bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and Volatility Nexus in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Mekonnen Jemberu Lulie , Dogruel Ali Suut 
Published: June 2018

AbstractUsing cross‐sectional and panel data estimation techniques with various methods of volatility measures, we have found a significant negative impact of growth volatility on growth for 35 sub‐Saharan African countries from 1980 to 2013. When we consider the possible endogeneity of growth volatility, we obtained a more strong negative relationship. Decade by decade regression indicates a decline in the volatility effect over time for standard deviation based method. Nevertheless, volatility coefficient of one decade does not significantly vary from the other decade when we test for the equality of the coefficients. We further classified SSA countries into ‘resource rich’ and ‘resource non‐rich’ so as to observe if volatility varies by resource within the region. Although the latter groups seem to have a stronger negative relationship, it is the ‘resource rich’ countries which have a stronger negative relationship when endogeneity of growth volatility is taken into account.
Colonial Legacy and Economic Efficiency across Africa: A Metafrontier Approach
Authors: Goundan Anatole 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper attempts to estimate comparable efficiency scores for 40 African countries over the period 1975–2014, adopting the metafrontier framework which allows the decomposition of the overall technical efficiency into technology gap ratio and standard technical efficiency (Huang et al., ). We tested whether colonial legacy, proxied by country's first official language, based on stochastic frontiers were preferred to the pooled stochastic frontier. Consequently, we split countries into the three following groups: French‐speaking countries, English‐speaking countries, and other African countries. Efficiency measures results showed that there is, on average, more efficiency matters than technology gap issues. In addition, the extent of those challenges varies from one group of countries to another. It is found that the efficiency issue is more pronounced among English‐speaking countries, while the main challenge for French‐speaking countries is related to technology gap. Results also show that the appropriate trade, monetary, and financial sector‐oriented policies may help countries to close their technology gap.
Comparative studies of loading lipophilic substances into casein micelles and investigating the influence of whey proteins and heat treatment on loading stability
Authors: Moeller Henrike , Martin Dierk , Schrader Katrin , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Pargmann Stefanie , Kurz Janina , Lorenzen Peter Chr. 
Published: June 2018

Application of casein micelles (CM) as nanocarriers for lipophilic substances was studied. Casein micelles were separated from skimmed milk by microfiltration. Casein micelles were partly dissociated at 2 °C, pH 5.5, and loaded with β‐carotene, vitamin D2 or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Loading concentrations and times were varied. Loading efficiency was in the order: β‐carotene > vitamin D2 > DHA. Optimal loading times were 60 min for β‐carotene and 15 min for vitamin D2 and DHA. Adding whey protein to loaded CM led to lower vitamin D2 content in the micellar phase. Heat treatment (85 °C/2 min) led to stable loading concentrations over 4 days of storage.
Role of Parathyroid Hormone in Regulating Transporter and Metabolizing Enzyme Function
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Maruyama Toru 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRecent studies demonstrate that parathyroid hormone (PTH) not only maintains mineral homeostasis through targeting the kidneys and bone, but also exerts its effects on other organs. For instance, PTH induces urate accumulation through inhibiting the expression of the ABCG2 in both the intestine and the kidney. In addition, PTH downregulates the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, a major enzyme for drug metabolism in both the intestine and liver, resulting in the increase of substrate drug exposure. These functions of PTH are mediated through the PTH receptor (PTHR) signaling. Since PTHR exists in various organs, PTH may regulate other, still unspecified transporters or enzymes in the organs that express PTHR.
Assessment of the Extreme Rainfall Event at Nashville, TN and the Surrounding Region on May 1–3, 2010
Authors: Keim Barry D. , Kappel William D. , Muhlestein Geoffrey A. , Hultstrand Douglas M. , Parzybok Tye W. , Lewis Amanda B. , Tomlinson Edward M. , Black Alan W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper analyzes the May 1–3, 2010 rainfall event that affected the south‐central United States, including parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The storm is evaluated in terms of its synoptic setting, along with the temporal distributions, and spatial patterns of the rainfall. In addition, the recurrence interval of the storm is assessed and the implications for hydrologic structure designs are discussed. The event was associated with an upper‐level trough and stationary frontal boundary to the west of the rainfall region, which remained quasi‐stationary for a period of 48 h. Heavy rainfall was produced by two slow‐moving mesoscale convective complexes, combined with abundant atmospheric moisture. Storm totals exceeding 330 mm occurred within a large elongated area extending from Memphis to Nashville. Isolated rainfall totals over 480 mm were reported in some areas, with NEXRAD weather radar rainfall estimates up to 501 mm. An extreme value analysis was performed for one‐ and two‐day rainfall totals at Nashville and Brownsville, Tennessee, as well as for gridded rainfall estimates for the entire region using the Storm Precipitation Analysis System. Results suggest maximum rainfall totals for some durations during the May 1–3, 2010 event exceeded the 1,000‐year rainfall values from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Atlas 14 for a large portion of the region and reached up to 80% of the probable maximum precipitation values for some area sizes and durations.
