bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CULTURAL CONSTRAINTS ON INNOVATION‐BASED GROWTH
Authors: KLASING MARIKO J. , MILIONIS PETROS
Published: February 2014

To what extent does the cultural composition of a society impose a constraint on its long‐run growth potential? We study this question in the context of an innovation‐based model of growth where cultural attitudes are endogenously transmitted from one generation to the next. Focusing on attitudes regarding patience, we analyze the two‐way interaction between economic growth and the intergenerational transmission of patience. Exploiting this interaction, we compare the long‐run growth performance of a culturally heterogeneous society where patience is initially underrepresented in the population with a culturally homogeneous society where all agents are perfectly patient. Our main result is that in the absence of any intrinsic preferences of patient parents to transmit their attitudes to their children, the development paths of the two societies are bound to diverge, with the culturally heterogeneous society experiencing lower growth rates. Yet, if patient parents ceteris paribus prefer their children to be patient like them, we show that the two societies can in the long run grow at the same rate.(JEL D91, E24, O30, O40, Z10)
CONTRACT DESIGN AND SELF‐CONTROL WITH ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION
Authors: LI SANXI , YAN JIANYE , XIAO BINQING
Published: February 2014

We study optimal contracting by a monopolistic seller of investment goods to a time‐inconsistent consumer and, in doing so, introduce asymmetric information to the model of DellaVigna and Malmendier (2004). We find (1) the below‐marginal‐cost‐pricing rule may fail for a low‐value consumer; (2) the firm's profit is no longer unaffected by the consumer's short‐run impatience, as the latter is sophisticated. We find that there is an important threshold value of short‐run patience. When the consumer's short‐term patience is below this level, then, as the patience increases, the firm suffers. When the consumer's short‐run patience is above this threshold, then, as it increases, the firm benefits. Finally, we show that unlike monopoly, perfect competition with asymmetric information achieves the first‐best outcome. (JEL D03, D82, D91)
SIGNAL EXTRACTION AND RATIONAL INATTENTION
Authors: LUO YULEI , YOUNG ERIC R.
Published: February 2014

In this paper we examine the implications of two theories of informational frictions, signal extraction (SE) and rational inattention (RI), for optimal decisions and economic dynamics within the linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian (LQG) setting. We first show that if the variance of the noise and channel capacity (or marginal information cost) is fixed exogenously in the SE and RI problems, respectively, the two environments lead to different policy and equilibrium asset pricing implications. Second, we find that if the signal‐to‐noise ratio and capacity in the SE and RI problems are fixed, respectively, the two theories generate the same policy implications in the univariate case, but different policy implications in the multivariate case. We also show that our results do not depend on the presence of correlation between fundamental and noise shocks. We then discuss the applications to macroeconomic models of permanent income and price‐setting. (JEL C61, D81, E21)
LABOR CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBILITY: EVIDENCE FROM A LABOR MARKET REFORM IN SPAIN
Authors: AGUIRREGABIRIA VICTOR , ALONSO‐BORREGO CESAR
Published: February 2014

This paper evaluates the effects of a labor market reform in Spain that removed restrictions on fixed‐term or temporary contracts. Our empirical results are based on longitudinal firm‐level data that cover observations before and after the reform. We posit and estimate a dynamic labor demand model with indefinite and fixed‐term labor contracts, and a general structure of labor adjustment costs. Experiments using the estimated model show important positive effects of the reform on total employment (i.e., a 3.5% increase) and job turnover. There is a strong substitution of permanent by temporary workers (i.e., a 10% decline in permanent employment). The effects on labor productivity and the value of firms are very small. In contrast, a counterfactual reform that halved all firing costs would produce the same employment increase as the actual reform, but much larger improvements in productivity and in the value of firms. (JEL J23, J32, J41)
Gender differences in self‐assessed clinical competence– a survey of young dentists in Finland
Authors: Karaharju‐Suvanto T. , Näpänkangas R. , Koivumäki J. , Pyörälä E. , Vinkka‐Puhakka H.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Newly licensed dentists are a promising group to evaluate the compatibility of dental education with working life. The aim of this study was to evaluate gender differences amongst young dentists in their self‐assessed competence and perceived compatibility of their undergraduate education with working life.

Materials and methods

This study was a part of a national survey of young dentists. Altogether, 90 young dentists (46%) answered the questionnaire; 72 women (80%) and 18 men (20%). For this study, two questions from the questionnaire were analysed.

Results

Undergraduate dental education has met the needs of dental practice in almost every field of dentistry. Females wished for more education in paediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery and oral medicine, whilst males wished for more in preventive dentistry and cariology. The results also implicated that female dentists felt that they would have benefitted from more time spent learning clinical skills. When asked about confidence in doing certain dental procedures, male dentists were more confident in most of the procedures, the most significant differences being in surgical procedures and competence to make a 3–4‐unit fixed partial denture. The only area where male dentists were more often unsure was in diagnosis of malocclusions in developing dentition.

