bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What lessons can be learned from the US archivist’s digital mandate for 2019 and is there potential for applying them in lower resource countries?
Authors: Baron Jason R. , Thurston Anne
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present a high-level summary of the US archivist’s digital mandate for 2019, embodied in the publication “Managing Government Records”, issued on August 24, 2012, and a summary of US policy. The authors then consider the implications of the US e-recordkeeping initiative for lower-resource countries.

Design/methodology/approach

After setting out key elements of the US Archivist’s digital mandate, the paper proceeds to evaluate its policy implications for lower-resource countries based on the authors’ field experience and knowledge of case studies.

Findings

The USA is embarking on a state of the art approach for managing public sector archives in a digital form, with deadlines approaching for all federal agencies to manage e-mail and other e-records. Although a similar need exists in lesser-resourced countries, there are enormous barriers to successful implementation of a similar approach.

Research limitations/implications

The archivist’s 2019 digital mandate assumes that the technology sector will embrace the needs of public sector agencies in working on applicable electronic archiving solutions.

Practical implications

The Archivist’s Directive has the potential to be an enormous driver of change in the records management profession with respect to future management of increasingly digital archive collections. Vast collections of public sector e-mail and other forms of e-records potentially will be preserved under the directive, raising the stakes that archivists and records managers work on solutions in the area of long-term preservation and future access.

Social implications

The importance of capturing the activities of public-sector institutions in all countries for the purpose of openness, transparency and access cannot be overstated. In an increasingly digital age, new methods are needed to ensure that the historical record of governmental institutions is preserved and made accessible.

Originality/value

The US Archivist’s mandate represents a cutting-edge approach to long-term digital archiving with potential future applicability to the management of public sector records worldwide.
Factors influencing the scope of private party’s obligations in concession-based PPP projects in Nigeria
Authors: Opawole Akintayo , Jagboro Godwin Onajite
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Little success had been recorded on concession-based public private partnership contracts in Nigeria for reasons attributable in part to poor assessment of the socio-cultural and economic factors that contribute to the parties’ costs while preparing contract packages. The purpose of this paper is to assess the factors which significantly influence the private party’s obligations and costs in a concession-based contract thereby enhancing the robust assessment of contract packages when bidding by private investors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The assessment was based on primary data obtained through questionnaire survey. Structured questionnaire was administered on professionals comprising architects, estate surveyors, quantity surveyors, engineers and builders, accountants/bankers/economists and lawyers who had been involved in concession-based contracts in the Southwestern Nigeria, selected using respondent-driven sampling approach. Factors evaluated were those identified through in-depth literature review and brainstorming of those pertinent to concession transaction in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics including mean, relative significance index, impact weighting and factor analysis.

Findings

– Significant factors that influence private party’s cost were found to be political interference, delay in land acquisition, variation to the contract and non-availability of supportive infrastructure.

Originality/value

– Findings provided information for structuring concession contract for effective management of country-specific characteristics in concession contract. The understanding of the factors that affect private party’s obligations and costs would guide effective assessment of concession contract in developing economies by foreign investors. Moreover, the study provided implication for the understating of country-specific factors affecting concession contract in Nigeria which would contribute to robust assessment of contract packages when bidding by private investors.
Antipodean agricultural and resource economics at 60: natural resource management
Authors: Pannell David , Doole Graeme , Cheung Jimmy
Published: August 2016

Australian and New Zealand research on the economics of natural resource management (NRM) has a relatively short history. Defining NRM as including water, fisheries, agricultural land, nature conservation and forestry, 65 per cent of all Australasian journal articles in the area have been published since 2005. The most researched NRM issue is water, followed by fisheries and agricultural land. Most of the NRM issues with a high level of economic research are issues that have had major policy initiatives in place at around the time of the studies, highlighting the high policy relevance of most of the research. For each NRM issue, we identify important contributions that have been made by Australian economists. These include the design and implementation of well‐functioning water markets, the provision of strong critiques of agricultural NRM programs, advice on the design and implementation of individual transferable quotas for fisheries and many more.
Implications of Variation in the Relationships between Beneficiary Characteristics and Medicare Advantage CAHPS Measures
Authors: Hatfield Laura A. , Zaslavsky Alan M.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To study how differences in quality score adjustments across Medicare Advantage contracts change comparisons for individuals and contracts.

Data Sources

Responses to the Medicare Advantage implementation of the Consumer Assessments of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey from 2010 to 2014.

Study Design

We fit national‐and state‐level hierarchical models to predict CAHPS scores for individuals and contracts, adjusted for self‐reported education, general health, and mental health. We allow the effects of these variables on quality measures to vary across contracts with a hierarchical model.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We perform secondary data analysis.

Principal Findings

For average consumers, standard adjustment is sufficient to represent variation in contract quality standardized to a common population. For people with characteristics far from average, personalized reporting using their characteristics and contract‐specific coefficients can substantially change the expected quality measures across contracts. This effect is stronger when comparing among contracts within a state than across all contracts.

