bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new expert system for learning management systems evaluation based on neutrosophic sets
Authors: M. Radwan Nouran , Senousy M. Badr , M. Riad Alaa El Din 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThere has been a sudden increase in the usage of Learning Management Systems applications to support learner's learning process in higher education. Many studies in learning management system evaluation are implemented under complete information, while the real environment has uncertainty aspects. As these systems were described by development organizations with uncertainty terms such as vague, imprecise, ambiguity and inconsistent, that is why traditional evaluation methods may not be effective. This paper suggests neutrosophic logic as a better option to simulate human thinking than fuzzy logic because unlike fuzzy logic, it is able to handle indeterminacy of information which expresses the percentage of unknown parameters. As previous studies suggested neutrosophic decision maker and neutrosophic expert systems as future work in ecommerce and e‐learning applications, this paper presents neutrosphic expert system for learning management systems evaluation. Information for building and validating the neutrosophic expert system is collected from five experts using surveys, and then analysis is done by using Fuzzytech 5.54d software. Finally, the comparison between fuzzy expert system and neutrosophic expert system results show that the neutrosophic logic is capable of representing uncertainty in human thinking for evaluating Learning Management Systems.
Litter decay controlled by temperature, not soil properties, affecting future soil carbon
Authors: Gregorich Edward G. , Janzen Henry , Ellert Benjamin H. , Helgason Bobbi L. , Qian Budong , Zebarth Bernie J. , Angers Denis A. , Beyaert Ronald P. , Drury Craig F. , Duguid Scott D. , May William E. , McConkey Brian G. , Dyck Miles F. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWidespread global changes, including rising atmosphericCO2concentrations, climate warming and loss of biodiversity, are predicted for this century; all of these will affect terrestrial ecosystem processes like plant litter decomposition. Conversely, increased plant litter decomposition can have potential carbon‐cycle feedbacks on atmosphericCO2levels, climate warming and biodiversity. But predicting litter decomposition is difficult because of many interacting factors related to the chemical, physical and biological properties of soil, as well as to climate and agricultural management practices. We applied13C‐labelled plant litter to soil at ten sites spanning a 3500‐km transect across the agricultural regions of Canada and measured its decomposition over five years. Despite large differences in soil type and climatic conditions, we found that the kinetics of litter decomposition were similar once the effect of temperature had been removed, indicating no measurable effect of soil properties. A two‐pool exponential decay model expressing undecomposed carbon simply as a function of thermal time accurately described kinetics of decomposition. (R2 = 0.94;RMSE = 0.0508). Soil properties such as texture, cation exchange capacity,pHand moisture, although very different among sites, had minimal discernible influence on decomposition kinetics. Using this kinetic model under different climate change scenarios, we projected that the time required to decompose 50% of the litter (i.e. the labile fractions) would be reduced by 1–4 months, whereas time required to decompose 90% of the litter (including recalcitrant fractions) would be reduced by 1 year in cooler sites to as much as 2 years in warmer sites. These findings confirm quantitatively the sensitivity of litter decomposition to temperature increases and demonstrate how climate change may constrain future soil carbon storage, an effect apparently not influenced by soil properties.
Extreme climatic events constrain space use and survival of a ground‐nesting bird
Authors: Tanner Evan P. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Davis Craig. A. , Dahlgren David K. , Orange Jeremy P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTwo fundamental issues in ecology are understanding what influences the distribution and abundance of organisms through space and time. While it is well established that broad‐scale patterns of abiotic and biotic conditions affect organisms’ distributions and population fluctuations, discrete events may be important drivers of space use, survival, and persistence. These discrete extreme climatic events can constrain populations and space use at fine scales beyond that which is typically measured in ecological studies. Recently, a growing body of literature has identified thermal stress as a potential mechanism in determining space use and survival. We sought to determine how ambient temperature at fine temporal scales affected survival and space use for a ground‐nesting quail species (Colinus virginianus; northern bobwhite). We modeled space use across an ambient temperature gradient (ranging from −20 to 38 °C) through a maxent algorithm. We also used Andersen–Gill proportional hazard models to assess the influence of ambient temperature‐related variables on survival through time. Estimated available useable space ranged from 18.6% to 57.1% of the landscape depending on ambient temperature. The lowest and highest ambient temperature categories (<−15 °C and >35 °C, respectively) were associated with the least amount of estimated useable space (18.6% and 24.6%, respectively). Range overlap analysis indicated dissimilarity in areas where Colinus virginianus were restricted during times of thermal extremes (range overlap = 0.38). This suggests that habitat under a given condition is not necessarily a habitat under alternative conditions. Further, we found survival was most influenced by weekly minimum ambient temperatures. Our results demonstrate that ecological constraints can occur along a thermal gradient and that understanding the effects of these discrete events and how they change over time may be more important to conservation of organisms than are average and broad‐scale conditions as typically measured in ecological studies.
Association of cognition with functional trajectories in patients admitted to geriatric wards: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Hartley Peter , Alexander Kerry , Adamson Jennifer , Cunningham Carol , Embleton Georgina , Romero‐Ortuno Roman 
Published: September 2016

