bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ripples on spikes show increased phase‐amplitude coupling in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy seizure‐onset zones
Authors: Weiss Shennan A. , Orosz Iren , Salamon Noriko , Moy Stephanie , Wei Linqing , Van't Klooster Maryse A. , Knight Robert T. , Harper Ronald M. , Bragin Anatol , Fried Itzhak , Engel Jerome , Staba Richard J.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Ripples (80–150 Hz) recorded from clinical macroelectrodes have been shown to be an accurate biomarker of epileptogenic brain tissue. We investigated coupling between epileptiform spike phase and ripple amplitude to better understand the mechanisms that generate this type of pathologic ripple (pRipple) event.

Methods

We quantified phase amplitude coupling (PAC) between epileptiform electroencephalography (EEG) spike phase and ripple amplitude recorded from intracranial depth macroelectrodes during episodes of sleep in 12 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. PAC was determined by (1) a phasor transform that corresponds to the strength and rate of ripples coupled with spikes, and a (2) ripple‐triggered average to measure the strength, morphology, and spectral frequency of the modulating and modulated signals. Coupling strength was evaluated in relation to recording sites within and outside the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).

Results

Both the phasor transform and ripple‐triggered averaging methods showed that ripple amplitude was often robustly coupled with epileptiform EEG spike phase. Coupling was found more regularly inside than outside the SOZ, and coupling strength correlated with the likelihood a macroelectrode's location was within the SOZ (p < 0.01). The ratio of the rate of ripples coupled with EEG spikes inside the SOZ to rates of coupled ripples in non‐SOZ was greater than the ratio of rates of ripples on spikes detected irrespective of coupling (p < 0.05). Coupling strength correlated with an increase in mean normalized ripple amplitude (p < 0.01), and a decrease in mean ripple spectral frequency (p < 0.05).

Significance

Generation of low‐frequency (80–150 Hz) pRipples in the SOZ involves coupling between epileptiform spike phase and ripple amplitude. The changes in excitability reflected as epileptiform spikes may also cause clusters of pathologically interconnected bursting neurons to grow and synchronize into aberrantly large neuronal assemblies.
The Impact of Collective Optimism on New Venture Creation and Growth: A Social Contagion Perspective
Authors: Anglin Aaron H. , McKenny Aaron F. , Short Jeremy C.
Published: October 2016

Social contagion research suggests that individual decision making is shaped by collective, social processes. We extend the entrepreneurial optimism literature by arguing that collective optimism—the shared, positive expectations about future outcomes—is salient to key entrepreneurial outcomes. We test our position by examining how fluctuations in U.S. collective entrepreneurial optimism influence venture creation and growth using 1993–2010 NFIB entrepreneurial optimism data. Results indicate that collective entrepreneurial optimism exhibits a curvilinear relationship with venture creation and growth, which is moderated by environmental dynamism. We validate the NFIB measure by constructing an alternative measure of collective entrepreneurial optimism using media reports.
Conflicting Selves: Family Owners' Multiple Goals and Self-Control Agency Problems in Private Firms
Authors: De Massis Alfredo , Kotlar Josip , Mazzola Pietro , Minola Tommaso , Sciascia Salvatore
Published: October 2016

This study examines the self–control agency problems associated with family ownership in private firms. Theorizing that family owners’ inner conflicts between economic and non–economic goals lead to competing preferences in the allocation of financial resources, we predict that the relationship between financial slack and firm profitability is contingent on factors that increase the potential salience of either economic or noneconomic goals for family owners. Accordingly, our findings suggest that self–control is a separate source of agency costs in private firms and that family ownership is not as crucial as owners’ goals in predicting the impact of financial slack on firm profitability.
Density‐Dependent Foraging and Interference Competition by Common Gartersnakes are Temperature Dependent
Authors: Halliday William D. , Blouin‐Demers Gabriel
Published: October 2016

The ideal free distribution (IFD) predicts that optimal foragers will select foraging patches to maximize food rewards and that groups of foragers should thus be distributed between food patches in proportion to the availability of food in those patches. Because many of the underlying mechanisms of foraging are temperature dependent in ectotherms, the distribution of ectothermic foragers between food patches may similarly depend on temperature because the difference in fitness rewards between these patches may change with temperature. We tested the hypothesis that the distribution of Common Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) between food patches can be explained by an IFD, but that conformance to an IFD weakens as temperature departs from the optimal temperature because fitness rewards, interference competition and the number of individuals foraging are highest at the optimal temperature. First, we determined the optimal temperature for foraging. Second, we examined group foraging at three temperatures and three density treatments. Search time was optimized at 27°C, handling time at 29°C and digestion time at 32°C. Gartersnakes did not match an IFD at any temperature, but their distribution did change with temperature: snakes at 20°C and at 30°C selected both food patches equally, while snakes at 25°C selected the low food patch more at low density and the high food patch more at high density. Food consumption and competition increased with temperature, and handling time decreased with temperature. Temperature therefore had a strong impact on foraging, but did not affect the IFD. Future work should examine temperature‐dependent foraging in ectotherms that are known to match an IFD.
Climate drives adaptive genetic responses associated with survival in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Authors: Chaney Lindsay , Richardson Bryce A. , Germino Matthew J.
Published: October 2016

