bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Public Betas and Free Trials to Launch a Software Product
Authors: Mehra Amit , Saha Rajib Lochan
Published: June 2017

Many software product firms release a public beta prior to launching its product. Public betas are adopted by innovator consumers and firms use free feedback from these consumers to improve the quality of the product. While trying out the public beta, innovators also learn their product preferences accurately. In addition, opinions expressed by the innovators about the software on public forums like blogs, etc., can introduce a perception bias about the product's quality among the imitator consumers. Therefore, there are demand and cost side tradeoffs in introducing public betas. In addition to public beta, firms can introduce product trials along with the product. Product trials serve as a learning mechanism for all consumers (innovators and imitators), unlike in the case of public betas where this benefit accrues only to innovators. We examine the firm's optimal strategies to introduce public beta and/or product trial. We show that introducing public beta does not necessarily result in a higher‐quality product. However, even when the quality is lower, consumer surplus and social welfare can be higher. Interestingly, while introducing public beta in addition to trial may appear to be optimal, it may not always be so. We show that similar results hold for products with network effects. We also find that even though the marginal value of quality to consumers is higher for products with network effects, the quality of the product can sometimes be lower than the quality in absence of network effects.
Feed restriction regime in a rabbit line selected for growth rate alters oocyte maturation manifested by alteration in MSY2 gene expression
Authors: Naturil‐Alfonso C , Peñaranda DS , Vicente JS , Marco‐Jiménez F
Published: June 2017

Contents

Young rabbit females selected for growth rate may have nutritional needs, which may not be met with the common practice of feed restriction during rearing in commercial rabbit production. The aim of this study was to analyse whether two different feeding programmes: ad libitum or restricted (130 g/day) feeding, applied in young rabbit females for 1 month at the end of rearing, could modulate the origin of ovulation process and the quality of the oocytes. At 16 weeks of age, 34 females were randomly assigned to restricted or ad libitum feeding, maintaining these conditions for a month. Then, in an initial experiment, transcriptional profiling of hypothalamus–hypophysis tissue was performed to assess failure to ovulate. In the second experiment, the gene expression analysis of some candidate genes related to oocytes quality was performed. Our results demonstrated that neither of the two feeding programmes modified the transcription of hypothalamus–hypophysis tissue, while the only differences in MSYR expression were found in in vivo mature oocytes ready for successful fertilization. Specifically, MSYR was over‐expressed in oocytes from females fed ad libitum. MSYR is one of the most abundant proteins in the oocyte and has proven to be a key regulator of maternal RNA transcription and translation. This finding suggests that MSYR gene is a promising gene in our understanding of the relationship between high growth rate and reproductive performance decline.
Still a reasonable goal: Targeting cholesterol in dialysis and advanced chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Heine Gunnar H. , Rogacev Kyrill S. , Weingärtner Oliver , Marsche Gunther
Published: June 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have a high burden of cardiovascular disease. In the general population, lipid metabolism disorders, which cause the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic vascular changes, are major targets for preventive and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular medicine. However, data from large cohort studies and from clinical trials suggest that the treatment guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention and therapy cannot uncritically be transferred from individuals with intact renal function to CKD patients. Thus, unlike in the general population, neither plasma levels of HDL‐cholesterol, nor the key parameter of HDL‐cholesterol function—that is, cholesterol efflux capacity—predicts future cardiovascular events. Therefore, HDL‐cholesterol should presently not be considered as therapeutic target in CKD patients. In contrast, lowering of LDL‐cholesterol has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events at least among nondialysis CKD patients. The cardiovascular benefit of targeting LDL‐cholesterol among dialysis CKD patients is less evident. We strongly believe that at least some subgroups of dialysis patients may profit from such treatment, particularly those with highest baseline LDL‐cholesterol. Finally, as CKD patients have been characterized to have rather high intestinal cholesterol absorption, and relatively low hepatic cholesterol synthesis, substituting combined statin/ezetimibe treatment for statin monotherapy may be of particular benefit for nephrologic patients.
Effects of resistance training using known vs unknown loads on eccentric‐phase adaptations and concentric velocity
Authors: Hernández‐Davó J. L. , Sabido R. , Behm D. G. , Blazevich A. J.
Published: June 2017

The aims of this study were to compare both eccentric‐ and concentric‐phase adaptations in highly trained handball players to 4 weeks of twice‐weekly rebound bench press throw training with varying loads (30%, 50% and 70% of one‐repetition maximum [1‐RM]) using either known (KL) or unknown (UL) loads and to examine the relationship between changes in eccentric‐ and concentric‐phase performance. Twenty‐eight junior team handball players were divided into two experimental groups (KL or UL) and a control group. KL subjects were told the load prior each repetition, while UL were blinded. For each repetition, the load was dropped and then a rebound bench press at maximum velocity was immediately performed. Both concentric and eccentric velocity as well as eccentric kinetic energy and musculo‐articular stiffness prior to the eccentric‐concentric transition were measured. Results showed similar increases in both eccentric velocity and kinetic energy under the 30% 1‐RM but greater improvements under 50% and 70% 1‐RM loads for UL than KL. UL increased stiffness under all loads (with greater magnitude of changes). KL improved concentric velocity only under the 30% 1‐RM load while UL also improved under 50% and 70% 1‐RM loads. Improvements in concentric movement velocity were moderately explained by changes in eccentric velocity (R2=.23‐.62). Thus, UL led to greater improvements in concentric velocity, and the improvement is potentially explained by increases in the speed (as well as stiffness and kinetic energy) of the eccentric phase. Unknown load training appears to have significant practical use for the improvement of multijoint stretch‐shortening cycle movements.
Taking Prejudice Seriously: Burkean Reflections on the Rural Past and Present
Authors: von Essen Erica , Allen Michael P.
Published: June 2017

