bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-in-Human Phase I Study of Lumretuzumab, a Glycoengineered Humanized Anti-HER3 Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients with Metastatic or Advanced HER3-Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Meulendijks Didier , Jacob Wolfgang , Martinez-Garcia Maria , Taus Alvaro , Lolkema Martijn P. , Voest Emile E. , Langenberg Marlies H.G. , Fleitas Kanonnikoff Tania , Cervantes Andres , De Jonge Maja J. , Sleijfer Stefan , Soerensen Morten Mau , Thomas Marlene , Ceppi Maurizio , Meneses-Lorente Georgina , James Ian , Adessi Celine , Michielin Francesca , Abiraj Keelara , Bossenmaier Birgit , Schellens Jan H.M. , Weisser Martin , Lassen Ulrik N.
Published: October 2015

Purpose: A first-in-human phase I study was conducted to characterize safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of lumretuzumab, a humanized and glycoengineered anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced cancer.

Experimental Design: Twenty-five patients with histologically confirmed HER3-expressing tumors received lumretuzumab (100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, and 2,000 mg) every two weeks (q2w) in 3+3 dose-escalation phase. In addition, 22 patients were enrolled into an extension cohort at 2,000 mg q2w.

Results: There were no dose-limiting toxicities. Common adverse events (any grade) included diarrhea (22 patients, 46.8%), fatigue (21 patients, 44.7%), decreased appetite (15 patients, 31.9%), infusion-related reactions (13 patients, 27.7%), and constipation (10 patients, 21.3%). The peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve up to the last measurable concentration (AUClast) of lumretuzumab increased more than dose proportionally from 100 mg up to 400 mg. Linear PK was observed with doses ≥400 mg q2w indicating target-mediated drug disposition saturation. Downregulation of HER3 membranous protein was observed in on-treatment tumor biopsies from 200 mg, and was maximal at and above 400 mg. An ex vivo assay demonstrated increased activation potential of peripheral NK lymphocytes with lumretuzumab compared with a non-glycoengineered anti-HER3 antibody. Ten patients (21.3%) had stable disease and remained on study at a median of 111 days (range, 80–225 days).

Conclusions: Lumretuzumab was well tolerated and showed evidence of clinical activity. Linear serum PK properties and plateauing of PD effects in serial tumor biopsies indicate optimal biologically active doses of lumretuzumab from 400 mg onwards. Clin Cancer Res; 22(4); 877–85. ©2015 AACR.
IMPlicating Mesenchymal Imp1 in Colitis-Associated Cancer
Authors: Koltsova Ekaterina K. , Grivennikov Sergei I.
Published: October 2015

Chronic inflammation and associated pathways are significant facilitators of many disease states, including malignancies. In the context of cancer, fibroblasts can actively regulate both inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this issue, Hamilton and colleagues describe a fibroblast-specific role of the RNA binding protein Imp1 in suppression of intestinal inflammatory responses and development of colitis-associated cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 13(11); 1452–4. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Hamilton et al., p. 1478
T-cell Exhaustion in Multiple Myeloma Relapse after Autotransplant: Optimal Timing of Immunotherapy
Authors: Chung David J. , Pronschinske Katherine B. , Shyer Justin A. , Sharma Sneh , Leung Samantha , Curran Shane A. , Lesokhin Alexander M. , Devlin Sean M. , Giralt Sergio A. , Young James W.
Published: October 2015

Multiple myeloma is the most common indication for high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and lenalidomide maintenance after transplant is now standard. Although lenalidomide doubles progression-free survival, almost all patients eventually relapse. Posttransplant immunotherapy to improve outcomes after ASCT therefore has great merit but first requires delineation of the dynamics of immune reconstitution. We evaluated lymphocyte composition and function after ASCT to guide optimal timing of immunotherapy and to identify potential markers of relapse. Regulatory T cells (Treg) decline as CD8+ T cells expand during early lymphocyte recovery after ASCT, markedly reducing the Treg:CD8+ effector T-cell ratio. These CD8+ T cells can respond to autologous dendritic cells presenting tumor antigen in vitro as early as day +12 after transplant, becoming antigen-specific cytolytic T-lymphocyte effectors and thereby demonstrating preservation of cellular reactivity. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells express the negative regulatory molecules, CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3, before and after ASCT. A subpopulation of exhausted/senescent CD8+ T cells, however, downregulates CD28 and upregulates CD57 and PD-1, characterizing immune impairment and relapse after ASCT. Relapsing patients have higher numbers of these cells at +3 months after transplant, but before detection of clinical disease, indicating their applicability in identifying patients at higher risk of relapse. PD-1 blockade also revives the proliferation and cytokine secretion of the hyporesponsive, exhausted/senescent CD8+ T cells in vitro. Collectively, these results identify T-cell exhaustion/senescence as a distinguishing feature of relapse and support early introduction of immunotherapy to stimulate antitumor immunity after ASCT. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(1); 61–71. ©2015 AACR.
Immediate Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Is Associated With Improved Short- and Long-Term Survival After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Geri Guillaume , Dumas Florence , Bougouin Wulfran , Varenne Olivier , Daviaud Fabrice , Pène Frédéric , Lamhaut Lionel , Chiche Jean-Daniel , Spaulding Christian , Mira Jean-Paul , Empana Jean-Philippe , Cariou, Alain
Published: October 2015

Background—

Whether to perform or not an immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is still debated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of PCI on short- and long-term survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted after successful resuscitation.