A genecological approach was used to explore genetic variation for survival in Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush). Artemisia tridentata is a widespread and foundational shrub species in western North America. This species has become extremely fragmented, to the detriment of dependent wildlife, and efforts to restore it are now a land management priority. Common‐garden experiments were established at three sites with seedlings from 55 source‐populations. Populations included each of the three predominant subspecies, and cytotype variations. Survival was monitored for 5 years to assess differences in survival between gardens and populations. We found evidence of adaptive genetic variation for survival. Survival within gardens differed by source‐population and a substantial proportion of this variation was explained by seed climate of origin. Plants from areas with the coldest winters had the highest levels of survival, while populations from warmer and drier sites had the lowest levels of survival. Survival was lowest, 36%, in the garden that was prone to the lowest minimum temperatures. These results suggest the importance of climatic driven genetic differences and their effect on survival. Understanding how genetic variation is arrayed across the landscape, and its association with climate can greatly enhance the success of restoration and conservation.
Classifying skin diseases: Until where should we go?
Authors: Aractingi Sélim
Published: October 2016

New molecular mapping techniques appear to allow clinicians to design treatments in some cases of resisting cancers. Such sensitive analysis were already able to depict molecular pathways of several inflammatory skin diseases. An accompanying article by Garzorz‐Stark et al. show how these tools could improve the classification of skin inflammatory diseases now based on clinical and pathological features. At last, the final aim of these tools is to predict treatment response in a patient. The utility of “precision” or personalized medicine in cutaneous inflammatory diseases could join the furrow drawn in cancer.
Depigmentation of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐treated melanoma cells by β‐mangostin is mediated by selective autophagy
Authors: Lee Ki won , Ryu Hyung Won , Oh Sang‐seok , Park Soojong , Madhi Hamadi , Yoo Jiyun , Park Ki‐Hun , Kim Kwang Dong
Published: October 2016

Melanogenesis is a key pathway for the regulation of skin pigmentation and the development of skin‐lightening/skin‐whitening drugs or cosmetics. In this study, we found that β‐mangostin from seedcases of Garcinia mangostana inhibited α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)‐mediated melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and a three‐dimensional human skin model. β‐Mangostin significantly inhibited the protein level of tyrosinase induced by α‐MSH in UPS (ubiquitin proteasome system)‐independent and lysosome‐dependent manner. The inhibition of autophagy by 3‐methyladenine treatment or ATG5 knockdown effectively recovered premelanosome protein as well as tyrosinase degraded by the β‐mangostin treatment. However, rapamycin, a representative non‐selective autophagy inducer, triggered autophagy in α‐MSH‐stimulated cells, which was characterized by a considerable decrease in p62, but it was unable to inhibit melanogenesis. Melanosome‐engulfing autophagosomes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, previously formed melanin could be degraded effectively in an autophagy‐dependent manner in β‐mangostin‐treated cells. Taken together, our results suggest that β‐mangostin inhibits the melanogenesis induced by α‐MSH via an autophagy‐dependent mechanism, and thus, the depigmentation effect of β‐mangostin may depend on autophagy targeted at the melanosome rather than non‐selective autophagy.
Molecular diagnostics of inflammatory disease: New tools and perspectives
Authors: Garzorz‐Stark Natalie , Lauffer Felix
Published: October 2016

This essay reviews current approaches to establish novel molecular diagnostic tools for inflammatory skin diseases. Moreover, it highlights the importance of stratifying patients according to molecular signatures and revising current outdated disease classification systems to eventually reach the goal of personalized medicine.
T‐cell “induced‐self” MHC class I/peptide complexes may enable “de novo” tolerance induction to neo‐antigens occurring outside of the thymus
Authors: Oelert Thilo , Gilhar Amos , Paus Ralf
Published: October 2016

The hair follicle (HF) epithelium can present self‐antigens to cognate CD8+ T cells. These cells express periodically during the hair cycle arising or age‐related immunogenic proteins including HF‐specific neo‐antigens. We propose that IFN‐gamma derived from the respective antigen‐specific T cells spotting the particular self‐peptides may thereby significantly induce and alter self‐antigen presentation (“induced‐self”). This induction, at first, may silence T cells, including neo‐epitope‐specific T cells. As the thymus cannot significantly recapitulate neo‐epitopes evolving in the periphery, we propose that peripheral tissue‐specific induction of MHC molecules presenting exactly these neo‐epitopes by self‐MHC/peptide‐reactive CD8+ T cells is a key element of self‐tolerance. Subsequently, however, the local perpetuation and modification of the same crosstalk in the context of HF immune privilege collapse can invite HF immunopathology, as typically seen in alopecia areata. This concept may essentially complement thymus‐based regulation models of self/non‐self‐discrimination beyond “missing‐self” to the fine‐tuned “induced‐self” to ensure peripheral needs to maintain self‐tolerance in the case of “danger” and any “alteration of self”.
Discrimination, Internalized Homonegativity, and Attitudes Toward Children of Same‐Sex Parents: Can Secure Attachment Buffer Against Stigma Internalization?
Authors: Trub Leora , Quinlan Ella , Starks Tyrel J. , Rosenthal Lisa
Published: October 2016

