bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography, traits and vulnerability to urbanization: can we make generalizations?
Authors: Brown Leone M. , Graham Catherine H.
Published: August 2015

Human‐induced land cover change threatens species diversity and ecosystem services. The rapid pace of current change makes predicting species’ declines imperative, but leaves little time for thorough study of all species. One solution is to make generalizations about species’ vulnerability to urbanization based on traits common among studied species in decline.

To date, most generalizations about traits associated with species’ declines in response to urbanization are based on presence or abundance, or detailed studies of a few species. If these generalizations broadly reflect responses to urbanization, they should hold across the mechanisms driving patterns of abundance, such as survival or reproduction.

Across 68 bird species in the north‐eastern USA, we investigated how food preference, nest location, habitat preference, migration distance, number of broods, clutch size, body mass and an interaction between urbanization and these traits affected survival and reproduction.

Mass was the strongest predictor of survival, followed by number of broods, migration distance and nest location. Nest location was the strongest predictor of reproduction, followed by migration distance. No interaction between urbanization and species’ traits affected survival; however, differences in response to urbanization among species with different food preferences, migration distances, masses, nest locations and number of broods were important in predicting reproduction.

Synthesis and applications. We found that some traits influenced demographic rates even though they were not associated with urbanization; identifying differences in species’ baseline demographic rates, irrespective of urbanization, is needed to guide management objectives. Reproduction, but not survival, was influenced by urbanization, suggesting that management in our region of study should target increasing suitable nest sites and reducing nest predation. Determining traits associated with demographic rates and urbanization across broad geographic extents can provide new insights for species’ management and help guide conservation initiatives.
Redundant synthesis of a conidial polyketide by two distinct secondary metabolite clusters in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Throckmorton Kurt , Lim Fang Yun , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Zheng Weifa , Keller Nancy P.
Published: August 2015

Filamentous fungi are renowned for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Typically, one distinct metabolite is generated from a specific secondary metabolite cluster. Here, we characterize the newly described trypacidin (tpc) cluster in the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. We find that this cluster as well as the previously characterized endocrocin (enc) cluster both contribute to the production of the spore metabolite endocrocin. Whereas trypacidin is eliminated when only tpc cluster genes are deleted, endocrocin production is only eliminated when both the tpc and enc non‐reducing polyketide synthase‐encoding genes, tpcC and encA, respectively, are deleted. EncC, an anthrone oxidase, converts the product released from EncA to endocrocin as a final product. In contrast, endocrocin synthesis by the tpc cluster likely results from incomplete catalysis by TpcK (a putative decarboxylase), as its deletion results in a nearly 10‐fold increase in endocrocin production. We suggest endocrocin is likely a shunt product in all related non‐reducing polyketide synthase clusters containing homologues of TpcK and TpcL (a putative anthrone oxidase), e.g. geodin and monodictyphenone. This finding represents an unusual example of two physically discrete secondary metabolite clusters generating the same natural product in one fungal species by distinct routes.
Enacting corporate governance of healthcare safety and quality: a dramaturgy of hospital boards in England
Authors: Freeman Tim , Millar Ross , Mannion Russell , Davies Huw
Published: August 2015

The governance of patient safety is a challenging concern for all health systems. Yet, while the role of executive boards receives increased scrutiny, the area remains theoretically and methodologically underdeveloped. Specifically, we lack a detailed understanding of the performative aspects at play: what board members say and do to discharge their accountabilities for patient safety. This article draws on qualitative data from overt non‐participant observation of fourNHShospital Foundation Trust boards in England. Applying a dramaturgical framework to explore scripting, setting, staging and performance, we found important differences between case study sites in the performative dimensions of processing and interpretation of infection control data. We detail the practices associated with these differences ‐ the legitimation of current performance, the querying of data classification, and the naming and shaming of executives – to consider their implications.
Unlocking Potentials of Microwaves for Food Safety and Quality
Authors: Tang Juming
Published: August 2015

Microwave is an effective means to deliver energy to food through polymeric package materials, offering potential for developing short‐time in‐package sterilization and pasteurization processes. The complex physics related to microwave propagation and microwave heating require special attention to the design of process systems and development of thermal processes in compliance with regulatory requirements for food safety. This article describes the basic microwave properties relevant to heating uniformity and system design, and provides a historical overview on the development of microwave‐assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) and pasteurization systems in research laboratories and used in food plants. It presents recent activities on the development of 915 MHz single‐mode MATS technology, the procedures leading to regulatory acceptance, and sensory results of the processed products. The article discusses needs for further efforts to bridge remaining knowledge gaps and facilitate transfer of academic research to industrial implementation.
HPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS‐Based Identification of Absorbed Constituents and Their Metabolites in Rat Serum and Urine after Oral Administration of Cistanche deserticola Extract
Authors: Li Wen‐Lan , Sun Xiang‐Ming , Song Hui , Ding Jing‐Xin , Bai Jing , Chen Qiang
Published: August 2015

