bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking in trends: the rise of trend forecasting in the United States
Authors: Powers Devon
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The paper examines the birth of trend forecasting in the USA and position trend forecasters and professional futurists within the wider history of marketing, market research and advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based upon archival research, interviews and close readings of primary and secondary literature.

Findings

Trend forecasters split from traditional market and opinion research in the early 1970s, as concerns about the future became paramount for businesses. At this time, entrepreneurial trend forecasters such as Faith Popcorn started firms, adopting futurological methods to make predictions about the future of culture. The field continued to grow into the 1990s as it developed or modified a host of mostly qualitative research methods, including environmental scanning, consumer ethnography and scenarios. Trend forecasting reveals the complexity of the relationship between business and “the future” and how trends aimed to predict as well as direct that future.

Originality/value

The article is among the first academic treatments of trend forecasting, drawn from original interviews and exclusively accessed archival research. It contributes to a theory and a history of the concept of a trend, which is understood here as a way to package the movement of culture as sellable. It likewise offers a unique exploration of the relationship between futurology and business.
Determinants of female entrepreneurs growth intentions
Authors: Ali Rabi Sidi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper seeks to find factors that influence the growth intention of female-owned small businesses in the Ghana’s tourism sector. The purpose of this paper is to investigate why some female entrepreneurs achieve growth objectives while others do not.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors seek to understand the growth intention within the tourism sector because it is not clear why some female entrepreneurs in Ghana pursue growth. The study applies quantitative techniques. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 110 female tourism entrepreneurs in Ghana. Data analysis was conducted using the non-parametric procedures of Spearman’s rank correlation.

Findings

The findings of this research reveal that female tourism entrepreneurs in Ghana feel they can expand without entrepreneurial ability(ies). However, the growth of the venture is restricted by the lack of financial resources. Opportunities in the tourism sector do generate more customers, but cannot alone determine growth intentions. Furthermore, an important finding of this study is that business advisory services do not contribute significantly to the growth intention of the venture. The research made clear that the pursuance of growth is related to different types of opportunities and finance leveraging.

Research limitations/implications

The study has gender-specific, industry-specific, size-specific and region-specific limitations. Another limitation is focus on entrepreneurial ability, opportunity and business advisory support services as determinants of female entrepreneurs’ growth intention.

Practical implications

This study provides useful information for government, business agencies and academics seeking reasons on why female entrepreneurs have low growth intentions. Policy measures are provided in assisting women in achieving their growth aspirational needs and suggestions are recommended to encourage women to grow their small tourism businesses.

Social implications

The research will contribute to improve the socio-economic status of women entrepreneurs in Africa.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an under-researched area of female tourism entrepreneurs and their growth intention from the perspective of a developing country such as Ghana.
Value-added service investment strategy of a two-sided platform with the negative intra-group network externality
Authors: Dou Guowei , Lin Xudong , Xu Xiaoping
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Considering the resource constraint, this paper aims to study how to make value-added service (VAS) investment strategy considering the negative intra-group network externality on the seller side from the perspective of a two-sided platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the dynamic game theory, optimization, sensitive analysis and numerical study in this research. The authors model their research question from the perspective of the dynamic game theory, and through optimizing the platform’s profit function, the equilibrium results in terms of VAS investing and pricing strategies are derived. To explore the characteristics of the optimal strategies, sensitive analysis is used, and numerical studies are conducted to further illustrate the analytical results.

Findings

It is found that the intra-group network externality is not necessarily the determinant for VAS investment strategy, and its overall negative impact can be overtaken by the investment in certain conditions. The optimal VAS investment level decreases in the negative intra-group network externality. Though the VAS investment is on the seller side, it has either positive or negative impact on the pricing for buyers. Moreover, for a stronger intra-group network externality among sellers, the two-sided prices could either increase or decrease.

Research limitations/implications

The authors implicate how the intra-group network externality reduces the investment benefit and impacts the other side users. The limitation of considering the intra-group network externalities on only one side needs further extension.

Practical implications

The authors provide insights for platform operators in how to use recourse to improve users’ utility and how to price the two sides when competition exists on the seller side.

Originality/value

This study specifies the role of negative intra-group network externality in determining the investment and pricing strategy of a two-sided platform in addition to the positive inter-group network externality.
The roles of macro and micro institutions in corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Authors: Pan Xin , Chen Xuanjin , Ning Lutao
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviour is embedded in the institutional context. Under this logic, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the institutional antecedents of CSR, especially how two sub-national institutions – regional institutional development and industry dynamism – and their interactions affect firms’ CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 608 Chinese listed firms, with 2,694 observations made from 2009 to 2014. The data were collected from two sources. The CSR information was acquired from the CSR rating agency Rankins CSR Ratings, and the financial data from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research database. Panel ordinary least squares regression was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that firms located in advanced regional institutions and more dynamic industries are more likely to engage in CSR. Moreover, macro institution, termed as regional institutional development, positively moderates the relationship between micro institution in terms of industry dynamism and CSR.

