bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring sex differences in attitudes towards the descriptive and substantive representation of women
Authors: Allen Peter , Cutts David
Published: October 2016

This article unpacks the rationales that might be behind individual-level support for the idea that there ought to be more women present in political institutions. We outline two distinct rationales: the substantive position that sees an increase in women’s descriptive representation as important in bringing about a subsequent improvement in women’s substantive representation, or the justice-plus position that sees an increase in the descriptive representation of women as important for reasons of justice or other symbolic benefits. We find that women are more likely than men to support an increase in descriptive representation and that women are more likely to hold both the view that an increase in descriptive representation was desirable and that such an increase would improve the representation of women’s political interests. Men are found to be more likely to support an increase in descriptive representation but not relate descriptive representation to substantive representation in any way: the justice-plus rationale.
Assessing empathy and managing emotions through interactions with an affective avatar
Authors: Johnson Esperanza , Hervás Ramón , Gutiérrez López de la Franca Carlos , Mondéjar Tania , Ochoa Sergio F , Favela Jesús
Published: October 2016

Assistive technologies can improve the quality of life of people diagnosed with different forms of social communication disorders. We report on the design and evaluation of an affective avatar aimed at engaging the user in a social interaction with the purpose of assisting in communication therapies. A human–avatar taxonomy is proposed to assist the design of affective avatars aimed at addressing social communication disorder. The avatar was evaluated with 30 subjects to assess how effectively it conveys the desired emotion and elicits empathy from the user. Results provide evidence that users become used to the avatar after a number of interactions, and they perceive the defined behavior as being logical. The users’ interactions with the avatar entail affective reactions, including the mimic emotions that users felt, and establish a preliminary ground truth about prototypic empathic interactions with avatars that is being used to train learning algorithms to support social communication disorder evaluation.
An eHealth information technology platform to help the treatment of mental disorders
Authors: Quesada-Arencibia Alexis , Pérez-Brito Enrique , García-Rodríguez Carmelo R , Pérez-Brito Ana
Published: October 2016

For this project, we have used new technologies to create a new channel of communication between doctors and patients in the treatment of mental disorders. We have created a web application using an adaptable design accessible from any mobile device, which allows doctors to adapt their patients’ therapy to real-time knowledge of their current condition. In turn, patients can express their mood state with respect to the component elements of their therapy.
Visualizing Play: A Case Study of a Camera Phone Game for Playful Re-imaginings of Place
Authors: Hjorth Larissa
Published: October 2016

This article explores the unofficial role of camera phone practices in visualizing everyday forms of play as part of emergent urban cartographies. I argue that camera phone practices—especially in an age of timestamping—are creating their own cartographies of place that overlay the visual with the ambient, social with the geographic, emotional with the electronic, in new ways. By focusing upon the playful qualities of camera phone practices, we can begin to understand places as sites for ambient meandering and co-presence. Having outlined the notion of performative cartography as part of what has been defined as “critical cartography,” I consider how camera phone practices can be understood through ambient, co-present play. I turn to a site-specific mobile game, keitai mizu (mobile water), made for a post-Tokyo tsunami and Fukushima disaster context (known as 3/11), to explore the ways in which cartography can be performed.
Gamma radiation shielding effectiveness of cellular woven fabrics
Authors: Özdemir Hakan , Camgöz Berkay
Published: October 2016

Lead-shielding products, such as lead aprons, are important materials for personal protection of physicians and patients from X-ray (gamma) radiation during medical operations. However, lead has environmental disadvantages such as high toxicity. The aim of this study was to manufacture an environmentally friendly and flexible textile-based radiation shielding material. In this work, 3/1 twill and some cellular woven fabrics were produced with conductive core yarns, and gamma radiation shielding effectiveness of these cellular woven fabrics were investigated and compared with that of the 3/1 twill woven fabric, which are commonly used as uniforms and were not studied previously in any other literature. The effects of weave on the structural characteristics of fabric such as the conductive weft yarn density, fabric thickness, and fullness were analyzed graphically and statistically. It is observed that with indenting and protruding, structure cellular woven fabrics performed better gamma radiation shielding performance than the 3/1 twill woven fabrics. The sample B1, woven with cellular weave 1, has the highest gamma radiation shielding effectiveness, thanks to the highest fabric thickness. In addition, the increase in the conductive core yarn density improved the gamma radiation shielding effectiveness of the woven fabrics.
Validation of a Screening Questionnaire for Chronic Leg Ulcers
Authors: Zarchi Kian , Theut Riis Peter , Graversgaard Christine , Miller Iben M. , Heidenheim Michael , Jemec Gregor B. E.
Published: October 2016

