bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐Continuous Quasi‐Monte Carlo Ray Tracing
Authors: Gribel C.J. , Akenine‐Möller T.
Published: September 2016

Domain‐continuous visibility determination algorithms have proved to be very efficient at reducing noise otherwise prevalent in stochastic sampling. Even though they come with an increased overhead in terms of geometrical tests and visibility information management, their analytical nature provides such a rich integral that the pay‐off is often worth it. This paper presents a time‐continuous, primary visibility algorithm for motion blur aimed at ray tracing. Two novel intersection tests are derived and implemented. The first is for ray versus moving triangle and the second for ray versus moving AABB intersection. A novel take on shading is presented as well, where the time continuum of visible geometry is adaptively point‐sampled. Static geometry is handled using supplemental stochastic rays in order to reduce spatial aliasing. Finally, a prototype ray tracer with a full time‐continuous traversal kernel is presented in detail. The results are based on a variety of test scenarios and show that even though our time‐continuous algorithm has limitations, it outperforms multi‐jittered quasi‐Monte Carlo ray tracing in terms of image quality at equal rendering time, within wide sampling rate ranges.
NONLINEAR AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG APPROACH AND BILATERAL J‐CURVE: INDIA VERSUS HER TRADING PARTNERS
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Saha Sujata
Published: September 2016

The J‐curve studies related to India have mostly either used aggregate trade flows of India with the rest of the world or between India and its trading partners. They have all assumed exchange rate changes have symmetric effects on Indian trade balance. In this article, we use partial sum concept combined with the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach of Shin et al. to show that indeed in some instances, there are evidences of asymmetry effects of currency depreciation. This new nonlinear approach provides more support for the J‐curve than the previous linear approaches. (JEL F31)
Reconsidering Elitist Duality: Persistent Tension in the Turkish–Egyptian Relations
Authors: Magued Shaimaa
Published: September 2016

Since the Muslim Brotherhood's ouster in July 3, 2013, tension has escalated between Turkey and Egypt and gained media attention as an unprecedented incident in bilateral relations. However, disagreement has characterized bilateral relations since the declaration of the Egyptian Republic and the launch of diplomatic relations with Turkey in the 1950s. By tracking the history of both countries’ bilateral relations, this study contends that, according to the elitist duality thesis, Turkish–Egyptian relations were an exception to the Turkish–Arab relations, as they were not influenced by the ruling elite. It argues that regardless of the ruling elite identity, tension has disrupted the normal course of relations. By relying on extensive interviews conducted with members of the Justice and Development Party, and academicians and staff members in the Turkish ministries of economy and foreign affairs, the study analyzes the unaddressed tension in the Turkish–Egyptian relations since the 1950s until 2013 and provides policy recommendations to improve bilateral relations.
The Anatomy of Stagnation in a Modern Economy
Authors: Hall Robert E.
Published: September 2016

In 2008, the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression launched a deep contraction of the US economy. Output fell quickly to a level 10% below trend. Unemployment reached 10% of the labour force. Seven years after the crisis, unemployment was back to normal, but output was 15% below trend. Stagnation had set in. The most important source of the stagnation was a sharp decline in productivity growth. A decline in R&D and other productivity‐enhancing investment was at least partially responsible. That decline began before the crisis, but the financial events of 2008 worsened the cutback. A second major source of stagnated output and income was capital depletion. Investment in business equipment fell in half immediately after the crisis. Cumulatively, the effect of below‐trend investment accounted for 5 of the 15 percentage points of the shortfall in output. The third major development accounting for stagnation in output was a decline in the labour force that remained after unemployment had returned to normal. This development accounted for more than 3 percentage points of the shortfall in output. As a general matter, the direct decline in labour input and in output associated with the rise in unemployment was not important by 2015, but the follow‐on stagnation operating through the effects on the two types of capital formation was substantial.
Peri‐procedural silent cerebral infarcts after left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Laible M. , Möhlenbruch M. , Horstmann S. , Pfaff J. , Geis N. A. , Pleger S. , Schüler S. , Rizos T. , Bendszus M. , Veltkamp R.
Published: September 2016

Background and purpose

To determine the rate of peri‐interventional silent brain infarcts after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).

Methods

In this prospective, uncontrolled single‐center pilot study, consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAO between July 2013 and January 2016 were included. The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, WATCHMAN or Amulet device was used. A neurological examination and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed within 48 h before and after the procedure. MRI was evaluated for new diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and white‐matter lesions (WMLs).

Results

Left atrial appendage occlusion was performed in 21 patients (mean age, 73.2 ± 9.5 years). Main reasons for LAAO were previous intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 11) and major systemic bleeding (n = 6). No clinically overt stroke occurred peri‐interventionally. After the intervention, one patient had a small cerebellar hyperintensity on DWI (4.8%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0–14.3) that was not present on the MRI 1 day before the procedure. Among 11 patients with available MRI just before LAAO, there were no significant changes in the number of CMBs and the severity of WMLs after LAAO.