Originality/value

Overlooking how the institutional environment influences CSR decisions limits understanding of firms’ CSR activities. This paper offers an institutional explanation of CSR and, in particular, investigates different levels of sub-national institutions and their interaction.
Tourism and gendered hosts and guests
Authors: Jeffrey Heather L.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to contribute to the extant tourism and gender literature by highlighting a tendency towards the conceptualisation of gendered research participants as host or guest depending upon their nationality.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument presented here is based on a critical review of literature concerned with gender and tourism, focusing specifically on studies that include participant voices since 2010.

Findings

The paper identifies a tendency in research on gender and tourism to conceptualise women and men from the West as guests and women and men from the rest as hosts. It is argued that working within this dominant framework can equate to an overlooking of many issues facing women and men globally; in doing so, it paves the way for future research and opens dialogue for important conversations on gender and feminist research in the academic field of tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This paper aims to highlight a limitation in theorising rather than provide an exhaustive or systematic review of the literature. Future research trajectories are outlined.

Originality/value

The paper’s originality lies in the problematisation of commonly accepted terminology when conceptualising research participants in tourism and providing suggestions for future research.
Incorporating disturbance into trophic ecology: Fire history shapes mesopredator suppression by an apex predator
Authors: Geary William L. , Ritchie Euan G. , Lawton Jessica A. , Healey Thomas R. , Nimmo Dale G.
Published: February 2018

Apex predators can suppress smaller bodied “mesopredators.” In doing so, they can provide refuge to species preyed upon by mesopredators, which is particularly important in regions where mesopredators are invasive. While most studies of mesopredator suppression focus on the response of mesopredators to human control of apex predators, other factors—including natural and anthropogenic disturbance—also drive the occurrence of apex predators and, in doing so, might shape spatial patterns of mesopredator suppression.

We examined the role of fire in shaping the occurrence of an apex predator and, by extension, mesopredators and small mammals in a fire‐prone region of semiarid Australia. We measured the activity of an apex predator (the dingoCanis dingo); an invasive mesopredator it is known to suppress (the red foxVulpes vulpes); and two species of native small mammal (Mitchell's hopping mouseNotomys mitchelli; silky mousePseudomys apodemoides) that are potential prey, across 21 fire mosaics (each 12.56 km2). We used piecewise structural equation modelling and scenario analysis to explore the interactions between fire, predators and prey.

We found that dingoes were affected by fire history at the landscape scale, showing a preference for recently burned areas. While foxes were not directly affected by fire history, a negative association between dingoes and foxes meant that fire had an indirect impact on foxes, mediated through dingoes. Despite the suppression of foxes by dingoes, we did not observe a trophic cascade as small mammals were not negatively associated with foxes or positively associated with dingoes.

Synthesis and applications. Disturbance regimes have the capacity to shape patterns of mesopredator suppression when they alter the distributions of apex predators. Environmental change that promotes native predators can therefore help suppress mesopredators—a common conservation objective in regions with invasive mesopredators. The indirect consequences of disturbance regimes should be considered when managing disturbance (e.g. fire) for biodiversity conservation.
Excess weight in children and adolescents is associated with altered subendocardial blood supply among girls but not boys
Authors: Zaniqueli Divanei , Alvim Rafael O , Baldo Marcelo P , Luiz Sara G , Cunha Roberto Sá , Mill José G
Published: February 2018

Subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) is a reliable index of myocardial supply‐workload balance. This study sought to investigate whether overweight/obese children and adolescents have altered SEVR and to identify which are the associated factors. This cross‐sectional study involved 789 individuals. Central haemodynamic was measured by radial applanation tonometry. Diastolic time was shorter (496 ± 122 vs 537 ± 140 ms, P = .014) and diastolic pressure‐time index was lower (2681 ± 412 vs 2814 ± 423 mm Hg seconds, P = .024) in overweight/obese compared with eutrophic girls. SEVR was lower in girls than in boys (1.34 ± 0.39 vs 1.48 ± 0.41, P = .018) but only among overweight/obese. SEVR may be affected by small variations in the temporal determinants of cardiac cycle.
Type II toxin/antitoxin system ParESO/CopASO stabilizes prophage CP4So in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Yao Jianyun , Guo Yunxue , Wang Pengxia , Zeng Zhenshun , Li Baiyuan , Tang Kaihao , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: February 2018

