bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which grab bar do you prefer in the bathroom?
Authors: Morales Ernesto , Pilon Marc-Antoine , Doyle Olivier , Gauthier Véronique , Gamache Stéphanie , Routhier François , Rousseau Jacqueline
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify whether the horizontal grab bar for the toilet and the bathtub suggested by the Code du bâtiment du Québec conform to users’ preferences. Perceived effort, comfort and safety were considered.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 31 adults and seniors using manual and powered wheelchairs were asked to test different grab bar configurations for both the toilet and bathtub. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate participants’ perceptions and preferences after the trials with each grab bar. Effort was measured using the ten-level Borg scale, while participants’ comfort and safety were assessed with a five-point Likert scale. Participants were finally invited to express an overall personal preference between the two grab bar used in each setup.

Findings

Participants showed preference for an L-shaped grab bar for the toilet, and a horizontal grab bar for the bathtub. The authors’ results differ from the recommendations of the barrier-free design standards of the province of Quebec’s construction code, which states that horizontal grab bars should be used for the toilet and bathtub.

Originality/value

This study suggest that despite the limited sample, there is an undeniable need for testing norms for public spaces, whenever is possible and has a direct effect on end-users, before publishing them.
Yes, but … our response to: “professional ethics in the information age”
Authors: Gotterbarn Donald , Miller Keith  W.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This short viewpoint is a response to a lead paper on professional ethics in the information age. This paper aims to draw upon the authors’ experience of professional bodies such as the ACM over many years. Points of agreement and disagreement are highlighted with the aim of promoting wider debate.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the lead paper is undertaken using a binary agree/disagree approach. This highlights the conflicting views which can then be considered in more detail.

Findings

Four major agreements and four major disagreements are identified. There is an emphasis on “acultural” professionalism to promote moral behavior rather than amoral behavior.

Originality/value

This is an original viewpoint which draws from the authors’ practical experience and expertise.
Epidemiological survey from 2009 to 2012 of psoriatic patients in Japanese Society for Psoriasis Research
Authors: Ito Toshihiro , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Kawada Akira , Iizuka Hajime , Nakagawa Hidemi ,   Japanese Society For Psoriasis Research
Published: November 2017

Since 1982, the Japanese Society for Psoriasis Research has conducted annual epidemiological surveys of patients with psoriasis. Kawada et al. have reported data for 1982–2001 and Takahashi et al. have reported data for 2002–2008. The present study evaluated 9290 psoriatic cases according to age and sex (2009–2012). The male : female ratio was 2.08:1 (6281 male patients [67.6%] to 3009 female patients [32.4%]). The most prevalent type was psoriasis vulgaris (85.6% of all cases), which was followed by psoriasis arthropathica (6.0%), psoriasis guttate acuta (3.2%), Zumbusch‐type generalized pustular psoriasis (1.8%) and psoriasis erythroderma (1.5%). Psoriasis vulgaris was the most prevalent type for all ages, while psoriasis arthropathica and psoriasis guttate acuta were most prevalent among patients aged less than 65 years. The present survey detected an increased number of cases with comorbid diabetes and/or arthritis symptoms compared with the previous surveys. We found that treatments frequently involved topical corticosteroids (89.7% of cases) and vitamin D3 ointments (78.0% of cases), with a notable increase in the use of vitamin D3 ointments. Systemic treatments were used in 33.3% of cases, including cyclosporin (33.6%), etretinate (19.5%), methotrexate (8.6%), infliximab (11.4%), adalimumab (10.9%) and ustekinumab (6.2%). Phototherapy was used in 30.9% of cases. Although psoralen plus ultraviolet A therapy was the predominant phototherapy during previous studies, the present survey revealed that narrowband ultraviolet B therapy was used in 84.5% of phototherapy‐treated cases. Thus, the present survey revealed major changes in treatment trends.
Automatic stacking‐velocity estimation using similarity‐weighted clustering
Authors: Liu Guochang , Li Chao , Liu Xingye , Ge Qiang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2017

Local seismic event slopes contain subsurface velocity information and can be used to estimate seismic stacking velocity. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to estimate the stacking velocity automatically from seismic reflection data using similarity‐weighted k‐means clustering, in which the weights are local similarity between each trace in common midpoint gather and a reference trace. Local similarity reflects the local signal‐to‐noise ratio in common midpoint gather. We select the data points with high signal‐to‐noise ratio to be used in the velocity estimation with large weights in mapped traveltime and velocity domain by similarity‐weighted k‐means clustering with thresholding. By using weighted k‐means clustering, we make clustering centroids closer to those data points with large weights, which are more reliable and have higher signal‐to‐noise ratio. The interpolation is used to obtain the whole velocity volume after we have got velocity points calculated by weighted k‐means clustering. Using the proposed method, one obtains a more accurate estimate of the stacking velocity because the similarity‐based weighting in clustering takes into account the signal‐to‐noise ratio and reliability of different data points in mapped traveltime and velocity domain. In order to demonstrate that, we apply the proposed method to synthetic and field data examples, and the resulting images are of higher quality when compared with the ones obtained using existing methods.
Endovascular treatment of innominate artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Malekpour Alamdari Nasser , Bakhtiyari Mahmood
Published: November 2017

Pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery is atypical and engenders after blunt chest trauma. One of the uncommon conditions secondary to innominate artery aneurysm is tracheal stenosis, and progressive dyspnoea as the clinical presentation of a pseudoaneurysm is even more unusual. An 18‐year‐old man was referred to Shahid Moddaress Hospital with a cough and progressive respiratory distress that had commenced 9 months earlier. At first, he had exertional dyspenea but gradually turned into orthopnea and dyspnea at rest. He had a history of trauma resulting from being hit with a vehicle as a pedestrian, and a long period of intubation and tracheostomy 2 years earlier. Although tracheal stenosis is quite uncommon, it is a condition that should be considered for patients with a history of blunt chest trauma, which could result in aneurysms of the great vessels.
A biotrophic fungal infection of the great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis indirectly affects caterpillar performance of the endangered scarce large blue butterfly Phengaris teleius
Authors: Śliwińska Ewa B. , Martyka Rafał , Martyka Mirosław , Cichoń Mariusz , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: November 2017

Interactions between ecological communities of herbivores and microbes are commonly mediated by a shared plant. A tripartite interaction between a pathogenic fungus–host plant–herbivorous insect is an example of such mutual influences. In such a system a fungal pathogen commonly has a negative influence on the morphology and biochemistry of the host plant, with consequences for insect herbivore performance. Here we studied whether the biotrophic fungus Podosphaera ferruginea, attacking the great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, affects caterpillar performance of the endangered scarce large blue butterfly Phengaris teleius. Our results showed that the pathogenic fungus affected the number and size of inflorescences produced by food‐plants and, more importantly, had indirect, plant‐mediated effects on the abundance, body mass and immune response of caterpillars. Specifically, we found the relationship between caterpillar abundance and variability in inflorescence size on a plant to be positive among healthy food‐plants, and negative among infected food‐plants. Caterpillars that fed on healthy food‐plants were smaller than those that fed on infected food‐plants in one studied season, while there was no such difference in the other season. We observed the relationship between caterpillar immune response and the proportion of infected great burnets within a habitat patch to be positive when caterpillars fed on healthy food‐plants, and negative when caterpillars fed on infected food‐plants. Our results suggest that this biotrophic fungal infection of the great burnet may impose a significant indirect influence on P. teleius caterpillar performance with potential consequences for the population dynamics and structure of this endangered butterfly.
Using the “regime shift” concept in addressing social–ecological change
Authors: Kull Christian A. , Kueffer Christoph , Richardson David M. , Vaz Ana Sofia , Vicente Joana R. , Honrado João Pradinho
Published: November 2017

‘Regime shift’ has emerged as a key concept in the environmental sciences. The concept has roots in complexity science and its ecological applications, and is increasingly applied to intertwined social and ecological phenomena. Yet what exactly is a regime shift? We explore this question at three nested levels. First, we propose a broad, contingent, multi‐perspective epistemological basis for the concept, seeking to build bridges between its complexity theory origins and critiques from science studies, political ecology, and environmental history. Second, we define the concept in a way that is consistent with this epistemology, building on previous work on speed, scale, stickiness, and interrelationships, but also emphasising human perceptions and rhetorical uses of the notion. Third, we propose a novel typology of the ways in which the regime shift concept is used in analysing social–environmental phenomena in geography and beyond. These uses are categorised along two axes. On the one side, we distinguish between description of past or present changes and normative prescriptions for the future. On the other side, we distinguish between whether the focus is on material shifts (social and ecological) or conceptual shifts (discourses and ideas). We illustrate the typology with reference to social–environmental changes in landscapes around the world that are dominated by plantations or the widespread naturalisation of AustralianAcaciaspecies. We conclude that the regime shift concept is a boundary object with value as both an analytical and communicative tool in addressing social–environmental challenges.
Harnessing novel chromosomal integration loci to utilize an organosolv‐derived hemicellulose fraction for isobutanol production with engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Lange Julian , Müller Felix , Takors Ralf , Blombach Bastian
Published: November 2017

A successful bioeconomy depends on the manifestation of biorefineries that entirely convert renewable resources to valuable products and energies. Here, the poorly exploited hemicellulose fraction (HF) from beech wood organosolv processing was applied for isobutanol production with Corynebacterium glutamicum. To enable growth of C. glutamicum on HF, we integrated genes required for D‐xylose and l‐arabinose metabolization into two of 16 systematically identified and novel chromosomal integration loci. Under aerobic conditions, this engineered strain CArXy reached growth rates up to 0.34 ± 0.02 h−1 on HF. Based on CArXy, we developed the isobutanol producer strain CIsArXy, which additionally (over)expresses genes of the native l‐valine biosynthetic and the heterologous Ehrlich pathway. CIsArXy produced 7.2 ± 0.2 mM (0.53 ± 0.02 g L−1) isobutanol on HF at a carbon molar yield of 0.31 ± 0.02 C‐mol isobutanol per C‐mol substrate (d‐xylose + l‐arabinose) in an anaerobic zero‐growth production process.
Seasonal patterns in rainforest litterfall: Detecting endogenous and environmental influences from long‐term sampling
Authors: Edwards Will , Liddell Michael J. , Franks Peter , Nichols Cassandra , Laurance Susan G. W.
Published: November 2017

