bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in non‐HIV immunosuppressed patients
Authors: Sueki Hirohiko , Mizukawa Yoshiko , Aoyama Yumi
Published: September 2017

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) represents a clinical phenomenon of immune‐mediated inflammation against various antigens, including pathogenic microorganisms, drugs and unknown autoantigens, during recovery from immunosuppressed conditions. IRIS has become well recognized in HIV‐infected populations. However, IRIS has seldom been recognized in HIV‐negative immunocompromised patients. In the last 15 years, the immunopathogenesis of drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) has been largely determined. Laboratory data and clinical observations support the idea that DIHS represents a prototype of non‐HIV IRIS. Primary diseases in which non‐HIV IRIS is secondary include severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions, such as DIHS, autoimmune diseases, collagen diseases, pregnancy and internal malignancies. Potential triggers of recovery from an immune deterioration state include a discontinuation or abrupt tapering of systemic steroids and/or immunosuppressants, withdrawal or reduced effects of anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α antibodies, and the use of immune‐checkpoint antagonists for the advanced stages of malignancies. Wide use of IRIS across large populations risks oversimplification but highlights a key unifying principle. Balanced sensitivity and specificity for its diagnostic criteria and classification are necessary for the establishment of clinical practice guidelines for non‐HIV IRIS. Additionally, the development of a useful combination of biomarkers is currently an urgent issue.
On the rebound: estimating direct rebound effects for Australian households
Authors: Peters Bianca , McWhinnie Stephanie F.
Published: September 2017

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels by decreasing energy consumption is a common environmental policy. One mechanism used to achieve this is to encourage increased energy efficiency. However, improving efficiency may have an opposing effect and cause an increase in energy consumption if the intensity of use changes. This phenomenon is known as therebound effect. We estimate direct rebound effects for energy use in Australia based on both aggregate residential energy use data and on household energy expenditure data. Our approach implements a new methodology developed by Hunt and Ryan (2014, Catching on the rebound: Why price elasticities are generally inappropriate measures of rebound effects. Surrey Energy Economics Discussion Paper Series SEEDS 148; 2015,Energy Economics50, 273) that explicitly relates energy service use with energy source demand and directly incorporates measures of efficiency changes. The results indicate that the rebound effect is relatively high for energy use by Australian households. Due to the unique nature of our household data set, we can examine the influence of demographic and housing characteristics. We find that low‐income households and households with vulnerable members have the largest rebound effects. The relatively large rebound effects found here suggest that consumers gain from efficiency by improved energy services, and thus, policy targeting energy efficiency is not likely to be successful at reducing energy consumption.
What determines the efficiency of Australian mining companies?
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Ahmad , Smyth Russell , Valadkhani Abbas , Moradi Amir
Published: September 2017

We examine the firm‐specific determinants of technical efficiency in Australian mining companies using data envelopment analysis (DEA). To do so, we employ panel data sourced from individual mining companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) over the period 2010–2014. To ensure valid statistical inference in the presence of serial correlation between DEA efficiency scores, we apply Simar and Wilson's two‐stage bootstrap method. We find that ownership concentration, firm size, firm age, product portfolio, product diversification and growth status significantly contribute to efficiency gains. However, other firm‐specific factors, such as capacity utilisation, financial risk and overseas operations appear to have limited impact on the technical efficiency of mining firms.
MicroRNA Let‐7 targets the ecdysone signaling pathway E75 gene to control larval–pupal development in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Peng Wei , Zheng Wei‐Wei , Tariq Kaleem , Yu Shu‐Ning , Zhang Hong‐Yu
Published: September 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate various biological processes during insect development; however, their role in larval–pupal development in oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) remains unknown. In the current study, we address the biological function of a conserved miRNA, Bdo‐Let‐7 in the regulation of BdE75 gene, which belongs to the ecdysone signaling pathway and participates in the larval–pupal development in B. dorsalis. Using dual luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells we show that Bdo‐Let‐7 miRNA interacts with the 3′ untranslated region of BdE75 gene and suppresses its expression. The Bdo‐Let‐7 and BdE75 are also co‐expressed in the larval–pupal stages and in different tissues of B. dorsalis. In in vivo experiments, the injection of Bdo‐Let‐7 agomir and antagomir in third instar larvae down‐ and up‐regulated the expression of BdE75, respectively. The 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) injection assay shows that 20E up‐regulated the expression of Bdo‐Let‐7 on the 5th day of the larvae. Moreover, abnormal pupation and eclosion were observed after larval Bdo‐Let‐7 antagomir injection. Based on these results, we show that Bdo‐Let‐7 regulates the ecdysone signaling pathway through the exact dose of BdE75 gene, and is indispensable for normal larval–pupal development in B. dorsalis.
APPLYING A GENERAL STRAIN THEORY FRAMEWORK TO UNDERSTAND SCHOOL WEAPON CARRYING AMONG LGBQ AND HETEROSEXUAL YOUTH
Authors: BUTTON DEEANNA M. , WORTHEN MEREDITH G. F.
Published: September 2017