Toxin/antitoxin (TA) loci are commonly found in mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and prophages. However, the physiological functions of these TA loci in prophages and cross‐regulation among these TA loci remain largely unexplored. Here, we characterized a newly discovered type II TA pair, ParESO/CopASO, in the CP4So prophage in Shewanella oneidensis. We demonstrated that ParESO/CopASO plays a critical role in the maintenance of CP4So in host cells after its excision. The toxin ParESO inhibited cell growth, resulting in filamentous growth and eventually cell death. The antitoxin CopASO neutralized the toxicity of ParESO through direct protein‐protein interactions and repressed transcription of the TA operon by binding to a DNA motif in the promoter region containing two inverted repeats [5′‐GTANTAC (N)3 GTANTAC‐3′]. CopASO also repressed transcription of another TA system PemKSO/PemISO in megaplasmid pMR‐1 of S. oneidensis through binding to a highly similar DNA motif in its promoter region. CopASO homologs are widely spread in Shewanella and other Proteobacteria, either as a component of a TA pair or as orphan antitoxins. Our study thus illustrated the cross‐regulation of the TA systems in different mobile genetic elements and expanded our understanding of the physiological function of TA systems.
High‐throughput, non‐invasive prenatal testing for fetal Rhesus D genotype to guide antenatal prophylaxis with anti‐D immunoglobulin: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Saramago P , Yang H , Llewellyn A , Palmer S , Simmonds M , Griffin S
Published: February 2018

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of high‐throughput, non‐invasive prenatal testing (HT‐NIPT) for fetal Rhesus D (RhD) genotype to guide antenatal prophylaxis with anti‐D immunoglobulin compared with routine antenatal anti‐D immunoglobulin prophylaxis (RAADP).

Design

Cost‐effectiveness decision‐analytic modelling.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

A simulated population of 100 000 RhD‐negative women not known to be sensitised to the RhD antigen.

Methods

A decision tree model was used to characterise the antenatal care pathway in England and the long‐term consequences of sensitisation events. The diagnostic accuracy ofHT‐NIPTwas derived from a systematic review and bivariate meta‐analysis; estimates of other inputs were derived from relevant literature sources and databases. Women in whom theHT‐NIPTwas positive or inconclusive continued to receiveRAADP, whereas women with a negative result received none. Five alternative strategies in which the use ofHT‐NIPTmay affect the existing postpartum care pathway were considered.

Main outcome measures

Costs expressed in 2015GBPand impact on health outcomes expressed in terms of quality‐adjusted life‐years over a lifetime.

Results

The results suggested thatHT‐NIPTappears cost saving but also less effective than current practice, irrespective of the postpartum strategy evaluated. A postpartum strategy in which inconclusive test results are distinguished from positive results performed best.HT‐NIPTis only cost‐effective when the overall test cost is £26.60 or less.

Conclusions

HT‐NIPTwould reduce unnecessary treatment with routine anti‐D immunoglobulin and is cost saving when compared with current practice. The extent of any savings and cost‐effectiveness is sensitive to the overall test cost.

Tweetable abstract

HT‐NIPTis cost saving compared with providing anti‐D to all RhD‐negative pregnant women.
Differences in Neuropsychological Functioning Between Homicidal and Nonviolent Schizophrenia Samples
Authors: Stratton John , Cobia Derin J. , Reilly James , Brook Michael , Hanlon Robert E.
Published: February 2018

Few studies have compared performance on neurocognitive measures between violent and nonviolent schizophrenia samples. A better understanding of neurocognitive dysfunction in violent individuals with schizophrenia could increase the efficacy of violence reduction strategies and aid in risk assessment and adjudication processes. This study aimed to compare neuropsychological performance between 25 homicide offenders with schizophrenia and 25 nonviolent schizophrenia controls. The groups were matched for age, race, sex, and handedness. Independent t‐tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to compare the schizophrenia groups’ performance on measures of cognition, including composite scores assessing domain level functioning and individual neuropsychological tests. Results indicated the violent schizophrenia group performed worse on measures of memory and executive functioning, and the Intellectual Functioning composite score, when compared to the nonviolent schizophrenia sample. These findings replicate previous research documenting neuropsychological deficits specific to violent individuals with schizophrenia and support research implicating fronto‐limbic dysfunction among violent offenders with schizophrenia.
The effect of ad blocking on website traffic and quality
Authors: Shiller Benjamin , Waldfogel Joel , Ryan Johnny
Published: February 2018

Ad blocking software allows Internet users to obtain information without generating ad revenue for site owners, potentially undermining investments in content. We explore the impact of site‐level ad blocker usage on website quality, as inferred from traffic. We find that each additional percentage point of site visitors blocking ads reduces its traffic by 0.67% over 35 months. Impacted sites provide less content over time, providing corroboration for the mechanism. Effects on revenue are compounded; ad blocking reduces visits, and remaining visitors blocking ads do not generate revenue. We conclude that ad blocking poses a threat to the ad‐supported web.
The influence of non‐random species sampling on macroevolutionary and macroecological inference from phylogenies
Authors: Hua Xia , Lanfear Robert
Published: February 2018

Non‐random species sampling is the rule rather than the exception in phylogenetics, but most phylogenetic methods to infer macroevolutionary and macroecological processes assume that the tips of the phylogenetic tree are either completely sampled or randomly sampled. In this study, we focus on extending the popular BiSSE framework to better account for non‐random sampling of species. The existing BiSSE correction (which we describe hereafter as the unresolved clade correction) cannot be used on trees with clades of more than about 200 species, or when lineages that originate near the root are not sampled.

