bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors driving the use of dermoscopy in Europe: a pan-European survey
Authors: Forsea A.M. , Tschandl P. , del Marmol V. , Zalaudek I. , Soyer H.P. ,   Eurodermoscopy Working Group, Geller A.C. , Argenziano G. , Arenbergerova M. , Azenha A. , Blum A. , Bowling J.C. , Braun R.P. , Bylaite-Bucinskiene M. , Čabrijan L. , Dobrev H. , Hegy J. , Helppikangas H. , Hofmann-Wellenhof R. , Karls R. , Krumkachou U. , Kukutsch N. , McCormack I. , Mekokishvili L. , Nathansohn N. , Nielsen K. , Olah J. , Özdemir F. , Puig S. , Rubegni P. , Planinsek Rucigaj T. , Schopf T.R. , Sergeev V. , Stratigos A. , Thomas L. , Tiodorovic D. , Vahlberg A. , Zafirovik Z.
Published: November 2016

Background

When used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clinicians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers. Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatologists use dermoscopy in everyday practice.

Objectives

To identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencing the use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe.

Methods

All registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited to complete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practice characteristics, dermoscopy training and self-confidence in dermoscopic skills, patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using dermoscopy and attitudes relating to dermoscopy utility.

Results

We collected 7480 valid answers, of which 89% reported use of dermoscopy. The main reasons for not using dermoscopy were lack of equipment (58% of nonusers) and lack of training (42%). Dermoscopy training during residency was reported by 41% of dermoscopy users and by 12% of nonusers (P < 0·001). Dermatologists working in public hospitals were the least likely to use dermoscopy. High use of dermoscopy across the spectrum of skin diseases was reported by 62% of dermoscopy users and was associated with dermoscopy training during residency, the use of polarized light and digital dermoscopy devices, longer dermoscopy practice, younger age and female gender.

Conclusions

Expanding access to dermoscopy equipment, especially in public healthcare facilities and establishing dermoscopy training during dermatology residency would further enhance the substantially high dermoscopy use across European countries.
Motivation, strategy, and English as a foreign language vocabulary learning: A structural equation modelling study
Authors: Zhang Yining , Lin Chin‐Hsi , Zhang Dongbo , Choi Yunjeong
Published: November 2016

Background

In spite of considerable advancements in our understanding of the different factors involved in achieving vocabulary‐learning success, the overall pattern and interrelationships of critical factors involved in L2 vocabulary learning – particularly, the mechanisms through which learners regulate their motivation and learning strategies – remain unclear.

Aims

This study examined L2 vocabulary learning, focusing on the joint influence of different motivational factors and learning strategies on the vocabulary breadth of adolescent learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in China.

Sample

The participants were 107 tenth graders (68 females, 39 males) in China.

Methods

The data were collected via two questionnaires, one assessing students' motivation towards English‐vocabulary learning and the other their English vocabulary‐learning strategies, along with a test measuring vocabulary breadth.

Results

Structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that learning strategy partially mediated the relationship between motivation (i.e., a composite score of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) and vocabulary learning. Separate SEM analyses for intrinsic (IM) and extrinsic motivation (EM) revealed that there were significant and positive direct and indirect effects of IM on vocabulary knowledge; and while EM's direct effect over and above that of learning strategies did not achieve significance, its indirect effect was significant and positive.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that vocabulary‐learning strategies mediate the relationship between motivation and vocabulary knowledge. In addition, IM may have a greater influence on vocabulary learning in foreign‐language contexts.
Megakaryocytes from CYCS mutation‐associated thrombocytopenia release platelets by both proplatelet‐dependent and ‐independent processes
Authors: Ong Lily , Morison Ian M. , Ledgerwood Elizabeth C.
Published: November 2016

Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg is a rare autosomal dominant disorder and one of three thrombocytopenias caused by mutation of cytochrome c (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man entry THC4). Our previous observations of platelet‐like structures in the marrow space and early platelet production in vitro suggested that the low platelet phenotype in Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects is caused by premature release of platelets into non‐vascular regions of the bone marrow. We now show that two processes of platelet release occur in Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects. Circulating platelets have a normal marginal microtubule coil, and cultured megakaryocytes derived from peripheral blood cells of Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects form proplatelets normally and release platelets containing a marginal microtubule coil, consistent with effective platelet release via the proplatelet mechanism. In contrast, platelet‐like structures within the extravascular bone marrow space have the dimensions of platelets but lack the marginal microtubule coil, suggesting abnormal proplatelet‐independent platelet release. The mechanism of extravascular platelet release remains unclear. The failure to recapitulate this mechanism in vitro implies that the phenotype is not simply an intrinsic property of CYCS mutation‐carrying megakaryocytes, but is dependent on the interaction between these cells and their environment.
Contract Innovation in Germany: An Economic Evaluation of Pacts for Employment and Competitiveness
Authors: Addison John T. , Teixeira Paulino , Evers Katalin , Bellmann Lutz
Published: November 2016

