bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Foreign Exchange Premium and the Premium for Non‐Tradable Outlays for 20 Countries in Africa
Authors: Kuo Chun‐Yan , Salci Sener , Jenkins Glenn P.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we develop an analytical general equilibrium framework to measure the foreign exchange premium and the premium for non‐tradable outlays for a country. The framework allows us to capture in a consistent manner the impacts of the sourcing of funds and their expenditure on tradable and non‐tradable goods and services of investment projects. An application of the model is carried out for 20 countries in Africa. The results show that the foreign exchange premiums range from 2.4% to 9.0% and the premium for non‐tradable outlays from −0.7% to 2.9%. The empirical values depend on a number of factors, including the indirect taxes, production subsidies and international trade distortions of a country. These premiums should be incorporated into the economic evaluation of investment projects.
Resurrection, revision and molecular phylogenetics of ErageniaBanks with implications for Ageniellini systematics (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)
Authors: WAICHERT CECILIA , VON DOHLEN CAROL D. , PITTS JAMES P.
Published: October 2014

Priocnemella Banks is a small Neotropical genus within Ageniellini with remarkable morphological variation between species. Some species are small and variable in colour, whereas others are large with black integument and yellow wings. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of Priocnemella based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I and the nuclear marker long‐wavelength rhodopsin. Our results indicated that Priocnemella is a paraphyletic genus. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, we discuss the taxonomic validity of Priocnemella, its implications and a new circumscription of genera of Ageniellini. Eragenia Banks is revalidated (stat. rev.) and applied to 16 species, eight of which are newly described: Eragenia bella Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. carinata Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. dentata Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. oliva Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. pseudomicans Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. setosa Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. rotunda Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. villosa Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. abdominalis (Smith), E. amabilis (Taschenberg), E. aureicornis (Smith), E. coerulipes (Smith), E. congrua (Fox), E. isolata (Banks), E. micans (Fabricius), and E. tabascoensis (Cameron). Priocnemella fairchildi (Banks), P. insignis (Banks), P. eurytheme Banks, P. hexagona (Fox) and P. hexagona omissa Banks maintain their generic status. Phanochilus Banks is considered a junior synonym of Priocnemella and the following species are newly placed within Priocnemella: P. fuscomarginata (Fox), P. gloriosa (Smith), P. nobilitata (Smith) and P. ornata (Banks). The following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Priocnemella rufothorax (Banks) is synonymized under Eragenia micans (Fabricius) (syn. n.); Priocnemella delila (Banks), Priocnemella bequaerti (Banks) and Priocnemella infelix (Banks) are junior synonyms of Eragenia aureicornis (Smith) (syn.n.) (comb.n). New combinations are proposed for Eragenia aureicornis (Smith) comb.n., Eragenia abdominalis (Smith) comb.n. and Eragenia coerulipes (Smith) comb.n. from Agenia; and Eragenia congrua (Fox) comb.n. from Salius. A neotype is designated for E. coerulipes and for E. tabascoensis. Divergence dates between species of Eragenia, ancestral areas and pattern of dispersal that shaped the current geographic distribution are discussed. The genus is about 9.8 Ma old, originating in Mesoamerica during the Miocene. Finally, newly described male genitalic characters are discussed and illustrated, and illustrated keys for males and females species of Eragenia are provided.

This work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8308D00F‐E25E‐4019‐A94B‐DCAEDED67D4C.
Euler–Lagrange Simulations of Bubble Cloud Dynamics Near a Wall
Authors: Ma Jingsen , Hsiao Chao-Tsung , Chahine Georges L.
Published: October 2014

We present in this paper a two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian model to study the dynamics of clouds of microbubbles subjected to pressure variations and the resulting pressures on a nearby rigid wall. The model simulates the two-phase medium as a continuum and solves the Navier–Stokes equations using Eulerian grids with a time and space varying density. The microbubbles are modeled as interacting singularities representing moving and oscillating spherical bubbles, following a modified Rayleigh–Plesset–Keller–Herring equation and are tracked in a Lagrangian fashion. A two-way coupling between the Euler and Lagrange components is realized through the local mixture density determined by the bubbles' volume change and motion. Using this numerical framework, simulations involving a large number of bubbles were conducted under driving pressures at different frequencies. The results show that the frequency of the driving pressure is critical in determining the overall dynamics: either a collective strongly coupled cluster behavior or nonsynchronized weaker multiple bubble oscillations. The former creates extremely high pressures with peak values orders of magnitudes higher than that of the excitation pressure. This occurs when the driving frequency matches the natural frequency of the bubble cloud. The initial distance between the bubble cloud and the wall also affects significantly the resulting pressures. A bubble cloud collapsing very close to the wall exhibits a cascading collapse, with the bubbles farthest from the wall collapsing first and the nearest ones collapsing last, thus the energy accumulates and this results in very high pressure peaks at the wall. At farther cloud distances from the wall, the bubble cloud collapses quasi-spherically with the cloud center collapsing last.
A bump-and-hole approach to engineer controlled selectivity of BET bromodomain chemical probes
Authors: Baud Matthias G. J. , Lin-Shiao Enrique , Cardote Teresa , Tallant Cynthia , Pschibul Annica , Chan Kwok-Ho , Zengerle Michael , Garcia Jordi R. , Kwan Terence T.-L. , Ferguson Fleur M. , Ciulli Alessio
Published: October 2014

Epigenetics: It's all about the individual

The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are a family of epigenetic regulators that affect transcription through interactions with acetylated chromatin. These proteins have attracted interest as drug targets because of their roles in human diseases, including cancer. Parsing out the biological functions of individual family members is important for drug development but has been challenging because of the proteins' shared structural domains. In a proof-of-concept study, Baud
et al.
used a chemical genetics strategy to design a highly selective small-molecule probe that inhibits the chromatin binding activity of one family member. Extension of this approach may help elucidate the function of individual BET proteins and prioritize them as drug targets.

