bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specifying a State Guaranteed Health Benefits package for Kazakhstan: lessons for emerging economies and middle‐income countries
Authors: Jones Michael , Chanturidze Tata , Franzen Sam , Manu Alex , Naylor Mike
Published: January 2017

The Government of Kazakhstan is engaged in a “root and branch” modernisation of the health care sector. One aspect of the raft of modernisation programmes was to revisit the State Guaranteed Health Benefits Package, with the aim to review citizen entitlements to healthcare. This paper reviews the ongoing evolution of the planning of the health benefits package in Kazakhstan, with the main challenges encountered, and critical lessons learned, to be considered for similar attempts elsewhere. The main conclusions are that: the design process requires a blend of technical and socio‐political analysis, because it attracts public interest, and therefore political risks; the scale and burden of analysis need to be kept to manageable proportions; and the relationship between the benefits package and funding modalities needs to be carefully managed by the State, to ensure access to declared entitlements to all members, including the most vulnerable, while keeping the package financially feasible. © 2017 The Authors. International Journal of Health Planning and Management published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When things are not the same: A review of research into relations of difference
Authors: Ming Siri , Stewart Ian
Published: January 2017

Responding to stimuli as same and different can be considered a critical component of a variety of language and academic repertoires. Whereas responding to “sameness” and generalized identity matching (i.e., coordination) have been studied extensively, there appears to be a significant gap in behavior analytic research and educational programs with regard to nonmatching relations or relations of difference. We review research on difference relations from a variety of domains, including comparative psychology, as well as experimental, and translational behavior analysis. We examine a range of studies, including research on the perception of difference and oddity responding, as well as investigations on establishing relational frames of distinction. We present suggestions for future research and describe potential methods for teaching skills related to relations of difference.
Children's preference for mixed‐ versus fixed‐ratio schedules of reinforcement: A translational study of risky choice
Authors: Mullane Michael P. , Martens Brian K. , Baxter Emily L. , Steeg Danica Ver
Published: January 2017

Laboratory research has shown that when subjects are given a choice between fixed‐ratio and bi‐valued mixed‐ratio schedules of reinforcement, preference typically emerges for the mixed‐ratio schedule even with a larger ratio requirement. The current study sought to replicate and extend these findings to children's math problem completion. Using an ABCBC reversal design, four fourth‐grade students were given the choice of completing addition problems reinforced on either a fixed‐ratio 5 schedule or one of three mixed‐ratio schedules; an equivalent mixed‐ratio (1, 9) schedule, a mixed‐ratio (1, 11) schedule with a 20% larger ratio requirement, and an equally lean mixed‐ratio (5, 7) schedule without the small fixed‐ratio 1 component. This was followed by a reversal back to the preceding phase in which preference for the mixed‐ratio schedule had been observed, and a final reversal back to the mixed‐ratio (5, 7) phase. Findings were consistent with previous research in that all children preferred the mixed‐ratio (1, 9) schedule over the equivalent fixed‐ratio 5 schedule. Preference persisted for the leaner mixed‐ratio (1, 11) schedule for three of the four children. Indifference or preference for the fixed‐ratio 5 alternative was observed in phases containing the mixed‐ratio (5, 7) schedule. These results extend previous research on risky choice to children's math problem completion and highlight the importance of a small ratio component in the emergence of preference for bi‐valued mixed‐ratio schedules. Implications of these results for arranging reinforcement to increase children's academic responding are discussed.
Escape from rich‐to‐lean transitions: Stimulus change and timeout
Authors: Retzlaff Billie J. , Parthum Elizabeth T. P. , Pitts Raymond C. , Hughes Christine E.
Published: January 2017

Extended pausing during discriminable transitions from rich‐to‐lean conditions can be viewed as escape (i.e., rich‐to‐lean transitions function aversively). In the current experiments, pigeons’ key pecking was maintained by a multiple fixed‐ratio fixed‐ratio schedule of rich or lean reinforcers. Pigeons then were provided with another, explicit, mechanism of escape by changing the stimulus from the transition‐specific stimulus used in the multiple schedule to a mixed‐schedule stimulus (Experiment 1) or by producing a period of timeout in which the stimulus was turned off and the schedule was suspended (Experiment 2). Overall, escape was under joint control of past and upcoming reinforcer magnitudes, such that responses on the escape key were most likely during rich‐to‐lean transitions, and second‐most likely during lean‐to‐lean transitions. Even though pigeons pecked the escape key, they paused before doing so, and the latency to begin the fixed ratio (i.e., the pause) remained extended during rich‐to‐lean transitions. These findings suggest that although the stimulus associated with rich‐to‐lean transitions functioned aversively, pausing is more than simply escape responding from the stimulus.
Bridging the gap between green behavioral intentions and employee green behavior: The role of green psychological climate
Authors: Norton Thomas A. , Zacher Hannes , Parker Stacey L. , Ashkanasy Neal M.
Published: January 2017

