bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPECULATIVE PROFITS, INNOVATION, AND GROWTH
Authors: Denicolò Vincenzo , Zanchettin Piercarlo
Published: July 2016

When technological change affects the prices of tradeable assets, innovators can obtain speculative profits by exploiting their inside information as to the occurrence of innovations. We propose a tractable model of endogenous growth that formalizes this argument, originally due to Hirshleifer (1971). We then use the model to assess two claims advanced by Hirshleifer, namely, that speculative profits can generate excessive investment in R&D when they add to monopoly rents guaranteed by patent protection, or else even in a perfectly competitive economy. The analysis confirms the first claim, but casts doubts on the second one. (JEL O30, O40)
Fatigue and depression predict quality of life in patients with early multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nourbakhsh B. , Julian L. , Waubant E.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

The clinical predictors of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) have mainly been studied in patients with long‐standing disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal association among HRQoL and clinical characteristics in early MS.

Methods

Relapsing MS patients within 12 months of clinical onset were enrolled in a neuroprotection trial of riluzole versus placebo as an add‐on to weekly interferon with up to 36 months of follow‐up. Serial clinical measures included Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) as the measure of HRQoL, MS Functional Composite (as a measure of disability), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (as a measure of depression) and a cognitive battery. Multivariable linear regression analyses assessed cross‐sectional associations. Mixed model regressions with mutual adjustments were used to assess the longitudinal association of HRQoL components and clinical, cognitive and demographic variables.

Results

Forty‐three patients were enrolled within 7.5 ± 4.9 months of clinical onset (72% female, mean age 36 years). The baseline severity of fatigue and depression predicted subsequent changes in SF‐36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (P values of 0.001 and 0.021, respectively). In longitudinal analyses, changes in disability and depression were associated with changes in SF‐36 PCS (P values of 0.002 and 0.009, respectively), whereas changes in cognitive function and fatigue were associated with changes in SF‐36 Mental Component Summary (P values of 0.037 and 0.001, respectively). A 1‐unit increase in MS Functional Composite was associated with a 7.1‐point increase in SF‐36 PCS (95% CI, 2.6–11.6).

Conclusions

Fatigue, depression, cognition and disability are independently associated with HRQoL in early MS.
Reefs of tomorrow: eutrophication reduces coral biodiversity in an urbanized seascape
Authors: Duprey Nicolas N. , Yasuhara Moriaki , Baker David M.
Published: July 2016

Although the impacts of nutrient pollution on coral reefs are well known, surprisingly, no statistical relationships have ever been established between water quality parameters, coral biodiversity and coral cover. Hong Kong provides a unique opportunity to assess this relationship. Here, coastal waters have been monitored monthly since 1986, at 76 stations, providing a highly spatially resolved water quality dataset including 68 903 data points. Moreover, a robust coral species richness (S) dataset is available from more than 100 surveyed locations, composed of 3453 individual colonies' observations, as well as a coral cover (CC) dataset including 85 sites. This wealth of data provides a unique opportunity to test the hypothesis that water quality, and in particular nutrients, drives coral biodiversity. The influence of water quality on S and CC was analyzed using GIS and multiple regression modeling. Eutrophication (as chlorophyll‐a concentration; CHLA) was negatively correlated with S and CC, whereas physicochemical parameters (DO and salinity) had no significant effect. The modeling further illustrated that particulate suspended matter, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) had a negative effect on S and on CC; however, the effect of nutrients was 1.5‐fold to twofold greater. The highest S and CC occurred where CHLA <2 μg L−1, DIN < 2 μm and DIP < 0.1 μm. Where these values were exceeded, S and CC were significantly lower and no live corals were observed where CHLA > 15 μg L−1, DIN > 9 μm and DIP > 0.33 μm. This study demonstrates the importance of nutrients over other water quality parameters in coral biodiversity loss and highlights the key role of eutrophication in shaping coastal coral reef ecosystems. This work also provides ecological thresholds that may be useful for water quality guidelines and nutrient mitigation policies.
Comparative clinicopathological study of biliary intraductal papillary neoplasms and papillary cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Fujikura Kohei , Fukumoto Takumi , Ajiki Tetsuo , Otani Kyoko , Kanzawa Maki , Akita Masayuki , Kido Masahiro , Ku Yonson , Itoh Tomoo , Zen Yoh
Published: July 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to achieve a better definition of intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNBs).