Tropical rainforests play an important role in the storage and cycling of global terrestrial carbon. In the carbon cycle, net primary productivity of forests is linked to soil respiration through the production and decomposition of forest litter. Climate seasonality appears to influence the production of litter although there is considerable variability within and across forests that makes accurate estimates challenging. We explored the effects of climate seasonality on litterfall dynamics in a lowland humid rainforest over a 7‐year period from 2007 to 2013, including an El Niño/La Niña cycle in 2010/2011. Litterfall was sampled fortnightly in 24 traps of 0.50 m diameter within a 1‐ha forest plot. Total mean litterfall was 10.48 ± 1.32 (±SD, dry weight) Mg ha−1 year−1 and seasonal in distribution. The different components of litterfall were divided into LLeaf (63.5%), LWood (27.7%) and LFF[flowers & fruit] (8.8%), which all demonstrated seasonal dynamics. Peak falls in LLeaf and LWood were highly predictable, coinciding with maximum daily temperatures and 1 and 2 months prior to maximum monthly rainfall. The El Niño/La Niña cycle coincided with elevated local winter temperatures and peak falls of LLeaf and LWood. Importantly, we establish how sampling length and generalized additive models eliminate the requirement for extensive within‐site sampling when the intention is to describe dynamics in litterfall patterns. Further, a greater understanding of seasonal cycles in litterfall allows us to distinguish between endogenous controls and environmental factors, such as El Niño events, which may have significant impacts on biochemical cycles.
The lifecycle of Agrilus biguttatus: the role of temperature in its development and distribution, and implications for Acute Oak Decline
Authors: Reed Katy , Denman Sandra , Leather Simon R. , Forster Jack , Inward Daegan J. G.
Published: November 2017

The two spotted oak buprestid, Agrilus biguttatus Fabricus, is implicated in oak decline events across Europe, and is strongly linked to Acute Oak Decline in the U.K., although its role in the syndrome remains under investigation. In the U.K., the beetle is restricted to south and central England. The present study aimed to improve our understanding of the beetle's life history and thermal requirements, intending to explain its U.K. distribution, and to collect data for lifecycle modelling.

Novel methods were developed to collect and culture the beetle in the laboratory, which enabled experiments to be carried out, providing data on the beetle's sex ratio, longevity and fecundity, and the development rates of eggs, larvae and pupae at constant temperatures.

On average, females lived for 63 days and laid 82 eggs. Larvae developed through four instars. Sex ratio varied by site, with no overall trend apparent.

The development rates of eggs, larvae and pupae (to adult emergence) had linear relationships with temperature, with lower developmental thresholds of 12.1, 11.9 and 15.1 °C, respectively. For each life stage, degree‐day values were calculated. Beetles appeared to have an obligatory prepupal diapause at all temperatures studied, up to and including 25 °C.

The implications of the developmental findings for the beetle's current distribution, as well as the possible effects of climate change, are discussed. The beetle appears to be thermally limited in the U.K. and, if so, its distribution, and perhaps that of Acute Oak Decline, may alter under climate change.
Broad ligament hernia successfully repaired by single‐incision laparoscopy: A case report
Authors: Takeyama Hiroshi , Kogita Yuya , Nishigaki Takahiko , Yamashita Masafumi , Aikawa Eriko , Hoshi Minako , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Maruyama Yasuki , Nakajima Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Yoshimitsu , Adachi Kazushige , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Ikeda Kimimasa , Kurokawa Eiji
Published: November 2017

A 52‐year‐old woman with a history of two parturitions presented with lower abdominal pain. Multi‐detector CT of the abdomen showed discontinuity of the sigmoid colon near the broad ligament on the left side. We assigned a provisional diagnosis of an internal hernia progressing through a defect in the broad ligament. SILS revealed a total broad ligament defect on the left side but no signs of ischemic, necrotic bowel. We successfully repaired the broad ligament defect with suturing. At the 2‐month follow‐up, the patient remained well with no signs of recurrence. This case appears to be the first report of a broad ligament hernia successfully diagnosed and repaired by SILS.
Mobile learning in higher education: A comparative analysis of developed and developing country contexts
Authors: Kaliisa Rogers , Palmer Edward , Miller Julia
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast characteristics of use and adoption of mobile learning in higher education in developed and developing countries. A comparative case study based on a survey questionnaire was conducted with 189 students (undergraduate and postgraduate) from Makerere University in Uganda and the University of Adelaide in Australia. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was employed as the theoretical framework. The results indicated that higher education students in developed and developing countries use a range of technologies for learning, with major differences between Uganda and Australia. The study concludes that mobile learning in higher education in developed and developing country contexts is still at an experimental stage with students using mobile devices in pedagogically limited ways.
Peer Problems Among Postinstitutionalized, Internationally Adopted Children: Relations to Hypocortisolism, Parenting Quality, and ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Pitula Clio E. , DePasquale Carrie E. , Mliner Shanna B. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: November 2017

