bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The new communication order: Management, language, and morality in a multinational corporation
Authors: COHEN SUSANNE
Published: April 2015

“Communication” is central to participative management strategies associated with post‐Fordist capitalism. Although exhortations to manage via “communication” instrumentalize managerial linguistic practices, they also moralize them in reference to a larger therapeutic moral order. By drawing from fieldwork conducted in the office of a Russian factory affiliated with a U.S. multinational corporation and by attending to metadiscourses in training manuals, managerial meetings, and conversations with company staff, I examine how “communication” can serve as a touchstone for managers and professionals endeavoring to exemplify moral personhood and create moral workplaces, even as it leaves fundamental inequalities of global capitalism intact. I also highlight the substantial transformations that “communication” can undergo in its global circulation and the particular tensions between morality and instrumentality that arise in post‐Fordist overseas manufacturing. [capitalism, morality, language and political economy, language ideology, management, globalization, postsocialism]
Validation of the modified Ranson versus Glasgow score for pancreatitis in a Singaporean population
Authors: Tan Yong Hui Alvin , Rafi Shumaila , Tyebally Fang Mirriam , Hwang Stephen , Lim Ee Wen , Ngu James , Tan Su‐Ming
Published: April 2015

Background

The characteristics of patients with acute pancreatitis in multi‐ethnic Singapore differ from that of the populations used in formulating the modified Ranson and Glasgow scores. The use of these scoring systems has not previously been validated in the Singaporean setting. This study aims to validate and compare the prognostic use of the modified Ranson and Glasgow scores, and to determine the superiority of one score over the other in predicting the outcome for acute pancreatitis in the Singaporean population.

Methods

This is a 3‐year retrospective study of patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis at our centre. Patients with chronic pancreatitis, acute on chronic pancreatitis, iatrogenic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer as well as those with incomplete Ranson or Glasgow scores were excluded from the study. Case notes and computer records were reviewed for local complications of pancreatitis and organ failure. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves of the Ranson and Glasgow scores were plotted for the prediction of severity and mortality.

Results

Between January 2010 and December 2012, 230 cases were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. A majority of the patients had mild pancreatitis (n = 194, 84.3%), and the overall 30‐day mortality rate was 3.5% (n = 8). ROC of the Ranson and Glasgow scoring systems for mortality showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.854 (P = 0.001) and 0.776 (P = 0.008), respectively. For severity, the AUC for the modified Ranson and Glasgow score was calculated to be 0.694 and 0.668, respectively.

Conclusions

The ROC curves of Ranson and Glasgow scores for mortality are comparable with that published in earlier studies. In a Singaporean population, the Ranson score is more accurate in the prediction of mortality. However, both scoring systems are poor predictors for severity of acute pancreatitis.
Identification of Orthologous Target Pairs with Shared Active Compounds and Comparison of Organism‐specific Activity Patterns
Authors: Dimova Dilyana , Stumpfe Dagmar , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: April 2015

A systematic search for active small molecules shared by orthologous targets was carried out, leading to the identification of 803 compound‐based orthologous target pairs covering a total of 938 orthologues, 358 unique targets and 98 organisms. Many orthologous target pairs were found to have substantial compound coverage, enabling the introduction of an orthologous target pairs classification including ‘organism cliffs’ and ‘potency‐retaining’ pairs. A total of 158 orthologous target pairs involving human orthologues were identified, which were typically associated with drug discovery‐relevant targets, organism combinations and compound data. Orthologous target pairs with human orthologues included 83 potency‐retaining orthologous target pairs covering a variety of targets and organisms. On the basis of these orthologous target pairs, the compound search was further extended and 1149 potent compounds were identified that only had reported activities for non‐human orthologues of 48 therapeutic targets, but not their human counterparts, hence providing a large pool of candidate compounds for further evaluation. The complete set of orthologous target pairs identified in our analysis, the orthologous target pairs classification including associated data and all candidate compounds are made freely available.
Effects of Mexican Immigrant Parents’ Daily Workplace Discrimination on Child Behavior and Family Functioning
Authors: Gassman‐Pines Anna
Published: April 2015

This study investigated Mexican immigrant parents’ reports of perceived workplace discrimination and their children's behavior, parents’ moods, and parent–child interactions. Parents of one hundred and thirty‐eight 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children were asked to complete one survey daily for 2 weeks (N = 1,592 days). On days when fathers perceived discrimination, fathers and mothers reported more externalizing child behaviors, and mothers reported fewer positive child behaviors. When mothers perceived discrimination, they reported more externalizing child behaviors; fathers reported more internalizing child behaviors. Parents reported worse mood on days with perceived discrimination. Perceived discrimination was not strongly related to parent–child interactions. For fathers, but less so for mothers, those whose psychological acculturation indicated separation had more negative relations between daily perceived workplace discrimination and child and family outcomes.
Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 in overweight and obese Thai children and adolescents: its relation to glucose metabolism and its change after glucose loading
Authors: Korwutthikulrangsri Manassawee , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Poomthavorn Preamrudee
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been demonstrated to be beneficial for glucose metabolism in animal and in vitro studies. However, its role in humans is still unclear. This study aimed to determine serum FGF21 in relation to glucose metabolism in obese children and to evaluate serum FGF21 changes during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Design, patients and measurements

A cross‐sectional study of 301 obese children was conducted in a tertiary hospital. All children underwent an OGTT and had their fasting serum FGF21 and adiponectin measured. A subgroup of 71 children had their serum FGF21 levels serially measured at 0, 60 and 120 min during the OGTT.

