bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing basis risk in agricultural margin insurances
Authors: Url Thomas , Sinabell Franz , Heinschink Karin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

After several reforms of the common agricultural policy, domestic product prices and farm incomes have become more volatile in the EU. Risk-averse farmers are therefore seeking income stabilizing measures. Margin insurance is among the feasible options but is not yet established in the EU. The purpose of this paper is to explore such an insurance under EU conditions for a major crop.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores conditions for a viable margin insurance. It presents a modeled-loss trigger for a margin insurance scheme using wheat production in Austria as the case study.

Findings

While margin insurance products are widely used in the USA, such products are not available in the EU. Basis risk seems to be an important reason. An exploration of wheat production in Austria shows that heterogeneity among farms is relevant. The authors demonstrate an approach aiming to lower basis risks.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a technically feasible approach to handle the basis risk of a margin insurance under EU conditions. Before such a product can be placed on the market, further research on systemic risk is needed. Market research is necessary to fine-tune the details of the product to meet the actual demand of farmers. Further empirical validation of the modeled losses is needed. Legal implications are not explored in this paper.

Practical implications

The insurance product presented here demonstrates a concept that is established in the USA under EU conditions. It is motivated by several shortcomings of income risk mitigation approaches in the EU.

Social implications

Income risk may be seen as a problem of social policy. The approach shows that it can be addressed by market-oriented instruments.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to propose a tool to handle basis risk for margin insurance products in agriculture in the EU. A special feature of the proposed approach is that it is not limited to a single product such as wheat.
Alternative mentoring: an HRD key for a rapid changing work environment
Authors: Gisbert-Trejo Nuria , Landeta Jon , Albizu Eneka , Fernández-Ferrín Pilar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The changing nature of work dynamics demands that managers keep up-to-date in skills, knowledge, and competencies. Besides, nowadays these professionals need to understand the business beyond the frontiers of their own organizations. This phenomenon has led to new forms of alternative mentoring for managers and entrepreneurs, as companies battle for talent in a globalized way. Professional associations, consultancy firms, and other agents are starting to offer mentoring programs in which the mentor and mentee often belong to different organizations or take place within a group.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual model for alternative mentoring for managers. This model is a new approach to mentoring, and it will try to clarify some of the bases of a phenomenon that is increasingly present in the managerial field.

Findings

The paper also suggests some advantages of alternative mentoring when compared to traditional mentoring.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a better understanding of new forms of alternative mentoring while providing practitioners in the field with a better understanding of key issues for alternative mentoring.
A new user interface for a text proofreading web portal in a digitization and crowdsourcing context
Authors: Murano Pietro
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new user interface design for text proofreading portals in a digitization and crowdsourcing context. Several of the current proofreading portals lack usability in their user interfaces. The aim of the new design is to increase user performance and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical experiment has been conducted to evaluate the new user interface as a comparison with 18thConnect – TypeWright proofreading portal. Two of the main measures involved times and errors and this approach is considered to be good for these kinds of measures allowing a good degree of control. Nevertheless, personal opinions are also very important and these are elicited by means of a post-experiment questionnaire.

Findings

The data were statistically analysed and overall the new user interface helped users to perform better in terms of task time. Errors were also better with the new user interface, but the differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, users were more satisfied with the new user interface. User satisfaction measures were mostly statistically significant.

Originality/value

As far as has been ascertained, there have been no systematic studies evaluating a new design with an existing design of a proofreading portal. Therefore, this research is considered to be original, and if implemented widely, it would be very valuable to the mass digitization aims.
Equality or quality? Using within-school ranks to admit disadvantaged medical students
Authors: Chiu Mei-Shiu
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Taiwan’s “Stars Policy” for university admission can fulfill its major aim to promote educational equity. Implemented by the government, the policy relies on student within-school ranks to admit high achievers to top universities or departments, mainly in medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

Open data were collected from the government, universities, high schools, and news reports. High schools were identified as having benefited from the Stars Policy if more students were accepted into medical departments in the first year of the policy than one year before its implementation. χ2 tests and logistic regression were used to examine how the benefit status interacted with school types and regions.

Findings

The results indicated that the Stars Policy benefited 25 high schools, namely, 9 community public schools (not top achieving in a region) and 16 struggling private schools (especially vocational). Contrary to expectations, private schools were three times as likely and private school students seven times as likely to have benefited from the Stars Policy. Schools located in disadvantaged regions did not benefit.