How do employees' perceptions and interpretations of organizational policies, practices, and procedures affect the enactment of their behavioral intentions? In a daily diary study, we examined the between‐persons relationship of corporate environmental strategy and pro‐environmental or “green” psychological climate; and whether green psychological climate moderates the within‐person relationship of employees' daily green behavioral intentions and their green behavior on the following day. To test our hypotheses, we collected survey data from 74 employees across 10 workdays. Results showed that corporate environmental strategy is positively related to green psychological climate that, in turn, moderates the relationship between green behavioral intentions and next‐day employee green behavior. Specifically, we found the relationship to be positive only when employees perceive a positive green psychological climate. We discuss implications of our findings for future research on employee green behavior and for organizations interested in encouraging employee green behavior. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence, penetrance, and expressivity of etiologicIRF6variants in orofacial clefts patients from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Gowans Lord Jephthah Joojo , Busch Tamara D. , Mossey Peter A. , Eshete Mekonen A. , Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Aregbesola Babatunde , Donkor Peter , Arthur Fareed K. N. , Agbenorku Pius , Olutayo James , Twumasi Peter , Braimah Rahman , Oti Alexander A. , Plange‐Rhule Gyikua , Obiri‐Yeboah Solomon , Abate Fikre , Hoyte‐Williams Paa E. , Hailu Taye , Murray Jeffrey C. , Butali Azeez
Published: January 2017

Background

Orofacial clefts are congenital malformations of the orofacial region, with a global incidence of one per 700 live births. Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) (OMIM:607199) gene has been associated with the etiology of both syndromic and nonsyndromic orofacial clefts. The aim of this study was to show evidence of potentially pathogenic variants inIRF6in orofacial clefts cohorts from Africa.

Methods

We carried out Sanger Sequencing onDNAfrom 184 patients with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts and 80 individuals with multiple congenital anomalies that presented with orofacial clefts. We sequenced all the nine exons ofIRF6as well as the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. In our analyses pipeline, we used various bioinformatics tools to detect and describe the potentially etiologic variants.

Results

We observed that potentially etiologic exonic and splice site variants were nonrandomly distributed among the nine exons ofIRF6, with 92% of these variants occurring in exons 4 and 7. Novel variants were also observed in both nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (p.Glu69Lys, p.Asn185Thr, c.175‐2A>C and c.1060+26C>T) and multiple congenital anomalies (p.Gly65Val, p.Lys320Asn and c.379+1G>T) patients. Our data also show evidence of compound heterozygotes that may modify phenotypes that emanate fromIRF6variants.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that exons 4 and 7 ofIRF6are mutational ‘hotspots’ in our cohort and thatIRF6mutants‐induced orofacial clefts may be prevalent in the Africa population, however, with variable penetrance and expressivity. These observations are relevant for detection of high‐risk families as well as genetic counseling. In conclusion, we have shown that there may be a need to combine both molecular and clinical evidence in the grouping of orofacial clefts into syndromic and nonsyndromic forms.
SimLabel: a graphical user interface to simulate continuous wave EPR spectra from site‐directed spin labeling experiments
Authors: Etienne E. , Le Breton N. , Martinho M. , Mileo E. , Belle V.
Published: January 2017

Site‐directed spin labeling (SDSL) combined with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (cw EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique to reveal, at the residue level, structural transitions in proteins. SDSL‐EPR is based on the selective grafting of a paramagnetic label on the protein under study, followed by cw EPR analysis. To extract valuable quantitative information from SDSL‐EPR spectra and thus give reliable interpretation on biological system dynamics, numerical simulations of the spectra are required. Such spectral simulations can be carried out by coding in MATLAB using functions from the EasySpin toolbox. For non‐expert users of MATLAB, this could be a complex task or even impede the use of such simulation tool. We developed a graphical user interface called SimLabel dedicated to run cw EPR spectra simulations particularly coming from SDSL‐EPR experiments. Simlabel provides an intuitive way to visualize, simulate, and fit such cw EPR spectra. An example of SDSL‐EPR spectra simulation concerning the study of an intrinsically disordered region undergoing a local induced folding is described and discussed. We believe that this new tool will help the users to rapidly obtain reliable simulated spectra and hence facilitate the interpretation of their results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leading a Large‐Scale Distributed Social Enterprise
Authors: Gibbons Jim , Hazy James K.
Published: January 2017