Results

Serum FGF21 levels were progressively increased in children with normal glucose tolerance without hyperinsulinaemia, normal glucose tolerance with hyperinsulinaemia and abnormal glucose tolerance [median (IQR): 72 (34–148), 96 (55–182), 122 (75–220) pg/ml, respectively, P = 0·003]. Log serum FGF21 was associated with homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0·174, P = 0·002). There was no correlation between log serum FGF21 and serum adiponectin level. During the OGTT, there were changes in serum FGF21 levels with a decrease in FGF21 at 60 min from the baseline and an increase above the baseline at 120 min.

Conclusions

Serum FGF21 level was highest in obese children with the highest insulin resistance or abnormal glucose tolerance. Log serum FGF21 was not correlated with serum adiponectin. Changes in serum FGF21 levels during the OGTT were observed.
How should we use calcineurin inhibitors in myasthenia gravis?
Authors: Murai Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

Calcineurin inhibitors are approved for the treatment of myasthenia gravis in Japan. Utsugisawa et al. described the use of calcineurin inhibitors and outcomes of myasthenia gravis in Japan using the data of a multicenter survey. According to the result, they argue that calcineurin inhibitors should be given more aggressively to late‐onset myasthenia gravis patients and early‐stage disease.
Intravascular NK/T‐cell lymphoma: a report of five cases with cutaneous manifestation from China
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Siyuan , Ma Han , Shi Dongmei , Huang Changzheng , Lu Chun , Gao Tianwen , Wang Gang
Published: April 2015

Background

Intravascular lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that frequently affects the skin and is usually of B‐cell origin. This lymphoma type is very rare and not recognized as a separate entity in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue tumors.

Methods

We reported five cases of intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma with cutaneous manifestation and reviewed 12 published cases involving Chinese patients with similar characteristics.

Results

All five patients were adults who exhibited red or brown patches or plaques on the lower extremities or trunk; four cases were associated with B symptoms; one case developed subsequent to a lymphoma on the face (possibly extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type). Histopathologically, all patients exhibited abnormal, medium‐sized intravascular lymphocytes in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. All patients were positive for CD2, CD3ϵ, CD56 and cytotoxic proteins. All cases were Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) positive. Four of FIVE patients died of lymphoma within a few months of diagnosis.

Conclusions

Intravascular NK/T‐cell lymphoma is a rare highly aggressive and EBV‐associated lymphoma that is prone to develop in Chinese patients. The relationship between intravascular NK/T‐cell lymphoma and extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, requires clarification.
Impact of the 2009 AJCC staging guidelines for melanoma on the number of mitotic figures reported by dermatopathologists at one institution
Authors: Larson Allison R. , Rothschild Brian , Walls Andrew C. , Granter Scott R. , Qureshi Abrar A. , Murphy George F. , Laga Alvaro C.
Published: April 2015

Background

In 2009 the revised seventh staging system for melanoma recommended the use of mitotic count to separate stage T1a from T1b. However, careful scrutiny of cases may lead to an inadvertent selection effect, with consequent increased reporting of mitotic counts.

Methods

We investigated whether there is a significant increase in mitotic counts reported since 2009 for melanomas with a Breslow thickness of 1.0 mm or less. We conducted a retrospective, case‐controlled study examining invasive melanoma cases at a large academic center. Mitotic counts were compared between pathology reports before 2009 (n = 61) and after 2009 (n = 125), with a subset of slides re‐examined in a blinded fashion.

Results

Before the 2009 staging guidelines, 51% of cases had one or more mitosis reported compared to 38% after 2009 (p = 0.113). Blinded re‐counting did not yield a significant difference when compared with the original pathology reports in either group.

Conclusions

There was not a significant difference in the number of mitoses reported after the implementation of the new guidelines.
Angiomatöses fibröses Histiozytom – Fallserie mit Schwerpunkt auf der späten fibrotischen Variante
Authors: Wilk Michael , Zelger Bettina G. , Debiec‐Rychter Maria , Sciot Raf , Zelger Bernhard
Published: April 2015

Hintergrund

Das angiomatöse fibröse Histiozytom (AFH) ist eine seltene, geringgradig maligne, subkutane Neoplasie bei Kindern oder jungen Erwachsenen.