Methods and results

Biliary tumours that showed predominantly intraductal papillary growth were provisionally classified as IPNBs (n = 25) and papillary cholangiocarcinomas (n = 27). IPNB was defined as a neoplasm that is confined to the epithelium or is regularly arranged in a high‐papillary architecture along thin fibrovascular stalks, whereas the term ‘papillary cholangiocarcinoma’ was used for tumours with more complex papillary structures (e.g. irregular papillary branching or mixed with solid–tubular growth). In our consecutive cohort of biliary neoplasms, 5% were classified as IPNBs, and 10% as papillary cholangiocarcinomas. IPNBs differed from papillary cholangiocarcinomas by less advanced invasion, gross mucin overproduction (72% versus 7%), and their prevalent location (84% of IPNBs in intrahepatic/hilar ducts; 70% of papillary cholangiocarcinomas in extrahepatic ducts). Gastric‐type and oncocytic‐type tumours were only detected in IPNBs. Expression of mucin core proteins and cytokeratin 20 significantly differed between the two groups. KRAS and GNAS were wild‐type genotypes in all but one case of KRAS‐mutated IPNB. Patients with IPNB had better recurrence‐free survival than those with papillary cholangiocarcinoma (P = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, in which several other prognostic factors (e.g. stromal invasion and lymph node metastasis) were applied, the classification of the two papillary tumours was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Given the significant contrast in clinicopathological features between IPNBs and papillary cholangiocarcinomas, it may be more appropriate to use the diagnostic term ‘IPNB’ for selected tumours that show regular papillary growth, separately from papillary cholangiocarcinomas.
Analysis of physicochemical properties during the processing of Yiluxian, a traditional chinese low‐salt fish product
Authors: Hao Zina , Dong Hao , Li Zhenxing , Lin Hong
Published: July 2016

Yiluxian, a traditional Chinese low‐salt fish product, has been produced manually for decades. However, its quality depends on worker experience and varies owing to the lack of specific scientific guidelines for uniform production. This study investigated the changes in physicochemical properties under different salt concentrations and explored the principles underlying the low‐salt pickling process. The NaCl content of gutted fish increased to 3.82% in brining, and it decreased significantly to 1.15% after desalting. The colour of Yiluxian was not significantly different from that of raw fish (P > 0.05). The hardness, springiness, resistance and chewiness decreased by 12%, 9%, 27% and 19%, respectively, while cohesiveness did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Furthermore, Yiluxian is preferred over commonly salted fish for superior sensory profile. Our findings demonstrated the changes in various characteristics during pickling were expected to facilitate the stabilisation and uniformity of the quality and industrial production of this traditional food product.
Changes in the free amino acids and the biogenic amine contents during lactic acid fermentation of different lupin species
Authors: Bartkiene Elena , Bartkevics Vadims , Rusko Janis , Starkute Vytaute , Zadeike Daiva , Juodeikiene Grazina
Published: July 2016

The aim of the work was to evaluate the profile of free amino acids (FAA) as the possible precursors of biogenic amines (BAs) in different varieties and hybrid lines of Lupinus luteus and Lupinus angustifolius and its changes during fermentation. Lupins have high amounts of FAA, and therefore, significant contents of BAs by the action of bacterial amino acid decarboxylases can be formed. In view of this, the effect of three Pediococcus pentosaceus strains KTU05‐8, KTU05‐9 and KTU05‐10 on BA formation during lupin fermentation was studied. The formation of BAs was monitored during 48‐h fermentation at solid‐state conditions and compared with that in samples after submerged fermentation and in the control nonfermented samples. The lupin variety, fermentation conditions and the Pediococcus strain were found to have the significant effect on the FAA profile and BA contents in fermented lupin; the interaction between analysed factors was F(5.989) = 1755.321 (P < 0.0001) and F(5.660) = 130.736 (P < 0.0001), respectively. A weak correlation was found between amino acid His and histamine (r = 0.3709; P = 0.0005) and between Phe and phenylethylamine (r = 0.3914, P = 0.0002) in lupin samples, but the significant correlations between amino acid Tyr and tyramine and between Lys and cadaverine were not found. By optimising the fermentation technology, it is possible to increase the nutritional value and functionality of lupin.
Ball milling improves extractability and antioxidant properties of the active constituents of mushroom Inonotus obliquus powders
Authors: Wang Jia , Wang Cong , Li Weiwei , Pan Yuxiang , Yuan Guoqi , Chen Haixia
Published: July 2016

Inonotus obliquus has been used as a folk remedy for a long time. An improved method using fine grinding by ball mill was investigated, and the main chemical components and physicochemical properties of Inonotus obliquus powders were analysed. The Inonotus obliquus fine grinding powders were prepared by pulverising the coarse powder with planetary ball mill for different time. The results showed that the yields of polysaccharides increased from 41.08 mg g−1 (coarse powder) to 319.62 mg g−1, and the yields of polyphenols were also increased fourfold in ball‐milled powders as compared to the untreated one. Ball‐milled powders showed higher values in the bulk density, angles of repose and slide, water solubility index and swelling capacity (P < 0.05), but lower values in the water‐holding capacity and oil‐holding capacity. The shape and surface morphology of the powders were changed after ball mill treatment. The antioxidant properties of the extracts from ball‐milled powders were significantly improved (P < 0.05). The results will be helpful for the application of Inonotus obliquus in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Effects of different cooking methods on some chemical and sensory properties of Galega kale
Authors: Armesto Jorge , Gómez‐Limia Lucía , Carballo Javier , Martínez Sidonia
Published: July 2016

