bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Gabapentin Overuse With or Without Concomitant Opioids in a Commercially Insured U.S. Population
Authors: Peckham Alyssa M. , Evoy Kirk E. , Covvey Jordan R. , Ochs Leslie , Fairman Kathleen A. , Sclar David A.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Research suggests the medical consequences of gabapentin overuse depend on whether gabapentin is abused alone or with opioids to potentiate an opioid “high.” The objective of this study was to assess predictors of gabapentin overuse with or without concomitant opioids.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database for 2013 through 2015. Eligibility criteria were gabapentin utilization, with or without opioids, for 120 days or longer throughout a 12‐month observation period. Cohort identification was based on patterns of overuse exceeding thresholds of 3600 mg of gabapentin and/or 50 morphine‐mg equivalents of opioids; sustained overuse was defined as three or more quarters exceeding threshold. Diagnostic predictors were measured in the 6 months pretreatment in inpatient (IP) or emergency department (ED) settings. Indications were measured in IP, ED, or ambulatory settings. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, indication, use of benzodiazepine or z‐hypnotics (i.e., zaleplon, zolpidem, eszopiclone) during gabapentin treatment, pretreatment ED/IP use, and pretreatment diagnoses of anxiety or depression.

Results

Criteria for sustained overuse were met by 2.0% of 44,148 patients treated with gabapentin without opioids and by 11.7% of 15,335 patients treated with concomitant gabapentin‐opioid. The top three predictors of sustained overuse for gabapentin‐only patients were insomnia (7.0%), euphoria (4.5%), and bipolar disorder (4.5%), and were detoxification (35.6%), altered mental status (26.3%), and addiction (21.6%) for gabapentin‐opioid patients. In adjusted analyses, concomitant opioid use multiplied the odds of sustained misuse by 6.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.80–6.89) and the interaction of addiction with opioid use by 1.88 (95% CI = 1.32–2.66). Among gabapentin‐only patients, sustained misuse was predicted by a history of anxiety (odds ratio = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.02–2.38) but not by a history of addiction.

Conclusions

The likelihood of gabapentin overuse alone is low but significantly increases with concomitant opioid use, especially when coupled with a history of addiction. History of addiction does not appear to increase risk of gabapentin misuse among those with gabapentin alone.
Superbase‐catalyzed domino 3H‐pyrroles synthesis from ketoximes and acetylene: DFT study vs experiment
Authors: Kuzmin Anton V. , Shabalin Dmitrii A.
Published: February 2018

Elimination of vinyl alcohol from 5‐vinyloxypyrrolines in the presence of superbases (final step of domino 3H‐pyrroles synthesis from ketoximes and acetylene) is studied computationally at different levels of theory in DMSO solution (PCM). The sequences of transformations starting from nucleophilic addition of hydroxide ion to carbon‐carbon or carbon‐nitrogen double bonds are proposed as possible mechanisms. Unusual reactivity of 2,5‐dimethylphenyl substituted 5‐vinyloxypyrroline is explained within these mechanisms.
A molecular electron density theory study of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between an azomethine imine and electron deficient ethylenes
Authors: Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Nasri Lilia , Khorief Nacereddine Abdelmalek , Djerourou Abdelhafid , Domingo Luis R.
Published: February 2018

The selectivity and the nature of the molecular mechanism of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of an azomethine imine (AI 12) with p‐nitrobenzylidenemalononitrile (NBMN, 13) have been theoretically studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6‐31G(d) computational level. Analysis of the Conceptual DFT reactivity indices indicates that the strong nucleophilic character of AI 12 together with the high electrophilic character of NBMN 13 accounts for the strong polar character of this 32CA reaction, which demands very low activation energy. Analysis of the energy profiles indicates that this polar zw‐type 32CA reaction proceeds completely with a meta/exo selective pathway, in great agreement with the experimental data. Analyses of both molecular electrostatic potential and the non‐covalent interactions at the meta regioisomeric TSs allow explaining the observed exo stereoselectivity. Electron Localisation Function topological analysis indicates that the studied 32CA reaction takes place via a non‐concerted two‐stage one‐step mechanism as a [2n + 2τ] process.
Who reintegrates? The constituents of reintegration of displaced populations
Authors: Fransen Sonja , Bilgili Özge
Published: February 2018

The reintegration constituents of displaced populations are understudied, despite increased attention being paid to return and reintegration outcomes. In this paper, we explore how various factors related to the migration cycle, including returnees' displacement experiences and return conditions, are associated with reintegration outcomes. For this aim, we take a multidimensional approach to the measurement of reintegration. In addition to objective reintegration outcomes, measured by food security, we address subjective assessments such as feelings of reintegration. We focus on the unique case of returnees in Burundi and make use of a database consisting of a sample of 189 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 194 former refugees, which allows for a comparison of the reintegration of these two groups. The analyses highlight that objective and subjective reintegration do not necessarily align and that displacement experiences and return conditions relate to reintegration outcomes in different ways. Land and livestock ownership upon return are for example positively correlated with feelings of reintegration and subjective wealth, whereas community support is crucial to cope with food security. Moreover, we show considerable variation in reintegration outcomes between refugees and IDPs, with refugees showing more positive outcomes when individual characteristics are controlled for. This result calls for more in‐depth research on the contextual and structural factors that elucidate the variation across groups going beyond individual level explanations. Overall, the findings emphasise the diversity in reintegration outcomes and identify the role of experiences during displacement and return conditions for the reintegration of refugees and IDPs.
Can the trailing spouse phenomenon be explained by employer recruitment choices?
Authors: Brandén Maria , Bygren Magnus , Gähler Michael
Published: February 2018