Conclusions

This study of peri‐interventional MRI in LAAO suggests a low rate of silent peri‐procedural infarcts in this elderly population. Confirmation in larger studies is needed.
Right insular infarction and mortality after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Hanne L. , Brunecker P. , Grittner U. , Endres M. , Villringer K. , Fiebach J. B. , Ebinger M.
Published: September 2016

Background and purpose

Several studies have described an association between insular infarction and mortality. Large infarcts often include the insula and lesion size is associated with mortality. We hypothesized that there is an association between insular infarction and mortality independent of lesion volume.

Methods

We included consecutive stroke patients between 1 September 2008 and 11 November 2012 from the 1000Plus database with an acute ischaemic lesion on diffusion‐weighted imaging on day 1 and a completed 90‐day follow‐up. Insular infarct location was determined using the in‐house software Stroke Lesion Atlas. In multiple Cox regression analysis (dependent variable: mortality), we adjusted for insular infarcts, age, lesion volume, history of atrial fibrillation, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and previous stroke.

Results

We included 736 patients, of whom 168 had an insular infarction. Within a medium follow‐up time of 107 days, cumulative survival was 90% in patients with insular infarction and 99% in patients without insular infarction (P < 0.001). Right insular infarction was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 2.60; confidence interval, 1.3–5.4; P = 0.010).

Conclusions

In our study, right insular involvement was a prognostic marker for mortality after ischaemic stroke. A selection bias towards patients able to give informed consent warrants further studies.
Advanced dental maturity of Finnish 6‐ to 12‐yr‐old children is associated with high energy intake
Authors: Jääsaari Päivi , Tolvanen Mimmi , Niinikoski Harri , Karjalainen Sara
Published: September 2016

We studied the association of dental maturity with body mass index (BMI), energy intake, and macronutrient intake. A randomly selected subset (n = 148) of the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) was invited to an oral follow‐up study, and the 6‐ and 12‐yr‐examination data (n = 111, 60 boys) were used. Food records for four consecutive days and BMI values were extracted from the databank of the main STRIP project. The developmental stage of seven permanent mandibular teeth was assessed using panoramic radiographs. The resulting maturity scores were converted to dental age estimates. Three dental‐maturity groups (delayed, average, and advanced) and two BMI groups [normal BMI (≤mean+1SD) and high BMI (>mean+1SD)] were formed. The dental age was higher than the chronological age by 0.6–0.8 yr. Maturity scores for girls were statistically significantly higher than for boys. The distribution of girls into dental‐maturity groups at age 12 yr was different from that of the boys and there were more boys than girls among the high‐BMI group. Children of the advanced dental‐maturity group had a statistically significantly higher energy intake than children in the other groups. We conclude that advanced dental maturity is associated with higher energy intake.
Risk factors for short‐ and long‐term mortality in very old patients with Clostridium difficile infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Leibovici‐Weissman Yaara , Atamna Alaa , Schlesinger Agata , Eliakim‐Raz Noa , Bishara Jihad , Yahav Dafna
Published: September 2016

Aim

Most cases of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) occur in patients aged 65 years and older. Older age is associated with increased mortality. Risk factors for mortality in patients aged 80 years and older are not well recognized.

Methods

We analyzed retrospective data including 184 patients aged 80 years and older hospitalized with CDI during 2009–2014. We aimed to delineate risk factors for short‐ and long‐term mortality.

Results

The 30‐day mortality was 33.2%; 1‐year mortality was 64.7%. Median survival was 110 days (interquartile range 24–655 days). All four patients who underwent colectomy died. Risk factors for 30‐day mortality in multivariate analysis were diabetes mellitus, low albumin and therapy other than metronidazole monotherapy, the latter probably reflecting higher severity of disease rather than a true predictor of mortality. Risk factors for long‐term mortality analyzed in Cox regression were albumin ≤2.5 g/dL (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.395–0.850), presentation with sepsis (HR 0.597, 95% CI 0.408–0.873), a non‐independent activities of daily living baseline status (HR 0.460, 95% CI 0.236–‐0.897) and Charlson score (HR 0.867, 95% CI 0.801–0.938). None of the traditional severity indices for CDI (such as leukocytosis or creatinine increase) proved to be predictors of mortality over the age of 80 years.

Conclusions

The prognosis of old patients with CDI is dismal. Considering the high mortality, efforts to prevent CDI should be first priority in patients aged 80 years and older. Assessment of albumin levels should be part of the evaluation at presentation and considered when choosing treatment, rather than standard severity indexes for CDI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1378–1383.
He's Just Not That Vulnerable: Exploring the Implementation of the Appropriate Adult Safeguard in Police Custody
Authors: DEHAGHANI ROXANNA
Published: September 2016

This article examines the treatment of vulnerable suspects in police custody, with particular emphasis upon how the police define vulnerability in relation to adult suspects. Drawing upon qualitative data produced through observation of and interviews with custody officers (COs) at a custody suite in England, the article will explore why the appropriate adult (AA) safeguard is often left unimplemented. It builds upon previous research on the identification of vulnerability, but goes further by also addressing how vulnerability is defined. In discussion, the article draws upon legalist, culturalist, and structuralist arguments to offer explanations for non‐implementation of the AA safeguard.
On the Modification of Hydration Resistance of CaO with ZrO2 Additive
Authors: Chen Guangyao , Li Baotong , Zhang Hao , Qin Ziwei , Lu Xionggang , Li Chonghe
Published: September 2016