AimImpaired cognition is common among older patients admitted to acute hospitals, but its association with functional trajectories has not been well studied.MethodsA retrospective observational study was carried out in an English tertiary university hospital. We analyzed all first episodes of county residents aged ≥75 years admitted to the Department of Medicine for the Elderly wards between December 2014 and May 2015. A history of dementia or a cognitive concern in the absence of a known diagnosis of dementia were recorded on admission. A cognitive concern included possible undiagnosed dementia or delirium. Function was retrospectively measured with the modified Rankin Scale at preadmission baseline, admission and discharge.ResultsThere were 663 first hospital episodes over the period, of which 590 patients survived. Among the latter, 244 had no cognitive impairment, 134 a diagnosis of dementia, 66 a cognitive concern in the absence of a known dementia and 146 had missing cognitive data. When frailty, acuity, age and comorbidity were controlled for, people with known dementia had a similar functional recovery compared with those with no cognitive impairment. People with a cognitive concern, but no known dementia, had lesser functional recovery and greater disability at discharge than those with no cognitive impairment (mean discharge modified Rankin Scale 3.4 compared with 3.1, P = 0.011).ConclusionsDementia per se might not be a marker of poor rehabilitation potential. Older people with acute cognitive concerns might be more vulnerable to poor functional recovery. Our cognitive variables are not gold standard, and further research is required to clarify this relationship. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1438–1443.
Objectively‐measured outdoor time and physical and psychological function among older adults
Authors: Harada Kazuhiro , Lee Sangyoon , Lee Sungchul , Bae Seongryu , Harada Kenji , Suzuki Takao , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2016

AimObjective measurements of outdoor time are essential to establishing evidence about the health benefits of going outdoors among older adults. To better understanding the health benefits of going outdoors, clarification of potential mediators to connect going outdoors with health benefits is necessary. The present study aimed to investigate associations of objectively‐measured outdoor time with older adults’ physical and psychological function, and examine the mediating role of physical activity on these associations.MethodsBaseline data from a randomized control trial of physical activity among older adults with global cognitive impairment was used. Data from 192 participants were analyzed. Measures included steps‐per‐day, objectively‐measured outdoor time per day using global positioning systems, physical function (cardiorespiratory fitness, lower‐extremity strength), psychological function (depression, well‐being) and basic factors.ResultsPath analysis showed that outdoor time was significantly associated with steps‐per‐day (path coefficient = 0.23) and depression (path coefficient = –0.16). Outdoor time was not directly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, lower‐extremity strength and well‐being. However, steps‐per‐day was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (path coefficient = 0.18), lower‐extremity strength (path coefficient = –0.22) and well‐being (path coefficient = 0.14).ConclusionsWe found that objectively‐measured outdoor time was indirectly associated with physical function, and both directly and indirectly with psychological function through physical activity among older adults. This finding indicates that going outdoors influences older adults’ health outcomes, and is mainly mediated by physical activity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1455–1462.
The gut‐kidney axis in chronic renal failure: A new potential target for therapy
Authors: Khoury Tawfik , Tzukert Keren , Abel Roy , Abu Rmeileh Ayman , Levi Ronen , Ilan Yaron 
Published: September 2016

AbstractEvidence is accumulating to consider the gut microbiome as a central player in the gut‐kidney axis. Microbiome products, such as advanced glycation end products, phenols, and indoles, are absorbed into the circulation but are cleared by normal‐functioning kidneys. These products then become toxic and contribute to the uremic load and to the progression of chronic kidney failure. In this review, we discuss the gut‐kidney interaction under the state of chronic kidney failure as well as the potential mechanisms by which a change in the gut flora (termed gut dysbiosis) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) exacerbates uremia and leads to further progression of CKD and inflammation. Finally, the potential therapeutic interventions to target the gut microbiome in CKD are discussed.
No Relationship Between Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine Frequency
Authors: Larrosa Davinia , Ramón César , Alvarez Rocío , Martínez‐Camblor Pablo , Cernuda Eva , Pascual Julio 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundPathophysiology of migraine is not fully known. A link has been proposed between migraine and patent foramen ovale (PFO). However, there are conflicting data regarding the causal relationship between PFO and migraine.ObjectiveTo test a potential association between migraine frequency and PFO by way of an observational, single‐center, case‐controlled study.MethodsWe studied a total of 130 chronic migraine (CM) and 53 episodic migraine (EM) patients. Transcranial Doppler with agitated saline injection was used to evaluate the presence and degree of PFO. PFO was judged to be present if any signal was detected. The degree of PFO during rest and Valsalva was quantified as follows: small (1–10 microbubbles [MB]), medium (10–25 MB), or large (>25 MB with shower or curtain pattern). PFO detected at rest were considered permanent, while those detected during Valsalva maneuver were classified as latent.ResultsThe prevalence of PFO was similar in CM and EM patients (53.1% [44.1–62.2] vs 54.7% [40.3–69.1], P = .871). PFO size was significantly larger in the EM group compared to the CM group (35.8% vs 20.3%, P = .037). The presence of permanent PFO was also significantly higher in EM compared to CM (37.7% vs 22.7%, P = .044). No differences were found according to the presence of aura.ConclusionThis study indicates that PFO is not more common or larger in CM than in EM patients. These findings do not support a relationship between PFO and migraine frequency.
Chronic Migraine Is Associated With Sustained Elevation of Somatosensory Temporal Discrimination Thresholds
Authors: Vuralli Doga , Evren Boran H. , Cengiz Bulent , Coskun Ozlem , Bolay Hayrunnisa 
Published: September 2016

