Hong K. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSome probabilistic safety assessment models based on Bayesian networks have been recommended recently for safety analysis of highways and roads. These methods provide a very natural and powerful alternative to traditional approaches, such as fault and event tree based methods. In this article, we present several new and original contributions to complement the inference engine tools of these models to provide new and relevant information about safety and backward analysis on one hand, and to learn the complex multidimensional joint probabilities of all variables, on the other hand. More precisely, we show how standard tools combined with the partitioning technique can be used in new ways to solve three relevant problems (1) to prognosticate the most probable combinations of variables leading to incidents, (2) to perform a backward analysis to identify the causes of accidents, and (3) to learn the model parameters using Bayesian conjugate methods (categorical and Dirichlet families). Finally, some real examples of applications are used to illustrate the proposed methods.
Type 2 Alexander disease with a novel glial fibrillary acidic protein gene mutation and its unique clinical features
Authors: Kawahara Yuko , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Sato Kota , Nomura Emi , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Shang Jingwei , Yoshida Tomokatsu , Abe Koji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe report mother–daughter cases of type 2 Alexander disease with a novel glial fibrillary acidic protein gene mutation. The mother (proband) began to show slowly progressive gait disturbance. However, after an incidental medical checkup, it took just 9 months for the diagnosis. Different from the previous reports, she showed a unique phenotype in points of scoliosis without palatal myoclonus, decreased regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal lobe and mild cognitive impairment. Her second daughter showed mild intellectual disability. Genetic analysis of the mother and the second daughter showed the same novel glial fibrillary acidic protein gene mutation (c.371_372insAGA).
Intragastric infusion of the bitter tastant quinine suppresses hormone release and antral motility during the fasting state in healthy female volunteers
Authors: Deloose E. , Corsetti M. , Van Oudenhove L. , Depoortere I. , Tack J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundIntragastric administration of the bitter tastant denatonium benzoate inhibits the increase of motilin plasma levels and antral contractility. While these findings suggest that gastrointestinal bitter taste receptors could be new targets to modulate gastrointestinal motility and hormone release, they need confirmation with other bitter receptor agonists. The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of intragastric administration of the bitter tastant quinine‐hydrochloride (QHCl) on motilin and ghrelin plasma levels. Secondly, we studied the effect on interdigestive motility.MethodsTen healthy female volunteers were recruited (33±4 y; 22±0.5 kg/m²). Placebo or QHCl (10 μmol/kg) was administered intragastrically through a nasogastric feeding tube after an overnight fast in a single‐blind randomized fashion. Administration started 20 min after the first phase III of the migrating motor complex. The measurement continued for another 2 h after the administration. Blood samples were collected every 10 min with the baseline sample taken 10 min prior to administration.Key ResultsThe increase in plasma levels of motilin (administration; P=.04) and total ghrelin (administration; P=.02) was significantly lower after QHCl. The fluctuation of octanoylated ghrelin was reduced after QHCl (time by administration; P=.03). Duodenal motility did not differ. The fluctuation of antral activity differed over time between placebo and QHCl (time by administration; P=.03).Conclusions and InferencesQHCl suppresses the increase of both motilin and ghrelin plasma levels. Moreover, QHCl reduced the fluctuation of antral motility. These findings confirm the potential of bitter taste receptors as targets for modifying interdigestive motility in man.
Establishment of oral bacterial communities in germ‐free mice and the influence of recipient age
Authors: Wu Y.Y. , Westwater C. , Xiao E. , Dias Corrêa J. , Xiao W.M. , Graves D.T. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe acquisition of the oral microbiome is a complex process. We examined how the timing of microbial exposure alters bacterial colonization of the tooth surface. Germ‐free mice were conventionalized by exposure to specific pathogen‐free (SPF) mice to acquire a commensal microbiome over three distinct 4‐week periods, 0‐4 weeks of age (Conv0‐4w), 4‐8 weeks (Conv4‐8w), or 8‐12 weeks (Conv8‐12w). Bacterial DNA was extracted from the tooth surface and analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Total bacteria and inflammatory cytokine expression in gingiva were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. After co‐housing with SPF mice, Conv0‐4w and Conv4‐8w mice had low bacterial diversity, whereas Conv8‐12w mice had high bacterial diversity that was similar to that of SPF donor mice, as determined by both operational taxonomic units and the Shannon Index. Cluster analysis with unweighted Unifrac distance also supported these trends. This was surprising as the amount of maturation time, 4 weeks, was equal in all conventionalized mice and tooth eruption was largely completed by 4 weeks. This suggests that host factors that occur after tooth eruption have a significant effect on the microbial tooth colonization.