Pacts for employment and competitiveness are an integral component of the ongoing process of decentralization of collective bargaining in Germany, a phenomenon that has been hailed as key to that nation's economic resurgence. Yet little is known about the effects of pacts on firm performance. The evidence largely pertains to employment and is decidedly mixed. This article investigates the association between pacts and six outcome indicators using a framework in which the controls comprise establishments that negotiated over pacts but failed to reach agreement on their implementation. An extensive set of robustness checks are run to test the sensitivity of the key findings of the model. There is no suggestion of pacts negatively impacting any of the selected measures of establishment performance. Rather, the evidence points to some positive short‐ and medium‐run effects on firm average wages and possibly employment and innovation as well.
Prostatic urethral lift vs transurethral resection of the prostate: 2‐year results of the BPH6 prospective, multicentre, randomized study
Authors: Gratzke Christian , Barber Neil , Speakman Mark J. , Berges Richard , Wetterauer Ulrich , Greene Damien , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Chapple Christopher R. , Patterson Jacob M. , Fahrenkrug Lasse , Schoenthaler Martin , Sonksen Jens
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To compare prostatic urethral lift (PUL) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with regard to symptoms, recovery experience, sexual function, continence, safety, quality of life, sleep and overall patient perception.

Patients and Methods

A total of 80 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled, non‐blinded study conducted at 10 European centres. The BPH6 responder endpoint assessed symptom relief, quality of recovery, erectile function preservation, ejaculatory function preservation, continence preservation and safety. Additional evaluations of patient perspective, quality of life and sleep were prospectively collected, analysed and presented for the first time.

Results

Significant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life (QoL), BPH Impact Index (BPHII), and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) were observed in both arms throughout the 2‐year follow up. Change in IPSS and Qmax in the TURP arm were superior to the PUL arm. Improvements in IPSS QoL and BPHII score were not statistically different between the study arms. PUL resulted in superior quality of recovery, ejaculatory function preservation and performance on the composite BPH6 index. Ejaculatory function bother scores did not change significantly in either treatment arm. TURP significantly compromised continence function at 2 weeks and 3 months. Only PUL resulted in statistically significant improvement in sleep.

Conclusion

PUL was compared to TURP in a randomised, controlled study which further characterized both modalities so that care providers and patients can better understand the net benefit when selecting a treatment option.
SECULAR MEAN REVERSION AND LONG‐RUN PREDICTABILITY OF THE STOCK MARKET
Authors: Zakamulin Valeriy
Published: November 2016

The empirical financial literature reports evidence of mean reversion in stock prices and the absence of out‐of‐sample return predictability over horizons shorter than 10 years. Anecdotal evidence suggests the presence of mean reversion in stock prices and return predictability over horizons longer than 10 years, but thus far, there is no empirical evidence confirming such anecdotal evidence. The goal of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature. Specifically, using 141 years of data, this paper begins by performing formal tests of the random walk hypothesis in the prices of the real S&P Composite Index over increasing time horizons of up to 40 years. Although our results cannot support the conventional wisdom that the stock market is safer for long‐term investors, our findings speak in favor of the mean reversion hypothesis. In particular, we find statistically significant in‐sample evidence that past 15‐17 year returns are able to predict the future 15‐17 year returns. This finding is robust to the choice of data source, deflator, and test statistic. The paper continues by investigating the out‐of‐sample performance of long‐horizon return forecasting based on the mean‐reverting model. These latter tests demonstrate that the forecast accuracy provided by the mean‐reverting model is statistically significantly better than the forecast accuracy provided by the naive historical‐mean model. Moreover, we show that the predictive ability of the mean‐reverting model is economically significant and translates into substantial performance gains.
Microglia show altered morphology and reduced arborization in human brain during aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Davies Danielle S. , Ma Jolande , Jegathees Thuvarahan , Goldsbury Claire
Published: November 2016

Changes in microglia function are involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) for which ageing is the major risk factor. We evaluated microglial cell process morphologies and their gray matter coverage (arborized area) during ageing and in the presence and absence of AD pathology in autopsied human neocortex. Microglial cell processes were reduced in length, showed less branching and reduced arborized area with aging (case range 52–98 years). This occurred during normal ageing and without microglia dystrophy or changes in cell density. There was a larger reduction in process length and arborized area in AD compared to aged‐matched control microglia. In AD cases, on average, 49%–64% of microglia had discontinuous and/or punctate Iba1 labeled processes instead of continuous Iba1 distribution. Up to 16% of aged‐matched control microglia displayed discontinuous or punctate features. There was no change in the density of microglial cell bodies in gray matter during ageing or AD. This demonstrates that human microglia show progressive cell process retraction without cell loss during ageing. Additional changes in microglia occur with AD including Iba1 protein puncta and discontinuity. We suggest that reduced microglial arborized area may be an aging‐related correlate of AD in humans. These variations in microglial cells during ageing and in AD could reflect changes in neural‐glial interactions which are emerging as key to mechanisms involved in ageing and neurodegenerative disease.
A novel assay to assess the effect of pharmaceutical compounds on the differentiation of podocytes
Authors: Kindt Frances , Hammer Elke , Kemnitz Stefan , Blumenthal Antje , Klemm Paul , Schlüter Rabea , Quaggin Susan E , van den Brandt Jens , Fuellen Georg , Völker Uwe , Endlich Karlhans , Endlich Nicole
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose

Therapeutic options for treating glomerulopathies, the main cause of chronic kidney disease, are limited. Podocyte dedifferentiation is a major event in the pathogenesis of glomerulopathies. The goal of the present study was, therefore, to develop an assay to monitor podocyte differentiation suitable for compound screening.

