bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Correction to Completer Analyses and Improvement on Baseline Observation Carried Forward
Authors: Petroff David
Published: February 2017

Replacing missing data using the baseline observation carried forward (BOCF) technique is known to be fraught with problems. Despite recommendations to the contrary, BOCF and the related last observation carried forward (LOCF) continue to be used in some fields of research. We first show the use of BOCF in testing for a change in a single sample is essentially equivalent to what results from a completer analysis. Next, we derive a simple method based only on summary statistics for adjusting inference from a completer analysis in situations where the estimand of the completer analysis is expected to be close to that of the full analysis set. For those with missing follow-up data, the method assumes a mean change of zero from baseline, with variance equivalent to that estimated from the patients who complete; in other words, it is essentially BOCF analysis with plausible variance inflation. The extension to two samples is considered and a similar adjustment of the completer analysis is presented. The method presented here can be used to reanalyze results from publications that treat missing data inadequately, to adjust for missing data in power calculations and as a quick way of checking the plausibility of an appropriate treatment of missing data. These practical tools are meant to complement, rather than compete with, established methods for dealing with missing data. Numerical simulations are used to elucidate some properties of the proposed method and, finally, we apply the method to data from a recent trial which evaluated weight loss programs.
Investigation and management of IgM and Waldenström‐associated peripheral neuropathies: recommendations from the IWWM‐8 consensus panel
Authors: D'Sa Shirley , Kersten Marie José , Castillo Jorge J. , Dimopoulos Meletios , Kastritis Efstathios , Laane Edward , Leblond Véronique , Merlini Giampaolo , Treon Steven P. , Vos Josephine M. , Lunn Michael P.
Published: February 2017

Paraproteinaemic neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders most frequently associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathies including Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM). Their consequences are significant for affected patients, and their management challenging for their physicians. The variability in clinical presentation and time course hamper classification and management. The indications for invasive investigations such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve conduction tests and sensory nerve biopsies are unclear, and the optimum way to measure clinical response to treatment unknown. When to intervene and and how to treat, also present challenges to physicians. As part of its latest deliberations at the International Workshops on WM (IWWM) in London, UK (August 2014), the IWWM8 panel have proposed a consensus approach to the diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathies associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathies, including WM. Importantly, a consensus regarding the use of clinical outcome measures and recommended models of care for this group of patients is discussed, as well as appropriate treatment interventions.
Internalizing objectification: Objectified individuals see themselves as less warm, competent, moral, and human
Authors: Loughnan Steve , Baldissarri Cristina , Spaccatini Federica , Elder Laura
Published: February 2017

People objectify others by viewing them as less warm, competent, moral, and human (Heflick & Goldenberg, 2009, J. Exp. Soc. Psychol., 45, 598; Vaes, Paladino, & Puvia, 2011, Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 41, 774). In two studies, we examined whether the objectified share this view of themselves, internalizing their objectification. In Study 1 (N = 114), we examined sexual objectification, and in Study 2 (N = 62), we examined workplace objectification. Consistent across both studies, we found that objectification resulted in participants seeing themselves as less warm, competent, moral (Study 2 only), and lacking in human nature and human uniqueness. These effects were robust to perceiver gender and familiarity (Study 1), and whether another person or a situation caused the objectification (Study 2). In short, the objectified see themselves the manner they are seen by their objectifiers: as lacking warmth, competence, morality, and humanity.
δ18O and δ13C in fossil shells of Radix sp. from the sediment succession of a dammed palaeo‐lake in the Yarlung Tsangpo valley, Tibet, China
Authors: Hu Hai‐Ping , Feng Jin‐Liang , Chen Feng
Published: February 2017

A series of confirmed and suspected dammed palaeo‐lake sedimentary successions is scattered within the middle Yarlung Tsangpo valley in Tibet. However, the chronology, the genesis of the dam and its location, the water level of the dammed lake, the process of dam failure and the spatiotemporal relationships between the sedimentary successions remain controversial. Here, we focus on one sedimentary succession of the suspected dammed palaeo‐lake at Xigazê. We measured the grain‐size distribution, magnetic susceptibility, organic and inorganic carbon content, and δ13Corg and δ15Ntotal ratios of the sediments. In addition, we measured the δ18Oshell and δ13Cshell values of modern and fossil Radix sp. shells, and the δ18Owater and δ13CDIC values of the ambient water with different hydrological regimes. The results indicate that the δ18Oshell values of modern Radix sp. and the δ18Owater of the ambient water body significantly depend on its hydrological status. In addition, a strong positive relationship was observed between δ18Oshell values of modern Radix sp. shells and the δ18Owater of the ambient water on the Tibetan Plateau. According to this correlation, the δ18Owater values of the palaeo‐water body are reconstructed using the δ18Oshell values of Radix sp. fossil shells in the Xigazê section. Further, based on the δ18Oshell values of fossil Radix sp., the reconstructed δ18Owater of the palaeo‐water body and the specific habitats of Radix sp., we infer that the sedimentary succession in the Xigazê broad valley was mainly formed within the backwater terminal zone of a dammed palaeo‐lake and that the elevation of the water level of the lake was approximately 3811 m a.s.l. AMS 14C dating indicates that the deposits of the dammed palaeo‐lake were formed at about 33–22 cal. ka BP. Finally, the presence of Radix sp. fossil shells within the Xigazê section suggests that Radix sp. survived the late Last Glacial Period on the Tibetan Plateau.
Children's Use of Memory Editing Strategies to Reject Source Misinformation
Authors: Moore Kara N. , Lampinen James M. , Gallo David A. , Adams Eryn J. , Bridges Ana J.
Published: February 2017

