bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illness management and recovery program for mental health problems: reducing symptoms and increasing social functioning
Authors: Tan Chay Huang Sharon , Ishak Rohaida Binte , Lim Tan Xiong Gentatsu , Marimuthusamy Palaniappan , Kaurss Kuldip , Leong Jern‐Yi Joseph
Published: December 2016

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Illness Management and Recovery Program in comparison with the current standard of care in terms of reduction of symptoms, rehospitalisation rates and social functioning in Asia.

Background

Focus of treatment for Mental Health had been shifted from mere management of symptoms to that of achievement of recovery. In the recovery process, strategies to achieve higher level of functioning were used (Psychiatric Services 2014, 65, 171). However, two main factors hindered clients from attaining recovery: first, the lack of Mental Health resources in the community and second the negative attitudes of healthcare professionals towards mental illness (American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation 2012, 15, 131). Hence, it is essential to implement an effective programme that will train mental health professionals to use more effective techniques and materials in helping the clients to better integrate into society by achieving skills in their attempt to work towards recovery.

Design

This study adopts a time series experimental quantitative design.

Methods

Fifty participants who consented to the study were randomly assigned to two groups. Participants in the experimental group received the experimental management and recovery programme, while the control group received standard care management by the community psychiatric nurses for a period of 12 months.

Results

Participants in the experimental group reported significantly lower number of admissions, shorter length of stay, lower Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores, and also reported significantly higher scores on both the Illness Management and Recovery Scale and the Global Assessment Scale.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of IMR in helping Asian people with mental illness to not only reduce symptoms and hospitalisations but also improve social functioning. They have benefitted from the program although they are living in a different cultural setting from where IMR was developed.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The success of this study has raised the standard of care in the community intervention and led more people to their recovery.
Age‐related morphological, histological and functional changes in teeth
Authors: Carvalho T. S. , Lussi A.
Published: December 2016

Throughout lifetime, the teeth are continuously exposed to numerous chemical and physical impacts, which cause the wear of the dental hard tissues, gingival recession and other oral changes with sometimes subsequent problems. Age‐related wear of tooth surfaces reduces the dental enamel thickness and exposes deeper layers of enamel, which have different physical and chemical properties than the surface enamel. Gingival recession is the main causal factor of root caries and dentine hypersensitivity. Age‐related changes in dentine include the formation of secondary dentine and the reduction in tubular lumen diameter (dentine sclerosis), which lead to a reduction in the volume of the pulp chamber. In addition to the reduction in the volume of pulp chamber, changes to the dental pulp also include dental pulp calcifications. The age‐related physiological changes to the teeth should be carefully distinguished from pathological changes, especially when they induce pain or a negative impact on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the older individuals. Therefore, regular oral examinations coupled with early preventive measures should aim at maintaining oral health until old age.
Interactive effects of land‐use change and distance‐to‐edge on the distribution of species in plant communities at the forest–grassland interface
Authors: Burst Maxime , Chauchard Sandrine , Dupouey Jean‐Luc , Amiaud Bernard
Published: December 2016

Questions

What are the patterns of plant communities in terms of richness and floristic composition along stable forest–grassland interfaces? Are there specific species at the edge and/or specialist species transgressions between adjacent habitats? How does edge displacement following land‐use change alter distance‐to‐edge plant diversity patterns? What are the relative influences of the edge effect and the edge displacement in forests and grasslands?

Location

Forests and grasslands in northeast France.

Methods

Floristic surveys were conducted in three types of forest–grassland interface, which can be stable or the result of edge displacements due to afforestation or deforestation. The sample comprised a total of 132 plots in 22 forest–grassland interfaces. Point‐biserial correlation coefficients were used to classify the species into several groups in stable interfaces: forest, edge or grassland specialists and generalists. Using LMMs and Tukey's HSD tests, the total species richness and that of each species group were compared between the plot positions (i.e. distance‐to‐edge) and between the stable interfaces and cases of afforestation and deforestation. To evaluate the relative influence of the edge effect (plot position) and edge displacement (afforestation/deforestation) on plant community composition, CCAs and variation partitionings were performed.

Results

The largest difference in both plant community richness and composition was found between the forest and grassland edges. The highest species richness was found at the grassland edges. In addition to a high number of generalist species, a mixture of forest and grassland specialist species were predominant at the edges, and the forest specialists were almost the only transgressive species. Afforestation interfaces showed an extinction debt of grassland and edge specialist species and a colonization credit of forest specialists in recent forests. The effects of edge displacement were larger than those of the edge effect in forests, and the opposite was observed in the grasslands.