As a famous health food in China, Cistanche deserticola (C. deserticola) suggested an estrogenic activity according to our previous study. However, no one clarifies its active material basis to date. To find more potentially active constituents and elucidate metabolic pathways of metabolites, a method to simultaneously analyze multiple absorbed constituents and metabolites from C. deserticola in rat serum and urine was established using high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS). Based on HPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS method, a total of 24 components, involving 9 prototype constituents and 15 metabolites in rat serum and urine samples, were tentatively identified based on retention time, ultraviolet spectrum, MS data, compound fragmentation laws, published literatures, and reference substances. Most of the compounds existed in the form of metabolites. The proposed metabolic pathways of main metabolites were discussed, including methylation, demethylation, hydrolysis, hydroxylation, acetoxylation, glucuronidation, dehydrogenation, sulfation, esterification, and so on. Phenylethanoid glycosides were extensively metabolized and mutually transformed in vivo. This investigation provided valuable information for further study of the active ingredients and action mechanism of C. deserticola.
Estimation of the planning organ at risk volume for the lenses during radiation therapy for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
Authors: Piotrowski Tomasz , Ryczkowski Adam , Adamczyk Marta , Jodda Agata
Published: August 2015

Introduction

To establish the optimal planning risk volume (PRV) of the lenses for patients who are receiving radiotherapy to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus (NCPSC).

Methods

Geometrical uncertainties of the lenses were evaluated for a prospective group of patients (G1). Differences between planned and delivered maximum doses to the lenses were evaluated for every fraction. The relationship between dose differences and geometrical uncertainties were analysed to establish an optimal PRV for the lenses. Obtained results were verified in the second group (G2) of patients for whom calculated PRV was applied.

Results

Data of 426 observations for 15 patients from G1 were investigated. The systematic and random errors equalled, respectively, 0.6 mm and 2.3 mm in the medio‐lateral direction; 0.8 mm and 1.6 mm in the cranio‐caudal direction; and 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm in the anterio‐posterior direction. The clinical PRV for the lenses was established at 2 mm. Applied margin was evaluated for 10 patients from G2. The dose distribution in the planning target volume (PTV) for G1 and for G2 was comparable (P = 0.122), whereas the differences between planned and delivered doses in the lenses were significantly smaller for G2 (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

The study showed that for radiotherapy of NCPSC, the PRV for the lenses could be defined as 2 mm. This margin does not affect the dose distribution in the PTV and effectively reduces the differences between planned and delivered doses in the lenses.
Bias and Overconfidence in Parametric Models of Interactive Processes*
Authors: Berry William D. , DeMeritt Jacqueline H.R. , Esarey Justin
Published: August 2015

We assess the ability of logit, probit and numerous other parametric models to test a hypothesis that two variables interact in influencing the probability that some event will occur [Pr(Y)] in what we believe is a very common situation: when one's theory is insufficiently strong to dictate a specific functional form for the data generating process. Using Monte Carlo analysis, we find that many models yield overconfident inferences by generating 95% confidence intervals for estimates of the strength of interaction that are far too narrow, but that some logit and probit models produce approximately accurate intervals. Yet all models we study generate point estimates for the strength of interaction with large enough average error to often distort substantive conclusions. We propose an approach to make the most effective use of logit and probit in the situation of specification uncertainty, but argue that nonparametric models may ultimately prove to be superior.
How Politicians Discount the Opinions of Constituents with Whom They Disagree
Authors: Butler Daniel M. , Dynes Adam M.
Published: August 2015

We argue that politicians systematically discount the opinions of constituents with whom they disagree and that this “disagreement discounting” is a contributing factor to ideological incongruence. A pair of survey experiments where state and local politicians are the subjects of interest show that public officials rationalize this behavior by assuming that constituents with opposing views are less informed about the issue. This finding applies both to well‐established issues that divide the parties as well as to nonpartisan ones. Further, it cannot be explained by politicians’ desires to favor the opinions of either copartisans or likely voters. A third survey experiment using a sample of voters shows that the bias is exacerbated by an activity central to representative governance—taking and explaining one's policy positions. This suggests that the job of being a representative exacerbates this bias.
Systematic review of barriers and facilitators to accessing and engaging with mental health care among at‐risk young people
Authors: Brown Adrienne , Rice Simon M. , Rickwood Debra J. , Parker Alexandra G.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

This study aims to review the literature on barriers and facilitators to accessing and engaging with mental health care among young people from potentially disadvantaged groups, including young people identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI); culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD); lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI); homeless; substance using; and youth residing in rural or remote areas.

Methods

Fourteen databases were searched to identify qualitative and quantitative researches that examined barriers and/or facilitators to mental health care among the six groups of potentially disadvantaged young people.