The use of a validated screening questionnaire to identify individuals with chronic leg ulcers allows large-scale population-based studies to be conducted that measure and monitor the prevalence of the disease. The aim of this study was to design and validate such a screening questionnaire to identify patients with chronic leg ulcers. A simple 3-item questionnaire was developed at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zealand, Denmark. In total, 90 patients attending the department’s outpatient clinic for dermatological diseases and chronic wounds were included in this study. All included participants completed the questionnaire and were subsequently examined by dermatologists. We found that the constructed 3-item questionnaire in this study had a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 93% and a positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 78% and 95%, respectively. Moreover, we found that the use of the 3-item questionnaire, as compared with a single question, in which the participants were asked whether they currently have a leg ulcer, resulted in significantly higher positive predictive value (+11.6%, P = .035) and specificity (+5.6%, P = .046) of the diagnostic test. Future studies are merited to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the questionnaire in other populations and settings.
Canadian Men’s Perspectives of Depression: Awareness and Intention to Seek Help
Authors: Ogrodniczuk John S. , Oliffe John L. , Black Nick
Published: October 2016

It is often presumed that men are generally unaware of depression being a serious health issue and are unlikely to seek professional help if they became depressed. To test this presumption, Canadian men’s ( N = 452) perspectives regarding awareness of depression and likelihood of seeking help for depression were solicited. While 78.7% of respondents recognized depression as a significant health issue for men, only 58.5% felt fairly or very well informed about depression. In terms of help-seeking intentions, 82.6% of respondents indicated that they probably or definitely would seek professional help if depressed. Contrary to popular depictions, the findings suggest that Canadian men are indeed aware of the seriousness of depression as a health issue, yet many are poorly informed about it. Furthermore, most men are well intentioned when it comes to seeking help if they became depressed. The findings imply that greater efforts are required to improve men’s understanding of depression (symptoms, triggers, approaches to care), which may help translate intentions to seek help into concrete action.
A Content Analysis of YouTube™ Videos Related to Prostate Cancer
Authors: Basch Corey H. , Menafro Anthony , Mongiovi Jennifer , Hillyer Grace Clarke , Basch Charles E.
Published: October 2016

In the United States, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men after skin cancer. There is a paucity of research devoted to the types of prostate cancer information available on social media outlets. YouTube™ is a widely used video sharing website, which is emerging as commonplace for information related to health. The purpose of this study was to describe the most widely viewed YouTube™ videos related to prostate cancer. The 100 videos were watched a total of 50,278,770 times. The majority of videos were uploaded by consumers (45.0%) and medical or government professionals (30%). The purpose of most videos (78.0%) was to provide information, followed by discussions of prostate cancer treatment (51%) and prostate-specific antigen testing and routine screening (26%). All videos uploaded by medical and government professionals and 93.8% of videos uploaded by news sources provided information compared with about two thirds of consumer and less than one half of commercial and advertisement videos ( p < .001). As society becomes increasingly technology-based, there is a need to help consumers acquire knowledge and skills to identify credible information to help inform their decisions.
A Pilot Study of the Lifestyle Questionnaire for Weight Management Shows Scores Significantly Associate With Weight Trajectory
Authors: Anderson Christopher D. , Hammond Ron
Published: October 2016

Context. An instrument is needed to facilitate a brief, but effective, counseling interaction between a patient and a provider. Such an instrument should raise patients’ awareness of their behavioral patterns and indicate their likelihood of weight loss statistically. Objective. To determine if the Lifestyle Questionnaire–Weight Management (LQ-WM) contains statistical properties that discriminate subjects’ weight trajectories. Design and Participants. A convenience sample of 269 college students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, were administered the LQ-WM and a weight history questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure. A Lifestyle Score was created by subtracting the amount of self-reported unhealthy behaviors from the amount of healthy behaviors in the previous week. Results. The Lifestyle Score was significantly different among subjects who reported recently losing, maintaining, or gaining weight recently ( P < .001) and in the previous year ( P < .05). The Lifestyle Score was also significantly different among individuals losing weigh rapidly, moderately, and slowly ( P < .05). Conclusions. This pilot study of the statistical properties of the LQ-WM supports that higher Lifestyle Scores associate with weight loss cross-sectionally. Future studies should examine its statistical properties longitudinally and with diverse samples to assess its suitability for clinical practice.
Changes in stroke incidence, outcome, and associated factors in Porto between 1998 and 2011
Authors: Correia Manuel , Magalhães Rui , Felgueiras Rui , Quintas Cláudia , Guimarães Laura , Silva Maria C
Published: October 2016

Objective

Year 2000 marked a turning point in stroke prevention and treatment in Portugal. In face of high incidence rates stroke awareness campaigns, close surveillance of vascular risk factors and implementation of hospital stroke units were advanced by the National Health Authorities. To understand the effect of such measures, we assessed changes in stroke incidence and short-term outcome using data from two community-based registers undertaken in Porto in 1998–2000 and 2009–2011.