Science
, this issue p.
638
Momentum sharing in imbalanced Fermi systems
Authors: Hen O. , Sargsian M. , Weinstein L. B. , Piasetzky E. , Hakobyan H. , Higinbotham D. W. , Braverman M. , Brooks W. K. , Gilad S. , Adhikari K. P. , Arrington J. , Asryan G. , Avakian H. , Ball J. , Baltzell N. A. , Battaglieri M. , Beck A. , Beck S. May-Tal , Bedlinskiy I. , Bertozzi W. , Biselli A. , Burkert V. D. , Cao T. , Carman D. S. , Celentano A. , Chandavar S. , Colaneri L. , Cole P. L. , Crede V. , D’Angelo A. , De Vita R. , Deur A. , Djalali C. , Doughty D. , Dugger M. , Dupre R. , Egiyan H. , El Alaoui A. , El Fassi L. , Elouadrhiri L. , Fedotov G. , Fegan S. , Forest T. , Garillon B. , Garcon M. , Gevorgyan N. , Ghandilyan Y. , Gilfoyle G. P. , Girod F. X. , Goetz J. T. , Gothe R. W. , Griffioen K. A. , Guidal M. , Guo L. , Hafidi K. , Hanretty C. , Hattawy M. , Hicks K. , Holtrop M. , Hyde C. E. , Ilieva Y. , Ireland D. G. , Ishkanov B. I. , Isupov E. L. , Jiang H. , Jo H. S. , Joo K. , Keller D. , Khandaker M. , Kim A. , Kim W. , Klein F. J. , Koirala S. , Korover I. , Kuhn S. E. , Kubarovsky V. , Lenisa P. , Levine W. I. , Livingston K. , Lowry M. , Lu H. Y. , MacGregor I. J. D. , Markov N. , Mayer M. , McKinnon B. , Mineeva T. , Mokeev V. , Movsisyan A. , Camacho C. Munoz , Mustapha B. , Nadel-Turonski P. , Niccolai S. , Niculescu G. , Niculescu I. , Osipenko M. , Pappalardo L. L. , Paremuzyan R. , Park K. , Pasyuk E. , Phelps W. , Pisano S. , Pogorelko O. , Price J. W. , Procureur S. , Prok Y. , Protopopescu D. , Puckett A. J. R. , Rimal D. , Ripani M. , Ritchie B. G. , Rizzo A. , Rosner G. , Roy P. , Rossi P. , Sabatié F. , Schott D. , Schumacher R. A. , Sharabian Y. G. , Smith G. D. , Shneor R. , Sokhan D. , Stepanyan S. S. , Stepanyan S. , Stoler P. , Strauch S. , Sytnik V. , Taiuti M. , Tkachenko S. , Ungaro M. , Vlassov A. V. , Voutier E. , Walford N. K. , Wei X. , Wood M. H. , Wood S. A. , Zachariou N. , Zana L. , Zhao Z. W. , Zheng X. , Zonta I. ,   Jefferson Lab CLAS Collaboration
Published: October 2014

Scattering electrons off nuclear targets

Atomic nuclei consist of fermions—protons and neutrons—bound together by interactions. Because two identical fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state, both protons and neutrons have a broad range of momenta inside the nucleus. Hen
et al.
scattered electrons off nuclei of varying sizes to study the distribution of the protons' and neutrons' momenta. Protons formed high-momentum pairs with neutrons much more frequently than with other protons. Thus, surprisingly, the average momentum of a neutron was lower than that of a proton, even in nuclei with a larger number of neutrons than protons.

Science
, this issue p.
614
Draft Genome Sequence of Virulent Strain AUSTRAL-005 of Piscirickettsia salmonis, the Etiological Agent of Piscirickettsiosis
Authors: Yañez Alejandro J. , Molina Cristian , Haro Ronie E. , Sanchez Patricio , Isla Adolfo , Mendoza Julio , Rojas-Herrera Marcelo , Trombert Annette , Silva Andrea X. , Cárcamo Juan G. , Figueroa Jaime , Polanco Victor , Manque Patricio , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Olavarría Víctor H.
Published: October 2014

