bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Risk Factor Disclosures on the Pricing of Credit Default Swaps
Authors: Chiu Tzu‐Ting , Guan Yuyan , Kim Jeong‐Bon
Published: October 2017

This study examines the relation between narrative risk disclosures in mandatory reports and the pricing of credit risk. In particular, we investigate whether and how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandate of risk factor disclosures (RFDs) affects credit default swap (CDS) spreads. Based on the theory of Duffie and Lando (2001), we predict and find that CDS spreads decrease significantly after RFDs are made available in 10‐K/10‐Q filings. These results suggest that RFDs improve information transparency about the firm's underlying risk, thereby reducing the information risk premium in CDS spreads. The content analysis further reveals that disclosures pertinent to financial and idiosyncratic risk are especially relevant to credit investors. In cross‐sectional analyses, we document that RFDs are more useful for evaluating the business prospects and default risk of firms with greater information uncertainty/asymmetry. Overall, our findings imply that the SEC requirement for adding a risk factor section to periodic reports enhances the transparency of firm risk and facilitates credit investors in evaluating the credit quality of the firm.
Correction for bias in meta‐analysis of little‐replicated studies
Authors: Doncaster C. Patrick , Spake Rebecca
Published: October 2017

Meta‐analyses conventionally weight study estimates on the inverse of their error variance, in order to maximize precision. Unbiased variability in the estimates of these study‐level error variances increases with the inverse of study‐level replication. Here, we demonstrate how this variability accumulates asymmetrically across studies in precision‐weighted meta‐analysis, to cause undervaluation of the meta‐level effect size or its error variance (the meta‐effect and meta‐variance).

Small samples, typical of the ecological literature, induce big sampling errors in variance estimation, which substantially bias precision‐weighted meta‐analysis. Simulations revealed that biases differed little between random‐ and fixed‐effects tests. Meta‐estimation of a one‐sample mean from 20 studies, with sample sizes of 3–20 observations, undervalued the meta‐variance by c. 20%. Meta‐analysis of two‐sample designs from 20 studies, with sample sizes of 3–10 observations, undervalued the meta‐variance by 15%–20% for the log response ratio (lnR); it undervalued the meta‐effect by c. 10% for the standardized mean difference (SMD).

For all estimators, biases were eliminated or reduced by a simple adjustment to the weighting on study precision. The study‐specific component of error variance prone to sampling error and not parametrically attributable to study‐specific replication was replaced by its cross‐study mean, on the assumptions of random sampling from the same population variance for all studies, and sufficient studies for averaging. Weighting each study by the inverse of this mean‐adjusted error variance universally improved accuracy in estimation of both the meta‐effect and its significance, regardless of number of studies. For comparison, weighting only on sample size gave the same improvement in accuracy, but could not sensibly estimate significance.

For the one‐sample mean and two‐sample lnR, adjusted weighting also improved estimation of between‐study variance by DerSimonian‐Laird and REML methods. For random‐effects meta‐analysis of SMD from little‐replicated studies, the most accurate meta‐estimates obtained from adjusted weights following conventionally weighted estimation of between‐study variance.

We recommend adoption of weighting by inverse adjusted‐variance for meta‐analyses of well‐ and little‐replicated studies, because it improves accuracy and significance of meta‐estimates, and it can extend the scope of the meta‐analysis to include some studies without variance estimates.
Earlier Alcohol Use Onset Predicts Poorer Neuropsychological Functioning in Young Adults
Authors: Nguyen‐Louie Tam T. , Matt Georg E. , Jacobus Joanna , Li Irene , Cota Claudia , Castro Norma , Tapert Susan F.
Published: October 2017

Background

Neurodevelopment may be shaped by environmental factors such as alcohol intake. Over 20% of U.S. high school students begin drinking before age 14, and those who initiated drinking before age 14 are 4 times more likely to develop psychosocial, psychiatric, and substance use difficulties than those who began drinking after turning 20. Little is known, however, about how the age of alcohol use onset influences brain development.

Methods

This study prospectively examined the effects of alcohol use onset age on neurocognitive functioning in healthy adolescent drinkers (N = 215). Youth were administered a neuropsychological battery before substance use initiation (M = 13.6 years, SD = 0.8) and on average 6.8 years later (M = 20.2 years, SD = 1.5). Hierarchical linear regressions examined if earlier ages of onset for first and regular (i.e., weekly) alcohol use adversely influenced neurocognition, above and beyond baseline neurocognition, substance use severity, and familial and social environment factors.

Results

As hypothesized, an earlier age of first drinking onset (AFDO) predicted poorer performance in the domains of psychomotor speed and visual attention (ps<0.05, N = 215) and an earlier age of weekly drinking onset (AWDO) predicted poorer performances on tests of cognitive inhibition and working memory, controlling for baseline neuropsychological performance, drinking duration, and past‐year marijuana use (ps<0.05, N = 127). No relationship between AFDO and AWDO was found with verbal learning and memory and visuospatial ability.