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) youth are at a higher risk for school victimization, social isolation, and school weapon carrying compared with their heterosexual peers, yet few studies have been conducted to investigate their experiences. By using a general strain theory (GST) framework, data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) statewide probability sample of Delaware heterosexual (n = 7,688) and LGBQ (n = 484) youth in grades 9–12 show that there are both similarities and differences in the factors associated with school weapon carrying among LGBQ and heterosexual youth. LGBQ and heterosexual youth's weapon carrying is related to school victimization, but social support does not moderate the relationship between school victimization and school weapon carrying as suggested by GST. Furthermore, being male is significantly related to heterosexual youth's weapon carrying, but sex is not related to weapon carrying among LGBQ youth. Overall, the results highlight a need to reconceptualize GST to help center the experiences of LGBQ youth, a historically marginalized group, within mainstream criminological literature. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Depletion or expansion? Understanding the effects of support policy use on employee work and family outcomes
Authors: Li Andrew , Butler Adam , Bagger Jessica
Published: September 2017

Past research on the effects of employees' use of work–family support policies tends to draw on a depletion perspective suggesting that using these policies may reduce work–family conflict. The emphasis on depletion fails to consider the expansion perspective that assumes that using work resources may enrich family functioning. Using a sample of 113 matched employee–supervisor pairs and a 1‐month separation between predictor and criterion measurement, we found support for the expansion rather than the depletion perspective. Specifically, the relationships between support policy use and employee job satisfaction and family efficacy (but not organisational citizenship behaviour) were mediated by work‐to‐family enrichment; these effects were realised only for employees with high levels of family identity. In contrast, no support was found for family‐to‐work conflict as a mediator of the model.
Estimation of above‐ground biomass of large tropical trees with terrestrial LiDAR
Authors: Gonzalez de Tanago Jose , Lau Alvaro , Bartholomeus Harm , Herold Martin , Avitabile Valerio , Raumonen Pasi , Martius Christopher , Goodman Rosa C. , Disney Mathias , Manuri Solichin , Burt Andrew , Calders Kim
Published: September 2017

Tropical forest biomass is a crucial component of global carbon emission estimations. However, calibration and validation of such estimates require accurate and effective methods to estimate in situ above‐ground biomass (AGB). Present methods rely on allometric models that are highly uncertain for large tropical trees. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) tree modelling has demonstrated to be more accurate than these models to infer forest AGB. Nevertheless, applying TLS methods on tropical large trees is still challenging. We propose a method to estimate AGB of large tropical trees by three‐dimensional (3D) tree modelling of TLS point clouds.

Twenty‐nine plots were scanned with a TLS in three study sites (Peru, Indonesia and Guyana). We identified the largest tree per plot (mean diameter at breast height of 73.5 cm), extracted its point cloud and calculated its volume by 3D modelling its structure using quantitative structure models (QSM) and converted to AGB using species‐specific wood density. We also estimated AGB using pantropical and local allometric models. To assess the accuracy of our and allometric methods, we harvest the trees and took destructive measurements.

AGB estimates by the TLS–QSM method showed the best agreement in comparison to destructive harvest measurements (28.37% coefficient of variation of root mean square error [CV‐RMSE] and concordance correlation coefficient [CCC] of 0.95), outperforming the pantropical allometric models tested (35.6%–54.95% CV‐RMSE and CCC of 0.89–0.73). TLS–QSM showed also the lowest bias (overall underestimation of 3.7%) and stability across tree size range, contrasting with the allometric models that showed a systematic bias (overall underestimation ranging 15.2%–35.7%) increasing linearly with tree size. The TLS–QSM method also provided accurate tree wood volume estimates (CV RMSE of 23.7%) with no systematic bias regardless the tree structural characteristics.

Our TLS–QSM method accounts for individual tree biophysical structure more effectively than allometric models, providing more accurate and less biased AGB estimates for large tropical trees, independently of their morphology. This non‐destructive method can be further used for testing and calibrating new allometric models, reducing the current under‐representation of large trees in and enhancing present and past estimates of forest biomass and carbon emissions from tropical forests.
Altered Neural Oscillations During Multisensory Integration in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bolaños Alfredo D. , Coffman Brian A. , Candelaria‐Cook Felicha T. , Kodituwakku Piyadasa , Stephen Julia M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), who were exposed to alcohol in utero, display a broad range of sensory, cognitive, and behavioral deficits, which are broadly theorized to be rooted in altered brain function and structure. Based on the role of neural oscillations in multisensory integration from past studies, we hypothesized that adolescents with FASD would show a decrease in oscillatory power during event‐related gamma oscillatory activity (30 to 100 Hz), when compared to typically developing healthy controls (HC), and that such decrease in oscillatory power would predict behavioral performance.