Urban‐based nature conservation elites often condemn rural communities as backwards when they appeal to the value of tradition. Nevertheless, drawing from an interview study of Swedish hunters, we show that appeals to tradition express a coherent, if problematic, philosophical vision. We ask, then, two questions: (1) Do the ideas of Swedish hunters reflect a coherent philosophical vision? (2) Could this vision have a positive function in facilitating improved public dialogue over conservation policy? We examine this overlooked phenomenon of philosophical beliefs as the basis for contesting conservation policy. We also elucidate the negative consequences of this oversight for nature conservation policy debates. Finally, we discuss its positive function in nature conservation policy‐making. Overall, we argue that policymakers should strive for a better understanding and appreciation of the hunters’ philosophical vision and that the hunters themselves should strive to better articulate this vision rather than their resentments.
Detection of the HLA‐DQB1 allele, DQB1*03:82, in a Kazakh patient with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Burkitbayev Z. K. , Abdrakhmanova S. A. , Turganbekova A. A. , Ramilyeva I. R. , Baimukasheva D. K.
Published: June 2017

HLA‐DQB1*03:82 differs from DQB1*03:01 at nucleotide 223 in exon 2 from G to A.
Diagnosis and treatment of concurrent dermal malignant melanoma and melanocytomas in a pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)
Authors: Saunders Richard A. , Killick Rowena S. , Barrows Michelle G. , Bowlt Kelly A. , Denk Daniella
Published: June 2017

Background

Dermal melanocytic neoplasms are common in some even‐toed ungulates (Artiodactyla), yet this entity has not been reported in the pygmy hippopotamus to date. Concurrent occurrence of multiple benign and malignant melanocytic neoplasms is unusual. Malignant transformation occurs in a small percentage of benign melanocytic tumours in people but this phenomenon has not been well documented in animals.

Objectives

To report the diagnosis and treatment of concurrent dermal melanocytomas and malignant melanomas in a pygmy hippopotamus.

Animals

A 36‐year‐old intact male pygmy hippopotamus, part of a zoological collection, housed with a 10‐year‐old female of the same species, presented with multiple raised and pigmented skin masses.

Methods

Initial impression smears of one ulcerated lesion were consistent with inflammation; subsequent histopathological findings from a skin biopsy revealed an underlying malignant melanoma. The animal was anaesthetised, ultrasonographic imaging of the local lymph nodes indicated no local involvement and all skin lesions were removed. Recovery from anaesthesia was unremarkable, skin healing was within normal limits for the species. There was no sign of recurrence 34 months post‐surgery.

Results

A diagnosis of malignant melanomas and concurrent melanocytomas was made on histopathological evaluation.

Conclusion and clinical importance

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of melanocytic neoplasia in the pygmy hippopotamus. The occurrence of both benign and malignant melanocytic skin tumours should be considered in this species.
Clinical findings and management of 153 horses with large colon sand accumulations
Authors: Kilcoyne Isabelle , Dechant Julie E. , Spier Sharon J. , Spriet Mathieu , Nieto Jorge E.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To determine the influence of radiographic quantification of sand accumulation on the medical versus surgical management of large colon sand accumulations. To compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes and complications associated with medical and surgical management of these horses.

Study design

Retrospective.

Sample population

A total of 153 horses.

Methods

Medical records and abdominal radiographs of horses presented for colic between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed. Severity of sand accumulation was quantified by tracing and measuring a region of interest with a commercial software program. Breed, weight, amount of sand, presence of diarrhea at presentation, treatment, and the development of complications were recorded.

Results

Records from 153 horses were reviewed. The mean cross‐sectional area of sand accumulation was 692.9 cm2 (median = 658.7 cm2, 84.6‐1780.7 cm2). Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and abnormal transrectal examination findings were associated with an increased likelihood of surgery. The most common complication was the development of diarrhea (20.3%) with only 4 (2.6%) horses positive for Salmonella spp. Horses had a favorable prognosis, with 94.8% of horses treated medically and 94.7% of those treated surgically surviving to discharge.

Conclusion

Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and transrectal palpation of impaction or intestinal gas distension increase the likelihood of surgery. Both medical and surgical treatments carry a good prognosis.

