bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Evidence Of The Use Of Freshwater Pearls As A Cosmetic In Ancient China: Analysis Of White Makeup Powder From A Northern Song Dynasty Lv Tomb (Lantian, Shaanxi Province, China)
Authors: Yu Z. R. , Wang X. D. , Su B. M. , Zhang Y.
Published: October 2016

The Lv family tombs in Lantian, Shaanxi Province are one of the most important archaeological sites of China in recent years, providing numerous objects and a wealth of information for the study of the history of the Northern Song dynasty. There were a large number of exquisite cultural relics unearthed from the tombs, including one porcelain box containing white powder, which was identified as women's makeup. The phase composition, microstructure, thermal properties and characteristics of the trace elements in the unearthed white cosmetic powder were comprehensively analysed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry – thermogravimetry (DSC–TG), Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) microscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES). The white makeup powder was determined to be a product made from high‐quality freshwater pearls. These results, for the first time, showed evidence that freshwater pearl powder was used as a cosmetic in ancient China using archaeological objects, providing scientific evidence and new clues to enrich and expand research into the ancient Chinese cosmetic materials.
Chemotherapeutic intensity and survival differences in young patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: a Swedish Lymphoma Registry study
Authors: Melén Christopher M. , Enblad Gunilla , Sonnevi Kristina , Junlén Henna Riikka , Smedby Karin E. , Jerkeman Mats , Wahlin Björn Engelbrekt
Published: October 2016

Young patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are variably treated with rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide‐doxorubicin‐vincristine‐prednisone (R‐CHOP),CHOP‐etoposide (R‐CHOEP), and anthracycline‐based regimens with the addition of high‐dose cytarabine/methotrexate (R‐HDA/M). Using the nationwide, population‐based Swedish Lymphoma Registry, we evaluated outcome, by treatment and Healthcare Region, in all 751DLBCLpatients aged ≤60 years without central nervous involvement, diagnosed in Sweden between 2007 and 2012. Overall survival was estimated using multivariate Cox analysis. In patients with age‐adjusted international prognostic index (aaIPI) ≥ 2, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 70%, 76% and 85% after R‐CHOP, R‐CHOEPand R‐HDA/M, respectively (P = 0·002); the corresponding estimates were 40%, 55%, and 92% in aaIPI = 3 (P = 0·014). There were large therapeutic differences between Sweden's six Healthcare Regions for aaIPI ≥ 2: three were “Moderate” (more R‐CHOP) and three “Intensive” (more R‐CHOEPand R‐HDA/M). Patients with aaIPI ≥ 2 who were treated in the Intensive Regions, showed betterOS(P < 0·00005), particularly those with aaIPI = 3 (5‐yearOS, 62% vs. 30%;P < 0·00005). There were no regional differences in therapy or survival in patients with aaIPI < 2. We conclude that in younger high‐risk patients, survival appears superior after more intensive therapy than R‐CHOP.
Volume‐outcome relationship in penile cancer treatment: a population based patterns of care and outcomes study from Australia
Authors: Patel Manish I. , Yuminaga Yuigi , Bang Albert , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Skyring Timothy , Smith David P.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To study the patterns of care of penile cancer diagnosed in the state of New South Wales (NSW) over a 10 year period and determine factors that are associated with differences in survival.

Patients and Methods

All invasive penile cancer diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 in NSW, Australia, were identified from the Central Cancer Registry. Records of treatment from the Admitted Patient Data Collection and deaths from the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages were electronically linked. Predictors of receiving an inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Survival analyses were performed with Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 220 men were diagnosed with penile cancer over the 10 years from 69 centres. The median number of penile operations performed over 10 years was <4. Radical penile surgery (partial or total penectomy) was performed in 70% of the cases and the proportion of patients receiving radical surgery increased over time (P = 0.015). Only 53/220 men with invasive penile cancer received an ILND. Younger age and higher stage were the only factors that predicted whether ILND was performed. Overall survival (OS) was predicted by age, stage, marital status and co‐morbidity status. Low centre volume decreased OS by 37% (HR 0.63 [95% CI: 0.40–0.97]). For men who received ILND, low centre volume decreased OS by 60% (HR 0.40 [95% CI: 0.19–0.85]).

Conclusions

There is a decreasing trend for the use of conservative penile surgery and median centre volumes for penile cancer surgery in NSW are low. A decrease in overall survival is observed in men treated in lower volume surgery centres.
Ray Accelerator: Efficient and Flexible Ray Tracing on a Heterogeneous Architecture
Authors: Barringer R. , Andersson M. , Akenine‐Möller T.
Published: October 2016