Methods

We measured sensory neurophysiology using magnetoencephalography (MEG) during passive auditory, somatosensory, and multisensory (synchronous) stimulation in 19 adolescents (12 to 21 years) with FASD and 23 age‐ and gender‐matched HC. We employed a cross‐hemisphere multisensory paradigm to assess interhemispheric connectivity deficits in children with FASD.

Results

Time–frequency analysis of MEG data revealed a significant decrease in gamma oscillatory power for both unisensory and multisensory conditions in the FASD group relative to HC, based on permutation testing of significant group differences. Greater beta oscillatory power (15 to 30 Hz) was also noted in the FASD group compared to HC in both unisensory and multisensory conditions. Regression analysis revealed greater predictive power of multisensory oscillations from unisensory oscillations in the FASD group compared to the HC group. Furthermore, multisensory oscillatory power, for both groups, predicted performance on the Intra‐Extradimensional Set Shift Task and the Cambridge Gambling Task.

Conclusions

Altered oscillatory power in the FASD group may reflect a restricted ability to process somatosensory and multisensory stimuli during day‐to‐day interactions. These alterations in neural oscillations may be associated with the neurobehavioral deficits experienced by adolescents with FASD and may carry over to adulthood.
Parents spend an average of nine hours a day providing palliative care for children at home and need to maintain an average of five life‐saving devices
Authors: Lazzarin P. , Schiavon B. , Brugnaro L. , Benini F.
Published: September 2017

Aim

This Italian study investigated home‐based palliative care for young children and how long it took parents to meet their needs.

Methods

The study population consisted of 33 families with a child under the responsibility of the Veneto Regional Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, northern Italy, who needed medical support in at least two of the following areas: respiratory, feeding, pain and seizures.

Results

The children had a mean age of 6.8 ± 4.7 years. We found that 72% of the patients needed medical devices for feeding, 36% had a tracheostomy and 55% were on mechanical ventilatory support. The children needed an average of five different life‐supporting medical appliances, and the time taken to provide for their care increased significantly with each additional appliance (p = 0.016). Their most time‐consuming daily needs were feeding (174 minutes) and support when they woke up at night (67 minutes). The average daily time that parents spent taking care of their child amounted to eight hours and 54 minutes per day.

Conclusion

Parents providing palliative care for children with life‐limiting diseases spent an average of nine hours a day caring for them each day and had to maintain an average of five medical appliances.
Geochemical Variability in the Paredón Obsidian Source, Puebla and Hidalgo, Mexico: A Preliminary Assessment and Inter‐Laboratory Comparison
Authors: Millhauser J. K. , Bloch L. , Golitko M. , Fargher L. F. , Xiuhtecutli N. , Heredia Espinoza V. Y. , Glascock M. D.
Published: September 2017

Chemical characterization reveals intra‐source variation in obsidian from the Paredón source area in Puebla and Hidalgo, Mexico. Two chemical sub‐sources of obsidian from Paredón are spatially discrete and cannot be distinguished by visual characteristics. To facilitate future investigations of the prehistoric exploitation of these sub‐sources, an inter‐laboratory comparison of elemental concentrations is presented based on neutron activation analysis and several XRF instruments.
Effect of changing forage on the dynamic variation in rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Xie Xiao , Wang Jia‐kun , Guan Leluo , Liu Jian‐Xin
Published: September 2017

To better understand rumen adaptation during dietary transitions between high‐ and low‐quality forages, 10 rumen‐cannulated Hu sheep were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments (five sheep each) with the same concentrate‐to‐forage ratio and concentration mixture, but different forage sequences: (i) alfalfa hay (AH) to corn stover (CS) and back to AH; and (ii) CS to AH and back to CS. A significant decrease in the rumen microbial protein concentration was observed on day 6 after dietary transition whether the transition was from AH to CS or from CS to AH, and this was accompanied by an increase in the ammonia nitrogen concentration as well as a decrease in the total volatile fatty acids concentration and pH. However, after transitioning back to the original forage, the rumen fermentation parameters returned to their initial levels within 2 weeks. Our findings suggest that abrupt substitutions of forages with large nutrient differences could influence rumen function to some extent, but recovery can occur within 2 weeks without detrimental effects. Furthermore, we speculate that the variation of fermentation in the first 6 days may indicate an important rumen transition stage that requires further study.
Social, cognitive, and physiological aspects of humour perception from 4 to 8 months: Two longitudinal studies
Authors: Mireault Gina C. , Crockenberg Susan C. , Heilman Keri , Sparrow John E. , Cousineau Kassandra , Rainville Brady
Published: September 2017

