bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-blind sparse affine spectral unmixing of autofluorescence-contaminated micrographs
Authors: Rossetti Blair J. , Wilbert Steven A. , Welch Jessica L. Mark , Borisy Gary G. , Nagy James G.
Published: January 2019

Spectral unmixing methods attempt to determine the concentrations of different fluorophores present at each pixel location in an image by analyzing a set of measured emission spectra. Unmixing algorithms have shown great promise for applications where samples contain many fluorescent labels; however, existing methods perform poorly when confronted with autofluorescence-contaminated images. We propose an unmixing algorithm designed to separate fluorophores with overlapping emission spectra from contamination by autofluorescence and background fluorescence. First, we formally define a generalization of the linear mixing model, called the affine mixture model (AMM), that specifically accounts for background fluorescence. Second, we use the AMM to derive an affine nonnegative matrix factorization method for estimating endmember spectra from reference images. Lastly, we propose a semi-blind sparse affine spectral unmixing (SSASU) algorithm that uses knowledge of the estimated endmembers to learn the autofluorescence and background fluorescence spectra on a per-image basis. When unmixing real-world spectral images contaminated by autofluorescence, SSASU was shown to have a similar reconstruction error but greatly improved proportion indeterminacy as compared to existing methods. The source code used for this paper was written in Julia and is available with the test data at https://github.com/brossetti/ssasu.
Identification of sample mix-ups and mixtures in microbiome data in Diversity Outbred mice
Authors: Lobo Alexandra K. , Traeger Lindsay L. , Keller Mark P. , Attie Alan D. , Rey Federico E. , Broman Karl W.
Published: January 2019

In a Diversity Outbred mouse project with genotype data on 500 mice, including 297 with microbiome data, we identified three sets of sample mix-ups (two pairs and one trio) as well as at least 15 microbiome samples that appear to be mixtures of pairs of mice. The microbiome data consisted of shotgun sequencing reads from fecal DNA, used to characterize the gut microbial communities present in these mice. These sequence reads included sufficient reads derived from the host mouse to identify the individual. A number of microbiome samples appeared to contain a mixture of DNA from two mice. We describe a method for identifying sample mix-ups in such microbiome data, as well as a method for evaluating sample mixtures in this context.
Mycobacterium abscessus virulence traits unraveled by transcriptomic profiling in amoeba and macrophages
Authors: Dubois Violaine , Pawlik Alexandre , Bories Anouchka , Moigne Vincent Le , Sismeiro Odile , Legendre Rachel , Varet Hugo , Rodriguez Pilar , Gaillard Jean-Louis , Coppée Jean-Yves , Brosch Roland , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Girard-Misguich Fabienne
Published: January 2019

Free-living amoebae might represent an evolutionary niche. In order to get more insights into the potential amoebal training ground forMycobacterium abscessus, we characterized its full transcriptome in amoeba (Ac) and macrophages (Mφ), as well as theMycobacterium chelonaeintra-Ac transcriptome for comparison. Up-regulated genes in Ac allowedM. abscessusto resist environmental stress and induce defense mechanisms, as well as showing switch from carbohydrate carbon sources to fatty acid metabolism. Eleven genes implicated in the adaptation to intracellular stress, were mutated, with all but one confirmed to be involved inM. abscessusintra-Mφ survival. Cloning two of these genes inM. chelonaeincreased its intra-Mφ survival. One mutant was particularly attenuated in Mφ that corresponded to the deletion of an Eis N-acetyl transferase protein (MAB_4532c). Taken together,M. abscessustranscriptomes revealed the intracellular lifestyle of the mycobacteria, with Ac largely contributing to the enhancement ofM. abscessusintra-Mφ survival.
Honey bee trypanosomatid parasite dynamically changes the transcriptome during the infection of honey bee and modifies the host physiology
Authors: Liu Qiushi , Lei Jing , Darby Alistair C. , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko
Published: January 2019

Although there are many honey bee pathogens/parasites, it is still not understood how they change their gene expression to adapt to the host environment or how the host simultaneously responds to pathogen/parasite infection by modifying its own gene expression. Such interactions must lead to changes in the physiological states of both host and parasite. To address this question, we studied a trypanosomatid, Lotmaria passim, which can be cultured in medium and inhabit the honey bee hindgut. We found that L. passim dynamically modifies the expression of mRNAs associated with protein translation and the electron transport chain to adapt to the anaerobic and nutritionally poor honey bee hindgut at early stages of infection, and to become dormant at late stages of infection. Meanwhile, several genes are continuously up- or down-regulated during infection, including GP63 as well as genes coding for host cell signaling pathway modulators (up-regulated), and those involved in detoxification of radical oxygen species as well as flagellar formation (down-regulated). L. passim infection only slightly increases honey bee mortality and does not affect the number of microorganisms in the gut microbiota; but it induces honey bee innate immune response. Upon infection, the host appears to be in poor nutritional status, indicated by the increase in the levels of mRNAs for take-out and facilitated trehalose transporter and the decrease of vitellogenin mRNA level. Simultaneous gene expression profiling of L. passim and honey bee during infection provided insight into how both parasite and host modify their gene expressions. This study presents one of the best models to understand host-parasite interactions at the molecular and cellular levels in honey bee.
Effects of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin on the Myelin Morphological Changes and PSD-95 Protein Expression in Balb/c Mice after Sciatic Nerve Injury
Authors: Cao Jian , Zhang Limin , Li Jinlong , Leng Hui
Published: January 2019