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess the association between age of adolescent drinking onset and neurocognitive performance using a comprehensive test battery. This study suggests that early onset of drinking increases risk for alcohol‐related neurocognitive vulnerabilities and that initiation of any or weekly alcohol use at younger ages appears to be a risk factor for poorer subsequent neuropsychological functioning. Findings have important implications for public policies related to the legal drinking age and prevention programming. Further studies are needed to replicate these preliminary findings and better understand mediating processes and moderating conditions.
Developmental Etiologies of Alcohol Use and Their Relations to Parent and Peer Influences Over Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Genetically Informed Approach
Authors: Deutsch Arielle R. , Wood Phillip K. , Slutske Wendy S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Distinct changes in alcohol use etiologies occur during adolescence and young adulthood. Additionally, measured environments known to influence alcohol use such as peers and parenting practice can interact or be associated with this genetic influence. However, change in genetic and environmental influences over age, as well as how associations with measured environments change over age, is understudied.

Methods

The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) sibling subsample was used to examine data‐driven biometric models of alcohol use over ages 13 to 27. Associations between friends’ drinking, parental autonomy granting, and maternal closeness were also examined.

Results

The best‐fitting model included a 5‐factor model consisting of early (ages 13 to 20) and overall (ages 13 to 27) additive genetic and unique environmental factors, as well as 1 overall common environment factor. The overall additive genetic factor and the early unique environment factor explained the preponderance of mean differences in the alcohol use over this portion of the life span. The most important factors explaining variance attributed to alcohol use changed over age. Additionally, friend use had the strongest associations with genetic and environmental factors at all ages, while parenting practices had almost no associations at any age.

Conclusions

These results supplement previous studies indicating changes in genetic and environmental influences in alcohol use over adolescence and adulthood. However, prior research suggesting that constraining exogenous predictors of genetic and environmental factors to have effects of the same magnitude across age overlooks the differential role of factors associated with alcohol use during adolescence. Consonant with previous research, friend use appears to have a more pervasive influence on alcohol use than parental influence during this age. Interventions and prevention programs geared toward reducing alcohol use in younger populations may benefit from focus on peer influence.
Problematic alcohol use associates with sodium channel and clathrin linker 1 (SCLT1) in trauma‐exposed populations
Authors: Almli Lynn M. , Lori Adriana , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Shin Jaemin , Fani Negar , Maihofer Adam X. , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Smith Alicia K. , Mercer Kristina B. , Kerley Kimberly , Leveille Jennifer M. , Feng Hao , Abu‐Amara Duna , Flory Janine D. , Yehuda Rachel , Marmar Charles R. , Baker Dewleen G. , Bradley Bekh , Koenen Karestan C. , Conneely Karen N. , Ressler Kerry J.
Published: October 2017

Excessive alcohol use is extremely prevalent in the United States, particularly among trauma‐exposed individuals. While several studies have examined genetic influences on alcohol use and related problems, this has not been studied in the context of trauma‐exposed populations. We report results from a genome‐wide association study of alcohol consumption and associated problems as measured by the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) in a trauma‐exposed cohort. Results indicate a genome‐wide significant association between total AUDIT score and rs1433375 [N = 1036, P = 2.61 × 10−8 (dominant model), P = 7.76 × 10−8 (additive model)], an intergenic single‐nucleotide polymorphism located 323 kb upstream of the sodium channel and clathrin linker 1 (SCLT1) at 4q28. rs1433375 was also significant in a meta‐analysis of two similar, but independent, cohorts (N = 1394, P = 0.0004), the Marine Resiliency Study and Systems Biology PTSD Biomarkers Consortium. Functional analysis indicated that rs1433375 was associated with SCLT1 gene expression and cortical‐cerebellar functional connectivity measured via resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Together, findings suggest a role for sodium channel regulation and cerebellar functioning in alcohol use behavior. Identifying mechanisms underlying risk for problematic alcohol use in trauma‐exposed populations is critical for future treatment and prevention efforts.
Lower trial participation by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients is largely due to language barriers
Authors: Smith Allan ‘Ben’ , Agar Meera , Delaney Geoff , Descallar Joseph , Dobell‐Brown Kelsey , Grand Melissa , Aung Jennifer , Patel Pinky , Kaadan Nasreen , Girgis Afaf
Published: October 2017

Aim

Clinical trials play a critical role in advancing cancer care, but international research shows that few cancer patients, particularly culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, participate in trials. This limits generalizability of trial results and increases health disparities. This study aimed to establish rates and correlates of trial participation among CALD patients in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), a highly culturally diverse area.

Methods

Data from all cancer patients diagnosed and/or treated in SWSLHD from January 2006 to July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was trial enrolment among patients born in non‐English speaking countries (CALD) versus English speaking countries (non‐CALD). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated CALD status as a predictor of trial participation. Moderators of trial participation by the different CALD groups, namely those whose preferred language was English (CALD‐PLE) or was not English (CALD‐PLNE), were examined by testing interactions between CALD status and other demographic and clinical variables.

