bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical study of ground motion caused by seismic wave propagation across faulted rock masses
Authors: Li J.C. , Li N.N. , Chai S.B. , Li H.B.
Published: July 2017

Studying seismic wave propagation across rock masses and the induced ground motion is an important topic, which receives considerable attention in design and construction of underground cavern/tunnel constructions and mining activities. The current study investigates wave propagation across a rock mass with one fault and the induced ground motion using a recursive approach. The rocks beside the fault are assumed as viscoelastic media with seismic quality factors, Qp and Qs. Two kinds of interactions between stress waves and a discontinuity and between stress waves and a free surface are analyzed, respectively. As the result of the wave superposition, the mathematical expressions for induced ground vibration are deduced. The proposed approach is then compared with the existing analysis for special cases. Finally, parametric studies are carried out, which includes the influences of fault stiffness, incident angle, and frequency of incident waves on the peak particle velocities of the ground motions.
Effects of copper addition on photovoltaic properties of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3−xClxsolar cells
Authors: Shirahata Yasuhiro , Oku Takeo
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the effects of copper (Cu) addition on the photovoltaic properties of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3−xClx solar cells. The effects were investigated by measuring the current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics and external quantum efficiency. In the present work, CuBr and CuBr2 were used as additives. The photovoltaic properties of the CuBr‐added CH3NH3PbI3−xClx devices showed a clear improvement. Structural and optical properties of the CuBr‐ and CuBr2‐added CH3NH3PbI3−xClx films were also investigated. Based on the present results, the changes in the photovoltaic properties were discussed.
Concise Review: Developing Best-Practice Models for the Therapeutic Use of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Reiner Agnes T. , Witwer Kenneth W. , van Balkom Bas W.M. , de Beer Joel , Brodie Chaya , Corteling Randolph L. , Gabrielsson Susanne , Gimona Mario , Ibrahim Ahmed G. , de Kleijn Dominique , Lai Charles P. , Lötvall Jan , del Portillo Hernando A. , Reischl Ilona G. , Riazifar Milad , Salomon Carlos , Tahara Hidetoshi , Toh Wei Seong , Wauben Marca H.M. , Yang Vicky K. , Yang Yijun , Yeo Ronne Wee Yeh , Yin Hang , Giebel Bernd , Rohde Eva , Lim Sai Kiang
Published: July 2017

Growing interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles) as therapeutic entities, particularly in stem cell-related approaches, has underlined the need for standardization and coordination of development efforts. Members of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and the Society for Clinical Research and Translation of Extracellular Vesicles Singapore convened a Workshop on this topic to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with development of EV-based therapeutics at the preclinical and clinical levels. This review outlines topic-specific action items that, if addressed, will enhance the development of best-practice models for EV therapies.
Playing the Interrogation Game: Rapport, Coercion, and Confessions in Police Interrogations
Authors: David Gary C. , Rawls Anne Warfield , Trainum James
Published: July 2017

The United States is having an “interrogation moment,” where increasing attention is being paid to what happens when suspects are questioned by the police. The manner in which confessions are secured can go directly to a society's sense of justice and fairness, as nowhere are positions of power and vulnerability so pronounced as in the interrogation room. This paper contributes to our understanding of police interrogation through discussing what we refer to asplaying the interrogation game. We explore how rapport‐building helps to create a sense of collaboration between suspect and police. However, once a suspect agrees to answer questions and waivesMirandarights, the game changes. The new game can be more adversarial, aiming for the suspect to give a confession usable toward prosecution. We discuss how police, by knowing and shaping the rules of the interrogation game, have an advantage in the game which makes it very difficult for the suspect to win. Finally, we propose a number of recommendations that could foster a better balance in playing the game. A video abstract is available athttps://tinyurl.com/ycqvp94k
International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) terminology in women with postmenopausal bleeding and sonographic endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm: agreement and reliability study
Authors: Sladkevicius P. , Installé A. , Van Den Bosch T. , Timmerman D. , Benacerraf B. , Jokubkiene L. , Di Legge A. , Votino A. , Zannoni L. , De Moor B. , De Cock B. , Van Calster B. , Valentin L.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To estimate intra‐ and interrater agreement and reliability with regard to describing ultrasound images of the endometrium using the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) terminology.

Methods

Four expert and four non‐expert raters assessed videoclips of transvaginal ultrasound examinations of the endometrium obtained from 99 women with postmenopausal bleeding and sonographic endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm but without fluid in the uterine cavity. The following features were rated: endometrial echogenicity, endometrial midline, bright edge, endometrial–myometrial junction, color score, vascular pattern, irregularly branching vessels and color splashes. The color content of the endometrial scan was estimated using a visual analog scale graded from 0 to 100. To estimate intrarater agreement and reliability, the same videoclips were assessed twice with a minimum of 2 months' interval. The raters were blinded to their own results and to those of the other raters.

