bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stone Cold Truth: The Effect of Concrete Encasement on the Rate and Pattern of Soft Tissue Decomposition
Authors: Martin D.C. , Dabbs Gretchen R. , Roberts Lindsey G. , Cleary Megan K.
Published: November 2015

This study provides a descriptive analysis of taphonomic changes observed in the soft tissue of ten pigs (Sus scrofa) after being encased in Quickrete ® concrete and excavated at monthly or bimonthly intervals over the course of 2 years. The best method of subject excavation was investigated. Rate and pattern of decomposition were compared to a nonencased control subject. Results demonstrate subjects interred in concrete decomposed significantly slower than the control subject (p < 0.01), the difference being observable after 1 month. After 1 year, the encased subject was in the early stage of decomposition with purging fluids and intact organs present, versus complete skeletonization of the control subject. Concrete subjects also display a unique decomposition pattern, exhibiting a chemically burned outer layer of skin and a common separation of the dermal and epidermal layers. Results suggest using traditional methods to estimate postmortem interval on concrete subjects may result in underestimation.
Exploring motivations in Chinese corporate expatriation through the lens of Confucianism
Authors: Yao Christian , Arrowsmith James , Thorn Kaye
Published: November 2015

There is increasing interest in the human resource management strategies and practices of Chinese multinationals, including the important area of overseas assignments. This article focuses on the neglected area of employee perspectives, in particular workers’ motivations for accepting an international assignment (IA). It is based on qualitative interviews with 31 individuals recruited through a snowball technique. In contrast to the established (western) literature which understands IA motives from an individual rational‐instrumental perspective, this study stresses the importance of Confucian values on motivations and in particular how these relate to perceived collective obligations to the family, the organisation and society. It is argued that the results add a different perspective for the academic study of IAs and have implications for the successful management of IAs more generally.
Magnetic resonance imaging for prostate bed radiotherapy planning: An inter‐ and intra‐observer variability study
Authors: Barkati Maroie , Simard Dany , Taussky Daniel , Delouya Guila
Published: November 2015

Introduction

We assessed the inter‐ and intra‐observer variability in contouring the prostate bed for radiation therapy planning using MRI compared with computed tomography (CT).

Methods

We selected 15 patients with prior radical prostatectomy. All had CT and MRI simulation for planning purposes. Image fusions were done between CT and MRI. Three radiation oncologists with several years of experience in treating prostate cancer contoured the prostate bed first on CT and then on MRI. Before contouring, each radiation oncologist had to review the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group guidelines for postoperative external beam radiotherapy. The agreement between volumes was calculated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Analysis was done using the Matlab software. The DSC was compared using non‐parametric statistical tests.

Results

Contouring on CT alone showed a statistically significant (P = 0.001) higher similarity between observers with a mean DSC of 0.76 (standard deviation ± 0.05) compared with contouring on MRI with a mean of 0.66 (standard deviation ± 0.05). Mean intra‐observer variability between CT and MRI was 0.68, 0.75 and 0.78 for the three observers. The clinical target volume was 19–74% larger on CT than on MRI. The intra‐observer difference in clinical target volume between CT and MRI was statistically significant in two observers and non‐significant in the third one (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

We found less inter‐observer variability when contouring on CT than on MRI. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group contouring guidelines are based on anatomical landmarks readily visible on CT. These landmarks are more inter‐observer dependent on MRI. Therefore, present contouring guidelines might not be applicable to MRI planning.
Variant in the RFWD3 gene associated with PATN1, a modifier of leopard complex spotting
Authors: Holl H. M. , Brooks S. A. , Archer S. , Brown K. , Malvick J. , Penedo M. C. T. , Bellone R. R.
Published: November 2015

Leopard complex spotting (LP), the result of an incompletely dominant mutation in TRPM1, produces a collection of unique depigmentation patterns in the horse. Although the LP mutation allows for expression of the various patterns, other loci are responsible for modification of the extent of white. Pedigree analysis of families segregating for high levels of patterning indicated a single dominant gene, named Pattern‐1 (PATN1), as a major modifier of LP. Linkage analysis in two half‐sibling families segregating for PATN1 identified a 15‐Mb region on ECA3p that warranted further investigation. Whole transcriptome sequencing of skin samples from horses with and without the PATN1 allele was performed to identify genic SNPs for fine mapping. Two Sequenom assays were utilized to genotype 192 individuals from five LP‐carrying breeds. The initial panel highlighted a 1.6‐Mb region without a clear candidate gene. In the second round of fine mapping, SNP ECA3:23 658 447T>G in the 3′‐UTR of RING finger and WD repeat domain 3 (RFWD3) reached a significance level of P = 1.063 × 10−39. Sequencing of RFWD3 did not identify any coding polymorphisms specific to PATN1 horses. Genotyping of the RFWD3 3′‐UTR SNP in 54 additional LP animals and 327 horses from nine breeds not segregating for LP further supported the association (P = 4.17 × 10−115). This variant is a strong candidate for PATN1 and may be particularly useful for LP breeders to select for high levels of white patterning.
Comparison of hair thyroid hormones between first‐episode and recurrent patients with depression in female Chinese
Authors: Yang Xiao , Sun Guizhi , Wei Jinxue , Huang Bin , Zhao Liansheng , Wang Yingcheng , Zhou Bo , Tao Li , Ma Xiaohong
Published: November 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare hair thyroid hormone (TH) levels among first‐episode patients with major depressive disorder (F‐MDD), recurrent patients with major depressive disorder (R‐MDD) and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to evaluate the clinical symptoms of patients. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure the hair TH levels. We compared the differences in hair TH levels among F‐MDD patients, R‐MDD patients, and HC.

