bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity in cross-domain collaborations: searching factors to increase efficiency
Authors: Sik Attila
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how different disciplines and sectors approach creativity, and how to improve cross-domain collaboration efficiency. Creativity is one of the most important factors that hugely contributes to the growth of economy, and the key to the modern organisation’s survival. There are considerable differences between disciplines regarding how they approach creativity since each discipline has a methodology which is designed to develop new ideas. Specialisation of disciplines can create difficulties when they start to interact in collaborations. Differences between sectors (Industry, Academia, Arts and Public) in definition of creativity, creativity measurement, management and collaboration motivators can hinder cross-sector collaboration efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire was distributed over the Internet, and statistical tests were performed to find differences between groups how they view various dimensions of creativity.

Findings

– By analysing various disciplines, the study revealed significant differences between the reward system, the creativity measurement, the required management support and the way how various disciplines solve complex problems. Sector analysis revealed significant differences in creativity quantification, personal traits, sensitivity to idea ownership, composition and size of the ideal team, communication and incentives to increase creativity.

Research limitations/implications

– In this study, only Internet users were sampled, and the majority of respondent were from Europe working in academic environment.

Practical implications

– Misalignment of forces between disciplines causes inefficient cross- and multi-disciplinary collaborations, while inter-sector misalignment results in unproductive inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary teamwork. Special emphasis has to be placed on external factor, creativity measurement and collaboration motivator adjustment that were the most misaligned across the analysed groups.

Originality/value

– The study indicates that to increase collaboration, efficiency factors that were scrutinised in this project have to be aligned across disciplines and sectors.
On the determination of marine magnetotelluric receiver orientation using land magnetic observatory data
Authors: Miquelutti Leonardo G. , Ulugergerli Emin U. , Nascimento Deivid , Fontes Sergio L.
Published: January 2016

Marine magnetotelluric measurements using “free‐fall’’ instruments without effective compasses suffer from the problem of unknown orientation of the receivers at the seafloor. While past works indicate that marine magnetotelluric orientation of the instruments can be estimated by reference to land deployments of known orientation using the transfer tensor method, there is limited published information on how this is implemented in practice. We document this method and propose a set of new time‐ and frequency‐domain approaches to solve this orientation problem of the seafloor receivers. We test these methodologies in onshore and offshore magnetotelluric data whose orientations are well known and apply these techniques to marine magnetotelluric data with unknown orientation. For the controlled tests, both time‐ and frequency‐domain approaches produce overall comparable results. To investigate the effects of the subsurface structure distribution on the orientation process, a dimensionality analysis of a controlled dataset is carried out. In subsequent analysis using the available disoriented marine magnetotelluric data from offshore Brazil and from the Vassouras magnetic observatory on the mainland for remote referencing, frequency‐domain methods yield approximate orientation angles among themselves with low standard deviation each. Time‐domain results are consistent for most cases but differ from frequency‐domain results for some situations.
The diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in Japanese Cephalanthera species
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Yamazaki Jun , Yamada Takayuki , Yokoyama Jun , Ogura‐Tsujita Yuki , Maki Masayuki
Published: January 2016

The diversity of mycorrhizal fungi among four Japanese Cephalanthera (Orchidaceae) species was examined at a total of seven sites, based on sequence variation in nuclear ribosomal DNA. This is the first report to detect mycorrhizal fungi in C. subaphylla. Two patterns of mycorrhizal associations were confirmed from our results. C. falcata has lower fungal specificity, associating with Russulaceae, Sebacinales and Thelephoraceae. By contrast, the three Cephalanthera species C. erecta, C. subaphylla, and C. longifolia were associated mainly with Thelephoraceae fungi. There is no large difference found in mycobionts between green and albino individuals of C. falcata and no distinct preference of Japanese Cephalanthera species for a specific fungal group of Thelephoraceae.
Increasingly unequal? The economic crisis, social inequalities and trust in the European Parliament in 20 European countries
Authors: DOTTI SANI GIULIA M. , MAGISTRO BEATRICE
Published: January 2016

The 2008/2009 economic crisis has been identified as an important element contributing to declining trust in institutions in Europe and worldwide. However, it is unclear whether this decline in trust is distributed homogenously among citizens or whether there are differences across social strata. This article applies multilevel models to six waves of European Social Survey (ESS) data to analyse changes in trust in the European Parliament (EP) from 2002 to 2012 in 20 European Union countries. Moreover, it investigates whether individuals with different socioeconomic backgrounds experienced different reductions in trust. The results indicate that trust in the EP declined the most in the peripheral European countries hit hardest by the economic crisis: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece and Spain. Furthermore, the results suggest that the decline in trust was more pronounced among subjects with lower social status. The tightening of the link between social and political inequalities is especially preoccupying considering the importance of trust in institutions for citizens to actively participate in society, voice their needs and demand their place at the table. Hence, the worsening economic conditions, combined with declining levels of trust, are not only troublesome for the functioning of democracies as a whole, but they are also problematic at the individual level as they are likely to perpetuate the divide among subjects at different ends of the social ladder.
Impacts on Emergency Department Visits from Personal Responsibility Provisions: Evidence from West Virginia's Medicaid Redesign
Authors: Gurley‐Calvez Tami , Kenney Genevieve M. , Simon Kosali I. , Wissoker Douglas
Published: January 2016

Objective

To examine the impact of a 2007 redesign of West Virginia's Medicaid program, which included an incentive and “nudging” scheme intended to encourage better health care behaviors and reduce Emergency Department (ED) visits.