This is the first reported study of children's use of two metacognitive strategies, recollection rejection and diagnostic monitoring, to reject misinformation. Recollection rejection involves the retrieval of details that disqualify an event, whereas diagnostic monitoring involves the failure to retrieve expected details. First (n = 56, age 7 years) and third graders (n = 52, age 9 years) witnessed a staged classroom interaction involving common and bizarre accidents, were presented with misinformation about the source of these events, and took a memory test. Both age groups used recollection rejection, but third graders were more effective. There was little evidence that diagnostic monitoring influenced responses for bizarre events, potentially because these events were not sufficiently bizarre in the context of the stereotype induction.
Clinical markers of asthma and IgE assessed in parents before conception predict asthma and hayfever in the offspring
Authors: Bertelsen R. J. , Rava M. , Carsin A. E. , Accordini S. , Benediktsdóttir B. , Dratva J. , Franklin K. A. , Heinrich J. , Holm M. , Janson C. , Johannessen A. , Jarvis D. L. , Jogi R. , Leynaert B. , Norback D. , Omenaas E. R. , Raherison C. , Sánchez‐Ramos J. L. , Schlünssen V. , Sigsgaard T. , Dharmage S. C. , Svanes C.
Published: February 2017

Background

Mice models suggest epigenetic inheritance induced by parental allergic disease activity. However, we know little of how parental disease activity before conception influences offspring's asthma and allergy in humans.

Objective

We aimed to assess the associations of parental asthma severity, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and total and specific IgEs, measured before conception vs. after birth, with offspring asthma and hayfever.

Methods

The study included 4293 participants (mean age 34, 47% men) from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) with information on asthma symptom severity, BHR, total and specific IgEs from 1991 to 1993, and data on 9100 offspring born 1972–2012. Adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR) for associations of parental clinical outcome with offspring allergic disease were estimated with multinomial logistic regressions.

Results

Offspring asthma with hayfever was more strongly associated with parental BHR and specific IgE measured before conception than after birth [BHR: aRRR = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.92, 4.57) and 1.40 (1.03, 1.91), respectively; specific IgEs: 3.08 (2.13, 4.45) and 1.83 (1.45, 2.31), respectively]. This was confirmed in a sensitivity analysis of a subgroup of offspring aged 11–22 years with information on parental disease activity both before and after birth.

Conclusion & Clinical Relevance

Parental BHR and specific IgE were associated with offspring asthma and hayfever, with the strongest associations observed with clinical assessment before conception as compared to after birth of the child. If the hypothesis is confirmed in other studies, parental disease activity assessed before conception may prove useful for identifying children at risk for developing asthma with hayfever.
Coblation® intracapsular tonsillectomy (tonsillotomy) in children: A prospective study of 500 consecutive cases with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Hoey A.W. , Foden N.M. , Hadjisymeou Andreou S. , Noonan F. , Chowdhury A.K. , Greig S.R. , Sproson E.L. , Allin D. , Amin N. , Wouters K.M. , Jonas N.E. , Tweedie D.J.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Intracapsular tonsillectomy (tonsillotomy) has been used internationally, mainly in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea, rather than recurrent tonsillitis, with few published data evaluating its use for this latter indication. We present long‐term prospective data from 500 paediatric cases undergoing Coblation® intracapsular tonsillectomy, for both obstructive and infective indications.

Design

Prospective case series, March 2013‐January 2016, all with completed follow‐up.

Setting

Tertiary paediatric otolaryngological practice.

Participants

A total of 500 consecutive patients (6 months to 18 years, mean 5.1 years) undergoing Coblation® intracapsular tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy), for obstructive and/ or infective indications, almost exclusively under the care of the senior author (DJT).

Main outcome measures

Validated parent‐reported T‐14 tonsil symptom questionnaires were used in all cases pre‐ and postoperatively, including in the long term. Parents also recorded duration of analgesia, time to return to school, any complications and whether they would recommend the procedure.

Results

With a mean follow‐up 7.4 months, symptom control has been excellent (mean total T‐14 score (/70) 31.01 preoperatively, 2.68 postoperatively, P<.0000001), with similar trends for obstructive and infective domains. Two small secondary haemorrhages required readmission and observation only (0.4%); otherwise, no complications, delayed discharges or readmissions occurred; 12/500 (2.4%) have since undergone revision tonsil surgery, 10 for obstructive and 2 for infective symptoms, the majority in very young children, with revision adenoidectomy at the same time. More than 99% of parents would recommend the surgery.