Experimental Approach

We isolated and cultured glomeruli from transgenic mice, expressing cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) under the control of the promoter of nephrin, a marker of podocyte differentiation. Mean CFP fluorescence intensity per glomerulus (MFG) was determined by summation of all glomerular voxels from confocal z‐stacks in the absence and presence of pharmaceutical compounds.

Key Results

In untreated cultured glomeruli, MFG remained fairly stable during the first 5 days, when foot processes were already effaced, and the level of many podocyte‐specific proteins was only mildly affected, as revealed by proteomics. Between day 6 and 9, MFG decreased to almost zero. The decrease in MFG was paralleled by a decrease in CFP and nephrin expression, as determined by RT‐PCR, western blots and proteomics. Puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN), which damages podocytes, concentration‐dependently induced a complete loss of MFG. Dexamethasone (25 μM) and pioglitazone (10 μM) markedly attenuated the effect of 0.6 μg·mL−1 PAN on MFG.

Conclusion and Implications

In summary, we established a novel assay to assess the effect of pharmaceutical compounds on the differentiation of podocytes in situ. Our assay is suitable for compound screening to identify drugs for the treatment of glomerulopathies.
Afzelin ameliorates D‐galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide‐induced fulminant hepatic failure by modulating mitochondrial quality control and dynamics
Authors: Lee Sang‐Bin , Kang Jung‐Woo , Kim So‐Jin , Ahn Jongmin , Kim Jinwoong , Lee Sun‐Mee
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a fatal clinical syndrome that results in excessive inflammation and hepatocyte death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be a possible mechanism of FHF. Afzelin, a flavonol glycoside found in Houttuynia cordata Thunberg, has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study elucidated the cytoprotective mechanisms of afzelin against D‐galactosamine (GalN)/LPS induced FHF, particularly focusing on mitochondrial quality control and dynamics.

Experimental Approach

Mice were administered afzelin i.p. 1 h before receiving GalN (800 mg·kg−1)/LPS (40 μg·kg−1), and they were then killed 5 h after GalN/LPS treatment.

Key Results

Afzelin improved the survival rate and reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in GalN/LPS‐treated mice. Afzelin attenuated the mitochondrial damage, as indicated by diminished mitochondrial swelling and mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase activity in GalN/LPS‐treated mice. Afzelin enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, as indicated by increased levels of PPAR‐γ coactivator 1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A. Afzelin also decreased the level of mitophagy‐related proteins, parkin and PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1. Furthermore, while GalN/LPS significantly increased the level of fission‐related protein, dynamin‐related protein 1, and decreased the level of fusion‐related protein, mitofusin 2; these effects were attenuated by afzelin.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings demonstrated that afzelin protects against GalN/LPS‐induced liver injury by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, suppressing excessive mitophagy and balancing mitochondrial dynamics.
Flower‐visiting bat species contribute unequally toward agricultural pollination ecosystem services in southern Thailand
Authors: Stewart Alyssa B. , Dudash Michele R.
Published: November 2016

The large majority of angiosperm species depend on animals for pollination, including many agricultural crops, and plant‐pollinator interactions have been extensively studied. However, not all floral visitors actually transfer pollen, and efforts to distinguish true pollinators from mere visitors are particularly scarce among the bat pollination literature. To determine whether Old World bat species are equally effective pollinators in mixed‐agricultural areas of southern Thailand, we examined six night‐blooming plant taxa and quantified pollinator importance (PI) of seven common nectarivorous bat species. PI was calculated as the product of nightly bat visitation rate (obtained from mist‐netting data) and pollen transfer efficiency (estimated from bat pollen loads). We found that PI varied by both bat species and plant species. In general, the nectar‐specialist bat species were more important pollinators, yet their order of importance differed across our focal plant species. In addition, PI was dictated more by pollen transfer effectiveness than visitation rate. Our findings highlight the importance of Old World bat pollinators within southern Thailand's mixed‐agricultural landscape and illustrate how seemingly similar floral visitors can have very different contributions toward plant pollination success.
Affective Parenting Behaviors, Adolescent Depression, and Brain Development: A Review of Findings From the Orygen Adolescent Development Study
Authors: Schwartz Orli S. , Simmons Julian G. , Whittle Sarah , Byrne Michelle L. , Yap Marie B. H. , Sheeber Lisa B. , Allen Nicholas B.
Published: November 2016