To investigate the effects of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin on the myelin morphological changes and PSD-95 protein expression in mice with sciatic nerve injury, and to explore the relationship between PSD-95 protein and myelin regeneration after nerve myelin injury. 127 male adult Balb/c mice were selected and randomly divided into high, medium and low 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin dose groups and blank control group. Anastomosis was then carried out for the amputated right sciatic nerve, and intraperitoneal injection of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin was applied postoperatively. At weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 after surgery, nervous tissues from the injury side were taken for immunohistochemical Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, so as to observe the morphological changes of the locally injured nerve myelin. Meanwhile, PSD-95 mRNA and protein expression were determined using real-time PCR and western blotting. The nerve myelin recovery in injury side of mice at all time points showed a definite dose-effect relationship with the dose of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin. Moreover, 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin could inhibit the PSD-95 mRNA level and protein expression. At the same time, there was a dose-effect of the inhibition. 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin can affect nerve recovery in mice with sciatic nerve injury, which shows a definite dose-effect relationship with its dose. Besides, PSD-95 protein expression can suppress the regeneration of the injured nerve myelin.
Fast and flexible bacterial genomic epidemiology with PopPUNK
Authors: Lees John A. , Harris Simon R. , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Lo Stephanie W. , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Corander Jukka , Bentley Stephen D. , Croucher Nicholas J.
Published: January 2019

The routine use of genomics for disease surveillance provides the opportunity for high-resolution bacterial epidemiology. Current whole-genome clustering and multilocus typing approaches do not fully exploit core and accessory genomic variation, and they cannot both automatically identify, and subsequently expand, clusters of significantly similar isolates in large data sets spanning entire species. Here, we describe PopPUNK (Population Partitioning Using Nucleotide K-mers), a software implementing scalable and expandable annotation- and alignment-free methods for population analysis and clustering. Variable-length k-mer comparisons are used to distinguish isolates’ divergence in shared sequence and gene content, which we demonstrate to be accurate over multiple orders of magnitude using data from both simulations and genomic collections representing 10 taxonomically widespread species. Connections between closely related isolates of the same strain are robustly identified, despite interspecies variation in the pairwise distance distributions that reflects species’ diverse evolutionary patterns. PopPUNK can process 103–104 genomes in a single batch, with minimal memory use and runtimes up to 200-fold faster than existing model-based methods. Clusters of strains remain consistent as new batches of genomes are added, which is achieved without needing to reanalyze all genomes de novo. This facilitates real-time surveillance with consistent cluster naming between studies and allows for outbreak detection using hundreds of genomes in minutes. Interactive visualization and online publication is streamlined through the automatic output of results to multiple platforms. PopPUNK has been designed as a flexible platform that addresses important issues with currently used whole-genome clustering and typing methods, and has potential uses across bacterial genetics and public health research.
A chromosome-scale assembly of the axolotl genome
Authors: Smith Jeramiah J. , Timoshevskaya Nataliya , Timoshevskiy Vladimir A. , Keinath Melissa C. , Hardy Drew , Voss S. Randal
Published: January 2019

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) provides critical models for studying regeneration, evolution, and development. However, its large genome (∼32 Gb) presents a formidable barrier to genetic analyses. Recent efforts have yielded genome assemblies consisting of thousands of unordered scaffolds that resolve gene structures, but do not yet permit large-scale analyses of genome structure and function. We adapted an established mapping approach to leverage dense SNP typing information and for the first time assemble the axolotl genome into 14 chromosomes. Moreover, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization to verify the structure of these 14 scaffolds and assign each to its corresponding physical chromosome. This new assembly covers 27.3 Gb and encompasses 94% of annotated gene models on chromosomal scaffolds. We show the assembly's utility by resolving genome-wide orthologies between the axolotl and other vertebrates, identifying the footprints of historical introgression events that occurred during the development of axolotl genetic stocks, and precisely mapping several phenotypes including a large deletion underlying the cardiac mutant. This chromosome-scale assembly will greatly facilitate studies of the axolotl in biological research.
Technological innovation as a source of Chinese multinationals’ firm-specific advantages and internationalization
Authors: He Shaowei , Khan Zaheer , Lew Yong Kyu , Fallon Grahame
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how innovation-related firm-specific ownership advantage (FSA) plays a role in developing the competitive advantage of Chinese multinationals when they internationalize.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the existing literature concerning foreign direct investment by emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs), the authors identify that numerous studies explain this phenomenon on the basis of their location-bound country-specific advantages. However, such views do not fully explain the key underlying factors behind the rapid rise and success of many EMNEs as these firms rapidly internationalize and develop global competitiveness in developed markets. The current research explores three leading innovative Chinese EMNEs from the engineering sector: BYD, Sany Heavy Industry and CSR China.

