bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA barcoding of microgastrine parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using high‐throughput methods more than doubles the number of species known for Australia
Authors: Fagan‐Jeffries Erinn P. , Cooper Steven J.B. , Bertozzi Terry , Bradford Tessa M. , Austin Andrew D.
Published: May 2018

The Microgastrinae are a hugely diverse subfamily of endoparasitoid wasps of lepidopteran caterpillars. They are important in agriculture as biological control agents and play a significant ecological role in the regulation of caterpillar populations. Whilst the group has been the focus of intensive rearing and DNA barcoding studies in the Northern Hemisphere, the Australian fauna has received little attention. In total, 99 species have been described from or have been introduced into Australia, but the real species diversity for the region is clearly much larger than this. In this study, museum ethanol samples and recent field collections were mined for hundreds of specimens of microgastrine wasps, which were then barcoded for the COI region, ITS2 ribosomal spacer and the wingless nuclear genes, using a pooled sequencing approach on an Illumina Miseq system. Full COI sequences were obtained for 525 individuals which, when combined with 162 publicly available sequences, represented 417 haplotypes, and a total of 236 species were delimited using a consensus approach. By more than doubling the number of known microgastrine wasp species in Australia, our study highlights the value of DNA barcoding in the context of employing high‐throughput sequencing methods of bulk ethanol museum collections for biodiversity assessment.
Global Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature From 2017
Authors: Becker Torben K. , Trehan Indi , Hayward Alison Schroth , Hexom Braden J. , Kivlehan Sean M. , Lunney Kevin M. , Modi Payal , Osei‐Ampofo Maxwell , Pousson Amelia , Cho Daniel K. , Levine Adam C. ,   the Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) Group
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) conducts an annual search of peer‐reviewed and gray literature relevant to global emergency medicine (EM) to identify, review, and disseminate the most important new research in this field to a global audience of academics and clinical practitioners.

Methods

This year, 17,722 articles written in three languages were identified by our electronic search. These articles were distributed among 20 reviewers for initial screening based on their relevance to the field of global EM. Another two reviewers searched the gray literature, yielding an additional 11 articles. All articles that were deemed appropriate by at least one reviewer and approved by their editor underwent formal scoring of overall quality and importance. Two independent reviewers scored all articles.

Results

A total of 848 articles met our inclusion criteria and underwent full review. Sixty‐three percent were categorized as emergency care in resource‐limited settings, 23% as disaster and humanitarian response, and 14% as EM development. Twenty‐one articles received scores of 18.5 or higher out of a maximum score 20 and were selected for formal summary and critique. Inter‐rater reliability testing between reviewers revealed a Cohen's kappa of 0.344.

Conclusions

In 2017, the total number of articles identified by our search continued to increase. Studies and reviews with a focus on infectious diseases, pediatrics, and trauma represented the majority of top‐scoring articles.
Dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in combat veterans with or without a history of suicide attempt
Authors: Sher L. , Flory J. , Bierer L. , Makotkine I. , Yehuda R.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine whether combat veterans who have made a suicide attempt postdeployment can be distinguished from combat veterans who have never made a suicide attempt based on differences in psychological and biological variables.

Methods

Demographic and clinical parameters of suicide attempters and non‐attempters were assessed. Blood samples were assayed for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).

Results

Suicide attempters had higher Scale for Suicidal Ideation and Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)—suicidal thoughts item scores in comparison with non‐attempters. There was a trend toward higher MADRS scores in the suicide attempter group compared with non‐attempters. Suicide attempters had significantly lower levels of DHEA and DHEAS compared with non‐attempters. Scale for Suicidal Ideation scores in all study participants combined negatively correlate with DHEA and DHEAS levels. DHEAS levels negatively correlate with Scale for Suicidal Ideation scores in suicide non‐attempters but not in suicide attempters. DHEA/DHEAS ratios positively correlate with total adolescence aggression scores, total adulthood aggression scores, and total aggression scale scores in suicide attempters but not in suicide non‐attempters.

Conclusion

There are psychobiological differences between combat veterans with or without a history of suicidal behaviour.
IgG1+ B‐cell immunity predates IgE responses in epicutaneous sensitization to foods
Authors: Jiménez‐Saiz R. , Ellenbogen Y. , Koenig J. F. E. , Gordon M. E. , Walker T. D. , Rosace D. , Spill P. , Bruton K. , Kong J. , Monteiro K. , Wen J. , Tuomanen E. I. , Kolbeck R. , Chu D. K. , Waserman S. , Jordana M.
Published: May 2018

Background

The generation of IgE‐mediated food allergy in humans is silent and only diagnosed upon manifestation of clinical symptoms. While experimental models have been used to investigate some mechanisms of allergic sensitization, the generation of humoral immunity and memory remains to be elucidated. Here, we defined the evolution of allergen‐specific B‐cell responses during epicutaneous sensitization to foods.

Methods

Wild‐type and genetic knockout animals, and drug or antibody strategies for cell depletion and immunoglobulin signaling blockade were used to investigate epicutaneous sensitization and disease progression; we analyzed allergen‐specific germinal centers and IgG1+ memory B cells by flow cytometry, evaluated humoral responses, and determined clinical reactivity (anaphylaxis).