It is well known that couples tend to relocate for the sake of the man's career rather than the woman's, also known as the “trailing spouse phenomenon.” The role of employer choices in this process is unknown however. If employers are hesitant to make job offers to women who live a long way from the workplace (e.g., because of work–family balance concerns or a perceived risk that they will not follow through on their applications, or stay hired if employed), this tendency might constitute an underlying mechanism behind the moving premium of partnered men. Ours is the first study to empirically test whether employers prefer geographically distant men over geographically distant women. We sent applications for 1,410 job openings in the Swedish labour market, randomly assigning gender and parental status to otherwise equivalent applications from cohabiting or married women and men and recorded employer callbacks to these. The results indicate that employers in general tend to disfavour job applicants who live a long way from the employer's workplace. This tendency is stronger for women, both for mothers and for women with no children. Our estimated effects are imprecise but clearly suggest that employer recruitment choices contribute to the trailing spouse phenomenon by offering men a larger pool of geographically distant jobs. We call for more research on this hitherto ignored mechanism behind the trailing spouse phenomenon.
Pinus densiflora bark extract ameliorates 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene‐induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice by regulating Th1/Th2 balance and skin barrier function
Authors: Lee Jun Woo , Wu Qianwen , Jang Young Pyo , Choung Se Young
Published: February 2018

Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) bark has been traditionally used in Korea and other parts of East Asia to relieve inflammatory diseases. Although many studies using P. densiflora bark have been reported, its effect on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been elucidated. Thus, we investigated whether the P. densiflora bark extract (PBE) has potential to attenuate AD symptoms and elucidated the molecular mechanism. Oral administration of PBE to mice with 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‐induced AD lessened dermatitis scores and scratching behavior and significantly reduced measures of epidermal thickness, infiltration of mast cells and eosinophils, levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), and IgG1/IgG2a ratio in serum. PBE not only inhibited IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 but also increased IFN‐γ in splenic production. Furthermore, PBE significantly suppressed mRNA expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and further downregulated the mRNA expression of Th2 and Th17 cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐31, and TNF‐α. In addition, the protein expressions of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin in lesional skin were recovered by PBE. These results suggest that PBE attenuates DNCB‐induced AD via regulating Th1/Th2 balance and skin barrier function.
Optimization redundancy allocation problem with nonexponential repairable components using simulation approach and artificial neural network
Authors: Hemmati Mojtaba , Amiri Maghsoud , Zandieh Mostafa
Published: February 2018

Redundancy allocation is one of the adopted approaches that is used by system designers to improve the performance of systems. In this article, a new model and a novel‐solving method are provided to address the nonexponential redundancy allocation problem in series‐parallel systems with repairable components based on optimization via simulation approach and artificial neural network technique. Despite the previous researches, in this model the failure and repair times of the each component were considered to have nonnegative exponential distributions. This assumption makes the model closer to the reality where most of used components have greater chance to face a breakdown in comparison to new ones. The main aim of this research is the optimization of mean time to the first failure of the system via allocating the best redundant components for each subsystem. Since this objective function of the problem could not be explicitly mentioned, the simulation technique and artificial neural network were applied to model the problem, and different experimental designs were produced using design of experiment methods. To solve the problem, some metaheuristic algorithms were integrated with the simulation method. Several experiments were performed to test the proposed approach, and as the results show, the proposed approach is much more real than previous models, and also the near optimum solutions are promising.
Effect of dissolved organic nitrogen contamination on δ15N–NH4 determination in water samples by modification of the diffusion method with gas‐phase trapping
Authors: Cao Thi Thuy Hai , Nakamura Takashi , Saiki Makoto , Ta Thi Thao , Toyama Tadashi , Nishida Kei
Published: February 2018

Rationale

The isotopic tracer technique is widely used to identify the sources and fate of nitrogen (N) in order to understand the N cycle and contamination in water environments. The stable isotope ratio of ammonium is expected to greatly enhance the tracing analysis by combining it with the traditional nitrate isotope ratio. Diffusion followed by gas‐phase trapping is the most commonly applied method for ammonium isotope ratio measurement. Although dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is abundant in natural water and its breakdown in the diffusion procedure has been reported, the interference of DON with the measurement of ammonium isotope ratios has not been fully examined.

Methods

This study aims to test the effect of DON contamination by using organic N compounds, viz. humic acid and alanine. A series of diffusion experiments was conducted at a temperature of 80°C for a maximum of 7 days. Ammonia was transferred from alkaline solution and trapped with an acidic filter. This method was applied for samples with ammonium concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0 mg‐N/L.