We propose new correction that does not have these two limitations. To assess the performance of our correction relative to the unresolved clade correction, we simulate trees using a common sampling strategy in which representative species of higher clades (e.g. genera) are sampled to include in a phylogeny.

Compared to the unresolved clade correction, we show that our new correction gives less biased parameter estimates; has higher power but a slightly elevated false positive rate to detect state dependence in speciation and extinction rates; and is less sensitive to a failure to sample all extant groups of taxa. Over all simulation scenarios, our correction perform equally well under conditions where the unresolved clade correction is applicable and conditions where the unresolved clade correction is inapplicable.

Given that both our correction and the unresolved clade correction have their own advantages and disadvantages, we suggest combining the two corrections. This can be done by applying our correction to groups that exceed the size limit of the unresolved clade correction or to account for the uncertainties in the placement of the lineages that originate near the root.
Effects of spatial autocorrelation and imperfect detection on species distribution models
Authors: Guélat Jérôme , Kéry Marc
Published: February 2018

Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used in ecology and related fields. They are frequently adopted to predict the expected occurrence (presence/absence) or abundance over large spatial scales, that is, to produce a species distribution map. Two issues that almost universally affect these models are measurement errors (especially imperfect detection) and residual spatial autocorrelation.

We explored the effects of imperfect detection and autocorrelation in abundance models by simulating datasets which did or did not contain these two effects and analysing them with four different models that did or did not accommodate them. Specifically, we used a Poisson GLM as a baseline, an N‐mixture model accounting only for imperfect detection and two N‐mixture models that accounted for imperfect detection, but differed in their specification of spatial autocorrelation (CAR random effects vs. two‐dimensional splines).

In a case study, we then applied these models to Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus data from the second Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas (1993–1996) and validated them using an independent monitoring dataset.

We found that both imperfect detection and autocorrelation strongly affected the quality and the uncertainty of abundance maps, especially when they occurred together. Spatial N‐mixture models were well able to estimate the true abundance maps. Explicit modelling of measurement error and spatial autocorrelation can thus greatly improve the quality of SDMs and should not be ignored when producing large‐scale abundance or occurrence maps.
Heavy Episodic Drinking Trajectories Among Underage Young Adult Women: The Role of Feminine Norms
Authors: Iwamoto Derek Kenji , Corbin William , Brady Jennifer , Grivel Margaux , Clinton Lauren , Kaya Aylin , Lejuez Carl
Published: February 2018

Background

Heavy episodic drinking (HED; 4 or more drinks in a 2‐hour period) in U.S. college women has increased by 40% in the past 30 years. This dramatic shift suggests that women are “closing the gender gap” and are drinking at rates similar to men. Multidimensional feminine norms, or beliefs and expectations about what it means to be a woman, are theoretically promising and gender‐relevant factors that may help account for within‐group differences in problematic drinking patterns among this increasingly at‐risk group. The aim of this study was to identify distinct developmental trajectories of HED among underage young adult women and examine the gender‐relevant factors that predict these typologies.

Methods

Growth mixture modeling was used to identify latent trajectory classes of HED over the course of a year (3 time points) in 700 underage (Wave 1, Mage = 18, SD = 0.32) young adult women from a Mid‐Atlantic university in the United States. Logistic regression analyses evaluated feminine norm endorsement, sorority status, perceived peer norms, expectancies, alcohol‐related consequences, and marijuana use as predictors of the latent trajectory classes.

Results

About 64.4% of underage women reported engaging in HED. Three HED latent trajectory classes were identified as follows: (i) High Risk, (31%) reported weekly HED over the course of the year; (ii) Monthly HED (33.4%) reported engaging in HED roughly once a month; and (iii) Abstainers (35.6%) reported no HED over the course of the year. The High‐Risk class reported significantly more alcohol‐related problems and marijuana use than the other trajectory classes. The multidimensional feminine norms of sexual fidelity and appearance were significantly associated with the latent trajectory classes even when controlling for well‐established correlates of drinking.