We report here the draft genome sequence of a lethal pathogen of farmed salmonids,
Piscirickettsia salmonis
strain AUSTRAL-005. This virulent strain was isolated in 2008 from
Oncorhynchus mykiss
farms, and multiple genes involved in pathogenicity, environmental adaptation, and metabolic pathways were identified.
Genome Sequence of Coxsackievirus A6, Isolated during a Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Finland in 2008
Authors: Österback Riikka , Koskinen Satu , Merilahti Pirjo , Pursiheimo Juha-Pekka , Blomqvist Soile , Roivainen Merja , Laiho Asta , Susi Petri , Waris Matti
Published: October 2014

Reports of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks caused by coxsackievirus A6 have increased worldwide after the report of the first outbreak in Finland in 2008. The complete genome of the first outbreak strain from a vesicle fluid specimen was determined.
Genome Sequence of an Extremely Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain AB030
Authors: Loewen Peter C. , Alsaadi Yasser , Fernando Dinesh , Kumar Ayush
Published: October 2014

We report the 4.3-Mbp genome sequence of a blood isolate of
Acinetobacter baumannii
strain AB030.
Genome Sequence of a Tigecycline-Resistant Clinical Isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain AB031 Obtained from a Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Loewen Peter C. , Alsaadi Yasser , Fernando Dinesh , Kumar Ayush
Published: October 2014

We report here the 3.8-Mbp genome sequence of a blood isolate of
Acinetobacter baumannii
strain AB031.
Draft Genome Sequence of Amycolatopsis lurida NRRL 2430, Producer of the Glycopeptide Family Antibiotic Ristocetin
Authors: Kwun Min Jung , Hong Hee-Jeon
Published: October 2014

We report here the first draft genome sequence for
Amycolatopsis lurida
NRRL 2430, the producer of the glycopeptide antibiotic ristocetin. The 9-Mbp genome is predicted to harbor 8,143 genes, including those belonging to the ristocetin biosynthesis cluster and 31 additional predicted secondary metabolite gene clusters.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Solvent Producer Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum Strain DSM 14923
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Krabben Preben , Dürre Peter , Daniel Rolf
Published: October 2014

Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum
strain DSM 14923 is known as a butanol-producing bacterium. Various organic compounds such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose, and cellobiose are fermented. The genome consists of one chromosome and one circular megaplasmid.
C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum
was used in industrial fermentation processes to produce the solvents acetone, butanol, and ethanol.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp.
capripneumoniae
Strain 9231-Abomsa
Authors: Dupuy Virginie , Thiaucourt François
Published: October 2014

Mycoplasma capricolum
subsp.
capripneumoniae
is the etiological agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia. We report here the complete and annotated genome sequence of
M. capricolum
subsp.
capripneumoniae
strain 9231-Abomsa.
Genome Sequence of Legionella massiliensis, Isolated from a Cooling Tower Water Sample
Authors: Pagnier Isabelle , Croce Olivier , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , La Scola Bernard
Published: October 2014

We present the draft genome sequence of
Legionella massiliensis
strain LegA
T
, recovered from a cooling tower water sample, using an amoebal coculture procedure. The strain described here is composed of 4,387,007 bp, with a G+C content of 41.19%, and its genome has 3,767 protein-coding genes and 60 predicted RNA genes.
Contributions of Nitric Oxide and Prostaglandins to the Local Increase in Muscle Blood Flow following Manual Acupuncture in Rats
Authors: Shinbara Hisashi , Okubo Masamichi , Kimura Keisaku , Mizunuma Kunio , Sumiya Eiji
Published: October 2014

Objective

To investigate the contributions of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) to the increase in local muscle blood flow (MBF) observed following manual acupuncture (MA).

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=112; 250–310 g) were injected intraperitoneally with a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride: L-NAME; 10, 50 or 500 mg/kg), a non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin; 10, 50 or 500 mg/kg), a combination of L-NAME and indomethacin (500 mg/kg each) or saline only under urethane anaesthesia (1.2 g/kg). We used the sparrow pecking technique for 1 min with a stainless steel acupuncture needle (0.20×30 mm) as the acupuncture stimulation method. The stimulus point was on the right tibialis anterior muscle. 51Chromium-labelled microspheres were used for MBF measurement.

Results

MA increased MBF in the saline-injected group (p<0.001). This increase was partially inhibited by L-NAME in a dose-dependent manner (p>0.05, p<0.05 and p<0.001 for 10, 50 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). On the other hand, indomethacin did not suppress the increase (p>0.05 each for 10, 50 and 500 mg/kg). No significant difference was observed between the inhibitory effects of combined administration of L-NAME and indomethacin and single administration of L-NAME (p>0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that NO is a major factor in the MA-induced increase in MBF, while PGs do not contribute significantly to this increase. As complete inhibition was not achieved by administration of L-NAME±indomethacin, it appears that non-NO and non-PG vasodilators are additionally involved.
Towards a new point of view on the phenotype of patients with a 17q12 microdeletion syndrome
Authors: Laffargue Fanny , Bourthoumieu Sylvie , Llanas Brigitte , Baudouin Véronique , Lahoche Annie , Morin Denis , Bessenay Lucie , De Parscau Loïc , Cloarec Sylvie , Delrue Marie-Ange , Taupiac Emmanuelle , Dizier Emilie , Laroche Cécile , Bahans Claire , Yardin Catherine , Lacombe Didier , Guigonis Vincent
Published: October 2014

Objective

17q12 microdeletion syndrome involves 15 genes, includingHNF1B, and is considered to confer a high risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Patients withHNF1Bgene deletion diagnosed secondary to renal disorders are only very rarely reported to have neuropsychiatric disorders. Interestingly, however, when tested, patients withHNF1Bgene deletion are found to have 17q12 deletion. This brings into question the extent to which 17q12 deletion is genuinely associated with severe neuropsychological disorders and in which patients. In this study, we sought to confirm 17q12 microdeletion in kidney patients initially diagnosed withHNF1Bgene deletion and evaluate neuropsychological disorders in these patients compared with those withHNF1Bpoint mutation.