Conclusions

Customized reporting may help consumers select the best Medicare Advantage plan, but policies should protect against unintended consequences.
Preclinical Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of Fluorescent Dye for Detecting Dermal Injuries (the injuries were both abrasions and incision) in a Murine Model
Authors: Bruce Anthony C. , Cao Yiqi , Henry Catherine , Peirce Shayn M. , Laughon Kathryn
Published: August 2016

Objective documentation of tears and abrasions to the external genitalia after sexual assault is an important part of the forensic examination. A 1% aqueous solution of toluidine blue (TB) dye is often used to highlight injury, but the dye can be difficult to see on dark skin. We evaluated a fluorescent dye for detecting injuries on all skin colors in a relevant preclinical murine model. We compared the ability of trained, blinded observers to detect unstained wounds and wounds stained with 1% fluorescein sodium (FL) and with TB. We also evaluated the cutaneous wound healing response after application of both dyes. The no‐dye group had significantly fewer (p < 0.05) true‐positive identifications compared to all the dye groups. No differences in effectiveness were detected between dye treatments. All groups exhibited statistically similar healing rates. These findings support the evaluation of fluorescein sodium in a future clinical study with human subjects.
A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study on Interleukin‐6 Removal and Induction by a new Hemodialyzer With Improved Biocompatibility in Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kakuta Takatoshi , Komaba Hirotaka , Takagi Nobuyoshi , Takahashi Yuichiro , Suzuki Hajime , Hyodo Toru , Nagaoka Mikako , Tanaka Reika , Iwao Soichiro , Ishida Mari , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Saito Akira , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: August 2016

We compared interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) removal and induction between conventional polysulfone (Con) and TORAYLIGHT NV (NV) dialyzers in hemodialysis patients. Twenty patients on Con with high IL‐6 concentrations (2.7–8.5 pg/mL) were randomized to Con or NV group. Dialyzer performance was determined in NV group while patients were on Con and after being switched onto NV. Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) response index (ERI) was assessed every 4 months for one year. IL‐6 clearance was comparable between Con and NV. IL‐6 removal rates were comparable for the first 1 h, but were higher with NV for the entire session (P = 0.03). Before‐to‐during‐dialysis IL‐6 concentration ratios were lower with NV on the venous side after the session (P = 0.03). During the one‐year study, hemoglobin was lower in Con group than in NV group at month 8 (P = 0.046). ERI decreased in NV and increased in Con group, with a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.002). NV and Con are comparable in removing IL‐6 and both induce IL‐6. However, the data suggest that NV induces less IL‐6, which may reduce the risk of ESA hyporesponsiveness.
Digital palpation of the pilot balloon vs. continuous manometry for controlling the intracuff pressure in laryngeal mask airways
Authors: Hensel M. , Güldenpfennig T. , Schmidt A. , Krumm M. , Kerner T. , Kox W. J.
Published: August 2016

This study compared two methods of controlling the intracuff pressure in laryngeal mask airways. One hundred and eighty patients were randomly assigned into two groups. In the first group (n = 90), after training, the intracuff pressure was controlled using digital palpation of the pilot balloon. In the second group (n = 90), continuous manometry was used to control the intracuff pressure. An upper pressure limit of 60 cmH2O was set. The median (IQR [range]) intracuff pressure in the palpation group was 130 (125–130 [120–130]) cmH2O compared with 29 (20–39 [5–60]) cmH2O in the manometry group (p < 0.001). In the palpation group, 37% of patients experienced pharyngolaryngeal complications vs. 12% in the manometry group (p < 0.001). We conclude that the digital palpation technique is not a suitable alternative to manometry in controlling the intracuff pressure in laryngeal mask airways.
Cognitive decline in the elderly after surgery and anaesthesia: results from the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) cohort
Authors: Patel D. , Lunn A. D. , Smith A. D. , Lehmann D. J. , Dorrington K. L.
Published: August 2016

Concerns have been raised about the effects on cognition of anaesthesia for surgery, especially in elderly people. We recorded cognitive decline in a cohort of 394 people (198 women) with median (IQR) age at recruitment of 72.6 (66.6–77.8) years, of whom 109 had moderate or major surgery during a median (IQR) follow‐up of 4.1 (2.0–7.6) years. Cognitive decline was more rapid in people who on recruitment were: older, p = 0.0003; male, p = 0.027; had worse cognition, p < 0.0001; or carried the ε4 allele of apoliprotein E (APOEε4), p = 0.008; and after an operation if cognitive impairment was already diagnosed, p = 0.0001. Cognitive decline appears to accelerate after surgery in elderly patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment, but not other elderly patients.
Simulator evaluation of a prototype device to reduce medication errors in anaesthesia
Authors: Khan S. A. , Khan S. , Kothandan H.
Published: August 2016