Distributed social enterprises with national or international footprints face unique management challenges. To cast a lens on these challenges, we analyze the case of the US‐based social enterprise Goodwill Industries, a century‐old, hybrid nonprofit organization with annual business‐related revenue of more than $5.5 billion. The economic benefits that accrue from this business are used to support a social mission that has continued to evolve for more than 100 years. We explore how Goodwill is organized and how its management works to continually balance economic and social objectives to facilitate long‐term success.
Optimal R&D investment with learning‐by‐doing: Multiple steady states and thresholds
Authors: Greiner Alfred , Bondarev Anton
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we present an intertemporal optimization problem of a representative R&D firm that simultaneously invests in horizontal and vertical innovations. We posit that learning‐by‐doing makes the process of quality improvements a positive function of the number of existing technologies with the function displaying a convex‐concave form. We show that multiple steady states can arise with 2 being saddle point stable and 1 unstable with complex conjugate eigenvalues. Thus, a threshold with respect to the variety of technologies exists that separates the 2 basins of attractions. From an economic point of view, this implies that a lock‐in effect can occur such that it is optimal for the firm to produce only few technologies at a low quality when the initial number of technologies falls short of the threshold. Hence, history matters as concerns the state of development implying that past investments and innovations determine whether the firm produces a large or a small variety of high‐ or low‐quality technologies, respectively.
Poly(ether urethane)s from aromatic diisocyanates based on lignin‐derived phenolic acids
Authors: Kuhire Sachin S , Nagane Samadhan S , Wadgaonkar Prakash P
Published: January 2017

A series of new bio‐based aromatic diisocyanates, namely bis(4‐isocyanato‐2‐methoxyphenoxy)alkane and bis(4‐isocyanato‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenoxy)alkane, were synthesized starting from lignin‐derived phenolic acids, namely vanillic acid and syringic acid, via the Curtius rearrangement. The diisocyanates were employed to synthesize poly(ether urethane)s by reacting them with potentially bio‐based aliphatic diols, namely 1,10‐decanediol and 1,12‐dodecanediol. The chemical structures of diisocyanates and poly(ether urethane)s were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Inherent viscosities and number‐average molecular weights of the poly(ether urethane)s were in the ranges 0.58–0.68 dL g−1 and 32 100–58 500 g mol−1, respectively, indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. The poly(ether urethane)s exhibited 10% weight loss in the temperature range 304–308 °C. The glass transition temperatures of the poly(ether urethane)s were in the range 49–74 °C and were dependent both on the number of methylene units in the diols and on the number of methoxy substituents on the aromatic rings of the diisocyanate component. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Host defense peptide‐derived privileged scaffolds for anti‐infective drug discovery
Authors: Nigro Ersilia , Colavita Irene , Sarnataro Daniela , Scudiero Olga , Daniele Aurora , Salvatore Francesco , Pessi Antonello
Published: January 2017

‘Privileged scaffolds’ are molecular frameworks which have been successfully exploited for small molecule drug discovery. Peptide privileged scaffolds, featuring a strictly conserved multiple‐disulfide framework and high variability in the rest of the sequence, display a broad range of biological effects, including antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Unlike small molecules, however, the cost of manufacturing these peptides is high, and their synthesis challenging. We previously described a simplified privileged scaffold corresponding to the γ‐core of human β‐defensin‐3 (HBD3). The γ‐core is a common structural signature found in virtually all host defense peptides (HDPs) stabilized by multiple disulfides, and we showed that for HBD3, it represents the evolutionary starting point of the full‐length molecule and, thus, is itself a primordial HDP. Accordingly, we showed that the peptide folded rapidly and was stable in human serum, and displayed many of the biological activities of HBD3. We report here that in addition to the previously reported antibacterial activity on planktonic bacteria, the γ‐core peptide is active against biofilm formation and maturation. We also show that it is readily cell penetrant, like HBD3, although with a different mechanism, which is independent from CD98. Overall, the potency of the single‐disulfide, 23‐amino acid γ‐core is comparable with the full‐length peptide across the whole spectrum of examined properties, and the peptide is not toxic to human cells. The HBD3 γ‐core peptide may therefore represent the first example of an economically viable lead peptide derived from a HDP privileged scaffold. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of cigarette/e‐cigarette vapour on simulated pulmonary surfactant monolayers under physiologically relevant conditions
Authors: Davies Michael J. , Birkett Jason W. , Kotwa Mateusz , Tomlinson Lauren , Woldetinsae Rezene
Published: January 2017

Deviation in pulmonary surfactant structure–function activity can impair airway patency and lead to respiratory disorders. This novel study aims to evaluate the influence cigarette/e‐cigarette vapour has on model surfactant films located within a simulated pulmonary environment using a lung biosimulator. Chromatographic analysis confirmed that nicotine levels were consistent with the sampling regimen employed. On exposure to smoke vapour, Langmuir isotherms exhibited condensed character and a significant reduction in maximum surface pressure was noted in all cases. Langmuir isocycles, reflective of the human breathing cycle, demonstrated condensed character on smoke vapour delivery. A reduction in the maximum surface pressure was clear only in the case of cigarette vapour application. The components of cigarette vapour can cause oxidative damage to pulmonary surfactant and impair recycling. Neutral nicotine molecules can weaken the structure of the monolayer and cause destabilisation. A protective effect was evident in the case of repeated surfactant compression – relaxation cycles (i.e. the ability to reduce the surface tension term was impaired less), demonstrating a likely innate biological defensive mechanism of the lung. E‐cigarette vapour appeared to have a reduced impact on surfactant performance, which may hold value in harm reduction over the longer term. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee Mobility and Interfirm Relationship Transfer: Evidence from the Mobility and Client Attachments of United States Federal Lobbyists, 1998–2014
Authors: Raffiee Joseph
Published: January 2017