Conclusions

Forest and grassland plant communities differ strongly even over very short distances. However, the edges host a large number of forest and grassland specialist species, which explain higher species richness than in adjacent habitats. This results from interactive effects of distance‐to‐edge and edge displacement following land‐use change.
Managing for naturalness alone is not an effective way to preserve all the valuable natural features of the Białowieża Forest – a reply to Jaroszewicz et al.
Authors: Brzeziecki Bogdan , Drozdowski Stanisław , Żybura Henryk , Bolibok Leszek , Bielak Kamil , Zajączkowski Jacek
Published: December 2016

Currently, Brzeziecki et al. 2016 (Journal of Vegetation Science 27: 460–467.) are using data from permanent study plots established in 1936 in Białowieża National Park (NE Poland) to develop theoretical equilibrium tree size distributions and to then compare modelled and actual distributions with a view to assessing the population dynamics of the species involved. As part of their discussion, the authors address the question of possible consequences for the overall diversity of forest ecosystems under strict protection if long‐term trends relating to tree population densities and size structures are maintained. In the overall context of the above, the goal of the present paper is to respond to Jaroszewicz et al. (Journal of Vegetation Science 28: 218–222.) who suggest that the paper of Brzeziecki et al. (2016) is not representative for the whole Białowieża National Park, and that – in this connection – strict protection should not be seen as a cause for concern. In this paper, we show that the data analysed by Brzeziecki et al. (2016) adequately characterize conditions in the wider Park. We also point out that the thorough scientific understanding of the long‐term dynamics of woodland communities under strict protection should indeed be taken into account as efforts are made to arrive at an effective conservation strategy capable of ensuring that the uniquely valuable features of the Białowieża Forest are retained.
Evidence‐Based Intellectual Property Policymaking: An Integrated Review of Methods and Conclusions
Authors: de Beer Jeremy
Published: December 2016

Governments have long been interested in making intellectual property (IP) policy based on sound evidence. There is a large body of literature addressing the economic impacts of IP, but little of it is accessible to policy makers. This article aims to improve understanding of how IP contributes to the economic performance of a country's innovative sectors. A detailed literature review and meta‐analysis identifies existing methodologies and analytical frameworks. The article organizes the literature and conclusions into four major archetypes, and explains the advantages/disadvantages of each approach. First, data for advocacy is used primarily by special‐interest lobby groups. This literature is accessible to policy makers, but rarely transparent, verified or peer reviewed. Second, valuations of aggregate economic contributions of IP‐related industries are influential worldwide. This literature usefully allows us to compare data internationally, but makes unfounded or misleading assumptions about the importance of IP to a particular industry. Third, innovation indices and rankings are increasingly used to assess comparative progress over time. This literature reports on a broad‐base of IP and innovative activity, but risks turning into a statistical horse race. Fourth, the literature on scholarly theoretical and empirical research and modelling is extensive. This literature often relies on sound evidence, but tends to use the available information—patent data—without explaining the context in which firms may or may not choose to use formal IPRs. It is also rarely accessible to policy makers in the format or timelines required. None of these frameworks alone are fully capable of providing complete, reliable information about the economic importance of intellectual property in any one particular country. An approach that positions and integrates various frameworks, methods and data sources is, therefore, appropriate. The key challenge for the future is to connect empirical data and micro‐economic analyses about firms’ strategic responses to IP policy changes with statistics and macro‐economic insights on overall economic performance or social welfare.
Morphology in the Muskogean languages
Authors: Fitzgerald Colleen M.
Published: December 2016

The indigenous languages of the Americas exemplify a number of uncommon typological patterns, especially in their morphology. Here, that rich morphology is illustrated via the Muskogean languages of the southeastern United States. Muskogean languages are agglutinative, but even more interesting and uncommon patterns emerge in an analysis of their morphology. These include subtractive morphology, suppletion, infixation, ablaut, and the use of suprasegmentals. These morphological patterns present considerable complexity. Inflected verbs in narratives and conversation often reflect more than one of the morphological processes. This morphological complexity also demonstrates characteristics of being nonlinear, of being prosodic yet not aligning with neat prosodic boundaries, of not having direct correspondence between grammatical categories and surface segments or suprasegmentals, or having more than one of those characteristics. Six of the seven Muskogean languages are still currently spoken by fluent first language speakers, and many of the tribal nations who represent these languages are involved in ongoing documentation and revitalization efforts, often in partnership with linguists. Thus, despite their highly endangered status, excellent existing documentation and new questions in research create an opportunity to collect even more intricate inflected forms that will enrich models of morphology and morphological theory while having broader impacts, like supporting tribal language revitalization.
Phonological weight
Authors: Ryan Kevin M.
Published: December 2016

Grammars frequently categorize syllables for prosodic purposes, treating one class as heavier (e.g., more stress‐attracting) than another. While such categorization is usually dichotomous, complex and gradient scales are also attested, with various organizational criteria. This article reviews the range of phenomena that invoke weight distinctions and introduces some current debates concerning weight, touching on topics such as the syllable versus interval as the domain of weight, rich scalarity, process and position specificities, the role of onsets, the phonetic basis of categorization, and the mora.
Determinants of stunting in children under 5 years in Madagascar
Authors: Rakotomanana Hasina , Gates Gail E. , Hildebrand Deana , Stoecker Barbara J.
Published: December 2016