Originality/value

The Stars Policy is unique given its centralized and school-based system. The design, however, increases educational equity in a manner that fails to benefit disadvantaged students seeking admission to the top-achieving medical departments in Taiwan.
Designing a Writing Program for non-traditional adult students: a case study (HETL Scotland 2017)
Authors: Hayes Nicholas Alexander , Triller Fry Steffanie , Cummings Kamilah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe, reflect on, and problematize the curricula and student support created by the Writing Program at DePaul University’s School for New Learning. This case study discusses the challenges and considerations that the authors have used to develop writing classes and support for non-traditional adult students.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study emerges from the practical experience and theoretical knowledge of the three authors. The experience includes development, implementation, and revision of curricula and support services to fit the changing needs of the non-traditional student population.

Findings

The growing majority of students demonstrate at least one non-traditional characteristic: delayed postsecondary education enrollment, lack of high school diploma, part-time enrollment, full-time employment, multiple dependents besides a spouse, etc. In the face of institutional indifference, these populations frequently fail to receive the support that meets their particular needs.

Practical implications

Using their own experience of creating a Writing Program that meets the needs of adult non-traditional students, the authors discuss practical strategies for and possible pitfalls of providing writing support that can be adapted for similarly underserved student populations.

Originality/value

The paper does present interesting approaches for educating adult students. It covers the unique challenges in this population, and the the approaches that are specifically tailored toward meeting their needs.
Optimising trait and source selection for explaining occurrence and abundance changes: A case study using British butterflies
Authors: Middleton‐Welling Joe , Wade Rachel A. , Dennis Roger L. H. , Dapporto Leonardo , Shreeve Tim G.
Published: February 2018

Functional traits that define the ecological role of an organism are increasingly being used to determine and predict responses to environmental change. Functional trait analyses of butterflies remain underexplored compared with other taxa, such as plants. Previous works using butterfly functional traits have not comprehensively addressed issues about the quality of trait datasets used and the relative predictive power of different trait types.

We compare the consistency of trait descriptions between six widely used trait sources for the British butterfly fauna. We analysed consistency of trait sources using Fleiss's kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient. Principal component analysis was used to produce species ordinations, comparing outputs to examine which trait sets were better at explaining recent species range and abundance changes within theUK.

There was a large range in congruence values for specific traits between sources. No single source can be relied upon to produce accurate trait information for British butterflies. Most trait sets are poor predictors of abundance and occurrence changes but are better at predicting current occurrence. An extensive trait set, supplementing biotope‐related traits with explicit resource‐based information recovers more informative ecological classifications and models than those primarily based on life‐history traits or biotope descriptors. Smaller trait sets do, however, recover the specialist–generalist continuum.

We conclude that analyses of distribution and abundance changes that rely on traits are highly dependent on trait source and trait type. For butterflies, traits that are based on measures of biotope occupancy should be avoided in explaining changes of abundance and distribution. Including trait information that describes their resource requirements is essential for such analyses.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Ecological traps for large‐scale invasive species control: Predicting settling rules by recolonising American mink post‐culling
Authors: Melero Yolanda , Cornulier Thomas , Oliver Matthew K. , Lambin Xavier
Published: February 2018

Management programmes seeking to reduce the density of invasive species must overcome compensatory processes, such as recolonisation by dispersers from non‐ or partially controlled areas. However, the scale and drivers of dispersal in such contexts are poorly known.

We investigated the dispersal patterns of American mink re‐invading 20,000 km2 of their non‐native range during a culling programme led by citizen conservationists. Using multinomial models, we estimated the contributions of density dependence, proxies for patch quality and distance from the natal patch on mink settlement.

Seventy‐seven per cent of mink dispersed and settled in non‐natal patches. Dispersal distances were large with settlement probabilities only reduced by half at c. 60 km, and 20% of mink dispersing >80 km.

Females were more attracted to high‐quality patches, mostly found at low altitudes. Males favoured patches with intermediate current densities and consistently high quality.

Synthesis and applications. We predicted post‐culling recolonisation by a non‐native mobile carnivore over a large spatial scale by using information on relative densities obtained during management interventions, largely carried out by citizen conservationists. This was possible through continued monitoring of the area designed to feed into the adaptive management process of the control project. High mink mobility dictates management should take place on very large spatial scales to minimise re‐invasion from uncontrolled areas. Our research shows both males and females are attracted to patches with previously consistent occupation, which provides a degree of predictability to patterns of recolonisation. Targeting control to patches that are attractive to immigrant mink requires knowledge of current mink density. Creating so‐called ecological traps in the face of ongoing immigration from peripheral areas provides a promising tool to effectively control mobile invasive species.
Impact of In‐Hospital Death on Spending for Bereaved Spouses
Authors: Ornstein Katherine A. , Garrido Melissa M. , Siu Albert L. , Bollens‐Lund Evan , Langa Kenneth M. , Kelley Amy S.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To examine how patients’ location of death relates to health care utilization and spending for surviving spouses.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2000–2012 linked to the Dartmouth Atlas and Medicare claims data.