Methodik

AFH in verschiedenen Krankheitsstadien wurden histologisch, teilweise auch immunhistologisch, sowie mittels Fluoreszenz‐in‐situ‐Hybridisierung untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Abhängig vom Grad der Fibrosklerose wurden neun AFH in folgende Kategorien eingeteilt: klassischer Typ (n = 3): umschriebene subkutane Läsion, bestehend aus multinodulären Spindel‐ bis epitheloiden (histiozytoiden) Zellen, die einen pseudoangiomatösen, mit Blut gefüllten Raum umgeben. Peripher befinden sich eine fibröse Pseudokapsel sowie ein entzündliches Infiltrat. Früher sklerotischer Typ (n = 4): die fibröse Kapsel dehnt sich mehr zum inneren Bereich der Läsion aus und ersetzt fokal den zellulären, neoplastischen Bestandteil und die pseudoangiomatösen Räume. Später sklerotischer Typ (n = 2): die Architektur des AFH mit seiner zonenartigen Anordnung eines äußeren fibrösen und inneren zellulären Bestandteils wird größtenteils durch die Fibrose ersetzt, die den pseudovaskulären Raum im Zentrum der Läsion verschließt. Eine Immunhistochemie war in 5 von 9 Fällen möglich, mit einer Positivität für EMA (5/5), Desmin (3/5), Caldesmon (1/2) und CD99 (2/5). Einer der beiden getesteten Fälle zeigte eine EWSR1‐Umlagerung.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein AFH im Spätstadium kann mit deutlicher Fibrose einhergehen, die die wahre Natur der Läsion verschleiert und so als harmloses fibrotisches Geschehen fehlinterpretiert werden.
Wirksamkeit von niedrig‐dosiertem 5‐Fluorouracil/Salizylsäure in Abhängigkeit von der Behandlungsdauer bei aktinischen Keratosen
Authors: Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Dirschka Thomas , Prechtl Andreas , Melzer Antje
Published: April 2015

Hintergrund

Der Anteil der in Deutschland diagnostizierten und dermatologisch behandelten aktinischen Keratosen (AK) ist in den letzten Jahren kontinuierlich angestiegen. Da die AK einer frühen Form des Plattenepithelkarzinoms entspricht, ist eine frühzeitige Therapie notwendig. Ziel dieser nicht‐interventionellen Studie (NIS) war es, die Wirksamkeit einer niedrig‐dosierten (0,5 %) 5‐Fluorouracil‐Lösung in Kombination mit 10 % Salizylsäure (Low‐Dose 5‐FU/SA) bei der Behandlung der AK (klinischer Grad I und II nach Olsen) in Abhängigkeit von der Anwendungsdauer zu untersuchen.

Patienten und Methodik

Im Rahmen dieser NIS wurden 1 051 Patienten mit AK an 212 Zentren mit Low‐Dose 5‐FU/SA behandelt. Die Dokumentation fand bei Therapiebeginn, optional während einer Zwischenuntersuchung, bei Therapieende und bei einer Abschlussbeurteilung statt.

Ergebnisse

Im Beobachtungszeitraum reduzierten sich die durchschnittliche Anzahl der Läsionen um ca. 70 % und die durchschnittliche Ausdehnung der Läsionen um ca. 80 %, wobei der Behandlungszeitraum bei etwa der Hälfte dieser Patienten weniger als 6 Wochen betrug. Die Wirksamkeit wurde bei etwa 89 % und die Verträglichkeit bei etwa 87 % der Patienten im globalen Abschlussurteil mit sehr gut oder gut bewertet.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Anwendung von Low‐Dose 5‐FU/SA unter Routinebedingungen in der dermatologischen Praxis führte zur effektiven Reduktion der AK‐Läsionen auch bei kurzer Therapiedauer und guter Verträglichkeit. Diese Ergebnisse bestätigten die Resultate der klinischen Phase‐III‐Zulassungsstudie.
Mycology – an update Part 3: Dermatomycoses: topical and systemic therapy
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Krüger Constanze , Paasch Uwe , Ginter‐Hanselmayer Gabriele
Published: April 2015

Treatment of dermatophyte infections is based on the clinical picture and mycological detection of the causative pathogen. Based on the appropriate indication, onychomycosis can be treated topically using an antimycotic nail lacquer. Atraumatic nail abrasion with 40 % urea ointment has a beneficial effect on healing. Continuous treatment of onychomycosis with terbinafine represents the most effective systemic therapy. Terbinafine or itraconazole are the safest and most effective antimycotic agents for the treatment of onychomycosis in children. For laser therapy of onychomycosis, only a few studies on clinical efficacy are available. Regarding tinea capitis, targeted species‐specific therapy of dermatophytosis of the scalp is currently recommended. Terbinafine, yet also itraconazole and fluconazole, are effective in tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton species. Microsporum infections of the scalp are preferably treated with griseofulvin, alternatively with itraconazole or fluconazole. Terbinafine is less effective.

Candidal intertrigo are topically treated with nystatin, but azoles or ciclopirox olamine are also suitable candidates. Systemically, fluconazole or itraconazole are used. Topical and systemic antimycotics are equivalent forms of therapy in acute vulvovaginal mycosis. Fluconazole is the drug of choice in chronic recurrent vulvovaginal mycosis caused by Candida albicans. Ketoconazole shows very good efficacy in tinea versicolor. With respect to systemic treatment of severe and widespread tinea versicolor, itraconazole is the drug of choice.
A Business Model Innovation Typology
Authors: Taran Yariv , Boer Harry , Lindgren Peter
Published: April 2015

An effective business model is the core enabler of any company's performance. Business model innovation is not only becoming more and more important due to increasing and globalizing competition, but also an enormous challenge, both theoretically and practically. Although many managers are eager to consider more disruptive changes to their business model, they often do not know how to articulate their existing or desired business model and, even less so, understand the possibilities for innovating it. One of the steps toward developing more theoretical insight and practical guidelines is the identification of types and the development of a typology of business model innovations.