Madagascar is among countries where the prevalence of stunting is dramatically high in under 5 years old children. This study investigated the determinants of child stunting based on the UNICEF framework on the causes of malnutrition. A cutoff at 24 months was used to separate the child population into two groups. By using the latest Demographic and Health Survey (2009), logistic regressions were performed to determine the variables associated with stunting. In 2009, 40.1% of the 1,863 children aged 0–23 months and 53.9% of the 2,911 children aged 24–59 months were stunted contributing to the 48.5% overall stunting prevalence in the sample. Girls were less likely to be stunted (adjusted odds ratio with confidence interval [AOR] = 0.69 [0.55–0.88] and 0.84 [0.72–0.97],p < 0.01) than boys; the risk of stunting increased with age. Regarding underlying predictors, increased maternal height was associated with lower odds of stunting in both age groups (AOR = 0.75 [0.68–0.83] and 0.69 [0.61–0.77],p < 0.001). Children living in households using iodized salt (>15 ppm) had lower risk of stunting in the younger group (AOR = 0.76 [0.61–0.94],p < 0.05). Children living in urban areas were less likely to be stunted in both age groups (AOR = 0.67 [0.51–0.88] and 0.73 [0.59–0.90] respectively,p < 0.01]. Region of residence was also a significant basic factor for stunting. This study contributes to the understanding of the determinants of child stunting in Madagascar. The results confirmed the need for specific interventions for each of the two age groups.
Cytosolic invertase contributes to the supply of substrate for cellulose biosynthesis in developing wood
Authors: Rende Umut , Wang Wei , Gandla Madhavi Latha , Jönsson Leif J. , Niittylä Totte
Published: December 2016

Carbon for cellulose biosynthesis is derived from sucrose. Cellulose is synthesized from uridine 5′‐diphosphoglucose (UDP‐glucose), but the enzyme(s) responsible for the initial sucrose cleavage and the source of UDP‐glucose for cellulose biosynthesis in developing wood have not been defined.

We investigated the role of CYTOSOLIC INVERTASEs (CINs) during wood formation in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides) and characterized transgenic lines with reduced CIN activity during secondary cell wall biosynthesis.

Suppression of CIN activity by 38–55% led to a 9–13% reduction in crystalline cellulose. The changes in cellulose were reflected in reduced diameter of acid‐insoluble cellulose microfibrils and increased glucose release from wood upon enzymatic digestion of cellulose. Reduced CIN activity decreased the amount of the cellulose biosynthesis precursor UDP‐glucose in developing wood, pointing to the likely cause of the cellulose phenotype.

The findings suggest that CIN activity has an important role in the cellulose biosynthesis of trees, and indicate that cellulose biosynthesis in wood relies on a quantifiable UDP‐glucose pool. The results also introduce a concept of altering cellulose microfibril properties by modifying substrate supply to cellulose biosynthesis.
Competence for older people nursing in care and nursing homes: An integrative review
Authors: Kiljunen Outi , Välimäki Tarja , Kankkunen Päivi , Partanen Pirjo
Published: December 2016

Background

People living in care and nursing homes are vulnerable individuals with complex needs; therefore, a wide array of nursing competence is needed to ensure their well‐being. When developing the quality of care in these units, it is essential to know what type of competence is required for older people nursing.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this integrative review was to identify the competence needed for older people nursing in licensed practical nurses' and registered nurses' work in care and nursing homes.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Methods

We performed an integrative review using Whittemore and Knafl's method. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Scopus databases were searched for studies published from 2006 to April 2016. We assessed the quality of the studies using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools and analysed the data by applying qualitative content analysis.

Results

Ten articles were included in the review. Most of the studies focused on registered nurses' work. We identified five competence areas that are needed for older people nursing in registered nurses' work in care and nursing homes: attitudinal and ethical, interactional, evidence‐based care, pedagogical, and leadership and development competence. Empirical evidence of competence requirements related to licensed practical nurses' work in these facilities was scarce.

Conclusions

The competence required for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses should be clearly identified to support competence management in the care and nursing home context.

Implications for practice

Well‐educated nursing staff are needed in care and nursing homes to provide high‐quality care because comprehensive and advanced nurse competence is required to meet the needs of older people.
Intra‐ and inter‐ examiner repeatability of cycloplegic retinoscopy among young children
Authors: McCullough Sara J. , Doyle Lesley , Saunders Kathryn J.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐examiner repeatability of cycloplegic retinoscopy in young children aged 4–5 years old.

Methods

Examiner 1 refracted all children in the first sample (n = 108); firstly with masked loose lenses, then using unmasked loose lenses (intra‐examiner repeatability). Examiners 1 and 2 refracted all children in the second sample (n = 97) using unmasked loose lenses, blind to the child's refractive error, presence/magnitude of habitual spectacle correction and to each other's findings (inter‐examiner repeatability). Refractions were performed on one eye chosen at random. Mean differences, 95% limits of agreement (LOAs) and confidence intervals were calculated for intra‐ and inter‐examiner repeatability of sphere, cylinder and spherical equivalent refraction (SER).

