bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recognition‐Difficulty‐Aware Hidden Images Based on Clue‐Map
Authors: Zhao Yandan , Du Hui , Jin Xiaogang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHidden images contain one or several concealed foregrounds which can be recognized with the assistance of clues preserved by artists. Experienced artists are trained for years to be skilled enough to find appropriate hidden positions for a given image. However, it is not an easy task for amateurs to quickly find these positions when they try to create satisfactory hidden images. In this paper, we present an interactive framework to suggest the hidden positions and corresponding results. The suggested results generated by our approach are sequenced according to the levels of their recognition difficulties. To this end, we propose a novel approach for assessing the levels of recognition difficulty of the hidden images and a new hidden image synthesis method that takes spatial influence into account to make the foreground harmonious with the local surroundings. During the synthesis stage, we extract the characteristics of the foreground as the clues based on the visual attention model. We validate the effectiveness of our approach by performing two user studies, including the quality of the hidden images and the suggestion accuracy.
Six‐year analysis of compliance to weekly concurrent chemoradiotherapy in head and neck carcinomas
Authors: Sharma A. , Jagadesan P. , Chaudhari P. , Das S. , Bhaskar S. , Thakar A. , Sharma A. , Mohanti B.K. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate treatment compliance to weekly concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Study designRetrospective analysis.SettingTertiary care hospital.Main outcome measuresOverall treatment time (OTT), acute radiation morbidity and treatment completion rate without prolongation of overall treatment time of more than 2 days.ResultsThree hundred and seventy‐eight head and neck carcinoma patients treated with radical CRT with 70 Gy/35 fractions of radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 were included in the study. Median age was 52 years (range 22–77 years), oropharynx was most commonly (54%) involved site, and 55% were in stage IV disease. Majority (86%) of patients were able to complete cancer‐directed therapy, median OTT was 52 days (46–140 days). Nineteen per cent of patients completed treatment without prolongation of OTT beyond 2 days and 68% of patients there completed treatment prolongation of OTT beyond 7 days. Nearly, sixty‐six of the patients experienced grade II or higher acute radiation morbidities.ConclusionsDelivery of weekly low‐dose concurrent CRT is safe and feasible. Two‐thirds of the patients experienced treatment prolongation of more than 2 days and 14% could not complete treatment. Results within in the study suggest to a greater need to lay emphasis on continuity of a course of radical CRT for HNSCC.
A New Look at Regulating Bankers’ Remuneration
Authors: Zalewska Anna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeConceptualResearch Questions/IssuesExecutive remuneration, whether as a tool for resolving agency problems or as a sign of them, has been discussed in the literature for decades. The discussion, however, has been focused on non‐financial firms, and bankers’ remuneration, particularly in the context of corporate governance, has been overlooked until recently. However, following the financial crisis, regulators have begun intervening into banking boards’ responsibilities, including remuneration. This raises numerous questions, in particular, how far the existing non‐financial literature applies to banks, and if not, why and how this impacts on appropriate corporate governance in banking, and what challenges this brings?Research Findings/InsightsThe paper argues that due to numerous externalities, notably the interconnectivity and systemic risk of the banking sector, a traditional approach to remuneration based on resolving the principal‐agent conflict is inappropriate. Active involvement of regulators is needed to balance the short‐term performance of the banking sector with the long‐term needs of society. This, however, means that remuneration and corporate governance of banks is no longer an individual bank issue but is a national and probably an international phenomenon. In some cases this may require fundamental changes to the national governance structure, culture, and practices.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe analysis questions the suitability of the common idea of assessing corporate governance in banks in the same way as is done for non‐financial institutions. Given that several traditional non‐financial board responsibilities have been partially passed over to regulators in the banking sector, a new theoretical model of corporate governance is needed for banks. The paper examines relational contracts (echoed to some extent in stewardship, stakeholder, and network theories), and argues that these cannot be expected to be successful in the banking environment.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe paper highlights the importance of tying the corporate governance of banks with other regulatory measures employed to restrict risk taking. It also stresses the need for harmonization of corporate governance metrics for the banking sector at a national/international level.