We undertook a randomised control led trial to evaluate the effect of a prototype device which attaches to the intravenous drug administration port, and allows injection of intravenous drugs only after the user scans the barcode on the syringe label. This requires two steps: first, that the correct drug label is generated; and second, that the syringe‐with‐label is scanned before administration. Ten anaesthetists, who were unaware of the primary outcome being measured, administered general anaesthesia for two simulated standardised cases each without and with our prototype (control and intervention, respectively). The primary outcome measured was compliance with a safe drug administration procedure (defined as a two‐step procedure where, step one is scanning a drug ampoule to print a label for a syringe and step two is scanning of the labelled syringe before administering it intravenously). A total of 182 intravenous drug administrations occurred in the study (91 in each group). We found that the use of our prototype increased safe drug administration behaviour in experienced anaesthetists; 33 (36.3% [95% CI 26–47%]) vs. 91 (100% [95% CI 96–100%]) in the control and intervention groups, respectively (p = 0.0001).
Value of 3‐Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy for improved risk stratification in patients considered for active surveillance
Authors: Pessoa Rodrigo R. , Viana Publio C. , Mattedi Romulo L. , Guglielmetti Giuliano B. , Cordeiro Mauricio D. , Coelho Rafael F. , Nahas William C. , Srougi Miguel
Published: August 2016

Objective

To evaluate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate and transrectal ultrasonography guided biopsy (TRUS‐Bx) with visual estimation in early risk stratification of patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS).

Patients and Methods

Patients with low‐risk, low‐grade, localised prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled and submitted to a 3‐T 16‐channel cardiac surface coil mpMRI of the prostate and confirmatory biopsy (CBx), which included a standard biopsy (SBx) and visual estimation‐guided TRUS‐Bx. Cancer‐suspicious regions were defined using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scores. Reclassification occurred if CBx confirmed the presence of a Gleason score ≥7, greater than three positive fragments, or ≥50% involvement of any core. The performance of mpMRI for the prediction of CBx results was assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to study relationships between age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA density (PSAD), number of positive cores in the initial biopsy, and mpMRI grade on CBx reclassification. Our report is consistent with the Standards of Reporting for MRI‐targeted Biopsy Studies (START) guidelines.

Results

In all, 105 patients were available for analysis in the study. From this cohort, 42 (40%) had PI‐RADS 1, 2, or 3 lesions and 63 (60%) had only grade 4 or 5 lesions. Overall, 87 patients underwent visual estimation TRUS‐Bx. Reclassification among patients with PI‐RADS 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 was 0%, 23.1%, 9.1%, 74.5%, and 100%, respectively. Overall, mpMRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for disease reclassification were 92.5%, 76%, 81%, and 90.5%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, only PSAD and mpMRI remained significant for reclassification (P < 0.05). In the cross‐tabulation, SBx would have missed 15 significant cases detected by targeted biopsy, but SBx did detect five cases of significant cancer not detected by targeted biopsy alone.

Conclusion

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is a significant tool for predicting cancer severity reclassification on CBx among AS candidates. The reclassification rate on CBx is particularly high in the group of patients who have PI‐RADS grades 4 or 5 lesions. Despite the usefulness of visual‐guided biopsy, it still remains highly recommended to retrieve standard fragments during CBx in order to avoid missing significant tumours.
Robust anti‐nociceptive effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition in a model of osteoarthritis pain
Authors: Burston James J , Mapp Paul I , Sarmad Sarir , Barrett David A , Niphakis Micah J , Cravatt Benjamin F , Walsh David A , Chapman Victoria
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose

Chronic pain is often a symptom of knee osteoarthritis (OA) for which current analgesics are either inadequate or are associated with serious side effects. The endocannabinoid system may offer alternative targets for pain relief. We evaluated the effects of a potent and selective monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipase inhibitor (MJN110) on OA pain behaviour, spinal mechanisms of action and joint histopathology in the rat.

Experimental Approach

Intra‐articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) models OA pain and mimics clinical joint pathology. Effects of MJN110 on MIA‐induced weight‐bearing asymmetry and lowered paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs), changes in spinal gene expression and brain levels of relevant lipids were determined.

Key Results

Acute MJN110 (5 mg·kg−1) significantly reversed MIA‐induced weight‐bearing asymmetry (MIA/vehicle: 68 ± 6 g; MIA/MJN110: 35 ± 4 g) and lowered ipsilateral PWTs (MIA/vehicle: 7 ± 0.8 g; MIA/MJN110: 11 ± 0.6 g), via both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Repeated treatment with MJN110 (5 mg·kg−1) resulted in anti‐nociceptive tolerance. A lower dose of MJN110 (1 mg·kg−1) acutely inhibited pain behaviour, which was maintained for 1 week of repeated administration but had no effect on joint histology. MJN110 significantly inhibited expression of membrane‐associated PGE synthase‐1 in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of the spinal cord of MIA rats, compared with vehicle‐treated MIA rats. Both doses of MJN110 significantly elevated brain levels of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data support further assessment of the therapeutic potential of MAG lipase inhibitors for the treatment of OA pain.
Comparison of methods using paraffin‐embedded tissues and exfoliated cervical cells to evaluate human papillomavirus genotype attribution
Authors: Torii Yutaka , Fujii Takuma , Kukimoto Iwao , Saito Miyuki , Iwata Takashi , Takahashi Hiroshi , Ichikawa Ryoko , Kawai Satoshi , Otani Sayaka , Aoki Daisuke
Published: August 2016