Results

A total of 19 453 patients were analyzed (54.9% non‐CALD, 16.5% CALD‐PLE, 18.5% CALD‐PLNE). Overall, 7.4% of patients were enrolled in a trial. Trial participation was significantly lower in CALD patients than non‐CALD patients (5.7% vs 8.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.91; P = 0.001). CALD‐PLNE patients were less likely to participate in trials than non‐CALD (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.36–0.56; P < 0.0001) and CALD‐PLE patients (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.67–0.41; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Limited English proficiency seems particularly unfavorable to trial participation. Development and evaluation of strategies to overcome language barriers (e.g. simplified and translated multimedia participant information materials) is needed.
Alopecia areata is characterized by expansion of circulating Th2/Tc2/Th22, within the skin‐homing and systemic T‐cell populations
Authors: Czarnowicki T. , He H. Y. , Wen H.‐C. , Hashim P. W. , Nia J. K. , Malik K. , Estrada Y. , Kimmel G. W. , Taliercio M. , Krueger J. G. , Guttman‐Yassky E.
Published: October 2017

Background

Characterizing blood profile of alopecia areata (AA) is important not only for treatment advancements, but also for possibly identifying peripheral biomarkers that will eliminate the need for scalp biopsies. We aimed to compare frequencies of skin homing (CLA+) vs systemic (CLA−) “polar” CD4+ and CD8+ and activated T‐cell subsets in AA vs atopic dermatitis (AD) and control blood.

Methods

Flow cytometry was used to measure IFN‐γ, IL‐13, IL‐9, IL‐17, and IL‐22 cytokines in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Inducible co‐stimulator molecule (ICOS) and HLA‐DR were used to define mid‐ and long‐term T‐cell activation. We compared peripheral blood from 32 moderate‐to‐severe AA adults with 43 moderate‐to‐severe AD patients and 30 age‐matched controls.

Results

AA patients had increased CLA+/CLA− Th2 (P < .007), CLA+ Tc2 (P = .04), and CLA+ Th22 (P < .05) frequencies than controls. Except of CLA− Tc1 cells (P = .03), IFN‐γ levels were mostly similar between AA, AD, and controls (P > .1). ICOS and HLA‐DR activation were significantly higher in AA than controls (P < .05). T regulatory cells were significantly decreased in AA patients than controls (P < .01) and were correlated with activated CD8+ T cells and with multiple cytokine subsets (P < .05). While Th2 and Tc2 clustered with disease severity, IFN‐γ producing cells were linked with AA duration.

Conclusions

Alopecia areata is accompanied by Th2/Tc2 activation in skin‐homing and systemic subsets, correlating with disease severity, while IFN‐γ is linked to disease chronicity. These data hint for a possible role of diverse T‐cells subsets in disease pathogenesis and emphasize the systemic nature of AA supporting the need for systemic therapeutic strategies in severe patients.
Attaining urban water sustainability in Hong Kong: Three suggestions
Authors: Iaquinto Benjamin Lucca
Published: October 2017

Over several decades, Hong Kong has implemented a number of technological innovations for securing its water supply. But as population growth and the effects of climate change put pressure on existing water sources, new innovations combined with social adaptations will be required. This commentary offers three suggestions for moving toward urban water sustainability in Hong Kong. The suggestions are: diversify sources of water while minimising dependence on desalination, foster public engagement with water and implement water‐sensitive urban design. These suggestions are not intended to be a panacea but to augment existing measures that when combined can move toward the attainment of urban water sustainability.
Effects of composite antimicrobial peptide on growth performance and health in weaned piglets
Authors: Shi Jiankai , Zhang Pan , Xu Meng meng , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Li Jian , Li Gang , Wu De , Xu Shengyu
Published: October 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of composite antimicrobial peptide (CAP) on growth performance and health status in weaned piglets. Over 28 days, 36 weaned piglets (body weight, 10.58 ± 0.99 kg) underwent three treatments: negative control (NC, basal diet), positive control (PC, basal diet + 20 mg/kg colistin sulphate + 50 mg/kg kitasamycin), and CAP treatment (CAP, basal diet with 400 mg/kg CAP). Average daily gain of piglets fed the CAP diet was greater (P < 0.05) than that of piglets fed the PC or NC diet during days 1–7, 8–14 and 15–21. Diarrhea rates of piglets fed the CAP or PC diet were lower (P < 0.05) than those of NC‐fed piglets during days 1–7. Apparent total tract digestibility for dry matter and crude ash in CAP‐fed piglets was greater (P < 0.05) than that of NC‐fed piglets. In the CAP group, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts were greater (P < 0.05) and Escherichia coli counts were lower (P < 0.05) than numbers for the NC group. Our results indicate that dietary CAP had beneficial effects on growth performance and health status in weaned piglets.
Impact of α‐amylase supplementation on energy balance and performance of high‐yielding dairy cows on moderate starch feeding
Authors: Bachmann Martin , Bochnia Mandy , Mielenz Norbert , Spilke Joachim , Souffrant Wolfgang B. , Azem Elisabeth , Schliffka Wolfgang , Zeyner Annette
Published: October 2017