Parenting plays a multifaceted role in adolescent development. In this article, we review studies based on an observational assessment of affective parenting behaviors collected as part of the longitudinal Orygen Adolescent Development Study and explore three ways that parenting may predict adolescent‐onset depression. Specifically, we review findings that observed affective parental behaviors prospectively predict depressive symptoms and the onset of depressive disorder, predict adolescent depression indirectly via emotion regulation, and interact with brain development to predict adolescent depression. Parents who express higher frequencies of aggression or lower frequencies of positivity, or who are more likely to respond negatively to their adolescents’ positive and aggressive behaviors, tend to have adolescents at greater risk for depression and suboptimal brain development. Accounting for the direct, indirect, and moderating effects of parenting may enable us to characterize more accurately the trajectories of adolescent development, which can inform prevention and early intervention efforts.
Longitudinal Changes in Social Brain Development: Processing Outcomes for Friend and Self
Authors: Braams Barbara R. , Crone Eveline A.
Published: November 2016

Adolescence is an important time for social development during which friendships become more intimate and complex. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study we tested how outcomes for friends are processed on the neural level across adolescence. Participants between 8 and 27 years of age were tested twice with a 2‐year difference between the first (N = 299) and second (N = 254) time points. Participants performed a task in which they could win and lose money for themselves and their best friend. Mixed linear models revealed a linear decrease in activity in social brain regions for friend > self over development. These results confirm changes in the social brain network across adolescent development, we further show that individual differences are related to these neural changes.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of the atraumatic restorative treatment‐based approach to managing early childhood caries
Authors: Tonmukayakul Utsana , Arrow Peter
Published: November 2016

Objective

Paediatric dental care under general anaesthesia among preschool children in Western Australia is increasing and costly. This study assessed cost‐effectiveness of the atraumatic restorative treatment‐based (ART‐based) approach against the standard care (SC) approach to managing early childhood caries in a primary care setting based on a 1‐year pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Cost‐effectiveness analysis, from the service provider perspective, was conducted. Outcomes include number of referral to specialists and dental treatments. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to test the robustness of the cost‐effectiveness estimates.

Results

Six children in theART‐based group and 62 children in theSCgroup (n= 127 each group) were referred for paediatric dental specialist care. Children in theART‐based group received more dental services than those allocated to theSCgroup (mean = 3.8,SD2.0 and mean = 1.8,SD1.8, respectively, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test,P< 0.01). Total costs of theART‐based approach and theSCgroup were $137 860 and $178 217, respectively. Based on probabilistic sensitivity analysis, $654 was saved per referral to specialist avoided and $36 was saved per additional dental treatment. The probability that theART‐based approach is cost‐saving was 63%. Specialist dental treatment fees had a big impact on the cost‐effectiveness estimates.

Conclusion

TheART‐based approach appears to be a worthwhile intervention because it resulted in fewer referred cases and enabled more treatments to be provided with cost‐savings.
The effect of intranasal sodium citrate on olfaction in post‐infectious loss: results from a prospective, placebo‐controlled trial in 49 patients
Authors: Whitcroft K.L. , Ezzat M. , Cuevas M. , Andrews P. , Hummel T.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Free calcium plays an integral role in peripheral olfactory processing, including feedback inhibition. It has therefore been suggested that reduction of intranasal free calcium with buffer solutions such as sodium citrate may improve olfactory function in patients with smell impairment. Several previous studies have supported this hypothesis, particularly in post‐infectious olfactory loss. We therefore aimed to determine whether treatment with intranasal sodium citrate improves olfactory function in patients with post‐infectious impairment.

Design

Prospective, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Interdisciplinary Smell and Taste Clinic, TU Dresden (tertiary referral centre).

Participants

Forty‐nine adult participants with post‐infectious olfactory impairment (M : F = 11 : 38, mean age 58.71 ± 11.03 years).

Main outcome measures

Olfactory function (odour threshold and identification) before and after treatment as determined using “Sniffin' Sticks”. Patients were treated monorhinally with 1 mL sodium citrate solution. The contralateral nasal cavity was treated with 1 mL physiological sodium chloride solution, which acted as internal control. Clinical improvement was assumed where threshold or identification score increased by ≥2.5 or 3 points, respectively, or ≥5.5 points together.

Results

We demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in composite threshold + identification scores following treatment with sodium citrate, compared with placebo. This was true for all patients (mean improvement 0.87 ± 2.68 points, P = 0.04), and on subgroup analysis in those with hyposmia (mean improvement 1.15 ± 2.37 points, P = 0.02). However, the effect size did not reach clinical significance.

Conclusions

Further basic and clinical work is required to fully delineate the effect of intranasal sodium citrate in the treatment of post‐infectious olfactory loss.
Newborn hearing screening in prematurity: fate of screening failures and auditory maturation
Authors: Yang H.C. , Sung C.M. , Shin D.J. , Cho Y.B. , Jang C.H. , Cho H.‐H.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify delayed auditory maturation and the fate of premature infants who failed the newborn hearing screening (NHS) in neonatal intensive care unit.

