bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalizability of Indicators from the New York City Macroscope Electronic Health
Record Surveillance System to Systems Based on Other EHR Platforms
Authors: McVeigh Katharine H. , Lurie-Moroni Elizabeth , Chan Pui Ying , Newton-Dame Remle , Schreibstein Lauren , Tatem Kathleen S. , Romo Matthew L. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Perlman Sharon E.
Published: December 2017

Introduction: The New York City (NYC) Macroscope is an electronic health record
(EHR) surveillance system based on a distributed network of primary care records from
the Hub Population Health System. In a previous 3-part series published in eGEMS, we
reported the validity of health indicators from the NYC Macroscope; however, questions
remained regarding their generalizability to other EHR surveillance systems.Methods: We
abstracted primary care chart data from more than 20 EHR software systems for 142
participants of the 2013-14 NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who did not
contribute data to the NYC Macroscope. We then computed the sensitivity and specificity
for indicators, comparing data abstracted from EHRs with survey data.Results: Obesity
and diabetes indicators had moderate to high sensitivity (0.81-0.96) and high
specificity (0.94-0.98). Smoking status and hypertension indicators had moderate
sensitivity (0.78-0.90) and moderate to high specificity (0.88-0.98); sensitivity
improved when the sample was restricted to records from providers who attested to Stage
1 Meaningful Use. Hyperlipidemia indicators had moderate sensitivity (≥0.72) and low
specificity (≤0.59), with minimal changes when restricting to Stage 1 Meaningful
Use.Discussion: Indicators for obesity and diabetes used in the NYC Macroscope can be
adapted to other EHR surveillance systems with minimal validation. However, additional
validation of smoking status and hypertension indicators is recommended and further
development of hyperlipidemia indicators is needed.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that
many of the EHR-based surveillance indicators developed and validated for the NYC
Macroscope are generalizable for use in other EHR surveillance systems.
Analytical Methods for a Learning Health System: 2. Design of Observational
Studies
Authors: Stoto Michael , Oakes Michael , Stuart Elizabeth , Priest Elisa L. , Savitz Lucy
Published: December 2017

The second paper in a series on how learning health systems can use routinely
collected electronic health data (EHD) to advance knowledge and support continuous
learning, this review summarizes study design approaches, including choosing appropriate
data sources, and methods for design and analysis of natural and quasi-experiments.The
primary strength of study design approaches described in this section is that they study
the impact of a deliberate intervention in real-world settings, which is critical for
external validity. These evaluation designs address estimating the counterfactual – what
would have happened if the intervention had not been implemented. At the individual
level, epidemiologic designs focus on identifying situations in which bias is minimized.
Natural and quasi-experiments focus on situations where the change in assignment breaks
the usual links that could lead to confounding, reverse causation, and so forth. And
because these observational studies typically use data gathered for patient management
or administrative purposes, the possibility of observation bias is minimized. The
disadvantages are that one cannot necessarily attribute the effect to the intervention
(as opposed to other things that might have changed), and the results do not indicate
what about the intervention made a difference.Because they cannot rely on randomization
to establish causality, program evaluation methods demand a more careful consideration
of the “theory” of the intervention and how it is expected to play out. A logic model
describing this theory can help to design appropriate comparisons, account for all
influential variables in a model, and help to ensure that evaluation studies focus on
the critical intermediate and long-term outcomes as well as possible
confounders.
Multivariate Statistical Quality Control Based on Ranked Set Sampling
Authors: Eygü Hakan , Özçomak M. Suphi
Published: December 2017

The sample of the study was formed using simple random sampling, ranked set sampling, extreme ranked set sampling and median ranked set sampling. At the end of this process, the researcher created Hotelling’s T2 control charts, a multivariate statistical process control method. The performances of SRS, RSS, ERSS and MRSS sampling methods were compared to one another using these control charts. A simulation was performed to see the average run-length values for Hotelling’s T2 control charts, and these findings were also used for the comparison of the sampling performances.At the end of the study, the researcher formed a sample using median ranked set sampling and created the Hotelling’s T2 control chart. As a result of this operation, the researcher found that there was an out-of-control signal in the process, while there was no such signal in other sampling methods. When the average run-length values obtained from Hotelling’s T2 control charts were compared, it was seen that a shift in the process was detected by the ranked set sampling earlier, when compared to other sampling methods. This paper it can be said that the methods used are unique to the literature because they are applied to multivariate data.
Statistical Distribution of Roots of a Polynomial Modulo Primes III
Authors: Kitaoka Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2017