Research summary: Employee mobility can erode competitive advantage by facilitating interfirm knowledge and relationship transfer. This study investigates the latter and identifies factors that influence the likelihood of its occurrence. Using a novel database that tracks the employment and client attachments of U.S. federal lobbyists, I show that repeated exchange with employees (firms) increases (decreases) the likelihood clients follow employees who switch firms. Structurally, multiplexity reduces the likelihood of client transfer and weakens the effect of employee–client repeated exchange, with the multiplexity effect strongest when team members have specialized expertise. By examining the main and interactive effects of repeated exchange, multiplexity, and specialized human capital, this study extends prior work by demonstrating how individual, organizational, and structural relationship characteristics affect client transfer and retention ex‐post employee mobility.

Managerial summary: When do clients follow employees who switch firms? What can firms do to guard against it? These questions are important in service‐based industries where clients may become loyal to individual employees within the firm rather than to the firm itself. This study provides evidence that helps practicing managers: (a) identify which clients are most at risk of defecting if employees exit, and (b) structure relationships in ways that mitigate the likelihood that employee exit results in client loss. Findings suggest that a client is more likely to defect when she has extensive history working with the exiting employee, particularly if the employee was the sole link between the client and firm. Managers, however, can reduce the risk of client loss following employee exit by structuring relationships so that clients work with teams of employees rather than exclusively with an individual and by increasing the degree of specialization within these teams. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral models of climate change adaptation and mitigation in land‐based sectors
Authors: Brown Calum , Alexander Peter , Holzhauer Sascha , Rounsevell Mark D. A.
Published: January 2017

Models of the land system are essential to our understanding of the magnitude and impacts of climate change. These models are required to represent a large number of processes in different sectors, but face particular challenges in describing the individual and social behaviors that underpin climate change mitigation and adaptation. We assess descriptions of these behaviors in existing models, their commonalities and differences, and the uses to which they have been put. We find that behavioral models have a distinct and important role to play in climate research, but that they currently suffer from being strongly sectoral in nature, with agricultural models being the most common and behaviorally rich. There are also clear convergences, with economic‐based decision‐making remaining dominant and behaviors such as diffusion, interaction, anticipation, or learning remaining relatively neglected. Active climate change is also rarely modeled, with adaptation and mitigation generally represented as responses to economic drivers under static climatic conditions. Furthermore, dynamic behaviors, objectives, or decision‐making processes are almost entirely absent, despite their clear relevance to climate change responses. We conclude that models have been more successful in the identification of important processes than in their implementation and that, while some behavioral processes may remain impossible to model, behavioral models of adaptation and mitigation in land‐based sectors have substantial unexplored potential. We suggest that greater attention be paid to the cumulative coverage of models in this field, and that improvements in the representation of certain key behaviors be prioritized. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e448. doi: 10.1002/wcc.448

This article is categorized under:

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Representing Uncertainty
Lacosamide as monotherapy in focal seizure: Literature review
Authors: Sonkusare Kishore , Barkate Hanmant
Published: January 2017

Lacosamide is a newer approved antiepileptic drug (AED) characterized by its novel pharmacodynamic profile. It is now approved by United States Food and Drug Administration for use as monotherapy in adults (aged>17 years) with focal seizures based on historical controlled trial by Wechsler RT et al in 2014. Randomized controlled trials on lacosamide monotherapy have demonstrated significant reduction in median seizure frequency. In addition, 50% responder rates for lacosamide was noted in half of the patients, with retention rate in two third of patients in 1 year follow up period. Adverse events reported in clinical trials were mostly mild to moderate in intensity. The most common adverse events were dizziness, headache, convulsion, nausea and fatigue while convulsion and dizziness were commonly responsible for drug discontinuation. Overall, lacosamide monotherapy can be a good treatment option in patients with focal seizure.
Manning’s formula and Strickler’s scaling explained by a co-spectral budget model
Authors: Bonetti S. , Manoli G. , Manes C. , Porporato A. , Katul G. G.
Published: January 2017

