bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter‐ and intraobserver agreement in interpretation of CT features of medial coronoid process disease
Authors: Shimizu N. , Warren‐Smith C. M. , Langley‐Hobbs S. J. , Burton N. J. , Kulendra E. , Bradley K. , Bowen E. , Holdsworth A. , Parsons K. J. 
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate inter‐ and intraobserver reliability of the assessment of computed tomography features commonly used in the identification and classification of medial coronoid process disease and to assess inter‐ and intraobserver variability in the identification of the percentage ulna sclerosis from single transverse computed tomography images.METHODSEight observers, on two occasions, reviewed 84 standardised single transverse computed tomography images acquired at the level of the apex of the medial coronoid process. Observers assessed: medial coronoid process disease, coronoid process fragmentation, osteophytes, sclerosis grade and sclerosis delineation with normal bone defined using a sclerometer. Cohen's kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated.RESULTSInter‐observer agreement was fair to moderate for identification of computed tomography changes consistent with medial coronoid process disease, moderate to almost perfect for fragmentation, and moderate for osteophyte detection. Agreement was poor for sclerosis grading. Percentage sclerosis measured with a sclerometer had moderate to almost perfect inter‐ and intraobserver agreement.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThese findings suggest that subjective assessment of computed tomography images is less repeatable than more quantitative methods.
Active and Passive Components of Pelvic Floor Muscle Tone in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia: A Perspective Based on a Review of the Literature
Authors: Thibault-Gagnon Stéphanie , Morin Mélanie 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Aim
Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunctions, especially elevated tone or tension, are suggested to play an important role in the pathophysiology of provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). However, the involvement of the PFMs remains misunderstood as the assessment of muscle tone is complex and requires a thorough understanding of muscle physiology in relation to the characteristics and limitations of current PFM assessment tools. The aim of this review was to describe the structures and mechanisms involved in muscle tone in normally innervated muscle, and to discuss and relate these concepts to the PFM findings in women with PVD.

Methods
A narrative overview of the literature retrieved from searches of electronic databases and hand searches.

Results
Muscle tone in a normally innervated muscle comprises both active (contractile) and passive (viscoelastic) components. Current methods for evaluating PFM tone such as digital palpation, ultrasound imaging, pressure perineometry, dynamometry, and electromyography may evaluate different components. Research findings suggestive of PFM hypertonicity in women with PVD include elevated general PFM tone, changes in viscoelastic properties, and at least in some women, abnormal increases in electrogenic activity.

Conclusion
There is a growing body of evidence to support the involvement of PFM hypertonicity in the pathophysiology of PVD. Limitations of the instruments as well as their properties should be considered when evaluating PFM tone in order to obtain better insight into which component of PFM tone is assessed. Future research is required for further investigating the underlying mechanisms of PFM hypertonicity, and studying the specific effects of physiotherapeutic interventions on PFM tone in women with PVD.
Fuzzy Cellular Automata Model for Signalized Intersections
Authors: Chai Chen , Wong Yiik Diew 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAt signalized intersections, the decision‐making process of each individual driver is a very complex process that involves many factors. In this article, a fuzzy cellular automata (FCA) model, which incorporates traditional cellular automata (CA) and fuzzy logic (FL), is developed to simulate the decision‐making process and estimate the effect of driving behavior on traffic performance. Different from existing models and applications, the proposed FCA model utilizes fuzzy interface systems (FISs) and membership functions to simulate the cognition system of individual drivers. Four FISs are defined for each decision‐making process: car‐following, lane‐changing, amber‐running, and right‐turn filtering. A field observation study is conducted to calibrate membership functions of input factors, model parameters, and to validate the proposed FCA model. Simulation experiments of a two‐lane system show that the proposed FCA model is able to replicate decision‐making processes and estimate the effect on overall traffic performance.