Materials and methods

A total of 1375 neonates underwent NHS using the transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) in a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2010 according to the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing guidelines. In addition, a structured telephone survey was given to caregivers of infants who were lost to follow‐up NHS. Auditory steady‐state response (ASSR) threshold and the threshold change in diagnostic test failures were analysed.

Result

Among the 1375 NICU babies, 344 (25.0%) babies, 111 (9.7%) babies and 64 (4.6%) babies failed to pass the first TEOAE, second TEOAE and diagnostic ASSR, respectively. However, at the age of about 5 years, 12 (0.9%) infants showed permanent hearing loss (PHL). The ASSR threshold improved from 69.0 ± 19.7 dB to 52.9 ± 21.6 dB in <4 months (P < 0.001). Premature infants of <29 weeks of gestational age at birth showed higher referral (P = 0.003) rate at the first OAE test compared to the others, and the difference continued until the last follow‐up. The odds ratio for the initial ASSR threshold >67.5 dB for PHL was 9.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–46.7).

Conclusion

Most of first TEOAE screening failures (91.3%) showed normal hearing and speech development. Hearing levels in premature infants can improve over time, particularly in neonates with initial ASSR threshold <67.5 dB.
Significance of epidermal mitoses in challenging melanocytic proliferations
Authors: Minca Eugen C. , Billings Steven D. , Elson Paul , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Andea Aleodor A. , Ko Jennifer S.
Published: November 2016

Background

Accurate diagnosis of melanoma remains histologically challenging. Dermal mitoses support malignancy, but are only occasionally seen in melanomas. As melanomagenesis is thought to begin at the dermal‐epidermal junction, we investigated the significance of epidermal melanocytic mitoses (EMM) in a spectrum of lesions with molecular characterization.

Methods

Epidermal mitoses density (EMD) was evaluated in 46 straightforward lesions (24 benign and 22 malignant) and 30 challenging lesions with expert interpretation, fluorescence in situ hybridization and myPath‐score characterization (12 favor‐benign, 9 favor‐malignant and 9 ambiguous). EMD was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and myPath.

Results

In straightforward cases, 25% nevi and 77% melanomas had EM. Median EMD was significantly lower in nevi vs. melanomas (0/mm vs. 0.04/mm, p = 0.001). EMD (0.01/mm‐cutoff) had 77% sensitivity, 79% specificity discriminating melanomas from nevi. In challenging cases, 17% favor‐benign, 67% favor‐malignant and 78% ambiguous lesions had EM. EMD (0.01/mm‐cutoff) had 67% sensitivity, 82% specificity on 21 non‐ambiguous lesions, similar to myPath. EMD was less accurate in Spitzoid lesions, which have high EMD and dermal mitoses.

Conclusion

While EMD is not an adequate single criterion in diagnosing melanoma, our results validate its discriminatory potential, suggesting that EM should prompt closer investigation for malignancy. Expanded studies with clinical follow up are warranted to further assess the EM utility in classifying melanocytic lesions.
Changing Comparative Advantage, Real Exchange Rate Impact and Sino–Japanese Trade Fluctuations
Authors: Qiu Bin , Wu Feifei , Tang Baoqing , Liu Xiuyan
Published: November 2016

China, as an important source country in the global value chain, especially in the East Asian production networks, has exerted significant influence on Sino–Japanese trade fluctuations. This paper explores the real factors that lead to the fluctuations in Sino–Japanese trade. Using the Hodrick–Prescott filter technique and OECD–WTO Statistics on Trade in Value Added from 1995 to 2011, the impact of the changing comparative advantage between the two countries is also examined. The empirical results indicate that determinants of the fluctuations in Sino–Japapese trade include changing comparative advantages, the volatility of the real exchange rate and quite a few external shocks. Some policy suggestions are put forward in regards to the stability of trade between the two countries.
China's Anti‐dumping Problems and Mitigation through Regional Trade Agreements
Authors: Sun Yanlin , Whalley John
Published: November 2016

The present paper explores the opportunities for China's regional trade agreement (RTA) initiatives to mitigate its anti‐dumping problems. The paper highlights the severity and discriminatory nature of China's anti‐dumping problems. The high concentration of the share of anti‐dumping actions taken by the top 4 and top 8 anti‐dumping initiators is noted. Our finding of a weak effect of existing RTAs on mitigating China's anti‐dumping problems supports the argument that China could become more active in mitigating anti‐dumping problems through RTA negotiations. An RTA can include a higher level of openness in exchange for an improvement in regional anti‐dumping provisions. Case studies on RTAs involving the EU, the USA and India offer some precedents for offering inducements and modifying regional anti‐dumping provisions. The approaches for China may lie in obtaining market economy status from intensive anti‐dumping initiators at RTA levels and also altering regional anti‐dumping provisions that could be put in place in exchange for some potential concessions.
Change in pain status in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Christensen Rhandi , MacIntosh Alexander , Switzer Lauren , Fehlings Darcy
Published: November 2016

Aim

To identify factors associated with a change in pain over time in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Pain was assessed at two time‐points by physicians and caregiver‐rated Health Utilities Index 3 (HUI3) pain scores.

