bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of magnetic field and heat and mass transfer on the peristaltic flow through a porous rotating medium with compliant walls
Authors: Abd-Alla A.M. , Abo-Dahab S.M. , Elsagheer M. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to predict the effects of magnetic field, heat and mass transfer and rotation on the peristaltic flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid in a channel with compliant walls. The whole system is in a rotating frame of reference.

Design/methodology/approach
The governing equations of two-dimensional fluid have been simplified under long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. The solutions are carried out for the stream function, temperature, concentration field, velocity and heat transfer coefficient.

Findings
The results indicate that the effects of permeability, magnetic field and rotation are very pronounced in the phenomena. Impacts of various involved parameters appearing in the solutions are carefully analyzed.

Originality/value
The effect of the concentration distribution, heat and mass transfer and rotation on the wave frame is analyzed theoretically and computed numerically. Numerical results are given and illustrated graphically in each case considered. A comparison was made with the results obtained in the presence and absence of rotation, magnetic field and heat and mass transfer.
Adventure tourism in a land of wine: the case of Melgaço
Authors: Baptista Manuel 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the development and marketing tourism strategy of Melgaço and determine how nature radical sports can be implemented as a core product, complemented with Alvarinho wine and its tradition.

Design/methodology/approach
The information used to develop the present paper is based on the recently developed tourism strategic and marketing plan for the municipality of Melgaço, which, by its turn, is supported on a variety of primary data and official regional, national and international sources.

Findings
Melgaço has a range of singular natural resources where it is possible to practice river and mountain sports throughout the year, a competitive factor compared to other destinations. With a positioning and communication strategy based on its distinctive features, the municipality wants to be perceived as “the most radical nature tourism destination in Portugal”, and hence, it has increased its touristic flows and improve economic and social indicators.

Originality/value
This paper presents the evolution and present situation of the tourism sector in Melgaço, as well as the main challenges, opportunities and lines for development.
Spatial patterns of local species richness reveal importance of frugivores for tropical forest diversity
Authors: Chanthorn Wirong , Wiegand Thorsten , Getzin Stephan , Brockelman Warren Y. , Nathalang Anuttara 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Seed dispersal by frugivores, particularly primates, plays an important role in structuring and maintaining tree diversity in tropical forests. However, little is known about the effect of frugivores on the diversity of saplings and large trees.

We used detailed census data from the fully mapped 30‐ha Mo Singto forest dynamics plot in Thailand together with spatial point pattern analysis to find out if the local species richness of small (dbh <10 cm) and large (dbh ≥10 cm) trees in the neighbourhood of large trees of 52 focal species was larger or smaller than expected by an appropriate null model.

We then used binary data (+ or 0) on the seed dispersal network at the Mo Singto plot to test the hypothesis that the major primate frugivores, rather than other arboreal frugivores, generated patterns of locally increased species richness around their preferred diet species (i.e. accumulator effects).

More than half of the focal species showed accumulator effects with respect to species richness of small trees (<10 cm in diameter), but accumulator effects with respect to large trees were weak and not consistent with those of small trees. Primate‐dispersed focal species (but not hornbill‐ or other smaller bird‐dispersed species) showed significantly larger positive effect sizes than the remaining focal species.