Results

Epicutaneous sensitization caused microscopic skin damage, inflammation, and recruitment of activated dendritic cells to the draining lymph nodes. This process generated allergen‐specific IgG1+ germinal center B cells, serum IgG1, and anaphylaxis that was mediated by the alternative pathway. Whether we used peanut and/or ovalbumin from the egg white for sensitization, the allergen‐specific IgG1+ memory compartment predominantly exhibited an immature, pro‐germinal center phenotype (PDL‐2−CD80−CD35+CD73+). Subsequent subclinical exposures to the allergen induced IgE+ germinal center B cells, serum IgE, and likely activated the classical pathway of anaphylaxis.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that IgG1+ B‐cell immunity against food allergens in epicutaneous sensitization precedes the generation of IgE responses. Therefore, the assessment of allergen‐specific cellular and humoral IgG1+ immunity may help to identify individuals at risk of developing IgE‐mediated food allergy and hence provide a window for therapeutic interventions.
Obesity leads to impairments in the morphology and organization of human skeletal muscle lipid droplets and mitochondrial networks, which are resolved with gastric bypass surgery‐induced improvements in insulin sensitivity
Authors: Kristensen M. D. , Petersen S. M. , Møller K. E. , Lund M. T. , Hansen M. , Hansen C. N , Courraud J. , Helge J. W. , Dela F. , Prats C.
Published: May 2018

Aims

Skeletal muscle lipid stores and mitochondrial function have been appointed as key players in obesity‐induced insulin resistance. However, there are conflicting reports in the literature based on in vitro quantitative measurements. Here, we test the hypothesis that it is not the quantity but the quality that matters.

Methods

This study combines quantitative and qualitative structural measurements of lipid stores and mitochondrial dynamics in skeletal muscle from lean subjects, and subjects with morbid obesity, with and without type 2 diabetes, before and after gastric bypass surgery.

Results

The structural organization of muscle mitochondrial networks in type II muscle fibres from subjects with morbid obesity is impaired. In addition, the amount of skeletal muscle perilipin 2 protein per intramyocellular lipid is reduced in subjects with morbid obesity, resulting in qualitative alterations in perilipin 2 coat around some lipid droplets. Gastric bypass surgery‐induced weight loss and insulin resistance remission were associated with decreases in intramyocellular lipid stores and, qualitative improvements in lipid droplets’ morphology, perilipin 2 coat and mitochondrial dynamics.

Conclusion

Morbid obesity leads to severe qualitative alterations of both skeletal muscle lipid stores and mitochondrial networks. The degree of structural improvements after gastric bypass surgery was proportional to the improvements in whole body insulin sensitivity, suggesting an association between these events.
Combination of endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal minimally invasive surgery for the resection of early rectal cancer with fibrosis after prior partial excision
Authors: Kim Sung Hoo , Yang Dong Hoon , Lim Seok‐Byung
Published: May 2018

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is an effective procedure for treating non‐invasive colorectal tumors. However, in cases of severe fibrosis, endoscopic submucosal dissection may be technically difficult, leading to incomplete resection. Here, we describe the case of a 74‐year‐old man who had early rectal cancer along with severe submucosal fibrosis caused by prior local excision. Combination treatment with endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal minimally invasive surgery successfully enabled complete resection.
Earnings Quality and Market Values of Indonesian Listed Firms
Authors: Hutagaol‐Martowidjojo Yanthi , Valentincic Aljosa , Warganegara Dezie L.
Published: May 2018

We find that earnings quality (EQ) is reliably negatively correlated with the market values of equity of firms listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (IDX). The financial reporting process produces earnings viewed as increasingly ‘incomplete’ for valuation purposes by the capital market despite moves towards high‐quality financial reporting standards (IFRS) during the sample period 1995–2015. Time‐series analyses reveal that EQ decreases rather than increases through time. The role of earnings in valuation is replaced by other attributes, most notably net dividends. Firms that pay out dividends are valued significantly higher, and firms that issue equity are valued lower. These results are robust regardless of other accounting, market and governance controls. Large and closely held firms are valued higher than smaller firms, consistent with some aspects of the political cost hypothesis. Shares with higher idiosyncratic risk are valued higher, consistent with option value, as are shares where the volume of shares traded is more volatile. Collectively, the results indicate that the mere adoption of high‐quality accounting standards (IFRS) and other nominal changes in capital market regulations do not automatically increase the quality of the financial reporting process.
Incidence and cost of medication harm in older adults following hospital discharge: a multicentre prospective study in the UK
Authors: Parekh Nikesh , Ali Khalid , Stevenson Jennifer M. , Davies J. Graham , Schiff Rebekah , Van der Cammen Tischa , Harchowal Jatinder , Raftery James , Rajkumar Chakravarthi ,   on behalf of the PRIME study group
Published: May 2018

Aims

Polypharmacy is increasingly common in older adults, placing them at risk of medication‐related harm (MRH). Patients are particularly vulnerable to problems with their medications in the period following hospital discharge due to medication changes and poor information transfer between hospital and primary care. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence, severity, preventability and cost of MRH in older adults in England postdischarge.

