bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cohort study of adult patients with haemoglobin SC disease: clinical characteristics and predictors of mortality
Authors: Gualandro Sandra F. Mm , Fonseca Guilherme H. H. , Yokomizo Iara K. , Gualandro Danielle M. , Suganuma Liliana M. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryHaemoglobin (Hb) SC disease is the second most common subtype of sickle cell disease and is potentially fatal. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics, outcome and predictors of mortality in HbSC disease patients, and to compare these findings with patients followed‐up in different centres. Clinical, laboratory and outcome data were collected from a cohort of adult patients with HbSC disease followed between 1991 and 2103. Cox regression multivariate analysis was used to determine predictors of mortality. One hundred and fifty‐five patients were followed‐up over 20 years: 9% died and 70·8% had at least one complication. The most common complications were: painful crises (38·3%), retinopathy (33·8%), cholelithiasis (30·3%), osteonecrosis (24·8%) and sensorineural hearing disorders (9·7%). Frequency of chronic complications was similar in most studies. In multivariate analysis, hearing disorders remained an independent predictor of mortality (Odds Ratio 9·26, 95% confidence interval 1·1–74·8; P = 0·03). It was concluded that patients with HbSC disease receive a late diagnosis and there is remarkable similarity between the studies conducted in different centres around the world. Sensorineural hearing disorders were an independent predictor of mortality, suggesting that it may be useful to implement routine diagnostic screening.
Reforming Shapes for Material‐aware Fabrication
Authors: Yang Yong‐Liang , Wang Jun , Mitra Niloy J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAs humans, we regularly associate shape of an object with its built material. In the context of geometric modeling, however, this inter‐relation between form and material is rarely explored. In this work, we propose a novel data‐driven reforming (i.e., reshaping) algorithm that adapts an input multi‐component model for a target fabrication material. The algorithm adapts both the part geometry and the inter‐part topology of the input shape to better align with material‐aware fabrication requirements. As output, we produce the reshaped model along with respective part dimensions and inter‐part junction specifications. We evaluate our algorithm on a range of man‐made models and demonstrate a variety of model reshaping examples focusing only on metal and wooden materials.
Yellow nail syndrome: a case report and review of treatment options
Authors: Kurin Michael , Wiesen Jonathan , Mehta Atul C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsYellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder involving characteristic nail changes, lymphedema and chronic respiratory symptoms. Currently there is no definitive treatment and there have been no prospective randomised controlled trials evaluating the available options. In order to strengthen the literature on this topic, we present the case of a 67‐year‐old man with YNS and a detailed review of current treatment options.MethodsWe included 40 articles for the final review according to their relevance with the subject.ResultsData for use of the commonly chosen therapies for YNS remains inconclusive, with small studies and case reports showing mixed results of efficacy.ConclusionAlthough the date indicates that it is reasonable to recommend a trial of conservative therapy including vitamin E, antibiotics and compression stockings before pursuing more aggressive or invasive modalities, larger scale studies are required to determine the true efficacy of all treatment options.
The Life Expectancy of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Germany
Authors: Dieckmann Friedrich , Giovis Christos , Offergeld Jana 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundThis study presents age group‐specific mortality rates and the average life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities in Germany.MethodFor two samples from Westphalia‐Lippe and Baden‐Wuerttemberg, person‐related data for the years 2007–2009 were analysed. Age group‐specific mortality rates were estimated by exponential regression analyses.ResultsThe average life expectancy of men with intellectual disabilities was 70.9 years in Westphalia‐Lippe and 65.3 years in the Baden‐Wuerttemberg sample. Women with intellectual disabilities reached a life expectancy of 72.8 years in the Westphalian sample and 69.9 years in Baden‐Wuerttemberg. The mortality tables, the crude mortality rates and the standardized mortality rates according to the WHO standard population are reported.ConclusionComparing the results with other international studies, the trend of increasing life expectancies of people with intellectual disabilities is confirmed. People with intellectual disabilities still have a lower average life expectancy than the general population, partly due to subgroups with low life expectancies.
Mortality Rates in the General Irish Population Compared to those with an Intellectual Disability from 2003 to 2012
Authors: McCarron Mary , Carroll Rachael , Kelly Caraiosa , McCallion Philip 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundHistorically, there has been higher and earlier mortality among people with intellectual disability as compared to the general population, but there have also been methodological problems and differences in the available studies.MethodData were drawn from the 2012 National Intellectual Disability Database and the Census in Ireland. A standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated, as well as average age at death. Ratios and differences were further examined for the influence of age, gender and level of intellectual disability.ResultsMortality in persons with intellectual disability was four times higher and they were, on average, dying 19 years earlier than peers in the general population. Women with intellectual disability were living longer than males with intellectual disability, but differences in survival as compared to the general population were greater for these women. There was little change in average age at death over 10 years, and death was earlier the more severe the level of intellectual disability.DiscussionThe use of mortality ratios rather than average age at death alone is recommended, as well as greater standardization in use of data sets including the whole population, given high levels of earlier deaths in people with intellectual disability.