With increasing numbers of same‐sex couples raising children in the United States, discriminatory attitudes toward children of same‐sex parents (ACSSP) are of increasing concern. As with other forms of stigma and discrimination, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are at risk for internalizing these societal attitudes, which can negatively affect parenting‐related decisions and behaviors and the mental and physical health of their children. Secure attachment is characterized by positive views of the self as loveable and worthy of care that are understood to develop in early relationships with caregivers. Secure attachment has been associated with positive mental and physical health, including among LGB individuals and couples. This study aimed to test the potential buffering role of secure attachment against stigma internalization by examining associations among secure attachment, discrimination, internalized homonegativity (IH), and ACSSP in an online survey study of 209 U.S. adults in same‐sex relationships. Bootstrap analyses supported our hypothesized moderated mediation model, with secure attachment being a buffer. Greater discrimination was indirectly associated with more negative ACSSP through greater IH for individuals with mean or lower levels, but not for individuals with higher than average levels of secure attachment, specifically because among those with higher levels of secure attachment, discrimination was not associated with IH. These findings build on and extend past research, with important implications for future research and clinical work with LGB individuals, same‐sex couples, and their families, including potential implementation of interventions targeting attachment security.
Transcriptional start site turnover in the evolution of bacterial paralogous genes – the pelE‐pelD virulence genes in Dickeya
Authors: Duprey Alexandre , Nasser William , Léonard Simon , Brochier‐Armanet Céline , Reverchon Sylvie
Published: October 2016

After a gene duplication event, the resulting paralogous genes frequently acquire distinct expression profiles, roles, and/or functions but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. While transcription start site (TSS) turnover, i.e., the repositioning of the TSS during evolution, is widespread in eukaryotes, it is less documented in bacteria. Using pelD and pelE, two closely related paralogous genes encoding key virulence factors in Dickeya, a gamma proteobacterial genus of phytopathogens, we show that pelE has been selected as an initiator of bacterial aggression, while pelD acts at a later stage, thanks to modifications in the transcriptional regulation of these two genes. This expression change is linked to a few mutations that caused a shift in the position of the pelETSS and the rapid divergence in the regulation of these genes after their duplication. Genomic surveys detected additional examples of putative turnovers in other bacteria. This first report of TSS shifting in bacteria suggests that this mechanism could play a major role in paralogous genes fixation in prokaryotes.
Comparative study of compressive and fatigue strength of dental implants made of nanocrystalline Ti Hard and microcrystalline Ti G4
Authors: Elias C. N. , Fernandes D. J. , de Biasi R. S.
Published: October 2016

Over the last decades, much research has been done to improve the surface quality of dental implants, but there was no change in the materials used to manufacture the implants. The purpose of the present work is to compare the compressive strength and fatigue failure of dental implants made with a new material, nanocrystalline Ti grade 4 fabricated by Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) (Ti Hard) with a traditional material, microcrystalline Ti grade 4 (Ti G4). Machined screw‐shaped implants with three different designs (Easy, Torq and Flash) made with the two materials were subjected to static and dynamic compressive loads. Implants made with Ti Hard showed higher static compressive strength (Easy: 889.9 ± 79.4 N, Flash: 588.9 ± 74.7 N, Torq: 498.3 ± 54.6 N) than implants made with TiG4 (Easy: 776.4 ± 74.5 N, Flash: 308.8 ± 15.2 N, Torq: 410.3 ± 25.2 N) and higher fatigue strength for 5 106 cycles (Easy: 400 N, Flash: 280 N, Torq: 260 N) than implants made with TiG4 (Easy: 300 N, Flash: 200 N, Torq: 200 N). The higher fatigue strength of nanocrystalline Ti G4 is attributed to a delay in crack initiation.
The role of first non‐singular stress terms in mixed mode brittle fracture of V‐notched components: an experimental study
Authors: Dehghany M. , Saeidi Googarchin H. , Aliha M. R. M.
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates the effects of the first non‐singular stress terms on the fracture assessment of sharp V‐notches under mixed mode loading. First, numerical studies have been performed on a fracture test configuration called single V‐notched ring (SVR) specimen. Then, the notch stress intensity factors as well as the coefficients of the first non‐singular stress terms, which are vital parameters in brittle fracture of V‐notched components, were calculated via a finite element over‐deterministic algorithm for a wide range of loading and geometry conditions. The obtained results demonstrate that the SVR specimen is able to provide a complete range of mode mixities from pure mode I to pure mode II loading conditions. The numerical results, next, have been converted to dimensionless parameters and are illustrated in several graphs. Indeed, these graphs can be easily employed by the engineers for rapid calculation of the corresponding notch stress intensity factors and the coefficients of the first non‐singular stress terms in the SVR specimen. The obtained fracture parameters are then submitted to the maximum tangential stress criterion to assess the effects of the first non‐singular terms on fracture behaviour of the specimen. Finally, an experimental study has been performed on the SVR specimen made of Nayriz Marble rock for two notch angles with a complete range of mode mixities. The obtained experimental data confirm the significant role of the first non‐singular stress terms. In fact, these results show that considering only the singular stress terms may induce an average error of 38% in the predicted fracture loads, which can be decreased to about 12% just by adding the contribution of the first non‐singular terms to the maximum tangential stress criterion.
Film and Video
Authors: Myers Robert
Published: October 2016