Results

Before the disease episode, hair T3 levels differed significantly between F‐MDD patients and HC. In the disease episode, hair T3 levels differed significantly between F‐MDD or R‐MDD patients and HC; and hair T4 levels differed significantly between R‐MDD patients and HC. Hair T3 levels significantly negative correlated with HAMD scores in F‐MDD patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that disease duration of recurring episodes of depression may influence hair TH levels.
A validated web‐based tool to display individualised Crohn's disease predicted outcomes based on clinical, serologic and genetic variables
Authors: Siegel C. A. , Horton H. , Siegel L. S. , Thompson K. D. , Mackenzie T. , Stewart S. K. , Rice P. W. , Stempak J. M. , Dezfoli S. , Haritunians T. , Levy A. , Baek M. , Milgrom R. , Dulai P. S. , Targan S. R. , Silverberg M. S. , Dubinsky M. C. , McGovern D. P.
Published: November 2015

Background

Early treatment for Crohn's disease (CD) with immunomodulators and/or anti‐TNF agents improves outcomes in comparison to a slower ‘step up’ algorithm. However, there remains a limited ability to identify those who would benefit most from early intensive therapy.

Aim

To develop a validated, individualised, web‐based tool for patients and clinicians to visualise individualised risks for developing Crohn's disease complications.

Methods

A well‐characterised cohort of adult patients with CD was analysed. Available data included: demographics; clinical characteristics; serologic immune responses; NOD2 status; time from diagnosis to complication; and medication exposure. Cox proportional analyses were performed to model the probability of developing a CD complication over time. The Cox model was validated externally in two independent CD cohorts. Using system dynamics analysis (SDA), these results were transformed into a simple graphical web‐based display to show patients their individualised probability of developing a complication over a 3‐year period.

Results

Two hundered and forty three CD patients were included in the final model of which 142 experienced a complication. Significant variables in the multivariate Cox model included small bowel disease (HR 2.12, CI 1.05–4.29), left colonic disease (HR 0.73, CI 0.49–1.09), perianal disease (HR 4.12, CI 1.01–16.88), ASCA (HR 1.35, CI 1.16–1.58), Cbir (HR 1.29, CI 1.07–1.55), ANCA (HR 0.77, CI 0.62–0.95), and the NOD2 frameshift mutation/SNP13 (HR 2.13, CI 1.33–3.40). The Harrell's C (concordance index for predictive accuracy of the model) = 0.73. When applied to the two external validation cohorts (adult n = 109, pediatric n = 392), the concordance index was 0.73 and 0.75, respectively, for adult and pediatric patients.

Conclusions

A validated, web‐based tool has been developed to display an individualised predicted outcome for adult patients with Crohn's disease based on clinical, serologic and genetic variables. This tool can be used to help providers and patients make personalised decisions about treatment options.
Clinical outcomes for 14 consecutive patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasms who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiharu , Matsushita Akira , Katsuno Akira , Yamahatsu Kazuya , Sumiyoshi Hiroki , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Uchida Eiji
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The postoperative results of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN), including the effects of spleen‐preserving resection, are still to be elucidated.

Methods

Of the 139 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy for non‐cancerous tumors, 14 consecutive patients (average age, 29.6 years; 1 man, 13 women) with solitary SPN who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between March 2004 and June 2015 were enrolled. The tumors had a mean diameter of 4.8 cm. Laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed in eight patients (spleen‐preserving group), including two cases involving pancreatic tail preservation, and laparoscopic spleno‐distal pancreatectomy was performed in six patients (standard resection group).

Results

The median operating time was 317 min, and the median blood loss was 50 mL. Postoperatively, grade B pancreatic fistulas appeared in two patients (14.3%) but resolved with conservative treatment. No patients had postoperative complications, other than pancreatic fistulas, or required reoperation. The median postoperative hospital stay was 11 days, and the postoperative mortality was zero.None of the patients had positive surgical margins or lymph nodes with metastasis. The median follow‐up period did not significantly differ between the two groups (20 vs 39 months, P = 0.1368). All of the patients are alive and free from recurrent tumors without major late‐phase complications.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy might be a suitable treatment for patients with SPN. A spleen‐preserving operation is preferable for younger patients with SPN, and this study demonstrated the non‐inferiority of the procedure compared to spleno‐distal pancreatectomy.
The Effect of Family Structure on Female Labor Participation – Empirical Analysis based on the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yang Chunyu , Fu Hongqiao , Li Ling
Published: November 2015