Data Sources

West Virginia Medicaid enrollment and claims data from 2005 to 2010.

Study Design

We utilized a “differences in differences” technique with individual and time fixed effects to assess the impact of redesign on ED visits. Starting in 2007, categorically eligible Medicaid beneficiaries were moved from traditional Medicaid to the new Mountain Health Choices (MHC) Program on a rolling basis, approximating a natural experiment. Members chose between a Basic plan, which was less generous than traditional Medicaid, or an Enhanced plan, which was more generous but required additional enrollment steps.

Data Collection

Data were obtained from the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services.

Principal Findings

We found that contrary to intentions, the MHC program increased ED visits. Those who selected or defaulted into the Basic plan experienced increased overall and preventable ED visits, while those who selected the Enhanced plan experienced a slight reduction in preventable ED visits; the net effect was an increase in ED visits, as most individuals enrolled in the Basic plan.
Extended Swan‐Neck Catheter With Upper Abdominal Exit‐Site Reduces Peritoneal Dialysis‐Related Infections
Authors: Eriguchi Masahiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Yoshida Hisako , Haruyama Naoki , Tanaka Shigeru , Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Fujisaki Kiichiro , Torisu Kumiko , Masutani Kosuke , Kitazono Takanari
Published: January 2016

Extended catheters with an upper abdominal exit‐site (UAE) are reportedly associated with a lower incidence of peritoneal dialysis (PD)‐related infections. However, little information about the optimal peritoneal catheter configuration for UAE is available. In this nonrandomized multicenter trial, 147 consecutive cases of a UAE involving either a conventional straight (CS; 80 cases) or extended swan‐neck catheter (SN; 67 cases) were analyzed to compare exit‐site and tunnel infections (ESTI), peritonitis, and catheter survival. The ESTI‐free and catheter survival rates were significantly lower in the SN than in the CS group (P <0.01). However, the peritonitis‐free survival rate was not different (P = 0.26). In terms of analyses for infection rates, fewer episodes of ESTI (1.284 vs 0.608 episodes/patient‐year; P <0.01) and peritonitis (0.345 vs 0.152 episodes/patient‐year; P = 0.06) were observed in the SN than CS group. Recurrence analyses showed that the mean number of cumulative episodes of ESTI and peritonitis between two groups were significantly different.
Nutritional management of cystic fibrosis and cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes in Australia
Authors: McFarlane Catherine , Marshall Katrina , Doola Ra'eesa , Todd Alwyn
Published: January 2016

Aim

The cystic fibrosis (CF) dietitians' role is to determine individualised nutritional management plans for patients. The aims of the present study were: to (i) document nutritional management delivered by Australian dietitians to patients with CF and CF‐related diabetes (CFRD); (ii) examine if advice is consistent between CF centres within Australia; and (iii) determine if dietetic staffing is adequate for patient numbers.

Methods

A 25 question web‐based survey was distributed via professional networks to dietitians working with adult patients with CF within Australia.

Results

Subtle differences in practice were reported. Energy requirements were most commonly determined by the Schofield equation. Various methods were used to calculate protein and fat requirements. Education provided to patients with CFRD was relatively consistent between centres, but notably different from that reported in previous surveys. There were variations in waiting times to see patients newly diagnosed with CFRD, and review time frames for these patients varied significantly. The majority (82%) of CF centres were under staffed when compared with staffing levels outlined in standards of care.

Conclusions

The results of the present study provide insight into the nutritional management delivered by Australian dietitians to patients with CF and CFRD, which is evolving over time. Standardising practice for the delivery of education and addressing inconsistencies between treating centres would assist in optimising care for CF patients. Dietetic staffing is inadequate at the majority of CF centres, which may limit the ability to provide effective management, especially in the context of increasing rates of comorbidites such as CFRD.
Subcellular localization of five singular WSC domain‐containing proteins and their roles in Beauveria bassiana responses to stress cues and metal ions
Authors: Tong Sen‐Miao , Chen Ying , Zhu Jing , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: January 2016