Film reviewed in this issue.

ANTHROPOCENE
Direct inversion of Young's and Poisson impedances for fluid discrimination
Authors: Zong Z. , Yin X.
Published: October 2016

Seismic inversion with prestack seismic data such as amplitude variation with offsets (AVO) inversion is an important tool in the estimation of elastic parameters for predicting lithology and discriminating fluid in conventional or unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. The product of Young's modulus and density (Young's impedance, YI) and the product of Poisson ratio and density (Poisson ratio impedance, PI) show great potential in lithology prediction and fluid discrimination of unconventional resources such as shale gas or oil. The high quality requirements for prestack data in density inversion render the estimation of YI and PI arduous and inaccurate with a conventional prestack inversion approach. In this study, a direct AVO inversion approach is proposed to estimate YI, PI, and density directly from P‐wave seismic data. The linearized P‐wave reflectivity approximate equation in terms of YI, PI, and density is initially derived. Five models, including four typical AVO classes, are utilized to verify the accuracy of the derived linearized P‐wave reflectivity equation in comparison with the exact P‐wave reflectivity equation and the frequently used linearized reflectivity approximate equation involving P‐ and S‐wave velocities and density. Parameter sensitivity analysis illustrates that YI and PI can reasonably be estimated from P‐wave reflectivity if a decorrelation scheme is utilized in the inversion algorithm. In addition, a pragmatic AVO inversion using a Bayesian scheme is suggested for the direct inversion of YI and PI from prestack seismic data. Synthetic and field data examples demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed inversion approach in the estimation of YI and PI and show the potential of this approach in fluid discrimination.
Rising nitrogen fertilizer prices and projected increase in maize ethanol production: the future of forage production and the potential of legumes in forage production systems
Authors: Adjesiwor Albert T. , Islam M. Anowarul
Published: October 2016

Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are critical in today's agriculture especially in the United States. Leaching, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from N fertilizer use and the implications for global climate and water pollution raised serious concerns among environmentalists and agronomists. Prices of N fertilizers increased geometrically over the past few years. The projected increase in maize (Zea mays L.) ethanol production is expected to increase N fertilizer demand and prices. Hay prices are, however, staggering and producers are looking for alternatives to N fertilizers. This review paper assessed trends in fertilizer use and prices as well as factors affecting fixation and transfer of dinitrogen (N2) in forage production systems. Additionally, economic implications of using N fertilizers and grass‐legume mixtures are discussed. From the review, it was apparent that legumes have the potential to replace N fertilizers or at least complement the use of N fertilizers in forage production systems. However, N transfer in forage production systems is low. A lot more research is needed to answer the question “Why legumes fix so much N2 and transfer just a small proportion to other crops.” Similarly, identifying compatible grass‐legume species that enhance N2 fixation will be a giant step towards reduced N fertilizer use and ensuring environmental sustainability. With the sharp increase in N fertilizer prices, the use of legumes in forage production systems seems promising.
Effects of liming on dry biomass, lead concentration and accumulated amounts in roots and shoots of three tropical pasture grasses from lead contaminated acidic soils
Authors: Htwe Win Mi , Kyawt Yin Yin , Thaikua Sarayut , Imai Yuriko , Mizumachi Susumu , Kawamoto Yasuhiro
Published: October 2016