Synthesis. Our analysis suggests that primates—as major drivers of contagious seed dispersal—generate species‐rich seed rain around their preferred food‐tree species, which results in significantly larger local species richness of saplings. This is likely a consequence of heterospecific seed rain that reduces negative density dependence, and the presence of the accumulator pattern which persists at least until the large‐size stage. Hence, extirpation of primates may result in significant changes in the diversity and spatial structure of tropical forests.
Pleth variability index can predict spinal anaesthesia‐induced hypotension in patients undergoing caesarean delivery
Authors: Kuwata S. , Suehiro K. , Juri T. , Tsujimoto S. , Mukai A. , Tanaka K. , Yamada T. , Mori T. , Nishikawa K. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundSpinal anaesthesia carries a risk of hypotension. We hypothesized that pleth variability index and perfusion index would assess maternal volume status, and thus, allow identification of patients at higher risk of developing hypotension after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery.MethodsFifty patients undergoing elective caesarean delivery were enrolled. All patients received spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (10 mg) and fentanyl (10 mcg). Blood pressure was measured every minute. Pleth variability index and perfusion index were automatically measured throughout the procedure using pulse oximetry on the index finger. In case of hypotension (systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg or 80% of the baseline value), ephedrine 5 mg was administered. Receiver‐operating characteristic and multivariate logistic regression analyses for spinal anaesthesia‐induced hypotension were performed.ResultsHypotension occurred in 32 patients (64%). The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve were 0.751 (95% confidence interval: 0.597–0.904) for pleth variability index before anaesthesia, 0.793 (95% confidence interval: 0.655–0.930) for pleth variability index after anaesthesia and 0.731 (95% confidence interval: 0.570–0.892) for perfusion index change (percent change in perfusion index induced by spinal anaesthesia). The optimal threshold value of pleth variability index (after anaesthesia) for predicting hypotension was 18% (sensitivity: 78.1%, specificity: 83.3%). Pleth variability index after spinal anaesthesia was an independent factor for hypotension (odds ratio: 1.21, P = 0.041).ConclusionsPleth variability index after spinal anaesthesia was a good predictor of spinal anaesthesia‐induced hypotension in patients undergoing caesarean delivery. In addition, perfusion index change after spinal anaesthesia has the potential to predict hypotension.
Efficacy of different carriers for the triple antibiotic powder during regenerative endodontic procedures
Authors: Hwang David , Fong Hanson , Johnson James D. , Paranjpe Avina 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChemical debridement during Regenerative Endodontic procedures is important. Previous research studies have evaluated various antibiotics and their concentrations but none have addressed the concern of delivering these materials. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine what carrier could be used effectively in a clinical setting. Sixty caries‐free maxillary incisors were used and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into positive and irrigation controls and experimental groups that had triple antibiotic powder (1:1:1 ciprofloxacin:metronidazole:minocycline) delivered using various carriers: saline, cotton, sponge and methylcellulose. Current AAE regenerative protocols were followed. S2 sampling was performed and tested for bacterial presence via culturing and SEM. The results demonstrated that saline was the most effective carrier for the triple antibiotic powder while cotton and sponge were most ineffective. Saline and methylcellulose both reduced bacterial counts to a significant level. Overall, this study demonstrated that saline as a carrier was most effective and should be routinely used.