Using 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study baseline data, this paper examines the effects of family structure on labor force participation. In consideration of the possible endogeneity provoked by family structure, we constructed regression models with instrument variables. Intergenerational co‐residence significantly decreases women's labor force participation by 14%, while it has no effect on men's labor supply. One potential reason for this result is residential circumstance. As it is custom to live with elderly parents in multi‐generation families in China, adult women often share the burden of all housework and are responsible for elderly care; thus, cohabiting with parents seems to have negative effects on female labor participation. On the contrary, Chinese culture dictates that men do not spend as much time as women on housework, thus, the probability of working in the labor market is not influenced by residential circumstance. If women were freed from housework responsibilities, the implication is that their participation in the labor force would increase.
Accuracy of Imaging Modalities in Detection of Baffle Leaks in Patients Following Atrial Switch Operation
Authors: Wilhelm Carolyn M. , Sisk Tracey L. , Roble Sharon L. , Chisolm Joanne L. , Janevski Ilija , Cheatham John P. , Cua Clifford L.
Published: November 2015

Aims

Patients with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) status post atrial switch operation are vulnerable to complications such as baffle leaks. The best noninvasive imaging modality to detect baffle leaks is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of different noninvasive imaging modalities in the detection of baffle leaks in this population.

Methods and Results

A single center retrospective chart review of atrial switch patients was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for detecting leaks were calculated for transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) with and without agitated saline, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) with and without agitated saline, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). Studies were included if performed within 1 year of catheterization. Angiography via catheterization was used as the gold standard for the detection of baffle leaks. Fifty‐eight atrial switch patients (54 Mustards: four Sennings) from a single pediatric center, undergoing 76 catheterizations, were analyzed. Thirty‐nine catheterizations documented a baffle leak. Overall combination of sensitivity and specificity was better in agitated saline studies (TTE: sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 100%; TEE: sensitivity 100%, specificity 92.3%) versus nonagitated studies (TTE: sensitivity 50.0%, specificity 100%; TEE: sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 77.8%; or cMRI: sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 100%).

Conclusion

TTE or TEE with agitated saline is superior to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or nonagitated saline TTE and TEE in detecting baffle leaks in atrial switch patients. Agitated saline studies should be performed in this population when looking for baffle leaks.
Temperature driven changes in the diet preference of omnivorous copepods: no more meat when it's hot?
Authors: Boersma Maarten , Mathew K. Avarachen , Niehoff Barbara , Schoo Katherina L. , Franco‐Santos Rita M. , Meunier Cédric L.
Published: November 2015

Herbivory is more prevalent in the tropics than at higher latitudes. If differences in ambient temperature are the direct cause for this phenomenon, then the same pattern should be visible in a seasonal gradient, as well as in experiments manipulating temperature. Using 15N stable isotope analyses of natural populations of the copepod Temora longicornis we indeed observed seasonal differences in the trophic level of the copepod and a decrease in trophic level with increasing temperature. In a grazing experiment, with a mixed diet of the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina and the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina, T. longicornis preferred the cryptophyte at higher temperatures, whereas at lower temperatures it preferred the non‐autotrophic prey. We explain these results by the higher relative carbon content of primary producers compared to consumers, in combination with the higher demand for metabolic carbon at higher temperatures. Thus, currently increasing temperatures may cause changes in dietary preferences of many consumers.
Early dropout prediction using data mining: a case study with high school students
Authors: Márquez‐Vera Carlos , Cano Alberto , Romero Cristobal , Noaman Amin Yousef Mohammad , Mousa Fardoun Habib , Ventura Sebastian
Published: November 2015

Early prediction of school dropout is a serious problem in education, but it is not an easy issue to resolve. On the one hand, there are many factors that can influence student retention. On the other hand, the traditional classification approach used to solve this problem normally has to be implemented at the end of the course to gather maximum information in order to achieve the highest accuracy. In this paper, we propose a methodology and a specific classification algorithm to discover comprehensible prediction models of student dropout as soon as possible. We used data gathered from 419 high schools students in Mexico. We carried out several experiments to predict dropout at different steps of the course, to select the best indicators of dropout and to compare our proposed algorithm versus some classical and imbalanced well‐known classification algorithms. Results show that our algorithm was capable of predicting student dropout within the first 4–6 weeks of the course and trustworthy enough to be used in an early warning system.
Gaming, States, and Tax Revenues—the Tortoise or the Hare: A CGE Comparative Assessment of Casino Resorts and Games‐Only Casinos
Authors: Álvarez‐Martínez María Teresa , Lahr Michael L.
Published: November 2015