A novel Zn2Cys6 transcription factor BcGaaR regulates D‐galacturonic acid utilization in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Zhang Lisha , Lubbers Ronnie J.M. , Simon Adeline , Stassen Joost H.M. , Vargas Ribera Pablo R. , Viaud Muriel , van Kan Jan A.L. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryD‐galacturonic acid (GalA) is the most abundant monosaccharide component of pectin. Previous transcriptome analysis in the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea identified eight GalA‐inducible genes involved in pectin decomposition, GalA transport and utilization. Co‐expression of these genes indicates that a specific regulatory mechanism occurs in B. cinerea. In this study, promoter regions of these genes were analysed and eight conserved sequence motifs identified. The Bclga1 promoter, containing all these motifs, was functionally analysed and the motif designated GalA Responsive Element (GARE) was identified as the crucial cis‐regulatory element in regulation of GalA utilization in B. cinerea. Yeast one‐hybrid screening with the GARE motif led to identification of a novel Zn2Cys6 transcription factor (TF), designated BcGaaR. Targeted knockout analysis revealed that BcGaaR is required for induction of GalA‐inducible genes and growth of B. cinerea on GalA. A BcGaaR‐GFP fusion protein was predominantly localized in nuclei in mycelium grown in GalA. Fluorescence in nuclei was much stronger in mycelium grown in GalA, as compared to fructose and glucose. This study provides the first report of a GalA‐specific TF in filamentous fungi. Orthologs of BcGaaR are present in other ascomycete fungi that are able to utilize GalA, including Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma reesei and Neurospora crassa.
Host preferences in host‐seeking and blood‐fed mosquitoes in Switzerland
Authors: SCHÖNENBERGER A. C. , WAGNER S. , TUTEN H. C. , SCHAFFNER F. , TORGERSON P. , FURRER S. , MATHIS A. , SILAGHI C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe avian zoonotic agent for West Nile virus (WNV) can cause neuroinvasive disease in horses and humans and is expanding its range in Europe. Analyses of the risk for transmission to these hosts in non‐endemic areas are necessary. Host preferences of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), the main vectors of WNV, were determined in Switzerland using animal‐baited trap (horse, chickens) experiments at a natural and a periurban site. This was undertaken on four occasions during May–September 2014. In addition, the hosts of 505 blood‐fed mosquitoes collected in a zoo and in the field were determined. Mosquito data obtained in the animal bait experiments were corrected for host weight and body surface area and by Kleiber's scaling factor. Collections of 11–14 different mosquito species were achieved with these approaches. Statistically significant host preferences were identified in three species in both approaches. The other species showed opportunistic feeding behaviours to varying extents. Specifically, the invasive species Hulecoeteomyia japonica (= Aedes japonicus) was identified for the first time as feeding on avians in nature. Abundance data, spatiotemporal activity and laboratory vector competence for WNV suggested that, in addition to the main WNV vector Culex pipiens, H. japonica and Aedimorphus vexans (= Aedes vexans) are the most likely candidate bridge vectors for WNV transmission in Switzerland.
Isogenic enteric neural progenitor cells can replace missing neurons and glia in mice with Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Hotta R. , Cheng L. S. , Graham H. K. , Pan W. , Nagy N. , Belkind‐Gerson J. , Goldstein A. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundTransplanting autologous patient‐derived enteric neuronal stem/progenitor cells (ENSCs) is an innovative approach to replacing missing enteric neurons in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Using autologous cells eliminates immunologic and ethical concerns raised by other cell sources. However, whether postnatal aganglionic bowel is permissive for transplanted ENSCs and whether ENSCs from HSCR patients can be successfully isolated, cultured, and transplanted in vivo remains unknown.MethodsENSCs isolated from the ganglionic intestine of Ednrb−/− mice (HSCR‐ENSCs) were characterized immunohistochemically and evaluated for their capacity to proliferate and differentiate in vitro. Fluorescently labeled ENSCs were co‐cultured ex vivo with aganglionic Ednrb−/− colon. For in vivo transplantation, HSCR‐ENSCs were labeled with lentivirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and implanted into aganglionic embryonic chick gut in ovo and postnatal aganglionic Ednrb−/− rectum in vivo.Key ResultsHSCR‐ENSCs maintain normal capacity self‐renewal and neuronal differentiation. Moreover, the Ednrb−/− aganglionic environment is permissive to engraftment by wild‐type ENSCs ex vivo and supports migratrion and neuroglial differentiation of these cells following transplantation in vivo. Lentiviral GFP‐labeled HSCR‐ENSCs populated embryonic chick hindgut and postnatal colon of Ednrb−/− HSCR, with cells populating the intermuscular layer and forming enteric neurons and glia.Conclusions & InferencesENSCs can be isolated and cultured from mice with HSCR, and transplanted into the aganglionic bowel of HSCR littermates to generate enteric neuronal networks. These results in an isogenic model establish the potential of using autologous‐derived stem cells to treat HSCR and other intestinal neuropathies.