Various ZrO2/CaO samples were fabricated by cold isostatic pressing and sintered at 1750°C for 4 h. It was observed that the sample with 12% ZrO2 additive possessed the good hydration resistance and had the lowest apparent porosity of about 0.75%; its weight additive stored after 56 days was less than 0.6 wt%, and it contributed to the occurrence of CaZrO3 on the surface of CaO. The CaO crucible with 12 mol% ZrO2 additive did not react with titanium melt during melting TiNi alloy. This provides a support for searching a new refractory with the good hydration resistance for induction melting titanium alloys.
Anthocyanin profile of red fruits and black carrot juices, purees and concentrates by HPLC‐DAD‐ESI/MS‐QTOF
Authors: Garcia‐Herrera Patricia , Pérez‐Rodríguez Maria‐Luisa , Aguilera‐Delgado Teresa , Labari‐Reyes Maria‐Jose , Olmedilla‐Alonso Begoña , Camara Montana , de Pascual‐Teresa Sonia
Published: September 2016

A fast and reliable method for anthocyanin extraction and identification by HPLC‐DAD‐ESI/MS‐QTOF was used to analyse the anthocyanin composition of commercial red fruit juices (blackberry, redcurrant and pomegranate), purees (strawberry, cherry and raspberry) and concentrates (elderberry, blueberry and red grape). The anthocyanin profile of black carrot juice is also reported. The extraction and analysis method allowed us to detect and quantify a wide range of individual anthocyanins in a simple and rapid way. Pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside was detected in redcurrant for the first time and petunidin‐3‐galactoside quantified for the first time in blueberries. Considering the health benefits that have been associated with anthocyanin consumption, all these fruit and vegetables processed products could appear as a good source of this group of phytochemical compounds for their direct consumption or their use as ingredients for the design of new food product or food supplements.
Why not nursing? Factors influencing healthcare career choice among Singaporean students
Authors: Liaw S.Y. , Wu L.T. , Holroyd E. , Wang W. , Lopez V. , Lim S. , Chow Y.L.
Published: September 2016

Background

Internationally, and particularly in Singapore, health education institutions are facing challenges in attracting school leavers to enter nursing courses.

Objectives

To identify the factors influencing the career choice of Singaporean healthcare students and determine the deterrents in choosing nursing as a career choice.

Design

An exploratory descriptive qualitative study design was used.

Participants

Fifty‐nine healthcare students from three higher education institutions were recruited.

Method

Four nursing and four non‐nursing focus groups discussion were held. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Six themes emerged as follows: ‘personal interest’; ‘prior healthcare exposure’; ‘job prospects’; ‘academic performance’; ‘perceived nature of work’; and ‘social influences’.

Discussion

The personal interests to help and care along with prior healthcare exposures were found to influence the students’ choice. Job prospects such as the ease of getting a job, job stability, and job salary were considered. Nursing was perceived as a course for students with poor academic ability. Misconceptions about the nature of work and a lack of social recognition were identified as deterring factors in students’ choice of nursing as a career.

Conclusions

An understanding of the career decision process among healthcare students enables educational leaders and policy‐makers to enhance the focus of nursing recruitment strategies.

Implications for nursing and/or health policy

Strategies for nursing recruitment in Singapore must include creating more opportunities for exposure to nursing in early school years, reviewing the admission policies for nursing programmes to attract academically abled students, ensuring that nursing graduates’ salaries are comparable with other healthcare graduates, promoting a better understanding on the role of a registered nurse and its career developments, and providing support for those who are interested in nursing but are faced with career decision‐making difficulties due to their families.
The Validity of Investor Sentiment Proxies
Authors: Chan Felix , Durand Robert B. , Khuu Joyce , Smales Lee A.
Published: September 2016

Behavioral finance research relies on proxies for unobservable phenomena. Different proxies for the same underlying phenomena should be correlated (formal proof of this proposition is presented in this letter). This letter examines proxies for an unobservable variable, sentiment. We utilize a well‐known methodology to construct text‐based sentiment proxies and compare these with metrics from Baker and Wurgler. We find that they are not correlated. At least one, but perhaps all, of these are not valid proxies of sentiment.
Lest we forget: comparing retrospective and prospective assessments of adverse childhood experiences in the prediction of adult health
Authors: Reuben Aaron , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Belsky Daniel W. , Harrington Honalee , Schroeder Felix , Hogan Sean , Ramrakha Sandhya , Poulton Richie , Danese Andrea
Published: September 2016

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; e.g. abuse, neglect, and parental loss) have been associated with increased risk for later‐life disease and dysfunction using adults’ retrospective self‐reports of ACEs. Research should test whether associations between ACEs and health outcomes are the same for prospective and retrospective ACE measures.

Methods

We estimated agreement between ACEs prospectively recorded throughout childhood (by Study staff at Study member ages 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15) and retrospectively recalled in adulthood (by Study members when they reached age 38), in the population‐representative Dunedin cohort (N = 1,037). We related both retrospective and prospective ACE measures to physical, mental, cognitive, and social health at midlife measured through both objective (e.g. biomarkers and neuropsychological tests) and subjective (e.g. self‐reported) means.