Theoretically speaking, heavy tax rates on gambling should dampen growth of the casino revenues. Indeed, a cursory glance at data across U.S. states suggests that more jobs and income are generated directly by the gaming industry when lower tax rates are applied. Using a detailed computable general equilibrium model, we evaluate the effects of a proposed machine‐based casino on New Jersey's economy as well as on the state's existing set of casino resorts in Atlantic City. We find few winners other than the state's tax coffers.
Characterisation of worldwide Helicobacter pylori strains reveals genetic conservation and essentiality of serine protease HtrA
Authors: Tegtmeyer Nicole , Moodley Yoshan , Yamaoka Yoshio , Pernitzsch Sandy Ramona , Schmidt Vanessa , Traverso Francisco Rivas , Schmidt Thomas P. , Rad Roland , Yeoh Khay Guan , Bow Ho , Torres Javier , Gerhard Markus , Schneider Gisbert , Wessler Silja , Backert Steffen
Published: November 2015

HtrA proteases and chaperones exhibit important roles in periplasmic protein quality control and stress responses. The genetic inactivation of htrA has been described for many bacterial pathogens. However, in some cases such as the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori, HtrA is secreted where it cleaves the tumour‐suppressor E‐cadherin interfering with gastric disease development, but the generation of htrA mutants is still lacking. Here, we show that the htrA gene locus is highly conserved in worldwide strains. HtrA presence was confirmed in 992 H. pylori isolates in gastric biopsy material from infected patients. Differential RNA‐sequencing (dRNA‐seq) indicated that htrA is encoded in an operon with two subsequent genes, HP1020 and HP1021. Genetic mutagenesis and complementation studies revealed that HP1020 and HP1021, but not htrA, can be mutated. In addition, we demonstrate that suppression of HtrA proteolytic activity with a newly developed inhibitor is sufficient to effectively kill H. pylori, but not other bacteria. We show that Helicobacter htrA is an essential bifunctional gene with crucial intracellular and extracellular functions. Thus, we describe here the first microbe in which htrA is an indispensable gene, a situation unique in the bacterial kingdom. HtrA can therefore be considered a promising new target for anti‐bacterial therapy.
Central tolerance to self revealed by the autoimmune regulator
Authors: Chan Alice Y. , Anderson Mark S.
Published: November 2015

The autoimmune regulator (Aire) was initially identified as the gene causing multiorgan system autoimmunity in humans, and deletion of this gene in mice also resulted in organ‐specific autoimmunity. Aire regulates the expression of tissue‐specific antigens (TSAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which play a critical role in the negative selection of autoreactive T cells and the generation of regulatory T cells. More recently, the role of Aire in the development of mTECs has helped elucidate its ability to present the spectrum of TSAs needed to prevent autoimmunity. Molecular characterization of the functional domains of Aire has revealed multiple binding partners that assist Aire's function in altering gene transcription and chromatin remodeling. These recent advances have further highlighted the importance of Aire in central tolerance.
A cross‐sectional survey of 5‐year‐old children with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: the Cleft Care UK study. Part 1: background and methodology
Authors: Persson M. , Sandy J. R. , Waylen A. , Wills A. K. , Al‐Ghatam R. , Ireland A. J. , Hall A. J. , Hollingworth W. , Jones T. , Peters T. J. , Preston R. , Sell D. , Smallridge J. , Worthington H. , Ness A. R.
Published: November 2015

Structured Abstract

Objectives

We describe the methodology for a major study investigating the impact of reconfigured cleft care in the United Kingdom (UK) 15 years after an initial survey, detailed in the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) report in 1998, had informed government recommendations on centralization.

Setting and Sample Population

This is a UK multicentre cross‐sectional study of 5‐year‐olds born with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate. Children born between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007 were seen in cleft centre audit clinics.

Materials and Methods

Consent was obtained for the collection of routine clinical measures (speech recordings, hearing, photographs, models, oral health, psychosocial factors) and anthropometric measures (height, weight, head circumference). The methodology for each clinical measure followed those of the earlier survey as closely as possible.

Results

We identified 359 eligible children and recruited 268 (74.7%) to the study. Eleven separate records for each child were collected at the audit clinics. In total, 2666 (90.4%) were collected from a potential 2948 records. The response rates for the self‐reported questionnaires, completed at home, were 52.6% for the Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire and 52.2% for the Satisfaction with Service Questionnaire.

Conclusions

Response rates and measures were similar to those achieved in the previous survey. There are practical, administrative and methodological challenges in repeating cross‐sectional surveys 15 years apart and producing comparable data.
The Cleft Care UK study. Part 4: perceptual speech outcomes
Authors: Sell D. , Mildinhall S. , Albery L. , Wills A. K. , Sandy J. R. , Ness A. R.
Published: November 2015

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To describe the perceptual speech outcomes from the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) study and compare them to the 1998 Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) audit.

Setting and sample population

A cross‐sectional study of 248 children born with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007 who underwent speech assessment.

Materials and methods

Centre‐based specialist speech and language therapists (SLT) took speech audio–video recordings according to nationally agreed guidelines. Two independent listeners undertook the perceptual analysis using the CAPS‐A Audit tool. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability were tested.

Results

For each speech parameter of intelligibility/distinctiveness, hypernasality, palatal/palatalization, backed to velar/uvular, glottal, weak and nasalized consonants, and nasal realizations, there was strong evidence that speech outcomes were better in the CCUK children compared to CSAG children. The parameters which did not show improvement were nasal emission, nasal turbulence, hyponasality and lateral/lateralization.