Seventy‐eight postinstitutionalized (PI) children adopted at ages 17–36 months were assessed 2, 8, 16, and 24 months postadoption on measures of cortisol and parenting quality, and compared to same‐aged children adopted from foster care (FC, n = 45) and nonadopted children (NA, n = 45). In kindergarten (Mage = 6.0 years), teachers, parents, and trained observers completed measures of peer relationships and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. PI children had more peer problems and ADHD symptoms according to teachers and observers than NA children with FC children in between, whereas both PI and FC children were at significantly greater risk of hypocortisolism (i.e., blunted cortisol diurnal rhythm and reactivity). Hypocortisolism and ADHD symptoms mediated the association between preadoption adversity and peer difficulties. Higher postadoption parenting quality was protective.
Zoonotic helminth exposure and risk of allergic diseases: A study of two generations in Norway
Authors: Jõgi N. O. , Svanes C. , Siiak S. P. , Logan E. , Holloway J. W. , Igland J. , Johannessen A. , Levin M. , Real F. G. , Schlunssen V. , Horsnell W. G. C. , Bertelsen R. J.
Published: November 2017

Background

Animal and human studies indicate that definitive host helminth infections may confer protection from allergies. However, zoonotic helminths, such as Toxocara species (spp.), have been associated with increased allergies.

Objective

We describe the prevalence of Toxocara spp. and Ascaris spp. seropositivity and associations with allergic diseases and sensitization, in 2 generations in Bergen, Norway.

Methods

Serum levels of total IgG4, anti‐Toxocara spp. IgG4 and Ascaris spp. IgG4 were established by ELISA in 2 cohorts: parents born 1945‐1972 (n = 171) and their offspring born 1969‐2003 (n = 264). Allergic outcomes and covariates were recorded through interviews and clinical examinations including serum IgEs and skin prick tests.

Results

Anti‐Ascaris spp. IgG4 was detected in 29.2% of parents and 10.3% of offspring, and anti‐Toxocara spp. IgG4 in 17.5% and 8.0% of parents and offspring, respectively. Among offspring, anti‐Toxocara spp. IgG4 was associated with pet keeping before age 15 (OR = 6.15; 95% CI = 1.37‐27.5) and increasing BMI (1.16[1.06‐1.25] per kg/m2). Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with wheeze (2.97[1.45‐ 7.76]), hayfever (4.03[1.63‐9.95]), eczema (2.89[1.08‐7.76]) and cat sensitization (5.65[1.92‐16.6]) among offspring, but was not associated with allergic outcomes among parents. Adjustment for childhood or current pet keeping did not alter associations with allergies. Parental Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased offspring allergies following a sex‐specific pattern.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

Zoonotic helminth exposure in Norway was less frequent in offspring than parents; however, Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased risk of allergic manifestations in the offspring generation, but not among parents. Changes in response to helminth exposure may provide insights into the increase in allergy incidence in affluent countries.
Smoking and EGFR status may predict outcomes of advanced NSCLC treated with PD‐(L)1 inhibitors beyond first line: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Omar
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the potential clinical and biological predictive markers of survival in pretreated advanced NSCLC patients treated with the three PD‐(L)1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab).

Data source/study selection

PubMed database has been searched. The review author extracted relevant information on participant characteristics and study outcomes for this review and assessed risk of bias of the included trials. Data analysis was conducted through RevMan v.5.3.

Main results

Five randomized controlled trials with 3013 patients were included. There was no predictive value for the age of the patients (taking 65 years as a cutoff value), the histology (squamous vs nonsquamous) or performance score (score 0 vs score 1); while there appears to be a value for smoking history and EGFR status. The pooled HR for death for patients with EGFR mutant disease was 1.11 [95% CI: 0.80, 1.53; P = 0.54]; while pooled HR for death for patients with EGFR wild type disease was 0.67 [95% CI: 0.60, 0.75; P < 0.00001]. The pooled HR for death for patients with current/former smokers was 0.71 [95% CI: 0.63, 0.82; P < 0.00001]; while pooled HR for death for patients with never smokers was 0.79 [95% CI: 0.60, 1.06; P = 0.11]. However, because of the low‐to‐moderate quality of data, these conclusions may change with publication of other ongoing trials.

Conclusions

Smoking history and EGFR status may help predict the performance of PD‐(L)1 inhibitors vs docetaxel in previously treated NSCLC patients.
Natural rewilding of the Great Basin: Genetic consequences of recolonization by black bears (Ursus americanus)
Authors: Malaney Jason L. , Lackey Carl W. , Beckmann Jon P. , Matocq Marjorie D.
Published: November 2017

Aim

In the mid‐20th century, many populations of large‐bodied mammals experienced declines throughout North America. Fortunately, within the last several decades, some have begun to rebound and even recolonize extirpated portions of their native range, including black bears (Ursus americanus) in the montane areas of the western Great Basin. In this study, we examine genetic variation in source and recolonized areas to better understand the genetic consequences of recolonization.

Location

Western Great Basin, USA.