Let $f(x)=x^n+a_{n-1}x^{n-1}+\dots+a_0$ $(a_{n-1},\dots,a_0\in\mathbb Z)$ be a polynomial with complex roots $\alpha_1,\dots,\alpha_n$ and suppose that a linear relation over $\mathbb Q$ among $1,\alpha_1,\dots,\alpha_n$ is a  multiple of $\sum_i\alpha_i+a_{n-1}=0$ only. For a prime number $p$ such that $f(x)\bmod p$ has $n$ distinct integer  roots $0<r_1<\dots<r_n<p$, we proposed in a previous paper a conjecture that the sequence of points $(r_1/p,\dots,r_n/p)$ is equi-distributed in some sense. In this paper, we show that it implies the equi-distribution of the sequence of $r_1/p,\dots,r_n/p$ in the ordinary sense and give the expected density of primes satisfying $r_i/p<a$ for a fixed suffix $i$ and $0<a<1$.
The effects of a 12-week fitness training programme on changes in body composition and level of carbohydrate metabolism in middle-aged women
Authors: Piotrowska Anna , Tota Łukasz , Pałka Tomasz , Totko-Borkusiewicz Natalia , Wyrostek Joanna , Pilch Wanda
Published: December 2017

Introduction. For metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, prophylaxis is the primary factor modulating the manifestation time of a full-blown disease. Regular physical activity has positive effects on physical fitness, it maintains or increases lean body mass, reduces body fat, and is extremely important: it regulates metabolic processes.
Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in somatic and glycemic indices of middle-aged women with subclinical
glycemia after 12 weeks of health training in the form of aerobic exercises.
Material and methods. 15 women (42.7±4.2 years) with documented fasting-state episodes of hyperglycemia and low
physical activity were included in the study. The health training programme (aerobics Hi/Low) lasted 12 weeks, and the classes
took place three times a week for 45 minutes. Participants were equipped with cardiac monitors and maintained an individually
determined heart rate range (±4 BPM). During the fi rst 6 weeks, they exercised at the level of 70.0±1.8%, for the next 6 weeks,
80±2.9% HRmax. The day before and the day after the end of the training programme, body composition was measured and
blood was collected for biochemical analysis. The results of glucose and insulin level tests were used to calculate HOMA%B (beta cell activity), HOMA%S (insulin sensitivity) and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance).
Results and conclusion. Post-exercise changes included improvement in somatic indices: body mass decreased signifi cantly from 65.0±3.7 kg to 62.6±3.9 kg, and lean body mass increased from 45.0±1.1 kg to 46.7±1.9 kg. There was a signifi cant decrease in fat mass: from 20.0±2.7 kg to 15.9±3.3 kg. Each subject improved her BMI on average by one unit. In the area
of changes in Indicators of glycemic control, there was signifi cant improvement in the level of fasting glucose and the HOMA-IR indicator (by an average of 0.41±0.10) and insulin level. HOMA%B and HOMA%S levels showed no signifi cant improvement. In terms of structure, duration and intensity, the proposed training programme can be an effective form of prevention of glycemic disorders for women in their fifties.
Rekonstrukce a vizualizace podoby obličeje muže ze slavkovské šibenice
Authors: Pěnička Robin
Published: December 2017

V roce 2016 proběhl archeologický výzkum slavkovské šibenice na rozhraní katastrů Křenovic a Slavkova u Brna. V průběhu výzkumu byly odhaleny základy šibenice a větší množství lidských kosterních pozůstatků. Pro účely prezentace výsledku byla provedena rekonstrukce podoby obličeje jednoho z popravených delikventů. Zvolena byla nejlépe zachovalá lebka patřící dospělému muži ve věku mezi 20 a 30 lety. Vlastní rekonstrukce a vizualizace podoby obličeje byla provedena grafickou metodou ve spolupráci antropologa a kreslíře.
Lucrècia Borja en la premsa espanyola de 1835 a 1875
Authors: Gomar Marc
Published: December 2017

Resum: Entre 1835 i 1875 no hi ha mes on el drama o l’òpera Lucrècia Borja no estiga en cartell en alguna part d’Espanya. El periode analitzat comprén des de la seua estrena a la península fins a l’aparició de «Lucrecia Borgia, rehabilitada», un extens article sobre la biografia de Gregorovius en el primer número de la Revista contemporánea. Cal tenir en compte que, a la premsa de l’època és habitual retallar, copiar i enganxar amb el consegüent efecte multiplicador. Lucrècia Borja saltarà aviat de les crítiques teatrals i musicals a la secció de successos o a la crònica política, un mostra de la extraordinària popularitat aconseguida, això sí, des de la infàmia, com ocorrerà amb altres figures femenines poderoses que també són objecte de la ficció del XIX.   Paraules clau: Lucrècia Borja, Huit-cents, premsa, dones poderoses, drama   Abstract: In the period of time between 1835 and 1875, the opera (or play) Lucrezia Borgia was always running somewhere in Spain. In this research it has been considered the period of time between its first release in the Iberian Peninsula and the publication of «Lucrecia Borgia, rehabilitada». This text is a very long essay about Lucrecia’s biography, written by Gregorovius, which was published in the first issue of Revista contemporánea. It needs to be considered that it was usual for journalists in that period of time to reduce, copy and paste texts, which has a multiplier effect. Lucrezia Borgia play reached an extraordinary popularity, and so it began to appear in affairs and politics columns, as well as in theatre and musical reviews columns. The same happened in the nineteenth century to other fictional characters of powerful women. Keywords: Lucrezia Borja, 19th century, newspaper, powerful women, play
‘El Oeste en el Este’: hacia una historia de la Història de Jacob Xalabín
Authors: Kotsalás Lambros
Published: December 2017