Patients and design

Thirty-nine children withHNF1Bdisorders (26 with deletions) diagnosed secondary to renal abnormalities were included in this prospective study and tested for 17q12 microdeletion and neuropsychological disorders.

Results

The same 17q12 microdeletion found in patients with neuropsychological disorders was identified in all of our patients withHNF1Bdeletion. Neurological examinations found no severe impairments except for one patient with autism. No significant differences were found between patients with deletions and those with point mutations as concerns learning abilities and schooling. Nevertheless, patients with deletions tended to have lower developmental quotients and more difficulties at school.

Conclusions

Complete deletion of theHNF1Bgene and 17q12 microdeletion syndrome are actually the same genetic disorder. The neuropsychological phenotype of patients appears less severe when 17q12 deletion is diagnosed secondary to kidney rather than neuropsychological abnormalities. These data may influence antenatal counselling.
A tale of comet tail: multiple pellets in the heart
Authors: Kanyal R , Arshad Waleed , Kurbaan Arvinder , Xiao Han B
Published: October 2014

A 66-year-old man who presented with chest pain was assessed with a CT coronary angiogram that showed multiple hyperdense bodies. Echocardiography documented a comet tail artefact, an uncommon ultrasonic finding but no other abnormality.
A rare case of congenital complex pulmonary AV fistula
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Khare Rashi , Sethi Rishi
Published: October 2014

A 15-year-old boy presented with central cyanosis with clubbing and dyspnoea on exertion. Cardiovascular examination did not reveal any abnormality. ECG was normal. Chest X-ray showed a normal sized heart with rounded opacities of variable size in the left upper lung field. Two-dimensional echocardiographic examination was normal. CT angiography showed a large complex lesion composed of serpiginous tubular structures involving the left upper and lingular lobe, suggestive of racemose tangle of blood vessels. A diagnosis of large complex arteriovenous (AV) fistula involving the left upper and lingular lobe was performed. This case reports a rare case of complex pulmonary AV fistula.
Cavitary alveolar sarcoidosis complicated by an aspergilloma
Authors: Gera Kamal , Panjabi Chandramani , Dash Devijyoti , Shah Ashok
Published: October 2014

Cavitation in pulmonary sarcoidosis is rather unusual and even rarer in the alveolar form of the disease. A review of the literature revealed only 13 documented patients with cavitating alveolar sarcoidosis. Of the 13 patients, clinical information was available in only eight cases. Aspergilloma complicating cavitary alveolar sarcoidosis has been documented only once before. A 38-year-old woman with progressive dyspnoea for 3 years presented owing to a bout of haemoptysis. Imaging prior to presentation demonstrated mediastinal lymphadenopathy and coalescent parenchymal alveolar opacities along with air bronchograms, suggestive of alveolar sarcoidosis. On presentation, cavitations were visible in both lungs within the consolidation along with an intracavitary mass in the left upper lobe, which on evaluation was recognised as an aspergilloma. Bronchoscopy disclosed non-caseating granulomas on histopathology confirming pulmonary sarcoidosis. Cavitary alveolar sarcoidosis with aspergilloma formation can result in a diagnostic dilemma, especially in endemic tuberculous areas.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies presenting with sciatic neuropathy
Authors: Topakian Raffi , Wimmer Sibylle , Pischinger Barbara , Pichler Robert
Published: October 2014

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal-dominant disorder associated with recurrent mononeuropathies following compression or trivial trauma. Reports on sciatic neuropathy as the presenting manifestation of HNPP are very scarce. We report on a 21-year-old previously healthy man who was admitted with sensorimotor deficits in his left leg. He had no history of preceding transient episodes of weakness or sensory loss. Clinical and electrophysiological examinations were consistent with sciatic neuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid investigation and MRI of the nerve roots, plexus, and sciatic nerve did not indicate the underlying aetiology. When extended electrophysiological tests revealed multiple subclinical compression neuropathies in the upper limbs, HNPP was contemplated and eventually confirmed by genetic testing.
Limited systemic sclerosis initially presenting with mesenteric panniculitis
Authors: Arroyo-Ávila Mariangelí , Vilá Luis M
Published: October 2014