Results

There was no difference between the ammonium N stable isotope ratios for samples with and without added DON compounds; the fractionation between the observed value and the actual value was negligible, in the range of 0.2 to 1.0‰. The modifications of previous studies, i.e. shorter diffusion period, no vigorous shaking and using gas‐phase trapping, successfully avoided any breakdown of DON in fresh water samples.

Conclusions

The modified method provides high precision and accuracy and it is recommended for the analysis of anthropogenically influenced water samples, such as paddy fields, ground water, rivers and lakes.
Learning from Historic Disaster Response: Reviewing Old Lessons on Disaster Mental Health
Authors: Clay Lauren A. , Greer Alex , Kendra James
Published: February 2018

This paper reanalyzes the 1974 Xenia, OH (U.S.) tornado in comparison to the 2013 Moore tornado in light of current theories of disaster mental health and emergency planning and operation. It argues that prior conclusions can be reinterpreted as theoretical perspectives shift. Utilizing archival materials from the 1974 Xenia tornado and original fieldwork following the 2013 Moore, OK (U.S.) tornado, researchers examined 23 boxes of primary documents and interview material and corroborated their understanding of the archival data with the original research report on the 1974 recovery study to test for internal consistency. They then compared those findings to what was observed in the 2013 Moore tornado. While contemporary analysis tended to be critical of the mental health response, owing to a lack of planning, we found that mental health and faith‐based participants repurposed a faltering system to provide a variety of services. An approach similar to what we know today as Psychological First Aid was the preferred approach by community groups responding to disaster in 1974 over the initial medically oriented model of counseling and in Moore in 2013. This shift may point to the efficacy of the approach in meeting community needs.
Cucurbit[8]uril‐Regulated Colloidal Dispersions Exhibiting Photocontrolled Rheological Behavior
Authors: Hu Chi , Liu Ji , Wu Yuchao , West Kevin R. , Scherman Oren A.
Published: February 2018

In situ photocontrol over shear‐thickening of condensed colloidal dispersions is of paramount importance in a wide range of applications including process technology and photorheological fluids. Its development and practicability, however, are hampered by the lack of well‐designed photoresponsive systems. Here, a colloidal suspension whose rheological behavior is readily switchable between shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening using an external light stimulus is reported. This smart colloidal solution contains hybrid raspberry‐like colloids prepared by employing cucurbit[8]uril as a supramolecular linker to assemble functional Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto a silica core. The formed raspberry colloids are photoresponsive and can be reversibly disassembled under UV irradiation.
Efficient and retargetable SIMD translation in a dynamic binary translator
Authors: Fu Sheng‐Yu , Hong Ding‐Yong , Liu Yu‐Ping , Wu Jan‐Jan , Hsu Wei‐Chung
Published: February 2018

The single‐instruction multiple‐data (SIMD) computing capability of modern processors is continually improved to deliver ever better performance and power efficiency. For example, Intel has increased SIMD register lengths from 128 bits in streaming SIMD extension to 512 bits in AVX‐512. The ARM scalable vector extension supports SIMD register length up to 2048 bits and includes predicated instructions. However, SIMD instruction translation in dynamic binary translation has not received similar attention. For example, the widely used QEMU emulates guest SIMD instructions with a sequence of scalar instructions, even when the host machines have relevant SIMD instructions. This leaves significant potential for performance enhancement. We propose a newly designed SIMD translation framework for dynamic binary translation, which takes advantage of the host's SIMD capabilities. The proposed framework has been built in HQEMU, an enhanced QEMU with a separate thread for applying LLVM optimizations. The current prototype supports ARMv7, ARMv8, and IA32 guests on the X86‐64 AVX‐2 host. Compared with the scalar‐translation version HQEMU, our framework runs up to 1.84 times faster on Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation 2006 CFP benchmarks and up to 6.81 times faster on selected real applications.
Spatial scaffold effects in event memory and imagination
Authors: Robin Jessica
Published: February 2018

Spatial context is a defining feature of episodic memories, which are often characterized as being events occurring in specific spatiotemporal contexts. In this review, I summarize research suggesting a common neural basis for episodic and spatial memory and relate this to the role of spatial context in episodic memory. I review evidence that spatial context serves as a scaffold for episodic memory and imagination, in terms of both behavioral and neural effects demonstrating a dependence of episodic memory on spatial representations. These effects are mediated by a posterior‐medial set of neocortical regions, including the parahippocampal cortex, retrosplenial cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and angular gyrus, which interact with the hippocampus to represent spatial context in remembered and imagined events. I highlight questions and areas that require further research, including differentiation of hippocampal function along its long axis and subfields, and how these areas interact with the posterior‐medial network.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory

Neuroscience > Cognition
Unidimensional factor models imply weaker partial correlations than zero-order correlations
Authors: van Bork Riet , Grasman Raoul P. P. P. , Waldorp Lourens J.
Published: February 2018