We present a hybrid ray tracing system, where the work is divided between the CPU cores and the GPU in an integrated chip, and communication occurs via shared memory. Rays are organized in large packets that can be distributed among the two units as needed. Testing visibility between rays and the scene is mostly performed using an optimized kernel on the GPU, but the CPU can help as necessary. The CPU cores typically handle most or all shading, which makes it easy to support complex appearances. For efficiency, the CPU cores shade whole batches of rays by sorting them on material and shading each material using a vectorized kernel. In addition, we introduce a method to support light paths with arbitrary recursion, such as multiple recursive Whitted‐style ray tracing and adaptive sampling where the result of a ray is examined before sending the next, while still batching up rays for the benefit of GPU‐accelerated traversal and vectorized shading. This allows our system to achieve high rendering performance while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate different rendering algorithms.
Long non‐coding RNA FOXP4‐AS1 is an unfavourable prognostic factor and regulates proliferation and apoptosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Juan , Lian Yifan , Yan Changsheng , Cai Zeling , Ding Jie , Ma Zhonghua , Peng Peng , Wang Keming
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most common malignancy, and fourth‐leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, and has a particularly high incidence in Western countries. Recent studies have suggested that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) compose a novel class of regulators of cancer biological processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. Here, we report that lncRNA FOXP4‐AS1 acts as a functional oncogene in CRC pathogenesis. Moreover, we have attempted to investigate the effects of FOXP4‐AS1 on tumour progression, both in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

In this study, bioinformatic analyses and qPCR were performed to investigate FOXP4‐AS1 expression in CRC tissue samples and CRC cell lines. We inhibited FOXP4‐AS1 expression via FOXP4‐AS1‐specific siRNA transfection. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell viability and colony formation assays, as well as by flow cytometry and ethynyl deoxyuridine (Edu) analyses. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Animal tumour xenografts were generated, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to evaluate effects of FOXP4‐AS1 on CRC tumour growth in vivo.

Results

We found that FOXP4‐AS1 was up‐regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines and that its overexpression positively correlated with advanced pathological stages and larger tumour size. Additionally, we found that FOXP4‐AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, FOXP4‐AS1 knockdown induced marked increase in number of cells in G0/G1 phase and reduction in number of cells in S phase, in DLD‐1, HT‐29 and HCT116 cell lines. Consistent with these findings, FOXP4‐AS1 silencing inhibited tumour growth in vivo.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that FOXP4‐AS1 plays a crucial role in CRC progression and may be a new biomarker in patients with CRC.
Phase I Studies of Acebilustat: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Food Effect, and CYP3A Induction
Authors: Elborn JS , Bhatt L , Grosswald R , Ahuja S , Springman EB
Published: October 2016

Acebilustat is a new once‐daily oral antiinflammatory drug in development for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and other diseases. It is an inhibitor of leukotriene A4 hydrolase; therefore, production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in biological fluids provides a direct measure of the pharmacodynamic (PD) response to acebilustat treatment. Here we compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) and PD between CF patients and healthy volunteers, and investigate the food effect and CYP3A4 induction in healthy volunteers. No significant differences between study populations were observed for peak plasma level (Cmax) or exposure (AUC). In healthy volunteers, a shift in time to Cmax (Tmax) was observed after a high‐fat meal, but there was no change in AUC. LTB4 production was reduced in the blood of both populations and in sputum from CF patients. Acebilustat did not induce CYP3A4. These results support continued clinical study of once‐daily oral acebilustat in CF at doses of 50 and 100 mg.
Using geographic profiling to compare the value of sightings vs trap data in a biological invasion
Authors: Faulkner Sally C. , Verity Robert , Roberts David , Roy Sugoto S. , Robertson Peter A. , Stevenson Mark D. , Le Comber Steven C.
Published: October 2016

Aim

The development of conservation plans, including those dealing with invasive species, is underpinned by the need to obtain reliable and accurate data. However, in many cases responding rapidly is equally critical.

Location

The data were obtained from the Hebridean Mink Project, which was set up with the objective of removing mink from North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist.

Methods

Here, we introduce an extension of the Dirichlet process mixture (DPM) model of geographic profiling that can be used to estimate source locations of invasions directly from spatial point pattern data without the need to specify dispersal parameters. We use this model to analyse a biological invasion of American mink (Neovison vison) in the Hebrides.

Results

Our results suggest that sightings data – which are relatively easy and quick to acquire – can be used to capture much of the information about sources of invasive species that is obtained from the harder to acquire and more intensive trap data.

Main conclusion

These results have important implications for the development of conservation plans and, in this case, in the early stages of biological invasions, when interventions are most likely to be successful.
Delineating large‐scale migratory connectivity of reed warblers using integrated multistate models
Authors: Procházka Petr , Hahn Steffen , Rolland Simon , van der Jeugd Henk , Csörgő Tibor , Jiguet Frédéric , Mokwa Tomasz , Liechti Felix , Vangeluwe Didier , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi
Published: October 2016

Aim

Assessing the extent of large‐scale migratory connectivity is crucial for understanding the evolution of migratory systems and effective species conservation. It has been, however, difficult to elucidate the annual whereabouts of migratory populations of small animals across the annual cycle. Here, we use the reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) as one of the most frequently ringed passerines in Europe to demonstrate how ring re‐encounter and geolocator data can be used to effectively quantify range‐wide distribution of different populations.