Resumen: Se trata de una anónima bajomedieval novela catalana de aventuras de trama por lo general oriental. En el subsuelo de dicha obra corre —como queda demonstrado a base de mi investigación del material fuente— la dramática historia de los últimos años de vida del llamado ‘condado’ de La Sola o Sálona catalano-bizantina en la región de Fócida o Fócide de Grecia central ante la invasión otomana (1394).   Palabras clave: Història de Jacob Xalabín, mentalidades catalanes y aragonesas bajomedievales, Romania y La Sálona   Abstract: An adventure romance of a mostly oriental setting written in Catalan by an anonymous author of the Late Middle Ages. As it is clear from my research carried out on the primary sources, under the surface of the literary work in question unfolds the drama of the very last years of the so-called ‘county’ of Catalan-Byzantine Sola, that is, Salona, in the central Greece region of Phocis before the ottoman invasion (1394) Keywords: Història de Jacob Xalabín, late medieval Catalan and Aragonese mentalities, Romania and Salona
Quantitative trait loci associated with soft wheat quality in a cross of good by moderate quality parents
Authors: Garcia-Santamaria Gioconda , Hua Duc , Sneller Clay
Published: December 2017

Information on the genetic control of the quality traits of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) is essential for breeding. Gluten strength is a measure of quality and has particular relevance to soft wheat as identity-preserved programs for strong-gluten soft red winter wheat in the eastern US that is essential to effective biscuit industry. Identifying areas of the soft wheat genome harboring genes for functional end-use quality may assist in selective breeding and in understanding the genetic components of this trait. Our objective was to identify Quantitative Trait Loci associated with end-use quality.

We developed 150 F4-derived lines from a cross of Pioneer 26R46 × SS550 and tested them in four environments. We measured flour yield (FY), softness equivalent (SE), test weight (TW), flour protein content (FP), alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC), and solvent retention capacity (SRC) of water (WA), lactic acid (LA), sucrose (SU), sodium carbonate (SO) SRCs. Analyses of variance for the ten quality parameters detected a significant difference between parental means for nine traits except for FP. Recombinant inbred lines presented transgressive segregation and high heritability (0.67 to 0.90) for all traits. Strong positive correlations between AWRC with WA, SO, SU and strong negative correlations of FY with AWRC and the SRC traits were observed. We report 28 marker-trait associations. Many QTL were coincident and in accordance with the trait correlations. There were 10 marker-trait associations from four regions for these traits and only one was not coincident with another.

We detected QTL distributed on 8 chromosomes. Loci associated with FP mapped on chromosomes 2B, 5A and 5D explained 16 %, 10 % and 12.9 % of the variation for this trait, respectively. QTLs on chromosome 2B co-segregated for SE. SE was negatively correlated (-0.26) with FP. A positive significant correlation between FP and LA (0.36) was detected, yet; the QTL for these two traits were not coincident in this study. The QTL with the greatest effects were located on chromosome 1A, 1B, and 6B with each affecting at least five of ten quality traits. In particular, QTL with the largest effect on LA and consequently gluten strength were on chromosomes 1A with LOD 9 that explained 42.6 % of LA variation and QTLs on chromosome 1B with LOD 9 that explained 33 % of the variation in LA. Loci on chromosomes 1A and 1B were also important contributors of additive effects for this trait with an increase of 6.5 % and 5.6 %, respectively. The largest QTL on 1A co-segregated for AWRC (25 %), SO (26 %) and SE (25 %), and FY (15 %) may explicate why Pioneer 26R46 has such superior quality. All alleles that increased a trait came from the parent with the highest trait value. This suggests that in any population that marker-assisted selection for these quality traits could be conducted by simply selecting for the alleles from the parent with the best phenotype.
Methodological approach for the estimation of recoverable LNAPL volumes in aquifer and for the analysis of residual phase behaviour in laboratory
Authors: Frollini Eleonora
Published: December 2017