Conclusions

The gender differences in young dentists' confidence—which favoured male dentists—require further inquiries. More attention should be paid in dental education to constructively support students with differences in learning clinical skills.
Diagnostic imaging, surgical treatment and histopathological findings of a vascular hamartoma in a 2‐year‐old horse
Authors: Musterle B. , Hagen R. , Grest P. , Kümmerle J.
Published: February 2014

We describe a case of a 2‐year‐old mare that presented with a large firm swelling on the lateral aspect of the right tarsus. Diagnostic ultrasound demonstrated a fluid filled cavernous mass that was not clearly demarcated from the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. Contrast radiography with intralesional injection of contrast medium showed accumulation of the medium in the caverns of the mass and in the saphenous vein. Contrast enhanced computed tomography demonstrated 2 vascular meshes, one deep and one more superficially, closely associated with the mass. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and a vascular hamartoma was diagnosed based on histopathology. The horse showed no signs of recurrence 7 months after surgery.
Prediction of the likelihood of drug interactions with kinase inhibitors based on in vitro and computational studies
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Xin , Sun Jiazhi , Howell Caitlin E. , Zhou Qing‐Yu , He Zhi‐Xu , Yang Tianxin , Chew Helen , Duan Wei , Zhou Zhi‐Wei , Kanwar Jagat R. , Zhou Shu‐Feng
Published: February 2014

Kinase inhibitors (KIs) represent an important group of anticancer drugs, and many of them are substrates and inhibitors of human cytochrome P450s (CYPs), raising the potential of harmful drug interactions. This study investigated the effect of a library of KIs (n = 91) including 11 FDA‐approved KIs on human CYP1A2, 2D6, 2C9, and 3A4 using high‐throughput screening kits and the binding modes with CYPs using the Discovery Studio program 3.1. The KIs exhibited differential inhibitory effect on CYP1A2, 2D6, 2C9, and 3A4, while some of them showed activating effect on CYP2C9 and 3A4. For example, SP 600125 was a potent inhibitor for CYP1A2, but enhanced the activity of CYP2C9 fourfolds. Among the 80 KIs that are not used clinically, about 13% showed significant inhibition to CYPs. Nilotinib, sunitinib, and imatinib were found to be potent CYP1A2 inhibitor. Our docking studies have demonstrated the importance of multiple amino acid residues in the active sites of CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 in binding with various KIs. Finally, the in vitro data were used to predict potential KI–drug interactions. These findings indicate that many KIs can serve as CYP inhibitors, and further studies are needed to examine the clinical impact.
Larvae of the coral eating crown‐of‐thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci in a warmer‐high CO2 ocean
Authors: Kamya Pamela Z. , Dworjanyn Symon A. , Hardy Natasha , Mos Benjamin , Uthicke Sven , Byrne Maria
Published: February 2014

Outbreaks of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (COTS), Acanthaster planci, contribute to major declines of coral reef ecosystems throughout the Indo‐Pacific. As the oceans warm and decrease in pH due to increased anthropogenic CO2 production, coral reefs are also susceptible to bleaching, disease and reduced calcification. The impacts of ocean acidification and warming may be exacerbated by COTS predation, but it is not known how this major predator will fare in a changing ocean. Because larval success is a key driver of population outbreaks, we investigated the sensitivities of larval A. planci to increased temperature (2–4 °C above ambient) and acidification (0.3–0.5 pH units below ambient) in flow‐through cross‐factorial experiments (3 temperature × 3 pH/pCO2 levels). There was no effect of increased temperature or acidification on fertilization or very early development. Larvae reared in the optimal temperature (28 °C) were the largest across all pH treatments. Development to advanced larva was negatively affected by the high temperature treatment (30 °C) and by both experimental pH levels (pH 7.6, 7.8). Thus, planktonic life stages of A. planci may be negatively impacted by near‐future global change. Increased temperature and reduced pH had an additive negative effect on reducing larval size. The 30 °C treatment exceeded larval tolerance regardless of pH. As 30 °C sea surface temperatures may become the norm in low latitude tropical regions, poleward migration of A. planci may be expected as they follow optimal isotherms. In the absence of acclimation or adaptation, declines in low latitude populations may occur. Poleward migration will be facilitated by strong western boundary currents, with possible negative flow‐on effects on high latitude coral reefs. The contrasting responses of the larvae of A. planci and those of its coral prey to ocean acidification and warming are considered in context with potential future change in tropical reef ecosystems.
Effect of Filter Designs on Hydraulic Properties and Well Efficiency
Authors: Kim Byung‐Woo
Published: February 2014