Results

Out of 62 studies identified, 3 were conducted with ATSI young people, 1 with CALD young people, 4 with LGBTQI young people, 14 with homeless young people, 24 with substance‐using young people, and 16 with young people residing in rural or remote areas. Findings generally confirmed barriers already established for all young people, but indicated that some may be heightened for young people in the six identified groups. Findings also pointed to both similarities and differences between these groups, suggesting that ATSI, CALD, LGBTQI, homeless, substance‐using, and rural young people have some similar needs with respect to not only mental health care, but also other needs likely to reflect their individual circumstances.

Discussion

This systematic review highlights that young people from potentially disadvantaged groups have distinct needs that must be recognized to improve their experiences with mental health care. Future research of good methodological quality with young people is needed to increase accessibility of, and engagement with, mental health care.
Randomised clinical trial: alisporivir combined with peginterferon and ribavirin in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection (ESSENTIAL II)
Authors: Zeuzem S. , Flisiak R. , Vierling J. M. , Mazur W. , Mazzella G. , Thongsawat S. , Abdurakhmanov D. , Van Kính N. , Calistru P. , Heo J. , Stanciu C. , Gould M. , Makara M. , Hsu S.‐J. , Buggisch P. , Samuel D. , Mutimer D. , Nault B. , Merz M. , Bao W. , Griffel L. H. , Brass C. , Naoumov N. V. ,   the ESSENTIAL II Study Group
Published: August 2015

Background

Alisporivir (ALV) is an oral, host‐targeting agent with pangenotypic anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity and a high barrier to resistance.

Aim

To evaluate efficacy and safety of ALV plus peginterferon‐α2a and ribavirin (PR) in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection.

Methods

Double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled, Phase 3 study evaluating ALV 600 mg once daily [response‐guided therapy (RGT) for 24 or 48 weeks or 48 weeks fixed duration] or ALV 400 mg twice daily RGT with PR, compared to PR alone. Following a Food and Drug Administration partial clinical hold, ALV/placebo was discontinued and patients completed treatment with PR only. At that time, 87% of patients had received ≥12 weeks and 20% had received ≥24 weeks of ALV/PR triple therapy.

Results

A total of 1081 patients were randomised (12% cirrhosis, 55% CT/TT IL28B). Addition of ALV to PR improved virological response in a dose‐dependent fashion. Overall, sustained virological response (SVR12; primary endpoint) was 69% in all ALV groups vs. 53% in PR control. Highest SVR12 (90%) was achieved in patients treated with ALV 400 mg twice daily and PR for >24 weeks. Seven cases of pancreatitis were reported, with similar frequency between ALV/PR and PR control groups (0.6% vs. 0.8% respectively). Adverse events seen more frequently with ALV/PR than with PR alone were anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinaemia and hypertension.

Conclusions

Alisporivir, especially the 400 mg twice daily regimen, increased efficacy of PR therapy in treatment‐naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. The mechanism of action and pangenotypic activity suggest that alisporivir could be useful in interferon‐free combination regimens.
Screening and Identification of Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei Cathepsin L with Antitrypanosomal Activity
Authors: Jefferson Tierra , McShan Danielle , Warfield Jasmine , Ogungbe Ifedayo Victor
Published: August 2015

Current treatment options for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) are ineffective, and they have several well‐known clinical limitations. In our continued efforts to identify chemotypes that can be developed into clinically useful drugs, we screened a targeted compound library against the major cathepsin L (rhodesain) in T. brucei. We report the antirhodesain activity and antitrypanosomal activity of the compounds in this letter. The identified compounds can serve as starting points for structure‐ and/or phenotype‐based lead optimization strategy against Trypanosoma brucei.
A Prospective Longitudinal Study on Implant Prosthetic Rehabilitation in Controlled HIV‐Positive Patients with 1‐Year Follow‐Up: The Role of CD4+ Level, Smoking Habits, and Oral Hygiene
Authors: Gherlone Enrico F. , Capparé Paolo , Tecco Simona , Polizzi Elisabetta , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Gastaldi Giorgio , Grusovin Maria Gabriella
Published: August 2015

Background

A recent study showed that implant‐prosthetic rehabilitation in well‐controlled HIV patients gave slightly worse results than in an healthy population, and failures were all linked to infection.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between the success of implant‐prosthetic treatment and systemic CD4+ level, smoking habits, and oral hygiene.

