bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capital Flight and Trade Misinvoicing in Zimbabwe
Authors: Kwaramba Marko , Mahonye Nyasha , Mandishara Leonard
Published: June 2016

This paper estimates trade misinvoicing in Zimbabwe from major trading partners using the Morgenstern () methodology. It uses trade data from 1980 to 2014 from the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database. The results show that unrecorded capital outflows occur through trade with different countries including Italy, United States, Germany, and China, while unrecorded capital inflows into Zimbabwe are mainly from South Africa, Belgium, and Australia. Trade misinvoicing occurs mostly in exports of diamonds, gold, and nickel. Misinvoicing through imports is not rampant and occurs mostly through Germany, South Africa, and Zambia. The results show that capital flight increased during the period of macroeconomic and political instability. This indicates the need to ensure political and macroeconomic stability to reduce capital flight.
The Institutional Environment and the Link between Capital Flows and Capital Flight in Cameroon
Authors: Gankou Jean‐Marie , Bendoma Marius , Sow Moussé Ndoye
Published: June 2016

This paper explores the ‘financial revolving door’ hypothesis in Cameroon over the 1970–2010 period by extending the analysis to other types of capital flows such as Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The paper shows that a one‐dollar increase in external debt leads to an increase in capital flight of 47–62 cents. This increase in capital flight mainly stems from changes in the private component of external debt. Capital flight is twice more sensitive to an increase in oil revenues than external debt. The paper further underscores the importance of the political and institutional environment. Even though corruption exacerbates the relationship, political and institutional stability helps to mitigate illicit capital outflows arising from an increase in external debt. With regard to the effect on ODA and FDI, the paper found it to be of little significance.
Natural Resources and Capital Flight in Cameroon
Authors: Ayamena Mpenya Hans Tino , Metseyem Clarisse , Epo Boniface Ngah
Published: June 2016

This paper analyses the amount of capital flight associated with the natural resources sector (oil and timber) in Cameroon. The paper adjusted the methodology proposed by Boyce and Ndikumana () to take into account the practice of misinvoicing in the oil and timber industries using data from World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) and COMTRADE. The results confirm that the natural resources sector, and in particular the oil and timber industry, is an important conduit of capital flight through trade misinvoicing. This finding underscores the need to improve governance in the extractive industries, as well as the quality of institutions, especially those that are in charge of trade transactions.
Capital Flight from Burkina Faso: Drivers and Impact on Tax Revenue
Authors: Ndiaye Ameth Saloum , Siri Alain
Published: June 2016

The drivers of capital flight and its effect on tax revenue have not been investigated in the literature for the case of Burkina Faso. We undertake a qualitative analysis, which concludes that capital flight is the result of ineffective regulation of foreign exchange operations, a permissive tax system, and collusion between a politico‐administrative elite and the business sector. We also conduct an econometric analysis, which reveals that a decline in tax revenue and in the GDP growth rate, changes in economic policy regimes, and an increase in natural resource rents, external debt, and political violence induce substantial capital flight. The results show a negative impact of capital flight on tax revenue. The econometric results are consistent with the qualitative analysis with regard to mechanisms of capital flight in both the public and private sectors.
A survey on hygienic practices and their impact on the microbiological quality and safety in the Rwandan milk and dairy chain
Authors: Kamana Olivier , Jacxsens Liesbeth , Kimonyo Anastase , Uyttendaele Mieke
Published: June 2016

This study assessed the status of hygienic practices in the Rwandan milk and dairy chain. Data collection was based on interviews with the help of a survey and site visits to farms, collection centres, milk processing companies, small‐scale cheese plants, wholesale points, supermarkets and milk shops. The observed status of good practices was further linked to actual microbiological data. It was concluded that there is a major gap in compliance with hygienic practices leading to higher levels of contaminated dairy products.
The pregnant women as a drug orphan: a global survey of registered clinical trials of pharmacological interventions in pregnancy
Authors: Scaffidi J , Mol BW , Keelan JA
Published: June 2016

Objective

To undertake a survey of the world's clinical trial registries to provide current data on the number, nature, funding source and geographical distribution of pregnancy drug trials (PDT).

Design and setting

Comprehensive analysis of WHO‐certified clinical trial registries.

Methods

Sixteen registries containing 301 538 trials (168 826 active in 2013–2014) were analysed to identify the numbers, location, funding sources, and areas of interest/development of PDTs.

