bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquidity premium and the Corwin-Schultz bid-ask spread estimate
Authors: Zhang Xindong , Yang Junxian , Su Huimin , Zhang Shun
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the price implication of a newly developed estimator of the bid-ask spread by Corwin and Schultz (2012). The paper focusses on whether the new measure as a liquidity proxy commands a significant premium. The research helps the understanding on the validity of the Corwin-Schultz estimate as a liquidity measure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors carry out their examination based on the portfolio approach, cross-sectional regressions, and time-series regressions. For comparison, the authors also adopt other three liquidity proxies and mainly rely on the Fama-French three-factor model as the benchmark. The sample includes NYSE/AMEX/ARCA/NASDAQ ordinary common stocks over 1926-2010.

Findings

– The paper finds that Corwin-Schultz spread lacks significant power to predict returns either in the pre- or post-1963 period. In contrast, other liquidity measures such as the price impact of Amihud (2002), trading discontinuity of Liu (2006), and turnover show stronger return predictability than the Corwin-Schultz spread estimate.

Research limitations/implications

– The evidence indicates the limited ability of the Corwin-Schultz spread estimate to describe liquidity.

Practical implications

– The comparison of the Corwin-Schultz spread with other liquidity measures helps practitioners and academic researchers to identify the appropriate proxy.

Originality/value

– This paper, for the first time, provides a thorough assessment of the Corwin-Schultz spread estimate as a liquidity proxy, which distinguish from Corwin and Schultz (2012) who focus on whether their spread estimate measures transaction costs. Our study not only helps practitioners and academic researchers to select an adequate liquidity measure and an asset pricing model to use, but it also sheds light on the current debate about whether transaction costs have the first order importance in asset pricing.
Stochastic modeling error reduction using Bayesian approach coupled with an adaptive Kriging-based model
Authors: Abou-Elyazied Abdallh Ahmed , Dupré Luc
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Magnetic material properties of an electromagnetic device (EMD) can be recovered by solving a coupled experimental numerical inverse problem. In order to ensure the highest possible accuracy of the inverse problem solution, all physics of the EMD need to be perfectly modeled using a complex numerical model. However, these fine models demand a high computational time. Alternatively, less accurate coarse models can be used with a demerit of the high expected recovery errors. The purpose of this paper is to present an efficient methodology to reduce the effect of stochastic modeling errors in the inverse problem solution.

Design/methodology/approach

– The recovery error in the electromagnetic inverse problem solution is reduced using the Bayesian approximation error approach coupled with an adaptive Kriging-based model. The accuracy of the forward model is assessed and adapted a priori using the cross-validation technique.

Findings

– The adaptive Kriging-based model seems to be an efficient technique for modeling EMDs used in inverse problems. Moreover, using the proposed methodology, the recovery error in the electromagnetic inverse problem solution is largely reduced in a relatively small computational time and memory storage.

Originality/value

– The proposed methodology is capable of not only improving the accuracy of the inverse problem solution, but also reducing the computational time as well as the memory storage. Furthermore, to the best of the authors knowledge, it is the first time to combine the adaptive Kriging-based model with the Bayesian approximation error approach for the stochastic modeling error reduction.
Approximate periodic solution for nonlinear jerk equation as a third-order nonlinear equation via modified differential transform method
Authors: Mirzabeigy Alborz , Yildirim Ahmet
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The nonlinear jerk equation is a third-order nonlinear equation that describes some physical phenomena and in general form is given by: x = J (x, x, x). The purpose of this paper is to employ the modified (MDTM) differential transform method (DTM) to obtain approximate periodic solutions of two cases of nonlinear jerk equation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is based on MDTM that is developed by combining DTM, Laplace transform and Padé approximant.

Findings

– Comparison of results obtained by MDTM with those obtained by numerical solutions indicates the excellent accuracy of solution.

Originality/value

– The MDTM is extended to determining approximate periodic solution of third-order nonlinear differential equations.
Adhesive properties of S.S to PU and PVC leathers
Authors: Jiang Shouxiang , Miao Dagang , Zhao Diandong
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interfacial nanostructures and the adhesions of the stainless steel (S.S) coating to the polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leathers.