In this paper we present a new implication of the unidimensional factor model. We prove that the partial correlation between two observed variables that load on one factor given any subset of other observed variables that load on this factor lies between zero and the zero-order correlation between these two observed variables. We implement this result in an empirical bootstrap test that rejects the unidimensional factor model when partial correlations are identified that are either stronger than the zero-order correlation or have a different sign than the zero-order correlation. We demonstrate the use of the test in an empirical data example with data consisting of fourteen items that measure extraversion.
Do audit firm rotation, auditor retention, and joint audits matter? – An experimental investigation of bank directors' and institutional investors' perceptions
Authors: Quick Reiner , Schmidt Florian
Published: February 2018

As a consequence of the global financial and economic crisis, the European Commission recently reformed the audit market. One objective was to restore public trust in the auditing profession and thus to enhance the audit function. This study investigates whether perceptions of auditor independence and audit quality are influenced by audit firm rotation, auditor retention and joint audits, because regulators argue that these instruments can improve auditor independence and audit quality. Therefore, we conduct an experiment with bank directors and institutional investors in Germany. The results indicate a negative main effect for joint audits on perceived auditor independence, and that a rotation cycle of 24 years marginally significantly impairs participant perceptions of audit quality, compared to a rotation cycle of only ten years. Besides the main effects, planned contrast tests suggest a negative interaction between rotation and joint audit on participant perceptions of auditor independence. Moreover, a negative interaction effect is revealed between rotation after 24 years and retention on perceptions of audit quality. It is particularly noteworthy that we failed to identify a positive impact of the regulatory measures taken or supported by the European Commission on perceptions of auditor independence and audit quality.
Anastomose de Riché-Cannieu: estrutura, função e significância clínica
Authors: Caetano Edie Benedito , Vieira Luiz Angelo , Sabongi Neto João José , Caetano Maurício Ferreira , Sabongi Rodrigo Guerra
Published: February 2018

Objetivo Definir a anatomia e a incidência da anastomose de Riché-Cannieu, ou seja, a comunicação entre os nervos medianos e ulnar na palma da mão.

Materiais e Métodos Foram dissecadas 60 mãos de 30 cadáveres frescos de adultos, entre 1979 a 1982, e 20 mãos entre 2011 e 2015, num total de 80 mãos, no Departamento de Anatomia da nossa instituição. A incidência da anastomose de Riché-Cannieu e a inervação dos músculos da região do tênar foram estudadas.

Resultados A anastomose de Riché-Cannieu foi identificada em todas as mãos dissecadas (100%). A anastomose de Riché-Cannieu extramuscular foi registrada em 57 mãos, e a intramuscular, em 19, e a associação das anastomoses extra e intramuscular, em 4 mãos. O componente ulnar da anastomose de Riché-Cannieu foi sempre do seu ramo profundo. O ramo anastomótico oriundo do nervo originava-se do ramo recorrente do nervo mediano na maioria das observações. A dupla inervação mediano-ulnar apenas da cabeça profunda do músculo flexor curto do polegar foi identificada em 29 de 80 mãos. Observou-se dupla inervação apenas da cabeça superficial do músculo flexor curto do polegar em 13 mãos. Foi observada dupla inervação das cabeças superficial e profunda do flexor curto do polegar em 14 mãos. A cabeça oblíqua do adutor do polegar recebeu inervação dupla em 12 mãos. A cabeça profunda do músculo flexor curto do polegar e a cabeça oblíqua do adutor do polegar foram inervadas duplamente em nove mãos. A cabeça transversa do adutor do polegar recebeu inervação dupla em duas mãos. A inervação dupla da cabeça profunda do flexor curto do polegar e da cabeça transversa do adutor do polegar foi observada em uma mão.

Conclusão De acordo com o presente estudo, a anastomose de Riché-Cannieu deve ser considerada uma conexão nervosa normal, e não uma variação anatômica. O conhecimento dessa anastomose é essencial, pois a presença dessa comunicação neural pode resultar em achados clínicos, cirúrgicos e eletromiográficos confusos em casos de lesões ou síndromes compressivas dos nervos mediano ou ulnar.
What Shareholders in Japan Say about Director Pay: Does Article 361 of Japan’s Companies Act Matter?
Authors: MCGINTY Sean , GREEN David
Published: February 2018

The modest level and differing structure of compensation Japanese corporate executives receive has sparked recent interest in the determinants of executive pay in Japan. One factor that remains unexamined is the role played by Article 361 of the Companies Act which requires that director pay be set by the general shareholders’ meeting. To explore the question of whether this rule, by giving shareholders a veto over changes to compensation they disagree with, matters to pay in Japan, this article examines the results of the shareholders’ meetings of companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange that voted on compensation resolutions in 2014. We find that, while all resolutions were approved, there was significant variation in both what pay directors asked for and how shareholders responded that was correlated with differences in each. The results are consistent with the view that the relevance of the rule varies depending on the context of the company. While at most companies, shareholder voting on pay is relatively uncontroversial, the changing structure of ownership and governance at some provides an avenue through which the rule may now matter to pay.
Improved estimates of glacier change rates at Nevado Coropuna Ice Cap, Peru
Authors: KOCHTITZKY WILLIAM H. , EDWARDS BENJAMIN R. , ENDERLIN ELLYN M. , MARINO JERSY , MARINQUE NELIDA
Published: February 2018