Salvianolic acid B‐induced microRNA‐152 inhibits liver fibrosis by attenuating DNMT1‐mediated Patched1 methylation
Authors: Yu Fujun , Lu Zhongqiu , Chen Bicheng , Wu Xiaoli , Dong Peihong , Zheng Jianjian 
Published: August 2015

AbstractEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) was reported to be involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), contributing to the development of liver fibrosis. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition can be promoted by the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Patched1 (PTCH1), a negative regulatory factor of the Hh signalling pathway, was down‐regulated during liver fibrosis and associated with its hypermethylation status. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are reported to play a critical role in the control of various HSCs functions. However, miRNA‐mediated epigenetic regulations in EMT during liver fibrosis are seldom studied. In this study, Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) suppressed the activation of HSCs in CCl4‐treated mice and mouse primary HSCs, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation, type I collagen and alpha‐smooth muscle actin. We demonstrated that the antifibrotic effects caused by Sal B were, at least in part, via inhibition of EMT and the Hh pathway. In particular, up‐regulation of PTCH1 was associated with decreased DNA methylation level after Sal B treatment. Accordingly, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was attenuated by Sal B in vivo and in vitro. The knockdown of DNMT1 in Sal B‐treated HSCs enhanced PTCH1 expression and its demethylation level. Interestingly, increased miR‐152 in Sal B‐treated cells was responsible for the hypomethylation of PTCH1 by Sal B. As confirmed by the luciferase activity assay, DNMT1 was a direct target of miR‐152. Further studies showed that the miR‐152 inhibitor reversed Sal B‐mediated PTCH1 up‐regulation and DNMT1 down‐regulation. Collectively, miR‐152 induced by Sal B, contributed to DNMT1 down‐regulation and epigenetically regulated PTCH1, resulting in the inhibition of EMT in liver fibrosis.
Psychophysical Measurement of Wet and Clingy Sensation of Fabrics by the Volar Forearm Test
Authors: Tang K. P. M. , Kan C. W. , Fan J. T. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTWet and clingy sensation caused by fabric is activated by thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors and is critical to wearers’ thermophysiological and tactile comfort. This study aims at quantifying the absolute threshold for wet and clingy sensation of apparel fabrics using a psychophysical approach and measuring the residual moisture left on skin through a physical approach. A volar forearm test is proposed where water supply and controlled fabric movement are used to simulate sweating and body movement during wear. The results show that the volar forearm test has good within‐judge reliability, between‐judge consistency and high sensitivity. The difference in absolute threshold of wet and clingy sensation of fabrics can be attributed to the difference in wicking rate, evaporation rate, geometry and thermal properties of fabrics. The results further suggest that a clingy sensation is triggered when the residual water accumulated on the skin exceeds 0.013 gram, given that the covering fabric is water absorbent. Besides, the absolute threshold for wet and clingy sensation was found strongly correlated with the instrumentally measured water absorption capacity of the fabric. Furthermore, results obtained by the psychophysical threshold method were compared with the psychological wetness rating scale method, and the former was found to be advantageous in terms of testing sensitivity.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTo improve living standards, the textile industry is constantly seeking comfortable apparel fabrics, especially for sportswear, intimate apparel and functional clothing when used under extreme conditions or strenuous activities. The wetness comfort is also important for health‐care products since wetness can promote growth of microorganisms, thereby causing dermatitis. In the proposed forearm test, the sweat rate and the degree of fabric movement is adjustable, which simulates varying levels of activity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using an absolute threshold to assess moisture sensation of apparel fabrics. It may be beneficial to textile/clothing manufacturers to improve existing products or develop new products for specific end uses. Since our study shows that water absorption capacity of fabric has a strong correlation with wet and clingy sensation, instrumental measurement can be employed as a routine fabric performance analysis to substitute the time‐consuming human subjective assessment.