Thailand's Inconsistent Involvement in ASEAN: The Shifting Domestic Coalition Towards the ASEAN Free‐trade Area
Authors: Aroonpipat Sunida 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough the formation and development of economic regionalism promoted by Thailand have demonstrated some movement towards a deeper economic integration in ASEAN that had been predicted by the Eurocentric theories, it is evident that Thailand's economic regionalism has not developed in a linear fashion. Indeed, the nation's ambitious commitment as a vigorous supporter of ASEAN economic cooperation has been interrupted by backtracking and delaying commitments to economic regionalism.This inconsistent involvement of Thailand in ASEAN has challenged the rationale of the Eurocentric theories, which claim economic interests as the basis for deepening economic integration. Since their focus on an economically oriented rationale limits the capacity to understand political and other causes (and consequences) of economic regionalism, they could not sufficiently explain the case of Thailand's unsteady progress towards regional consolidation. Particularly, the Eurocentric theories struggle to explain why different administration periods have interpreted economic interests differently and why economic interests have not always been the major cause for pursuing economic regionalism.Given the inadequacy of Eurocentric theories, this article attempts to explore an alternative explanation of Thailand's inconsistent involvement in economic regionalism by focusing on the ASEAN Free‐Trade Area. The article applies the domestic coalition approach with a divergent institutional configuration. Instead of an economically oriented rationale, the study suggests that the rationale for deeper economic regionalism with ambitious commitment has hinged upon the liberal‐minded coalition of dominant actors, along with the relative centralization of domestic political institutions.
Cross‐Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Serbian Version of the Central Sensitization Inventory
Authors: Knezevic Aleksandar , Neblett Randy , Jeremic‐Knezevic Milica , Tomasevic‐Todorovic Snezana , Boskovic Ksenija , Colovic Petar , Cuesta‐Vargas Antonio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesIt has been increasingly recognized that many chronic pain conditions are associated with central sensitization (CS). The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a potentially useful tool for screening patients whose presenting symptoms are suspected of being related to CS, so that additional diagnostic evaluation can be performed and appropriate treatment can be initiated. The original English version is currently not available in Serbian.MethodsThe CSI was translated into Serbian (CSI‐Serb) and then psychometrically evaluated in a sample of 363 chronic pain subjects.ResultsThe CSI‐Serb showed a high degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.909), excellent test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient type 2.1 = 0.947), and a significant goodness of fit test result (χ2 = 888.44; P < 0.001). A factor analysis confirmed a 4‐factor solution, as found by the original authors of the CSI, with all items retained. Higher CSI‐Serb scores were associated with higher pain severity and longer pain duration. Total CSI scores distinguished between 3 subject groups with presumably different levels of CS, including fibromyalgia (53.3, SD = 11.2), chronic regional pain only (29.7, SD = 11.6), and a pain‐free control group (20.9, SD = 9.1).ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate strong psychometric properties, including evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, of the CSI‐Serb. These results correspond with those of other translated versions of the CSI that have been psychometrically evaluated and published. Due to the current interest in CS, and its relationship with many chronic pain conditions, it is anticipated that the CSI‐Serb will benefit Serbian‐speaking clinicians in the evaluation of patients with chronic pain conditions.
Oak gall wasp infections ofQuercus roburleaves lead to profound modifications in foliage photosynthetic and volatile emission characteristics
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Veromann‐Jürgenson Linda‐Liisa , Ye Jiayan , Niinemets Ülo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOak trees (Quercus) are hosts of diverse gall‐inducing parasites, but the effects of gall formation on the physiology and biochemistry on host oak leaves is poorly understood. The influence of infection by four species from two widespread gall wasp genera,Neuroterus(N. anthracinusandN. albipes) andCynips(C. divisaandC. quercusfolii), on foliage morphology, chemistry, photosynthetic characteristics, constitutive isoprene, and induced volatile emissions inQ. roburwas investigated. Leaf dry mass per unit area (MA), net assimilation rate per area (AA), stomatal conductance (gs), and constitutive isoprene emissions decreased with the severity of infection by all gall wasp species. The reduction inAAwas mainly determined by reducedMAand to a lower extent by lower content of leaf nitrogen and phosphorus in gall‐infected leaves. The emissions of lipoxygenase pathway volatiles increased strongly with increasing infection severity for all 4 species with the strongest emissions in major vein associated species,N. anthracinus. Monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions were strongly elicited inN. albipesandCynipsspecies, but not inN. anthracinus. These results provide valuable information for diagnosing oak infections using ambient air volatile fingerprints and for predicting the impacts of infections on photosynthetic productivity and whole tree performance.
