bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labor Market Reforms, Temporary Workers and Wage Inequality
Authors: Kim Hyeon‐Kyeong , Skott Peter
Published: April 2016

Temporary workers make up a sizeable part of the labor force in many countries and typically receive wages that are significantly lower than their permanent counterparts. This paper uses an efficiency wage model to explain the wage gap between temporary and permanent workers. High‐performing temporary workers may gain promotion to permanent status, and a high wage to permanent workers therefore serves a dual purpose: it affects the effort of both permanent and temporary workers. Applying the model to the Korean experience, we discuss the effects of the labor market reforms in 1998 on inequality.
A novel flagellar sheath protein, FcpA, determines filament coiling, translational motility and virulence for the Leptospira spirochete
Authors: Wunder Elsio A. , Figueira Cláudio P. , Benaroudj Nadia , Hu Bo , Tong Brian A. , Trajtenberg Felipe , Liu Jun , Reis Mitermayer G. , Charon Nyles W. , Buschiazzo Alejandro , Picardeau Mathieu , Ko Albert I.
Published: April 2016

Leptospira are unique among bacteria based on their helical cell morphology with hook‐shaped ends and the presence of periplasmic flagella (PF) with pronounced spontaneous supercoiling. The factors that provoke such supercoiling, as well as the role that PF coiling plays in generating the characteristic hook‐end cell morphology and motility, have not been elucidated. We have now identified an abundant protein from the pathogen L. interrogans, exposed on the PF surface, and named it Flagellar‐coiling protein A (FcpA). The gene encoding FcpA is highly conserved among Leptospira and was not found in other bacteria. fcpA‐ mutants, obtained from clinical isolates or by allelic exchange, had relatively straight, smaller‐diameter PF, and were not able to produce translational motility. These mutants lost their ability to cause disease in the standard hamster model of leptospirosis. Complementation of fcpA restored the wild‐type morphology, motility and virulence phenotypes. In summary, we identified a novel Leptospira 36‐kDa protein, the main component of the spirochete's PF sheath, and a key determinant of the flagella's coiled structure. FcpA is essential for bacterial translational motility and to enable the spirochete to penetrate the host, traverse tissue barriers, disseminate to cause systemic infection and reach target organs.
Cyclic diguanylate regulation of Bacillus cereus group biofilm formation
Authors: Fagerlund Annette , Smith Veronika , Røhr Åsmund K. , Lindbäck Toril , Parmer Marthe P. , Andersson K. Kristoffer , Reubsaet Leon , Økstad Ole Andreas
Published: April 2016

Biofilm formation can be considered a bacterial virulence mechanism. In a range of Gram‐negatives, increased levels of the second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) promotes biofilm formation and reduces motility. Other bacterial processes known to be regulated by c‐di‐GMP include cell division, differentiation and virulence. Among Gram‐positive bacteria, where the function of c‐di‐GMP signalling is less well characterized, c‐di‐GMP was reported to regulate swarming motility in Bacillus subtilis while having very limited or no effect on biofilm formation. In contrast, we show that in the Bacillus cereus group c‐di‐GMP signalling is linked to biofilm formation, and to several other phenotypes important to the lifestyle of these bacteria. The Bacillus thuringiensis 407 genome encodes eleven predicted proteins containing domains (GGDEF/EAL) related to c‐di‐GMP synthesis or breakdown, ten of which are conserved through the majority of clades of the B. cereus group, including Bacillus anthracis. Several of the genes were shown to affect biofilm formation, motility, enterotoxin synthesis and/or sporulation. Among these, cdgF appeared to encode a master diguanylate cyclase essential for biofilm formation in an oxygenated environment. Only two cdg genes (cdgA, cdgJ) had orthologs in B. subtilis, highlighting differences in c‐di‐GMP signalling between B. subtilis and B. cereus group bacteria.
Immune responses induced by oligogalacturonides are differentially affected by AvrPto and loss of BAK1/BKK1 and PEPR1/PEPR2
Authors: Gravino Matteo , Locci Federica , Tundo Silvio , Cervone Felice , Savatin Daniel Valentin , De Lorenzo Giulia
Published: April 2016