Results

Interrater differences in the described prevalence of most IETA variables were substantial, and some variable categories were observed rarely. Specific agreement was poor for variables with many categories. For binary variables, specific agreement was better for absence than for presence of a category. For variables with more than two outcome categories, specific agreement for expert and non‐expert raters was best for not‐defined endometrial midline (93% and 96%), regular endometrial–myometrial junction (72% and 70%) and three‐layer endometrial pattern (67% and 56%). The grayscale ultrasound variable with the best reliability was uniform vs non‐uniform echogenicity (multirater kappa (κ), 0.55 for expert and 0.52 for non‐expert raters), and the variables with the lowest reliability were appearance of the endometrial–myometrial junction (κ, 0.25 and 0.16) and the nine‐category endometrial echogenicity variable (κ, 0.29 and 0.28). The most reliable color Doppler variable was color score (mean weighted κ, 0.77 and 0.69). Intra‐ and interrater agreement and reliability were similar for experts and non‐experts.

Conclusions

Inter‐ and intrarater agreement and reliability when using IETA terminology were limited. This may have implications when assessing the association between a particular ultrasound feature and a specific histological diagnosis, because lack of reproducibility reduces the reliability of the association between a feature and the outcome. Future studies should investigate whether using fewer categories of variable or offering practical training could improve agreement and reliability. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Ethics, Power and Policy
Authors: Wilmot Stephen
Published: July 2017

Nurses today face new challenges as they are increasingly being given the opportunity to lead and to influence the operation of the health care system. This book offers a timely response to these developments by providing a clear and comprehensive discussion of the ethical issues affecting nurses. As well as focusing on individual patient care, this text will also apply ethical concepts to organisational, professional and policy issues that are directly relevant and applicable to nurses.
Analysis of Injury and Mortality Patterns in Deceased Patients with Road Traffic Injuries: An Autopsy Study
Authors: Pfeifer Roman , Schick Sylvia , Holzmann Christopher , Graw Matthias , Teuben Michel , Pape Hans‐Christoph
Published: July 2017

Background

Despite improvements in prevention and rescue, mortality rates after severe blunt trauma continue to be a problem. The present study analyses mortality patterns in a representative blunt trauma population, specifically the influence of demographic, injury pattern, location and timing of death.

Methods

Patients that died between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2005 were subjected to a standardised autopsy. Inclusion criteria: death from blunt trauma due to road traffic injuries (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16), patients from a defined geographical area and death on scene or in hospital. Exclusion criteria: suicide, homicide, penetrating trauma and monotrauma including isolated head injury. Statistical analyses included Student’s t test (parametric), Mann–Whitney U test (nonparametric) or Chi‐square test.

Results

A total of 277 consecutive injured patients were included in this study (mean age 46.1 ± 23 years; 67.5% males), 40.5% of which had an ISS of 75. A unimodal distribution of mortality was observed in blunt trauma patients. The most frequently injured body regions with the highest severity were the head (38.6%), chest (26.7%), or both head and chest (11.0%). The cumulative analysis of mortality showed that several factors, such as injury pattern and regional location of collisions, also affected the pattern of mortality.

Conclusions

The majority of patients died on scene from severe head and thoracic injuries. A homogenous distribution of death was observed after an initial peak of death on scene. Moreover, several factors such as injury pattern and regional location of collisions may also affect the pattern of mortality.
Management of invasive Phragmites australis in the Adirondacks: a cautionary tale about prospects of eradication
Authors: Quirion Brendan , Simek Zachary , Dávalos Andrea , Blossey Bernd
Published: July 2017

Invasive plant management (largely mechanical and chemical) consumes an ever-increasing portion of budgets for land management organizations, but metrics of success, other than extent of areas treated or resources expended is rarely available. Here we assess success of managing 346 populations of invasive Phragmites australis (range 0.36–4134 m2; cover 37–75%) in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, USA. We began by treating 18 patches in 2010 using herbicide; gradually adding patches treated annually or intermittently for a total of 334 by the end of the project period. We monitored each population annually and if P. australis was present mapped its spatial extent and estimated cover. We considered P. australis eradicated when live stems were absent from a site for at least three consecutive years. Our treatments reduced size and cover of P. australis populations and eradication was achieved at 104 of 294 sites. However, probability of eradicating P. australis over a 7-year project timeframe was 0.83 for the smallest patches (0.36 m2), whereas at medium (45 m2) and large patches (>3000 m2) probability of eradication decreased to 0.26 and 0.02, respectively. Our results question efficacy of managing large P. australis populations with the goal of eradication. We urge conservation organizations to clearly articulate management objectives beyond short-term suppression of target plants and to promote accountability by providing quantitative measurements of outcomes.
Sequent Systems for Negative Modalities
Authors: Lahav Ori , Marcos João , Zohar Yoni
Published: July 2017