Study Design

This was an observational study. We matched bereaved spouses whose spouses died in a hospital to those whose spouses died outside the hospital using propensity scores based on decedent and spouse demographic and clinical characteristics, care preferences, and regional practice patterns.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified 1,348 HRS decedents with surviving spouses. We linked HRS data from each dyad with Medicare claims and regional characteristics.

Principal Findings

In multivariable models, bereaved spouses of decedents who died in the hospital had $3,106 higher Medicare spending 12 months postdeath (p = .04) compared to those whose spouses died outside a hospital. Those surviving spouses were also significantly more likely to have an ED visit (OR = 1.5; p < .01) and hospital admission (OR = 1.4; p = .02) in the year after their spouse's in‐hospital death. Increased Medicare spending for surviving spouses persisted through the 24‐month period postdeath ($5,310; p = .02).

Conclusions

Bereaved spouses of decedents who died in the hospital had significantly greater Medicare spending and health care utilization themselves after their spouses’ death.
Random peptide mixtures as new crop protection agents
Authors: Topman Shiri , Tamir‐Ariel Dafna , Bochnic‐Tamir Heli , Stern Bauer Tal , Shafir Sharoni , Burdman Saul , Hayouka Zvi
Published: February 2018

Many types of crops are severely affected by at least one important bacterial disease. Chemical control of bacterial plant diseases in the field vastly relies on copper‐based bactericides, yet with limited efficacy. In this study, we explored the potential of two random peptide mixture (RPM) models as novel crop protection agents. These unique peptide mixtures consist of random combination of l‐phenylalanine and l‐ or d‐lysine (FK‐20 and FdK‐20, respectively) along the 20 mer chain length of the peptides. Both RPMs displayed powerful bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities towards strains belonging to several plant pathogenic bacterial genera, for example, Xanthomonas, Clavibacter and Pseudomonas. In planta studies in the glasshouse revealed that RPMs significantly reduced disease severity of tomato and kohlrabi plants infected with Xanthomonas perforans and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris respectively. Moreover, RPM effects on reduction in disease severity were similar to those exerted by the commercial copper‐based bactericide Kocide 2000 that was applied at a 12‐fold higher concentration of the active compound relative to the RPM treatments. Importantly, the two tested RPM compounds had no toxic effect on survival of bees and Caco‐2 mammalian cells. This study demonstrates the potential of these innovative RPMs to serve as crop protection agents against crop diseases caused by phytopathogenic bacteria.
Microbial community networks associated with variations in community respiration rates during upwelling in nearshore Monterey Bay, California
Authors: Wilson Jesse M. , Litvin Steven Y. , Beman J. Michael
Published: February 2018

Respiration of organic material is a central process in the global carbon (C) cycle catalysed by diverse microbial communities. In the coastal ocean, upwelling can drive variation in both community respiration (CR) and the microbial community, but linkages between the two are not well‐understood. We measured CR rates and analysed microbial dynamics via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, to assess whether CR correlated with upwelling irrespective of changes in the microbial community, or if the particular microbial community present was a factor in explaining variations in CR. CR varied significantly over time as a function of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and chlorophyll—all of which are altered by upwelling—but also varied with a ‘subnetwork’ (i.e., a group of microbial taxa that covaried with one another) of the whole community. One subnetwork was associated with higher CR and warmer temperatures, while another was associated with lower CR and DO. Our results suggest that CR in the coastal ocean varies with both environmental variables, and a portion of the microbial community that is not directly correlated with upwelling intensity.
Does Government Expenditure Matter for Economic Growth?
Authors: Laboure Marion , Taugourdeau Emmanuelle
Published: February 2018

This paper aims to determine how the composition of public expenditure affects countries’ economic growth depending on their level of development. We show that there is a strong association between a country's level of development and the amount of public spending. Productive spending dominates in poorer countries while richer countries have a higher proportion of unproductive spending. Furthermore, productive spending has a greater effect on growth in poorer countries. We illustrate our findings using dynamic panel GMM estimators with data from 147 countries (31 low, 69 medium and 47 high‐income countries) covering the period 1970–2008. We also find that education expenditures are the more productive public spending.
Resilience to aging in the regeneration‐capable flatworm Macrostomum lignano
Authors: Mouton Stijn , Grudniewska Magda , Glazenburg Lisa , Guryev Victor , Berezikov Eugene
Published: February 2018