Ten retrospective case studies of business model innovations undertaken by two industrial companies provide the empirical basis for this article. We analyzed the characteristics of these innovations as well as their success rates. The findings suggest that there are indeed various business model innovation types, each with its own characteristics and challenges.
Are muscles weaker in children with neurofibromatosis type 1?
Authors: D'Astous Jacques , Johnson Barbara A
Published: April 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Cornett et al. on pages 733–736 of this issue.
Life‐history evolution in the anthropocene: effects of increasing nutrients on traits and trade‐offs
Authors: Snell‐Rood Emilie , Cothran Rickey , Espeset Anne , Jeyasingh Punidan , Hobbie Sarah , Morehouse Nathan I.
Published: April 2015

Variation in life‐history traits can have major impacts on the ecological and evolutionary responses of populations to environmental change. Life‐history variation often results from trade‐offs that arise because individuals have a limited pool of resources to allocate among traits. However, human activities are increasing the availability of many once‐limited resources, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, with potentially major implications for the expression and evolution of life‐history trade‐offs. In this review, we synthesize contemporary life history and sexual selection literature with current research on ecosystem nutrient cycling to highlight novel opportunities presented by anthropogenic environmental change for investigating life‐history trait development and evolution. Specifically, we review four areas where nutrition plays a pivotal role in life‐history evolution and explore possible implications in the face of rapid, human‐induced change in nutrient availability. For example, increases in the availability of nutrients may relax historical life‐history trade‐offs and reduce the honesty of signaling systems. We argue that ecosystems experiencing anthropogenic nutrient inputs present a powerful yet underexplored arena for testing novel and longstanding questions in organismal life‐history evolution.
Chemical probing suggests redox‐regulation of the carbonic anhydrase activity of mycobacterial Rv1284
Authors: Nienaber Lisa , Cave‐Freeman Elysia , Cross Megan , Mason Lyndel , Bailey Ulla‐Maja , Amani Parisa , A. Davis Rohan , Taylor Paul , Hofmann Andreas
Published: April 2015

The mycobacterial enzyme Rv1284 is a member of the β‐carbonic anhydrase family that is considered essential for survival of the pathogen. The active site cavity of this dimeric protein is characterized by an exceptionally small volume and harbours a catalytic zinc ion coordinated by two cysteine and one histidine residue side chains. Using the natural products polycarpine and emodin as chemical probes in crystallographic experiments and stopped‐flow enzyme assays, we report that the catalytic activity can be reversibly inhibited by oxidation. Oxidative conditions lead to the removal of one of the active site cysteine residues from the coordination sphere of the catalytic metal ion by engagement in a disulfide bond with another cysteine residue close by. The subsequent loss of the metal ion, which is supported by crystallographic analysis, may thus render the protein catalytically inactive. The oxidative inhibition of Rv1284 can be reversed by exposing the protein to reducing conditions. Because the physical size of the chemical probes used in the present study substantially exceeds the active site volume, we hypothesized that these compounds exert their effects from a surface‐bound location and identified Tyr120 as a critical residue for oxidative inactivation. These findings link conditions of oxidative stress to pH homeostasis of the pathogen. Because oxidative stress and acidification are defence mechanisms employed by the innate immune system of the host, we suggest that Rv1284 may be a component of the mycobacterial survival strategy.

Database

Atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4yf4, 4yf5 and 4yf6.
Open pasture, silvopasture and sward herbage maturity effects on nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of cool‐season pasture
Authors: Neel J. P. S. , Felton E. E. D. , Singh S. , Sexstone A. J. , Belesky D. P.
Published: April 2015

In Appalachian USA, silvopasture offers promise of increased farm productivity. A synchronized, temporal understanding of open pasture (OP) and silvopasture (SP) nutritive characteristics is essential for grazing system development. We examined pasture‐type nutritive‐value relationships when herbage was harvested based on morphological maturity rather than calendar date. Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre (ADF and NDF) content were greater in silvopasture, while organic matter (OM) was lower (P < 0·05). Digestibility of SP herbage dry matter (DM) and OM tended (P = 0·10) to be lower (418 vs. 471 and 437 vs. 491 g kg−1 respectively). Neutral detergent fibre digestibility was greater (P < 0·05) for OP than SP forage (538 vs. 480 g kg−1), and ADF tended to be greater (P = 0·10; 551 vs. 501). Open‐pasture forage fermentation effluent exhibited slightly higher microbial richness and Shannon diversity than SP. However, overall community composition of both bacteria and archaea did not differ between pasture types or sampling times. Pasture types show proximate analyses differences generally favourable to OP, although both have similar overall nutritive value. In addition, the SP sward exhibited a 4‐ to 6‐days delay in reaching equivalent maturity. Conversion of farm woodlots to SP would increase overall herbage production and improve pasture management flexibility.
New associations: INFG and TGFB1 genes and the inhibitor development in severe haemophilia A
Authors: de Alencar J. B. , Macedo L. C. , de Barros M. F. , Rodrigues C. , Shinzato A. H. , Pelissari C. B. , Machado J. , Sell A. M. , Visentainer J. E. L.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The development of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor is the main complication of replacement therapy in patients with haemophilia A (HA). A ratio of 5–7% of individuals HA develops antibodies (inhibitors) against the FVIII infused during the treatment, thereby reducing their pro‐coagulant activity. The immunomodulatory cytokine genes have been related to the risk of development of alloantibodies in several studies, mainly in HA with severe form.