Some model fungi have three or four proteins with each vectoring a single cell Wall Stress‐responsive Component (WSC) domain at N‐terminus. In this study, five proteins, each vectoring only a single WSC domain in N‐terminal, central or even C‐terminal region, were found in Beauveria bassiana, a filamentous fungal entomopathogen, and named Wsc1A–1E due to the domain singularity. Four of them lack either transmembrane domain or C‐terminal conserved signature sequence (DXXD) compared with the homologues in the model fungi. Intriguingly, all the eGFP‐tagged fusion proteins of Wsc1A–1E were evidently localized to the cell wall and membrane of transgenic hyphae. Single deletions of the five wsc genes resulted in significant, but differential, increases in cellular sensitivity to cell wall perturbation, oxidation, high osmolarity, and four to six metal ions (Zn2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, K+, Ca2+ and Mn2+). Each deletion mutant also showed a delay of germination and a decrease of conidial UV‐B resistance, thermotolerance or both. However, none of the deletions affected substantially the fungal growth, conidiation and virulence. Our results indicate a significance of each WSC protein for the B. bassiana adaptation to diverse habitats of host insects.
Characteristics of 1‐day postoperative mortality: a comparison with 2‐ to 7‐day postoperative mortality
Authors: Lim C.‐W. , Lee J.‐H. , Im S.‐M. , Song I.‐K. , Park H.‐P. , Kim H.‐S. , Kim J.‐T.
Published: January 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine causes and characteristics of early postoperative mortality focusing on postoperative day 1 (POD 1).

Methods

We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who died within 7 days after surgery under anesthesia at a tertiary university hospital from January 2004 to December 2014. Postoperative mortalities were divided into POD 1 group and POD 7 group, which included death that occurred from days 2 to 7 after surgery. Characteristics of POD 1 group were compared with those of POD 7 group.

Results

The mortality rates of POD 1 and POD 7 groups were 3.6 and 7.8 per 10,000 anesthesia, respectively. The incidence of POD 1 mortality is higher than any other day of the week of surgery. The incidences of massive transfusion, intraoperative cardiac arrest, and intraoperative use of epinephrine were higher in POD 1 group than in POD 7 group. In adults, the proportion of emergency operations was higher in POD 1 group than in POD 7 group. The leading cause of death in POD 1 group was hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, whereas that in POD 7 group was distributive shock. Human factor‐related mortality was more frequent in POD 1 group (15.3%) compared with POD 7 group (6.1%).

Conclusions

The characteristics of POD 1 mortality were different from those of POD 2–7 mortality. A large proportion of early postoperative deaths were due to POD 1 mortality. Human factor‐related causes were more associated with POD 1 mortality, indicating much room for improvement.
Distribution of crystalloid fluid changes with the rate of infusion: a population‐based study
Authors: Hahn R. G. , Drobin D. , Zdolsek J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Crystalloid fluid requires 30 min for complete distribution throughout the extracellular fluid space and tends to cause long‐standing peripheral edema. A kinetic analysis of the distribution of Ringer′s acetate with increasing infusion rates was performed to obtain a better understanding of these characteristics of crystalloids.

Methods

Data were retrieved from six studies in which 76 volunteers and preoperative patients had received between 300 ml and 2375 ml of Ringer's acetate solution at a rate of 20–80 ml/min (0.33–0.83 ml/min/kg). Serial measurements of the blood hemoglobin concentration were used as inputs in a kinetic analysis based on a two‐volume model with micro‐constants, using software for nonlinear mixed effects.

Results

The micro‐constants describing distribution (k12) and elimination (k10) were unchanged when the rate of infusion increased, with half‐times of 16 and 26 min, respectively. In contrast, the micro‐constant describing how rapidly the already distributed fluid left the peripheral space (k21) decreased by 90% when the fluid was infused more rapidly, corresponding to an increase in the half‐time from 3 to 30 min. The central volume of distribution (Vc) doubled.

Conclusion

The return of Ringer′s acetate from the peripheral fluid compartment to the plasma was slower with high than with low infusion rates. Edema is a normal consequence of plasma volume expansion with this fluid, even in healthy volunteers. The results are consistent with the view that the viscoelastic properties of the interstitial matrix are responsible for the distribution and redistribution characteristics of crystalloid fluid.
The Impact of Cognitive Stressors in the Emergency Department on Physician Implicit Racial Bias
Authors: Johnson Tiffani J. , Hickey Robert W. , Switzer Galen E. , Miller Elizabeth , Winger Daniel G. , Nguyen Margaret , Saladino Richard A. , Hausmann Leslie R. M.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The emergency department (ED) is characterized by stressors (e.g., fatigue, stress, time pressure, and complex decision‐making) that can pose challenges to delivering high‐quality, equitable care. Although it has been suggested that characteristics of the ED may exacerbate reliance on cognitive heuristics, no research has directly investigated whether stressors in the ED impact physician racial bias, a common heuristic. We seek to determine if physicians have different levels of implicit racial bias post‐ED shift versus preshift and to examine associations between demographics and cognitive stressors with bias.

Methods

This repeated‐measures study of resident physicians in a pediatric ED used electronic pre‐ and postshift assessments of implicit racial bias, demographics, and cognitive stressors. Implicit bias was measured using the Race Implicit Association Test (IAT). Linear regression models compared differences in IAT scores pre‐ to postshift and determined associations between participant demographics and cognitive stressors with postshift IAT and pre‐ to postshift difference scores.