Manning’s empirical formula in conjunction with Strickler’s scaling is widely used to predict the bulk velocity$V$from the hydraulic radius$R_{h}$, the roughness size$r$and the slope of the energy grade line$S$in uniform channel and pipe flows at high bulk Reynolds numbers. Despite their importance in science and engineering, both Manning’s and Strickler’s formulations have waited for decades before finding a theoretical explanation. This was provided, for the first time, by Gioia & Bombardelli (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 88, 2002, 014501), labelled as GB02, using phenomenological arguments. Perhaps their most remarkable finding was the link between the Strickler and the Kolmogorov scaling exponents, the latter pertaining to velocity fluctuations in the inertial subrange of the turbulence spectrum and presumed to be universal. In this work, the GB02 analysis is first revisited, showing that GB02 employed severalad hocscaling assumptions for the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate and, although implicitly, for the mean velocity gradient adjacent to the roughness elements. The similarity constants arising from the GB02 scaling assumptions were presumed to be independent of$r/R_{h}$, which is inconsistent with well-known flow properties in the near-wall region of turbulent wall flows. Because of the dependence of these similarity constants on$r/R_{h}$, this existing theory requires the validity of the Strickler scaling to cancel the dependence of these constants on$r/R_{h}$so as to arrive at the Strickler scaling and Manning’s formula. Here, the GB02 approach is corroborated using a co-spectral budget (CSB) model for the wall shear stress formulated at the cross-over between the roughness sublayer and the log region. Assuming a simplified shape for the spectrum of the vertical velocity$w$, the proposed CSB model (subject to another simplifying assumption that production is balanced by pressure–velocity interaction) allows Manning’s formula to be derived. To substantiate this approach, numerical solutions to the CSB over the entire flow depth using different spectral shapes for$w$are carried out for a wide range of$r/R_{h}$. The results from this analysis support the simplifying hypotheses used to derive Manning’s equation. The derived equation provides a formulation for$n$that agrees with reported values in the literature over seven decades of$r$variations. While none of the investigated spectral shapes allows the recovery of the Strickler scaling, the numerical solutions of the CSB reproduce the Nikuradse data in the fully rough regime, thereby confirming that the Strickler scaling represents only an approximate fit for the friction factor for granular roughness.
Risk-based perspective on the choice of alliance governance in high-tech industries
Authors: Kim Hwan-Jin , Kim Byung-Keun
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the influence of risks on alliance governance modes in high-tech industries. The extant literature has devoted little attention to the preferred governance mode based on the risks surrounding alliances. In this paper, we examine why risks are key factors in the alliance governance decision and investigate the choice of alliance governance mode in high-tech industries. Hypotheses are formulated based on risk perspectives; these hypotheses are empirically tested using data on 3,228 alliance records generated over the past 5 years in high-tech industries. The results suggest that risk perspectives provide an effective rationale for choosing an alliance governance mode in a high-tech industry. In the conclusion, we discuss critical issues in the current debates on predicting alliance governance modes.
Women in management: Are family firms somehow special?
Authors: Meroño-Cerdán Ángel L , López-Nicolás Carolina
Published: January 2017

Firms managed by women present some differences in organizational conditions in terms of type of business and manager profile. The aim of this study is to check if those differences persist in family firms where the presence of female managers is higher, especially in second or subsequent generation family firms, than in non-family firms. The results reveal that family firms run by women are not smaller, but are concentrated in the services sector like non-family firms. Regarding the manager profile there are no differences either in the level of training or the age of female managers. They possess, however, less management experience but only in first generation family firms. In sum, gender differences in the type of business and in the manager profile found in the management literature disappear in family firms, only a sectoral gender effect persists.
A local perspective on community structure in multilayer networks
Authors: JEUB LUCAS G. S. , MAHONEY MICHAEL W. , MUCHA PETER J. , PORTER MASON A.
Published: January 2017

The analysis of multilayer networks is among the most active areas of network science, and there are several methods to detect dense “communities” of nodes in multilayer networks. One way to define a community is as a set of nodes that trap a diffusion-like dynamical process (usually a random walk) for a long time. In this view, communities are sets of nodes that create bottlenecks to the spreading of a dynamical process on a network. We analyze the local behavior of different random walks on multiplex networks (which are multilayer networks in which different layers correspond to different types of edges) and show that they have very different bottlenecks, which correspond to rather different notions of what it means for a set of nodes to be a good community. This has direct implications for the behavior of community-detection methods that are based on these random walks.
The battle over the benefits: analysing two sport hunting policy arrangements in Uganda
Authors: Ochieng Amos , Visseren-Hamakers Ingrid J. , van der Duim René
Published: January 2017

In 2001 sport hunting was reintroduced in Uganda around Lake Mburo National Park, and in 2008 at Kabwoya and Kaiso-Tonya Game Management Area, to derive economic benefits for communities and thus reduce human–wildlife conflict and change communities’ attitudes towards wildlife. We used the policy arrangement approach to analyse and compare the development of the two sport hunting policy arrangements. Through interviews and document review we learned that the arrangement at Lake Mburo changed considerably over time, whereas that at Kabwoya remained relatively stable. The two policy arrangements started with small constellations of actors but turned out to be complex arenas, mainly involving disagreement regarding the benefits. Land ownership proved to be a crucial factor in explaining the differences between the arrangements. Our results also show that benefits do not change communities’ attitudes towards conservation, thus questioning incentive-based policies for conservation. We argue for a careful analysis of the complex social, cultural and political contexts in which conservation and development policies are implemented, to better understand their outcomes.
PTSD or not PTSD? Comparing the proposed ICD-11 and the DSM-5 PTSD criteria among young survivors of the 2011 Norway attacks and their parents
Authors: Hafstad G. S. , Thoresen S. , Wentzel-Larsen T. , Maercker A. , Dyb G.
Published: January 2017

Background

The conceptualization of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the upcoming International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 differs in many respects from the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). The consequences of these differences for individuals and for estimation of prevalence rates are largely unknown. This study investigated the concordance of the two diagnostic systems in two separate samples at two separate waves.