Results

Participants had a wide range of refractive errors (−1.50DS to +7.25DS; ≥4.50DC). Mean differences (95% LOAs) were small for both intra‐ and inter‐examiner repeatability [Intra: Sphere 0.00D (−0.85, +0.85D), Cylinder −0.03D (−0.68, +0.62D), SER −0.06D (−0.90, +0.78D); Inter: Sphere −0.08D (−0.92, +0.76D), Cylinder −0.08D (−0.75, +0.59D), SER −0.13D (−0.95, +0.69D). A statistically significant proportional bias was present for intra‐examiner repeatability of cylinder (ρ = 0.20, p = 0.04) and SER measurement (ρ = 0.19, p = 0.049). Proportional bias was not present for any other measure (p > 0.12). Examiners agreed on cylinder axis within ±20° in 71% of refractions where astigmatism of −0.75D or higher was present. 80% of intra‐ and inter‐examiner measures fell within ±0.50D for spherical and cylindrical components.

Conclusions

Differences of ±1.00D and ±0.75D or more for spherical and cylindrical measures respectively can be considered significant when performing cycloplegic retinoscopy on young children.
Correlations of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scoring Systems with Gait Parameters in Patients with Degenerative Spinal Diseases
Authors: Zheng Chen‐fan , Liu Yan‐cheng , Hu Yong‐cheng , Xia Qun , Miao Jun , Zhang Ji‐dong , Zhang Kuan
Published: December 2016

Objective

Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring systems were developed to evaluate the neurological function of patients with cervical or lumbar degeneration. As patient‐based and multi‐dimensional clinical evaluation tools, these systems should be capable of reflecting the walking disability of patients. The association between JOA scores and gait parameters, however, are not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlations between JOA scores and gait parameters of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

A total of 32 CSM and 30 LDH patients with gait dysfunction were recruited for the present study. All patients were diagnosed by two senior orthopaedic doctors and evaluated with JOA scoring systems. A body‐mounted motion analyzer, the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA), was applied to measure gait parameters of patients across 30 m of flat floor in an orthopaedic ward. A linear regression model was used to determine the correlations between JOA scores and gait parameters. Multiple linear regressions were used to identify the relationships between subsections of the JOA systems and gait parameters.

Results

Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores of LDH patients from the JOA lumbar scoring system are significantly correlated with gait speed (R
2 = 0.557, P < 0.001) and stride length (R
2 = 0.544, P < 0.001). JOA scores are also correlated with double support duration, step duration, cycle duration and cadence, and weakly correlated with single support duration. For the four subsections of the JOA lumbar scoring system, “restriction of activities of daily living” is the significant predictor of all gait parameters, especially gait speed (R
2 = 0.573, P < 0.001) and stride length (R
2 = 0.553, P < 0.001). However, JOA scores of CSM patients from the JOA cervical scoring system are only weakly correlated with these measures (all R
2 < 0.3). For the four subsections of the JOA cervical scoring system, “motor function of the lower extremity” is a weak predictor of gait parameters (all R
2 < 0.3).

Conclusions

There is a significant correlation between gait parameters and functional disability as measured by the JOA lumbar scoring system, which indicates that the JOA lumbar scoring system can reflect gait impairment. The JOA cervical scoring system, however, may need to be improved for efficiently evaluating the walking ability of CSM patients in the assessment of motor function of the lower extremity.
What Role Does Low Bone Mineral Density Play in the “Killer Turn” Effect after Transtibial Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?
Authors: Li Yue , Chen Xing‐zuo , Zhang Jin , Song Guan‐yang , Li Xu , Feng Hua
Published: December 2016

Objective

To explore the mechanism of the “killer turn”, which is reported to be a reason for postoperative residual laxity after transtibial posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, in a low bone mineral density (BMD) condition.

Methods

A total of 80 skeletally mature female New Zealand white rabbits were included for biomechanical evaluation after transtibial PCL reconstructions. The subjects were equally divided into low BMD (n = 40) and control groups (n = 40). Rabbits in the low BMD group were treated with surgery and drug injection to establish an osteoporotic model. Rabbits in the control group received sham surgeries and no injection. All assignments were conducted randomly according to random numbers generated by a computer. All grafts were then subjected to biomechanical testing with an MTS model‐858 Mini Bionix servohydraulic materials testing machine (MTS Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA). The experimental outcomes were the increment of total graft displacement, tunnel inlet enlargement, graft elongation, stiffness and failure load of the two groups, and the comparison between them.

Results

Among the 80 subjects, 1 subject of the low BMD group failed at the 30th cycle by proximal tibial fracture and 1 subject of the control group failed at the 20th cycle for the same reason. As a result, 39 subjects of the low BMD group and 39 subjects of the control group survived the cyclic loading test. Compared with the control group, the low BMD group demonstrated significantly larger total graft displacement (
P
= 0.006) and tunnel inlet enlargement (
P
= 0.041) than the control group. The number of subjects with less than 10% enlargement was significantly greater (57.1%) in the control group than in the low BMD group (
P
= 0.004). In the load‐to‐failure test, 26 (66.7%) subjects in the low BMD group failed by proximal tibial fracture (around the tunnel), 6 (15.4%) at the mounting site, 5 (12.8%) at the fixation site, and only 2 (5.1%) failed at the “killer turn.” In the control group, 20 (51.3%) failed at the “killer turn,” 9 (23.1%) at the proximal tibia (around the tunnel), 5 (12.8%) at the mounting site, and 5 (12.8%) at the fixation site. There were significantly fewer failures (10.0%) at the “killer turn” (
P
= 0.000) and 155.6% more for the para‐tunnel fracture (
P
= 0.000) in the low BMD group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The low BMD group demonstrated an inferior biomechanical outcome to the control group with the transtibial technique. With low BMD, the “killer turn” effect compromises the posterior tibial cortex by enlarging the tunnel inlet.
Surgical Technique of Total Knee Arthroplasty without Soft Tissue Balance
Authors: Xu Hong‐tao , Dong Jiang‐tao , Wang Juan , Gao Shi‐jun
Published: December 2016

