bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hoops and Barns: a new dilemma for Sosa
Authors: Kelp Christoph , Boult Cameron , Broncano-Berrocal Fernando , Dimmock Paul , Ghijsen Harmen , Simion Mona 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper critically assesses Sosa’s normative framework for performances as well as its application to epistemology. We first develop a problem for one of Sosa’s central theses in the general theory of performance normativity according to which performances attain fully desirable status if and only if they are fully apt. More specifically, we argue that given Sosa’s account of full aptness according to which a performance is fully apt only if safe from failure, this thesis can’t be true. We then embark on a rescue mission on behalf of Sosa and work towards a weakened account of full aptness. The key idea is to countenance a distinction between negligible and non-negligible types of risk and to develop an account of full aptness according to which even performances that are endangered by risk can be fully apt, so long as the risk is of a negligible type. While this alternative account of full aptness solves the problem we developed for Sosa earlier on, there is also bad news for Sosa. When applied to epistemology, the envisaged treatment of barn façade cases as cases in which the agent falls short of fully apt belief will no longer work. We show that, as a result, Sosa faces a new version of a familiar dilemma for virtue epistemology. Either he construes full aptness as strong enough to get barn façade cases right in which case his view will run right into the problem we develop. Or else he construes full aptness as weak enough to avoid this problem but then he will not be able to deal with barn façade cases in the way envisaged.
Individual boldness is life stage‐dependent and linked to dispersal in a hermaphrodite land snail
Authors: Dahirel Maxime , Vong Alexandre , Ansart Armelle , Madec Luc 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBoth individual variation in dispersal tendency and animal personalities have been shown to be widespread in nature. They are often associated in personality‐dependent dispersal, and both have major but underappreciated consequences for ecological and evolutionary dynamics. In addition, changes in animal personality can appear through ontogeny, leading to life stage‐dependent behaviours. We investigated relationships between dispersal, life stage and boldness in an invertebrate with between‐ and within‐life stages variation in dispersal tendency, the land snail Cornu aspersum. Latency to exit the shell following a simulated attack was repeatable, indicating boldness is a personality trait in Cornu aspersum. Subadults were bolder and more dispersive than adults. Dispersers were bolder than non‐dispersers, independently of boldness changes between life stages. We discuss how these results can be explained in relation with life history strategies in this hermaphrodite species, in particular risk management in the context of reproductive investment.
Host mating system and coevolutionary dynamics shape the evolution of parasite avoidance inCaenorhabditis eleganshost populations
Authors: Penley McKenna J. , Morran Levi T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHosts exhibit a variety of defence mechanisms against parasites, including avoidance. Both host–parasite coevolutionary dynamics and the host mating system can alter the evolutionary trajectories of populations. Does the nature of host–parasite interactions and the host mating system affect the mechanisms that evolve to confer host defence? In a previous experimental evolution study, mixed mating and obligately outcrossingCaenorhabditis eleganshost populations adapted to either coevolving or staticSerratia marcescensparasite populations. Here, we assessed parasite avoidance as a mechanism underlying host adaptation. We measured host feeding preference for the coevolved and static parasitesvspreference forEscherichia coli, to assess the evolution of avoidance behaviour within our experiment. We found that mixed mating host populations evolved a preference forE. colirelative to the static parasite strain; therefore, the hosts evolved parasite avoidance as a defence. However, mixed mating hosts did not exhibitE. colipreference when exposed to coevolved parasites, so avoidance cannot account for host adaptation to coevolving parasites. Further, the obligately outcrossing host populations did not exhibit parasite avoidance in the presence of either static or coevolved parasites. Therefore, both the nature of host–parasite interactions and the host mating system shaped the evolution of host defence.