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) is rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and vitamins. However, cooking the plants can cause important changes in composition. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of some domestic cooking processes (boiling, steaming, microwaving and pressure cooking) on several quality parameters of Galega kale. Boiling had the strongest effect on the antioxidant capacity (the IC50 was four times higher than in the fresh sample), total phenolics (losses of 76.4–77.9%) and colour (ΔE = 17.79–19.12). Microwaving caused the greatest loss of soluble solids (80.8–82.2%). Steaming seems to be the best method for retaining the nutrient and antioxidant capacity of kale (100% ash, 71–77.5% soluble solids, 100% antioxidant capacity, 67–71% total phenolics, 62–71% chlorophyll). However, steamed kale was awarded the lowest sensory scores, indicating the difficulty in reconciling nutritional value and sensorial quality. Use of discriminant statistical techniques enabled the classification of 100% of samples.
Food taboos and nutrition‐related pregnancy concerns among Ethiopian women
Authors: Vasilevski Vidanka , Carolan‐Olah Mary
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To discuss Ethiopian food taboos during pregnancy and their relation to maternal nutritional status and pregnancy outcomes.

Background

Recent waves of migration have seen large groups of Ethiopian refugees moving to countries around the globe. This is of concern as Ethiopian women are at risk of a number of medical and pregnancy complications. Health is further compromised by poor diet and adherence to cultural food beliefs and taboos. In refugee women, many of these factors correspond with significantly higher rates of pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes.

Design

This is a discussion paper informed by a literature review.

Methods

A search of the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Academic Search Premier databases for the keywords Ethiopian, pregnancy, food and taboos was conducted in the research literature published from 1998–2015. This time is contingent with Ethiopian migration trends.

Results

Ethiopian migrant women are at risk of inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. Risks include cultural factors associated with food taboos as well as issues associated with low socioeconomic status. Consequently, Ethiopian women are more likely to have nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia which have been associated with a range of pregnancy complications.

Conclusions

There are many serious consequences of poor diet during pregnancy; however, most of these can be avoided by greater awareness about the role of nutrition during pregnancy and by adopting a balanced diet.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is an urgent unmet need for nutrition education among Ethiopian women. Research indicates that Ethiopian women are receptive to nutritional advice during pregnancy and also that pregnant women are generally motivated to act in the baby's interest. These factors suggest that this high‐risk group would be amenable to culturally appropriate nutrition education, which would provide much‐needed meaningful support in pregnancy.
Canons of environmental law: pollution of churches and the regulation of the medieval ‘environment’
Authors: Etherington Laurence
Published: July 2016

The canon law rules addressing ‘Church Pollution’ provide a long-standing example of social regulation. A survey of historical material, and secondary sources, identifies a sophisticated set of precepts that developed over centuries. This development included application to one of the most important events in medieval England: the murder of Thomas Becket. Perhaps more importantly, the regime was widely used and thus of great significance to the ordinary citizens of the Middle Ages. Though largely historical, more recent examples of employment can also be found. When viewed through a contemporary lens, there are some connections that can be made with modern concepts of ‘pollution’ and contemporary environmental law and policy, such as that relating to contaminated land. While the relationships should not be overplayed, that analysis suggests a social and cultural heritage that has been drawn upon, whether consciously or not. When attempting to view matters from the perspective of medieval society, so conceptualising the ‘environment’ to include consideration and protection of the spiritual environment, further associations can be found. The differences in focus for the regulatory endeavours reflect differing fears, values and priorities. They also identify how these factors influence our definition and regulation of ‘pollution’.
Pathogen‐induced ERF68 regulates hypersensitive cell death in tomato
Authors: Liu An‐Chi , Cheng Chiu‐Ping
Published: July 2016

Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are a large plant‐specific transcription factor family and play diverse important roles in various plant functions. However, most tomato ERFs have not been characterized. In this study, we showed that the expression of an uncharacterized member of the tomato ERF‐IX subgroup, ERF68, was significantly induced by treatments with different bacterial pathogens, ethylene (ET) and salicylic acid (SA), but only slightly induced by bacterial mutants defective in the type III secretion system (T3SS) or non‐host pathogens. The ERF68‐green fluorescent protein (ERF68‐GFP) fusion protein was localized in the nucleus. Transactivation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) further showed that ERF68 was a functional transcriptional activator and was bound to the GCC‐box. Moreover, transient overexpression of ERF68 led to spontaneous lesions in tomato and tobacco leaves and enhanced the expression of genes involved in ET, SA, jasmonic acid (JA) and hypersensitive response (HR) pathways, whereas silencing of ERF68 increased tomato susceptibility to two incompatible Xanthomonas spp. These results reveal the involvement of ERF68 in the effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) pathway. To identify ERF68 target genes, chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with high‐throughput sequencing (ChIP‐seq) was performed. Amongst the confirmed target genes, a few genes involved in cell death or disease defence were differentially regulated by ERF68. Our study demonstrates the function of ERF68 in the positive regulation of hypersensitive cell death and disease defence by modulation of multiple signalling pathways, and provides important new information on the complex regulatory function of ERFs.
Chronic orofacial pain
Authors: Renton T
Published: July 2016