In dairy cows, exogenous α‐amylase is suggested to improve starch utilization and positively affect performance and health traits linked to energy balance and fertility. In a 1‐year feeding experiment, 421 cows were orally supplemented with α‐amylase (treatment: 12.5 g/kg dry matter (DM) addition rate to a concentrated feed) or non‐supplemented (control) on the basis of an ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR). Every cow was allocated to a high‐ (≥32 kg milk/day) or late‐lactation group (<32 kg milk/day), in which the TMR starch content was 220 ± 20.8 g/kg DM and 183 ± 24.8 g/kg DM, respectively. The energetic effect of α‐amylase supplementation seemed to be exclusively related to the high‐lactation stage (5–100 days in milk) in primiparous cows, where the daily milk yield was 32 ± 0.49 versus 31 ± 0.50 kg per cow in the treatment versus control group (P < 0.05). The pluriparous cows did not benefit from the supplementation that way. In neither primiparous nor pluriparous cows, was the milk composition, the fat‐to‐protein ratio, the somatic cell score, the backfat thickness, serum total bilirubin, β‐hydroxybutyrate and the fertility found to be systematically affected by α‐amylase supplementation.
The performance of socially responsible equity mutual funds: Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Leite Carlos , Cortez Maria Ceu , Silva Florinda , Adcock Christopher
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of socially responsible (SR) funds in Sweden by assessing fund managers' abilities and performances across different market states. These issues are analyzed at the aggregate and individual fund levels. The paper also presents several new statistical tests that allow more precise inferences about differences in performance and the variability in fund returns arising from different benchmarks. In general, SR and conventional funds perform similarly to the market. At the aggregate level, SR funds investing in Sweden and Europe perform similarly to conventional funds, while those investing globally tend to underperform. This underperformance seems to be linked with poor selectivity abilities of global SR fund managers. For individual funds, the performance of both types of funds is more similar. Most funds perform similarly in crisis periods compared to non‐crisis periods. Overall, our results are consistent with a mature market for SR investing and support the view that the similar performance of SR and conventional funds is associated with the mainstreaming of SR investment in Sweden. These findings encourage SR investing both by socially conscious investors, who wish to align their social values with their investment decisions, as well as by conventional investors, who will not be penalized by investing in these funds. We also call attention to the difficulties investors face when trying to identify funds with high social standards, considering that there is scarce information on the extent to which each fund (SR or conventional) holds stocks that comply with ethical and social criteria.
The impact of death awareness on sizes of self‐representational objects
Authors: McCabe Simon , Vail Kenneth E. , Arndt Jamie
Published: October 2017

People seem to have a tendency to increase the relative size of self‐representational objects. Prior research suggests that motivational factors may fuel that tendency, so the present research built from terror management theory to examine whether existential motivations – engendered by concerns about death – may have similar implications for self‐relevant size biases. Specifically, across two studies (total N = 288), we hypothesized that reminders of death would lead participants to inflate the size of self‐representational objects. Both studies suggested that relative to reminders of pain, mortality salience led participants to construct larger clay sculptures of themselves (vs. others; Study 1) and a larger ostensible video game avatar for the self (vs. others; Study 2).
The internet as a source of support for youth with chronic conditions: A qualitative study
Authors: Ahola Kohut S. , LeBlanc C. , O'Leary K. , McPherson A. C. , McCarthy E. , Nguyen C. , Stinson J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Adolescents living with chronic conditions often portray themselves as “healthy” online, yet use the Internet as one of their top sources of health information and social communication. There is a need to develop online support programs specific to adolescents with chronic conditions in order to provide a private space to discuss concerns. This paper endeavors to increase our understanding of the online support needs and wants of these adolescents and their interest in and preferences for an online support program.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews was completed. Stratified purposive sampling was utilized to ensure a representative sample based on age and diagnosis. English speaking adolescents (aged 12–18 years) diagnosed with a chronic condition were recruited from clinic and inpatient areas across 3 paediatric hospitals in Canada.

Results

Thirty‐three participants aged 15.3 ± 1.8 years (64% female) completed the study. The main topics identified were (a) the purpose of current online activity, (b) the benefits and challenges of existing online supports, and (c) a description of ideal online resources. The purpose of online activity was social networking, information, online gaming, and social support. When accessing health information online, participants prioritized websites that were easy to access and understand despite the trustworthiness of the site. The reported benefits and challenges varied across participants with many areas perceived as both a benefit and a challenge. The majority of participants were interested in participating in an online support program that included both accurate disease‐related information and a community of other adolescents to provide social support.

Conclusions

Adolescents with chronic conditions are interested in online support that encompasses health information and social support that is flexible and easy to navigate.