Plants possess an innate immune system capable of restricting invasion by most potential pathogens. At the cell surface, the recognition of microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and/or damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) represents the first event for the prompt mounting of an effective immune response. Pathogens have evolved effectors that block MAMP‐triggered immunity. The Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrPto abolishes immunity triggered by the peptide MAMPs flg22 and elf18, derived from the bacterial flagellin and elongation factor Tu, respectively, by inhibiting the kinase function of the corresponding receptors FLS2 and EFR, as well as their co‐receptors BAK1 and BKK1. Oligogalacturonides (OGs), a well‐known class of DAMPs, are oligomers of α‐1,4‐linked galacturonosyl residues, released on partial degradation of the plant cell wall homogalacturonan. We show here that AvrPto affects only a subset of the OG‐triggered immune responses and that, among these responses, only a subset is affected by the concomitant loss of BAK1 and BKK1. However, the antagonistic effect on auxin‐related responses is not affected by either AvrPto or the loss of BAK1/BKK1. These observations reveal an unprecedented complexity among the MAMP/DAMP response cascades. We also show that the signalling system mediated by Peps, another class of DAMPs, and their receptors PEPRs, contributes to OG‐activated immunity. We hypothesize that OGs are sensed through multiple and partially redundant perception/transduction complexes, some targeted by AvrPto, but not necessarily comprising BAK1 and BKK1.
Production and turnover of ectomycorrhizal extramatrical mycelial biomass and necromass under elevated CO2 and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Ekblad Alf , Mikusinska Anna , Ågren Göran I. , Menichetti Lorenzo , Wallander Håkan , Vilgalys Rytas , Bahr Adam , Eriksson Ulrika
Published: April 2016

Extramatrical mycelia (EMM) of ectomycorrhizal fungi are important in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in forests, but poor knowledge about EMM biomass and necromass turnovers makes the quantification of their role problematic.

We studied the impacts of elevated CO2 and N fertilization on EMM production and turnover in a Pinus taeda forest. EMM C was determined by the analysis of ergosterol (biomass), chitin (total bio‐ and necromass) and total organic C (TOC) of sand‐filled mycelium in‐growth bags. The production and turnover of EMM bio‐ and necromass and total C were estimated by modelling.

N fertilization reduced the standing EMM biomass C to 57% and its production to 51% of the control (from 238 to 122 kg C ha−1 yr−1), whereas elevated CO2 had no detectable effects. Biomass turnover was high (˜13 yr−1) and unchanged by the treatments. Necromass turnover was slow and was reduced from 1.5 yr−1 in the control to 0.65 yr−1 in the N‐fertilized treatment. However, TOC data did not support an N effect on necromass turnover.

An estimated EMM production ranging from 2.5 to 6% of net primary production stresses the importance of its inclusion in C models. A slow EMM necromass turnover indicates an importance in building up forest humus.
Signals of speciation: volatile organic compounds resolve closely related sagebrush taxa, suggesting their importance in evolution
Authors: Jaeger Deidre M. , Runyon Justin B. , Richardson Bryce A.
Published: April 2016

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play important roles in the environmental adaptation and fitness of plants. Comparison of the qualitative and quantitative differences in VOCs among closely related taxa and assessing the effects of environment on their emissions are important steps to deducing VOC function and evolutionary importance.

Headspace VOCs from five taxa of sagebrush (Artemisia, subgenus Tridentatae) growing in two common gardens were collected and analyzed using GC‐MS.

Of the 74 total VOCs emitted, only 15 were needed to segregate sagebrush taxa using Random Forest analysis with a low error of 4%. All but one of these 15 VOCs showed qualitative differences among taxa. Ordination of results showed strong clustering that reflects taxonomic classification. Random Forest identified five VOCs that classify based on environment (2% error), which do not overlap with the 15 VOCs that segregated taxa.

We show that VOCs can discriminate closely related species and subspecies of Artemisia, which are difficult to define using molecular markers or morphology. Thus, it appears that changes in VOCs either lead the way or follow closely behind speciation in this group. Future research should explore the functions of VOCs, which could provide further insights into the evolution of sagebrushes.
Nutrient intake, nutritional status, and cognitive function with aging
Authors: Tucker Katherine L.
Published: April 2016

With the demographic aging of populations worldwide, diseases associated with aging are becoming more prevalent and costly to individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Among aging‐related impairments, a decline in cognitive function is of particular concern, as it erodes memory and processing abilities and eventually leads to the need for institutionalized care. Accumulating evidence suggests that nutritional status is a key factor in the loss of cognitive abilities with aging. This is of tremendous importance, as dietary intake is a modifiable risk factor that can be improved to help reduce the burden of cognitive impairment. With respect to nutrients, there is evidence to support the critical role of several B vitamins in particular, but also of vitamin D, antioxidant vitamins (including vitamin E), and omega‐3 fatty acids, which are preferentially taken up by brain tissue. On the other hand, high intakes of nutrients that contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and poor glycemic control may have negative effects on cognition through these conditions. Collectively, the evidence suggests that considerable slowing and reduction of cognitive decline may be achieved by following a healthy dietary pattern, which limits intake of added sugars, while maximizing intakes of fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Helper and cytotoxic T‐cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Tc1, and Tc2) in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors
Authors: Haghshenas MR , Khademi B , Ashraf MJ , Ghaderi A , Erfani N
Published: April 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of T helper type 1 (Th1; CD4+IFN‐γ +) and Th2 (CD4+IL‐4+) cells, as well as cytotoxic T cell type 1 (Tc1; CD8+IFN‐γ+) and Tc2 cells (CD8+IL‐4+) in peripheral blood of the patients with salivary gland tumors (SGTs).

Subjects and Methods: Thirty new patients with SGTs and 15 healthy controls were recruited. After intracellular cytokine staining, data acquisition and analysis were performed by flow cytometry.