Methods and Results—

Between 2000 and 2013, all nontrauma out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted in a Parisian cardiac arrest center after return of spontaneous circulation were prospectively included. The association between immediate PCI and short- and long-term mortality was analyzed using logistic regression and Cox multivariate analysis, respectively. Propensity score-matching method was used to assess the influence of PCI on short- and long-term survival. During the study period, 1722 patients (71.5% male, median age 60 [49.6, 72.2] years) were analyzed: 628 (35.6%) without coronary angiography, 615 (35.7%) with coronary angiography without PCI, and 479 (27.8%) with both. Among these groups, day 30 and year-10 survival rates were 21% and 11.9%, 35% and 29%, 43% and 38%, respectively (
P
<0.01 for each). PCI as compared with no coronary angiography was associated with a lower day-30 and long-term mortality (adjOR
coro with PCI versus no coro
0.71, 95% confidence interval [0.54, 0.92];
P
=0.02 and adjHR
coro with PCI versus no coro
0.44, 95% confidence interval [0.27, 0.71];
P
<0.01, respectively). PCI remained associated with a lower risk of long-term mortality (adjHR 0.29; 95% confidence interval [0.14, 0.61];
P
<0.01) in propensity score-matching analysis.

Conclusions—

Immediate PCI after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was associated with significant reduced risk of short- and long-term mortality. These findings should suggest physicians to consider immediate coronary angiography and PCI if indicated in these patients.
Post-Resuscitation ECG for Selection of Patients for Immediate Coronary Angiography in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Stær-Jensen Henrik , Nakstad Espen Rostrup , Fossum Eigil , Mangschau Arild , Eritsland Jan , Drægni Tomas , Jacobsen Dag , Sunde Kjetil , Andersen Geir Øystein
Published: October 2015

Background—

We aimed to investigate coronary angiographic findings in unselected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients referred to immediate coronary angiography (ICA) irrespective of their first postresuscitation ECG and to determine whether this ECG is useful to select patients with no need of ICA.

Methods and Results—

All resuscitated patients admitted after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without a clear noncardiac cause underwent ICA. Patients were retrospectively grouped according to the postresuscitation ECG blinded for ICA results: (1) ST elevation or presumably new left bundle branch block, (2) other ECG signs indicating myocardial ischemia, and (3) no ECG signs indicating myocardial ischemia. All coronary angiograms were reevaluated blinded for postresuscitation ECGs. Two hundred and ten patients were included with mean age 62±12 years. Six-months survival with good neurological outcome was 54%. Reduced Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow (0–2) was found in 55%, 34%, and 18% and a ≥90% coronary stenosis was present in 25%, 27%, and 19% of patients in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. An acute coronary occlusion was found in 11% of patients in group 3. ST elevation/left bundle branch block identified patients with reduced Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (0–2) flow with 70% sensitivity and 62% specificity. Among patients with initial nonshockable rhythms (24%), 32% had significantly reduced Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow.

Conclusions—

Initial ECG findings are not reliable in detecting patients with an indication for ICA after experiencing a cardiac arrest. Even in the absence of ECG changes indicating myocardial ischemia, an acute culprit lesion may be present and patients may benefit from emergent revascularization.

Clinical Trial Registration—URL:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01239420.
Effects of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Rehabilitation on Left Ventricular Mechanical Efficiency and Ventricular‐Arterial Coupling in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Aslanger Emre , Assous Benjamin , Bihry Nicolas , Beauvais Florence , Logeart Damien , Cohen‐Solal Alain
Published: October 2015

Background

Success of cardiac rehabilitation (
CR
) is generally assessed by the objective improvement in peak volume of inhaled oxygen (
VO
2
) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test (
CPX
). However, cardiac mechanical efficiency and ventricular‐arterial coupling (
VAC
) are the other important dimensions of the heart failure pathophysiology, which are not included in
CPX
‐derived data. The effect of cardiac rehabilitation on left ventricular (
LV
) efficiency or
VAC
in unselected heart failure patients has not been studied thus far.

Methods and Results

Thirty patients with an ejection fraction of ≤45% were recruited for 20 sessions of exercise‐based
CR
. Noninvasive
LV
pressure‐volume loops were constructed and
VAC
was calculated with the help of applanation tonometry and echocardiography before and after
CR
.
VAC
showed an improved mechanical efficiency profile and increased significantly from 0.56±0.18 to 0.67±0.21 (
P
=0.02).
LV
mechanical efficiency improved from 43.9±9.1% to 48.8±9.1% (
P
=0.01). The change in peak
VO
2
was not in a significant correlation with the change in
VAC
(
r
=−0.18;
P
=0.31), mechanical efficiency (
r
=−0.16,
P
=0.39), or the change in ejection fraction (
r
=−0.07;
P
=0.68).