Clinical relevance

The sheer quantity of sand is not a factor when determining surgical intervention. Attention should be paid to the presence of increased gas accumulation on rectal or radiographic examination.
Recognition of Cursive Arabic Handwritten Text Using Embedded Training Based on Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Rabi Mouhcine , Amrouch Mustapha , Mahani Zouhir
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a system for offline recognition of cursive Arabic handwritten text based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). The proposed work reports an effective method taking into account the context of character by applying an embedded training-based HMMs to perform and enhance the character models. The system is analytical without explicit segmentation; extracted features preceded by baseline estimation are statistical and structural to integrate both the peculiarities of the text and the pixel distribution characteristics of the word image. The experiments are done on benchmark IFN/ENIT database. The proposed work shows the effectiveness of using embedded training-based HMMs for enhancing the recognition rate, and the obtained results are promising and encouraging.
Molecular Imaging of Cancer with Nanoparticle-Based Theranostic Probes
Authors: Ma Ying-Yu , Jin Ke-Tao , Wang Shi-Bing , Wang Hui-Ju , Tong Xiang-Min , Huang Dong-Sheng , Mou Xiao-Zhou
Published: June 2017

Although advancements in medical technology supporting cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved survival, these technologies still have limitations. Recently, the application of noninvasive imaging for cancer diagnosis and therapy has become an indispensable component in clinical practice. However, current imaging contrasts and tracers, which are in widespread clinical use, have their intrinsic limitations and disadvantages. Nanotechnologies, which have improved in vivo detection and enhanced targeting efficiency for cancer, may overcome some of the limitations of cancer diagnosis and therapy. Theranostic nanoparticles have great potential as a therapeutic model, which possesses the ability of their nanoplatforms to load targeted molecule for both imaging and therapeutic functions. The resulting nanosystem will likely be critical with the growth of personalized medicine because of their diagnostic potential, effectiveness as a drug delivery vehicle, and ability to oversee patient response to therapy. In this review, we discuss the achievements of modern nanoparticles with the goal of accurate tumor imaging and effective treatment and discuss the future prospects.
Domain Adaption Based on ELM Autoencoder
Authors: Deng Wan-Yu , Qu Yu-Tao , Zhang Qian
Published: June 2017

We propose a new ELM Autoencoder (ELM‐AE) based domain adaption algorithm which describes the subspaces of source and target domain by ELM‐AE and then carries out subspace alignment to project different domains into a common new space. By leveraging nonlinear approximation ability and efficient one‐pass learning ability of ELM‐AE, the proposed domain adaption algorithm can efficiently seek a better cross‐domain feature representation than linear feature representation approaches such as PCA to improve domain adaption performance. The widely experimental results on Office/Caltech‐256 datasets show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better classification accuracy than PCA subspace alignment algorithm and other state‐of‐the‐art domain adaption algorithms in most cases.
Influence on Adiposity and Atherogenic Lipaemia of Fatty Meals and Snacks in Daily Life
Authors: Laguna-Camacho Antonio
Published: June 2017

The present work reviewed the connections of changes in consumption of high-fat food with changes in adiposity and lipaemia in adults with overweight or obesity. Hyperlipaemia from higher fat meals and excessive adiposity contributes to atherogenic process. Low-fat diet interventions decrease body fat, lipaemia, and atherosclerosis markers. Inaccuracy of physical estimates of dietary fat intake remains, however, a limit to establishing causal connections. To fill this gap, tracking fat-rich eating episodes at short intervals quantifies the behavioural frequency suggested to measure (by regression of changes in real time) direct effects of this eating pattern on adiposity and atherogenic lipaemia. Such evidence will provide the basis for an approach focused on a sustained decrease in frequency of fatty meals or snacks to reduce obesity, hyperlipaemia, and atherosclerosis.
Comparison of Globus Pallidus Interna and Subthalamic Nucleus in Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease: An Institutional Experience and Review
Authors: Mirza Shazia , Yazdani Umar , Dewey III Richard , Patel Neepa , Dewey Richard B. , Miocinovic Svjetlana , Chitnis Shilpa
Published: June 2017

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has revolutionized the lives of patients of Parkinson disease, offering therapeutic options to those not benefiting entirely from medications alone. With its proven track record of outperforming the best medical management, the goal is to unlock the full potential of this therapy. Currently, the Globus Pallidus Interna (GPi) and Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) are both viable targets for DBS, and the choice of site should focus on the constellation of symptoms, both motor and nonmotor, which are key determinants to quality of life. Our article sheds light on the specific advantages and drawbacks of the two sites, highlighting the need for matching the inherent properties of a target with specific desired effects in patients. UT Southwestern Medical Center has a robust and constantly evolving DBS program and the narrative from our center provides invaluable insight into the practical realities of DBS. The ultimate decision in selecting a DBS target is complex, ideally made by a multidisciplinary team, tailored towards each patient’s profile and their expectations, by drawing upon scientific evidence coupled with experience. Ongoing research is expanding our knowledge base, which should be dynamically incorporated into an institute’s DBS paradigm to ensure that patients receive the optimal therapy.
Strategic Adjustment Capacity, Sustained Competitive Advantage, and Firm Performance: An Evolutionary Perspective on Bird Flocking and Firm Competition
Authors: Chen Shou , Wu Shiyuan , Mao Chao , Li Boya
Published: June 2017