Non-classical negations may fail to be contradictory-forming operators in more than one way, and they often fail also to respect fundamental meta-logical properties such as the replacement property. Such drawbacks are witnessed by intricate semantics and proof systems, whose philosophical interpretations and computational properties are found wanting. In this paper we investigate congruential non-classical negations that live inside very natural systems of normal modal logics over complete distributive lattices; these logics are further enriched by adjustment connectives that may be used for handling reasoning under uncertainty caused by inconsistency or undeterminedness. Using such straightforward semantics, we study the classes of frames characterized by seriality, reflexivity, functionality, symmetry, transitivity, and some combinations thereof, and discuss what they reveal about sub-classical properties of negation. To the logics thereby characterized we apply a general mechanism that allows one to endow them with analytic ordinary sequent systems, most of which are even cut-free. We also investigate the exact circumstances that allow for classical negation to be explicitly defined inside our logics.
A faster FAST: Electro-Sinter-Forging
Authors: Fais Alessandro
Published: July 2017

A novel sintering technology based on high density electric currents and sintering cycles shorter than a second is presented. Data will be shown that compare it to Hot Pressing and Spark Plasma Sintering and to conventional Press and Sinter. Considerations will be made on the materials, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the objects produced, on the range of present and future products, on the tooling and on the productivity.
Archaeologists and Archives
Authors: Bauer-Clapp Heidi , Kirakosian Katie
Published: July 2017

Archaeology as a field is experiencing a curation crisis—our professional paper trail is extensive, and we are not properly trained to adequately catalogue and curate these records. For decades, a handful of archaeologists have pushed for our discipline to confront this crisis—we need better methods for creating records and maintaining archives, as well as stronger training in how to effectively conduct archival research. This issue of Advances in Archaeological Practice echoes these earlier calls to action, adding new voices and perspectives. In addition to the theme of a curation crisis, our authors discuss access to archival records and the relationship between archives and power. The authors and guest editors of this issue hope the contributions presented here will inspire more sustained engagement with archival training, theory, and praxis.
tDAR
Authors: McManamon Francis P. , Kintigh Keith W. , Ellison Leigh Anne , Brin Adam
Published: July 2017

Hundreds of thousands of archaeological investigations in the United States conducted over the last several decades have documented a large portion of the recovered archaeological record in the United States. However, if we are to use this enormous corpus to achieve richer understandings of the past, it is essential that both CRM and academic archaeologists change how they manage their digital documents and data over the course of a project and how this information is preserved for future use. We explore the nature and scope of the problem and describe how it can be addressed. In particular, we argue that project workflows must ensure that the documents and data are fully documented and deposited in a publicly accessible, digital repository where they can be discovered, accessed, and reused to enable new insights and build cumulative knowledge.
Reimagining International Law for Global Migration: Migration as Decolonization?
Authors: Achiume E. Tendayi
Published: July 2017

The European colonial project involved the out-migration of at least sixty-two million Europeans to colonies across the world between the Nineteenth and first half of the Twentieth Century alone. It also involved movement in the reverse direction of human and natural resources, overwhelmingly for the benefit of Europe and Europeans. By connecting certain forms of migration in the present century to this mobility of people and goods in prior centuries, I seek to shift some of the fundamental commitments at the core of the international law, norms and discourse around global migration.
Animal Husbandry in Roman Switzerland: State of Research and New Perspectives
Authors: Deschler-Erb Sabine
Published: July 2017

Archaeozoological research of Roman animal bones has a long tradition in Switzerland. In the 1950s, Elisabeth Schmid started analysing bones from the Roman city of Augusta Raurica. On the basis of these analyses she published her Atlas of Animal Bones (1972) which is still in use all over the world today. To date, more than 300,000 bone fragments from different Swiss sites have been analysed. In 2002 a synthesis of Swiss data was published by Jörg Schibler et al.; in that publication, the authors focused on social aspects. They assumed that the Roman animal economy was more or less standardized in the region, and that differences existed mainly between settlement types and within sites. In the last few years, not only have more data been recorded, but also other research questions about functional and regional difference—especially between western and eastern Switzerland (Germania Superior and Raetia)—are becoming more important. These differences show the variability and adaptability of the Roman economy.
Effect of Aminocyclopyrachlor on Native Prairie Species in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Thilmony Blake M. , Lym Rodney G.
Published: July 2017