To analyze the effect of filter pack arrangement on the hydraulic properties and the well efficiency of a well design, a step drawdown was conducted in a sand‐filled tank model. Prior to the test, a single filter pack (SFP), granule only, and two dual filter packs (DFPs), type A (granule‐pebble) and type B (pebble‐granule), were designed to surround the well screen. The hydraulic properties and well efficiencies related to the filter packs were evaluated using the Hazen's, Eden‐Hazel's, Jacob's, and Labadie‐Helweg's methods. The results showed that the hydraulic properties and well efficiency of the DFPs were higher than those of a SFP, and the clogging effect and wellhead loss related to the aquifer material were the lowest owing to the grain size and the arrangement of the filter pack. The hydraulic conductivity of the DFPs types A and B was about 1.41 and 6.43 times that of a SFP, respectively. In addition, the well efficiency of the DFPs types A and B was about 1.38 and 1.60 times that of the SFP, respectively. In this study, hydraulic property and well efficiency changes were observed according to the variety of the filter pack used. The results differed from the predictions of previous studies on the grain‐size ratio. Proper pack‐aquifer ratios and filter pack arrangements are primary factors in the construction of efficient water wells, as is the grain ratio, intrinsic permeability (k), and hydraulic conductivity (K) between the grains of the filter packs and the grains of the aquifer.
Influence of Seasonal Variations in Sea Level on the Salinity Regime of a Coastal Groundwater–Fed Wetland
Authors: Wood Cameron , Harrington Glenn A.
Published: February 2014

Seasonal variations in sea level are often neglected in studies of coastal aquifers; however, they may have important controls on processes such as submarine groundwater discharge, sea water intrusion, and groundwater discharge to coastal springs and wetlands. We investigated seasonal variations in salinity in a groundwater‐fed coastal wetland (the RAMSAR listed Piccaninnie Ponds in South Australia) and found that salinity peaked during winter, coincident with seasonal sea level peaks. Closer examination of salinity variations revealed a relationship between changes in sea level and changes in salinity, indicating that sea level–driven movement of the fresh water‐sea water interface influences the salinity of discharging groundwater in the wetland. Moreover, the seasonal control of sea level on wetland salinity seems to override the influence of seasonal recharge. A two‐dimensional variable density model helped validate this conceptual model of coastal groundwater discharge by showing that fluctuations in groundwater salinity in a coastal aquifer can be driven by a seasonal coastal boundary condition in spite of seasonal recharge/discharge dynamics. Because seasonal variations in sea level and coastal wetlands are ubiquitous throughout the world, these findings have important implications for monitoring and management of coastal groundwater–dependent ecosystems.
Mapping Potential Groundwater‐Dependent Ecosystems for Sustainable Management
Authors: Gou Si , Gonzales Susana , Miller Gretchen R.
Published: February 2014

Ecosystems which rely on either the surface expression or subsurface presence of groundwater are known as groundwater‐dependent ecosystems (GDEs). A comprehensive inventory of GDE locations at an appropriate management scale is a necessary first‐step for sustainable management of supporting aquifers; however, this information is unavailable for most areas of concern. To address this gap, this study created a two‐step algorithm which analyzed existing geospatial and remote sensing data to identify potential GDEs at both state/province and aquifer/basin scales. At the state/province scale, a geospatial information system (GIS) database was constructed for Texas, including climate, topography, hydrology, and ecology data. From these data, a GDE index was calculated, which combined vegetative and hydrological indicators. The results indicated that central Texas, particularly the Edwards Aquifer region, had highest potential to host GDEs. Next, an aquifer/basin scale remote sensing‐based algorithm was created to provide more detailed maps of GDEs in the Edwards Aquifer region. This algorithm used Landsat ETM+ and MODIS images to track the changes of NDVI for each vegetation pixel. The NDVI dynamics were used to identify the vegetation with high potential to use groundwater—such plants remain high NDVI during extended dry periods and also exhibit low seasonal and inter‐annual NDVI changes between dry and wet seasons/years. The results indicated that 8% of natural vegetation was very likely using groundwater. Of the potential GDEs identified, 75% were located on shallow soil averaging 45 cm in depth. The dominant GDE species were live oak, ashe juniper, and mesquite.
Radionuclide Transport Behavior in a Generic Geological Radioactive Waste Repository
Authors: Bianchi Marco , Liu Hui‐Hai , Birkholzer Jens T.
Published: February 2014

We performed numerical simulations of groundwater flow and radionuclide transport to study the influence of several factors, including the ambient hydraulic gradient, groundwater pressure anomalies, and the properties of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ), on the prevailing transport mechanism (i.e., advection or molecular diffusion) in a generic nuclear waste repository within a clay‐rich geological formation. By comparing simulation results, we show that the EDZ plays a major role as a preferential flowpath for radionuclide transport. When the EDZ is not taken into account, transport is dominated by molecular diffusion in almost the totality of the simulated domain, and transport velocity is about 40% slower. Modeling results also show that a reduction in hydraulic gradient leads to a greater predominance of diffusive transport, slowing down radionuclide transport by about 30% with respect to a scenario assuming a unit gradient. In addition, inward flow caused by negative pressure anomalies in the clay‐rich formation further reduces transport velocity, enhancing the ability of the geological barrier to contain the radioactive waste. On the other hand, local high gradients associated with positive pressure anomalies can speed up radionuclide transport with respect to steady‐state flow systems having the same regional hydraulic gradients. Transport behavior was also found to be sensitive to both geometrical and hydrogeological parameters of the EDZ. Results from this work can provide useful knowledge toward correctly assessing the post‐closure safety of a geological disposal system.
Compilation and Review of 87Sr/86Sr and Stable Isotopes from Groundwater, Calcite Fracture Fillings, Mineral, and Whole‐Rock Sampling at Äspö, Sweden
Authors: Wallin Bill , Peterman Zell
Published: February 2014