Conclusions

CR
is associated with an improvement in
VAC
and
LV
mechanical efficiency in heart failure patients. Further studies are needed to determine the incremental value of
VAC
and mechanical efficiency over
CPX
‐derived data in predicting clinical outcomes.
Sexual dimorphism of tropical green pit viper Trimeresurus (Cryptelytrops) macrops in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Strine Colin , Silva Inês , Nadolski Bartosz , Crane Matthew , Barnes Curt , Artchawakom Taksin , Hill Jacques , Suwanwaree Pongthep
Published: October 2015

Total body size for arboreal vipers is normally biased toward small males and larger females. We evaluated sexual dimorphism in adult and sub-adultTrimeresurus macrops, a small, arboreal green pit viper commonly found in Southeast Asia, but severely understudied. We evaluated morphological characters of 139 adultT. macropsobtained by active and opportunistic searches at Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve in northeast Thailand, from May 2012 to October 2014. We compared 7 external characters including residual index (Ri) and scaled mass index (SMI) between male and femaleT. macrops. Body length measurements and mass differed between males and females. Females had greater snout-vent length, body mass and head length and width, while males had greater tail lengths. A postocular stripe was always present on males, but never on females. Male head size was negatively correlated with SMI, which may reveal intersexual competition inT. macrops. Sexually dimorphic characters inT. macropsmay have evolved through intraspecific resource partitioning.
A new species of Maytenus (Celastraceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, with evidence of molecular phylogeny, and two new synonyms for Maytenus floribunda
Authors: Biral Leonardo , Smidt Eric De Camargo , Bolson Mônica , Lombardi Julio Antônio
Published: October 2015

A new species of Maytenus has been discovered in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The new taxon, Maytenus nemorosa, occurs mostly in ombrophilous rain forests at an elevation of 500 m to 1200 m. Maytenus nemorosa resembles M. gonoclada but differs from it by possessing oblong-elliptical leaves with entire margins and larger fruits with thicker pericarp walls. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted with nrITS and plastid matK regions, including the new species and additional taxa available from the NCBI-GenBank. The results from the phylogenetic analysis places Maytenus nemorosa nested within a clade of species that have fruits possessing a coriaceous pericarp and close to both Maytenus gonoclada and Maytenus salicifolia, as expected from morphological similarities. Additionally, M. cardenasii and M. erythrocarpa, from Bolivia, are both recognized as new synonyms for M. floribunda after an examination of their descriptions, types, and diverse collections.
Quantifying the Limits of a Linear Temperature Response to Cumulative CO2 Emissions
Authors: Leduc Martin , Matthews H. Damon , de Elía Ramón
Published: October 2015

Recent studies have shown that the transient climate response to cumulative carbon emissions (TCRE) of the global temperature can be well approximated by a constant value for cumulative emissions up to about 2 TtC. However, there has been little attention given in the literature to how the TCRE varies across the range of emissions rates represented by the current RCP emissions scenarios. The authors use an ensemble of simulations generated using the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model to quantify how the temperature response to cumulative emissions varies as a function of both the total magnitude and the rate of CO2 emissions. This study shows that the 500-yr response to a pulse CO2 emission (1.81°C TtC−1) does not depend on the magnitude of cumulative emissions up to 3 TtC. The TCRE (1.66°C TtC−1), which relates to the short-term response, is relatively insensitive to constant-rate emissions up to 30 GtC yr−1. This experiment shows that the formal way of estimating the TCRE—that is, at the point of CO2 doubling in an idealized scenario with a 1% yr−1 increase of the atmospheric concentration—is a highly robust measure. The authors conclude that the TCRE provides a good estimate of the temperature response to CO2 emissions in RCP scenarios 2.6, 4.5, and 6, whereas a constant TCRE value significantly overestimates the temperature response to CO2 emissions in RCP8.5.
Is solidarity less important and less functional in egalitarian contexts?
Authors: Paskov Marii
Published: October 2015

Solidarity refers to a willingness to contribute to the welfare of other people. This study builds on the idea that not only the value of solidarity (i.e. whether people find solidarity important) but also the function of solidarity (i.e. whether solidarity results in reputational gains) can differ across societies. According to the literature, egalitarian contexts can either have a normative effect by promoting the value of solidarity and increasing the reputational gains of solidarity, or they can have a crowding-out effect by diminishing the value of solidarity and weakening the reputational gains resulting from solidarity. The current study investigates these conflicting ideas using individual-level data (N = 195,024) from the European Social Survey (ESS), which combines six waves of cross-sectional studies collected in 28 countries from 2002 to 2012. The results show that both the value of solidarity and the function of solidarity are weaker in egalitarian contexts, supporting the crowding-out hypothesis. In inegalitarian contexts individual solidarity is more valued and it serves more as a function for promoting higher reputational gains as compared to egalitarian contexts. The combination of between- and within-country over-time empirical evidence adds to the strength of these findings.
Can Pulp Fibroblasts Kill Cariogenic Bacteria? Role of Complement Activation
Authors: Jeanneau C. , Rufas P. , Rombouts C. , Giraud T. , Dejou J. , About I.
Published: October 2015