Method

Young survivors of the 2011 Norway attacks (n = 325) and their parents (n = 451) were interviewed at 4–6 months (wave 1) and 15–18 months (wave 2) after the shooting. PTSD was assessed with the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-IV adapted for DSM-5, and a subset was used as diagnostic criteria for ICD-11.

Results

In survivors, PTSD prevalence did not differ significantly at any time point, but in parents, the DSM-5 algorithm produced significantly higher prevalence rates than the ICD-11 criteria. The overlap was fair for survivors, but amongst parents a large proportion of individuals met the criteria for only one of the diagnostic systems. No systematic differences were found between ICD-11 and DSM-5 in predictive validity.

Conclusions

The proposed ICD-11 criteria and the DSM-5 criteria performed equally well when identifying individuals in distress. Nevertheless, the overlap between those meeting the PTSD diagnosis for both ICD-11 and DSM-5 was disturbingly low, with the ICD-11 criteria identifying fewer people than the DSM-5. This represents a major challenge in identifying individuals suffering from PTSD worldwide, possibly resulting in overtreatment or unmet needs for trauma-specific treatment, depending on the area of the world in which patients are being diagnosed.
Structural correlates of trait impulsivity in patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls: a surface-based morphometry study
Authors: Tu P. C. , Kuan Y. H. , Li C. T. , Su T. P.
Published: January 2017

Background

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) frequently exhibit impulsive behaviors independent of their mood state, and trait impulsivity is increasingly recognized as a crucial BD biomarker. This study aimed to investigate structural correlates of trait impulsivity measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) in healthy controls (HCs) and patients with BD.

Method

We recruited 59 patients diagnosed with BD I or BD II (35.3 ± 8.5 years) and 56 age- and sex-matched HCs (33.9 ± 7.4 years). Participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging and clinical evaluations, and their BIS scores were evaluated. An automated surface-based method (FreeSurfer) was used to measure cortical thickness and generate thickness maps for each participant. Brain-wise regression analysis of the association between cortical thickness and BIS scores was performed separately for BD and HC groups by using a general linear model.

Results

Patients with BD obtained significantly higher BIS scores than HCs. In HCs, higher BIS scores were associated with a thinner cortex in the left inferior, middle and medial frontal cortices. By contrast, in BD patients, higher BIS scores were associated with a thicker cortex in the right insula. Patients with BD showed a thinner cortex than HCs in all these four structures.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the left prefrontal cortex plays a cardinal role in trait impulsivity of healthy individuals. Patients with BD have a different structural correlate of trait impulsivity in the right insula. However, the use of various psychotropics in patients with BD may limit our interpretation of BD findings.
Meanings of Waves: Electroencephalography and Society in Mexico City, 1940–1950
Authors: Pérez Nuria Valverde
Published: January 2017

Argument

This paper focuses on the uses of electroencephalograms (EEGs) in Mexico during their introductory decade from 1940 to 1950. Following Borck (2006), I argue that EEGs adapted to fit local circumstances and that this adjustment led to the consolidation of different ways of making science and the emergence of new objects of study and social types. I also maintain that the way EEGs were introduced into the institutional networks of Mexico entangled them in discussions about the objective and juridical definitions of social groups, thereby preempting concerns about their technical and epistemic limitations. This ultimately enabled the use of EEGs as normative machines and dispositifs. To this end, the paper follows the arrival of EEGs and the creation of institutional networks then analyzes the extent to which the styles of thinking behind the uses of EEGs and attempts to reify a notion of normal electrical brain behavior—particularly by applying EEGs to a community of Otomí Indians—correlated with the difficulties of defining the socio-anthropological notions that articulated legal and disciplinary projects of the time. Finally, it unveils the shortcomings of alternative attempts to define a brain model and to resist the production of ontological determinations.
Reduced perchlorate in West Antarctica snow during stratospheric ozone hole
Authors: Crawford T.Z. , Kub Alexandria D. , Peterson Kari M. , Cox Thomas S. , Cole-Dai Jihong
Published: January 2017