Animals show a large variability of lifespan, ranging from short‐lived as Caenorhabditis elegans to immortal as Hydra. A fascinating case is flatworms, in which reversal of aging by regeneration is proposed, yet conclusive evidence for this rejuvenation‐by‐regeneration hypothesis is lacking. We tested this hypothesis by inducing regeneration in the sexual free‐living flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We studied survival, fertility, morphology, and gene expression as a function of age. Here, we report that after regeneration, genes expressed in the germline are upregulated at all ages, but no signs of rejuvenation are observed. Instead, the animal appears to be substantially longer lived than previously appreciated, and genes expressed in stem cells are upregulated with age, while germline genes are downregulated. Remarkably, several genes with known beneficial effects on lifespan when overexpressed in mice and C. elegans are naturally upregulated with age in M. lignano, suggesting that molecular mechanism for offsetting negative consequences of aging has evolved in this animal. We therefore propose that M. lignano represents a novel powerful model for molecular studies of aging attenuation, and the identified aging gene expression patterns provide a valuable resource for further exploration of anti‐aging strategies.
Local delivery of tetramethylpyrazine eliminates the senescent phenotype of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells and creates an anti‐inflammatory and angiogenic environment in aging mice
Authors: Gao Bo , Lin Xisheng , Jing Huan , Fan Jing , Ji Chenchen , Jie Qiang , Zheng Chao , Wang Di , Xu Xiaolong , Hu Yaqian , Lu Weiguang , Luo Zhuojing , Yang Liu
Published: February 2018

Aging drives the accumulation of senescent cells (SnCs) including stem/progenitor cells in bone marrow, which contributes to aging‐related bone degenerative pathologies. Local elimination of SnCs has been shown as potential treatment for degenerative diseases. As LepR+ mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) in bone marrow are the major population for forming bone/cartilage and maintaining HSCs niche, whether local elimination of senescent LepR+ MSPCs delays aging‐related pathologies and improves local microenvironment need to be well defined. In this study, we performed local delivery of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in bone marrow of aging mice, which previously showed to be used for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP). We found the increased accumulation of senescent LepR+ MSPCs in bone marrow of aging mice, and TMP significantly inhibited the cell senescent phenotype via modulating Ezh2‐H3k27me3. Most importantly, local delivery of TMP improved bone marrow microenvironment and maintained bone homeostasis in aging mice by increasing metabolic and anti‐inflammatory responses, inducing H‐type vessel formation, and maintaining HSCs niche. These findings provide evidence on the mechanisms, characteristics and functions of local elimination of SnCs in bone marrow, as well as the use of TMP as a potential treatment to ameliorate human age‐related skeletal diseases and to promote healthy lifespan.
Neighbors follow early adopters under stress: panel data analysis of submergence‐tolerant rice in northern Bangladesh
Authors: Yamano Takashi , Malabayabas Maria Luz , Habib Md. Ashraful , Das Subrata Kumar
Published: February 2018

The benefits of a stress‐tolerant crop become visible under the stresses that the crop is tolerant against. We investigate the adoption of submergence‐tolerant rice in northern Bangladesh by using panel data of 461 households, interviewed in 2013 and 2015. The sample households were randomly selected in 31 villages where submergence‐tolerant rice seeds were given to a small number of farmers in each village. The results from the household fixed‐effects model indicate that submergence in the previous year increased the adoption of submergence‐tolerant rice. The adoption impact was larger among farmers who were neighbors of early seed recipients. Our results suggest that being neighbors of early seed recipients may have helped the neighboring farmers observe the benefits of the submergence‐tolerant rice under submergence. The results indicate the importance of the information flow from early recipients to neighboring farmers.
Suicidal ideation in military veterans with alcohol dependence and PTSD: The role of hostility
Authors: Kachadourian Lorig K. , Gandelman Erin , Ralevski Elizabeth , Petrakis Ismene L.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Suicide is a significant public health problem among US military Veterans with rates exceeding civilian samples. Alcohol dependence (AD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both associated with increases in suicidality. Given that risk of suicide is higher among those with both disorders, the study of relevant risk factors among those in this group is important. The current investigation focused on one such factor, hostility, and examined both overt hostility (ie, hostility that is more behavioral in nature and directed outwardly) and covert hostility (ie, hostility that is cognitive in nature and introspective) and their relationships to suicidal ideation.

Methods

Ninety‐three Veterans participating in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled treatment study evaluating the efficacy of the alpha‐adrenergic agonist prazosin completed measures assessing overt hostility, covert hostility, and suicidal ideation at baseline. Depression symptoms and PTSD symptom severity also were assessed.