Aminocyclopyrachlor (AMCP) will control many invasive broadleaf weeds, but the susceptibility of desirable forbs is not widely known. Native prairie response to AMCP was evaluated near Fargo, ND, and Felton, MN, in the Northern Great Plains. Both sites had high floristic quality prior to treatment, with 33 and 80 different species at Fargo and Felton, respectively. AMCP was applied at 140 g ha−1 in July 2014 to coincide with leafy spurge and Canada thistle treatment timing. AMCP altered the plant communities and reduced foliar cover of undesirable species, high seral forbs (undisturbed stable communities), and low seral forbs (early succession in disturbed communities) at both locations at 10 and 14 mo after treatment (MAT). AMCP reduced Canada thistle and leafy spurge in Fargo and eliminated hedge bindweed, prickly lettuce, and black medic in Felton. High seral forb foliar cover was reduced at 10 and 14 MAT from 20% to 2% and 3% in Fargo and from 19% to 1.6% and 2% in Felton, respectively. The high seral forb species birdfoot violet, white panicled aster, northern bedstraw, Canada goldenrod, purple meadowrue, and American vetch were reduced at both locations. Low seral forb cover also decreased at 10 MAT from 22% to 10% in Fargo and from 12% to 1% in Felton, respectively. By 14 MAT, low seral species in Fargo recovered to 16%, but recovery was much slower in Felton and slightly increased to 1.5%. After treatment high and low seral monocot species increased at both sites, likely due to reduced competition from susceptible species. AMCP reduced richness, evenness, and diversity at both locations at 10 and 14 MAT; therefore, floristic quality declined. A decline in diversity is generally undesirable but could have beneficial effects if invasive weeds and other undesirable species are reduced or eliminated.
Isolated marginally stable geophysical vortices
Authors: Viúdez Álvaro
Published: July 2017

Long-term marginal stability of a new family of isolated oceanic vortices is analysed. Sign reversal of the radial gradient of the potential vorticity anomaly, as implied by the isolation requirement, leads to vortex unsteadiness but does not break the coherence of the vortex, which remains marginally stable even for high absolute Rossby numbers $Ro\simeq 0.8$. The marginally stable vortices are characterized by a zero amount of potential vorticity anomaly on every isopycnal. The marginally stable final state is an unsteady vortex whose inner one-signed potential vorticity anomaly experiences revolution, rotation, precession and nutation.
Reinventing Another Unaipon: Indigenous Science Leaders for the Future
Authors: Trimmer Karen , Gower Graeme , Lock Graeme
Published: July 2017

The education of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students in Australian universities has received considerable attention in both the literature and government policy in the 21st century. The participation and graduation rates for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students in higher education Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs have remained low and are becoming a particular focus in universities across Australia. This paper reflects on the life and contribution of David Unaipon, the enrolment data from a small sample of universities across Australia and the literature to discuss potential strategies for improving the access to, participation in and graduation from higher education STEM courses.
A new mysid (Crustacea, Mysida) from the Ladinian Stage (Middle Triassic) of Conca de Barberà (Catalonia, NE Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: San Vicente Carlos , Cartanyà Joan
Published: July 2017

The oldest known fossil mysid (order Mysida) Aviamysis pinetellensis n. gen. n. sp. is described here from two nearly complete specimens found in the Alcover unit from El Pinetell (Catalonia). It differs significantly from other Mysida and is placed in a new genus assigned to the family Mysidae and tentatively to the subfamily Boreomysinae. These specimens represent the first described mysid material from the Alcover outcrops (Middle Triassic, upper Ladinian, 235–242 Ma), extending the known geological range of the poorly understood fossil fauna of the order Mysida by at least 70 Myr.
Distinctive neuropsychological profiles differentiate patients with functional memory disorder from patients with amnestic-mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wakefield Sarah J , Blackburn Daniel J , Harkness Kirsty , Khan Aijaz , Reuber Markus , Venneri Annalena
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Patients with functional memory disorder (FMD) report significant memory failures in everyday life. Differentiating these patients from those with memory difficulties due to early stage neurodegenerative conditions is clinically challenging. The current study explored whether distinctive neuropsychological profiles could be established, suitable to differentiate patients with FMD from healthy individuals and those experiencing amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI).

Methods

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of FMD were compared with patients with a-MCI, and healthy matched controls on several tests assessing different cognitive functions. Patients with clinically established mood disorders were excluded. Patients with FMD and a-MCI were broadly comparable on the level of their subjective memory complaints as assessed by clinical interview.

Results

The neuropsychological profile of the FMD patients, although they expressed subjective memory and attention concerns during their clinical interview was distinct from patients with a-MCI on tests of memory [semantic fluency, age of acquisition (AoA) analysis of semantic fluency, verbal and non-verbal memory]. FMD patients did not differ significantly from healthy controls, but their scores on the letter fluency and digit cancellation tasks were not significantly different from those of the a-MCI patients indicating a possible sub-threshold deficit on these tasks.