Results

The mean percentages of Th1 and Tc1 cells, as well as the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2, were observed to be significantly lower in patients with malignant SGTs in comparison with controls. Furthermore, the geometric mean fluorescent intensity (geometric MFI, representing the cytokine expression intensity) for IL‐4 production by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with malignant tumors than controls. Positive correlations were observed between the mean percentage of Tc2 cells with Th2 cells, and with the tumor size in patients with benign and malignant tumors, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 ratios, as well as the increase in the expression of IL‐4 by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes, may contribute to the pathogenesis of SGTs, especially in malignant cases.
The art of attrition: development of robust oat microsatellites
Authors: Dumlupinar Ziya , Brown Ryan , Campbell Robert , Jellen Eric N. , Anderson Joe , Bonman J. Michael , Carson Martin , Chao Shiaoman , Obert Don , Jackson Eric
Published: April 2016

Microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are important tools for genetic analyses, especially those targeting diversity. The primary objective of this study was to develop robust oat‐based microsatellite markers from newly enriched genomic libraries to expand on a relatively small existing oat SSR toolbox. Microsatellite motifs characterized by (CA/GT), (AAT/TTA), (ATG/TAC) and (CATC/GTAG) repeats were targeted for enrichment. Preliminary screening showed that 90% of clones from the (CA/GT) and 79% of the clones from the (ATG/TAC) libraries contained repeats, while < 11% of the clones from (AAT/TTA) and (CATC/GTAG) libraries contained repeats. Subsequent sequencing of 1536 clones from the (CA/GT) and (ATG/TAC) libraries resulted in 539 and 578 SSRs for which primers were designed, respectively. A total of 246 SSRs were polymorphic across 11 oat lines. One hundred and twenty‐five of the markers produced highly reproducible assays that interrogated 369 alleles at 193 loci. Of these, 79 robust assays interrogated 146 codominant alleles. These markers will be useful for a wide range of genetic analyses in oat including assessment of diversity and marker‐assisted breeding.
Rare presentation of small bowel intussusception in childhood
Authors: Chan Chung‐Yan Grace , Tsang Pui‐Ki Jane , Chu Ping‐Yung , Wong Yiu‐chung
Published: April 2016

Small bowel intussusception complicated simultaneously by volvulus in an older child is rare but clinically significant, necessitating urgent operative management. We report a local case of jejuno‐jejunal intussusception complicated by volvulus and bowel infarction in a 9‐year‐old Chinese girl, with diagnosis made on preoperative computed tomography and confirmed at laparotomy. An intestinal polyp as the lead point for intussusception was identified operatively.
Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome with knee joint disorder
Authors: Doi Takehiko , Masumoto Natsuko , Sonoda Motoshi , Nakayama Hideki , Mizuno Yuji
Published: April 2016

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) involves cutaneous vascular malformation characterized by multiple venous malformations. This commonly affects the skin and gastrointestinal tract. BRBNS is associated with anemia and occasionally involves orthopedic manifestations. A 6‐year‐old boy was referred to hospital for evaluation of anemia. He presented with a rubber‐like soft‐tissue mass in the left knee and the right side of the neck, recurrent pain, and fixed flexion contracture of the knee. Blood examination indicated consumption coagulopathy and anemia caused by not only iron‐deficiency anemia but also microangiopathy. Endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract indicated multiple bluish‐black sessile venous malformations. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee showed intra‐articular and intramuscular involvement. Based on these findings, BRBNS with knee joint disorder was diagnosed. With regard to vascular malformations, like other diseases such as inflammatory arthropathy, ultrasonography of the joint may become a new diagnostic approach for evaluating orthopedic manifestations.
Histological differences between preoperative chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy for rectal cancer: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Sakuyama Naoki , Kojima Motohiro , Kawano Shingo , Akimoto Tetsuo , Saito Norio , Ito Masaaki , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: April 2016

Pathological studies on the different histological effects between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and preoperative chemoradiation therapy (preoperative CRT) have not been performed. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the histological differences in tissue received from NAC and preoperative CRT for rectal cancer to evaluate whether a pathological assessment method used after CRT can be applied for NAC. One hundred and thirty‐eight patients were enrolled in this study; 88 patients underwent their operations after preoperative CRT or NAC, and 50 patients underwent surgery only. Residual tumor area was measured using morphometry software and we compared the stromal component of myofibroblasts, immune cells, and vasculature to elucidate the difference of therapeutic effect between them. The grade of reduction after preoperative CRT was more prominent than that seen in NAC. Also, ypT downstaging was more prominent in preoperative CRT than in NAC, and ypN downstaging was more frequent in NAC than in preoperative CRT. Preoperative CRT showed more marked myofibroblasts and fewer immune cells than did NAC, which indicates different effects on the cancer microenvironment. Our histological results suggest different effects between NAC and preoperative CRT on tumor tissue. The best assessment method available for a variable therapeutic protocol should be further investigated.
Branchial cleft‐like cysts in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Miyazaki Masaya , Kiuchi Shizuka , Fujioka Yasunori
Published: April 2016