Linking climate change and insect pest distribution: an example using Agriotes ustulatus Shall. (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Čačija Maja , Kozina Antonela , Igrc Barčić Jasminka , Bažok Renata 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Agriotes ustulatus (Schaller, 1873) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) is an economically important agricultural pest. Recently, changes in the distribution and abundance of this species in Croatia have been established.
The present study aimed: (i) to determine the abundance and dominance of A. ustulatus in four regions in Croatia; (ii) to test the effect of temperature and rainfall on dominance and distribution; and (iii) to determine the flight activity of the A. ustulatus adults (peak and swarming period).
From 2001 until 2010, five Agriotes species were captured by pheromone traps placed in 17 fields within four counties. Differences in air temperature and rainfall were determined between regions.
The highest dominance of A. ustulatus was recorded in the warmest eastern county and the species was classified as eudominant. High dominance was also observed in the western county, confirming that A. ustulatus occurs in higher population in this area. Species was subdominant where the mean air temperature was the lowest.
The increase in dominance in the west could be explained by the significant positive correlation found between air temperature and dominance.
The seasonal activity of the adults was from June to mid‐August, with peak flight at the end of June.
Exploiting whole genome sequence data to fine map and characterize candidate genes within a quantitative trait loci region affecting androstenone on porcine chromosome 5
Authors: van Son M. , Agarwal R. , Kent M. P. , Grove H. , Grindflek E. , Lien S. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryMale piglets are routinely castrated to eliminate boar taint. However, this treatment is undesirable, and alternative approaches, including genetic strategies to reduce boar taint, are demanded. Androstenone is one of the causative agents of boar taint, and a QTL region affecting this pheromone has previously been reported on SSC5: 22.6–24.8 Mb in Duroc. The QTL region is one of the few reported for androstenone that does not simultaneously affect levels of other sex steroids. The main objective of this study was to fine map this QTL. Whole genome sequence data from 23 Norwegian Duroc boars were analyzed to detect new polymorphisms within the QTL region. A subset of 161 SNPs was genotyped in 834 Duroc sires and analyzed for association with androstenone in adipose tissue and testosterone, estrone sulphate and 17β‐estradiol in blood plasma. Our results revealed 100 SNPs significantly associated with androstenone levels in fat (P < 0.001) with 94 of the SNPs being in strong linkage disequilibrium in the region 23.03–24.27 Mb. This haplotype block contains at least four positional candidate genes (HSD17B6, SDR9C7, RDH16 and STAT6) involved in androstenone biosynthesis. No significant associations were found between any of the SNPs and levels of testosterone and estrogens, confirming previous findings. The amount of phenotypic variance explained by single SNPs within the haplotype block was as high as 5.4%. As the SNPs in this region significantly affect levels of androstenone without affecting levels of other sex steroids, they are especially interesting as genetic markers for selection against boar taint.
Heart failure study of multipoint pacing effects on ventriculoarterial coupling: Rationale and design of the HUMVEE trial
Authors: Chrysohoou Christina , Dilaveris Polychronis , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Skiadas Ioannis , Konstantinou Konstantinos , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Kallikazaros Ioannis , Tousoulis Dimitrios 
Published: October 2017