Findings can be used to develop or adapt existing online support programs for adolescents with chronic conditions to help increase engagement and utilization.
Conservation from the Grave: Human Burials to Fund the Conservation of Threatened Species
Authors: Holden Matthew H. , McDonald‐Madden Eve
Published: October 2017

Most conservation scientists and practitioners are unaware that their corpses can transform into protected areas after death. The practice is called a conservation burial, where burial fees fund the acquisition, protection, restoration, and management of new land to benefit human and environmental well‐being. If conservation burials became commonplace, then the revenue generated could exceed the amount of money required to fund the conservation of every threatened species on the planet. The additional human‐health benefits of increased urban greenspace could also be substantial. As Halloween, “the day of the dead,” approaches, we urge governments, NGOs, and the public to contemplate how death can support future life on earth through conservation burials.
Observation versus Perception in the Conceptualization and Measurement of Participation Equality in Computer‐Mediated Communication
Authors: Mejias Roberto J. , Reinig Bruce A. , Dennis Alan R. , MacKenzie Scott B.
Published: October 2017

Participation equality, a prominent construct that has received much attention in group decision‐making research, has been studied with both perceptual and objective measures. Yet, research findings regarding participation equality have been inconsistent and equivocal. We argue that one reason for this inconsistency is how participation equality has been conceptualized and measured. In some studies, researchers have theorized and measured participation equality using observed behavior. In other studies, researchers have theorized and measured participation equality using perceptual measures. We conducted an experiment to investigate the similarities and differences between these two measures. Our results indicate that (1) perceived participation equality (PPE) and observed participation equality (OPE) are theoretically separate and distinct constructs that (2) affect and are affected by other constructs in different ways within their nomological network. OPE and PPE were more different than they were similar, sharing only 10.8% of their variance. In other words, perceptions of participation equality were predominantly influenced by factors other than observed behaviors related to participation equality. We believe that these results call for more theory and research regarding the differences between observed behavior and perceptions of behavior in group decision making. As we move into new computer‐mediated communication technologies such as Web Conferencing, Virtual Reality, and Enterprise Social Media that enable new forms of participation, we need to consider what constitutes participation and how new forms of participation should be measured and evaluated. In the large group environments of Enterprise Social Media, the differences between OPE and PPE are likely to become more pronounced.
Does the sectoral composition of growth affect child stunting reductions?
Authors: Mary Sébastien , Shaw Kelsey , Paloma Sergio Gomez y
Published: October 2017

This article uses a natural experiment based on random and exogenous variations in temperature to examine whether the sectoral composition of growth has an effect on child stunting reductions. Agricultural growth is central to food security strategies in developing countries, as it is often considered the most effective way to fight (child) undernutrition. The evidence base to support the putative superior role of agricultural growth is, however, relatively weak, possibly because studies have ignored growth faltering. Accounting for the latter, we find that while both agricultural and non‐agricultural growth decrease stunting, agricultural growth is significantly superior to non‐agricultural growth in this regard. The estimated impacts are large, in that a 10% increase in agricultural GDP per capita reduces child stunting by 9.6% (as opposed to 8.4% for non‐agricultural).
Analysis of left ventricular fluid dynamics in dilated cardiomyopathy by echocardiographic particle image velocimetry
Authors: Tang Chouchou , Zhu Yizhong , Zhang Jing , Niu Chengcheng , Liu Dan , Liao Yacong , Zhu Lijun , Peng Qinghai
Published: October 2017

Objective

The aim was to analyze left ventricular (LV) fluid dynamics in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by using echocardiographic particle image velocimetry (E‐PIV).

Methods

Twenty patients with DCM and twenty healthy volunteers were examined. LV ultrasound contrast was administered by intravenous bolus injection. At least three dynamic contrast‐enhanced echocardiographic images of cardiac cycles from apical three‐chamber view and four‐chamber view were obtained. The acquired echocardiographic image loops were processed off line by HyperFlow.

Results

In healthy hearts, the filling flow in the left ventricle finally comes to be a single large clockwise vortex, which smoothly redirects the blood to the outflow tract. Meanwhile, aberrant flow patterns are observed in the patients with DCM. In the DCM group, the vortex area (0.237 ± 0.063 vs 0.196 ± 0.129, P = .029), vortex depth (0.396 ± 0.134 vs 0.293 ± 0.143, P = .025), and vortex length (0.534 ± 0.089 vs 0.435 ± 0.176, P = .004) are significantly higher. The flow force angle (29.979 ± 8.208 vs 35.896 ± 6.044, P = .013) is significantly lower, and energy dissipation (0.975 ± 0.552 vs 0.578 ± 0.295, P = .006) is significantly higher. A negative linear relation is indicated between the following pairs of parameters: vortex depth and LV ejection fraction (EF) (r = −.350, P = .027); vortex length and LV EF (r = −.321, P = .044); energy dissipation and LV EF (r = −.523, P = .001). A positive linear relation is indicated between flow force angle and LV EF (r = .365, P = .021).

Conclusion

E‐PIV can effectively and quantitatively evaluate LV fluid dynamics in patients with DCM. LV fluid dynamics and LV systolic function interact with and affect each other.
Echocardiographic characteristics in Fontan patients before the onset of protein‐losing enteropathy or plastic bronchitis
Authors: Du Bois Florian , Stiller Brigitte , Borth‐Bruhns Thomas , Unseld Bettina , Kubicki Rouven , Hoehn René , Reineker Katja , Grohmann Jochen , Fleck Thilo
Published: October 2017

Background

It was this study's objective to evaluate the echocardiographic characteristics and flow patterns in abdominal arteries of Fontan patients before the onset of protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) or plastic bronchitis (PB).