Linking performance trait stability with species distribution: the case of Artemisia and its close relatives in northern China
Authors: Yang Xuejun , Huang Zhenying , Venable David L. , Wang Lei , Zhang Keliang , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsUnderstanding the relationship between species and environments is at the heart of ecology and biology. Ranges of species depend strongly on environmental factors, but our limited understanding of relationships between range and trait stability of species across environments hampers our ability to predict their future ranges. Species that occur over a wide range (and thus have wide niche breadth) will have high variation in morpho‐physiological traits in response to environmental conditions, thereby permitting stability of performance traits and enabling plants to survive in a range of environments. We hypothesized that species' niche breadth is negatively correlated with the rate of performance trait change along an environmental gradient.LocationNorthern China.MethodsWe analysed standing biomass and height of 48 species of Asteraceae (Artemisia and its close relatives) collected from 65 sites along an environmental gradient across northern China.ResultsIn support of our hypothesis, there were significant negative correlations between climatic niche breadth and rate of change in biomass, a performance trait, but not in height, which is both a morphological and a performance trait.ConclusionsThese findings have implications for risk assessment of species under climate change and prediction of unknown distributions of species. They also offer a new avenue of research for species distribution models.
The phylogeny of Anophelinae revisited: inferences about the origin and classification of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Harbach Ralph E. , Kitching Ian J. 
Published: August 2015

The evolution of anopheline mosquitoes (Culicidae: Anophelinae) has been the subject of speculation and study for decades, but a comprehensive phylogeny of these insects is far from complete. The results of phylogenetic studies based on morphological and molecular data sets are conspicuously ambiguous. Here, we revisit the phylogenetic relationships of anopheline mosquitoes using state‐of‐the‐art software and cladistic methods to analyse the data set of Harbach & Kitching (2005). We present a refined interpretation of relationships based on analyses of a revised data set that includes an additional species. Implied weighting analyses were conducted with TNT with the concavity constant K ranging from 1 to 33. We determined the optimal K value by summing the GC supports for each MPC and selected the tree with the highest support, K = 30, as the preferred cladogram. We then collapsed the branches with GC support < 1 to obtain the ‘best’ topography of relationships. Genus Chagasia is the basalmost taxon of Anophelinae, and genus Anopheles is recovered as monophyletic but only if Anopheles implexus is excluded and genus Bironella is subordinated within it. The Afrotropical An. implexus is recovered as the sister to all other anophelines, and Christya Theobald, stat. nov., is elevated from synonymy with Anopheles Meigen as a subgenus to accommodate it. The other anophelines comprise two large clades. The first includes the reciprocally monophyletic subgenera Kerteszia + Nyssorhynchus; the second consists of subgenus Cellia as the sister to a heterogeneous clade that includes genus Bironella and subgenera Anopheles, Baimaia, Lophopodomyia and Stethomyia of genus Anopheles. The sister relationship of Cellia and the heterogeneous clade is lost when the branches with GC <1 are collapsed. The monophyly and non‐monophyly of the informal subordinate taxa of subgenera Nyssorhynchus, Cellia and Anopheles, and also evolutionary scenarios, are discussed in relation to previous studies.
The Effects of Rigid Scapular Taping on Acromiohumeral Distance in Healthy Shoulders: An Observational Study
Authors: Bdaiwi Alya H. , Mackenzie Tanya Anne , Herrington Lee , Horlsey Ian , Cools Ann 
Published: August 2015

Context:Compromise to the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) has been reported in subjects with subacromial impingement syndrome when compared with healthy subjects. In clinical practice, patients are taped with the intention of altering scapular position and influencing the AHD. However, research to determine the effects of taping on AHD is exiguous.Objectives:To evaluate the effect of ridged taping techniques to increase posterior scapular tilt and upward scapular rotation on the AHD.Design:1-group pretest/posttest repeated-measures design.Setting:Human performance laboratory.Participants:20 asymptomatic participants (10 male and 10 female) age 27 y (SD 8.0 y).Intervention:Ridged tapping of the scapula into posterior tilt and upward scapular rotation.Main Outcome Measure:Ultrasound measurement of the AHD.Results:AHD increased significantly after rigid tape application to the scapula (P < .003) in healthy shoulders in 60° of passive arm abduction.Conclusion:Taping techniques applied to the scapula had an immediate effect of increasing the AHD in healthy shoulders in 60° of passive arm abduction. Results suggest that taping for increasing posterior scapular tilt and increasing scapular upward rotation can influence the AHD and is a useful adjunct to rehabilitation in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
Expansion of the Southern Hemisphere Hadley Cell in Response to Greenhouse Gas Forcing
Authors: Nguyen H. , Lucas C. , Evans A. , Timbal B. , Hanson L. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Changes of the Southern Hemisphere Hadley cell over the twentieth century are investigated using the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) and coupled model simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Trends computed on a 30-yr sliding window on the 20CR dataset reveal a statistically significant expansion of the Hadley cell from 1968 forced by an increasing surface global warming. This expansion is strongly associated with the intensification and poleward shift of the subtropical dry zone, which potentially explain the increasing trends of droughts in the subtropical regions such as southern Australia, South America, and Africa. Coupled models from the CMIP5 do not adequately simulate the observed amount of the Hadley expansion, only showing an average of one-fourth of the expansion as determined from the 20CR and only when simulations include greenhouse gas forcing as opposed to simulations including natural forcing only.
