bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation constraints in public-private partnership
Authors: Osei-Kyei Robert , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the differences and similarities on the implementation constraints in public–private partnership (PPP) in developing and developed economies/countries, represented by Ghana and Hong Kong, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted with relevant experienced PPP practitioners in Ghana and Hong Kong. One hundred and three completed questionnaires were received for analysis. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance analysis, mean score ranking, Mann–Whitney U test and quartile grouping were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show six implementation constraints with significant differences. Constraints related to the general investment climate of PPP projects (i.e. ecological conditions of PPP) are ranked higher in Ghana than in Hong Kong, whereas constraints related to the organisation and negotiations of PPP projects are higher in Hong Kong than in Ghana. Further, two constraints, lengthy delay in finalising negotiations and lengthy delay due to political debate, are very critical in both jurisdictions, whereas “negative public perceptions on PPP transactions” and “high use of unsolicited proposals” are of less challenge in the implementation of PPP in both jurisdictions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to knowledge on the international best practices of PPP. In addition, international private bidders would be informed of the mitigation measures to adopt when engaging in PPP arrangements in any part of the world, whether in a developing or developed economy country.
Urban branding and place as a quality product: innovations in the urban experience
Authors: Sepe Marichela , Pitt Michael
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Starting from these premises, the aim of the paper is illustrating the role of experience in urban regeneration projects and to explore how the experience of high quality product luxury places can be sustainable with existent place identity or new place identity to be suitably created.

Design/methodology/approach

The experience of a place may become an integral part of a product experience. The enhancement of products (Splendiani, 2013): assumes a meaning which goes beyond the simple sale of material goods. It covers the supply of complex experiences … enriched by intangible elements capable to stimulate and involve the sensory and experiential component of consumption. It deals with attracting people to the places where local products are made by inserting the products in the most extensive offers covering the entire territorial system of reference The experience may also be used for the spectacolarisation of a place and its commercialisation, as in the case of “brandscapes” (Klingman, 2007). In this case, it is important not to clone every place everywhere because they could inevitably resemble each other without be able to really engage the people who move into them (Lehtovuori, 2010). The methodology approach is based on a wide bibliography and internet research based on the main terms connected to the topics of the paper, including experience, place identity, quality product, regeneration; on case studies – even though not illustrated – concerning places of interest for the research topics, such as: Hafencity in Hamburg, the Albert Dock in Liverpool, Abondaibarra area in Bilbao.

Findings

The planning of places of quality product cannot be separated from interpretation of the territory as a cultural system resulting from an ensemble of historical, economic and social processes. In such a system, the contribution of the cultural factor must be considered propulsive, not only for its qualitative meaning but also, and especially, for the role of “trait d’union” of a number of actions taken to protect and enhance places.

Originality/value

The increasing importance of the use of experience in the urban regeneration process is leading cities to be involved in constructing suitable images and symbols of their transformed areas to meet the new trends, also according with luxurious ones. Even though globalisation is one of the main dangers in innovative itineraries, the proper planning of quality architecture and public spaces could prevent it by creating a suitable mix between innovation and culture.
Parsimonious wave‐equation travel‐time inversion for refraction waves
Authors: Fu Lei , Hanafy Sherif M. , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: February 2017

We present a parsimonious wave‐equation travel‐time inversion technique for refraction waves. A dense virtual refraction dataset can be generated from just two reciprocal shot gathers for the sources at the endpoints of the survey line, with N geophones evenly deployed along the line. These two reciprocal shots contain approximately 2N refraction travel times, which can be spawned into refraction travel times by an interferometric transformation. Then, these virtual refraction travel times are used with a source wavelet to create N virtual refraction shot gathers, which are the input data for wave‐equation travel‐time inversion. Numerical results show that the parsimonious wave‐equation travel‐time tomogram has about the same accuracy as the tomogram computed by standard wave‐equation travel‐time inversion. The most significant benefit is that a reciprocal survey is far less time consuming than the standard refraction survey where a source is excited at each geophone location.
Japanese Bank Productivity, 2007–2012: A Dynamic Network Approach
Authors: Fukuyama Hirofumi , Weber William L.
Published: February 2017

We estimate a dynamic network (DN) directional output distance function for 100 Japanese banks operating during 2007–2012. Network production occurs in that deposits and other funds raised are produced as intermediate products in stage 1 and those intermediate products are used to generate a portfolio of assets in stage 2. The dynamic technology links production periods via nonperforming loans (NPL) and carryover assets, which take the form of excess reserves. Carryover assets expand the future production possibility set while NPL shrink future production possibilities. We extend previous DN methods to measure the performance of three types of Japanese commercial banks: city banks, regional banks and second regional banks. We test for and find differences in the three bank technologies relative to a common technology. Such differences are likely due to different institutional and regulatory structures. Unlike previous DN studies, we also allow for a non‐uniform abatement factor between previously‐produced NPL and other inputs in stage 1 and between performing loans and NPL in the current period. Measured productivity change is greater when each bank faces their own group technology rather than the pooled technology consisting of all bank types.
Optimisation of the formulation for barley–milk composite‐based fermented drink
Authors: Ahuja Kunal Kumar , Singh Ashish Kumar , Bala Kiran , Arora Sumit , Sabikhi Latha
Published: February 2017