Results

The percentage of PDTs varied from 0 to 7.4% across registries. Overall, just 0.32% (534) of all active registered studies were PDTs. The US registry (Clinicaltrials.gov) was the largest database, but contributed just 14% of all active PDTs. The majority of PDTs focused on anaesthesia/analgesia, preterm birth/tocolysis, labour induction, endocrine and hypertensive disorders. Less than 6% of active PDTs focused on maternal or fetal health as a specific primary outcome, and only 4.4% included a preplanned pharmacokinetic analysis of the trial medications. A third of all active PDTs involved repurposing of existing medicines for applications in pregnancy, whereas only three new investigational drugs had been developed for a pregnancy indication. Seven percent of all active PDTs identified were pharmaceutical industry‐funded. Inter‐disease comparisons identified a ~50‐fold disparity in trial activity between pregnancy and other comparable areas.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates unequivocally the marked under‐representation of medication development, evaluation and safety trials in pregnancy. The likelihood that the current pharmaceutical landscape in pregnancy will improve in the foreseeable future is slim. Advocacy and increased awareness of the issue is necessary to achieve positive change.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnant women are significantly under‐represented in global clinical drug trials.
The Longitude Act of 1714 and the Last Parliament of Queen Anne
Authors: Mobbs Tessa , Unwin Robert
Published: June 2016

Historical literature on the Longitude Act of 1714 has postulated a direct monocausal connection between a British naval disaster off the Scilly Isles in 1707 and the parliamentary enactment seven years later. This article proposes, and provides evidence for, a multicausal interpretation encompassing political, economic, and scientific factors. It argues that the Longitude Act, whose tercentenary was marked in July 2014, was the outcome of general circumstances, the legislation being concurrent with other statutory measures designed to protect shipping at a time of expanding commercial opportunities. The article re‐evaluates the parliamentary process and timetable and considers the role of MPs, men of science and journalists in promoting and seeing through parliament this important statute. It notes that the events in June 1714 mark one of the first instances of expert scientific opinion being heard at parliamentary level. It also evidences an earlier bill in 1712 promoted to protect a time movement invention designed to help in the discovery of the longitude, one of the most controversial subjects in the 18th century.
The Comparison of the Contents of Sugar, Amadori, and Heyns Compounds in Fresh and Black Garlic
Authors: Yuan Heng , Sun Linjuan , Chen Min , Wang Jun
Published: June 2016

Black garlic is produced through thermal processing and is used as a healthy food throughout the world. Compared with fresh garlic, there are obvious changes in the color, taste, and biological functions of black garlic. To analyze and explain these changes, the contents of water‐soluble sugars, fructan, and the key intermediate compounds (Heyns and Amadori) of the Maillard reaction in fresh raw garlic and black garlic were investigated, which were important to control and to evaluate the quality of black garlic. The results showed that the fructan contents in the black garlics were decreased by more than 84.6% compared with the fresh raw garlics, which translated into changes in the fructose and glucose contents. The water‐soluble sugar content was drastically increased by values ranging from 187.79% to 790.96%. Therefore, the taste of the black garlic became very sweet. The sucrose content in black garlic was almost equivalent to fresh garlic. The Amadori and Heyns compounds were analyzed by HPLC‐MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode using the different characteristic fragment ions of Heyns and Amadori compounds. The total content of the 3 main Amadori and 3 Heyns compounds in black garlic ranged from 762.53 to 280.56 μg/g, which was 40 to 100‐fold higher than the values in fresh raw garlic. This result was significant proof that the Maillard reaction in black garlic mainly utilized fructose and glucose, with some amino acids.
Esterification of Quercetin Increases Its Transport Across Human Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Hu Jiang‐ning , Zou Xian‐guo , He Yi , Chen Fang , Deng Ze‐yuan
Published: June 2016

Plant polyphenols showed useful biochemical characteristics in vitro; however, the assessments of their clinical applications in vivo are restricted by their limited bioavailability due to their strong resistance to 1st‐pass effects during absorption. In order to improve the bioavailability of quercetin (QU), the ester derivative of QU (3,3′,4′,5,7‐pentahydroxy flavones, TAQU) was synthesized, followed by examining the oil–water partition coefficient as well as the transport mechanisms of QU and its ester derivative (TAQU) using human Caco‐2 cells. The transport characteristics of QU and TAQU transport under different conditions (different concentrations, time, pH, temperature, tight junctions, and potential transporters) were systematically investigated. Results showed that QU had a lower permeability coefficient (2.82 × 10−6 cm/s) for apical‐to‐basolateral (AP‐BL) transport over 5 to 50 μM, whereas the transport rate for AP to BL flux of TAQU (5.23 × 10−6 cm/s) was significantly greater than that of QU. Paracellular pathways were not involved during the transport of both QU and TAQU. QU was poorly absorbed by active transport, whereas TAQU was mostly absorbed by passive diffusion. Efflux transporters, P‐glycoproteins, multidrug resistance proteins were proven to participate in the transport process of QU, but not in that of TAQU. These results suggested that improving the lipophicity of QU by esterification could increase the transport of QU across Caco‐2 cells.
No clinically relevant differences between positron emission tomography (PET) reconstructions based on low‐dose or contrast‐enhanced CT in combined integrated multiphase 18F‐Fluorethylcholine PET/CT for prostate cancer
Authors: Behrendt Florian F , Lensing Carina , Keil Sebastian , Mottaghy Felix M , Verburg Frederik A
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the reconstructions of 18F‐Fluorethylcholine (FCH) positron emission tomography (PET) based on the non‐enhanced X‐ray computed tomography (neCT) and contrast‐enhanced CT (ceCT) acquired in integrated PET/CT in prostate cancer (PCA) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed FCH‐PET/CTs of 63 PCA patients. PET images were reconstructed using either neCT or ceCT for attenuation correction. Contrast‐enhancement (HU) and mean and maximum standardised FDG uptake (SUVmean and SUVmax) were measured at eight anatomical sites, and PET images were evaluated for image quality and patient staging by two independent observers.