Imitating the positioning rules in the bird flocking system, the strategic adjustment capacity is decomposed into three aspects, which are the organizational learning capacity from the top firms, the extent to which firms maintain or rely on the best operational capacity vector in history, and the ability to overcome the disadvantage while maintaining the advantage of the operational capacity vector from the previous years, respectively. Financial vectors are constructed to represent the results of corporate strategic adjustment and listed firms in the China A stock are chosen as the samples. As empirical analysis reveals, there is a positive correlation between the organizational learning capacity from the top firms and the firm performance and a U‐shaped relation between the learning capability from the previous best operational capacity vector and the firm performance. However, no significant correlation between the inertia control ability of the current operational capacity vector of the firms and their performance improvement can be observed. This study verifies that the issue of corporate competitiveness and performance can be investigated by utilizing the principles of competition in nature. Moreover, a firm can obtain a sustainable competitive advantage by improving its ability to learn from top firms in the industry.
Emulation with Organic Memristive Devices of Impairment of LTP Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disease Pathology
Authors: Battistoni Silvia , Erokhin Victor , Iannotta Salvatore
Published: June 2017

We explore and demonstrate the extension of the synapse-mimicking properties of memristive devices to a dysfunctional synapse as it occurs in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. The ability of memristive devices to reproduce synapse properties such as LTP, LTD, and STDP has been already widely demonstrated, and moreover, they were used for developing artificial neuron networks (perceptrons) able to simulate the information transmission in a cell network. However, a major progress would be to extend the common sense of neuromorphic device even to the case of dysfunction of natural synapses. Can memristors efficiently simulate them? We provide here evidences of the ability of emulating the dysfunctional synaptic behavior typical of the AD pathology with organic memristive devices considering the effect of the disease not only on a single synapse but also in the case of a neural network, composed by numerous synapses.
Biomechanical Effects of Various Bone-Implant Interfaces on the Stability of Orthodontic Miniscrews: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Tan Fabing , Wang Chao , Yang Chongshi , Huang Yuanding , Fan Yubo
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Osseointegration is required for prosthetic implant, but the various bone-implant interfaces of orthodontic miniscrews would be a great interest for the orthodontist. There is no clear consensus regarding the minimum amount of bone-implant osseointegration required for a stable miniscrew. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different bone-implant interfaces on the miniscrew and its surrounding tissue. Methods. Using finite element analysis, an advanced approach representing the bone-implant interface is adopted herein, and different degrees of bone-implant osseointegration were implemented in the FE models. A total of 26 different FE analyses were performed. The stress/strain patterns were calculated and compared, and the displacement of miniscrews was also evaluated. Results. The stress/strain distributions are changing with the various bone-implant interfaces. In the scenario of 0% osseointegration, a rather homogeneous distribution was predicted. After 15% osseointegration, the stress/strains were gradually concentrated on the cortical bone region. The miniscrew experienced the largest displacement under the no osseointegra condition. The maximum displacement decreases sharply from 0% to 3% and tends to become stable. Conclusion. From a biomechanical perspective, it can be suggested that orthodontic loading could be applied on miniscrews after about 15% osseointegration without any loss of stability.
Numerical Evaluation on Dynamic Response of Existing Underlying Tunnel Induced by Blasting Excavation of a Subway Tunnel
Authors: Zhou Jixue , Luo Yi , Li XinPing , Guo Yunhua , Liu Tingting
Published: June 2017