Complement system activation has been shown to be involved in inflammation and regeneration processes that can be observed within the dental pulp after moderate carious decay. Studies simulating carious injuries in vitro have shown that when human pulp fibroblasts are stimulated by lipoteichoic acid (LTA), they synthetize all complement components. Complement activation leads to the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which is known for its bacterial lytic effect. This work was designed to find out whether human pulp fibroblasts can kill Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis via complement activation. First, histological staining of carious tooth sections showed that the presence of S. mutans correlated with an intense MAC staining. Next, to simulate bacterial infection in vitro, human pulp fibroblasts were incubated in serum-free medium with LTA. Quantification by an enzymatic assay showed a significant increase of MAC formation on bacteria grown in this LTA-conditioned medium. To determine whether the MAC produced by pulp fibroblasts was functional, bacteria sensitivity to LTA-conditioned medium was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay and succinyl dehydrogenase (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide [MTT]) assay. Both assays showed that S. mutans and S. sanguinis were sensitive to LTA-conditioned medium. Finally, to evaluate whether MAC formation on cariogenic bacteria, by pulp fibroblasts, can be directly induced by the presence of these bacteria, a specific coculture model of human pulp fibroblasts and bacteria was developed. Immunofluorescence revealed an intense MAC labeling on bacteria after direct contact with pulp fibroblasts. The observed MAC formation and its lethal effects were significantly reduced when CD59, an inhibitor of MAC formation, was added. Our findings demonstrate that the MAC produced by LTA-stimulated pulp fibroblasts is functional and can kill S. mutans and S. sanguinis. Taken together, these data clearly highlight the function of pulp fibroblasts in destroying cariogenic bacteria.
A Chinese resource curse? The human rights effects of oil export dependence on China versus the United States
Authors: Bader Julia , Daxecker Ursula
Published: October 2015

Critiques of China’s ‘oil diplomacy’ center on its alleged disregard for transparency and human rights, yet such claims ignore that the problematic relationship between resource extraction and human rights precedes Chinese market entry. This article explores whether human rights implications are more serious for states exporting oil to China compared to another major oil importer, the United States. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, we argue that oil export dependence on the USA affects human rights more negatively than dependence on China because of differences related to the timing of market entry. The United States established stable relationships with oil supplier states decades ago, creating dependencies that are sufficiently long-term for the implications of the resource curse to take hold, and taking place before human rights became part of the US foreign policy agenda. In comparison, China’s late entry into global oil markets in the early 1990s meant that market access often required the provision of generous loan packages, which may help counteract the detrimental effects of oil dependence. Our empirical analysis examines the impact of oil export dependence on China versus the USA on human rights in supplier states for the 1992–2010 period. Results show that oil producing states dependent on exports to the USA exhibit lower human rights performance than those exporting to China. We also demonstrate that lower human rights performance for US exporters stems from long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations in oil export dependence.
Foucault’s Affirmative Biopolitics: Cynic Parrhesia and the Biopower of the Powerless
Authors: Prozorov Sergei
Published: October 2015

While Foucault’s work on biopolitics continues to inspire diverse studies in a variety of disciplines, it has largely been missing from the debates on the possibility of “affirmative biopolitics” which have been primarily influenced by the work of Agamben and Esposito. This article restores Foucault’s work to these debates, proposing that his final lecture course at the Collège de France in 1983–1984 developed a paradigm of affirmative biopolitics in the reading of the Cynic practice of truth-telling ( parrhesia). The Cynic problematization of the relation between truth and life and their transvaluation of conventional truths by relocating them to the domain of bare life not only seeks to transform one’s life in accordance with the truth but also, through the confrontation with the existing conventions and norms, to transform the world as such. Cynic parrhesia is thus biopolitical, insofar as it reclaims the power of one’s life from the social order and its rationalities of government and applies it to oneself, investing one’s existence with truth. Since Foucault developed this reading of Cynicism in the context of his political engagement on behalf on East European dissidents, the article proceeds to analyse the resonances between parrhesia and Václav Havel’s idea of “living within the truth,” elaborating the biopolitical significance of both practices. We conclude by addressing the implications of our interpretation for Foucault scholarship and the wider debates on biopolitics.
Maintenance of Safety Behaviors via Response-Produced Stimuli
Authors: Angelakis Ioannis , Austin Jennifer L.
Published: October 2015