Methods

We used standard diagnostic criteria and multiple overlapping sources of case-ascertainment for first-ever strokes. Short-term outcome was measured by the modified Rankin Scale; disabling stroke was defined whenever post-stroke mRS score>pre-stroke mRS and >1.

Results

Globally, 462 and 405 first-ever stroke cases were registered in 1998–2000 and 2009–2011, respectively. Stroke incidence decreased by 23%, from 261 to 203/100,000 after adjustment for the Portuguese population. Significant reduction was found in those aged <75 years (31%) and in women (32%). Incidence of disabling strokes was reduced by 29%. Fatal strokes decreased by 46%, while intracerebral hemorrhage decreased by 51%. Risk of disability from stroke decreased by 11% (RR = 0.89; 95%CI, 0.81–0.98) in 2009–2011, as found after adjusting for patient/stroke characteristics in a Poisson model. Moreover, when patients arrived hospital within 3 h from stroke onset, the risk of disabling stroke was 0.76 (95%CI, 0.67–0.87) in 2009–2011 vs. 1998–2000, compared to 1.03 (95%CI, 0.89–1.12) for late arrival.

Conclusion

Risk of stroke, mainly of hemorrhagic stroke, was substantially reduced over time. Timely action in acute phase was responsible for the decline in disability across periods.
Performance of short ECG recordings twice daily to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in stroke and transient ischemic attack patients
Authors: Poulsen Mai B , Binici Zeynep , Dominguez Helena , Soja Anne MB , Kruuse Christina , Hornnes Agnete H , Rasmussen Rune S , Overgaard Karsten
Published: October 2016

Aims

Prolonged cardiac monitoring after stroke is recommended though there is no consensus on optimal methods. Short-term ECG recordings with a “thumb-ECG” device have shown promising preliminary results regarding effectiveness and cost benefit. We aimed to examine the performance of thumb-ECG and five days’ Holter monitoring in a prospective trial. A secondary endpoint was the inter-observer agreement of the thumb-ECG.

Methods

Patients older than 65 years with no history of atrial fibrillation who suffered an acute stroke or transient ischemic attack of unknown origin were prospectively included. Patients were monitored for atrial fibrillation with five days’ Holter and concurrent 30 s thumb-ECG twice daily, the latter continuing for 30 days. Inter-observer agreement for the thumb-ECG was determined.

Results

One hundred patients were included and 95 patients were analyzed. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in 20 patients with the thumb-ECG recordings and 17 patients on the Holter monitoring. Only 10 were diagnosed with both methods. The difference between the detection rates of the two devices was not significant ( p = 0.63). The inter-observer agreement of the thumb-ECG had a kappa value of 0.65.

Conclusion

Thirty days’ thumb-ECG recordings twice daily for 30 s detect a high proportion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a stroke or transient ischemic attack cohort. The proportion was comparable to five days’ Holter monitoring but the agreement between the two methods was poor and the trial was not powered to detect a minor difference between the devices. The inter-observer agreement for the thumb-ECG was substantial. www.clinicalTrials.gov UI: NCT02261766
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an orally disintegrating tablet formulation of dexlansoprazole
Authors: Kukulka Michael , Nudurupati Sai , Perez Maria Claudia
Published: October 2016

Background:

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a novel orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulation of delayed-release dexlansoprazole 30 mg was evaluated versus the dexlansoprazole 30 mg capsule in this phase I, open-label, multiple-dose, randomized, two-period crossover study.

Methods:

Healthy adults received daily doses of 30 mg dexlansoprazole ODT or 30 mg dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsule for 5 days during two treatment periods, separated by a 7-day washout interval. Blood samples for dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations and intragastric pH measurements were collected through 24 hours postdose on days 1 and 5 of each period.

Results:

Bioequivalence between the 30 mg ODT and 30 mg capsule dosage forms was demonstrated by the primary endpoints of dexlansoprazole peak concentration ( Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) values contained within the prespecified 90% confidence interval (CI) range of 0.80–1.25. Additional primary endpoints of intragastric mean pH values and percentage of time with pH > 4 over the 24-hour postdose interval were equivalent for dexlansoprazole ODT and dexlansoprazole capsule. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 23% and 28% of participants receiving the ODT and capsule formulations, respectively. Headache was the most common adverse event in both treatment regimens (5.8% with ODT and 6.0% with capsule).

Conclusions:

Administration of dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODT or 30 mg capsule provided equivalent plasma exposure when either was administered as a single dose or as once daily doses for 5 days. Pharmacodynamic equivalence between the two formulations was demonstrated by similar intragastric pH parameters on both day 1 and day 5. No effect of day on dexlansoprazole pharmacokinetics was observed. Dexlansoprazole ODT and dexlansoprazole capsule were both well tolerated.
Anterior Shoulder Instability in the Military Athlete
Authors: Waterman Brian , Owens Brett D. , Tokish John M.
Published: October 2016

Context:

Given its young, predominately male demographics and intense physical demands, the US military remains an ideal cohort for the study of anterior shoulder instability.