Results

Of the total sample, 60 participants (63.8%) indicated that they experienced suicidal ideation at some point in their lives. Covert hostility, in addition to PTSD symptom severity were found to be associated with the presence of lifetime suicidal ideation. Furthermore, depression symptoms were found to be associated with greater intensity of that ideation.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Findings highlight the importance of covert hostility as it relates to suicidal ideation among those with comorbid PTSD and AD and provides information which may help inform treatment approaches for high‐risk military Veterans. (Am J Addict 2018;27:124–130)
Ecological momentary assessment of smoking behaviors in native and converted intermittent smokers
Authors: Stennett Andrea , Krebs Nicolle M. , Liao Jason , Richie John P. , Muscat Joshua E.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

About 22% of adult smokers in the U.S. are intermittent cigarette smokers (ITS). ITS can be further classified as native ITS who never smoked daily and converted ITS who formerly smoked daily but reduced to intermittent smoking. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was conducted to determine the behaviors and experiences that are associated with the decision to smoke.

Methods

The study included 24 native ITS and 36 converted ITS (N = 60) from the Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study. A baseline questionnaire, daily log, and an EMA smoking log that assessed emotions, activities, and smoking urges was filled out with each cigarette for 1 week to capture 574 smoking sessions.

Results

Both groups had very low levels of cigarette dependence. Both groups were more tempted to smoke in positive or negative situations than situations associated with habituation. EMA showed that the most common emotional state during smoking sessions was positive (47%), followed by negative (32%), neutral (16%), and mixed (5%) emotions. Smokers were more likely to smoke during activities of leisure (48%) than during performative duties (29%), social (16%) or interactive occasions (7%). Converted ITS were more likely to smoke alone compared to native ITS (p < .001).

Discussion and Conclusions

ITS report minimal levels of dependence when captured on traditional scales of nicotine dependence, yet experience loss of autonomy and difficulty quitting. The majority of the ITS reported positive emotions and leisure activities while smoking, and smoked during the evening.

Scientific Significance

The current paper identifies environmental and behavioral factors that are associated with smoking among ITS in real time. (Am J Addict 2018;27:131–138)
Bizarre and scary ECG in yew leaves poisoning: Report of successful treatment
Authors: Cerrato Natascia , Calzolari Gilberto , Tizzani Pietro , Actis Perinetto Emma , Dellavalle Antonio , Aluffi Enzo
Published: February 2018

Yew leaves poisoning is a rare life‐threatening intoxication, whose diagnosis can be difficult. Initial symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, tachycardia, muscle weakness, confusion, beginning within 1 hr from ingestion and followed by bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, severe hypotension, and death. Taxine‐derived alkaloids are responsible for the toxicity of the yew leaves, blocking sodium and calcium channels, and causing conduction abnormalities. Because of lack of a specific antidote and limited efficacy of common antiarrhythmic drugs, prompt diagnosis, detoxification measures, and immediate hemodynamic support (also with transvenous cardiac stimulation) are essential.
Evaluation of the effect of rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of the Smoothened inhibitor glasdegib in healthy volunteers
Authors: Shaik M. Naveed , Hee Brian , Wei Hua , LaBadie Robert R.
Published: February 2018

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a strong CYP3A inducer, rifampin, on glasdegib pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.

Methods

In an open‐label, fixed‐sequence, two‐period Phase 1 study, subjects received a single 100‐mg oral dose of glasdegib alone or following once‐daily pre‐treatment with 600 mg rifampin. Glasdegib pharmacokinetics were calculated using a noncompartmental analysis.

Results

Twelve healthy male volunteers (3 whites, 5 blacks and 4 others) were enrolled in the study. Mean age, weight, height and body mass index was 37.8 years, 83.0 kg, 177.3 cm and 26.5 kg (m2) –1, respectively. When dosed alone, glasdegib geometric mean (% coefficient of variation) area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) was 8145 ng × h ml−1 (23%) and maximum observed concentration (Cmax) was 703.2 ng ml−1 (19%). With rifampin, glasdegib AUCinf and Cmax decreased, with an adjusted geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) 29.66% (26.17–33.62) for AUCinf and 64.71% (57.21–73.19) for Cmax. Mean terminal half‐life decreased from 13.39 to 5.11 hours, geometric mean apparent oral clearance increased from 12.27 to 41.38 l h−1, whereas median time to Cmax remained similar (1.50 vs. 1.25 hours) in the presence of rifampin. All adverse events (n = 29) were mild in severity and resolved by the end of the study.