Animal studies suggest that safety behaviors may be maintained by internally or externally produced safety signals, which function as positive reinforcers. We designed two experiments to test this phenomenon with humans. Participants played a computerized game in which they could earn or lose treasures by clicking on a map. In baseline, losses could be postponed by pressing a pedal that also produced a blue bar at the bottom of the screen. During test conditions, no losses were programmed, and pedal presses turned the bar from yellow to blue (Test 1) or blue to yellow (Test 2). In Experiment 2, new participants were exposed to the same conditions but were given information about the safety of the test environment. In both experiments, participants engaged in high rates of pedal pressing when presses were followed by blue bars, suggesting the bar functioned as a safety signal. We discuss how these findings may relate to safety behaviors commonly observed in certain mental health disorders.
Spatially Explicit Prediction of Wholesale Electricity Prices
Authors: Burnett James Wesley , Zhao Xueting
Published: October 2015

Transmission constraints often limit the flow of electricity in a regional transmission network leading to strong interaction effects across different geographically distributed points within the system. In modern wholesale electricity markets, these transmission constraints lead to spatial patterns within the nodal electricity spot prices. This study exploits these spatial patterns to better predict spot prices within a wholesale electricity market. More specifically, we use the latest spatial panel data econometric models to compare within-sample and out-of-sample forecasts against nonspatial panel data models. The spatial panel data approach is explained by demonstrating a simple network optimization model. We find that a dynamic, spatial panel data model provides the best predictions within a forecasting error context. Our results may suggest that the spatial autocorrelation between node prices extends beyond the current market-defined zonal boundaries, which calls into question whether the zonal boundaries accurately reflect the congestion boundaries within the system.
A Network Approach to Interprovincial Agreements
Authors: Chen Bin , Suo Liming , Ma Jie
Published: October 2015

This study focuses on regional networks of interprovincial agreements (IPAs) emerged at China’s Pan Pearl River Delta (PPRD). Coparticipation of eleven PPRD members in 192 IPAs is investigated. It examines the extent to which coparticipation in the seven policy areas by the PPRD members are correlated. It measures density, the degree to which PPRD members coparticipate in IPAs. Although regional economic development was the initial focus, more IPA coparticipation has been devoted to addressing the noneconomic policy concerns. The results of the study are relevant for understanding the complex patterns of regional collaboration in which subnational governments participate.
Young children’s difficulty with deception in a conflict situation
Authors: Hayashi Hajimu
Published: October 2015

This study examined young children’s deception in a conflict situation. A puppet show was prepared involving a protagonist who went into hiding, an enemy who wanted to catch the protagonist, and a friend who was looking for the protagonist. In the no-conflict condition, the enemy asked the children about the location of the protagonist. In the conflict condition, the friend asked the children; however, the enemy was nearby and could eavesdrop. Thus, there was a conflict between deceiving the enemy and telling the truth to the friend. In Experiment 1, the enemy hid behind a tree and was not visible to the friend; 80 children aged 4, 5, and 6 years old participated. In Experiment 2, the enemy was visible to the friend but was disguised; 24 children aged 5 and 6 years old participated. Most 5- and 6-year-olds did not give accurate information to the enemy in the no-conflict condition. However, in the conflict condition, most of the children did not control their behavior and immediately gave accurate information to the friend although the enemy was nearby. Young children from the age of 5 years were able to deceive in the no-conflict situation, but it was difficult for them to deceive in the conflict situation.
More than money: Developing an integrative multi-factorial measure of entrepreneurial success
Authors: Wach Dominika , Stephan Ute , Gorgievski Marjan
Published: October 2015

This article conceptualizes and operationalizes ‘subjective entrepreneurial success’ in a manner which reflects the criteria employed by entrepreneurs, rather than those imposed by researchers. We used two studies to explore this notion; the first qualitative enquiry investigated success definitions using interviews with 185 German entrepreneurs; five factors emerged from their reports: firm performance, workplace relationships, personal fulfilment, community impact and personal financial rewards. The second study developed a questionnaire, the Subjective Entrepreneurial Success–Importance Scale (SES-IS), to measure these five factors using a sample of 184 entrepreneurs. We provide evidence for the validity of the SES-IS, including establishing systematic relationships of SES-IS with objective indicators of firm success, annual income and entrepreneur satisfaction with life and financial situation. We also provide evidence for the cross-cultural invariance of SES-IS using a sample of Polish entrepreneurs. The contribution of our research being that subjective entrepreneurial success is a multi-factorial construct, that is, entrepreneurs value various indicators of success with monetary returns as only one possible option.
Comparative histopathological study of the venous wall of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose disease
Authors: Dhanarak Nisarat , Kanchanabat Burapa
Published: October 2015

Objectivew

To investigate venous histopathology of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose patients (C2).

Methods

Retrospective review of venous histopathology of 52 patients (13, 8, 2, and 28 were C2, C4, C5 and C6).