Snowpit samples collected at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide location in January 2013 were analysed to investigate the levels and variations of perchlorate concentrations in Antarctic snow. During 2008–12, the perchlorate concentration in WAIS Divide snow ranged between 6–180 ng l–1 and followed a seasonal cycle. The highest concentrations appeared in the autumn, and the lowest in winter and spring. No apparent correlation was observed between perchlorate and nitrate or chloride concentrations in snow. Since perchlorate is believed to form in the atmosphere when chlorine species are oxidized in reactions involving ozone, perchlorate concentrations were hypothesized to be high during the spring, based on the assumption that stratospheric ozone depletion enhances tropospheric perchlorate production. The data show that perchlorate concentrations in snow were sharply reduced during stratospheric ozone depletion events; the evidence, therefore, does not support the hypothesis. Instead, the results suggest a stratospheric origin of perchlorate in Antarctic snow.
Functional tricuspid stenosis: a rare presentation of suspected rhabdomyoma as congenital cyanotic heart disease
Authors: Nair Anishkumar , Rajesh Gopalan Nair , Sajeev Chakanalil Govindan
Published: January 2017

Cardiac tumours in newborns are often asymptomatic and can be sporadically detected on routine screening unless they result in intractable arrhythmias or haemodynamically significant obstructions causing heart failure. Their presentation as a cause of congenital cyanosis is never anticipated. We report a rare case of a newborn presenting with congenital cyanosis consequent to suspected cardiac rhabdomyoma causing tricuspid inflow obstruction. Our experience with this patient with two large cardiac masses illustrates the significance of its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of perinatal cyanosis, as early detection and surgical management might be the only lifesaving options, if performed well in time.
Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects: has fear of device erosion altered outcomes?
Authors: Mitchelson Bryan , O’Donnell Clare , Ruygrok Peter , Wright John , Stirling John , Wilson Nigel
Published: January 2017

Background

Transcatheter device closure has become the established standard of care for suitable atrial septal defects. Device erosion has been a recent focus and has prompted changes in the Instructions for Users documentation released by device companies. We reviewed our entire local experience with atrial septal defect device closure, focussing on the evolution of this procedure in our centre and particularly on complications.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective review of 581 consecutive patients undergoing attempted transcatheter device closure of an atrial septal defect in Auckland from December 1997 to June 2014. We reviewed all complications recorded and compared our outcomes with the current literature. We sought to understand the impact of the evolution in recommendations and clinical practice on patient outcomes in our programme.

Results

There were a total of 24 complications (4.1%), including 10 device embolisations (1.7%), nine arrhythmias (1.5%), two significant vascular access-related complications (0.3%), one device erosion (0.2%), one malposed device (0.2%), and one probable wire perforation of the left atrial appendage (0.2%). There was one mortality related to device embolisation. All device embolisations occurred following the change in Instructions for Users after publication of the first device erosion report in 2004. This increase in embolisation rate was statistically significant (p-value 0.015).

Conclusions

In our series, the incidence of device embolisation was higher than that anticipated, with a significant increase following changes to the Instructions for Users. This highlights the need for ongoing data collection on complication incidence and for ongoing review of the impact of changes in clinical practice on complication rates.
Point catheter ablation of macro-re-entrant ventricular tachycardia in a patient after surgical repair for double-outlet right ventricle
Authors: Izumi Gaku , Yokoshiki Hisashi , Takeda Atsuhito
Published: January 2017

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia is often difficult in patients after surgery for CHD. In patients with a ventricular septal defect patch, it is necessary to decide which ventricular side is appropriate for catheter ablation. In this article, we report a case of successful point catheter ablation of re-entrant ventricular tachycardia. Identification of the ventricular septal defect patch using intra-cardiac echocardiography was useful.
Predicting Cognitive Decline across Four Decades in Mutation Carriers and Non-carriers in Autosomal-Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Almkvist Ove , Rodriguez-Vieitez Elena , Thordardottir Steinunn , Amberla Kaarina , Axelman Karin , Basun Hans , Kinhult-Ståhlbom Anne , Lilius Lena , Remes Anne , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Viitanen Matti , Lannfelt Lars , Graff Caroline
Published: January 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive performance including preclinical and clinical disease course in carriers and non-carriers of autosomal-dominant Alzheimer’s disease (adAD) in relation to multiple predictors, that is, linear and non-linear estimates of years to expected clinical onset of disease, years of education and age. Methods: Participants from five families with early-onset autosomal-dominant mutations (Swedish and Arctic APP, PSEN1 M146V, H163Y, and I143T) included 35 carriers (28 without dementia and 7 with) and 44 non-carriers. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including neuropsychological assessment at the Memory Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden. The time span of disease course covered four decades of the preclinical and clinical stages of dementia. Neuropsychological tests were used to assess premorbid and current global cognition, verbal and visuospatial functions, short-term and episodic memory, attention, and executive function. Results: In carriers, the time-related curvilinear trajectory of cognitive function across disease stages was best fitted to a formulae with three predictors: years to expected clinical onset (linear and curvilinear components), and years of education. In non-carriers, the change was minimal and best predicted by two predictors: education and age. The trajectories for carriers and non-carriers began to diverge approximately 10 years before the expected clinical onset in episodic memory, executive function, and visuospatial function. Conclusions: The curvilinear trajectory of cognitive functions across disease stages was mimicked by three predictors in carriers. In episodic memory, executive and visuospatial functions, the point of diverging trajectories occurred approximately 10 years ahead of the clinical onset compared to non-carriers. (JINS, 2017, 23, 195–203)
Association of BMI with risk of CVD mortality and all-cause mortality
Authors: Kee Chee Cheong , Sumarni Mohd Ghazali , Lim Kuang Hock , Selvarajah Sharmini , Haniff Jamaiyah , Tee Guat Hiong Helen , Gurpreet Kaur , Faudzi Yusoff Ahmad , Amal Nasir Mustafa
Published: January 2017