Aim

We investigated the polymorphisms in regulatory regions of cytokine genes (IL1A, IL1B, IL1R, IL1RA, IL4RA, IL12, INFG, TGFB1, TNF, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10) that could influence the risk of developing inhibitors in patients with severe HA.

Methods

The genotyping of cytokine genes of 117 patients with HA was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) using the protocol recommended by the manufacturer (Invitrogen kit Cytokines®, Canoga Park, USA)

Results

From the cohort of 117 patients with severe HA, 35 developed inhibitors. There was a higher frequency of +874 T allele in INFG and of +869 TT and TG/TG in TGFB1 genes on patients with inhibitors.

Conclusion

This suggests that polymorphisms in INFG and in TGFB1 genes are related to risk of developing inhibitor, and could contribute to a genetic profile of the individual HA for the risk of inhibitors development to FVIII.
The care and keeping of vascular access for home hemodialysis patients
Authors: Faratro Rose , Jeffries Janine , Nesrallah Gihad E. , MacRae Jennifer M.
Published: April 2015

Creating and maintaining a healthy vascular access is a critical factor in successful home hemodialysis (HD). This article aims to serve as a “how‐to manual” regarding vascular access issues for both patients and health‐care providers in a home HD program. This document outlines cannulation options for patients with arteriovenous access and describes troubleshooting techniques for potential complications; strategies are suggested to help patients overcome fear of cannulation and address problems associated with difficult cannulation. Technical aspects of central venous catheter care, as well as a guide to troubleshooting catheter complications, are covered in detail. Monitoring for access‐related complications of stenosis, infection, and thrombosis is a key part of every home HD program. Key performance and quality indicators are important mechanisms to ensure patient safety in home HD and should be used during routine clinic visits.
Patient safety in home hemodialysis: Quality assurance and serious adverse events in the home setting
Authors: Pauly Robert P. , Eastwood Deborah O. , Marshall Mark R.
Published: April 2015

Interest in home hemodialysis (HD) is high because of the reported benefits and its excellent safety record. However, the potential for serious adverse events (AEs) exists when patients perform HD in their homes without supervision. We review the epidemiology of dialysis‐related emergencies during home HD, and present a conceptual and practical framework for the prevention and management of serious AEs for those patients performing home HD. In addition, we describe a formal monitored and iterative quality assurance program, and make suggestions for the future development of safety strategies to mitigate the risk of AEs in home HD.
THE EFFECTS OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS
Authors: Dean David , Pepper John , Schmidt Robert , Stern Steven
Published: April 2015

This article utilizes administrative data to examine both short‐ and long‐term employment impacts for people with cognitive impairments who applied for vocational rehabilitation services in Virginia in 2000. These data provide long‐term quarterly information on services and employment outcomes. We model behavior, allow for multiple service choices, use long‐run labor market data, and use valid instruments. Results imply that services generally have positive long‐run labor market outcome effects that appear to substantially exceed the cost of providing services.
EFFECTS OF PERMANENT AND TRANSITORY TAX CHANGES IN A LIFE‐CYCLE LABOR SUPPLY MODEL WITH HUMAN CAPITAL
Authors: Keane Michael P.
Published: April 2015

I examine effects of labor income taxation in life‐cycle models with human capital accumulation. In this case, the opportunity cost of time equals the wage plus returns to work experience. This has several interesting consequences: First, the data appear consistent with larger labor supply elasticities than prior work suggests. Second, contrary to conventional wisdom, permanent tax changes can have larger effects on current labor supply than temporary changes. Third, human capital dampens responses of young workers to transitory tax changes. Fourth, labor supply elasticities increase with age. Fifth, human capital amplifies the effect of permanent tax changes in the long run.
ESTIMATING DYNAMIC DISCRETE CHOICE MODELS WITH HYPERBOLIC DISCOUNTING, WITH AN APPLICATION TO MAMMOGRAPHY DECISIONS
Authors: Fang Hanming , Wang Yang
Published: April 2015