Evidence Acquisition:

A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database was performed to identify all peer-reviewed publications from 1950 to 2016 from US military orthopaedic surgeons focusing on the management of anterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The incidence of anterior shoulder instability events in the military occurs at an order of magnitude greater than in civilian populations, with rates as high as 3% per year among high-risk groups. With more than 90% risk of a Bankart lesion and high risk for instability recurrence, the military has advocated for early intervention of first-time shoulder instability while documenting up to 76% relative risk reduction versus nonoperative treatment. Preoperative evaluation with advanced radiographic imaging should be used to evaluate for attritional bone loss or “off-track” engaging defects to guide comprehensive surgical management. With complex recurrent shoulder instability and/or cases of clinically significant osseous lesions, potential options such as remplissage, anterior open capsular procedures, or bone augmentation procedures may be preferentially considered.

Conclusion:

Careful risk stratification, clinical evaluation, and selective surgical management for at-risk military patients with anterior shoulder instability can optimize the recurrence risk and functional outcome in this population.
Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondral Talar Lesions
Authors: Saltzman Bryan M. , Lin Johnny , Lee Simon
Published: October 2016

Objective

To report on our institution’s early results from juvenile particulate cartilage allograft transplantation of the talus.

Design

Because of the relative rarity of the procedure at the talus, it was decided to provide a comprehensive understanding of the currently available evidence via a 2-part study with (1) a systematic review of the literature and (2) a retrospective single-center cohort study of the authors’ patients, their demographics, and their early outcomes.

Results

(1) Four studies were included with 33 ankles with a weighted mean follow-up of 14.3 months. Only 1 ankle (3.3%) was converted to a revision open osteochondral allograft with medial malleolar osteotomy at 16 months postoperative; 6 (18.2%) required nonrevision type reoperations at an average of 15 months postoperative. (2) Six patients with mean age 35.7 ± 14.4 years were evaluated from the authors’ institution at mean 13.04 ± 8.35 months’ follow-up. All reported subjective improvements in pain and motion, and functional improvements, although postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in 3 patients at time points between 3 months and 2 years postoperative demonstrate persistent subchondral edema and nonuniform chondral surface in the talus. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and there have been no reoperations.

Conclusion

Preliminary data suggest that treatment of large, traumatic or atraumatic, symptomatic osteochondral talar defects with particulated juvenile cartilage transplantation may improve patient subjective complaints of pain and function. Systematic review of the available literature highlights the need for future prospective, larger cohort studies of its use on the talus but suggests similar potential for the technology.
Compliance with evidence‐based multidisciplinary guidelines on perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Coelen Robert JS , Huiskens Joost , Olthof Pim B , Roos Eva , Wiggers Jimme K , Schoorlemmer Annuska , van Delden Otto M , Klümpen Heinz‐Josef , Rauws Erik AJ , van Gulik Thomas M
Published: October 2016

Background

Discrepancies are often noted between management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) in regional hospitals and the eventual treatment plan in specialized centers.

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate whether regional centers adhere to guideline recommendations following implementation in 2013.

Methods

Data were analyzed from all consecutive patients with suspected PHC referred to our academic center between June 2013 and December 2015. Frequency and quality of biliary drainage and imaging at referring centers were assessed as well as the impact of inadequate initial drainage.

Results

Biliary drainage was attempted at regional centers in 83 of 158 patients (52.5%), with a technical and therapeutic success rate of 79.5% and 50%, respectively, and a complication rate of 45.8%. The computed tomography protocol was not in accordance with guidelines in 52.8% of referrals. In 45 patients (54.2%) who underwent drainage in regional centers, additional drainage procedures were required after referral. Initial inadequate biliary drainage at a regional center was significantly associated with more procedures and a prolonged waiting time until surgery. A trend toward more drainage‐related complications was observed among patients with inadequate initial drainage (54.7% vs. 39.0%, p  = 0.061).

Conclusion

Despite available guidelines, suboptimal management of PHC persists in many regional centers and affects eventual treatment strategies.
Knowledge Translation Interventions to Improve the Timing of Dialysis Initiation
Authors: Chau Elaine M. T. , Manns Braden J. , Garg Amit X. , Sood Manish M. , Kim S. Joseph , Naimark David , Nesrallah Gihad E. , Soroka Steven D. , Beaulieu Monica , Dixon Stephanie , Alam Ahsan , Tangri Navdeep ,   on behalf of the Canadian Kidney Knowledge Translation and Generation Network (CANN-NET)
Published: October 2016

Background:

Early initiation of chronic dialysis (starting dialysis with higher vs lower kidney function) has risen rapidly in the past 2 decades in Canada and internationally, despite absence of established health benefits and higher costs. In 2014, a Canadian guideline on the timing of dialysis initiation, recommending an intent-to-defer approach, was published.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a knowledge translation intervention to promote the intent-to-defer approach in clinical practice.