Results

Participants (n = 91) displayed moderate prowhite/antiblack bias on preshift (mean ± SD = 0.50 ± 0.34, d = 1.48) and postshift (mean ± SD = 0.55 ± 0.39, d = 1.40) IAT scores. Overall, IAT scores did not differ preshift to postshift (mean increase = 0.05, 95% CI = –0.02 to 0.14, d = 0.13). Subanalyses revealed increased pre‐ to postshift bias among participants working when the ED was more overcrowded (mean increase = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.17, d = 0.24) and among those caring for >10 patients (mean increase = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.27, d = 0.47). Residents' demographics (including specialty), fatigue, busyness, stressfulness, and number of shifts were not associated with postshift IAT or difference scores. In multivariable models, ED overcrowding was associated with greater postshift bias (coefficient = 0.11 per 1 unit of NEDOCS score, SE = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.21).

Conclusions

While resident implicit bias remained stable overall preshift to postshift, cognitive stressors (overcrowding and patient load) were associated with increased implicit bias. Physicians in the ED should be aware of how cognitive stressors may exacerbate implicit racial bias.
Love and Resurrection: Remaking Life and Death in Contemporary Russia
Authors: Bernstein Anya
Published: January 2016

In this article, I discuss two “crimes of compassion”—one a mercy killing and the other what I refer to as a “mercy resurrection”—as key illustrations of the changing landscape of necropolitical governmentality in Russia some 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Such practices present unanticipated challenges to the state control of death, producing irregular yet ultimately normative narratives of what counts as pathological, as life and death, and as the meaning of suffering, love, and compassion. I argue that these cases ultimately present two sides of the same coin, evincing a politics of life that, intentionally or not, defies the power of the state over death and its monopoly position as the purveyor of death and immortality. They also suggest alternative practices of caregiving to the dead and dying. In doing all this, they enter a legally ambiguous zone between violence and compassion, martyrdom and savagery, madness and mercy.
Retained placenta: will medical treatment ever be possible?
Authors: Akol Achier D. , Weeks Andrew D.
Published: January 2016

The standard treatment for retained placenta is manual removal whatever its subtype (adherens, trapped or partial accreta). Although medical treatment should reduce the risk of anesthetic and surgical complications, they have not been found to be effective. This may be due to the contrasting uterotonic needs of the different underlying pathologies. In placenta adherens, oxytocics have been used to contract the retro‐placental myometrium. However, if injected locally through the umbilical vein, they bypass the myometrium and perfuse directly into the venous system. Intravenous injection is an alternative but exacerbates a trapped placenta. Conversely, for trapped placentas, a relaxant could help by resolving cervical constriction, but would worsen the situation for placenta adherens. This confusion over medical treatment will continue unless we can find a way to diagnose the underlying pathology. This will allow us to stop treating the retained placenta as a single entity and to deliver targeted treatments.
Expression profile and prognostic value of glypican‐3 in post‐operative South Korean hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Jeon Yejoo , Kim Haeryoung , Jang Eun Sun , Hong Sukho , Kim Jin Wook , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Cho Jai Young , Han Ho‐Seong , Jeong Sook‐Hyang
Published: January 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients commonly experience poor overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) after curative surgical resection. Glypican‐3 (GPC3) has been suggested as a prognostic biomarker for post‐operative survival. However, few to none of these studies have included South Korean patients. This study aimed to determine GPC3 expression rate, clinical correlation, and post‐operative prognostic value in South Korean HCC patients who underwent curative surgical resection. Surgically resected tissues from 185 HCC patients were collected and assembled into tissue microarrays (TMAs), which were stained for GPC3 by immunohistochemistry. GPC3 expression rates were correlated with clinicopathological information, and survival analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of GPC3. GPC3 expression was present in 153 patients (82.7%). GPC3‐positive patients were younger with higher frequencies of microvascular invasion and higher AFP levels than GPC3‐negative patients. There was no significant difference in survival between GPC3‐negative and GPC3‐positive patients. Based on multivariate analysis, GPC3 expression was not a prognostic marker for post‐operative survival. In South Korean HCC patients, GPC3 expression was more frequent in HCCs with aggressive features, but it was not an independent prognostic biomarker.
I148M variant of PNPLA3 increases the susceptibility to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by obesity and metabolic disorders
Authors: Xia M.‐F. , Ling Y. , Bian H. , Lin H.‐D. , Yan H.‐M. , Chang X.‐X. , Li X.‐M. , Ma H. , Wang D. , Zhang L.‐S. , Wang S.‐S. , Wu B.‐J. , He W.‐Y. , Zhao N.‐Q. , Gao X.
Published: January 2016

Background

The patatin‐like phospholipase 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 gene polymorphism is an important genetic determinant of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the associations between liver fat and metabolic traits in rs738409 G allele carriers and the allelic influence on this association have not been fully studied.

Aim

To investigate the influence of the PNPLA3 gene polymorphism on the association of liver fat with serum metabolic factors and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

Liver fat was measured by quantitative ultrasound in 4300 subjects in the Shanghai Changfeng community and analysed for its association with obesity and metabolic factors in individuals with the PNPLA3 CC, CG and GG genotypes.