Findings

The authors find that EMNEs’ knowledge, and particularly their innovation-creating technological knowledge, has contributed greatly to their successful internationalization. The illustrative cases show that the three firms have now moved beyond the infant to the mature stage of EMNE development through developing their technological knowledge in order to realize FSA through internationalization. This study helps in contributing fresh reflections to the continuing debate concerning the causes of internationalization and global competitive development by EMNEs and the role of their FSAs in these processes.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies which have demonstrated that some of the EMNEs do possess firms’ specific advantage which helps explain their innovative capabilities, competitive advantages and subsequent internationalization patterns.
Oil prices, policy uncertainty and asymmetries in inflation expectations
Authors: Istiak Khandokar , Alam Md Rafayet
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible asymmetric response of inflation expectations to oil price and policy uncertainty shocks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the test of asymmetric impulse responses proposed by Kilian and Vigfusson (2011) to explore the issue of asymmetry.

Findings

Unlike other studies that assume symmetric effects, this study finds asymmetric effects of oil price and policy uncertainty on inflation expectations for positive and negative shocks and for pre- and post-financial-crisis periods. In particular other things being same, a same magnitude oil price shock has greater effect on inflation expectations in post-crisis period than in pre-crisis period. Moreover, in post-crisis period a positive increasing oil price shock has greater effect on inflation expectations than a negative decreasing oil price shock.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that FED’s greater focus on output stabilization since financial crisis has made inflation expectations less anchored and a sudden surge in oil price may quickly trigger inflation through inflation expectations.

Originality/value

Exploring the issue of the possible asymmetric effects of oil price and economic policy uncertainty on inflation expectations is a relatively new topic (as other studies only assumed symmetry and did not investigate the possible asymmetry in this regard).
Impact of fossil fuel prices on electricity prices in Mexico
Authors: Bernal Bruno , Molero Juan Carlos , Perez De Gracia Fernando
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of fossil fuel prices – crude oil, natural gas and coal – on different electricity prices in Mexico. The use of alternative variables for electricity price helps to increase the robustness of the analysis in comparison to previous empirical studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an unrestricted vector autoregressive model and the sample covers the period January 2006 to January 2016.

Findings

Empirical findings suggest that crude oil, natural gas and coal prices have a significant positive impact on electricity prices – domestic electricity rates – in Mexico in the short run. Furthermore, crude oil and natural gas prices have also a significant positive impact on electricity prices – commercial and industrial electricity rates.

Originality/value

Two are the main contributions. First, this paper explores the nexus among crude oil, natural gas, coal and electricity prices in Mexico, while previous studies focus on the US, UK and some European economies. Second, instead of using one electricity price as a reference of national or domestic electricity sector, the analysis considers alternative Mexican electricity prices.
CEO gender, firm performance and agency costs: evidence from India
Authors: Jadiyappa Nemiraja , Jyothi Pavana , Sireesha Bhanu , Hickman Leila Emily
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of CEO gender on the performance of Indian firms and to explain the economic channel for any such effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel of 100 Indian firms, the authors test whether there is a significant difference in the performance – measured as return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) – of firms with male vs female CEOs, in both time and space dimensions, using the difference-in-differences approach.

Findings

The average ROA of the sample firms decrease by about 10 percent after a female enters the CEO role. This negative result remains robust in both the time series as well as cross-sectional analyses. The decline is also observed when using ROE to measure performance. Further, the authors show that this negative effect is associated with an increase in agency costs that is observed following the appointment of a female CEO.

Originality/value

Previous studies have produced mixed results regarding the effect of having a female CEO on firm performance, and the research to date has not explored the economic channel through which this effect occurs. In this study, the authors show that the decline in performance observed among Indian firms flows from an increase in agency costs under female management.
Foreign direct investment and economic growth in South America
Authors: Owusu-Nantwi Victor , Erickson Christopher
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in countries in South America. Additionally, the study explores the causal linkage between FDI and growth in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs Pedroni’s cointegration test to examine the long-run relationship between FDI and economic growth in South America. Further, the study employs the vector error correction model (VECM) to examine the long-run relationship, and the causal nexus between FDI and economic growth in South America for the period 1980–2015.