Modeling Interruption and Resumption in a Smartphone Task: An ACT-R Approach
Authors: Wirzberger Maria , Russwinkel Nele 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This research aims to inspect human cognition when being interrupted while performing a smartphone task with varying levels of mental demand. Due to its benefits especially in the early stages of interface development, a cognitive modeling approach is used. It applies the cognitive architecture ACT-R to shed light on task-related cognitive processing. The inspected task setting involves a shopping scenario, manipulating interruption via product advertisements and mental demands by the respective number of people shopping is done for. Model predictions are validated through a corresponding experimental setting with 62 human participants. Comparing model and human data in a defined set of performance-related parameters displays mixed results that indicate an acceptable fit – at least in some cases. Potential explanations for the observed differences are discussed at the end.
Drying Characteristics and Assessment of Physicochemical and Microstructural Properties of Dried Culinary Banana Slices
Authors: Khawas Prerna , Dash Kshirod K. , Das Arup J. , Deka Sankar C. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study quantifies the drying characteristics and quality attributes of culinary banana at various temperatures (40–70°C) which exhibited falling rate period. Among the different drying models, Wang and Singh model was found the best fitted model with lowest Ӽ2 and highest R
2 values. The coefficients of Wang and Singh model were expressed in nonlinear form as a function of temperature and a new model was developed in which moisture ratio is expressed as a function of time and temperature. Effective moisture diffusivity increased with increase in drying temperature. Scanning electron micrographs showed that samples dried at 70°C produced larger pores which resulted in better rehydration ratio and minimum hardness. The nonenzymatic browning occurred faster at 70°C and in addition, the chemical properties were not significantly affected by drying temperatures.
From the conventional to the alternative: exploring patients’ pathways of cancer treatment and care
Authors: Mulkins Andrea L. , McKenzie Emily , Balneaves Lynda G. , Salamonsen Anita , Verhoef Marja J. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is widespread and on the increase among cancer patients. Most research to date has involved a cross-sectional snapshot of CAM use rather than an exploration into the longitudinal, nonlinear treatment trajectories that cancer patients develop. Our aim is to explore and describe different treatment and decision-making pathways that individuals develop after receipt of a diagnosis of either breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer.

Methods: The study was part of a larger mixed-methods pilot project to explore the feasibility of conducting a five-year international study to assess cancer patients’ treatment pathways, including health care use and the perceived impact of different patterns of use on health outcomes over the course of one year. The results presented in this paper are based on the analysis of personal interviews that were conducted over the course of 12 months with 30 participants.

Results: Five pathways emerged from the data: passive conventional, self-directed conventional, cautious integrative, aggressive integrative, and aggressive alternative. Factors that shaped each pathway included health beliefs, decision-making role, illness characteristics, and the patient–practitioner relationship.

Conclusions: The results of this examination of the longitudinal treatment and decision-making trajectory provide important information to support health care professionals in their quest for individualized, targeted support at each stage of the patient pathway.
Modeling and HIL Simulation of Flight Conditions Simulating Control System for the Altitude Test Facility
Authors: Zhou Jun , Shen Li , Zhang Tianhong 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSimulated altitude test is an essential exploring, debugging, verification and validation means during the development of aero-engine. Free-jet engine test can simulate actual working conditions of aero-engine more realistically than direct-connect engine test but with relatively lower cost compared to propulsion wind tunnel test, thus becoming an important developing area of simulated altitude test technology. The Flight Conditions Simulating Control System (FCSCS) is of great importance to the Altitude Test Facility (ATF) but the development of that is a huge challenge. Aiming at improving the design efficiency and reducing risks during the development of FCSCS for ATFs, a Hardware- in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation system was designed and the mathematical models of key components such as the pressure stabilizing chamber, free-jet nozzle, control valve and aero-engine were built in this paper. Moreover, some HIL simulation experiments were carried out. The results show that the HIL simulation system designed and established in this paper is reasonable and effective, which can be used to adjust control parameters conveniently and assess the software and hardware in the control system immediately.