Accurate quantification of rates of glacier mass loss is critical for managing water resources and for assessing hazards at ice-clad volcanoes, especially in arid regions like southern Peru. In these regions, glacier and snow melt are crucial dry season water resources. In order to verify previously reported rates of ice area decline at Nevado Coropuna in Peru, which are anomalously rapid for tropical glaciers, we measured changes in ice cap area using 259 Landsat images acquired from 1980 to 2014. We find that Coropuna Ice Cap is presently the most extensive ice mass in the tropics, with an area of 44.1 km2, and has been shrinking at an average area loss rate of 0.409 km2a−1(~0.71% a−1) since 1980. Our estimated rate of change is considerably lower than previous studies (1.4 km2a−1or ~2.43% a−1), but is consistent with other tropical regions, such as the Cordillera Blanca located ~850 km to the NW (~0.68% a−1). Thus, if glacier recession continues at its present rate, our results suggest that Coropuna Ice Cap will likely continue to contribute to water supply for agricultural and domestic uses until ~2120, which is nearly 100 years longer than previously predicted.
Managerial Risk-Taking Incentives and Merger Decisions
Authors: Lin Chen , Officer Micah S. , Shen Beibei
Published: February 2018

We provide evidence concerning the effect of managerial risk-taking incentives on merger and acquisition (M&A) decisions and outcomes for different types of mergers: vertical, horizontal, and diversifying. Using chief executive officer (CEO) relative inside leverage to proxy for the incentives of risk-averse managers, we find that CEOs with higher inside leverage are more likely to engage in vertical mergers, and those mergers generate lower announcement returns for shareholders. This effect of CEO relative inside leverage on returns for shareholders in vertical acquisitions is more pronounced when the acquirer has a higher degree of informational opacity, weak governance, and excess cash.
What is mood? A computational perspective
Authors: Clark James E , Watson Stuart , Friston Karl J
Published: February 2018

The neurobiological understanding of mood, and by extension mood disorders, remains elusive despite decades of research implicating several neuromodulator systems. This review considers a new approach based on existing theories of functional brain organisation. The free energy principle (a.k.a. active inference), and its instantiation in the Bayesian brain, offers a complete and simple formulation of mood. It has been proposed that emotions reflect the precision of – or certainty about – the predicted sensorimotor/interoceptive consequences of action. By extending this reasoning, in a hierarchical setting, we suggest mood states act as (hyper) priors over uncertainty (i.e. emotions). Here, we consider the same computational pathology in the proprioceptive and interoceptive (behavioural and autonomic) domain in order to furnish an explanation for mood disorders. This formulation reconciles several strands of research at multiple levels of enquiry.
Canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis: a comparative performance of serological and molecular tests in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs
Authors: de Carvalho Flávio Luiz Nunes , Riboldi Emeline de Oliveira , Bello Graziele Lima , Ramos Raquel Rocha , Barcellos Regina Bones , Gehlen Mirela , Halon Maria Laura , Romão Pedro Roosevelt Torres , Dallegrave Eliane , Rossetti Maria Lucia Rosa
Published: February 2018

Although serological assays have been widely used for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), they present different performances depending on the clinical profile of the dogs. This study evaluated the accuracy of serological tests, immunochromatographic (Dual Path Platform: DPP®) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA EIE®), for CVL in relation to the detection of Leishmania DNA through real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) in samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs from a non-endemic area in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Serum from 140 dogs (39 symptomatic and 101 asymptomatic) was tested by DPP and ELISA followed by real-time PCR. From a total of 140 samples evaluated, Leishmania DNA was detected by real-time PCR in 41.4% (58/140). Moreover, 67.2% of samples positive in real-time PCR were positive in both DPP and ELISA (39/58), showing moderate agreement between methods. In the symptomatic group, one sample non-reactive in both serological assays was positive in real-time PCR, whereas in the asymptomatic group, 17.8% non-reactive or undetermined samples in serological assays were positive in the molecular method. Leishmania DNA was not detected in 17.9% reactive samples by serological assays from the symptomatic group, and in 3.9% from asymptomatic dogs. Real-time PCR demonstrated greater homogeneity between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups compared with DPP and ELISA. The molecular method can help to establish the correct CVL diagnosis, particularly in asymptomatic dogs, avoiding undesirable euthanasia.
An outbreak of Norovirus infections associated with recreational lake water in Western Finland, 2014
Authors: Polkowska A. , Räsänen S. , Al-Hello H. , Bojang M. , Lyytikäinen O. , Nuorti J. P. , Jalava K.
Published: February 2018