Results

At all anatomical sites the HU values were significantly higher in the ceCT than in the neCT. This in turn led to increases in SUVmean and SUVmax that, although small in both absolute and relative terms, were highly consistent and thus statistically highly significant. However, assessment of the FCH‐PET images reconstructed using either neCT or ceCT revealed no differences between observers or reconstructions with regard to patient staging (all κ = 1.0: excellent agreement; P = 1.0). Minor visual differences without clinical relevance were seen in 21 scans by observer 1 and in 22 scans by observer 2 (κ = 0.68, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There is no clinically relevant difference between reconstruction of PET images based on ceCT or neCT in FCH‐PET/CT in patients with prostate cancer. Small quantitative differences exist, but do not lead to clinically relevant differences in visual quality or clinical assessment of patients. Therefore, CT scan may be used for attenuation correction.
Genome‐wide association study for the level of serum electrolytes in Italian Large White pigs
Authors: Bovo S. , Schiavo G. , Mazzoni G. , Dall'Olio S. , Galimberti G. , Calò D. G. , Scotti E. , Bertolini F. , Buttazzoni L. , Samorè A. B. , Fontanesi L.
Published: June 2016

Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are essential electrolytes involved in a large number of biological processes. Imbalance of these minerals in blood may indicate clinically relevant conditions and are important in inferring acute or chronic pathologies in humans and animals. In this work, we carried out a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for the level of these three electrolytes in the serum of 843 performance‐tested Italian Large White pigs. All pigs were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip, and GWAS was carried out using genome‐wide efficient mixed‐model association. For the level of Ca2+, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significant, considering a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05, and another eight were above the moderate association threshold (Pnominal value < 5.00E‐05). These SNPs are distributed in four porcine chromosomes (SSC): SSC8, SSC11, SSC12 and SSC13. In particular, a few putative different signals of association detected on SSC13 and one on SSC12 were in genes or close to genes involved in calcium metabolism (P2RY1, RAP2B, SLC9A9, C3orf58, TSC22D2, PLCH1 and CACNB1). Only one SNP (on SSC7) and six SNPs (on SSC2 and SSC7) showed moderate association with the level of magnesium and phosphorus respectively. The association signals for these two latter minerals might identify genes not known thus far for playing a role in their biological functions and regulations. In conclusion, our GWAS contributed to increased knowledge on the role that calcium, magnesium and phosphorus may play in the genetically determined physiological mechanisms affecting the natural variability of mineral levels in mammalian blood.
Behcet's disease and pregnancy—a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Chuanlu , Bao Shihua
Published: June 2016

This case study reports on a rare case of a woman with Behcet's disease (BD), uterine malformation and antiphospholipid syndrome, who successfully delivered a baby without any complications during the perinatal period. The woman, who was diagnosed with BD with relapsing oral, ocular, and genital involvement 8 years ago, registered in our clinic with a history of two inevitable miscarriages. Laboratory findings were positive for anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies (anti‐β2‐GP‐I). Three‐dimensional ultrasound showed that her uterus was unicornuate, with only a normal left side. After treatment, the woman had a cesarean section for breech presentation of a healthy male infant weighing 2700 g. The postpartum period was uneventful. The possible effects of BD on pregnancy outcomes and how to manage BD patients are discussed with a review of the literature.
Involving the consultant before fetal blood sampling
Authors: Lowe Belinda , Beckmann Michael
Published: June 2016

Background

Fetal scalp lactate (FSL) is used when the cardiotocography (CTG) is not normal in an attempt to reduce the false‐positive rate and the likelihood of unnecessary intervention. Whilst the test has almost a 100% negative predictive value, the positive predictive value of this test is very low.

Aims

To measure the effect of introducing consultant obstetrician review of every abnormal CTG prior to the decision to perform FSL.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using routinely collected de‐identified data. Mode of birth outcomes for women who had a continuous CTG in labour were compared in two equal time periods, 12 months before and after a change in hospital policy. Change in hospital policy dictated that FSL was only performed on a pathological CTG after consultant obstetrician review of the CTG.

Results

Consultant obstetrician review of CTG prior to FSL was associated with fewer FSL performed (1.7% vs 3.5%; P ≤ 0.01), fewer babies acidaemic at birth pH < 7.1 (0.8% vs 2.2%; P < 0.01), fewer caesarean sections for presumed fetal distress (CS for FD) (6.6% vs 8.1%; P = 0.05) and fewer instrumental births (17.6% vs 20%; P = 0.04). When adjusted for confounders, the change in policy was independently associated with a reduced likelihood of CS for FD (adjusted odds ratios = 0.78 (0.63–0.97); P = 0.03).