Free and residual phases are the most abundant phases of LNAPL (light non aqueous phase liquid) in the subsoil; therefore the free phase volume estimation and the understanding of residual phase behaviour are fundamental for an effective remediation. The volume estimation of free phase present in a contaminated site was carried out through the application of the Pancake Model and the Vertical Equilibrium Model. This estimation shows a remarkable difference between the two models and between the different delimitation area methods employed. In particular, the estimated volumes are lower for the Vertical Equilibrium Model and the higher difference is observed for a 200x200 mesh. The results underline also some critical points as the amount of the effective porosity; indeed the sensitivity analysis shows that a reduction of this parameter produce a variation of the estimated volume until to 20%. The behaviour of residual phase was analysed through lab-scale column tests carried out using three different porous media and toluene as contaminant. The higher residual saturation and lower dissolution in finer materials reveal the influence of porous media on toluene behaviour. The lower dissolution is confirmed also by the modelling realized using a traditional approach and an approach based on experimental results. The risk analysis, carried out applying a traditional approach and a new experimental approach, shows that the last one allow to have a more reliable hazard index which contemplates the site specific conditions.
Diverse functions of homologous actin isoforms are defined by their nucleotide, rather than their amino acid sequence
Authors: Vedula Pavan , Kurosaka Satoshi , Leu Nicolae Adrian , Wolf Yuri I , Shabalina Svetlana A , Wang Junling , Sterling Stephanie , Dong Dawei W , Kashina Anna
Published: December 2017

β‐ and γ‐cytoplasmic actin are nearly indistinguishable in their amino acid sequence, but are encoded by different genes that play non‐redundant biological roles. The key determinants that drive their functional distinction are unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that β- and γ-actin functions are defined by their nucleotide, rather than their amino acid sequence, using targeted editing of the mouse genome. Although previous studies have shown that disruption of β-actin gene critically impacts cell migration and mouse embryogenesis, we demonstrate here that generation of a mouse lacking β-actin protein by editing β-actin gene to encode γ-actin protein, and vice versa, does not affect cell migration and/or organism survival. Our data suggest that the essential in vivo function of β-actin is provided by the gene sequence independent of the encoded protein isoform. We propose that this regulation constitutes a global ‘silent code’ mechanism that controls the functional diversity of protein isoforms.
New Combinations of Organic Azides and Adjacent Functional Groups
Authors: Banert Klaus
Published: December 2017

The rapid decay of organic azides with loss of dinitrogen is a very exothermic process and is the reason for the explosive properties of these compounds, which have to be handled carefully if the molecular mass is low. On the other hand, controlled liberation of dinitrogen from azides facilitates the generation of high‐energy intermediates, such as nitrenes, carbenes, strained heterocycles, and many others, that lead to highly valuable products via a diversity of secondary reactions. However, the transformations of organic azides prove to be very important and manifold, even without the loss of dinitrogen. The variety of the succeeding reactions can be further increased when azides with an adjacent functional group are utilized as substrates. Such compounds, for example, polyazidomethanes, geminal azido alcohols, or ethynyl azides, show quite different reactivities when compared with those of simple azides or azides with remote additional functionalities. In several cases, surprising products are thus formed, and the unusual reactivity can also explain why some of these title compounds turned out to be short‐lived intermediates, which were discovered only recently.
Computational Modeling of Forming Processes
Authors: Perić D. , Owen D. R. J.
Published: December 2017

This chapter discusses some of the relevant computational strategies that permit the simulation of industrial scale forming processes within realistic time frames and computational resources. The need for rigorous consideration of both theoretical and algorithmic issues is emphasized, particularly in relation to the computational treatment of finite strain elastoplastic (viscoplastic) deformation, the modeling of frictional contact conditions and element technology capable of dealing with plastic incompressibility. Practically important aspects such as adaptive mesh refinement procedures are discussed and attention is given to choice of appropriate error indicators for inelastic materials and the transfer of solution parameters between successive meshes. The role of explicit solution techniques in the simulation of large‐scale forming processes is also discussed.
Computational Biomechanics of Soft Biological Tissues: Arterial Walls, Hearts Walls, and Ligaments
Authors: Holzapfel Gerhard A.
Published: December 2017