Findings

The Pedroni cointegration test establishes a long-run relationship between FDI and economic growth in a panel of ten countries in South America. The long-run estimates of the study find a significant positive impact of FDI on economic growth in the region. The VECM results find a short-run bidirectional causality between FDI and economic growth. The error-term is negative and significant. This indicates the presence of long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables.

Practical implications

Countries in South America should adopt policies that would substantially enlarge FDI inflows to enhance their growth and development.

Originality/value

Numerous studies have examined the impact of FDI on economic growth in the context of Latin America. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by providing an empirical evidence that focuses on South America. This additional perspective could form the basis for the evaluation of the investment policies, and help policymakers to pursue FDI policies that would enhance growth and development in South America.
Considering the team in team formulation: a systematic review
Authors: Short Valentina , Covey Judith A. , Webster Lisa A. , Wadman Ruth , Reilly Joe , Hay-Gibson Naomi , Stain Helen J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Team formulation, used to understand patient problems and plan care, is a growing practice in adult mental health and learning disability services. The purpose of this paper is to explore definitions applied to team formulation (as distinct to therapy formulation), its underpinning theories, and the inter-relationship between the team and the process of formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A database search (main search term of team formulation) of peer-reviewed studies was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. A main and second reviewer conducted quality appraisals and thematic analysis. Data were analysed by convergent qualitative synthesis design using thematic analysis to transform evidence from quantitative and qualitative studies into qualitative findings.

Findings

Initial searching produced 4,532 papers, 10 of which were eligible for inclusion. Team formulation has no distinct definition. Theories underpinning the practice of therapy formulation emanating from general psychological theory underpin team formulation. Seven studies applied psychological theories to the examination of team formulation. No studies examined the impact of the team on the formulation. Six themes were generated regarding the impact of team formulation on the team; “increased knowledge and understanding”, “altered perceptions, leading to altered relationships, feelings and behaviours”, “space to reflect”, “useful when stuck or challenged”, “perceived increase in effectiveness” and “improved team working”.

Research limitations/implications

Limited evidence and variable quality compromised the availability of review evidence.

Originality/value

This is the first review to examine team formulation through the context of the team. The authors argue that a conceptual framework to encompass team inputs, processes and outputs in team formulation practice should guide future research.
Results of a retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of adalimumab 80 mg administrated every other week in patients with psoriasis at a single Japanese institution
Authors: Kamiya Koji , Karakawa Masaru , Komine Mayumi , Kishimoto Megumi , Sugai Junichi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: January 2019

Adalimumab (ADA) is one of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α monoclonal antibodies used for the treatment of psoriasis. In Japan, standard dosing of ADA for adults is an initial s.c. injection of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg every other week. Some patients who initially do not respond to treatment are allowed an increased dose of 80 mg every other week. However, studies on the efficacy and safety of ADA dose escalation to 80 mg every other week are few. In this study, we retrospectively studied 92 patients with psoriasis who received ADA therapy in our hospital. In 45 out of 92 patients, the dose of ADA 80 mg was administrated every other week, and the efficacy was observed within 12 weeks. The most common adverse drug reaction was upper respiratory infection, followed by diarrhea. In three patients, malignancies occurred during the observation period. No deaths or other severe complications were observed. In conclusion, this study showed the efficacy and safety of ADA dose escalation to 80 mg every other week in patients with psoriasis.
Coupling between taxonomic and functional diversity in protistan coastal communities
Authors: Ramond Pierre , Sourisseau Marc , Simon Nathalie , Romac Sarah , Schmitt Sophie , Rigaut‐Jalabert Fabienne , Henry Nicolas , de Vargas Colomban , Siano Raffaele
Published: January 2019

The study of protistan functional diversity is crucial to understand the dynamics of oceanic ecological processes. We combined the metabarcoding data of various coastal ecosystems and a newly developed trait‐based approach to study the link between taxonomic and functional diversity across marine protistan communities of different size‐classes. Environmental DNA was extracted and the V4 18S rDNA genomic region was amplified and sequenced. In parallel, we tried to annotate the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from our metabarcoding dataset to 30 biological traits using published and accessible information on protists. We then developed a method to study trait correlations across protists (i.e. trade‐offs) in order to build the best functional groups. Based on the annotated OTUs and our functional groups, we demonstrated that the functional diversity of marine protist communities varied in parallel with their taxonomic diversity. The coupling between functional and taxonomic diversity was conserved across different protist size classes. However, the smallest size‐fraction was characterized by wider taxonomic and functional groups diversity, corroborating the idea that nanoplankton and picoplankton are part of a more stable ecological background on which larger protists and metazoans might develop.
Therapeutic citizens and clients: diverging healthcare practices in Malawi's prenatal clinics
Authors: Zhou Amy
Published: January 2019

