bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independence and accountability in public and private governance
Authors: Anand Anita , Sossin Lorne
Published: May 2018

While it is often claimed that the efficacy of accountability officers depends on their independence, the issue of “independence” is fraught with ambiguity: who needs to be independent from whom? This article considers the relationship between independence and accountability from both public and private legal perspectives. We identify three areas for improvement in public sector ethics. First, avenues for civil recovery following misconduct by public officials should be explored. Second, accountability offices should encourage whistleblowing as a means to bring potentially significant cases forward. Third, the tenets underpinning the usefulness of independent directors on corporate boards should be used to assist in defining the role of accountability officers.
GRP78‐targeted in‐silico virtual screening of novel anticancer agents
Authors: Viswanath Ambily Nath Indu , Lim Ji Woong , Seo Seon Hee , Lee Jae Yeol , Lim Sang Min , Pae Ae Nim
Published: May 2018

Overexpression of GRP78 in a variety of cancers such as glioblastoma, leukemia, lung, prostate, breast, gastric, and colon makes it a prime target for anticancer drug development. Present study reports GRP78‐based design of novel anticancer agents using in‐silico methods. As a first step toward the work, the interactions between GRP78 and 15 known ligands were modeled by docking simulation. The docked complex, GRP78‐13, superior to other compounds with respect to its experimental activity and energy descriptors, was deduced into a structure‐based pharmacophore. This hypothesis was applied as a screening filter to Asinex and Chemdiv databases. Finally, 23 hits were tested in vitro. Among these, VH1019 and VH1011 induced a concentration‐dependent strong broad antiproliferative effect in glioma (U87‐MG), breast cancer (MCF‐7), and prostate cancer (DU‐145) cell lines as compared to nontumorigenic control, neonatal foreskin fibroblast (HFF‐1). These compounds showed preferential growth inhibition of cancer cells over normal cells. The acetohydrazide derivative VH1019 was identified as a potential new chemotype for GRP78 inhibitors with an IC50 of 12.7 μM in MCF‐7.
Decision complacency and conservation planning
Authors: Gardner Charlie J. , Waeber Patrick O. , Razafindratsima Onja H. , Wilmé Lucienne
Published: May 2018

Article impact statement: Conservation planners must use systematic decision‐making tools and evidence to guide their decisions.
Adaptable image segmentation via simple pixel classification
Authors: Kharma Nawwaf , Mazhurin Anton , Saigol Kamil , Sabahi Farzad
Published: May 2018

We propose an approach to image segmentation that views it as one of pixel classification using simple features defined over the local neighborhood. We use a support vector machine for pixel classification, making the approach automatically adaptable to a large number of image segmentation applications. Since our approach utilizes only local information for classification, both training and application of the image segmentor can be done on a distributed computing platform. This makes our approach scalable to larger images than the ones tested. This article describes the methodology in detail and tests it efficacy against 5 other comparable segmentation methods on 2 well‐known image segmentation databases. Hence, we present the results together with the analysis that support the following conclusions: (i) the approach is as effective, and often better than its studied competitors; (ii) the approach suffers from very little overfitting and hence generalizes well to unseen images; (iii) the trained image segmentation program can be run on a distributed computing environment, resulting in linear scalability characteristics. The overall message of this paper is that using a strong classifier with simple pixel‐centered features gives as good or better segmentation results than some sophisticated competitors and does so in a computationally scalable fashion.
Dyeing of silk fabric with natural dye from camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) plant leaf extract
Authors: Khan Asfandyar , Hussain Muhammad Tahir , Jiang Huiyu
Published: May 2018

Natural dye extracted from the leaves of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) was applied to silk fabric, with and without metallic salt mordants, using the exhaust dyeing method. Three techniques, meta‐mordanting, post‐mordanting and pre‐mordanting, were employed, using potash alum, ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate as mordants. Dyed silk fabric was analysed for K/S, CIE L*a*b* values, and colourfastness performance to washing, light and crocking. Optimal results were obtained for dyeing at 90 °C for 60 min at pH 4. A yellowish shade was observed when silk fabric was dyed without mordants, and a variety of pale to dark reddish colour shades were achieved with the trio of mordants; ferrous sulphate produced the dullest and darkest shades. Colourfastness to washing was fair to good, colourfastness to light was poor to fair, and colourfastness to crocking was good to excellent.
Influence of variability in assessment of Breslow thickness, mitotic rate and ulceration among US pathologists interpreting invasive melanoma, for the purpose of AJCC staging
Authors: Taylor Laura , Hood Kyle , Reisch Lisa , Elmore Joann , Piepkorn Michael , Barnhill Raymond , Knezevich Stevan , Radick Andrea , Elder David
Published: May 2018

Background

Melanoma staging has depended on depth of invasion (Breslow thickness, BT), mitotic rate (MR) and ulceration. In anticipation of the AJCC's eighth edition, variability in pathologists' assessment of these factors and consequently in tumor staging was assessed.