Computational biomechanics of soft biological tissue is increasing our ability to address multi‐disciplinary problems of academic, industrial, and clinical importance. This chapter reviews parts of our current knowledge of the biomechanics of soft biological tissue such as the arterial wall, the heart wall with the heart valves, and the ligament, as well as some of the available computational methods used to analyze them. The inherent complexities of the biological microstructure and functions of the respective soft tissue are partly reviewed briefly, research effort related to the constitutive modeling is catalogued, and a representative constitutive model for each considered soft tissue is discussed in more detail. An account of residual stresses and biological processes such as growth and remodeling is provided. Finally, a few three‐dimensional finite element models, which attempt to explain the integrated function of the respective soft tissue in terms of geometry, structure, and material properties are emphasized.
Explicit Finite Element Methods for Large Deformation Problems in Solid Mechanics
Authors: Benson David J.
Published: December 2017

Explicit finite methods are often the best choice for solving large deformation, high strain rate problems in solids mechanics. They are simple to implement, robust, efficient, and scale well on massively parallel computers. Their commercial applications include simulations of automobile crashes to the more prosaic drop testing of cell phones. This chapter presents an introduction of explicit finite element methods with an emphasis on the topics that distinguish the explicit formulation from the more traditional implicit one, including stable time step size estimation, energy conservation, shock viscosities, zero energy modes, and stress rotations.
Isogeometric Analysis: Representation of Geometry
Authors: Haberleitner Michael , Jüttler Bert , Scott Michael A. , Thomas Derek C.
Published: December 2017

This chapter provides a review of analysis‐suitable geometric descriptions and approaches commonly used in the context of isogeometric analysis (IGA). A primary focus is on NURBS (nonuniform rational B‐splines), T‐splines, and hierarchical B‐splines. The integration of analysis‐suitable geometry and IGA using Bézier extraction is covered, as well as several emerging approaches to isogeometric mesh generation, adaptivity, and domain parameterization.
Computing with Rotations: Algorithms and Applications
Authors: Romero Ignacio , Arnold Martin
Published: December 2017

Rotations play a fundamental role in many theories of classical, structural, continuum, and computational mechanics. Their mathematical and computational treatment is delicate because they do not possess the structure of a vector space but, instead, that of a Lie group. For this reason, many of the operations that are often carried out in a straightforward manner in linear spaces have to be re‐examined. In this chapter, we describe the fundamental aspects that need to be dealt with when employing rotations in numerical methods, namely their parameterization, update, interpolation, and linearization of functions on rotations. Additionally, two key applications are presented: the integration of the rigid body equations, and the approximation of the equations of geometrically exact rods.
Effect of Fluorinated Anion on the Physicochemical, Rheological and Solvatochromic Properties of Protic and Aprotic Ionic Liquids: Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Sharma Gyanendra , Singh Dharmendra , Gardas Ramesh L.
Published: December 2017

The essential properties of ionic liquids (ILs) for various applications can be tuned by changing the combination of cations or anions in ILs. This work demonstrates how the structure variations effect the physicochemical, rheological and solvatochromic properties of protic and aprotic ionic liquids. For this, a set of four ionic liquids have been synthesized and characterized through spectral techniques. Thermal stability and phase behaviour of ILs have been analyzed by TGA and DSC. The experimental density, speed of sound and viscosity have been measured as a function of temperature from 293.15 to 343.15 K and an attempt has been made to distinguish the crucial role of counter ions on measured properties. Further, the fluidity and polarity behaviour of hydroxyl ammonium based protic or 1‐alkyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium based aprotic cation and fluorinated anions were investigated through their rheological and polarity parameters at 298.15 K and discussion have been made on the basis of columbic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Interestingly, we found that anions have dominant effect on studied physicochemical properties irrespective of protic/aprotic nature of ionic liquid while the contribution of cations were vital for solvatochromic and rheological properties. Additionally, the ion‐pair interaction energy, dipole moment and hydrogen bonding interactions of studied ILs have been analysed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations to support the experimental findings.
Understanding childhood diabetes mellitus: new pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Grulich‐Henn Juergen , Klose Daniela
Published: December 2017

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is not a single disease, but several pathophysiological conditions where synthesis, release, and/or action of insulin are disturbed. A progressive autoimmune/autoinflammatory destruction of islet cells is still considered the main pathophysiological event in the development of T1DM, but there is evidence that T1DM itself is a heterogeneous disease. More than 50 gene regions are closely associated with T1DM and a variety of epigenetic factors and metabolic patterns have been characterized, which may play a role in the development of T1DM. The pathogenesis and genetics of type 2 DM (T2DM) are distinct from T1DM. Genes associated with T2DM are distinct from those in T1DM. Characteristic metabolic patterns, different from those in T1DM were reported in T2DM, and some children with T2DM also express islet‐antibodies. Huge progress has been made in the characterization of other specific types of DM, which had been considered very rare before. The molecular clarification of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) has greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of DM. There are genetic overlaps between T2DM and monogenetic DM. Neonatal DM has been shown to be monogenetic in most cases, and genetic elucidation leads to more precise and individualized therapies. Cystic fibrosis related DM (CFRDM) should be considered a genuine part of cystic fibrosis, and not a complication, since pancreatic fibrosis does not sufficiently explain the pathophysiology of CFRDM. Disturbances of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) as well as autoimmunity are involved in the pathogenesis of CFRDM.
Implementing Group Prenatal Counseling for Expanded Noninvasive Screening Options
Authors: Gammon Betsy L. , Otto Laura , Wick Myra , Borowski Kristy , Allyse Megan
Published: December 2017