Conclusions

A hospital policy whereby a consultant obstetrician reviews abnormal CTGs prior to performing FSL may help to increase the pretest probability and reduce the rate of CS for FD, as well as instrumental birth and unnecessary FSL.
Small Aggregates, Big Manipulation: Vote Buying Enforcement and Collective Monitoring
Authors: Rueda Miguel R.
Published: June 2016

Vote buying is widespread in developing democracies despite the secret ballot. What explains its resilience? I argue that brokers condition future payments on published electoral results to enforce these transactions and that this is effective at inducing voters' compliance only when the results of small voting groups are available. Using monitors' and citizens' reports of electoral manipulation and survey data from Colombia, I find a robust negative correlation between the average polling station size and various measures of vote buying. Evidence from a variety of identification strategies suggests that this relationship can be attributed to aggregate monitoring sustaining these transactions and not to the brokers' increased ability to identify compliers or other characteristics of places where polling stations are small.
Constitutional Qualms or Politics as Usual? The Factors Shaping Public Support for Unilateral Action
Authors: Christenson Dino P. , Kriner Douglas L.
Published: June 2016

The formal institutional constraints that Congress and the courts impose on presidential unilateral action are feeble. As a result, recent scholarship suggests that public opinion may be the strongest check against executive overreach. However, little is known about how the public assesses unilateral action. Through a series of five survey experiments embedded in nationally representative surveys, we examine the extent to which Americans evaluate unilateral action based on constitutional, partisan, and policy concerns. We find that Americans do not instinctively reject unilateral action as a threat to our system of checks and balances, but instead evaluate unilateral action in terms of whether it accords or conflicts with their partisan and policy preference priors. Our results suggest that the public constraint on presidential unilateral action is far from automatic. Rather, the strength and scope of this check are variable products of political contestation in the public sphere.
Recombinant biologic products versus nutraceuticals from plants – a regulatory choice?
Authors: Drake Pascal M. W. , Szeto Tim H. , Paul Mathew J. , Teh Audrey Y.‐H. , Ma Julian K‐C.
Published: June 2016

Biotechnology has transformed the potential for plants to be a manufacturing source of pharmaceutical compounds. Now, with transgenic and transient expression techniques, virtually any biologic, including vaccines and therapeutics, could be manufactured in plants. However, uncertainty over the regulatory path for such new pharmaceuticals has been a deterrent. Consideration has been given to using alternative regulatory paths, including those for nutraceuticals or cosmetic agents. This review will consider these possibilities, and discuss the difficulties in establishing regulatory guidelines for new pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.
Identification of CYP1B1‐specific candidate inhibitors using combination of in silico screening, integrated knowledge‐based filtering, and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Dinesh
Published: June 2016

CYP1B1 is a promising drug target for developing novel drugs against hormonal cancers and hypertension. The development of CYP1B1‐specific inhibitors is hindered mainly due to non‐specific action of known CYP inhibitors. The active site of CYP1B1 is similar to other cytochromes with different substrate preferences rendering a scope to develop specific inhibitors. We have developed a novel in silico approach for design of selective CYP1B1 inhibitors. The approach consists of deriving details of CYP1B1‐specific molecular interactions from prior studies, which is used to perform screening of CYP1B1 with NCI compounds. The conventional compound screening is also complemented with the concept of cutoff distance between heme (Fe) and compounds. The binding free energies and HB percentage occupancy calculations of 94 compounds of cluster 1 have verified the docking results using MD. The docking interactions in the active‐site cavity of 7 clusters are also taken into account for optimal binding. Hence, we used knowledgebase filtering and MD simulations to enable discovery of selective CYP1B1 inhibitors. The final filtered lead candidates consist of compounds sandwiched between phenylalanine π–π stacking and less than 6 Å from heme (Fe) for enzymatic action. The findings in the study can help development of novel CYP1B1 selective inhibitors.
The Management of LDL Cholesterol and Predictors of Goal Achievement in Stroke Patients in China: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Chun‐Juan , Wang Yi‐Long , Li Zi‐Xiao , Wang Yong‐Jun
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess the management of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) in patients suffering from ischemic stroke within 6–12 months and explore the predictors of the achievement of LDL‐C target.