This article examines how HIV policies and the funding priorities of global institutions affect practices in prenatal clinics and the quality of healthcare women receive. Data consist of observations at health centres in Lilongwe, Malawi and interviews with providers (N = 37). I argue that neoliberal ideology, which structures the global health field, produces a fragmented healthcare system on the ground. Findings show two kinds of healthcare practices within the same clinic: donor‐funded NGOs took on HIV services while government providers focused on prenatal care. NGO practices were defined by surveillance, where providers targeted pregnant HIV‐positive women and intensively monitored their adherence to drug treatment. In contrast, state‐led practices were defined by rationing. Government providers worked with all pregnant women, but with staff and resource shortages, they limited time and services for each patient in order to serve everyone. This paper builds on concepts of therapeutic citizenship and clientship by exploring how global health priorities produce different conditions, practices and outcomes of NGO and state‐led care.
Patients‐in‐waiting or chronically healthy individuals? People with elevated cholesterol talk about risk
Authors: Jauho Mikko
Published: January 2019

Risk adopts an ambiguous position between health and illness/disease and is culturally salient in various health‐related everyday practices. Previous research on risk experience has mostly focused on the illness/disease side of this risk ambiguity. Persons at risk have typically been defined as patients (of some kind) and their condition as a form of proto‐illness. To allow for the cultural proliferation of health risk and to account for the health side of risk ambiguity, I chose to focus on elevated cholesterol, a condition both intensely medicalised and connected to the everyday practice of eating, among participants (n = 14) recruited from a consumer panel and approached not as patients, but as individuals concerned about their cholesterol. Utilising the biographical disruption framework developed by Bury, I show how the risk experience of my participants differed from the chronic illness experience. Instead of patients‐in‐waiting suffering from a proto‐illness, they presented themselves as ‘chronically healthy individuals’ (Varul 2010), actively trying to avoid becoming patients through a responsible regimen of personal health care. The results call for a more nuanced approach to the risk experience, which accounts for both sides of the risk ambiguity.
Preliminary Studies on the Absorbance Ratio Method Used to Determining the Age of Stamp‐pad Ink Seal
Authors: Ouyang Guoliang , Li Biao , Zhao Pengnan , Guo Xingfei , Wang Changliang
Published: January 2019

Stamp‐pad ink seals are often placed on important documents, and determining the dating of stamp‐pad ink seal is important to assess the authenticity of a document. In this study, 20 different brands and types of stamp‐pad inks were classified by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer. Six different brands and types of papers were classified by micro‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and visual spectral comparator 6000. Three different brands of stamp‐pad inks and two different types of paper were used to make diachronic samples of the seals. A method was employed to date the stamp‐pad seals by comparing absorbance ratios and inks of known age. Curves were created to show the relationship between the absorbance ratio of ink and the age of the seals. The experimental results showed that the absorbance ratio method was applicable for the relative dating of stamp‐pad ink seals in some cases where the seal was placed on the document within 10 weeks.
Human Sensemaking in the Smart City: A Research Approach Merging Big and Thick Data
Authors: SMETS ANNELIEN , LIEVENS BRAM
Published: January 2019

This paper aims to contribute to the debate on the integration of ethnography and data science by providing a concrete research tool to deploy this integration. We start from our own experiences with user research in a data‐rich environment, the smart city, and work towards a research tool that leverages ethnographic praxis with data science opportunities. We discuss the different key components of the system, how they work together and how they allow for human sensemaking.
Acting on Analytics: Accuracy, Precision, Interpretation, and Performativity
Authors: BLOMBERG JEANETTE , MEGAHED ALY , STRONG RAY
Published: January 2019

We report on a two‐year project focused on the design and development of data analytics to support the cloud services division of a global IT company. While the business press proclaims the potential for enterprise analytics to transform organizations and make them ‘smarter’ and more efficient, little has been written about the actual practices involved in turning data into ‘actionable’ insights. We describe our experiences doing data analytics within a large global enterprise and reflect on the practices of acquiring and cleansing data, developing analytic tools and choosing appropriate algorithms, aligning analytics with the demands of the work and constraints on organizational actors, and embedding new analytic tools within the enterprise. The project we report on was initiated by three researchers; a mathematician, an operations researcher, and an anthropologist well‐versed in practice‐based technology design, in collaboration with a cloud services go‐to‐market strategy team and a global cloud sales organization. The analytics were designed to aid sellers in identifying client accounts that were at risk of defecting or that offered opportunities for up‐sale. Three‐years of sales revenue data were used to both train and test the predictive models. A suite of analytic tools was developed, drawing upon widely available algorithms, some of which were modified for our purposes, as well as home‐grown algorithms. Over the course of this project important lessons were learned, including that the confidence to act upon the results of data modeling rests on the ability to reason about the outcomes of the analytics and not solely on the accuracy or precision of the models, and that the ability to identify at‐risk clients or those with up‐sell opportunities by itself does not direct sellers on how to respond as information outside the models is critical to deciding on effective actions. We explore the challenges of acting on analytics in the enterprise context, with a focus on the practices of ‘real world’ data science.
Reading the Tea Leaves: Ethnographic Prediction as Evidence
Authors: MAIERS CLAIRE
Published: January 2019