Materials and Methods

This mono‐centric study included HIV patients with a stable disease and good oral hygiene requiring implant rehabilitation. Each patient received at least one dental implant. Prosthesis were delivered after 90 days in the upper jaw and 60 days in the lower jaw. Primary outcome measures were prosthetic failures, implant failures, peri‐implant marginal bone level changes, and biological complications (peri‐implantitis, pus, pain, paresthesia). The possible association with CD4 count, smoking habits, and oral hygiene was analyzed.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients received 194 implants, and 66 patients (190 implants) were followed for 1 year. No significant associations were found between CD4+ count, oral hygiene‐associated variables, and any of the outcome measures. If compared with nonsmoking/light smoking patients, patients who smoked >10 cigarettes/day suffered a statistically significant greater number of implant failures (p ≤ .005), presented a comparatively higher number of peri‐implantitis (p < .001), as well as a higher frequency of pus (p ≤ .007), and reported pain (p ≤ .009).

Conclusion

Within the limitation of the present study, placement of dental implants in HIV‐positive patients with stable disease seems a reasonable treatment option, regardless of CD4+ cell count, provided that they are in a normal range. Oral hygiene variables were not influent in this group of patient following recall appointments, while HIV‐positive heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes/day) demonstrated an increased risk of early implant failure, peri‐implantitis, episodes of pus, and self‐reported pain.
Conservation threats and the phylogenetic utility of IUCN Red List rankings inInciliustoads
Authors: Schachat Sandra R. , Mulcahy Daniel G. , Mendelson Joseph R.
Published: August 2015

Phylogenetic analysis of extinction threat is an emerging tool in the field of conservation. However, there are problems with the methods and data as commonly used. Phylogenetic sampling usually extends to the level of family or genus, but International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rankings are available only for individual species, and, although different species within a taxonomic group may have the same IUCN rank, the species may have been ranked as such for different reasons. Therefore, IUCN rank may not reflect evolutionary history and thus may not be appropriate for use in a phylogenetic context. To be used appropriately, threat‐risk data should reflect the cause of extinction threat rather than the IUCN threat ranking. In a case study of the toad genus Incilius, with phylogenetic sampling at the species level (so that the resolution of the phylogeny matches character data from the IUCN Red List), we analyzed causes of decline and IUCN threat rankings by calculating metrics of phylogenetic signal (such as Fritz and Purvis’ D). We also analyzed the extent to which cause of decline and threat ranking overlap by calculating phylogenetic correlation between these 2 types of character data. Incilius species varied greatly in both threat ranking and cause of decline; this variability would be lost at a coarser taxonomic resolution. We found far more phylogenetic signal, likely correlated with evolutionary history, for causes of decline than for IUCN threat ranking. Individual causes of decline and IUCN threat rankings were largely uncorrelated on the phylogeny. Our results demonstrate the importance of character selection and taxonomic resolution when extinction threat is analyzed in a phylogenetic context.
Inappropriate drug use in elderly patients is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased postoperative mortality after colorectal cancer surgery: a population‐based study
Authors: Samuelsson K. S. , Egenvall M. , Klarin I. , Lökk J. , Gunnarsson U.
Published: August 2015

Aim

The study aimed to investigate whether continuing potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is associated with length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative mortality in elderly people undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

Method

The Swedish National Colorectal Cancer Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register provided matched data on 7279 patients aged 75 years or more who had undergone bowel resection for colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2010. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they were taking PIM at the time of surgery. The primary efficacy variables were the LOS and 30‐day postoperative mortality.

Results

Of the 7279 patients, 22.5% (1641) of the patients were exposed to at least one PIM and the total number of drugs taken in this group was six, compared with three in the non‐PIM group (P < 0.001). Postoperative mortality was higher in the PIM group (7.1% vs 4.5%, P < 0.001), and LOS was longer (10 days vs 9, P = 0.001). When adjusted for independent predictors, the differences in LOS (odds ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.29, P = 0.046) and postoperative mortality (odds ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.85, P = 0.006) remained significant.

Conclusion

The use of PIM prior to surgery is associated with increased postoperative mortality and prolonged hospital stay. Although no causal relationship is proved, the results add a further aspect to preoperative optimization of elderly patients about to have major colorectal surgery.
Poor positive predictive value of influenza‐like illness criteria in adult transplant patients: a case for multiplex respiratory virus PCR testing
Authors: Claus Jonathan A. , Hodowanec Aimee C. , Singh Kamaljit
Published: August 2015

Background

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among transplant patients. The CDC's influenza‐like illness (ILI) criteria (fever ≥100°F with cough and/or sore throat) are a screening tool for influenza with unknown applicability to the transplant population.

Methods

We reviewed all respiratory virus PCR tests performed on adult patients with a history of solid organ (SOT) or stem cell transplantation (HSCT) during the 2012–2013 influenza season. The positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of ILI criteria were calculated.

Results

Of 126 transplant patients (66 HSCT, 60 SOT), 54 (42.8%) tested positive for an RVI by PCR: 24 influenza and 30 non‐influenza. Of 30 patients who met ILI criteria, 12 (40%) were positive for influenza. The PPV and NPV of ILI for influenza were 50% and 82.4%, respectively. Mortality was low (3.7%), but morbidity was high (14.8% required ICU stay) among transplant patients diagnosed with RVI.