The effect of barley flour concentration, Lactobacillus plantarum NCDC344 (Lp344) and co‐culture (Streptococcus thermophilus 20) inoculum levels on the sensory quality, Lp344 count, β‐glucan content and viscosity of barley–milk composite‐based fermented drink was investigated. A central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology was used for optimisation of the formulation. Of the three formulation variables, barley flour concentration was found to be the most critical as it significantly affected overall acceptability, Lp344 count and β‐glucan content (P < 0.01). The optimised drink rated 7.80 on a 9‐point hedonic scale, and contained 8.59 log cfu/mL of Lp344 cells and 0.144 g/100 g of β‐glucan.
Local Labour Markets and Unemployment Duration
Authors: Forbes Matthew , Barker Andrew
Published: February 2017

This paper explores the relationship between local unemployment rates and the length of time people who have lost their job spend unemployed, using a competing risks model. High local unemployment is found to reduce the probability of re‐employment for someone who was employed prior to a period of unemployment. However, individual factors such as age, education and experience are more important predictors of re‐employment. This suggests there could be benefits from a policy response that focuses more on the individuals, and building skills that are resilient to structural change, than on job creation in local areas.
Vitamin K Antagonist Therapy Is a Risk Factor for Ulcer Development and Death Among Dialyzed Patients
Authors: De Mauri Andreana , Torreggiani Massimo , Brambilla Marco , Chiarinotti Doriana
Published: February 2017

Peripheral artery disease is a common complication among dialyzed patients. Since Vitamin K antagonists promote metastatic calcifications and these are the main determinants of vascular damage, we investigated their role in the development of lower limb ulcers in dialyzed patients. We retrospectively enrolled 316 dialyzed patients, aged 68 ± 15 years, 65% male, 32% diabetic, 43% with ischemic heart disease and followed them for 36 ± 25 months. 60 patients assumed Vitamin K antagonists: they were older, with a higher prevalence of heart disease, at greater risk of death and they developed more ulcers and underwent more lower limb amputations compared to the rest of our cohort. Peripheral artery disease, Vitamin K antagonists and diabetes were independent risk factors for foot lesions. In addition, Vitamin K antagonists were also an independent risk factor for death. Vitamin K antagonists are a potent independent risk factor for the development of the uremic foot syndrome and death.
Self‐Care on Hemodialysis: Behaviors With the Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Sousa Clemente Neves , Marujo Patrícia , Teles Paulo , Lira Marta Nunes , Novais Maria Eulália Leite Mota
Published: February 2017

End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients should be educated to maintain and preserve the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the best condition. The purpose of this work was to evaluate self‐care frequency and factors that influenced such frequency. A prospective study was performed in 101 hemodialysis patients. Self‐care behaviors were measured with the Scale of Assessment of Self‐Care Behaviours with Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis. A regression model was used to determine the relevant predictors of self‐care frequency and their influence. The incidence of self‐care behaviors was 71.0%. The regression model showed that self‐care behaviors were positively influenced by gender (female), ESRD etiology (hypertension, polycystic kidneys and other kidney diseases), duration of AVF and negatively by the existence of previous AVF and health professional (doctor). The frequency of self‐care behaviors was lower than expected and below an appropriate standard. Education programs designed to improve self‐care behaviors with AVF should be further explored in a prospective randomized trial.
Extreme Uncertainty and Forward‐looking Disclosure Properties
Authors: Krause Julia , Sellhorn Thorsten , Ahmed Kamran
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the effect of extreme uncertainty on disclosure behaviour by analyzing the quality and quantity of forward‐looking disclosures during the global financial crisis and pre‐crisis periods, controlling for other determinants of disclosure behaviour. Prior research has struggled to distinguish between the quality and quantity dimensions of forward‐looking disclosures. Also, the impact of the recent financial crisis on these forward‐looking disclosure attributes has not yet been examined systematically. We address this gap by exploiting the unique setting of German publicly traded firms. These firms must provide forward‐looking information within their audited financial statements, although relevant regulation is sufficiently vague to allow great variation in the quality, scope and quantity of forward‐looking disclosures actually observed. Using hand‐collected data from 2005 to 2009, we provide evidence of a significantly negative association between crisis and disclosure quality. This finding is robust to several different disclosure quality proxies and regression specifications. In contrast, we find no negative significant relation between crisis and disclosure quantity; rather, there is evidence that reported volume increases during the crisis. Our results are consistent with extreme uncertainty, as occurring during times of crisis, negatively affecting the quality of voluntary disclosures, while firms maintain or increase disclosure quantity, ultimately diluting the information density of forward‐looking disclosures.
Alcohol Injury Damages Intestinal Stem Cells
Authors: Lu Rong , Voigt Robin M. , Zhang Yongguo , Kato Ikuko , Xia Yinglin , Forsyth Christopher B. , Keshavarzian Ali , Sun Jun
Published: February 2017

Background

Alcohol consumption is associated with intestinal injury including intestinal leakiness and the risk of developing progressive gastrointestinal cancer. Alcoholics have disruption of intestinal barrier dysfunction that persists weeks after stopping alcohol intake, and this occurs in spite of the fact that intestinal epithelial cells turn over every 3 to 5 days. The renewal and functional regulation of the intestinal epithelium largely relies on intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the intestine can injure stem cells including accumulation of mutations that may result in ISC dysfunction and transformation. ISCs are a key element in intestinal function and pathology; however, very little is known about the effects of alcohol on ISCs. We hypothesize that dysregulation of ISCs is one mechanism by which alcohol induces long‐lasting intestinal damage.