Design/methodology/approach

– PU leather and PVC leather deposit S.S nano-films on the surface of PU and PVC leathers in this study. The interfacial nanostructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The experimental results revealed that the surface roughness of the substrates had extremely important influence on the morphology of nano-films. The adhesions of the S.S coating to the PU and PVC leathers were investigated by the peel-off test.

Findings

– The results showed that the adhesive performance of the S.S nano-films coating on PVC leather was better than that on the substrate of PU leather. Moreover, a weight loss of per peeling force calculating formulation is proposed to determine the bonding strength between the S.S films and the substrates.

Originality/value

– In this paper, influence of different substrates on surface morphology of S.S coating was studied by SEM and AFM. Moreover, the weight loss of per peeling force calculating formulation was used to discuss the bonding strength between the S.S coating and the substrates. The research methods presented in this paper are of innovation significance to a certain extent.
Car makers and upgrading: Renault in Romania
Authors: van Tuijl Erwin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Illustrated with the case of Renault-Dacia in Romania we aim to give insights in how and why foreign car makers contribute to upgrading. In addition, we analyse the spatial implications of this process for different parts of the value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– We divide the investments of Renault in Romania in different stages. In each stage we analyse in which functions the car maker invests, in which place, why, and which implications this has for upgrading. The empirical data stems from in-depth interviews with Renault managers, engineers and designers in Romania and in France and from further corporate information, including annual reports, press releases and web sites.

Findings

– We show that Renault contributes to all types of upgrading, starting with product and process upgrading in the first stages, while in later stages it also invests in functional upgrading. It does not only upgrade its own subsidiary, but also suppliers and knowledge institutes. Concerning the value chain, we see that Renault keeps the basic research and control functions in the home base, while it performs all other functions in Romania as well.

Practical implications

– Via the concept of upgrading analysed in various investments stages we provide managers insights in which parts of the value chain they should invest when entering a new market.

Originality/value

– Although the case Renault-Dacia is relatively well known as an example of a low cost strategy, this article analyses the investment strategy in different stages in time and takes into account various parts of the value chain and upgrading.
The more, the better?
Authors: Emma Christine Thylefors Ingela , Persson Olle
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to explore vertical and horizontal leadership and the relationship of the form of leadership to effectiveness in Swedish cross-professional health care teams.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaire data were collected from a sample of 47 teams and observation data from a sub-sample of 38 teams. Data on leadership were condensed to indices: directive and participative leadership (vertical leadership) and functional influence and self-regulation (horizontal leadership). Effectiveness was estimated using five measures: team climate, self-assessed effectiveness, teamwork organisation, assessments of results from a simulated case conference (case quality) and manager-rated effectiveness.

Findings

– Positive relationships were found between leadership and effectiveness with one exception: case quality was negatively associated with vertical leadership though positively to functional influence. When controlled for team climate the correlations between self-assessed effectiveness and leadership disappeared. However, it remained between vertical leadership and the assessment of teamwork organisation. The results suggest that hierarchical and horizontal/shared leadership are complementary forms.

Research limitations/implications

– The small number of teams together with the problem of causality in this cross-sectional study are the main limitations.

Practical implications

– One implication for practice is the need for clarification of how leadership and influence should be distributed from a contingency perspective.

Originality/value

– This study takes both horizontal and vertical leadership into account compared with previous studies often focusing on one facet. In addition, cross-professional health care teams with their special characteristics are underrepresented within research on team leadership.
Authentic leadership and psychological ownership: investigation of interrelations
Authors: Alok Kumar
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Authentic leadership and psychological ownership appear to be at somewhat similar stage of construct evolution. In the present study, the author asks two research questions: first, how authentic leadership relates to psychological ownership and second, how dyadic duration influences this relationship. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using correlational research design, the author collected cross-sectional data from 182 Indian professionals working in various organizations in India. The author used structural equation modeling to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

– The results showed that authentic leadership positively influenced organization-based promotive psychological ownership; however, it shared no relationship with preventive psychological ownership or territoriality. Relational transparency and self-awareness factorials of authentic leadership influenced belongingness and self-efficacy factorials of psychological ownership beyond what authentic leadership as the second-order factor could account for. Leader self-awareness negatively related to follower self-efficacy. Authentic leadership completely accounted for the effects of moral perspective and balanced processing factorials on psychological ownership. Dyadic duration was not found to have significant moderation effect.