Conclusions

Co‐administration of rifampin expectedly decreased glasdegib AUCinf and Cmax by ~70% and ~35%, respectively. These results will help to formulate recommendations for dosing strategies in combination with CYP3A inducers in situations where co‐administration may be necessary. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02430545).
Framing a ‘social problem': Emotion in anti‐abortion activists' depiction of the abortion debate
Authors: Ntontis Evangelos , Hopkins Nick
Published: February 2018

Social psychological research on activism typically focuses on individuals' social identifications. We complement such research through exploring how activists frame an issue as a social problem. Specifically, we explore anti‐abortion activists' representation of abortion and the abortion debate's protagonists so as to recruit support for the anti‐abortion cause. Using interview data obtained with UK‐based anti‐abortion activists (N = 15), we consider how activists characterized women having abortions, pro‐abortion campaigners, and anti‐abortion campaigners. In particular, we consider the varied ways in which emotion featured in the representation of these social actors. Emotion featured in different ways. Sometimes, it was depicted as constituting embodied testament to the nature of reality. Sometimes, it was depicted as blocking the rational appraisal of reality. Our analysis considers how such varied meanings of emotion shaped the characterization of abortion and the abortion debate's protagonists such that anti‐abortion activists were construed as speaking for women and their interests. We discuss how our analysis of the framing of issues as social problems complements and extends social psychological analyses of activism.
Investigating the mechanism underlying urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy: effectiveness of a longer urethral stump to prevent urinary incontinence
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Shohei , Naito Renato , Urata Satoko , Nakashima Kazufumi , Iijima Masashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Gabata Toshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: February 2018

Objective

To assess the chronological changes in urinary incontinence and urethral function before and after radical prostatectomy (RP), and to compare the findings of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after RP to evaluate the anatomical changes.

Patients and Methods

In total, 185 patients were evaluated with regard to the position of the distal end of the membranous urethra (DMU) on a mid‐sagittal MRI slice and urethral sphincter function using the urethral pressure profilometry. The patients also underwent an abdominal leak point pressure test before RP and at 10 days and 12 months after RP. The results were then compared with the chronological changes in urinary incontinence.

Results

The MRI results showed that the DMU shifted proximally to an average distance of 4 mm at 10 days after RP and returned to the preoperative position at 12 months after RP. Urethral sphincter function also worsened 10 days after RP, with recovery after 12 months. The residual length of the urethral stump and urinary incontinence were significantly associated with the migration length of the DMU at 10 days after RP. The residual length of the urethral stump was a significant predictor of urinary incontinence after RP.

Conclusion

This is the first study to elucidate that the slight vertical repositioning of the membranous urethra after RP causes chronological changes in urinary incontinence. A long urethral residual stump reduces urinary incontinence after RP.
Review: Physical exercise in Tourette syndrome – a systematic review
Authors: Reilly Colin , Grant Michael , Bennett Sophie , Murphy Tara , Heyman Isobel
Published: February 2018

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder which, in addition to the core symptoms of motor and vocal tics, includes a high association with co‐existing mental health disorders. Physical exercise is increasingly being recommended as part of management for children and young people with mental health problems. However, there is a lack of guidance regarding the role of physical exercise in the management of TS in children.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, Google scholar and Cochrane register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched. Studies investigating interventions aimed at reducing core symptoms of TS and comorbidities and exploring the relationship between physical exercise and tic severity were included.

Results

Seven studies were identified. Five focused on physical exercise interventions and two were observational studies investigating the relationship between tic severity and physical activity. There was some evidence indicating that physical exercise reduces tic severity in the short term and some evidence regarding the benefit of physical exercise on associated co‐occurring symptoms, such as anxiety. However, none of the intervention studies involved randomisation and interventions varied in terms of content and duration.

Conclusions

There was some evidence of a short‐term improvement in tic expression as a result of physical exercise interventions, but there is a lack of methodologically robust studies. Thus, conclusions about the impact of exercise on TS symptoms or comorbidities cannot be drawn at this stage. There is a clear need for well‐designed methodologically robust studies, including prospective observational studies and randomised controlled designs.
Child protection practitioners: Including children in decision making
Authors: Woodman Elise , Roche Steven , McArthur Morag , Moore Tim
Published: February 2018

This article presents findings from a study with 467 child protection practitioners in Australia to determine their practice responses and views on children's participation. The practitioners, recruited from 5 state jurisdictions, completed an online survey responding to case studies designed to determine the extent to which they would seek and include children's perspectives in decision making, and their confidence in talking to children. We report on practitioners' responses to a case study of a 5‐year‐old girl with suspicious bruising where the mother reports domestic violence. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that the child's young age would lead to low levels of confidence in consulting with the child and giving weight to her perspective. In contrast to the findings of other research, our results show that almost all workers report that they would speak with the child, would be confident doing so, and would give weight to the child's perspective. Our discussion explores the potential reasons for the difference in these findings compared with other research, including the experience of practitioners, increased child‐centred policy in Australia, multiple understandings of participation, and variation in children and practitioner views of participation.
2p24.2 (rs7552) is a susceptibility locus for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the Brazilian population
Authors: Machado R.A. , Nogueira E.N. , Martelli‐Júnior H. , Reis S.R. , Persuhn D.C. , Coletta R.D.
Published: February 2018