Conclusions

Influenza and non‐influenza RVIs are associated with significant morbidity among transplant patients. CDC ILI criteria correlate poorly with PCR‐positive cases of influenza in transplant patients, but may be useful in excluding the diagnosis. Routine RVI PCR testing is recommended for better diagnosis and improved antiviral use in transplant patients with suspected RVI.
Complex antibodies provide a simple explanation for the plurality of clinical presentations in the Guillain Barré syndromes
Authors: Rinaldi S.
Published: August 2015

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Human activities and climate variability drive fast‐paced change across the world's estuarine–coastal ecosystems
Authors: Cloern James E. , Abreu Paulo C. , Carstensen Jacob , Chauvaud Laurent , Elmgren Ragnar , Grall Jacques , Greening Holly , Johansson John Olov Roger , Kahru Mati , Sherwood Edward T. , Xu Jie , Yin Kedong
Published: August 2015

Time series of environmental measurements are essential for detecting, measuring and understanding changes in the Earth system and its biological communities. Observational series have accumulated over the past 2–5 decades from measurements across the world's estuaries, bays, lagoons, inland seas and shelf waters influenced by runoff. We synthesize information contained in these time series to develop a global view of changes occurring in marine systems influenced by connectivity to land. Our review is organized around four themes: (i) human activities as drivers of change; (ii) variability of the climate system as a driver of change; (iii) successes, disappointments and challenges of managing change at the sea‐land interface; and (iv) discoveries made from observations over time. Multidecadal time series reveal that many of the world's estuarine–coastal ecosystems are in a continuing state of change, and the pace of change is faster than we could have imagined a decade ago. Some have been transformed into novel ecosystems with habitats, biogeochemistry and biological communities outside the natural range of variability. Change takes many forms including linear and nonlinear trends, abrupt state changes and oscillations. The challenge of managing change is daunting in the coastal zone where diverse human pressures are concentrated and intersect with different responses to climate variability over land and over ocean basins. The pace of change in estuarine–coastal ecosystems will likely accelerate as the human population and economies continue to grow and as global climate change accelerates. Wise stewardship of the resources upon which we depend is critically dependent upon a continuing flow of information from observations to measure, understand and anticipate future changes along the world's coastlines.
Topical steroid therapy induces pro‐tolerogenic changes in Langerhans cells in human skin
Authors: Alhadj Ali Mohammad , Thrower Sally L. , Hanna Stephanie J. , Coulman Sion A. , Birchall James C. , Wong F Susan , Dayan Colin Mark , Tatovic Danijela
Published: August 2015

We have investigated the efficacy of conditioning skin Langerhans cells (LCs) with agents to promote tolerance and reduce inflammation, with the goal of improving the outcomes of antigen‐specific immunotherapy. Topical treatments were assessed ex vivo, using excised human breast skin maintained in organ bath cultures, and in vivo in healthy volunteers by analysing skin biopsies and epidermal blister roof samples. Following topical treatment with a corticosteroid, tumour necrosis factor‐α levels were reduced in skin biopsy studies and blister fluid samples. Blister fluid concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, macrophage inflammatory proteins ‐1α and 1β and interferon‐γ inducible protein‐10 were also reduced, while preserving levels of interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10. Steroid pre‐treatment of the skin reduced the ability of LCs to induce proliferation, while supernatants showed an increase in the IL‐10/interferon‐γ ratio. Phenotypic changes following topical steroid treatment were also observed, including reduced expression of CD83 and CD86 in blister‐derived LCs, but preservation of the tolerogenic signalling molecules immunoglobulin‐like transcript 3 and programmed death‐1. Reduced expression of HLA‐DR, CD80 and CD86 were also apparent in LCs derived from excised human skin. Topical therapy with a vitamin D analogue (calcipotriol) and steroid, calcipotriol alone or vitamin A elicited no significant changes in the parameters studied. These experiments suggest that pre‐conditioning the skin with topical corticosteroid can modulate LCs by blunting their pro‐inflammatory signals and potentially enhancing tolerance. We suggest that such modulation before antigen‐specific immunotherapy might provide an inexpensive and safe adjunct to current approaches to treat autoimmune diseases.
The Canadian Hedge Fund Industry: Performance and Market Timing
Authors: Klein Peter , Purdy Daryl , Schweigert Isaac , Vedrashko Alexander
Published: August 2015

We analyze the risk and return characteristics of Canadian hedge funds based on a comprehensive database we compiled. We find that Canadian hedge funds have higher risk‐adjusted performance and different distributional characteristics relative to the global hedge fund indices. We investigate market timing by Canadian hedge funds and find that they do not time the Canadian or global stock and bond markets, but hedge funds in the Managed Futures strategy group time the commodity market. These results are robust to parameter instability and structural changes in the model. We also illustrate the impact of using local and global risk factors to analyze the performance of local investment firms.
Static and Dynamic Views of European Integration
Authors: Rose Richard , Borz Gabriela
Published: August 2015