Tobacco smoking is associated with psychotic experiences in the general population of South London
Authors: Bhavsar V. , Jauhar S. , Murray R. M. , Hotopf M. , Hatch S. L. , McNeill A. , Boydell J. , MacCabe J. H. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThe association between cigarette smoking and psychosis remains unexplained, but could relate to causal effects in both directions, confounding by socioeconomic factors, such as ethnicity, or use of other substances, including cannabis. Few studies have evaluated the association between cigarettes and psychotic experiences (PEs) in diverse, inner-city populations, or relationships with number of cigarettes consumed.MethodsWe assessed associations and dose–response relationships between cigarette smoking and PEs in a cross-sectional survey of household residents (n= 1680) in South East London, using logistic regression to adjust for cannabis use, other illicit substances, and socioeconomic factors, including ethnicity.ResultsWe found association between any PEs and daily cigarette smoking, which remained following adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, cannabis and use of illicit stimulant drugs (fully adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.15). Fully adjusted estimates for the association, and with number of PEs, increased with number of cigarettes smoked daily, implying a dose–response effect (p= 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Odds of reporting any PEs in ex-smokers were similar to never-smokers.ConclusionsIn this diverse epidemiological sample, association between smoking and PEs was not explained by confounders such as cannabis or illicit drugs. Daily cigarette consumption showed a dose–response relationship with the odds of reporting PEs, and of reporting a greater number of PEs. There was no difference in odds of reporting PEs between ex-smokers and never-smokers, raising the possibility that the increase in PEs associated with smoking may be reversible.
EXPLORING PATENT ACTIVITY AND ITS POTENTIAL ASSOCIATION WITH HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES: A CASE STUDY OF OSTOMY PRODUCTS IN SWEDEN
Authors: Calara Paul Samuel , Althin Rikard , Inglese Gary , Nichols Thomas 
Published: June 2017

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ostomy industry patent activity (PA) is associated with patient outcomes and healthcare costs.Methods:Two groups of ostomy pouch users based on manufacturer PA (low or high) were compared in terms of ostomy-related wear patterns, adverse events, and healthcare expenditure. Using Swedish registry data, all patients with newly formed stomas were divided between each group and were followed during a 2-year period (2011–12). Propensity score matching and parametric duration analysis were used to compare outcomes between patients of similar characteristics such as sex, age, and ostomy surgery type.Results:In both one- and two-piece systems, the high PA group had significantly lower monthly ostomy-related expenditure than the low PA group (one-piece: 197.47 EUR versus 233.34 EUR; two-piece: 164.00 EUR versus 278.98 EUR). Fewer pouch and skin wafer purchases per month were an important driver of cost differences. Both groups had similar likelihood of purchasing dermatological products for skin complications over time.Conclusions:PA in the ostomy care industry was associated with reduced healthcare costs, but not necessarily with fewer skin complications. It suggests that there is a health economic benefit from products made by patent intensive companies which may differentiate them from generic comparators, but more research is needed to understand the impact of activities conducive to medical innovation on health outcomes.
Measuring depressive symptoms during adolescence: what is the role of gender?
Authors: Bulhões C , Ramos E , Severo M , Dias S , Barros H 
Published: June 2017

Aims.The higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among females is well recognised but the reasons for this gender difference are not fully understood. There is growing evidence that current diagnostic criteria and instruments used to assess depression are less sensitive to depression in men, but studies about this issue among adolescents are scarce, especially in Latin countries. Our aim was to assess sex differences in the intensity of depressive symptoms, measured using the Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II), among Portuguese adolescents, at 13 and 17 years of age.Methods.Urban adolescents born in 1990 and enrolled in schools of Porto, Portugal, in 2003–2004 (EPITeen study) completed the BDI-II at 13 and 17 years of age. The final sample included 1988 (52.2% girls) and 2131 (53.0% girls) adolescents at 13 and 17 years, respectively. Sex differences in the frequency of endorsing the statements on the 21 items of the BDI-II were examined using the χ2 test and effect sizes were estimated (Cohen's w). To examine whether responses were linked systematically to sex, we used a differential item functioning (DIF), based on the logistic regression approach. Option characteristic curves were estimated for items with differential endorsement and a new BDI-II score was computed excluding those items.Results.Girls and boys at the same level of depression expressed similar severity ratings for most of the depressive symptoms. We had four items with DIF at 13 and 17 years of age. At 13 years, two items provided lower scores (sadness and crying items) and two higher scores (punishment feelings and loss of interest in sex items) among boys, comparing with equally depressed girls. At 17 years, the four items with DIF provided lower scores among boys (sadness, crying, self-dislike and tiredness or fatigue items). After excluding these items the prevalence of depression remained higher among girls but at 17 years the difference between sexes was attenuated.Conclusions.Sex differences were found in the functioning of the BDI-II, more relevant at 17 years of age, which may lead to an overestimation of symptoms among girls as well as to lower reported rates of depression among boys. For a higher diagnostic accuracy it is important that the criteria and instruments used to assess depression adequately reflect female and male common symptoms and experiences of depression.