In July 2014, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among visitors to lakes in Tampere, Finland. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an internet-based survey, solicited by public announcement, to identify source of infection and to implement control measures. Of 1453 persons enrolled in the study, 244 met the case definition (attack rate, 17%). In the pooled univariate analysis, risk factors for gastroenteritis included getting water in the mouth while swimming (Risk ratio (RR) 3.32; 95% Confidence interval (CI), 2.36–4.68) and playing on the wet sand at the beach (RR 1.90; 95% CI 1.50–2.41). In a multivariable analysis (logistic regression), the source of the infection was likely at two lakes (lake A Odds ratio (OR) 1.66; 95% CI 1.15–2.39 and lake B, OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.49–3.72). Norovirus (NoV) was found in 19 stool samples. All water samples from implicated beaches had acceptable values of fecal indicator bacteria and were negative for NoV. The likely source of the outbreak was lake-water contaminated with NoV at two popular lakes. Closure of swimming beaches, advice on hygienic precautions and rapid outbreak alerts were efficient in controlling the outbreak. Results suggest a need for new indicators of water quality and development of evidence-based recommendations regarding timing of safe reopen of recreational water venues associated with outbreaks.
FROM THE EDITORS
Authors: Alexander Larry , Berman Mitchell , Rosati Connie , Shapiro Scott
Published: February 2018

The last year has seen major changes at Legal Theory. Two of the journals’ editors—David Brink (Professor of Philosophy, University of California, San Diego) and Matthew Adler (Professor of Law, Duke Law School)—stepped down after years of outstanding editorial work. We gratefully acknowledge their invaluable contributions in sustaining and improving the journal. As each editor stepped down, a new editor stepped in. Connie Rosati (Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona) began work as an editor in the fall of 2016. In the spring of 2017, Mitchell Berman (Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School) joined the journal.
Engineering a lunar photolithoautotroph to thrive on the moon – life or simulacrum?
Authors: Ellery A A
Published: February 2018

Recent work in developing self-replicating machines has approached the problem as an engineering problem, using engineering materials and methods to implement an engineering analogue of a hitherto uniquely biological function. The question is – can anything be learned that might be relevant to an astrobiological context in which the problem is to determine the general form of biology independent of the Earth. Compared with other non-terrestrial biology disciplines, engineered life is more demanding. Engineering a self-replicating machine tackles real environments unlike artificial life which avoids the problem of physical instantiation altogether by examining software models. Engineering a self-replicating machine is also more demanding than synthetic biology as no library of functional components exists. Everything must be constructedde novo. Biological systems already have the capacity to self-replicate but no engineered machine has yet been constructed with the same ability – this is our primary goal. On the basis of the von Neumann analysis of self-replication, self-replication is a by-product of universal construction capability – a universal constructor is a machine that can construct anything (in a functional sense) given the appropriate instructions (DNA/RNA), energy (ATP) and materials (food). In the biological cell, the universal construction mechanism is the ribosome. The ribosome is a biological assembly line for constructing proteins while DNA constitutes a design specification. For a photoautotroph, the energy source is ambient and the food is inorganic. We submit that engineering a self-replicating machine opens up new areas of astrobiology to be explored in the limits of life.
A simple isochore model evidencing regulation risk
Authors: Véhel J. Lévy
Published: February 2018

In this note, we provide a simple example of regulation risk. The idea is that, in certain situations, the very prudential rules (or, rather, some of them) imposed by the regulator in the framework of the Basel II/III Accords or Solvency II directive are themselves the source of a systemic risk. The instance of regulation risk that we bring to light in this work can be summarised as follows: wrongly assuming that prices evolve in a continuous fashion when they may in fact display large negative jumps, and trying to minimise Value at Risk (VaR) under a constraint of minimal volume of activity leads in effect to behaviours that will maximise VaR. Although much stylised, our analysis highlights some pitfalls of model-based regulation.
Marine spatial planning makes room for offshore aquaculture in crowded coastal waters
Authors: Lester S. E. , Stevens J. M. , Gentry R. R. , Kappel C. V. , Bell T. W. , Costello C. J. , Gaines S. D. , Kiefer D. A. , Maue C. C. , Rensel J. E. , Simons R. D. , Washburn L. , White C.
Published: February 2018

Marine spatial planning (MSP) seeks to reduce conflicts and environmental impacts, and promote sustainable use of marine ecosystems. Existing MSP approaches have successfully determined how to achieve target levels of ocean area for particular uses while minimizing costs and impacts, but they do not provide a framework that derives analytical solutions in order to co-ordinate siting of multiple uses while balancing the effects of planning on each sector in the system. We develop such a framework for guiding offshore aquaculture (bivalve, finfish, and kelp farming) development in relation to existing sectors and environmental concerns (wild-capture fisheries, viewshed quality, benthic pollution, and disease spread) in California, USA. We identify > 250,000 MSP solutions that generate significant seafood supply and billions of dollars in revenue with minimal impacts (often < 1%) on existing sectors and the environment. We filter solutions to identify candidate locations for high-value, low-impact aquaculture development. Finally, we confirm the expectation of substantial value of our framework over conventional planning focused on maximizing individual objectives.
MAP4K3 mediates amino acid-dependent regulation of autophagy via phosphorylation of TFEB
Authors: Hsu Cynthia L. , Lee Elian X. , Gordon Kara L. , Paz Edwin A. , Shen Wen-Chuan , Ohnishi Kohta , Meisenhelder Jill , Hunter Tony , La Spada Albert R.
Published: February 2018