The Porphyromonas gingivalis hemagglutinins HagB and HagC are major mediators of adhesion and biofilm formation
Authors: Connolly E. , Millhouse E. , Doyle R. , Culshaw S. , Ramage G. , Moran G.P. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryPorphyromonas gingivalis is a bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis that possesses a family of genes encoding hemagglutinins required for heme acquisition. In this study we generated ΔhagB and ΔhagC mutants in strain W83 and demonstrate that both hagB and hagC are required for adherence to oral epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, a double ΔhagB/ΔhagC mutant had less severe adherence defects than either of the single mutants, but was found to exhibit increased expression of the gingipain‐encoding genes rgpA and kgp, suggesting that a ΔhagB/ΔhagC mutant is only viable in populations of cells that exhibit increased expression of genes involved in heme acquisition. Disruption of hagB in the fimbriated strain ATCC33277 demonstrated that HagB is also required for stable attachment of fimbriated bacteria to oral epithelial cells. Mutants of hagC were also found to form defective single and multi‐species biofilms that had reduced biomass relative to biofilms formed by the wild‐type strain. This study highlights the hitherto unappreciated importance of these genes in oral colonization and biofilm formation.
Lay definitions of family and social capital in later life
Authors: GIRARDIN MYRIAM , WIDMER ERIC D. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis study explores the lay definitions of family in old age and their consequences for social capital in using an egocentric network approach. Data were derived from a subsample of 578 elders (aged 65 and older) from the Vivre/Leben/Vivere (VLV) study, a large survey addressing family life and health conditions of older people in Switzerland. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to create a typology of family networks based on family members who were cited as significant. We identified six family networks: Conjugal, Son, Daughter, Sibling, Kinship, and Sparse. These feature bonding and bridging social capital unequally. Therefore, one should take into account the lay definitions of family to better understand social capital within families in later life.
Implications of Using a Fetuses‐at‐Risk Approach When Fetuses Are Not at Risk
Authors: Basso Olga 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundGestational‐age‐specific rates of postnatal endpoints are sometimes estimated with denominators based on fetuses‐at‐risk (FAR), rather than live births. However, as infants can only be included in the numerator after they are born alive, interpretation of such rates is problematic.MethodsUsing simple algebra it can be shown that, at each gestational week, FAR rates of postnatal endpoints are the product of the conventional risk of outcome among live births and the probability of live birth, which increases from near zero early in gestation to close to one in the final weeks. The consequences of such a pattern of live birth on FAR rates are further illustrated in hypothetical scenarios with known conditions.ResultsFAR rates of postnatal endpoints will generally increase towards the end of pregnancy due to the rising probability of live birth, regardless of the ‘true’ effect of immaturity on risk. In the presence of an exposure that increases the probability of early birth, the same mechanism will cause FAR rates to be higher in the exposed group, even if the exposure has no effect.ConclusionsGestational‐age‐specific FAR rates of postnatal outcomes strongly depend on the probability of live birth. Thus, they reflect neither the causal effect of gestational length, nor that of a given exposure. Indeed, if an exposure shortens gestation, FAR rates will be higher in exposed infants even when the exposure has no impact on the outcome under study. These intrinsic limitations should be taken into account when applying FAR analyses to postnatal endpoints.