Methods

Using multiple loci, we characterized genetic variation among source and recently recolonized areas occupied by black bears, tested for population structure and applied approximate Bayesian computation to test competing hypotheses of demographic history. We assessed signals of gene flow using expectations of genetic consequences derived from alternative modes of recolonization (bottleneck, metapopulation, island model) and tested for significant signals of genetic bottlenecks in areas recently recolonized by black bears.

Results

As anticipated from field survey data and hypothesized expectations, genetic variation of western Great Basin black bears retain an overall signature of demographic decline followed by recent rebound. Furthermore, results reveal that bears in the recolonized range are minimally differentiated from the source area, but newly established subpopulations have lower effective population sizes and reduced allelic diversity. Nevertheless, recolonized areas fail to show a significant signal of a genetic bottleneck. Moreover, bears occupying recolonized areas experience asymmetric gene flow, yielding strong support for a model of genetic connectivity that is best described as a metapopulation.

Main Conclusion

This study presents one of the few empirical examples of genetic consequences of natural recolonization in large‐bodied mammals. Furthermore, these results have implications for understanding the complexities associated with the genetic consequences of recent and ongoing recolonization and highlight the need to develop management strategies uniquely tailored to support connectivity between source and recolonized areas.
Secondary queens in the parthenogenetic termite Cavitermes tuberosus develop through a transitional helper stage
Authors: Hellemans Simon , Fournier Denis , Hanus Robert , Roisin Yves
Published: November 2017

In termite species with asexual queen succession (AQS), parthenogenetically produced immatures mostly differentiate into secondary queens, called “neotenics.” In order to elucidate the ontogenetic origin of neotenics in Cavitermes tuberosus (Termitidae: Termitinae), a neotropical termite with AQS, we investigated developmental pathways of offspring according to their sex and genetic origin using both morphometric and genetic tools. The caste system of C. tuberosus follows the classical pathway of Termitidae. After the first larval instar, there is a bifurcation between two developmental lines. The apterous line is composed of a second larval instar, several worker instars, presoldiers, and soldiers. Workers display a consistent male bias and soldiers are female‐only. The nymphal line is composed of five nymphal instars and the imago stage. We highlight that neotenic queens derive from third and fourth instar nymphs displaying peculiar morphological traits, here termed “aspirants,” most of which are produced by parthenogenesis. Aspirants are present in all nests and perform worker tasks while waiting for the queen's death to differentiate into neotenic queens. Aspirants can successfully be used to demonstrate the occurrence of parthenogenesis in termite species whose reproductive cores are difficult to access.
Pediatric Diamond‐Blackfan anemia in the Netherlands: An overview of clinical characteristics and underlying molecular defects
Authors: van Dooijeweert Birgit , van Ommen C. Heleen , Smiers Frans J. , Tamminga Rienk Y. J. , te Loo Maroeska W. , Donker Albertine E. , Peters Marjolein , Granzen Bernd , Gille Hans J. J. P. , Bierings Marc B. , MacInnes Alyson W. , Bartels Marije
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is characterized by hypoplastic anemia, congenital anomalies, and a predisposition for malignancies. Most of our understanding of this disorder stems from molecular studies combined with extensive data input from international patient registries.

Objectives

To create an overview of the pediatric DBA population in the Netherlands. Methods: Forty‐three patients diagnosed with DBA from all Dutch university pediatric hospitals were included in this study, and their clinical and genetic characteristics were collected from patient records.

Results

Congenital malformations were present in 24 of 43 patients (55.8%). An underlying genetic defect was identified in 26 of 43 patients (60.5%), the majority of which were found in the RPS19 gene (12 of 43, 27.9%) with 1 patient carrying a mutation in a novel DBA candidate gene, RPL9. In 31 of 35 (88.6%) patients, an initial response to glucocorticoid treatment was observed. Six patients (14.0%) underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and eleven patients (11 of 43, 25.6%) became treatment‐independent spontaneously.

Conclusion

In agreement with previous reports, the Dutch pediatric DBA population is both clinically and genetically heterogeneous. National and international registries, together with more extensive genetic testing, are crucial to increase our understanding of genotype and phenotype correlations of this intriguing disorder.
Tafamidis delays neurological progression comparably across Val30Met and non‐Val30Met genotypes in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Gundapaneni B. K. , Sultan M. B. , Keohane D. J. , Schwartz J. H.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

To better characterize the effects of tafamidis in non‐Val30Met patients with transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy, this post hoc analysis compared the neurological results from a 12‐month, open‐label study of non‐Val30Met versus Val30Met patients at month 12 from the 18‐month, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled registration study. A baseline covariate adjusted analysis was used to control for differences in baseline neurological severity.

Methods

Neurological function was assessed using the Neuropathy Impairment Score – Lower Limbs (NIS‐LL) in three cohorts: Val30Met tafamidis (n = 64), Val30Met placebo (n = 61) and non‐Val30Met tafamidis (n = 21). The change in NIS‐LL from baseline to month 12 for Val30Met and non‐Val30Met tafamidis‐treated patients was compared with the change from baseline at month 12 for Val30Met placebo‐treated patients using a mixed‐effects model for repeated measures (MMRM).