Mesenteric panniculitis pertains to a group of uncommon disorders named sclerosing mesenteritis that present with different levels of inflammation and fibrosis of the small bowel mesentery. It is associated with abdominal surgeries, trauma, malignancies, infections and connective tissue diseases. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of sclerosing mesenteritis have been reported in patients with systemic sclerosis. We present a case of a 61-year-old woman who had incidental CT findings of mesenteric panniculitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy that showed fat necrosis. On further review she had a 1-year history of Raynaud's phenomenon. Physical examination showed sclerodactyly. She had elevated anticentromere antibodies and skin biopsy was consistent with scleroderma. She was diagnosed with limited systemic sclerosis and was treated with D-penicillamine. After 6 years of follow-up, the mesenteric panniculitis and systemic sclerosis both remained stable. This case highlights the importance of considering rheumatic diseases in the differential diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis.
A cross-sectional study of hearing thresholds among 4627 Norwegian train and track maintenance workers
Authors: Lie Arve , Skogstad Marit , Johnsen Torstein Seip , Engdahl Bo , Tambs Kristian
Published: October 2014

Objective

Railway workers performing maintenance work of trains and tracks could be at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, since they are exposed to noise levels of 75–90 dB(A) with peak exposures of 130–140 dB(C). The objective was to make a risk assessment by comparing the hearing thresholds among train and track maintenance workers with a reference group not exposed to noise and reference values from the ISO 1999.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

A major Norwegian railway company.

Participants

1897 and 2730 male train and track maintenance workers, respectively, all exposed to noise, and 2872 male railway traffic controllers and office workers not exposed to noise.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was the hearing threshold (pure tone audiometry, frequencies from 0.5 to 8 kHz), and the secondary outcome was the prevalence of audiometric notches (Coles notch) of the most recent audiogram.

Results

Train and track maintenance workers aged 45 years or older had a small mean hearing loss in the 3–6 kHz area of 3–5 dB. The hearing loss was less among workers younger than 45 years. Audiometric notches were slightly more prevalent among the noise exposed (59–64%) group compared with controls (49%) for all age groups. They may therefore be a sensitive measure in disclosing an early hearing loss at a group level.

Conclusions

Train and track maintenance workers aged 45 years or older, on average, have a slightly greater hearing loss and more audiometric notches compared with reference groups not exposed to noise. Younger (<45 years) workers have hearing thresholds comparable to the controls.
Breast cancer screening uptake among women from different ethnic groups in London: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Jack Ruth H , Møller Henrik , Robson Tony , Davies Elizabeth A
Published: October 2014

Objective

To use newly available self-assigned ethnicity information to investigate variation in breast cancer screening uptake for women from the 16 specific ethnic groups within the broad Asian, Black and White groups that previous studies report.

Setting

National cancer screening programme services within London.

Participants

655 516 female residents aged 50–69, invited for screening between March 2006 and December 2009. Ethnicity information was available for 475 478 (72.5%). White British women were the largest group (306 689, 46.8%), followed by Indian (34 687, 5.3%), White Other (30 053, 4.6%), Black Caribbean (25 607, 3.9%), White Irish (17 271, 2.6%), Black African (17 071, 2.6%) and Asian Other (10 579, 1.6%).

Outcome measures

Uptake for women in different ethnic groups aged 50–52 for a first call invitation to the programme, and for women aged 50–69 for a routine recall invitation after a previous mammography. Uptake is reported (1) for London overall, adjusted using logistic regression, for age at invitation, socioeconomic deprivation and geographical screening area, and (2) for individual areas, adjusted for age and deprivation.

Results

White British women attended their first call (67%) and routine recall (78%) invitations most often. Indian women were more likely to attend their first (61%) or routine recall (74%) than Bangladeshi women (43% and 61%, respectively), and Black Caribbean women were more likely than Black African women to attend first call (63% vs 49%, respectively) and routine recall (74% vs 64%, respectively). There was less variation between ethnic groups in some screening areas.

Conclusions

Breast cancer screening uptake in London varies by specific ethnic group for first and subsequent invitations, with White British women being more likely to attend. The variation in the uptake for women from the same ethnic groups in different geographical areas suggests that collaboration about the successful engagement of services with different communities could improve uptake for all women.
Improving the uptake of systematic reviews: a systematic review of intervention effectiveness and relevance
Authors: Wallace John , Byrne Charles , Clarke Mike
Published: October 2014

Objective

Little is known about the barriers, facilitators and interventions that impact on systematic review uptake. The objective of this study was to identify how uptake of systematic reviews can be improved.

Selection criteria

Studies were included if they addressed interventions enhancing the uptake of systematic reviews. Reports in any language were included. All decisionmakers were eligible. Studies could be randomised trials, cluster-randomised trials, controlled-clinical trials and before-and-after studies.

Data sources

We searched 19 databases including PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library, covering the full range of publication years from inception to December 2010. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality according to the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care criteria.

Results

10 studies from 11 countries, containing 12 interventions met our criteria. Settings included a hospital, a government department and a medical school. Doctors, nurses, mid-wives, patients and programme managers were targeted. Six of the studies were geared to improving knowledge and attitudes while four targeted clinical practice.

Synthesis of results

Three studies of low-to-moderate risk of bias, identified interventions that showed a statistically significant improvement: educational visits, short summaries of systematic reviews and targeted messaging. Promising interventions include e-learning, computer-based learning, inactive workshops, use of knowledge brokers and an e-registry of reviews. Juxtaposing barriers and facilitators alongside the identified interventions, it was clear that the three effective approaches addressed a wide range of barriers and facilitators.