Those who work in research know that we live in a world that is strongly influenced by what Tricia Wang has called the quantification bias. More so than other forms of information, numbers have incredible formative power. In our culture, numbers are seen as trustworthy representations of reality that are strongly associated with objectivity and untainted by human bias and shortcomings. Recently, data science, big data, algorithms, and machine learning have fueled a new wave of the quantification bias. One of the central fascinations of this wave has been the promise that humans now have the power of prediction at their fingertips. In this paper, I reflect on what it means to make predictions and explore the differences in how predictions are accomplished via quantitative modeling and ethnographic observation. While this is not the first time that ethnographic work has been put in conversation and in contrast with quantified practices, most theorists have framed the role of ethnography as providing context to that quantified work. Here, I argue that ethnographers produce predictions in their own right. I begin by discussing what it means to predict something, focusing on its function. This is followed by a discussion of the ways in which predictions are constructed through both machine learning and ethnographic work. In the course of this discussion I show the commonalities that exist between ethnographic work and machine learning, and I outline methodologies that claim that ethnographic work can make generalizable and accurate statements about the world, including predictive claims. I also point to some of the challenges in using machine learning as a means of producing predictions. This discussion is not meant to discredit these practices, but to demystify the process as a means of loosening quantification's authority, contextualizing its best applications, and putting the two approaches to knowledge production on even footing. Finally, I discuss circumstances in which qualitatively produced predictions may be most valuable, such as when dealing with emerging phenomena and unstable contexts.
The Australasian Resuscitation In Sepsis Evaluation: FLUid or vasopressors In Emergency Department Sepsis, a multicentre observational study (ARISE FLUIDS observational study): Rationale, methods and analysis plan
Authors: Keijzers Gerben , Macdonald Stephen PJ , Udy Andrew A , Arendts Glenn , Bailey Michael , Bellomo Rinaldo , Blecher Gabriel E , Burcham Jonathon , Delaney Anthony , Coggins Andrew R , Fatovich Daniel M , Fraser John F , Harley Amanda , Jones Peter , Kinnear Fran , May Katya , Peake Sandra , Taylor David McD , Williams Julian , Williams Patricia ,   ARISE FLUIDS Study Group
Published: January 2019

Objective

There is uncertainty about the optimal i.v. fluid volume and timing of vasopressor commencement in the resuscitation of patients with sepsis and hypotension. We aim to study current resuscitation practices in EDs in Australia and New Zealand (the Australasian Resuscitation In Sepsis Evaluation: FLUid or vasopressors In Emergency Department Sepsis [ARISE FLUIDS] observational study).

Methods

ARISE FLUIDS is a prospective, multicentre observational study in 71 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. It will include adult patients presenting to the ED during a 30 day period with suspected sepsis and hypotension (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg) despite at least 1000 mL fluid resuscitation. We will obtain data on baseline demographics, clinical and laboratory variables, all i.v. fluid given in the first 24 h, vasopressor use, time to antimicrobial administration, admission to intensive care, organ failure and in‐hospital mortality. We will specifically describe (i) the volume of fluid administered at the following time points: when meeting eligibility criteria, in the first 6 h, at 24 h and prior to vasopressor commencement and (ii) the frequency and timing of vasopressor use in the first 6 h and at 24 h. Screening logs will provide reliable estimates of the proportion of ED patients meeting eligibility criteria for a subsequent randomised controlled trial.

Discussion

This multicentre, observational study will provide insight into current haemodynamic resuscitation practices in patients with sepsis and hypotension as well as estimates of practice variation and patient outcomes. The results will inform the design and feasibility of a multicentre phase III trial of early haemodynamic resuscitation in patients presenting to ED with sepsis and hypotension.
Sarah Siddons, Sensibility and Enthusiastic Devotion in the British Enlightenment
Authors: Gibson Megan E.
Published: January 2019

A surprising number of understudied novels of the late eighteenth century contain scenes that feature celebrity actress Sarah Siddons and describe the emotional responses of her fans. This article argues that these scenes of effusive emotion, depicted positively, compel us to revisit our understandings of narratives of sensibility. Perhaps more importantly, these scenes reflect the extent to which manifestations of celebrity fandom mirror contemporary religious devotional practices, especially the enthusiastic worship of Methodist congregations. This essay therefore traces the slippage between secular and religious forms of devotion in the period, challenging more linear arguments of secularisation in eighteenth‐century Britain.
Clinical outcomes of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis with normal acute phase reactant values
Authors: Chung Min Kyung , Park Bohyun , Kim In Je , Cho Soo‐Kyung , Kim Dam , Sung Yoon‐Kyoung , Choi Chan‐Bum , Choe Jung‐Yoon , Chung Won Tae , Hong Seung‐Jae , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Koh Eunmi , Lee Shin‐Seok , Yoon Bo Young , Park Hyesook , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Lee Jisoo
Published: January 2019

Aim

Despite high clinical disease activity, some patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have normal acute phase reactant (APR) values. This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of active RA patients with normal APR values.