Monitoring the attribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes to cervical precancerous lesions is essential in assessing the efficacy of HPV vaccines. To resolve the lack of studies comparing the HPV genotyping procedures used to estimate HPV genotype attribution, we undertook a retrospective cross‐sectional study to determine the appropriate genotyping procedures for evaluating the potential efficacy of HPV vaccines. Three procedures, including two different genotyping methods, Clinichip HPV test (C‐Chip) and modified GP5+/6+ PCR coupled to fluorescent bead sorter detection (MGP), using exfoliated cervical cells (C‐Chip and C‐MGP, respectively) or formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues (F‐MGP), were compared. The overall agreement in detecting high‐risk HPV was 88.5–92.1% among the three procedures, and genotype‐specific agreement was 83.9–100% for all pairwise comparisons. In cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 specimens, HPV16/18 attribution estimated with the hierarchical attribution method was consistent among the procedures: 52.3% (45/86) for C‐Chip, 54.7% (47/86) for C‐MGP, and 52.3% (45/86) for F‐MGP (P = 0.81). HPV16/18/31/33/45/52/58 hierarchical attribution was 88.4% (76/86) with C‐Chip, 86.0% (74/86) with C‐MGP, and 83.7% (72/86) with F‐MGP (P = 0.49). In cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 specimens, the corresponding hierarchical attribution was 96.4% (53/55) with C‐Chip, 89.1% (49/55) with C‐MGP, and 94.5% (52/55) with F‐MGP (P = 0.27). Although F‐MGP is theoretically a reliable method for determining HPV genotype attribution, it is acceptable to use C‐Chip or C‐MGP, coupled to the hierarchical attribution formula to correct the bias of multiple infections. These approaches using exfoliated cervical cells are practical for monitoring the efficacy of HPV vaccines.
‘They didn't tell me anything; they just sent me home’: children's participation in the return home
Authors: Mateos Ainoa , Vaquero Eduard , Balsells M. Angels , Ponce Carmen
Published: August 2016

The reality of child protection systems typically demonstrates a lack of attention to the voices of children. There are studies that confirm this fact and offer evidence of the benefits of participation, but gaps remain regarding the elements and processes that favour it. This qualitative study attempts to contribute to knowledge in this area through a detailed analysis of the perspectives of the actors involved and the role that children play in the return home.

This article analyses the elements involved in the participation of the children when a return home is proposed after a period of family or residential foster care. As part of the study, 18 semi‐structured interviews were conducted and 22 discussion groups were created with a total of 135 participants (63 child protection services workers, 42 parents and 30 children and adolescents). The data were analysed using a content analysis process and underwent a peer review process in Atlas.ti. The results indicate that the participation of children and adolescents in the return home centres around (i) understanding the return home, (ii) strategies and emotional processes and (iii) social support.
Displaying the ‘professional self’: the impact of social workers' performance and practice on kinship carers' own children
Authors: Cooper Karin
Published: August 2016

Limited research has been conducted in relation to social work and the impact upon kinship carers' own children in a UK context. This paper argues that pressure from government policy imperatives and organizational priorities creates tension and conflict in the professional self in the context of kinship care and with kinship carers' own children. It will examine the professional self through social work narratives utilising the two concepts economy of performance and ecology of practice. This paper focuses upon data from four focus groups and 16 semi‐structured interviews carried out with 29 social workers within one local authority in the north of England. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Only data related to the professional self are examined. The discussion explores how social workers attempted to navigate the tension in their everyday practice. It illuminates the impact upon their performance in kinship care and implications for practice with carers' own children. The conclusion reveals the need for social workers to create a space within which kinship carers' own children's voices are heard.
Dynamics of gyrification in the human cerebral cortex during development
Authors: Yoshida Ririko , Ishizu Koichi , Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Okada Tomohisa , Togashi Kaori , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: August 2016

This study quantitatively characterized cortical gyrus folding over human neocortical development by calculating the gyrification index (GI) in 22 human fetal specimens from 16 to 40 weeks with magnetic resonance imaging data. GI values remained constant at approximately 1.0 until the fetal specimens reached 500 g body weight and 200 mm crown‐rump length (CRL), respectively, and then increased in correlation with the body weight and CRL. The rostrocaudal GI distribution in the cerebral cortex revealed a correspondence of GI peaks with indentations of early‐generated primary sulci at 21 weeks of gestation and more frequently increased GI values in the parieto‐occipital region than in the fronto‐temporal region at 31 and 40 weeks of gestation. These results provide a quantitative reference set for gyrification in normal human cortical development, which may help reveal the mechanism of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms: trends in incidence, prevalence and survival in Norway
Authors: Roaldsnes Christina , Holst René , Frederiksen Henrik , Ghanima Waleed
Published: August 2016

Background

Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and myelofibrosis (MF) are clonal disorders collectively named as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Published data on epidemiology of MPN after the discovery of the JAK2 mutation and the 2008 WHO classifications are scarce. We aimed to study the incidence rates, prevalence and survival of MPN in Norway during the period 1993–2012.