Methods

In Vivo: Small intestinal samples from alcohol‐ and control‐fed mice were assessed for ISC markers (Lgr5 and Bmi1) and the changes of the β‐catenin signaling using immunofluorescent microscopy, Western blotting, and RT‐PCR. Ex Vivo: Organoids were generated from small intestine tissue and subsequently exposed to alcohol and analyzed for ISC markers, β‐catenin signaling.

Results

Chronic alcohol consumption significantly decreased the expression of stem cell markers, Bmi1 in the small intestine of the alcohol‐fed mice and also resulted in dysregulation of the β‐catenin signaling—an essential regulator of its target gene Lgr5 and ISC function. Exposure of small intestine‐derived organoids to 0.2% alcohol significantly reduced the growth of the organoids, including budding, and total surface area of the organoid cultures. Alcohol also significantly decreased the expression of Lgr5, p‐β‐catenin (ser552), and Bmi1 in the organoid model.

Conclusions

Both chronic alcohol feeding and acute exposure of alcohol resulted in ISC dysregulation which might be one mechanism for alcohol‐induced long‐lasting intestinal damage.
Deep Sequencing of 71 Candidate Genes to Characterize Variation Associated with Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Clark Shaunna L. , McClay Joseph L. , Adkins Daniel E. , Kumar Gaurav , Aberg Karolina A. , Nerella Srilaxmi , Xie Linying , Collins Ann L. , Crowley James J. , Quackenbush Corey R. , Hilliard Christopher E. , Shabalin Andrey A. , Vrieze Scott I. , Peterson Roseann E. , Copeland William E. , Silberg Judy L. , McGue Matt , Maes Hermine , Iacono William G. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Costello Elizabeth J. , van den Oord Edwin J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Previous genomewide association studies (GWASs) have identified a number of putative risk loci for alcohol dependence (AD). However, only a few loci have replicated and these replicated variants only explain a small proportion of AD risk. Using an innovative approach, the goal of this study was to generate hypotheses about potentially causal variants for AD that can be explored further through functional studies.

Methods

We employed targeted capture of 71 candidate loci and flanking regions followed by next‐generation deep sequencing (mean coverage 78X) in 806 European Americans. Regions included in our targeted capture library were genes identified through published GWAS of alcohol, all human alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases, reward system genes including dopaminergic and opioid receptors, prioritized candidate genes based on previous associations, and genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. We performed single‐locus tests to determine if any single variant was associated with AD symptom count. Sets of variants that overlapped with biologically meaningful annotations were tested for association in aggregate.

Results

No single, common variant was significantly associated with AD in our study. We did, however, find evidence for association with several variant sets. Two variant sets were significant at the q‐value <0.10 level: a genic enhancer for ADHFE1 (p = 1.47 × 10−5; q = 0.019), an alcohol dehydrogenase, and ADORA1 (p = 5.29 × 10−5; q = 0.035), an adenosine receptor that belongs to a G‐protein‐coupled receptor gene family.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first sequencing study of AD to examine variants in entire genes, including flanking and regulatory regions. We found that in addition to protein coding variant sets, regulatory variant sets may play a role in AD. From these findings, we have generated initial functional hypotheses about how these sets may influence AD.
The prevalence of dental anomalies in an Australian population
Authors: Dang HQ , Constantine S , Anderson PJ
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental anomalies within an Australian paediatric population using panoramic radiographs.

Methods

This was a prospective review of 1050 panoramic radiographs obtained as part of a school dental screening program in suburban and rural New South Wales, Australia.

Results

Fifty‐four (5.14%) patients had a dental anomaly present. Agenesis was noted to have occurred 69 times across 45 patients (4.28%), along with seven cases of impaction (0.6%) and three cases of supernumerary teeth (0.28%).

Conclusions

Dental anomalies rarely occur in the Australian population, which possesses a wide‐ranging multiethnic cohort. Despite their rarity, they can be incidentally discovered so identification and management by dental practitioners are important.
Early‐onset neonatal sepsis is associated with a high heart rate during automatically selected stationary periods
Authors: Nguyen Nga , Vandenbroucke Laurent , Hernández Alfredo , Pham Tu , Beuchée Alain , Pladys Patrick
Published: February 2017

Aim

This study examined the heart rate variability characteristics associated with early‐onset neonatal sepsis in a prospective, observational controlled study.