Neural correlates of improved recognition of happy faces after erythropoietin treatment in bipolar disorder
Authors: Miskowiak K. W. , Petersen N. A. , Harmer C. J. , Ehrenreich E. , Kessing L. V. , Vinberg M. , Macoveanu J. , Siebner H. R. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveBipolar disorder is associated with impairments in social cognition including the recognition of happy faces. This is accompanied by imbalanced cortico‐limbic response to emotional faces. We found that EPO improved the recognition of happy faces in patients with bipolar disorder. This randomized, controlled, longitudinal fMRI study explores the neuronal underpinnings of this effect.MethodForty‐four patients with bipolar disorder in full or partial remission were randomized to eight weekly erythropoietin (EPO; 40 000 IU) or saline (NaCl 0.9%) infusions in a double‐blind, parallel‐group design. Participants underwent whole‐brain fMRI at 3T, mood ratings and blood tests at baseline and week 14. During fMRI, participants viewed happy and fearful faces and performed a gender discrimination task.ResultsThirty‐four patients had complete pre‐ and post‐treatment fMRI data (EPO: N = 18, saline: N = 16). Erythropoietin vs. saline increased right superior frontal response to happy vs. fearful faces. This correlated with improved happiness recognition in the EPO group. Erythropoietin also enhanced gender discrimination accuracy for happy faces. These effects were not influenced by medication, mood, red blood cells or blood pressure.ConclusionsTogether with previous findings, the present observation suggests that increased dorsal prefrontal attention control is a common mechanism of EPO‐associated improvements across several cognitive domains.
Rapid progression to gummatous tertiary syphilis in a patient with HIV
Authors: Charlton Olivia A , Puri Prianka , Davey Louella , Weatherall Chris , Konecny Pamela 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCo‐infection with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV) and syphilis is associated with rapid progression to tertiary syphilis. This case report describes the early development of gummatous skin disease and suspected neurosyphilis in a patient with untreated HIV and approaches to treatment.
Is There More Violence in the Middle?
Authors: Jones Zachary M. , Lupu Yonatan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIs there more violence in the middle? Over 100 studies have analyzed whether violent outcomes such as civil war, terrorism, and repression are more common in regimes that are neither full autocracies nor full democracies, yet findings are inconclusive. While this hypothesis is ultimately about functional form, existing work uses models in which a particular functional form is assumed. Existing work also uses arbitrary operationalizations of “the middle.” This article aims to resolve the empirical uncertainty about this relationship by using a research design that overcomes the limitations of existing work. We use a random forest‐like ensemble of multivariate regression and classification trees to predict multiple forms of conflict. Our results indicate the specific conditions under which there is or is not more violence in the middle. We find the most consistent support for the hypothesis with respect to minor civil conflict and no support with respect to repression.
Comparison of lipase and amylase for diagnosing post‐operative pancreatic fistulae
Authors: Griffith David , Hanna Thomas , Wong Kimberley , Reece‐Smith Alexander , Aroori Somaiah , Bowles Matthew , Stell David , Briggs Christopher 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundTo ascertain if post‐operative drain fluid lipase is superior to amylase in routinely detecting clinically significant post‐operative pancreatic fistulae (POPF).MethodBetween January 2015 and March 2016 data were collected on all patients undergoing pancreatic surgery at a regional referral centre. Routine drain fluid analysis was performed on post‐operative patients as part of a locally defined enhanced recovery protocol. POPF was diagnosed in accordance with the recently updated International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery guidance.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 68 pancreatic resections. The median age was 69.1 years. A total of 11 (15.9%) patients developed clinically significant POPF (nine type B and two type C). The median drain amylase result in patients with type B or C leak was 532 IU/L (interquartile range (IQR) 264–833). This was significantly higher than those without a clinical fistula (median 38, IQR 15–376, P = 0.012). The median drain lipase result was 1504 IU/L (IQR 746–2236). This was significantly higher than those without a clinical fistula (median 57, IQR 13–1277, P = 0.012). Fluid amylase had a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 69.2%; fluid lipase had a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 64.9%.ConclusionOur experience suggests drain fluid amylase or lipase results are not sufficiently sensitive or specific to reassure clinicians and rule out clinically significant POPF. However, if biochemical tests are used to aid decision‐making, then lipase is a more sensitive biochemical marker than amylase for the routine detection of clinically significant POPF.