Design:

This study is a multicenter, 2-arm parallel, cluster randomized trial.

Setting:

The study involves 55 advanced chronic kidney disease clinics across Canada.

Patients:

Patients older than 18 years who are managed by nephrologists for more than 3 months, and initiate dialysis in the follow-up period are included in the study.

Measurements:

Outcomes will be measured at the patient-level and enumerated within a cluster. Data on characteristics of each dialysis start will be determined by linkages with the Canadian Organ Replacement Register. Primary outcomes include the proportion of patients who start dialysis early with an estimated glomerular filtration rate greater than 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 and start dialysis in hospital as inpatients or in an emergency room setting. Secondary outcomes include the rate of change in early dialysis starts; rates of hospitalizations, deaths, and cost of predialysis care (wherever available); quarterly proportion of new starts; and acceptability of the knowledge translation materials.

Methods:

We randomized 55 multidisciplinary chronic disease clinics (clusters) in Canada to receive either an active knowledge translation intervention or no intervention for the uptake of the guideline on the timing of dialysis initiation. The active knowledge translation intervention consists of audit and feedback as well as patient- and provider-directed educational tools delivered at a comprehensive in-person medical detailing visit. Control clinics are only exposed to guideline release without active dissemination. We hypothesize that the clinics randomized to the intervention group will have a lower proportion of early dialysis starts.

Limitations:

Limitations include passive dissemination of the guideline through publication, and lead-time and survivor bias, which favors delayed dialysis initiation.

Conclusions:

If successful, this active knowledge translation intervention will reduce early dialysis starts, lead to health and economic benefits, and provide a successful framework for evaluating and disseminating future guidelines.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02183987
Primary bronchial carcinoma associated with bone marrow metastasis and paraneoplastic monoclonal gammopathy in a cat
Authors: Cervone Mario , Beurlet Stéphanie
Published: October 2016

Case summary

Herein we describe an unusual metastatic pattern and paraneoplastic manifestation of a bronchial carcinoma in a cat. An 8 year-old cat presented with a diminished appetite, dysphagia, weight loss, lethargy and coughing. Thoracic radiographs revealed a lung mass. Bronchial carcinoma was diagnosed on the basis of histology and was associated with a lymphoplasmocytic infiltration of the fibrovascular stroma. Biochemistry showed hyperproteinaemia. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a narrow spike in the gamma region. Bone marrow cytology revealed an infiltrate with numerous clustered epithelial cells. The cat was euthanased 2 months later because of anorexia and poor general condition.

Relevance and novel information

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical description of primary bronchial carcinoma associated with bone marrow metastases and paraneoplastic monoclonal gammopathy in a cat.
The pre-synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin is a novel biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Öhrfelt Annika , Brinkmalm Ann , Dumurgier Julien , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Hansson Oskar , Zetterberg Henrik , Bouaziz-Amar Elodie , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire , Blennow Kaj
Published: October 2016

Background

Synaptic degeneration is a central pathogenic event in Alzheimer’s disease that occurs early during the course of disease and correlates with cognitive symptoms. The pre-synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin-1 appears to be essential for the maintenance of an intact synaptic transmission and cognitive function. Synaptotagmin-1 in cerebrospinal fluid is a candidate Alzheimer biomarker for synaptic dysfunction that also may correlate with cognitive decline.

Methods

In this study, a novel mass spectrometry-based assay for measurement of cerebrospinal fluid synaptotagmin-1 was developed, and was evaluated in two independent sample sets of patients and controls. Sample set I included cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (N = 17, age 52–86 years), patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (N = 5, age 62–88 years), and controls (N = 17, age 41–82 years). Sample set II included cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (N = 24, age 52–84 years), patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (N = 18, age 58–83 years), and controls (N = 36, age 43–80 years).

Results

The reproducibility of the novel method showed coefficients of variation of the measured synaptotagmin-1 peptide 215–223 (VPYSELGGK) and peptide 238–245 (HDIIGEFK) of 14 % or below. In both investigated sample sets, the CSF levels of synaptotagmin-1 were significantly increased in patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (P ≤ 0.0001) and in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (P < 0.001). In addition, in sample set I the synaptotagmin-1 level was significantly higher in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease compared with patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Cerebrospinal fluid synaptotagmin-1 is a promising biomarker to monitor synaptic dysfunction and degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease that may be useful for clinical diagnosis, to monitor effect on synaptic integrity by novel drug candidates, and to explore pathophysiology directly in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
The whole genome sequences and experimentally phased haplotypes of over 100 personal genomes
Authors: Mao Qing , Ciotlos Serban , Zhang Rebecca Yu , Ball Madeleine P , Chin Robert , Carnevali Paolo , Barua Nina , Nguyen Staci , Agarwal Misha R , Clegg Tom , Connelly Abram , Vandewege Ward , Zaranek Alexander Wait , Estep Preston W , Church George M , Drmanac Radoje , Peters Brock A
Published: October 2016

Background

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, it is estimated that more than 200,000 individual whole human genomes have been sequenced. A stunning accomplishment in such a short period of time. However, most of these were sequenced without experimental haplotype data and are therefore missing an important aspect of genome biology. In addition, much of the genomic data is not available to the public and lacks phenotypic information.