Results

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease occurred in 37.9% and 28.8% of the subjects with the GG and CC genotypes respectively (P < 0.001). Liver fat was significantly associated with body mass index, waist circumference, serum triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and insulin in the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele carriers (P < 0.001). Compared with the CC homozygotes, the GG homozygotes presented higher liver fat and liver fibrosis scores despite their better metabolic status (comparison of regression line slopes, P < 0.05). An increase in liver fat was accompanied by a significant increase in the average and maximum carotid intima‐media thickness in subjects with the PNPLA3 CC genotype but not in those with the GG genotype.

Conclusions

PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele carriers were found to be more susceptible to the metabolic‐related hepatic steatosis, and developed NAFLD and liver fibrosis despite presenting relatively better metabolic statuses and lower risks for carotid atherosclerosis.
Quantifying Health Across Populations
Authors: Kershnar Stephen
Published: January 2016

In this article, I argue that as a theoretical matter, a population's health‐level is best quantified via averagism. Averagism asserts that the health of a population is the average of members’ health‐levels. This model is better because it does not fall prey to a number of objections, including the repugnant conclusion, and because it is not arbitrary. I also argue that as a practical matter, population health‐levels are best quantified via totalism. Totalism asserts that the health of a population is the sum of members’ health‐levels. Totalism is better here because it fits better with cost‐benefit analysis and such an analysis is the best practical way to value healthcare outcomes. The two results are compatible because the theoretical and practical need not always align, whether in general or in the context of population health.
Older (but not younger) preschoolers understand that knowledge differs between people and across time
Authors: Caza Julian S. , Atance Cristina M. , Bernstein Daniel M.
Published: January 2016

We examined 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds' understanding of general knowledge (e.g., knowing that clocks tell time) by investigating whether (1) they recognize that their own general knowledge has changed over time (i.e., they knew less as babies than they know now), and (2) such intraindividual knowledge differences are easier/harder to understand than interindividual differences (i.e., Do preschoolers understand that a baby knows less than they do?). Forty‐eight 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds answered questions about their current general knowledge (‘self‐now’), the general knowledge of a 6‐month‐old (‘baby‐now’), and their own general knowledge at 6 months (‘self‐past’). All age groups were significantly above chance on the self‐now questions, but only 5‐year‐olds were significantly above chance on the self‐past and baby‐now questions. Moreover, children's performance on the baby‐now and self‐past questions did not differ. Our findings suggest that younger preschoolers do not fully appreciate that their past knowledge differs from their current knowledge, and that others may have less knowledge than they do. We situate these findings within the research on knowledge understanding, more specifically, and cognitive development, more broadly.
Cord blood transplant for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Ballen Karen K. , Lazarus Hillard
Published: January 2016

Umbilical cord blood is a haematopoietic progenitor cell source for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), other haematological malignancies and metabolic diseases who can be cured by allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation, but who do not have a human leucocyte antigen compatible related or unrelated donor. Although the first cord blood transplants were done in children, there are currently more cord blood transplants performed in adults. In this review, we explore the history of umbilical cord blood transplantation, paediatric and adult outcome results, and novel trends to improve engraftment and reduce infection. Umbilical cord blood transplantation cures approximately 30–40% of adults and 60–70% of children with AML. Controversial issues, including the use of double versus single cord blood units for transplantation, optimal cord blood unit selection, infection prophylaxis, conditioning regimens and graft versus host disease prophylaxis, will be reviewed. Finally, comparison to other graft sources, cost, access to care, and the ideal graft source are discussed.
Intrinsic Astrocyte Heterogeneity Influences Tumor Growth in Glioma Mouse Models
Authors: Irvin David M. , McNeill Robert S. , Bash Ryan E. , Miller C. Ryan
Published: January 2016

The influence of cellular origin on glioma pathogenesis remains elusive. We previously showed that mutations inactivating Rb and Pten and activating Kras transform astrocytes and induce tumorigenesis throughout the adult mouse brain. However, it remained unclear whether astrocyte subpopulations were susceptible to these mutations. We therefore used genetic lineage tracing and fate mapping in adult conditional, inducible genetically engineered mice to monitor transformation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) astrocytes and immunofluorescence to monitor cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment over time. Because considerable regional heterogeneity exists among astrocytes, we also examined the influence of brain region on tumor growth. GFAP astrocyte transformation induced uniformly rapid, regionally independent tumor growth, but transformation of GLAST astrocytes induced slowly growing tumors with significant regional bias. Transformed GLAST astrocytes had reduced proliferative response in culture and in vivo and malignant progression was delayed in these tumors. Recruited glial cells, including proliferating astrocytes, oligodendrocyte progenitors and microglia, were the majority of GLAST, but not GFAP astrocyte‐derived tumors and their abundance dynamically changed over time. These results suggest that intrinsic astrocyte heterogeneity, and perhaps regional brain microenvironment, significantly contributes to glioma pathogenesis.
Ranitidine‐induced anaphylaxis: clinical features, cross‐reactivity, and skin testing
Authors: Park K. H. , Pai J. , Song D.‐G. , Sim D. W. , Park H. J. , Lee J.‐H. , Jeong K. Y. , Pan C.‐H. , Shin I. , Park J.‐W.
Published: January 2016

Background

Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed medications and are known to be well tolerated. However, 99 cases of ranitidine‐induced anaphylaxis occurred in Korea from 2007 to 2014.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical features, and diagnostic methods for ranitidine‐induced anaphylaxis.