Results

The baseline adjusted mean (standard error) change in NIS‐LL values at month 12 was similar for Val30Met [1.60 (0.78)] and non‐Val30Met [1.62 (1.43)] tafamidis‐treated patients and less than that observed in the Val30Met placebo‐treated group [4.72 (0.77); P = 0.0055 for Val30Met and P = 0.0592 for non‐Val30Met]. Based on the MMRM, the magnitude of change in both tafamidis‐treated cohorts was similar across the range of observed baseline NIS‐LL values, and was consistently less than that observed in the Val30Met placebo‐treated group at month 12.

Conclusions

This baseline‐adjusted analysis demonstrated that tafamidis treatment delayed neurological progression comparably in Val30Met and non‐Val30Met patients across a range of baseline NIS‐LL values. Neurological progression in these two genotype groups may be more similar than previously considered.
Intracranial hypertension induced by internal jugular vein stenosis can be resolved by stenting
Authors: Zhou D. , Meng R. , Zhang X. , Guo L. , Li S. , Wu W. , Duan J. , Song H. , Ding Y. , Ji X.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by abnormally elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) without identifiable etiology. Recently, however, a subset of patients with presumed IIH have been found with isolated internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis in the absence of intracranial abnormalities.

Methods

Fifteen consecutive patients were screened from 46 patients suspected as IIH and were finally confirmed as isolated IJV stenosis. The stenotic IJV was corrected with stenting when the trans‐stenotic mean pressure gradient (∆MPG) was equal to or higher than 5.44 cmH2O. Dynamic magnetic resonance venography, computed tomographic venography and digital subtraction angiography of the IJV, ∆MPG, ICP, Headache Impact Test 6 and the Frisén papilledema grade score before and after stenting were compared.

Results

All the stenotic IJVs were corrected by stenting. ∆MPG decreased and the abnormal collateral veins disappeared or shrank immediately. Headache, tinnitus, papilledema and ICP were significantly ameliorated at 14 ± 3 days of follow‐up (all P < 0.01). At 12 ± 5.6 months of outpatient follow‐up, headache disappeared in 14 out of 15 patients (93.3%), visual impairments were recovered in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%) and tinnitus resolved in 10 out of 11 patients (90.9%). In 12 out of 15 cases, the Frisén papilledema grade scores declined to 1 (0–2). The stented IJVs in all 15 patients kept to sufficient blood flows on computed tomographic venography follow‐up without stenting‐related adverse events.

Conclusions

Non‐thrombotic IJV stenosis may be a potential etiology of IIH. Stenting seems to be a promising option to address the issue of intracranial hypertension from the etiological level, particularly after medical treatment failure.
More extensive white matter hyperintensity is linked with higher risk of remote intracerebral hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Chen Y. , Yan S. , Xu M. , Zhong G. , Liebeskind D. S. , Lou M.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

Remote intracerebral hemorrhage (rICH) is infrequent after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and its mechanism remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess its frequency and possible relationship with the severity of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed data from consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke with magnetic resonance imaging and IVT. WMH volume was quantitatively measured. rICH was defined as intracranial hemorrhage that appears in brain regions without visible ischemic changes on 24‐h follow‐up imaging. Unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3–6 at 3 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of WMH volume on hemorrhage, including rICH and local parenchymal hemorrhage, as well as clinical outcome.

Results

Of a total of 503 patients analyzed, 17 (3.4%) patients developed rICH. Logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with rICH had significantly larger whole‐brain corrected WMH volume (cWMHv) than those without rICH (22.90 vs. 4.42 mL; odds ratio, 1.562/10 mL; 95% confidence interval, 1.215–2.009; P = 0.001). Not only the corrected peri‐ventricular WMH volume (P = 0.001), but also the corrected deep WMH volume (P = 0.013) was associated with the occurrence of rICH. cWMHv was also independently associated with local parenchymal hemorrhage (P = 0.025). rICH was not related to unfavorable outcome (P = 0.323), whereas cWMHv (P = 0.006) was associated with unfavorable outcome.

Conclusion

An increased occurrence rate of rICH after IVT is related to more extensive WMH, which may suggest underlying whole‐brain vascular injury in patients with WMH.
Kappa opioid receptors regulate hippocampal synaptic homeostasis and epileptogenesis
Authors: Queenan Bridget N. , Dunn Raymond L. , Santos Victor R. , Feng Yang , Huizenga Megan N. , Hammack Robert J. , Vicini Stefano , Forcelli Patrick A. , Pak Daniel T. S.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) serves as a gain control mechanism at central nervous system (CNS) synapses, including those between the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3. Improper circuit control of DG‐CA3 synapses is hypothesized to underlie epileptogenesis. Here, we sought to (1) identify compounds that preferentially modulate DG‐CA3 synapses in primary neuronal culture and (2) determine if these compounds would delay or prevent epileptogenesis in vivo.

Methods

We previously developed and validated an in vitro assay to visualize the behavior of DG‐CA3 synapses and predict functional changes. We used this “synapse‐on‐chip” assay (quantification of synapse size, number, and type using immunocytochemical markers) to dissect the mechanisms of HSP at DG‐CA3 synapses. Using chemogenetic constructs and pharmacological agents we determined the signaling cascades necessary for gain control at DG‐CA3 synapses. Finally, we tested the implicated cascades (using kappa opioid receptor (OR) agonists and antagonists) in two models of epileptogenesis: electrical amygdala kindling in the mouse and chemical (pentylenetetrazole) kindling in the rat.