Location

Birds were ringed across Europe and re‐encountered in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Methods

We employed multistate models which quantify range‐wide distribution of different breeding populations while accounting for the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the re‐encounter probabilities and differential age‐specific survival during migratory and non‐migratory periods. In addition, we integrated geolocator and breeding abundance data as well as human population density to provide a realistic picture of the year‐round distribution of the reed warbler, a trans‐Saharan migrant.

Results

Our modelling approach revealed frequent use of the western Mediterranean flyway for the majority of western European populations, but a higher absolute number of reed warblers used the eastern flyway. Further, many populations used different stopover areas during post‐ and pre‐breeding migration, resulting in an anticlockwise loop migration pattern.

Main conclusions

The integrative modelling framework helped us to depict the range‐wide migration pattern more realistically than raw ring re‐encounter data would allow.
Physiological development and dispersal ability of newly emerged Monochamus galloprovincialis
Authors: Sanchez‐Husillos Estela , Etxebeste Iñaki , Pajares Juan
Published: October 2016

Novel associations between exotic pathogens and native insects may result in major ecological and economical losses. In Europe, Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the only known vector of the exotic pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). Transportation of goods containing nematode‐infested beetles is the main pathway for the spread of the disease. In this scenario, management actions involving early detection and eradication are critical to stop further spread by the vector. Although dispersal of mature M. galloprovincialis has been successfully tracked using commercial baits and traps, dispersal ability of immature individuals is poorly understood. Sexual maturation and other physiological traits related to dispersal were studied for newly emerged M. galloprovincialis after different shoot‐feeding spans. Sexual maturation was complete after on average 12 (males) or 13 (females) feeding days. Monochamus galloprovincialis adults emerged with an average of 10% lipid and 23.8% (males) or 29.9% (females) pterothorax muscle content, and these percentages did not change significantly during shoot feeding. Microtomography images of wing muscle structures at different maturation stages confirmed these results. Emerged adults that were kept unfed survived an average of 12 days in the lab. The ability of unfed immature insects to fly through hostless terrain was studied by marking and releasing newly emerged insects from a crop area located up to 3 km away from two small pine stands. The longest flown distance recorded was 2 km. Fitted regressions indicated that immature insects could have travelled up to 3 109 m to reach the experimental stands. We found that M. galloprovincialis emerge with well‐developed thoracic muscles and energy reserves that enable them to sustain long flights over non‐forested areas. These findings should aid managers and policy makers in devising sound procedures in areas where the risk of introducing PWD is high.
Performance of Cry1Ab‐susceptible and ‐heterozygous resistant populations of sugarcane borer in sequential feedings on non‐Bt and Bt maize plant tissue
Authors: Yang Guoqing , Niu Ying , Head Graham P. , Price Paula A. , Huang Fangneng
Published: October 2016

A seed mix strategy has been used to provide refuge to susceptible insects for resistance management in planting transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) proteins. To determine whether larval movement in a seed mix planting creates favorable conditions for resistant heterozygotes of a target pest, performance of Cry1Ab‐susceptible (SS) and ‐heterozygous resistant (RS) populations of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was evaluated in sequential feeding on non‐Bt and Cry1Ab (event MON 810) maize plant tissue. For each insect population, nine feeding sequences were employed. SS and RS feeding on non‐Bt plants for their entire larval stages survived well and >60% of the adult pairs produced viable eggs, with an average of 269 progeny per female, whereas none of the two populations on Bt maize plants survived to the pupal stage. SS larvae could not develop to adults if the larvae fed on non‐Bt plants for ≤15 days and then moved to Bt plants. In contrast, 4.2–29.2% of RS larvae that fed on non‐Bt plants for ≥9 days and then moved to Bt plants developed to adults, and 63.6% of pairs of these adults produced viable eggs, with an average of 185 progeny per female. For SS larvae that fed on Bt plants for 1 or 2 days and then moved to non‐Bt plants, few larvae developed to adults with varied emergence times, whereas 28.1 and 13.5% RS larvae feeding on Bt plants for 1 and 2 days, respectively, successfully developed to adults; 43.8% of pairs of these adults produced viable eggs, with an average of 220 progeny per female. For the case of the single Bt gene maize plants (event MON 810), the results suggest that RS insects may have advantages in survival and reproduction over SS if RS larvae hatch and feed on Bt plants during the first 1 or 2 days and then move to non‐Bt plants. This advantage is less for RS larvae that hatch and feed on non‐Bt plants first and then move to Bt plants, unless the larval movement occurs in the later stages (e.g., fourth or fifth instars).
Importance of solitarious desert locust population dynamics: lessons from historical survey data in Algeria
Authors: Lazar Mohammed , Piou Cyril , Doumandji‐Mitiche Bahia , Lecoq Michel
Published: October 2016