Methods

One‐hundred and fifteen cases of invasive melanoma, established by a consensus panel, were assessed by 187 pathologists. Variation was studied in BT, the detection of mitotic figures, and ulceration. The sources of this variation and its effect on tumor staging are considered.

Results

On average, participant assessments closely approached consensus BT. Greater variation was identified in the classification of mitogenicity, which (like ulceration) upstages a T1 melanoma from T1a to T1b in the seventh but not eighth edition. In cases with a T1a diagnosis by the consensus panel, 15.6% of participants identified one or more mitotic figures (indicative of a false positive); and in cases diagnosed asT1b by the consensus panel, 32.0% of participants failed to find mitotic figures (false negative).

Conclusion

Variability in the staging of T1 melanoma among pathologists when using the AJCC seventh edition criteria is closely related to the detection of mitotic figures, with BT playing a less prominent role. Decreased variability is expected after implementation of the eighth edition.
Human Capital and the Middle Income Trap: How Many of China's Youth are Going to High School?
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Mengjie , Abbey Cody , Rozelle Scott
Published: May 2018

The objective of this paper is to assess the nature of China's human capital. To achieve our objective, we both measure the share of the labor force that has attained upper secondary schooling levels (high school) as well as examine recent trends of 15–17 year olds who are attending high school. Using two sets of national representative data, we are able to show that, while the human capital of China's labor force is still low (30%), between 2005 and 2015 the share of rural youth who attended high school rose sharply. According to Ministry of Education–reported statistics, in 2015 87% of 15–17 year olds were attending high school, up from around 50% in 2005. Given the recent pronouncements of the government to make high school universal by 2020, the challenges for the education system are to increase the attendance of rural as well as vocational education and training students.
The Role of Human Capital in Cluster‐Based Industrial Development
Authors: Otsuka Keijiro , Sonobe Tetsushi
Published: May 2018

More often than not, manufacturing industries are clustered in small areas in developing economies of Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). While agglomeration economies arising from low transaction costs are a clear advantage of industrial clusters, a drawback is the ease of imitation, which leads to the gap between social and private benefits of innovation. An important observation is that multifaceted innovation, consisting of the quality improvement of products, improved internal management, and the introduction of new marketing systems, takes place in many industrial clusters in Asia, but such innovation seldom occurs in SSA. This article attributes this to greater endowment of entrepreneurial human capital, and increased possibility of learning advanced technologies and management methods from neighboring countries in Asia than in SSA. This article also discusses evidence suggesting that multifaceted innovation can be stimulated by offering management training to entrepreneurs in SSA.
Human Capital and Agglomeration Economies in Urban Development
Authors: Thisse Jacques‐François
Published: May 2018

Large and productive metropolitan areas play a growing role in the working of developed and emerging economies alike. This paper surveys the recent contributions of urban economics, highlighting the role of external increasing returns—called agglomeration economies in the context of a city, which are key in the development and functioning of large, prosperous cities. One critical feature of these mechanisms is their cumulative nature: once set in motion, they feed themselves. The various costs associated with city size put a brake on such mechanisms. In many countries, the unevenness of the distribution of skilled labor across cities is both the cause and the consequence of particular agglomeration economies. Human capital is beneficial to the cities, which attract skills and talents. However, cities’ spatial concentration exacerbates regional disparities at the risk of generating strong political and social tensions within nations.
Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony: Does it still matter?
Authors: Mele Donato , Luisi Giovanni Andrea , Malagù Michele , Laterza Anna , Ferrari Roberto , Bertini Matteo
Published: May 2018

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. For many years, cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony assessed by echocardiography has been considered as a key evaluation to characterize CRT candidates and predict CRT response. In current guidelines, however, CRT implant indications rely only on electrical dyssynchrony. The aim of this article was to clarify whether and how the evaluation of cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony should be performed today by echocardiography.
A temperate pollinator with high thermal tolerance is still susceptible to heat events predicted under future climate change
Authors: Sutton Timothy L. , DeGabriel Jane L. , Riegler Markus , Cook James M.
Published: May 2018

1. Mutualisms may be particularly vulnerable to climate change as interacting species are likely to respond differently, which could destabilise interactions.

2. Temperate zone insects typically experience mean temperatures below their thermal optima, making them less vulnerable than tropical insects to small increases in mean temperature. However, they are likely to experience a higher frequency of extreme heat events, putting mutualism persistence in jeopardy.

3. This study investigated the potential impacts of climate change on Pleistodontes imperialis, a temperate Australian fig wasp that pollinates Port Jackson figs (Ficus rubiginosa). Wasp emergence and longevity were measured at temperatures ranging from those commonly experienced in nature (25 °C) to high values (> 40 °C) that are currently infrequent, but which are becoming more common with climate change.

4. Wasp emergence was unaffected by temperatures up to 39 °C, but it declined drastically above 39 °C. Adult longevity was unaffected by temperatures up to 30 °C, but decreased at 35 °C and above. Low humidity reduced wasp longevity across all temperatures.

5. Fitness reductions were observed at temperatures ∼5 °C above the summer daily mean maximum, suggesting that P. imperialis has a high thermal tolerance, but is vulnerable to extreme heat. Figs located in the shade may provide protected microhabitats under hot conditions.

6. Tropical pollinators may be threatened by small increases in mean temperature. In contrast, it is shown here that temperate pollinators may face a different primary threat from climate change – the increasing frequency of extreme heat events – despite their higher thermal tolerances.
Roles of discharge and temperature in recruitment of a cold‐water fish, the European grayling Thymallus thymallus, near its southern range limit
Authors: Bašić Tea , Britton J. Robert , Cove Richard J. , Ibbotson Anton T. , Gregory Stephen D.
Published: May 2018

Recruitment of salmonids is a result of density‐dependent factors, specifically egg production in the previous year, and density‐independent environmental processes driven by discharge and temperature. With the plethora of knowledge on major drivers of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta recruitment, there is a requirement to explore less known species, such as European grayling Thymallus thymallus, whose postemergence time coincides with period of increasing temperature and low discharge. This study assessed drivers of grayling recruitment in a southern English chalk stream, a system vulnerable to discharge and temperature alterations under future climate change predictions. The analyses explored age 0+ grayling survival in relation to conspecific and heterospecific densities and discharge‐ and temperature‐derived factors. The final mixed‐effects model revealed a positive relationship between age 0+ grayling survival and incubation temperature anomaly and age 0+ trout abundance. Similarly, postincubation temperature anomaly had a positive effect on 0+ grayling survival, but only up to a threshold temperature of 13.5°C, beyond which it had a negative effect. In contrast, increasing number of days with low discharge postincubation negatively influenced age 0+ grayling survival, with no evidence of an effect of elevated discharges following spawning. Our results emphasise the importance of maintaining natural discharge regimes in salmonid rivers by tackling multiple stressors operating at the catchment scale, including land and water use to mitigate for predicted climate driven changes. In addition, further research on recruitment drivers in less stable, rain‐fed systems, is required.
Mobile Intensive Care Unit: A case management team dedicated to early psychosis in France
Authors: Lecardeur Laurent , Meunier‐Cussac Sophie , Dollfus Sonia
Published: May 2018

Aim

To present the activities of a Mobile Intensive Care Unit in France.

Methods

We summarize participant recruitment as well as the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions offered to individuals with an at‐risk mental state or first‐episode psychosis (FEP).

Results

Since its inception in 2010, 266 individuals from 16 to 30 years old living in an area of 120 000 citizens have been recruited by the Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Patients are evaluated by clinical and neuropsychological assessments, and therapeutic interventions include medication, individual case management and both individual and group cognitive behavioural therapy. Diagnostic assessments are also provided for the patients outside of our geographic area.

Conclusions

The Mobile Intensive Care Unit is a functional unit enabling young adults with a high‐risk mental state or FEP to receive high standard of care and mobile management over 2 years, aimed at diminishing the risk of transition to chronic disease and decreasing functional impairment.
Crosstalk between phosphorylation and O‐GlcNAcylation: friend or foe
Authors: van der Laarse Saar A. M. , Leney Aneika C. , Heck Albert J. R.
Published: May 2018

A wide variety of protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs) decorate cellular proteins, regulating their structure, interactions and ultimately their function. The density of co‐occurring PTMs on proteins can be very high, where multiple PTMs can positively or negatively influence each other's actions, termed PTM crosstalk. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the area of PTM crosstalk, whereby we focus on crosstalk between protein phosphorylation and O‐GlcNAcylation. These two PTMs largely target identical (i.e., Ser and Thr) amino acids in proteins. Phosphorylation/O‐GlcNAcylation crosstalk comes in many flavors, for instance by competition for the same site/residue (reciprocal crosstalk), as well as by modifications influencing each other in proximity or even distal on the protein sequence. PTM crosstalk is observed on the writers of these modifications (i.e., kinases and O‐GlcNAc transferase), on the erasers (i.e., phosphatases and O‐GlcNAcase), and on the readers and the substrates. We describe examples of all these different flavors of crosstalk, and additionally the methods that are emerging to better investigate in particular phosphorylation/O‐GlcNAcylation crosstalk.
Revisiting the role of high‐energy Pacific events in the environmental and cultural history of Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Authors: Margalef Olga , Álvarez‐Gómez José A. , Pla‐Rabes Sergi , Cañellas‐Boltà Núria , Rull Valentí , Sáez Alberto , Geyer Adelina , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , Giralt Santiago
Published: May 2018

Pacific islands are spread over thousands of kilometres of the Pacific Basin and are characterised by similar ecological features but very diverse geologic origins, from steep volcanoes to flat coral atolls. Several climatic phases have been shared across the region within the last 1,000 years. Numerous and abrupt societal and cultural changes during the same period have been described for islands separated by thousands of kilometres. Conspicuous societal changes have been exclusively attributed to the main climatic patterns (changes in precipitation and temperature). The possible role of tsunamis and the occurrence of large volcanic eruptions as regional societal modulators, however, have traditionally received little attention from archaeologists, mainly due to the difficulty of recognising them in the sedimentary and geomorphological records. We explore the potential influence of the most important high‐energy events in the Pacific on Polynesian societal changes, with a special focus on Easter Island. For example, the extreme Samalas eruption inAD1257 may have been an indirect driver of the sudden population decline, land degradation and decreased food resources on many Pacific islands betweenAD1250 and 1300, and the Kuwae eruption inAD1450 may have triggered the synchronous end of long voyaging expeditions across the Pacific. Important palaeo‐tsunamis have had unquestionable impacts on coastal and seafaring societies. A direct effect of the main eruptions of the last millennia (AD1257 and 1453) on Easter Island has not yet been identified by any record, but we have calculated the likelihood of destructive tsunamis with an estimated period of recurrence for large events of less than a century. This insight is new and needs to be taken into account to complement what we already know about Easter Island's cultural history and archaeological sites, especially those in vulnerable coastal locations.
Prevalence of and factors associated with successful aging in Brazilian older adults: Frailty in Brazilian older people Study (FIBRA RJ)
Authors: Canêdo Ana C , Lopes Claudia S , Lourenço Roberto A
Published: May 2018

Aim

We aimed to estimate the factors associated with the biomedical dimension of successful aging (SA) and its prevalence in older Brazilian individuals. The conceptual framework for this approach relies on the considerable variation in the biophysiological effects of aging and the need to understand the factors that influence this process.

Methods

Data from a total of 845 older adults were analyzed. SA operationalization included the following criteria: good physical and cognitive performance, absence of disabilities, and good health conditions. Descriptive analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of SA, and the factors associated with SA were assessed using multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

The overall prevalence of SA was 25%, and the associated factors were the absence of (OR 10.5, 95% CI 5.2–21.1) or fewer than two physical morbidities (OR,3.5, 95% CI 2.1–5.9), body mass index in the overweight range (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.02–3.3), absence of depression (OR ,2.1, 95% CI 1.07 = 4.1), high levels of physical activity (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.14–3.2), high levels of social participation (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.16–3.4) and younger age (65–74 years, OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.79–10.1; 75–84 years, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.18–6.41).

Conclusions

A small proportion of older adults met the criteria defining successful aging. Despite the great impact of biological determinants, modifiable social and lifestyle factors predicted successful aging in this population, suggesting that health promotion targeting behavioral changes might lead to tangible benefits for health and well‐being in old age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1280–1285.
Differential cell surface recruitment of the superoxide‐producing NADPH oxidases Nox1, Nox2 and Nox5: The role of the small GTPase Sar1
Authors: Kiyohara Takuya , Miyano Kei , Kamakura Sachiko , Hayase Junya , Chishiki Kanako , Kohda Akira , Sumimoto Hideki
Published: May 2018

Transmembrane glycoproteins, synthesized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), generally reach the Golgi apparatus in COPII‐coated vesicles en route to the cell surface. Here, we show that the bona fide nonglycoprotein Nox5, a transmembrane superoxide‐producing NADPH oxidase, is transported to the cell surface in a manner resistant to co‐expression of Sar1 (H79G), a GTP‐fixed mutant of the small GTPase Sar1, which blocks COPII vesicle fission from the ER. In contrast, Sar1 (H79G) effectively inhibits ER‐to‐Golgi transport of glycoproteins including the Nox5‐related oxidase Nox2. The trafficking of Nox2, but not that of Nox5, is highly sensitive to over‐expression of syntaxin 5 (Stx5), a t‐SNARE required for COPII ER‐to‐Golgi transport. Thus, Nox2 and Nox5 mainly traffic via the Sar1/Stx5‐dependent and ‐independent pathways, respectively. Both participate in Nox1 trafficking, as Nox1 advances to the cell surface in two differentially N‐glycosylated forms, one complex and one high mannose, in a Sar1/Stx5‐dependent and ‐independent manner, respectively. Nox2 and Nox5 also can use both pathways: a glycosylation‐defective mutant Nox2 is weakly recruited to the plasma membrane in a less Sar1‐dependent manner; N‐glycosylated Nox5 mutants reach the cell surface in part as the complex form Sar1‐dependently, albeit mainly as the high‐mannose form in a Sar1‐independent manner.
Bringing dogs onto campus: Inclusions and exclusions of animal bodies in organizations
Authors: Charles Nickie , Wolkowitz Carol
Published: May 2018

Since the early years of the 20th century, work organizations have largely been places where animal bodies are absent or invisible. Recently, US and UK universities have facilitated therapy dog visits to improve students' wellbeing. In this article we analyse data on therapy dog visits to a UK university library as a starting point for thinking about other than human animals in organizations and the gendered dimensions of their inclusion and exclusion. Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of these encounters for students, we put the experiences of the dogs and their guardians centre stage, along with those of the library staff and the students. Drawing on observations of visits to a UK university library in 2015–2016, and a total of 16 interviews with library staff, guardians and students, we explore the instrumental rationale for the programme and the efforts to control any potential disruption of normative organizational expectations.
Can we assess severity of Guillain‐Barré syndrome using absolute monocyte count?
Authors: Li X. , Li W. , Luo Y. , Qin L. , Su Q. , Mo W.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory demyelinating autoimmune disease, associated with blood‐nerve barrier breakdown, inflammatory cells infiltration, and cytokine leakage in the peripheral nervous system. Currently, it has been revealed that monocytes play key roles in the inflammatory response. Therefore, we aimed to assess the correlation between monocyte count and GBS in this study.

Methods

Retrospective study was conducted in 114 patients with GBS and 120 age‐ and gender‐matched individuals.

Results

Absolute monocyte count in patients with GBS was higher than that in healthy controls (0.61 ± 0.24 vs 0.41 ± 0.10; P  < .001). Interestingly, monocyte count had significant positive correlations with CRP, ESR, and disease severity of GBS (r = .244, P = .009; r = .269, P = .004; r = .322, P < .001). A cutoff value of 0.515 for monocyte count was observed in patients with GBS (areas under the curve = 0.808, 95% confidence interval = 0.749‐0.868, P  < .001). Meanwhile, absolute monocyte count was independently associated with GBS in logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 2.291, 95% confidence interval = 3.557‐27.493, P < .001).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that elevated monocyte count is independently associated with GBS patients, and suggested monocyte count is positively associated with disease severity of GBS.
Measurement of rivaroxaban concentrations demonstrates lack of clinical utility of a PT, dPT and APTT test in estimating levels
Authors: Thom I. , Cameron G. , Robertson D. , Watson H. G.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Rivaroxaban concentrations were measured in 127 inpatient samples using an HPLC‐MS/MS assay.

Methods

We compared this measurement with a calibrated anti‐Xa assay and performed PT, aPTT and dilute PT tests to assess the value of clot‐based assays in clinical decision‐making.

Results

The correlation between the anti‐Xa assay and the HPLC‐MS/MS at therapeutic concentrations was strong (R2 = 0.98). The PT, RecombiPlasTin 2G, and aPTT, Actin FS, showed a linear dose‐response but poor correlation (R2 = 0.32 and 0.44, respectively) and at dilutions of 1 in 150 to 1 in 750 the dilute PT assay also showed poor correlation with rivaroxaban concentrations measured by specific assays. A normal PT or aPTT alone did not identify a likely safe rivaroxaban concentration to allow surgery or invasive procedures, but the combination of normal PT and aPTT identified a group of patients with rivaroxaban levels less than 90 ng/mL. Combined normal PT and aPTT had specificity and sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.92‐0.99) and 0.37 (95% CI 0.1‐0.74) for a rivaroxaban concentration < 32 ng/mL.

Conclusions

The PT and aPTT show poor correlation with rivaroxaban levels measured by calibrated anti‐Xa and HPLC‐MS/MS assays. A normal combined PT and APTT identified low rivaroxaban levels with high specificity but lacked sensitivity. The dPT assay at several dilutions could not be used to quantify rivaroxaban in clinical samples. The utility of these PT, aPTT and dilute PT assays in a clinical setting is very limited, and results generated must be interpreted with caution.
How should procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein levels be interpreted in haemodialysis patients?
Authors: Demir Nazlim A. , Sumer Sua , Celik Gulperi , Afsar Rengin E. , Demir Lutfi S. , Ural Onur
Published: May 2018

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are used most widely in the diagnosis/treatment of bacterial infections. These are not infection‐specific and may also show increases in other inflammation‐causing cases.

Aim

To establish a new cut‐off value for PCT and CRP to eliminate confusion in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections in haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

A total of 1110 patients, 802 with undocumented infection and 308 with documented infection, was included in the study.

Results

A total of 802 patients with undocumented infection had a mean CRP value of 12.2 ± 9.6 mg/dL and a mean PCT value of 0.51 ± 0.96 ng/mL and the 308 patients with documented infection had a mean CRP value of 125.9 ± 83.3 mg/dL and a mean PCT value of 13.9 ± 26.9 ng/mL at the time of admittance. In HD patients, the cut‐off values for CRP was determined as 19.15 mg/dL and for PCT as 0.685 ng/mL in the presence of infection. The use of these two parameters in combination (CRP ≥19.15 mg/dL and PCT ≥ 0.685 ng/mL) was found to have 95% positive predictive value (PPV) and 93% negative predictive value (NPV) for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in HD patients. When CRP ≥100 mg/dL and PCT ≥5 ng/mL, this was found to have 100% PPV and 94% NPV for the diagnosis of sepsis in HD patients.

Conclusion

We specified PCT and CRP cut‐off values with high PPV and NPV for revealing the presence of bacterial infection and sepsis in HD patients.
Supporting secondary school students' reading comprehension in computer environments: A systematic review
Authors: ter Beek Marlies , Brummer Leonie , Donker Anouk S. , Opdenakker Marie‐Christine J.L.
Published: May 2018

This systematic literature review analysed the content, focus, provision, and effects of support (scaffolds) in computer environments with regard to secondary school students' reading comprehension outcomes. The relevant search terms yielded many hits (period 2000–2017); however, intervention studies regarding reading comprehension of expository texts in computer environments seemed to be rather scarce. A careful analysis of these studies revealed that most of them provided cognitive support and some provided metacognitive support. Almost all studies focused on learning products, half of them in combination with learning processes. Most studies provided support in the form of statements, often provided during the task. Both cognitive and metacognitive scaffolds in computer environments produced a positive effect on reading comprehension outcomes. However, only one of the studies provided students with motivational scaffolds. Because the details of the design and content of the scaffolds used in all studies often remained unclear, it was difficult to determine the effectiveness of specific characteristics of scaffolds in computer environments. It is suggested that researchers should be more careful and comprehensive in designing and reporting on research in this area. Recommendations for future research and practical implementations of computer environments are presented.
Psoriasis and risk of myocardial infarction before and during an era with biological therapy: a population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Leisner M.Z. , Lindorff Riis J. , Gniadecki R. , Iversen L. , Olsen M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Attention towards cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis increased with the introduction of biological therapy.

Objective

To determine the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) following hospital‐diagnosed psoriasis compared with the general population, in eras before and following the introduction of biological therapy.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study in Denmark utilising nationwide prospectively collected data from population‐based registries. For the early era cohort, we identified subjects with first time hospital‐diagnosed psoriasis between 1995 and 2002, and, for the late era cohort, those diagnosed between 2006 and 2013. Comparison cohorts from the general population were matched (10:1) on sex and birth year. All individuals were followed from date of psoriasis diagnosis (index date for matched controls) until incidence of MI, death, emigration or end of study (1 January 2002 for the early era cohort; 1 January 2013 for the late era cohort). We computed the cumulative MI incidence at 5 years of follow‐up, and used Cox regression to compute HRs of MI comparing psoriasis subjects with general population subjects.

Results

For the early era, we identified 4302 psoriatic subjects and 43 791 general population subjects; and for the late era, 4577 psoriatic subjects (4% received biologic therapy) and 46 376 general population subjects. The cumulative incidence of MI among psoriatic subjects in the early era was 2.5% and it was 2.2% in the late era. The HRs comparing MI risk in the psoriasis and general population cohorts were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.09–1.80), for the early era, and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.10–1.75) for the late era, adjusting for educational level and use of cardiovascular drugs.

Conclusion

The increased risk of MI among patients with hospital‐diagnosed psoriasis, relative to the general population, remained unchanged during the initial years of increased attention towards cardiovascular disease prevention and availability of biologic therapy.
Optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of protein from sunflower meal and its physicochemical and functional properties
Authors: Dabbour Mokhtar , He Ronghai , Ma Haile , Musa Abubakr
Published: May 2018

This research aimed at improving the protein extraction process from sunflower meal using the Box‐Behnken design to get the optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions, based on yield of protein and consumed energy. The optimal extraction points were observed at power density (220 W/L), temperature (45 °C) and extraction time (15 min). Under optimum UAE conditions, the measured yield of protein and energy consumed values were 54.26% and 0.13 kW hr, respectively. The observed values for these responses were found to be comparable to the predicted values created by the mathematical models. Functional and physicochemical characteristics of protein isolate were estimated at the optimal points. The protein content, particle size, bulk density and water and oil holding capacities were 934.92 g/kgd.b, 627.6 nm, 0.372 g/mL, 0.985 gwater/gprotein and 2.06 goil/gprotein, respectively. The highest solubility, emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES) were 74.59, 52.45, and 50.45% respectively and were obtained at pH 9.0.

Practical applications

This study provides significant information on ultrasound energy consumption, yield of protein, physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of the sunflower meal protein isolate to the food systems. Additionally, sunflower protein isolate yielded by dual‐frequency ultrasound is recommended for use in food formulations including salad dressing and meat products.
Reenvisioning Family Theories: An Exercise in “Disciplined Imagination”
Authors: Few‐Demo April L.
Published: May 2018

This commentary highlights how the scholars in the special issue titled “Revisioning Family Theories: Centering Race and Ethnicities” have provided thoughtful and constructive ways to transform family theories. I discuss how the integration of race and ethnicity makes us think of different propositions and ask different questions in the theory construction process.
Trajectories of Community Mobility Recovery After Hospitalization in Older Adults
Authors: Loyd Christine , Beasley T. Mark , Miltner Rebecca S. , Clark Diane , King Barbara , Brown Cynthia J.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To identify trajectories of recovery of community mobility in acutely ill older adults using the University of Alabama at Birmingham Life‐Space Assessment (LSA).

Design

Prospective observation cohort study.

Setting

Central Alabama, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older hospitalized for nonsurgical medical reasons (N=173).

Measurements

We determined LSA scores for the month before and monthly for 6 months after hospitalization (composite scores ranging from 0–120, with 120 reflecting completely unrestricted mobility).

Results

In the month after hospitalization, 92 (53%) participants had a clinically significant decrease in life‐space mobility, while 42 (24%) were unchanged, and 39 (23%) had an increase from the month preceding hospitalization. Of participants with a life‐space decrease, the majority recovered their prehospitalization mobility status during 6 months of follow‐up, whereas 34% did not recover. Participants whose life‐space decreased were hospitalized significantly longer (P=.01) and, on average, had higher prehospital life‐space scores (P=.01) than those who maintained or increased their life‐space.

Conclusion

A clinically significant loss of community mobility was common after hospitalization, but most participants recovered to prehospitalization mobility within 6 months of discharge. Research examining in‐hospital and posthospitalization interventions to achieve faster recovery of community mobility is needed.
Impact of ultra‐thin struts on restenosis after chronic total occlusion recanalization: Insights from the randomized PRISON IV trial
Authors: Zivelonghi Carlo , Teeuwen Koen , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , van der Schaaf Renè J. , Ribichini Flavio , Adriaenssens Tom , Kelder Johannes C. , Tijssen Jan G. P. , Henriques José P. S. , Suttorp Maarten J.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The PRISON‐IV trial showed inferior outcome in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) treated with the ultrathin‐struts (60 μm for stent diameter ≤3 mm, 81μm >3 mm) hybrid‐sirolimus eluting stents (SES) compared with everolimus eluting stents (EES, 81 μm). The aim of this study is to investigate if the use of smaller stents (≤3 mm) was responsible for the inferior outcome reported in the trial.

Methods

In the PRISON‐IV trial 330 patients with CTO lesion were randomized 1:1 to receive either hybrid‐SES or EES. The hybrid‐SES failed to reach the non‐inferiority primary endpoint of in‐segment late lumen loss (LLL) at 9‐month angiographic follow‐up. In this sub‐analysis, we divided the population according to the different size of stents implanted in those receiving only stents with diameter ≤3 mm (Group‐A, 178 patients), only stents >3 mm (Group‐B, 59 patients), and those receiving stents of both sizes (Group‐C, 93 patients).

Results

Baseline and procedural characteristics were comparable in the three groups. At angiographic follow‐up, most of the adverse outcomes occurred in Group A, with higher incidence of binary restenosis in the Hybrid‐SES versus EES (10.3% vs 1.3%, P = 0.03) and augmented in‐stent diameter stenosis (26.04 ± 18.59% vs 21.24 ± 12.84, P = 0.06). Similarly, optical coherence tomography (OCT), which was performed in 60 patients at follow‐up, documented a mild trend toward lower values of minimum in stent area in Hybrid‐SES arm of Group A (4.4 ± 1.02mm2 vs 5.0 ± 1.28mm2, respectively, P = 0.16).

Conclusions

The present analysis suggests that the inferior performance of the ultra‐thin hybrid‐SES in CTO‐PCI is particularly pronounced when smaller stent (≤3 mm diameter) are adopted, if compared with EES.
Fearlessly Swimming Upstream to Risky Waters: The Role of Geographic Entry in Innovation
Authors: Lampert Curba Morris , Kim Minyoung , Hubbard Timothy David , Roy Raja , Leckie George
Published: May 2018

We examine the puzzling geographic pattern that shows firms entering countries with weak intellectual property rights (IPR) protection with their research and development (R&D) activities. Geographic entry into weak IPR protection countries is at odds with conventional wisdom as such an environment erodes a firm's ability to appropriate from its innovations. We offer that while the well‐established practice of spreading out a firm's value chain activities across a region has important implications for value creation, what remains unaddressed is the value appropriation aspect of such activities. We introduce a multilevel theory and maintain that operating regionally through commercialization activities (downstream activities) provides complementary assets to the upstream activities – specifically R&D activities in a country within that region – with which focal firms can appropriate more from their innovations. We find that regional downstream commercialization activities can substitute for weak IPR regimes, thereby providing firms with an alternative mechanism for protecting their intellectual property in weak IPR countries.
Embracing Bewilderment: Responding to Technological Disruption in Heterogeneous Market Environments
Authors: Khanagha Saeed , Ramezan Zadeh Mohammad Taghi , Mihalache Oli R. , Volberda Henk W.
Published: May 2018

In an age of rapid advances in technology, understanding how firms can respond to emergence of disruptive technologies is paramount for survival. While prior research on incumbents’ responses to disruptive technologies assumes demand homogeneity, many firms, including multinational enterprises (MNEs), need to respond to technological disruption in heterogeneous markets. To address this lacuna in our understanding, we study how Ericsson tried to respond to the emergence of Cloud computing, a digital platform technology, across its operations in more than 170 countries. We reveal how incumbents need to match diverging customer demands with a complex innovation process, involving different approaches to experiments and trials, deployment strategy, and ecosystem development. We also find that the success of incumbents’ responses depends on their capability for misalignment, which allows them to manage the inconsistencies in strategic direction, structure, and resource configuration associated with a complex innovation process.
Preliminary approach for the surface electromyographical evaluation of the oral phase of swallowing
Authors: Dellavia C. , Rosati R. , Musto F. , Pellegrini G. , Begnoni G. , Ferrario V. F.
Published: May 2018

Swallowing is a muscular activity that occurs both after mastication and spontaneously as a result of saliva accumulation. Spontaneous saliva swallowing occurs about every 2 minutes. Comprehension of its functional mechanisms is relevant to assess their modification in clinical situations. A standardised surface electromyographical (ssEMG) protocol for the evaluation of this muscle activity is lacking. Aims of the present study are: (i) to determine the reproducibility of a ssEMG protocol for the evaluation of the oral phase of saliva swallowing and (ii) to evaluate the activity of masseter (MM), anterior temporalis (TA), submental muscles (SM) to draw a reference model of swallowing. Standardised surface electromyographical activity of MM, TA and SM during swallowing of saliva spontaneously accumulated was recorded in 20 healthy participants. Functional indexes including symmetry (POC), recruitment (Impact), duration of activation of each couple of muscles and of the whole exercise, position, intensity of the spike were computed. Inter‐ and intra‐appointment reliabilities were assessed and method errors calculated. Descriptive statistics, sex‐ and muscles‐related comparisons were carried out. Standardised surface electromyographical assessment of MM, TA and SM muscles was reliable. A high inter‐individual variability was found. Percentage overlapping coefficient (POC) values were close to 80% for TA and SM, higher than for MM (P < .001). Impact values ranged between 16.4% and 30.7%, and differences were found between muscles (P < .001). The global muscle activity during swallowing lasted between 1.5 and 1.8 seconds. For each couple of muscles, the duration of activation ranged between 0.7 and 1.6 seconds and muscles‐related differences were found (P < .001). The spike of activation for each couple of muscle ranged between 35.7% and 44.2% of the duration. The protocol was reliable and intra‐participants repeatable measures can be carried out. Due to the high inter‐participants variability, further analyses are needed to draw a model of muscular activity.
The expression of programed death ligand‐1 could be related with unfavorable prognosis in salivary duct carcinoma
Authors: Sato Fumihiko , Akiba Jun , Kawahara Akihiko , Naito Yoshiki , Ono Takeharu , Takase Yorihiko , Murata Kazuya , Abe Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Tomohiko , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Abe Yushi , Mihara Yutaro , Tanikawa Masahiko , Akashi Momoko , Kurose Hirofumi , Umeno Hirohito , Yano Hirohisa
Published: May 2018

Background

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare tumor occurring in the salivary gland. SDC is a highly aggressive tumor and its prognosis is extremely poor. Effective treatments in advanced SDC have not yet been established. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have paved the way for the treatment of various malignancies. We examined the expressions of programed death ligand (PD‐L) 1/PD‐L2 and programed death (PD‐1), and the correlation of clinicopathological findings.

Methods

We examined 18 cases of SDC and conducted immunohistochemical staining using formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded full‐face sections.

Results

The expression of PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 in tumor cells was observed in nine cases (50%) and 14 cases (78%), respectively. Cases with a high expression of PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 were found in four (22%) and seven cases (39%), respectively. The cases with a high expression of PD‐L1 showed significantly shorter overall survival compared to those with low PD‐L1 expression and null expression. We also examined the expression of PD‐L1/PD‐L2 and PD‐1 of tumor‐infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMC) in stroma. The expressions of PD‐L1 in tumor cells and stroma had a significant correlation. Association between the expressions of PD‐L1 in tumor cells and those of PD‐1 in stroma was significant. However, PD‐L2 expression in the tumor had no significant correlation with expression in TIMCs. PD‐L1, PD‐L2 and PD‐1 expressions in stroma were not associated with patient prognosis.

Conclusions

High PD‐L1 expression in SDC was strongly associated with unfavorable prognosis, indicating that PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors could be effective in SDC.
Global public goods and unilateral matching mechanisms
Authors: Buchholz Wolfgang , Liu Weifeng
Published: May 2018

While conventional agreements on international public goods require bilateral or multilateral cooperation, we show that unilateral action through matching mechanisms with a self‐commitment device can possibly generate Pareto‐improving outcomes. Even without commitment, unilateral matching may also benefit both players at corner situations. We further characterize the conditions under which this desirable outcome is achieved, particularly highlighting the role of the income distribution and its interplay with the preferences. Moreover, we propose a variant of unilateral matching that can generate Pareto‐improving outcomes regardless of the preferences and the income distribution, indicating that income inequality may not be an obstacle for improving public good provision through unilateral matching.