In Southwest China, most regions are mountainous, where traditional drill-and-blast method is adopted to excavate relatively harder rocks. However, blasting would cause vibration to adjacent structures and might result in damage or even failure. This paper considers a case where subway tunnel is overlying an existing railway tunnel, while the excavation requires blasting method. Vibration and stress distribution are calculated via Dynamic Finite Element Method (DFEM) for both full-face excavation and CD method. Result shows that vibration induced by CD method is only 28% of that caused by full-face blasting with same distance. Peak vibration is located on the lining facing the blasting source, while peak tensile stress is on the other side of the contour due to the reflection of stress wave on strata boundary. And peak value of tensile stress induced by full-face blasting is capable of causing lining failure; thus full-face blasting is not suggested within 40 m beyond the underlying tunnel axis. However, CD method has shown much advantage, since blasting within 25 m is also considered safe to the underlying tunnel. But when the blasting source is as near as 12 m within the underlying tunnel, the CD method is no longer safe.
Bifidobacterium-Rich Fecal Donor May Be a Positive Predictor for Successful Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Mizuno Shinta , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Naganuma Makoto , Kishimoto Taishiro , Kitazawa Momoko , Kurokawa Shunya , Nakashima Moeko , Takeshita Kozue , Suda Wataru , Mimura Masaru , Hattori Masahira , Kanai Takanori
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Dysbiosis is associated with various systemic disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) might restore intestinal microbial balance. The study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of FMT in IBS patients, as well as also positive predictors for FMT. Methods: This was a single-arm, open-label study. Eligible patients were diagnosed based on Rome III Diagnostic Criteria. Fecal materials were administered to the patient via colonoscopy. The primary end point was a change in the Bristol stool form scale at 4 weeks after FMT. Recovery to types 3-4 was considered a clinical response. The secondary end point was a change in intestinal microbiota and psychological status using the Hamilton Rating Scale. Results: Ten patients were enrolled. Six patients achieved a clinical response. The diversity of patients 4 weeks after FMT increased significantly compared with patients before FMT, and that of responding patients was significantly higher than non-responder patients. The abundance of Bifidobacterium in effective donors was significantly higher than in ineffective donors and patients. Psychological status of all patients was significantly improved after FMT. Conclusions: FMT for patients with IBS is safe, and relatively effective. Bifidobacterium-rich fecal donor may be a positive predictor for successful FMT. Key Summary: (1) Dysbiosis is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders including IBS. (2) FMT has potential to restore intestinal microbial balance. (3) We showed that FMT improved stool form and psychological status of IBS patients. (4) Bifidobacterium-rich donor efficiently induced symbiosis in IBS patients.
Age-Dependent Effects of ALK5 Inhibition and Mechanism of Neuroprotection in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Kim Brian H. , Guardia Clausi Mariano , Frondelli Michelle , Nnah Israel C. , Saqcena Chaitali , Dobrowolski Radek , Levison Steven W.
Published: June 2017

Neonatal encephalopathy due to hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury triggers a wave of neuroinflammatory events attributed to causing the progressive degeneration and functional deficits seen weeks after the initial insult. In a recent set of studies, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of a small molecule antagonist for ALK5 (activin-like kinase 5 ), TGF-β receptor in a rat model of moderate perinatal HI and found significant improvements in neurologic outcomes. Here, we have extended those studies to evaluate the efficacy of delayed TGF-β receptor antagonism on postnatal day (P) 6 and P9 HI rat pups with and without hypothermia. The ALK5 receptor antagonist SB505124 was administered systemically by osmotic pump beginning 3 days following HI. Extending our earlier data set that showed protection of the hippocampus in P6 pups treated with SB505124, these animals sustained less damage to their hippocampi and had improved performance on the Morris water maze (MWM) when tested on P60 versus vehicle-treated HI animals. By contrast, SB505124 did not improve sensorimotor deficits and exacerbated hippocampal and thalamic volume loss when administered 3 days after HI to P9 pups. SB505124-treated rats injured on P9 tended to perform worse than their vehicle-treated counterparts on MWM, and SB505124 treatment did not preserve hippocampal or thalamic neurons in P9 pups when combined with hypothermia. To elucidate the mechanism whereby ALK5 inhibition reduced neuronal death in the P6 HI model, we assessed levels of autophagy markers in neurons of the neocortex, hippocampus, and thalamus, and in the subcortical white matter, and found that SB505124 increased numbers of autophagosomes and levels of lipidated LC3 (light chain 3), a key protein known to mediate autophagy. Altogether, our results demonstrate that there is a dynamic switch in the CNS response to TGF-β1 that occurs around P9 in rats where TGF-β signaling inhibition worsens functional outcomes. This response is similar to the outcome of antagonizing TGF-β signaling in adult stroke and other CNS disease models. We conclude that attenuating TGF-β1 signaling will likely be an effective treatment for HI-related encephalopathy in moderately preterm infants, offering protection of the neocortex, hippocampus, and thalamus with enhanced cerebral autophagy contributing to the decrease in the extent of progressive neuronal cell death.
Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Risk of Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Kyu Rae , Bae Jeong Hun , Hwang In Cheol , Kim Kyoung Kon , Suh Heuy Sun , Ko Ki Dong
Published: June 2017