Conclusions

High‐risk drinking typologies were identified in underage women, and these trajectories were related to feminine norms. Prevention and intervention programs targeting gender‐relevant factors may help reduce problematic drinking and marijuana use among underage women engaging in problematic patterns of drinking.
Differences in the Temporal Typology of Alcohol Hangover
Authors: Verster Joris C. , van Schrojenstein Lantman Marith , Mackus Marlou , van de Loo Aurora J.A.E. , Garssen Johan , Scholey Andrew
Published: February 2018

Background

At a group level, hangover severity during the day has been described to follow an inverted U‐shaped curve, with gradually increasing severity scores that, after reaching a peak, gradually decrease toward zero. The aim of this study was to examine if and how individual drinkers' hangover severity scores vary during the day.

Methods

Data from a survey (Penning et al., ) in which 727 drinkers reported on their latest alcohol hangover were reanalyzed. The temporal pattern of each individual's hangover was first categorized as belonging to 1 of 6 types based on predefined temporal characteristics.

Results

Three dominant hangover patterns emerged as comprising more than 95% of the sample: (i) a continuous decline hangover (Severity Type 1 hangover, 54.5%), (ii) a steady state hangover (Severity Type 2 hangover, 19.1%), and (iii) an inverted U‐shaped curve hangover (Severity Type 3 hangover, 21.8%). Of these 3 patterns, Severity Type 2 hangovers are associated with significantly less alcohol consumption and with having the lowest severity scores of individual hangover symptoms. Severity Type 1 hangovers are associated with having the highest severity of individual hangover symptoms. In line with significantly lower levels of alcohol consumption, Severity Type 2 hangovers were significantly more often observed in women when compared to men. Severity Type 1 hangovers were significantly more common in men than in women. Severity Type 3 hangovers, characterized by the increased presence of gastrointestinal complaints, were equally commonly experienced in men and women.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the temporal pattern of hangover severity can follow marked interindividual variability. Three common temporal patterns were identified, which are uniquely related to the amount of alcohol consumed and the presence and severity of different individual hangover symptoms. Better understanding of individual differences in hangover typology may help to delineate mechanisms underlying alcohol hangover.
Sex differences in binge‐like EtOH drinking, corticotropin‐releasing hormone and corticosterone: effects of β‐endorphin
Authors: Nentwig Todd B. , Wilson Diane E. , Rhinehart Erin M. , Grisel Judith E.
Published: February 2018

Binge drinking is an increasingly common pattern of risky use associated with numerous health problems, including alcohol use disorders. Because low basal plasma levels of β‐endorphin (β‐E) and an increased β‐E response to alcohol are evident in genetically at‐risk human populations, this peptide is thought to contribute to the susceptibility for disordered drinking. Animal models suggest that the effect of β‐E on consumption may be sex‐dependent. Here, we studied binge‐like EtOH consumption in transgenic mice possessing varying levels of β‐E: wild‐type controls with 100% of the peptide (β‐E +/+), heterozygous mice constitutively modified to possess 50% of wild‐type levels (β‐E +/−) and mice entirely lacking the capacity to synthesize β‐E (−/−). These three genotypes and both sexes were evaluated in a 4‐day, two‐bottle choice, drinking in the dark paradigm with limited access to 20% EtOH. β‐E deficiency determined sexually divergent patterns of drinking in that β‐E −/− female mice drank more than their wild‐type counterparts, an effect not observed in male mice. β‐E −/− female mice also displayed elevated basal anxiety, plasma corticosterone and corticotropin‐releasing hormone mRNA in the extended amygdala, and all of these were normalized by EtOH self‐administration. These data suggest that a heightened risk for excessive EtOH consumption in female mice is related to the drug's ability to ameliorate an overactive anxiety/stress‐like state. Taken together, our study highlights a critical impact of sex on neuropeptide regulation of EtOH consumption.
Positive Return–Volatility Correlation and Short Sale Constraints: Evidence from the Chinese Market
Authors: Wu Liang , Luo Hong , Fu Zhiming
Published: February 2018

The market price is a convex function of information when short sales are constrained. Borrowing constraints limit investors to bidding up the price. The two effects imply an asymmetric return–volatility correlation (RVC) when information shifts. We build a model to show that: (i) short selling decreases RVC, while margin trading increases RVC; (ii) RVC increases with disagreement; and (iii) RVC increases with returns. The Chinese stock market is ideal for the empirical test because only certain stocks are eligible for short selling and margin trading in the slow policy adoption process. We obtain evidence to support the theoretical predictions correlation.
Review concludes that specific recommendations are needed to harmonise the provision of fresh mother's milk to their preterm infants
Authors: Picaud JC , Buffin R , Gremmo‐Feger G , Rigo J , Putet G , Casper C ,   Working group of the French Neonatal Society on fresh human milk use in preterm infants
Published: February 2018

Aim

There are no specific recommendations for using a mother's fresh milk for her preterm infant. We reviewed the available evidence on its collection, storage and administration.

Methods

The working group of the French Neonatal Society on fresh human milk use in preterm infants searched the MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library up to June 2017 for papers published in English or French. They specifically analysed 282 papers providing information on prospective, retrospective and clinical studies and examined guidelines from various countries.

Results

The review concluded that fresh mother's own milk should be favoured in accordance with the latest recommendations. However, it must be carried out under stringent conditions so that the expected benefits are not offset by risks related to different practices. The working group has summarised the best conditions for feeding preterm infants with human milk, balancing high nutritional and immunological quality with adequate virological and bacteriological safety. Professionals must provide parents with the necessary conditions to establish breastfeeding, together with specific and strong support.

Conclusion

Based on their review, the working group has made specific recommendations for using fresh mother's own milk under careful conditions, so that the expected benefits are not offset by risks related to practices.
Influence of peanut matrix on stability of allergens in gastric‐simulated digesta: 2S albumins are main contributors to the IgE reactivity of short digestion‐resistant peptides
Authors: Prodic I. , Stanic‐Vucinic D. , Apostolovic D. , Mihailovic J. , Radibratovic M. , Radosavljevic J. , Burazer L. , Milcic M. , Smiljanic K. , van Hage M. , Cirkovic Velickovic T.
Published: February 2018

Background

Most food allergens sensitizing via the gastrointestinal tract are stable proteins that are resistant to pepsin digestion, in particular major peanut allergens, Ara h 2 and Ara h 6. Survival of their large fragments is essential for sensitizing capacity. However, the immunoreactive proteins/peptides to which the immune system of the gastrointestinal tract is exposed during digestion of peanut proteins are unknown. Particularly, the IgE reactivity of short digestion‐resistant peptides (SDRPs; <10 kDa) released by gastric digestion under standardized and physiologically relevant in vitro conditions has not been investigated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate and identify digestion products of major peanut allergens and in particular to examine IgE reactivity of SDRPs released by pepsin digestion of whole peanut grains.

Methods

Two‐dimensional gel‐based proteomics and shotgun peptidomics, immunoblotting with allergen‐specific antibodies from peanut‐sensitized patients, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent inhibition assay and ImmunoCAP tests, including far ultraviolet‐circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to identify and characterize peanut digesta.

Results

Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 remained mostly intact, and SDRPs from Ara h 2 were more potent in inhibiting IgE binding than Ara h 1 and Ara 3. Ara h 1 and Ara h 3 exhibited sequential digestion into a series of digestion‐resistant peptides with preserved allergenic capacity. A high number of identified SDRPs from Ara h 1, Ara h 2 and Ara h 3 were part of short continuous epitope sequences and possessed substantial allergenic potential.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Peanut grain digestion by oral and gastric phase enzymes generates mixture of products, where the major peanut allergens remain intact and their digested peptides have preserved allergenic capacity highlighting their important roles in allergic reactions to peanut.
The effects of a CCR3 inhibitor, AXP1275, on allergen‐induced airway responses in adults with mild‐to‐moderate atopic asthma
Authors: Gauvreau G. M. , FitzGerald J. M. , Boulet L. P. , Watson R. M. , Hui L. , Villineuve H. , Scime T. X. , Schlatman A. R. , Obminski C. , Kum J. , Boehme S. , Ly T. W. , Bacon K. B. , O'Byrne P. M.
Published: February 2018

Background

CCR3 is the cognate receptor for major human eosinophil chemoattractants from the eotaxin family of proteins that are elevated in asthma and correlate with disease severity.

Objective

This proof‐of‐mechanism study examined the effect of AXP1275, an oral, small‐molecule inhibitor of CCR3, on airway responses to inhaled allergen challenge.

Methods

Twenty‐one subjects with mild atopic asthma and documented early and late asthmatic responses to an inhaled aeroallergen completed a randomized double‐blind cross‐over study to compare early and late allergen‐induced asthmatic responses, methacholine PC20, blood and sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide after 2 weeks of treatment with once‐daily doses of AXP1275 (50 mg) or placebo.

Results

There was a significant increase in methacholine PC20 after 12 days of AXP1275 treatment compared to placebo (increase of 0.92 doubling doses versus 0.17 doubling doses, P = .01), but this protection was lost post‐allergen challenge. There was no effect of AXP1275 on allergen‐induced late asthmatic responses, or eosinophils in blood and sputum. The early asthmatic response and exhaled nitric oxide levels were slightly lower with AXP1275, but this did not reach statistical significance. The number of subjects who experienced treatment‐emergent adverse events while receiving AXP1275 was comparable placebo.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

AXP1275 50 mg administered daily was safe and well tolerated, and there was no difference in the type, severity or frequency of treatment‐emergent adverse events in subjects while receiving AXP1275 compared to placebo. AXP1275 increased the methacholine PC20; however, the low and variable exposure to APX1275 over a short treatment period may have contributed to poor efficacy on other outcomes.
Quantity and Diversity: Simulating Early Word Learning Environments
Authors: Montag Jessica L. , Jones Michael N. , Smith Linda B.
Published: February 2018

The words in children's language learning environments are strongly predictive of cognitive development and school achievement. But how do we measure language environments and do so at the scale of the many words that children hear day in, day out? The quantity and quality of words in a child's input are typically measured in terms of total amount of talk and the lexical diversity in that talk. There are disagreements in the literature whether amount or diversity is the more critical measure of the input. Here we analyze the properties of a large corpus (6.5 million words) of speech to children and simulate learning environments that differ in amount of talk per unit time, lexical diversity, and the contexts of talk. The central conclusion is that what researchers need to theoretically understand, measure, and change is not the total amount of words, or the diversity of words, but the function that relates total words to the diversity of words, and how that function changes across different contexts of talk.
Effect of intensive blood pressure control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus over 9 years of follow‐up: A subgroup analysis of high‐risk ACCORDION trial participants
Authors: Buckley Leo F. , Dixon Dave L. , Wohlford George F. , Wijesinghe Dayanjan S. , Baker William L. , Van Tassell Benjamin W.
Published: February 2018

Although guidelines recommend strict blood pressure (BP) control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and elevated cardiovascular risk, the long‐term effects of this approach are unknown. We investigated the effect of intensive BP control on clinical outcomes in patients with T2DM over 9 years of follow‐up. We included Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes ‐ Blood Pressure participants in the standard glucose control arm who had established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, were ≥75 years of age or who had a 10‐year coronary heart risk ≥15%. Participants were randomized to either intensive (systolic BP < 120 mm Hg) or standard (systolic BP < 140 mm Hg) BP control for an average of 5 years. Observational follow‐up occurred for an average of 4 years thereafter. After an average total follow‐up of 9 years, intensive BP control reduced the composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke by 25% (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.60‐0.95; P = .02). The overall benefit was driven by a reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarction (P = .01). In this post‐hoc analysis, the benefits of a fixed‐duration intensive BP control intervention in patients with T2DM persisted throughout 9 years of follow‐up.
Hypertension: New perspective on its definition and clinical management by bedtime therapy substantially reduces cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Hermida Ramón C. , Ayala Diana E. , Fernández José R. , Mojón Artemio , Smolensky Michael H.
Published: February 2018

Diagnosis of hypertension—elevated blood pressure (BP) associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk—and its management for decades have been based primarily on single time‐of‐day office BP measurements (OBPM) assumed representative of systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) during the entire 24‐hours span. Around‐the‐clock ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), however, reveals BP undergoes 24‐hours patterning characterized in normotensives and uncomplicated hypertensives by striking morning‐time rise, 2 daytime peaks—one ~2‐3 hours after awakening and the other early evening, small midafternoon nadir and 10‐20% decline (BP dipping) in the asleep BP mean relative to the wake‐time BP mean. A growing number of outcome trials substantiate correlation between BP and target organ damage, vascular and other risks is greater for the ABPM‐derived asleep BP mean, independent and stronger predictor of CVD risk, than daytime OBPM or ABPM‐derived awake BP. Additionally, bedtime hypertension chronotherapy, that is, ingestion of ≥1 conventional hypertension medications at bedtime to achieve efficient attenuation of asleep BP, better reduces total CVD events by 61% and major events (CVD death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke) by 67%—even in more vulnerable chronic kidney disease, diabetes and resistant hypertension patients—than customary on‐awaking therapy that targets wake‐time BP. Such findings of around‐the‐clock ABPM and bedtime hypertension outcome trials, consistently indicating greater importance of asleep BP than daytime OBPM or ambulatory awake BP, call for a new definition of true arterial hypertension plus modern approaches for its diagnosis and management.
Discriminating species of Sinipta Stål (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from Uruguay based on morphological, ethological and molecular data
Authors: Clemente Eulalia , Lorier Estrellita , GarcÍa María‐Dolores , López‐lópez Alejandro , Presa Juan‐José
Published: February 2018