Method

Of 5376 patients with RA enrolled in the Korean observational study network for arthritis (KORONA) registry, 400 patients with disease duration of <2 years who had Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of >2.8 at baseline, biologic‐naïve, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) drawn at both baseline and 2‐year follow‐up visits were identified. Patients were grouped according to baseline APR levels: normal APRs, one APR elevated, and both APRs elevated.

Results

Baseline tender and swollen joint counts, mean CDAI and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) scores were significantly lower in the normal APRs group compared with APR‐elevated groups (P < 0.0001). At 2‐year follow‐up, mean CDAI scores, HAQ‐DI, and percentage of the patient achieving remission were not significantly different between the normal APRs group compared with the APR‐elevated groups regardless of the baseline disease activity. However, in patients with baseline CDAI moderate to high disease activity, the normal APRs group less frequently required initiation of the biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs compared with the APR‐elevated groups (P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Active RA patients with normal APR values have milder disease presentation, but similar clinical outcomes to those with elevated APRs.
Mind the Gap: Why Do Experts Have Differences of Opinion Regarding the Sufficiency of Audit Evidence Supporting Complex Fair Value Measurements?
Authors: Glover Steven M. , Taylor Mark H. , Wu Yi‐Jing , Trotman Ken T.
Published: January 2019

Reported deficiencies continue to persist in audits of fair value measurements and other complex accounting estimates (hereafter, “FVMs”), despite improvements in auditor performance observed by regulators. The persistence of reported deficiencies in audits of FVMs suggests that factors underlying this trend may be more complicated and multidimensional than previously suggested by regulators and academic research, which has focused largely on auditors' unsatisfactory performance as the principal source of reported deficiencies. Drawing from the judgment and decision‐making expertise literature, we gather field‐based data from audit experts to identify additional factors that are likely to be contributing to differences of opinion between audit and inspection experts and the persistence of reported deficiencies in audits of FVMs. We find evidence that audit experts interpret standards and evaluate audit evidence differently than inspectors, and thus perceive there to be a gap between what auditors and inspectors regard as sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support audits of FVMs (hereafter, “FVM gap”). Moreover, results highlight several areas in audits of FVMs where differences of opinion exist between auditor and inspector experts regarding what constitutes a reported deficiency. Within the contexts we examine, our results identify additional factors, beyond deficient auditor performance, that may contribute to the FVM gap. We also report audit partners' recommendations for ways to reduce the FVM gap and suggest avenues for future research. Gaining a more complete understanding of sources contributing to reported deficiencies will help regulators, standard setters, audit firms, and academics to identify ways to reduce the FVM gap and reported deficiencies in audits of FVMs.
Gender Disparities in Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Among Privately Insured Patients with Alcohol‐Associated Cirrhosis
Authors: Mellinger Jessica L. , Fernandez Anne , Shedden Kerby , Winder G. Scott , Fontana Robert J. , Volk Michael L. , Blow Frederic C. , Lok Anna S. F.
Published: January 2019

Background

The burden of alcohol‐associated cirrhosis (AC) is high, and though alcohol cessation improves mortality, many patients fail to engage in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment and continue drinking. Our aim was to determine rates, predictors, and outcomes of AUD treatment utilization in AC patients with private insurance.

Methods

We collected data from persons with AC (diagnosed by ICD‐9/ICD‐10 codes), aged 18 to 64 years, enrolled in the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database (2009 to 2016). We determined rates and predictors of substance abuse treatment visits as well as rates of alcohol relapse prevention medication prescriptions, weighted to the national employer‐sponsored insured population. Effects of AUD treatment utilization on decompensation rates were calculated using proportional hazards regression with propensity score adjustment.

Results

A total of 66,053 AC patients were identified, 32% were female, and mean age at diagnosis was 54.5 years. About 72% had insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment. Overall, AUD treatment utilization rates were low, with only 10% receiving a face‐to‐face mental health or substance abuse visit and only 0.8% receiving a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved relapse prevention medication within 1 year of index diagnosis. Women were less likely to receive a face‐to‐face visit (hazard ratio [HR] 0.84,p < 0.001) or an FDA‐approved relapse prevention medication (0.89,p = 0.05) than men. AC patients who had a clinic visit for AUD treatment or used FDA‐approved relapse medication showed decreased risk of decompensation at 1 year (HR 0.85,p < 0.001 for either).