Methods

An observational, multicentre, prospective cohort study recruited 1280 older adults (median age 82 years) from five teaching hospitals in Southern England, UK. Participants were followed up for 8 weeks by senior pharmacists, using three data sources (hospital readmission review, participant telephone interview and primary care records), to identify MRH and associated health service utilization.

Results

Overall, 413 participants (37%) experienced MRH (556 MRH events per 1000 discharges), of which 336 (81%) cases were serious and 214 (52%) potentially preventable. Four participants experienced fatal MRH. The most common MRH events were gastrointestinal (n = 158, 25%) or neurological (n = 111, 18%). The medicine classes associated with the highest risk of MRH were opiates, antibiotics and benzodiazepines. A total of 328 (79%) participants with MRH sought healthcare over the 8‐week follow‐up. The incidence of MRH‐associated hospital readmission was 78 per 1000 discharges. Postdischarge MRH in older adults is estimated to cost the National Health Service £396 million annually, of which £243 million is potentially preventable.

Conclusions

MRH is common in older adults following hospital discharge, and results in substantial use of healthcare resources.
Comparison of the Cockcroft–Gault, MDRD and CKD‐EPI equations for estimating ganciclovir clearance
Authors: Palacio‐Lacambra Maria‐Eugenia , Comas‐Reixach Immaculada , Blanco‐Grau Albert , Suñé‐Negre Josep‐Maria , Segarra‐Medrano Alfonso , Montoro‐Ronsano José‐Bruno
Published: May 2018

Aims

Accurately estimating kidney function is essential for the safe administration of renally cleared drugs such as ganciclovir. Current practice recommends adjusting renally eliminated drugs according to the Cockcroft–Gault equation. There are no data on the utility of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equations in ganciclovir dosing. To evaluate which renal function equation best predicts ganciclovir clearance.

Methods

The performance of the Cockcroft–Gault equation, isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)‐traceable 4‐variable MDRD study (MDRD4‐IDMS) equation and CKD‐EPI equation in determining ganciclovir clearance were assessed retrospectively in patients treated with ganciclovir from 2004–2015. The MDRD4‐IDMS and CKD‐EPI equations adjusted to individual body surface area (MDRD4‐IDMS·BSA and CKD‐EPI·BSA, respectively) were also evaluated. Patients with intravenous ganciclovir peak and trough concentrations in their medical records were included in the study. Ganciclovir clearance was calculated from serum concentrations using a one‐compartment model. The five equations were compared based on their predictive ability, the coefficient of determination, through a linear regression analysis. The results were validated in a group of patients.

Results

One hundred patients were included in the final analysis. Seventy‐four patients were analysed in the learning group and 26 in the validation group. The coefficient of determination was 0.281 for Cockcroft–Gault, 0.301 for CKD‐EPI·BSA, 0.308 for MDRD4‐IDMS·BSA, 0.324 for MDRD4‐IDMS and 0.360 for CKD‐EPI. Subgroup analysis also showed that CKD‐EPI is a better predictor of ganciclovir clearance. Analysis of the validation group confirmed these results.

Conclusions

The CKD‐EPI equation correlates better with ganciclovir clearance than the Cockcroft‐Gault and MDRD4‐IDMS equations, even the clinical difference between the equations is scarce.
Catching Fire: Institutional Interdependencies in Union‐Facilitated Knowledge Diffusion
Authors: McCarthy John E.
Published: May 2018

I find that school union representatives’ ‘boundary spanning’ communications throughout the school district predict the diffusion of knowledge between schools. Hence, my data reveal school union representatives as critical conduits for improvement‐related knowledge transfer and innovation. Yet, I also find that these external networks interact strongly with the level of workforce participation characterizing each school: The effects of external networks on internal knowledge diffusion are considerably stronger in more participative schools compared to less participative schools. This research contributes to industrial relations scholarship by demonstrating how union‐related institutions can foster unique social structures that directly strengthen innovation‐related capabilities, as well as how the efficacy of these networks depends on managerial norms at different areas of the organization. This study is also of timely practical relevance at a time when labour unions are increasingly painted as obstacles to, rather than potential facilitators of, improvement and innovation.
PF‐06526290 can both enhance and inhibit conduction through voltage‐gated sodium channels
Authors: Wang Lingxin , Zellmer Shannon G , Printzenhoff David M , Castle Neil A
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose

Pharmacological agents that either inhibit or enhance flux of ions through voltage‐gated sodium (Nav) channels may provide opportunities for treatment of human health disorders. During studies to characterize agents that modulate Nav1.3 function, we identified a compound that appears to exhibit both enhancement and inhibition of sodium ion conduction that appeared to be dependent on the gating state that the channel was in. The objective of the current study was to determine if these different modulatory effects are mediated by the same or distinct interactions with the channel.

Experimental Approach

Electrophysiology and site‐directed mutation were used to investigate the effects of PF‐06526290 on Nav channel function.