Method

We identified 2453 persons diagnosed with MPN from the Cancer Registry of Norway between 1993 and 2012. We report age‐adjusted incidence rates, prevalence, relative survival and standardised mortality rates.

Results

The overall age‐adjusted yearly incidence rate of PV increased from 0.4/10⁵ to 0.7/10⁵, ET increased from 0.3/10⁵ to 1.0/10⁵ and MF from 0.2/10⁵ to 0.5/10⁵. Prevalence of PV, ET and MF was 9.2, 8.6 and 3.0 per 10⁵ inhabitants, respectively. The five‐year relative survival (RS) of ET and PV was slightly reduced with no improvement. The five‐year RS of MF was 58.1% (2008–2012). Standardised mortality rate (SMR) was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 – 2.7).

Conclusions

The incidence rates of ET, PV and MF doubled and tripled during the years 2007–2012 as compared to 1995–2006. This increment in incidence rates may be related to identification of the JAK2 mutation and the derived 2008 WHO guidelines for MPN. The RS was only slightly reduced in PV and ET, but was substantially reduced in MF.
Family‐centered care in children with epilepsy: Evaluating the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC‐20)
Authors: Joachim Kariym C. , Wilk Piotr , Ryan Bridget L. , Speechley Kathy N.
Published: August 2016

Objective

The objective was to test whether the five‐domain structure of the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC‐20) was observed in a sample of children with epilepsy and, if not, to propose adaptations to improve its utility in this population.

Methods

Data came from the Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study (HERQULES)—a multicenter prospective cohort study (n = 374) following children 4–12 years of age for 2 years after diagnosis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the applicability of the five domains/factors in a sample of children with epilepsy approximately 6 months following diagnosis (n = 311). Goodness‐of‐fit statistics were used to examine sources of ill model fit, and modification indices guided the model modification process where there was strong theoretical rationale for changes.

Results

The five‐factor model described by the originators of the MPOC‐20 was found to be inadmissible in children with epilepsy, with four of the five factors demonstrating high correlations (r > 0.85). Upon merging the intercorrelated factors, a two‐factor solution with a mediocre fit emerged (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.080, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.902, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.060). Modification indices identified four items as the source of poor model fit. Removing these four items and reperforming the CFA resulted in an adequate model fit and a revised 16‐item MPOC (RMSEA = 0.057, CFI = 0.958, SRMR = 0.036). The two factors are “Family/Care Provider Interaction” and “Providing Information.”

Significance

Results suggest that the MPOC‐16 better reflects family‐centered care (FCC) in children with epilepsy than the original MPOC‐20. The benefit of having fewer factors is that scoring is simpler and the interpretation of the results is easier. This was the first investigation of the factor structure of the MPOC‐20 on a sample entirely composed of children with epilepsy. These results add to evidence that the factor structure (and how family‐centered care is delivered and perceived) differs across treatment environments and treatment populations.
Bringing Successors into the Fold: The Impact of Founders’ Actions on Successors
Authors: Blumentritt Timothy P.
Published: August 2016

Parker credibly contends that founders of family businesses can address the willing successor problem by improving the value of the firm through purposeful efforts and investments in tangible and intangible assets. This commentary explores how different types of potential successors might respond to those enticements.
A possible interaction between periostin and CD163+ skin‐resident macrophages in pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Kakizaki Aya , Furudate Sadanori , Aiba Setsuya
Published: August 2016

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) are autoimmune blistering diseases, and substantial numbers of CD163+ tissue‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are detected in both diseases. PV and BP possess different subsets of helper T cells, suggesting that the cytokine profiles of PV and BP might be different. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microenvironment of lesional skin and serum of PV and BP patients, focusing on the immunomodulatory factors related to TAMs, such as periostin (POSTN), chemokines, cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We first performed immunohistological staining of POSTN in PV and BP lesions. POSTN was prominent in the superficial dermis in both PV and BP lesions. Next, to validate the activation of CD163+ TAMs in PV and BP patients, we examined the serum levels of soluble (s)CD163. The serum sCD163 levels in PV and BP patients are significantly higher than in healthy controls. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the effects of POSTN on CD163+ TAMs in PV and BP, we examined chemokines, MMPs and cytokines selected by DNA microarray database. The serum CXCL5 levels from PV patients are significantly higher than those in BP patients and healthy controls. The IL‐36γ expression on infiltrating macrophages was prominent only in the lesional skin of PV, while the MMP12 deposition was detected in both PV and BP lesions. Our results shed light on the novel pathogenesis of PV through CD163+ TAMs.
TRUST trial: BAY 86‐6150 use in haemophilia with inhibitors and assessment for immunogenicity
Authors: Mahlangu J. , Paz P. , Hardtke M. , Aswad F. , Schroeder J.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

The most serious and challenging complication of haemophilia treatment is development of inhibitors to replacement factors VIII or IX. Innovative therapies currently being explored for patients with haemophilia and inhibitors include BAY 86‐6150, a modified recombinant activated factor VII (FVIIa). Immunogenicity remains a substantial barrier in this endeavour.

Aim

To present safety and efficacy results of the BAY 86‐6150 study in patients with inhibitors and report detailed analysis of epitope mapping in a patient who developed anti‐BAY 86‐6150 antibodies.