We report an extremely rare case of branchial cleft‐like cysts in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The patient was a 77‐year‐old man with a growing mass in the anterior neck. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a cystic lesion with septum in the left thyroid and multiple small cystic lesions in the right thyroid. Lymph node swelling of the cervical region, supraclavicular fossa and submandibular region was also observed. Left thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection were performed. Histologically, cysts were lined by stratified squamous epithelium and dense lymphoid tissue having conspicuous follicle formation surrounded the epithelial lining. Solid cell nest (SCN)‐like aggregations were seen in the thyroid parenchyma adjacent to the cyst walls and a small number of thyroid follicles were observed in the fibrous wall. Immunohistochemically, it is suggested that both the cyst lining and SCN‐like aggregations are originally from thyroid follicles. Although, the exact histogenesis of branchial cleft‐like cysts remains unclear, there are probably two different processes for its development, one is of branchial cleft origin and the other is mere squamous metaplasia, while in our case the latter is suggested. Herein, we report our new case and update information about branchial cleft‐like cysts that appears in the literature.
Differences in constitutive and inducible defences in pine species determining susceptibility to pinewood nematode
Authors: Pimentel C. S. , Gonçalves E. V. , Firmino P. N. , Calvão T. , Fonseca L. , Abrantes I. , Correia O. , Máguas C.
Published: April 2016

The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, originating from North America (NA), is a major invasive pine pest in Eurasia. It was first detected in Portugal in 1999 associated with maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, and has been differently affecting the main local pine species, P. pinaster and P. pinea. Field studies and direct inoculation experiments in Pinus spp. seedlings, under controlled conditions, were performed to assess whether the differences in constitutive and inducible defences are determining the different susceptibility of pine host species to B. xylophilus. Host co‐evolution with the pathogen was also assessed, including the NA P. radiata, widely used in forestry in the northeast of the Iberian peninsula. Pine mortality in the field was positively related with the abundance of B. xylophilus, and concentration of phenolics and condensed tannins in pines. In the greenhouse assay, seedling tissues were analysed for constitutive investment in defences, as well as the potential inducibility of those defences as driven by B. xylophilus inoculation. Slower growing P. pinea presented higher levels of constitutive defences than faster growing P. pinaster, with only P. pinaster being affected by B. xylophilus. Furthermore, co‐evolution with the pathogen is important, with the fast‐growing NA P. radiata presenting an inducible and effective response to B. xylophilus. Results point to the importance of integrating data on pine life history traits, including growth rate, and production of constitutive and inducible defences, into predictive models for this invasive forest pest.
What's wrong with the back of the envelope? A call for simple (and timely) benefit–cost analysis
Authors: Carrigan Christopher , Shapiro Stuart
Published: April 2016

Observers across the ideological spectrum have criticized benefit–cost analysis for as long as it has been part of the rulemaking process. Still, proponents and detractors agree that analysis has morphed into a mechanism often used by agencies to justify regulatory decisions already made. We argue that a simpler analysis of more alternatives conducted earlier in the regulatory process can resuscitate it as a tool to inform policy. Recognizing that requiring a procedure does not ensure that regulators will follow it, we offer possible remedies, including strengthening or relaxing subsequent review of proposed rules, which raise the cost of circumventing the reform or lower the cost of following it.
Probabilistic Multi-Resolution Scanning for Two-Sample Differences
Authors: Soriano Jacopo , Ma Li
Published: April 2016

We propose a multi-resolution scanning approach to identifying two-sample differences. Windows of multiple scales are constructed through nested dyadic partitioning on the sample space and a hypothesis regarding the two-sample difference is defined on each window. Instead of testing the hypotheses on different windows independently, we adopt a joint graphical model, namely a Markov tree, on the null or alternative states of these hypotheses to incorporate spatial correlation across windows. The induced dependence allows borrowing strength across nearby and nested windows, which we show is critical for detecting high resolution local differences. We evaluate the performance of the method through simulation and show that it substantially outperforms other state of the art two-sample tests when the two-sample difference is local, involving only a small subset of the data. We then apply it to a flow cytometry data set from immunology, in which it successfully identifies highly local differences. In addition, we show how to control properly for multiple testing in a decision theoretic approach as well as how to summarize and report the inferred two-sample difference. We also construct hierarchical extensions of the framework to incorporate adaptivity into the construction of the scanning windows to improve inference further.
Oral habits, dental trauma, and occlusal characteristics among 4‐ to 12‐year‐old institutionalized orphan children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlSadhan Salwa A. , Al‐Jobair Asma M.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the oral habit practices, dental trauma, and occlusal characteristics of 4‐ to 12‐year‐old orphans living in governmental orphanages in Riyadh. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in three government orphanages and three ordinary schools. All 90 orphans, residing in the orphanage, were included. Ninety schoolchildren were selected to serve as the controls. Demographic data, oral habit history, and dental trauma history were obtained through a questionnaire. All children were examined to confirm the presence of signs of oral habits, dental trauma, and associated occlusal characteristics. Pearson chi‐square was used for statistical analysis. Orphans were found to have more digit sucking and oral self‐mutilation habits; however, the control children were found to have more nail biting habit. Nearly 21% of the orphans had dental trauma compared to 10% of the control group. About 70% of the dental trauma affected permanent teeth among orphans, whereas, 85% affected primary teeth in the control children. Dental trauma increased as the orphans got older; however, it decreased significantly as the control children got older. Orphans were found to have more cross‐bite, increased over‐jet, and open‐bite. Digit sucking habit was positively associated with class II molar relation, presence of posterior cross‐bite, and open‐bite. Orphans had increased prevalence of digit sucking habit, self‐mutilation, dental trauma, and malocclusion.
Exploring the relationships between maternal and child metacognitions and child anxiety
Authors: Esbjørn Barbara Hoff , Normann Nicoline , Lønfeldt Nicole Nadine , Tolstrup Marie , Reinholdt‐Dunne Marie Louise
Published: April 2016