The issues specific to trigeminal pain include the complexity of the region, the problematic impact on daily function and significant psychological impact (J Dent, 43, 2015, 1203). By nature of the geography of the pain (affecting the face, eyes, scalp, nose, mouth), it may interfere with just about every social function we take for granted and enjoy (J Orofac Pain, 25, 2011, 333). The trigeminal nerve is the largest sensory nerve in the body, protecting the essential organs that underpin our very existence (brain, eyes, nose, mouth). It is no wonder that pain within the trigeminal system in the face is often overwhelming and inescapable for the affected individual.
Does cognitive decline decrease health utility value in older adult patients with cancer?
Authors: Akechi Tatsuo , Aiki Sayo , Sugano Koji , Uchida Megumi , Yamada Atsuro , Komatsu Hirokazu , Ishida Takashi , Kusumoto Shigeru , Iida Shinsuke , Okuyama Toru
Published: July 2016

Aim

Cognitive decline is common among older adults with cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of cognitive decline on health utility value in older adults suffering from cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with a primary diagnosis of malignant lymphoma or multiple myeloma were recruited. Patients were asked to complete the EuroQoL‐5 (EQ‐5D) scale to measure health utility and the Mini‐Mental State Examination to assess cognitive decline. The potential impact of cognitive decline was investigated with univariate analysis. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to control for potential confounding factors.

Results

Complete data were obtained from 87 patients, 29% of whom had cognitive decline. The mean ± SE EQ‐5D score for patients with cognitive decline was significantly lower than that for those without cognitive decline (0.67 ± 0.04 vs 0.79 ± 0.03, t = 2.38, P = 0.02). However, multiple regression analysis showed that cognitive decline was not significantly associated with EQ‐5D scores. Female sex and lower performance scores (worse physical condition) were significantly associated with EQ‐5D scores.

Conclusions

Cognitive decline may be involved in decreased health utility value in older adult patients with cancer. However, this effect does not seem to be independent, and the patient's physical condition may be a relevant confounding factor.
Access to Childcare in Europe: Parents' Logistical Challenges in Cross‐national Perspective
Authors: McLean Caitlin , Naumann Ingela , Koslowski Alison
Published: July 2016

A burgeoning comparative literature has identified the centrality of childcare policy and provision in promoting parental, and specifically maternal, participation in paid employment across countries. This literature has focused on the importance of macro‐level institutional arrangements, with a special emphasis on variation in availability of, and access to, formal early childhood education and care services. However, there has been limited comparative exploration of what this means in practice at the micro‐level: the everyday challenges parents face when attempting to navigate the childcare system and the labour market simultaneously. Taking inspiration from human geography literature on the concept of ‘space–time fixity’, we present cross‐national findings on the logistical challenges of arranging childcare. Evidence is drawn from interviews with parent‐ and childcare‐related organizations in six European countries: Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK. Our research provides a richer understanding of childcare availability than would a sole focus on formal childcare services, by elucidating the difficulties parents face in organizing access to these services, which can be a challenge to some extent even in contexts where childcare services are comprehensive and affordable.
Modeling of Revolute Joints in Topology Optimization of Flexible Multibody Systems
Authors: Moghadasi Ali , Held Alexander , Seifried Robert
Published: July 2016

In recent years, topology optimization has been used for optimizing members of flexible multibody systems to enhance their performance. Here, an extension to existing topology optimization schemes for flexible multibody systems is presented in which a more accurate model of revolute joints and bearing domains is included. This extension is of special interest since a connection between flexible members in a multibody system using revolute joints is seen in many applications. Moreover, the modeling accuracy of the bearing area is shown to be influential on the shape of the optimized structure. In this work, the flexible bodies are incorporated in the multibody simulation using the floating frame of reference formulation, and their elastic deformation is approximated using global shape functions calculated in the model order reduction analysis. The modeling of revolute joints using Hertzian contact law is incorporated in this framework by introducing a corrector load in the bearing model. Furthermore, an application example of a flexible multibody system with revolute joints is optimized for minimum value of compliance, and a comparative study of the optimization result is performed with an equivalent system which is modeled with nonlinear finite elements.
Cyclists' favorite drug falls flat in trial
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: July 2016

EPO can break careers—but can it really make them?
Thinking the unthinkable
Authors: Rosen Julia
Published: July 2016

Rare cataclysms are hard to study and plan for, but they may be too dangerous to ignore.
Doomsday Machines
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: July 2016

Disaster simulators that whoosh, gush, and rumble can do things supercomputers (so far) can't match.
Ducklings imprint on the relational concept of “same or different”
Authors: Martinho Antone , Kacelnik Alex
Published: July 2016