Design

In this retrospective cohort investigation, we examined 170 Fontan patients from 32 different centers who had undergone echocardiographic and Doppler ultrasound examinations between June 2006 and May 2013. Follow‐up questionnaires were completed by 105 patients a median of 5.3 (1.5–8.5) years later to evaluate whether one of the complications had occurred since the examinations.

Results

A total of 91 patients never developed PLE or PB (“non‐PLE/PB”); they were compared to 14 affected patients. Eight of the 14 patients had already been diagnosed with “present PLE/PB” when examined. Six “future PLE/PB” patients developed those complications later on and were identified on follow‐up. The “future PLE/PB” patients presented significantly slower diastolic flow velocities in the celiac artery (0.1 (0.1–0.5) m/s vs 0.3 (0.1–1.0) m/s (P = .04) and in the superior mesenteric artery (0.0 (0.0–0.2) m/s vs 0.2 (0.0–0.6) m/s, P = .02) than the “non‐PLE/PB” group. Median resistance indices in the celiac artery were significantly higher (0.9 (0.8–0.9) m/s vs 0.8 (0.6–0.9) m/s, (P = .01)) even before the onset of PLE or PB.

Conclusion

An elevated flow resistance in the celiac artery may prevail in Fontan patients before the clinical manifestation of PLE or PB.
Papillary muscle rupture following acute myocardial infarction: Anatomic, echocardiographic, and surgical insights
Authors: Harari Rafael , Bansal Priya , Yatskar Leonid , Rubinstein David , Silbiger Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2017

Papillary muscle (PM) rupture is a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction which carries an excessive mortality rate. Optimal outcomes require rapid diagnosis and prompt surgical referral, and in this regard, echocardiography plays a crucial role. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination of the patient with PM rupture consists of identification of the ruptured PM segment, visualization of flail mitral valve segment(s), evaluation of mitral regurgitation severity, and assessment of left ventricular systolic function. This article discusses anatomic and echocardiographic features as well as the surgical management of PM rupture.
Reversed Rivero‐Carvallo's sign confirmed by blood flow analysis using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with straight back syndrome
Authors: Suto Makiko , Mori Shumpei , Nishii Tatsuya , Izawa Yu , Shimoyama Shinsuke , Konishi Hiroki , Matsumoto Kensuke , Tanaka Hidekazu , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: October 2017

An asymptomatic 45‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital for detailed evaluation of a systolic ejection murmur. The intensity of the murmur increased on deep expiration and decreased on deep inspiration, showing so‐called reversed Rivero‐Carvallo's sign. Using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, we demonstrated a characteristic respiratory‐induced change in peak flow velocity in the right ventricular outflow tract, which was the basic mechanism of the reversed Rivero‐Carvallo's sign in a case with straight back syndrome. Concomitant anatomical changes in the entire heart in relation to the thoracic cage were also clarified.
A rare mechanism of aortic regurgitation in a young patient
Authors: Guner Ahmet , Gunduz Sabahattin , Onal Cagatay , Akgun Taylan , Bayam Emrah , Candan Ozkan , Ozkan Mehmet
Published: October 2017

A 19‐year‐old male patient was admitted to our institute with dyspnea. His medical history had no rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis. Physical examination revealed a diastolic murmur over the aortic area, rales of bilateral lungs. Bedside transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a severe aortic regurgitation (AR) without aortic valve stenosis and a moderately dilated left ventricle accompanied by an ejection fraction of 55%. The aortic valve could not be clearly demonstrated as either bicuspid or tricuspid. Congenital AR typically occurs in conjunction with an additional cardiac abnormality or aortic valve stenosis. Furthermore, bicuspid aortic valves are observed in the majority of patients. The aortic valve is created from the truncus ridge of the truncus arteriosus while the embryological development.
Ventricular mechanics after repair of subarterial and perimembranous VSDs
Authors: Kwok Sit‐yee , Yeung Susanna So‐shan , Li Vivian Wing‐yi , Cheung Yiu‐fai
Published: October 2017

Background

Emerging data suggest impaired biventricular function in adults late after repair of ventricular septal defect (VSD). We assessed and compared right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) mechanics in adolescents and adults after surgical closure of doubly committed subarterial and perimembranous VSDs.

Methods

A total of 75 subjects were studied: 29 patients after subarterial VSD repair (group I), 17 patients after perimembranous VSD repair (group II) and 29 age‐matched controls (group III). RV and LV mechanics were assessed using tissue Doppler and speckle‐tracking echocardiography, while RV outflow systolic function was quantified by systolic excursion and fractional shortening (FS).