Background and ObjectiveMigraine headache attacks have been shown to be accompanied by significant prolongation of somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values, supporting signs of disrupted sensorial processing in migraine. Chronic migraine is one of the most debilitating and challenging headache disorders with no available biomarker. We aimed to test the diagnostic value of somatosensory temporal discrimination for chronic migraine in this prospective, controlled study.MethodsFifteen chronic migraine patients and 15 healthy controls completed the study. Chronic migraine patients were evaluated twice, during a headache and headache‐free period. Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were evaluated in both hands. Duration of migraine and chronic migraine, headache intensity, clinical features accompanying headache such as nausea, photophobia, phonophobia and osmophobia, and pressure pain thresholds were also recorded.ResultsIn the chronic migraine group, somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values on the headache day (138.8 ± 21.8 ms for the right hand and 141.2 ± 17.4 ms for the left hand) were significantly higher than somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values on the headache free day (121.5 ± 13.8 ms for the right hand and 122.8 ± 12.6 ms for the left hand, P = .003 and P < .0001, respectively) and somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds of healthy volunteers (35.4 ± 5.5 ms for the right hand and 36.4 ± 5.4 ms for the left hand, P < .0001 and P < .0001, respectively). Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values of chronic migraine patients on the headache free day were significantly prolonged compared to somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values of the control group (121.5 ± 13.8 ms vs 35.4 ± 5.5 ms for the right hand, P < .0001 and 122.8 ± 12.6 ms vs 36.4 ± 5.4 ms for the left hand, P < .0001). Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values of the hand contralateral to the headache lateralization (153.3 ± 13.7 ms) were significantly higher (P < .0001) than the ipsilateral hand (118.2 ± 11.9 ms) in chronic migraine patients when headache was lateralized. The headache intensity of chronic migraine patients rated with visual analog score was positively correlated with the contralateral somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values.ConclusionSomatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds persist elevated during the headache‐free intervals in patients with chronic migraine. By providing evidence for the first time for unremitting disruption of central sensory processing, somatosensory temporal discrimination test stands out as a promising neurophysiological biomarker for chronic migraine.
Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein‐1 up‐regulates cytokines and correlates with older age and poorer prognosis in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chang Kung‐Chao , Chen Paul C‐H , Chang Yao , Wu Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Ya‐Ping , Lai Chien‐Hsien , Jeffrey Medeiros L , Su Ih‐Jen , Wang Hsei‐Wei 
Published: September 2016