Findings

As part of the Personal Genome Project, blood samples from 184 participants were collected and processed using Complete Genomics' Long Fragment Read technology. Here, we present the experimental whole genome haplotyping and sequencing of these samples to an average read coverage depth of 100X. This is approximately three-fold higher than the read coverage applied to most whole human genome assemblies and ensures the highest quality results. Currently, 114 genomes from this dataset are freely available in the GigaDB repository and are associated with rich phenotypic data; the remaining 70 should be added in the near future as they are approved through the PGP data release process. For reproducibility analyses, 20 genomes were sequenced at least twice using independent LFR barcoded libraries. Seven genomes were also sequenced using Complete Genomics' standard non-barcoded library process. In addition, we report 2.6 million high-quality, rare variants not previously identified in the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms database or the 1000 Genomes Project Phase 3 data.

Conclusions

These genomes represent a unique source of haplotype and phenotype data for the scientific community and should help to expand our understanding of human genome evolution and function.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s engagement with emerging partners: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Elmorsy Samah S. A.
Published: October 2016

The aim of the paper is to analyze the economic impact of Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) engagement with emerging partners (China, India and Brazil BICs) and to determine the opportunities and challenges of the increasingly engaging with the new partners. In order to achieve the aim of the paper it estimated the most effective variables that determine the trade intensity between SSA and Chinausing Gravity model approach. The paper concluded that the most important variables that have the major effect on the value of exports of Sub-Saharan Africa to Chinawere rate of mobile telephone in China (infrastructure variable) and China FDI to Sub-Saharan Africa because much of China’s outward direct investment (ODI) in SSA is closely linked to trade. Africa’s exports to the BICs are dominated by fuels and primary commodities (mainly to China and India); the BIC’s exports to African countries are dominated by manufactured goods. Chinese FDI can be categorized as resource-efficiency—and market-seeking investments.
Editorial: Uteroplacental mingling: who’s kissing uNK?
Authors: Morgan Terry K , Beristain Alexander G
Published: October 2016

Discussion on invading placental cells and their interaction with uNK cells to stimulate spiral artery remodeling.
President's Page
Authors: Sacchi Mauricio D
Published: October 2016

It has been a challenge for the team of editors and publications-office staff to keep up with the large number of paper submissions to SEG's flagship journal, GEOPHYSICS. Peer review is at the heart of scientific publishing, and high-quality refereeing is essential in assuring the excellence of our journal. GEOPHYSICS relies mainly on a large number of volunteers who take the review process of all technical submissions seriously. We ultimately depend on volunteer editors and referees to maintain the quality of our publication.
Medical comorbidity and projected survival in patients admitted to a specialist addictions in-patient unit
Authors: Mogford Daniel V. , Lawrence Rebecca J.
Published: October 2016

Aims and method

To investigate the burden of medical comorbidity in a population receiving in-patient treatment for drug and alcohol problems. All patients admitted over a 6-month period were included in the data-set. We recorded diagnostic information on admission that allowed the calculation of predicted 10-year survival using a previously validated comorbidity index.

Results

Despite the majority of the sample having a predicted 10-year survival chance of greater than 75%, a sizeable minority (16.7%) are carrying a high burden of medical comorbidity, with a predicted 10-year survival chance of less than 50%. More than half (55.2%) of these patients were under the age of 55. Chronic respiratory disease was the most frequent diagnosis.

Clinical implications

In-patient substance misuse units serve a complicated group of patients, whose needs are met by active medical input, resident medical cover and effective liaison with general hospitals. This is important when planning and commissioning treatment services. The high burden of respiratory disease suggests the utility of robust smoking cessation interventions among this population.
“For So Long the Memories of Men Cannot Contradict It”: Nahua Patrimonial Restorationism and the Law in Early New Spain
Authors: Villella Peter B.
Published: October 2016