Conclusion

Whilst subjective complaints are common within the FMD population, no objective impairment could be detected, even on a sensitive battery of tasks designed to detect subtle deficits caused by an early neurodegenerative brain disease. This study indicates that FMD patients can be successfully differentiated from patients with neurodegenerative memory decline by characterising their neuropsychological profile.
Plasmodium knowlesi:a superbin vivononhuman primate model of antigenic variation in malaria
Authors: GALINSKI M. R. , LAPP S. A. , PETERSON M. S. , AY F. , JOYNER C. J. , LE ROCH K. G. , FONSECA L. L. , VOIT E. O. ,   THE MAHPIC CONSORTIUM
Published: July 2017

Antigenic variation in malaria was discovered inPlasmodium knowlesistudies involving longitudinal infections of rhesus macaques (M. mulatta). The variant proteins, known as theP. knowlesiSchizont Infected Cell Agglutination (SICA) antigens and theP. falciparumErythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) antigens, expressed by theSICAvarandvarmultigene families, respectively, have been studied for over 30 years. Expression of the SICA antigens inP. knowlesirequires a splenic component, and specific antibodies are necessary for variant antigen switch eventsin vivo. Outstanding questions revolve around the role of the spleen and the mechanisms by which the expression of these variant antigen families are regulated. Importantly, the longitudinal dynamics and molecular mechanisms that govern variant antigen expression can be studied withP. knowlesiinfection of its mammalian and vector hosts. Synchronous infections can be initiated with established clones and studied at multi-omic levels, with the benefit of computational tools from systems biology that permit the integration of datasets and the design of explanatory, predictive mathematical models. Here we provide an historical account of this topic, while highlighting the potential for maximizing the use ofP. knowlesi– macaque model systems and summarizing exciting new progress in this area of research.
The structure of schizotypal personality traits: a cross-national study
Authors: Fonseca-Pedrero E. , Debbané M. , Ortuño-Sierra J. , Chan R. C. K. , Cicero D. C. , Zhang L. C. , Brenner C. , Barkus E. , Linscott R. J. , Kwapil T. , Barrantes-Vidal N. , Cohen A. , Raine A. , Compton M. T. , Tone E. B. , Suhr J. , Muñiz J. , Fumero A. , Giakoumaki S. , Tsaousis I. , Preti A. , Chmielewski M. , Laloyaux J. , Mechri A. , Lahmar M. A. , Wuthrich V. , Larøi F. , Badcock J. C. , Jablensky A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Schizotypal traits are considered a phenotypic-indicator of schizotypy, a latent personality organization reflecting a putative liability for psychosis. To date, no previous study has examined the comparability of factorial structures across samples originating from different countries and cultures. The main goal was to evaluate the factorial structure and reliability of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) scores by amalgamating data from studies conducted in 12 countries and across 21 sites.

Method

The overall sample consisted of 27 001 participants (37.5% males,n= 4251 drawn from the general population). The mean age was 22.12 years (s.d.= 6.28, range 16–55 years). The SPQ was used. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Multilevel CFA (ML-CFA) were used to evaluate the factor structure underlying the SPQ scores.

Results

At the SPQ item level, the nine factor and second-order factor models showed adequate goodness-of-fit. At the SPQ subscale level, three- and four-factor models displayed better goodness-of-fit indices than other CFA models. ML-CFA showed that the intraclass correlation coefficients values were lower than 0.106. The three-factor model showed adequate goodness of fit indices in multilevel analysis. The ordinalαcoefficients were high, ranging from 0.73 to 0.94 across individual samples, and from 0.84 to 0.91 for the combined sample.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with the conceptual notion that schizotypal personality is a multifaceted construct and support the validity and utility of SPQ in cross-cultural research. We discuss theoretical and clinical implications of our results for diagnostic systems, psychosis models and cross-national mental health strategies.
Fortresses of the Tur Abdin and the confrontation between Rome and Persia
Authors: Comfort Anthony
Published: July 2017

Although research is currently impossible on the ground, satellite photographs allow some further information to be gleaned concerning the region of the Tur Abdin, of crucial importance during the wars between the late Roman Empire and Sassanian Persia in the fourth to seventh century AD. This article examines the ancient sources and the reports of visitors to the area in the light of what is now visible to all via Google Earth and other suppliers of free satellite imagery. Apart from describing the remains of the fortresses and their role in defending an important redoubt against Persian attacks, it draws attention to the urgent necessity for proper ground surveys of what remains of the fortifications of various periods before these are completely destroyed by looting and reuse of building materials. Dams also present a substantial risk to some of the monuments discussed here.
The Strengths of China's Charm Offensive: Changes in the Political Landscape of a Southern Taiwan Town under Attack from Chinese Economic Power
Authors: Keng Shu , Yu-Chen Tseng Jean , Yu Qiang
Published: July 2017

China's trade with Taiwan has a political motive: winning the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people. The effectiveness of China's economic statecraft can be examined in the Syuejia (Xuejia) case, where Taiwan put up strong resistance to the generous benefits offered by China. This article investigates the political implications of the Chinese-designed contract farming programme in Syuejia and argues that if economic favours are delivered, and positive impressions also created, political attitudes can be revised. Without these two prerequisites, however, replicating the Syuejia results elsewhere and thus disturbing the cross-Strait status quo will be difficult. When put in a theoretical context, the changes in the political landscape of Syuejia illustrate the interplay of economic interests and political identity.
Pregnant with HIV before age 25: data from a large national study in Italy, 2001–2016
Authors: FLORIDIA M. , MASUELLI G. , TAMBURRINI E. , CETIN I. , LIUZZI G. , MARTINELLI P. , GUARALDI G. , SPINILLO A. , VIMERCATI A. , MASO G. , PINNETTI C. , FRISINA V. , DALZERO S. , RAVIZZA M.
Published: July 2017