Results

The intimal thickness, intimal fibrosis, total thickness and intimal/total thickness ratio were highest in venous clinical severity score 0, 1 chronic venous insufficiency (no or minimal varicosity) follow by Venous Clinical Severity Score 2,3 chronic venous insufficiency (trunkal varice) and C2 veins (mean intimal thickness 62, 36, 26 µm, mean intimal fibrosis 74%, 72%, 65%, mean total thickness 184, 159, 133 µm, mean intimal/total thickness ratio 0.32, 0.20, 0.21). The statistical significances were found when comparing intimal thickness, intimal fibrosis, intimal/total thickness ratio and total thickness of Venous Clinical Severity Score 0, 1 chronic venous insufficiency veins and C2 veins. The medial changes are relatively constant among groups.

Conclusion

Compared with C2 vein, the intimal changes in chronic venous insufficiency venous wall differ, particularly in the VCSS 0, 1 chronic venous insufficiency.
Trigeminal neuralgia (part II): Factors affecting early pharmacotherapeutic outcome
Authors: Benoliel R , Zini A , Khan J , Almoznino G , Sharav Y , Haviv Y
Published: October 2015

Aims

We conducted a cohort study to examine demographic and clinical features associated with the pharmacotherapeutic outcome in classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) patients.

Methods

Patients with a clinical profile indicating a diagnosis of CTN, as per the International Headache Society’s published classification, were enrolled prospectively. Demographic and pain-related characteristics were carefully collected. For the purposes of the study, patients with features such as autonomic signs and longer attack duration were included. All patients were then initiated on a standardised and accepted stepped pharmacotherapeutic protocol for the management of CTN. Initial pain scores and prospectively collected pain scores from pain diaries were used to assess the treatment outcome, with a ≥50% reduction considered significant.

Results

A total of 86 patients were seen, of whom five had an underlying disorder that could account for the pain. The study cohort therefore consisted of 81 patients, and based on attack duration these were divided into short (≤2 minutes, n = 61) and long (>2 minutes, n = 20) groups, for further analysis. The features of these patients and a discussion on the differential diagnosis have been presented in part 1 of this report. Employing an accepted stepped pharmacotherapeutic protocol for the management of CTN, significant improvement was more frequent in the short (74%) than in the long attack group (50%, p = 0.05). In the short attack group there were statistically significant associations between a poor treatment response and longer disease duration, the presence of autonomic signs and atypical pain descriptors for pain quality ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This report supports previous findings that prolonged disease duration and autonomic signs are negative prognostic indicators. The present study now adds long attack duration as a further negative prognostic sign.
Are Gender Differences in Spatial Ability Real or an Artifact? Evaluation of Measurement Invariance on the Revised PSVT:R
Authors: Maeda Yukiko , Yoon So Yoon
Published: October 2015

We investigated the extent to which the observed gender differences in mental rotation ability among the 2,468 freshmen studying engineering at a Midwest public university attributed to the gender bias of a test. The Revised Purdue Spatial Visualization Tests: Visualization of Rotations (Revised PSVT:R) is a spatial test frequently used to measure students’ spatial visualization ability in three-dimensional mental rotation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. With two major approaches for evaluating measurement invariance, we found that five items in the Revised PSVT:R showed a difference in the response pattern by gender, but the impact of these biased items was marginal on the total scores on the scale. Our findings support the equitable use of the Revised PSVT:R by gender for educational research and practices.
Fabrication and biological evaluation in vivo of an injectable keratin hydrogel as filler materials
Authors: Xu Shaobo , Zhang Chunlei , Zhang Aifeng , Wang Haoyu , Rao Huaxin , Zhang Ziyong
Published: October 2015

Filler materials of soft tissue should have good biodegradable absorption and biocompatibility. To investigate feasibility of keratin hydrogels used as filler materials, a keratin with high molecular weight and self-assembly ability was extracted from human hair using a modified reduction method and was characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. An injectable keratin hydrogel was also prepared and its water absorption, cell toxicity, and histological behavior were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method and subcutaneously implanted experiment. The results showed that the modified extraction method could keep the activity of the keratin and provided the self-assembly crosslinked ability of the keratin. The water absorption of the keratin hydrogel could be controlled by adjusting some preparation parameters and the percentage of water absorption was up to 850%. In addition, the subcutaneous injection experiment for Sprague Dawley rats indicated that the keratin hydrogel had good biocompatibility and could promote the formation of angiogenesis as well as proliferation. It can be predicted that the keratin extracted from human hair and keratin hydrogel have good application prospects in the field of filler materials for soft tissue.
Time reclaimed: temporality and the experience of meaningful work
Authors: Bailey Catherine , Madden Adrian
Published: October 2015

The importance of meaningful work has been identified in scholarly writings across a range of disciplines. However, empirical studies remain sparse and the potential relevance of the concept of temporality, hitherto somewhat neglected even in wider sociological studies of organizations, has not been considered in terms of the light that it can shed on the experience of work as meaningful. These two disparate bodies of thought are brought together to generate new accounts of work meaningfulness through the lens of temporality. Findings from a qualitative study of workers in three occupations with ostensibly distinct temporal landscapes are reported. All jobs had the potential to be both meaningful and meaningless; meaningfulness arose episodically through work experiences that were shared, autonomous and temporally complex. Schutz’s notion of the ‘vivid present’ emerged as relevant to understanding how work is rendered meaningful within an individual’s personal and social system of relevances.
Dynamic optimal UAV trajectory planning in the National Airspace System via mixed integer linear programming
Authors: Radmanesh Mohammadreza , Kumar Manish , Nemati Alireza , Sarim Mohammad
Published: October 2015

Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), which have been popular in military context, have recently attracted attention of many researchers because of their potential civilian applications. However, before the UAVs can be used for civilian applications, a systematic integration of UAVs in the National Airspace System (NAS) is needed that can allow safe operation of UAVs along with other manned aircrafts. One of the critical capabilities needed for safe operation of the UAVs in the NAS is the ability of UAV to carry out sense and avoid task which would allow the UAV to amend its path to avoid collision with other aircrafts. Despite recent technological advances, such as availability of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast that can transmit position of an aircraft to others in the vicinity, planning a collision-free path autonomously is still challenging in a dynamic environment. The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology for discovering a path for the UAV that meets mission goals, avoids collision, is optimal in terms of path length and, more importantly, is feasible. The paper formulates the problem of path planning using the mathematical paradigm of mixed integer linear programming and provides a solution strategy for solving this problem in the dynamic sense. The tasks of avoidance of obstacles and waypoint navigation are incorporated as constraints in the MILP problem. The paper presents the solution of the MILP problem and verifies the performance of the proposed methodology with regard to optimality of the solution and computational time requirement via several simulated scenarios of different complexities.
British Association for Sexual Health and HIV: framework for guideline development and assessment
Authors: Kingston Margaret , Radcliffe Keith , Cousins Darren , Fifer Helen , FitzGerald Mark , Grover Deepa , Hardman Sarah , Higgins Stephen , Rayment Michael , Sullivan Ann
Published: October 2015

Summary

The Clinical Effectiveness Group of the British Association for Sexual Health has updated their methodology for the production of national guidelines for the management of sexually transmitted infections and related conditions. The main changes are the adoption of the GRADE system for assessing evidence and making recommendations and the introduction of a specific Conflict of Interests policy for Clinical Effectiveness Group members and guideline authors. This new methodology has been piloted during the production of the 2015 British Association for Sexual Health & HIV guideline on the management of syphilis.
The AD 1250 El Metate shield volcano (Michoacán): Mexico’s most voluminous Holocene eruption and its significance for archaeology and hazards
Authors: Chevrel Magdalena O , Siebe Claus , Guilbaud Marie-Noëlle , Salinas Sergio
Published: October 2015

The Michoacán–Guanajuato Volcanic Field is the largest subduction-related monogenetic volcanic field in the world and includes more than 1000 scoria cones and a few hundred medium-sized volcanoes. Although medium-sized volcanoes (domes and shields) are less abundant, hazards associated with the renewal of this type of activity should not be neglected. Here, we focus on El Metate volcano, the morphologically youngest shield of the field. This volcano has a minimum volume of ~9.2 km3 DRE, and its viscous lava flows were emplaced during a single eruption over a period of ~30 years covering an area of 103 km2. El Metate is thus best labeled as a monogenetic andesite shield. This eruption had a significant impact on the environment (modification of the hydrological network, forest fires, etc.), and hence, nearby human populations probably had to migrate. New C14 dates for the eruption yield a young age (~AD 1250), which briefly precedes the initial rise of the Tarascan Empire (AD 1350–1521) in this region. By volume, this is certainly the largest eruption during the Holocene in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and it is the largest andesitic effusive eruption known worldwide for this period. Such a large volume erupted in a relatively short time bears important implications for evaluating future hazards in the Michoacán–Guanajuato Volcanic Field.
Cat scratch disease in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vargas-Hitos J A , Sabio J M , Navarrete-Navarrete N , Arenas-Miras M del M , Zamora-Pasadas M , Jiménez-Alonso J
Published: October 2015

Cat scratch disease is an infectious disorder transmitted by cats that typically affects children and young adults. Immunosuppression is a well-known risk factor for the development of severe and atypical forms of the disease; hence it is under-diagnosed in patients with compromised immunity. We are reporting the first case of cat scratch disease, which presented as fever and fatigue, in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus while receiving immunosuppressant therapy after a kidney transplant.
Baseline findings from the Anal Cancer Examination (ACE) study: screening using digital ano-rectal examination in HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Ong Jason J , Grulich Andrew , Walker Sandra , Hoy Jennifer , Read Tim , Bradshaw Catriona , Garland Suzanne M , Hillman Richard , Templeton David , Hocking Jane , Eu Beng , Tee BK , Fairley Christopher K
Published: October 2015

Objective

Cytological screening for anal cancer precursors is not always possible. We investigated digital ano-rectal examination (DARE) as a means of early anal cancer detection in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

We recruited 327 HIV-positive MSM aged 35 and over from clinics with HIV physicians in Melbourne, Australia, to receive an annual DARE. We analyzed baseline data from patient questionnaires regarding general, anal and sexual health, adverse effects from the anal examination, cancer worry, and quality of life.