Conclusion

These results suggest that centralization of cleft care into high volume centres has resulted in improvements in UK speech outcomes in five‐year‐olds with unilateral cleft lip and palate. This may be associated with the development of a specialized workforce. Nevertheless, there still remains a group of children with significant difficulties at school entry.
Expropriation Clauses and Environmental Regulation: Diffusion of Law in the Era of Investment Treaties
Authors: Cotula Lorenzo
Published: November 2015

This article discusses diffusion of law in relation to investment treaty annexes on indirect expropriation. These annexes clarify the circumstances under which environmental regulation may constitute an expropriation requiring States to compensate investors. The article briefly reviews theoretical perspectives in diffusion of law debates and links them to investment treaty making. It then explores three diffusion moments in the development and spread of expropriation annexes: the transition of indirect expropriation concepts and rules from the jurisprudence of the United States (US) Supreme Court to the indirect expropriation annex included in the US model investment treaties of 2004 and 2012; the inclusion of a comparable annex in the 2009 Comprehensive Investment Agreement of the Association of South‐East Asian Nations; and the inclusion of an indirect expropriation annex in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union. The findings interrogate traditional concepts of diffusion of law and highlight the complexities of law formation in a globalized world. They also compound the case for comparative environmental lawyers to study the interface between national and international law and between environmental law and other branches of law that can affect options for environmental regulation.
In the Public Interest? A Comparative Analysis of Norway and EU GMO Regulations
Authors: Roger Apolline
Published: November 2015

The European Commission, when deciding whether the cultivation and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should be authorized on European Union (EU) territory, has always limited its decision to safety considerations. Dissatisfied, Member States required the adoption of the ‘GMO Package’. Its first application, Directive 2015/412, gives Member States the same opportunity that was already offered to Norway under the European Economic Area Agreement. It allows them to invoke social grounds to opt out of EU authorizations, but maintains the competence of the EU institutions over safety issues. The interpretation of the Directive promises to be contentious. How and to what extent may the Member States use the new provisions to open a debate on when authorizing a GMO is in the public interest? Learning from the Norwegian authorities that have done so since 1994, this article offers insights both on the Norwegian system and on the potential of the new Directive.
Standing Up for British Lungs: Effective Judicial Enforcement in Environmental Law – R (on the application of ClientEarth) v. Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Authors: Barritt Emily
Published: November 2015

The judgment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in R (on the application of ClientEarth) v. Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs represents a pragmatic approach to a pressing public health problem. However, the appellate history of the case reveals a number of important failures in the proper process of European Union law, in relation to the granting of an effective judicial remedy and with regard to the preliminary reference procedure.
Global Environmental Law and Comparative Legal Methods
Authors: Morgera Elisa
Published: November 2015

This article identifies significant points of contact between the scholarship on comparative law and on global law, and discusses how they can provide the building blocks for embedding more explicitly comparative legal methods into the growing scholarly debate on global environmental law. To set the terms for a more systematic debate, the article focuses, in turn, on the evolving understanding of the nature and scope of comparative law as a discipline, its different functions in the context of current global environmental law practice, and the variety of comparative legal methodologies, including interdisciplinary ones, that appear of relevance for global environmental lawyers. On these bases, the article concludes by reflecting on the nature of global environmental law and the role of global environmental lawyers.
Impact of effective versus sham continuous positive airway pressure on liver injury in obstructive sleep apnoea: Data from randomized trials
Authors: Jullian‐Desayes Ingrid , Tamisier Renaud , Zarski Jean‐Pierre , Aron‐Wisnewsky Judith , Launois‐Rollinat Sandrine H. , Trocme Candice , Levy Patrick , Joyeux‐Faure Marie , Pepin Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2015

Background and objective

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) could be an independent risk factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurrence and progression. The impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on non‐invasive markers of NAFLD has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6–12 weeks of effective CPAP on the FibroMax test (comprising components including the SteatoTest, NashTest and FibroTest) through three randomized sham controlled studies.

Methods

The FibroMax test was performed in 103 obstructive sleep apnoea patients (apnoea + hypopnoea index > 15/h) enrolled in a randomized study comparing sham versus effective CPAP.

Results

At baseline, 40.4% of patients in the sham CPAP group and 45.5% in the CPAP group exhibited liver steatosis. Furthermore, 39.6% of patients in the sham CPAP group and 58.4% in the CPAP group displayed borderline or possible non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Six to twelve weeks of effective CPAP did not demonstrate any impact on reducing steatosis, NASH or liver fibrosis even after adjustment for gender, BMI, baseline apnoea + hypopnoea index and severity of liver injury.

Conclusion

A number of non‐invasive markers of liver damage are increased in untreated obstructive sleep apnoea patients, potentially contributing to cardiometabolic risk, but they do not improve after 6–12 weeks of effective CPAP treatment.