Young pregnant women with HIV may be at significant risk of unplanned pregnancy, lower treatment coverage, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. In a large cohort of pregnant women with HIV in Italy, among 2979 pregnancies followed in 2001–2016, 9·0% were in women <25 years, with a significant increase over time (2001–2005: 7·0%; 2006–2010: 9·1%; 2011–2016: 12·2%,P< 0·001). Younger women had a lower rate of planned pregnancy (23·2%vs.37·7%, odds ratio (OR) 0·50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·36–0·69), were more frequently diagnosed with HIV in pregnancy (46·5%vs.20·9%, OR 3·29, 95% CI 2·54–4·25), and, if already diagnosed with HIV before pregnancy, were less frequently on antiretroviral treatment at conception (<25 years: 56·3%; ⩾25 years: 69·0%, OR 0·58, 95% CI 0·41–0·81). During pregnancy, treatment coverage was almost universal in both age groups (98·5%vs.99·3%), with no differences in rate of HIV viral suppression at third trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The data show that young women represent a growing proportion of pregnant women with HIV, and are significantly more likely to have unplanned pregnancy, undiagnosed HIV infection, and lower treatment coverage at conception. During pregnancy, antiretroviral treatment, HIV suppression, and pregnancy outcomes are similar compared with older women. Earlier intervention strategies may provide additional benefits in the quality of care for women with HIV.
Visual systemizing preference in children with autism: A randomized controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin
Authors: Strathearn Lane , Kim Sohye , Bastian D. Anthony , Jung Jennifer , Iyengar Udita , Martinez Sheila , Goin-Kochel Robin P. , Fonagy Peter
Published: July 2017

Several studies have suggested that the neuropeptide oxytocin may enhance aspects of social communication in autism. Little is known, however, about its effects on nonsocial manifestations, such as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. In the empathizing–systemizing theory of autism, social deficits are described along the continuum of empathizing ability, whereas nonsocial aspects are characterized in terms of an increased preference for patterned or rule-based systems, called systemizing. We therefore developed an automated eye-tracking task to test whether children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to matched controls display a visual preference for more highly organized and structured (systemized) real-life images. Then, as part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, we examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on systemizing preferences in 16 male children with ASD, compared with 16 matched controls. Participants viewed 14 slides, each containing four related pictures (e.g., of people, animals, scenes, or objects) that differed primarily on the degree of systemizing. Visual systemizing preference was defined in terms of the fixation time and count for each image. Unlike control subjects who showed no gaze preference, individuals with ASD preferred to fixate on more highly systemized pictures. Intranasal oxytocin eliminated this preference in ASD participants, who now showed a similar response to control subjects on placebo. In contrast, control participants increased their visual preference for more systemized images after receiving oxytocin versus placebo. These results suggest that, in addition to its effects on social communication, oxytocin may play a role in some of the nonsocial manifestations of autism.
Structural Brain Correlations of Visuospatial and Visuoperceptual Tests in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Garcia-Diaz Anna Isabel , Segura Barbara , Baggio Hugo Cesar , Marti Maria Jose , Valldeoriola Francesc , Compta Yaroslau , Bargallo Nuria , Uribe Carme , Campabadal Anna , Abos Alexandra , Junque Carme
Published: July 2017

Background: Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is relevant because it is a marker for evolution to dementia. However, the selection of suitable tests to evaluate separate cognitive domains in mild cognitive impairment related to PD remains an open question. The current work aims to investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of several visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests using the same sample and a multimodal MRI approach. Methods: The study included 36 PD patients and 20 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and education. The visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests selected were: Pentagon Copying Test (PCT), Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLOT), Visual Form Discrimination Test (VFDT), Facial Recognition Test (FRT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SMDT), and clock copying task (CLOX2). FreeSurfer was used to assess cortical thickness, and tract-based spatial statistics was used for fractional anisotropy analysis. Results: Lower performance in the PCT, JLOT, and SDMT was associated with extensive cortical thickness reductions in lateral parietal and temporal regions. VFDT and CLOX2 did not show this common pattern and correlated with more limited medial occipito-temporal and occipito-parietal regions. Performance in all visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests correlated with fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum. Conclusions: Our findings show that JLOT, SDMT, and PCT, in addition to differentiating patients from controls, are suitable visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests to reflect cortical thinning in lateral temporo-parietal regions in PD patients. We did not observe the dissociation between dorsal and ventral streams that was expected according to the neuropsychological classification of visuospatial and visuoperceptual tests. (JINS, 2018, 24, 33–44)
Household availability of ultra-processed foods and obesity in nineteen European countries
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Moubarac Jean-Claude , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Canella Daniela Silva , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Cannon Geoffrey
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess household availability of NOVA food groups in nineteen European countries and to analyse the association between availability of ultra-processed foods and prevalence of obesity.