Integrated isotopic and hydrochemical studies of groundwater at Äspö, Sweden, support mixing models involving deep saline water, low‐solute infiltration, and Baltic Sea water. Carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotope analyses of calcite fracture fillings indicate that paleohydrologic conditions were different than those of today in terms of the isotopic composition of water flowing through fractures. Sr isotopes of whole‐rock and mineral (plagioclase, microcline, biotite, and epidote) samples are used to assess the effects of water‐rock interaction. Biotite is a major reactant in the early stages of water‐rock interaction. Strontium isotope systematics of groundwater from deep in the Hard Rock Laboratory, and underground research facility, and from low conductivity zones revealed a first order mixing line defined by a high‐chloride saline component with 66 mg/L Sr and an ancient sea water component with approximately 4.5 mg/L. Dilution with low salinity recharge has produced groundwater with variable Sr contents and 87Sr/86Sr values between 0.7186 and 0.7160. Differences between Äspö and Laxemar groundwater are shown by trends in Sr concentrations plotted against 87Sr/86Sr. The Äspö trend shows increasing 87Sr/86Sr values with increasing concentrations of Sr, whereas the Laxemar groundwater trend shows little variability in 87Sr/86Sr with increasing Sr concentrations. These trends are controlled by the differences in 87Sr/86Sr composition of the saline end members in the two areas.
Deep sequencing analysis of variants resistant to the non‐structural 5A inhibitor daclatasvir in patients with genotype 1b hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Miura Mika , Maekawa Shinya , Sato Mitsuaki , Komatsu Nobutoshi , Tatsumi Akihisa , Takano Shinichi , Amemiya Fumitake , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Sakamoto Minoru , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: February 2014

Aim

Daclatasvir, a non‐structural (NS)5A replication complex inhibitor, is a potent and promising direct antiviral agent (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV), being most effective in genotype 1b infection. Although it is known that genotype 1b viruses with Y93H and/or L31M/V/F mutations have strong resistance to daclatasvir, it is not known whether there are some clinical background conditions that favor the occurrence of HCV carrying those NS5A mutations.

Methods

In this study, we carried out deep sequencing analysis of stored sera to determine the presence and significance of daclatasvir‐resistant mutants in 110 genotype 1b HCV‐infected patients with no previous daclatasvir treatment.

Results

Deep sequencing analysis revealed that the NS5A L31M/V/F and Y93H mutations were present in 13 (11.8%) and 34 (30.9%) of the 110 patients, respectively, and significantly more frequently than in the control plasmid. Simultaneous L31M/V/F and Y93H mutations were detected in four of the 110 patients (3.6%). When the clinical relevance of NS5A resistance was investigated, Y93H was significantly correlated with the IL28B major (TT) genotype of the host (P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Y93H was detected frequently by deep sequencing in daclatasvir treatment‐naïve patients. Importantly, it seems that the IL28B status of the patients may influence the presence of Y93H mutations, resulting in different treatment responses to daclatasvir.
Increase of fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein fraction at the onset of autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure
Authors: Yamagiwa Satoshi , Tamura Yasushi , Takamura Masaaki , Genda Takuya , Ichida Takafumi , Ishikawa Toru , Kamimura Tomoteru , Takahashi Toru , Suda Takeshi , Matsuda Yasunobu , Nomoto Minoru , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: February 2014

Aim

Increased serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been associated with a good prognosis following acute liver failure (ALF), but the levels of the fucosylated fraction of AFP (Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of AFP [AFP‐L3]) following acute liver injury remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of AFP and AFP‐L3 in patients with acute liver injury.

Methods

We investigated the serum levels of AFP and highly sensitive AFP‐L3% in 27 patients with acute‐onset autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 28 patients with acute hepatitis (AH) and 22 patients with ALF at the onset using a highly sensitive immunoassay (micro‐total analysis system).

Results

The serum AFP levels were increased in patients with AIH, AH and ALF, but the levels did not significantly differ among them. However, the mean AFP‐L3% level was significantly higher in patients with AIH than in patients with AH (P = 0.0039). Moreover, significantly more patients with AIH demonstrated AFP‐L3 positivity (≥10%) when compared with patients with AH (P = 0.014). Although the percentage of AFP‐L3 positivity increased with AFP levels, at low serum AFP levels (<10 ng/mL), significantly more patients with AIH demonstrated AFP‐L3 positivity than did patients with AH (P = 0.024) or ALF (P = 0.038).