Infants laugh by 4 months, but whether they understand humour based on social or cognitive factors is unclear. We conducted two longitudinal studies of 4‐, 6‐, and 8‐month‐olds (N = 60), and 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐month‐olds (N = 53) to pinpoint the onset of independent humour perception and determine when social and cognitive factors are most salient. Infants were shown six events in randomized repeated‐measures designs: two ordinary events and two absurd iterations of those events, with parents’ affect manipulated (laugh or neutral) during the latter. Four‐month‐olds did not smile/laugh more at absurd events, but exhibited a significant heart rate deceleration. Five‐month‐olds independently appraised absurd events as humorous, smiling/laughing despite their parents’ neutrality. Parent laughter did not influence infants of any age to smile more, but captured 4‐month‐olds’ attention. Results suggest that 4‐month‐olds laugh in response to social cues, while 5‐month‐olds’ can laugh in response to cognitive features.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

By 6 months, infants can independently appraise absurd events as humorous, but it is not known whether younger infants can.

What does this study add?

This study replicated the finding on younger infants, showing that 5‐month‐olds are similarly capable of independent humour appraisal. These studies also found that although 4‐month‐olds do not respond to absurd events with positive affect, they do exhibit a heart rate decrease that is unrelated to looking. These studies help delineate when social and cognitive factors contribute to infant humour perception.
Utopian Visions for Buenos Aires Shantytowns: Collective Imaginaries of Housing Rights, Upgrading and Eviction (1956–2013)
Authors: MASSIDDA ADRIANA L.
Published: September 2017

This article explores three utopian visions which have shaped past and present experiences within Buenos Aires shantytowns: those of upgraded shantytowns, of universal housing, and of a city where shantytowns have been eliminated. The article argues that these visions are collective conceptions that entail a socio‐political critique which is translated into space and which points to an ideal future. The visions proposed emerge from the examination of historical evidence and are a key conceptual tool for understanding previous and current discussions of shantytowns in Latin America.
Synthetic peptides designed to modulate adiponectin assembly improve obesity‐related metabolic disorders
Authors: Hampe Lutz , Xu Cheng , Harris Paul W R , Chen Jie , Liu Ming , Middleditch Martin , Radjainia Mazdak , Wang Yu , Mitra Alok K
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose

Adiponectin, an adipokine possessing profound insulin‐sensitizing and anti‐inflammatory properties, is a potent biotherapeutic agent . The trimeric adiponectin subunit assembles into hexameric and functionally important higher molecular weight (HMW) forms, controlled by the endoplasmic reticulum protein 44 (ERp44). Obesity‐induced ER stress decreases the HMW form in serum, contributing to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. In this study, a panel of synthetic peptides, designed to target ERp44–adiponectin interactions, were tested for their effects on circulating levels of HMW adiponectin.

Experimental Approach

Peptides derived from the ERp44 binding region of adiponectin and immunoglobulin IgM were synthesized with or without a cell‐penetrating sequence. Cultures of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were incubated with the peptides for assessing the assembly and secretion of HMW adiponectin. Mice given standard chow or a high‐fat diet were treated acutely or chronically, with the peptides to investigate the therapeutic effects on insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism.

Results

The designed peptides interfered with ERp44–adiponectin interactions and modulated adiponectin assembly and release from adipocytes. In particular, IgM‐derived peptides facilitated the release of endogenous adiponectin (especially the HMW form) from adipose tissue, enhanced its circulating level and the ratio of HMW‐to‐total‐adiponectin in obese mice. Long‐term treatment of mice fed with high‐fat diet by IgM‐derived peptides reduced the circulating lipid levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions and Implications

Targeting ERp44–adiponectin interactions with short peptides represents an effective strategy to treat of obesity‐related metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Human podocytes express functional thermosensitive TRPV channels
Authors: Ambrus Lídia , Kelemen Balázs , Szabó Tamás , Bíró Tamás , Tóth Balázs István
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose

Heat‐sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are expressed in various epithelial tissues regulating, among else, barrier functions. Their expression is well established in the distal nephron; however, we have no data about their presence in podocytes. As podocytes are indispensable in the formation of the glomerular filtration barrier, we investigated the presence and function of Ca2+‐permeable TRPV1–4 channels in human podocyte cultures.

Experimental Approach

Expression of TRPV1–4 channels was investigated at protein (immunocytochemistry, Western blot) and mRNA (Q‐PCR) level in a conditionally immortalized human podocyte cell line. Channel function was assessed by measuring intracellular Ca2+ concentration using Flou‐4 Ca2+‐indicator dye and patch clamp electrophysiology upon applying various activators and inhibitors.