Discussion

A limited number of studies were found for inclusion. However, the extensive literature search is one of the strengths of this review.

Conclusions

Targeted messaging, educational visits and summaries are recommended to enhance systematic review uptake. Identified promising approaches need to be developed further. New strategies are required to encompass neglected barriers and facilitators. This review addressed effectiveness and also appropriateness of knowledge uptake strategies.
Low utilisation of diabetes medicines in Iran, despite their affordability (2000–2012): a time-series and benchmarking study
Authors: Sarayani Amir , Rashidian Arash , Gholami Kheirollah
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Diabetes is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Limited data exist on the status of access to diabetes medicines in LMICs. We assessed the utilisation and affordability of diabetes medicines in Iran as a middle-income country.

Design

We used a retrospective time-series design (2000–2012) and assessed national diabetes medicines’ utilisation using pharmaceuticals wholesale data.

Methods

We calculated defined daily dose consumptions per population days (DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day; DIDs) indicator. Findings were benchmarked with data from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. We also employed Drug Utilization-90% (DU-90) method to compare DU-90s with the Essential Medicines List published by the WHO. We measured affordability using number of minimum daily wage required to purchase a treatment course for 1 month.

Results

Diabetes medicines’ consumption increased from 4.47 to 33.54 DIDs. The benchmarking showed that medicines’ utilisation in Iran in 2011 was only 54% of the median DIDs of 22 OECD countries. Oral hypoglycaemic agents consisted over 80% of use throughout the study period. Regular and isophane insulin (NPH), glibenclamide, metformin and gliclazide were the DU-90 drugs in 2012. Metformin, glibenclamide and regular/NPH insulin combination therapy were affordable throughout the study period (∼0.4, ∼0.1, ∼0.3 of minimum daily wage, respectively). While the affordability of novel insulin preparations improved over time, they were still unaffordable in 2012.

Conclusions

The utilisation of diabetes medicines was relatively low, perhaps due to underdiagnosis and inadequate management of patients with diabetes. This had occurred despite affordability of essential diabetes medicines in Iran. Appropriate policies are required to address the underutilisation of diabetes medicines in Iran.
A qualitative study of the consequences of knee symptoms: ‘It's like you're an athlete and you go to a couch potato’
Authors: MacKay Crystal , Jaglal Susan B , Sale Joanna , Badley Elizabeth M , Davis Aileen M
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To explore the perceived consequences of knee symptoms on the lives of people aged 35–65 years who had diagnosed osteoarthritis (OA) or OA-like symptoms.

Design

A qualitative study with six focus groups and 10 one-on-one interviews. Constructivist grounded theory guided data collection and analysis. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.

Setting

Toronto, Canada.

Participants

51 participants (median age 49; 61% female) who self-reported knee OA or reported knee pain, aching or stiffness on most days of the past month participated in the study.

Results

The core finding, disruption and change, illustrates the range of perceived consequences of knee symptoms in peoples’ lives. Participants described the consequences of symptoms on their physical activity (giving up high-level activities or changing how or how much they performed activities), social life (leisure, family and work) and emotional life. Knee symptoms also altered the way participants thought about their bodies and themselves. They reported that they had a new awareness of their knee and that they no longer trusted their knee. They also conveyed that their sense of self was altered.

Conclusions

This study illuminates the significant and varied consequences that mild to moderate knee symptoms have on the lives of adults age 35–65 years. Findings highlight the need for clinicians to tailor advice and support to the individual's needs considering their symptoms, the consequences of symptoms on their lives and their personal context.
Recovery coaching in an acute older people rehabiliation ward
Authors: Kibble Sharon , Gray Debra , Prat-Sala Merce , Ross Kirsty , Johnson Karen , Packer Jane , Shire Elizabeth , Cross Rhian , Harden Beverley
Published: October 2014

Our patient, carer, and staff feedback clearly tells us that elderly patients are frequently disempowered by acute care provision, environments, and attitudes. This debilitates individuals mentally and physically, reducing their independent functioning, and may mean that they require prolonged care or are unfit to return home.

We developed the concept of "recovery coaching" to support acute inpatient elderly care rehabilitation. We designed a training intervention to achieve "coaching conversations" between our staff and our patients.

Data were collected from 46 participants; 22 in the pre-intervention stage and 24 in the post-intervention stage. For the post-intervention patients, mean scores indicated that there was slightly higher increase in the patient’s independence in terms of their Barthel (ADL) scores and that they reported higher feelings of self-efficacy. For this patient group it was also found that more returned home with the same level of care as on their admission, and that fewer patients required residential care placements at discharge.

This innovative intervention allowed us to challenge the fundamental basis of “I do it for you” to “I will do it with you”, allowing the patient to become an integral partner in their health care.
Improving self-efficacy in spinal cord injury patients through "design thinking" rehabilitation workshops
Authors: Wolstenholme Daniel , Downes Tom , Leaver Jackie , Partridge Rebecca , Langley Joseph
Published: October 2014

Advances in surgical and medical management have significantly reduced the length of time that patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have to stay in hospital, but has left patients with potentially less time to psychologically adjust.

