bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revitalizing sociology: urban life and mental illness between history and the present
Authors: Fitzgerald Des , Rose Nikolas , Singh Ilina
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a re‐thinking of the relationship between sociology and the biological sciences. Tracing lines of connection between the history of sociology and the contemporary landscape of biology, the paper argues for a reconfiguration of this relationship beyond popular rhetorics of ‘biologization' or ‘medicalization'. At the heart of the paper is a claim that, today, there are some potent new frames for re‐imagining the traffic between sociological and biological research – even for ‘revitalizing’ the sociological enterprise as such. The paper threads this argument through one empirical case: the relationship between urban life and mental illness. In its first section, it shows how this relationship enlivened both early psychiatric epidemiology, and some forms of the new discipline of sociology; it then traces the historical division of these sciences, as the sociological investment in psychiatric questions waned, and ‘the social' become marginalized within an increasingly ‘biological' psychiatry. In its third section, however, the paper shows how this relationship has lately been revivified, but now by a nuanced epigenetic and neurobiological attention to the links between mental health and urban life. What role can sociology play here? In its final section, the paper shows how this older sociology, with its lively interest in the psychiatric and neurobiological vicissitudes of urban social life, can be our guide in helping to identify intersections between sociological and biological attention. With a new century now underway, the paper concludes by suggesting that the relationship between urban life and mental illness may prove a core testing‐ground for a ‘revitalized' sociology.
A Machine Learning Framework for Plan Payment Risk Adjustment
Authors: Rose Sherri
Published: February 2016

Objective

To introduce cross‐validation and a nonparametric machine learning framework for plan payment risk adjustment and then assess whether they have the potential to improve risk adjustment.

Data Sources

2011–2012 Truven MarketScan database.

Study Design

We compare the performance of multiple statistical approaches within a broad machine learning framework for estimation of risk adjustment formulas. Total annual expenditure was predicted using age, sex, geography, inpatient diagnoses, and hierarchical condition category variables. The methods included regression, penalized regression, decision trees, neural networks, and an ensemble super learner, all in concert with screening algorithms that reduce the set of variables considered. The performance of these methods was compared based on cross‐validated R2.

Principal Findings

Our results indicate that a simplified risk adjustment formula selected via this nonparametric framework maintains much of the efficiency of a traditional larger formula. The ensemble approach also outperformed classical regression and all other algorithms studied.

Conclusions

The implementation of cross‐validated machine learning techniques provides novel insight into risk adjustment estimation, possibly allowing for a simplified formula, thereby reducing incentives for increased coding intensity as well as the ability of insurers to “game” the system with aggressive diagnostic upcoding.
Valorization of Olive Pomace Oil with Enzymatic Synthesis of 2‐Monoacylglycerol
Authors: Keskin Hasene , Koçak Yanık Derya , Mucuk Hatice Neval , Göğüş Fahrettin , Fadıloğlu Sibel
Published: February 2016

2‐Monoacylglycerols (2‐MAG) with a high content of oleic acid at sn‐2 position was synthesized by enzymatic ethanolysis of refined olive pomace oil, which is a byproduct of olive oil processing. Six lipases from different microbial sources were used in the synthesis of 2‐MAG. Immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica gave the highest product yield among the selected lipases. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize reaction conditions; time (4 to 10 h), temperature (45 to 60 °C), enzyme load (10 to 18 wt%), and ethanol:oil molar ratio (30:1 to 60:1). The predicted highest 2‐MAG yield (84.83%) was obtained at 45 °C using 10 (wt%) enzyme load and 50:1 ethanol:oil molar ratio for 5 h reaction time. Experiments to confirm the predicted results at optimum conditions presented a 2‐MAG yield of 82.54%. The purification yield (g 2‐MAG extracted/100 g of total product) was 80.10 and 69.00 for solvent extraction and low‐temperature crystallization, respectively. The purity of the synthesized 2‐MAG was found to be higher than 96%.
Modification of Sodium Release Using Porous Corn Starch and Lipoproteic Matrix
Authors: Christina Josephine , Lee Youngsoo
Published: February 2016

Excessive sodium consumption can result in hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases. Various chips and extruded snacks, where salt is mainly applied on the product surface, accounted for almost 56% of snacks retail sales in 2010. Hence, it is important to target sodium reduction for those snack products. Past studies had shown that modifying the rate‐release mechanism of sodium is a promising strategy for sodium reduction in the food industry. Encapsulation of salt can be a possible technique to control sodium release rate. Porous corn starch (PCS), created by enzymatic treatment and spray drying and lipoproteic matrix, created by gelation and freeze drying, were evaluated as carriers for controlled sodium release targeting topically applied salts. Both carriers encapsulated salt and their in vitro sodium release profiles were measured using a conductivity meter. The sodium release profiles of PCS treated with different enzymatic reaction times were not significantly different. Protein content and fat content altered sodium release profile from the lipoproteic matrix. The SEM images of PCS showed that most of the salt crystals coated the starch instead of being encapsulated in the pores while the SEM images and computed tomography scan of lipoproteic matrix showed salt dispersed throughout the matrix. Hence, PCS was found to have limitations as a sodium carrier as it could not effectively encapsulate salt inside its pores. The lipoproteic matrix was found to have a potential as a sodium carrier as it could effectively encapsulate salt and modify the sodium release profile.
A Comparative Assessment of Runoff Nitrogen from Turf, Forest, Meadow, and Mixed Landuse Watersheds
Authors: Bachman Matthew , Inamdar Shreeram , Barton Sue , Duke Joshua M. , Tallamy Doug , Bruck Jules
Published: February 2016