Methods

Eligible patients were full‐term neonates hospitalised with clinical signs that suggested early‐onset sepsis and a C‐reactive protein of >10 mg/L. Sepsis was considered proven in cases of symptomatic septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia or enterocolitis. Heart rate variability parameters (n = 16) were assessed from five‐, 15‐ and 30‐minute stationary sequences automatically selected from electrocardiographic recordings performed at admission and compared with a control group using the U‐test with post hoc Benjamini‐Yekutieli correction. Stationary sequences corresponded to the periods with the lowest changes of heart rate variability over time.

Results

A total of 40 full‐term infants were enrolled, including 14 with proven sepsis. The mean duration of the cardiac cycle length was lower in the proven sepsis group than in the control group (n = 11), without other significant changes in heart rate variability parameters. These durations, measured in five‐minute stationary periods, were 406 (367–433) ms in proven sepsis group versus 507 (463–522) ms in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early‐onset neonatal sepsis was associated with a high mean heart rate measured during automatically selected stationary periods.
Effect of Serum on Isoproterenol‐induced Cyclic AMP Accumulation in Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Sager G.
Published: February 2017

The effects of autologous serum on basal and isoproterenol (IPR) or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) stimulated adenosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels were investigated in human lymphocytes. For all blood donors, serum (25% (v/v)) lowered the basal cAMP content. In contrast, the responsiveness of the lymphocyte cAMP accumulation to (−)‐IPR was increased. This effect was most clearly demonstrable in bicarbonate buffered incubation medium (40–50% increase of maximal response), but was also seen in phosphate buffered medium (10–20% increase). Serum did not alter the sensitivity of the lymphocytes to IPR. The response to PGE1, which was a considerable more effective stimulator of cAMP accumulation than IPR, was not affected in any consistent way by serum. The results indicate that serum influences the regulation of lymphocyte cAMP and that this effect may partly be exerted at the level of the β‐adrenoceptors.
Sensory Pharmacology
Authors: Donnerer Josef , Amann Rainer
Published: February 2017

Abstract: During the last decade, evidence has been accumulated to demonstrate that a subpopulation of peptidecontaining primary afferent neurones serve a dual sensory‐efferent function. Considerable effort has been put into the development of pharmacological tools to modulate the release and or the postjunctional effects of transmitters of primary afferents. This commentary summarizes the different approaches designated to achieve this goal, which, if successful, will lead to true ‘sensory pharmacology’.
Disposition of Parathion in Neonatal and Young Pigs
Authors: Nielsen P. , Friis C. , Gyrd-Hansen N. , Kraul I.
Published: February 2017

Abstract: Pharmacokinetics, metabolism (in vivo and in vitro), elimination and tissue distribution of 14C‐parathion was studied after intravenous administration of 0.5 mg/kg to newborn, 1 week and 8 weeks old piglets. Body clearance increased from 7 ml/min./kg in newborn to 35 and 121 ml/min./kg in 1 and 8 weeks old piglets, respectively. Urinary excretion during the first 3 hr rose from 18 to 48 and 82% of the dose in newborn, 1 and 8 week old piglets. The main metabolite of parathion was p‐nitrophenyl‐glucuronide making up 85% of the urinary 14C excretion. About 6% was excreted as p‐nitrophenyl‐sulfate and only 1% as free (non‐conjugated) p‐nitrophenol. Unchanged parathion or paraoxon was not detectable in urine from any of the age groups. The in vitro experiments showed that biotransformation of parathion took place only when cofactors for oxidative reactions were present, indicating that oxidation is the first and necessary metabolic step and that hydrolysis does not contribute significantly to the elimination of parathion. The highest concentration of14C 3 hr after administration was found in kidney and liver. In newborn piglets the 14C‐concentration in tissues was higher than or equal to the plasma concentration. The 14C tissue/plasma ratio decreased with age for all tissues except kidney. Parathion was present in high concentrations in plasma, liver and kidney from newborn piglets, whereas the level just exceeded the detection limit in the 8 week old ones. Paraoxon was clearly detectable in plasma and liver from newborn piglets, while only traces were found in the older groups.
On the Inhibition of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase and γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Transaminase by Sodium Cyanide
Authors: Cassel Gudrun , Karlsson Lena , Sellström Åke
Published: February 2017

The effects of sodium cyanide (NaCN) on the γ‐aminobutyric acid metabolizing enzymes glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and γ‐aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA‐T) were studied in vitro. With no pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate added, GAD was non‐competitively inhibited by NaCN, with an IC50 of 280 µM. GAD was also inhibited when exposed to an equimolar amount of NaCN and pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate. NaCN inhibited GABA‐T. The inhibition kinetics suggests that NaCN may react with more than one of the substrates and products present during the reaction, i.e. pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate, α‐ketoglutarate and/or succinic semialdehyde. The presence of pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate in the reaction mixture completely protected GABA‐T from inhibition by NaCN. The γ‐aminobutyric acid synthesizing enzyme, GAD may thus be inhibitied in vivo by NaCN or by a reaction product of NaCN and pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate. The γ‐aminobutyric acid catabolizing enzyme, GABA‐T is not as vulnerable to inhibition by NaCN, since the cyanide‐pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate complex is ineffective as inhibitor.
Mutational spectrum of the SERPING1 gene in Swiss patients with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Steiner U C , Keller M , Schmid P , Cichon S , Wuillemin W A
Published: February 2017

Hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the C1 inhibitor gene SERPING1. Phenotype and clinical features of the disease are extremely heterogeneous, varying even within the same family. Compared to HAE cohorts in other countries, the genetic background of the Swiss HAE patients has not yet been elucidated. In the present study we investigated the mutational spectrum of the SERPING1 gene in 19 patients of nine unrelated Swiss families. The families comprise a total of 111 HAE-affected subjects which corresponds to approximately 70% of all HAE-affected patients living in Switzerland. Three of the identified mutations are newly described. Members of family A with a nucleotide duplication as genetic background seem to have a more intense disease manifestation with a higher attack frequency compared to the other families. Newly designed genetic screening tests allow a fast and cost-efficient testing for HAE in other family members.
Chlorhexidine allergy in four specialist allergy centres in the United Kingdom, 2009–13: clinical features and diagnostic tests
Authors: Egner W , Helbert M , Sargur R , Swallow K , Harper N , Garcez T , Savic S , Savic L , Eren E
Published: February 2017

We describe an observational survey of diagnostic pathways in 104 patients attending four specialist allergy clinics in the United Kingdom following perioperative hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine reactions. The majority were life-threatening. Men undergoing urological or cardiothoracic surgery predominated. Skin prick testing and specific immunoglobulin (sIg)E testing were the most common tests used for diagnosis. Fifty-three per cent of diagnoses were made on the basis of a single positive test. Where multiple tests were performed the sensitivity of intradermal, basophil activation and skin prick testing was 68% (50–86%), 50% (10–90%) and 35% (17–55%), respectively. Seven per cent were negative on screening tests initially, and 12 cases were only positive for a single test despite multiple testing. Intradermal tests appeared most sensitive in this context. Additional sensitization to other substances used perioperatively, particularly neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA), was found in 28 patients, emphasizing the need to test for possible allergy to all drugs to which the patient was exposed even where chlorhexidine is positive.
Association of peripheral NK cell counts with Helios+IFN-γ– Tregs in patients with good long-term renal allograft function
Authors: Trojan K , Zhu L , Aly M , Weimer R , Bulut N , Morath C , Opelz G , Daniel V
Published: February 2017

Little is known about a possible interaction of natural killer (NK) cells with regulatory T cells (Treg) in long-term stable kidney transplant recipients. Absolute counts of lymphocyte and Treg subsets were studied in whole blood samples of 136 long-term stable renal transplant recipients and 52 healthy controls using eight-colour fluorescence flow cytometry. Patients were 1946 ± 2201 days (153–10 268 days) post-transplant and showed a serum creatinine of 1·7 ± 0·7 mg/dl. Renal transplant recipients investigated > 1·5 years post-transplant showed higher total NK cell counts than recipients studied < 1·5 years after transplantation (P = 0·006). High NK cells were associated with high glomerular filtration rate (P = 0·002) and low serum creatinine (P = 0·005). Interestingly, high NK cells were associated with high CD4+CD25+CD127–forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) Treg that co-express the phenotype Helios+interferon (IFN)-γ– and appear to have stable FoxP3 expression and originate from the thymus. Furthermore, high total NK cells were associated with Treg that co-express the phenotypes interleukin (IL)−10–transforming growth factor (TGF)-β+ (P = 0·013), CD183+CD62L– (P = 0·003), CD183+CD62+(P = 0·001), CD183–CD62L+ (P = 0·002), CD252–CD152+ (P < 0·001), CD28+human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR–) (P = 0·002), CD28+HLA-DR+ (P < 0·001), CD95+CD178– (P < 0·001) and CD279–CD152+ (P < 0·001), suggesting that these activated Treg home in peripheral tissues and suppress effector cells via TGF-β and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). The higher numbers of NK and Treg cell counts in patients with long-term good allograft function and the statistical association of these two lymphocyte subsets with each other suggest a direct or indirect (via DC) interaction of these cell subpopulations that contributes to good long-term allograft acceptance. Moreover, we speculate that regulatory NK cells are formed late post-transplant that are able to inhibit graft-reactive effector cells.
Use of multigene‐panel identifies pathogenic variants in several CRC‐predisposing genes in patients previously tested for Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Hansen Maren F. , Johansen Jostein , Sylvander Anna E. , Bjørnevoll Inga , Talseth‐Palmer Bente A. , Lavik Liss A. S. , Xavier Alexandre , Engebretsen Lars F. , Scott Rodney J. , Drabløs Finn , Sjursen Wenche
Published: February 2017

Background

Many families with a high burden of colorectal cancer fulfil the clinical criteria for Lynch Syndrome. However, in about half of these families, no germline mutation in the mismatch repair genes known to be associated with this disease can be identified. The aim of this study was to find the genetic cause for the increased colorectal cancer risk in these unsolved cases.