Results

Dunedin and U.S. Centers for Disease Control ACE distributions were similar. Retrospective and prospective measures of adversity showed moderate agreement (r = .47, p < .001; weighted Kappa = .31, 95% CI: .27–.35). Both associated with all midlife outcomes. As compared to prospective ACEs, retrospective ACEs showed stronger associations with life outcomes that were subjectively assessed, and weaker associations with life outcomes that were objectively assessed. Recalled ACEs and poor subjective outcomes were correlated regardless of whether prospectively recorded ACEs were evident. Individuals who recalled more ACEs than had been prospectively recorded were more neurotic than average, and individuals who recalled fewer ACEs than recorded were more agreeable.

Conclusions

Prospective ACE records confirm associations between childhood adversity and negative life outcomes found previously using retrospective ACE reports. However, more agreeable and neurotic dispositions may, respectively, bias retrospective ACE measures toward underestimating the impact of adversity on objectively measured life outcomes and overestimating the impact of adversity on self‐reported outcomes. Associations between personality factors and the propensity to recall adversity were extremely modest and warrant further investigation. Risk predictions based on retrospective ACE reports should utilize objective outcome measures. Where objective outcome measurements are difficult to obtain, correction factors may be warranted.
Effect of ohmic heating on Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) inactivation and color change in sugarcane juice
Authors: Saxena Juhi , Ahmad Makroo Hilal , Srivastava Brijesh
Published: September 2016

Sugarcane juice was analyzed for the effect of four different time‐temperatures (60–90?C for 5–20 min) at three electric field strengths (EFS) (24, 32, and 48 V cm‐1) on PPO activity in a lab scale ohmic heater. At 60°C, the activity decreased with increase in EFS while at 70–90°C, increased activity was observed at 32 and 48 V cm21. Up to 97.8% reduction in activity was observed at 32 V cm‐1/90°C/5 min. The biphasic model was the best to describe PPO inactivation kinetics. The kinetic analysis showed that the decimal reduction time (D‐value, minute) decreased with increasing EFS at different temperatures. At 32 V cm‐1/90°C/5 min, the D‐value was 8.25 and 76.55 min for labile and stable PPO fractions, respectively. The electric field sensitivity parameter (ZV‐value, V cm‐1) was lower at 60 and 70°C but increased with treatment temperature. The z‐value (z°C) for the labile fraction consistently decreased with increasing EFS and was lower than the stable fraction. Color change was inversely proportional to treatment temperatures at 24V cm‐1 and directly proportional at 32 and 48V cm‐1. The kinetics for L, a, b values was best described by first order model while colour change was best explained by the combined model.

Practical applications

Sugarcane juice is one of the most widely relished beverages of south Asia. However, enzymatic browning is a major factor that limits its storage to only a few hours after extraction. High temperatures and processing times employed during thermal processing cause deleterious changes in the color, flavor and the overall nutritive components of the product. Ohmic heating has been applied to different commercial food products (like strawberries, grapes, orange juice) and has been rendered as a time‐efficient process. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of ohmic heating on inactivation of the browning enzyme (PPO) in sugarcane juice and its kinetic analysis, so as to suggest an alternative that can be explored further for commercial packaging of sugarcane juice.
Promoting health in lesbian and bisexual women: it is not just about behaviour change
Authors: Corcoran Nova
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectives

To highlight different ways that healthcare professionals can promote health and reduce health inequalities of lesbian and bisexual women using a health promotion framework that focusses on the wider healthcare context.

Background

Lesbian and bisexual women experience numerous health disparities that place them at high risk of poor health outcomes. The Frieden health impact pyramid (American Journal for Public Health, 100, 2010 and 590) identifies five tiers of public health interventions. This pyramid could be used to promote health in lesbian and bisexual women in healthcare settings.

Design

A discursive paper.

Methods

Literature was searched from 2008–2015 using PubMed, ScienceDirect and published grey literature. Individual key words were used to locate articles that focused on lesbian and bisexual women's health inequalities and to identify the interventions to address these.

Results

Examples are presented across the tiers of the health impact pyramid in the context of healthcare settings that healthcare practitioners could action to promote health in lesbian and bisexual women.

Conclusions

The use of the Frieden triangle offers an alternative way to promote health by conceptualising health promotion interventions that promote lesbian and bisexual women without just focusing on behaviour change. The importance of changing areas of practice in healthcare organisations to be more supportive of lesbian and bisexual women and their healthcare needs is highlighted.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the ways that healthcare professionals can promote health of lesbian and bisexual women within their healthcare practice to help reduce health disparities.
Efficacy and safety of endometrial ablation for treating abnormal uterine bleeding in pre‐ and postmenopausal women with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Qing , Li Xiu‐lan , Liu Ji‐Juan , Song Xiao‐Hong , Jiang Xiao‐Ying , Li Wei , Zhang Hua , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) occurs in 10–30% of women of reproductive age and up to 61% of cirrhotic women. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of endometrial ablation (NovaSure therapy) for AUB in cirrhotic women.

Methods

This prospective, two‐arm, observational study enrolled patients for NovaSure treatment, and they were followed for 12 months. Primary measurements were the amenorrhea rate and changes of pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBLAC) scores at 1‐month post‐therapy. Key secondary end‐points included the longevity of amenorrhea at 12 months, safety profile, and progression of cirrhosis.