Background: Despite the presence of a strong association between influenza infection and stroke, whether influenza vaccination reduces the risk of stroke is yet a matter of controversy. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether influenza vaccination protects against stroke. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from database inception date to November 18, 2016, without language restrictions, to identify studies investigating the effect of influenza vaccination on subsequent risk of stroke. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the risk of stroke in overall and subgroup analyses and calculated a pooled OR for developing stroke with a 95% CI. Publication bias was assessed by Begg's rank correlation test. Results: Eleven studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. In a random-effects model, vaccinated individuals had a decreased risk of stroke compared with unvaccinated individuals (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.75-0.91; p < 0.001). The relationship between influenza vaccination and stroke risk remained robust in subgroup analyses. The significant effect of influenza vaccination was associated with ascertainment of vaccination status and stage of prevention. Conclusion: Vaccination against influenza is associated with a lower risk of stroke. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to provide stronger evidence of the protective effect of influenza vaccination against stroke.
MiR-495 Promotes Senescence of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Targeting Bmi-1
Authors: Li Xiujun , Song Yuxian , Liu Dan , Zhao Jiaojiao , Xu Jingjing , Ren Jing , Hu Yali , Wang Zhiqun , Hou Yayi , Zhao Guangfeng
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in regulating angiogenesis and immune balance. Abnormal proliferation and function of MSCs were reported at maternal fetal interface in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE). Micro-RNA-495 was known to be upregulated in the MSCs derived from patients with PE. However, it is not clear whether the up-regulated miR-495 is related to the pathogenesis of PE. Methods: We analyzed the expression of miR-495 in MSCs and umbilical cords derived from healthy pregnancies (NC) and PE, then we upregulated or downregulated the expression of miR-495 in MSCs derived from NC and tested the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, tube formation and senescence. Results: In the current study, we found that the expression of miR-495 was significantly increased in both umbilical cord tissues and MSCs in patients with severe PE. Overexpressing miR-495 arrested cell cycle in S phase and promoted cell apoptosis. The supernatants from miR-495-overexpressed-MSCs inhibited the migration of MSCs and HTR-8/SVneo, invasion of HTR-8/SVneo and tube formation of HUVEC, while si-miR-495 had the opposite effects. Furthermore, we analyzed the senescence related β-galactosidase activity and CD146 and found that miR-495 induced the senescence of MSCs. Molecular mechanism studies confirmed that Bmi-1 mediated these effects of miR-495 on MSCs. Conclusion: Taken together, our data demonstrated that miR-495 induced senescence of MSCs may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE.
УРАЖЕННЯ ЩИТОПОДІБНОЇ ЗАЛОЗИ У ХВОРИХ НА ХРОНІЧНИЙ ГЕПАТИТ С ТА ЇХ ВЗАЄМОЗВ’ЯЗОК ЗІ ЗМІНАМИ ОРГАНОНЕСПЕЦИФІЧНИХ АВТОАНТИТІЛ
Authors: Riabokon Yu. Yu.
Published: June 2017

Хронічний гепатит С, на відміну від гепатитів іншої етіології, характеризується високою частотою розвитку позапечінкових проявів. Роль імунних порушень в розвитку HCV-асоційованих уражень щитоподібної залози на сьогодні вивчається. Мета роботи – визначити особливості ураження щитоподібної залози у хворих на хронічний гепатит С та дослідити їх взаємозв’язок зі змінами органонеспецифічних автоантитіл.Пацієнти і методи. В дослідження було включено 225 хворих на хронічний гепатит С. Для діагностики ураження щитоподібної залози досліджували вміст у сироватці крові тиреотропного гормону, вільного трийодтироніну, вільного тироксину, антитіл до тиреоїдної пероксидази, антитіл до тиреоглобуліну. Спеціальні методи дослідження включали визначення вмісту в сироватці крові: антинуклеарних антитіл, ревматоїдного фактора, кардіоліпіну IgM та IgG, циркулюючих імунних комплексів. Результати. У 19,6 % хворих на хронічний гепатит С розвивається ураження щитоподібної залози, що проявляється змінами у крові вмісту тиреотропного гормону, вільних тироксину і трийодтироніну, появою лише органоспецифічних автоантитіл або поєднанням зазначених змін. Переважає розвиток гіпотиреозу (68,2 %). Ураження щитоподібної залози розвивається частіше у жінок, ніж у чоловіків (32,1 проти 8,4 %, р<0,01). У хворих на хронічний гепатит С з ураженням щитоподібної залози, на відміну від пацієнтів без цього прояву, частіше виявляються кардіоліпін IgM й IgG, антинуклеарні антитіла, вищий вміст кардіоліпіну IgM й IgG, а рівень підвищення антитіл до тиреоїдної пероксидази корелює (р<0,01) з вмістом ревматоїдного фактора IgM (r=+0,66) та кардіоліпіну IgM (r=+0,39). Наявний прямий кореляційний зв’язок між кількісним вмістом антитіл до тиреоїдної пероксидази та вмістом ревматоїдного фактора RF-IgM (r=+0,66; р<0,01) й вмістом кардіоліпіну IgM (r=+0,39; р<0,05) підтверджує роль автоімунних порушень в формуванні HCV-асоційованих уражень щитоподібної залози. Висновки. У кожного п’ятого хворого на хронічний гепатит С розвивається ураження щитоподібної залози, що найчастіше характеризується як гіпотиреоз. За наявності ураження щитоподібної залози у хворих на хронічний гепатит С частіше виявляються кардіоліпін IgM й IgG, антинуклеарні антитіла. Рівень підвищення антитіл до тиреоїдної пероксидази корелює з вмістом ревматоїдного фактора IgM та кардіоліпіну IgM.
ПРО РОЗРОБКУ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ СИСТЕМИ ДЛЯ МЕДИЧНОГО РЯТІВНИЦТВА НА ОСНОВІ МІКРОСЕРВІСНОЇ АРХІТЕКТУРИ
Authors: Martsenyuk V. P. , Andrushchak I. Ye.
Published: June 2017

The work is devoted to presentation of microservices approach for development of information system for emergency medicine. Implementation is based on usage of Spring, Spring Boot and Spring Cloud frameworks.
Memory in Exile
Authors: Schuback Marcia Sá Cavalcante
Published: June 2017