Results

Compared with group III, groups I and II had significantly reduced tricuspid annular systolic and diastolic velocities, isovolumic myocardial acceleration, RV global longitudinal systolic and diastolic deformation parameters and RV outflow systolic excursion (all P < .05). Group I, but not II, had reduced RV outflow FS (P = .008) and the lowest global LV longitudinal systolic strain (P = .008) and systolic strain rate (P = .014). In group I, postoperative aortic regurgitation was associated with lower LV longitudinal systolic strain (P = .009) and early diastolic strain rate (P = .002), while right bundle branch block was associated with lower RV systolic strain rate (P = .048). As a group, RV outflow excursion (P < .001) and FS (P = .001) were correlated with LV global systolic strain.

Conclusion

Adolescents and adults late after repair of subarterial and perimembranous VSDs show impairment of RV systolic and diastolic myocardial deformation. The RV outflow function and LV systolic deformation appear to be worse after repair of subarterial defects.
Liturgy against apostasy: Marian commemoration and the Jews in Visigothic Iberia
Authors: Ihnat Kati
Published: October 2017

One of the most remarkable features of the earliest surviving liturgy for a feast of the Virgin Mary from seventh‐century Iberia is its incorporation of polemical material directed against Jews. This polemical dimension is explored here in the context of contemporary theological polemics and Visigothic law, particularly in relation to attempts to baptize Jews by force. Evidence that ecclesiastical leaders opposed the policy but had to come up with strategies to prevent those baptized from apostatizing raises the possibility that the Marian liturgy was intended to communicate Christian doctrine and warn against Jewish error among recent converts, as well as to assert episcopal control over Christian identity in the Visigothic kingdom.
Use (and misuse) of the McDonald criteria to diagnose multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brownlee W. J.
Published: October 2017

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National Constitutional Courts in supranational litigation: A contextual analysis
Authors: Dani Marco
Published: October 2017

The article examines the role of national constitutional courts in supranational litigation. It firstly illustrates their value and situates well‐known judicial doctrines affecting their jurisdiction in the context of the normative claims, policy agenda and institutional framework promoted by the European Union. Against this background, it gauges the potential of national constitutional courts in countering the process of intergovernmental and technocratic encroachment of national constitutional democracies characterising the most recent evolutionary stages of the European integration process. It is claimed that constitutional courts are in the position of reinforcing, resisting or correcting Union measures with a detrimental impact on national constitutional principles. After having identified in correction the approach more coherent with their constitutional mandate, the article highlights a disturbing paradox: in remaining faithful to their constitutional role, constitutional courts contribute to the sustainability of a comprehensive institutional setting corroding the idea of constitutional democracy on which they are premised.
Misconceiving ‘seasons’ in global food systems: The case of the EU Seasonal Workers Directive
Authors: Medland Lydia
Published: October 2017

This article discusses the EU Seasonal Workers Directive alongside case study data of seasonal agricultural work in Spain. The conceptual contribution is to critically consider ‘seasonality’ and the related assumptions around temporary labour migration for agricultural work. This consideration informs an analysis of the Directive's policy approach alongside its three global objectives. It is argued that this Directive is likely to fail to meet all three of these objectives; the assumed timeframe for labour demands does not correspond with unmet seasonal challenges; the lack of options for undocumented workers already in the EU may compound their marginalisation; the policy approach of circular migration and limited worker protections does not do enough to prevent new seasonal workers from falling into situations of vulnerability and undocumented status.
The Great Recurrence: Karl Polanyi and the crises of the European Union
Authors: Goldmann Matthias
Published: October 2017

In his seminal 1944 book The Great Transformation, Polanyi describes the rise and fall of liberal capitalism during the long nineteenth century. Many have realised that Polanyi has a lot to tell about the European Union in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The paper begins with an overview of Polanyi's historiography of the failure of nineteenth‐century liberal capitalism and his account of the four elements that helped liberal capitalism thrive, while precipitating its collapse—the idea of the self‐regulating market, the gold standard, international peace and liberal constitutionalism. Thereafter, the paper describes the particular transformations that these four elements underwent in the course of European integration and after the financial crisis, with a particular focus on the case law of the Court of Justice. The paper argues that their current constellation has a destructive potential that exceeds the economic dimension of the Union and might pave the way for a much greater failure, one that might defeat Europe's greatest success: the establishment of peace. Ultimately, the paper assesses current reform proposals in light of these insights and makes a number of proposals for re‐embedding the economy in society.
How to enforce European law? A new history of the battle over the direct effect of Directives, 1958–1987
Authors: Rasmussen Morten
Published: October 2017

This article explores the well‐known saga of the European Court of Justice's introduction of direct effect of Council Directives on the basis of new comprehensive archival research. The expansion of the doctrine of direct effect to include Directives was part of a drive of the Legal Service of the European Commission and the ECJ to strengthen the enforcement of European law. This threatened the deeper balance of competences between the European Community and its Member States and consequently led to a sharp response from the national parliaments and courts. The force of these responses and the deep crisis that had evolved in the late 1970s between France and the ECJ, led to a change in the EC's case law that limited the direct effect of Directives to the vertical relation between citizens and the respective Member State and excluded any horizontal effect. The story is an example of how the activist ECJ of the 1970s ran into resistance from the Member States and had to modify its doctrinal advances. It also suggests that the successful acceptance of the constitutionalisation of the Treaties of Rome pursued by the ECJ was by no means secure by the late 1970s.
The molecular structure of the glycoside hydrolase domain of Cwp19 from Clostridium difficile
Authors: Bradshaw William J. , Kirby Jonathan M. , Roberts April K. , Shone Clifford C. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: October 2017