Key Results

PF‐06526290 greatly slows inactivation of Nav channels in a subtype‐independent manner. However, upon prolonged depolarization to induce inactivation, PF‐06526290 becomes a Nav subtype‐selective inhibitor. Mutation of the domain 4 voltage sensor modulates inhibition of Nav1.3 or Nav1.7 channels by PF‐06526290 but has no effect on PF‐06526290 mediated slowing of inactivation.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings suggest that distinct interactions may underlie the two modes of Nav channel modulation by PF‐06526290 and that a single compound can affect sodium channel function in several ways.
Vaccine immunotherapy with ARNAX induces tumor‐specific memory T cells and durable anti‐tumor immunity in mouse models
Authors: Takeda Yohei , Yoshida Sumito , Takashima Ken , Ishii‐Mugikura Noriko , Shime Hiroaki , Seya Tsukasa , Matsumoto Misako
Published: May 2018

Immunological checkpoint blockade therapies benefit a limited population of cancer patients. We have previously shown that vaccine immunotherapy with Toll‐like receptor (TLR)3‐adjuvant and tumor antigen overcomes anti‐programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) resistance in mouse tumor models. In the present study, 4 different ovalbumin (OVA)‐expressing tumor cell lines were implanted into syngeneic mice and subjected to anti‐tumor immunotherapy using ARNAX and whole OVA protein. ARNAX is a TLR3‐specific agonist that does not activate the mitochondrial antiviral‐signaling protein (MAVS) pathway, and thus does not induce systemic inflammation. Dendritic cell priming and proliferative CTL were induced by ARNAX + OVA, but complete remission was achieved only in a PD‐L1‐low cell line of EG7. Addition of anti‐PD‐L1 antibody to the ARNAX + OVA therapy brought complete remission to another PD‐L1‐high subline of EG7. Tumor shrinkage but not remission was observed in MO5 in that regimen. We analyzed tumor cells and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells to identify factors associated with successful ARNAX vaccine therapy. Tumors that responded to ARNAX therapy expressed high levels of MHC class I and low levels of PD‐L1. The tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in ARNAX‐susceptible tumors contained fewer immunosuppressive myeloid cells with low PD‐L1 expression. Combination with anti‐PD‐L1 antibody functioned not only within tumor sites but also within lymphoid tissues, augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of the ARNAX vaccine. Notably, ARNAX therapy induced memory CD8+ T cells and rejection of reimplanted tumors. Thus, ARNAX vaccine + anti‐PD‐L1 therapy enabled permanent remission against some tumors that stably present antigens.
Predictability of demographic rates based on phylogeny and biological similarity
Authors: Che‐Castaldo Judy , Che‐Castaldo Christian , Neel Maile C.
Published: May 2018

Lack of demographic data for most of the world's threatened species is a widespread problem that precludes viability‐based status assessments for species conservation. A commonly suggested solution is to use data from species that are closely related or biologically similar to the focal species. This approach assumes similar species and populations of the same species have similar demographic rates, an assumption that has yet to be thoroughly tested. We constructed a Bayesian hierarchical model with data on 425 plant species to predict demographic rates (intrinsic rate of population growth, recruit survival, juvenile survival, adult survival, and fecundity) based on biological traits and phylogenetic relatedness. Generally, we found small effects of species‐level traits (except woody polycarpic species tended to have high adult survival rates that increased with plant height) and a weak phylogenetic signal for 4 of the 5 demographic parameters examined. Patterns were stronger in adult survival and fecundity than other demographic rates; however, the unexplained variances at both the species and population levels were high for all demographic rates. For species lacking demographic data, our model produced large, often inaccurate, prediction intervals that may not be useful in a management context. Our findings do not support the assumption that biologically similar or closely related species have similar demographic rates and provide further evidence that direct monitoring of focal species and populations is necessary for informing conservation status assessments.
Dopamine in transplantation: Written off or comeback with novel indication?
Authors: Schnuelle Peter , Benck Urs , Yard Benito A.
Published: May 2018

Renal‐dose dopamine has fallen out of favor in the intensive care unit (ICU) during past years due to its ineffectiveness to prevent impending or to ameliorate overt renal failure in the critically ill. By contrast, growing evidence indicates that low‐dose dopamine administered to the stable organ donor after brain death confirmation improves the clinical course of transplanted organs after kidney and heart transplantation. Ensuring a thorough monitoring for potential circulatory side effects, employment of dopamine at a dose of 4 μg/kg/min is safe in the deceased donor. Among recipients, the advantageous effect is easy to achieve, inexpensive, and devoid of adverse side effects. The mode of action relies on dopamine’s propensity to mitigate injury in various cell systems from isolated transplantable organs under cold storage conditions. The present review article summarizes the clinical evidence of dopamine donor pretreatment in solid organ transplantation and focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms of cellular protection. Introducing the routine use of low‐dose dopamine for the management of the brain‐dead donor in the ICU before procurement provides an evidence‐based strategy to improve graft outcome after kidney transplantation without conferring harm to non‐renal grafts, namely to livers and hearts, in cases of multi‐organ donation.
Searching for non‐transposable targets of planarian nuclear PIWI in pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells
Authors: Kashima Makoto , Agata Kiyokazu , Shibata Norito
Published: May 2018

