bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assistive technology for people with dementia: an overview and bibliometric study
Authors: Asghar Ikram , Cang Shuang , Yu Hongnian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study presents an overview of recent research activities in assistive technology (AT) for people with dementia. Bibliometric studies are used to explore breadth and depth of different research areas, yet this method has not yet been fully utilised in AT research for people with dementia.MethodsThe bibliometric method was used for collecting studies related to AT. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, the AT studies with a focus on people with dementia are considered.Study ScopeThe study is based on factors such as number of publications, citations per paper, collaborative research output, P‐Index, major research and application areas and national dementia strategies.Data CollectionData were collected from 2000 to 2014 in AT research. The top 10 countries are selected based on their research outputs.ResultsUSA emerged as the leading contributor with 503 publications and an annual growth rate of 16%, followed by UK with 399 publications and growth rate of 22%. Germany with 101 publications is on the 6th place, but it has a higher citation rate 16.43% as compared to USA (13.34%). Although all 10 countries show good collaborative research output, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands emerge as top collaborative research contributors with high percentages (84%, 84% and 79%). All the top 10 countries, except Canada, Germany and Spain, have national dementia strategies in place.ConclusionThe overall analysis shows that USA and UK are working extensively in AT research for people with dementia. Both these countries also have well established national dementia strategies.
Densification and characterization of rapid carbothermal synthesized boron carbide
Authors: Toksoy Muhammet Fatih , Rafaniello William , Xie Kelvin Yu , Ma Luoning , Hemker Kevin Jude , Haber Richard Alan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSubmicrometer boron carbide powders were synthesized using rapid carbothermal reduction (RCR) method. Synthesized boron carbide powders had smaller particle size, lower free carbon, and high density of twins compared to commercial samples. Powders were sintered using spark plasma sintering at different temperatures and dwell times to compare sintering behavior. Synthesized boron carbide powders reached >99% TD at lower temperature and shorter dwell times compared to commercial powders. Improved microhardness observed in the densified RCR samples was likely caused by the combination of higher purity, better stoichiometry control, finer grain size, and a higher density of twin boundaries.
Safety, tolerability and efficacy of lixisenatide as monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An open‐label, multicenter study
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Terauchi Yasuo , Wang Xiangling , Watanabe Daisuke , Niemoeller Elisabeth ,   the study investigators
Published: February 2017

AbstractAim/IntroductionTo assess the overall safety of lixisenatide monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, previously treated with ≤1 oral antidiabetic drug, were enrolled in an uncontrolled, open‐label, single‐arm study over 24 and 52 weeks. Any oral antidiabetic drug treatment was stopped at the start of the 6‐week run‐in period. From baseline, patients received once‐daily lixisenatide monotherapy (10 μg for 1 week, 15 μg for 1 week, 20 μg thereafter) for 52 weeks (first 140 patients enrolled) or 24 weeks (subsequently enrolled patients). The primary end‐point was safety over 24 and 52 weeks. Secondary efficacy end‐points included absolute change in glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and bodyweight from baseline.ResultsOf 428 patients screened, 361 and 140 were treated for 24 and 52 weeks, respectively; 88.4 and 90.0% completed treatment. During the 24‐ and 52‐week treatment periods, 268/361 (74.2%) and 117/140 (83.6%) patients, respectively, had treatment‐emergent adverse events; the most frequently reported was nausea (33.2 and 31.4%, respectively). The risk of severe hypoglycemia was low; only one case was reported. Lixisenatide treatment resulted in a decrease in mean glycated hemoglobin A1c (−0.98 and −0.86%), fasting plasma glucose (−1.05 and −0.85 mmol/L), and bodyweight (−1.33 and −1.48 kg) for the 24‐ and 52‐week treatment periods, respectively.ConclusionsOnce‐daily lixisenatide monotherapy was associated with a safety profile in line with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist class, and improved glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How do sex and sexual maturation influence the response of Monochamus galloprovincialis to host odours?