Methods

This study was a nation‐wide, multicenter, cross‐sectional study conducted from July 2013 to August 2013 in mainland China. Patients who had an ischemic stroke within 6–12 months and were more than 18 year old were consecutively included into this study. All data referred to personal information, medical history, medication and results from laboratory tests were collected by face‐to‐face questionnaires, physical examination and blood tests. The predictors for the achievement of LDL‐C target (<1.8 mmol/L or <70 mg/dL) were analyzed by the multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 3956 cases from 56 centers who suffered from ischemic stroke within 6–12 months were finally included into this study. The average serum level of LDL‐C in all patients was 2.42 ± 0.91 mmol/L with a median of 2.30 mmol/L and the total LDL‐C goal achievement rate was 27.4% (95% CI: 26.0%‐28.8%). Lipid‐lowering therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.879–4.388) was the most significant predictor for LDL‐C target achievement and female (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.526–0.777), current smoking (OR = 0.714, 95% CI: 0.571–0.892), and the history of dyslipidemia (OR = 0.577, 95% CI: 0.497–0.668) were other three important negative factors for the LDL‐C goal achievement.

Conclusion

Although lipid modulation is recommended as an important intervention for stroke patients in the international guidelines, the goal achievement of LDL‐C is still very low in this population in mainland China. The modifiable predictors including the use of lipid‐lowering medication and smoking cessation should be improved in secondary prevention of stroke.
FDG‐based quantitative comparison of glucose metabolism in vitro, exemplified by a head‐to‐head comparison between a triple‐negative breast cancer cell line and a non‐malignant foetal cell line
Authors: Munthe Else , Riss Patrick J. , Saga Thor A. , Haraldsen Ira , Grad Iwona , Bogsrud Trond V. , Bach‐Gansmo Tore
Published: June 2016

Background

Glucose metabolism can be studied in vitro by a variety of means, also by fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). As an example of the potential use we have compared the high glucose consumption in cancer cells and in transformed non‐malignant foetal cells. The high glucose metabolism in cancer cells is not primarily for the production of energy, a large proportion is transformed to lactate only, producing two instead of potentially 32 ATP equivalents. The secreted lactate reduces the pH in the local microenvironment and gives malignant cells, more apt to thrive in hypoxic and acid environments, a competitive advantage.

Purpose

To demonstrate the use of FDG in head‐to‐head comparison of glucose uptake and lactate production in a highly malignant and a highly proliferative non‐malignant cell line.

Materials and methods

Cell cultures of a foetal kidney cell line and a triple negative breast cancer cell line were incubated with FDG for one hour, washed, harvested and the radioactivity content in the cells was measured in a well counter. The lactate concentration was measured in conditioned medium.

Results

The FDG uptake was consistently higher in the non‐malignant foetal cell line. The levels of lactate in the conditioned medium were similar.

Conclusion

Quantitative comparison of glucose metabolism by in vitro use of FDG is a practical, cheap and rapid method. Some foetal cells have higher glucose uptake and produce as much lactate as this highly malignant cell line. This is an argument against the high glucose consumption being related solely to malignancy.
Health, social and economic consequences of dementias: a comparative national cohort study
Authors: Frahm‐Falkenberg S. , Ibsen R. , Kjellberg J. , Jennum P.
Published: June 2016

Background and purpose

Dementia causes morbidity, disability and mortality, and as the population ages the societal burden will grow. The direct health costs and indirect costs of lost productivity and social welfare of dementia were estimated compared with matched controls in a national register based cohort study.

Methods

Using records from the Danish National Patient Registry (1997–2009) all patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or dementia not otherwise specified and their partners were identified and compared with randomly chosen controls matched for age, gender, geographical area and civil status. Direct health costs included primary and secondary sector contacts, medical procedures and medication. Indirect costs included the effect on labor supply. All cost data were extracted from national databases. The entire cohort was followed for the entire period – before and after diagnosis.

Results

In all, 78 715 patients were identified and compared with 312 813 matched controls. Patients' partners were also identified and matched with a control group. Patients had lower income and higher mortality and morbidity rates and greater use of medication. Social‐ and health‐related vulnerability was identified years prior to diagnosis. The average annual additional cost of direct healthcare costs and lost productivity in the years before diagnosis was 2082 euros per patient over and above that of matched controls, and 4544 euros per patient after the time of diagnosis.

Conclusions

Dementias cause significant morbidity and mortality, consequently generating significant socioeconomic costs.
Is it time for individualized testing in the electroencephalogram (EEG) laboratory?
Authors: Theitler J. , Dassa D. , Gelernter I. , Gandelman‐Marton R.
Published: June 2016

Background and purpose

The interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) has an important role in the classification and treatment of epilepsy. In busy EEG laboratories, valuable resources are used in order to comply with current recommendations regarding the length of EEG recordings. Our aim was to examine the time to first interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) in standard and sleep‐deprived EEGs.

Methods

Standard and sleep‐deprived EEG recordings with IEDs were retrospectively reviewed during a 2‐year period. Bedside EEGs and long‐term video‐EEGs were excluded. IED latency according to EEG type, age group and inpatient/outpatient status was analyzed with the Kaplan−Meier estimator.