Methods

Patients aged 12–62 years with moderate or severe haemophilia A or B were eligible for the phase 3 TRUST trial if they had a history of high‐titre inhibitors. Four escalating doses of BAY 86‐6150 (6.5, 20, 50, 90 μg kg−1) were planned with ≥10 patients per dose level. Bleeding episodes were treated with BAY 86‐6150. Development of anti‐BAY 86‐6150 antibodies was considered a serious adverse event.

Results

TRUST was discontinued after one patient in the 6.5‐μg kg−1 cohort developed anti‐BAY 86‐6150 neutralizing antibodies following three exposures. The anti‐BAY 86‐6150 antibodies cross‐reacted with and neutralized wild‐type FVIIa (WT‐FVIIa). Post hoc epitope mapping using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the responding patient found that none of the 14 peptides unique to BAY 86‐6150 were recognized by the patient's T cells, but strong responses were detected against 2 WT‐FVIIa peptides.

Conclusion

In the single patient with haemophilia A who developed anti‐BAY 86‐6150 antibodies, results of T‐cell epitope mapping indicated BAY 86‐6150 was no more immunogenic than WT‐FVIIa.
Inhibitor development after liver transplantation in congenital factor VII deficiency
Authors: See W.‐S. Q. , Chang K.‐O , Cheuk D. K.‐L. , Leung Y.‐Y. R. , Chan G. C.‐F. , Chan S.‐C. , Ha S.‐Y.
Published: August 2016

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is the commonest type of the rare bleeding disorders. Very few cases of congenital FVII deficiency developed inhibitor and liver transplant is considered as definitive treatment. In the literature, twelve patients with congenital FVII deficiency developed inhibitors. Two had spontaneous resolution of inhibitors and one did not respond to high dose recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) and died. Regarding liver transplant in congenital FVII patients, seven patients underwent liver transplant with good prognosis. We report a 5‐year‐old girl with confirmed severe congenital FVII deficiency since neonatal period. She suffered from recurrent intracranial bleeding despite rFVIIa replacement. After auxiliary liver transplant at the age of 4, she continued to show persistent deranged clotting profile and was found to have inhibitor towards FVII. Interestingly, she was still responsive to rFVIIa replacement.
Effect of dry‐heat treatments on the nutritional value of maize germ
Authors: Giordano Debora , Vanara Francesca , Reyneri Amedeo , Blandino Massimo
Published: August 2016

Maize germ is a by‐product of the maize milling process that is characterised by a high nutritional value. Currently, heat treatments are employed to prevent full‐fat maize germ from spoilage. The aim of this research was to study the effect of five dry‐heat treatments on the nutritional value of full‐fat maize germ. The results confirmed that after each dry‐heat treatment, the lipase activity decreases but the use of high temperatures could be detrimental for phytosterol and thiamine concentrations. The main negative effects have been observed after treatments at 140 °C for 30 min and 160 °C for 10 min. No significant difference has been observed for protein, ash or fatty acid contents. The treatment at 140 °C for 20 min resulted an optimal combination between temperature and heating time to inactivate lipase without altering deeply the nutritional value and the colour of maize germ.
Candidate egg case silk genes for the spider Argiope argentata from differential gene expression analyses
Authors: Chaw R. C. , Arensburger P. , Clarke T. H. , Ayoub N. A. , Hayashi C. Y.
Published: August 2016

Orb‐web weaving spiders produce a variety of task‐specific silks from specialized silk glands. The genetics underlying the synthesis of specific silk types are largely unknown, and transcriptome analysis could be a powerful approach for identifying candidate genes. However, de novo assembly and expression profiling of silk glands with RNA‐sequencing (RNAseq) are problematic because the few known gene transcripts for silk proteins are extremely long and highly repetitive. To identify candidate genes for tubuliform (egg case) silk synthesis by the orb‐weaver Argiope argentata (Araneidae), we estimated transcript abundance using two sequencing methods: RNAseq reads from throughout the length of mRNA molecules, and 3′ digital gene expression reads from the 3′ region of mRNA molecules. Both analyses identified similar sets of genes as differentially expressed when comparing tubuliform and nonsilk gland tissue. However, incompletely assembled silk gene transcripts were identified as differentially expressed because of RNAseq read alignments to highly repetitive regions, confounding interpretation of RNAseq results. Homologues of egg case silk protein (ECP) genes were upregulated in tubuliform glands. This discovery is the first description of ECP homologues in an araneid. We also propose additional candidate genes involved in synthesis of tubuliform or other silk types.
Metaheuristics based on decision hierarchies for the traveling purchaser problem
Authors: Bernardino Raquel , Paias Ana
Published: August 2016