Conclusions

Our experience of this technique has been very positive, with excellent control of both obstructive and infective symptoms, and exceptionally low rates of complications. Further work will be required to allow conclusive demonstration of its advantages over extracapsular tonsillectomy.
Dorsal stream function in the young child: an fMRI investigation of visually guided action
Authors: James Karin H. , Kersey Alyssa J.
Published: February 2017

Visually guided action is a ubiquitous component of human behavior, but the neural substrates that support the development of this behavior are unknown. Here we take an initial step in documenting visual‐motor system development in the young (4‐ to 7‐year‐old) child. Through functional MRI and by using a new technique to measure the mechanisms underlying real‐time visually guided action in the MRI environment, we demonstrate that children rely primarily on the IPS and cerebellum for this complex behavior. This pattern is consistent across three different visually guided actions, suggesting generalizability of these neural substrates across such tasks. However, minor differences in neural processing across tasks were also demonstrated. Overall, results are interpreted as demonstrating that the functions of the dorsal stream can be viewed as fairly mature in the young child. These results provide a benchmark for future studies that aim to understand the development of the neural circuitry for visually guided action.
The duration of intrapartum maternal hyperglycaemia predicts neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with pre‐existing diabetes
Authors: Joshi T. , Oldmeadow C. , Attia J. , Wynne K.
Published: February 2017

Aim

There is a high incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia in neonates born to mothers with pre‐existing diabetes. This often necessitates admission to the neonatal intensive care. Guidelines suggest maintaining intrapartum blood glucose levels (BGLs) of 4–7 mmol/l in women with diabetes to reduce the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. This study assessed whether intrapartum BGLs in women with pre‐gestational Type 1 and 2 diabetes were predictive of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 261 births delivered at a tertiary hospital in Australia from 2009 to 2014.

Results

There were 122 cases of neonatal hypoglycaemia (glucose ≤ 2.6 mmol/l) in 261 births (47%). The mothers in the neonatal hypoglycaemia group spent less time with BGL in the range 4–7 mmol/l [55 ± 37% vs. 65 ± 35%, P = 0.02; odds ratio (OR) 0.992, P = 0.03] and more time with BGL in the 7–10 mmol/l range (31 ± 34% vs. 18 ± 27%, P = 0.003; OR 1.013, P = 0.003) compared with those without neonatal hypoglycaemia. Although statistically significant, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that time spent with maternal BGLs in the range 4–7 mmol/l [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.58] or 7–10 mmol (AUC = 0.60) was not strong enough to be a useful clinical predictor of neonatal hypoglycaemia. HbA1c in the second trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.02, OR 1.42) and percentage time spent in BGL range of 7–10 mmol/l (P = 0.001, OR 1.02) were both associated with a risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia in a logistic regression model. HbA1c in the third trimester (P = 0.07, OR 1.28) approached, but did not reach, significance.

Conclusions

These data support a BGL range of 4–7 mmol/l as an intrapartum target. Glycaemic control in the second trimester is associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia. Improvement in ante‐ and intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with pre‐existing diabetes.
Evidence for Strategic Sex Allocation in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata): Brood Sex Ratio and Size Predict Subsequent Adult Male Mating Success
Authors: Sato Aya , Karino Kenji
Published: February 2017

Sex allocation theory predicts that females should produce more sons when the reproductive success of sons is expected to be high, whereas they should produce more daughters, not daughters when the reproductive success of sons is expected to be low. The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a live‐bearing fish, and female guppies are known to produce broods with biased sex ratios. In this study, we examined the relationship between brood sex ratio and reproductive success of sons and daughters, to determine whether female guppies benefit from producing broods with biased sex ratios. We found that sons in male‐biased broods had greater mating success at maturity than sons in female‐biased broods when brood sizes were larger. On the other hand, the reproductive output of daughters was not significantly affected by brood sizes and sex ratios. Our results suggest that female guppies benefit from producing large, male‐biased brood when the reproductive success of sons is expected to be high.
The little fish that can feed the world
Authors: Majluf Patricia , De la Puente Santiago , Christensen Villy
Published: February 2017

Peru is home to the world's biggest fishery with catches of over 95 million tonnes of anchoveta (Engraulis ringens), since 2000, yet one in six small children in Peru suffer from chronic malnutrition. This is not because anchoveta is unsuitable for human consumption—on the contrary, they are nutritious, tasty and available year‐round, close to the coast. Almost all anchoveta are, however, reduced to provide fishmeal and oil for export. Only a few per cent of the landings are used for direct human consumption, and while this use has increased significantly over the last decade, the growth has stopped because of perverse incentives that encourage landing for reduction purposes, combined with production methods that are expensive and unsuitable for large‐scale operations. We discuss the roadblocks and prospects for significantly increasing the contribution of anchoveta to global food security and provide an outlook for how big this contribution potentially could be. It is time to change how anchoveta is used.
Impacts of climate change for coastal fishers and implications for fisheries
Authors: Savo Valentina , Morton Cedar , Lepofsky Dana
Published: February 2017