The ability to identify and retain logical relations between stimuli and apply them to novel stimuli is known as relational concept learning. This has been demonstrated in a few animal species after extensive reinforcement training, and it reveals the brain’s ability to deal with abstract properties. Here we describe relational concept learning in newborn ducklings without reinforced training. Newly hatched domesticated mallards that were briefly exposed to a pair of objects that were either the same or different in shape or color later preferred to follow pairs of new objects exhibiting the imprinted relation. Thus, even in a seemingly rigid and very rapid form of learning such as filial imprinting, the brain operates with abstract conceptual reasoning, a faculty often assumed to be reserved to highly intelligent organisms.
Butterfly communities under threat
Authors: Thomas Jeremy A.
Published: July 2016

Butterfly populations are declining worldwide as a result of habitat loss and degradation
Loss-of-function mutations in the
C9ORF72
mouse ortholog cause fatal autoimmune disease
Authors: Burberry Aaron , Suzuki Naoki , Wang Jin-Yuan , Moccia Rob , Mordes Daniel A. , Stewart Morag H. , Suzuki-Uematsu Satomi , Ghosh Sulagna , Singh Ajay , Merkle Florian T. , Koszka Kathryn , Li Quan-Zhen , Zon Leonard , Rossi Derrick J. , Trowbridge Jennifer J. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Eggan Kevin
Published: July 2016

Loss-of-function mutations in the mouse ortholog of
C9ORF72
cause fatal autoimmunity that is transferable by bone marrow–derived cells, demonstrating a hematopoietic intrinsic function for the protein encoded by this gene.
Moving at the speed of science: Regulatory flexibility for unmet medical needs
Authors: Dolsten Mikael
Published: July 2016

Biomedical science stops for no one, and the regulatory process must continue to keep up.
NK cells: A new player for the defense
Authors: Lund Amanda W.
Published: July 2016

Natural killer cells may limit immunity in the tumor microenvironment.
Zika meets its match
Authors: Shalek Alex K.
Published: July 2016

Both DNA and inactivated virus vaccines against Zika afford full, antibody-mediated protection in murine models.
Culture-Independent Detection of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Clinical Respiratory Samples
Authors: Scoleri Gianny P. , Choo Jocelyn M. , Leong Lex E. X. , Goddard Thomas R. , Shephard Lisa , Burr Lucy D. , Bastian Ivan , Thomson Rachel M. , Rogers Geraint B.
Published: July 2016

Culture-based detection of nontuberculous
Mycobacteria
(NTM) in respiratory samples is time consuming and can be subject to overgrowth by nonmycobacterial bacteria. We describe a single-reaction TaqMan quantitative PCR assay for the direct detection of NTM species in clinical samples that is specific, sensitive, and robust.
Delayed subarachnoid hemorrhage 7 years after cerebellar infarction from traumatic vertebral artery dissection
Authors: Silva Michael A , See Alfred P , Khandelwal Priyank , Patel Nirav J , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2016

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is an important cause of ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Dissections presenting with ischemia rarely cause SAH after more than a few hours, especially without radiographic evidence of pseudoaneurysm. We successfully treated a patient for persistent vessel injury presenting with SAH 7 years after presenting with extracranial subocclusive dissection of the right vertebral artery and an associated right posterior inferior cerebellar artery stroke. This is one of only three reported cases of delayed SAH occurring more than 2 weeks after an initial ischemic presentation of a VAD, and the only one without radiographic evidence of pseudoaneurysm at standard follow-up duration.
Examining the associations between HIV-related stigma and health outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS: a series of meta-analyses
Authors: Rueda Sergio , Mitra Sanjana , Chen Shiyi , Gogolishvili David , Globerman Jason , Chambers Lori , Wilson Mike , Logie Carmen H , Shi Qiyun , Morassaei Sara , Rourke Sean B
Published: July 2016

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and series of meta-analyses on the association between HIV-related stigma and health among people living with HIV.

Data sources

A structured search was conducted on 6 electronic databases for journal articles reporting associations between HIV-related stigma and health-related outcomes published between 1996 and 2013.

Study eligibility criteria

Controlled studies, cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies in people living with HIV were considered for inclusion.

Outcome measures

Mental health (depressive symptoms, emotional and mental distress, anxiety), quality of life, physical health, social support, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, access to and usage of health/social services and risk behaviours.

Results

64 studies were included in our meta-analyses. We found significant associations between HIV-related stigma and higher rates of depression, lower social support and lower levels of adherence to antiretroviral medications and access to and usage of health and social services. Weaker relationships were observed between HIV-related stigma and anxiety, quality of life, physical health, emotional and mental distress and sexual risk practices. While risk of bias assessments revealed overall good quality related to how HIV stigma and health outcomes were measured on the included studies, high risk of bias among individual studies was observed in terms of appropriate control for potential confounders. Additional research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms behind the negative relationship between stigma and health to better inform interventions to reduce the impact of stigma on the health and well-being of people with HIV.