Materials and methods

To reach the aim, we designed a gene panel targeting 112 previously known or candidate colorectal cancer susceptibility genes to screen 274 patient samples for mutations. Mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing and, where possible, segregation analysis was performed.

Results

We identified 73 interesting variants, of whom 17 were pathogenic and 19 were variants of unknown clinical significance in well‐established cancer susceptibility genes. In addition, 37 potentially pathogenic variants in candidate colorectal cancer susceptibility genes were detected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found a promising DNA variant in more than 25 % of the patients, which shows that gene panel testing is a more effective method to identify germline variants in CRC patients compared to a single gene approach.
Phylogeny of the hyper‐diverse rove beetle subtribe Philonthina with implications for classification of the tribe Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Chani‐Posse Mariana R. , Brunke Adam James , Chatzimanolis Stylianos , Schillhammer Harald , Solodovnikov Alexey
Published: February 2017

With 71 genera and over 2700 described species, Philonthina is the most speciose subtribe of rove beetle tribe Staphylinini and forms a major component of the largest remaining higher systematics challenge in Staphylinini, the ‘Staphylinini propria’ clade. A related systematics issue concerns the position of the genus Holisus (Hyptiomina), which was recovered within the Neotropical philonthine lineage in several recent analyses of morphology. With the aims of resolving the phylogeny of Philonthina and the position and, thus, validity of Hyptiomina, we performed phylogenetic analyses of the tribe Staphylinini based on molecular (six genes, 4471 bp) and morphological (113 characters) data including 138 taxa from all relevant lineages of Staphylinini. We found that ‘Staphylinini propria’ is a monophylum consisting of six lineages: current subtribes Anisolinina, Philonthina, Staphylinina and Xanthopygina; and two new subtribes, Algonina Schillhammer and Brunke and Philothalpina Chatzimanolis and Brunke. While the previously hypothesized Neotropical lineage of Philonthina was corroborated, Holisus was recovered as a separate subtribe, outside of Philonthina, within an informal ‘Southern Hemisphere clade’. Based on our analyses, we propose tentative new concepts of the polyphyletic genera Belonuchus and Philonthus. We propose the following taxonomic changes: synonymy of the subtribes Staphylinina Latreille (valid name) and Eucibdelina Sharp; resurrection of genera Barypalpus Cameron and Trapeziderus Motschulsky from synonymy with Rientis Sharp and Belonuchus Nordmann, respectively; transfer of 38 Belonuchus species, 16 Hesperus Fauvel species and one Philonthus Stephens species to Trapeziderus as new combinations; transfer of two Hesperus species to Eccoptolonthus Bernhauer as new combinations; transfer of one Belonuchus species to Paederomimus Sharp as a new combination; and transfer of Pridonius Blackwelder new status from its position as a subgenus of Quedius (subtribe Quediina) to Philonthina as a genus, and new combinations for its two described species.
Connected for Development? Theory and evidence about the impact of Internet technologies on poverty alleviation
Authors: Galperin Hernan , Fernanda Viecens M.
Published: February 2017

Based on the assumption that increased access to internet services boosts economic growth and improves the well‐being of the poor, governments in both developed and emerging regions are heavily investing in internet connectivity projects. This article reviews the existing evidence as to the impact of internet technologies on various development dimensions, and articulates the empirical evidence into an analytical framework that seeks to identify the micro‐linkages between internet adoption and poverty alleviation. The review suggests that the development pay‐offs of internet technologies are ambiguous due to two interrelated effects. First, because effective appropriation requires a range of skills as well as complementary investment in human capital and organizational changes. This tends to favour well‐educated workers and firms with more innovative capacity and access to finance. Second, because the positive effects of internet dissemination on market co‐ordination and political institutions grow exponentially with adoption levels. As a result, while the evidence indicates that advanced economies are reaping significant benefits from internet investments, the returns for less advanced economies, and in particular for the fight against poverty in these regions, remain uncertain.
Supply of schooling and dropout rates: Evidence from the Oportunidades programme in Mexico
Authors: Campos‐Vazquez Raymundo M. , Santillan Alma S.
Published: February 2017

In this article we provide evidence that measures of school supply, such as quantity and quality at the local level, are important predictors of dropout behaviour among conditional cash transfer beneficiaries in Mexico. We use administrative records of the Oportunidades programme in both rural and urban areas to follow the schooling trajectory of a cohort of students from sixth grade to high school. Under half of rural beneficiaries attending sixth grade make it to the tenth grade. Our regression analysis indicates that the absence of a junior high school in a locality increases the probability of dropping out after sixth grade by 6.8 percentage points; the absence of a high school increases the probability of dropping out after ninth grade by 12.2 percentage points. This means that 16% of all rural sixth‐grade students would enter tenth grade if they had junior high and high schools in their localities. Attending a low‐quality junior high school increases the probability of dropping out after ninth grade by 13 percentage points in rural areas and 7.6 percentage points in urban areas.
Markets and Their Virtues
Authors: Miller Robert C. B.
Published: February 2017