Results

One hundred and forty‐eight children out of 179 approached from outpatient clinics (83% response; 104 males, 44 females mean age 8y 8mo, range 3y–16y) across all Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels were included. Fifty‐five percent had changes in caregiver‐reported HUI3 pain. A backward stepwise multiple linear regression retained HUI3 pain score at visit 1 and GMFCS level (F[2,144]=23.40, R2=0.35; p<0.001) as variables associated with a change in pain status (HUI3 pain at visit 1: β=0.61, p<0.001; GMFCS level: β=−0.17, p<0.015). The association between HUI3 pain at visit 1 and GMFCS level was significant (β=−0.15, p<0.036). There was an association between pain etiology and pain trajectory (F[3,144]=5.39, p=0.002). Post‐hoc testing revealed musculoskeletal pain had the greatest improvements compared with the no pain group (p=0.006).

Interpretation

Children with CP with more severe initial pain and higher gross motor function have lower pain at follow‐up indicating an improvement in pain status over time.
Sustained influence of metformin therapy on circulating glucagon‐like peptide‐1 levels in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Preiss David , Dawed Adem , Welsh Paul , Heggie Alison , Jones Angus G. , Dekker Jacqueline , Koivula Robert , Hansen Tue H. , Stewart Caitlin , Holman Rury R. , Franks Paul W. , Walker Mark , Pearson Ewan R. , Sattar Naveed ,   the DIRECT consortium group
Published: November 2016

Aims

To investigate, in the Carotid Atherosclerosis: Metformin for Insulin Resistance (CAMERA) trial (NCT00723307), whether the influence of metformin on the glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 axis in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is sustained and related to changes in glycaemia or weight, and to investigate basal and post‐meal GLP‐1 levels in patients with T2DM in the cross‐sectional Diabetes Research on Patient Stratification (DIRECT) study.

Materials and methods

CAMERA was a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial of metformin in 173 participants without diabetes. Using 6‐monthly fasted total GLP‐1 levels over 18 months, we evaluated metformin's effect on total GLP‐1 with repeated‐measures analysis and analysis of covariance. In the DIRECT study, we examined active and total fasting and 60‐minute post‐meal GLP‐1 levels in 775 people recently diagnosed with T2DM treated with metformin or diet, using Student's t‐tests and linear regression.

Results

In CAMERA, metformin increased total GLP‐1 at 6 (+20.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7‐39.0), 12 (+26.7%, 95% CI 10.3‐45.6) and 18 months (+18.7%, 95% CI 3.8‐35.7), an overall increase of 23.4% (95% CI 11.2‐36.9;
P
< .0001) vs placebo. Adjustment for changes in glycaemia and adiposity, individually or combined, did not attenuate this effect. In the DIRECT study, metformin was associated with higher fasting active (39.1%, 95% CI 21.3‐56.4) and total GLP‐1 (14.1%, 95% CI 1.2‐25.9) but not post‐meal incremental GLP‐1. These changes were independent of potential confounders including age, sex, adiposity and glycated haemoglobin.

Conclusions

In people without diabetes, metformin increases total GLP‐1 in a sustained manner and independently of changes in weight or glycaemia. Metformin‐treated patients with T2DM also have higher fasted GLP‐1 levels, independently of weight and glycaemia.
Pareto and the Upper Tail of the Income Distribution in the UK: 1799 to the Present
Authors: Atkinson A. B.
Published: November 2016

The Pareto distribution has long been a source of fascination to economists, and the Pareto coefficient is widely used, in theoretical and empirical studies, as a summary of the degree of concentration of top incomes. This paper examines the empirical evidence from income tax data concerning top incomes in theUK, contrasting the dramatic changes that took place in the twentieth century, after 1918, with the much more modest changes in the preceding nineteenth century. Probing beneath the surface, the paper identifies a number of features of the evolution of theUKincome inequality that warrant closer attention. These include the changing shape of the upper tail, where there is a link with Pareto's theory of elites, the need for a richer functional form to describe top incomes, and the limited evidence at the top of the distribution for a Kuznets curve in nineteenth century Britain.
Pentraxin 3 in patients with severe sepsis or shock: the ALBIOS trial
Authors: Caironi Pietro , Masson Serge , Mauri Tommaso , Bottazzi Barbara , Leone Roberto , Magnoli Michela , Barlera Simona , Mamprin Filippo , Fedele Andrea , Mantovani Alberto , Tognoni Gianni , Pesenti Antonio , Gattinoni Luciano , Latini Roberto ,   the ALBIOS Biomarkers Study Investigators
Published: November 2016

Background

The long pentraxin PTX3 is a key component of the humoral arm of innate immunity related to sepsis severity and mortality. We evaluated the clinical and prognostic significance of circulating PTX3 in the largest cohort ever reported of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Materials and methods

Plasma PTX3 was measured on days 1, 2 and 7 after randomization of 958 patients to albumin or crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in the multicentre Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial. We tested the association of PTX3 and its changes over time with clinical severity, prevalent and incident organ dysfunctions, 90‐day mortality and treatment.