Methods

Ranitidine‐related pharmacovigilance data from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Adverse drug reactions with causal relationships were selected, and clinical manifestations, outcomes, and drug‐related information were assessed. For further investigation, 8 years of pharmacovigilance data were collected at a single centre. Twenty‐three patients participated in in vivo and in vitro studies. Skin tests, oral provocation tests, and laboratory tests were performed, including tests using other kinds of histamine H2 receptor antagonists.

Results

Over 7 years, 584 patients suffered adverse reactions to ranitidine. The most common manifestation was cutaneous symptoms. Among them, 99 patients (17.0%) experienced anaphylaxis. In a single‐centre study, skin prick tests were positive in 91.7% of ranitidine‐induced anaphylaxis patients (11/12); the optimal concentration was 20 mg/mL. Detection of ranitidine‐specific immunoglobulin E failed. Cimetidine and proton pump inhibitors showed no cross‐reactivity with ranitidine based on the skin prick test, oral provocation test, or clinical determination. Surprisingly, 82.6% of patients reintroduced ranitidine and re‐experienced the same adverse reactions because ranitidine was not considered the culprit drug.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Although ranitidine is known as a safe drug, it can also cause diverse adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis. This study demonstrates the need to pay attention to adverse reactions to ranitidine and consider ranitidine as a cause of anaphylaxis.
IgA- and SIgA anti-PR3 antibodies in serumversusorgan involvement and disease activity in PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Sandin C , Eriksson P , Segelmark M , Skogh T , Kastbom A
Published: January 2016

Circulating immunoglobulin (Ig)A class anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) directed against proteinase 3 (PR3) have been reported in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) with mucosal involvement. However, secretory IgA (SIgA) PR3-ANCA has not been reported previously. In this study we compared serum levels of SIgA PR3-ANCA and IgA PR3-ANCA with IgG PR3-ANCA in relation to disease characteristics. Among 73 patients with AAV and PR3-ANCA at diagnosis, 84% tested positive for IgG PR3-ANCA, 47% for IgA-ANCA and 36% for SIgA PR3-ANCA at the time of sampling for the present study. IgA and IgG PR3-ANCA were represented similarly among patients with different organ manifestations, i.e. upper airway, lung or kidney at time of sampling. However, SIgA PR3-ANCA was significantly less represented among patients with upper airway involvement. During active disease, the proportions of IgA PR3-ANCA and SIgA PR3-ANCA-positive patients were significantly higher compared to inactive disease. Eight patients were sampled prospectively during 24 months from onset of active disease. In these patients, IgA PR3-ANCA and SIgA PR3-ANCA turned negative more often after remission induction compared to IgG PR3-ANCA. Our findings suggest that serum IgA PR3-ANCA and SIgA PR3-ANCA are related more closely to disease activity in AAV compared to IgG PR3-ANCA. Further studies are required to reveal if this has implications for disease activity monitoring. The mean number of PR3-ANCA isotypes increased along with disease activity, suggesting a global B cell activation during active disease.
Implant stability and bone remodeling up to 84 days of implantation with an initial static strain. An in vivo and theoretical investigation
Authors: Halldin Anders , Jinno Yohei , Galli Silvia , Ander Mats , Jacobsson Magnus , Jimbo Ryo
Published: January 2016

Objectives

When implants are inserted, the initial implant stability is dependent on the mechanical stability. To increase the initial stability, it was hypothesized that bone condensation implants will enhance the mechanical stability initially and that the moderately rough surface will further contribute to the secondary stability by enhanced osseointegration. It was further hypothesized that as the healing progresses the difference in removal torque will diminish. In addition, a 3D model was developed to simulate the interfacial shear strength. This was converted to a theoretical removal torque that was compared to the removal torque obtained in vivo.

Material and methods

Condensation implants, inducing bone strains of 0.015, were installed into the left tibia of 24 rabbits. Non‐condensation implants were installed into the right tibia. All implants had a moderately rough surface. The implants had an implantation time of 7, 28, or 84 days before the removal torque was measured. The interfacial shear strength at different healing time was estimated by the means of finite element method.

Results

At 7 days of healing, the condensation implant had an increased removal torque compared to the non‐bone‐condensation implant. At 28 and 84 days of healing, there was no difference in removal torque. The simulated interfacial shear strength ratios of bone condensation implants at different implantation time were in line with the in vivo data.