The market economy can be defended using the lens of virtue ethics. Modern virtue ethics was developed originally by the English philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe. Virtue ethics rejects consequentialism and focuses on the virtues. And human nature appears to be collaborative in both language and economic relations exemplified by exchange. By adapting the concept of ‘characteristic virtues’, developed by Alasdair MacIntyre, it follows that collaboration has its own particular virtues. These virtues can produce prescriptions which mitigate the costs of economic transactions and collaboration. The development of behavioural economics has shown human beings sometimes fall short of the rationality described by neo‐classical microeconomics. But virtuous action tends to correct these deficiencies.
ARE MIGRANTS MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN STAYERS? SOME EVIDENCE FROM A SET OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE ACADEMIC ECONOMISTS
Authors: Albarrán Pedro , Carrasco Raquel , Ruiz‐Castillo Javier
Published: February 2017

This article compares the average productivity of migrants (who work in a country different from their country of origin) and stayers (whose entire academic career takes place in their country of origin) in a set of 2,530 highly productive economists that work in 2007 in a selection of the top 81 Economics departments worldwide. The main findings are the following two. First, productivity comparisons depend on the cohort and the type of department. For example, in the top U.S. departments, foreigners are more productive than stayers only among older individuals; in the bottom U.S. departments, this is the case for both cohorts, while in the other countries the productivity of foreigners and stayers is indistinguishable for both cohorts. Second, when we restrict our attention to an elite consisting of economists with above average productivity, all productivity differences between migrants and stayers in the United States vanish. As our analysis depends on observational data in which the migration decision is not exogenously identified, our estimates have a descriptive rather than a causal interpretation. However, our results are very robust to the treatment of the elite, the partition into several department categories, and the definition of the cohorts and the productivity notion. (JEL J61)
A Taxonomy of Strategic Postures of International SMEs
Authors: Hagen Birgit , Zucchella Antonella , Larimo Jorma , Dimitratos Pavlos
Published: February 2017

This study provides a theoretical analysis of SME strategic postures and presents empirical evidence of strategic types of international SMEs across three European countries, namely Italy, Finland and Greece. Empirical investigation based on a sample of more than 550 international SMEs is performed through cluster analysis. Findings suggest there are four broad strategic types, namely, the entrepreneurial/growth oriented group of firms, a marketing/selling group of business, a cluster of firms which lack strategic orientation and strategy, and the cluster which focuses on innovation/technology and core manufacturing competencies. The taxonomy provides a description and an explanation of international strategic postures and the basis for theorizing on SMEs' international behavior and outcome consequences. Any programs – business and policy‐wise – which aim to stimulate internationalization would benefit greatly from tailoring recommendations to the nature of the strategic types.
Determination of evidence correction factors based on the neural network
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Xu Youhua , Wu Yong , Sun Yibo
Published: February 2017

A modified method to combine evidence based on artificial neural network and Dempster's rule of combination is proposed. The comprehensive discounting factor of this method adds learning and data mining capability to evidence combination, making it more suitable for the interrelated, conflicted evidence, or evidence with different importance and more suitable for group decision making. This method can be used for repeatable and verifiable systems. A study about securities market experts group prediction is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Targeting invasive properties of melanoma cells
Authors: Arozarena Imanol , Wellbrock Claudia
Published: February 2017

Melanoma is a skin cancer notorious for its metastatic potential. As an initial step of the metastatic cascade, melanoma cells part from the primary tumour and invade the surrounding tissue, which is crucial for their dissemination and the formation of distant secondary tumours. Over the last two decades, our understanding of both, general and melanoma specific mechanisms of invasion has significantly improved, but to date no efficient therapeutic strategy tackling the invasive properties of melanoma cells has reached the clinic. In this review, we assess the major contributions towards the understanding of the molecular biology of melanoma cell invasion with a focus on melanoma specific traits. These traits are based on the neural crest origin of melanoma cells and explain their intrinsic invasive nature. A particular emphasis is given not only to lineage specific signalling mediated by TGFβ, and noncanonical and canonical WNT signalling, but also to the role of PDE5A and RHO‐GTPases in modulating modes of melanoma cell invasion. We discuss existing caveats in the current understanding of the metastatic properties of melanoma cells, as well as the relevance of the ‘phenotype switch’ model and ‘co‐operativity’ between different phenotypes in heterogeneous tumours. At the centre of these phenotypes is the lineage commitment factor microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor, one of the most crucial regulators of the balance between de‐differentiation (neural crest specific gene expression) and differentiation (melanocyte specific gene expression) that defines invasive and noninvasive melanoma cell phenotypes. Finally, we provide insight into the current evidence linking resistance to targeted therapies to invasive properties of melanoma cells.
Ein „Prozess“ der Selbstwerdung. Kafkas verdeckt‐literarische Kierkegaard‐Rezeption
Authors: Nowotny Joanna
Published: February 2017