Research has shown that anxiety may be transmitted through verbal information pathways, for example, when parents share their anxious cognitions with their child. Less is known about the influence of parental metacognitions, that is, beliefs regarding thoughts, on child anxiety. We explored the relations between metacognitions in mothers and their children and anxiety in the children. Our study included 111 non‐clinical children aged 8 to 12 years and their mothers. Children rated their metacognitions, worry and anxiety, and mothers rated their metacognitions. Results indicated agreement between maternal and child metacognitions. Maternal metacognitions were positively associated with children's anxiety symptoms and worry, and this relation was mediated by the children's metacognitions. Our results warrant further examination of the role of parental metacognitions in child anxiety.
Deciphering Deservedness: Canadian Employment Insurance Reforms in Historical Perspective
Authors: Grundy John , Laliberte Rudman Debbie
Published: April 2016

In 2012, the Government of Canada introduced reforms to Employment Insurance (EI), Canada's primary income security programme for the unemployed. The changes entailed new requirements for particular types of claimants to apply for and accept jobs of increasingly less pay, and codified the efforts claimants must demonstrate in job searches to maintain benefits. These measures leave many claimants little choice but to accept precarious employment as a means of financial survival. The central claim of the article is that recent EI reforms are not adequately understood as an instance of neo‐liberal activation. Instead, they must be situated in a long history of attempts to categorize the unemployed as deserving or undeserving of income security on the basis of their work history and perceptions of their willingness to work. Through a survey of different periods of unemployment policy in Canada, we demonstrate continuity in authorities' efforts to differentiate the unemployed into categories of worthy and unworthy. Within this history, however, the 2012 reforms are unprecedented in the extent to which they reorient the EI programme to service low wage labour markets. By way of conclusion, we suggest that the current EI programme exacerbates insecurities for the growing segment of workers in precarious employment.
Statistical Association: Alignment of Current U.S. High School Textbooks with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Authors: Tran Dung
Published: April 2016

This study examined the alignment of three selected U.S. high school textbooks series with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) regarding the treatment of statistical association. A framework grounded in the literature for inclusion and exclusion of reasoning about association topics was developed, and textbook entries were compared with the CCSSM learning expectations (LEs). Across the three series, about 77–90% of the 582 association problems addressed two numerical variables. All CCSSM LEs were covered by two of the three series. However, additional association LEs not found in the CCSSM were included in the textbooks. Implications for curriculum revision and development, and content analysis are suggested. The study challenges the notion of CCSSM‐aligned curricula.
HIV‐free survival at 12–24 months in breastfed infants of HIV‐infected women on antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Chikhungu Lana Clara , Bispo Stephanie , Rollins Nigel , Siegfried Nandi , Newell Marie‐Louise
Published: April 2016

Objective

To provide estimates of HIV‐free survival at 12–24 months in breastfed children by maternal ART (6 months or lifelong) to inform WHO HIV and Infant Feeding guidelines.

Methods

Eighteen studies published 2005–2015 were included in a systematic literature review (1295 papers identified, 156 abstracts screened, 55 full texts); papers were analysed by narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis of HIV‐free survival by maternal ART regimen in a random effects model. We also grouped studies by feeding modality. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and GRADE.

Results

The pooled estimates for 12‐month HIV‐free survival were 89.8% (95% confidence interval, CI: 86.5%, 93.2%) for infants of mothers on ART for 6 months post‐natally (six studies) and 91.4% (95% CI 87.5%, 95.4%) for infants of mothers on lifelong ART (three studies). Eighteen‐month HIV‐free survival estimates were 89.0% (95% CI 83.9%, 94.2%) with 6 months ART (five studies) and 96.1% (95% CI 92.8%, 99.0%) with lifelong ART (three studies). Twenty‐four‐month HIV‐free survival for infants whose mothers were on ART to 6 months post‐natally (two studies) was 89.2% (95% CI 79.9%, 98.5%). Heterogeneity was considerable throughout. In four studies, HIV‐free survival in breastfed infants ranged from 87% (95% CI 78%, 92%) to 96% (95% CI 91%, 98%) and in formula‐fed infants from 67% (95% CI 35.5%, 87.9%) to 97.6% (95% CI 93.0%, 98.2%).