Clinical trial registration: NCT01196845 (ADISAS), NCT00464659 (MneSAS) and NCT00669695 (StatinflaSAS) at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Nonlinear Wave Equations for Oceanic Internal Solitary Waves
Authors: Grimshaw Roger
Published: November 2015

In the coastal ocean, the interaction of barotropic tidal currents with topographic features such as the continental shelf, sills in narrow straits, and bottom ridges are often observed to generate large amplitude, horizontally propagating internal solitary waves. These are long nonlinear waves and hence can be modeled by equations of the Korteweg–de Vries type. Typically they occur in regions of variable bottom topography, with the consequence that the appropriate nonlinear evolution equation has variable coefficients. Further, as these waves can be long‐lived it is necessary to take account of the effects of the Earth's background rotation. We review this family of model evolution equations and some of their pertinent solutions, obtained both asymptotically and numerically.
Importance of Bonding Atmosphere for Mechanical Reliability of Reactively Bonded Solder Joints
Authors: Miyake Shugo , Ohtani Kohei , Inoue Shozo , Namazu Takahiro
Published: November 2015

Self-propagating exothermic reaction bonding (SERB) technique with Al/Ni multilayer film is fascinating in the viewpoint of lots of outstanding features, such as atmosphere-independent exothermic reaction and its self-propagation. The reactively bonded solder joints with high bonded strength are required for practical use in semiconductor devices. We have investigated the fracture strength of rectangular-solid specimens with reactively bonded solder joint (Sn–3.5Ag solder/reacted NiAl/Sn–3.5Ag solder) sandwiched by single crystal silicon (SCS). In this paper, the influence of bonding atmosphere on the fracture behavior is discussed by means of four-point bending testing and fracture surface observation. The fracture strength increases with increasing pressure load during bonding. The strength of the vacuum-bonded specimens is found to be higher than that of the air-bonded specimens. The fracture surface observation results suggest that Al oxide and intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the reacted NiAl layer and the SnAg solder layer, respectively, would have affected the strength of the Al/Ni SERB joints.
High performance lithium niobate surface acoustic wave transducers in the 4–12 GHz super high frequency range
Authors: Chen Xiao , Mohammad Mohammad Ali , Conway James , Liu Bo , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: November 2015

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducers are a well-established component used in numerous sensors, communications, and electronics devices. In this work, the authors report a systematic study of 320–800 nm period lithium niobate SAW interdigitated transducers (IDTs) corresponding to resonant frequencies in the 4–12 GHz range. An optimized SAW design and a nanofabrication process flow were developed, which enabled superior device performance in terms of frequency, signal losses, and electromagnetic coupling. The influence of the device alignment on the substrate crystal planes, in addition to the IDT period and electrode design, is found to have a significant impact on various process metrics. As an example, two identical SAW transducers fabricated perpendicular to each other may have a resonant frequency difference approaching 1 GHz, for the same harmonic mode. These and other trends are presented and discussed.
Physicochemical properties of copper important for its antibacterial activity and development of a unified model
Authors: Hans Michael , Mathews Salima , Mücklich Frank , Solioz Marc
Published: November 2015

Contact killing is a novel term describing the killing of bacteria when they come in contact with metallic copper or copper-containing alloys. In recent years, the mechanism of contact killing has received much attention and many mechanistic details are available. The authors here review some of these mechanistic aspects with a focus on the critical physicochemical properties of copper which make it antibacterial. Known mechanisms of contact killing are set in context to ionic, corrosive, and physical properties of copper. The analysis reveals that the oxidation behavior of copper, paired with the solubility properties of copper oxides, are the key factors which make metallic copper antibacterial. The concept advanced here explains the unique position of copper as an antibacterial metal. Based on our model, novel design criteria for metallic antibacterial materials may be derived.
Integration of broken-gap heterojunction InAs/GaSb Esaki tunnel diodes on silicon
Authors: Bhatnagar Kunal , Caro Manuel P. , Rojas-Ramirez Juan S. , Droopad Ravi , Thomas Paul M. , Gaur Abhinav , Filmer Matthew J. , Rommel Sean L.
Published: November 2015

This study entails a comparison of the broken-gap InAs/GaSb heterojunction system on two different substrates, including Si and native GaSb as a control. Through the use of different integration schemes such as AlSb and SrTiO3 buffer layers, GaSb was grown on miscut Si substrates using solid-source molecular beam epitaxy. The InAs/GaSb p+-i-n+ heterostructures were grown on the GaSb/Si virtual substrates and compared in terms of their surface morphology and crystalline quality. Esaki tunnel diodes were fabricated, and their performance compared across the different integration platforms. The control sample shows the best peak current density of 336 kA/cm2 and a conductance slope of 274 mV/decade compared to the broken-gap junction on SrTiO3/Si and AlSb/Si virtual substrates. These results show the possibility of integrating the InAs/GaSb system in ultralow power tunnel field-effect transistors logic applications with the cost-effectiveness and maturity of the silicon technology.
The Effects of Preexercise Caffeinated Coffee Ingestion on Endurance Performance: An Evidence-Based Review
Authors: Higgins Simon , Straight Chad R. , Lewis Richard D.
Published: November 2015