Results

The majority of men (82%, 95% CI:78–87) felt relaxed during the DARE, 1% (95% CI:0–3) complained of pain, and 1% (95% CI:0–4) reported bleeding after the examination. Nearly all men (99%, 95% CI:96–100) were willing to continue with an annual DARE. Quality of life was unaffected with utility scores of 0.76 before examination vs. 0.77 two weeks after examination, (p = 0.41). An anal abnormality was detected in 86 men (27%, 95% CI:22–31), with one anal cancer identified. The specialist referral rate following DARE was 5% (95% CI:3–8). Recruitment rates were significantly associated with the clinic setting (sexual health centre 78%, general practice 13%, hospital 14%, p = 0.002) and specialty (sexual health physician 67%, general practitioner 20%, infectious disease physician 14%, p = 0.031).

Conclusion

Annual DARE to detect anal cancer in HIV-positive MSM was acceptable for patients, with minimal side effects. Strategies to increase HIV physician’s patient recruitment would be needed if DARE were to be implemented in anal cancer screening.
How do regional economies respond to crises? The geography of job creation and destruction in Sweden (1990–2010)
Authors: Eriksson Rikard H , Hane-Weijman Emelie
Published: October 2015

Using Swedish longitudinal micro-data, the aim of this paper is to analyse how regional economies respond to crises. This is made possible by linking gross employment flows to the notion of regional resilience. Our findings indicate that despite a steady national employment growth, only the three metropolitan regions have fully recovered from the recession of 1990. Further, we show evidence of high levels of job creation and destruction in both declining and expanding regions and sectors, and that the creation of jobs is mainly attributable to employment growth in incumbent firms, while job destruction is primarily due to exits and micro-plants. Although the geography of resistance to crises and the ability of adaptability in the aftermath vary, our findings suggest that cohesive (i.e., with many skill-related industries) and diverse (i.e., with a high degree of unrelated variety) regions are more resilient over time. We also find that resistance to future shocks (e.g., the 2008 recession) is highly dependent on the resistance to previous crises. In all, this suggests that the long-term evolution of regional economies also influences their future resilience.
APHON/ASPHO Policy Statement for the Transition of Patients With Sickle Cell Disease From Pediatric to Adult Health Care
Authors: Bryant Rosalind , Porter Jerlym S. , Sobota Amy
Published: October 2015

With advances in medical care, the majority of children with sickle cell disease are surviving to adulthood. Patients, families, and providers now face the need for this growing population to move from pediatric- to adult-focused care. In order to facilitate a successful transfer to adult health care, and prepare young adults for greater independence, it is recommended that all pediatric patients with sickle cell disease receive transition preparation.

Association Position:

As the professional voice of pediatric hematology/oncology healthcare practice, the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (ASPHO) recommends that the discussion of transition begin early and is presented as part of the natural process of becoming an adult; that patients, providers, and families are all involved in creating a transition plan and assessing transition preparedness annually; and that transfer of care involve direct communication between the pediatric team and the accepting adult provider.
Bagpipes and Artichokes
Authors: Jacobi Bonnie Schaffhauser
Published: October 2015

Incorporating surprise into music instruction can stimulate student attention, curiosity, and interest. Novelty focuses attention in the reticular activating system, increasing the potential for brain memory storage. Elementary ages are ideal for introducing novel instruments, pieces, composers, or styles of music. Young children have fewer experiences to draw from and less information stored in the memory. Like music, surprise is time-related. Opportunities to incorporate surprise in music instruction are plentiful. Mystery involves uncertainty and can engage a child’s imagination, fostering an environment ripe for discovery of new or unexpected information. When expectation is strong, surprise has its greatest effect and opportunities for learning are optimal. Music students can be primed for surprise through rehearsal and routine. In instruction, surprise should be relevant to content, age-appropriate, memorable, creative, and positive. Children can benefit from a debriefing following the surprise and from help in transferring new information to familiar content or experiences.
What Gets Rewarded? Legislative Activity and Constituency Approval
Authors: Sulkin Tracy , Testa Paul , Usry Kaye
Published: October 2015

Members of Congress (MCs) are concerned about reelection and act in office with this goal in mind. Whether citizens notice this behavior and how they respond remains an open question. We examine the relationships between legislators’ characteristics and activity and their constituents’ evaluations of their performance in office. We argue that MCs’ behavior does filter down to citizens, but that their responses are conditioned by their partisanship and interest in politics. Our analyses combine 2006 and 2008 Cooperative Congressional Election Study survey data on citizens with information on legislators’ activity in office in the 109th and 110th Congresses. The results reveal that there are widespread linkages between MC behavior and constituency approval, but that legislators’ copartisan, outpartisan, and independent constituents respond in different, yet predictable, ways. Moreover, these effects are strongest among the most interested constituents. Our findings have important implications for our assessments of legislators’ strategies and constituency representation.