Key Results

Thermosensitive TRP channels were expressed in podocytes. The TRPV1‐specific agonists capsaicin and resiniferatoxin did not affect the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Cannabidiol, an activator of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels, induced moderate Ca2+‐influxes, inhibited by both tranilast and HC067047, blockers of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels respectively. The TRPV4‐specific agonists GSK1016790A and 4α‐phorbol 12,13‐didecanoate induced robust Ca2+‐signals which were abolished by HC067047. Non‐specific agonists of TRPV3 channels induced marked Ca2+ transients. However, TRPV3 channel blockers, ruthenium red and isopentenyl diphosphate only partly inhibited the responses and TRPV3 silencing was ineffective suggesting remarkable off‐target effects of the compounds.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results indicate the functional presence of TRPV4 and other thermosensitive TRPV channels in human podocytes and raise the possibility of their involvement in the regulation of glomerular filtration barrier.
Characterization of ascites‐derived tumor cells from an endometrial cancer patient
Authors: Li Xuelu , Zhu Dandan , Li Ning , Yang Hui , Zhao Zuowei , Li Man
Published: September 2017

Improved treatment outcomes for the endometrial cancer patient requires precision methods to investigate the biology of this disease and clinically relevant models to test treatment drugs. Hence, we applied a personalized platform to investigate whether in vitro and in vivo models could accurately predict effective treatment regimens. We successfully expanded ascites‐derived tumor cells from an endometrial cancer patient with malignant ascites using ascites collected prior to chemotherapy treatment. Hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry staining of ascites‐derived tumor cells confirmed the source of endometrial cancer cells. Ascites‐derived tumor cells were sensitive to cisplatin and doxorubicin single‐agent treatments in CCK‐8 assay and 3‐D culture, a condition that more closely mimics the in vivo environment. We further showed that ascites‐derived tumor cells from this patient could form tumors in NOD/SCID mice with preserved morphological characteristics. A remarkable concordance between the clinical response of cisplatin and the results of in vitro and in vivo drug tests reflected the reliability of our personalized approach in this case. Together, our results indicated that an effective platform for ex vivo and in vivo culture of ascites‐derived tumor cells from our endometrial cancer patient could be applied to identify treatment options, and may be commonly used in treating cancer patients with malignant ascites in the future.
Expression of CCL5 is induced by polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid in cultured hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Arai Akine , Yoshida Hidemi , Hayakari Ryo , Matsumiya Tomoh , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Tanaka Hiroshi , Imaizumi Tadaatsu
Published: September 2017

Objective

Brain microvascular endothelial cells are one of the cell types that form the blood–brain barrier, and play an important role in the defense system of the brain. Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a pattern‐recognition receptor against double‐stranded RNA, and TLR3 signaling is important in antiviral innate immune reactions. However, TLR3 signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the role of TLR3 signaling in chemokine CCL5 production in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Methods

The hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells were cultured, and treated with an authentic TLR3 agonist polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid. The expression of CCL5 was examined using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Involvement of TLR3, interferon (IFN)‐β, or IFN‐λ1, IFN‐regulatory factor 3 or nuclear factor‐κB p65 in this reaction was examined using RNA interference. Translocation of p65 into the nucleus was examined using immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Treatment of cells with polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid induced the expression of CCL5, IFN‐β and IFN‐λ1, and also the translocation of p65 into the nucleus. Knockdown of TLR3, IFN‐regulatory factor 3 or p65 inhibited the induction of these molecules, while knockdown of neither IFN‐β nor IFN‐λ1 affected the expression of CCL5.

Conclusions

TLR3 activation by polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid induces the expression of CCL5 in cultured hCMEC/D3 cells, and IFN‐regulatory factor 3 and p65 are involved in this reaction. CCL5 induced by TLR3 signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells might contribute to antiviral protective reactions and/or detrimental responses associated with viral infection in the brain.
The effect of side of implantation on unilateral cochlear implant performance in patients with prelingual and postlingual sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review
Authors: Kraaijenga V.J.C. , Derksen T.C. , Stegeman I. , Smit A.L.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Cerebral lateralisation of language processing leads to a right ear advantage in normal hearing subjects. The aim of this study was to present a systematic overview of the effect of implantation side on postoperative cochlear implant performance in patients with symmetrical severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library databases.

Research methods

Databases were searched from database inception up to 9 January 2017 for cochlear implant and side and all synonyms. Title, abstract and full‐text of retrieved articles were screened for eligibility. Then, directness of evidence and risk of bias were assessed. For the included articles, study characteristics and outcome data (hearing and language development) were extracted.

Results

2541 unique articles were screened, of which twenty were eligible for critical appraisal. No randomised controlled trials were identified. Twelve studies with a high directness of evidence remained for data extraction. Four of six studies including children with pre‐lingual sensorineural hearing loss and four of seven studies investigating adults with postlingual sensorineural hearing loss found a right ear advantage in at least one outcome measurement related to cochlear implant performance.