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for symptomatic heart failure (HF). Unfortunately, many recipients remain nonresponders. Studies have revealed the potential role of multipoint pacing (MPP) in improving response and outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of MPP against those of standard biventricular pacing (BVP) on (i) ventriculoarterial coupling (VAC) and energy efficiency of the failing heart, (ii) diastolic function, (iii) quality of life, and (iv) NT‐proBNP levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during a follow‐up of 13 months.HUMVEE is a single‐center, prospective, observational, crossover cohort study. Seventy‐six patients with BVP indication will be implanted with a system able to deliver both pacing modes. BVP will be activated at implantation and optimized 1 month after. At 6 months postoptimization MPP will be activated and optimized. Optimization will be performed based on stroke volume maximization, as assessed by ultrasound. Laboratory measurements (GFR and NT‐proBNP) and echocardiographic studies (VAC calculation, strain rate, diastolic function) will be performed at implantation, 6 months post‐BVP optimization and at the end of 13 months of follow‐up (6 months post‐MPP optimization). Potential reduction in arrhythmogenesis by MPP will also be assessed. MPP is a pacing modality with the potential to improve HF patients’ outcomes. The HUMVEE trial will attempt to associate any potential added beneficial effects of MPP over standard BVP with alterations in VAC and energy efficiency of the heart, thus uncovering a novel mechanistic link between MPP and improved outcomes in HF.
Elevated serum adipsin may predict unsuccessful treatment for cows’ milk allergy but other biomarkers do not
Authors: Salmivesi Susanna , Paassilta Marita , Huhtala Heini , Nieminen Riina , Moilanen Eeva , Korppi Matti 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThis study evaluated whether 15 allergy, immunology or inflammatory markers predicted the long‐term use of cows’ milk or milk products seven years after the start of oral immunotherapy (OIT) for cows’ milk allergy in children.MethodsThe following laboratory parameters were measured before the OIT at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, and after the six‐month escalation phase: serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, milk‐specific IgG and IgG4, eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin, interleukins 4, 5, 6, 10 and 12p70 and serum adipokines adiponectin, adipsin, leptin and resistin. Follow‐up data from a seven‐year phone questionnaire in 2015 were available for 24 children: 14 successful and 10 unsuccessful milk users.ResultsThere were no significant differences in any of the 15 markers measured at the start of the study between the subjects who later formed the successful and unsuccessful groups. At the end of the six‐month escalation phase of OIT, serum adipsin was higher in the group who were unsuccessful milk users at the seven‐year follow‐up study.ConclusionNone of the 15 allergy, immunology or inflammatory markers were useful in predicting the outcome of OIT. Preliminary evidence was found that high serum adipsin after the six‐month escalation phase of OIT might predict unsuccessful outcome.
Functional variants in intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and toll‐like receptor‐4 genes are more frequent in children with febrile urinary tract infection with renal parenchymal involvement
Authors: Hussein Almontaser , Saad Khaled , Askar Eman , Zahran Asmaa M. , Farghaly Hekma , Metwalley Kotb , Elderwy Ahmad A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimWe studied the functional polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) genes and risk of acute pyelonephritis (APN) in children attending Assiut University Children's Hospitals, Egypt, from 2011 to 2015.MethodsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) were diagnosed in 380 children: 98 had APN and 282 had lower UTIs. Four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in ICAM‐1 and TLR‐4 genes were genotyped in all subjects: ICAM‐1 rs1799969 Gly241Arg, ICAM‐1 rs5498 Glu469Lys, TLR‐4 rs4896791 Thr399Ile and TLR‐4 rs4896790 Asp299Gly.ResultsPatients with APN were significantly more likely to have AA genotype of the ICAM‐1 rs5498 (1462 A/G) polymorphism (p = 0.04) than children with lower UTIs and the TLR‐4 Asp299Gly GG genotype (p = 0.002) and G allele (p = 0.006) than healthy controls. The association with the ICAM‐1 Glu469Lys (1462A/G) was less evident. The GG genotype was associated with a modest relative risk of 1.4 (p = 0.1) of developing APN, but was not an independent odds ratio, at 1.2 (p = 0.48).ConclusionFunctional variants in ICAM‐1 and TLR‐4 genes were increasingly common in children with febrile UTIs with renal parenchymal involvement, but the ICAM‐1 Glu469Lys (1462A/G) association was less evident. TLR4 Asp299Gly might independently increase renal parenchymal infection rather than renal scarring.
Short‐term risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus eradication following direct‐acting anti‐viral treatment
Authors: Ogawa E. , Furusyo N. , Nomura H. , Dohmen K. , Higashi N. , Takahashi K. , Kawano A. , Azuma K. , Satoh T. , Nakamuta M. , Koyanagi T. , Kato M. , Shimoda S. , Kajiwara E. , Hayashi J. ,   The Kyushu University Liver Disease Study (KULDS) Group