Research limitations/implications

– Overall, the findings imply that authentic leadership may make followers dependent and allow less relational substitutability. Moral perspective may be more central to authentic leadership construct than self-awareness. Moreover, it may not be appropriate to consider territoriality as a part of psychological ownership construct.

Originality/value

– The author believes that it is the first study to investigate the factorial-level interrelations between authentic leadership and psychological ownership. It can help in advancing authentic leadership theory and refining psychological ownership construct.
Snack market on the playground: an ethnography of trade patterns of snacks among French children
Authors: Comoretto Géraldine
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This study investigates a particular food practice which takes place in the playground at school: the afternoon snack. During this special moment, children are free to share and swap their snacks, according to their affinities. The study aims to demonstrate how this food consumption is part of the process of children's socialization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper relies on an ethnographic study of children's behaviour during snack time. Two primary schools representing two different social backgrounds are compared. Pupils are aged from six to ten years. The systematic review of children's snacks during a three-month observation period in each school allowed the author to transform the qualitative observations into quantitative data.

Findings

– The trading of snacks between children gives rise to entire networks, strategies of exchange and sometimes even snacks theft. The food exchanges act as an indicator of social relationships between the kids. In this regard, snack time teaches us even more about children's behavior and socialization. There are two reasons for that, the first one is that the products consumed are chosen, either by the parents or the children themselves and has nothing to do with the lunch served by the school. The second one is that it is a particularly pleasant moment for them, as it is a time for sweet food shared with their peers.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a limited monograph of the snacking behaviour of 20 children with the highest attendance to afterschool study.

Originality/value

– The originality of that study is to focus on a space-time and a school food practice that are not often investigated by researchers.
Robustness of habitat‐based surrogates of animal diversity: a multitaxa comparison over time
Authors: Barton Philip S. , Westgate Martin J. , Lane Peter W. , MacGregor Christopher , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: May 2014

Many animal taxa respond strongly to spatial and temporal variation in vegetation structure and floristic composition, suggesting that changes in vegetation could be a cheap and readily observable surrogate for changes in animal assemblages. Yet there is considerable uncertainty about how different taxa respond to vegetation over time, potentially limiting the application of habitat‐based surrogates to many areas of applied ecology.

We examined the strength and temporal consistency of habitat‐based surrogates of three different vertebrate taxa in a landscape with multiple vegetation types. We used regression models to quantify the relationships between six vegetation attributes (species richness and percentage cover of overstorey, midstorey and understorey) and three measures of bird, mammal and reptile assemblages (abundance, species richness and composition).

We found that overstorey richness and cover had both consistent and strong positive effects on bird assemblages. Vegetation effects were generally weaker and more variable for mammals and reptiles compared with birds. Each taxon displayed different temporal dynamics following fire, with negative effects on birds and mammals, but positive short‐term effects on reptiles. Surprisingly, fire increased vegetation effects on birds, but did not consistently alter vegetation effects on mammals or reptiles, indicating a lack of concordant responses among taxa.

Synthesis and applications. Empirical testing of habitat‐based surrogates of multiple animal taxa is needed to identify reliable and consistent management proxies. Our study suggests that habitat‐based surrogates could be useful metrics for quantifying changes in bird assemblages through time and after fire, but that the same metrics could not be applied to mammal and reptile assemblages. The absence of both strong and consistent effects of vegetation attributes across the three groups of vertebrates suggests that taxon‐specific habitat surrogates may be required to detect changes over time and after disturbance within heterogeneous landscapes.
An Anatomy of the London Agent
Authors: Ludolph Patrick
Published: May 2014