In this paper we address the traveling purchaser problem, an NP‐hard problem that generalizes the traveling salesman problem. We present several metaheuristics that combine genetic algorithms and local search. The genetic algorithms are induced by different hierarchic orderings of the decision making regarding the route and the acquisition of the items. Computational experiments were carried out with benchmark instances and the results show that the proposed metaheuristics are a suitable tool to solve high‐dimensioned instances for which the exact methods do not provide solutions within a reasonable CPU time. For several instances, best new upper bounds for the optimum value of the objective function were obtained.
Sensitivity of breeding values for carcass traits of meat‐type quail to changes in dietary (methionine + cystine):lysine ratio using reaction norm models
Authors: Miranda J.A. , Pires A.V. , Abreu L.R.A. , Mota L.F.M. , Silva M.A. , Bonafé C.M. , Lima H.J.D. , Martins P.G.M.A.
Published: August 2016

Our objective was to evaluate changes in breeding values for carcass traits of two meat‐type quail (Coturnix coturnix) strains (LF1 and LF2) to changes in the dietary (methionine + cystine):lysine ([Met + Cys]:Lys) ratio due to genotype by environment (G × E) interaction via reaction norm. A total of 7000 records of carcass weight and yield were used for analyses. During the initial phase (from hatching to day 21), five diets with increasing (Met + Cys):Lys ratios (0.61, 0.66, 0.71, 0.76 and 0.81), containing 26.1% crude protein and 2900 kcal ME/kg, were evaluated. Analyses were performed using random regression models that included linear functions of sex (fixed effect) and breeding value (random effect) for carcass weight and yield, without and with heterogeneous residual variance adjustment. Both fixed and random effects were modelled using Legendre polynomials of second order. Genetic variance and heritability estimates were affected by both (Met + Cys):Lys ratio and strain. We observed that a G × E interaction was present, with changes in the breeding value ranking. Therefore, genetic evaluation for carcass traits should be performed under the same (Met + Cys):Lys ratio in which quails are raised.
Latitudinal variation in the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium of the common reef zoantharian Palythoa tuberculosa on the Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea
Authors: Reimer James D. , Herrera Marcela , Gatins Remy , Roberts May B. , Parkinson John E. , Berumen Michael L.
Published: August 2016

Aim

The Red Sea presents an ideal setting to explore the variability of Symbiodinium over environmental, latitudinal and geographical gradients. We used sequences from two molecular markers to examine genetic diversity of Symbiodinium associated with the widely distributed zoantharian Palythoa tuberculosa in the northern and central Red Sea.

Location

Northern and central Red Sea.

Methods

Specimens (n = 329) were collected from 15 locations. Sequence data from nuclear ribosomal ITS2 (n = 269) and chloroplast minicircle psbAncr (n = 173) were phylogenetically analysed (maximum likelihood, neighbour joining), and Symbiodinium types identified for each P. tuberculosa colony. To establish whether environment was a strong predictor of Symbiodinium psbAncr lineage, SST, chlorophyll‐a, salinity, and depth data were fit into a multinomial logistic regression using the package VGAM in the R statistical environment.

Results

Based on ITS2 and psbAncr results, P. tuberculosa colonies were shown to be in symbioses with Symbiodinium clade C (n = 172) and clade D (n = 1). Within clade C, four psbAncr lineages were observed; closely related lineages designated Pt‐1‐a and Pt‐1‐b, and closely related lineages Pt‐3‐a and Pt‐3‐b. By location, Pt‐1‐a dominated the sites within the Gulf of Aqaba (c. 86%, 37/43 colonies). At the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, Pt‐3‐a dominated (c. 88%, 15/17), while the more southern remaining sites in the Red Sea were dominated by Pt‐3‐b (c. 78%, 89/113).

Main conclusions

Multinomial logistic regression analyses established that predictions based on the combination of temperature, chlorophyll‐a and salinity accurately reflected symbiont distributions in the central and northern Red Sea. Palythoa tuberculosa host Pt‐1‐a in the coldest region, the Gulf of Aqaba (annual average SST = 24.5–25.0 °C), while immediately to the south Pt‐3‐a dominates (SST = 26.0–26.5 °C), with warmest southern sites dominated by Pt‐3‐b (SST > 26.5 °C). The Gulf of Aqaba is a unique environment, and more research on Symbiodinium outside the Gulf is required to understand symbiont diversity patterns within the Red Sea.
Uncovering the role of the Western Mediterranean tectonics in shaping the diversity and distribution of the trap‐door spider genus Ummidia (Araneae, Ctenizidae)
Authors: Opatova Vera , Bond Jason E. , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: August 2016

Aim

We test the hypothesis that the opening of the Western Mediterranean basin drove the diversification of the trap‐door spider genus Ummidia by reconstructing the phylogeny and inferring a temporal framework of diversification. Additionally, we assess niche interchangeability of three Ummidia species to test the role of dispersal in shaping their present‐day distribution.

Location

Western Mediterranean, encompassing the known distribution range of Ummidia on the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Africa.

Methods

We use multi‐locus data and employ both gene concatenation and coalescent species‐tree approaches in phylogenetic reconstruction and Bayesian divergence estimation. Species distribution modelling is used to assess the ecological preferences of three species and evaluate ecological interchangeability.