Conclusion

We demonstrated for the first time that highly sensitive AFP‐L3% levels were increased at the onset of AIH. The mechanism underlying the increase in AFP‐L3 remains to be elucidated, but this finding may reflect an alteration of the glycosylation such as hyperfucosylation, which can influence the modifications of self‐antigens in hepatocytes.
Splenectomy increases the number of circulating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in patients with hepatitis C virus‐associated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Masuya Masahiro , Shiraki Katsuya , Sugimoto Kazushi , Yamamoto Norihiko , Yoneda Misao , Kanayama Kazuki , Nishikawa Kenichiro , Ino Kazuko , Tawara Isao , Ohishi Kohshi , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Usui Masanobu , Shiraishi Taizo , Isaji Shuji , Takei Yoshiyuki , Katayama Naoyuki
Published: February 2014

Aim

The spleen is not believed to contribute to hematopoiesis in healthy adults. However, several reports have demonstrated that the spleen in adults contains a large number of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC). Although splenectomy increases platelet and leukocyte counts, the effects of splenectomy on circulating HSC have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the association between the number of circulating HSC and splenectomy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods

In 48 patients with various stages of HCV‐associated chronic liver disease and seven patients with LC who underwent splenectomy, and 10 healthy volunteers, we determined the numbers of circulating CD34+ cells and colony‐forming unit culture by flow cytometry and methylcellulose culture, respectively. Plasma stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) concentrations were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The numbers of circulating CD34+ cells and colony‐forming unit culture decreased but the plasma SDF‐1α concentration increased with the progression of liver disease. There was an inverse correlation between the number of circulating HSC and the plasma SDF‐1α concentration. The numbers of circulating HSC and platelets were determined before and after splenectomy in seven patients with LC. In these patients, the numbers of circulating HSC and platelets increased significantly after splenectomy and the enhancing effect persisted for a long time.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the spleen plays an important role in modulating HSC dynamics in patients with HCV‐associated chronic liver disease. Our results also imply that splenectomy may improve liver function in patients with LC.
Efficacy and safety of once‐daily maraviroc plus ritonavir‐boosted darunavir in pretreated HIV‐infected patients in a real‐life setting
Authors: Macías J , Recio E , Márquez M , García C , Jiménez P , Merino D , Muñoz L , Pasquau J , Ojeda G , Bancalero P , Chueca N , Pineda JA
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)‐sparing regimens may be needed in patients with NRTI toxicity. Maraviroc (MVC) plus ritonavir‐boosted darunavir (DRV‐r) or atazanavir is associated with slightly lower response rates than triple therapy in drug‐naïve patients. No information is available on these combinations in pretreated patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of MVC plus DRV/r once‐daily (qd) in HIV‐infected pretreated patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including patients starting MVC 150 mg plus DRV/r 800/100 mg qd, with CCR5 tropism and no resistance mutations for DRV/r, was performed. The primary efficacy endpoint was the achievement of plasma HIV RNA < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL after 48 weeks. The frequency of serious adverse effects was investigated.

Results

Sixty patients were recruited to the study, of whom 48 (80%) had HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at baseline. Reasons for starting MVC plus DRV/r were: adverse effects in 38 individuals (63%), simplification in 15 (25%) and virological failure in seven (12%). The main analysis (intention to treat, noncompleter = failure) showed that 47 patients (78%) achieved HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks (paired comparison with baseline, P = 1.0). On‐treatment analysis showed that 42 (86%) of 49 patients presented HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks (paired comparison with baseline, P = 1.0). Median (interquartile range) CD4 cell counts increased from 491 (301−729) to 561 (367−793) cells/μL at 48 weeks (P = 0.013). Only one patient discontinued therapy because of adverse effects.

Conclusions

Most individuals starting MVC plus DRV/r qd because of simplification or adverse effects maintained HIV suppression after 48 weeks of follow‐up.
Rising cost of anticancer drugs in Australia
Authors: Karikios D. J. , Schofield D. , Salkeld G. , Mann K. P. , Trotman J. , Stockler M. R.
Published: February 2014

Background

Anticancer drugs are often expensive and are contributing to the growing cost of cancer care. Concerns have been raised about the effect rising costs may have on availability of new anticancer drugs.

Aim

This study aims to determine the recent changes in the costs of anticancer drugs in Australia.

Methods

Publicly available expenditure and prices paid by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for anticancer drugs from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed. The measures used to determine changes in cost were total PBS expenditure and average price paid by the PBS per prescription for anticancer drugs and for all PBS listed drugs. An estimated monthly price paid for newly listed anticancer drugs was also calculated.