In this article, a discussion about memory in exile is presented that takes up the thesis that exile is a condition of post-existence and afterness. The main claim is that exile is not only existence after a cut and separation but is an existing as afterness, in a “present tension” of being with the without and without a with. It reveals a sense of the present and of presence as multi-directed movements, as clusters of echoes and delayings. In exile, memories are not the continuous simultaneity of double images but are rather “photisms,” shimmering between images, the coming and going between languages, experiences, a longing back and forth. Exilic memory is the experience that bears witness to the present as the movement of presencing, of appearing while sliding away.
Greenland, the Faroes and Åland in Nordic and European Co-operation – Two Approaches towards Accommodating Autonomies
Authors: Stephan Sarah
Published: June 2017

This article looks at the perplexing encounter between territorial autonomies and international organizations by exploring the legal-institutional frameworks for accommodating Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland Islands within the Nordic Council/Nordic Council of Ministers (Norden) and the European Union (eu). In Norden an attempt has been made to translate the very core of autonomy, namely constitutionally protected legislative power, into a legal-institutional framework for multi-level governance. The small number of autonomies and the scope and scale of Norden allows for a one-size-fits-all solution. The encounter between autonomies and an international organization is not only more challenging in the case of the eu, it is also broader in scale and in scope. Despite the eu’s individually and often densely regulated relationships with octs and sui generis arrangements, dependent territories remain to some extent uncharted territories in the context of the eu.
Key to the world species of Holoparasitus Oudemans, 1936 (Acari: Parasitiformes: Parasitidae)
Authors: WITALIŃSKI WOJCIECH
Published: June 2017

Keys to the world species of the mite genus Holoparasitus (Parasitidae family) are provided separately for males and females. The genus includes 55 species, 42 of which are allocated to eight species groups. The Holoparasitus inornatus species group is newly defined.
Life in a Canadian Foreign Policy generation long ago: The early evolution of a professorial sample of one
Authors: Stairs Denis
Published: June 2017

In response to the editors’ request, this article attempts to identify the developmental factors that have influenced the way the author has approached the study of Canadian Foreign Policy. It begins with some comments on the post-World War II international environment and on how it was regarded within his family household. His later exposures to the study of international affairs while an undergraduate at Dalhousie and subsequently at Oxford are then described, the pedagogical emphasis in both cases being focused on historical material. This was less true in the case of his graduate work at the University of Toronto, but even there the sense that historical understanding was essential was reinforced. The author’s overall conclusion has not been that more explicitly theoretical work has no value—quite the contrary—but rather that a knowledge of the detailed particulars, both past and present, cannot be neglected if the application of theoretical ideas to the analysis of specific international problems is to facilitate the cultivation of good judgment and the making of sound policy.
Thermally resistant polyurethane foams with reduced flammability
Authors: Lubczak Jacek , Lubczak Renata
Published: June 2017

Thermally resistant polyurethane foams containing 1,3,5-triazine ring were modified with additive flame retardants. It has been found that addition of melamine, melamine polyphosphate, or isocyanurate at the foaming step resulted in reduction of foam flammability. The physical properties of flame-retardant modified foams were compared with those of non-modified foams. The obtained modified foams showed oxygen index 22.2–24.2 and were highly thermally resistant even at long lasting 200℃ temperature exposure.
Astrology in court: The Spanish Inquisition, authority, and expertise
Authors: Lanuza-Navarro Tayra M. C.
Published: June 2017

Astrology, its legitimacy, and the limits of its acceptable practice were debated in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Europe. Many of the related arguments were mediated by the work of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and the responses to it. Acknowledging the complexities of the relationship between astrological ideas and Christian teachings, this paper focuses on the Catholic debates by specifically considering the decisions about astrology taken by the Spanish Inquisition. The trials of astrologers are examined with the aim of understanding the role of experts in astrology in early modern Spain. This study brings into view the specific nature of the debate on astrology in Spain, the consequences of the actions of the Inquisition and the social control it exerted. The historical events discussed comprise a particular case and also mirror the general debates about astrology taking place in early modern Europe. The experts’ opinions expressed in trials and in reports about the discipline received by the Inquisition reveal two key traits of the debate: the dispute about who had the authority to decide on the legitimacy of astrology and the disagreement about what constituted natural and judicial astrological practices. These led to different opinions about what was to be done with each defendant and about what content in their books ought to be forbidden.
Corporate restructuring, work intensification and perceptual politics: Exploring the ambiguity of managerial job insecurity
Authors: Hassard John , Morris Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Whereas social theorists, qualitative investigators and survey-based analysts suggest advanced economies are increasingly characterized by managerial job insecurity, database and questionnaire researchers propose relatively stable tenure rates for managers. This article aims to make sense of this ambiguity. First, following interviews with managers in Japan, the UK and the USA, the authors offer support for the ‘global convergence’ thesis, through data reflecting greater job insecurity generated by comparable and recurrent corporate restructuring. Second, considering research suggesting relative stability in managerial tenure rates, the authors argue that their findings – signifying increased insecurity – can be explained in terms of the ‘perceptual politics’ of US-style shareholder capitalism impinging, hegemonically, upon occupational sensibilities. Third, in conclusion, they suggest that everyday managerial experience can be understood in light of corporations purposively instilling a perceptual ‘insecurity message’ in managers, essentially as part of a tangible control strategy directed at the inexorable ratcheting-up of management productivity demands globally.
The ‘surprise’ question in paediatric palliative care: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Burke Kimberley , Coombes Lucy Helen , Menezes Antoinette , Anderson Anna-Karenia
Published: June 2017

Background:

The question ‘would you be surprised if this patient died in the next 12-months’ is widely used for identifying adult patients in the last year of life. However, this has not yet been studied in children.