Landscaping paradigms that encourage high‐input, intensively managed and mono‐culture turf/lawn landscapes have raised concerns about water quality. We conducted a watershed‐scale assessment of landscaping practices that included turf, urban, forest, native meadow, and mixed landuse watersheds with a professional golf course and a parking lot. The turf site was moderately managed and had lower fertilizer inputs than those typically used by homeowners and golf courses. Stream water sampling was performed during base flow and storm events. Highest nitrate and total nitrogen concentrations in runoff were observed for the mixed watershed draining the golf course. In contrast, concentrations in base flow from the turf watershed were lower than expected and were comparable to those measured in the surrounding meadow and forest sites. Total nitrogen concentrations from the turf site increased sharply during the first storms following fertilization, suggesting that despite optimal management there exists a risk for nutrient runoff following fertilization. Overall, this study suggests that turf or lawns, when managed properly, pose minimal water quality risk to surface waters. Rate, timing of application, and the type of fertilizer appear to be the key factors affecting water quality. Better education of homeowners and landscaping professionals with regard to these factors may be a cost‐effective strategy to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
Multivariate Condition Assessment of Watersheds with Linked Micromaps
Authors: McManus Michael G. , Pond Gregory J. , Reynolds Lou , Griffith Michael B.
Published: February 2016

A challenge for statewide stream monitoring is visualizing the spatial and statistical characteristics of such data to compare the biotic condition of watersheds and relate that condition to watershed‐level estimates of instream variables. We used linked micromaps on stream survey data of 25 subbasins (766‐5,982 km2) for biotic condition, nine water quality, and two habitat variables. Subbasin biotic condition was negatively correlated with conductivity, magnesium and sulfate concentrations, and weakly positively correlated with habitat scores of sedimentation and embeddedness, with higher scores indicating better habitat. Positive spatial autocorrelation was detected among the subbasins in both habitat variables, iron concentration, pH, and exceedances of fecal coliform criteria as shown in linked micromaps. A spatial principal components analysis reduced the 11 environmental variables to two principal axes. The first axis synthesized a gradient of water quality and habitat scores among the subbasins. Subbasin biotic condition regressed on first axis subbasin scores had a significant, negative slope and accounted for 55% of the variation. Subbasins in degraded biotic condition had elevated conductivities and ion concentrations in northern and southern subbasins, and low habitat scores in western subbasins. Through linked micromaps, we compared the biotic condition among subbasins and identified stressors prevalent among subbasins that affected biotic condition.
Linking Nitrogen Export to Landscape Heterogeneity: The Role of Infrastructure and Storm Flows in a Mediterranean Urban System
Authors: McConaghie James B. , Cadenasso Mary L.
Published: February 2016

Urban ecosystems are often sources of nonpoint source (NPS) nitrogen (N) pollution to aquatic ecosystems. However, N export from urban watersheds is highly variable. Examples of densely urbanized watersheds are not well studied, and these may have comparatively low export rates. Commonly used metrics of landscape heterogeneity may obscure our ability to discern relationships among landscape characteristics that can explain these lower export rates. We expected that differences not often captured by these metrics in the relative cover of vegetation, structures, and impervious surfaces would better explain observed variation in N export. We examined these relationships during storms in residential watersheds. Contrary to expectations, land cover did not directly predict variation in N or water export. Instead, N export was strongly linked to drainage infrastructure density. Our research highlights the role of fine‐scaled landscape attributes, mainly infrastructure, in explaining patterns of N export from densely urbanized watersheds. Changes to hydrologic flow paths by infrastructure explained more variation in N export than land cover. Our findings support further development of landscape ecological models of urban N export that focus on hydrologic modification by infrastructure rather than traditional landscape measures such as land use, as indicators for evaluating patterns of NPS nitrogen pollution in densely urbanized watersheds.
Furongian (upper Cambrian) Guole Konservat‐Lagerstätte from South China
Authors: Xuejian ZHU , Shanchi PENG , ZAMORA Samuel , LEFEBVRE Bertrand , Guiying CHEN
Published: February 2016

The Guole biota contains common shelly fossils and some exceptionally well‐preserved soft‐bodied fossils. Stratigraphically, it is located in the mudstones and siltstones of the Sandu Formation near Guole Town, Jingxi County, Guangxi, South China. It is the first Furongian (late Cambrian) Burgess Shale‐type biota found in the world, thereby filling the gap between middle Cambrian and Lower Ordovician Burgess Shale‐type Lagerstätten. Preliminary studies suggest that the Guole biota includes approximately seven metazoan groups as well as algae. These will provide important new evolutionary and ecological information.
Internal Microanatomy and Zoological Affinity of the Early CambrianOlivooides
Authors: Jian HAN , Guoxiang LI , Shin KUBOTA , Qiang OU , Sho TOSHINO , Xing WANG , Xiaoguang YANG , Kentaro UESUGI , Hoshino MASATO , Osamu SASAKI , Harumasa KANO , Tomohiko SATO , Tsuyoshi KOMIYA
Published: February 2016