Objective

To determine the relationship between BMI and risk of CVD mortality and all-cause mortality among Malaysian adults.

Design

Population-based, retrospective cohort study. Participants were followed up for 5 years from 2006 to 2010. Mortality data were obtained via record linkages with the Malaysian National Registration Department. Multiple Cox regression was applied to compare risk of CVD and all-cause mortality between BMI categories adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity. Models were generated for all participants, all participants the first 2 years of follow-up, healthy participants, healthy never smokers, never smokers, current smokers and former smokers.

Setting

All fourteen states in Malaysia.

Subjects

Malaysian adults (n 32 839) aged 18 years or above from the third National Health and Morbidity Survey.

Results

Total follow-up time was 153 814 person-years with 1035 deaths from all causes and 225 deaths from CVD. Underweight (BMI<18·5 kg/m2) was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, while obesity (BMI ≥30·0 kg/m2) was associated with a heightened risk of CVD mortality. Overweight (BMI=25·0–29·9 kg/m2) was inversely associated with risk of all-cause mortality. Underweight was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in all models except for current smokers. Overweight was inversely associated with all-cause mortality in all participants. Although a positive trend was observed between BMI and CVD mortality in all participants, a significant association was observed only for severe obesity (BMI≥35·0 kg/m2).

Conclusions

Underweight was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and obesity with increased risk of CVD mortality. Therefore, maintaining a normal BMI through leading an active lifestyle and healthy dietary habits should continue to be promoted.
Connecting supermarkets and farms: the role of intermediaries in Walmart China's fresh produce supply chains
Authors: Michelson Hope , Boucher Stephen , Cheng Xinzhe , Huang Jikun , Jia Xiangping
Published: January 2017

This paper identifies and describes the recent emergence of a new class of private sector intermediaries in fresh fruit and vegetable (FFV) supermarket supply chains in China. These intermediaries play key roles that determine the ways in which farm households participate in and the benefits they derive from new retail-led market opportunities associated with the supermarket sector's shift from FFV procurement through wholesale markets towards more direct contracting with farm communities. This paper provides a comprehensive description of 198 FFV supply chain intermediaries working with Walmart China in 2014, including their historical background, infrastructure investments, downstream marketing and upstream sourcing. We find that these actors play an increasingly critical role in the organization of land, labor and production through contracts. Our study provides critical insights for understanding both the trends in vertical coordination of China's developing agricultural sector and the pace of the country's agricultural modernization. Walmart is a leading international supermarket chain with a growing presence in China, and evidence suggests that their supply chain strategies are similar to other large supermarkets in the region. Results are also relevant to understanding current challenges in China related to food safety and quality, a top priority in recent years.
The Growth and Development of Five Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) Populations in a Common Garden
Authors: Heneghan Joseph M. , Johnson William G.
Published: January 2017

Waterhemp is a weed indigenous to the midwestern United States and is problematic in agronomic crop production. This weed is well suited to inhabit minimally tilled environments and is increasing in prevalence across many agricultural production areas and systems. A common garden experiment was established in Indiana in 2014 and 2015 with waterhemp populations from Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska to compare the growth and development of waterhemp from these regions. Three establishment dates (May, June, and July) were used each year to simulate discontinuous germination. Mean biomass accumulations from the May (1,120 g plant−1) and June (1,069 g plant−1) establishment dates were higher than from the July (266 g plant−1) establishment date. There were no differences in biomass accumulations between the five populations in the May and June establishments, but biomass accumulations ranged from 195 to 338 g plant−1in the July establishment. Mean seed yields were higher from the May (926,629 seeds plant−1) and June (828,905 seeds plant−1) establishment dates compared with the July (276,258 seeds plant−1) establishment. In the May and June establishments, seed yields ranged from 469,939 seeds plant−1to 1,285,556 seeds plant−1. The Illinois population flowered the latest of all the populations yet also grew the tallest. The July establishment flowered the most rapidly after establishment, accumulated less biomass, and also had the largest seeds. This study demonstrated differences among waterhemp populations when grown in a common environment and the effect of establishment timing on waterhemp growth and development.