Der Beitrag widmet sich Kafkas literarisch produktiver Rezeption Søren Kierkegaards, die bis jetzt kaum im Fokus der Forschung stand. Anstatt etwa Kafkas biographisch‐identifikatorischen Zugang zu Kierkegaards Schriften zu diskutieren, der relativ gut erforscht ist, wird ein dezidiert poetologischer Zugriff vorgeschlagen. Eine transtextuelle Relektüre des Proceß‐Fragments im Sinn eines gescheiterten „Prozesses“ der Selbstwerdung erlaubt, verschiedene Verfahren zu identifizieren, die Kafka in der Transformation und Adaptation der Texte, der Begrifflichkeit und der Konzepte Kierkegaards anwendet. Die Verhaltensweisen der Figur K. werden mit der Verzweiflung im Sinne Kierkegaards abgeglichen; eine solche Lesart wendet sich nicht zuletzt gegen die religionsphilosophischen Deutungen, die eine Mehrzahl der Interpretationen mit Kierkegaard ausmachen. Die Verweise auf Kierkegaard ließen sich, schematisch ausgedrückt, in zwei Modalitäten einordnen: Zitat und Parodie. Der Aufsatz versteht sich so auch als Forschungsbeitrag zur Rezeption Kierkegaards in der Literatur allgemein, die erst im Ansatz untersucht worden ist.
Dürrenmatts Besuch der alten Dame und Hebbels Die Nibelungen. Urbilder und Jugendlektüre
Authors: Schneider Gerd K.
Published: February 2017

Friedrich Dürrenmatt hat in seinen theoretischen Schriften bemerkt, dass seine Jugendlektüre ihn bei der Gestaltung der eigenen Werke, manchmal unbewusst, beeinflusst haben könnte. Ein Werk, das ihn in seiner Jugend so sehr fasziniert hatte, dass er sich Skizzenbücher dazu anlegte, sind die Nibelungen. Dieser Beitrag zeigt Parallelen zwischen Dürrenmatts tragischer Komödie Der Besuch der alten Dame (1956) und der Nibelungen‐Trilogie Friedrich Hebbels (1861) auf. Die Wahl der Namen und der Orte in Dürrenmatts schauspiel verweist in die mittelalterliche Zeit, und Hebbel betont wie Dürrenmatt die Korruption durch das Geld. Der Besuch der alten Dame ist eine Parodie, die aber die literarische Vorlage nicht abwertet, sondern sie unter Einbeziehung der Groteske zu einem didaktischen Theaterstück gestaltet.
Through the Wormhole with Karl Marx: Science Fiction, Utopia, and the Future of Marxism in P.M.'s Weltgeist Superstar
Authors: Fulk Kirkland
Published: February 2017

This article argues that literature in general and science fiction in particular is able to construct alternative spaces beyond the hegemony of Western liberalism espoused by Francis Fukuyama's declaration of the end of history. It examines the little‐known novel Weltgeist Superstar (1980) by the anonymous cult author P.M. that was published a decade before Fukuyama's prediction. As a novel about time travel and temporal paradoxes, it proclaims the death of Marxism both through a repetitive and teleological temporality dooming Marxism to a Hegelian fate that foresees the final victory of capitalism. In this way, the novel performs a Derridean hauntology of the various specters of Marx–here, the specter of Hegel that continues to haunt and dictate Marxism. Whereas Fukuyama pronounced the end of all ideological and theoretical alternatives and Derrida sought to revive Marxism through the repetitive temporality of its specters, this novel reasserts the primacy of literature as a utopian space beyond theory.
Interacting effects of yak dung deposition and litter quality on litter mass loss and nitrogen dynamics in Tibetan alpine grassland
Authors: Liang D. F. , Niu K. C. , Zhang S. T.
Published: February 2017

The effects of grazing‐induced dung deposition on plant growth and soil attributes are well established, but little is known about dung effects on litter decomposition. Here, we tested effects of yak dung on litter decomposition and nutrient content in a Tibetan alpine meadow. We incubated litter of four common alpine meadow species using litter bags in the field. Two low‐quality species (Kobresia capillifoliaandElymus nutans) with low nitrogen (N), high C/N and Lignin/N, and two high‐quality species, (Saussurea nigrescensandThermopsis lanceolata) were incubated in monoculture with and without dung addition. Mass loss of leaf litter, fibre fraction (cellulose, hemi‐cellulose and lignin), N and phosphorus (P) were measured after 6, 12 and 18 months of incubation in the field. Dung addition significantly increased decomposition constants for low‐quality litter species, but not for high‐quality litter species. Dung addition promoted cellulose and hemi‐cellulose loss, but lignin loss was not affected by dung addition, except after 12 months for high‐quality litter species. Dung reduced N immobilization after 6 months and did not affect subsequent release in low‐quality litter species, and promoted N release after 6 and 12 months in high‐quality litter species. Regardless of litter quality, dung increased P release after 6 and 12 months. Our results suggest grazing‐induced dung deposition may accelerate C and nutrient turnover, primarily through increasing the mass loss of low‐quality litter, P release from litter and N release from high‐quality litter. The mechanisms underlying the effects of dung deposition need to be clarified in future studies.