The early Cambrian pentamerous microfossilOlivooides/Punctatusin South China, which is characterized by a diagnostic stellate tubular apex, has been well‐known for its almost complete development sequence that can be confidently traced from embryos and hatched juveniles, to conical adults. However, its zoological affinity remains highly controversial. Here we describe the internal microanatomic structures of the soft‐body inside the peridermal theca ofOlivooides multisulcatusQian, 1977, including interradial pairs of tentacles, adradial and perradial fremila, perradial oral marginal lappets and twins of perradial gastric saccule‐like humps as well as a circular velarium with striated coronal muscles. Particularly, one specimen shows bifurcated velarial canals along the bell aperture. Both the components of the soft‐body and the external theca (or cyst) are arranged in perfect pentaradial symmetry. These characteristics are more compatible with those of living cubomedusans and co‐occurring Cambrian athecate embryonic cubozoans. Concerning the presence of peridermal theca,Olivooidesmost likely represents an extinct thecate stem‐group cubomedusae but devoid of both perradial eyes and specialized pedalia. The well‐grown soft body inside the peridermal tube displays a set of mixed features of both polyp and medusa.
The Ductile Deformation Characteristics of Caledonian Intracontinental Orogeny in the Northeastern Jiangshan‐Shaoxing Tectonic Zone: Insights from Magnetic Fabric Study and Its Geodynamic Implication
Authors: Genhui GONG , Hanlin CHEN , Fang WANG , Xiubin LIN , Lifeng MENG
Published: February 2016

The Jiangshan‐Shaoxing tectonic zone was the northeastern boundary between the Yangtze Block and the Cathaysia Block during the Neoproterozoic and was an intracontinental erogenic belt during late of the early Paleozoic. In this tectonic zone, there develops a lot of mylonite underwent strong ductile deformation and schist, gneiss, and amphibolite with medium and high grade metamorphism which was formed during the late of early Paleozoic. The research of geometry and kinematic of ductile deformation in Jiangshan‐Shaoxing tectonic zone is very important to reveal the tectonic process of intracontinental orogeny. This paper uses the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to determine the ductile deformation geometry and kinematic of Jiangshan‐Shaoxing tectonic zone combing with the field survey. In this study, 190 specimens of 19 locations and 221 specimens of 23 locations from Wangjiazhai section and Lipu‐Sizhai section were analyzed. The magnetic foliation over magnetic lineation in both Wangjiazhai and Lipu‐Sizhai sections together with the field observations indicated a compressional deformation pattern. 3 and 4 strong ductile deformation zones can be established in the Wangjiazhai section and the Lipu‐Sizhai section, respectively. According to the magnetic fabric and petro‐fabric studies, the Northeastern Jiangshan‐Shaoxing tectonic zone suffered two kinds of deformation patterns during the late early Paleozoic, i.e., the thrusting deformation followed by sinistral shear deformation.
Geochronological Framework and Geodynamic Implications of Mafic Magmatism in the Liaodong Peninsula and Adjacent Regions, North China Craton
Authors: Zhuang LI , Bin CHEN , Jialin WANG
Published: February 2016

Mafic rocks are widespread on the Liaodong Peninsula and adjacent regions of the North China Craton. The majority of this magmatism was originally thought to have occurred during the Pre‐Sinian, although the precise geochronological framework of this magmatism was unclear. Here, we present the results of more than 60 U‐Pb analyses of samples performed over the past decade, with the aim of determining the spatial and temporal distribution of mafic magmatism in this area. These data indicate that Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic mafic rocks are not as widely distributed as previously thought The combined geochronological data enabled the subdivision of the mafic magmatism into six episodes that occurred during the middle Paleoproterozoic, the late Paleoproterozoic, the Mesoproterozoic, the Late Triassic, the Middle Jurassic, and the Early Cretaceous. The middle Paleoproterozoic (2.1–2.2 Ga) mafic rocks formed in a subduction‐related setting and were subsequently metamorphosed during a ca. 1.9 Ga arc–continent collision event The late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.87–1.82 Ga) bimodal igneous rocks mark the end of a Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal event, whereas Mesoproterozoic mafic dike swarms record global‐scale Mesoproterozoic rifting associated with the final breakup of the Columbia supercontinent The Late Triassic mafic magmatism is part of a Late Triassic magmatic belt that was generated by post‐collisional extension. The Middle Jurassic mafic dikes formed in a compressive tectonic setting, and the Early Cretaceous bimodal igneous rocks formed in an extensional setting similar to a back‐arc basin. These latter two periods of magmatism were possibly related to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate.
The Trace Elements are Bounded by Organic Functional Groups in Coal: A Studying Result Based on FTIR Analysis
Authors: Jianye YANG , Guangheng WANG , Weiguo ZHANG
Published: February 2016