Recently, practices have begun integrating cell‐free DNA‐based noninvasive prenatal screening as a screening option for a variety of genetic conditions. According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the integration of cfDNA screening into clinical prenatal practice may “significantly shift the paradigm of prenatal testing and screening for all women.” The purpose of this study was to determine whether group information sessions can feasibly serve as an alternative to extended one‐on‐one genetic counseling for the increasing number of women making decisions about prenatal testing and screening. This study assessed the effect of group genetic information sessions coupled with abbreviated counseling on pregnant women's knowledge about and attitudes toward prenatal testing and screening.
Evaluation of Breast Cancer Patients with Genetic Risk in a University Hospital: Before and After the Implementation of a Heredofamilial Cancer Unit
Authors: Lobo Miriam , López‐Tarruella Sara , Luque Soledad , Lizarraga Santiago , Flores‐Sánchez Carmen , Bueno Oscar , Solera Jesús , Jerez Yolanda , del Val Ricardo González , Palomero María Isabel , Cebollero María , Echavarría Isabel , Torres Gabriela , Martín Miguel , Márquez‐Rodas Iván
Published: December 2017

The identification of patients at risk for breast cancer by genetic testing has proven to reduce breast cancer mortality. In 2010, due to a lack of systematization in hereditary cancer assistance in our center, we implemented a multidisciplinary Heredofamilial Cancer Unit (HFCU). We analyze if the HFCU improved the rates of referrals and preventive management of breast cancer patients with genetic risk. We retrospectively compared family history records, referrals of high‐risk patients to genetic counseling, and detection and management of patients with BRCA1/2 mutations in two cohorts of breast cancer patients diagnosed before (first period: 2007–2010) and after the creation of the HFCU (second period: 2010–2013). In the first period, 893 patients were included, and 902 were included in the second. Due to the inability to establish their genetic risk, 142 patients (15.9%) vs. 70 (7.8%) were excluded from analysis (p < 0.001). Among the evaluable patients, 194 (25.8%) vs. 223 (26.8%) fulfilled one or more risk criteria (p = 0.65). Family history documentation in patient's medical records (92.4 vs. 97.8%, p < 0.001) and referral rate (26.3 vs. 52%, p < 0.0001) significantly increased in the second period. Eight BRCA1/2 mutations were detected among patients referred in the first period and 17 among those referred to the HFCU. The rate of preventive surgeries in patients with BRCA mutations significantly increased in the second period (25 vs. 76.5%, p = 0.03). In conclusion, there was a clear improvement in family history records, referrals, and preventive surgeries in breast cancer patients with genetic risk after the implementation of the HFCU.
Comparison of Telephone and Televideo Modes for Delivery of Genetic Counseling: a Randomized Trial
Authors: Voils Corrine I. , Venne Vickie L. , Weidenbacher Hollis , Sperber Nina , Datta Santanu
Published: December 2017

Telephone and televideo have yielded equivalent patient satisfaction and psychosocial outcomes when compared to in‐person genetic counseling, yet little is known about how they compare to one another. In this randomized controlled trial, veterans received genetic counseling via telephone or traveled to a clinic to participate via encrypted televideo. Knowledge and visit satisfaction were assessed 2 weeks later. Travel time, mileage, and out‐of‐pocket costs were calculated for videoconferencing. Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients and counselors to assess acceptability. Of the 20 male patients randomized to telephone, 90% received counseling and provided outcomes; of the 18 randomized to televideo, 67% received counseling and 50% provided outcomes. Telephone patients answered a mean of 4.4 of eight questions correctly at baseline and 4.7 at follow‐up; televideo means were 5.6 and 6.5, respectively. Satisfaction was 25.2 out of 30 for telephone and 26.9 for televideo. Televideo patients incurred a median of 2.8 h of travel time, 40 roundtrip miles, and $67.29 in costs. Patients and counselors found both modes acceptable for providing education and answering questions. Although patients liked the flexibility of telephone, counselors felt patients missed more appointments and were distracted when using telephone. A noted advantage of videoconferencing was reading body language. Further evaluation of alternative delivery modes is needed.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2004
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2004: II reports on final countervailing duty determination with respect to certain softwood lumber from Canada (US), and contains a cumulative index of published disputes.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2004
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2004: III reports on conditions for the granting of tariff preferences to developing countries (EC), and contains a cumulative index of published disputes.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2004
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2004: V reports on final dumping determination on softwood lumber from Canada (US), and contains a cumulative index of published disputes.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:II reports on United States - Subsidies on Upland Cotton.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:XI reports on European Communities - Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs: Complaint by Australia.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:XIII reports on European Communities - Export Subsidies on Sugar.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2006
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2006: X reports on European Communities – Selected Customs Matters.
Functional importance of sacred forest patches in the altered landscape of Palakkad region, Kerala, India
Authors: Rajasri Ray , Sreevidya E.A. , Ramachandra T.V.
Published: December 2017