The population of Brazil is highly admixed, with each individual showing variable levels of Amerindian, European and African ancestry, which may interfere in the genetic susceptibility of known risk loci to nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P). Here, we investigated 5 reported genome‐wide loci for NSCL±P in an ancestry‐structured case‐control study containing 1697 Brazilian participants (831 NSCL±P and 866 healthy controls). SNPs rs7552 in 2q24.2, rs8049367 in 16p13.3, rs1880646, rs7406226, rs9891446 in 17p13, rs1588366 in 17q23.2 and rs73039426 in 19q13.11 were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays and genomic ancestry was estimated using a panel of 40 biallelic short insertion/deletion polymorphic markers informative of the Brazilian population. Logistic regression analysis of the single‐markers revealed rs7552 in 2p24.2 as a susceptibility risk marker for NSCL±P, yielding an odds ratio (OR) of 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31‐2.24, P = 9 × 10−6) in the homozygous state. Several SNP‐SNP interactions containing rs7552 reached significance after adjustment for multiple tests (both Bonferroni assumption and 1000 permutation test), with the most significant interaction involving the 3‐loci among rs7552, rs9891446 and rs73039426 (P = 6.1 × 10−9 and p1000 permutation = 0.001). Our study is the first to support the association of rs7552 in 2p24.2 with NSCL±P in the highly admixed Brazilian population.
Climate change, disease range shifts, and the future of the Africa lion
Authors: Carter Neil H. , Bouley Paola , Moore Sean , Poulos Michael , Bouyer Jérémy , Pimm Stuart L.
Published: February 2018

Article impact statement: Understanding causes and consequences of disease range shifts can help mitigate negative effects of such shifts on lions and other wildlife.
Protective action of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in immune tolerance of allogeneic heart transplantation by regulating CD45RB+ dendritic cells
Authors: Hua Fei , Chen Yueqiu , Yang Ziying , Teng Xiaomei , Huang Haoyue , Shen Zhenya
Published: February 2018

Background

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could exert a potent immunosuppressive effect and therefore may have a therapeutic potential in T‐cell‐dependent pathologies. We aimed to examine the effects of BMSCs on immune tolerance of allogeneic heart transplantation and the involvement of CD45RB+ dendritic cells (DCs).

Methods

Bone marrow‐derived DCs and BMSCs were co‐cultured, with CD45RB expression on the surface of DCs measured by flow cytometry. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein levels. Cytometric bead array was performed to determine the serum level of IL‐10. Survival time of transplanted heart and expression of CD4+, CD8+, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, IFN‐γ were determined. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to determine intensity of C3d and C4d.

Results

DCs co‐cultured with BMSCs showed increased CD45RB and Foxp3 levels. CD45RB+ DCs co‐cultured with T‐cells CD4+ displayed increased T‐cell CD4+ Foxp3 ratio and IL‐10 than DCs. Both of them extended survival time of transplanted heart, decreased histopathological classification and score, intensity of C3d, C4d, proportion of CD4+, expression levels of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ, and increased the CD4+ Foxp3 ratio and levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10. CD45RB+ DCs achieved better protective effects than DCs.

Conclusion

BMSCs increased the expression of CD45RB in the bone marrow‐derived DCs, thereby strengthening immunosuppression capacity of T cells and immune tolerance of allogeneic heart transplantation.
Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass is an effective bridge to kidney transplantation: Results from a single center
Authors: Thomas Ian A. , Gaynor Jeffrey J. , Joseph Tameka , De La Cruz‐Munoz Nestor , Sageshima Junichiro , Kupin Warren , Chen Linda J. , Ciancio Gaetano , Burke George W. , Mattiazzi Adela D. , Roth David , Guerra Giselle
Published: February 2018

Body mass index (BMI) > 35‐40 kg/m2 is often a contraindication, while Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is performed to enable kidney transplantation. This single‐center retrospective study evaluated pre‐ and post‐transplant outcomes of 31 morbidly obese patients with end‐stage renal disease having RYGB before kidney transplantation between July 2009 and June 2014. Fourteen RYGB patients were subsequently transplanted. Nineteen recipients not having GB with a BMI ≥ 36 kg/m2 at transplantation were used as historical controls. Mean BMI (±SE) before RYGB was 43.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2 (range: 35.4‐50.5 kg/m2); 87.1% (27/31) achieved a BMI < 35 kg/m2. The percentage having improved diabetes/hypertension control was 29.0% (9/31); 25.8% (8/31) had complications (mostly minor) after RYGB. Among transplanted patients, blacks/Hispanics comprised 78.6% (11/14) and 84.2% (16/19) of RYGB and controls; 57.1% (8/14) and 63.2% (12/19) had a (mostly long‐standing) pretransplant history of diabetes. While biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) occurred significantly higher among RYGB vs control patients (6/14 vs 3/19, P = .03), patients developing T‐cell BPAR were also significantly more likely to have a tacrolimus (TAC) trough level < 4.0 ng/mL within 3 weeks of T‐cell BPAR (P = .0007). In Cox's model, the impact of having a TAC level < 4.0 ng/mg remained significant (P = .007) while the effect of RYGB was no longer significant (P = .13). Infections, graft, and patient survival were not significantly different. Despite obvious effectiveness in achieving weight loss, RYGB will need more careful post‐transplant monitoring given the observed higher BPAR rate.
Usefulness of ascites cytology for the evaluation of chemotherapy response in ovarian carcinosarcoma
Authors: Kamii M. , Kuroda H. , Suzuki K. , Isonishi S.
Published: February 2018