Testing the efficiency of protected areas in the Amazon for conserving freshwater turtles
Authors: Fagundes Camila K. , Vogt Richard C. , De Marco Júnior Paulo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimWe used chelonian distribution data to (1) predict suitable areas of the occurrence for freshwater turtle species using species distribution models and (2) evaluate whether these species are protected by the current network of protected areas (PAs).LocationThe Brazilian Amazon.MethodsWe generated predictions of suitable areas for chelonian occurrence based onBIOCLIM,SVM,GLMand maximum entropy modelling procedures. We used maximum entropy to run the gap analysis and compared the effectiveness of three kinds of protected areas with different levels of protection: (1) integral protection areas (IPA) only; (2) integral protection areas + sustainable use areas (IPA+SUA); and (3) integral protection areas + sustainable use areas + indigenous lands (IPA + SUA + IL).ResultsWe identified only one full gap species,Mesoclemmys nasuta, whose distribution is not included in anyPAs. Other chelonian species have at least a portion of their distribution included inPAs. Some protected species and partial gap species occur in areas with high rates of deforestation. ConsideringPAs with the highest level of protection (IPA), onlyRhinoclemmys punctulariaandKinosternon scorpioidesachieve their conservation targets. In theIPA + SUAscenario, conservation targets of some species with small range sizes are not achieved. When allPAtypes were considered (IPA + SUA + IL), only two species fail to achieve their conservation targets,Acanthochelys macrocephalaandM. nasuta.Main conclusionsDespite the large number ofPAs in the Brazilian Amazon,IPAs alone are not sufficient for capturing suitable areas for freshwater turtles. The inclusion ofSUAandILis crucial for achieving coverage targets for most species. However, chelonians may be overharvested inSUAs andILs, due to their importance as a food resource. Areas that have high turtle richness next to existingPAs and the needs of traditional cultures should be considered in management planning for freshwater turtles.
Adherence to antiepileptic drugs in children with epilepsy in a Scottish population cohort
Authors: Shetty Jayakara , Greene Stephen A , Mesalles‐Naranjo Oscar , Kirkpatrick Martin 
Published: November 2015

AimTo measure the adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AED) in a population cohort of children with epilepsy and to study the relationship between adherence and a series of clinical variables.MethodA population‐based study of children (<16y) with epilepsy on AED treatment from the Tayside region of Scotland during two epochs of 12 months each. A clinical database was constructed using hospital records and linked to a community dispensing pharmacy database to calculate an Adherence Index. The principal outcome measure was the measurement of population‐based adherence to AEDs. Secondary outcome measures were the association of adherence with the clinical characteristics of the population.ResultsThe median age of study group was 10 years and the median duration of epilepsy was 4 years. Only 30.9% of the total 320 children adhered to recommended AED treatment (Adherence Index >90%) across a year of treatment. Twenty‐five percent of children had an Adherence Index of less than 50%. Adherence declined with increasing age. There was no significant correlation between adherence and other clinical characteristics studied (sex, duration of epilepsy, other comorbid health problems, other regular medications, and seizure frequency).InterpretationOur data shows adherence to AED treatment is poor in children with epilepsy.
Acute renal haemodynamic effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist exenatide in healthy overweight men
Authors: Muskiet M. H. A. , Tonneijck L. , Smits M. M. , Kramer M. H. H. , Diamant M. , Joles J. A. , van Raalte D. H. 