Results

Among 88 women, 26 were cirrhotic and 62 were non‐cirrhotic. At 1‐month post‐NovaSure treatment, a significant reduction of mean PBLAC scores was observed in cirrhotic patients compared to those at baseline (0.4 ± 1.3 vs 215.2 ± 410.9, P < 0.001), and the amenorrhea rate was 88.5%. The efficacy outcomes of the PBLAC scores and amenorrhea rate were maintained until the end of the 12‐month follow‐up. A significant improvement in quality of life scores was observed 1‐month post‐therapy compared to those at baseline (5.4 ± 3.1 vs 20.5 ± 5.5, P < 0.001). Patients' satisfaction rates were 100% and 92.31% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The aforementioned outcomes were comparable with those in non‐cirrhotic patients. No significant progression of cirrhosis or safety concern was reported.

Conclusion

Cirrhotic patients on NovaSure therapy had a high rate of amenorrhea 1‐month post‐treatment, which maintained longevity for 12 months. The safety profile was similar to that in non‐cirrhotic patients.
The Mental Health Advantage of Immigrant‐Background Youth: The Role of Family Factors
Authors: Mood Carina , Jonsson Jan O. , Låftman Sara Brolin
Published: September 2016

Children of immigrant background, despite problems with acculturation, poverty, and discrimination, have better mental health than children of native parents. We asked whether this is a result of immigrant families' characteristics such as family structure and relations. Using a new comparative study on the integration of immigrant‐background youth conducted in England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden (N = 18,716), particularly strong associations with mental health (internalizing and externalizing problems) were found for family structure, family cohesion, and parental warmth. Overall, half of the advantage in internalizing and externalizing problems among immigrant‐background youth could be accounted for by our measures of family structure and family relations, with family cohesion being particularly important.
Adherence to a lifestyle programme in overweight/obese pregnant women and effect on gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bruno Raffaele , Petrella Elisabetta , Bertarini Valentina , Pedrielli Giulia , Neri Isabella , Facchinetti Fabio
Published: September 2016

This study aims to determine whether the prescription of a detailed lifestyle programme in overweight/obese pregnant women influences the occurrence of gestational diabetes (GDM), and if this kind of prescription increases the adherence to a healthier lifestyle in comparison to standard care. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, with open allocation, enrolling women at 9–12 weeks of pregnancy with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The women assigned to the Intervention group (I = 96) received a hypocaloric, low‐glycaemic, low‐saturated fat diet and physical activity recommendations. Those assigned to the Standard Care group (SC = 95) received lifestyle advices regarding healthy nutrition and exercise. Follow‐up was planned at the 16th, 20th, 28th and 36th weeks. A total of 131 women completed the study (I = 69, SC = 62). The diet adherence was higher in the I (57.9%) than in the SC (38.7%) group. GDM occurred less frequently in the I (18.8%) than in the SC (37.1%, P = 0.019) group. The adherent women from either groups showed a lower GDM rate (12.5% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001). After correcting for confounders, the GDM rate was explained by allocation into the I group (P = 0.034) and a lower BMI category (P = 0.039). The rates of hypertension, preterm birth, induction of labour, large for gestational age babies and birthweight > 4000 g were significantly lower in I group. The incidence of small for gestational age babies was not different.

These findings demonstrate that the adherence to a personalized, hypocaloric, low‐glycaemic, low‐saturated fat diet started early in pregnancy prevents GDM occurrence, in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.
Typifications of Linnaean names in the genus Centaurea and Serratula (Asteraceae)
Authors: Altınordu Fahim , Ferrer‐Gallego P. Pablo
Published: September 2016

The typification of three Linnaean names in the genus Centaurea and one in Serratula (Asteraceae): C. lippii (syn. Volutaria lippii), C. muricata (Volutaria muricata), C. repens (Rhaponticum repens) and S. babylonica (Centaurea babylonica), is discussed. Designations of nomenclatural types based on the consultation of Linnaeus's original material and the literature cited in the respective protologues are proposed. Three names are lectotypified using specimens from both Linnaeus herbarium at LINN and the illustrations from Isnard and Dodoëns. Furthermore, a neotype is designated for Serratula babylonica from a specimen at LINN.
The importance of a high rectal pressure on strain in constipated patients: implications for biofeedback therapy
Authors: Mazor Y. , Hansen R. , Prott G. , Kellow J. , Malcolm A.
Published: September 2016

Background

A subset of patients with chronic constipation display a relatively high manometric rectal pressure on strain. We hypothesized that these patients represent a unique phenotype of functional defecatory disorder (FDD) and would benefit from undergoing anorectal biofeedback (BF).

Methods

Of 138 consecutive patients with chronic constipation and symptoms of FDD, 19 were defined as having a high rectal pressure on strain, using a statistically derived cut‐off of 78 mm Hg. This subset was compared with remaining patients in regard to baseline clinical profile and physiology, and outcome of BF.