Results

The study group included 684 patients, 372 (54%) males, aged 0.2–89 years. Standard (n = 316) and sleep‐deprived (n = 368) EEGs were performed in 245 inpatients and 439 outpatients. The EEG was requested in 96% of the inpatients following a seizure. Most IEDs were recorded whilst the patients were awake (43%) or drowsy (34%). Ninety percent of the IEDs were recorded within 18.5 min, earlier in standard (14.6 vs. 21.3 min) (P = 0.024) EEGs and in inpatients (14 vs. 21.3 min) (P = 0.002). IED latency was unaffected by age.

Conclusions

Electroencephalogram type and admission status may be used for individual determination of the duration of EEG recording. Reducing the duration of standard and sleep‐deprived EEGs may be considered especially in inpatients.
Reconciling food security and bioenergy: priorities for action
Authors: Kline Keith L. , Msangi Siwa , Dale Virginia H. , Woods Jeremy , Souza Glaucia M. , Osseweijer Patricia , Clancy Joy S. , Hilbert Jorge A. , Johnson Francis X. , McDonnell Patrick C. , Mugera Harriet K.
Published: June 2016

Understanding the complex interactions among food security, bioenergy sustainability, and resource management requires a focus on specific contextual problems and opportunities. The United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals place a high priority on food and energy security; bioenergy plays an important role in achieving both goals. Effective food security programs begin by clearly defining the problem and asking, ‘What can be done to assist people at high risk?’ Simplistic global analyses, headlines, and cartoons that blame biofuels for food insecurity may reflect good intentions but mislead the public and policymakers because they obscure the main drivers of local food insecurity and ignore opportunities for bioenergy to contribute to solutions. Applying sustainability guidelines to bioenergy will help achieve near‐ and long‐term goals to eradicate hunger. Priorities for achieving successful synergies between bioenergy and food security include the following: (1) clarifying communications with clear and consistent terms, (2) recognizing that food and bioenergy need not compete for land and, instead, should be integrated to improve resource management, (3) investing in technology, rural extension, and innovations to build capacity and infrastructure, (4) promoting stable prices that incentivize local production, (5) adopting flex crops that can provide food along with other products and services to society, and (6) engaging stakeholders to identify and assess specific opportunities for biofuels to improve food security. Systematic monitoring and analysis to support adaptive management and continual improvement are essential elements to build synergies and help society equitably meet growing demands for both food and energy.
Development of Two New Copper Isotope Standard Solutions and their Copper Isotopic Compositions
Authors: Yuan Honglin , Yuan Wengting , Bao Zhian , Chen Kaiyun , Huang Fang , Liu Shengao
Published: June 2016

In this study, two new laboratory reference solutions for testing Cu isotopic composition were established and investigated. Two commercially available pure copper products, copper plate and copper wire, were dissolved in 1000‐ml Teflon® bottles, to produce 200 μg ml−1 stock solutions (hereafter referred to as NWU‐Cu‐A and NWU‐Cu‐B), and cryogenically stored. The Cu isotopic compositions of the two samples were determined in three different laboratories using multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry, and the Cu isotopic compositions obtained from the standard‐sample bracketing method were consistent within the two standard deviation (2s) range. The Cu isotopic compositions of the NWU‐Cu‐A and NWU‐Cu‐B standard solutions were δ65Cu = +0.91 ± 0.03‰ (2s, n = 42) and δ65Cu = −0.05 ±0.03‰ (2s, n = 49), respectively, relative to the reference material NIST SRM 976.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Alumina‐Noble Metal Nanocomposite Flakes
Authors: Jastrzębska Agnieszka Maria , Karcz Joanna , Karwowska Ewa , Fiedorczuk Alicja , Olszyna Andrzej
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to describe the modification of the bioactivity of Al2O3‐noble metal (Me = Ag, Au, or Pd) composite nanoparticles by the addition of graphene oxide and the formation of a RGO/Al2O3‐Me nanocomposite system. The nanocomposite flakes and Al2O3‐Me composite nanoparticles were widely characterized. The antibacterial effect was observed only for Al2O3‐Ag composite nanoparticles and RGO/Al2O3‐Ag nanocomposite flakes, while, in the case of RGO/Al2O3‐Ag, a more evident antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was observed compared with Al2O3‐Ag. In the case of other noble metals (Au, Pd), a slight growth‐stimulating effect was revealed for particular bacterial strains.
Synthesis and Magnetic Characterization of SolGel‐Derived Submicrometer NaGd(WO4)2
Authors: Arulmozhi Durairajan , Ramana Eskilla Venkata , Valente Manuel Almeida , Deivasigamani Thangaraju , Sridharan Moorthy Babu
Published: June 2016