The relationship between trace elements in coal and organic functional groups of coal, also some of aromatic structure, was investigated by using curve fitting of infrared spectra. Cluster analysis was also performed according to the degree of affinity of organic groups to the trace elements. The results show that there is a possibility that trace elements, especially LREE, were bound to peripheral organic functional groups of middle rank coal macromolecule. The most possible functional group that binds trace element is the hydroxyl, and to the less degree, the asymmetric ‐CH3 and >CH2 stretching, ‐CH3 stretching, etc. The degree of affinity of trace elements to different functional groups varies. The tendency obeys the natural structural changing law of trace elements—the periodic law. The deviation of some trace elements from this regular trend is attributed to the deviation of intrinsic “confusion degree” (conventional molar entropy) of the matter system of coal basin, which is affected by the inner and outer factors during the evolution.
Geochemistry of the Paleocene Clastic Rocks in Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin: Implications for Tectonic Background and Provenance
Authors: Deyong LI , Xiaodian JIANG , Fa XU , Jinshui LIU , Guowei HOU
Published: February 2016

The Lishui Sag, in the East China Sea Shelf Basin, is rich in hydrocarbons, with the major hydrocarbon‐bearing layers being the Paleocene Mingyuefeng clastic rocks. Analysis of the implicit geologic background information of these Paleocene clastic rocks using petrological and geochemical methods has significant practical importance. These Paleocene sandstones are mainly lithic arenite, lithic arkose and greywacke, composed of K‐feldspar, plagioclase, authigenic clays, silica and carbonates. As continental deposits, Yueguifeng clastic rocks have high aluminosilicate and mafic detritus contents, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng Formations are rich in silica due to an oscillating coastal marine depositional environment The major element contents of these Paleocene sandstones are low and have a concentrated distribution, indicating that the geochemical composition is non‐epigenetic, transformed by sedimentary processes and diagenesis. The Yueguifeng detritus comprises recycled sediments, controlled by moderate weathering and erosion, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng detritus is interpreted as primarily first‐cycle materials due to low chemical weathering. In the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene, the Pacific Plate began subducting under the Eurasian Plate, causing an orogeny by plate collision and magma eruption due to the melting of subducted oceanic crust This resulted in the dual tectonic settings of “active margin” and “continental island arc” in the East China Sea Shelf Basin. During the Late Paleocene, the Pacific Plate margin migrated eastward along with development of the Philippine Ocean Plate, and the tectonic setting of the Lishui Sag gradually turned into a passive continental margin. Detrital sources included both orogenic continental blocks and continental island arcs, and the parent rocks are primarily felsic volcanic rocks and granites.
Saddle‐Dolomite‐Bearing Fracture Fillings and Records of Hot Brine Activity in the Jialingjiang Formation, Libixia Section, Hechuan Area of Chongqing City
Authors: Keke HUANG , Yijiang ZHONG , Sijing HUANG , Xiaoning LI , Mingshi FENG
Published: February 2016

Most vein minerals deposited in fractures of the Jialingjiang Formation from Libixia section, Hechan area include a large amount of saddle dolomite and accompanying celestite, calcite and fluorite. This study analyzed the nature, source, evolution of the fluids by plane‐light petrography, fluid‐inclusion methods, cathodoluminescence images, and stable isotopic compositions. The homogenization temperatures of two‐phase aqueous fluid inclusions in dolomite range between 100 and 270°C. Combined with the δ18O data, it is suggested that the fluid responsible for the precipitation of fracture fillings have δ18O values between 10‰ and 18‰ (relative to SMOW). The saddle dolomite and the accompanying minerals were the result of activity of dense brines at elevated temperatures. Moreover, analysis shows that the fluid was derived from a mixture of marine‐derived brine and deeper circulating flow. This fluid was enriched in Sr during diagenesis and formed celestite in fracture and for regional mineralization. Dissolution of saddle dolomite was attributed to the cooling of Mg/Ca‐decreased fluids, which may relate to a leaching of gypsum to celestite in surrounding carbonates.
Three‐Dimensional Modelling of a Multi‐Layer Sandstone Reservoir: the Sebei Gas Field, China
Authors: Chenghua OU , Xiaolu WANG , Chaochun LI , Yan HE
Published: February 2016

Multi‐layer sandstone reservoirs occur globally and are currently in international production. The 3D characteristics of these reservoirs are too complicated to be accurately delineated by general structural‐facies‐reservoir modelling. In view of the special geological features, such as the vertical architecture of sandstone and mudstone interbeds, the lateral stable sedimentation and the strong heterogeneity of reservoir poroperm and fluid distribution, we developed a new three‐stage and six‐phase procedure for 3D characterization of multi‐layer sandstone reservoirs. The procedure comprises two‐phase structural modelling, two‐phase facies modelling and modelling of two types of reservoir properties. Using this procedure, we established models of the formation structure, sand body structure and microfacies, reservoir facies and properties including porosity, permeability and gas saturation and provided a 3D fine‐scale, systematic characterization of the Sebei multi‐layer sandstone gas field, China. This new procedure, validated by the Sebei gas field, can be applied to characterize similar multi‐layer sandstone reservoirs.
Stable Carbon Isotopic Composition of Black Carbon in Surface Soil as a Proxy for Reconstructing Vegetation on the Northern Slope of the Qinling Mountains
Authors: Lian LIU , Min HUANG , Zhiqiang LIU
Published: February 2016