Negative regulation of EGFR signalling by the human folliculin tumour suppressor protein
Authors: Laviolette Laura A. , Mermoud Julien , Calvo Isabel A. , Olson Nicholas , Boukhali Myriam , Steinlein Ortrud K. , Roider Elisabeth , Sattler Elke C. , Huang Dachuan , Teh Bin Tean , Motamedi Mo , Haas Wilhelm , Iliopoulos Othon 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGermline mutations in the Folliculin (FLCN) tumour suppressor gene result in fibrofolliculomas, lung cysts and renal cancers, but the precise mechanisms of tumour suppression by FLCN remain elusive. Here we identify Rab7A, a small GTPase important for endocytic trafficking, as a novel FLCN interacting protein and demonstrate that FLCN acts as a Rab7A GTPase-activating protein. FLCN−/− cells display slower trafficking of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) from early to late endosomes and enhanced activation of EGFR signalling upon ligand stimulation. Reintroduction of wild-type FLCN, but not tumour-associated FLCN mutants, suppresses EGFR signalling in a Rab7A-dependent manner. EGFR signalling is elevated in FLCN−/− tumours and the EGFR inhibitor afatinib suppresses the growth of human FLCN−/− cells as tumour xenografts. The functional interaction between FLCN and Rab7A appears conserved across species. Our work highlights a mechanism explaining, at least in part, the tumour suppressor function of FLCN.
Identifying the neck margin status of ductal adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic head by multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Xu Jian , Chen Youting , Chen Hong , Hong Zhipeng , Shi Zheng , Zhuo Shuangmu , Zhu Xiaoqin , Chen Jianxin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractComplete surgical resection is the only option for improving the survival of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic head. After resection, determining the status of resection margins (RMs) is crucial for deciding on the nature of the follow-up treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether multiphoton microscopy (MPM) could be considered a reliable tool for determining the status of pancreatic neck margins by identifying tumour cells of ductal adenocarcinoma in these margins in the pancreatic head, and our results were affirmative. In particular, MPM could identify tumour cells in the nerves. It was also found that the quantification of the difference between normal duct cells and tumour cells was possible. In addition, the content of collagen could be quantified and used as a marker for differentiating ductal adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic head from normal pancreatic tissues, eventually leading to the identification of R0 and R1 resections of the pancreatic neck margin. With the development of the clinical applications of the multiphoton endoscope, MPM has the potential to provide in vivo real-time identification of RM status during surgery.
Generation of megahertz-band spin currents using nonlinear spin pumping
Authors: Watanabe Shingo , Hirobe Daichi , Shiomi Yuki , Iguchi Ryo , Daimon Shunsuke , Kameda Mai , Takahashi Saburo , Saitoh Eiji 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSpin pumping enables the generation of d.c. and gigahertz-band (GHz-band) voltages from an applied microwave via magnetization dynamics when combined with inverse spin Hall effects. However, generating such voltages in the in-between frequency region, or the megahertz (MHz) band, has been difficult since ferromagnetic resonance usually occurs in the GHz band. Here we show that in spite of GHz-band microwaves applied, MHz-band voltages can be generated by spin pumping with use of nonlinear magnetization dynamics in Y3Fe5O12. The mechanism is ascribed to the MHz-band oscillation of the amplitude of the magnetization precession, which is projected onto a rectified voltage component via spin pumping. The present finding could be useful for frequency down-conversion thanks to the simple and durable structure, continuous-wave operation, and the tunability of an output frequency with low magnetic fields.