Results

The diversification time frame inferred for the basal split of Ummidia and subsequent diversification correlates with the tectonic movements involved in the phases of the opening of the Western Mediterranean. The basal split (24 Ma) correlates with the opening of the Valencia Trough, the split of the Maghrebian clade (16.54 Ma) with the separation of the Kabylies and Betic‐Rif blocks. A back‐colonization of the Iberian Peninsula from northern Africa was detected, presumably occurring via land bridges during the Messinian salinity crisis. The environmental preferences of Ummidia species indicate that U. algarve and adjacent Ummidia sp. ‘Tarifa’ are ecologically interchangeable.

Main conclusions

Tectonic movements involved in the opening of the Western Mediterranean shaped the distribution and diversity of extant Mediterranean Ummidia lineages. Despite the putative ability of Ummidia for airborne dispersal, observed phylogeographical patterns and isolation of ecologically interchangeable and geographically proximate species indicate that long‐distance dispersal events are rare and the present‐day distribution may be due to vicariant events driven by drifting microplates. Finally, several additional evolutionary independent lineages that may correspond to putative new species were detected.
Does population distribution matter? Influence of a patchy versus continuous distribution on genetic patterns in a wind‐pollinated shrub
Authors: Llorens Tanya M. , Tapper Sarah‐Louise , Coates David J. , McArthur Shelley , Hankinson Margaret , Byrne Margaret
Published: August 2016

Aim

Uniform spatial population distributions are predicted to result in lower among‐population genetic differentiation and higher within‐population genetic diversity than naturally patchy distributions, but there have been surprisingly few attempts to isolate this effect from confounding factors. We studied the widespread wind‐pollinated shrub Allocasuarina humilis that is common in a geologically stable landscape characterized by long‐term population persistence to test the influence of semi‐continuous versus patchy population distributions on genetic patterns. We also investigated whether A. humilis shows the high population connectedness and genetic diversity typically associated with wind pollination, a relatively uncommon and little‐studied syndrome in this landscape.

Location

Heath‐shrublands (‘heath’) and forests of south‐western Australia.

Methods

Populations were sampled from heath and forest regions, which respectively exhibited semi‐continuous and patchy population distributions. Genetic structure and diversity were assessed for 27 populations using eight nuclear microsatellite markers and three chloroplast regions. Phylogeographical history was examined using Bayesian phylogeny reconstruction, parsimony analysis and tests of expansion.

Results

High haplotype diversity is consistent with long‐term population persistence across most of the species’ range. Nuclear markers showed low overall population differentiation and no geographical structure over c. 900 km, reflecting extensive pollen dispersal. For both marker types, patchily distributed forest populations were substantially more differentiated with significantly lower within‐population diversity than semi‐continuous heath populations. Phylogeographical analysis revealed evidence for earlier colonization of heath than forest and recent expansion into wetter forests, consistent with progressive long‐term climatic drying.

Main conclusions

High population connectedness and genetic diversity probably resulted from wind pollination in combination with dioecy and long life span. Patchy population distributions appear to have influenced genetic structure and diversity through lower pollen and seed dispersal, lower effective population sizes and greater genetic drift. Our approach illustrates the value of minimizing confounding variables by testing the effect of a variable ecological trait within a single species.
Morpho‐histological and ultra architectural changes during early development of endangered golden mahseer Tor putitora
Authors: Sarma D. , Das R. , Akhtar M. S. , Ciji A. , Sharma N. K. , Singh A. K.
Published: August 2016

Ultrastructural and histological changes in the embryonic and larval surface during ontogenesis of the endangered golden mahseer Tor putitora is studied here for the first time. Embryonic development was completed 91–92 h after fertilization at an ambient temperature of 23° ± 1° C (mean ± s.d.). The gastrula stage was characterized by presence of the Kupffer's vesicle, notochord, ectoderm and endoderm cells. Primordial germ cells were clearly identifiable from c. 55 h post‐fertilization at the organogenesis stage. Mean total length of newly hatched larvae was 7·0 ± 0·5 mm. Scanning electron microscopy of newly hatched larvae demonstrated vitelline arteries, microridged epithelial cells and mucous gland openings over much of the body surface. Eye, oral cavity, pharyngeal arches, heart, intestinal loop, prosencephalon, cephalic vesicle and nasal epithelium were clearly distinguished in 3 day old hatched individuals. In 6 day old individuals, caudal‐fin rays and internal organs were evident. The dorsal fin became prominent at this stage and larvae began swimming at the surface. The reserved yolk material was totally absorbed 8–11 days after hatching and larvae began feeding exogenously. Tor putitora exhibited a longer early developmental period than other cyprinids reared at similar temperatures.
Money and Output: Friedman and Schwartz Revisited
Authors: BELONGIA MICHAEL T. , IRELAND PETER N.
Published: August 2016

More than 50 years ago, Friedman and Schwartz examined historical data for the United States and found evidence of procyclical movements in the money stock, which led corresponding movements in output. We find similar correlations in more recent data; these appear most clearly when Divisia monetary aggregates are used in place of the Federal Reserve's official, simple‐sum measures. When we use information in Divisia money to estimate a structural vector autoregression, identified monetary policy shocks appear to have large and persistent effects on output and prices, with a lag that has lengthened considerably since the early 1980s.