Because of the unique geographical location and important ecological effect of the Qinling Mountains, reconstruction of its vegetation and climate needs comprehensive research. We need to consider a multiple‐proxy approach to gain more information on recovering the paleovegetation and climate in the Qinling Mountains. Black carbon (BC) is produced by the incomplete combustion of vegetation and fossil fuels, and is a good proxy, recording paleoenvironmental information. However, in the Qinling Mountains, what are the characteristics of the BC, and whether BC stable carbon isotope (δ13CBC) can be used as a new proxy to study ancient vegetation, still need further study. In order to establish a sound basis for studying paleoenvironmental by BC proxy in the Qinling Mountains, we carried out systematic and detailed study on modern process of BC on the northern slope of the mountains. We analyzed stable carbon isotopes and carbon concentration of organic carbon (%SOC, δ13CSOC) and BC (%BC, δ13CBC), and identified the pollen assemblages from systematically sampled surface soil. The results show that the calculated ratio of C4 plants in the vegetation (%C4) based on the δ13CSOC data reflects a similar distribution of C4 plants in the surface vegetation and the pollen assemblage. The δ13Cbc values have a strong positive correlation with δ13Csoc values, and their difference (Δ13CSOc‐bc) is in the low range. These data indicate that δ13Cbc and δ13Csoc have very similar characteristics. Surface soil δ13Cbc values can indicate surface vegetation as effectively as δ13CSOC values, and the δ13Cbc proxy can be used effectively in paleovegetational research in the northern slope of Qinling Mountains.
Management Influence on Investors: Evidence from Shareholder Votes on the Frequency of Say on Pay
Authors: Ferri Fabrizio , Oesch David
Published: February 2016

The literature on shareholder voting has mostly focused on the influence of proxy advisors on shareholder votes. We exploit a unique empirical setting enabling us to provide a direct estimate of management's influence. Analyzing shareholder votes on the frequency of future say on pay (SOP) votes, we find that a management recommendation for a particular frequency is associated with a 26 percent increase in voting support for that frequency. Additional tests suggest that the documented association is likely to capture a causal effect. Management influence varies across firms and is smaller at firms where perceived management credibility is lower. Compared to firms adopting an annual frequency, firms following management's recommendation to adopt a triennial frequency are significantly less likely to change their compensation practices in response to an adverse SOP vote, consistent with the notion that a less frequent vote results in lower management accountability.
Accounting Comparability and Economic Outcomes of Mandatory IFRS Adoption
Authors: Neel Michael
Published: February 2016

This study examines the associations between four economic outcomes of the 2005 mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and concurrent changes in two important accounting constructs, accounting comparability and reporting quality. My primary purpose is to evaluate the relative importance of cross‐country accounting comparability and firm‐specific reporting quality in explaining previously documented increases in Tobin's Q, stock liquidity, analyst forecast accuracy, and analyst forecast agreement following IFRS adoption. Given that improvements in both comparability and reporting quality are primary stated objectives of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), it is important to understand their relative roles in shaping the information environment of financial statement users following IFRS adoption. Using 1,861 first‐time adopters in 23 countries, I find that firms with a larger improvement in comparability have larger increases in Q, liquidity, forecast accuracy, and forecast agreement following adoption, relative to other adopters. In contrast, improvements in reporting quality around adoption appear to have only a second‐order effect that is generally limited to Q effects among those adopters with concurrent improvements in comparability. These results are robust to alternative design and variable specifications. Finally, I continue to find these results for samples restricted to countries with weaker pre‐adoption institutional environments and countries that did not initiate proactive financial statement reviews, indicating that strong institutions and regulatory improvements are not driving the results. Overall, my results suggest that improvements in cross‐country accounting comparability played an important role in the previously documented economic benefits that accrued to 2005 mandatory IFRS adopters.
Mathematical Modeling of the Biomarker Milieu to Characterize Preterm Birth and Predict Adverse Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Cordeiro Christina N. , Savva Yulia , Vaidya Dhananjay , Argani Cynthia H. , Hong Xiumei , Wang Xiaobin , Burd Irina
Published: February 2016

Problem

To identify preterm neonates at risk for adverse neonatal outcomes.

Method of Study

A nested case–control study from the prospectively followed Boston Birth Cohort of mother–neonate pairs was performed. A classification model for preterm‐born neonates was derived from 27 cord blood biomarkers using orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis. Predictive relationships were made between biomarkers and adverse outcomes using logistic regression.

Results

From 926 births (53% of which were preterm), using weighted values for 27 biomarkers, a score was created that classified 73% of preterm deliveries. Soluble TNF‐R1, NT‐3, MCP‐1, BDNF, IL‐4, MMP‐9, TREM‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐5 and IL‐10 were most influential. Our model was more sensitive for birth <34 weeks (sensitivity 89.5%, specificity 76.9%). IL‐10, TNF‐α, BDNF, NT‐3, MMP‐9, sTNF‐R1 and MCP‐1 were significantly predictive of NEC, IVH, sepsis and infections.

Conclusion

We developed a novel mathematical model of 27 biomarkers associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in neonates born preterm.
Ocular blood flow in glaucoma – the Leuven Eye Study
Authors: Abegão Pinto Luís , Willekens Koen , Van Keer Karel , Shibesh Abraham , Molenberghs Geert , Vandewalle Evelien , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Elevated intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) has been identified as a major risk factor for glaucoma. Additionally, extensive literature depicts a vascular dysfunction to exist in these patients. However, a large ocular blood flow‐oriented trial to integrate these findings in the clinical setting is lacking. This study would likely help to identify which of these vascular data can be used as a clinical tool for screening and disease stratification.