“They're kept in a bubble”: Healthcare professionals' views on transitioning young adults with congenital heart disease from paediatric to adult care
Authors: McLoughlin A. , Matthews C. , Hickey T. M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundDue to medical advances, growing numbers of adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood and transferring from paediatric to adult healthcare. This transfer is significant step in a young person's life, and this study examines the views of Irish healthcare professionals' on how best to manage this transition.MethodsPurposeful sampling was used to invite participation by healthcare professionals (HCPs) from a variety of disciplines whose caseloads include adolescents and young adults with CHD. Fourteen professionals participated in semistructured interviews regarding their experiences of the transition process and their recommendations. Data were collected during Spring 2016 and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsResults indicated that the current approach to transition and transfer could be improved. Professionals identified barriers hindering the transition process such as cultural and attitudinal differences between HCPs dealing with child and adult patients, inadequate preparation and education of patients about their condition, parental reluctance to transfer, and concern about parents' role in on‐going treatment. Measures such as better support and education for both the patients and their parents were recommended, in order to facilitate a smoother transition process for all parties involved. Additionally, HCPs identified the need for better collaboration and communication, both between paediatric and adult healthcare professionals and between hospitals, to ensure greater continuity of care for patients.ConclusionsAction is required in order to improve the current transition process. Measures need to be taken to address the barriers that currently prevent a smooth transition process for young adult CHD patients. Professionals recommended the implementation of a structured transition clinic to deal with the wide variety of needs of transitioning adolescent patients and their families. Recommendations for future research are also made.
Landscape trajectory of natural boreal forest loss as an impediment to green infrastructure
Authors: Svensson Johan , Andersson Jon , Sandström Per , Mikusiński Grzegorz , Jonsson Bengt Gunnar 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLoss of natural forests by forest clearcutting has been identified as a critical conservation challenge worldwide. This study addressed forest fragmentation and loss in the context of the establishment of a functional green infrastructure as a spatiotemporally connected landscape‐scale network of habitats enhancing biodiversity, favorable conservation status, and ecosystem services. Through retrospective analysis of satellite images, we assessed a 50‐ to 60‐year spatiotemporal clearcutting impact trajectory on natural and near‐natural boreal forests across a sizable and representative region from the Gulf of Bothnia to the Scandinavian Mountain Range in northern Fennoscandia. This period broadly covers the whole forest clearcutting period; thus, our approach and results can be applied to comprehensive impact assessment of industrial forest management. The entire study region covers close to 46,000 km2 of forest‐dominated landscape in a late phase of transition from a natural or near‐natural to a land‐use modified state. We found a substantial loss of intact forest, in particular of large, contiguous areas, a spatial polarization of remaining forest on regional scale where the inland has been more severely affected than the mountain and coastal zones, and a pronounced impact on interior forest core areas. Salient results were a decrease in area of the largest intact forest patch from 225,853 to 68,714 ha in the mountain zone and from 257,715 to 38,668 ha in the foothills zone, a decrease from 75% to 38% intact forest in the inland zones, a decrease in largest patch core area (assessed by considering 100‐m patch edge disturbance) from 6114 to 351 ha in the coastal zone, and a geographic imbalance in protected forest with an evident predominance in the mountain zone. These results demonstrate profound disturbance of configuration of the natural forest landscape and disrupted connectivity, which challenges the establishment of functional green infrastructure. Our approach supports the identification of forests for expanded protection and conservation‐oriented forest landscape restoration.
Is a specific eyelid patch test series useful? Results of a French prospective study
Authors: Assier Haudrey , Tetart Florence , Avenel‐Audran Martine , Barbaud Annick , Ferrier‐le Bouëdec Marie‐Christine , Giordano‐Labadie Françoise , Milpied Brigitte , Amsler Emmanuelle , Collet Evelyne , Girardin Pascal , Soria Angèle , Waton Julie , Truchetet François , Bourrain Jean‐Luc , Gener Gwendeline , Bernier Claire , Raison‐Peyron Nadia ,   for the Dermato‐Allergology Group of the French Society of Dermatology (DAG)
Published: June 2018

BackgroundEyelids are frequent sites of contact dermatitis. No prospective study focused on eyelid allergic contact dermatitis (EACD) has yet been published, and this topic has never been studied in French patients.ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the usefulness of an eyelid series in French patients patch tested because of EACD, and to describe these patients.MethodsWe prospectively analysed standardized data for all patients referred to our departments between September 2014 and August 2016 for patch testing for suspected EACD as the main reason. All patients were patch tested with an eyelid series, the European baseline series (EBS), the French additional series, and their personal products. Patch testing with additional series and repeated open application tests (ROATs) or open tests were performed if necessary. A standardized assessment of the relevance was used, and the analysis of the results was focused on patients having positive test results with a current certain relevance.ResultsTwo‐hundred and sixty‐four patients (238 women and 26 men) were included. Three‐hundred and twenty‐two tests gave positive results in 167 patients, 84 of whom had currently relevant reactions: 56 had currently relevant positive test reactions to the EBS, 16 had currently relevant positive test reactions to their personal products, 8 had currently relevant positive test reactions to the French additional series, and 4 had currently relevant positive test reactions to the eyelid series. Sixty‐seven per cent of all relevant cases were related to cosmetic products. The most frequent allergens with current relevance were methylisothiazolinone (10.2%), fragrance mix I (3%), nickel (2.7%), hydroxyperoxides of linalool (2.7%) and limonene (2.3%), and Myroxylon pereirae (2.3%). Current atopic dermatitis was found in 9.5% of patients. The duration of dermatitis was shorter (23.2 vs 34.2 months; P = .035) in patients with currently relevant test reactions. The percentage of currently relevant tests remained the same when atopic patients or dermatitis localized only on the eyelids were taken into account.ConclusionIn French patients, testing for EACD with the extended baseline series and personal products, also including ROATs and use tests, appears to be adequate, considering the currently relevant positive test reactions. The regular addition of an eyelid series does not seem to be necessary.
Endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma: Clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis of 11 cases with emphasis on MYB immunoexpression
Authors: Held Laura , Ruetten Arno , Kutzner Heinz , Palmedo Gabriele , John Rahel , Mentzel Thomas 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundEndocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare low‐grade primary cutaneous sweat gland carcinoma with predilection for the periorbital skin in elderly female patients.MethodsWe describe 11 cases of EMPSGC using a broad panel of immunohistochemical markers including BerEP4, cytokeratin 7, CAM 5.2, synaptophysin, chromogranin, cytokeratin 20, Ki67, progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor. Calponin (1A4) and p63 were used to detect surrounding myoepithelial cells. We also examined staining with a relatively new marker, MYB. Previous studies of MYB on EMPSGC remain limited. As mucin‐rich basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents a main differential diagnosis and primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (PCMC) could appear synchronous with EMPSGC, these lesions were also stained for MYB.ResultsWe found strong and homogenous nuclear MYB‐expression in 10 EMPSGC cases stained for MYB. MYB staining was not performed in one case. Furthermore, PCMC and mucin‐rich BCCs did not express MYB.ConclusionThe strong nuclear MYB‐positivity in EMPSGC could be useful as a new surrogate marker, especially in mucin‐poor EMPSGC cases. Additionally, the staining of PCMC revealed absent MYB‐expression leading to the conclusion that EMPSGC might not represent a precursor lesion for primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma.
Freshwater megafauna diversity: Patterns, status and threats
Authors: He Fengzhi , Bremerich Vanessa , Zarfl Christiane , Geldmann Jonas , Langhans Simone D. , David Jonathan N. W. , Darwall William , Tockner Klement , Jähnig Sonja C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimFreshwater megafauna remain underrepresented in research and conservation, despite a disproportionately high risk of extinction due to multiple human threats. Therefore, our aims are threefold; (i) identify global patterns of freshwater megafauna richness and endemism, (ii) assess the conservation status of freshwater megafauna and (iii) demonstrate spatial and temporal patterns of human pressure throughout their distribution ranges.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe identified 207 extant freshwater megafauna species, based on a 30 kg weight threshold, and mapped their distributions using HydroBASINS subcatchments (level 8). Information on conservation status and population trends for each species was extracted from the IUCN Red List website. We investigated human impacts on freshwater megafauna in space and time by examining spatial congruence between their distributions and human pressures, described by the Incident Biodiversity Threat Index and Temporal Human Pressure Index.ResultsFreshwater megafauna occur in 76% of the world’s main river basins (level 3 HydroBASINS), with species richness peaking in the Amazon, Congo, Orinoco, Mekong and Ganges‐Brahmaputra basins. Freshwater megafauna are more threatened than their smaller counterparts within the specific taxonomic groups (i.e., fishes, mammals, reptiles and amphibians). Out of the 93 freshwater megafauna species with known population trends, 71% are in decline. Meanwhile, IUCN Red List assessments reported insufficient or outdated data for 43% of all freshwater megafauna species. Since the early 1990s, human pressure has increased throughout 63% of their distribution ranges, with particularly intense impacts occurring in the Mekong and Ganges‐Brahmaputra basins.Main conclusionsFreshwater megafauna species are threatened globally, with intense and increasing human pressures occurring in many of their biodiversity hotspots. We call for research and conservation actions for freshwater megafauna, as they are highly sensitive to present and future pressures including a massive boom in hydropower dam construction in their biodiversity hotspots.