AimsPreviously, we reported an association between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), older age, and poorer prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying this association.Methods and resultsTransfection of HL cell lines with EBV latent membrane protein‐1 (LMP1) resulted in up‐regulation of many cytokine genes as assessed by the use of oligonucleotide microarrays. The up‐regulation of cytokines was validated by using an inflammatory cytokine protein array: macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, MIP‐1β, and interleukin (IL)‐13. Immunostaining of HL samples (n = 104) showed that expression of MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and IL‐13 correlated with EBV infection and LMP1 expression. Combined expression of these cytokines was more common in patients aged >60 years (P < 0.001), and was associated with a poorer prognosis (P = 0.042). In another cohort, serum levels of MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and IL‐13 were increased in HL patients (n = 53) and highest in EBV‐positive HL patients as compared with healthy controls (n = 40). Xenograft mice injected with EBV‐positive HL cells had higher serum levels of MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and IL‐13 than mice injected with EBV‐negative HL cells, although there was no difference in growth.ConclusionsEBV infection appears to promote the release of cytokines in HL patients, and negatively impacts on patient survival. Physiological immunosenescence probably explains the association between EBV infection and older age. Cytokine modulation is a potential therapeutic target for EBV‐positive HL patients.
Do anthropometric measures accurately reflect body composition in preterm infants?
Authors: Ramel S. E. , Zhang L. , Misra S. , Anderson C. G. , Demerath E. W. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBackgroundRecent literature suggests that neonatal adiposity is predictive of later metabolic health, while neonatal lean mass is predictive of later cognitive function amongst preterm infants. Anthropometric indices that accurately reflect neonatal body composition could improve clinical care and aid future research, but their validity has not been systematically tested in preterm infants.ObjectiveTo determine the weight/length indices that best reflect neonatal body composition in preterm infants.MethodsWeight and length were measured, and body composition (fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and percent body fat (%BF)) was assessed using air‐displacement plethysmography within 72 h of birth in 218 preterm infants. The best weight/length proxy for FFM, FM and %BF were those with the highest proportion variance explained (R2) and lowest root mean square error (RMSE) in linear regression models.ResultsAmong all of the weight/length indices tested, weight/length2 was the best proxy for %BF, but nonetheless exhibited very low variance explained (R2 = 0.27) and high prediction error (RMSE = 3.5% fat). Body weight unadjusted for length was strongly associated with FFM (R2 = 0.97).ConclusionsNo weight/length index accurately reflected %BF. Weight/length indices are not appropriate for assessment of relative adiposity in preterm infants near birth.What's known on this subject:

Compared with term infants, preterm infants have increased fat mass and diminished fat‐free mass upon hospital discharge.
Early adiposity predicts later metabolic health, while early lean mass is predictive of later neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Optimal anthropometric proxies for preterm body composition at birth are not established.
What this study adds:

Weight is an adequate surrogate for lean mass at birth in preterm infants.
There are no weight/length indices that accurately reflect neonatal adiposity at birth.
Community pharmacists as educators in Danish residential facilities: a qualitative study
Authors: Mygind Anna , El-Souri Mira , Pultz Kirsten , Rossing Charlotte , Thomsen Linda A 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Objectives
To explore experiences with engaging community pharmacists in educational programmes on quality and safety in medication handling in residential facilities for the disabled.

Methods
A secondary analysis of data from two Danish intervention studies where community pharmacists were engaged in educational programmes. Data included 10 semi-structured interviews with staff, five semi-structured interviews and three open-ended questionnaires with residential facility managers, and five open-ended questionnaires to community pharmacists. Data were thematically coded to identify key points pertaining to the themes ‘pharmacists as educators' and ‘perceived effects of engaging pharmacists in competence development'.

Key findings
As educators, pharmacists were successful as medicines experts. Some pharmacists experienced pedagogical challenges. Previous teaching experience and obtained knowledge of the local residential facility before teaching often provided sufficient pedagogical skills and tailored teaching to local needs. Effects of engaging community pharmacists included in most instances improved cooperation between residential facilities and community pharmacies through a trustful relationship and improved dialogue about the residents' medication. Other effects included a perception of improved patient safety, teaching skills and branding of the pharmacy.

Conclusions
Community pharmacists provide a resource to engage in educational programmes on medication handling in residential facilities, which may facilitate improved cooperation between community pharmacies and residential facilities. However, development of pedagogical competences and understandings of local settings are prerequisites for facilities and pharmacists to experience the programmes as successful.
Management of hypertension in an Australian community pharmacy setting – patients’ beliefs and perspectives
Authors: Bajorek Beata V , LeMay Kate S , Magin Parker J , Roberts Christopher , Krass Ines , Armour Carol L 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Objective
To explore patients' perspectives and experiences following a trial of a pharmacist-led service in hypertension management.

Methods
A qualitative study comprising individual interviews was conducted. Patients of a community pharmacy, where a pharmacist-led hypertension management service had been trialled in selected metropolitan regions in Sydney (Australia), were recruited to the study. Emergent themes describing patients' experiences and perspectives on the service were elicited via thematic analysis (using manual inductive coding).

Key findings
Patients' (N = 18) experiences of the service were extremely positive, especially around pharmacists' monitoring of blood pressure and provision of advice about medication adherence. Patients' participation in the service was based on their trust in, and relationship with, their pharmacist. The perception of working in a ‘team' was conveyed through the pharmacist's caring style of communication and the relaxed atmosphere of the community pharmacy. Patients felt that the community pharmacy was an obvious place for such a service because of their regular contact with the pharmacist, but was limited because the pharmacists were not able to prescribe medication.

Conclusion
Patients were extremely positive about the role of, and their experience of, the pharmacy-based hypertension management service. Factors contributing to the patients' positive experiences provide important insights for community pharmacy practice. Good rapport with the pharmacist and a long-term relationship underpin patient engagement in such services. Restrictions on the pharmacists' scope of practice prevent their expertise, and the benefits of their accessibility as a primary point of contact, from being fully realised.