Conclusions

AUD treatment utilization is associated with lower decompensation rates among privately insured patients with AC. Women were less likely to utilize AUD treatment visits. Efforts to reduce gender‐specific barriers to treatment are urgently needed to improve outcomes.
Challenges and adjustments in maintaining health and well‐being of older Asian immigrants in New Zealand: An integrative review
Authors: Montayre Jed , De‐Arth Jaden , Shrestha‐Ranjit Jagamaya , Neville Stephen , Holroyd Eleanor
Published: January 2019

Objective

There is a paucity of health‐related research on older Asian immigrants in New Zealand. The aim of this review was to critically examine literature on the health and well‐being of this population group.

Methods

An integrative literature review was conducted from December 2017 to February 2018. Online databases searched were Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre.

Results

Two themes were identified: Firstly, the “challenges stemming from an unfamiliar environment” faced by older Asian immigrants, and secondly, their “strategies for adjusting to a new home.” These themes suggested how participation in community and leisure activities, as well as adapting their outlook on life, contributed to these older migrants’ health and well‐being within a New Zealand context.

Conclusion

A multitude of challenges in maintaining health and well‐being confronted these older Asian immigrants; nevertheless, they created strategies to respond and positively influence their health following later‐life migration.
Alteration of the immune cell profiles in the pathophysiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Wang Xia , Lee Cheuk‐Lun , Li Raymond H. W. , Vijayan Madhavi , Duan Yong‐Gang , Yeung William S. B. , Zhang Yuanzhen , Chiu Philip C. N.
Published: January 2019

Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) refers to implantation of conceptus in the fallopian tube. It makes up over 98% of ectopic pregnancy (EP), which is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. Immune cells at the maternal‐fetal interface play important roles in the process of embryo implantation, stroma decidualization, and early placental development. Alterations in the composition, phenotype, and activity of the immune cells in the fallopian tubes contribute toward the onset of TEP. In this review, we compare the leukocytic proportions in decidua of normal pregnancy, and in decidua and fallopian tubes of TEP. The possible functions of these immune cells in the pathophysiology of TEP are also discussed.
Neutralization of IL‐17 rescues amyloid‐β‐induced neuroinflammation and memory impairment
Authors: Cristiano Claudia , Volpicelli Floriana , Lippiello Pellegrino , Buono Benedetta , Raucci Federica , Piccolo Marialuisa , Iqbal Asif Jilani , Irace Carlo , Miniaci Maria Concetta , Perrone Capano Carla , Calignano Antonio , Mascolo Nicola , Maione Francesco
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a neuroinflammatory state, and to date, there is no cure and its treatment represents a large unmet clinical need. The involvement of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of AD‐related neuroinflammation has been reported in several studies. However, the role of the cytokine, IL‐17 has not been well addressed. Herein, we investigate the effects of IL‐17 neutralizing antibody (IL‐17Ab) injected by i.c.v. or intranasal (IN) routes on amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐induced neuroinflammation and memory impairment in mice.

Experimental approach

Aβ1–42 was injected into cerebral ventricles of adult CD1 mice. These mice received IL‐17Ab via i.c.v. either at 1 h prior to Aβ1–42 injection or IN 5 and 12 days after Aβ1–42 injection. After 7 and 14 days of Aβ1–42 administration, we evaluated olfactory, spatial and working memory and performed biochemical analyses on whole brain and specific brain areas.

Key results

Pretreatment with IL‐17Ab, given, i.c.v., markedly reduced Aβ1–42‐induced neurodegeneration, improved memory function, and prevented the increase of pro‐inflammatory mediators in a dose‐dependent manner at 7 and 14 days. Similarly, the double IN administration of IL‐17Ab after Aβ1–42 injection reduced neurodegeneration, memory decline, and the levels of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines.

Conclusion and implications

These findings suggest that the IL‐17Ab reduced neuroinflammation and behavioural symptoms induced by Aβ. The efficacy of IL‐17Ab IN administration in reducing Aβ1–42 neurodegeneration points to a possible future therapeutic approach in patients with AD.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc
Adolescent Peer Relationship Qualities as Predictors of Long‐Term Romantic Life Satisfaction
Authors: Allen Joseph P. , Narr Rachel K. , Kansky Jessica , Szwedo David E.
Published: January 2019

Adolescent‐era predictors of adult romantic life satisfaction were examined in a multimethod, prospective, longitudinal study of 165 adolescents followed from ages 13 to 30. Progress in key developmental tasks, including establishing positive expectations and capacity for assertiveness with peers at age 13, social competence at ages 15 and 16, and ability to form and maintain strong close friendships at ages 16–18, predicted romantic life satisfaction at ages 27–30. In contrast, several qualities linked to romantic experience during adolescence (i.e., sexual and dating experience, physical attractiveness) were unrelated to future satisfaction. Results suggest a central role of competence in nonromantic friendships as preparation for successful management of the future demands of adult romantic life.