Method

Prospective, cross‐sectional, case–control hospital‐based study. Patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG), ocular hypertension (OHT), glaucoma suspects and healthy volunteers were recruited. In addition to a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, a vascular‐oriented questionnaire was completed and ocular blood flow assessment (colour Doppler imaging of retrobulbar vessels, retinal oximetry, dynamic contour tonometry, optical coherent tomography enhanced‐depth imaging of the choroid) were performed. Statistical analysis was based on multiple imputation to account for missingness.

Results

A total of 614 subjects (291 males) were recruited between March and December 2013 (POAG: 214, NTG: 192; OHT: 27; glaucoma suspect: 41; healthy controls: 140). Glaucoma groups (NTG and POAG) were age and gender matched with the control group (p > 0.05). Glaucoma groups were paired in terms of functional and structural parameters (p > 0.08). Mean ocular perfusion pressure was higher in the glaucoma groups than in controls (p < 0.001). Glaucoma groups had lower retrobulbar velocities, higher retinal venous saturation and choroidal thickness asymmetries when compared to the healthy group, in line with the current literature.

Conclusions

The Leuven Eye Study stands as one of the largest clinical trials on ocular blood flow in glaucoma. The creation of this vast database may help integrate the vascular aspects of glaucoma into the clinical practice of glaucoma.
High‐resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for anterior scleral inflammatory disease
Authors: Zur Dinah , Neudorfer Meira , Shulman Shiri , Rosenblatt Amir , Habot‐Wilner Zohar
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To study high‐resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings in anterior scleral inflammatory disease and evaluate the efficacy of high‐resolution UBM as an adjunctive diagnostic tool.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study. The medical records of 30 patients (33 eyes) with episcleritis or anterior scleritis were reviewed for clinical features and high‐resolution UBM findings. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) examination was performed using 50 MHz Aviso S (Quantel Medical, Clermont‐Ferrand, France).

Results

Seventeen eyes had episcleritis [nodular (12), simple (five)], and 16 eyes had anterior scleritis [nodular (14), diffuse (two)] as classified by UBM. The use of high‐resolution UBM allowed high‐resolution imaging of the sclera and episclera and showed characteristic patterns of episcleritis and anterior scleritis. The clinical classification matched UBM findings in 25 (76%) eyes. In the other eight eyes (24%), UBM analysis led to a change in the final classification: four eyes with suspected episcleritis were classified with scleritis, and four eyes with suspected scleritis were classified with episcleritis. Eleven patients (36.7%) had an associated systemic disease.

Conclusion

High‐resolution UBM enabled visualization of distinct imaging findings of episcleritis and anterior scleritis, indicating its usefulness in the classification of challenging cases of anterior scleral inflammatory disease.
Relapse after withdrawal from anti‐TNF therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: an observational study, plus systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kennedy N. A. , Warner B. , Johnston E. L. , Flanders L. , Hendy P. , Ding N. S. , Harris R. , Fadra A. S. , Basquill C. , Lamb C. A. , Cameron F. L. , Murray C. D. , Parkes M. , Gooding I. , Ahmad T. , Gaya D. R. , Mann S. , Lindsay J. O. , Gordon J. , Satsangi J. , Hart A. , McCartney S. , Irving P. ,   UK Anti‐TNF withdrawal study group, Lees C. W.
Published: February 2016

Background

Infliximab and adalimumab have established roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy. UK regulators mandate reassessment after 12 months' anti‐TNF therapy for IBD, with consideration of treatment withdrawal. There is a need for more data to establish the relapse rates following treatment cessation.

Aim

To establish outcomes following anti‐TNF withdrawal for sustained remission using new data from a large UK cohort, and assimilation of all available literature for systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed on 166 patients with IBD (146 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 20 with ulcerative colitis [UC) and IBD unclassified (IBDU)] withdrawn from anti‐TNF for sustained remission. Meta‐analysis was undertaken of all published studies incorporating 11 further cohorts totalling 746 patients (624 CD, 122 UC).

Results

Relapse rates in the UK cohort were 36% by 1 year and 56% by 2 years for CD, and 42% by 1 year and 47% by 2 years for UC/IBDU. Increased relapse risk in CD was associated with age at diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 2.78 for age <22 years], white cell count (HR 3.22 for >5.25 × 109/L) and faecal calprotectin (HR 2.95 for >50 μg/g) at drug withdrawal. Neither continued immunomodulators nor endoscopic remission were predictors. In the meta‐analysis, estimated 1‐year relapse rates were 39% and 35% for CD and UC/IBDU respectively. Retreatment with anti‐TNF was successful in 88% for CD and 76% UC/IBDU.