Authors: Giffard B. , David G. , Joubard B. , Piou D. , Jactel H. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFinding the right host plant for feeding and reproduction is crucial for herbivorous insects. Usually they need both visual and olfactory cues to locate and colonize their host plants, but the respective role of the two types of stimuli is difficult to disentangle. Model plants mimicking the shape and colour of natural hosts, combined with odours dispensers, are relevant tools for this purpose. We used dummy pines and cut branches of natural pines to investigate host attraction in Monochamus galloprovincialis, the insect vector of the pine wood nematode in Europe. We compared the behavioural response of males and females, sexually mature or immature, in a large climatic chamber and in an olfactometer. Immature females were significantly attracted by the sole odours released by pines. Immature males and mature males and females needed a combination of visual and olfactory cues to find the host tree. These findings suggest that beetles use both visual and chemical cues to locate pine trees but that relevant stimuli likely differ between beetles of different sex and sexual maturation status. Our results question the implementation of precautionary clear‐cuts around infested trees for limiting the spread of PWN.
Mutation in the ace‐1 gene of the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) associated with organophosphates resistance
Authors: Haddi K. , Berger M. , Bielza P. , Rapisarda C. , Williamson M. S. , Moores G. , Bass C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major invasive pest that has spread throughout many countries in the Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia over the last decade. The control of T. absoluta has relied heavily on the use of chemical insecticides, a strategy that has led to the evolution of resistance. In this study, biological and molecular methods were used to determine the susceptibility of five strains of T. absoluta to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to this class of insecticides. High levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos were observed in all five strains tested. Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the organophosphate target site, ace‐1, of T. absoluta revealed the presence of an alanine to serine substitution at a position that has been previously linked with organophosphate resistance across a range of different insect and mite species. The presence of this mutation at high frequency in T. absoluta populations originating from various countries further supports the suggestion that the rapid expansion of this species is, in part, mediated by the resistance of this pest to chemical insecticides.
The Corruption Footprints of Nations
Authors: Xiao Yanyan , Lenzen Manfred , Benoît‐Norris Catherine , Norris Gregory A. , Murray Joy , Malik Arunima 
Published: February 2017

SummaryIn this study, we innovatively apply multiregional input‐output analysis to calculate corruption footprints of nations and show the details of commodities that use the most employment affected by corruption (EAC), as they flow between countries. Every country's corruption footprint includes its domestic corruption and the corruption imported by global supply chains to meet final demand. Our results show that, generally, the net corruption exporters are developing countries, with the exception of Italy where corruption is likely to be more affected by political and cultural factors than economic factors. China is the largest gross corruption exporter, and India follows close behind, with clothing as one of the industries in which the most people are affected by corruption. This is because: (1) China and India are major clothing exporters, thus many workers are employed in the clothing industry within the country as well as in countries providing intermediate commodities by supply chains, and (2) corruption is high in China and India. Our results can be useful to identify where regulations to combat corruption can have the greatest impact. More important, the method we use can be applied to link corruption to other economic and social aspects of trade, such as working conditions, thus making it possible to find avenues for tackling the problem that are not usually considered in anticorruption strategies.
Clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of a novel fractional unipolar radiofrequency device on facial tightening: A preliminary report
Authors: Suh Dong Hye , Byun Eun Jung , Lee Sang Jun , Song Kye Yong , Kim Hei Sung 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that radiofrequency (RF) energy is safe and effective for improving skin laxity. Unlike monopolar and bipolar devices, little has been studied with the unipolar hand piece.ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel fractional unipolar RF device on facial tightening.Patients and MethodsThis was a retrospective, single‐center study of 14 subjects with age‐related facial laxity who underwent five sessions of fractional unipolar RF at an interval of 2 weeks, and then followed‐up for 3 months. Standardized photos were taken at baseline and at 3‐months follow‐up, and were assessed by two independent dermatologists using a 4‐point scale (0=no improvement, 1=mild improvement, 2=moderate improvement, 3=significant improvement). Punch biopsies (2 mm) were performed and a questionnaire was used to evaluate the patient's satisfaction and the incidence of adverse reactions.ResultsFourteen subjects with mild to moderate age‐related facial laxity were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 49.7 years (range 32‐80). 35.7% of the subjects showed significant improvement, 50% moderate improvement, and 14.3% slight improvement of facial laxity in their follow‐up photos. About 85.7% of the patients replied that they were either greatly satisfied or satisfied with the results at 3‐months follow‐up. Skin biopsies revealed an increase in collagen in the dermis. None of the subjects experienced any serious adverse events during or after the procedure.ConclusionOur findings suggest that fractional Unipolar RF can be safely performed on the face and is effective in skin tightening. It has a great advantage over other forms of RF by being entirely painless.
Amplitude of Low‐Frequency Fluctuations During Resting State Differentially Predicts Authentic and Hubristic Pride
Authors: Kong Feng , He Qiaolin , Liu Xiqin , Chen Xiayu , Wang Xu , Zhao Jingjing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivePride is an important, self‐conscious emotion composed of two distinct conceptual facets: arrogant, egotistic “hubristic pride,” and pro‐social, achievement‐oriented “authentic pride.” However, little is known about the neural basis of the two facets of pride. Here, we investigated the association between spontaneous brain activity and these two facets of pride in resting state.MethodWe measured 276 participants on authentic and hubristic pride. The fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) was used to identify pride‐related regions.ResultsThe results revealed individual differences in authentic pride were associated with the fALFF in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG), which has been implicated in social processing. In contrast, individual differences in hubristic pride were associated with the fALFF in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), which have been implicated in self‐referential and reward processing.ConclusionsTogether, our results provide initial evidence for the distinct neural substrates for authentic and hubristic pride.
Effective Disengagement: Insecure People Are More Likely to Disengage From an Ongoing Task and Take Effective Action When Facing Danger
Authors: Ein‐Dor Tsachi , Perry‐Paldi Adi , Merrin Jenna , Efrati Yaniv , Hirschberger Gilad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivePeople believe that they can respond effectively to threats, but actually they experience difficulties in disengaging from ongoing tasks and shifting their attention to life‐threatening events. We contend that this tendency is especially true for secure people with respect to their worldview and perception of others and not for insecure individuals.MethodIn Study 1 (N = 290), we examined individuals' reactions to various threat scenarios. In Study 2 (N = 65), we examined these reactions using a behavioral design high in ecological validity. In Study 3 (N = 78), we examined group‐level benefits for the actions of insecure individuals by manipulating asocial behavior in response to an emergency.ResultsStudy 1 indicated that anxiously attached individuals stayed away from threats and sought help; avoidant people tended to take action by either assessing the risk of the event and/or enacting an asocial action such as fight or flight. Study 2 added ecological validity to these findings, and Study 3 showed that priming asocial behavior responses promoted actions that increased group members' chances of survival.ConclusionResults validate the central tenets of social defense theory and indicate that actions that are deemed asocial may paradoxically promote the survival of individuals and groups.
A texture‐Based Video Processing Methodology Using Bayesian Data Fusion for Autonomous Crack Detection on Metallic Surfaces
Authors: Chen Fu‐Chen , Jahanshahi Mohammad R. , Wu Rih‐Teng , Joffe Chris 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRegular inspection of the components of nuclear power plants is important to improve their resilience. However, current inspection practices are time consuming, tedious, and subjective: they involve an operator manually locating cracks in metallic surfaces in the plant by watching videos. At the same time, prevalent automatic crack detection algorithms may not detect cracks in metallic surfaces because these are typically very small and have low contrast. Moreover, the existences of scratches, welds, and grind marks lead to a large number of false positives when state‐of‐the‐art vision‐based crack detection algorithms are used. In this study, a novel crack detection approach is proposed based on local binary patterns (LBP), support vector machine (SVM), and Bayesian decision theory. The proposed method aggregates the information obtained from different video frames to enhance the robustness and reliability of detection. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed by using several inspection videos. The results indicate that it is accurate and robust in cases where state‐of‐the‐art crack detection approaches fail. The experiments show that Bayesian data fusion improves the hit rate by 20% and the hit rate achieves 85% with only one false positive per frame.