Endurance athletes commonly ingest caffeine as a means to enhance training intensity and competitive performance. A widely-used source of caffeine is coffee, however conflicting evidence exists regarding the efficacy of coffee in improving endurance performance. In this context, the aims of this evidence-based review were threefold: 1) to evaluate the effects of preexercise coffee on endurance performance, 2) to evaluate the effects of coffee on perceived exertion during endurance performance, and 3) to translate the research into usable information for athletes to make an informed decision regarding the intake of caffeine via coffee as a potential ergogenic aid. Searches of three major databases were performed using terms caffeine and coffee, or coffee-caffeine, and endurance, or aerobic. Included studies (n = 9) evaluated the effects of caffeinated coffee on human subjects, provided the caffeine dose administered, administered caffeine ≥ 45 min before testing, and included a measure of endurance performance (e.g., time trial). Significant improvements in endurance performance were observed in five of nine studies, which were on average 24.2% over controls for time to exhaustion trials, and 3.1% for time to completion trials. Three of six studies found that coffee reduced perceived exertion during performance measures significantly more than control conditions (p < .05). Based on the reviewed studies there is moderate evidence supporting the use of coffee as an ergogenic aid to improve performance in endurance cycling and running. Coffee providing 3–8.1 mg/kg (1.36–3.68 mg/lb) of caffeine may be used as a safe alternative to anhydrous caffeine to improve endurance performance.
Does Sport-Drink Use During Exercise Promote an Acute Positive Energy Balance?
Authors: Dragusin Iulian B. , Horswill Craig A.
Published: November 2015

Sports drinks have been implicated in contributing to obesity and chronic diseases by providing surplus calories and excess sugars. Using existing literature we compared energy intake from sports drinks consumed during exercise with the exercise-induced calorie expenditure to determine whether sports drink use might eliminate the energy deficit and jeopardize conditions for improved metabolic fitness. We identified 11 published studies that compared sport drink consumption to placebo during exercise with a primary focused on the effect of sport drinks or total carbohydrate content on enhancing physical performance. Energy expenditure (EE) was calculated using VO2, RER, and exercise duration for the exercise protocol. Energy ingestion (EI) was determined using the carbohydrate dosing regimen administered before and during the exercise protocol. A two-tailed t test was used to test whether the energy balance (EI-EE) was different from zero (alpha level = 0.05). Sport drink consumption during aerobic exercise of sufficient duration (≥ 60 min) did not abolish the energy deficit (p < .001). Mean ± SD were EE, 1600 ± 639 Cal; EI, 394 ± 289 Cal; and EI-EE,-1206+594 Cal; VO2, 3.05 ± 0.55 L/min; RER, 0.91 ± 0.04; exercise duration 110 ± 42 min. Ingesting sports drinks to enhance performance did not abolish the caloric deficit of aerobic exercise. Sports drinks can be used in accordance with research protocols that typically provide 30–60 g of carbohydrate per hour when exercising at adequate durations for moderate to high intensity and still maintain a substantive caloric deficit.
The Deselection Process in Competitive Female Youth Sport
Authors: Neely Kacey C. , Dunn John G.H. , McHugh Tara-Leigh F. , Holt Nicholas L.
Published: November 2015

The overall purpose of this study was to examine coaches’ views on deselecting athletes from competitive female adolescent sport teams. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 head coaches of Canadian provincial level soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ice hockey teams. Interpretive description methodology (Thorne, 2008) was used. Results revealed deselection was a process that involved four phases: pre-tryout meeting, evaluation and decision-making, communication of deselection, and post deselection reflections. Within the evaluation and decision-making phase coaches made programmed and nonprogrammed decisions under conditions of certainty and uncertainty. When faced with uncertainty coaches relied on intuition.
Clinical audit in veterinary practice: theory v reality
Authors: Waine Katie , Brennan Marnie
Published: November 2015

Katie Waine and Marnie Brennan discuss some of the contentious issues relating to the application of clinical audit in veterinary practice and examine the benefits of using audit to improve patient care.
Diagnosing limb paresis and paralysis in sheep
Authors: Crilly James Patrick , Rzechorzek Nina , Scott Philip
Published: November 2015

Paresis and paralysis are uncommon problems in sheep but are likely to prompt farmers to seek veterinary advice. A thorough and logical approach can aid in determining the cause of the problem and highlighting the benefit of veterinary involvement. While this may not necessarily alter the prognosis for an individual animal, it can help in formulating preventive measures and avoid the costs – both in economic and in welfare terms – of misdirected treatment. Distinguishing between central and peripheral lesions is most important, as the relative prognoses are markedly different, and this can often be achieved with minimal equipment. This article describes an approach to performing a neurological examination of the ovine trunk and limbs, the ancillary tests available and the common and important causes of paresis and paralysis in sheep.
Ocular sampling in the dog and cat
Authors: Featherstone Heidi , Scurrell Emma
Published: November 2015