Conclusion

The available evidence on the effect of side of implantation is of low quality, as study populations and outcome measures are heterogeneous. The majority of studies reveals evidence for a right ear advantage in prelingually deafened children as well as postlingually deafened adults. In view of the present evidence and as no left ear advantage was identified, we cautiously advise implanting the cochlear implant in the right ear when other prognostic factors do not favour the left ear and sensorineural hearing loss is symmetrical.
Do OECD‐type governance principles have economic value for Vietnamese firms at IPO?
Authors: Ngo My Tran , Jorissen Ann , Nonneman Walter
Published: September 2017

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question

Using agency and resource dependency insights this paper examines first which type of firm‐level antecedents trigger the adoption of OECD‐type governance principles by Vietnamese listed firms at IPO. Subsequently this paper investigates whether the adoption of these governance principles leads to higher firm values at IPO and whether stricter governance is related to transparency after IPO.

Research Findings

With respect to the antecedents of OECD‐type governance in Vietnam this study finds that firms with foreign shareholders and younger firms adopt these governance principles. The adoption of stricter governance principles, especially in terms of strict supervisory board independence, as well as the appointment of directors with multiple director seats are beneficial for firm value at IPO. Governance transparency after IPO is unrelated to a firm's governance characteristics but positively associated with increasing firm size.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The results show that agency insights are applicable in a context of concentrated ownership, low investor protection and weak enforcement, since stricter board independence leads to higher firm value. In addition resource dependence theory explains the choice of directors and provides evidence that boards with better network potential lead to higher firm value in this relationship‐based emerging market.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Vietnamese firms benefit from higher value at IPO when they adopt stricter internal governance mechanisms and appoint directors holding multiple board seats. However, to ensure compliance with governance and transparency principles, formal institutional changes related to stricter enforcement of the regulation are of utmost importance.
Loading rate and contraction duration effects on in vivo human Achilles tendon mechanical properties
Authors: McCrum Christopher , Oberländer Kai D. , Epro Gaspar , Krauss Peter , James Darren C. , Reeves Neil D. , Karamanidis Kiros
Published: September 2017

Tendons are viscoelastic, which implies loading rate dependency, but loading rates of contractions are often not controlled during assessment of human tendon mechanical properties in vivo. We investigated the effects of sustained submaximal isometric plantarflexion contractions, which potentially negate loading rate dependency, on the stiffness of the human Achilles tendon in vivo using dynamometry and ultrasonography. Maximum voluntary contractions (high loading rate), ramp maximum force contractions with 3 s loading (lower loading rate) and sustained contractions (held for 3 s) at 25%, 50% and 80% of maximal tendon force were conducted. No loading rate effect on stiffness (25–80% max. tendon force) was found. However, loading rate effects were seen up to 25% of maximum tendon force, which were reduced by the sustained method. Sustained plantarflexion contractions may negate loading rate effects on tendon mechanical properties and appear suitable for assessing human Achilles tendon stiffness in vivo.
Overcoming the other‐race effect in infancy with multisensory redundancy: 10–12‐month‐olds discriminate dynamic other‐race faces producing speech
Authors: Minar Nicholas J. , Lewkowicz David J.
Published: September 2017

We tested 4–6‐ and 10–12‐month‐old infants to investigate whether the often‐reported decline in infant sensitivity to other‐race faces may reflect responsiveness to static or dynamic/silent faces rather than a general process of perceptual narrowing. Across three experiments, we tested discrimination of either dynamic own‐race or other‐race faces which were either accompanied by a speech syllable, no sound, or a non‐speech sound. Results indicated that 4–6‐ and 10–12‐month‐old infants discriminated own‐race as well as other‐race faces accompanied by a speech syllable, that only the 10–12‐month‐olds discriminated silent own‐race faces, and that 4–6‐month‐old infants discriminated own‐race and other‐race faces accompanied by a non‐speech sound but that 10–12‐month‐old infants only discriminated own‐race faces accompanied by a non‐speech sound. Overall, the results suggest that the ORE reported to date reflects infant responsiveness to static or dynamic/silent faces rather than a general process of perceptual narrowing.
Can vigilance‐focused governance reforms improve service delivery? The case of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Bihar, India
Authors: Verma Rajiv , Gupta Saurabh , Birner Regina
Published: September 2017

Child undernourishment is a major challenge in India even though the government has, since 1975, been running the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), one of the largest programmes of this type in the world. Ever since its inception, this scheme has been marred by various governance challenges: widespread corruption, absenteeism and targeting problems, more visible in states like Bihar than in others. The ruling dispensation in Bihar has instituted major reforms to tackle these problems. These include regular inspection of service delivery centres, strict monitoring of funds, swift disciplinary action and vigilance through community participation. While these reforms are generally accepted as good in theory, research‐based empirical evidence of their impact on the ground is scarce. This article tries to fill this gap through an in‐depth case study of ICDS in Bihar. The findings indicate that, contrary to conventional thinking about good governance, the vigilance‐focused reforms along with community‐based monitoring have not been successful in curbing systemic corruption. The study concludes that alternative approaches are required to resolve the governance problems in ICDS. These include tackling the problems of understaffing and heavy workloads, and providing stronger incentives to the frontline service providers.
Exchange traded funds and asset return correlations
Authors: Da Zhi , Shive Sophie
Published: September 2017