Following a pilot in 2012, this project was designed to test the effect of "design thinking" workshops on the self-efficacy of people undergoing rehabilitation following spinal injuries.

Design thinking is about understanding the approaches and methods that designers use and then applying these to think creatively about problems and suggest ways to solve them. In this instance, design thinking is not about designing new products (although the approaches can be used to do this) but about developing a long term creative and explorative mind-set through skills such as lateral thinking, prototyping and verbal and visual communication.

The principles of "design thinking" have underpinned design education and practice for many years, it is also recognised in business and innovation for example, but a literature review indicated that there was no evidence of it being used in rehabilitation or spinal injury settings.

Twenty participants took part in the study; 13 (65%) were male and the average age was 37 years (range 16 to 72). Statistically significant improvements were seen for EQ-5D score (t = -3.13, p = 0.007) and Patient Activation Measure score (t = -3.85, p = 0.001). Other outcome measures improved but not statistically. There were no statistical effects on length of stay or readmission rates, but qualitative interviews indicated improved patient experience.
Alfaxalone versus propofol in dogs: a randomised trial to assess effects on peri‐induction tear production, intraocular pressure and globe position
Authors: Costa Daniel , Leiva Marta , Moll Xavier , Aguilar Adrià , Peña Teresa , Andaluz Anna
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this randomised trial was to compare the effects of alfaxalone and propofol on tear production (STT‐1), intraocular pressure (IOP) and globe position (GP) in healthy dogs. Fourteen Beagles were randomly divided into two groups; dogs in one group received alfaxalone (3 mg/kg) (n=7) and dogs in the other group received propofol (6 mg/kg) (n=7), both administered intravenously. IOP and GP were evaluated at basal time (Tb) and T2,5,10,15,20,25&30(minutes after complete drug administration). STT‐1 was evaluated at Tband T10,20&30. STT‐1 and IOP results were analysed using analysis of variance and GP was analysed using the likelihood ratio χ2test. Dogs in the alfaxalone group showed a significant reduction in STT‐1 at T10&20(P<0.05), while the propofol group did not show statistically significant differences in this parameter over time. Both anaesthetic drugs produced a transient elevation of IOP at T2(P>0.05), which then decreased (P<0.01). While alfaxalone caused a ventral globe deviation that lasted from T2to T10(P<0.05) and was fully recovered at T30, propofol induced a ventral globe deviation from T2to T5(P<0.05), being restored at T20. These results suggest that both alfaxalone and propofol can be safely used for intraocular surgery, as they significantly reduce IOP. Furthermore, anaesthetic induction with propofol would be especially recommended for dogs with tear deficiencies.
Characterizing scrolls via the Hilbert curve
Authors: Lanteri Antonio
Published: October 2014

Let X be a projective bundle over a smooth curve and let L be an ample line bundle on X inducing [Formula: see text] on every fiber. The Hilbert curve Γ of such a polarized manifold (X, L) is explicitly described and the reconstruction problem is addressed. In particular, it is shown that the very special geographic shape of Γ allows to recover the adjunction theoretic type of (X, L) for smooth surfaces, for scrolls over a smooth curve, as well as for Veronese bundles under additional assumptions.
Coupling of fermionic fields with mass dimension one to the O'Raifeartaigh model
Authors: Wunderle Kai E. , Dick Rainer
Published: October 2014

We discuss the coupling of fermionic fields with mass dimension one to the O'Raifeartaigh model to study supersymmetry breaking for these fermions. We find that the coupled model has two distinct solutions. The first solution represents a local minimum of the superpotential which spontaneously breaks supersymmetry in perfect analogy to the O'Raifeartaigh model. The second solution is more intriguing as it corresponds to a global minimum of the superpotential. In this case, the coupling to the fermionic sector restores supersymmetry. However, this is achieved at the cost of breaking Lorentz invariance. Finally, the mass matrices for the multiplets of the coupled model are presented. It turns out that it contains two bosonic triplets and one fermionic doublet which are mass multiplets. In addition, it contains a massless fermionic doublet as well as one fermionic triplet which is not a mass multiplet but rather an interaction multiplet that contains component fields of different mass dimension.

The results also imply that the presented model for fermionic fields with mass dimension one is an interesting candidate for supersymmetric dark matter (DM).
Consumer End-Use Energy Efficiency and Rebound Effects
Authors: Azevedo Inês M.L.
Published: October 2014

Energy efficiency policies are pursued as a way to provide affordable and sustainable energy services. Efficiency measures that reduce energy service costs will free up resources that can be spent in the form of increased consumption—either of that same good or service or of other goods and services that require energy (and that have associated emissions). This is called the rebound effect. There is still significant ambiguity about how the rebound effect should be defined, how we can measure it, and how we can characterize its uncertainty. Occasionally the debate regarding its importance reemerges, in part because the existing studies are not easily comparable. The scope, region, end-uses, time period of analysis, and drivers for efficiency improvements all differ widely from study to study. As a result, listing one single number for rebound effects would be misleading. Rebound effects are likely to depend on the specific attributes of the policies that trigger the efficiency improvement, but such factors are often ignored. Implications for welfare changes resulting from rebound have also been largely ignored in the literature until recently.
Measuring the Co-Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Ürge-Vorsatz Diana , Herrero Sergio Tirado , Dubash Navroz K. , Lecocq Franck
Published: October 2014