This article builds on recent scholarship emphasizing native contributions to Spanish American legal and political cultures to consider how Nahua leaders in early colonial Mexico influenced the construction of imperial policy vis-à-vis indigenous patrimonial lands. By examining a series of cases brought before colonial authorities in Mexico City in the 1530s, it details the efforts of certain highborn Nahuas who resisted efforts by Spanish conquerors to expand their access to Indian wealth. When challenged before colonial tribunals, they defended their actions by emphasizing the overriding importance of custom, ancestry, and kinship in determining land and resource rights. Whether successful or not, such arguments had broader consequences, as they compelled colonial authorities to explicitly weigh and adjudicate disputes shaped to a substantial degree by pre-Hispanic history, by events occurring decades and generations prior to the Spanish conquest. Thus Nahua patrimonial restorationism helped induce precedents that explicitly afforded legal weight to local custom and ancestry at a critical early stage when imperial law with regard to Indian lands remained inchoate and shifting. Not only did it facilitate royal efforts to constrain conqueror claims to native wealth, it also contributed to the eventual recognition of native patrimonial lands in Spanish imperial law.
Regulatory effects of electronic beam irradiation on mir-21/smad7-mediated collagen I synthesis in keloid-derived fibroblasts
Authors: Li Shifeng , Liu Wei , Lei Ying , Long Jianhong
Published: October 2016

Keloid scarring is an abnormal pathological scar characterized by excessive fibro proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Electronic beam irradiation is commonly used with surgical removal to control high recurrence rates of keloid scarring; however, the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we used keloid-derived primary fibroblasts (KF) as the cell model, and a dose of 15 Gy energy, followed by quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting and gene overexpression/knock down techniques were used to reveal the molecular mechanisms affected by electronic beam irradiation. We found that mir-21 was highly expressed in KF and was downregulated by irradiation. We also showed that smad7 was a direct target of mir-21. Moreover, the expression level of smad7 was low in KF and upregulated by irradiation. We also found that smad7 controls Col-1 synthesis by mediating p38 phosphorylation, and this process was affected by electronic beam irradiation. The regulatory effect of electronic beam irradiation on the expression of mir-21, smad7, p38, p-p38 and Col-1 could be partly restored by mir-21 overexpression achieved by mir-21 mimic transfection. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that mir-21/smad7 regulated Col-1 expression in KF and that electronic beam irradiation was capable of decreasing Col-1 production by modifying mir-21/smad7-mediated p38 activation. This is the first report identifying the effects of electronic beam irradiation on miRNAs, providing a novel strategy to discover the molecular mechanisms of radiotherapy.
Mursamacin: a novel class of antibiotics from soil-dwelling roundworms of Central Kenya that inhibits methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Awori Ryan Musumba , Ng'ang'a Peter Njenga , Nyongesa Lorine Nanjala , Amugune Nelson Onzere
Published: October 2016

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also called “superbugs”, can at worst retrogress modern medicine to an era where even sore throats resulted in death. A solution is the development of novel types of antibiotics from untapped natural sources. Yet, no new class of antibiotic has been developed in clinical medicine in the last 30 years. Here, bacteria from insect-killingSteinernemaroundworms in the soils of Central Kenya were isolated and subjected to specific molecular identification. These were then assayed for production of antibiotic compounds with potential to treat methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusinfections. The bacteria were identified asXenorhabdus griffiniaeand produced cell free supernatants that inhibitedS. aureus. Fermenting the bacteria for 4 days yielded a heat stable anti-staphylococcal class of compounds that at low concentrations also inhibited methicillin-resistantS. aureus. This class contained two major compounds whose identity remains unknown. ThusX. griffinaeisolated fromSteinernemaroundworms in Kenya have antimicrobial potential and may herald novel and newly sourced potential medicines for treatment of the world’s most prevalent antibiotic resistant bacteria.
The evaluation of economic development index of Poland and Lithuania in the context of the European Union
Authors: Ciburiene Jadvyga Ciburiene
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this research is to characterize and evaluate the results of economic development of Poland and Lithuania. In order to analyze the changes of economic development, the index of economic development as share of sustainable development is used. Empirical analysis for the years 2005–2012 is conducted. As a result of the research – the country’s main macroeconomic development indicators are unified in order to create a development index.
Specifics of cluster policy in Russia
Authors: Zemtsov Stepan P. , Pavlov Pavel N. , Sorokina Alla V.
Published: October 2016

The article presents the results of management quality survey in Russian clusters that reveals specifics of cluster support policy in Russia. We compare 22 Russian clusters, supported by the Government, using series of indicators measuring cooperation intensity of cluster participants and activity of cluster management teams. We introduce a description of the typical Russian innovative territorial cluster, based on the average values of the indicators. Our analysis revealed that international communications, information about funding and training courses are highly useful tools to improve collaborations among cluster participants. This paper proposes a methodology for measuring cluster performance by the cluster scale index, cluster development index and cluster management efficiency index. In conclusion, we formulate recommendations for cluster policy improvement in Russia, based on our analysis of indicators’ correlations and comparison between the results of our research and the similar researches in other countries. This analysis will be useful for researchers and policymakers from countries, where cluster policy has recently become a popular topic.
A paradox of reforming pensions in Poland
Authors: Ząbkowicz Anna
Published: October 2016