The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), is a major pest and well known in its gregarious phase. However, it is not well understood during recession periods, when the solitarious phase populations are discrete. Nonetheless, these populations are at the origin of the invasions when ecological conditions become favourable. This lack of knowledge of the solitarious phase individuals impedes effective preventive management of this pest. Archive data collected in Algeria from 1980 to 2011 were used to analyse solitarious population dynamics across the Algerian Sahara where some outbreak areas are located that play a major role in the invasion process. The results confirm previous empirical observations on solitarious population dynamics. First, a clear difference could be documented between the northern and southern Saharan regions of Algeria concerning the locust dynamics and the impact of environmental conditions. The importance of runoff was clear to create suitable habitats over a long period and to very distant places from rainy areas. Second, a link, on an annual basis, between green vegetation and presence of solitarious locusts was found. Third, statistical relationships between various locations demonstrated a clear regional dynamics. Our study confirmed the importance of migrations of solitarious populations among Algerian regions and more generally within the recession area of this species. The operational implications of these findings are multiple. First, they confirm the need of a flexible and scalable preventive system during the year, from 1 year to another and with a clear distinction between the northern and southern Saharan areas of Algeria. Second, they also confirm the necessity for the inclusion of wadis and soil moisture estimations from remote sensing in geographic information systems for preventive management. And third, they clearly illustrate the importance to target solitarious locusts for more efficient preventive survey operations.
Adult trees cause density‐dependent mortality in conspecific seedlings by regulating the frequency of pathogenic soil fungi
Authors: Liang Minxia , Liu Xubing , Gilbert Gregory S. , Zheng Yi , Luo Shan , Huang Fengmin , Yu Shixiao
Published: October 2016

Negative density‐dependent seedling mortality has been widely detected in tropical, subtropical and temperate forests, with soil pathogens as a major driver. Here we investigated how host density affects the composition of soil pathogen communities and consequently influences the strength of plant‐soil feedbacks. In field censuses of six 1‐ha permanent plots, we found that survival was much lower for newly germinated seedlings that were surrounded by more conspecific adults. The relative abundance of pathogenic fungi in soil increased with increasing conspecific tree density for five of nine tree species; more soil pathogens accumulated around roots where adult tree density was higher, and this greater pathogen frequency was associated with lower seedling survival. Our findings show how tree density influences populations of soil pathogens, which creates plant‐soil feedbacks that contribute to community‐level and population‐level compensatory trends in seedling survival.
Inhibition of histone deacetylases in melanoma—a perspective from bench to bedside
Authors: Hornig Eva , Heppt Markus V. , Graf Saskia A. , Ruzicka Thomas , Berking Carola
Published: October 2016

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are critically involved in epigenetic gene regulation through alterations of the chromatin status of DNA. Aberrant expression, dysregulation of their enzymatic activity or imbalances between HDACs and histone acetyltransferases are likely involved in the development and progression of cancer. Pharmacologic inhibition of HDACs shows potent antitumor activity in a panel of malignancies such as colon or gastric cancer and multiple myeloma. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of HDACs in melanoma and evaluate the application of HDAC inhibition from an experimental and clinical perspective. The molecular functions of HDACs can be classified into histone and non‐histone effects with diverse implications in proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. HDAC inhibition results in G1 cell cycle arrest, induces apoptosis and increases the immunogenicity of melanoma cells. Some studies proposed that HDAC inhibition may overcome the resistance of melanoma cells to BRAF inhibition. Several inhibitors such as vorinostat, entinostat and valproic acid have recently been tested in phase I and early phase II trials, yet most agents show limited efficacy and tolerability as single agents. The most frequent adverse events of HDAC inhibition comprise haematological toxicity, fatigue, nausea and laboratory abnormalities. Existing evidence supports the hypothesis that HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) may sensitize melanoma cells to immunotherapy and targeted therapy and hence bear therapeutic potential concurrent with immune checkpoint blockade or BRAF and MEK inhibition.
Leaf tissue fluxes of Pampa biome native grasses submitted to two grazing intervals
Authors: Confortin A. C. C. , Quadros F. L. F. , Santos A. B. , Seibert L. , Severo P. O. , Ribeiro B. S. R.
Published: October 2016

Leaf tissue fluxes of five Pampa biome grasses (Andropogon lateralis, Aristida laevis, Axonopus affinis, Paspalum notatum and Paspalum plicatulum) were evaluated in a natural pasture under rotational stocking with heifers in the spring and summer from October 2010 to April 2011. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two grazing intervals, defined by thermal sums of 375 and 750 degree‐days, and the five grass species. The evaluated species had a higher growth flux and balance between the fluxes when subjected to a grazing interval of 750 degree‐days and a higher real efficiency of utilization when subjected to grazing interval of 375 degree‐days. Andropogon lateralis showed the highest growth, intake and senescence fluxes: 3·61, 2·37 and 3·04 kg DM ha−1 day−1 respectively. Aristida laevis had the lowest real efficiency of utilization.
Outcome measures in European patients with haemophilia
Authors: Hermans C. , Klamroth R. , Richards M. , de Moerloose P. , Garrido R. P. ,   the EHTSB
Published: October 2016

Introduction

This study was conducted to evaluate the current implementation of outcome measures in routine clinical haemophilia practice and to explore and appreciate the perception of the relevance of such measures by treaters.