Nuclear PIWIs together with their guide RNAs (piRNAs) epigenetically silence various genes including transposons in many organisms. In planarians, the nuclear piwi family gene, DjpiwiB is specifically transcribed in adult pluripotent stem cells (adult PSC, neoblast), but not in differentiated cells. However, the protein accumulates in the nuclei of both neoblasts and their descendant differentiated cells. Interestingly, PIWI(DjPiwiB)‐piRNA complexes are indispensable for the repression of transposable genes at the onset of differentiation from neoblasts. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis between control and DjpiwiB(RNAi) animals to identify non‐transposable target genes of the DjPiwiB‐piRNA complexes. Using bioinformatic analyses and RNAi we demonstrate that DjPiwiB‐piRNA complexes are required for the proper expression of Djmcm2 and Djhistone h4 in neoblasts and that DjPiwiB‐piRNA complexes regulate the transient expression of Djcalu during neoblast differentiation. Thus, DjPiwiB‐piRNA complexes regulate the correct expression patterns during neoblast self‐renewal and differentiation.
Incidence of childhood Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Crete
Authors: Mamoulakis D. , Vrouvaki F. , Louvari V. , Galanakis E.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To investigate the epidemiology of childhood Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Crete over the last 25 years and to evaluate incidence trends over time.

Methods

The study included all children aged 0–14 years who live in Crete and were diagnosed during the 25‐year period from 1 January 1992 to 31 December 2016.

Results

A total of 271 children were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the 25‐year period: 148 boys and 123 girls (boy:girl ratio 1.2). The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis was 8.3 (5.0–12.0) years for boys and 8.0 (5.3–11.3) years for girls. The standardized annual incidence rate was 10.5 per 100 000 children (95% CI 9.2 to 11.8). Incidence rates were higher in children aged 5–9 years. During the 25‐year study period an average 4.4% annual increase in incidence was documented and was most prominent in the age group 5–14 years. Incidence seemed to remain relatively stable for the age group 0–4 years in the last decade. No seasonality of the clinical onset of Type 1 diabetes was observed.

Conclusions

The recent increase in Type 1 diabetes incidence places Crete among regions with high incidence as per the World Health Organization DiaMond project classification. The rising trends in incidence confirmed by this study are in accordance with the reported global trends in Type 1 diabetes incidence.
Comparative efficacy and acceptability of antidiabetic agents for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Bing , Rosenblat Joshua D. , Brietzke Elisa , Park Caroline , Lee Yena , Musial Natalie , Pan Zihang , Mansur Rodrigo B. , McIntyre Roger S.
Published: May 2018

This study (registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018085967) compares the efficacy (i.e. pro‐cognitive effects) and acceptability of antidiabetic agents for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched from inception to January 15, 2018 for randomized controlled trials comparing antidiabetic agents with placebo and/or another active antidiabetic agent for the treatment of AD or MCI. Nineteen eligible studies (n = 4855) evaluating the effects of 6 different antidiabetic drugs (i.e. intranasal insulin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, metformin, sitagliptin and liraglutide) were included. The results of 29 pairwise comparisons indicated that cognition was significantly improved in subjects treated with antidiabetic agents compared with placebo. Pioglitazone 15 to 30 mg demonstrated the greatest efficacy compared to placebo in network meta‐analysis. No significant differences in acceptability were identified when comparing agents with each other and with placebo. The current findings indicate a pro‐cognitive class effect of antidiabetic agents in AD/MCI. Other antidiabetic agents should also be investigated in future studies.
Spinning the industrial revolution
Authors: Humphries Jane , Schneider Benjamin
Published: May 2018

The prevailing explanation for why the industrial revolution occurred first in Britain during the last quarter of the eighteenth century is Allen's ‘high wage economy’ view, which claims that the high cost of labour relative to capital and fuel incentivized innovation and the adoption of new techniques. This article presents new empirical evidence on hand spinning before the industrial revolution and demonstrates that there was no such ‘high wage economy’ in spinning, which was a leading sector of industrialization. We quantify the working lives of frequently ignored female and child spinners who were crucial to the British textile industry with evidence of productivity and wages from the late sixteenth to the early nineteenth century. Spinning emerges as a widespread, low‐productivity, low‐wage employment, in which wages did not rise substantially in advance of the introduction of the jenny and water frame. The motivation for mechanization must be sought elsewhere.
Impact of ruxolitinib pretreatment on outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Shahnaz Syed Abd Kadir Sharifah , Christopeit Maximilian , Wulf Gerald , Wagner Eva , Bornhauser Martin , Schroeder Thomas , Crysandt Martina , Mayer Karin , Jonas Julia , Stelljes Matthias , Badbaran Anita , Ayuketang Ayuk Francis , Triviai Ioanna , Wolf Dominik , Wolschke Christine , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Ruxolitinib is the first approved drug for treatment of myelofibrosis, but its impact of outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is unknown.