We provide novel evidence supporting the notion that arbitrageurs can contribute to return comovement via exchange trade funds (ETF) arbitrage. Using a large sample of US equity ETF holdings, we document the link between measures of ETF activity and return comovement at both the fund and the stock levels, after controlling for a host of variables and fixed effects and by exploiting the ‘discontinuity’ between stock indices. The effect is also stronger among small and illiquid stocks. An examination of ETF return autocorrelations and stock lagged beta provides evidence for price reversal, suggesting that some ETF‐driven return comovement may be excessive.
The effects of subcurative praziquantel treatment on life‐history traits and trade‐offs in drug‐resistant Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Viana Mafalda , Faust Christina L. , Haydon Daniel T. , Webster Joanne P. , Lamberton Poppy H. L.
Published: September 2017

Natural selection acts on all organisms, including parasites, to maximize reproductive fitness. Drug resistance traits are often associated with life‐history costs in the absence of treatment. Schistosomiasis control programmes rely on mass drug administration to reduce human morbidity and mortality. Although hotspots of reduced drug efficacy have been reported, resistance is not widespread. Using Bayesian state‐space models (SSMs) fitted to data from an in vivo laboratory system, we tested the hypothesis that the spread of resistant Schistosoma mansoni may be limited by life‐history costs not present in susceptible counterparts. S. mansoni parasites from a praziquantel‐susceptible (S), a praziquantel‐resistant (R) or a mixed line of originally resistant and susceptible parasites (RS) were exposed to a range of praziquantel doses. Parasite numbers at each life stage were quantified in their molluscan intermediate and murine definitive hosts across four generations, and SSMs were used to estimate key life‐history parameters for each experimental group over time. Model outputs illustrated that parasite adult survival and fecundity in the murine host decreased across all lines, including R, with increasing drug pressure. Trade‐offs between adult survival and fecundity were observed in all untreated lines, and these remained strong in S with praziquantel pressure. In contrast, trade‐offs between adult survival and fecundity were lost under praziquantel pressure in R. As expected, parasite life‐history traits within the molluscan host were complex, but trade‐offs were demonstrated between parasite establishment and cercarial output. The observed trade‐offs between generations within hosts, which were modified by praziquantel treatment in the R line, could limit the spread of R parasites under praziquantel pressure. Whilst such complex life‐history costs may be difficult to detect using standard empirical methods, we demonstrate that SSMs provide robust estimates of life‐history parameters, aiding our understanding of costs and trade‐offs of resistant parasites within this system and beyond.
Redoing Gender: How Women in the Funeral Industry Use Essentialism for Equality
Authors: Pruitt Allison‐Scott
Published: September 2017

Although some research considers women's participation in traditionally male‐dominated jobs as an ‘undoing’ of the gender system, other scholars argue that women's participation in non‐traditional roles can actually maintain hegemonic masculinity. Because women have recently entered the funeral industry in unprecedented numbers, the profession offers a unique context to study how women negotiate a sense of belonging in male‐dominated fields. I draw on 22 interviews with women in the funeral industry to reveal how gender is done and undone in an occupational context. In what Hughey (.Social Problems,57, 653–679) refers to as a ‘paradox of participation’, I argue that women in the funeral industry redefine the image of the ideal funeral director by using gender essentialist logic, which originally acted as a barrier to their entry to the field, to justify their participation. By showing how gender essentialism and egalitarianism can constitute reinforcing logics instead of an opposing binary, this research contributes to the literature concerning women in non‐traditional roles.
Dispersion of SiC powder suspension in mullite sol and influence on properties of sintered ceramics
Authors: Baitalik Sanchita , Kayal Nijhuma
Published: September 2017

The dispersion behavior of SiC powders in various concentration of mullite sol was studied by zeta potential, rheological, and sedimentation measurements. Effect of pH, sol concentration, solid loading on the rheological properties are discussed in detail. The lowest viscosity and sedimentation was obtained for 45 wt% SiC powders dispersed in 15 wt% mullite sol, at pH ~2. The adsorption isotherms belong to Langmuir type and optimum concentration of mullite for maximum dispersion was found to be ~0.036 g/m2. The stabilization mechanism of SiC powder into mullite precursor sol was explained by Derjaguin‐Landau‐Vervey‐Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Coating was confirmed by transmittance electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. Further sintering of the mullite‐coated SiC powder compact at 1300°C produced porous SiC ceramic with porosity ~40 vol% and pore diameter ~3 μm. The corrosion behavior of the ceramics was studied in strong acid medium at 90°C and compared with the ceramics obtained from uncoated SiC powder.
Responding to child maltreatment: Comparison between the USA and China
Authors: Xu Yanfeng , Bright Charlotte Lyn , Ahn Haksoon
Published: September 2017