Aim:

To assess the prognostic accuracy of the surprise question when used by a multidisciplinary team to predict survival outcomes of children with life-limiting conditions over a 3 and 12 month period.

Design:

A prospective cohort study.

Setting/participants:

Six multidisciplinary team members working in a children’s hospice answered a 3 and 12 month surprise question about 327 children who were either newly referred or receiving care at the hospice between 2011 and 2013.

Results:

The prognostic accuracy of the multidisciplinary team for the 3 (and 12)month surprise question were: sensitivity 83.3% (83.3%), specificity 93.2% (70.7%), positive predictive value 41.7% (23.6%), negative predictive value 99% (97.5%) and accuracy 92.6% (71.9%). Patients with a ‘no’ response had an increased risk of death at 3 (hazard ratio, 22.94, p ⩽ 0.001) and 12 months (hazard ratio, 6.53, p ⩽ 0.001).

Conclusion:

The surprise question is a highly sensitive prognostic tool for identifying children receiving palliative care who are in the last 3 and 12 months of life. The tool is accurate at recognising children during stable periods demonstrated through a high negative predictive value. In practice, this tool could help identify children who would benefit from specialist end of life care, act as a marker to facilitate communications on advance care planning and assist in resource allocation.
Moving on: Factors associated with caregivers’ bereavement adjustment using a random population-based face-to-face survey
Authors: Burns Emma , Prigerson Holly G , Quinn Steve J , Abernethy Amy P , Currow David C
Published: June 2017

Background:

Providing care at end of life has consequences for caregivers’ bereavement experience. ‘Difficulty moving on with life’ is an informative and unbiased symptom of prolonged grief disorder. Predictors of bereaved caregivers’ ability to ‘move on’ have not been examined across the population.

Aim:

To identify the characteristics of bereaved hands-on caregivers who were, and were not, able to ‘move on’ 13–60 months after the ‘expected’ death of someone close.

Design:

The South Australian Health Omnibus is an annual, random, cross-sectional community survey. From 2000 to 2007, respondents were asked about providing care for someone terminally ill and their subsequent ability to ‘move on’. Multivariable logistic regression models explored the characteristics moving on and not moving on.

Setting:

Respondents were aged ⩾15 years and lived in households within South Australia. They had provided care to someone who had died of terminal illness in the preceding 5 years.

Results:

A total of 922 people provided hands-on care. In all, 80% of caregivers (745) had been able to ‘move on’. Closeness of relationship to the deceased, increasing caregiver age, caregiver report of needs met, increasing time since loss, sex and English-speaking background were significantly associated with ‘moving on’. A closer relationship to the deceased, socioeconomic disadvantage and being male were significantly associated with not ‘moving on’.

Conclusion:

These results support the relevance of ‘moving on’ as an indicator of caregivers’ bereavement adjustment. Following the outcomes of bereaved caregivers longitudinally is essential if effective interventions are to be developed to minimise the risk of prolonged grief disorder.
Dissociation between wanting and liking for alcohol and caffeine: A test of the Incentive Sensitisation Theory
Authors: Arulkadacham Lilani J , Richardson Ben , Staiger Petra K , Kambouropoulos Nicolas , O’Donnell Renée L , Ling Mathew
Published: June 2017

Limited human studies have directly tested the dissociation between wanting and liking with human substance users, a core tenet of the Incentive Sensitisation Theory (IST). The aim of this study is to test the dissociation between wanting and liking in humans across two commonly used licit substances, alcohol and caffeine. The STRAP-R (Sensitivity To Reinforcement of Addictive and other Primary Rewards) questionnaire was administered to 285 alcohol users (mean age=33.30, SD= 8.83) and 134 coffee users (mean age=33.05, SD=8.10) ranging in their levels of substance use to assess wanting and liking. Findings showed that in high risk alcohol users wanting may drive alcohol consumption more so than liking, compared with low risk alcohol users. However, wanting and liking did not significantly dissociate as alcohol consumption increased. These findings partially support IST. Additionally, IST was not supported in coffee users. It is possible that caffeine functions differently at the neurological level compared with alcohol, perhaps explaining the lack of dissociation emerging in coffee users as caffeine use increased. Nevertheless, the current study makes several contributions to IST research. Future studies should focus on utilising the STRAP-R with a clinically dependent sample to test the dissociation between wanting and liking.