Conclusions

Assimilation of all available data reveals remarkable homogeneity. Approximately one‐third of patients with IBD flare within 12 months of withdrawal of anti‐TNF therapy for sustained remission.
The Effect of Infancy Childcare Center Use and Maternal Employment on Toddlers’ Language Development in South Korea
Authors: Ahn Jaejin , Yoo Joan P.
Published: February 2016

Using first to fourth wave data of the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC), this study explores the effects of childcare center use, maternal employment, and other child and familial characteristics on the language development of toddlers in Korea. Among the 2078 families with children in thePSKC, those who completed the Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test at the fourth wave were selected, and a small number of disabled or prematurely born children were excluded. In addition, to clarify the effects of maternal employment, families with mothers who were either employed or unemployed for three consecutive years during the child's infancy were selected. Regression analysis showed that neither childcare center use nor maternal employment during infancy had significant effects on toddlers’ expressive and receptive vocabulary at the fourth wave. Family characteristics, such as household poverty and maternal education level, as well as child characteristics, such as gender and birth order, had significant effects on expressed vocabulary. However, only children's gender significantly affected the receptive vocabulary level of toddlers.
Many faces of dogmatism: Prejudice as a way of protecting certainty against value violators among dogmatic believers and atheists
Authors: Kossowska Małgorzata , Czernatowicz‐Kukuczka Aneta , Sekerdej Maciej
Published: February 2016

In this article, we suggest that dogmatic beliefs, manifested as strong beliefs that there is no God (i.e., dogmatic atheism) as well as strong beliefs in God (i.e., religious orthodoxy), can serve as a cognitive response to uncertainty. Moreover, we claim that people who dogmatically do not believe in religion and those who dogmatically believe in religion are equally prone to intolerance and prejudice towards groups that violate their important values. That is because prejudice towards these groups may be an efficient strategy to protect the certainty that strong beliefs provide. We tested these assumptions in two studies. In Study 1 and Study 2, we demonstrated that dogmatic beliefs mediate the relationship between intolerance to uncertainty and both, religious orthodoxy and dogmatic atheism. In addition, in Study 2 we showed that both the religiously orthodox and dogmatic atheists become prejudiced towards groups that violate their values and that these effects are especially strong under experimentally induced uncertainty. In this study, we focused on atheists and homosexuals as groups that pose a threat to Christian's religious worldviews, and Catholics and pro‐life supporters as groups that pose a threat to the values of atheists. The results are discussed in relation to past research on dogmatism and religion, as well as with reference to what this means for the study of prejudice.
A behavioural approach to helping an older adult with a learning disability and mild cognitive impairment overcome depression
Authors: Green Paul
Published: February 2016

Accessible summary

Older people with learning disabilities who develop memory problems are likely to feel sad.

There is much information showing how people with learning disabilities can learn new behaviours which help them to think differently and feel better.

This is the story of how I helped one older man with learning disabilities and memory problems to change how he was behaving and feel happier.

Background: There is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that behavioural activation for depression is an equally effective but less complex treatment than cognitive behavioural therapy. It may therefore be more suitable for those who are cognitively impaired (i.e. early‐stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment) or have a learning disability.

Materials and Methods: A case study is presented that outlines how a behavioural approach was used to support an older adult with a learning disability and mild cognitive impairment who was depressed. It was delivered by the carer liaison practitioner employed by a memory service.

Results: The client's score on the GDS‐LD reduced from 23 to 5 and on the GAS‐ID from 19 to 11 indicating a clinically significant improvement in his symptoms of depression and anxiety at post‐treatment. Mood ratings on the Ottawa Mood Scales rose from 2/10 to 7/10. Increased engagement in activities and an improvement in the client's problem‐solving abilities were evident.

Conclusions: The case study demonstrates the clinical utility of behavioural activation as a treatment for depression in an older adult with a learning disability and mild cognitive impairment. This matches the findings of other studies of behavioural activation as an intervention to treat depression in older adults. However, the client did not have a formal diagnosis of learning disability and may therefore be atypical. More comprehensive studies, including randomised controlled trials, are needed to confirm these findings and more thoroughly test the effectiveness of behavioural interventions with this client group.
Therapeutic time window for angiotensin‐(1–7) in acute lung injury
Authors: Supé Stefanie , Kohse Franziska , Gembardt Florian , Kuebler Wolfgang M , Walther Thomas
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

There is presently no proven pharmacological therapy for the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Recently, we and others discovered that the heptapeptide angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7)] shows significant beneficial effects in preclinical models of acute lung injury (ALI). Here, we aimed to identify the best time window for Ang‐(1–7) administration to protect rats from oleic acid (OA) induced ALI.

Experimental Approach

The effects of i.v. infused Ang‐(1–7) were examined over four different time windows before or after induction of ALI in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Haemodynamic effects were continuously monitored, and loss of barrier function, inflammation and lung peptidase activities were measured as experimental endpoints.