Conclusions

Moderately rough implants that initially induce bone strain during installation have increased stability during the early healing period. In addition, the finite element method may be used to evaluate differences in interlocking capacity.
THE BEHAVIOR OF U.S. PUBLIC DEBT AND DEFICITS DURING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Dat , Suardi Sandy , Chua Chew Lian
Published: January 2016

In this paper we test the sustainability of U.S. public debt for the period 1916–2012 by analyzing how the primary surplus to gross domestic product (GDP) responds to changes in the debt to GDP ratio in a time‐varying parameter model. Further, we determine the stationarity property of the debt/GDP ratio while accommodating possible breaks in the data caused by wars and economic crisis under both the null and alternative hypotheses of an endogenous unit root test. The results show that the U.S. public debt was sustainable until 2005 when the primary surplus to GDP reacted negatively to the debt/income ratio. This is further exacerbated during the global financial crisis when primary surpluses continued to fall with increased debt, thus jeopardizing the sustainability of fiscal policy. While the stationarity test shows that the U.S. fiscal debt/GDP ratio is sustainable, it fails to highlight the risk that its debt policy has been becoming unsustainable in recent years. (JEL H62, E62, C2)
Biological sex and the risk of cerebral palsy in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Reid Susan M , Meehan Elaine , Gibson Catherine S , Scott Heather , Delacy Michael J ,   the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Group
Published: January 2016

Aim

Males typically outnumber females in cerebral palsy (CP) cohorts. To better understand this ‘male disadvantage’ and provide insight into causal pathways to CP, this study used 1983 to 2009 Australian CP and population birth cohorts to identify associations and trends with respect to biological sex and CP.

Method

Within birth gestation groups, sex ratios were calculated to evaluate any male excess in the CP cohort compared with livebirths, neonatal deaths, neonatal mortality and survival rates, neonatal survivors, and CP rates in survivors. Sex‐ and gestation‐specific trends in neonatal mortality, CP rates, and CP sex ratios were assessed by plotting their annual frequencies and fitting quadratic curves.

Results

Over‐representation of males in preterm live births partly explained the male excess in the CP cohort after preterm birth, especially at 28 to 31 weeks. Higher CP rates in male neonatal survivors also contributed to the male excess in CP, particularly at <28 and 37+ weeks. Higher neonatal mortality rates in males at all gestations had little impact on the CP sex ratio. There was no clearly discernible change over time in the CP sex ratio.

Interpretation

Gestation‐specific associations between sex and CP provide insight into causal pathways to CP and suggest sex‐specific differences in response to neuroprotective strategies.
The right ingredients in suit therapy?
Authors: Bailes Amy F
Published: January 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Martins et al. on pages 348–360 of this issue.
Global patterns of terrestrial assemblage turnover within and among land uses
Authors: Newbold Tim , Hudson Lawrence N. , Hill Samantha L. L. , Contu Sara , Gray Claudia L. , Scharlemann Jörn P. W. , Börger Luca , Phillips Helen R. P. , Sheil Douglas , Lysenko Igor , Purvis Andy
Published: January 2016

Land use has large effects on the diversity of ecological assemblages. Differences among land uses in the diversity of local assemblages (alpha diversity) have been quantified at a global scale. Effects on the turnover of species composition between locations (beta diversity) are less clear, with previous studies focusing on particular regions or groups of species. Using a global database on the composition of ecological assemblages in different land uses, we test for differences in the between‐site turnover of species composition, within and among land‐use types. Overall, we show a strong impact of land use on assemblage composition. While we find that compositional turnover within land uses does not differ strongly among land uses, human land uses and secondary vegetation in an early stage of recovery are poor at retaining the species that characterise primary vegetation. The dissimilarity of assemblages in human‐impacted habitats compared with primary vegetation was more pronounced in the tropical than temperate realm. An exploratory analysis suggests that this geographic difference might be caused primarily by differences in climate seasonality and in the numbers of species sampled. Taken together the results suggest that, while small‐scale beta diversity within land uses is not strongly impacted by land‐use type, compositional turnover between land uses is substantial. Therefore, land‐use change will lead to profound changes in the structure of ecological assemblages.
Acido‐ and neutrophilic temperate forest plants display distinct shifts in ecological pH niche across north‐western Europe
Authors: Reinecke J. , Wulf M. , Baeten L. , Brunet J. , Decocq G. , De Frenne P. , Diekmann M. , Graae B. J. , Heinken T. , Hermy M. , Jamoneau A. , Lenoir J. , Plue J. , Orczewska A. , Van Calster H. , Verheyen K. , Naaf T.
Published: January 2016