Design

Ecological, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Europe.

Subjects

Estimates of ultra-processed foods calculated from national household budget surveys conducted between 1991 and 2008. Estimates of obesity prevalence obtained from national surveys undertaken near the budget survey time.

Results

Across the nineteen countries, median average household availability amounted to 33·9 % of total purchased dietary energy for unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 20·3 % for processed culinary ingredients, 19·6 % for processed foods and 26·4 % for ultra-processed foods. The average household availability of ultra-processed foods ranged from 10·2 % in Portugal and 13·4 % in Italy to 46·2 % in Germany and 50·4 % in the UK. A significant positive association was found between national household availability of ultra-processed foods and national prevalence of obesity among adults. After adjustment for national income, prevalence of physical inactivity, prevalence of smoking, measured or self-reported prevalence of obesity, and time lag between estimates on household food availability and obesity, each percentage point increase in the household availability of ultra-processed foods resulted in an increase of 0·25 percentage points in obesity prevalence.

Conclusions

The study contributes to a growing literature showing that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Its findings reinforce the need for public policies and actions that promote consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and make ultra-processed foods less available and affordable.
The share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil
Authors: Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Ricardo Camila Zancheta , Steele Euridice Martinez , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Cannon Geoffrey , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: July 2017

Objective

To estimate the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and to determine its association with the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Brazil.

Subjects

A representative sample of 32 898 Brazilians aged ≥10 years was studied. Food intake data were collected. We calculated the average dietary content of individual nutrients and compared them across quintiles of energy share of ultra-processed foods. Then we identified nutrient-based dietary patterns, and evaluated the association between quintiles of dietary share of ultra-processed foods and the patterns’ scores.

Results

The mean per capita daily dietary energy intake was 7933 kJ (1896 kcal), with 58·1 % from unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 10·9 % from processed culinary ingredients, 10·6 % from processed foods and 20·4 % from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was directly associated with high consumption of free sugars and total, saturated andtransfats, and with low consumption of protein, dietary fibre, and most of the assessed vitamins and minerals. Four nutrient-based dietary patterns were identified. ‘Healthy pattern 1’ carried more protein and micronutrients, and less free sugars. ‘Healthy pattern 2’ carried more vitamins. ‘Healthy pattern 3’ carried more dietary fibre and minerals and less free sugars. ‘Unhealthy pattern’ carried more total, saturated andtransfats, and less dietary fibre. The dietary share of ultra-processed foods was inversely associated with ‘healthy pattern 1’ (−0·16; 95 % CI −0·17, −0·15) and ‘healthy pattern 3’ (−0·18; 95 % CI −0·19, −0·17), and directly associated with ‘unhealthy pattern’ (0·17; 95 % CI 0·15, 0·18).

Conclusions

Dietary share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil.
Segmenting Microscopy Images of Multi-Well Plates Based on Image Contrast
Authors: Chen Weiyang , Liao Bo , Li Weiwei , Dong Xiangjun , Flavel Matthew , Jois Markandeya , Li Guojun , Xian Bo
Published: July 2017

Image segmentation is a key process in analyzing biological images. However, it is difficult to detect the differences between foreground and background when the image is unevenly illuminated. The unambiguous segmenting of multi-well plate microscopy images with various uneven illuminations is a challenging problem. Currently, no publicly available method adequately solves these various problems in bright-field multi-well plate images. Here, we propose a new method based on contrast values which removes the need for illumination correction. The presented method is effective enough to distinguish foreground and therefore a model organism (Caenorhabditis elegans) from an unevenly illuminated microscope image. In addition, the method also can solve a variety of problems caused by different uneven illumination scenarios. By applying this methodology across a wide range of multi-well plate microscopy images, we show that our approach can consistently analyze images with uneven illuminations with unparalleled accuracy and successfully solve various problems associated with uneven illumination. It can be used to process the microscopy images captured from multi-well plates and detect experimental subjects from an unevenly illuminated background.
Paths to improving care of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women following gestational diabetes
Authors: Campbell Sandra , Roux Nicolette , Preece Cilla , Rafter Eileen , Davis Bronwyn , Mein Jackie , Boyle Jacqueline , Fredericks Bronwyn , Chamberlain Catherine
Published: July 2017

Aim

To understand enablers and barriers influencing postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes in Australian Indigenous women and how screening might be improved.

Background

Australian Indigenous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are less likely than other Australian women to receive postpartum diabetes screening. This is despite a fourfold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within eight years postpartum.

Methods

We conducted interviews with seven Indigenous women with previous GDM, focus groups with 20 Indigenous health workers and workshops with 24 other health professionals. Data collection included brainstorming, visualisation, sorting and prioritising activities. Data were analysed thematically using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Barriers are presented under the headings of ‘capability’, ‘motivation’ and ‘opportunity’. Enabling strategies are presented under ‘intervention’ and ‘policy’ headings.