Key Results

Ang‐(1–7) infusion provided the best protection against experimental ALI when administered by continuous infusion starting immediately after 30 min OA infusion till the end of the experiment (30–240 min). Both pretreatment (−60 to 0 min before OA) and short‐term therapy (30–90 min) also had beneficial effects although less pronounced than the effects achieved with the optimal therapy window. Starting infusion of Ang‐(1–7) 60 min after the end of OA treatment (90–240 min) did not protect barrier function or haemodynamics but still reduced myeloperoxidase activity and increased ACE2/ACE activity ratio respectively.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings indicate that early initiation of therapy after ALI and continuous drug delivery are most beneficial for optimal therapeutic efficiency of Ang‐(1–7) treatment in experimental ALI and, presumably accordingly, in clinical acute respiratory distress syndrome.
New use for an old drug: COX‐independent anti‐inflammatory effects of sulindac in models of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Rocca Jérémy , Manin Sylvie , Hulin Anne , Aissat Abdel , Verbecq‐Morlot Wilfried , Prulière‐Escabasse Virginie , Wohlhuter‐Haddad Adeline , Epaud Ralph , Fanen Pascale , Tarze Agathe
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

Pulmonary disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to exacerbated inflammation. To date, the only anti‐inflammatory drug available to CF patients is high‐dose ibuprofen, which can slow pulmonary disease progression, but whose cyclooxygenase‐dependent digestive adverse effects limit its clinical use. Here we have tested sulindac, another non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug with an undefined anti‐inflammatory effect in CF airway epithelial cells.

Experimental Approach

Using in vitro and in vivo models, we NF‐κB activity and IL‐8 secretion. In HeLa‐F508del cells, we performed luciferase reporter gene assays in order to measure i) IL‐8 promoter activity, and ii) the activity of synthetic promoter containing NF‐κB responsive elements. We quantified IL‐8 secretion in airway epithelial CFBE cells cultured at an air‐liquid interface and in a mouse model of CF.

Key Results

Sulindac inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB and decreased IL‐8 transcription and secretion in TNF‐α stimulated CF cells via a cyclooxygenase‐independent mechanism. This effect was confirmed in vivo in a mouse model of CF induced by intra‐tracheal instillation of LPS, with a significant decrease of the induction of mRNA for MIP‐2, following treatment with sulindac.

Conclusion and Implications

Overall, sulindac decrease lung inflammation by a mechanism independent of cycolooxygenase. This drug could be beneficially employed in CF.
SERPINI1 regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition in an orthotopic implantation model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Matsuda Yasufumi , Miura Koh , Yamane Junko , Shima Hiroshi , Fujibuchi Wataru , Ishida Kazuyuki , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Ohnuma Shinobu , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Nagao Munenori , Tanaka Naoki , Satoh Kennichi , Naitoh Takeshi , Unno Michiaki
Published: February 2016

An increasingly accepted concept is that the progression of colorectal cancer is accompanied by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). In our study, in order to characterize the properties of EMT in 16 colorectal cancer cell lines, the cells were first orthotopically implanted into nude mice, and the tumors in vivo, as well as cells cultured in vitro, were immunostained for EMT markers. The immunostaining revealed that seven of the cells had an epithelial phenotype with a high expression of E‐cadherin, whereas other cells showed opposite patterns, such as a high expression of vimentin (CX‐1, COLO205, CloneA, HCT116, and SW48). Among the cells expressing vimentin, some expressed vimentin in the orthotopic tumors but not in the cultured cells (SW480, SW620, and COLO320). We evaluated these findings in combination with microarray analyses, and selected five genes: CHST11, SERPINI1, AGR2, FBP1, and FOXA1. Next, we downregulated the expression of SERPINI1 with siRNA in the cells, the results of which showed reverse‐EMT changes at the protein level and in the cellular morphology. Along with immunohistochemical analyses, we confirmed the effect of the intracellular and secreted SERPINI1 protein of SW620 cells, which supported the importance of SERPINI1 in EMT. The development of therapeutic strategies targeting EMT is ongoing, including methods targeting the transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway as well as the Wnt pathway. SERPINI1 is an important regulator of EMT. Our findings help to elucidate the signaling pathways of EMT, hopefully clarifying therapeutic pathways as well.
Genetic variation frequencies in Wilms' tumor: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Deng Changkai , Dai Rong , Li Xuliang , Liu Feng
Published: February 2016

Over the last few decades, numerous biomarkers in Wilms' tumor have been confirmed and shown variations in prevalence. Most of these studies were based on small sample sizes. We carried out a meta‐analysis of the research published from 1992 to 2015 to obtain more precise and comprehensive outcomes for genetic tests. In the present study, 70 out of 5175 published reports were eligible for the meta‐analysis, which was carried out using Stata 12.0 software. Pooled prevalence for gene mutations WT1, WTX, CTNNB1, TP53, MYCN, DROSHA, and DGCR8 was 0.141 (0.104, 0.178), 0.147 (0.110, 0.184), 0.140 (0.100, 0.190), 0.410 (0.214, 0.605), 0.071 (0.041, 0.100), 0.082 (0.048, 0.116), and 0.036 (0.026, 0.046), respectively. Pooled prevalence of loss of heterozygosity at 1p, 11p, 11q, 16q, and 22q was 0.109 (0.084, 0.133), 0.334 (0.295, 0.373), 0.199 (0.146, 0.252), 0.151 (0.129, 0.172), and 0.148 (0.108, 0.189), respectively. Pooled prevalence of 1q and chromosome 12 gain was 0.218 (0.161, 0.275) and 0.273 (0.195, 0.350), respectively. The limited prevalence of currently known genetic alterations in Wilms' tumors indicates that significant drivers of initiation and progression remain to be discovered. Subgroup analyses indicated that ethnicity may be one of the sources of heterogeneity. However, in meta‐regression analyses, no study‐level characteristics of indicators were found to be significant. In addition, the findings of our sensitivity analysis and possible publication bias remind us to interpret results with caution.