Conclusion

Our results highlight the importance of breastfeeding for infant survival and of ART in reducing the risk of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission and support the WHO recommendation to initiate ART for life immediately after HIV diagnosis.
Ureteral Papilla Implantation as a Technique for Neoureterocystostomy in Cats Undergoing Renal Transplantation: 30 Cases
Authors: Sutherland Brian J. , McAnulty Jonathan F. , Hardie Robert J.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the clinical outcome of donor and recipient cats undergoing ureteral papilla harvest and implantation as a technique for neoureterocystostomy in clinical kidney transplant.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Donor (n=31) and recipient (n=30) cats that underwent kidney harvest and transplantation using ureteral papilla implantation technique for neoureterocystostomy.

Methods

Medical records for donor and recipient cats presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Teaching Hospital from January 2003 to December 2014 were reviewed. Data recorded included complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, surgical technique, diagnostic imaging results, short‐ and long‐term complications, and anesthetic survival.

Results

All 30 recipients recovered from anesthesia. Four died within 24 hours and 26 survived to hospital discharge. Serum creatinine was within the reference interval by 72 hours in 22/26 cats (85%). Complications related to the ureteral papilla implantation technique were seen in only 1 cat (3%). Uroabdomen diagnosed on day 3 ultimately resolved over the following 24 hours without surgical intervention. All 31 donor cats survived to discharge. Four donors (13%) experienced mild, transiently increased serum creatinine.

Conclusion

Ureteral papilla implantation is a viable technique for neoureterocystostomy in cats undergoing kidney transplantation. Proposed benefits for the recipient include a less technically challenging anastomosis, decreased risk of ureteral obstruction at the anastomosis site, and reduced risk of leakage compared to previous reports. Benefits for recipients should be weighed against risks to donors, including a more complex ureteral harvest, increased surgical time, and potential injury or obstruction of the contralateral ureteral papilla.
Clinical neurocardiology defining the value of neuroscience‐based cardiovascular therapeutics
Authors: Shivkumar Kalyanam , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Anand Inder , Armour J. Andrew , Chen Peng‐Sheng , Esler Murray , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Fishbein Michael C. , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Harper Ronald M. , Joyner Michael J. , Khalsa Sahib S. , Kumar Rajesh , Lane Richard , Mahajan Aman , Po Sunny , Schwartz Peter J. , Somers Virend K. , Valderrabano Miguel , Vaseghi Marmar , Zipes Douglas P.
Published: April 2016

The autonomic nervous system regulates all aspects of normal cardiac function, and is recognized to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular diseases. As such, the value of neuroscience‐based cardiovascular therapeutics is increasingly evident. This White Paper reviews the current state of understanding of human cardiac neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pathophysiology in specific disease conditions, autonomic testing, risk stratification, and neuromodulatory strategies to mitigate the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
Neural Network Direct Adaptive Control Strategy for a Class of Switched Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Yu Lei , Jiang Xiefu , Fei Shumin , Huang Jun , Yang Gang , Qian Wei
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the adaptive neural network (NN) switching control problem for a class of switched nonlinear systems. Radial basis function (RBF) NNs are utilized to approximate the unknown switching control law term which includes a neural network control term, a supervisory control term, and a compensation control term. Also, based on the average dwell-time, a direct adaptive neural switching controller is designed to heighten the robustness of switching system. We can prove to ensure stability of the resulting closed-loop system such that the output tracking performance can be well obtained and all the signals are kept bounded. Simulation results validate the tracking control performance and investigate the effectiveness of the proposed switching control method.
A Numerical Investigation on the Onset of the Various Flow Regimes in a Spherical Annulus
Authors: Adel Lalaoua , Ahcene Bouabdallah
Published: April 2016