Methods

A survey was completed by 19 of the 26 physicians involved in the European Haemophilia Therapy Strategy Board (EHTSB). Employing an extensive inventory of outcome measures used in patients with haemophilia, information was collected about the frequency of data collection and the subjective appreciation of their importance during clinic review.

Results

The survey revealed that most treaters currently collect data that are mainly related to the haemostatic treatment (consumption of concentrates) and the bleeding symptoms (number and location of bleeds) in a non‐uniform and non‐standardized way. By contrast, functional, physical and quality of life scorings are rarely used and show considerable heterogeneity between treaters. Also, many disparities emerged between practice and perception, in particular quality of life data that are perceived as being important but for most of the time are not collected.

Conclusions

This survey represents, in our view, the first attempt to evaluate the actual utilization of outcome measures in haemophilia care. While the value of outcome measures is appreciated, they are not assessed regularly. Therefore, there is a need to include appropriate performance indicators (outcome measures) of haemophilia care in routine clinical practice. Consensus recommendations to provide a framework for achieving this aim are provided.
The association between dog ownership or dog walking and fitness or weight status in childhood
Authors: Westgarth C. , Boddy L. M. , Stratton G. , German A. J. , Gaskell R. M. , Coyne K. P. , Bundred P. , McCune S. , Dawson S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Health benefits of dog walking are established in adults: dog owners are on average more physically active, and those walking their dogs regularly have lower weight status than those who do not. However, there has been little research on children.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the association between dog ownership or dog walking and childhood fitness or weight status.

Methods

A survey of pet ownership and involvement in dog walking was combined with fitness and weight status measurements of 1021 9 to 10‐year‐old children in the Liverpool SportsLinx study.

Results

We found little evidence to support that children who live with, or walk with, dogs are any fitter or less likely to be obese than those who do not.

Conclusions

This is an important finding, as it suggests that the activity that children currently do with dogs is not sufficient enough to impact weight status or fitness.
Successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis
Authors: Russo Irene , Miotto Serena , Colpo Anna , Marson Piero , Tison Tiziana , Ferrazzi Anna , Alaibac Mauro
Published: October 2016

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis clinically characterised by the presence of painful skin ulcerations with erythematous and undetermined borders and histologically by the presence of neutrophilic infiltrates in the dermis. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis, also called granulocytapheresis, is a therapeutic strategy for extracorporeal immunomodulation that selectively removes activated granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages from the peripheral blood. Here, we report a case of a 73‐year‐old patient affected by a severe form of pyoderma gangrenosum presenting with multiple painful ulcers and pustules on his trunk and extremities. The disease was resistant to high doses of methylprednisolone and methotrexate and successfully treated by granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis in pyoderma gangrenosum in Europe.
Explaining Implementation through Varieties of Capitalism Theory: The Case of the Telework and Work‐related Stress Agreements
Authors: Prosser Thomas
Published: October 2016

Despite extensive literature on the implementation of European ‘soft’ law and Varieties of Capitalism (VoC) theory, no existing work has attempted to explain the implementation of soft law with reference to VoC. In this article, on the basis of a study of the implementation of the non‐legally binding European Telework and Work‐related Stress Agreements in four countries, we attempt to address this gap. Four hypotheses are developed, based on key tenets of VoC theory, which aim to explain divergent national implementation outcomes of the agreements. The predictive power of VoC emerges as mixed. Though a hypothesis concerning the propensity of Coordinated Market Economies (CMEs) to implement the agreements via collective agreements is confirmed, evidence for remaining hypotheses is more ambiguous. Implications for theories of soft law implementation and VoC theory are reflected upon in conclusion.
Simeprevir plus sofosbuvir for eight or 12 weeks in treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced hepatitis C virus genotype 4 patients with or without cirrhosis
Authors: El Raziky M. , Gamil M. , Ashour M. K. , Sameea E. A. , Doss W. , Hamada Y. , Van Dooren G. , DeMasi R. , Keim S. , Lonjon‐Domanec I. , Hammad R. , Hashim M. S. , Hassany M. , Waked I.
Published: October 2016