Results

In vitro, synapses between DG mossy fibers (MFs) and CA3 neurons are the primary homeostatic responders during sustained periods of activity change. Kappa OR signaling is both necessary and sufficient for the homeostatic elaboration of DG‐CA3 synapses, induced by presynaptic DG activity levels. Blocking kappa OR signaling in vivo attenuates the development of seizures in both mouse and rat models of epilepsy.

Significance

This study elucidates mechanisms by which synapses between DG granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons undergo activity‐dependent homeostatic compensation, via OR signaling in vitro. Modulation of kappa OR signaling in vivo alters seizure progression, suggesting that breakdown of homeostatic closed‐loop control at DG‐CA3 synapses contributes to seizures, and that targeting endogenous homeostatic mechanisms at DG‐CA3 synapses may prove useful in combating epileptogenesis.
Evaluating the utility of the Gulf Stream Index for predicting recruitment of Southern New England‐Mid Atlantic yellowtail flounder
Authors: Xu Haikun , Miller Timothy J. , Hameed Sultan , Alade Larry A. , Nye Janet A.
Published: November 2017

The justification for incorporating environmental effects into fisheries stock assessment models has been investigated and debated for a long time. Recently, a state‐space age‐structured assessment model which includes the stochastic change in the environmental covariate over time and its effect on recruitment was developed for Southern New England‐Mid Atlantic yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea). In this paper, we first investigated the correlations of environmental covariates with Southern New England‐Mid Atlantic yellowtail flounder recruitment deviations. The covariate that was most strongly correlated with the recruitment deviations was then incorporated into the state‐space model and alternative effects on the stock‐recruit relationship were estimated and compared. For the model that performed best as measured by Akaike information criterion, we also compared the estimates and predictions of various population attributes and biological reference points with those from an otherwise identical model without the environmental covariate in the stock‐recruit function. We found that the estimates of population parameters are similar for the two models but the predictions differed substantially. To evaluate which model provided more reliable predictions, we quantitatively compared the prediction skill of the two models by generating two series of retrospective predictions. Comparison of the retrospective prediction pattern suggested that from an average point of view, the environmentally explicit model can provide more accurate near‐term recruitment predictions especially the one year ahead recruitment prediction. However, the accuracy of the near‐term recruitment prediction from the environmentally explicit model was largely determined by the accuracy of the corresponding environment prediction the model provides.
Big or Small Cities? On city size and economic growth
Authors: Frick Susanne A. , Rodríguez‐Pose Andrés
Published: November 2017

Policy makers and academics frequently emphasize a positive link between city size and economic growth. The empirical literature on the relationship, however, is scarce and uses rough indicators for the size of a country's cities, while ignoring factors that are increasingly considered to shape this relationship. In this paper, we employ a panel of 113 countries between 1980 and 2010 to explore whether 1) there are certain city sizes that are growth enhancing and 2) how additional factors highlighted in the literature impact the city size/growth relationship. The results suggest a nonlinear relationship which is dependent on the country's size. In contrast to the prevailing view that large cities are growth‐inducing, for a majority of countries relatively small cities of up to 3 million inhabitants are more conducive to economic growth. A large share of the urban population in cities of more than 10 million inhabitants is only growth promoting in countries with an urban population of 28.5 million and more. In addition, the relationship is highly context‐dependent: a high share of industries that benefit from agglomeration economies, a well‐developed urban infrastructure, and an adequate level of governance effectiveness allow countries to take advantage of agglomeration benefits from larger cities.
Risk factors for exacerbation of gastroesophageal varices and portosystemic encephalopathy during treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs for hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis
Authors: Nagaoki Yuko , Aikata Hiroshi , Daijyo Kana , Teraoka Yuji , Honda Fumi , Nakamura Yuki , Hatooka Masahiro , Morio Kei , Fujino Hatsue , Nakahara Takashi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Ochi Hidenori , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: November 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for worsening of gastroesophageal varices (GEVs) and development of portosystemic encephalopathy in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related cirrhosis during nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐seven patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Findings of portal hemodynamics with computed tomography, liver function, and endoscopic examinations during NA treatment were assessed.

Results

Among 137 patients, feeding vessels for GEVs (left gastric vein, posterior gastric vein, and short gastric vein) were present in 56 (41%) patients, and extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (paraesophageal vein, paraumbilicul vein, and splenorenal shunt) were present in 36 (26%) patients at the start of NA treatment. Although NA treatment was successful, significant improvements were not observed in portosystemic collateral vessels 3 years after NA treatment and GEVs were exacerbated in 48 (35%) patients. The cumulative 5‐ and 10‐year exacerbation rate of GEVs was 27% and 50%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, the existence of feeding vessels for GEVs at the start of NA treatment was the independent predictive factor for the exacerbation of GEVs (P < 0.001). Eight patients who had extrahepatic portosystemic shunt at the start of NA treatment developed portosystemic encephalopathy during follow‐up. The 3‐ and 5‐year incidence of that was 5% and 8%, respectively.