The spherical Couette system, consisting of the flow in the annular gap between two concentric rotating spheres, is a convenient problem for studying the laminar–turbulent transition. Many of the transitional phenomena encountered in this flow are of fundamental relevance for the understanding of global processes in the planetary atmospheres as well as in astrophysical and geophysical motions. Furthermore, the study of spherical Couette flow (SCF) is of basic importance in the field of hydrodynamic stability. This paper focuses principally on the numerical prediction of various transitions between flow regimes in a confined spherical gap between a rotating inner sphere and a fixed outer spherical shell. The finite-volume-based computational fluid dynamics, FLUENT software package, is adopted to investigate numerically the flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in the closed spherical gap. Two important dimensionless parameters completely define the flow regimes: the Reynolds number, Re = Ω1R12/ν, for the rotation of the inner sphere and the gap width, β = (R2 − R1)/R1 = 0.1, for the geometry. The numerical calculations are carried out over a range of Reynolds number from two until 60,000. The numerical results are compared with the experimental data available in the literature, and the agreement between the two approaches is very good. The laminar–turbulent transition, the onset of different instabilities, the formation mechanisms of various structures, and the flow behavior are examined and described in detail by the pressure field, meridional streamlines, circumferential velocity, and skin friction coefficient. In addition, the velocity time series and the corresponding power spectral density are considered and analyzed over a large range of Reynolds number. Three kinds of fundamental frequencies expressed by F0, F1, and F2 are obtained corresponding to the spiral mode associated with the wavy mode (SM + WM), the wavy mode (WVF), and the chaotic fluctuation (CF), respectively. However, no sharp fundamental frequency components are observed for the turbulent regime.
Wear Modeling of Nanometer Thick Protective Coatings
Authors: Lee Jungkyu , Zhang Youfeng , Crone Robert M. , Ramakrishnan Narayanan , Polycarpou Andreas A.
Published: April 2016

Use of nanometer thin films has received significant attention in recent years because of their advantages in controlling friction and wear. There have been significant advances in applications such as magnetic storage devices, and there is a need to explore new materials and develop experimental and theoretical frameworks to better understand nanometer thick coating systems, especially wear characteristics. In this work, a finite element model is developed to simulate the sliding wear between the protruded pole tip in a recording head (modeled as submicrometer radius cylinder) and a rigid asperity on the disk surface. Wear is defined as plastically deformed asperity and material yielding. Parametric studies reveal the effect of the cylindrical asperity geometry, material properties, and contact severity on wear. An Archard-type wear model is proposed, where the wear coefficients are directly obtained through curve fitting of the finite element model, without the use of an empirical coefficient. Limitations of such a model are also discussed.
Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among Postmenopausal Women: Discrepancies in Accelerometry-Based Cut-Points
Authors: Diniz Tiego A. , Rossi Fabricio E. , Rosa Clara Suemi da Costa , Mota Jorge , Freitas-Junior Ismael F.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), minutes per week (min/wk), and fulfillment of the current recommendation (150 min/wk of MVPA) based on different cut-points in postmenopausal women. The sample was composed of 233 postmenopausal women aged 59.8 ± 6.7 years old. MVPA was measured using triaxial accelerometers. Accelerometers were initialized to collect in 60-s epochs. Participants were included if using at least 5 days. MVPA min/wk were obtained using Freedson, Troiano, Copeland, and Sasaki cut-points. Box-plot indicated large mean differences between almost all cut-points, except for Freedson and Troiano (9.3 [95% LoA: –5.6; 24.3] min/wk). The proportion of women who achieved 150 min/wk of MVPA was similar between Freedson and Troiano (31% vs. 30%). Sasaki and Copeland cut-points resulted in a greater proportion than other cut-points. We concluded that the cut-points analyzed generated different results in MVPA min/wk and low agreement when using current guidelines for MVPA pattern classification, except for the comparisons between Freedson and Troiano cut-points.
The Association Between Gait Characteristics and Ambulatory Physical Activity in Older People: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Observational Study Using Generation 100 Data
Authors: Egerton Thorlene , Paterson Kade , Helbostad Jorunn L.
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to determine if temporal-spatial gait characteristics are associated with free-living ambulatory physical activity in relatively-healthy older people. A total of 630 women and 593 men had valid data from gait tests and activity monitoring. Gait speed alone was associated with daily step count. Gait speed along with cadence, walk ratio, step length, step time, and swing time were associated with measures of higher intensity activity and overall activity. Those who walked slower were less active. After controlling for gait speed, shorter step length, shorter step time, shorter swing time, and higher cadence were associated with less activity. This finding may be an indication of the functional consequences of a breakdown in the stride length–cadence relationship and/or compensations to increase stability. Asymmetry measures at preferred and fast walking speeds showed no association with physical activity levels. Gait speed was the only predictor of change in activity over the subsequent 12 months.
Association between autism symptoms and functioning in children with ADHD
Authors: Green Jessica Leigh , Sciberras Emma , Anderson Vicki , Efron Daryl , Rinehart Nicole
Published: April 2016

Objective

To examine the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms and (a) social functioning, (b) mental health, (c) quality of life and (d) sleep in children with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Participants were 6–10-year-old children with ADHD (N=164) and without ADHD (N=198). ADHD was assessed via community-based screening (wave 1) and case confirmation using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV (DISC-IV) (wave 2). ASD symptoms were identified using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Outcome measures were social functioning (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)), mental health (DISC-IV, SDQ), quality of life (QoL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0) and sleep problem severity.

Results

Greater ASD symptoms were associated with more parent and teacher-reported peer problems and emotional and conduct problems. For every SD increase in SCQ scores, internalising (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.6, p=0.001) and externalising disorders (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1, p=0.02) increased, QoL decreased by 6.7 units (p<0.001), and moderate/severe sleep problems increased (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.2, p=0.04). Most findings held in analyses adjusting for socio-demographic factors, ADHD symptom severity and comorbidities (when not the outcome), with the exception of externalising disorders and sleep problems.