Conclusions

This systematic review and series of meta-analyses support the notion that HIV-related stigma has a detrimental impact on a variety of health-related outcomes in people with HIV. This review can inform the development of multifaceted, intersectoral interventions to reduce the impact of HIV-related stigma on the health and well-being of people living with HIV.
Endovascular parent vessel sacrifice in ruptured dissecting vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: clinical outcomes and review of the literature
Authors: Madaelil Thomas P , Wallace Adam N , Chatterjee Arindam N , Zipfel Gregory J , Dacey Ralph G , Cross DeWitte T , Moran Christopher J , Derdeyn Colin P
Published: July 2016

Background

Ruptured intracranial dissecting aneurysms must be secured quickly to prevent re-hemorrhage. Endovascular sacrifice of the diseased segment is a well-established treatment method, however postoperative outcomes of symptomatic stroke and re-hemorrhage rates are not well reported, particularly for the perforator-rich distal vertebral artery or proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of ruptured distal vertebral artery or PICA dissecting aneurysms that underwent endovascular treatment. Diagnosis was based on the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage on initial CT imaging and of a dissecting aneurysm on catheter angiography. Patients with vertebral artery aneurysms were selected for coil embolization of the diseased arterial segment based on the adequacy of flow to the basilar artery from the contralateral vertebral artery. Patients with PICA aneurysms were generally treated only if they were poor surgical candidates. Outcomes included symptomatic and asymptomatic procedure-related cerebral infarction, recurrent aneurysm rupture, angiographic aneurysm recurrence, and estimated modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

During the study period, 12 patients with dissecting aneurysms involving the distal vertebral artery (n=10) or PICA (n=2) were treated with endovascular sacrifice. Two patients suffered an ischemic infarction, one of whom was symptomatic (8.3%). One patient (8.3%) died prior to hospital discharge. No aneurysm recurrence was identified on follow-up imaging. Ten patients (83%) made a good recovery (mRS ≤2). Median clinical and imaging follow-up periods were 41.7 months (range 0–126.4 months) and 14.3 months (range 0.03–88.6 months), respectively.

Conclusions

In patients with good collateral circulation, endovascular sacrifice may be the preferred treatment for acutely ruptured dissecting aneurysms involving the distal vertebral artery.
Use of the pCONus as an adjunct to coil embolization of acutely ruptured aneurysms
Authors: Pérez M Aguilar , Bhogal P , Moreno R Martinez , Wendl C , Bäzner H , Ganslandt O , Henkes H
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Coil embolization of ruptured aneurysms has become the standard treatment in many situations. However, certain aneurysm morphologies pose technical difficulties and may require the use of adjunctive devices.

Objective

To present our experience with the pCONus, a new neck bridging device, as an adjunct to coil embolization for acutely ruptured aneurysms and discuss the technical success, angiographic and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of our database of prospectively collected data to identify all patients who presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage that required adjunctive treatment with the pCONus in the acute stage. We searched the database between April 2011 and April 2016.

Results

21 patients were identified (13 male, 8 female) with an average age of 54.6 years (range 31–73). 8 aneurysms were located at the basilar artery tip, 7 at the anterior communicating artery, 4 at the middle cerebral artery bifurcation, 1 pericallosal, and 1 basilar fenestration. 61.8% patients achieved modified Raymond–Roy classification I or II at immediate angiography, with 75% of patients having completely occluded aneurysms or stable appearance at initial follow-up. There were no repeat aneurysmal ruptures and two device-related complications (no permanent morbidity). Four patients in our cohort died.

Conclusions

Use of the pCONus is safe and effective in patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms and carries a high rate of technical success.
Treatment of stable partial cruciate rupture (Grade 1 sprain) in five dogs with tibial plateau levelling osteotomy
Authors: Barger B , Piazza A , Muir P
Published: July 2016

Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is increasingly being used for treatment of stable partial cruciate ligament rupture (CR) in dogs. Medical records for TPLO‐treated dogs from 2003 to 2014 were reviewed and five cases were identified. Data retrieved included physical examination, diagnostic imaging and treatment. At long‐term follow‐up, the outcome was evaluated by clinical examination, stifle radiographs and force platform gait analysis. The time to follow‐up examination was 892±673 days for six stable stifle TPLO treatments in five dogs. Stifles with partial CR remained cranial drawer and cranial tibial thrust negative at follow‐up, with little progression of stifle osteoarthritis (OA). These observations suggest that TPLO is an effective clinical treatment for dogs with lameness because of partial CR. TPLO treatment reduces cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) strain, based on ex vivo model studies. Clinically, TPLO may act to block fibre tearing in the CrCL and associated progression of stifle OA in dogs with partial CR.
Association of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D with physical performance in physically active children
Authors: Bezrati Ikram , Hammami Raouf , Ben Fradj Mohamed Kacem , Martone Domenico , Padulo Johnny , Feki Moncef , Chaouachi Anis , Kaabachi Naziha
Published: July 2016