Foreign direct investment as a signal
Authors: Koska Onur A. , Van Long Ngo , Stähler Frank 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper models oligopolistic competition among potential multinational firms in an environment of firm heterogeneity, incomplete information on costs, and strategic interactions. We show that foreign direct investment is more likely if it can serve as a signal of productivity in an environment of incomplete information as firms would like to avoid sending a low productivity signal. Our model shows that this effect is strong enough such that foreign direct investment can be an optimal foreign entry mode even if trade costs are zero.
Designer Grapes: The Socio‐Technical Construction of the Seedless Table Grapes. A Case Study of Quality Control
Authors: de Castro Carlos , Torres‐Albero Cristóbal 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article focuses on agro‐food production in Murcia, Spain, and analyses the socio‐technical production processes of the seedless table grape. In the agro‐food industry, a focus on quality has driven an unstoppable process of bio‐technological innovation, which is also evident in the object of this study. Before these technological innovations, taste, colour and calibre as specific qualities of the grape were not considered a determinable characteristic. They had only emerged in the context of certain productive, technological and institutional conditions of possibility and the establishment of particular relationships between the agents implicated in its cultivation. By using Callon´s contribution to Actor Network Theory, the article examines how the different qualities of the seedless table grape are constructed through quality control procedures that try to stabilise the relationship between human (labour) and non‐human (technology, insects, fungi, water, sun) actors.
Electrodermal responses to discrete stimuli measured by skin conductance, skin potential, and skin susceptance
Authors: Bari D.S. , Aldosky H.Y.Y. , Tronstad C. , Kalvøy H. , Martinsen Ø.G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground/aimPresently, electrodermal activity (EDA) is the preferred term for changes in electrical properties of the skin. Change in the skin conductance responses (SCRs) and skin potential responses (SPRs) due to external stimuli have previously been investigated in a number of studies, but very little for skin susceptance responses (SSRs) recorded simultaneously at the same skin site. This study aimed to investigate the association between the three parameters of EDA, skin conductance (SC), skin potential (SP), and skin susceptance (SS) responses generated by different types of psychological stimuli.MethodsSCRs, SPRs, and SSRs were recorded from 20 healthy test subjects simultaneously at the same skin area. EDA responses were induced by five different external stimuli, which were shown in the form of PowerPoint slides on a PC monitor that situated in front of participants.ResultsAll stimuli evoked EDA responses, but with significantly different magnitudes, dependent on stimulus type. Both SC and SP waveforms yielded positive responses with respect to the stimuli; however, SS showed negative response and its role was found to be significant at low frequency (20 Hz).ConclusionsThis study illustrated that different discrete stimuli showed different passive and active electrodermal responses at the same skin site. SCRs, SPRs, and SSRs were dependent on the stimulus type, and the highest response was associated with the sound stimulus, which can be attributed to orienting response or startle reflex. In addition, it was found that the SSRs have a significant contribution at 20 Hz. In spite of a high correlation found between average amplitude values of SCRs and SSRs, no significant association was seen between average amplitudes values of SPRs and SSRs, and between SCRs and SPRs.
Providing quality allied health placements in palliative care
Authors: Buhagiar Mark Andrew , Downes Jennifer , Shaik Abdul 
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Palliative care is a complex area for student placements due to the high level of grief and loss encountered. There is limited research into allied health student experiences in palliative care. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and personal challenges faced by allied health students in palliative care. We sought to explore student preparation for a palliative care clinical placement and the impact of the placement on their self-efficacy in the areas of communication, patient management and interdisciplinary teamwork. Methods: Eleven consecutive eligible allied health students undertaking a placement in palliative care were recruited to participate in this study. Each participant took part in a semi-structured interview at the beginning and end of their placement. Interviews were transcribed and analysed qualitatively. Questionnaires were also given to participant’s pre and post placement to identify the impact of self-efficacy and outcome expectancies on learning outcomes. Results: The analysis of the results demonstrated that most, but not all, of participants experienced anxiety prior to placement. Participants’ perception and understanding of palliative care was positively influenced by their placement, and there were a wide variety of learning experiences described. Conclusions: Allied health student placements in palliative care provide a positive environment for student learning and can be altered to maximise the learning experience. With careful planning, and by encouraging a culture of support, effective approaches and strategies can be identified to make a placement in palliative care more appealing and appropriate for individual students.