G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor and estrogen receptor ligands regulate colonic motility and visceral pain
Authors: Zielińska M. , Fichna J. , Bashashati M. , Habibi S. , Sibaev A. , Timmermans J.‐P. , Storr M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundDiarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which occurs more frequently in women than men. The aim of our study was to determine the role of activation of classical estrogen receptors (ER) and novel membrane receptor, G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in human and mouse tissue and to assess the possible cross talk between these receptors in the GI tract.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of GPER in human and mouse intestines. The effect of G‐1, a GPER selective agonist, and estradiol, a non‐selective ER agonist, on muscle contractility was characterized in isolated preparations of the human and mouse colon. To characterize the effect of G‐1 and estradiol in vivo, colonic bead expulsion test was performed. G‐1 and estradiol activity on the visceral pain signaling was assessed in the mustard oil‐induced abdominal pain model.Key ResultsGPER is expressed in the human colon and in the mouse colon and ileum. G‐1 and estradiol inhibited muscle contractility in vitro in human and mouse colon. G‐1 or estradiol administered intravenously at the dose of 20 mg/kg significantly prolonged the time to bead expulsion in females. Moreover, G‐1 prolonged the time to bead expulsion and inhibited GI hypermotility in both genders. The injection of G‐1 or estradiol resulted in a significant reduction in the number of pain‐induced behaviors in mice.Conclusions and InferencesGPER and ER receptors are involved in the regulation of GI motility and visceral pain. Both may thus constitute an important pharmacological target in the IBS‐D therapy.
Mechanisms underlying reflux symptoms and dysphagia in patients with joint hypermobility syndrome, with and without postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Fikree A. , Aziz Q. , Sifrim D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a common non‐inflammatory connective tissue disorder which frequently co‐exists with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a form of orthostatic intolerance. Gastrointestinal symptoms and dysmotility have been reported in PoTS. Dysphagia and reflux are common symptoms in JHS, yet no studies have examined the physiological mechanism for these, subdivided by PoTS status.MethodsThirty patients (28 female, ages: 18‐62) with JHS and symptoms of reflux (n=28) ± dysphagia (n=25), underwent high‐resolution manometry and 24 hour pH‐impedance monitoring after questionnaire‐based symptom assessment. Esophageal physiology parameters were examined in JHS, subdivided by PoTS status.ResultsFifty‐three percent of JHS patients with reflux symptoms had pathological acid reflux, 21% had reflux hypersensitivity, and 25% had functional heartburn. Acid exposure was more likely to be increased in the recumbent than upright position (64% vs 43%). The prevalence of hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (33%) and hiatus hernia (33%) was low. Forty percent of patients with dysphagia had minor disorders of motility, 60% had functional dysphagia. Eighteen (60%) patients had coexistent PoTS—they had significantly higher dysphagia (21 vs 11.5, P=.04) and reflux scores (24.5 vs 16.5, P=.05), and double the prevalence of pathological acid reflux (64% vs 36%, P=.1) and esophageal dysmotility (50% vs 25%, P=.2) though this was not significant.Conclusions and InferencesA large proportion of JHS patients with esophageal symptoms have true reflux‐related symptoms or mild esophageal hypomotility, and this is more likely if they have PoTS.