Co-benefits rarely enter quantitative decision-support frameworks, often because the methodologies for their integration are lacking or not known. This review fills in this gap by providing comprehensive methodological guidance on the quantification of co-impacts and their integration into climate-related decision making based on the literature. The article first clarifies the confusion in the literature about related terms and makes a proposal for a more consistent terminological framework, then emphasizes the importance of working in a multiple-objective–multiple-impact framework. It creates a taxonomy of co-impacts and uses this to propose a methodological framework for the identification of the key co-impacts to be assessed for a given climate policy and to avoid double counting. It reviews the different methods available to quantify and monetize different co-impacts and introduces three methodological frameworks that can be used to integrate these results into decision making. On the basis of an initial assessment of selected studies, it also demonstrates that the incorporation of co-impacts can significantly change the outcome of economic assessments. Finally, the review calls for major new research and innovation toward simplified evaluation methods and streamlined tools for more widely applicable appraisals of co-impacts for decision making.
Energy for Transport
Authors: Figueroa Maria , Lah Oliver , Fulton Lewis M. , McKinnon Alan , Tiwari Geetam
Published: October 2014

Global transportation energy use is steeply rising, mainly as a result of increasing population and economic activity. Petroleum fuels remain the dominant energy source, reflecting advantages such as high energy density, low cost, and market availability. The movement of people and freight makes a major contribution to economic development and social well-being, but it also negatively impacts climate change, air quality, health, social cohesion, and safety. Following a review published 20 years ago in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources (then named the Annual Review of Energy and the Environment) by Lee Schipper, we examine current trends and potential futures, revising several major global transport/energy reports. There are significant opportunities to slow travel growth and improve efficiency. Alternatives to petroleum exist but have different characteristics in terms of availability, cost, distribution, infrastructure, storage, and public acceptability. The transition to low-carbon equitable and sustainable transport will take time but can be fostered by numerous short- and medium-term strategies that would benefit energy security, health, productivity, and sustainability.
Common variants of GIP are associated with visceral fat accumulation in Japanese adults
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiro , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Boonvisut Supichaya , Makishima Saho , Miyashita Hiroshi , Iwamoto Sadahiko
Published: October 2014

Animal studies have demonstrated that glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GIP receptor (GIPR) contribute to the etiology of obesity. In humans, genomewide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GIPR gene that are strongly associated with body mass index (BMI); however, it is not clear whether genetic variations in the GIP gene are involved in the development of obesity. In the current study, we assessed the impact of GIP SNPs on obesity-related traits in Japanese adults. Six tag SNPs were tested for associations with obesity-related traits in 3,013 individuals. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that rs9904288, located at the 3′-end of GIP, was significantly associated with visceral fat area (VFA). Moreover, rs1390154 and rs4794008 showed significant associations with plasma triglyceride levels and hemoglobin A1c levels, respectively. Among the significant SNPs, rs9904288 and rs1390154 were independently linked with SNPs in active enhancers of the duodenum mucosa, the main GIP-secreting tissue. The haplotypes of these two SNPs exhibited stronger associations with VFA. Numbers of VFA-increasing alleles of rs9904288 and BMI-increasing alleles of previously identified GIPR SNPs showed a strong additive effect on VFA, waist circumference, and BMI in the subject population. These novel results support the notion that the GIP-GIPR axis plays a role in the etiology of central obesity in humans, which is characterized by the accumulation of visceral fat.
Bronchoprotective effect of simulated deep inspirations in tracheal smooth muscle
Authors: Pascoe Christopher D. , Donovan Graham M. , Bossé Ynuk , Seow Chun Y. , Paré Peter D.
Published: October 2014

Deep inspirations (DIs) taken before an inhaled challenge with a spasmogen limit airway responsiveness in nonasthmatic subjects. This phenomenon is called bronchoprotection and is severely impaired in asthmatic subjects. The ability of DIs to prevent a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was initially attributed to inhibition of airway narrowing. However, DIs taken before methacholine challenge limit airway responsiveness only when a test of lung function requiring a DI is used (FEV1). Therefore, it has been suggested that prior DIs enhance the compliance of the airways or airway smooth muscle (ASM). This would increase the strain the airway wall undergoes during the subsequent DI, which is part of the FEV1maneuver. To investigate this phenomenon, we used ovine tracheal smooth muscle strips that were subjected to shortening elicited by acetylcholine with or without prior strain mimicking two DIs. The compliance of the shortened strip was then measured in response to a stress mimicking one DI. Our results show that the presence of “DIs” before acetylcholine-induced shortening resulted in 11% greater relengthening in response to the third DI, compared with the prior DIs. This effect, although small, is shown to be potentially important for the reopening of closed airways. The effect of prior DIs was abolished by the adaptation of ASM to either shorter or longer lengths or to a low baseline tone. These results suggest that DIs confer bronchoprotection because they increase the compliance of ASM, which, consequently, promotes greater strain from subsequent DI and fosters the reopening of closed airways.