Coastal Social–Ecological Systems (SESs) are subject to several stresses, including climate change, that challenge fisheries and natural resource management. Fishers are front‐line observers of changes occurring both on the coast and in the sea and are among the first people to be affected by these changes. In this study, we perform a meta‐analysis of observations and adaptations to climate change by subsistence‐oriented coastal fishers extracted from a global review of peer‐reviewed and grey literature. Fishers' observations compiled from across the globe indicate increased temperatures and changes in weather patterns, as well as coastal erosion, sea level rise and shifts in species range and behaviours. Coastal areas offer a wide array of resources for diversifying livelihoods, but climate change is reducing these options. Specifically, climate change could reduce the resilience of fishers' communities, limiting options for diversification or forcing fishers to abandon their houses or villages.
A Population‐Based Comparison of Female and Male Same‐Sex Parent and Different‐Sex Parent Households
Authors: Bos Henny M. W. , Kuyper Lisette , Gartrell Nanette K.
Published: February 2017

This investigation compared Dutch same‐sex parent and different‐sex parent households on children's psychological well‐being, parenting stress, and support in child rearing. It was also assessed whether associations among children's well‐being, parenting stress, and support in child rearing were different in the two household types. Data were based on a nationally representative survey (N = 25,250). Matching was used to enhance similarity in background characteristics between both types of families. Parental and child characteristics were matched for 43 female same‐sex parent, 52 male same‐sex parent, and 95 different‐sex parent households with offspring between 5 and 18 years old. No significant differences were found on children's well‐being, problems in the parent–child relationship, being worried about the child, or the use of formal and informal support between mothers in same‐sex and different‐sex parent households or for fathers in same‐sex and different‐sex parent households. Regarding perceived confidence in child rearing, fathers in same‐sex parent households and mothers in different‐sex parent households felt less competent than their counterparts. Neither the associations between children's well‐being and the predictors (parenting stress variables) nor those between support and the predictors (parenting stress and children's well‐being) differed along household type. In this population‐based study, the similarity in child outcomes regardless of household type confirms the results of prior investigations based on convenience samples. These findings are pertinent to family therapists, practitioners, court officials, and policymakers who seek information on parenting experiences and child outcomes in female and male same‐sex parent families.
Feminist geopolitics and the Middle East: Refuge, belief, and peace
Authors: Clark Jessie Hanna
Published: February 2017

In this article, I draw on the work of feminist and critical political geographers to demonstrate what a feminist geopolitics can offer Middle East studies. I cite scholarship of feminist and critical geographers situated within and outside the region to address three key themes: “refuge,” “belief,” and “peace.” In each theme, I use the “body” as a starting point to convene a justice‐oriented methodology of studying and knowing the Middle East. A major objective and contribution of feminist geopolitics to geography has been to recenter political inquiry from the state to the fleshy matter of the body. A “corporeal geopolitics” understands that all bodies have geopolitical agency, that all bodies are vulnerable—albeit differentially—to politics, and that all bodies are connected within and formative of shared economic, social, and political processes across space. Here, I chart ways that a feminist geopolitical analytic focused on “bodies” can contribute to a more complex understanding of the Middle East, one that operates through specificity, accountability, and care.
Clinical results of proton beam therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma over 5 cm
Authors: Kimura Kanako , Nakamura Tatsuya , Ono Takashi , Azami Yusuke , Suzuki Motohisa , Wada Hitoshi , Takayama Kanako , Endo Hiromasa , Takeyama Teruhito , Hirose Katsumi , Takai Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2017

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of proton beam therapy for large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with a HCC larger than 5.0 cm were treated with proton beam therapy at our institution between 2008 and 2015.

Results

The clinical stage was I in 2 patients, II in 9 patients, and IIIB in 13 patients. Ten of the 24 patients were not surgical candidates because of advanced HCC or old age. Median tumor size was 90 mm (range, 50–180 mm). Median total dose delivered was 72.6 Gray‐equivalents (GyE) in 22 fractions (range, 60.8–85.8 GyE). Median follow‐up period was 17.5 months (range, 3–70 months). Local control rate at 2 years was 87.0%. The 2‐year overall survival rate was 52.4%. The predominant tumor progression pattern was new hepatic tumor development outside the irradiated field. No acute or late treatment‐related toxicity of grade 3 or higher, other than dermatitis, was observed.

Conclusions

These results show that proton beam therapy offers an effective and safe method for treating patients with large HCC. Proton beam therapy represents a promising method for treatment of large‐volume HCC.
Ritualising the Secular? Inter‐Religious Meetings in the ‘Immanent Frame‘
Authors: Cheetham David
Published: February 2017

I take a philosophical approach and seek to address the question of inter‐religious rituals and practices with reference to what Charles Taylor has called ‘the immanent frame.’ Whilst considering the dynamics of inter‐religious or cross‐religious ritual, this article will focus mainly on the idea of rituality occurring in an immanent frame or habitus (Pierre Bourdieu). I will argue that whilst there are specific cultic rituals that need to be negotiated as part of any form of explicit inter‐rituality, there is a larger potential that is suggested by a broader anthropological vision. Moreover, an ‘immanent turn’ by religions may be the positive step towards the joint creation of meaning and practice in the public sphere.
Genetic analysis and clinicopathological features of ALK‐rearranged renal cell carcinoma in a large series of resected Chinese renal cell carcinoma patients and literature review
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Wang Yuewei , Jiang Yanxia , Zhang Wei , Li Yujun
Published: February 2017

Aims

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐rearranged renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare subtype of RCC reported in recent years, with eight cases so far. The aims of the present study were to screen ALK‐rearranged cases from a large cohort of RCCs in China to determine the frequency of ALK rearrangement and investigate the clinicopathological features and outcomes.