Vitamin D is thought to regulate skeletal muscle function and boost physical performance. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between vitamin D and physical performance in physically active children. This cross-sectional study included 125 children who practice football as a leisure activity. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was assessed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as 25-OHD < 20 ng/mL. Physical performance testing included measurements of muscle strength (maximal isometric contraction), jumping ability (vertical jump, standing broad jump, triple hop test), linear sprint (10 m and 20 m), and agility (9 × 4-m shuttle run). Plasma 25-OHD concentrations were positively correlated with muscle strength (r = 0.539; p < 0.001), vertical jump (r = 0.528; p < 0.001), and standing broad jump (r = 0.492; p < 0.001) but inversely correlated with sprint performance (r = –0.539; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis models, plasma 25-OHD concentrations were associated with each physical performance parameter independently of age, maturity status, body mass index, fat mass, and protein and calcium intakes. In conclusion, a low plasma 25-OHD level was associated with decreased muscle strength, agility, and jumping and sprinting abilities in physically active children. Vitamin D inadequacy may limit exercise performance. Further research should verify whether correction of vitamin D deficiency enhances physical performance.
Different styles of modern and ancient non-collisional orogens and implications for crustal growth: a Gondwanaland perspective
Authors: Glen R.A. , Belousova E. , Griffin W.L.
Published: July 2016

Non-collisional, convergent margin orogens are generally called accretionary orogens, although there may not have been horizontal accretion across the plate boundary. We revive the term non-collisional orogen and use a Gondwanaland perspective to discuss different types. On the northern margin of the Australian Plate, the New Guinea non-collisional, accretionary orogen was formed by large-scale terrane accretion across an advancing plate margin. On the eastern margin, the Southwest Pacific Orogen is a non-collisional and non-accretionary orogen, involving virtually no horizontal transfer of material across its eastward-retreating plate boundary. In the Tasmanides, the Lachlan Orogen, commonly described as an accretionary orogen, is another non-collisional, non-accretionary orogen developed behind the plate margin after major Cambrian rollback, with resultant backarc basins filled mainly by quartz-rich turbidites subsequently recycled. The outboard New England Orogen is a non-collisional but accretionary orogen, marked by the frontal accretion of continental margin arc detritus, subsequently recycled into younger arcs. The Permian to Cretaceous Rangitata Orogen of New Zealand is an ?oblique non-collisional, accretionary orogen in which Permian–Triassic sediments of the accretionary wedge have no link with inboard (near) arc terranes. Late Jurassic to Cretaceous parts were sourced by a combination of first cycle volcanogenic detritus passing through the forearc basin together with recycling of the exhumed parts of the wedge. All non-collisional orogens involve continental growth, but only the New England Orogen and to a lesser extent the New Guinea Orogen involve significant crustal growth.
Changes in body size of Canadian Pacific salmon over six decades
Authors: Jeffrey Kyla M. , Côté Isabelle M. , Irvine James R. , Reynolds John D.
Published: July 2016

Body size can sometimes change rapidly as an evolutionary response to selection or as a phenotypic response to changes in environmental conditions. Here, we revisit a classic case of rapid change in body size of five species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) caught in Canadian waters, with a six-decade analysis (1951–2012). Declines in size at maturity of up to 3 kg in Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and 1 kg in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) during the 1950s and 1960s were later reversed to match or exceed earlier sizes. In contrast, there has been little change in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) sizes and initial declines in pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) sizes have halted. Biomass of competing salmon species contributed to changes in size of all five species, and ocean conditions, as reflected by the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation and the Multivariate ENSO (El Niño – Southern Oscillation) indices, explained variation in four of the species. While we have identified a role of climate and density dependence in driving salmon body size, any additional influence of fisheries remains unclear.
Genome-wide analysis suggests divergent evolution of lipid phosphotases/phosphotransferase genes in plants
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Zhenxi , Kasimu Rena , Chen Yinhua , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Gai Jiangtao
Published: July 2016

Genes of the LPPT (lipid phosphatase/phosphotransferase) family play important roles in lipid phosphorous transfer and triacylglycerol accumulation in plants. To provide overviews of the plant LPPT family and their overall relationships, here we carried out genome-wide identifications and analyses of plant LPPT family members. A total of 643 putative LPPT genes were identified from 48 sequenced plant genomes, among which 205 genes from 14 plants were chosen for further analyses. Plant LPPT genes belonged to three distinctive groups, namely the LPT (lipid phosphotransfease), LPP (lipid phosphatase), and pLPP (plastidic lipid phosphotransfease) groups. Genes of the LPT group could be further partitioned into three groups, two of which were only identified in terrestrial plants. Genes in the LPP and pLPP groups experienced duplications in early stages of plant evolution. Among 17 Zea mays LPPT genes, divergence of temporal-spatial expression patterns was revealed based on microarray data analysis. Peptide sequences of plant LPPT genes harbored different conserved motifs. A test of Branch Model versus One-ratio Model did not support significant selective pressures acting on different groups of LPPT genes, although quite different nonsynonymous evolutionary rates and selective pressures were observed. The complete picture of the plant LPPT family provided here should facilitate further investigations of plant LPPT genes and offer a better understanding of lipid biosynthesis in plants.
Model of electron pairs in electron-doped cuprates
Authors: Singh R. J. , Khan Shakeel
Published: July 2016