Results

Annual PBS expenditure on anticancer drugs rose from A$65 million in 1999–2000 to A$466 million in 2011–2012; an average increase of 19% per annum. The average price paid by the PBS per anticancer drug prescription, adjusted for inflation, increased 133% from A$337 to A$786. The real average annual increase in the price per anticancer drug prescription was more than double that for all other PBS drugs combined (7.6% vs 2.8%, difference 4.8%, 95% confidence interval −0.4% to 10.1%, P = 0.07). The median price for a month's treatment of the new anticancer drugs listed was A$4919 (range A$1003 to A$12 578, 2012 prices).

Conclusions

PBS expenditure and the price of anticancer drugs in Australia rose substantially from 2000 to 2012. Dealing with these burgeoning costs will be a major challenge for our health system and for those affected by cancer.
Nurse‐led clinic: effective and efficient delivery of assessment and review of patients with hepatitis B and C
Authors: Biddle M. L. , Adler N. R. , Heath M. , Streat S. , Wardrop M. , Watson J. P.
Published: February 2014

Background

Hepatology and gastroenterology services are increasingly utilising the skills and experience of nurse practitioners and nurse specialists to help meet the increasing demand for healthcare. A new nurse‐led assessment clinic has been established in the liver clinic at Geelong Hospital to utilise the expertise of nurses to assess and triage new patients and streamline their pathway through the healthcare system.

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess quantitatively the first 2 years of operation of the nurse assessment clinic at Geelong Hospital, and to assess advantages and disadvantages of the nurse‐led clinic.

Methods

Data were extracted retrospectively from clinical records of new patients at the liver clinic. Quarterly 1‐month periods were recorded over 2 years. Patients were categorised according to the path through which they saw a physician, including missed and rescheduled appointments. The number of appointments, the waiting time from referral to appointments and the number of ‘did‐not‐attend’ occasions were analysed before and after the institution of the nurse‐led assessment clinic. The Mann‐Whitney rank sum test of ordinal data was used to generate median wait times.

Results

There was shown to be a statistically significant longer waiting time for physician appointment if seen by the nurse first. The difference in waiting time was 10 days. However, there was also a reduction in the number of missed appointments at the subsequent physician clinic. Other advantages have also been identified, including effective triage of patients and organisation of appropriate investigations from the initial nurse assessment.
Contrasting effects of habitat reduction, conversion and alteration on neutral and non neutral biological communities
Authors: Teyssèdre Anne , Robert Alexandre
Published: February 2014

While habitat transformation driven by human activities is the main driver of current biodiversity changes, there is still no framework to explore and forecast the effects of different types of habitat changes on the richness and composition of biological communities. To tackle this issue, we modeled the dynamics of a regional meta‐community, composed either of ecologically equivalent species (neutral model) or of generalist and specialist species (specialization model), and explored the impact of the overall reduction, patch conversion or alteration of an original habitat into one or several other habitats of different total carrying capacity on the community metrics at equilibrium. Our simulations reveal strong interactions between the community model considered (neutral or specialization model) and the type of habitat change. Under neutrality, the impact of habitat changes on richness can be approached by a power law species–individual relationship (SIR), which may at constant density be simplified into the widely used power law species–area relationship (SAR), independent of the type of change. However, in the presence of generalist and specialist species, we found that 1) while habitat reduction in area also leads to approximately power law SIRs and SARs, 2) patch conversion and alteration have more complex effects on regional species richness, and 3) habitat alteration elicits the functional homogenization of communities, involving a decrease of their average level of specialization.
Complexity is costly: a meta‐analysis of parametric and non‐parametric methods for short‐term population forecasting
Authors: Ward Eric J. , Holmes Eli E. , Thorson James T. , Collen Ben
Published: February 2014

Short‐term forecasts based on time series of counts or survey data are widely used in population biology to provide advice concerning the management, harvest and conservation of natural populations. A common approach to produce these forecasts uses time‐series models, of different types, fit to time series of counts. Similar time‐series models are used in many other disciplines, however relative to the data available in these other disciplines, population data are often unusually short and noisy and models that perform well for data from other disciplines may not be appropriate for population data. In order to study the performance of time‐series forecasting models for natural animal population data, we assembled 2379 time series of vertebrate population indices from actual surveys. Our data were comprised of three vastly different types: highly variable (marine fish productivity), strongly cyclic (adult salmon counts), and small variance but long‐memory (bird and mammal counts). We tested the predictive performance of 49 different forecasting models grouped into three broad classes: autoregressive time‐series models, non‐linear regression‐type models and non‐parametric time‐series models. Low‐dimensional parametric autoregressive models gave the most accurate forecasts across a wide range of taxa; the most accurate model was one that simply treated the most recent observation as the forecast. More complex parametric and non‐parametric models performed worse, except when applied to highly cyclic species. Across taxa, certain life history characteristics were correlated with lower forecast error; specifically, we found that better forecasts were correlated with attributes of slow growing species: large maximum age and size for fishes and high trophic level for birds.