Methods and results

Tissues from a total of 477 RCC patients in China were embedded into tissue microarrays for immunostaining. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) and fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were applied to identify and confirm the rearrangement of ALK, and to identify the genes fused with ALK. ALK expression was identified in two of 477 RCCs. By FISH analysis, the two tumours showed either a 1R1G1F or a 2R2G signal pattern, indicating rearrangement involving ALK. Fluorescence quantitative RT‐PCR detected the TPM3–ALK fusion and EML4–ALK fusion transcripts in the two tumours, respectively. Follow‐up data were analyzed for the two cases and eight other ALK‐rearranged RCCs reported in the literature. Two patients died from RCCs, on the 16th month and 48th month after surgery, respectively. The 5‐year cancer‐specific survival rate of patients with the 10 ALK‐rearranged RCCs was lower than that of patients with International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) G1, G2 and G3 clear cell RCC (CCRCC) and papillary RCC (PRCC), but higher than that of patients with G4 CCRCC and PRCC.

Conclusions

ALK‐rearranged RCC is a rare subtype of adult RCC and is associated with distinct histological features and a poor prognosis. Identification of ALK‐rearranged RCC has important clinical significance, because patients might benefit from ALK inhibitor therapy as used in lung adenocarcinoma.
Standardized methods for photography in procedural dermatology using simple equipment
Authors: Hexsel Doris , Hexsel Camile L. , Dal'Forno Taciana , Schilling de Souza Juliana , Silva Aline F. , Siega Carolina
Published: February 2017

Photography is an important tool in dermatology. Reproducing the settings of before photos after interventions allows more accurate evaluation of treatment outcomes. In this article, we describe standardized methods and tips to obtain photographs, both for clinical practice and research procedural dermatology, using common equipment. Standards for the studio, cameras, photographer, patients, and framing are presented in this article.
Modification and characterisation of porcine plasma protein with natural agents as potential cross‐linkers
Authors: Samsalee Namfon , Sothornvit Rungsinee
Published: February 2017

Modification of porcine plasma protein (PPP) using the natural cross‐linkers at different concentrations of rutin (0.6–1% w/w), caffeic acid (1–3% w/w) and genipin (0.15–0.5% w/w) on chemical and thermal properties of PPP was investigated. Among these, rutin was the most significant effective natural agent corresponding to a decrease in the free amino group and sulphydryl group contents including a change in the protein bands’ intensity from SDS‐PAGE. However, genipin exhibited greater thermal properties of modified PPP. Moreover, the modification affected the colour of PPP and a change in the FT‐IR spectra of the samples. The suitable concentrations of each natural agent were 0.6% rutin, 0.5% genipin and 3% caffeic acid. Therefore, natural cross‐linkers such as rutin, caffeic acid and genipin can be considered as alternative cross‐linkers to improve the properties of PPP for food processing and biopolymer material applications as they are nontoxic.
The Challenge of Authenticity: Enhancement and Accurate Self‐Presentation
Authors: Kadlac Adam
Published: February 2017

This article explores the significance of authenticity for debates about the ethics of enhancement. According to the view defended here, what lies at the heart of authenticity is a disdain for phoniness or fakery – two notions which essentially concern the way we present ourselves to others and, in turn, the way we are viewed by those others. Being authentic thus requires that we not pretend to be something or someone we are not or otherwise represent ourselves falsely to the outside world. As far as authenticity is concerned, then, the primary ethical challenge to the use of enhancements is to those uses that are hidden or unacknowledged – instances in which individuals represent themselves as having achieved or become something without technological assistance when, in fact, the converse is true. One is not undermining one's authentic self when one uses technology to accomplish a particular goal or undergoes some procedure to alter oneself, even quite radically. Rather, one is only being inauthentic to the degree that one passes off oneself and one's achievements as something they are not.
On the origins of marine‐derived freshwater fishes in South America
Authors: Bloom Devin D. , Lovejoy Nathan R.
Published: February 2017

Aim

The South American fish fauna is renowned for its extraordinary diversity. The majority of this diversity is restricted to few major clades that have ancient associations to freshwater habitats. However, at a higher taxonomic level, the South American ichthyofauna is enriched by an extraordinary number of marine derived lineages – lineages that are endemic to freshwaters, but derived from marine ancestors. Here, we test palaeogeographical hypotheses that attempt to explain the origins and exceptional diversity of marine derived fishes in rivers of South America.

Location

South America.

Methods

We analysed time‐calibrated molecular phylogenies, ancestral reconstructions and biogeographical patterns for multiple independent marine‐derived lineages.

Results

Five of the ten marine‐derived lineages in our analysis have biogeographical patterns and stem ages consistent with invasion from the Atlantic Ocean during the Oligocene or Eocene. Drums and pufferfishes reveal patterns and ages that were consistent with the Miocene marine incursion hypothesis. The Amazonian halfbeak is the only lineage younger than the Miocene and invaded Amazonian freshwaters less than a million years ago.

Main Conclusion

Our results suggest Miocene marine incursions and the Pebas Mega‐Wetland may not explain the high diversity of marine derived lineages in South America. Instead, the Pebas Mega‐Wetland may have created a fertile opportunity for diversification of some, but not all marine‐derived lineages.
Multimarket Contact and the Use of Power in Buyer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Reimann Felix , Shen Pei , Kaufmann Lutz
Published: February 2017

Buyers and suppliers often have multiple business relationships with each other across different geographical and product markets, forming a potentially complex web of connections. What happens between the firms in one geographical or product market may influence their interactions in others. Prior research in strategic management has found that similar multimarket contact in horizontal relationships between competitors has important consequences for the firms’ use of market power. However, the consequences of multimarket contact in vertical buyer–supplier relationships remain unexplored. Building on resource‐advantage theory, this study proposes that multimarket contact between buyers and suppliers is linked to their respective propensity to use three types of mediated power in their relationships (i.e., reward, coercion, and legal legitimate) and that the effects of multimarket contact differ between buyers and suppliers. A vignette study with 143 purchasing managers and 137 business‐to‐business sales managers tests the developed hypotheses. The findings show that a higher level of multimarket contact encourages suppliers to use legal legitimate power to a greater extent and encourages buyers to use reward power to a greater extent but legal legitimate power to a lesser extent.
Designing an Institutional Network for Improving Farm Animal Welfare in the EU
Authors: Jones Philip , Lensink Joop , Mancini Maria Cecilia , Tranter Richard
Published: February 2017

Improvements in the welfare of farmed animals in the EU have been achieved by legislation, increased welfare capacity in the food chain, greater public awareness, welfare measurement tools and dissemination of best practice. However, pressure for improvement grows. The EC recognizes that delivering improved welfare would best be achieved by increasing welfare capacity, including establishing a Network of Welfare Reference Centres to provide support for welfare research, knowledge transfer and policy design. Designing a structure for this Network presents a challenge, as it would have multiple functions, interact with diverse stakeholders and operate in a complex environment. Here, we describe the use of a novel strategic planning approach to design an optimal structure for this Network. Our evaluation found that no existing structure was ideal, but that by taking functional units from several existing models, an optimal model could be identified.
Tonoplast targeting of VHA‐a3 relies on a Rab5‐mediated but Rab7‐independent vacuolar trafficking route
Authors: Feng Qiang‐Nan , Zhang Yan , Li Sha
Published: February 2017

Vacuolar trafficking routes and their regulators have recently drawn lots of attention in plant cell biology. A recent study reported the discovery of a plant‐specific vacuolar trafficking route, i.e., a direct ER‐to‐vacuole route, through analysis of VHA‐a3 subcellular targeting, a key component for the tonoplast V‐ATPases. Our recent findings showed that VHA‐a3 targets to the tonoplast through a Rab5‐mediated but Rab7‐independent pathway, shedding new lights on the unconventional vacuolar trafficking route in plant cells.
The role of drebrin in neurons
Authors: Shirao Tomoaki , Hanamura Kenji , Koganezawa Noriko , Ishizuka Yuta , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Sekino Yuko
Published: February 2017

Drebrin is an actin‐binding protein that changes the helical pitch of actin filaments (F‐actin), and drebrin‐decorated F‐actin shows slow treadmilling and decreased rate of depolymerization. Moreover, the characteristic morphology of drebrin‐decorated F‐actin enables it to respond differently to the same signals from other actin cytoskeletons. Drebrin consists of two major isoforms, drebrin E and drebrin A. In the developing brain, drebrin E appears in migrating neurons and accumulates in the growth cones of axons and dendrites. Drebrin E‐decorated F‐actin links lamellipodium F‐actin to microtubules in the growth cones. Then drebrin A appears at nascent synapses and drebrin A‐decorated F‐actin facilitates postsynaptic molecular assembly. In the adult brain, drebrin A‐decorated F‐actin is concentrated in the central region of dendritic spines. During long‐term potentiation initiation, NMDA receptor‐mediated Ca2+ influx induces the transient exodus of drebrin A‐decorated F‐actin via myosin II ATPase activation. Because of the unique physical characteristics of drebrin A‐decorated F‐actin, this exodus likely contributes to the facilitation of F‐actin polymerization and spine enlargement. Additionally, drebrin reaccumulation in dendritic spines is observed after the exodus. In our drebrin exodus model of structure‐based synaptic plasticity, reestablishment of drebrin A‐decorated F‐actin is necessary to keep the enlarged spine size during long‐term potentiation maintenance. In this review, we introduce the genetic and biochemical properties of drebrin and the roles of drebrin in early stage of brain development, synaptic formation and synaptic plasticity. Further, we discuss the pathological relevance of drebrin loss in Alzheimer's disease.

This article is part of the mini review series “60th Anniversary of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry”.

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Thyroid dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder is associated with folate receptor α autoimmune disorder
Authors: Frye R. E. , Wynne R. , Rose S. , Slattery J. , Delhey L. , Tippett M. , Kahler S. G. , Bennuri S. C. , Melnyk S. , Sequeira J. M. , Quadros E. V.
Published: February 2017

Folate receptor α (FRα) autoantibodies (FRAAs) are prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FRAAs disrupt folate transport across the blood‐brain barrier by binding to the FRα. Thyroid dysfunction is frequently found in children with ASD. We measured blocking and binding FRAAs and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4) (FT4), total triiodothyronine (T3) (TT3), reverse T3 (rT3), thyroid‐releasing hormone (TRH) and other metabolites in 87 children with ASD, 84 of whom also underwent behaviour and cognition testing and in 42 of whom FRAAs, TSH and FT4 were measured at two time points. To better understand the significance of the FRα in relation to thyroid development, we examined FRα expression on prenatal and postnatal thyroid. TSH, TT3 and rT3 were above the normal range in 7%, 33% and 51% of the participants and TRH was below the normal range in 13% of the participants. FT4 was rarely outside the normal range. TSH concentration was positively and the FT4/TSH, TT3/TSH and rT3/TSH ratios were inversely related to blocking FRAA titres. On repeated measurements, changes in TSH and FT4/TSH ratio were found to correspond to changes in blocking FRAA titres. TSH and the FT4/TSH, TT3/TSH and rT3/TSH ratios were related to irritability on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and several scales of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), whereas TT3 was associated with SRS subscales and TRH was related to Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale subscales. The thyroid showed significant FRα expression during the early prenatal period, although expression decreased significantly in later gestation and postnatal thyroid tissue. The results of the present study suggest that thyroid dysfunction in ASD may be related to blocking FRAA. The high expression of FRα in the early foetal thyroid suggests that foetal and neonatal exposure to maternal FRAAs could affect the development of the thyroid and may contribute to the pathology in ASD.
Understanding patient perceptions and risk for hepatitis C screening
Authors: Grannan S.
Published: February 2017

The specific aims were to identify specific themes and barriers to viral hepatitis C (HCV) testing and to determine if testing rates increased when patients self‐identify their risk factors and were offered testing. This study was conducted at a Federally Qualified Health Centre (FQHC) in an underserved neighbourhood located in the Mountain West. This descriptive study used survey and group‐level electronic health record (EHR) data. Adults 18 years and older who speak and write in English or Spanish and arrived for care at a FQHC were recruited to complete a survey. The 10‐item survey assessed demographics, HCV risk, willingness to test, and reasons for not testing. Screening rates during the survey period were compared with the baseline 2014 rates using EHR data. EHR demographic, testing, and incidents of positive HCV infections data were analysed and compared with survey data. The typical participant (N=111) was female (74%), Baby Boomer (1945‐1965) generation (45%), white (86%), and uninsured (54%). Top 6 self‐identified risks were tattoo and/or body piercings (47.7%), Baby Boomer (36%), multiple sex partners (18%), work‐related exposure (8.1%), non‐injection drug use (8.1%), and injection drug use (7.2%). Only 78% of Baby Boomers identified being a Baby Boomer as a risk. Eighty‐one percent of participants did not want to test. Testing did not increase during the study period (2.9 tests/wk in 2014 and 2.1 tests/wk during the survey period). Main reasons not to test were “I do not have any risk factors” (30.2%), concerned with cost (15.1%), tested in the past (15.1%), other reasons (9.3%), not feeling well (5.8%). More than one main reason was selected by 17% of the participants. Baby Boomers did not self‐identify risk. Also, testing incidence did not increase when patients self‐identified risk and were offered testing. Many participants did not identify risk which is a barrier to testing.Additional barriers to overcome are concerns with cost and comfort in the clinical setting.
Prevalence of HBsAg/HBeAg amongst 1 936 801 couples preparing for pregnancy in rural China: An observational study
Authors: Liu J. , Zhang S. , Wang Q. , Shen H. , Zhang M. , Zhang Y. , Yan D. , Liu M.
Published: February 2017