The role of sacred forest patches in maintaining biodiversity and offering ecosystem services is well established, though the functional aspects are understated. This study aims to understand the functional diversity of tree reproductive traits of sacred forest patches in an altered landscape. Twenty-five sacred groves in Palakkad region, Kerala, India, were chosen to assess the distribution of five reproductive traits – pollination mechanism, fruit size, seed number, seed size and dispersal mechanism – among the tree populations. The data matrix was analysed for overall trait-state distribution, functional diversity assessment and its relation to environmental parameters and disturbance in the area. A total of 87 woody species was documented with a fairly homogenized distribution of fruit and seed characters, with ≥50% of the recorded trait states in each grove in comparison to control plot. Pollination and dispersal mechanisms are dominated by a single guild. e.g. insects and birds, often generalist in nature. Functional richness had a strong correlation with Shannon's index and disturbance, but evenness and divergence were weakly related with others. Comparative assessment with null model showed no significant deviations from expected results indicating apparent lack of habitat filtering or resource competition among sacred groves. The trait homogenization and overall simplification of the grove biota is perhaps an outcome of rapid land-use change and its consequences on specialist members. This study shows sacred groves are important for maintaining a plethora of functional traits in the altered landscape. However, the prevalence of generalist mediators indicates maintenance of basic ecological functions in the landscape without support for specialist ones.
Illegal killing and taking of birds in Europe outside the Mediterranean: assessing the scope and scale of a complex issue
Authors: BROCHET ANNE-LAURE , VAN DEN BOSSCHE WILLEM , JONES VICTORIA R. , ARNARDOTTIR HOLMFRIDUR , DAMOC DORIN , DEMKO MIROSLAV , DRIESSENS GERALD , FLENSTED KNUD , GERBER MICHAEL , GHASABYAN MAMIKON , GRADINAROV DIMITAR , HANSEN JANUS , HORVÁTH MÁRTON , KARLONAS MARIUS , KROGULEC JAROSŁAW , KUZMENKO TATIANA , LACHMAN LARS , LEHTINIEMI TEEMU , LORGÉ PATRIC , LÖTBERG ULRIK , LUSBY JOHN , OTTENS GERT , PAQUET JEAN-YVES , RUKHAIA ALEXANDER , SCHMIDT MATTHIAS , SHIMMINGS PAUL , STIPNIEKS ANDRIS , SULTANOV ELCHIN , VERMOUZEK ZDENĚK , VINTCHEVSKI ALEXANDRE , VOLKE VELJO , WILLI GEORG , BUTCHART STUART H.M.
Published: December 2017

The illegal killing and taking of wild birds remains a major threat on a global scale. However, there are few quantitative data on the species affected and countries involved. We quantified the scale and scope of this issue in Northern and Central Europe and the Caucasus, using a diverse range of data sources and incorporating expert knowledge. The issue was reported to be widespread across the region and affects almost all countries/territories assessed. We estimated that 0.4–2.1 million birds per year may be killed/taken illegally in the region. The highest estimate of illegal killing in the region was for Azerbaijan (0.2-1.0 million birds per year). Out of the 20 worst locations identified, 13 were located in the Caucasus. Birds were reported to be illegally killed/taken primarily for sport and food in the Caucasus and for sport and predator/pest control in both Northern and Central Europe. All of the 28 countries assessed are parties to the Bern Convention and 19 are also European Union Member States. There are specific initiatives under both these policy instruments to tackle this threat, yet our data showed that illegal killing and taking is still occurring and is not restricted to Mediterranean European countries. Markedly increased effort is required to ensure that existing legislation is adequately implemented and complied with/enforced on the ground. Our study also highlighted the paucity of data on illegal killing and taking of birds in the region. It is a priority, identified by relevant initiatives under the Bern Convention and the European Union, to implement systematic monitoring of illegal killing and taking and to collate robust data, allowing stakeholders to set priorities, track trends and monitor the effectiveness of responses.
How Media Portrayals of Suffering Influence Willingness to	Help
Authors: Kogen Lauren , Dilliplane Susanna
Published: December 2017