Synthesis

Evaluating the data support for multiple plausible models has been an integral focus of many ecological analyses. However, the most commonly used tools to quantify support have weighted models’ hindcasting and forecasting abilities.

For many applications, predicting the past may be of little interest. Concentrating only on the future predictive performance of time series models, we performed a forecasting competition among many different kinds of statistical models, applying each to many different kinds of vertebrate time series of population abundance. Low‐dimensional (simple) models performed well overall, but more complex models did slightly better when applied to time series of cyclic species (e.g. salmon).
Development and Characterization of Biphasic Hydroxyapatite/β‐TCP Cements
Authors: Gallinetti Sara , Canal Cristina , Ginebra Maria‐Pau
Published: February 2014

Biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) have relevant properties as synthetic bone grafts, such as tunable resorption, bioactivity, and intrinsic osteoinduction. However, they have some limitations associated to their condition of high‐temperature ceramics. In this work self‐setting Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Cements (BCPCs) with different HA/β‐TCP ratios were obtained from self‐setting α‐TCP/β‐TCP pastes. The strategy used allowed synthesizing BCPCs with modulated composition, compressive strength, and specific surface area. Due to its higher solubility, α‐TCP was fully hydrolyzed to a calcium‐deficient HA (CDHA), whereas β‐TCP remained unreacted and completely embedded in the CDHA matrix. Increasing amounts of the non‐reacting β‐TCP phase resulted in a linear decrease of the compressive strength, in association to the decreasing amount of precipitated HA crystals, which are responsible for the mechanical consolidation of apatitic cements. Ca2+ release and degradation in acidic medium was similar in all the BCPCs within the timeframe studied, although differences might be expected in longer term studies once β‐TCP, the more soluble phase was exposed to the surrounding media.
Effects of perspective taking on courtroom decisions
Authors: Skorinko Jeanine L. , Laurent Sean , Bountress Kaitlin , Nyein Kyi Phyu , Kuckuck Daniel
Published: February 2014

Four experiments examined the hypothesis that perspective taking with a defendant would lead to greater empathy, which would mediate lowered perceptions of culpability, with lowered culpability mediating a lower probability of guilt and recidivism. Experiments 1 and 2 established that perspective taking leads to a lower probability of guilty verdicts and recidivism, mediated by a decreased perception of the defendant's culpability. Experiment 2 showed that it does so by increasing empathy. Experiment 3 showed that perspective taking also heightens the perception of culpability through increased empathy for the victim. Experiment 4 showed that decreased culpability is in part driven by leniency, which is also a function of empathy. We tie our findings into other research investigating links between empathy and perspective taking.
The gender role self‐concept of men in female‐dominated occupations: does it depend on how they see their jobs?
Authors: Korek Sabine , Sobiraj Sonja , Weseler Daniela , Rigotti Thomas , Mohr Gisela
Published: February 2014

In this study, we investigated the masculinity of men in female‐dominated occupations. Our assumptions that token status, masculine task redefinition, and job control are related to masculinity were supported by results of segmented and hierarchical regressions with data from 213 men in female‐dominated occupations. A comparison with 98 men from male‐dominated occupations revealed that these results are specific for men in female‐dominated occupations. Moderated regression did not support the assumption that the relation between masculine task redefinition would be stronger under low job control. Instead, the opposite pattern was found. Under high job control, the choice of tasks and their redefinition as masculine may be easier. Job control is discussed as a precondition for redefinition processes.
Sex differences in the attractiveness of hunter‐gatherer and modern risks
Authors: Petraitis John M. , Lampman Claudia B. , Boeckmann Robert J. , Falconer Evan M.
Published: February 2014

When compared with other demographics, young males are more likely to take a variety of risks (like skateboarding, using drugs) and use risky behaviors to attract romantic partners. This study extended research on risk by assessing the attractiveness of 101 different kinds of risks performed by males and females. As predicted, factor analysis revealed that the attractiveness of diverse risks clustered around two major dimensions: risks like those faced by hunter‐gatherer humans (e.g., handling fire and dangerous animals) and risks that are uniquely modern (e.g., driving without seat belts). Additionally, results confirmed that modern risks were rated as unattractive for both sexes, whereas hunter‐gatherer risks were rated as especially attractive when performed by males. Discussion focuses on cultural and evolutionary explanations for the link between risk and attractiveness.
Deviance in organizational decision making: using unanimous decision rules to promote the positive effects and alleviate the negative effects of deviance
Authors: Rijnbout Jasmine S. , McKimmie Blake M.
Published: February 2014

When deviance occurs during group decision making, it can lead to increased innovation and improved decision outcomes. Group members, however, often rate the group climate as lower for having experienced dissent. The current study used a hidden profile framework to investigate the effects of deviance and decision rule on task outcome and group climate. Results found that working under a unanimous decision rule increases the likelihood of shared information improving the overall decision outcome and also alleviates some of the negative consequences associated with deviance. Results have significant implications for both research on group deviance and the application of deviance techniques within organizational settings.
Enjoyment of sexualization: is it different for men?
Authors: Visser Beth A. , Sultani Farah , Choma Becky L. , Pozzebon Julie A.
Published: February 2014