Liming the contaminated soil is the most widely used remediation treatment to reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of liming on the change of dry matter and lead uptake by three tropical pasture grasses from lead contaminated acidic soil. Lime at five rates of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g kg−1 soil was amended to the Neubauer's pots filled with 500 g Kunigami‐maji soils and then the limed soil was contaminated with 150 mg kg−1 lead after it was maintained for 1 week. Addition of lime increased soil pH significantly from 4.43 to 5.40. The root and shoot dry matter of all three tropical pasture grasses increased with the increasing doses of lime. An elevation of soil pH induced by liming resulted in a significant reduction of lead concentrations in both roots and shoots of all experimental grasses. The effectiveness of liming on lead concentration and accumulation varied with the pH values of limed soil and grass species. The results of this study imply that napiergrass was the most effective tropical pasture grass in reducing lead concentration and accumulation of roots and shoots as a consequence of liming, and could be used for lead stabilization in moderately lead contaminated acidic soil. The shoot lead concentration of napiergrass in limed soils was within the critical level of lead tolerable to feeding domestic animals, and may act as low level lead toxicity in fodder for grazing livestock. However, lime application or soil pH had a little influence on the lead accumulated amount in roots and shoots of atratum and signalgrass. The high amounts of lead accumulated in shoots of atratum and signalgrass were found to be useful for lead phytoextraction.
Who Gets to ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’? Gendering the Work–Life Balance Rhetoric in Canadian Tech Companies
Authors: Hari Amrita
Published: October 2016

This article is based on an exploratory study of the implicit gender norms in work–life balance (WLB) rhetoric in ten Canadian information and communication technologies (ICT) organizations. Interviews with human resources (HR) managers and preliminary company website analysis revealed a masculinist and heterosexist bias in the implementation of WLB practices, legitimized by the gender composition of the workforce and the demanding yet inherently rewarding nature of the ICT sector. Participants deliberately separated care (read: childcare) from WLB (read: flexible hours and working from home), reproducing the assumption that an ‘ordinary’ worker is a man with a female partner who assumes primary responsibility for the reproductive realm. The study concludes with: (i) recommendations to increase HR's role in providing functional support for WLB practices and (ii) three future directions for research. This article contributes to a general call in feminist scholarship to apply a gendered lens to WLB practices.
Concurrent Salinization and Development of Anoxic Conditions in a Confined Aquifer, Southern Israel
Authors: Burg Avihu , Gavrieli Ittai , Guttman Joseph
Published: October 2016

An ancient, brackish, anoxic, and relatively hot water body exists within the Yarqon‐Tanninim Aquifer in southern Israel. A hydrogeological‐geochemical conceptual model is presented, whereby the low water quality is the outcome of three conditions that are met simultaneously: (1) Presence of an organic‐rich unit with low permeability that overlies and confines the aquifer; the confining unit contains perched horizons with relatively saline water. (2) Local phreatic/roofed conditions within the aquifer that enable seepage of the organic‐rich brackish water from above. The oxidation of the dissolved organic matter in the seeping water consumes the dissolved oxygen and continues through bacterial sulfate reduction, with H2S as a product. These exothermic reactions result in some heating. (3) The seeping water comprises a relatively large portion of the water volume. In the presented case study, the latter condition first developed in the Late Pleistocene following climate change, which led to a dramatic decline in recharge. Consequently, water flow in the local basin has nearly ceased, as evident by old water ages, specific isotopic composition, and nearly equipotential water levels. The continuous seepage from above into the almost stagnant water body has resulted in degraded water quality. Seepages of organic‐rich brackish water exist at other sites throughout the aquifer but have limited impact on the salinity and redox conditions due to the dynamic water flow, which flushes the seeping water, that is, the third condition is not met. The coexistence of the above three conditions may explain the development of anoxic and saline groundwater in other aquifers worldwide.
Recurrent heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia due to heparin rinsing before priming the machine in a hemodialysis patient: A case report
Authors: Lim Jin Han , Kang Kyung Pyo , Lee Sik , Park Sung Kwang , Kim Won
Published: October 2016

Heparin has remained the most commonly used anticoagulant for patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is usually safe to use but can have severe adverse effects in some cases. Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life‐threatening complication of exposure to heparin. It results from an autoantibody directed against endogenous platelet factor 4 (PF4) in complex with heparin, which activates platelets and can cause catastrophic arterial and venous thromboses. Here, we present the case of an 80‐year‐old woman with a recent diagnosis of chronic renal failure who developed acute HIT (platelet count nadir, 15 × 109/L) on day 7 of hemodialysis performed with routine heparin anticoagulation, who despite subsequent heparin‐free hemodialysis (with argatroban and warfarin) developed recurrent HIT (complicated by acute cerebral infarction) on day 11 that we attributed to “rinsing” of the circuit with heparin‐containing saline (3,000 units of unfractionated heparin, with subsequent saline washing) performed pre‐dialysis as per routine. After stopping heparin rinsing, the platelet count recovered completely, without further thrombotic or other sequelae. Our experience indicates that for patients with acute HIT, besides the well‐known practice of using non‐heparin anticoagulation during dialysis and avoiding heparin “locking” of dialysis catheters, it is also important to avoid inadvertent rinsing of the circuit with heparin during preparation for hemodialysis.
Combining arterial‐spin labeling with functional magnetic resonance imaging measurement for characterizing patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Huaijun , Yang Jiping , Tian Xin , Yang Haiqing , Geng Zuojun
Published: October 2016

Aim

Our objective is to explore key changes in brain functions in relation to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). We incorporated both resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) to enhance the detection of MHE.