Findings

Participants generated 28 enabling environmental, educational and incentive interventions, and service provision, communication, guideline, persuasive and fiscal policies to address barriers to screening and improve postpartum support for women. The highest priorities included providing holistic social support, culturally appropriate resources, improving Indigenous workforce involvement and establishing structured follow-up systems. Understanding Indigenous women’s perspectives, developing strategies with health workers and action planning with other health professionals can generate context-relevant feasible strategies to improve postpartum care after GDM. Importantly, we need evidence which can demonstrate whether the strategies are effective.
BMP-2 induces EMT and breast cancer stemness through Rb and CD44
Authors: Huang Peide , Chen Anan , He Weiyi , Li Zhen , Zhang Guanglin , Liu Zhong , Liu Ge , Liu Xueting , He Shuilian , Xiao Gang , Huang Feicheng , Stenvang Jan , Brünner Nils , Hong An , Wang Ju
Published: July 2017

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) has been reported to facilitate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and bone metastasis in breast cancer xenograft models. To investigate the role of BMP-2 in the development of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying its influence on breast cancer metastasis, we conducted a comprehensive molecular study using breast cancer cell lines and clinical samples. Our results showed that downregulation of Rb by BMP-2 was associated with ubiquitin-mediated degradation activated by phosphorylation of Rb via the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. In addition, the Smad signaling pathways are implicated in upregulation of CD44 protein expression by BMP-2. It was suggested that cross-talk exists between Rb and CD44 signaling pathways, as recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) was found to regulate CD44 expression partly through Rb signals. In clinical tissues, BMP-2 was positively and negatively correlated with CD44 and Rb expression, respectively. Based on the in vitro and in vivo results, we have established an integrated mechanism by which rhBMP-2 induces EMT and stemness of breast cancer cells via the Rb and CD44 signaling pathways, which then contribute to breast cancer metastasis. These findings may be helpful for developing new strategies for the treatment and prognosis of advanced breast cancer.
MUS81 nuclease activity is essential for replication stress tolerance and chromosome segregation in BRCA2-deficient cells
Authors: Lai Xianning , Broderick Ronan , Bergoglio Valérie , Zimmer Jutta , Badie Sophie , Niedzwiedz Wojciech , Hoffmann Jean-Sébastien , Tarsounas Madalena
Published: July 2017

Failure to restart replication forks stalled at genomic regions that are difficult to replicate or contain endogenous DNA lesions is a hallmark of BRCA2 deficiency. The nucleolytic activity of MUS81 endonuclease is required for replication fork restart under replication stress elicited by exogenous treatments. Here we investigate whether MUS81 could similarly facilitate DNA replication in the context of BRCA2 abrogation. Our results demonstrate that replication fork progression in BRCA2-deficient cells requires MUS81. Failure to complete genome replication and defective checkpoint surveillance enables BRCA2-deficient cells to progress through mitosis with under-replicated DNA, which elicits severe chromosome interlinking in anaphase. MUS81 nucleolytic activity is required to activate compensatory DNA synthesis during mitosis and to resolve mitotic interlinks, thus facilitating chromosome segregation. We propose that MUS81 provides a mechanism of replication stress tolerance, which sustains survival of BRCA2-deficient cells and can be exploited therapeutically through development of specific inhibitors of MUS81 nuclease activity.
Modulation of nongenomic activation of PI3K signalling by tetramerization of N-terminally-cleaved RXRα
Authors: Chen Liqun , Aleshin Alexander E. , Alitongbieke Gulimiran , Zhou Yuqi , Zhang Xindao , Ye Xiaohong , Hu Mengjie , Ren Gaoang , Chen Ziwen , Ma Yue , Zhang Duo , Liu Shuai , Gao Weiwei , Cai Lijun , Wu Lingjuan , Zeng Zhiping , Jiang Fuquan , Liu Jie , Zhou Hu , Cadwell Gregory , Liddington Robert C. , Su Ying , Zhang Xiao-kun
Published: July 2017

Retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα) binds to DNA either as homodimers or heterodimers, but it also forms homotetramers whose function is poorly defined. We previously discovered that an N-terminally-cleaved form of RXRα (tRXRα), produced in tumour cells, activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling by binding to the p85α subunit of PI3K and that K-80003, an anti-cancer agent, inhibits this process. Here, we report through crystallographic and biochemical studies that K-80003 binds to and stabilizes tRXRα tetramers via a ‘three-pronged’ combination of canonical and non-canonical mechanisms. K-80003 binding has no effect on tetramerization of RXRα, owing to the head–tail interaction that is absent in tRXRα. We also identify an LxxLL motif in p85α, which binds to the coactivator-binding groove on tRXRα and dissociates from tRXRα upon tRXRα tetramerization. These results identify conformational selection as the mechanism for inhibiting the nongenomic action of tRXRα and provide molecular insights into the development of RXRα cancer therapeutics.