Comparison of traditional culture and molecular qPCR for detection of simultaneous carriage of multiple pneumococcal serotypes in African children
Authors: Olwagen Courtney P. , Adrian Peter V. , Madhi Shabir A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractS. pneumoniae is a common colonizer of the human nasopharynx in high income and low-middle income countries. Due to limitations of standard culture methods, the prevalence of concurrent colonization with multiple serotypes is unclear. We evaluated the use of multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect multiple pneumococcal serotypes/group colonization in archived nasopharyngeal swabs of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine naive children who had previously been investigated by traditional culture methods. Overall the detection of pneumococcal colonization was higher by qPCR (82%) compared to standard culture (71%; p < 0.001), with a high concordance (kappa = 0.73) of serotypes/groups identified by culture also being identified by qPCR. Also, qPCR was more sensitive in detecting multiple serotype/groups among colonized cases (28.7%) compared to culture (4.5%; p < 0.001). Of the additional serotypes detected only by qPCR, the majority were of lower density (<104 CFU/ml) than the dominant colonizing serotype, with serotype/group 6A/B, 19B/F and 23F being the highest density colonizers, followed by serotype 5 and serogroup 9A/L/N/V being the most common second and third colonizers respectively. The ability of qPCR to detect multiple pneumococcal serotypes at a low carriage density might provide better insight into underlying mechanism for changes in serotype colonization in PCV vaccinated children.
Miniaturised unequal Wilkinson power divider using lumped component elements
Authors: Heydari M. , Roshani S. 
Published: June 2017

A compact two‐way unequal Wilkinson power divider with a power division ratio of 2 is proposed. The proposed design can reduce more than 75% of the occupied area, compared with the conventional unequal power divider using composite transmission line. In the proposed design, the total transmission‐line length is much less than conventional one. A resistor and a compensative capacitor are used to isolate output ports. The proposed divider is designed, fabricated and tested. The results show that at the designed frequency of 1.5 GHz, the input return loss (s11) and output return losses (s22, s33) are better than 20 dB and the output ports isolation (s23) is better than 25 dB.
Ovary as a Biomarker of Health and Longevity: Insights from Genetics
Authors: Pangas Stephanie , Rajkovic Aleksandar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractReproductive fitness and its influence on overall health has been a topic of significant study and interest. Multiple studies have found that age at last reproduction associates with overall health. Women who conceive later in life are significantly more likely to outlive their peers who are unable to conceive. The mechanisms behind these observations are not well understood. Earlier age at menopause associates with shorter life span, increased risk for diabetes mellitus, and increased risk of heart disease, and represents a surrogate marker for the age at last reproduction. Recent applications of genome-wide association studies as well as whole-exome sequencing to familial primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and menopause have identified new genomic regions that link reproductive aging and adverse health outcomes. The preponderance of DNA damage response genes in menopause and POI represents a relatively new paradigm in this area, and links overall aging and reproduction at the molecular level. Identification of the subset of individuals who are at risk for adverse health outcomes remains a significant and high priority research challenge. The combination of epidemiologic studies in women with diminished ovarian reserves, ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause, as well as appropriate animal studies, will be necessary to dissect genotype–phenotype correlations not only in the cause of ovarian dysfunction but also in the cause of adverse health outcomes.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and the Long-Term Health Consequences
Authors: Torbati Tina , Dutra Erika , Shufelt Chrisandra 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe menstrual cycle is a reproductive vital sign and provides insight into hormonal imbalance as well as pregnancy. The significance of estrogen, however, extends beyond fertility and plays a role on tissues and organs throughout the body. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a common form of secondary amenorrhea resulting in estrogen deficiency in young premenopausal women. While reversible, the cause of this disorder is related to psychological stress, excessive exercise, disordered eating, or a combination of these factors resulting in suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. The resulting loss of estrogen has profound effects on many systems throughout the body, including cardiac, skeletal, psychological, and reproductive. Often, these young women are “walking well,” as they do not have bothersome symptoms of low estrogen and are unaware of the consequences of estrogen deficiency. This review focuses on the health consequences of hypothalamic amenorrhea, current research, and available treatment options.