We extend the semiparametric estimation method for dynamic discrete choice models using Hotz and Miller's (Review of Economic Studies 60 (1993), 497–529) conditional choice probability approach to the setting where individuals may have hyperbolic discounting time preferences and may be naive about their time inconsistency. We illustrate the proposed identification and estimation method with an empirical application of adult women's decisions to undertake mammography to evaluate the importance of present bias and naivety in the underutilization of this preventive health care. Our results show evidence for both present bias and naivety.
A Comparison of Applicants' and Incumbents' Mean Scores on Health Constructs and Personality Constructs. A Follow‐up Study of Military Recruits in a Selection Setting
Authors: Bäccman Charlotte , Sjöberg Lennart , Almqvist Kjerstin
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the change in means on both personality constructs and the more infrequently studied, health constructs, as a possible effect of self‐enhancement in a real selection setting. The participants (N = 202) were assessed first as applicants, and later as incumbents. The result revealed that, while all the means for personality constructs changed across situations, the effect sizes on the health constructs were stronger. The analysis also revealed that it was twice as likely for the incumbents to confirm having experienced previous traumatic/stressful events compared with applicants. Implications for the observed changes on both personality and health constructs in military selection setting are discussed.
Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire
Authors: Alessandri Guido , Borgogni Laura , Consiglio Chiara , Mitidieri Giusy
Published: April 2015

Two studies were conducted in order to investigate the psychometric properties of Italian version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). Results from Study 1 (N = 401) provided support of the factorial validity of its four facets (self‐efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience), as well as of its composite factor measure. Results from Study 2 (N = 465) attested the measurement invariance of the PCQ across one year. Study 2 also explored the relationship between psychological capital, job satisfaction, work engagement, and job performance. Limitations and practical implications are discussed in the article.
Credit Scoring and Loan Default
Authors: Sengupta Rajdeep , Bhardwaj Geetesh
Published: April 2015

A metric of credit score performance is developed to study the usage and performance of credit scoring in the loan origination process. We examine the performance of originationFICOscores as measures ofex anteborrower creditworthiness using loan‐level data onex postperformance of subprime mortgages. Parametric and nonparametric estimates of credit score performance reveal different trends, especially on originations with low credit scores. The data suggest a trend of increased emphasis on higher credit scores accompanying a trend of increased riskiness in other origination attributes. Over time, this increased emphasis on credit scoring coincided with deterioration inFICOperformance largely because of the fact that higher credit score originations of later cohorts were more likely to have riskier attributes. However, controlling for other attributes on originations and changes in economic conditions, we find that, as measures of borrower ranking,FICOperformance on subprime loans over the years remains fairly stable.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Changes and Drug Therapy in an Older Population
Authors: Lamy Peter P.
Published: April 2015

The aging process—physiologic, pathophysiologic and sociogenic—increases the variability of patient reactions to drug therapy, even within the same patient. This variability in the elderly patient may cause drug toxicity or subtherapeutic levels, particularly of drugs with narrow therapeutic indexes. An analysis of age‐related changes in pharmacokinetics, essential to proper geriatric care, examines the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs. Delayed gastric emptying slows drug absorption, because most drugs are absorbed in the small intestine. The rise in gastric pH with age will affect drugs whose absorption is pH‐dependent. Changes in total body water and the ratio of lean to fatty tissue affect drug distribution; thus, the lipophilicity of a drug must be considered. Drug metabolism is altered chiefly because of changes in the oxidative microsomal enzymes of the liver. Reduced hepatic blood flow also contributes to a decrease in hepatic clearance. Notably, cimetidine seems to inhibit the oxidative metabolism of drugs by the liver. In the case of some drugs, metabolism begins with enzymes of the intestinal mucosa. Declining renal function, a reduction in both renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, is a major contributor to drug toxicity in the elderly. Methods for using serum creatinine to determine renal function are discussed. Guidelines and procedures for the clinical monitoring of drug “overdose” in the elderly are presented.
Polymedicine: Known and Unknown Drug Interactions
Authors: Block Lawrence H.
Published: April 2015

Despite more than 15 years of extensive scrutiny, adverse drug interactions, especially in the elderly, remain a problem for the clinician. A two‐pronged approach is suggested to contend with drug interactions: detection or avoidance of known drug interactions; and predictions and characterization of hitherto unknown interactions. The former approach is aided by critical reference sources on the subject and the use of drug interaction screening aids such as drug interactions alert lists or rotating drug discs. Computers are becoming increasingly important not only for the detection of potential drug interactions but also for the delineation of drug therapy options. Ultimately, computers can be used to predict interactions on the basis of physiochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data. For the present, extensive epidemiologic research programs can serve to ferret out interactions. Limited accessibility to such program data bases mandates a high index of suspicion in prepared and well‐informed observers if the drug interaction problem is to be dealt with.
Managing Medication and Compliance: Physician–Pharmacist–Patient Interactions
Authors: Fedder Donald O.
Published: April 2015

Behavior characteristics of both health care practitioners and patients are discussed in terms of their effects on the delivery of care and the rational use of drugs. Three modes of behavior are described: the instrumental, the customary, and the command modes. Although most physicians follow the customary mode, an instrumental approach is recommended both for patient interactions and for drug selection. Patient education is often insufficient, and physicians tend unjustly to blame the failure of a treatment regimen on the patient's lack of compliance. An “index of risk” is presented to help spot potential drug defaulters, as are clues in the behavioral diagnosis.
Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units: Experimental Methods for Evaluating Efficacy
Authors: Feussner John R.
Published: April 2015