We elucidated the Enjoyment of Sexualization (ES) construct in a sample of 206 female and 118 male undergraduate students. Our male ES Scale had high reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a univariate structure was appropriate for both men and women. ES added to the prediction of self‐esteem and number of sexual partners (but not body shame) after controlling for self‐objectification; gender did not moderate these relationships. The relationship between ES and number of sexual partners was moderated by attractiveness such that individuals who believed themselves to be more attractive had more sexual partners at high levels of ES. Furthermore, ES was distinguishable from the conceptually‐related self‐objectification construct with regard to Big Five personality. Finally, results suggested that ES might be less harmful than self‐objectification.
Understanding the power of the picture: the effect of image content on emotional and political responses to terrorism
Authors: Iyer Aarti , Webster Joanna , Hornsey Matthew J. , Vanman Eric J.
Published: February 2014

Viewing images of terrorism can have a powerful impact on individuals' emotional and political responses, yet little is known about the psychological processes underlying these effects. We hypothesized that the content of terrorism images will shape viewers' appraisals of the event, which will elicit specific emotions and political attitudes.British citizens viewed photographs of the 2005London bombings, either focusing on victims or terrorists. Exposure to images of victims increased appraisals of victim suffering, which predicted feelings of sympathy. Exposure to images of terrorists increased appraisals of terrorists as dangerous, which predicted fear; and of the attack as unjust, which predicted anger. Each emotion predicted support for a distinct counterterrorism policy. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Uno, Duo, Trio? Varieties of Trio Presidencies in the Council of Ministers
Authors: Jensen Mads Dagnis , Nedergaard Peter
Published: February 2014

The trio Presidency function entails that Member States in groups of three are responsible for drawing up a common programme for the Council for a period of 18 months and for assisting each other. This article contributes new knowledge by focusing on the variation between four different trio Presidencies that have ended their terms since the function was launched in 2007. A typology is developed to classify past and future trio Presidencies. It is shown that there are considerable variation between past trio formations with regard to whether they follow the same objectives (scope) and how much they co‐ordinate to achieve these (depth). The observed variation is linked to the environment in which the trio Presidency operates, the individual trio members' attitude toward European integration, their territorial structuring of the state, their size, the ideology of the government and personality of the involved actors.
Low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations associate with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents independent of adiposity
Authors: Black Lucinda J , Jacoby Peter , She Ping‐Delfos Wendy Chan , Mori Trevor A , Beilin Lawrence J , Olynyk John K , Ayonrinde Oyekoya T , Huang Rae Chi , Holt Patrick G , Hart Prue H , Oddy Wendy H , Adams Leon A
Published: February 2014

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (s25[OH]D) concentrations are both associated with adiposity and insulin resistance (IR) and thus may be pathogenically linked. We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents with NAFLD and to investigate the prospective and cross‐sectional associations between s25[OH]D concentrations and NAFLD.

Methods

Participants in the population‐based West Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort had seasonally adjusted s25(OH)D concentrations determined at ages 14 and then 17 years. NAFLD was diagnosed at 17 years using liver ultrasonography. Associations were examined after adjusting for potential confounders. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) are reported per standard deviation in s25(OH)D concentrations.

Results

NAFLD was present in 16% (156/994) of adolescents. The majority of participants with NAFLD had either insufficient (51%) or deficient (17%) vitamin D status. s25(OH)D concentrations at 17 years were inversely associated with risk of NAFLD (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56, 0.97; P = 0.029), after adjusting for sex, race, physical activity, television/computer viewing, body mass index, and IR. The effect of s25(OH)D concentrations at 17 years was minimally affected after further adjusting for s25(OH)D concentrations at 14 years (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56, 1.03; P = 0.072).

Conclusions

Lower s25(OH)D concentrations are significantly associated with NAFLD, independent of adiposity and IR. Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adolescents at risk of NAFLD is appropriate, and clinical trials investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD may be warranted.
Dilated cardiomyopathy in a De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus)
Authors: Felkai Alena , Vogelnest Larry , McNabb Suzanne , Allan Graeme , Sangster Cheryl
Published: February 2014

Background

Cardiomyopathies have been reported in many primates. They may result from an inflammatory response to an infectious agent, nutritional deficiency, familial‐genetic inheritance or toxic agents, but in many cases they are idiopathic.

Methods

A De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) presented with weight loss and inappetence. Physical examination, blood collection and diagnostic imaging and an electrocardiogram were performed.

Results

Radiographs and echocardiogram revealed pleural effusion with partially collapsed lungs, cardiomegaly, and reduced myocardial contractility from myocardial failure.

Conclusions

Necropsy revealed pulmonary infarction, subsequent to heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy.