bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining Forward Rate Unbiasedness Hypothesis: The Risk Premium Approach
Authors: Chatterjee Devalina , Biswas Basudeb
Published: June 2016

The hypothesis that the forward rate is an unbiased predictor of the future spot rate has been questioned time and again. In majority of the cases empirical evidence suggests that forward rates are neither efficient nor rational forecasts of future spot rates. The rejection of the forward rate unbiasedness hypothesis can be attributed to a misspecified theoretical model. In this paper we consider the misspecification to be in the form of exclusion of an explanatory variable, the risk premium. We test the unbiasedness hypothesis by including a time-varying risk premium using the GARCH-M representation. The risk premium is modeled by extending the Domowitz and Hakkio (1985) ARCH framework and by applying a GARCH (1, 1) specification. The exchange rates data are from January 1991 to February 2008 for U.K., Canada, Australia and Japan, the four advanced economies and for India, the emerging market economy, the data ranges from January 1999 to February 2008.
Impact of Liberalization on Indian System
Authors: Singhal Neeraj , Mahajan Parol
Published: June 2016

Indian banking system has come a long way since independence, going through the nationalization phase, the liberalization phase and is preparing itself for very crucial globalization phase. During the different phases public sector bank, private banks and foreign banks plays an important role. This study analyze the effect liberalization on the overall Indian banking system by going through impact of reforms on Indian banking system, performance of public sector banks vis-a-vis private sector and foreign banks. This study also shows the relationship between profitability and internal parameters of the bank.
Does the Firm Size Matter? An Empirical Enquiry into the Performance of Indian Automobile Firms
Authors: Vijaykumar A. , Sridevi S.
Published: June 2016

The present study examines the relationship of firm's size and profitability, taking into consideration major characteristics such as size and profitability of 20 Indian Automobile Companies for a period of 13 years that is, from 1996-97 to 2008-09, Hypothesis is developed taking into account both previous research and particular idiosyncrasies of the national context. The study employed three model specifications in order to test the hypothesis, using the short-term and long-term measures of profitability. The empirical findings suggest that firm's size emerges as an important factor affecting profitability. The results show mixed evidence; firm's size is positively significant in Commercial Vehicles and Passenger Cars & Multi-utility Vehicles sector and negatively significant in Two and Three Wheelers sector and the Whole Industry. The study concludes that the validity and the generalisation of the findings are pending future research in other industries or sectors that ratifies or refutes them.
Measurement and Quantification of Operational Risk an Application of Covariate–Var
Authors: Tripati Rao D. , Ghosh Prodipta
Published: June 2016

Oft-repeated catastrophic business failures and Basel II requirement of capital charges for operational risk (OR) have increased the awareness about OR. While the policy authorities are keen on banks adopting international best practices, yet measurement and quantification of OR has sparked a debate worldwide. While highlighting the difficulties in quantifying OR, we briefly recall the present methods for measuring and modeling OR as prescribed by the Basel committee. Using full information content of real-time operational loss data of a large Indian public sector bank, we demonstrate the superiority of covariate-VaR compared to standard Peak-Over-Threshold (POT) based approach for OR measurement. We conclude in saying that as the operational loss databases are built across banks, an effective methodology for risk modeling becomes imperative.
e‐Suvidha A Citizens' Perception Study
Authors: Tripathi Shalini N , Siddiqui Masood H
Published: June 2016

E-governance opens up the door to a vast opportunity for transforming governance in terms of efficiency of service delivery, empowerment of citizens, transparency, and accountability. This study aims to gauge the impact of e‐Suvidha (an e governance initiative) on citizens, in accordance with their needs and expectations; and attempts to improve the framework of assessment in terms of ease of interaction, total time of processing, wait time at the counter, dehvery of serviCes, etc. Hence, a more in depth assessment of the impact has been made and defined in concrete terms. Such projects must be constantly monitored and assessed. This will enable sharper targeting of benefits (to end users) that can be. delivered, and requisite features or process reforms can then be incorporated in the design of thee-government project. The premise of this study can thus be used for assessing the impact of similar e-governance projects in other countries
Tjaco Walvis (2010), Branding With Brains: The Science of Getting the Customers to Choose Your Company, Pearson Education Limited, UK, p.244, Price: Rs.499
Authors: Maurya Harshit
Published: June 2016

The book “Branding with Brains” approaches its target customers with a practical perspective. Author attempts to take a more fundamental look into brand management. Branding here is approached with a neuroscientific purview but the findings are unambiguous and are catered in the most simplified manner. This work thoroughly emphasizes that decision making happens in the subconscious part of the brain. An attempt has been made to bridge the gap between the economic significance of brands and the professionalism of the field. Book starts with the idea that branding is about what the brand commits and delivers. The author is of the view that instead of only making a presence in the market space, the strategy should be to foster engagements through relevant creative content. The core solution to branding put forward by the writer is a balanced and chronological unification put through- “Relevance-Coherence-Participation”.
Marketing of Innovative New Products in Emerging Markets: A Trust Based Framework
Authors: Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: June 2016

There are instances of products with proven performance as well as marketing successes in one market, which do not succeed in emerging markets. Commonly used marketing techniques are not adequate in planning consumer adoption and ensuring successful commercial launch. The consumer faces some degree of irresolvable uncertainty and risk for any new product adoption decision, especially in the emerging markets where institutional consumer protection mechanisms are relatively ineffective. Thus the resolution of the uncertainty and risk is fundamental to the adoption in emerging markets. Literature suggests that one such psychological mechanism is use of “trust”, which has been explored in this paper.

The current research explores how the consumers make adoption decision for innovative new product under condition of risk, uncertainty and ineffective institutional mechanisms of consumer protection. The research evidence suggests the adoption decision may be modeled as that trust based decision making process and it may provide useful choice criteria for decisions on alternative product offers. The trust based innovative new product adoption process suggests that the disposition to trust and direct experience of the consumers are primary drivers for adoption decision. For innovative products, the product performance seems to be more significant decision making criteria as compared to the marketer intention.
Customer-Base Analysis of Bank through Markov Model
Authors: Bhattacharjee Dibyojyoti , Singh Ranjit
Published: June 2016

The objective of the present paper is to find out if the present state of a bank customer (primary j secondary) influences his/her future state and in distant future assuming that the facilities of a bank branch remaining constant. The study also investigates if the cohort of customers considered for the study is homogenous in nature. Customers are selected randomly from the branch of a given bank using simple random sampling and information was collected from them through telephonic interview. The collected data were analysed using Markov model. It is found that the previous prime status of a bank customer does not have much impact on his/her future status. A prime customer today may not remain so in near future. It is evident that there is homogeneity among the customers in terms of their switching between primary and secondary account. It implies that the future situation of the business of bank will be more dependent on the available facilities and services of the bank at that instant. Thus, it is implied that a bank can gain more prime customers by improving its services and quality of offerings irrespective of what happened in the past.
Lifestyle Segmentation of e‐Mavens
Authors: Kumra Rajeev , Malik Anjali , Bhattacharya Arnab
Published: June 2016

In this era of digitization, viral marketing may take advantage of e‐Mavenism i.e. high network value of customers, to inexpensively promote a product on various social networking sites. Previous researches examined specific psychological parameters of customers to identify seeds (customers with stronger network influence) through viral interactions across social networks. Though these studies provide evidence of successful identification of e‐mavens but lacks mention on its direct applicability in online marketing context. The present research proposed to model the e-mavenism behaviour using lifestyle constructs by demonstrating relationship between lifestyle constructs and individual's online content forwarding behavior. As per our results, self-expression construct, a primary motivation under Value of lifestyle (VALS) framework, was found to be a significant predictor of online content forwarding behaviour. Further, a model for identifying e‐mavens based on lifestyle characteristic with the help of collaborative filtering model using social-bookmarking sites is presented.
Integrated Marketing Communication in Government Programmes: A Look at Rural Development Programmes in India
Authors: Nirjar Abhishek , Acharya Manaswini , Ojha Dhirendra
Published: June 2016

Governments of any country, province or state propagate information about their various development programmes and activities of the government through a variety of media. The effectiveness of communication is critical as it determines the success of such government programmes. This also plays a vital role in building a strong and lasting government-citizen relationship. Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) involves an optimum utilisation of activities such as advertising, public relations, sponsorship of events and exhibitions in a synergistic manner to build a durable customer relationship. In India, both central and state governments operate programmes for the development of urban and rural areas. This research aims at investigating the nature and extent to which IMC is utilised for (i) promoting rural development programmes in the northern state of UP; and (ii) fostering government-citizen relationship. The perception of customers (citizens) was captured through a survey and the government view was captured through interaction with officials. Research reveals that the government employs multiple media for informing and communicating about the self-employment generation schemes to the rural population. There are complementarities in the messages that are propagated but they lack in consistency. Integration of customers in the communication process and strategies may remove such inconsistencies, which is the suggestion the research has come out with.
Exploring the Impact of Retailing Ethics on Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Sharma Bodh Raj , Sharma R.D.
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to explore empirically the impact of retailing ethics on customer satisfaction in Indian retail sector. As in the extant literature there is not even a single study on the impact of retailing ethics on customer satisfaction, this study, thus, fills the gap in literature on by obtaining data from 4 70 customers selected through systematic random sampling from , a northern city of India through a specifically designed schedule. For validating the retailing ethics and customer satisfaction scales, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques have been used. Subsequently, the impact of retailing ethics on customer satisfaction has been examined through SEM. The findings indicate that retailing ethics has positive and significant impact on customer satisfaction. However, the study is confined to a northern Indian retail sector, particularly conventional small retailers dealing in convenience goods. The present study will be highly beneficial for the researchers, retailers, customers, regulatory bodies and policy makers.
Behavior of an electrorheological chain under squeeze flow
Authors: Akaiwa Michiro
Published: June 2016

Analysis of the load versus separation concerning electrorheological fluids between electrodes with application of a constant potential difference in squeeze mode was performed. From the result of the simulation, it was found that there are three forms as follows: an approaching state in which an upper electrode approaches its adjacent particle, compressive deformation of the particles, and buckling deformation and rupture of chain formation while the electrode approaches the outermost particle. From a comparison of the simulation result with the experimental result, the experimental result and simulation result are similar in form to each other. The array of the chain between the electrodes, just after the electric field is applied, although the load is not applied on the electrode, is composed of a group of strung-close particles and the electrodes that are out of contact with respect to the neighboring particles; after the load is applied, the spacing between the electrode and the particle becomes narrow, and the chain collapses due to buckling without each touching the other.
Career Indecision in China
Authors: Roche Meghan K. , Carr Andrea L. , Lee In Heok , Wen Jiaxin (Henry) , Brown Steven D.
Published: June 2016

This study explored the measurement equivalence of the Career Indecision Profile (CIP) in a Chinese sample with both U.S. and South Korean samples. Past measurement invariance research on the CIP in four international samples (Icelandic young adults, Italian adolescents, French-speaking young adults, and South Korean adolescents) has supported a four-factor structure in the U.S. and in the three Western samples but not in the South Korean sample. Rather, a five-factor structure emerged in South Korea. This study sought to identify whether either the four- or five-factor structure would demonstrate suitable fit for a Chinese adolescent sample. Results indicated that the four-factor structure developed in the United States did not replicate in China, but the five-factor structure found in South Korea showed adequate fit. Additional analysis suggested full metric invariance on all five scales and scalar invariance on four of the five scales. These findings extend the past measurement invariance work with the CIP to suggest two potential ways with which to understand career indecision: a four-factor structure in Western cultures and a five-factor model in Eastern cultures. Future research needs are discussed.
Experimental and analytical behavior of sandwich composite beams: Comparison of natural and synthetic materials
Authors: Sadeghian Pedram , Hristozov Dimo , Wroblewski Laura
Published: June 2016

In this study, the flexural behavior of sandwich composite beams made of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) skins and light-weight cores are studied. The focus is on the comparison of natural and synthetic fiber and core materials. Two types of fiber materials, namely glass and flax fibers, as well as two types of core materials, namely polypropylene honeycomb and cork, are considered. A total of 105 small-scale sandwich beam specimens (50 mm wide) were prepared and tested under four-point bending. Test parameters were fiber types (flax and glass fibers), core materials (cork ad honeycomb), skin layers (0, 1, and 2 layers), core thicknesses (6–25 mm), and beam spans (150 and 300 mm). The load–deflection behavior, peak load, initial stiffness, and failure mode of the specimens are evaluated. Moreover, the flexural stiffness, shear rigidity, and core shear modulus of the sandwich composites are computed based on the test results of the two spans. An analytical model is also implemented to compute the flexural stiffness, core shear strength, and skin normal stress of the sandwich composites. Overall, the natural fiber and cork materials showed a promising and comparable structural performance with their synthetic counterparts.
Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vistbakka Julia , Elovaara Irina , Lehtimäki Terho , Hagman Sanna
Published: June 2016

Background:

In multiple sclerosis (MS), microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is mostly reported in different immune cells, but less information is available on circulating miRNAs that exert strong biomarker potential due to their exceptional stability in body fluids.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to profile expression of circulating miRNAs in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) and assess their association with neurological worsening.

Methods:

The expressions of 84 different miRNAs were profiled in serum of 83 subjects (62 MS and 21 controls) using miScript miRNA techniques. First, they were screened on 18 PPMS and 10 controls; thereafter, 10 most aberrantly expressed miRNAs were validated on a larger cohort.

Results:

In comparison with controls, upregulation of miR-191-5p was found in both progressive MS subtypes, while miR-376c-3p was overexpressed only in PPMS. Additionally, upregulation of miR-128-3p and miR-24-3p was detected in PPMS when compared to controls and SPMS. Progression index correlated with miR-128-3p in PPMS and miR-375 in SPMS.

Conclusion:

We detected overexpression of four miRNAs that have not been previously associated with progressive forms of MS. The increased expression of circulating miR-191-5p seems to be associated with progressive forms of MS, while miR-128-3p seems to be associated mostly with PPMS.
Do no harm: Balancing the costs and benefits of patient outcomes in health psychology research and practice
Authors: Ogden Jane
Published: June 2016

This article analyses research exploring medication adherence, help-seeking behaviour, screening and behaviour change to argue that all interventions have the potential for both benefit and harm. Accordingly, health psychology may have inadvertently contributed to psychological harms (e.g. lead times, anxiety, risk compensation and rebound effects); medical harms (e.g. medication side effects, unnecessary procedures) and social harms (e.g. financial costs, increased consultations rates). Such harms may result from medicalisation or pharmaceuticalisation. Or, they may reflect the ways in which we manage probabilities and an optimistic bias that emphasises benefit over cost.
The mentoring web – Coming together to make a difference
Authors: Gordon Evelyn , Lowrey K. Alisa
Published: June 2016

Developing effective novice teachers involves many components. Researchers have studied the impact of principals, induction programs, and mentors on the growth and development of novice teachers. Relationships with college/university faculty, students, parents, and support staff can also impact the growth of these novice professionals. The combination of these components creates a mentoring web that works together to empower the individual teacher as they begin their teaching career. The purpose of this article is to outline the mentoring web components and how the implementation of this web can ensure success for novice teachers in their initial years as professionals in the field of education.
The vitality of new media and religion: Communicative perspectives, practices, and changing authority in spiritual organization
Authors: Cheong Pauline Hope
Published: June 2016

We are witnessing the growth of a distinct sub-field focusing on new media and religion as the relationship between the two is not just important, it is vital. I discuss in this article how this vitality is both figurative and literal in multiple dimensions. Mediated communication brings forth and constitutes the (re)production of spiritual realities and collectivities, as well as co-enacts religious authority. In this way, new mediations grounded within older communication practices serve as the lifeblood for the evolving nature of religious authority and forms of spiritual organizing. Further research to identify diverse online and embodied religious communication practices will illuminate a richer understanding of digital religion, especially as a globally distributed phenomenon.
Prisons of the past: Penal nationalism and the politics of punishment in Central Europe
Authors: Haney Lynne
Published: June 2016

This article explores the politics of punishment in contemporary Central Europe. Based on an analysis of penal policies and discourses in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, it examines how penal politics have taken shape in a region with direct experience with the abuses of penal confinement. On the one hand, it reveals how Central European politicians and state actors used tough, law and order rhetoric to reimagine the postsocialist community and to redraw the lines of social inclusion and exclusion, thus developing a uniquely East European penal nationalism that equates punitiveness with national sovereignty and protection. At the same time, the article argues that this penal nationalism emerged largely as a response to the dilemmas of democratization in the region—to the political challenges of forging new solidarities amid changing social boundaries and of state and political actors’ ongoing legitimacy crises. In this way, the article uncovers the layers of complexity that characterize the postsocialist world of punishment as well as the intersecting influences of past and present, of global and local, and of ideology and practice on those politics.
Democratization, politics and punishment in Argentina
Authors: Sozzo Máximo
Published: June 2016

In this paper, I will analyze the metamorphosis of penal policy during the process of democratization of the last three decades in Argentina. The beginning of the transition was characterized by an elitist, formalist, and expert-driven mode of penal policy-making that produced several initiatives towards penal moderation. In this context, a certain contraction of punitiveness was produced. This pattern changed in the 1990s. In the context of the extreme neoliberal reforms, some initiatives had emerged oriented towards the increase of penal severity and extension, in an ambivalent landscape. But in the second half of this decade, penal populism emerged “from above” as a reaction of the elites that changed radically the mode of penal policy-making and fueled a great growth of punitiveness. After the crisis of 2001, there was a new wave of penal populism “from below” supported by strong social mobilizations around the figure of the victim. This radical mutation of the mode and orientation of penal policy-making generated an image of an epochal change that seemed to set up a new relationship between penalty and democracy. However, in the mid-2000s some symptoms of blockage of penal populism started to appear, creating tensions and contradictions still present today.
Punishment and political systems: State punitiveness in post-dictatorial Greece
Authors: Cheliotis Leonidas K , Xenakis Sappho
Published: June 2016

Extant research on the relationship between political systems and state punitiveness has so far paid little attention to the impact that transition from one political system to another may have upon levels and patterns of state punitiveness. This risks not only exaggerating the degree to which given trends in state punitiveness are distinct to particular political systems but also overlooking the legacy that punitive policies, practices or experiences under a prior political system may bequeath its successor. With a view to advancing a better understanding of the relationship between political systems and state punitiveness, we draw on the case of Greece, taking a long historical perspective to chart the trajectory of punitive state policies and practices in the country before, during and after its dictatorship of 1967–1974.
Synthesis and study of drug delivery system obtained via β-cyclodextrin functionalization of viscose/polyester dressings
Authors: El Ghoul Yassine , Salah Fatma , Majdoub Hatem , Sakli Faouzi
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we investigated a functionalization process of nonwoven viscose/polyester dressings, in order to fix a wide range of drugs, using a polymer based on β-cyclodextrins. Firstly, the optimization of the treatment process was investigated. The best operating conditions were generated using Minitab 15, in order to maximize functionalization rates. Then, in order to confirm the permanent and uniform binding of cyclodextrin’s polymer, modified and virgin dressings were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and the drop contact angle method used to assess the substrates hydrophilicity. The microbiological value of this chemical modification was highlighted via the application of methylene blue, used in this case as a drug model. The encapsulation properties of cyclodextrins molecules allowed its fixation into the functionalized wound dressings. The assessment of drug release kinetics confirmed a sustained release in water. Furthermore, bacteriological properties were investigated by staining and growth inhibition. Antibacterial activity of nonwoven methylene blue cyclodextrin-functionalized samples against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli before and after release are presented.
Association of multiple sclerosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Atula S , Sinkkonen ST , Saat R , Sairanen T , Atula T
Published: June 2016

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) may affect other cranial nerves besides the optic nerve. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), possibly caused by a deficit in the auditory tract, including the vestibulocochlear nerve, is sometimes associated with MS.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the incidence of SSHL among MS patients, its frequency as an initial symptom of MS, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings associated with SSHL in MS.

Methods

We collected retrospectively all patients diagnosed with MS and SSHL at the Helsinki University Hospital between 2004 and 2014. Patients with both diagnoses were re-evaluated using hospital medical records, audiograms and head MRI scans.

Results

A total of 2736 patients were diagnosed with MS, 1581 patients with SSHL, and 18 patients (0.7% of all MS patients) with both; two patients presented with SSHL as an initial symptom of MS. The annual incidence of SSHL was 59.8/100 000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.7–94.9) in MS patients, and 12.4/100 000 (95% CI 11.8–13.0) in the normal population.

Conclusion

SSHL is a rare symptom of MS and is even less frequent as an initial symptom. Its incidence in MS patients, however, markedly exceeds that in the normal population.
Malignant pleural effusion: from bench to bedside
Authors: Psallidas Ioannis , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Porcel Jose M. , Robinson Bruce W. , Stathopoulos Georgios T.
Published: June 2016

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common but serious condition that is related with poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Its incidence and associated healthcare costs are rising and its management remains palliative, with median survival ranging from 3 to 12 months. During the last decade there has been significant progress in unravelling the pathophysiology of MPE, as well as its diagnostics, imaging, and management. Nowadays, formerly bed-ridden patients are genotyped, phenotyped, and treated on an ambulatory basis. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of current advances in MPE from bench to bedside. In addition, it highlights unanswered questions in current clinical practice and suggests future directions for basic and clinical research in the field.
Advanced medical interventions in pleural disease
Authors: Bhatnagar Rahul , Corcoran John P. , Maldonado Fabien , Feller-Kopman David , Janssen Julius , Astoul Philippe , Rahman Najib M.
Published: June 2016

The burden of a number of pleural diseases continues to increase internationally. Although many pleural procedures have historically been the domain of interventional radiologists or thoracic surgeons, in recent years, there has been a marked expansion in the techniques available to the pulmonologist. This has been due in part to both technological advancements and a greater recognition that pleural disease is an important subspecialty of respiratory medicine. This article summarises the important literature relating to a number of advanced pleural interventions, including medical thoracoscopy, the insertion and use of indwelling pleural catheters, pleural manometry, point-of-care thoracic ultrasound, and image-guided closed pleural biopsy. We also aim to inform the reader regarding the latest updates to more established procedures such as chemical pleurodesis, thoracentesis and the management of chest drains, drawing on contemporary data from recent randomised trials. Finally, we shall look to explore the challenges faced by those practicing pleural medicine, especially relating to training, as well as possible future directions for the use and expansion of advanced medical interventions in pleural disease.
The exposome concept: a challenge and a potential driver for environmental health research
Authors: Siroux Valérie , Agier Lydiane , Slama Rémy
Published: June 2016

The exposome concept was defined in 2005 as encompassing all environmental exposures from conception onwards, as a new strategy to evidence environmental disease risk factors. Although very appealing, the exposome concept is challenging in many respects. In terms of assessment, several hundreds of time-varying exposures need to be considered, but increasing the number of exposures assessed should not be done at the cost of increased exposure misclassification. Accurately assessing the exposome currently requires numerous measurements, which rely on different technologies; resulting in an expensive set of protocols. In the future, high-throughput ‘omics technologies may be a promising technique to integrate a wide range of exposures from a small numbers of biological matrices. Assessing the association between many exposures and health raises statistical challenges. Due to the correlation structure of the exposome, existing statistical methods cannot fully and efficiently untangle the exposures truly affecting the health outcome from correlated exposures. Other statistical challenges relate to accounting for exposure misclassification or identifying synergistic effects between exposures. On-going exposome projects are trying to overcome technical and statistical challenges. From a public health perspective, a better understanding of the environmental risk factors should open the way to improved prevention strategies.
Viral infection in community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burk Michael , El-Kersh Karim , Saad Mohamed , Wiemken Timothy , Ramirez Julio , Cavallazzi Rodrigo
Published: June 2016

The advent of PCR has improved the identification of viruses in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Several studies have used PCR to establish the importance of viruses in the aetiology of CAP.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies that reported the proportion of viral infection detectedviaPCR in patients with CAP. We excluded studies with paediatric populations. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with viral infection. The secondary outcome was short-term mortality.

Our review included 31 studies. Most obtained PCRvianasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab. The pooled proportion of patients with viral infection was 24.5% (95% CI 21.5–27.5%). In studies that obtained lower respiratory samples in >50% of patients, the proportion was 44.2% (95% CI 35.1–53.3%). The odds of death were higher in patients with dual bacterial and viral infection (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.32–3.31).

Viral infection is present in a high proportion of patients with CAP. The true proportion of viral infection is probably underestimated because of negative test results from nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab PCR. There is increased mortality in patients with dual bacterial and viral infection.
Bronchial epithelium in children: a key player in asthma
Authors: Carsin Ania , Mazenq Julie , Ilstad Alexandra , Dubus Jean-Christophe , Chanez Pascal , Gras Delphine
Published: June 2016

Bronchial epithelium is a key element of the respiratory airways. It constitutes the interface between the environment and the host. It is a physical barrier with many chemical and immunological properties. The bronchial epithelium is abnormal in asthma, even in children. It represents a key component promoting airway inflammation and remodelling that can lead to chronic symptoms. In this review, we present an overview of bronchial epithelium and how to study it, with a specific focus on children. We report physical, chemical and immunological properties fromex vivoandin vitrostudies. The responses to various deleterious agents, such as viruses or allergens, may lead to persistent abnormalities orchestrated by bronchial epithelial cells. As epithelium dysfunctions occur early in asthma, reprogramming the epithelium may represent an ambitious goal to induce asthma remission in children.
Editorial: “Invisible” MDSC in tumor-bearing individuals after antibody depletion: fact or fiction?
Authors: Ma Chi , Greten Tim F
Published: June 2016

Discussion on tissue-specific resistance and biology consequences of anti-Ly6G depletion in tumor-bearing mice.
Body mass index and blood glucose in psychiatric and general practice populations
Authors: McAvoy Sarah , Cordiner Matthew , Kelly Jackie , Chiwanda Laura , Jefferies Christine , Miller Kirsteen , Shajahan Polash
Published: June 2016

Aims and method

Using a retrospective observational approach, we aimed to discern whether there was a difference in metabolic parameters between psychiatric and general practice populations in the same locality. Second, we aimed to establish differences in metabolic parameters of patients taking olanzapine, clozapine or aripiprazole.

Results

Patients with psychiatric illness had a body mass index (BMI) comparable to that of the general practice population (28.7 v. 29.7 kg/m2), but blood glucose was significantly lower in the general practice population (4.8 v. 6.1 mmol/L). Olanzapine was associated with the lowest BMI (26.1 kg/m2) and aripiprazole the highest (32.2 kg/m2), with no difference in blood glucose between antipsychotics.

Clinical implications

Awareness of environmental factors and how they affect individuals is important and medications are not the only cause of metabolic effects. There may be a channelling bias present, meaning practitioners are cognisant of potential metabolic effects prior to prescribing. Overall monitoring of physical health is important regardless of potential cause.
Prescribing clozapine and rifampicin: clinical impact of their interaction
Authors: Parker Caroline
Published: June 2016

The predictable pharmacokinetic drug interaction between clozapine and rifampicin is listed in most standard reference texts but little detail is given or emphasis on its clinical significance. The interaction is based on theoretical knowledge of both drugs; to date just two case reports have been published. This article describes a third case demonstrating the significance of this interaction. This was potentially devastating for the patient who required an extended psychiatric admission. The enzyme induction was so potent that the dose of clozapine had to be increased approximately sixfold. Careful management of this significant interaction is essential for effective patient care.
Examination of Broad Symptom Improvement Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lengacher Cecile A. , Reich Richard R. , Paterson Carly L. , Ramesar Sophia , Park Jong Y. , Alinat Carissa , Johnson-Mallard Versie , Moscoso Manolete , Budhrani-Shani Pinky , Miladinovic Branko , Jacobsen Paul B. , Cox Charles E. , Goodman Matthew , Kip Kevin E.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this randomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program in improving psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who completed treatment. Outcomes were assessed immediately after 6 weeks of MBSR(BC) training and 6 weeks later to test efficacy over an extended timeframe.

Patients and Methods

A total of 322 BCSs were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 155) or a usual care group (n = 167). Psychological (depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of recurrence) and physical symptoms (fatigue and pain) and quality of life (as related to health) were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to assess MBSR(BC) effects over time, and participant characteristics at baseline were also tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) effects.

Results

Results demonstrated extended improvement for the MBSR(BC) group compared with usual care in both psychological symptoms of anxiety, fear of recurrence overall, and fear of recurrence problems and physical symptoms of fatigue severity and fatigue interference (P < .01). Overall effect sizes were largest for fear of recurrence problems (d = 0.35) and fatigue severity (d = 0.27). Moderation effects showed BCSs with the highest levels of stress at baseline experienced the greatest benefit from MBSR(BC).

Conclusion

The MBSR(BC) program significantly improved a broad range of symptoms among BCSs up to 6 weeks after MBSR(BC) training, with generally small to moderate overall effect sizes.
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Sohal Davendra P.S. , Mangu Pamela B. , Khorana Alok A. , Shah Manish A. , Philip Philip A. , O’Reilly Eileen M. , Uronis Hope E. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Crane Christopher H. , Engebretson Anitra , Ruggiero Joseph T. , Copur Mehmet S. , Lau Michelle , Urba Susan , Laheru Daniel
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To provide evidence-based recommendations to oncologists and others for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods

American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, palliative care, and advocacy experts to conduct a systematic review of the literature from April 2004 to June 2015. Outcomes were overall survival, disease-free survival, progression-free survival, and adverse events.

Results

Twenty-four randomized controlled trials met the systematic review criteria.

Recommendations

A multiphase computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis should be performed. Baseline performance status and comorbidity profile should be evaluated. Goals of care, patient preferences, treatment response, psychological status, support systems, and symptom burden should guide decisions for treatments. A palliative care referral should occur at first visit. FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin; favorable comorbidity profile) or gemcitabine plus nanoparticle albumin-bound (NAB) -paclitaxel (adequate comorbidity profile) should be offered to patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0 to 1 based on patient preference and support system available. Gemcitabine alone is recommended for patients with ECOG PS 2 or with a comorbidity profile that precludes other regimens; the addition of capecitabine or erlotinib may be offered. Patients with an ECOG PS ≥ 3 and poorly controlled comorbid conditions should be offered cancer-directed therapy only on a case-by-case basis; supportive care should be emphasized. For second-line therapy, gemcitabine plus NAB-paclitaxel should be offered to patients with first-line treatment with FOLFIRINOX, an ECOG PS 0 to 1, and a favorable comorbidity profile; fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or nanoliposomal irinotecan should be offered to patients with first-line treatment with gemcitabine plus NAB-paclitaxel, ECOG PS 0 to 1, and favorable comorbidity profile, and gemcitabine or fluorouracil should be offered to patients with either an ECOG PS 2 or a comorbidity profile that precludes other regimens. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/guidelines/MetPC and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells promote endothelial cell angiogenesis by transferring miR-125a
Authors: Liang Xiaolei , Zhang Lina , Wang Shihua , Han Qin , Zhao Robert Chunhua
Published: June 2016

Angiogenesis plays crucial roles in various physiological processes including wound healing and tissue repair. It requires a tight interaction between endothelial cells and their surrounding environment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one of the non-endothelial cell types present in the perivascular environment, have been shown to secret exosomes to modulate intercellular communications between MSCs and their target cells. In this study, we initially isolated exosomes secreted by human adipose-derived MSCs (adMSC-Exo) and examined their roles in angiogenesis. We found that adMSC-Exo could be taken up by endothelial cells and significantly promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Further study showed that miR-125a was enriched in adMSC-Exo, and repressed the expression of the angiogenic inhibitor delta-like 4 (DLL4) by targeting its 3′ untranslated region. Additionally, adMSC-Exo and its exosomal transferred miR-125a could repress DLL4 expression and modulate endothelial cell angiogenesis through promoting formation of endothelial tip cells. In conclusion, our study indicates that adMSC-Exo can transfer miR-125a to endothelial cells and promote angiogenesis by repressing DLL4. adMSC-Exo, as a pro-angiogenic factor, might be a promising candidate for therapeutical tissue repair.
Reduced L-type Ca2+ current and compromised excitability induce loss of skeletal muscle function during acute cooling in locust
Authors: Findsen Anders , Overgaard Johannes , Pedersen Thomas Holm
Published: June 2016

Low temperature causes most insects to enter a state of neuromuscular paralysis, termed chill coma. Susceptibility of insect species to enter chill coma is tightly correlated to the species distribution limits and for this reason it is important to understand the cellular processes that underlie chill coma. It is known that muscle function is markedly depressed at low temperature and this suggests that chill coma is partly caused by impairment in the muscle per se. To find the cellular mechanism(s) underlying muscle dysfunction at low temperature, we examined the effect of low temperature (5°C) on several events in the excitation-contraction-coupling in the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). Intracellular membrane potential recordings during single nerve stimulations showed that 70% of fibers at 20°C produced an action potential (AP), while only 55% of the fibers were able to fire AP at 5°C. Reduced excitability at low temperature was caused by ∼80% drop in L-type Ca2+ current and a depolarizing shift in its activation of around 20 mV, which means that a larger endplate potential would be needed to activate the muscle AP at low temperature. In accordance we showed that intracellular Ca2+ transients were largely absent at low temperature following nerve stimulation. In contrast, maximum contractile force was unaffected by low temperature in chemically skinned muscle bundles which demonstrates that the function of the contractile filaments are preserved at low temperature. These findings demonstrate that reduced L-type Ca2+ current is likely the most important factor contributing to loss of muscle function at low temperature in locust.
Analysis of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 RNA packageome
Authors: Eckwahl Matthew J. , Arnion Helene , Kharytonchyk Siarhei , Zang Trinity , Bieniasz Paul D. , Telesnitsky Alice , Wolin Sandra L.
Published: June 2016

All retroviruses package cellular RNAs into virions. Studies of murine leukemia virus (MLV) revealed that the major host cell RNAs encapsidated by this simple retrovirus were LTR retrotransposons and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Several classes of ncRNAs appeared to be packaged by MLV shortly after synthesis, as precursors to tRNAs, small nuclear RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs were all enriched in virions. To determine the extent to which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) packages similar RNAs, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the RNAs within infectious HIV-1 virions produced in CEM-SS T lymphoblastoid cells. We report that the most abundant cellular RNAs in HIV-1 virions are 7SL RNA and transcripts from numerous divergent and truncated members of the long interspersed element (LINE) and short interspersed element (SINE) families of retrotransposons. We also detected precursors to several tRNAs and small nuclear RNAs as well as transcripts derived from the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacers. We show that packaging of a pre-tRNA requires the nuclear export receptor Exportin 5, indicating that HIV-1 recruits at least some newly made ncRNAs in the cytoplasm. Together, our work identifies the set of RNAs packaged by HIV-1 and reveals that early steps in HIV-1 assembly intersect with host cell ncRNA biogenesis pathways.
Increasing both the public health potential of basic research and the scientist satisfaction. An international survey of bio-scientists
Authors: Sorrentino Carmen , Boggio Andrea , Confalonieri Stefano , Hemenway David , Scita Giorgio , Ballabeni Andrea
Published: June 2016

Basic scientific research generates knowledge that has intrinsic value which is independent of future applications. Basic research may also lead to practical benefits, such as a new drug or diagnostic method. Building on our previous study of basic biomedical and biological researchers at Harvard, we present findings from a new survey of similar scientists from three countries. The goal of this study was to design policies to enhance both the public health potential and the work satisfaction and test scientists’ attitudes towards these factors. The present survey asked about the scientists’ motivations, goals and perspectives along with their attitudes concerning  policies designed to increase both the practical (i.e. public health) benefits of basic research as well as their own personal satisfaction. Close to 900 basic investigators responded to the survey; results corroborate the main findings from the previous survey of Harvard scientists. In addition, we find that most bioscientists disfavor present policies that require a discussion of the public health potential of their proposals in grants but generally favor softer policies aimed at increasing the quality of work and the potential practical benefits of basic research. In particular, bioscientists are generally supportive of those policies entailing the organization of more meetings between scientists and the general public, the organization of more academic discussion about the role of scientists in the society, and the implementation of a “basic bibliography” for each new approved drug.