Key Results

There was a greater representation of males in the high rectal pressure group. Their constipation score, impact of bowel dysfunction on quality of life and satisfaction with bowel habits did not differ from the remaining patients. Eighty‐four percent of patients in the high group successfully expelled the rectal balloon and 95% displayed paradoxical anal contraction on strain (P<.05 compared with the remaining patients). Following BF, 89% of patients in the high group reduced their rectal pressure to normal. End of BF treatment outcomes improved significantly, and to a similar degree, in both groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

We have identified a subgroup of patients with dyssynergic symptoms but without a formal Rome III diagnosis of FDD, who were characterized by a high straining rectal pressure. Although these patients displayed some physiological differences to the patients with lower straining rectal pressure, they suffer similarly. Importantly, we have shown that these patients can respond favorably to anorectal BF.
Continuous wavelet analysis of postprandial EGGs suggests sustained gastric slow waves may be slow to develop in infants with colic
Authors: Reynolds G. W. , Lentle R. G. , Janssen P. W. M. , Hulls C. M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Electrogastrography in conjunction with Fast Fourier transform has limited success in detecting low grade abnormalities in gastric electrophysiological activity owing to the non‐stationarity of the signal. Analysis by continuous wavelet transform is suitable for non‐stationary signals and was used to analyse EGG activity in babies with and without colic.

Methods

Thirty minute postprandial EGG recordings were obtained from 23 sleeping breast‐fed infants with clinically validated recurrent colic and 26 breast‐fed non‐colicky infants. Continuous wavelet transform analysis (CWT) identified three principal frequency components. The mean, standard deviation, and the number of frequency maxima that fell below one standard deviation from the mean were determined for each infant and each frequency.

Key Results

Three component frequencies in the ranges 1.4–2.5 cpm, 2.5–4.0 cpm, and 4.0–15 cpm were found in all EGGs. Pairwise comparisons of the characteristics of each of the frequency ranges by univariate analyses showed significant differences between colicky and non‐colicky subjects only in the number of maxima in the mid range of frequencies that lay below one standard deviation from the mean. However, CWT based on all frequencies allowed discrimination of the EGGS of colicky from non‐colicky babies on a basis of number of frequency maxima below one standard deviation from the mean in the midrange of frequencies and in the mean and standard deviation in the low range of frequencies that was likely a harmonic of the midrange.

Conclusions & Inferences

CWT allowed distinction of EGG signals from colicky and healthy babies. The results indicate that colic may result from tardiness in the establishment of coherent propagation of the gastric slow wave in colicky babies.
Infection process of Stagonosporopsis tanaceti in pyrethrum seed and seedlings
Authors: Bhuiyan M. A. H. B. , Groom T. , Nicolas M. E. , Taylor P. W. J.
Published: September 2016

Ray blight disease of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) is caused by Stagonosporopsis tanaceti, with infected seed being a major means of transmission of this fungal pathogen. The infection process of S. tanaceti in pyrethrum seed and seedlings was determined. Infection hyphae only infected the outer and inner layers of the seed coat and not the embryo of naturally infected pyrethrum seed. During the process of germination of infected seed, S. tanaceti from the seed coat infected the developing embryo and cotyledon, resulting in pre‐ and post‐emergence death, depending on the level of infection in the seed coat. Pre‐emergence death occurred due to disintegration of the infected embryo, which was replaced by hyphae and extracellular anthocyanin‐like material (EAM) at 7 days after incubation (dai). Post‐emergence death occurred after both epidermal and cortical tissues of infected cotyledons at the crown/hypocotyl region disintegrated due to colonization by hyphae. Moreover, most of the tissues of the vascular bundles and cortical tissues contained heavy depositions of EAM at 10–14 dai. In 6‐week‐old infected seedlings, hyphae were confined to the epidermis and the cortical tissues at the crown/hypocotyl regions; the vascular bundles of both infected and uninfected regions, and cortical tissues of the uninfected regions of the seedlings were completely free from infection hyphae and EAM. These findings provide a better understanding of the early stages of the disease cycle of S. tanaceti and will lead to improved control measures for seedborne infection using seed treatments.
Lysophosphatidic acid expression in theca cells depends on the type of bovine ovarian follicle
Authors: Sinderewicz E , Grycmacher K , Boruszewska D , Kowalczyk‐Zięba I , Woclawek‐Potocka I
Published: September 2016

Contents

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exerts various actions on the mammalian reproductive system. In cows, LPA stimulates the synthesis and secretion of luteotropic factors in the ovary, which affects the growth and development of ovarian follicles. The role of LPA in granulosa cells, oocyte and oocyte‐cumulus complex (COC) has previously been investigated; but its role in the theca layer, which is an important structural and functional component of the ovarian follicle, is still unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of LPA in theca cells originating from different bovine ovarian follicle types. Theca cells were separated from healthy, transitional and atretic ovarian follicles, based on intrafollicular estradiol: progesterone ratios. LPA concentration in the follicular fluid (FF) in different follicle types was measured, and expression of the enzymes responsible for LPA synthesis (autotaxin [AX], phospholipase A2 [PLA2]) and receptors for LPA (LPAR1‐4) were determined. The obtained results confirmed the follicle‐type dependent presence of LPA in the FF of the bovine ovarian follicles. The highest concentration of LPA was detected in follicles classified as healthy and dominant. LPAR1‐4, PLA2 and AX expression in theca cells in all of the types of follicles examined were detected at mRNA and protein level. These results suggest that theca cells can be a source of LPA synthesis other than granulosa cells and COCs, as well as the target for its action in the bovine ovarian follicle, with PLA2 and LPAR4 playing major roles in LPA synthesis and action.
A two wave cross‐lagged study of work‐role conflict, work‐family conflict and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Jensen Maria Therese
Published: September 2016