There is a theoretical and empirical need to distinguish between static support for the EU as it now is and dynamic support for further integration. Although most Europeans endorse the EU as a good thing today, the European Election Study finds no popular majority for an ever closer union, the commitment of EU institutions. Less than one‐third endorses further integration and less than one‐third thinks integration has gone too far. The largest group favours keeping the EU as it is. Their outlook reflects ambivalence; they see the EU as having both strengths and weaknesses. It does not reflect lack of EU knowledge or of socio‐economic resources, as is the case with ‘don't knows’. While eurozone institutions are committed to further integration, most EU citizens are not. Likewise, there is no majority supporting eurosceptic demands for returning powers to national governments.
Elasticity of the tibial nerve assessed by sonoelastography was reduced before the development of neuropathy and further deterioration associated with the severity of neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ishibashi Fukashi , Taniguchi Miki , Kojima Rie , Kawasaki Asami , Kosaka Aiko , Uetake Harumi
Published: August 2015

Aims/Introduction

To measure the elasticity of the tibial nerve using sonoelastography, and to associate it with diabetic neuropathy severity, the cross‐sectional area of the tibial nerve and neurophysiological findings in type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods

The elasticity of the tibial nerve was measured as the tibial nerve:acoustic coupler strain ratio using high‐resolution ultrasonography in 198 type 2 diabetic patients stratified into subgroups by neuropathy severity, and 29 control participants whose age and sex did not differ from the diabetic subgroups.

Results

The elasticity of the tibial nerve in patients without neuropathy (P < 0.001) was reduced compared with controls (0.76 ± 0.023), further decreasing (0.655 ± 0.014 to 0.414 ± 0.018) after developing neuropathy. The cut‐off value of elasticity of the tibial nerve that suggested the presence of neuropathy was 0.558. The area under the curve (0.829) was greater than that for the cross‐sectional area (0.612). The cross‐sectional area of the tibial nerve in diabetic patients without neuropathy (6.11 ± 0.13 mm2) was larger than that in controls (4.84 ± 0.16 mm2), and increased relative to neuropathy severity (P < 0.0001). The elasticity of the tibial nerve was negatively associated with neuropathy severity (P < 0.0001), cross‐sectional area (P = 0.002) and 2000 Hz current perception threshold (P = 0.011), and positively associated with nerve conduction velocities (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Determining the elasticity of the tibial nerve in type 2 diabetic patients could reveal early biomechanical changes that were likely caused by thickened fibrous sheaths of peripheral nerves, and might be a novel tool for characterizing diabetic neuropathy.
State‐dependent cooperation in burying beetles: parents adjust their contribution towards care based on both their own and their partner's size
Authors: Pilakouta N. , Richardson J. , Smiseth P. T.
Published: August 2015

Handicapping experiments on species with biparental care show that a focal parent increases its contribution when its partner is handicapped. Such results are interpreted as evidence for negotiation, whereby each parent adjusts its amount of care to that of its partner. However, it is currently unclear whether the focal parent responds to a change in its handicapped partner's behaviour or state. To address this gap, we conducted an experiment on the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides where we first generated different‐sized males and females by varying the duration of larval development. We then used a 2 × 2 factorial design in which a small or large male was paired with a small or large female. Small females provided less direct care (food provisioning and interactions with larvae) than large females, and both males and females provided less direct care when paired with a small partner. Thus, the focal parent adjusted its contribution towards care based on both its own state and that of its partner. There was also evidence for negotiation between the two parents as the focal parent adjusted its contribution based on the amount of care by its partner. However, there was no evidence that negotiation accounted for how the focal parent responded to its partner's size. Our results have important implications for our understanding of biparental cooperation as they show that each parent adjusts its contribution not only based on the amount of care provided by its partner but also based on its own state and its partner's state.
Relationships between otolith size and fish length in some mesopelagic teleosts (Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae and Stomiidae)
Authors: Battaglia P. , Malara D. , Ammendolia G. , Romeo T. , Andaloro F.
Published: August 2015

Length–mass relationships and linear regressions are given for otolith size (length and height) and standard length (LS) of certain mesopelagic fishes (Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae and Stomiidae) living in the central Mediterranean Sea. The length–mass relationship showed isometric growth in six species, whereas linear regressions of LS and otolith size fit the data well for all species. These equations represent a useful tool for dietary studies on Mediterranean marine predators.
Association of factor V Leiden, Janus kinase 2, prothrombin, and MTHFR mutations with primary Budd–Chiari syndrome in Egyptian patients
Authors: El Sebay Hatem M , Safan Manal A , Daoud Ashraf A , Tayel Safaa I , A Nouh Mohamed , El Shafie Shymaa
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is defined as obstruction of hepatic venous outflow anywhere from the small hepatic veins to the suprahepatic inferior vena cava. The pathogenesis of BCS is still not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association of factor V Leiden (FVL), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), prothrombin, and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations with primary BCS.