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without soft tissue balance can create a balanced knee to a mechanical axis of near neutral with bone cuts, and remove osteophytes thoroughly. In this study, the authors present detailed steps for performing TKA. The attached video demonstrates the TKA procedure. The patient is a 77‐year‐old man who had suffered from knee pain for 12 years. Physical examination showed the Apley test to be positive and that the range of motion (ROM) decreased. An X‐ray filmed at the positive lateral of the knee joint and the double lower extremity revealed a progression of degenerative osteoarthritis with genu varum. The key point of no soft tissue release is to make a rectangular extensional space by osteotomy. In addition, the osteophytes, especially syndesmophytes, should be removed thoroughly. As a result, the ligaments can achieve ideal length and the flexion contracture can also be remedied. Moreover, in surgeries without soft tissue release, bone mass and normal tissue are retained. Patients are satisfied to the surgery not only with less blood loss, anterior knee pain and DVT, but also faster rehabilitation. In summary, TKA without soft tissue balance is an efficient procedure for patients with knee osteoarthritis which can result in good prognosis.
Relationship between the Patellar Ridge and the Femoral Trochlea in the Patellar Tracking
Authors: Wang Xiao‐meng , Liu Hui‐xin , Niu Jing‐hui , Duan Gu‐man , Wang Fei
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate the anatomic morphology of the patellar ridge and how it matches the femoral trochlea in patellar tracking.

Method

We selected 40 volunteers, 20 males (age, 28 ± 5 years) and 20 female (age, 27 ± 6 years), who were completely asymptomatic with normal knee structures. We measured the right or left legs of volunteers, and the region from the distal femur to the tibial tuberosity was scanned by computed tomography (CT) with flexion at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. CT data was reconstructed using image analysis software (Mimics). Variables such as the angle between the patellar ridge and patellar long axis, the tibial external rotation angle, as well as the best matching position between the patellar ridge and femoral trochlea at different knee flexion angles were measured. A single experienced orthopedic surgeon performed all the measurements, and the surgeon was blinded to the subject identifying information. We analyzed the differences between the various angles using a one‐way analysis of variance. The differences between genders were analyzed using the t test.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were greater than 0.81 for all measurements, and the ICC value is almost in perfect agreement. The angle between the patellar ridge and the patellar long axis was 11.13° ± 4.1°. The angle in male participants was 10.87° ± 4.5° and it was 12.09° ± 3.7° in female participants. There were significant differences between each angle (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°). The angles between the patellar ridge and femoral trochlear groove did not greatly increase with the knee flexion. The tibial internal rotation angle also showed a gradually increase at knee flexion of 0°–60°, and a gradually decrease at 60°–90°. The best‐fit point between the patellar ridge and femoral trochlear groove gradually increased along with the knee flexion. There were no significant differences between male and female participants at all angles (
P
< 0.05).

Conclusion

The anatomic morphology of the patellar ridge allows better matching between the patellar ridge and femoral trochlea during knee flexion, which is an important mechanism for the regulation of patellar tracking.
Relationship between Patellar Tracking and the “Screw‐home” Mechanism of Tibiofemoral Joint
Authors: Zhang Li‐kang , Wang Xiao‐meng , Niu Ying‐zhen , Liu Hui‐xin , Wang Fei
Published: December 2016

Objective

To demonstrate the effect of the screw‐home motion on the stability of the patellofemoral joint, and investigate its mechanism of regulation of patellar tracking.

Methods

Twenty volunteers who met the criteria were examined. All subjects had axial computed tomography (CT) scanning performed on bilateral knees at 0° and 30° of flexion. Scanning began above the femorotibial articulation and femoral trochlear groove, and moved sequentially down to the level of the anterior tibial tubercle. The following measurements were obtained: tibial rotation relative to the femur (TRRF), tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance, lateral patellar displacement (LPD), patellar tilt angle (PTA), and congruence angle (CA). We assessed the change (Δ) in each variable at both flexion angles, and analyzed this to investigate the corresponding relationship between the patella, the femur, and the screw‐home mechanism. The differences between the values measured at 0° and those measured at 30° flexion were analyzed using the paired sample t‐test. The differences between men and women were analyzed using the t‐test. Pearson’s correlations were performed to determine the relationship between ΔTT–TG distance and ΔLPD, ΔPTA and ΔTRRF, and ΔCA and ΔTRRF.