A recent study estimated that over one‐fourth of Chinese children have suffered maltreatment (Fang et al., 2015). However, the current child welfare policy in China is limited to orphans, abandoned children, and children with disabilities. Also, there is very little comparative research in China on Chinese and other countries’ child welfare systems. The purpose of this study was to analyze applicable US and Chinese child welfare policies, identify gaps in Chinese policy regarding child maltreatment, and make recommendations for a policy agenda for improving child welfare in China based on cultural values and existing policy structures. Results show that China has considerable capacity to make improvements in child protective services, foster care, and adoption policies. Based on the results of this study, several implications are provided to develop China's child maltreatment policy to increase children's outcomes of well‐being, safety, and permanency.

Key Practitioner Message: • To understand the background and system of current Chinese child maltreatment policy; • To review US child maltreatment policy and its implementation to identify gaps in the Chinese child maltreatment system; • To provide policy suggestions to develop Chinese child maltreatment policy and provide recommendations for social work education and practice in China.
Diagnosis and treatment of patients with prostatic abscess in the post‐antibiotic era
Authors: Ackerman Anne Lenore , Parameshwar Pooja S , Anger Jennifer T
Published: September 2017

We reviewed the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, treatment options and outcomes of prostatic abscess in the post‐antibiotic era, focusing on how patient risk factors and the emergence of multidrug‐resistant organisms influence management of the condition. A MEDLINE search for “prostate abscess” or “prostatic abscess” was carried out. Prostate abscess is no longer considered a consequence of untreated urinary infection; now, men with prostatic abscess are typically debilitated or immunologically compromised, with >50% of patients having diabetes. In younger men, prostatic abscess can be the initial presentation of such chronic conditions. In older men, prostatic abscess is increasingly a complication of benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate biopsy. Diagnosis is based on a physical examination, leukocytosis, leukocyturia and transrectal ultrasound, with magnetic resonance imaging serving as the preferred confirmatory imaging modality. Treatment of prostatic abscess is changing as a result of the emergence of atypical and drug‐resistant organisms, such as extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing enterobacteriaceae and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. As many as 75% of infections are resistant to first‐generation antibiotics, necessitating aggressive therapy with broad‐spectrum parenteral antibiotics, such as third‐generation cephalosporins, aztreonam or antibiotic combinations. A total of 80% of patients require early surgical drainage, frequently through a transurethral approach. In the post‐antibiotic era, prostatic abscess is evolving from an uncommon complication of urinary infection to a consequence of immunodeficiency, growing antibiotic resistance and urological manipulation. This condition, primarily affecting patients with chronic medical conditions rendering them susceptible to atypical, drug‐resistant organisms, requires prompt aggressive intervention with contemporary antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage.
TLR3 contributes to persistent autophagy and heart failure in mice after myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Ting , Zhang Shao‐Ping , Wang Jian‐Fei , Liu Li , Wang Yin , Cao Zhi‐Yong , Hu Qi‐Kuan , Yuan Wen‐Jun , Lin Li
Published: September 2017

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are essential immunoreceptors involved in host defence against invading microbes. Recent studies indicate that certain TLRs activate immunological autophagy to eliminate microbes. It remains unknown whether TLRs regulate autophagy to play a role in the heart. This study examined this question. The activation of TLR3 in cultured cardiomyocytes was observed to increase protein levels of autophagic components, including LC3‐II, a specific marker for autophagy induction, and p62/SQSTM1, an autophagy receptor normally degraded in the final step of autophagy. The results of transfection with a tandem mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 adenovirus and use of an autophagic flux inhibitor chloroquine both suggested that TLR3 in cardiomyocytes promotes autophagy induction without affecting autophagic flux. Gene‐knockdown experiments showed that the TRIF‐dependent pathway mediated the autophagic effect of TLR3. In the mouse model of chronic myocardial infarction, persistent autophagy was observed, concomitant with up‐regulated TLR3 expression and increased TLR3‐Trif signalling. Germline knockout (KO) of TLR3 inhibited autophagy, reduced infarct size, attenuated heart failure and improved survival. These protective effects were abolished by in vivo administration of an autophagy inducer rapamycin. Similar to the results obtained in cultured cardiomyocytes, TLR3‐KO did not prevent autophagic flux in mouse heart. Additionally, this study failed to detect the involvement of inflammation in TLR3‐KO‐derived protection, as wild‐type and TLR3‐KO hearts were comparable in inflammatory activity. It is concluded that up‐regulated TLR3 expression and signalling contributes to persistent autophagy following MI, which promotes heart failure and lethality.