Ascites fluid cytology could be a useful tool to detect the peritoneal spread of ovarian carcinosarcoma. Ascites cytology monitors the efficacy of chemotherapy in ovarian carcinosarcoma.
Global longitudinal strain and long‐term outcomes in asymptomatic extracardiac sarcoid patients with no apparent cardiovascular disease
Authors: Felekos Ioannis , Aggeli Constantina , Gialafos Elias , Kouranos Vasileios , Rapti Aggeliki , Sfikakis Petros , Koulouris Nikolaos , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is increasingly accepted as a predictor of mortality in various clinical settings. This study tested the hypothesis that GLS is associated with increased event rate in patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis, who have no overt symptoms of cardiovascular disease and preserved ejection fraction (EF).

Methods

We retrospectively studied 117 patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis and 45 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic study, while GLS was measured by an offline speckle tracking algorithm. Patients who had signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease at the time of the examination were excluded from the study. Patients were followed for an average of 57.1 months. Primary endpoint was defined as a composite endpoint of heart failure‐related hospitalizations, need for device therapy, arrhythmias, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

The age of patients was 42 ± 6 years old (43 men). Events were recorded in 10 patients (8.5%). Tissue Doppler revealed E/Em 7.9 ± 3.5, while EF was 54.2 ± 3.5%. Global longitudinal strain was 14.4 ± 3%, and a cutoff value ≤−13.6% for GLS was considered more associated with adverse outcomes (AUC 0.84). After adjustment for multiple potential confounders (age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, E/Em, and EF), GLS remained strongly associated with adverse outcomes (HR 0.8, 0.63 to 0.98 95% C.I, P = .04).

Conclusions

In conclusion, among patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis and no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, even when EF is preserved, GLS seems to be strongly associated with adverse future events.
Minimum effective betamethasone dosage on the neurological phenotype in patients with ataxia‐telangiectasia: a multicenter observer‐blind study
Authors: Cirillo E. , Del Giudice E. , Micheli R. , Cappellari A. M. , Soresina A. , Dellepiane R. M. , Pietrogrande M. C. , Dell'Era L. , Specchia F. , Pession A. , Plebani A. , Pignata C.
Published: February 2018

Background and purpose

Ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, due to A‐T mutated (ATM) gene mutations, which typically presents with signs of progressive neurological dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia and uncoordinated movements. A‐T severely affects patients’ quality of life. Successful treatment options are still not available. The aim of this multicenter study, performed with a blind evaluation procedure, was to define the minimal effective dosage of oral betamethasone, thus preventing the occurrence of side effects.

Methods

Nine A‐T patients were enrolled to receive betamethasone at increasing dosages of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01 mg/kg/day. Neurological assessment and the evaluation of quality of life were performed through the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia and the Italian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) at each time‐point. The drug safety profile was evaluated. Patients were categorized as responders, partial responders and non‐responders.

Results

Four of nine patients had a benefit at a dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day of oral betamethasone. Using the higher dosage, only one additional patient had a positive response. Conversely, a daily dose of 0.001 mg/kg was ineffective. A correlation between the serum adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and the clinical response was observed. Five of 30 CHAQ items improved in four patients.

Conclusions

These data suggest that a short‐term betamethasone oral treatment, at a daily dosage of 0.005 mg/kg, is effective in some patients. Pre‐existing risk factors for side effects should be taken into account before therapy.
The Only Fund in Town? Geographic Segmentation in the US Mutual Fund Industry
Authors: Ellis Jesse A. , Underwood Shane
Published: February 2018

We find that mutual funds located in regions with more competing funds charge lower management fees, but higher fees related to sales and distribution (12b‐1 fees), sales loads, and other nonmanagement fee expenses. There is some evidence that funds in more competitive regions have higher total expense ratios than similar funds in less competitive regions. Our results indicate that while increased competition drives down fund profits, it creates a negative externality by way of increased sales expenses. Overall, our results suggest the mutual fund industry is characterized by monopolistic competition determined at the local level.