By using a two‐wave panel design, the present study aimed to study causal, reversed, and reciprocal relations among work‐role conflict, work‐family conflict, and emotional exhaustion. The Conservation of Resources theory was applied as a theoretical framework. The study was conducted in a large Norwegian oil and gas company (n = 1703). The results demonstrated positive cross‐lagged effects of work‐role conflict and work‐family conflict on emotional exhaustion. In addition, emotional exhaustion predicted work‐family conflict over time, and work‐family conflict predicted work‐role conflict over time, indicating the presence of reciprocal effects. The current study adds new knowledge to the positioning of work‐family conflict in relation to perceived conflict in the workplace and emotional exhaustion.
The novel HLA‐C*15:103 is characterised by an amino acid substitution in the alpha 2 domain
Authors: Becker P. S. A. , Paranikulangara P. , Rettinger E. , Bader P. , Seidl C.
Published: September 2016

HLA‐C*15:103 allele is characterised by one amino acid substitution in the alpha 2 domain.
A blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of the safety of lokivetmab (ZTS‐00103289), a caninized anti‐canine IL‐31 monoclonal antibody in client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Michels Gina M. , Walsh Kelly F. , Kryda Kristina A. , Mahabir Sean P. , Walters Rodney R. , Hoevers Jacquelien D. , Martinon Olivier M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Lokivetmab (ZTS‐00103289) is a caninized anti‐canine IL‐31 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs in field trials.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study evaluated the safety of lokivetmab in a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled trial in client owned dogs with AD with minimal restrictions on concomitant medications and co‐morbidities.

Animals

Clinicians at 14 veterinary clinics enrolled client owned dogs (n = 245) with chronic AD.

Methods

Dogs were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to receive either lokivetmab (1.0–3.3 mg/kg) or placebo administered subcutaneously on days 0 and 28. Clinicians examined dogs, and collected blood and urine for assessment of clinical pathology and immunogenicity (days 0, 28 and 42).

Results

There were no immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. wheals, vomiting). Discomfort at administration occurred in 5.1% of dogs and was similar in frequency and severity between lokivetmab‐ and placebo‐treated groups. Pruritus was reported as an adverse event during the study less frequently in the lokivetmab‐treated group (4.9% and 19.3%, respectively); otherwise, adverse events occurred at a similar frequency between treatment groups. There were no clinically important differences between groups in clinical pathology results. Treatment‐induced immunogenicity was found in 2.5% of lokivetmab treated dogs. A wide variety of concomitant medications were used with no clinically apparent adverse interactions.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Among a diverse population of 162 client owned dogs with a clinical diagnosis of AD, treatment with two monthly doses of lokivetmab was safe, based on observed adverse events and clinical pathology results over a 42 day period.
Evolution of the thaumastocheliform lobsters (Crustacea, Decapoda, Nephropidae)
Authors: Chang Su‐Ching , Tshudy Dale , Sorhannus Ulf , Ahyong Shane T. , Chan Tin‐Yam
Published: September 2016

Deep‐sea lobsters previously assigned to the family Thaumastochelidae Bate, 1888, the thaumastocheliforms, have very distinctive, greatly unequal first chelipeds, with the right side extremely elongate and pectinate, and in having short, quadrate pleonal pleura. Despite interesting morphology and a long taxonomic history, the phylogeny of the group has received little detailed analysis. Here, we conduct a species‐level phylogenetic analysis of the thaumastocheliforms based on morphological and molecular data (three mitochondrial genes: COI, 16S rDNA and 12S rDNA; two nuclear protein‐coding genes: H3 and NaK) to robustly reconstruct their evolutionary history and estimate divergence times. Separate and combined analyses of all data sources support thaumastocheliform monophyly, but as a clade deeply nested within the Nephropidae supporting recent synonymy of Thaumastochelidae with Nephropidae. Combined and molecular‐only analyses support generic monophyly of all three thaumastocheliform genera and Dinochelus as sister to Thaumastochelopsis, fully corroborating the current, morphology‐based taxonomy. In contrast, Thaumastocheles is recovered as paraphyletic in morphology‐only analyses owing to minimal character support. The Cretaceous–Paleogene Oncopareia was recovered as a stem‐lineage thaumastocheliform. The fossil record indicates that the thaumastocheliforms once lived in shallow, continental shelf depths, but moved into deeper water in the Cenozoic where they occur today. The thaumastocheliforms originated in northern Europe during the Mid‐Late Cretaceous and later dispersed westwards to the south‐eastern Pacific through the western Atlantic and eastwards to the western Pacific through the Indian Ocean. Thaumastochelopsis can be considered the most derived thaumastocheliform genus based on the degree of structural reduction relative to other thaumastocheliforms, its remote geographical occurrence (Australia) from the hypothesised place of origin (northern Europe) and its more recent estimated divergence than other genera (28 Mya for the MRCA of extant species of the genus).
Monophyly of Anthozoa (Cnidaria): why do nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies disagree?
Authors: Pratlong Marine , Rancurel Corinne , Pontarotti Pierre , Aurelle Didier
Published: September 2016