Autophagy is the major cellular pathway by which macromolecules are degraded, and amino acid depletion powerfully activates autophagy. MAP4K3, or germinal-center kinase-like kinase, is required for robust cell growth in response to amino acids, but the basis for MAP4K3 regulation of cellular metabolic disposition remains unknown. Here we identify MAP4K3 as an amino acid-dependent regulator of autophagy through its phosphorylation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a transcriptional activator of autophagy, and through amino acid starvation-dependent lysosomal localization of MAP4K3. We document that MAP4K3 physically interacts with TFEB and MAP4K3 inhibition is sufficient for TFEB nuclear localization, target gene transactivation, and autophagy, even when mTORC1 is activated. Moreover, MAP4K3 serine 3 phosphorylation of TFEB is required for TFEB interaction with mTORC1-Rag GTPase-Ragulator complex and TFEB cytosolic sequestration. Our results uncover a role for MAP4K3 in the control of autophagy and reveal MAP4K3 as a central node in nutrient-sensing regulation.
Association between causes of peritoneal dialysis technique failure and all-cause mortality
Authors: Chen Jenny H. C. , Johnson David W. , Hawley Carmel , Boudville Neil , Lim Wai H.
Published: February 2018

Technique failure is a frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), but the association between causes of death-censored technique failure and mortality remains unclear. Using Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) registry data, we examined the associations between technique failure causes and mortality in all incident PD patients who experienced technique failure between 1989–2014. Of 4663 patients, 2415 experienced technique failure attributed to infection, 883 to inadequate dialysis, 836 to mechanical failure and 529 to social reasons. Compared to infection, the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality in the first 2 years were 0.83 (95%CI 0.70–0.98) for inadequate dialysis, 0.78 (95%CI 0.66–0.93) for mechanical failure and 1.46 (95%CI 1.24–1.72) for social reasons. The estimates from the competing risk models were similar. There was an interaction between age and causes of technique failure (pinteraction < 0.001), such that the greatest premature mortality was observed in patients aged >60 years post social-related technique failure. There was no association between causes of technique failure and mortality beyond 2 years. In conclusion, infection and social-related technique failure are associated with premature mortality within 2 years post technique failure. Future studies examining the associations may help to improve outcomes in these patients.
Highly efficient charge transfer through a double Z-scheme mechanism by a Cu-promoted MoO3/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposite with superior electrochemical and photocatalytic performance
Authors: Patnaik Sulagna , Swain Gayatri , Parida K. M.
Published: February 2018

A visible light-induced double Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism for H2 generation and Cr(vi) reduction over the Cu-MoO3/g-C3N4 composite.
Correction: Organic semiconductor perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) electrodes for electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Warczak‡ Magdalena , Gryszel‡ Maciej , Jakešová Marie , Đerek Vedran , Daniel Głowacki Eric
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Organic semiconductor perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) electrodes for electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide’ by Magdalena Warczak et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7cc08471d.
Poly(ester)–poly(silyl methacrylate) copolymers: synthesis and hydrolytic degradation kinetics
Authors: Xie Qingyi , Ma Chunfeng , Zhang Guangzhao , Bressy Christine
Published: February 2018

Poly(MDO-silyl methacrylate) copolymers synthesized by RROP as promising degradable self-polishing copolymers (DSPC) for antifouling coatings.
Polymers from sugars and CS2: synthesis and ring-opening polymerisation of sulfur-containing monomers derived from 2-deoxy-d-ribose and d-xylose
Authors: López-Vidal Eva M. , Gregory Georgina L. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Buchard Antoine
Published: February 2018

Cyclic thionocarbonate and xanthate monomers were synthesised directly from ribose- and xylose-derived diols and CS2, and yielded novel sugar-based polymers with regioregular sulfur-containing linkages.
Nucleophilic 18F-Fluorination of Anilines via N-Arylsydnone Intermediates
Authors: Narayanam Maruthi , Ma Gaoyuan , Champagne Pier , Houk Kendall , Murphy Jennifer
Published: February 2018

Preparation of [18F]fluoroarenes with nucleophilic [18F]fluoride for positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging ­research is a challenging chemical endeavor. Advances in radiofluorination have soared in the last decade, broadening the availability of potential [18F]fluoroarenes. In this Synpacts article, we highlight the ­recent development from our laboratory of a practical radiofluorination of anilines via N-arylsydnone intermediates to afford [18F]fluoroarenes. Further, we emphasize the utility of this methodology towards peptide labeling applications by preparing an 18F-labeled neuropeptide.