Methods

We undertook fMRI scanning for 56 MHE patients and 66 healthy controls. Region functional connectivity was carried out to assess the connectivity status between pairs of regions among 90 brain regions. Additionally, blood flow (BF) status was measured by ASL for all subjects. Spearman's correlation test was implemented to identify any correlation among z‐values, results from number connection test type A, and digit symbol tests. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for assessing the accuracy of BF in MHE diagnosis.

Results

The corresponding functional connectivity was significantly different between MHE and control groups in 15 regions. For MHE patients, BF showed an increasing pattern in regions of interest. Blood flood in the putamen was positively correlated with number connection test type A neuropsychological performance, whereas it was negatively correlated with the digit symbol test. Blood flood in the right putamen showed the highest value of area under the curve with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 89.4%.

Conclusion

Connectivity impairment resulting from ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical circuits may play important roles in mediating the development of MHE patients. An increase in the BF, particularly in the right putamen, may be considered as evidence for the presence of MHE.
Successful participation of patients in interprofessional team meetings: A qualitative study
Authors: van Dongen Jerôme Jean Jacques , Habets Iris Gerarda Josephine , Beurskens Anna , van Bokhoven Marloes Amantia
Published: October 2016

Background

The number of people with multiple chronic conditions increases as a result of ageing. To deal with the complex health‐care needs of these patients, it is important that health‐care professionals collaborate in interprofessional teams. To deliver patient‐centred care, it is often recommended to include the patient as a member of the team.

Objective

To gain more insight into how health‐care professionals and patients, who are used to participate in interprofessional team meetings, experience and organize patient participation in the team meetings.

Methods

A qualitative study including observations of meetings (n=8), followed by semi‐structured interviews with participating health‐care professionals (n=8), patients and/or relatives (n=11). Professionals and patients were asked about their experiences of patient participation immediately after the team meetings. Results from both observations and interviews were analysed using content analysis.

Results

The findings show a variety of influencing factors related to patient participation that can be divided into five categories: (i) structure and task distribution, (ii) group composition, (iii) relationship between professionals and patients or relatives, (iv) patients’ characteristics and (v) the purpose of the meeting.

Conclusion

Patient participation during team meetings was appreciated by professionals and patients. A tailored approach to patient involvement during team meetings is preferable. When considering the presence of patients in team meetings, it is recommended to pay attention to patients’ willingness and ability to participate, and the necessary information shared before the meeting. Participating patients seem to appreciate support and preparation for the meeting.
Switching regimens in virologically suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients: evidence base and rationale for integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)‐containing regimens
Authors: Raffi F , Esser S , Nunnari G , Pérez‐Valero I , Waters L
Published: October 2016

In an era when most individuals with treated HIV infection can expect to live into old age, clinicians should proactively review their patients’ current and future treatment needs and challenges. Clinical guidelines acknowledge that, in the setting of virological suppression, treatment switch may yield benefits in terms of tolerability, regimen simplification, adherence, convenience and long‐term health considerations, particularly in the context of ageing. In this paper, we review evidence from six key clinical studies on switching virologically suppressed patients to regimens based on integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), the antiretroviral class increasingly preferred as initial therapy in clinical guidelines. We review these studies and focus on the virological efficacy, safety, and tolerability of switching to INSTI‐based regimens in suppressed HIV‐positive individuals. We review the early switch studies SWITCHMRK and SPIRAL [assessing a switch from a ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r) to raltegravir (RAL)‐containing regimens], together with data from STRATEGY‐PI [assessing a switch to elvitegravir (EVG)‐containing regimens; EVG/cobicistat (COBI)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) vs. remaining on a PI/r‐containing regimen], STRATEGY‐NNRTI [assessing a switch to EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF vs. continuation of a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)], STRIIVING [assessing a switch to a dolutegravir (DTG)‐containing regimen (abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC)/DTG) vs. staying on the background regimen], and GS study 109 [assessing a switch to EVG/COBI/FTC/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) vs. continuation of FTC/TDF‐based regimens]. Switching to INSTI‐containing regimens has been shown to support good virological efficacy, with evidence from two studies demonstrating superior virological efficacy for a switch to EVG‐containing regimens. In addition, switching to INSTI regimens was associated with improved tolerability and greater reported patient satisfaction and outcomes in some studies. INSTI‐based regimens offer an important contemporary switch option that may be tailored to meet and optimize the needs of many patients.
Love as a Hollow: Merleau‐Ponty's Promise of Queer Love
Authors: Burke Megan M.
Published: October 2016

This article argues that Maurice Merleau‐Ponty advances a queer notion of love. In particular, I argue that his notion of love as an institution, as a hollow fueled by the imaginary dimension of existence, shows that love unhinges petrified ideals of gender. I suggest that the crucial insight to be found in Merleau‐Ponty's account of love is that love is a lived openness that invites us to seek out new ways of being.
A plant oil‐containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin
Authors: Blaak J. , Dähnhardt D. , Dähnhardt‐Pfeiffer S. , Bielfeldt S. , Wilhelm K.‐P. , Wohlfart R. , Staib P.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering.