Clostridium difficile is a burden to healthcare systems around the world, causing tens of thousands of deaths annually. The S‐layer of the bacterium, a layer of protein found of the surface of cells, has received a significant amount of attention over the past two decades as a potential target to combat the growing threat presented by C. difficile infections. The S‐layer contains a wide range of proteins, each of which possesses three cell wall‐binding domains, while many also possess a “functional” region. Here, we present the high resolution structure of the functional region of one such protein, Cwp19 along with preliminary functional characterisation of the predicted glycoside hydrolase. Cwp19 has a TIM barrel fold and appears to possess a high degree of substrate selectivity. The protein also exhibits peptidoglycan hydrolase activity, an order of magnitude slower than that of lysozyme and is the first member of glycoside hydrolase‐like family 10 to be characterised. This research goes some way to understanding the role of Cwp19 in the S‐layer of C. difficile.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5OQ2 and 5OQ3.
Dynamic control of RSK complexes by phosphoswitch‐based regulation
Authors: Gógl Gergő , Biri‐Kovács Beáta , Póti Ádám L. , Vadászi Henrietta , Szeder Bálint , Bodor Andrea , Schlosser Gitta , Ács András , Turiák Lilla , Buday László , Alexa Anita , Nyitray László , Reményi Attila
Published: October 2017

Assembly and disassembly of protein–protein complexes needs to be dynamically controlled and phosphoswitches based on linear motifs are crucial in this process. Extracellular signal–regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) recognizes a linear‐binding motif at the C‐terminal tail (CTT) of ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1), leading to phosphorylation and subsequent activation of RSK1. The CTT also contains a classical PDZ domain‐binding motif which binds RSK substrates (e.g. MAGI‐1). We show that autophosphorylation of the disordered CTT promotes the formation of an intramolecular charge clamp, which efficiently masks critical residues and indirectly hinders ERK binding. Thus, RSK1 CTT operates as an autoregulated phosphoswitch: its phosphorylation at specific sites affects its protein‐binding capacity and its conformational dynamics. These biochemical feedbacks, which form the structural basis for the rapid dissociation of ERK2‐RSK1 and RSK1‐PDZ substrate complexes under sustained epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation, were structurally characterized and validated in living cells. Overall, conformational changes induced by phosphorylation in disordered regions of protein kinases, coupled to allosteric events occurring in the kinase domain cores, may provide mechanisms that contribute to the emergence of complex signaling activities. In addition, we show that phosphoswitches based on linear motifs can be functionally classified as ON and OFF protein–protein interaction switches or dimmers, depending on the specific positioning of phosphorylation target sites in relation to functional linear‐binding motifs. Moreover, interaction of phosphorylated residues with positively charged residues in disordered regions is likely to be a common mechanism of phosphoregulation.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession numbers 5N7D, 5N7F and 5N7G. NMR spectral assignation data are available in the BMRB database under the accession numbers 27213 and 27214.
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ‘KR107070’ and a propionic acid‐based preservative on the fermentation characteristics, nutritive value and aerobic stability of alfalfa‐corn mixed silage ensiled with four ratios
Authors: Wang Musen , Yu Zhu , Wu Zhe , Hannaway David B.
Published: October 2017

The effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ‘KR107070’ and a propionic acid‐based preservative on the quality and aerobic stability of alfalfa‐corn mixed silage ensiled with four ratios was evaluated. A 4 × 4 factorial arrangement was used in a completely randomized design in this study. The chopped alfalfa and corn were made into four alfalfa to corn ratios (containing 20, 40, 60 and 80% corn), each of which was treated with (i) distilled water; (ii) 1 × 106 colony forming units per g of L. plantarum ‘KR107070’; (iii) a chemical additive consisting of 0.24% propionic acid, 0.24% sodium propionate and 0.18% formic acid; (iv) a combination of (ii) and (iii). Treated forages mixture was ensiled with triplicate in a 5‐L polythene bucket for 180 days. At silo opening, the fermentation characteristics of silage were enhanced with a lower pH value, higher lactic acid content and lower ammoniacal nitrogen concentration and its relative feed value decreased, with a higher ratio of corn for all treatments. The application of a chemical additive alone, or in combination with L. plantarum ‘KR107070’, decreased ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations and increased water soluble carbohydrates contents than control or L. plantarum ‘KR107070’ for each silage of four ratios, in addition to enhancing the aerobic stability of 60 and 80% corn silages compared to L. plantarum ‘KR107070’. The 60% corn silage, treated with combining 0.24% propionic acid, 0.24% sodium propionate and 0.18% formic acid with L. plantarum ‘KR107070’, is better in terms of conservation quality and aerobic stability.