There are few extant studies on the prevalence of HBV infection in couples preparing for pregnancy. We assessed the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in couples preparing for pregnancy in rural China, and the association between HBV prevalence and the statuses of HBsAg/HBeAg and ALT in the spouses. We performed a nationwide cross‐sectional study, using data from a health check‐up program for 1 936 801 rural couples from 31 provinces preparing for pregnancy between 2010 and 2012. ELISA was used to test serologic samples, and we defined couples who were either discordant or both positive for HBsAg as “POSITIVE COUPLES” (PC). Amongst the 1 936 801 couples, 202 816 (10.47%; 95% CI, 10.43%‐10.51%) were PC. HBeAg (high infectiousness) was detected in 56 474 (27.84%; 95% CI, 27.65%‐28.04%) of 202 816 HBsAg‐positive couples. Multivariate models showed that the prevalence of HBV infection in wives increased along with the positive statuses for HBsAg/HBeAg and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of their husbands (adjusted odds ratio increased from 2.31 to 4.98), after adjustment for potential confounders. Similarly, the prevalence of HBV infection in husbands was associated with the positive statuses of HBsAg/HBeAg and ALT of their wives (adjusted odds ratio increased from 2.04 to 4.93). The prevalence of POSITIVE COUPLES in couples preparing for pregnancy in rural China was high, and the prevalence of HBV infection was independently associated with the positive statuses of HBsAg/HBeAg and ALT of the spouses. Instead of solely focussing on mothers prior to becoming pregnant, POSITIVE COUPLES should be taken as an important unit of care.
Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation: Comparison of four explant‐based prognostic models
Authors: Costentin Charlotte E. , Amaddeo Giuliana , Decaens Thomas , Boudjema Karim , Bachellier Philippe , Muscari Fabrice , Salamé Ephrem , Bernard Pierre‐Henri , Francoz Claire , Dharancy Sébastien , Vanlemmens Claire , Radenne Sylvie , Dumortier Jérôme , Hilleret Marie‐Noelle , Chazouillères Olivier , Pageaux Georges P. , Calderaro Julien , Laurent Alexis , Roudot‐Thoraval Françoise , Duvoux Christophe ,   the Liver Transplantation French Study Group
Published: February 2017

Aim

Discordance between pre‐LT imaging and explanted liver findings have been reported after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting the need of reassessing the risk of HCC recurrence post‐LT. Our aims were to compare pre‐LT imaging and explants features and to test the performances of four explant‐based predictive models of recurrence in an external cohort.

Methods

Staging according to pre‐LT imaging and explant features were compared. Four explants‐based models were retrospectively tested in a cohort of 372 patients transplanted for HCC in 19 French centres between 2003 and 2005. Accuracies of the scores were compared.

Results

Pre‐LT imaging underestimated tumour burden in 83 (22.7%) patients according to Milan criteria. The highest AUCs for prediction of 5‐years recurrence were observed in the “Up to seven” (0.7915 [95% CI: 0.7339‐0.849]) and Decaens models (0.747 [95% CI: 0.6877‐0.806]), with two levels of risk: low (10%) and high (>50%). Chan and Iwatsuki models identified 3 and 4 levels of risk, but had lower AUCs (0.68 and 0.70) respectively. Accuracy of the “Up to seven” model was superior to the Decaens model (P=.034), which was superior to the Chan model (P=.0041) but not to the Iwatsuki model (P=.17).

Conclusion

Pre‐LT imaging underestimates tumour burden, and prediction of recurrence should be reassessed after LT. The explant‐based “Up to seven” and Decaens models provided the best accuracy for prediction of 5‐year recurrence, identifying only two levels of risk. New models are needed to further refine the prediction of recurrence after LT.
Influence of maternal and socioeconomic factors on breast milk fatty acid composition in urban, low‐income families
Authors: Nayak Uma , Kanungo Suman , Zhang Dadong , Ross Colgate E. , Carmolli Marya P. , Dey Ayan , Alam Masud , Manna Byomkesh , Nandy Ranjan Kumar , Kim Deok Ryun , Paul Dilip Kumar , Choudhury Saugato , Sahoo Sushama , Harris William S. , Wierzba Thomas F. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Kirkpatrick Beth D. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A. , Mychaleckyj Josyf C.
Published: February 2017

The lipid composition of breast milk may have a significant impact on early infant growth and cognitive development. Comprehensive breast milk data is lacking from low‐income populations in the Indian subcontinent impeding assessment of deficiencies and limiting development of maternal nutritional interventions. A single breast milk specimen was collected within 6 weeks postpartum from two low‐income maternal cohorts of exclusively breastfed infants, from Dhaka, Bangladesh (n = 683) and Kolkata, India (n = 372) and assayed for percentage composition of 26 fatty acids. Mature milk (>15 days) in Dhaka (n = 99) compared to Kolkata (n = 372) was higher in total saturated fatty acid (SFA; mean 48% vs. 44%) and disproportionately lower in ω3‐polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), hence the ω6‐ and ω3‐PUFA ratio in Dhaka were almost double the value in Kolkata. In both sites, after adjusting for days of lactation, increased maternal education was associated with decreased SFA and PUFA, and increasing birth order or total pregnancies was associated with decreasing ω6‐PUFA or ω3‐PUFA by a factor of 0.95 for each birth and pregnancy. In Dhaka, household prosperity was associated with decreased SFA and PUFA and increased ω6‐ and ω3‐PUFA. Maternal height was associated with increased SFA and PUFA in Kolkata (1% increase per 1 cm), but body mass index showed no independent association with either ratio in either cohort. In summary, the socioeconomic factors of maternal education and household prosperity were associated with breast milk composition, although prosperity may only be important in higher cost of living communities. Associated maternal biological factors were height and infant birth order, but not adiposity. Further study is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these effects.