Published: November 2015

AimsTo determine the acute effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist exenatide and the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) on renal haemodynamics and tubular function, in healthy overweight men.MethodsRenal haemodynamics and tubular electrolyte handling were measured in 10 healthy overweight men (aged 20–27 years; BMI 26–31 kg/m2) during intravenous administration of placebo (saline 0.9%), exenatide, and exenatide combined with the NO‐synthase inhibitor L‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were determined by inulin and para‐aminohippurate clearance techniques, respectively, based on timed urine sampling. Glomerular hydrostatic pressure and vascular resistance of afferent and efferent renal arterioles were calculated using the Gomez formulae. Urinary electrolytes, osmolality and pH were also measured.ResultsGFR increased by a mean of 18 ± 20 (+20%; p = 0.021) and ERPF increased by a median (interquartile range) of 68 (26; 197) ml/min/1.73 m2 (+14%; p = 0.015) during exenatide infusion versus placebo. During L‐NMMA infusion, exenatide increased GFR by mean 8 ± 12 ml/min/1.73 m2 (+9%; p = 0.049). Exenatide increased estimated glomerular pressure by +6% (p = 0.015) and reduced afferent renal vascular resistance by −33% (p = 0.038), whereas these effects were blunted during L‐NMMA infusion. Exenatide increased absolute and fractional sodium excretion, urinary osmolality and urinary pH. The tubular effects of exenatide were not altered by concomitant L‐NMMA infusion.ConclusionsExenatide infusion in healthy overweight men acutely increases GFR, ERPF and glomerular pressure, probably by reducing afferent renal vascular resistance, and at least partially in an NO‐dependent manner. As baseline renal haemodynamics in patients with type 2 diabetes differ from those in healthy individuals, clinical studies on the renal effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists are warranted.
Once‐weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist dulaglutide significantly decreases glycated haemoglobin compared with once‐daily liraglutide in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: 52 weeks of treatment in a randomized phase III study
Authors: Odawara M. , Miyagawa J. , Iwamoto N. , Takita Y. , Imaoka T. , Takamura T. 
Published: November 2015

AimsTo examine the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg monotherapy compared with once‐daily liraglutide 0.9 mg in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for 52 weeks.MethodsWe conducted a phase III, randomized, 52‐week (26‐week primary endpoint), active‐ and placebo‐controlled trial comparing 492 Japanese patients (dulaglutide, n = 281; liraglutide, n = 141; and placebo, n = 70). Participants and investigators were blinded to treatment assignment for dulaglutide and placebo but not for liraglutide (open‐label comparator); after 26 weeks, patients randomized to placebo were switched to once‐weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg (open‐label). The present paper reports results for patients treated with dulaglutide and patients treated with liraglutide for 52 weeks.ResultsAt week 52, dulaglutide decreased HbA1c significantly from baseline compared with liraglutide [least squares mean difference: −0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.39, −0.01; p = 0.04]. At week 52 (last observation carried forward), dulaglutide significantly decreased pre‐ and post‐dinner blood glucose (BG) levels, the mean of seven‐point self‐monitored BG profiles, the mean of all postprandial BG levels and circadian variation compared with liraglutide. Body weight was generally stable in both groups through 52 weeks. The most frequently reported adverse events were nasopharyngitis, constipation, nausea and diarrhoea. Eight dulaglutide‐treated (2.9%) and four liraglutide‐treated (2.9%) patients reported hypoglycaemia, with no event being severe.ConclusionsMonotherapy with once‐weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg was effective and safe in Japanese patients with T2D, with better glycaemic control compared with once‐daily liraglutide 0.9 mg.
A Novel 13‐Segment Standardized Model for Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Using Two‐Dimensional iRotate Echocardiography
Authors: McGhie Jackie S. , Menting Myrthe E. , Vletter Wim B. , Frowijn René , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W. , Soliman Osama I. I. , van der Zwaan Heleen B. , Geleijnse Marcel L. , van den Bosch Annemien E. 
Published: November 2015

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transthoracic two‐dimensional (2D) iRotate, a new echo modality, to assess the whole right ventricle (RV) from a single transducer position based on anatomic landmarks.Methods and ResultsThe anatomic landmarks were first defined based on three‐dimensional echocardiographic datasets using multiplane reconstruction analyses. Thereafter, we included 120 healthy subjects (51% male, age range 21–67 years). Using 2D iRotate, four views of the RV could be acquired based on these landmarks. The anterior, lateral, inferior wall (divided into three segments: basal–mid–apical), and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) anterior wall of the RV were determined. The feasibility of visualization of RV segments and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements were assessed. To evaluate this model for diseased RVs, a small pilot study of 20 patients was performed. In 98% of healthy subjects and 100% of patients, iRotate mode was feasible to assess the RV from one single transducer position. In total, 86% and 95%, respectively, of the RV segments could be visualized. The visualization of the RVOT anterior wall was worse 23% and 75%, respectively. TAPSE and TDI measurements on all four views were feasible 93% and 92%, respectively, of the healthy subjects and in 100% of the patients.ConclusionWith 2D iRotate, a comprehensive evaluation of the entire normal and diseased RV is feasible from a fixed transducer position based on anatomic landmarks. This is less time‐consuming than the multiview approach and enhances accuracy of RV evaluation. Imaging of the RVOT segment remains challenging.
Effects of chronic administration of adipokinetic and hypertrehalosemic hormone on animal behavior, BDNF, and CREB expression in the hippocampus and neurogenesis in mice
Authors: Mutlu Oguz , Gumuslu Esen , Kokturk Sibel , Ulak Guner , Akar Furuzan , Erden Faruk , Kaya Havva , Tanyeri Pelin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNeurosecretory cells in corpus cardiacum of insects synthesize a set of hormones that are called adipokinetic, hypertrehalosaemic or hyperprolinaemic, depending on insect in question. This study investigated effects of chronic administration of Anax imperator adipokinetic hormone (Ani‐AKH), Libellula auripennis adipokinetic hormone (Lia‐AKH), and Phormia‐Terra hypertrehalosaemic hormone (Pht‐HrTH) on depression, anxiety, analgesy, locomotion in forced swimming (FST), elevated plus‐maze (EPM), hot plate, and locomotor activity tests. Ani‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), Lia‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), and Pht‐HrTH (1 and 2 mg/kg) had antidepressant effects in forced swimming test. Lia‐AKH (2 mg/kg) and Pht‐HrTH (1 and 2 mg/kg) had anxiolytic effects when given chronically in elevated plus‐maze test. Ani‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg) and Pht‐HrTH (2 mg/kg) had antinociceptive effects in hot plate test in male balb‐c mice. Ani‐AKH (2 mg/kg), Lia‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), and Pht‐HrTH had locomotion‐enhancing effects in locomotor activity test in male balb‐c mice. Drug treatment significantly increased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) gene expression levels compared to control levels. Pht‐HrTH and Ani‐AKH groups had significantly increased numbers of BrdU‐labeled cells, while neurodegeneration was lower in the Pht‐HrTH group. Our study showed that AKH/RPCH family peptides may be used in treatment of psychiatric illness such as depression and anxiety, in treatment of pain and in diseases related to locomotion system. AKH/RPCH family peptides increase neurotrophic factors in brain and have potential proliferative and neuroprotective effects in hippocampal neurogenesis and neurodegeneration.
Nerolidol exhibits antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activity: involvement of the GABAergic system and proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Fonsêca Diogo V. , Salgado Paula R. R. , de Carvalho Fabíola L. , Salvadori Mirian Graciela S. S. , Penha Antônia Rosângela S. , Leite Fagner C. , Borges Clóvis José S. , Piuvezam Marcia R. , Pordeus Liana Clébia de Morais , Sousa Damião P. , Almeida Reinaldo N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNerolidol, an acyclic sesquiterpene found as a major constituent of several essential oils, has several pharmacological activities, but its action in pain processes has never been studied. The purpose of our research was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities of nerolidol, as well as possible mechanisms of action, in experimental mouse models of pain. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid‐induced writhing test, the formalin test, and the hot‐plate test. The nerolidol‐treated group showed lesser acetic acid‐induced abdominal contractions than the control group in all of the three doses tested (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.). The formalin test doses of 300 and 400 mg/kg p.o. inhibited licking time, in both the first phase and the second phase. In the hot‐plate test, nerolidol did not alter latency at any of the observed time points. Motor coordination, evaluated through the rotarod test, was not hindered in animals treated with nerolidol. Regarding the mechanism of action, the antinociceptive activity of nerolidol is related to the GABAergic system, and not to the opioidergic or ATP‐sensitive K+ channels. Treatment with nerolidol reduced carrageenan‐induced paw edema. In the model of carrageenan‐induced peritonitis, nerolidol decreased the influx of polymorphonuclear cells and also reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in peritoneal lavage. Nerolidol reduced production of interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) in LPS‐stimulated, peritoneal macrophages. Thus, these results showed that nerolidol has antinociceptive activity with possible involvement of the GABAergic system, and anti‐inflammatory activity, attributed to the suppression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β proinflammatory cytokines.
Effect of starch‐fortified turmeric bath on psoriasis: a parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shathirapathiy Gunasekaran , Nair Pradeep MK , Hyndavi Salwa 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundNaturopathic medicine uses starch‐fortified turmeric baths (SFTBs) [i.e. a mixture of rice starch and turmeric (Curcuma longa)] to treat psoriasis. This study set out to understand the effects of SFTBs on psoriasis.MethodsThe study used a parallel‐group RCT design. Seventy‐seven patients were screened of which 60 psoriatic patients were recruited. The inclusion criteria were people with psoriasis, aged between 20 and 60 years, not taking any medications and without open lesions. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups of 30. The intervention arm (IA) received SFTBs along with naturopathy interventions whereas the control arm (CA) received naturopathy interventions only (e.g. massage, yoga, hydro, diet therapy). The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was completed at baseline and post‐intervention (day 10).ResultsA mixed‐ANOVA was conducted to compare scores within and between groups. There was a significant main effect for time [Wilks's λ=0.27, F(1, 58)=153.94, P<0.001, partial η2=0.73], with both groups showing an improvement over time. The difference between groups post‐intervention was also statistically significant [F(1, 58)=10.552, P<0.01, partial η2=0.154].ConclusionStarch‐fortified turmeric baths, as applied in this study, appears to improve psoriasis area and severity and can be used as a safe and inexpensive therapy in the management of psoriasis.
A Comparative Study of Key Critical Factors of Waterfront Port Development: Case Studies of the Incheon and Bangkok Ports
Authors: Lee Paul Tae‐Woo , Wu Jei‐Zheng , Suthiwartnarueput Kamonchanok , Hu Kai‐Chieh , Rodjanapradied Rahuth 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study explores key critical factors of waterfront port development (WPD) by applying analytic network process (ANP) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to the Incheon and Bangkok ports, drawing certain implications. The major findings of this paper show that the ANP draws more stable, comprehensive, and consistent results than the AHP, and the ANP ranking results of the three cases, showed four common key critical criteria of WPD exist among the top five (i.e., accessibility under community function; connectivity under port function; maritime clustering, and transformation of the port/city interface under economic function).
Citizens' preferences on healthcare expenditure allocation: evidence from Greece
Authors: Xesfingi Sofia , Vozikis Athanassios , Pollalis Yannis 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground of contextPriority setting and resource allocation across various healthcare functions are critical issues in health policy and strategic decision making. As health resources are limited while there are so many health challenges to resolve, consumers and payers have to make difficult decisions about expenditure allocation.ObjectiveOur research focus on the (dis)agreement between citizens' preferences and actual public health expenditure across broad healthcare functions, on whether this (dis)agreement is persistent, on whether various demographic factors amplify this (dis)agreement and to derive useful implications for public health policies.Setting and participantsUsing survey data of 3029 citizens in Greece for the year 2012 and employing logit estimation techniques, we analysed the effect of demographic and other factors in shaping citizens' (dis)agreement with public health expenditure allocation.ResultsOur results demonstrate the important role of income, family members and residence in shaping citizens' preferences regarding health expenditure priorities in almost all healthcare functions, while other demographic factors such as job, age, gender and marital status do partly associate and play a significant role.ConclusionsGovernment should encourage the citizens' participation in the decision‐making process in order to eliminate the unveiled and significant disagreement between citizens' preferences and actual public health expenditure across all healthcare functions.