Two species of the genus Sinipta, S. dalmani and S. hectorisperonii, exist in Uruguay, the latter reported here for the first time. Both species have quite similar morphological features and can only be distinguished by slight details, which have led to misidentifications in the past. Specimens from both taxa were studied in order to detect suitable characters to distinguish them and to clarify their taxonomic status, by integrating previously unstudied morphological, biological and molecular characteristics. Detailed structures of the stridulatory file of both sexes were studied and described for the first time, and the sounds produced by both species were studied and described on the basis of recordings made in captivity with an analog recorder. The signal was digitized and analyzed using Avisoft software. Three different types of sound were described for both species: calling song, courtship song and disturbance song. Oscillograms and frequency spectra were provided, and the physical characteristics of the sounds of interest for species identification were established. Finally, molecular studies showed that the two taxa are reciprocally monophyletic groups. The combined results of the analyses suggest that the two studied taxa are distinct species, and point to features suitable for their identification.
Risk of pharmacokinetic interactions between antiepileptic and other drugs in older persons and factors associated with risk
Authors: Faught Edward , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Richman Joshua , Funkhouser Ellen , Martin Roy C. , Piper Kendra , Dai Chen , Juarez Lucia , Pisu Maria
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine the frequency of older Americans with epilepsy receiving concomitant prescriptions for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and non‐epilepsy drugs (NEDs) which could result in significant pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction, and to assess the contributions of racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of 2008‐2010 Medicare claims for a 5% random sample of beneficiaries ≥67 years old in 2009 augmented for minority representation. Prevalent cases had ≥1 ICD‐9 345.x or ≥2 ICD‐9 780.3x, and ≥1 AED. Among them, incident cases had no seizure/epilepsy claim codes nor AEDs in preceding 365 days. Drug claims for AEDs, and for the 50 most common NEDs within +/− 60 days of the index epilepsy date were tabulated. Interacting pairs of AEDs/NEDs were identified by literature review. Logistic regression models were used to examine factors affecting the likelihood of interaction risk.

Results

Interacting drug pairs affecting NED efficacy were found in 24.5% of incident, 39% of prevalent cases. Combinations affecting AED efficacy were found in 20.4% of incident, 29.3% of prevalent cases. Factors predicting higher interaction risk included having ≥ 1 comorbidity, being eligible for Part D low Income Subsidy, and not living in the northeastern US. Protective factors were Asian race/ethnicity, and treatment by a neurologist.

Significance

A substantial portion of older epilepsy patients received NED‐AED combinations that could cause important PK interactions. The lower frequency among incident vs. prevalent cases may reflect changes in prescribing practices. Avoidance of interacting AEDs is feasible for most persons because of the availability of newer drugs.
Expanding Boundaries: Current and New Directions in Study Abroad Research and Practice
Authors: Marijuan Silvia , Sanz Cristina
Published: February 2018

In spite of advances in the understanding of the effects of the immersion experience on language and cultural development in the last three decades, many questions in study abroad (SA) research remain unanswered. The present article offers a close examination of the field as it is today with an eye toward future trends and gaps in the literature. The authors discuss how the field is being reshaped in response to the preponderant role of new technologies in research and educational practices; to constant challenges to diversify access for minority students, including heritage language learners; and to meeting the growing demands of a globalized economy and workforce. Current trends in SA program design such as the incorporation of service‐learning, volunteering, and internships into the SA curriculum are also given special consideration. The article focuses on language development first and then on the factors influencing that development that are internal and external to learners. Interfaces between these areas are addressed. Subsections of the article provide an outline of an innovative SA research agenda as well as suggestions for rethinking SA program design and implementation.
A Survey of Neurologists on Postconcussion Syndrome
Authors: Evans Randolph W. , Ghosh Kamalika
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Postconcussion syndrome (PCS) has been controversial for more than 150 years. As there have not been any surveys of PCS among neurologists in the United States since 1992, another was performed using most of the prior items to assess current opinions and practices and whether there have been any changes since 1992.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty‐nine neurologists attending the Texas Neurological Society 20th Annual Winter Conference continuing medical education meeting in 2017 were supplied the survey instrument with registration materials. The 25 item instrument (including 7 new items) contained items on demographics, definitions, causation, prognosis, medicolegal aspects, testing, and treatment. Forty percent of attendees completed the survey.

Results

The majority of respondents agree with the following: PCS is a clearly defined syndrome with a solid basis for determining prognosis with an organic basis; accept the authenticity of patients' reports of symptoms; effective treatment is available for headaches lasting 3 months or more; headaches persist in over 20% 1 year after injury; and cognitive rehabilitation is effective. The majority of the respondents do not agree with the following: symptoms improve in a relatively short period of time and quickly resolve once litigation is settled; effective treatment is available for PCS; and return to play guidelines are strongly evidence based. 68.4% disagree with the following: I would support my son or grandson (or if you do not have one, relative's or friend's) playing football. [Correction added on February 9, 2018, after first online publication: “One year after injury” deleted.]

Conclusions

There has been growing acceptance of the organicity of PCS among neurologists in the last 25 years. There is significant concern over the long‐term sequelae of concussion as most respondents would not recommend that their son or grandson play football.