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundWith the development of direct‐acting anti‐virals (DAAs), almost all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can achieve sustained viral response (SVR).AimTo evaluate the short‐term risk of HCC among patients with SVR by DAAs, including those with cirrhosis or previous HCC.MethodsThis large‐scale, multicentre cohort study included 1,675 consecutive patients who achieved SVR by treatment with interferon‐free sofosbuvir‐based regimens, divided into groups with (n = 152) or without previous HCC (n = 1,523). The Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to calculate the cumulative HCC incidence and related factors of HCC.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period (median: 17 months), 46 (2.7%) patients developed HCC. The 1‐year cumulative rates of de novo HCC were 0.4% and 4.9% for the noncirrhosis and cirrhosis groups respectively (log‐rank test: P < 0.001). For cirrhotic patients, serum α‐fetoprotein level at the end of treatment (EOT‐AFP) was the strongest predictor of de novo HCC. The 1‐year cumulative de novo HCC rates were 1.4% and 13.1% in the EOT‐AFP < 9.0 ng/mL and ≥ 9.0 ng/mL groups (cut‐off value) respectively (log‐rank test: P < 0.001). The 1‐year cumulative rates of HCC recurrence were 6.5% and 23.1% for the noncirrhosis and cirrhosis groups respectively (log‐rank test: P = 0.023). For cirrhotic patients, previous HCC characteristics were significantly associated with HCC recurrence. In contrast, sex, age and metabolic features did not influence de novo HCC or recurrence.ConclusionsFor cirrhotic patients after elimination of HCV, serum EOT‐AFP level and previous HCC characteristics would be useful markers for predicting de novo HCC or recurrence.
A prospective randomised placebo‐controlled study of the impact of dutasteride/tamsulosin combination therapy on sexual function domains in sexually active men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Roehrborn Claus G. , Manyak Michael J. , Palacios‐Moreno Juan Manuel , Wilson Timothy H. , Roos Erik P.M. , Santos Javier Cambronero , Karanastasis Dimitrios , Plastino Janet , Giuliano François , Rosen Raymond C. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo prospectively assess the impact of the fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of the 5α‐reductase inhibitor (5ARI), dutasteride 0.5 mg and the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, tamsulosin 0.4 mg (DUT‐TAM FDC) therapy on sexual function domain scores in sexually active men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), using the Men's Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ).Patients and MethodsThis European and Australian double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study was conducted at 51 centres. Inclusion criteria: age ≥50 years, International Prostate Symptom Score ≥12, prostate volume ≥30 cc, prostate‐specific antigen 1.5–10 ng/mL. Patients were randomised 1:1 to DUT‐TAM FDC therapy or placebo for 12 months. The change from baseline to Month 12 on the total MSHQ (primary endpoint) and MSHQ erection, ejaculation and satisfaction domains (secondary outcome) was assessed, using a mixed model repeated measures analysis. Safety was evaluated.ResultsThe intention‐to‐treat population included 489 patients (243 DUT‐TAM FDC therapy; 246 placebo). A significant decrease (worsening) was observed with DUT‐TAM FDC therapy versus placebo on the total MSHQ score (−8.7 vs −0.7; standard error [se]: 0.81, 0.78; P < 0.001), and the ejaculation (−7.5 vs −0.6; se: 0.56, 0.55; P < 0.001) and satisfaction (−0.6 vs +0.3; se: 0.3, 0.29, P = 0.047) domains, but not the erection domain (−1.0 vs −0.5; se: 0.19, 0.19, P = 0.091).ConclusionThis is the first domain‐specific quantitative evaluation of DUT‐TAM FDC therapy on sexual function in men with LUTS secondary to BPH. The observed changes in the MSHQ with DUT‐TAM FDC therapy were mainly driven by changes in the ejaculation domain. These findings will help give context to erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction AEs reported spontaneously in earlier 5ARI studies.
Landscape‐level tree cover predicts species richness of large‐bodied frugivorous birds in forest fragments
Authors: Walter Scott T. , Browne Luke , Freile Juan , Olivo Jorge , González Mónica , Karubian Jordan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLarge‐bodied frugivorous birds play an important role in dispersing large‐sized seeds in Neotropical rain forests, thereby maintaining tree species richness and diversity. Conversion of contiguous forest land to forest fragments is thought to be driving population declines in large‐bodied frugivores, but the mechanistic drivers of this decline remain poorly understood. To assess the importance of fragment‐level versus local landscape attributes in influencing the species richness of large‐bodied (>100 g) frugivorous birds, we surveyed 15 focal species in 22 forest fragments (2.7 to 33.6 ha, avg. = 16.0 ha) in northwest Ecuador in 2014. Fragment habitat variables included density of large trees, canopy openness and height, and fragment size; landscape variables included elevation and the proportion of tree cover within a 1 km radius of each fragment. At both the individual species level, and across the community of 12 species of avian frugivore we detected, there was higher richness and probability of presence in fragments with more tree cover on surrounding land. This tendency was particularly pronounced among some endangered species. These findings corroborate the idea that partially forested land surrounding fragments may effectively increase the suitable habitat for forest‐dwelling frugivorous birds in fragmented landscapes. These results can help guide conservation priorities within fragmented landscapes, with particular reference to retaining trees and reforesting to attain high levels of tree cover in areas between forest patches.