In the order parameter of hole-doped cuprate superconductors in the pseudogap phase, two holes enter the order parameter from opposite sides and pass through various [Formula: see text] cells jumping from one [Formula: see text] to the other under the influence of magnetic field offered by the [Formula: see text] ions in that [Formula: see text] cell and thus forming hole pairs. In the pseudogap phase of electron-doped cuprates, two electrons enter the order parameter at [Formula: see text] sites from opposite ends and pass from one [Formula: see text] site to the diagonally opposite [Formula: see text] site. Following this type of path, they are subjected to high magnetic fields from various [Formula: see text] ions in that cell. They do not travel from one [Formula: see text] site to the other along straight path but by helical path. As they pass through the diagonal, they face high to low to very high magnetic field. Therefore, frequency of helical motion and pitch goes on changing with the magnetic field. Just before reaching the [Formula: see text] ions at the exit points of all the cells, the pitch of the helical motion is enormously decreased and thus charge density at these sites is increased. So the velocity of electrons along the diagonal path is decreased. Consequently, transition temperature of electron-doped cuprates becomes less than that of hole-doped cuprates. Symmetry of the order parameter of the electron-doped cuprates has been found to be of [Formula: see text] type. It has been inferred that internal magnetic field inside the order parameter reconstructs the Fermi surface, which is requisite for superconductivity to take place. Electron pairs formed in the pseudogap phase are the precursors of superconducting order parameter when cooled below [Formula: see text].
Motion-Compensated Temporal Frame Interpolation Algorithm Based on Global Entirety Unidirectional Motion Estimation and Local Fast Bidirectional Motion Estimation
Authors: Shi Zhiyong , Tian Fengchun , Deng Minjun , Liu Depeng
Published: July 2016

To solve the uncertainty of motion for objects displayed on liquid crystal display (LCD), the motion estimation (ME) algorithm on the basis of global entirety unidirectional motion and local fast bidirectional motion (GEU-LFB) is proposed for motion-compensated temporal frame interpolation (MCTFI). Firstly, by observing the moving objects in the scene, we will obtain a set of global motion vectors (MVs). Secondly, the fast local search based on the bidirectional ME is executed. Additionally, to make up for the defect of the bidirectional ME, a method to generate the exposure mask and the occlusion mask is proposed by cleverly using the matching criterion of absolute difference and the set of global MVs. Next, the optimal MV field is smoothed by the vector median filter. Finally, the temporal interpolation frame obtained through the weighted filtering compensation method is further improved by using masks. Overall, the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better performance than the existing methods in terms of objective and subjective criteria. Moreover, it can solve problems of exposure and occlusion, and get better frame interpolation for the video sequence with fast moving targets.
No-scale supergravity inflation: A bridge between string theory and particle physics?
Authors: Ellis John
Published: July 2016

The plethora of recent and forthcoming data on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) data are stimulating a new wave of inflationary model-building. Naturalness suggests that the appropriate framework for models of inflation is supersymmetry. This should be combined with gravity in a supergravity theory, whose specific no-scale version has much to commend it, e.g. its derivation from string theory and the flat directions in its effective potential. Simple no-scale supergravity models yield predictions similar to those of the Starobinsky [Formula: see text] model, though some string-motivated versions make alternative predictions. Data are beginning to provide interesting constraints on the rate of inflaton decay into Standard Model particles. In parallel, LHC and other data provide significant constraints on no-scale supergravity models, which suggest that some sparticles might have masses close to present experimental limits.
Pulse Scattering on an Ice Sphere Submerged in a Homogeneous Waveguide Covered with Ice
Authors: Grigorieva Natalie S. , Kupriyanov Mikhail S. , Stepanova Daria A. , Ostrovskiy Dmitriy B. , Seleznev Igor A.
Published: July 2016

The paper is devoted to modeling of the backscattered field from a spherical target immersed in a homogeneous waveguide covered with ice. A bottom of the waveguide and an ice cover are fluid, attenuating half-spaces. A target is assumed to be acoustically rigid or fluid. In particular, the properties of the ice cover and a scatterer may coincide. The emitted signal is a pulse with a Gaussian envelope. The normal mode evaluation is applied to the scattering coefficients of a sphere. The amount of normal modes forming the backscattered field is determined by a given directivity of the source. Computational results are obtained in a wide frequency range 8–12[Formula: see text]kHz for water depths equal to several hundreds of meters, and distances between a source/receiver and a target from 1[Formula: see text]km up to 10[Formula: see text]km. It is shown that in a range interval up to several kilometers the backscattered field can be calculated also using a simplified medium model consisting of a water half-space and an ice half-space. In this case the scattering coefficients of a sphere are evaluated by the steepest descent method. For the considered oceanic waveguide of 200[Formula: see text]m depth with a sandy bottom the use of the simplified medium model essentially shortens a computing time.