Results

There were 10 women and 10 men enrolled in the present study, with an average age of 25 years and an average body mass index of 21.8 kg/m2, and all volunteers had no history of knee injuries. Compared with measurements taken at 0° flexion, TRRF at 30° flexion was significantly increased, and the PTA, CA, LPD, and TT–TG distance were significantly decreased (all P < 0.01). There was no difference between men and women at 0° and 30° flexion, respectively (P < 0.01). In this respect, there was no sex difference, but the change was greater for men than for women. Both ΔPTA and ΔCA demonstrated significant correlation with the ΔTRRF (both P < 0.01); a significant correlation between ΔLPD and ΔTT–TG distance was also demonstrated (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

As the tibiofemoral joint rotated, the patellofemoral joint became more stable and aligned, which indicates that the screw‐home mechanism plays an important role in regulating patellofemoral joint alignment.
Treatment and Management of Osteoporotic Fractures: A Nation‐wide Survey of 484 Senior Orthopaedists in China
Authors: Man Yi , Pan Wei , Lu Jin , Li Sen‐yuan , Zhang Pian , Guo Jun‐zhe , Yu Shu‐fang , Zhang Bei , Xiao En , Zhang Chao , Zuo Wei , Jin He‐juan , Chen Yi , Wu Bin , Shi Xiao‐en , Hong Di , Liu Xun , Gao Ying‐xu , Li Jing , Yin Lu , Xue Qing‐yun
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate the treatment given to osteoporotic fracture patients by orthopaedists at major hospitals in China.

Methods

A 25‐item quantitative questionnaire survey, categorized into five domains, including primary purpose of osteoporosis treatment, anti‐osteoporosis therapy, calcium and vitamin D supplement, monitoring of osteoporosis, and knowledge of osteoporosis treatment, was designed to elicit information on orthopaedists’ views on the treatment of osteoporotic fracture. A pre‐survey test was conducted with a sample of 40 orthopaedic specialists to confirm the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Each interview of the survey took approximately 15 min and did not directly involve any patients. The survey was conducted through face‐to‐face interviews at 119 tier 3 hospitals in 28 cities across Mainland China.

Results

A total of 484 valid responses were received. Seven in ten respondents have ≥10 years of professional practice. While two‐thirds believed that osteoporosis treatment was to prevent fractures or re‐fractures, 95.0% agreed that anti‐osteoporosis medication should be administered to patients with a history of fragility fractures. Three in four would prescribe anti‐osteoporosis medication perioperatively. Of these, 79.0% regarded bisphosphonates as the first‐line drug. Approximately 86.0% of the 21–30 years cohort chose bisphosphonates compared to 71.4% for those with ≤10 years. More of the younger (≤10 years) cohort chose calcitonin compared to their older (21–30 years) colleagues (25.7% vs 11.6%). The most commonly prescribed daily dose is 800 IU for vitamin D supplements and 600 mg/day for calcium.

Conclusions

Our respondents generally adhered to guidelines for the treatment and management of osteoporosis. A significant number had recommended lower dosages of vitamin D and calcium. Some differences exist between the younger cohort and their older colleagues in the prescription of pharmacological therapies. The criteria for initiating therapy should be more holistic and include other factors besides bone mineral density (BMD). Our results demonstrated that more comprehensive guidelines for osteoporosis management and a greater awareness of these guidelines by orthopaedists are needed to enable them to better manage their patients.
N‐acetylcysteine Attenuates Cobalt Nanoparticle‐Induced Cytotoxic Effects through Inhibition of Cell Death, Reactive Oxygen Species‐related Signaling and Cytokines Expression
Authors: Liu Ya‐ke , Yang Hong‐wei , Wang Meng‐hong , Wang Wei , Liu Fan , Yang Hui‐lin
Published: December 2016

Objective

Complex cobalt‐chromium alloys, bearing surfaces of the second‐generation metal‐on‐metal (MoM) hip prostheses, are subject to wear and generate cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs). CoNPs could reduce cellular viability, activate the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and increase cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the detailed mechanisms of ROS functioning on CoNP‐mediated signaling molecules and cytotoxicity has not yet been fully demonstrated. The present study investigated the functional role of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in reversing the activation of ROS signaling pathways triggered by CoNPs in normal mice kidney cells (TCMK‐1 cells).

Methods

After being pretreated with NAC, TCMK‐1 cells were treated with 300–700 μmol/L CoNPs, then, CCK‐8 assay was used to verify the survival of TCMK‐1 cells. Annexin V/PI staining was performed to investigate the apoptosis of TCMK‐1 cells after NAC and different concentrations of CoNP treatments. In addition, western blot was performed to identify the cytokine (p‐ERK, p‐p38, and p‐JNK) expression of the ROS‐related MAPK signaling pathway.