The OSIRIS study investigated efficacy and safety of simeprevir plus sofosbuvir for eight or 12 weeks in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4‐infected patients with METAVIR F0‐F4 fibrosis. Sixty‐three patients (33 treatment‐naïve and 30 peg‐interferon/ribavirin (Peg‐IFN/RBV)‐experienced) enrolled in a partly randomized, open‐label, multicentre, phase IIa study. Patients with F0‐F3 fibrosis were randomized (1:1) into two groups (A1 and A2), stratified according to treatment experience and METAVIR score, to receive either eight weeks (Group A1, n=20) or 12 weeks (Group A2, n=20) of treatment. Patients with compensated cirrhosis (METAVIR F4) received 12 weeks of treatment (Group B, n=23). Treatment comprised simeprevir 150 mg and sofosbuvir 400 mg daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after planned end of treatment (SVR12). Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout. Overall, 92% (95% CI: 82‐97) of patients achieved SVR12; 75% (15/20) in Group A1 and 100% in groups A2 and B. Patients who did not achieve SVR12 (n=5) experienced viral relapse during the first 32 days following treatment and were all prior Peg‐IFN/RBV null responders. The most commonly reported treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were asymptomatic lipase increase (14%), pruritus (14%), headache (13%) and hyperbilirubinaemia (11%). No patients discontinued due to TEAEs. In conclusion, simeprevir plus sofosbuvir for 12 weeks achieved a 100% SVR rate in HCV genotype 4‐infected patients with or without compensated cirrhosis (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02278419). The AE and laboratory profile were favourable and consistent with previous data for simeprevir plus sofosbuvir in eight‐ and 12‐week regimens.
Higher incidence of HCV in females compared to males who inject drugs: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Esmaeili A. , Mirzazadeh A. , Carter G. M. , Esmaeili A. , Hajarizadeh B. , Sacks H. S. , Page K. A.
Published: October 2016

Women who inject drugs have been shown to have higher incidence of HIV and risk behaviours than men, but there are conflicting reports about hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence. We systematically reviewed the literature to examine the female‐to‐male (F:M) HCV incidence in female and male persons who inject drugs (PWID), and also to explore the heterogeneity (i.e. methodological diversity) in these differences. We searched PubMed and EMBASE for studies published between 1989 and March 2015 for research that reported incidence of HCV infection by sex or HCV incidence F:M rate ratio. A total of 28 studies, which enrolled 9325 PWID, were included. The overall pooled HCV incidence rate (per 100 person‐years observation) was 20.36 (95% CI: 13.86, 29.90) and 15.20 (95% CI: 10.52, 21.97) in females and males, respectively. F:M ratio was 1.36:1 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.64) with substantial heterogeneity (I‐squared=71.6%). The F:M ratio varied by geographic location from 4.0 (95% CI: 1.80, 8.89) in China to 1.17 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.43) in the U.S. In studies which recruited participants from community settings, the F:M ratio was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.48), which was lower than that reported in the clinical settings (1.72, 95% CI: 0.86, 3.45). The number of studies included provided sufficient statistical power to detect sex differences in this analysis. Our findings raise questions and concerns regarding sex differences with respect to the risk of HCV. Both behavioural and biological studies are needed to investigate causes and potential mechanisms as well as sex‐specific prevention approaches to HCV infection.
Potential Primary Endpoint for Exploratory Clinical Trial in Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: IINO Shingo , KANEKO Masayuki , NARUKAWA Mamoru
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To identify a potential primary endpoint in an early‐phase exploratory trial among key overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Methods

Placebo‐controlled double‐blinding trials in patients with OAB were extracted for systematic literature review. The correlation between key OAB symptoms recorded in bladder diaries and coefficient of variation (CV) in each study were assessed.

Results

Forty‐one controlled trials were extracted for the present review. Mean number of urgency episodes in 24 h was substantially associated with mean number of urgency incontinence episodes in 24 h, mean volume voided per micturition, and mean number of micturitions in 24 h (Spearman's r = 0.725, −0.661, and 0.657, respectively). Mean number of micturitions in 24 h was also substantially associated with mean volume voided per micturition (Spearman's r = −0.674). Mean number of incontinence episodes in 24 h was substantially associated with mean number of urgency incontinence episodes in 24 h and mean volume voided per micturition (Spearman's r = 0.840 and −0.628, respectively). The median CV of mean volume voided per micturition in each trial was the smallest among all endpoints.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that volume voided per micturition is a useful symptom for evaluating OAB candidate compounds in a small sample size and represents an effective primary endpoint, especially in exploratory clinical trials.
Flea species infesting dogs in Spain: updated spatial and seasonal distribution patterns
Authors: GÁLVEZ R. , MONTOYA A. , CHECA R. , MARTÍN O. , MARINO V. , MIRÓ G.
Published: October 2016

This entomological survey examines the spatial and seasonal distribution patterns of flea species infesting dogs in Spain. Bioclimatic zones covering broad climate and vegetation ranges were surveyed according to size. In a cross‐sectional spatial survey carried out from late May 2013 to mid‐July 2015, 1084 dogs from 42 different locations were examined. A total of 3032 fleas were collected and identified as belonging to the following species: Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (81.7%, 2476 fleas); Ctenocephalides canis (11.4%, 347 fleas); Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (6.9%, 208 fleas), and Echidnophaga gallinacea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (0.03%, one flea). Variables observed to have effects on flea abundance were animal weight, sex, length of hair and habitat. In the seasonal survey conducted from June 2014 to June 2015, 1014 fleas were collected from 239 dogs at 30 veterinary practices across Spain. Peaks in C. felis abundance were observed in early summer and late autumn, whereas high numbers of P. irritans and C. canis were recorded in autumn. Numbers of fleas detected in winter were low overall. Based on these findings, the present study updates the spatial and seasonal distributions of flea species in Spain and assesses the impacts of host and habitat variables on flea infestation.
“I'm Stuck”: Women's Navigations of Social Networks and Prescription Drug Misuse in Central Appalachia
Authors: Buer Lesly‐Marie , Leukefeld Carl G. , Havens Jennifer R.
Published: October 2016