Patients and methods

We reported on 159 myelofibrosis patients (pts) with a median age of 59 years (r: 28‐74) who received reduced intensity ASCT between 2000 and 2015 in eight German centers from related (n = 23), matched (n = 86) or mismatched (n = 50) unrelated donors. Forty‐six (29%) patients received ruxolitinib at any time point prior to ASCT. The median daily dose of ruxolitinib was 30 mg (range 10‐40 mg) and the median duration of treatment was 4.9 months (range 0.4‐39.1 months).

Results

Primary graft failure was seen in 2 pts (4%) in the ruxolitinib and 3 (2%) in the non‐ruxolitinib group. Engraftment and incidence of acute GVHD grade II to IV and III/IV did not differ between groups (37% vs 39% and 19% vs 28%, respectively), nor did the non‐relapse mortality at 2 years (23% vs 23%). A trend for lower risk of relapse was seen in the ruxolitinib group (9% vs 17%, P = .2), resulting in a similar 2 year DFS and OS (68% vs 60% and 73% vs 70%, respectively). No difference in any outcome variable could be seen between ruxolitinib responders and those who failed or lost response to ruxolitinib.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ruxolitinib pretreatment in myelofibrosis patient does not negatively influence outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Obstacles, Networking Approaches and Entrepreneurial Network Changes
Authors: Soetanto Danny , Huang Qihai , Jack Sarah
Published: May 2018

While recent work has considered network change, little is known about how certain factors determine such changes. This study focuses on two factors – the type of obstacles entrepreneurs face and their networking approach – and employs a two‐stage research design and network visualisation approach to capture entrepreneurs’ experiences in managing networks during their entrepreneurial journey. Using an inductive approach, the first stage of the study identifies the obstacles and networking approaches that influence different types of network changes. The second stage employs a deductive approach to test the hypotheses developed from the first stage using a larger sample. We find that in experiencing obstacles from internal sources, entrepreneurs are more likely to find support from weak ties while strong ties are beneficial for overcoming obstacles from external sources. In having difficulties in acquiring entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, entrepreneurs are more likely to develop a low‐density network consisting of many structural holes. Conversely, dealing with difficulties in accessing market and resources imposes over‐reliance on high‐density network. Furthermore, the entrepreneurs’ networking approaches also influence network changes and partially mediate the relationship between the networks and the obstacles they face.
The Effects of Directors’ Exploratory, Transformative and Exploitative Learning on Boards’ Strategic Involvement: An Absorptive Capacity Perspective
Authors: Schønning Aud , Walther Axel , Machold Silke , Huse Morten
Published: May 2018

While directors' knowledge represents a crucial resource for strategizing on boards, little is known how knowledge of individual directors becomes deployed behind the doors of the boardroom. Drawing on the concept of absorptive capacity, we develop a model that explores how directors' explorative, transformative and exploitative learning affects boards’ strategic involvement. Using large‐scale survey data, our findings indicate that learning helps to explain how directors' knowledge leads to higher levels of strategic involvement. Moreover, we find that learning processes mutually reinforce each other and have complementary effects on boards' strategic involvement. Our study contributes to the board and absorptive capacity literatures by demonstrating that learning processes are interconnected with each other and represent an intermediate way to put directors' knowledge into effective use.
The Design Logic of New Business Models: Unveiling Cognitive Foundations of Managerial Reasoning
Authors: Schneckenberg Dirk , Velamuri Vivek , Comberg Christian
Published: May 2018

Despite the importance of managerial reasoning in designing business models to handle exogenous change, little is known about its cognitive foundations. We address this gap with a comparative analysis of how managers rethink business model configurations to provide value in the emerging collaborative consumption economy. As customer behaviors shift from owning to sharing possessions, they challenge firms’ established business model logics. Using data from in‐depth interviews with managers from 22 sharing ventures, we find six cognitive processes to influence reasoning in new business model design. Furthermore, we find that these processes fall into distinctive dimensions of dominant and emerging logics. Ultimately, they combine into a design logic that explains how managerial reasoning results in conceptually different value creation and value capture configurations. Overall, our findings provide insights for theorizing business model design, and they enhance understanding of the foundations of managerial cognition in innovation contexts.
Relapsing acute disseminated encephalomyelitis followed by optic neuritis in children; a clinical entity associated with anti‐MOG antibody
Authors: Brilot F.
Published: May 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Functional and structural characterization of zebrafish ASC
Authors: Li Yajuan , Huang Yi , Cao Xiaocong , Yin Xueying , Jin Xiangyu , Liu Sheng , Jiang Jiansheng , Jiang Wei , Xiao Tsan Sam , Zhou Rongbin , Cai Gang , Hu Bing , Jin Tengchuan
Published: May 2018