NaGd(WO4)2 (NGW) submicrometer powder was derived by solgel method, and its magnetic properties were investigated for magnetic texturing application. The analysis of X‐ray diffraction indicates the formation of tetragonal phase. Organic liberation with respect to temperature in the samples and carbon content in the prefired powder was analyzed using FTIR results. Raman spectra confirm the tetrahedral tungstate formation and corresponding vibrations. UV‐Vis Reflectance study revealed the corresponding absorption of NGW host and gadolinium ions. The morphology and approximate size of the synthesis powder was observed with SEM micrographs. The paramagnetic nature of NGW was confirmed with EPR, and VSM analysis at room temperature and paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase transition was observed around 5 K. Results indicate that NGW powders can be used for magnetic texturing to grow transparent ceramic.
Strong Electromechanical Response in Lead Zirconate Titanate Metamaterials
Authors: Zhou Wanfeng , Chu Baojin
Published: June 2016

As a class of technically important functional materials, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT)‐based materials have been widely used in different types of piezoelectric devices. These materials are also ferroelectrics, and the materials lose their piezoelectric properties above the Curie temperature, a drawback limiting applications of the materials at high temperatures. Designing piezoelectric metamaterials by exploiting the flexoelectricity of the PZT‐based materials is a possible solution to this issue. In this work, PZT‐based piezoelectric metamaterials can be designed by applying an asymmetric chemical reduction to PZT ceramics to produce a curvature. The reduced PZT ceramic wafers exhibit a high apparent piezoelectric response (>2900 pC/N), which can be sustained after a heat treatment at 550°C for 5 h, which is more than 250°C above their Curie temperature. A substantial piezoelectric response can also be directly measured well above the Curie temperature. The mechanism underlying this very high apparent piezoelectric response with high‐temperature stability is investigated. The experimental results suggest that the electromechanical response mainly originates from the flexoelectric effect when the reduction‐induced curvature is bent under stress. The formation of the curvature also causes strain gradient‐induced poling of the reduced materials, resulting in a weak piezoelectric response from partly oriented polarization, which partly contributes to the observed response.
Inclusion and Art Education: ‘Welcome to the Big Room, Everything's Alright’
Authors: Penketh Claire
Published: June 2016

This article offers an exploration of the art room as part of a broader project to consider the ways in which normative practices in art and design education can include and exclude students. The art classroom is explored here as a ‘disrupted space’ and one that can promote movement between the structures and boundaries that affect our ways of being in, and experiencing, the world. The art room offers a space for colonising otherness, as well as an ‘alternative’ or risky physical space, a refuge, or one with the potential to disrupt the dominant educational landscape.
Bias in ring‐recovery studies: causes of mortality of little owlsAthene noctuaand implications for population assessment
Authors: Naef‐Daenzer Beat , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi , Fiedler Wolfgang , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: June 2016

Recoveries of marked animals hold long‐term, large‐scale information on survival and causes of mortality, but are prone to bias towards dead recoveries and casualties in the range of presence of potential finders. Thus, accounting for circumstance‐related recovery probabilities is crucial in statistical approaches. For the little owl, a species of conservation concern in central Europe, raw ring recoveries suggested a strong human‐related impact on survival. We analysed the proportions of the main causes of death using a large sample of radio‐tracked birds as a reference. We compared ring recoveries in southern Germany collected 1950–2012 (n = 465 dead recoveries of 2007 recoveries of 30 623 ringed birds) with data from a radio‐tracking study in the same region 2009–2012 (n = 177 dead recoveries of 377 tagged individuals). Two assumptions of multi‐state ring recovery modelling were unrealistic. First, not all dispatched rings remained available to potential finders. Instead, 34% of tracked birds were displaced to sites where rings were irretrievable, resulting in biased estimates of recovery probability. Second, the proportions of irretrievable rings were disproportional, with 48% in predated birds and 5% in human‐induced mortality. Consequently, the sample of rings from which recoveries were drawn differed from the sample of dispatched rings. Accounting for these biases in a multi‐state model, we estimated the frequencies of main causes of mortality to 45% for predation, 20% for casualties due to traffic and at buildings and 34% for all other causes. In radio‐tracked birds, predation was even more dominant (76%). Integrating mark–recapture data and telemetry observations allowed detecting and quantifying so far unknown recovery bias and resulted in improved estimates of key population parameters. The demography of little owls likely depends mainly on predator–prey relationships rather than on human‐induced deaths.
Song rate as a signal of male aggressiveness during territorial contests in the wood warbler
Authors: Szymkowiak Jakub , Kuczyński Lechosław
Published: June 2016

Aggressive signaling is an important component in animal communication, as it provides an efficient mechanism for settling conflicts over resources between competitors. In songbirds, a number of singing behaviors have been proposed to be aggressive signals used in territory defense, including song rate. Although aggressive signaling in songbirds has received considerable research attention, adequate evidence for most putative aggressive signals is not available. In this study, we experimentally investigated whether the song rate of male wood warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix is a signal of their aggressive intent in male–male interactions. We found that males responded differentially to simulated territorial intrusions depending on the song rate of an intruder. Moreover, males that continued to sing during territorial contests increased their song rates, and this behavior predicted the strength of aggressive escalation by the signaler. These results suggest that song rate is an aggressive signal during male–male interactions in the wood warbler. We also found high intra‐individual repeatability in the strength of aggressive response to simulated intrusions, likely reflecting differences in personality (aggressiveness) or quality of male wood warblers. We conclude that changes in singing rate may be an efficient mechanism of signaling immediate shifts in motivation of signalers during territorial contests, especially in species that lack large repertoires or have simple songs.
Propofol exposure during late stages of pregnancy impairs learning and memory in rat offspring via the BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway
Authors: Zhong Liang , Luo Foquan , Zhao Weilu , Feng Yunlin , Wu Liuqin , Lin Jiamei , Liu Tianyin , Wang Shengqiang , You Xuexue , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2016