This study utilizes anthropological analyses of kinship, care, gendered inequalities, and the state to examine how social networks affect women's substance use in a rural Appalachian county where the primary drug of choice is prescription opioids. Of 503 participants from a larger study of social networks among rural drug users, 16 women who reported using drugs with four or more other study participants (drug network members) were interviewed from November 2011 to February 2012. The purpose of interviews is to analyze the substance use patterns among participants who are highly connected in their networks. Female participants say they feel “stuck” in cycles of prescription drug misuse because of entrenchment in moral economies, intensive caretaking responsibilities, and violence from those in their networks. Although women demonstrate agency in their navigations of drug use, relationships, and economic and health inequalities, the factors that constrain women's actions culminate to create barriers for women accessing substance abuse treatment or decreasing substance use outside of treatment. This study adds to understandings of the relational and situational aspects of women's drug use and efforts to decrease use. Recognizing these aspects of women's lives will aid policies and programs in becoming more relevant to substance abusing women.
Apocalyptic Diversity, Demonic Anthropology, and the Evangelical Ēthnos: Modes of Imagining Difference among American Charismatic Evangelicals
Authors: Bialecki Jon
Published: October 2016

How do American Charismatic Evangelicals imagine human difference? Ethnographic fieldwork with the Vineyard, a Southern California originated but now nation‐wide Charismatic Evangelical movement, suggests that for many lay American Charismatic Evangelicals, difference is conceptualized in three different modes, involving potentialities, relations, and boundedness. Much like a grammar shapes communication without imposing a single meaning, these forms of conceiving human difference mandate no single intrinsic political position, but do affect the way that American Charismatic evangelicals express and contest notions of human difference.
Low‐residue diet fed to rabbits induces histomorphological and biomechanical remodeling of small intestine
Authors: Liu Y. , Zhao J. , Liao D. , Bao L. , Gregersen H.
Published: October 2016

Background

The composition of ingested food is important for the gut microbiome and intestinal homeostasis. We have previously demonstrated that the structure and mechanical properties in the small intestine remodel significantly during fasting. However, it is not clear to what extent the intestinal mechanical properties changes when the composition of food is changed. This study aimed to investigate the passive biomechanical properties and intestinal tissue remodeling in rabbits fed a low‐residue diet.

Methods

New Zealand rabbits (control group n=6, intervention group n=7) were studied. Segments from duodenum, jejunum and ileum were excised. The intestinal diameter and length were obtained from digitized images of the segments at preselected luminal pressure levels and at no‐load and zero‐stress states. Circumferential and longitudinal stresses (force per area) and strains (deformation) were computed from the length, diameter and pressure data referenced to the zero‐stress state geometry. Histomorphometric data were also obtained.

Key Results

The wet weight‐per‐unit length, wall thickness and wall area decreased in the intervention group (P<.05, P<.01). Histological measurement confirmed that the wall thickness decreased in all three segments, which was primarily due to mucosal thinning (P<.05). The opening angle tended to increase in all segments in the intervention group. Significant difference between the two groups was found for the jejunum (P<.05). Feeding the low‐residue diet shifted the circumferential stress‐strain curves in the intervention group to the right, indicating intestinal wall softening.

Conclusions & Inferences

Low‐residue diet in rabbits for 1 month induces location‐dependent histomorphometric and biomechanical remodeling of the intestine.
Temporal changes in contact lens comfort over a day of wear
Authors: Woods Craig A. , Bentley Sharon A. , Fonn Desmond
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Contact lens discomfort continues to be reported as the primary reason for soft lens discontinuation, regardless of new modalities and materials. The purpose of this analysis of comfort related data from a series of clinical studies was to review whether there was a difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic habitual lens wearers’ comfort responses over the course of the day.

Methods

Data from five independent non‐dispensing clinical studies were pooled and analysed. Participants in these studies were assigned to one of two groups depending on whether they were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic contact lens wearers according to a modified Subjective Evaluation of Symptoms of Dryness (SESOD) questionnaire. Masked participants were randomised to wear either a hydrogel or a silicone hydrogel contact lens and their ocular comfort was rated using a visual analogue scale on insertion and 2‐hourly during an 8‐hour period of a single lens wearing day.