Conclusions

The presence of portosystemic collateral vessels at the start of NA treatment increases the risk of GEVs worsening and development of portosystemic encephalopathy in patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis, despite improvement of liver function and success in reducing viral loads with NA treatment.
Commercial alkaline earth boroaluminosilicate glasses for sealing solid oxide cell stacks. Part I: Development of glass‐ceramic microstructure and thermomechanical properties
Authors: Agersted Karsten , Balic‐Zunic Tonci
Published: November 2017

Sealing performance in solid oxide cell (SOC) stacks and the devitrification process of commercially available alkaline earth boroaluminosilicate glasses containing 48‐61 mol% SiO2, 18‐28 mol% CaO, 1‐7 mol% MgO, 7‐10 mol% Al2O3, 1‐11 mol% B2O3 plus minor amounts of Na2O, K2O, FeO, and TiO2 were investigated and quantified through analysis of phase assemblages as function of heat treatments above the glass transition temperatures using the electron microprobe and powder X‐ray diffraction. For two of these glasses devitrification behavior was compared to the devitrification behavior of similar glasses produced in the laboratory. Glasses were characterized after annealing in air at 800°C and 850°C for up to 6 weeks. Even though the glasses lie within a relatively narrow compositional range, sealing performance and the resulting microstructures differed significantly. Best thermomechanical properties was developed in one of the laboratory‐produced glasses, MCAS, which may be applied in SOC‐stacks by allowing for a slow solidification in the range 750‐800°C followed by crystallization at or slightly above 800°C. The relatively high thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) from RT‐800°C, 11 × 10−6 K−1, which was developed over ~1000 hours at 800°C, depends mainly on the formation of cristobalite and quartz as well as the presence of a residual glass phase. The glass ceramic sealant appears relatively stable over time, except for a slow transition of cristobalite to quartz, and can possibly show self‐healing behavior if later brought close to 850°C. Devitrification led to increases of the thermal expansion coefficients in all other glasses tested, but did not reach levels interesting for SOC‐stack sealing.
Synthesis of modified catalyst and stabilization of CuO/NH4‐ZSM‐5 for conversion of methanol to gasoline
Authors: Kianfar Ehsan , Salimi Mahmoud , Pirouzfar Vahid , Koohestani Behnam
Published: November 2017

In this article, the catalytic conversion of methanol to gasoline range hydrocarbons has been studied over CuO/ NH4‐ZSM‐5(3,5,7,9%) catalysts prepared via sono‐chemistry methods. In order to improve, copper oxide can be used as a booster on NH4‐ZSM‐5 this catalyst property. Accordingly, the conversion process of Methanol to Gasoline (MTG) was conducted under a pressure of 1 atm and temperature of 400°C by a fixed‐bed reactor on copper oxide catalysts which were prepared based on synthetic NH4‐ZSM‐5. The synthetic catalyst was investigated by such analyses as BET, XRD, FT‐IR, and SEM. Formation of copper oxide phase and proper distribution of copper oxide were proven on the basic level of using XRD analysis. BET analysis showed the reduction in catalyst level and SEM images depicted the proper distribution of particles. The present investigation is to study the effect of CuO loading on NH4‐ZSM‐5 support for conversion of methanol to gasoline range hydrocarbons. A series of CuO/ NH4‐ZSM‐5 catalysts were prepared, characterized, and experimented for their performance on methanol conversion and hydrocarbon yield.
Relationship and variation of diabetes related symptoms, sleep disturbance and sleep‐related impairment in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhu Bingqian , Quinn Laurie , Fritschi Cynthia
Published: November 2017

Aim

The objective of this study was to examine whether diabetes‐related symptoms (e.g. fatigue, neuropathic pain, diabetes distress and depressive symptoms) were related to sleep disturbance and sleep‐related impairment in adults with type 2 diabetes while controlling for potential covariates.

Background

In people with type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbance and sleep‐related impairment are common and likely associated with diabetes‐related symptoms. However, limited research has investigated the predictive ability of diabetes‐related symptoms on sleep.

Design

A correlational, cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

Data were collected at a large university in the Midwestern United States from September 2013–March 2014. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship of diabetes‐related symptoms (fatigue, neuropathic pain, distress and depressive symptoms) to sleep disturbance and sleep‐related impairment. The instruments included Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System instruments, Diabetes Symptom Checklist and Diabetes Distress Scale.

Findings

In this study of adults with type 2 diabetes (N = 90; 52.2% female, mean age 57.4 years), gender, A1C, neuropathic pain and fatigue were significantly related to sleep disturbance when age, diabetes duration, depressive symptoms and distress were controlled. Those variables collectively explained 52% of the variation in sleep disturbance. Fatigue was significantly associated with sleep‐related impairment when the same covariates were controlled.

Conclusion

Findings suggested that diabetes‐related symptoms, including neuropathic pain and fatigue, are strongly related to sleep disturbance and sleep‐related impairment in adults with type 2 diabetes, underscoring the need to include detailed assessments of neuropathic pain and fatigue when evaluating sleep.