The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) (BDNF‐TrkB) signalling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating learning and memory. Synaptophysin provides the structural basis for synaptic plasticity and depends on BDNF processing and subsequent TrkB signalling. Our previous studies demonstrated that maternal exposure to propofol during late stages of pregnancy impaired learning and memory in rat offspring. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway is involved in propofol‐induced learning and memory impairments. Propofol was intravenously infused into pregnant rats for 4 hrs on gestational day 18 (E18). Thirty days after birth, learning and memory of offspring was assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. After the MWM test, BDNF and TrkB transcript and protein levels were measured in rat offspring hippocampus tissues using real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. The levels of phosphorylated‐TrkB (phospho‐TrkB) and synaptophysin were measured by western blot. It was discovered that maternal exposure to propofol on day E18 impaired spatial learning and memory of rat offspring, decreased mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB, and decreased the levels of both phospho‐TrkB and synaptophysin in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the TrkB agonist 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (7,8‐DHF) reversed all of the observed changes. Treatment with 7,8‐DHF had no significant effects on the offspring that were not exposed to propofol. The results herein indicate that maternal exposure to propofol during the late stages of pregnancy impairs spatial learning and memory of offspring by disturbing the BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway. The TrkB agonist 7,8‐DHF might be a potential therapy for learning and memory impairments induced by maternal propofol exposure.
High endogenous activated protein C levels attenuates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lin Cong , von der Thüsen Jan , Isermann Berend , Weiler Hartmut , van der Poll Tom , Borensztajn Keren , Spek Chris A.
Published: June 2016

Coagulation activation accompanied by reduced anticoagulant activity is a key characteristic of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Although the importance of coagulation activation in IPF is well studied, the potential relevance of endogenous anticoagulant activity in IPF progression remains elusive. We assess the importance of the endogenous anticoagulant protein C pathway on disease progression during bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Wild‐type mice and mice with high endogenous activated protein C APC levels (APChigh) were subjected to bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis was assesses by hydroxyproline and histochemical analysis. Macrophage recruitment was assessed immunohistochemically. In vitro, macrophage migration was analysed by transwell migration assays. Fourteen days after bleomycin instillation, APChigh mice developed pulmonary fibrosis to a similar degree as wild‐type mice. Interestingly, Aschcroft scores as well as lung hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in APChigh mice than in wild‐type mice on day 28. The reduction in fibrosis in APChigh mice was accompanied by reduced macrophage numbers in their lungs and subsequent in vitro experiments showed that APC inhibits thrombin‐dependent macrophage migration. Our data suggest that high endogenous APC levels inhibit the progression of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis and that APC modifies pulmonary fibrosis by limiting thrombin‐dependent macrophage recruitment.
Attention bias in the developmental unfolding of post‐traumatic stress symptoms in young children at risk
Authors: Briggs‐Gowan Margaret J. , Grasso Damion , Bar‐Haim Yair , Voss Joel , McCarthy Kimberly J. , Pine Daniel S. , Wakschlag Lauren S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Threat‐related attention bias relates to anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms in adults and adolescents, but few longitudinal studies examine such associations in young children. This study examines prospective relations among attention bias, trauma exposure, and anxiety and trauma symptoms in a sample previously reported to manifest cross‐sectional associations between attention bias and observed anxiety at preschool age.

Methods

Young children [mean (MN) = 5.0, ±0.7 years, n = 208] from a community‐based sample completed the dot‐probe task to assess their attention biases in response to angry faces. At baseline (T1) and at follow‐up approximately 9 months later (T2), anxiety and trauma exposure (i.e. violent and noninterpersonal events) and symptoms were assessed by maternal report.

Results

Neither attention bias nor baseline or recent trauma exposure predicted later anxiety. In contrast, attention bias toward threat and recent trauma exposure significantly predicted later trauma symptoms. There was evidence of symptom specificity such that attention bias toward threat significantly predicted hyperarousal and dissociation, but not avoidance or re‐experiencing symptoms. Finally, moderation analyses indicated that the relationship between attention bias and trauma symptoms may differ according to children's experiences of probable abuse.

Conclusions

Attention profiles and trauma exposure may increase the risk that young children will develop trauma symptoms. Individual differences in these attentional patterns and children's exposure history may impact outcomes among high‐risk children with potential implications for intervention.