The phylum Cnidaria is usually divided into five classes: Anthozoa, Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa and Staurozoa. The class Anthozoa is subdivided into two subclasses: Hexacorallia and Octocorallia. Morphological and molecular studies based on nuclear rDNA and recent phylogenomic studies support the monophyly of Anthozoa. On the other hand, molecular studies based on mitochondrial markers, including two recent studies based on mitogenomic data, supported the paraphyly of Anthozoa, and positioned Octocorallia as sister group to Medusozoa (the monophyletic group of Cubozoa, Hydrozoa and Scyphozoa). On the basis of 51 nuclear orthologs from four hexacorallians, four octocorallians, two hydrozoans and one scyphozoan (with poriferans and Homo sapiens as out‐groups), we built a multilocus alignment of 9 873 amino acids, which aimed at minimizing missing data and hidden paralogy, in order to understand the discrepancy between nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies. Our phylogenetic analyses strongly supported the monophyly of Anthozoa. We compared the level of substitution saturation between our data set, the data sets of two recent phylogenomic studies and one of a mitogenomic study. We found that mitochondrial DNA is more saturated than nuclear DNA at all the phylogenetic levels studied. Our results emphasize the need for a good evaluation of phylogenetic signal.
Phylogenetic placement of the austral rove beetle genus Hyperomma triggers changes in classification of Paederinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Schomann Andrea M. , Solodovnikov Alexey
Published: September 2016

Sister‐group relationships are resolved for the systematically and biogeographically puzzling austral rove beetle genus Hyperomma by means of phylogenetic analysis of five gene markers (one mitochondrial and four nuclear protein‐coding) for 25 taxa broadly representing the subfamily Paederinae, and six outgroup taxa from Staphylininae and Pseudopsinae. As a result, the new subtribe Dicaxina subtrib. nov. is established for Hyperomma and five other Southern Hemisphere genera previously classified in Cryptobiina. Based on the molecular phylogeny and the discussion of several adult and larval morphological characters, the concept of the tribe Paederini is changed as follows: Paederini sensu novo is reduced to include Paederina, Cryptobiina, Dolicaonina and Dicaxina only, while Lathrobiini sensu novo is established for Lathrobiina, Scopaeina, Astenina, Stilicopsina, Medonina, Stilicina and Echiasterina. The tribe Cylindroxystini stat. resurr. is reinstated for the Paederini subtribe Cylindroxystina because of its very peculiar morphology not fitting either Paederini or Lathrobiini in new sense. The tribe Pinophilini was resolved as sister to Lathrobiini sensu novo, and its status remains unchanged. Morphological diagnoses and other relevant systematic information are provided for all newly established taxa. The taxonomic history of the higher‐level systematics of the subfamily Paederinae is summarized.
The origin and phylogeny of Margaritiferidae (Bivalvia, Unionoida): a synthesis of molecular and fossil data
Authors: Araujo Rafael , Schneider Simon , Roe Kevin J. , Erpenbeck Dirk , Machordom Annie
Published: September 2016

The family Margaritiferidae is a small but widely distributed group within the Unionoida, or freshwater mussels, whose taxonomy and systematics has been the subject of numerous publications. Despite several efforts, there is no consensus on which characters reliably diagnose this family. Herein, we present the results of a phylogenetic analysis of the most comprehensive data set for Margaritiferidae in terms of taxa and phylogenetic markers assembled to date, including eleven out of the twelve margaritiferid species currently considered valid. In addition, we review the fossil record of the family and attempt to integrate fossil andDNAsequence data to provide a diagnosis of Margaritiferidae, identify its origin and biogeographic patterns, and determine the systematic relationships of its constituent species and their taxonomic affinities. We assembled a molecular data set comprised of five markers:COI, 16S, 28S, 18S and histone 3 for a total of 59 specimens representing eleven species ofMargaritifera. Our results indicate that the family Margaritiferidae is a monophyletic group comprised of the single genusMargaritifera, which includes the following 12 species:M. dahurica,M. margaritifera,M. monodonta, M. middendorffi, M. laevis,M. marrianae, M. hembeli,M. falcata,M. laosensis, M. auriculariaandM. marocanaplus the unstudiedM. homsensis. Estimates of divergence times using fossil calibrations or mean substitution rates produced dramatically different results. Divergence estimates based on the fossil calibrations were 10 times higher than those obtained applying the mean substitution rates. The current distribution of the family implies dispersal across marine or brackish waters by their host fish, leaving a fossil record on four continents that dates to the Mesozoic. Margaritiferidae appear to be derived from putative ancestor in the Silesunionidae, with a likely origin in Asia. We suggest that Margaritiferidae had spread along the Tethys margins and crossed the Atlantic already in the Late Triassic or Early Jurassic. Further dispersal events, in the Late Cretaceous or Eocene, may be linked to salinity‐depleted coastal waters or freshwater layering.