Results

PTX3 was high at baseline (72 [33–186] ng/mL) and rose with the severity and number of organ dysfunctions (P < 0·001) and the incidence of subsequent new failures. The PTX3 concentration dropped from day 1 to 7, but this decrease was less pronounced in patients with septic shock (P = 0·0004). Higher concentrations of PTX3 on day 1 predicted incident organ dysfunctions. Albumin supplementation was associated with lower levels of PTX3 in patients with septic shock (P = 0·005) but not in those without shock. In a fully adjusted multivariable model, PTX3 on day 7 predicted 90‐day mortality. Smaller drops in PTX3 predicted higher 90‐day mortality.

Conclusions

In severe sepsis and septic shock, early high PTX3 predict subsequent new organ failures, while a smaller drop in circulating PTX3 over time predicts an increased risk of death. Patients with septic shock show lower levels of PTX3 when assigned to albumin than to crystalloids.
I AM IMMORTAL
Authors: Trezzi Riccardo
Published: November 2016

I suggest a model to forecast life expectancy based on the electrocardiogram signal. I show how the heart electrical activity can be decomposed in the state‐space and that the suggested model has superior out‐of‐sample properties compared to a set of alternatives. When the model is used to forecast my own electrocardiogram, a striking result arises: the n‐step ahead forecast remains bounded and positive even after one googol period. Therefore, my life expectancy tends to infinity implying that I am immortal. (JEL I10, I19)
INTERMEDIATE INFORMATION, LOSS AVERSION, AND EFFORT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Schneemann Sandra , Deutscher Christian
Published: November 2016

The present article empirically explores the impact of intermediate information on contestants' effort. Data involving substituted soccer players of the German Bundesliga indicate only weak evidence of a negative effect of ex ante heterogeneity on effort; in contrast, intermediate information, measured by goal difference at the time of substitution, significantly affects effort. Players exert the greatest effort when their team is leading by one goal and reduce their effort when it is trailing. When intermediate information suggests the contest is already decided, players from both teams reduce effort. This behavior is in line with loss aversion, such that players weight potential losses more than potential gains and adjust their effort accordingly. (JEL Z22, J41, M54)
Are behavioural responses to predation cues linked across life cycle stages?
Authors: ANDRADE MATEUS R. , ALBENY‐SIMÕES DANIEL , BREAUX JENNIFER A. , JULIANO STEVEN A. , LIMA ERALDO
Published: November 2016

1. Prey organisms can perceive cues to predation hazard and adopt low‐risk behaviours to increase survival. Animals with complex life cycles, such as insects, can exhibit such anti‐predatory behaviours in multiple life stages.

2. Cues to predation risk may induce ovipositing females to choose habitats with low predation risk. Cues to predation risk may also induce larvae to adopt facultative behaviours that reduce risk of predation.

3. One hypothesis postulates that anti‐predation behaviours across adult and larval stages may be negatively associated because selection for effective anti‐predator behaviour in one stage leads to reduced selection for avoidance of predators in other stages. An alternative hypothesis suggests that selection by predation favours multi‐component defences, with both avoidance of oviposition and facultative adoption of low‐risk behaviours by larvae.

4. Laboratory and field experiments were used to determine whether defensive responses of adult and larval mosquitoes are positively or negatively associated. The study tested effects of waterborne cues from predatoryToxorhynchites theobaldion oviposition choices and larval behaviours of three of its common prey:Culex mollis,Limatus durhamiiandAedes albopictus.

5.Culex mollisshows strong anti‐predator responses in both life stages, consistent with the hypothesis of a multi‐component behavioural defence. The other two species showed no detectable responses to waterborne predator cues in either adult or larval stages. Larvae of these unresponsive species were significantly more vulnerable to this predator than wasC. mollis.

6. For these mosquitoes, species appear either to have been selected for multi‐component defences against predation or to act in ways that could be called predator‐naïve.
Host genotype–endosymbiont associations and their relationship with aphid parasitism at the field level
Authors: ZEPEDA‐PAULO FRANCISCA , VILLEGAS CINTHYA , LAVANDERO BLAS
Published: November 2016

1. The relationship between endosymbionts and insects represent complex eco‐evolutionary interactions. Vertically transmitted endosymbionts can be a source of evolutionary novelty by conferring ecologically important traits to their insect hosts, such as protection against natural enemies. Host–endosymbiont associations could constitute an adaptive complex (holobiont) on which selective pressures present in the environment can act, being transferred to the next generation.

2. Although several laboratory‐based studies have confirmed host genotype × symbiont interactions, few studies have been directed at those associations in the natural populations and their ability to protect themselves from parasitism pressure at the field level.

3. A field‐based approach to study the aphid genotype–endosymbiont associations and its relationship with the total parasitism in the grain aphid Sitobion avenae was conducted. From the field study, experiments were carried out to study the defensive effect of the two most common facultative endosymbionts (Regiella insecticola and Hamiltonella defensa) present in S. avenae against one of the most important parasitoid species, Aphidius ervi.