Recent years see intense reforming of funded pensions sub-system in Poland. Actually, what are the policy objectives at which change in design introduced in 2013 (mandatory funding) and projected in 2014 (voluntary funding) is oriented? The article briefly reports what contemporary re-designing of the pension system at different stages was about, and reconstructs the objectives of reforming at each stage. It finds that interlocking streams of change aimed at two goals in fact which are i) relief to public finance ii) expanding pension funding by financial intermediaries. It argues that the two are in contradiction to each other, and this makes a paradox of pension reforming. The review of 2013- and 2014- design, unexpectedly enough, results in conclusion that at present reforming is focused on pension funding revitalization, which may cause a recurring distress to public finance. Thus, the article identifies one of dilemmas of institutional-order development in Poland, which can be probably also experienced in other countries where pension funding has been introduced.
Unemployment: Walras’s voluntary and Keynes’s involuntary
Authors: Davar Ezra Davar
Published: October 2016

This paper shows that Keynes’s involuntary unemployment derives from Walras’s voluntary unemployment by means of changing the characteristic of the aggregate supply curve (function) of labour. On the one hand, when the original aggregate supply function is a strong-ly increasing function, as in Walras’s approach, there might only be voluntary unemployment, and its magnitude is the difference between the available quantity of labour and the equilibrium point. On the other hand, if the supply curve of labour is a weakly increasing one, which means that the supply function may have a horizontal segment, then there might be involuntary unemployment if the equilibrium point is located be-tween boundary points of the horizontal segment, and the magnitude of involun-tary unemployment is the difference between the right boundary point of the hori-zontal segment and an equilibrium point. According to Walras’s approach, “forced unemployment” might also might be considered, which is the result of the intervention of external forces (government, monopoly, trade unions, and so on) into the market, and is therefore a disequilibrium phenomenon.
Proactiveness, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy: a comparative study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Rahman Ashiqur Rahman , Civelek Mehmet Civelek , Kozubikova Ludmila Kozubikova
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this comparative study is to explore the differences in the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) between micro versus small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We have selected three dimensions of EO (proactiveness, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy) for our analysis. We have analyzed the data collected from 1141 respondents during the period of 2015 from 14 regions of the Czech Republic, which consists of 740 micro firms and 401 small and medium firms. Empirical results of our paper show significant differences between micro versus small and medium enterprises in terms of proactiveness and autonomy. However, we can only partially confirm that micro firms are statistically different from the SMEs in terms of competitive aggressiveness.  Thus, our paper enables  better understanding of the EO from the firm size perspective, when they have different levels of resources.
The money in the system
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: October 2016

We are well used to the nature of policy making in the early years, how initiatives appear, then disappear, and then reappear at will, but one constant underpins everything else and that is the problem of funding.
Unlocking potential using storytelling and acting
Authors: Mendoza Bonnie , Clark William
Published: October 2016

Bonnie Mendoza and William Clark from Chisenhale Primary School, Tower Hamlets, London, discuss the benefits of storytelling in the classroom and how their pupils have thrived through creativity.
The bottle tree bonanza and a man called Doug
Authors: Barwise Ruth
Published: October 2016

Where does your planning come from, where does it start and where does it end. If you keep an open mind you can find inspiration in unlikely places; the imagination of your children will decide where it leads.
Goodwill is not a development path
Authors: Lawson Deborah
Published: October 2016

A recruitment and retention crisis in the early years that could reach epic proportions is currently within sight unless the government can come up with a robust and practical workforce strategy.
Meaningful accountability
Authors: Dubiel Jan
Published: October 2016

We are used to having policy thrust on us in the early years, and we adjust time and again, but the push for Baseline Assessment and then its withdrawal have served to reignite a long-standing debate.
Evaluation of Water Absorption Effects on the Mechanical Properties and Sound Propagation Behavior of Polyester Matrix- Sponge Gourd Reinforced Composite
Authors: Feiferis A. R. , D’Almeida J. R. M.
Published: October 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the variation of the mechanical properties of a polyester matrix composite reinforced by sponge gourd fibers as a function of immersion time in water. The characterization of the composite was performed using bending mechanical test and a sonic test. The Young's modulus and the sound propagation characteristics of the composite were evaluated as a function of immersion time. The water diffusion coefficient was also determined. The results indicate that the percentage of water absorbed increases rapidly, but stabilizes at around 2 weeks after the start of the absorption process. The variation of elastic modulus and damping factor showed a direct correlation with water content in the composite, and both properties remained constant when the absorbed water content stabilized. These results were interpreted as an indication that the composites suffered only physical aging due to water absorption, at the immersion times used in this work. The mechanical properties evaluated by the bending test decreased after absorption of water, but the obtained variations were small. The results obtained indicate that the absorbed water acts as a plasticizer in this composite, but does not cause chemical aging.