Methods

The study was carried out on 35 patients with primary BCS and 15 age and gender matched healthy individuals as a control group. Genotyping of FVL, prothrombin, and MTHFR mutations was determined by GENEQUALITY AB‐THROMBO TYPE kit based on the reverse hybridization principle. JAK2 mutation was determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls regarding FVL, MTHFR C677T, and MTHFR A1298C mutations with odds ratio of 1.83, 2.0, and 1.79, respectively. Hetero MTHFR C677T, hetero FVL, and hetero MTHFR A1298C were the most common etiological factors being responsible for 57.1, 42.9, and 42.9% of primary BCS cases, respectively.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that BCS is a multifactorial disease; in the current study, MTHFR C677T mutation was the most common cause of disease. Identification of one cause of BCS should not eliminate investigations for detection of other etiological factors.
Preventive use of a hepatoprotectant against anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced liver injury: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Simin , Pan Hongqiu , Peng Xianzhen , Lu Hui , Fan Hong , Zheng Xianzhi , Xu Guisheng , Wang Min , Wang Jianming
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim

Hepatoprotectants are routinely prescribed in China to prevent anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced liver injury (ATLI). However, their biological mechanisms have not yet been clearly demonstrated. This study aims to evaluate the preventive effects of Silybum marianum against drug‐induced liver injury among tuberculosis patients and to provide clinical guidelines for tuberculosis management in China.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed in Jiangsu, China. Tuberculosis patients were randomly allocated to the experimental group (anti‐tuberculosis therapy plus S. marianum capsule) or the control group (anti‐tuberculosis therapy plus vitamin C tablet). The primary outcomes were the occurrence of probable and possible ATLI, the peak aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio and the maximum altered alkaline phosphatase or gamma‐glutamyl transferase.

Results

The final analysis comprised 183 cases in the experiment group and 187 cases in the control group. The risk of developing probable ATLI was not significantly different between the two groups. During the follow‐up period, 43.72% of cases in the experiment group and 35.83% of cases in the control group were determined to have possible ATLI (relative risk = 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.94–1.54). When using a more strict definition of possible ATLI, the adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) was 1.76 (1.14–2.56). The risks of adverse drug reactions, prolonged treatment length, taking second‐line tuberculosis drugs, and the clearance of tuberculosis bacteria were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

No significant preventive effect of silymarin was found for either lowering the risk of liver injury or boosting the positive outcomes. Worse, we even found a potential risk of liver damage caused by the hepatoprotectant.
Personal Beliefs Exemption from Mandatory Immunization of Children for School Entry
Authors: Capron Alexander M.
Published: August 2015

Public health law courses typically focus a good deal of attention on two related topics: the duty of government agencies to control the spread of communicable diseases and their use of the police power to do so. While governments sometimes take forceful actions in responding to disease outbreaks, they can also act to prevent their occurrence. Indeed, one of the great triumphs of public health in the 20th century was the development of vaccines and their widespread use, which seemed on course to relegate many formerly crippling or deadly diseases to the history books. Particular success occurred with vaccinations against childhood diseases such as polio, smallpox, and measles, outbreaks of which once routinely closed schoolrooms, playgrounds, and community swimming pools. By the last quarter of the century, completion of an elaborate schedule of immunizations was not merely the standard in pediatric practice but an official requirement for school enrollment. As a result, the range of communicable diseases that had once terrified parents had become threats to be feared only in memory.
Including Public Health Content in a Bioethics and Law Course: Vaccine Exemptions, Tort Liability, and Public Health
Authors: Crossley Mary
Published: August 2015

Courses on bioethics and the law traditionally have focused their coverage on ethical issues arising from individual patients’ encounters with the medical care system, but the course also provides an excellent opportunity to expose students to ethical issues arising at the intersection of medical care and public health. The following materials were assembled for use near the end of a semester-long law school course in Bioethics & Law. I taught the course relying heavily on problems contained in Barry R. Furrow et al., Bioethics: Health Care Law and Ethics, 7th ed. (2013), which was the primary text for the course.
Executive function in paediatric medulloblastoma: The role of cerebrocerebellar connections
Authors: Law Nicole , Smith Mary Lou , Greenberg Mark , Bouffet Eric , Taylor Michael D. , Laughlin Suzanne , Malkin David , Liu Fang , Moxon‐Emre Iska , Scantlebury Nadia , Mabbott Donald
Published: August 2015