The eye and the adnexa are unusual in that they allow a direct and detailed visual examination, more so than any other organ except the skin. If a laboratory test is required, the clinician should be familiar with the appropriate test for the suspected disease process and the correct method of sample collection and handling. Close communication with the laboratory will facilitate and further define these aspects and enable accurate interpretation of the results. This article correlates routine laboratory tests with different parts of the eye – globe, eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea and aqueous (and vitreous) humour(s) – and provides a list of practical tips for microbiology, cytology, histopathology and PCR.
Whole-grain pasta reduces appetite and meal-induced thermogenesis acutely: a pilot study
Authors: Cioffi Iolanda , Santarpia Lidia , Vaccaro Andrea , Iacone Roberto , Labruna Giuseppe , Marra Maurizio , Contaldo Franco , Kristensen Mette , Pasanisi Fabrizio
Published: November 2015

In epidemiological studies, the intake of foods rich in dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of developing overweight and type 2 diabetes. This work aims to identify acute strategies to regulate appetite and improve glucose control by using different pasta meals. Hence, 4 different isocaloric lunch meals, consisting of (i) refined-grain pasta (RG+T), (ii) whole-grain pasta (WG+T), (iii) lemon juice-supplemented refined-grain pasta (LRG+T), and (iv) refined-grain pasta with legumes (RG+L), were administered to 8 healthy participants in a crossover design. On the test days, participants underwent baseline measurements, including appetite sensation, blood sample, and resting energy expenditure (EE), after which the test lunch was served. Subjective appetite was assessed and a blood sample was taken each hour for 240 min, and postprandial EE was measured for 3 h. In repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), postprandial fullness (p = 0.001) increased and hunger (p = 0.038) decreased. WG+T had a lower EE than did both LGR+T (p = 0.02) and RG+L (p < 0.001). Likewise, meal-induced thermogenesis was lower for WG+T compared with RG+L (58 ± 81 kJ vs 248 ± 188 kJ; p < 0.05). Plasma glucose (p = 0.001) was lower for RG+T, and triacylglycerols (p = 0.02) increased for LRG+T; however, insulin, C-peptide, and ghrelin were comparable in all other meals. In conclusion, our study indicates that acute consumption of whole-grain pasta may promote fullness and reduce hunger, lowering postprandial thermogenesis, and adding lemon juice to the pasta or legumes does not appear to affect appetite. However, none of pasta meal alterations improved the postprandial metabolic profile.
Curcumin and folic acid abrogated methotrexate induced vascular endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Sankrityayan Himanshu , Majumdar Anuradha S.
Published: November 2015

Methotrexate, an antifolate drug widely used in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and cancer, is known to cause vascular endothelial dysfunction by causing hyperhomocysteinemia, direct injury to endothelium or by increasing the oxidative stress (raising levels of 7,8-dihydrobiopterin). Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action and therapeutic spectra similar to that of methotrexate. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on methotrexate induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and also compare its effect with that produced by folic acid (0.072 μg·g−1·day−1, p.o., 2 weeks) per se and in combination. Male Wistar rats were exposed to methotrexate (0.35 mg·kg−1·day−1, i.p.) for 2 weeks to induce endothelial dysfunction. Methotrexate exposure led to shedding of endothelium, decreased vascular reactivity, increased oxidative stress, decreased serum nitrite levels, and increase in aortic collagen deposition. Curcumin (200 mg·kg−1·day−1and 400 mg·kg−1·day−1, p.o.) for 4 weeks prevented the increase in oxidative stress, decrease in serum nitrite, aortic collagen deposition, and also vascular reactivity. The effects were comparable with those produced by folic acid therapy. The study shows that curcumin, when concomitantly administered with methotrexate, abrogated its vascular side effects by preventing an increase in oxidative stress and abating any reduction in physiological nitric oxide levels.
On the Appropriate Handling of Metastable Voltages in FPGAs
Authors: Polzer Thomas , Najvirt Robert , Beck Florian , Steininger Andreas
Published: November 2015

The significant process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations seen with modern technologies make strictly synchronous design inefficient. Asynchronous design with its flexible timing is a promising alternative, but prototyping is difficult on the available FPGA platforms which are clock centric and do not provide the required functional primitives like mutual exclusion or Muller C-elements. The solutions proposed in the literature so far work nicely in principle but cannot safely handle metastability issues that are inevitable even at some interfaces in asynchronous designs. In this paper, we propose reliable implementations of the fundamental function blocks required to safely convert potential intermediate voltage levels that result from metastability into late transitions that can be reliably handled in the asynchronous domain. These are high- and low-threshold buffers as well as a Schmitt-trigger. We give elaborate background analysis for the proposed circuits and also present the associated routing constraints to make the Schmitt-trigger circuit work properly in spite of the uncertain routing within FPGAs. Furthermore, we propose a procedure for an “in situ reliability assessment” of the specific Schmitt-trigger element under consideration, which also applies to metastability containment with high- or low-threshold buffers only. Our proof of concept is based on experimental results for both Xilinx and Altera FPGA platforms.