Head injury trends and helmet use in skiers and snowboarders in Western Canada, 2008–2009 to 2012–2013: an ecological study
Authors: Dickson T. J. , Trathen S. , Terwiel F. A. , Waddington G. , Adams R. 
Published: December 2015

This research explored associations between helmet use and head injuries in snowsports by investigating reported snowsport injuries in Western Canada from 2008–2009 to 2012–2013. The key finding was that increased helmet use (from 69% to 80%) was not associated with a reduction in reported head injuries. Over the study period, the average rate of reported head injuries was 0.2/1000 skier visits, with a statistically significant variation (P < 0.001). The line of best fit showed an non‐significant upward trend (P = 0.13). Lacerations were the only subcategory of head injuries that decreased significantly with helmet use. A higher proportion of people who reported a head injury were wearing a helmet than for injuries other than to the head. Skiers were more likely to report a head injury when wearing a helmet than snowboarders (P < 0.001 cf. P = 0.22). There were significant differences in characteristics of helmet and non‐helmet wearers. Helmet wearers were more likely to be: young adults (P < 0.001); beginner/novices (P = 0.004); and snowboarders (P < 0.001), but helmet wearing was not associated with gender (P = 0.191). Further research is needed to explore the possible reasons for the failure of helmets to reduce head injuries, for example, increased reporting of head injuries and increased risk‐taking combined with over‐rating of the helmets' protection.
Increased numbers of FoxP3‐expressing CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood from dogs with atopic dermatitis and its correlation with disease severity
Authors: Hauck Verena , Hügli Patrick , Meli Marina L. , Rostaher Ana , Fischer Nina , Hofmann‐Lehmann Regina , Favrot Claude 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease of humans and dogs. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential controllers of immune homeostasis and have been shown to play a key role in human AD, even though frequencies of Tregs in atopic human patients vary greatly. Only two studies have reported Treg numbers in the peripheral blood of dogs with canine AD (CAD).ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the numbers of circulating Tregs in healthy and atopic dogs, and to determine whether Treg numbers correlate with age, sex, disease severity or pre‐treatment.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs including 14 healthy dogs and 35 dogs with CAD.MethodsExpression of Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Tregs were phenotypically identified as T cells triple positive for CD4, CD25 and FoxP3.ResultsThe percentage of circulating CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs in atopic dogs was increased significantly compared to healthy dogs (mean 2.1% versus 1%, P = 0.002) and correlated with disease severity (Pruritus Scale: r = 0.48, P = 0.003; CADESI‐04: r = 0.34, P = 0.044). No significant differences in age or sex were found in either group and pre‐treatment had no influence on results for atopic dogs.ConclusionsData suggest that, as in humans, CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs may contribute to the pathogenesis of CAD as indicated by an association between Treg frequency and disease severity. Further investigation is required to improve the understanding of the role of Tregs in atopic dogs.
A comparison of wet and dry anaerobic digestion processes for the treatment of municipal solid waste and food waste
Authors: Angelonidi Eleni , Smith Stephen R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA main distinction between anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies for treatment of municipal and industrial biodegradable wastes is the operating process solids content. Wet AD systems operate at low total solids (<10–20% TS) and dry systems have high operating solids (20–>40% TS). The performance of wet and dry AD systems was quantified in relation to: technical operation (footprint, capacity, feedstock characteristics, pretreatment and post‐treatment, retention time, water usage), energy balance (biogas productivity, parasitic energy, methane [CH4] content, utilization of biogas and produced energy), digestate management and economic performance (capital and operational costs, revenues, specific capital costs [per t of waste and per m3 biogas]). Wet AD plants had improved energy balance and economic performance compared to dry AD plants. However, dry AD plants offered several benefits, including greater flexibility in the type of feedstock accepted, shorter retention times, reduced water usage and more flexible management of, and opportunities for marketing, the end‐product.