Results

Apoptosis rate of TCMK‐1 cells was increased obviously after different concentrations of CoNP treatment. However, TCMK‐1 cells, pretreated with NAC, exhibited a significantly decreased apoptosis rate. In addition, p‐ERK, p‐p38, and p‐JNK expressions were increased with CoNP treatment, which indicated that CoNPs could activate the MAPK pathway. Interestingly, this entire stimulated phenomenon by CoNPs was reversed with NAC treatment.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that NAC could reverse CoNP‐induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting ROS‐induced cell death and cytokine expression. To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes how CoNP‐induced cytotoxicity in TCMK‐1 cells could be attenuated by anti‐oxidative agents (NAC), which may function through inhibition of cell death and ROS.
Computational neuroscience approach to biomarkers and treatments for mental disorders
Authors: Yahata Noriaki , Kasai Kiyoto , Kawato Mitsuo
Published: December 2016

Psychiatry research has long experienced a stagnation stemming from a lack of understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of phenomenologically defined mental disorders. Recently, the application of computational neuroscience to psychiatry research has shown great promise in establishing a link between phenomenological and pathophysiological aspects of mental disorders, thereby recasting current nosology in more biologically meaningful dimensions. In this review, we highlight recent investigations into computational neuroscience that have undertaken either theory‐ or data‐driven approaches to quantitatively delineate the mechanisms of mental disorders. The theory‐driven approach, including reinforcement learning models, plays an integrative role in this process by enabling correspondence between behavior and disorder‐specific alterations at multiple levels of brain organization, ranging from molecules to cells to circuits. Previous studies have explicated a plethora of defining symptoms of mental disorders, including anhedonia, inattention, and poor executive function. The data‐driven approach, on the other hand, is an emerging field in computational neuroscience seeking to identify disorder‐specific features among high‐dimensional big data. Remarkably, various machine‐learning techniques have been applied to neuroimaging data, and the extracted disorder‐specific features have been used for automatic case–control classification. For many disorders, the reported accuracies have reached 90% or more. However, we note that rigorous tests on independent cohorts are critically required to translate this research into clinical applications. Finally, we discuss the utility of the disorder‐specific features found by the data‐driven approach to psychiatric therapies, including neurofeedback. Such developments will allow simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders using neuroimaging, thereby establishing ‘theranostics’ for the first time in clinical psychiatry.
The Distinctive Significance of Systemic Risk
Authors: James Aaron
Published: December 2016

This paper suggests that “systemic risk” (e.g., of financial market collapse, or of ecological calamity) has a distinctive kind of moral significance. Two intuitive data points need to be explained. The first is that the systematic imposition of risk can be wrongful or unjust in and of itself, even if harm never ensues. The second is that, even so, there may be no one in particular to blame. We can explain both ideas in terms of what I call responsibilities of “Collective Due Care.” Collective Due Care arguably precludes purely aggregative cost‐benefit decision‐making and requires one kind of “precautionary” attitude in public choice.
Climate Change Mitigation Techniques and International Law: Assessing the Externalities of Reforestation and Geoengineering
Authors: Ryngaert Cedric
Published: December 2016

As a subspecies of the climate justice debate, a compelling moral case can be made that actors should receive their fair share of benefits and burdens, and more specifically, that those who benefit from the provision of public goods ought, under some circumstances, to share in the costs of their provision. The climate justice debate has paid relatively scant attention, however, to the possible adverse side‐effects of climate mitigation mechanisms. The article reviews such global public goods‐protecting techniques as compensation payments for keeping rainforests intact, and climate engineering, for their adverse impact on human rights and biodiversity. Espousing a consequentialist ethical perspective, it calls for increased vigilance in institutionally designing and implementing climate change mitigation mechanisms, however well‐intentioned these may be.
The introduction of Hurrian religion into the Hittite empire
Authors: Campbell Dennis R.M.
Published: December 2016

The early Hittite New Kingdom was a period of great change. It was during this period that both a remarkable amount of Hurrian textual material entered into the Hittite capital and Hittite kings began having both Hittite and Hurrian names. In this paper I argue that the importation of Hurrian cultural material accompanied the dynastic marriage between the Hittite king and the king of Kizzuwatna. The reception of the material and its lasting effects within the ruling family are to be attributed to the education of the princes within a royal household headed by Hurrian queens.
Geochronology and Genesis of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry Cu(Au) Deposit in Tibet: Evidence from U–Pb, Re–Os Dating and Hf, S, and H–O Isotopes
Authors: Lin Bin , Tang Ju‐Xing , Chen Yu‐Chuan , Song Yang , Hall Greg , Wang Qin , Yang Chao , Fang Xiang , Duan Ji‐lin , Yang Huan‐Huan , Liu Zhi‐Bo , Wang Yi‐Yun , Feng Jun
Published: December 2016