The zebrafish genome encodes homologs for most of the proteins involved in inflammatory pathways; however, the molecular components and activation mechanisms of fish inflammasomes are largely unknown. ASC [apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐recruitment domain (CARD)] is the only adaptor involved in the formation of multiple types of inflammasomes. Here, we demonstrate that zASC is also involved in inflammasome activation in zebrafish. When overexpressed in vitro and in vivo in zebrafish, both the zASC and zASC pyrin domain (PYD) proteins form speck and filament structures. Importantly, the crystal structures of the N‐terminal PYD and C‐terminal CARD of zebrafish ASC were determined independently as two separate entities fused to maltose‐binding protein. Structure‐guided mutagenesis revealed the functional relevance of the PYD hydrophilic surface found in the crystal lattice. Finally, the fish caspase‐1 homolog Caspy, but not the caspase‐4/11 homolog Caspy2, interacts with zASC through homotypic PYD–PYD interactions, which differ from those in mammals. These observations establish the conserved and unique structural/functional features of the zASC‐dependent inflammasome pathway.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB under accession numbers 5GPP and 5GPQ.
Counting on Death – Quantitative aspects of Bcl‐2 family regulation
Authors: Hantusch Annika , Rehm Markus , Brunner Thomas
Published: May 2018

The Bcl‐2 protein family members critically regulate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), a point‐of‐no‐return in the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. The common view on qualitative interaction and activation patterns of the three subclasses, the BH3‐only proteins, prosurvivals, and effectors, is static and currently being revolutionized by an emerging understanding of the complex dynamic equilibria that govern cellular fate. Recent experimental evidence on protein associations with the mitochondrial outer membrane, retrotranslocation to the cytosol, and differential binding affinities in aqueous and membranous environments instigate the development of a revised model of Bcl‐2 family interplay. Likely, the dynamic processes and their respective timescales need to be taken into account to authentically understand and, by extension, to generate reliable predictions on cellular decision‐making. Here, we review the quantitative aspects of Bcl‐2 family‐regulated MOMP. In particular, we discuss affinity binding constants of protein–protein associations and velocities of post‐translational modifications, membrane (retro‐) translocations, and effector oligomerization. Moreover, we provide insights into how these kinetic and network information enable systems biological approaches, further enhancing our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms governing MOMP.
Influence of female managers on gender wage gap and returns to cognitive and non‐cognitive skills
Authors: Balcar Jiří , Hedija Veronika
Published: May 2018

There is a modest but growing empirical body of evidence on the influence of managers' gender on the wages of their male and female subordinates. Most of these studies, however, suffer from a very raw approximation of the managers' gender by the share of women in charge, and often lack many important gender‐specific personal characteristics, such as non‐cognitive skills and life–work preferences, which can lead to biased results. This article copes with the mentioned deficiencies by employing a very rich and representative dataset of 1948 employees from the Czech Republic. It reveals surprising results as it shows that the gender of the manager has an effect on the level of wages, but not on the gender wage gap. It also shows that the gender of the manager and his/her subordinate has only a weak impact on the remuneration of an employee´s non‐cognitive skills and life–work preferences.
Effect of magnesium source on the fabrication of kotoite Mg3B2O6 ceramic
Authors: Morkan Ayse , Gul Esra , Morkan İzzet , Kahveci Gülden
Published: May 2018

The effect of magnesium source on the fabrication of kotoite, Mg3B2O6, ceramic has been investigated by high temperature solid‐state reaction route based on the calcination of different magnesium sources, containing magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium nitrate with boric acid. The X‐ray powder diffraction results showed that single‐phase kotoite, Mg3B2O6, was synthesized using MgNO3.6H2O and 5 wt.% excess of H3BO3 powders as starting materials at 900°C for 48 hours. Mg3B2O6 obtained, is well crystallized, in orhorhombic crystal structure with lattice parameters of a = 5.399(9), b = 8.424(6), and c = 4.506(5) Å. Jana2006 refinement of this product shows excellent fit of the experimental data with software data, GOF= 1.33. The crystallite size of the product was calculated as 40.50 nm using Debye‐Scherrer's equation. The existence of BO3 triangles were detected by FTIR measurements of Mg3B2O6. The thermal properties were studied in the temperature range of 20°C to 1400°C by TG/DTA. The results showed that thermal stability of Mg3B2O6 is detected about 1380°C. Scanning electron microscopy was employed for observation of microstructure. The microstucture of obtained ceramic samples strongly depended on the magnesium source on the fabrication of Mg3B2O6 ceramic.
Gene flow does not prevent personality and morphological differentiation between two blue tit populations
Authors: Dubuc‐Messier Gabrielle , Caro Samuel P. , Perrier Charles , van Oers Kees , Réale Denis , Charmantier Anne
Published: May 2018

Understanding the causes and consequences of population phenotypic divergence is a central goal in ecology and evolution. Phenotypic divergence among populations can result from genetic divergence, phenotypic plasticity or a combination of the two. However, few studies have deciphered these mechanisms for populations geographically close and connected by gene flow, especially in the case of personality traits. In this study, we used a common garden experiment to explore the genetic basis of the phenotypic divergence observed between two blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) populations inhabiting contrasting habitats separated by 25 km, for two personality traits (exploration speed and handling aggression), one physiological trait (heart rate during restraint) and two morphological traits (tarsus length and body mass). Blue tit nestlings were removed from their population and raised in a common garden for up to 5 years. We then compared adult phenotypes between the two populations, as well as trait‐specific Qst and Fst. Our results revealed differences between populations similar to those found in the wild, suggesting a genetic divergence for all traits. Qst–Fst comparisons revealed that the trait divergences likely result from dissimilar selection patterns rather than from genetic drift. Our study is one of the first to report a Qst–Fst comparison for personality traits and adds to the growing body of evidence that population genetic divergence is possible at a small scale for a variety of traits including behavioural traits.
Use of high‐resolution colonic manometry to establish etiology and direct treatment in patients with constipation: Case series with correlation to histology
Authors: Li Yuwei , Cong Jiying , Fei Fei , Zhang Zhao , Yu Yongjun , Xu Chen , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Shiwu
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim

Different clinical treatments are available to treat patients with constipation. We aimed to study the etiology and direct treatment in a case series of patients with constipation by the use of high‐resolution colonic manometry (HRCM).

Methods

High‐resolution colonic manometry was used to record the colorectal peristaltic contractions of the entire colon in patients. Based on the results of HRCM, 151 patients with constipation were classified into groups and received different clinical treatment such as a total or subtotal colectomy, local excision, or conservative treatment. Paraffin‐embedded samples obtained after resection were studied using hematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunohistochemical staining.

Results

All patients underwent HRCM over 24 h. Based on the amplitude, intensity, and trends in peristaltic contractions recorded by HRCM, we observed 117 patients with slow‐transit constipation and 34 with functional outlet obstruction constipation. After an overall evaluation of the results of HRCM and anorectal function, 26, 23, 27, and 75 patients were treated with total colectomy, subtotal colectomy, local excision, and conservative treatment, respectively. Furthermore, histological examination of surgical samples showed vacuolar degeneration of nerve plexuses as well as of the muscularis propria, which also showed fibrosis in its outer layers in patients with constipation.

Conclusion

Different types of constipation showed different colonic motility patterns and morphological changes in the colonic wall. HRCM plays an important role in the diagnosis and classification of patients with constipation. Furthermore, HRCM can accurately identify the diseased colonic segments and help to choose the appropriate treatment.
Competition, Loan Rates, and Information Dispersion in Nonprofit and For‐Profit Microcredit Markets
Authors: BAQUERO GUILLERMO , HAMADI MALIKA , HEINEN ANDRÉAS
Published: May 2018

We describe the competitive environment of microcredit markets globally and we study the effects of competition on loan rates of microfinance institutions (MFIs). We use a new database from rating agencies, covering 379 for‐profit and nonprofit MFIs in 67 countries over 2002–2008. Controlling for interest rate ceilings and other country‐specific factors, we first find that nonprofits are relatively insensitive to industry‐wide concentration changes, while for‐profits charge significantly lower rates in less concentrated markets. Second, we find spillover effects between the for‐profit and nonprofit segments. Third, we show that the effects of concentration are consistent with an information dispersion mechanism.
Financial Stress Regimes and the Macroeconomy
Authors: GALVÃO ANA BEATRIZ , OWYANG MICHAEL T.
Published: May 2018

Some financial stress events lead to macroeconomic downturns, while others appear to be isolated to financial markets. We identify financial stress regimes using a model that explicitly links financial variables to macro‐economic outcomes. The stress regimes are identified using an unbalanced panel of financial variables with an embedded method for variable selection. Our identified stress regimes are associated with corporate credit tightening and with NBER recessions. An exogenous deterioration in our financial conditions index has strong negative effects in economic activity, and negative amplification effects on inflation in the stress regime. These results are obtained with a novel factor‐augmented vector autoregressive model with smooth‐transition regimes (FASTVAR).
Exploring the effect of a lifestyle intervention on cancer risk: 43‐year follow‐up of the randomized Oslo diet and antismoking study
Authors: Botteri E. , de Lange T. , Tonstad S. , Berstad P.
Published: May 2018

Background/objectives

The Oslo diet and antismoking study showed that counselling for a healthy lifestyle reduced lifelong coronary mortality in high‐risk men. We explored whether the same counselling reduced also cancer risk.

Methods

The study randomly allocated males at high coronary risk to either a 5‐year intervention for lifestyle changes (cholesterol‐lowering dietary changes, weight loss and stopping smoking) or a control group (1 : 1) in 1972/73. We explored the incidence and mortality of all cancers and cancer forms related to smoking, BMI or diet up to 43 years after randomization.

Results

A total of 595 men in the intervention and 621 in the control group were included. At inclusion median age was 45 years, 588 (48.4%) subjects were overweight (BMI > 25 kg m−2) and 925 (76.1%) current smokers. The intervention did not reduce the risk of cancer after 43 years (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–1.15). In the first 25 years of follow‐up, among the 1088 (89.5%) men who were overweight/obese and/or smokers, the intervention reduced the incidence of those cancer forms related to smoking, BMI or diet (including carcinoma of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts; adjusted HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49–0.99). The intervention had no significant effect on incidence beyond 25 years, or on mortality.

Conclusions

The 5‐year counselling for a healthy lifestyle did not reduce the overall cancer risk in the very long term. However, in the first 25 years, the counselling reduced the risk of relevant cancer types in overweight/obese subjects and smokers.