Ecological niches of organisms vary across geographical space, but niche shift patterns between regions and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We studied shifts in the pH niche of 42 temperate forest plant species across a latitudinal gradient from northern France to boreo‐nemoral Sweden. We asked 1) whether species restrict their niches with increasing latitude as they reach their northern range margin (environmental constraints); 2) whether species expand their niches with increasing latitude as regional plant species richness decreases (competitive release); and 3) whether species shift their niche position toward more acidic sites with increasing latitude as the relative proportion of acidic soils increases (local adaptation). Based on 1458 vegetation plots and corresponding soil pH values, we modelled species response curves using Huisman–Olff–Fresco models. Four niche measures (width, position, left and right border) were compared among regions by randomization tests. We found that with increasing latitude, neutrophilic species tended to retreat from acidic sites, indicating that these species retreat to more favorable sites when approaching their range margin. Alternatively, these species might benefit from enhanced nitrogen deposition on formerly nutrient‐poor, acidic sites in southern regions or lag behind in post‐glacial recolonization of potential habitats in northern regions. Most acidophilic species extended their niche toward more base‐rich sites with increasing latitude, indicating competitive release from neutrophilic species. Alternatively, acidophilic species might benefit from optimal climatic conditions in the north where some have their core distribution area. Shifts in the niche position suggested that local adaptation is of minor importance. We conclude that shifts in the pH niche of temperate forest plants are the rule, but the directions of the niche shifts and possible explanations vary. Our study demonstrates that differentiating between acidophilic and neutrophilic species is crucial to identify general patterns and underlying mechanisms.
Evolution of a pentameral body plan was not linked to translocation of anterior Hox genes: the echinoderm HOX cluster revisited
Authors: Byrne Maria , Martinez Pedro , Morris Valerie
Published: January 2016

Echinodermata is a large phylum of marine invertebrates characterized by an adult, pentameral body plan. This morphology is clearly derived as all members of Deuterostomia (the superphylum to which they belong) have a bilateral body plan. The origin of the pentameral plan has been the subject of intense debate. It is clear that the ancestor of Echinodermata had a bilateral plan but how this ancestor transformed its body “architecture” in such a drastic manner is not clear. Data from the fossil record and ontogeny are sparse and, so far, not very informative. The sequencing of the sea urchin genome a decade ago opened the possibility that the pentameral body plan was a consequence of a broken Hox cluster and a series of papers dwelt on the putative relationship between Hox gene arrangements in the chromosomes and the origin of pentamery. This relationship, sound as it was, is challenged by the revelation that the sea star HOX cluster is, in fact, intact, thus falsifying the hypothesis of a direct relationship between HOX cluster arrangement and the origin of the pentameral body plan. Here, we explore the relationship between Hox gene arrangements and echinoderm body “architecture,” the expression of Hox genes in development and alternative scenarios for the origin of pentamery, with putative roles for signaling centers in generating multiple axes.
Health and economic benefits of public financing of epilepsy treatment in India: An agent‐based simulation model
Authors: Megiddo Itamar , Colson Abigail , Chisholm Dan , Dua Tarun , Nandi Arindam , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: January 2016

Objective

An estimated 6–10 million people in India live with active epilepsy, and less than half are treated. We analyze the health and economic benefits of three scenarios of publicly financed national epilepsy programs that provide: (1) first‐line antiepilepsy drugs (AEDs), (2) first‐ and second‐line AEDs, and (3) first‐ and second‐line AEDs and surgery.

Methods

We model the prevalence and distribution of epilepsy in India using IndiaSim, an agent‐based, simulation model of the Indian population. Agents in the model are disease‐free or in one of three disease states: untreated with seizures, treated with seizures, and treated without seizures. Outcome measures include the proportion of the population that has epilepsy and is untreated, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted, and cost per DALY averted. Economic benefit measures estimated include out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenditure averted and money‐metric value of insurance.

Results

All three scenarios represent a cost‐effective use of resources and would avert 800,000–1 million DALYs per year in India relative to the current scenario. However, especially in poor regions and populations, scenario 1 (which publicly finances only first‐line therapy) does not decrease the OOP expenditure or provide financial risk protection if we include care‐seeking costs. The OOP expenditure averted increases from scenarios 1 through 3, and the money‐metric value of insurance follows a similar trend between scenarios and typically decreases with wealth. In the first 10 years of scenarios 2 and 3, households avert on average over US$80 million per year in medical expenditure.

Significance

Expanding and publicly financing epilepsy treatment in India averts substantial disease burden. A universal public finance policy that covers only first‐line AEDs may not provide significant financial risk protection. Covering costs for both first‐ and second‐line therapy and other medical costs alleviates the financial burden from epilepsy and is cost‐effective across wealth quintiles and in all Indian states.
“Mit trauervollem Blick”: The Time of Seeing and Lyric Subjectivity in Rainer Maria Rilke's “Orpheus. Eurydike. Hermes” and “Pietà”
Authors: Sorenson Alexander
Published: January 2016

In this paper, I analyze two poems from Rainer Maria Rilke's Neue Gedichte in which the act of seeing attains a poetic status, namely “Orpheus. Eurydike. Hermes” and “Pietà.” This ocular poeticity derives not merely from the visual features of the beheld objects, but more fundamentally from the temporal implications of seeing. In the crucial scene of “Orpheus. Eurydike. Hermes,” an instance of third‐person observation is recounted as narrative retrospection, while in “Pietà,” a first‐person observation is narrated in the moment as a subjective concatenation of temporal categories. These valences of the gaze are further traced in two artworks which are thought to have inspired the poems: a Roman bas‐relief depicting Orpheus, Hermes, and Eurydice, and Auguste Rodin's Le Christ et la Madeleine. In the poems and their statuary antecedents, it is not what is seen but rather the temporal substrate of seeing that indexes the gaze as variedly poetic, and consequently as intrinsic to subjectivity.