The effect of pneumatic dilation in management of postfundoplication dysphagia
Authors: Sunjaya D. , Podboy A. , Blackmon S. H. , Katzka D. , Halland M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundFundoplication surgery is a commonly performed procedure for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease or hiatal hernia repair. Up to 10% of patients develop persistent postoperative dysphagia after surgery. Data on the effectiveness of pneumatic dilation for treatment are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and identify clinical factors associated with successful response to pneumatic dilation among patients with persistent postfundoplication dysphagia (PPFD).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients who had undergone pneumatic dilation for PPFD between 1999 and 2016. Patients with dysphagia or achalasia prior to fundoplication were excluded. Demographic information, surgical history, severity of dysphagia, and clinical outcomes were collected. Data pertaining to esophagram, manometry, endoscopy, and pneumatic dilation were also collected.ResultsWe identified 38 patients (82% female, 95% Caucasian, and median age 59 years) with PPFD who completed pneumatic dilation. The median postfundoplication dysphagia score was 2. Eleven patients had abnormal peristalsis on manometry. Seventeen patients reported response (seven complete) with an average decrease of 1 in their dysphagia score. Fifteen patients underwent reoperation due to PPFD. Hiatal hernia repair was the only factor that predicts a higher response rate to pneumatic dilation. Only one patient in our study developed complication (pneumoperitoneum) from pneumatic dilation.Conclusion & InferencesWe found that pneumatic dilation to be a safe treatment option for PPFD with moderate efficacy. Patients who developed PPFD after a hiatal hernia repair may gain the greatest benefit after pneumatic dilation. We were not able to identify additional clinical, radiological, endoscopic, or manometric parameters that were predictive of response.
Genetic variation and host–parasite specificity of Striga resistance and tolerance in rice: the need for predictive breeding
Authors: Rodenburg Jonne , Cissoko Mamadou , Kayongo Nicholas , Dieng Ibnou , Bisikwa Jenipher , Irakiza Runyambo , Masoka Isaac , Midega Charles A. O. , Scholes Julie D. 
Published: February 2017

Summary

The parasitic weeds Striga asiatica and Striga hermonthica cause devastating yield losses to upland rice in Africa. Little is known about genetic variation in host resistance and tolerance across rice genotypes, in relation to virulence differences across Striga species and ecotypes.

Diverse rice genotypes were phenotyped for the above traits in S. asiatica‐ (Tanzania) and S. hermonthica‐infested fields (Kenya and Uganda) and under controlled conditions.

New rice genotypes with either ecotype‐specific or broad‐spectrum resistance were identified. Resistance identified in the field was confirmed under controlled conditions, providing evidence that resistance was largely genetically determined. Striga‐resistant genotypes contributed to yield security under Striga‐infested conditions, although grain yield was also determined by the genotype‐specific yield potential and tolerance. Tolerance, the physiological mechanism mitigating Striga effects on host growth and physiology, was unrelated to resistance, implying that any combination of high, medium or low levels of these traits can be found across rice genotypes.

Striga virulence varies across species and ecotypes. The extent of Striga‐induced host damage results from the interaction between parasite virulence and genetically determined levels of host–plant resistance and tolerance. These novel findings support the need for predictive breeding strategies based on knowledge of host resistance and parasite virulence.
Rapid integumental color changes due to novel iridophores in the chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi
Authors: Goda Makoto 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe wavelength of the light reflected from iridophores depends on the thickness and the spacing of intracellular reflecting platelets. Here, we show that the rapid color change from blue to red of the chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi is mediated by adrenergic stimulation of a novel type of iridophore in which reflecting platelets are concentrated selectively in the periphery of the cell, near the plasma membrane. The color changes are not only observed in vivo but also in pigment cells of isolated scales which respond to increases in K+ ion concentrations in 0.5 s and to addition of norepinephrine within 1 s. The norepinephrine effect can be blocked by addition of the alpha‐adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. The results suggest that adrenergic stimulation leads to changes in reflecting platelet organization in Hoplolatilus chlupatyi iridophores and represents the major mediator of the rapid color change in this fish in vivo.