Executive functions (EFs) are involved in the attainment, maintenance, and integration of information; these functions may play a key role in cognitive and behavioural outcomes in children treated for medulloblastoma (MB). At present, it remains unclear which EFs are most sensitive to the treatment effects for MB and whether damage to cerebrocerebellar circuitry is associated with EF. We completed a comprehensive evaluation of EF in 24 children treated for MB and 20 age‐matched healthy children (HC) and distilled these measures into components. Six components (C1–C6) were extracted from our model, reflecting dissociable constructs of EF: C1 = cognitive efficiency; C2 = planning/problem‐solving; C3 = positive cognitive emotion regulation; C4 = working memory; C5 = negative cognitive emotion regulation; and C6 = mixed cognitive emotion regulation. Group differences were found for C1, C2, C3, and C4; the MB group showed poorer performance on EF tasks and made less use of positive cognitive emotion regulation strategies relative to HC. Compromise to cerebrocerebellar microstructure – cerebro‐ponto‐cerebellar and cerebello‐thalamo‐cerebral pathways – was evident in children treated for MB compared to HC. We found that cerebrocerebellar circuitry has a mediating effect on one component of EF following treatment for MB – working memory.
Navigating the System: How Transgender Individuals Engage in Health Care Services
Authors: Roller Cyndi Gale , Sedlak Carol , Draucker Claire Burke
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Transgender individuals (TIs) experience a number of healthcare disparities that result in compromised access to health care, placing them at high risk for poor health outcomes. Despite their unique health concerns, there is little known about how they engage in health care. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to construct a theoretical framework that depicts the process by which transgender individuals engage in health care.

Methods

In this grounded theory study, data from interviews with 25 individuals who self‐identified as transgender were used to develop a theoretical framework that depicts the process by which TIs engage in health care. Data analysis included open coding, category formation, and theoretical coding. Constant comparative analysis was used to facilitate theory generation.

Conclusions

The central phenomenon of how TIs engage in health care was the core process of navigating the system. The core process involves four subprocesses: needing to move forward, doing due diligence, finding loopholes, and making it work.

Clinical Relevance

The theoretical framework of navigating the system can provide healthcare providers with a way to understand how TIs engage in health care as they move through the subprocesses of moving forward, doing due diligence, finding loopholes, and making it work in order to get their healthcare needs met. With a better understanding of the healthcare journeys of TIs, healthcare providers can provide better care for this population and advocate for change in policies that contribute to the health disparities TIs experience.
Cross‐Cultural Measurement Invariance of Adolescent Self‐Report on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0
Authors: Stevanovic Dejan , Atilola Olayinka , Vostanis Panos , Pal Singh Balhara Yatan , Avicenna Mohamad , Kandemir Hasan , Knez Rajna , Franic Tomislav , Petrov Petar , Maroco João , Terzic Supic Zorica , Bagheri Zahra
Published: August 2015

This study evaluated the cross‐cultural measurement invariance of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL™) among adolescents sampled from Bulgaria, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Serbia, and Turkey. The multiple‐indicator multiple‐cause (MIMIC) model was used, which allowed controlling of demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and socioeconomic status). Significant effects of country on scores within the PedsQL™ domains were observed, with up to 17 items showing differential item functioning (DIF) across the countries. We did not find support for cross‐cultural measurement invariance hypotheses for scores on the PedsQL™ adolescent self‐report in this study. Researchers should use caution in making cross‐cultural quality of life comparisons while using the PedsQL.
Transformation of Ulva mutabilis (Chlorophyta) by vector plasmids integrating into the genome
Authors: Oertel Wolfgang , Wichard Thomas , Weissgerber Adelheid
Published: August 2015

A method for the stable transformation of the green marine macroalga Ulva mutabilis was developed based on vector plasmids integrating into the genome. By combination of the expression signals (promoter, enhancer, and transcriptional termination sequences) of a chromosomal rbcS gene from U. mutabilis with the bleomycin resistance gene (ble) from Streptoalloteichus hindustanus, a dominant selectable marker gene was constructed for the preparation of a series of E. coli—U. mutabilis shuttle vector plasmids. Special vectors were prepared for the introduction and expression of foreign genes in Ulva, for insertional mutagenesis and gene tagging by plasmid integration into the genome, and for protein tagging by the green fluorescent protein, as well as tools for posttranscriptional gene silencing and cosmid cloning to prepare genomic gene libraries for mutant gene complementation. The vectors were successfully tested in pilot experiments, where they were efficiently introduced into Ulva gametes, zoospores or protoplasts of somatic blade cells by treatment with Ca2+‐ions and polyethylene glycol under isotonic conditions at low ionic strength. The parthenogenetically propagated phleomycin‐resistant transformants of the mutant slender (sl) and the wildtype (wt) were demonstrated to be carrying the plasmids randomly integrated into the chromosomes often as tandem repeat clusters.