Abstract. When we hear stories of distant humanitarian crises, we often feel sympathy for victims, but may stop short of taking action to help. Past research indicates that media portrayals of distant suffering can promote helping behavior by eliciting sympathy, while those that prompt a more rational response tend to decrease helping behavior by undermining sympathy. The authors used an online experiment to test whether certain media frames could promote helping behavior through a more rational, rather than emotional, pathway. The study tested whether framing distant suffering as either solvable or unsolvable might promote helping behavior if a rational evaluation of a crisis leads one to determine that help is efficacious in solving the problem. Survey respondents were randomly assigned to read one of three messages: a high solvability message, a low solvability message, or a control message. Contrary to expectations, both low solvability and high solvability conditions increased participants’ intentions to help. The results suggest that this is because framing problems as unsolvable drives up sympathy, thus promoting willingness to help, while framing problems as solvable drives up perceived efficacy, also promoting willingness to help. The authors conclude that, in contrast to earlier studies, and to the assumptions of many of those working in media, emphasizing rationality can promote helping behavior if audiences rationally interpret the problem as solvable. Implications of the findings for ethically portraying distant suffering in the media are discussed.
Mapping a Valparaíso Earthquake from Foreshock to Aftershock
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: December 2017

Using seismic data recorded along the Chilean coast, scientists retrace the development of a recent earthquake.
Twelve-month outcomes of a randomized trial of a moderate-carbohydrate versus very low-carbohydrate diet in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes
Authors: Saslow Laura R. , Daubenmier Jennifer J. , Moskowitz Judith T. , Kim Sarah , Murphy Elizabeth J. , Phinney Stephen D. , Ploutz-Snyder Robert , Goldman Veronica , Cox Rachel M. , Mason Ashley E. , Moran Patricia , Hecht Frederick M.
Published: December 2017

Dietary treatment is important in management of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, but uncertainty exists about the optimal diet. We randomized adults (n = 34) with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 6.0% and elevated body weight (BMI > 25) to a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic (LCK) diet (n = 16) or a moderate-carbohydrate, calorie-restricted, low-fat (MCCR) diet (n = 18). All participants were encouraged to be physically active, get sufficient sleep, and practice behavioral adherence strategies based on positive affect and mindful eating. At 12 months, participants in the LCK group had greater reductions in HbA1c levels (estimated marginal mean (EMM) at baseline = 6.6%, at 12 mos = 6.1%) than participants in MCCR group (EMM at baseline = 6.9%, at 12 mos = 6.7%), p = .007. Participants in the LCK group lost more weight (EMM at baseline = 99.9 kg, at 12 mos = 92.0 kg) than participants in the MCCR group (EMM at baseline = 97.5 kg, at 12 mos = 95.8 kg), p < .001. The LCK participants experienced larger reductions in diabetes-related medication use; of participants who took sulfonylureas or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors at baseline, 6/10 in the LCK group discontinued these medications compared with 0/6 in the MCCR group (p = .005). In a 12-month trial, adults with elevated HbA1c and body weight assigned to an LCK diet had greater reductions in HbA1c, lost more weight, and reduced more medications than those instructed to follow an MCCR diet.
The direct role of 5-lipoxygenase on tau pathology, synaptic integrity and cognition in a mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Vagnozzi Alana N. , Giannopoulos Phillip F. , Praticò Domenico
Published: December 2017

Neurodegenerative tauopathies are characterized by pathological accumulation of highly phosphorylated isoforms of tau protein, which leads to progressive neuronal loss. Neuroinflammation often accompanies tau-driven diseases; however, the direct role of neuroinflammation in tauopathies remains unknown. The 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) is a pro-inflammatory enzyme, which produces several bioactive metabolites and is widely expressed in the central nervous system. Previously, our group showed that 5LO influences the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) phenotype of APP transgenic mice as well as a mouse model with plaques and tangles. However, whether this protein directly modulates tau phosphorylation and subsequent neuropathology remains to be fully investigated. In the current study, we provide evidence for an age-dependent and region-specific upregulation of the 5LO pathway (protein, message and activity) in a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy, the P301S line. In addition, we demonstrate that genetic deletion of 5LO in this mouse model results in significant memory improvement, reduces tau phosphorylation at specific epitopes as well as neuroinflammation and rescues synaptic pathology. In vitro studies confirmed that 5LO directly modulates tau phosphorylation at the same epitopes as for the brain tissues. Taken together, our data reveal an active involvement of the 5LO pathway in the development of the tauopathy phenotype and provide strong support to the hypothesis that this enzymatic protein should be considered a novel and viable therapeutic target for the treatment of human tauopathy.