The Tiegelongnan Cu (Au) deposit is the largest copper deposit newly discovered in the Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt. The deposit has a clear alteration zoning consisting of, from core to margin, potassic to propylitic, superimposed by phyllic and advanced argillic alteration. The shallow part of the deposit consists of a high sulphidation‐state overprint, mainly comprising disseminated pyrite and Cu–S minerals such as bornite, covellite, digenite, and enargite. At depth porphyry‐type mineralization mainly comprises disseminated chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite, and a minor vein molybdenite. Mineralization is disseminated and associated with veins contained within the porphyry intrusions and their surrounding rocks. The zircon U–Pb ages of the mineralized diorite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry are 123.1 ± 1.7 Ma (2σ) and 121.5 ± 1.5 Ma (2σ), respectively. The molybdenite Re–Os age is 121.2 ± 1.2 Ma, suggesting that mineralization was closely associated with magmatism. Andesite lava (zircon U–Pb age of 111.7 ± 1.6 Ma, 2σ) overlies the ore‐bodies and is the product of post‐mineralization volcanic activity that played a critical role in preserving the ore‐bodies. Values of −4.6 ‰ to + 0.8 ‰ δ34S for the metal sulfides (mean − 1.55 ‰) suggest that S mainly has a deep magmatic source. The H and O isotopic composition is (δD = −87 ‰ to −64 ‰; δ18OH2O = 5.5 ‰ to 9.0 ‰), indicating that the ore‐forming fluids are mostly magmatic‐hydrothermal, possibly mixed with a small amount of meteoric water. The zircon εHf(t) of the diorite porphyry is 3.7 to 8.3, and the granodiorite porphyry is 1.8 to 7.5. Molybdenite has a high Re from 382.2 × 10−6 to 1600 × 10−6. Re and Hf isotope composition show that Tiegelongnan has some mantle source, maybe the juvenile lower crust from crust–mantle mixed source. Metallogenesis of the Tiegelongnan giant porphyry system was associated with intermediate to acidic magma in the Early Cretaceous (~120 Ma). The magma provenance of the Tiegelongnan deposit has some mantle‐derived composition, possibly mixed with the crust‐derived materials.
A Comparative Study of Landsat‐7 and Landsat‐8 Data Using Image Processing Methods for Hydrothermal Alteration Mapping
Authors: Masoumi Feizollah , Eslamkish Taymour , Honarmand Mehdi , Abkar Ali Akbar
Published: December 2016

Comparing spaceborne satellite images of Landsat‐8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Landsat‐7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) was undertaken to investigate the relative accuracy of mapping hydrothermal alteration minerals. The study investigated the northern part of Rabor, which contains copper mineralization occurrences, and is located in the Kerman Cenozoic magmatic assemblage (KCMA), Iran. Image processing methods of band ratio, principal component analysis (PCA), and spectral angle mapper (SAM) were used to map the distribution of hydrothermally altered rocks associated with the porphyry copper mineralization. The band ratio combination of both sensors for mapping altered areas showed similar outcomes. PCA exposed variations in the spatial distribution of hydroxyl‐bearing minerals. The representation of hydrothermal areas using OLI data was more satisfactory than when using ETM+ data. SAM analysis found similar results for mapping hydroxyl‐bearing zones. Verification of the results came through ground investigation and laboratory studies. Rock samples (n = 56) were collected to validate results using thin sections, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and spectral analyses. Field observations and laboratory analysis revealed that phyllic and propylitic alterations dominate the alteration zones in the study area. Argillic and iron oxides/hydroxides alterations were observed to a lesser degree. The results indicate that alteration maps prepared by OLI data using PCA for visual interpretation are more suitable than those of ETM+ due to a higher radiometric resolution and lower interference between vegetation and altered areas. As the spectral bandwidth of ETM+ band 7 covers absorption feature of propylitic alteration, better mapping of propylitic alterations is achieved using ETM+ data.
Dependency of Crop Production between Global Breadbaskets: A Copula Approach for the Assessment of Global and Regional Risk Pools
Authors: Gaupp Franziska , Pflug Georg , Hochrainer‐Stigler Stefan , Hall Jim , Dadson Simon
Published: December 2016

As recent events have shown, simultaneous crop losses in different parts of the world can cause serious risks to global food security. However, to date, little is known about the spatial dependency of lower than expected crop yields from global breadbaskets. This especially applies in the case of extreme events, i.e., where one or more breadbaskets are experiencing far below average yields. Without such information, risk management approaches cannot be applied and vulnerability to extremes may remain high or even increase in the future around the world. We tackle both issues from an empirical perspective focusing on wheat yield. Interdependencies between historically observed wheat yield deviations in five breadbaskets (United States, Argentina, India, China, and Australia) are estimated via copula approaches that can incorporate increasing tail dependencies. In doing so, we are able to attach probabilities to interregional as well as global yield losses. To address the robustness of our results, we apply three different methods for constructing multivariate copulas: vine copulas, ordered coupling using a minimax approach, and hierarchical structuring. We found interdependencies between states within breadbaskets that led us to the conclusion that risk pooling for extremes is less favorable on the regional level. However, notwithstanding evidence of global climatic teleconnections that may influence crop production, we also demonstrate empirically that wheat production losses are independent between global breadbaskets, which strengthens the case for interregional risk pooling strategies. We argue that through interregional risk pooling, postdisaster liabilities of governments and international donors could be decreased.
HLA‐C*07:544, a novel HLA‐C*07 variant, detected in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: December 2016

One nucleotide exchange at residue 768 of the
HLA‐C*07:02:01:01 results in a novel allele,
HLA‐C*07:544.