Methods

Therefore, we investigated the way in which an acidic skin care product with different plant oils affects SC function, structure and lipid profile in older subjects with dry skin. Before and after a 3‐week application period, different biophysical measurements were performed: transepidermal water loss, SC hydration and skin surface pH. In addition, the SC lipid matrix was evaluated by analysis of the intercellular lipid lamellae and the SC lipid profile.

Results

After treatment, a significant increase in lipid lamellae in the intercellular space of the SC was observed in the area treated with the test product compared to the untreated area. Furthermore, the ceramide level was found to be increased, although ceramides were not provided by the acidic test formulation.

Conclusion

In summary, topical application of a pH 4.0 product containing plant oils improves epidermal barrier formation and SC lipid ordering and ratio in aged dry skin.
Preparation and characterization of YAG:Ce thin phosphor films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Ma Rui , Lu Bing , Cao Huiqun , Hu Juguang , Zhang Xianghua , Qiu Qi , Zheng Ruisheng , Luo Zhongkuan , Xue Bai
Published: October 2016

We report the use of YAG:Ce phosphor as the raw material to make thin and transparent phosphor films with pulsed laser deposition including the effects of heating temperature, target–substrate distances, annealing times, and annealing atmosphere on the YAG:Ce3+ phosphor film crystal types and spectral properties. The results indicated that at a coating temperature of 350°C, the YAG:Ce3+ phosphor film had the best crystallinity with an intact film and maximum fluorescence emission. The crystallinity and fluorescence emission intensity of the film gradually decreased as a function of increasing target–substrate distances. As the annealing time increased, the crystallinity and the fluorescence emission intensity of the film first increased and then decreased. The film made with 5 h of annealing had the best crystallinity and the highest fluorescence emission intensity. The crystallinity of the film annealed under air was higher than that made under nitrogen; the fluorescence intensity of the film under air was slightly lower than the film under nitrogen. The emission peak of the prepared film was at 523 nm when excited at 450 nm. This is slightly blue‐shifted versus the emission of commercial phosphor powders. This study offers a theoretical basis for the development of transparent phosphor films.
Audit Tendering in the UK: A Review of Stakeholders' Views
Authors: Allam Amir , Ghattas Noha , Kotb Amr , Eldaly Mohamed Khaled
Published: October 2016

This study reports the results of a content analysis of the comment letters sent to the UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in response to its consultation document on the 2012 revisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, concerning the proposal for mandatory audit tendering. The results indicate a general support for the FRC's proposals with a number of key concerns related to audit quality, auditor independence and audit cost. There is also clear conflicts of interest among some stakeholder groups such as audit firms and companies on one side and institutional investors on the other. There is evidence of conflicts of interest between Big 4 and non‐Big 4 audit firms. Implications for future consultations and legislation are also discussed.
The Citizenship Gap in European Societies: Conceptualizing, Measuring and Comparing ‘Migration Neutrality’ across the EU
Authors: Recchi Ettore
Published: October 2016

Equality in life‐chances of nationals and immigrants is a sensitive issue on which there is more debate than systematic evidence. To evaluate this condition across European societies, the concept of integration as “migration neutrality” is introduced. “Migration neutrality” is defined as the irrelevance of national citizenship as a predictor of key social attainments. Odds ratios are used to measure the relative risk of non‐national as compared with national citizens in the attainment of relevant resources. While this indicator cannot control for compositional differences in the populations at stake, it represents a straightforward benchmark that can be used in different domains to describe and compare foreign citizens’ position relative to nationals. In this article, we calculate it across EU member states through Eurostat data. In particular, the focus is on migration neutrality in the risk of social exclusion. Country variations are found to be hardly amenable to established classifications of integration types. Moreover, the relationship between “migration neutrality” levels and pro‐immigrant policies (as measured by the Mipex index) is found to be weak, suggesting that these policies do not consistently target the reduction of the gap between nationals and non nationals.
Clinical approach to autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Wells R. , Tonkin A.
Published: October 2016