A multi‐site randomized controlled trial could most conclusively establish the efficacy of geriatric evaluation and management units, but many questions must be answered to design such a trial. First, the research questions needs to be rigorously specified. This will facilitate decisions concerning the types of patients to be included in the study. Second, the intervention requires a clear definition, including its component parts, to improve replication across multiple sites. Third, the type of randomization (ie, by hospital or by patient) and the timing of randomization (ie, at admission or at some later point during care) need to be considered. Fourth, because this type of intervention cannot be administered in a blind fashion, bias is a critical concern. Outcome measures must be selected carefully so that those least susceptible to bias are given the highest priority. Despite the need to address all of these questions, the time is upon us to conduct a multi‐site trial of geriatric evaluation and management programs.
The impact of computer‐based instruction on the development of EFL learners' writing skills
Authors: Zaini A. , Mazdayasna G.
Published: April 2015

The current study investigated the application and effectiveness of computer assisted language learning (CALL) in teaching academic writing to Iranian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners by means of Microsoft Word Office. To this end, 44 sophomore intermediate university students majoring in English Language and Literature at an Iranian university who had enrolled in a course called Advanced Writing were randomly divided into two groups. As a pre‐test, a pen‐and‐paper writing task was given to both groups at the beginning of the semester. The control group including 24 male and female students was taught based on traditional approach while the experimental group including 20 male and female students was taught based on CALL. At the end of one semester, a pen‐and‐paper writing task was given to both groups. The results of the post‐test revealed that the students who were exposed to computer‐based instruction outperformed their counterparts in terms of using appropriate articles, tense, plural forms and spelling. Moreover, the students in the experimental group produced paragraphs of higher quality. The findings of this study confirmed the efficacy of computer‐based instruction in the development of EFL learners' writing skills.
Multidistrict Centralization: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Lee Emery G. , Borden Catherine R. , Williams Margaret S. , Scott Kevin M.
Published: April 2015

Following the judiciary's experience with aggregate litigation in the 1960s, Congress established a procedure for the transfer of related cases to a single district court for coordinated pretrial proceedings. Originally designed to achieve efficiencies associated with coordinated discovery, the multidistrict litigation (MDL) process evolved from a rather modest starting point to become a central part of aggregate litigation in the federal courts today. Despite its importance, however, there is little empirical research on the MDL process. This article seeks to fill this gap in the empirical literature by addressing a few central questions about the work of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (Panel). Using a unique database, we examine how that body decided motions to centralize multidistrict litigation. We find, most importantly, that the Panel became more likely to order centralization of proceedings over time, after controlling for other factors. That trend is not, however, apparent in the most recent years' data. We also find, all else equal, that the Panel is more likely to centralize a proceeding including class allegations, and more likely to centralize proceedings raising certain kinds of claims.
Life‐history traits of Encarsia guadeloupae, a natural enemy of the invasive spiralling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus
Authors: Mollot G. , Borowiec N. , Duyck P.‐F. , Glénac S. , Quilici S.
Published: April 2015

On south‐west Indian Ocean islands, many crops and ornamental plants are threatened by the spiralling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), which is a polyphagous pest that is native to the Caribbean region. Aleurodicus dispersus causes economic damage to various crops on all the islands in the south‐west Indian Ocean. The hymenopteran parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a natural enemy of A. dispersus on the Caribbean islands. In this study, we assessed the geographical distribution of the parasitoid in La Réunion, an island in the south‐west Indian Ocean where the parasitoid was first observed in 2004. We also investigated its main life‐history traits. Field surveys indicated that the parasitoid is widespread in most of the low‐lying areas of the island and exhibits high parasitism rates on A. dispersus populations. At 25°C, E. guadeloupae adults had a mean longevity of 33.6 days, and its pre‐imaginal development required 23 days. The lower temperature threshold and thermal constant were estimated to be 7.9°C and 132 degree‐days, respectively. Females of E. guadeloupae preferred to deposit eggs in early rather than in late instars of A. dispersus, and oviposition rates were highest in the second larval instar. Females of E. guadeloupae were able to oviposit in larvae of other species of whiteflies found in La Réunion (Bemisia tabaci and Dialeurolonga simplex), although subsequent development of the parasitoid was not monitored. Finally, we discuss the potential use of E. guadeloupae for the control of whitefly populations on islands in the south‐west Indian Ocean.
Neurometabolic coupling between neural activity, glucose, and lactate in activated visual cortex
Authors: Li Baowang , Freeman Ralph D.
Published: April 2015

Neural activity is closely coupled with energy metabolism but details of the association remain to be identified. One basic area involves the relationships between neural activity and the main supportive substrates of glucose and lactate. This is of fundamental significance for the interpretation of non‐invasive neural imaging. Here, we use microelectrodes with high spatial and temporal resolution to determine simultaneous co‐localized changes in glucose, lactate, and neural activity during visual activation of the cerebral cortex in the cat. Tissue glucose and lactate concentration levels are measured with electrochemical microelectrodes while neural spiking activity and local field potentials are sampled by a microelectrode. These measurements are performed simultaneously while neurons are activated by visual stimuli of different contrast levels, orientations, and sizes. We find immediate decreases in tissue glucose concentration and simultaneous increases in lactate during neural activation. Both glucose and lactate signals return to their baseline levels instantly as neurons cease firing. No sustained changes or initial dips in glucose or lactate signals are elicited by visual stimulation. However, co‐localized measurements of cerebral blood flow and neural activity demonstrate a clear delay in the cerebral blood flow signal such that it does not correlate temporally with the neural response. These results provide direct real‐time evidence regarding the coupling between co‐localized energy metabolism and neural activity during physiological stimulation. They are also relevant to a current question regarding the role of lactate in energy metabolism in the brain during neural activation.

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Dynamic changes in energy metabolites can be measured directly with high spatial and temporal resolution by use of enzyme‐based microelectrodes. Here, to examine neuro‐metabolic coupling during brain activation, we use combined microelectrodes to simultaneously measure extracellular glucose, lactate, and neural responses in the primary visual cortex to visual stimulation. We demonstrate rapid decreases in glucose and increases in lactate during neural activation. Changes in glucose and lactate signals are transient and closely coupled with neuronal firing.
Personality Predicts Health Declines Through Stressful Life Events During Late Mid‐Life
Authors: Iacovino Juliette M. , Bogdan Ryan , Oltmanns Thomas F.
Published: April 2015

Personality predicts the occurrence of dependent stressful life events (SLE; i.e., events reliant, at least in part, on an individual's behavior). This process, termed stress generation, contributes to psychiatric outcomes, but its role in physical health is unknown. Data were included from 998 participants (aged 55–64) in the St. Louis Personality and Aging Network (SPAN) study. Assessments occurred every 6 months for 18 months. Neuroticism, impulsivity, and agreeableness were measured with the Revised NEO Personality Inventory. Dependent (e.g., divorce) and independent (e.g., family death) SLE occurring within 6 months following baseline were assessed with the List of Threatening Experiences and confirmed by interviews. Health problems occurring within a year after SLE were the outcome. Analyses examined whether neuroticism, impulsivity, and agreeableness indirectly predict the onset of new health problems through exposure to dependent SLE. Each personality trait was associated with dependent, but not independent, SLE. Only dependent SLE predicted new health problems. Each personality trait indirectly predicted the onset of new health problems through dependent SLE. Findings suggest that personality‐driven stress generation influences physical health during late mid‐life. Addressing personality in interventions may reduce the occurrence of SLE, in turn decreasing health risks.
The Kind of Student You Were in Elementary School Predicts Mortality
Authors: Spengler Marion , Roberts Brent W. , Lüdtke Oliver , Martin Romain , Brunner Martin
Published: April 2015

We examined the association of self‐reported and teacher‐rated student characteristics assessed at the end of primary school with all‐cause mortality assessed through age 52. Data stem from a representative sample of students from Luxembourg assessed in 1968 (N = 2,543; M = 11.9 years, SD = 0.6; 49.9% female; N = 166 participants died). Results from logistic regression analyses showed that the self‐reported responsible student scale (OR = .81; CI = [.70; .95]) and the teacher rating of studiousness (OR = .80; CI = [.67; .96]) were predictive for all‐cause mortality even after controlling for IQ, parental SES, and sex. These findings indicate that both observer–rated and self–reported student behaviors are important life‐course predictors for mortality and are perhaps more important than childhood IQ.
Dental service utilization and neighborhood characteristics in young adults in the United States: a multilevel approach
Authors: Okunseri Christopher , Garcia Raul I. , Okunseri Elaye , Visotcky Alexis , Szabo Aniko
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate the association between neighborhood level factors and dental visits in young adults in the United States after adjusting for individual level factors.

Methods

The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Wave 1 (1994‐1995) to Wave III (2001‐2002) was analyzed. The primary outcome of having had at least one dental visit in the previous 12 months was analyzed via a multilevel random‐effects logistic model accounting for geographic clustering in Wave III and survey design clustering from Wave I. Neighborhood level covariates were defined at the census tract level.

Results

Overall rate of dental visits was 57 percent, highest among 18‐20 year olds (65 percent) and lowest in 23‐26 year olds (52 percent). Increased proportion of African‐Americans (≤5 percent to ≥20 percent) and Hispanics (≤5 percent to ≥20 percent) in a neighborhood corresponded with a decrease in dental visits (60 percent versus 52 percent) and (58 percent versus 51 percent), respectively. Neighborhoods with a high proportion of college‐educated residents had a higher percentage of dental visits. Similar differences were found when comparing the lowest and highest tertiles defined by poverty level and unemployment with dental visits. Neighborhood education was significantly associated with dental service utilization after adjustment for individual level factors and dental utilization in adolescence (Waves I and II) in the random effects model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the education level of residents within a neighborhood was associated with dental service utilization in young adults in the United States.