Results

Data from 103 participants were used, 58 in the symptomatic group and 45 in the asymptomatic group as determined by the SESOD questionnaire. There was no effect of lens material on comfort (p = 0.43). However, there was a significant interaction between symptoms and time. The difference in mean comfort between the symptomatic and asymptomatic group was significant at each time point (p < 0.05). However, comfort did not vary significantly over the day for the asymptomatic group (p = 0.87), whereas, there was a significant decline in mean comfort ratings for the symptomatic group from 84.6 ± 13.2 (S.D.) at insertion to 73.0 ± 18.5 at 8 hours (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In our study, changes in contact lens comfort over a day were independent of lens material but not symptoms. Symptomatic lens wearers reported a progressive decrease in comfort, whereas asymptomatic wearers did not. Therefore, asymptomatic wearers should not be used when measuring contact lens comfort in clinical studies. The exclusion of asymptomatic lens wearers would likely increase the sensitivity of comfort ratings as a measure in contact lens research.
Prevalence, types and awareness of glaucoma in a multi‐ethnic population in rural China: the Yunnan Minority Eye Study
Authors: Pan Chen‐Wei , Zhao Chun‐Hua , Yu Min‐Bin , Cun Qing , Chen Qin , Shen Wei , Li Jun , Xu Jian‐Gang , Yuan Yuansheng , Zhong Hua
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To determine the prevalence, types and awareness of glaucoma in a rural community in China and to examine possible ethnic variations.

Methods

The Yunnan Minority Eye Study was a multi‐ethnic community‐based eye survey using random cluster sampling strategies. 2133 Bai, 2205 Han and 2208 Yi Chinese aged 50 years or older participated in this study. Glaucoma including primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG) and secondary glaucoma was defined based on the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria.

Results

The overall age‐standardized prevalence of all glaucoma was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2–3.1%) in this population. It was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.1–1.9%) for POAG and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.9–1.6%) for PACG, respectively. Among 29 people with secondary glaucoma, 27 (93%) were blind in at least one eye. The presence of primary open‐angle glaucoma was associated with male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.94; comparing men with women), Yi ethnicity (OR = 2.27; comparing Yi with Han people), higher IOP (OR = 1.09 per mmHg increase), and the presence of myopia (OR = 1.84). Of the 212 participants with glaucoma, only 38 (18%) were aware of the disease and had been diagnosed previously as having glaucoma or suspected glaucoma. Patients who were better educated tended to be aware of the disease.

Conclusions

Significant ethnic difference in the prevalence of POAG was observed in this study. The low awareness of glaucoma highlights the pressing need to increase public awareness of this potentially blinding condition in rural China.
A GENDER ANALYSIS OF WOMEN IN PUBLIC–PRIVATE–VOLUNTARY SECTOR ‘PARTNERSHIPS’
Authors: JOHNSTON KAREN
Published: October 2016

The nature of work and traditional notions of the public sector have been changing with increasing collaborative governance and delivery of public services among public, private and voluntary sector organizations. In theUK, governments at national and devolved levels of government have adopted collaborative governance for service delivery through various networks and partnerships. This article explores collaborative governance from a gender perspective, specifically the perceptions of women in public–private–voluntary sector partnerships. While previous research in this area has explored aspects of collaborative governance such as power, trust, accountability, decision‐making, performance, exchange of information and participation, there is very little research on women within these networks. The article therefore provides a gendered analysis, disaggregating survey data to better understand the dynamics, for women, of collaborative governance and partnerships among public, private and voluntary sector organizations.
Comparative cranial myology and biomechanics of Plateosaurus and Camarasaurus and evolution of the sauropod feeding apparatus
Authors: Button David J. , Barrett Paul M. , Rayfield Emily J.
Published: October 2016

Sauropodomorpha represents an important group of Mesozoic megaherbivores, and includes the largest terrestrial animals ever known. It was the first dinosaur group to become abundant and widespread, and its members formed a significant component of terrestrial ecosystems from the Late Triassic until the end of the Cretaceous. Both of these factors have been explained by their adoption of herbivory, but understanding the evolution of sauropodomorph feeding has been hampered by the scarcity of biomechanical studies. To address this, the jaw adductor musculature of the basal sauropodomorph Plateosaurus and the sauropod Camarasaurus have been reconstructed. These reconstructions provide boundary conditions for finite element models to assess differences in structural performance between the two taxa. Results demonstrate that Camarasaurus was capable of much greater bite forces than Plateosaurus, due to greater relative adductor muscle mass and shape changes to the mandible. The skull and mandible of Camarasaurus are also ‘stronger’ under static biting. The Plateosaurus mandible appears to compromise structural efficiency and force transmission in order to maintain relatively high jaw closure speed. This supports suggestions of facultative omnivory in basal sauropodomorph taxa. The expanded mandibular symphysis and ‘lateral plates’ of sauropods each lead to greater overall craniomandibular robustness, and may have been especially important in accommodating forces related to asymmetric loading. The functional roles of these characters, and observed general shape changes in increasing skull robustness, are consistent with hypotheses linking bulk‐herbivory with the origin of Sauropoda and the evolution of gigantism.