EVALUATION OF E-STAR: AN ENHANCED SCIENCE TEXTBOOK USING AUGMENTED REALITY AMONG LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Gopalan Valarmathie , Zulkifli Abdul Nasir , Mohamed Nur Fadziana Faisal , Alwi Asmidah , Che Mat Ruzinoor , Abu Bakar Juliana Aida , Saidin Aeni Zuhana 
Published: December 2015

As a developing country, Malaysia needs to produce adequate human resource in science and technology related fields. This is important especially towards making Malaysia a developed nation by 2020. Unfortunately, there is a downward trend in the number of students pursuing the science stream at the secondary education level. Lack of motivation has been identified as one of the cause of this phenomenon. This paper introduces an enhanced science textbook using Augmented Reality (e-STAR) application that facilitates students in science learning. The e-STAR is intended to motivate the students to be more interested in science. This paper also discusses on the evaluation of the e-STAR among a sample of form two secondary school students. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires for evaluating the following dimensions: motivation, ease of use, engaging, enjoyment and fun. The results indicate that the users agreed on all the dimensions. The findings proved that the e-STAR application can be one of the potential solutions to the above mentioned phenomenon.
Built Environment and Walking Behavior Among Brazilian Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Giehl Marui Weber Corseuil , Hallal Pedro Curi , Corseuil Claudia Weber , Schneider Ione J. Ceola , d’Orsi Eleonora 
Published: December 2015

Background:Understanding the built environment influence on specific domains of walking is important for public health interventions to increase physical activity levels among older adults.Purpose:The purpose was to investigate the association between built environment characteristics and walking among older adults.Methods:A population-based study was performed in 80 census tracts in Florianópolis, Brazil, including 1,705 older adults (60+ years old). Walking was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Built environment characteristics were assessed through a geographic information system. All analyses were conducted through a multilevel logistic regression.Results:Individuals living in neighborhoods with a higher population density (odds ratio [OR]: 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–3.42), with a higher street connectivity (OR: 1.85; 95% CI, 1.16–2.94), a higher sidewalk proportion (OR: 1.77; 95% CI, 1.11–2.83), and paved streets (medium tertile: OR: 1.61, 95% CI, 1.04–2.49; highest tertile: OR: 2.11; 95% CI, 1.36–3.27) were more likely to walk for transportation. Regarding walking for leisure, only 2 predictors were associated, area income (OR: 1.48; 95% CI, 1.04–2.12) and street density (OR: 1.47; 95% CI, 1.02–2.10).Conclusions:Improving the neighborhood built environment is an important step for achieving higher levels of walking in the elderly population in a middle-income country.
Use of hospital resources in the Finnish colorectal cancer screening programme: a randomised health services study
Authors: Mäklin Suvi , Hakama Matti , Rissanen Pekka , Malila Nea 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the difference in use of hospital resources in the Finnish Colorectal Cancer (CRC) screening programme between those invited and controls, within the year of randomisation and the next year.DesignCRC screening was implemented in Finland in 2004 as a population-based randomised design using biennial faecal occult blood test (FOBT) for men and women aged 60–69 years. Those randomised to screening and control groups during years 2004–2009 were included in this analysis and use of hospital resources was estimated. Data were collected from the national register on hospital discharges. Outpatient visits, inpatient episodes and colonoscopies were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe screening group comprised of 123 149 and control group of 122 930 people. Most people in both groups had not used hospital resources at all. More people in the screening group than in the control group had at least one hospital-based outpatient visit (7.8% vs 7.4%), inpatient episode (3.9% vs 3.8%) and colonoscopy (1.5% vs 1.3%). In total, the screening group had 31 975 and control group 27 061 cumulative outpatient visits, 9260 and 7903 inpatient episodes, and 2686 and 1756 hospital colonoscopies, respectively. The proportion of those with a positive FOBT result with at least one outpatient visit, one inpatient episode or one colonoscopy, was 3.7 times, 2.5 times or 9 times that of those with a negative FOBT result, respectively.ConclusionsCRC screening using the FOBT slightly increased the volume of hospital outpatient visits, inpatient episodes and hospital colonoscopies in Finland.