1 Introduction

2 Nucleophilic Radiofluorination of N-Arylsydnones

3 Substrate Scope and Applications

4 Conclusion
Hirschsprung Disease beyond Infancy
Authors: Calkins Casey
Published: February 2018

Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction in which a variable segment of the distal intestinal tract lacks the normal enteric nervous system elements. Affected individuals present with varying degrees of obstructive symptoms, but today most patients are diagnosed within the first several months of life owing to the well-recognized symptoms and the ease of making the diagnosis by way of the bedside suction rectal biopsy. Thus, for the adult general or colorectal surgeon, the vast majority of patients who present for evaluation will have already undergone surgical treatment within the first year of life by a pediatric surgeon. Despite several safe operative interventions to treat patients with HD, the long-term results are far from perfect. These patients may reach adult life with ongoing defecation disorders that require a systematic evaluation by a multidisciplinary group that should be led by a surgeon with a thorough knowledge of HD operations and the potential problems. The evaluation of these patients will form the basis for the majority of this review—however, some patients manage to escape diagnosis beyond the infant and childhood period—and a section herein will briefly address the case of an older patient who is suspected of having HD.
Anorectal Malformations
Authors: Wood Richard , Levitt Marc
Published: February 2018

Anorectal malformation are common congenital problems occurring in 1 in 5,000 births and have a spectrum of anatomical presentations, requiring individualized treatments for the newborn, sophisticated approaches to the definitive reconstruction, and management of long-term treatments and outcomes. Associated anomalies related to the cardiac, renal, gynecologic, orthopedic, spinal, and sacral systems impact care and prognosis. Long-term results are good provided there is an accurate anatomical reconstruction and a focus on maximizing of functional results.
Pediatric Crohn's Disease
Authors: von Allmen Daniel
Published: February 2018

The incidence of Crohn's disease in the pediatric population is increasing. While pediatric patients with Crohn's disease exhibit many of the characteristics of older patients, there are important differences in the clinical presentation and course of disease that can impact the clinical decisions made during treatment. The majority of children are diagnosed in the early teen years, but subgroups of very early onset and infantile Crohn's present much earlier and have a unique clinical course. Treatment paradigms follow the traditional laddered approach, but growth and development represent special considerations that must be given to pediatric-specific complications of the treatment and disease. Surgical intervention is an important component of Crohn's management and is often employed to allow improved nutritional intake or decrease reliance on medical treatments that compromise growth.
Surgical Management of Idiopathic Constipation in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Cheng Lily , Goldstein Allan
Published: February 2018

Constipation is a common childhood problem, but an anatomic or physiologic cause is identified in fewer than 5% of children. By definition, idiopathic constipation is a diagnosis of exclusion. Careful clinical evaluation and thoughtful use of imaging and other testing can help exclude specific causes of constipation and guide therapy. Medical management with laxatives is effective for the majority of constipated children. For those patients unresponsive to medications, however, several surgical options can be employed, including anal procedures, antegrade colonic enemas, colorectal resection, and intestinal diversion. Judicious use of these procedures in properly selected patients and based on appropriate preoperative testing can lead to excellent outcomes. This review summarizes the surgical options available for managing refractory constipation in children and provides guidance on how to choose the best procedure for a given patient.
Enteric Duplication
Authors: Jeziorczak Paul , Warner Brad
Published: February 2018

Enteric duplications have been described throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. The usual perinatal presentation is an abdominal mass. Duplications associated with the foregut have associated respiratory symptoms, whereas duplications in the midgut and hindgut can present with obstructive symptoms, perforation, nausea, emesis, hemorrhage, or be asymptomatic, and identified as an incidental finding. These are differentiated from other cystic lesions by the presence of a normal gastrointestinal mucosal epithelium. Enteric duplications are located on the mesenteric side of the native structures and are often singular with tubular or cystic characteristics. Management of enteric duplications often requires operative intervention with preservation of the native blood supply and intestine. These procedures are usually very well tolerated with low morbidity.
Current Approaches to Pediatric Polyposis Syndromes
Authors: Fahy Aodhnait , Moir Christopher
Published: February 2018

Colorectal adenomatous polyposis syndromes encompass a diverse group of disorders with varying modes of inheritance and penetrance. Children may present with overt disease or within screening programs for families at high risk. We provide an overview of the array of pediatric polyposis syndromes, current screening recommendations, and surgical indications and technical considerations. Optimal disease management for these pediatric patients is still evolving and has implications for screening, surveillance, pediatric surgical management, and transition of care gastroenterologic neoplasia physicians and surgeons.
Brentuximab Vedotin als Erstlinientherapie
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: February 2018

Brentuximab Vedotin verbesserte als Konsolidierungstherapie die Prognose von Patienten mit einem CD30-positiven Hodgkin-Lymphom und hohem Rezidivrisiko nach einer Stammzelltransplantation. In einer Phase-1-Studie war das Konjugat auch als Erstlinientherapie für ein Stadium III/IV effektiver als die Standardchemotherapie. In ECHELON-1 erhielt diese Patientengruppe die Kombination Brentuximab Vedotin/AVD (A+AVD) oder das konventionelle ABVD-Schema.