Conclusions

ASD symptoms are associated with poorer functioning in children with ADHD. It is important to identify and potentially manage ASD symptoms in children with ADHD given that they exacerbate functional impairments in this already vulnerable group.
Prospective observational study protocol to investigate long-term adverse effects of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD: the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) study
Authors: Inglis S K , Carucci S , Garas P , Häge A , Banaschewski T , Buitelaar J K , Dittmann R W , Falissard B , Hollis C , Kovshoff H , Liddle E , McCarthy S , Nagy P , Neubert A , Rosenthal E , Sonuga-Barke E , Wong I , Zuddas A , Coghill D C
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Europe. Following concerns about its safety, the European Commission called for research into the long-term effects of methylphenidate on children and adolescents with ADHD. The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) research programme was designed to address this call. At the heart of this programme is a 2-year longitudinal naturalistic pharmacovigilance study being conducted in 27 European sites.

Methods and analysis

3 cohorts of children and adolescents (aged 6–17) living in the UK, Germany, Italy and Hungary are being recruited:

Group 1 (Medicated ADHD): 800 ADHD medication-naive children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD about to start methylphenidate treatment for the first time.

Group 2 (Unmedicated ADHD): 400 children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD who have never been treated with ADHD medication and have no intention of beginning medication.

Group 3 (Non-ADHD): 400 children and adolescents without ADHD who are siblings of individuals in either group 1 or 2.

All participants will be assessed 5 times during their 2-year follow-up period for growth and development, psychiatric, neurological and cardiovascular health. The primary outcome measure will be the height velocity SD score.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study has been granted by the East of Scotland Research Ethics Service. Following this approval, patient information leaflets and consent forms were translated as necessary and submissions made by lead sites in each of the other 3 countries to their own ethics committees. Following ethical approval in each country, local ethical permissions at each site were sought and obtained as needed. The study's website (http://www.adhd-adduce.org/page/view/2/Home) provides information for researchers, participants and the general public.

Trial registration number

NCT01470261.
Conflicts of interest and spin in reviews of psychological therapies: a systematic review
Authors: Lieb Klaus , Osten-Sacken Jan von der , Stoffers-Winterling Jutta , Reiss Neele , Barth Jürgen
Published: April 2016

Objective

To explore conflicts of interest (COI) and their reporting in systematic reviews of psychological therapies, and to evaluate spin in the conclusions of the reviews.

Methods

MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched for systematic reviews published between 2010 and 2013 that assessed effects of psychological therapies for anxiety, depressive or personality disorders, and included at least one randomised controlled trial. Required COI disclosure by journal, disclosed COI by review authors, and the inclusion of own primary studies by review authors were extracted. Researcher allegiance, that is, that researchers concluded favourably about the interventions they have studied, as well as spin, that is, differences between results and conclusions of the reviews, were rated by 2 independent raters.

Results

936 references were retrieved, 95 reviews fulfilled eligibility criteria. 59 compared psychological therapies with other forms of psychological therapies, and 36 psychological therapies with pharmacological interventions. Financial, non-financial, and personal COI were disclosed in 22, 4 and 1 review, respectively. 2 of 86 own primary studies of review authors included in 34 reviews were disclosed by review authors. In 15 of the reviews, authors showed an allegiance effect to the evaluated psychological therapy that was never disclosed. Spin in review conclusions was found in 27 of 95 reviews. Reviews with a conclusion in favour of psychological therapies (vs pharmacological interventions) were at high risk for a spin in conclusions (OR=8.31 (1.41 to 49.05)). Spin was related in trend to the inclusion of own primary studies in the systematic review (OR=2.08 (CI 0.83 to 5.18) p=0.11) and researcher allegiance (OR=2.63 (0.84 to 8.16) p=0.16).

Conclusions

Non-financial COI, especially the inclusion of own primary studies into reviews and researcher allegiance, are frequently seen in systematic reviews of psychological therapies and need more transparency and better management.
Bose–Einstein condensation in one-dimensional optical lattices: Bogoliubov’s approximation and beyond
Authors: Al-Sugheir Mohamed K. , Awawdeh Mufeed A. , Ghassib Humam B. , Alhami Emad
Published: April 2016

Bose–Einstein condensation in a finite one-dimensional atomic Bose gas trapped in an optical lattice is studied within Bogoliubov’s approximation and then beyond this approximation, within the static fluctuation approximation. A Bose–Hubbard model is used to construct the Hamiltonian of the system. The effect of the potential strength on the condensate fraction is explored at different temperatures; so is the effect of temperature on this fraction at different potential strengths. The role of the number of lattice points (the size effect) at constant number density (the filling factor) is examined; so is the effect of the number density on the condensate fraction. The results obtained are compared to other published results wherever possible.