Patients with autonomic dysfunction may present with a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms, both generalised and involving specific systems, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, orthostatic intolerance, palpitations, constipation or diarrhoea, early satiety, urinary retention or incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Failure to connect the diverse symptoms with a single underlying mechanism may lead to incorrect diagnoses, inappropriate interventions and frustration on the part of both doctors and patients. We describe recent developments in the understanding of the pathophysiology of autonomic dysfunction, including the link between the autonomic and immune systems resulting in the ‘inflammatory reflex’. We then provide a rationale to guide the management of patients exhibiting features of autonomic dysfunction, including postural tachycardia syndrome.
Distinct patterns of cytolytic T‐cell activation by different tumour cells revealed by Ca2+ signalling and granule mobilization
Authors: Frick Melissa , Mouchacca Pierre , Verdeil Grégory , Hamon Yannick , Billaudeau Cyrille , Buferne Michel , Fallet Mathieu , Auphan‐Anezin Nathalie , Schmitt‐Verhulst Anne‐Marie , Boyer Claude
Published: October 2016

Cancer‐germline genes in both humans and mice have been shown to encode antigens susceptible to targeting by cytotoxic CD8 T effector cells (CTL). We analysed the ability of CTL to kill different tumour cell lines expressing the same cancer‐germline gene P1A (Trap1a). We previously demonstrated that CTL expressing a T‐cell receptor specific for the P1A35–43 peptide associated with H‐2Ld, although able to induce regression of P1A‐expressing P815 mastocytoma cells, were much less effective against P1A‐expressing melanoma cells. Here, we analysed parameters of the in vitro interaction between P1A‐specific CTL and mastocytoma or melanoma cells expressing similar levels of the P1A gene and of surface H‐2Ld. The mastocytoma cells were more sensitive to cytolysis than the melanoma cells in vitro. Analysis by video‐microscopy of early events required for target cell killing showed that similar patterns of increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were induced by both types of P1A‐expressing tumour cells. However, the use of CTL expressing a fluorescent granzyme B (GZMB‐Tom) showed a delay in the migration of cytotoxic granules to the tumour interaction site, as well as a partially deficient GZMB‐Tom exocytosis in response to the melanoma cells. Among surface molecules possibly affecting tumour–CTL interactions, the mastocytoma cells were found to express intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, the ligand for LFA‐1, which was not detected on the melanoma cells.
Timing the Market with a Combination of Moving Averages
Authors: Glabadanidis Paskalis
Published: October 2016

A combination of simple moving average trading strategies with several window lengths delivers a greater average return and skewness as well as a lower variance and kurtosis compared with buying and holding the underlying asset using daily returns of value‐weighted US decile portfolios sorted by market size, book‐to‐market, momentum, and standard deviation as well as more than 1000 individual US stocks. The combination moving average (CMA) strategy generates risk‐adjusted returns of 2% to 16% per year before transaction costs. The performance of the CMA strategy is driven largely by the volatility of stock returns and resembles the payoffs of an at‐the‐money protective put on the underlying buy‐and‐hold return. Conditional factor models with macroeconomic variables, especially the market dividend yield, short‐term interest rates, and market conditions, can explain some of the abnormal returns. Standard market timing tests reveal ample evidence regarding the timing ability of the CMA strategy.
The assessment of data sources for influenza virologic surveillance in New York State
Authors: Escuyer Kay L. , Waters Christine L. , Gowie Donna L. , Maxted Angie M. , Farrell Gregory M. , Fuschino Meghan E. , St. George Kirsten
Published: October 2016

Background

Following the 2013 USA release of the Influenza Virologic Surveillance Right Size Roadmap, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) embarked on an evaluation of data sources for influenza virologic surveillance.

Objective

To assess NYS data sources, additional to data generated by the state public health laboratory (PHL), which could enhance influenza surveillance at the state and national level.

Methods

Potential sources of laboratory test data for influenza were analyzed for quantity and quality. Computer models, designed to assess sample sizes and the confidence of data for statistical representation of influenza activity, were used to compare PHL test data to results from clinical and commercial laboratories, reported between June 8, 2013 and May 31, 2014.

Results

Sample sizes tested for influenza at the state PHL were sufficient for situational awareness surveillance with optimal confidence levels, only during peak weeks of the influenza season. Influenza data pooled from NYS PHLs and clinical laboratories generated optimal confidence levels for situational awareness throughout the influenza season. For novel influenza virus detection in NYS, combined real‐time (rt) RT‐PCR data from state and regional PHLs achieved ≥85% confidence during peak influenza activity, and ≥95% confidence for most of low season and all of off‐season.

Conclusions

In NYS, combined data from clinical, commercial, and public health laboratories generated optimal influenza surveillance for situational awareness throughout the season. Statistical confidence for novel virus detection, which is reliant on only PHL data, was achieved for most of the year.
Does Missing One Week of School Lead to Lower Grades?
Authors: Gorard Stephen
Published: October 2016

According to the UK's Department for Education, “missing the equivalent of just one week a year from school can mean a child is significantly less likely to achieve good GCSE grades”. Can this really be true?
The Big C, Big Data and Statistics
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: October 2016

From omics to imaging and the statistical issues in between, Professor Simon Tavaré explains the work of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Interview by Brian Tarran