Draft Genome Sequence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum Strain SSADA-1411, Isolated from an Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) Migrating Downriver To Spawn in the Shimanto River, Kochi, Japan
Authors: Imajoh Masayuki , Tsuji Yuto , Yamashita Hazuki , Ohgi Masayuki , Monno Shinya , Ohnishi Kouhei , Horioka Kikuo 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequence and annotation of
Flavobacterium psychrophilum
strain SSADA-1411. This strain was isolated from the skin ulcer of an ayu (
Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis
) migrating downriver to spawn in the lower Shimanto River, in western Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island in Japan.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium peregrinum Isolated from an HIV-Positive Patient in South Africa
Authors: Omar Shaheed V. , Allam Mushal , Joseph Lavania , Mtshali Senzo , Ismail Nazir A. , Ismail Arshad 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium peregrinum
obtained from a sputum sample of a South African HIV-infected patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. The genome described here comprises 6,931,852 bp, revealing 66.2% G+C content, 6,808 coding sequences, and 81 RNA genes.
Frequency of exercise-induced ST-T-segment deviations and cardiac arrhythmias in recreational endurance athletes during a marathon race: results of the prospective observational Berlin Beat of Running study
Authors: Herm Juliane , Töpper Agnieszka , Wutzler Alexander , Kunze Claudia , Krüll Matthias , Brechtel Lars , Lock Jürgen , Fiebach Jochen B , Heuschmann Peter U , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Endres Matthias , Jungehulsing Gerhard Jan , Haeusler Karl Georg 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesWhile regular physical exercise has many health benefits, strenuous physical exercise may have a negative impact on cardiac function. The ‘Berlin Beat of Running’ study focused on feasibility and diagnostic value of continuous ECG monitoring in recreational endurance athletes during a marathon race. We hypothesised that cardiac arrhythmias and especially atrial fibrillation are frequently found in a cohort of recreational endurance athletes. The main secondary hypothesis was that pathological laboratory findings in these athletes are (in part) associated with cardiac arrhythmias.DesignProspective observational cohort study including healthy volunteers.Setting and participantsOne hundred and nine experienced marathon runners wore a portable ECG recorder during a marathon race in Berlin, Germany. Athletes underwent blood tests 2–3 days prior, directly after and 1–2 days after the race.ResultsOverall, 108 athletes (median 48 years (IQR 45–53), 24% women) completed the marathon in 249±43 min. Blinded ECG analysis revealed abnormal findings during the marathon in 18 (16.8%) athletes. Ten (9.3%) athletes had at least one episode of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, one of whom had atrial fibrillation; eight (7.5%) individuals showed transient ST-T-segment deviations. Abnormal ECG findings were associated with advanced age (OR 1.11 per year, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while sex and cardiovascular risk profile had no impact. Directly after the race, high-sensitive troponin T was elevated in 18 (16.7%) athletes and associated with ST-T-segment deviation (OR 9.9, 95% CI 1.9 to 51.5), while age, sex and cardiovascular risk profile had no impact.ConclusionsECG monitoring during a marathon is feasible. Abnormal ECG findings were present in every sixth athlete. Exercise-induced transient ST-T-segment deviations were associated with elevated high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) values.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT01428778; Results.
Seeking ambulance treatment for ‘primary care’ problems: a qualitative systematic review of patient, carer and professional perspectives
Authors: Booker Matthew J , Purdy Sarah , Shaw Alison R G 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo understand the reasons behind, and experience of, seeking and receiving emergency ambulance treatment for a ‘primary care sensitive’ condition.DesignA comprehensive, qualitative systematic review. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Health Management Information Systems, Healthcare Management Information Consortium, OpenSigle, EThOS and Digital Archive of Research Theses databases were systematically searched for studies exploring patient, carer or healthcare professional interactions with ambulance services for ‘primary care sensitive’ problems. Studies using wholly qualitative approaches or mixed-methods studies with substantial use of qualitative techniques in both the methods and analysis sections were included. An analytical thematic synthesis was undertaken, using a line-by-line qualitative coding method and a hierarchical inductive approach.ResultsOf 1458 initial results, 33 studies met the first level (relevance) inclusion criteria, and six studies met the second level (methodology and quality) criteria. The analysis suggests that patients define situations worthy of ‘emergency’ ambulance use according to complex socioemotional factors, as well as experienced physical symptoms. There can be a mismatch between how patients and professionals define ‘emergency’ situations. Deciding to call an ambulance is a process shaped by practical considerations and a strong emotional component, which can be influenced by the views of caregivers. Sometimes the value of a contact with the ambulance service is principally in managing this emotional component. Patients often wish to hand over responsibility for decisions when experiencing a perceived emergency. Feeling empowered to take control of a situation is a highly valued aspect of ambulance care.ConclusionsWhen responding to a request for ‘emergency’ help for a low-acuity condition, urgent-care services need to be sensitive to how the patient's emotional and practical perception of the situation may have shaped their decision-making and the influence that carers may have had on the process. There may be novel ways to deliver some of the valued aspects of urgent care, more geared to the resource-limited environment.