Associations between Maternal and Fetal Inherited Thrombophilias, Placental Characteristics Associated with Vascular Malperfusion, and Fetal Growth
Authors: Freedman Alexa , Hogue Carol , Dudley Donald , Silver Robert , Stoll Barbara , Pinar Halit , Goldenberg Robert , Drews-Botsch Carolyn 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPregnancy results in alterations in coagulation processes, which may increase the risk of thrombosis. Inherited thrombophilia mutations may further increase this risk, possibly through alterations in the placenta, which may result in pregnancy complications such as poor fetal growth. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the association of fetal growth, approximated by birth weight for gestational age percentile, with genetic markers of thrombophilia and placental characteristics related to vascular malperfusion. We analyzed data from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network's population-based case–control study conducted in 2006–2008. Study recruitment occurred in five states: Rhode Island and counties in Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas, and Utah. The analysis was restricted to singleton, nonanomalous live births ≤42 weeks' gestation with a complete placental examination and successful testing for ≥1 thrombophilia marker (858 mothers, 902 infants). Data were weighted to account for oversampling, differential consent, and availability of placental examination. We evaluated five thrombophilia markers: factor V Leiden, factor II prothrombin, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C and C677T, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in both maternal blood and placenta/cord blood. We modeled maternal and fetal thrombophilia markers separately using linear regression. Maternal factor V Leiden mutation was associated with a 13.16-point decrease in adjusted birth weight percentile (95% confidence interval: −25.50, −0.82). Adjustment for placental abnormalities related to vascular malperfusion did not affect the observed association. No other maternal or fetal thrombophilia markers were significantly associated with birth weight percentile. Maternal factor V Leiden may be associated with fetal growth independent of placental characteristics.
Impact of Venous Thromboembolism on the Formation and Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis: The Tromsø Study
Authors: Lind Caroline , Småbrekke Birgit , Rinde Ludvig , Hindberg Kristian , Mathiesen Ellisiv , Johnsen Stein , Arntzen Kjell , Njølstad Inger , Lijfering Willem , Brækkan Sigrid , Hansen John-Bjarne 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with increased risk of arterial cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and development of atherosclerosis secondary to VTE may be an intermediate between VTE and CVD. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether incident VTE was associated with subsequent carotid atherosclerosis formation and progression in a population-based observational study. Subjects attending two or more ultrasound examinations of the right carotid artery, with measurement of total plaque area (TPA), in the Tromsø Study in 1994–1995, 2001–2002, and/or 2007–2008 were eligible. We identified 150 subjects diagnosed with first-lifetime VTE between the initial and follow-up visit, and randomly selected 600 age- and sex-matched subjects without VTE between the visits. Subjects with VTE and carotid plaque(s) at the first visit had 4.1 mm2 (β: 4.13, 95% CI: −1.72 to 9.98) larger change in TPA between the first and second visit compared with subjects without VTE after adjustment for change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. The association remained after restricting the analyses to VTE events diagnosed in the first half of the time interval between the carotid ultrasounds (β: 4.02, 95% CI: −3.66 to 11.70), supporting that the change in TPA occurred subsequent to the VTE. No association was found between VTE and novel carotid plaque formation. In conclusion, we found a possible association between VTE and atherosclerosis progression in those with already established carotid plaques, but not between VTE and novel plaque formation. The association between VTE and carotid plaque progression was not mediated by low-grade inflammation assessed by hs-CRP.