4. Evidence is presented here of a high specificity of the aphid clone–endosymbiont associations in the field; however, the field and experimental results here do not support a relationship between the aphid clone–endosymbiont associations and a proxy of total parasitism in S. avenae. These findings highlight the importance of particular host clone–endosymbiont couplings as a key factor in gaining an understanding of the coevolutionary dynamics of endosymbionts in nature and their effect on the invasive potential of pest insects.
Concomitant MDS with isolated 5q deletion and MGUS: case report and review of molecular aspects
Authors: Nolte Florian , Mossner Maximilian , Jann Johann‐Christoph , Nowak Daniel , Boch Tobias , Müller Nadine Zoe , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Metzgeroth Georgia
Published: November 2016

Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have a higher risk for the development of concomitant primary cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report the case of patient initially suffering from MGUS of the IgG lambda subtype for more than 10 yr, which evolved to MM and MDS with deletion (5q) with severe pancytopenia. Due to pancytopenia, he received dose‐reduced treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. He achieved an ongoing transfusion independency after about 1 month of treatment. Bone marrow taken 14 months after start of treatment showed a complete cytogenetic response of the del(5q) clone and a plasma cell infiltration below 5%. In contrast to the development of MM in MGUS patients, the subsequent occurrence of MDS after diagnosis of MGUS is infrequent. Moreover, the biological association of MDS with MGUS is not sufficiently understood, but the non‐treatment‐related occurrence supports the pathogenetic role of pre‐existing alterations of stem cells. Here, we summarize data on concomitant MDS and MGUS/MM with particular emphasis on molecular aspects.
Decision‐making in chronic ecstasy users: a systematic review
Authors: Betzler Felix , Viohl Leonard , Romanczuk‐Seiferth Nina
Published: November 2016

Different cognitive impairments have been reported as a result of long‐term MDMA/ecstasy use. Increased impulsivity and altered decision‐making have been shown to be associated with the development and maintenance of addictive disorders pointing toward the necessity to understand a potential impairment of decision‐making due to MDMA use. Thus, assessing the long‐term effects of MDMA is crucial in order to evaluate its controversially discussed therapeutic use. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the scientific literature on potential effects of chronic MDMA use on higher order decision‐making processes in humans. Therefore, a systematic search for controlled trials relevant to the topic has been performed. Only studies using specific tasks on decision‐making were included that involved subjects in the drug‐free interval with drug‐naïve, and/or polydrug control groups. A total of 12 studies could be identified that met the inclusion criteria, all of which were cross‐sectional studies. The findings on decision‐making disturbances in MDMA users were heterogeneous. Seven studies reported increased risky decisions, whereas five studies did not find MDMA‐specific influences on decision‐making. Increased impulsivity was observed both in MDMA groups and in (poly)drug control groups in almost all studies. Thus, the current state of research does not allow for the conclusion that long‐term use of MDMA affects decision‐making behavior in general. More detailed specifications as well as further investigations of the relevant processes are needed. Significant tendencies toward risky decision‐making among long‐term MDMA use have been observed, but need to be confirmed by studies using a longitudinal design.
Prevalence of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people <30 years of age—A population‐based study in Norway
Authors: Syvertsen Marte , Hellum Morten Kristoffer , Hansen Gunnar , Edland Astrid , Nakken Karl Otto , Selmer Kaja Kristine , Koht Jeanette
Published: November 2016

Objective

Despite juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) being considered one of the most common epilepsies, population‐based prevalence studies of JME are lacking. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of JME in a Norwegian county, using updated diagnostic criteria.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study, based on reviews of the medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy at Drammen Hospital in the period 1999–2013. The study population consisted of 98,152 people <30 years of age. Subjects diagnosed with JME, unspecified genetic generalized epilepsy, or absence epilepsy were identified. All of these patients were contacted and asked specifically about myoclonic jerks. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and medical records were reevaluated for those who confirmed myoclonic jerks. Information about seizure onset was obtained from the medical records, and annual frequency of new cases was estimated.

Results

A total of 55 subjects fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for JME. The point prevalence was estimated at 5.6/10,000. JME constituted 9.3% of all epilepsies in the age group we investigated. Of subjects diagnosed with either unspecified genetic generalized epilepsy or absence epilepsy, 21% and 12%, respectively, had JME. We identified 21 subjects with JME (38%) who had not been diagnosed previously. Six subjects (11%) had childhood absence epilepsy evolving into JME. Between 2009 and 2013, the average frequency of JME per 100,000 people of all ages per year was estimated at 1.7.

Significance

A substantial portion of people with JME seem to go undiagnosed, as was the case for more than one third of the subjects in this study. By investigating subjects diagnosed with unspecified genetic generalized epilepsy or absence epilepsy, we found a prevalence of JME that was considerably higher than previously reported. We conclude that JME may go undiagnosed due to the underrecognition of myoclonic jerks. To make a correct diagnosis, clinicians need to ask specifically about myoclonic jerks.