This article considers the London agent through the careers of Gilbert Mabbott and, to a lesser extent, William Raylton. The London agent was a commonplace in early modern political culture, but the phenomenon is rarely addressed in the historiography. I argue for the importance of the agent to early modern English history in general, but I also consider Mabbott's situation in particular. Because of the civil wars, Mabbott was able to rise beyond his social station as a scrivener and freed himself from the bonds of the patron‐client relationship. This article seeks to define some of the roles played by agents in the early modern period by looking at Mabbott's and Raylton's work for their major employers: Thomas Wentworth, Hull, royalist delinquents and their children, various parliamentary armies, and Oliver Cromwell. It ends by looking at the wealth that Mabbott acquired through his work, both before and after the Restoration, as demonstrative of how an agent's power could yield impressive rewards when freed of social constraints.
Lord Falmouth and the Parallel Political Worlds of Ultra‐Toryism, 1826–32
Authors: Jaggard Edwin
Published: May 2014

The parallel political worlds of ultra‐toryism were those of Westminster and the provinces. Hoping to defend the protestant constitution from what they regarded as ruinous attacks, between 1826 and 1832 many ultra‐tories were unrelenting parliamentary opponents of constitutional change. However, far less is understood about their simultaneous involvement in the political world away from Westminster, apart from analysis of the duke of Newcastle's electoral activities and several county studies. This article examines the 1st earl of Falmouth's dogged ideological defence of the protestant constitution, as well as exposing his political pragmatism in Cornwall, thereby highlighting the lengths to which some ultras were prepared to go in pursuing their beliefs. Falmouth also exemplifies those ultras who, from March 1827 when Lord Liverpool resigned, became far more prominent in the struggle against ‘Revolution by due course of law’, beginning with their opposition to Canning becoming prime minister. Furthermore, a study of Falmouth's career between 1826 and 1832 at Westminster and in Cornwall, also highlights several of the ideological tensions within ultra‐toryism at this time.
Accommodation in the Painted Chamber for Conferences between the Lords and the Commons from 1600 to 1834
Authors: Jones Clyve
Published: May 2014

The Painted Chamber, adjacent to the old house of lords at Westminster, was the venue for conferences between the house of lords and house of commons designed to settle any disagreements between the two Houses. Information about the accommodation in the Painted Chamber and its furnishings is provided by a study of a plan by Sir Christopher Wren dated about 1703 and a painting by William Capon of 1799. This note discusses the layout of the accommodation in the early 17th century and how it changed after the Restoration in 1660 and again at the union with Ireland in 1801. It further considers how the furnishings dictated the use of the space by the managers of the conferences, and how the gentleman of the black rod regulated the use of the Painted Chamber by the public.
Infrequent chemoradiation‐induced acute esophagitis in the Asian population: A meta‐analysis of published clinical trials for unresectable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Komiya Takefumi , Palla Shana L. , Wang Feng , Perez Raymond P. , Huang Chao H.
Published: May 2014

Severe (grade 3 or higher) esophagitis is one of the major toxicities for chemoradiation in the treatment of stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The difference among ethnic groups has never been investigated in detail. Prospective trials with concurrent platinum‐containing chemoradiation in unresectable disease were investigated, and a total of 116 treatment arms with 7520 patients were identified. Univariate analysis demonstrated that treatment arms conducted in Asia had significantly lower incidence of severe esophagitis (170/2534, 6.7%, odds ratio 0.289) than in other nations (1025/4986, 20.6%). In the multivariable model, Asian/non‐Asian ethnicity, multi‐/single‐agent, and split are jointly significant predictors after adjusting for all possible factors. This study suggests that severe esophagitis occurs less frequently in the Asian population compared to the non‐Asian population.
Do Voters Respond to Party Manifestos or to a Wider Information Environment? An Analysis of Mass‐Elite Linkages on European Integration
Authors: Adams James , Ezrow Lawrence , Somer‐Topcu Zeynep
Published: May 2014

Recent studies analyze how citizens update their perceptions of parties’ left‐right positions in response to new political information. We extend this research to consider the issue of European integration, and we report theoretical and empirical analyses that citizens do not update their perceptions of parties’ positions in response to election manifestos, but that citizens’ perceptions of parties’ positions do track political experts’ perceptions of these positions, and, moreover, that it is party supporters who disproportionately perceive their preferred party's policy shifts. Given that experts plausibly consider a wide range of information, these findings imply that citizens weigh the wider informational environment when assessing parties’ positions. We also present evidence that citizens’ perceptions of party position shifts matter, in that they drive partisan sorting in the mass public.
EAACI position paper: irritant‐induced asthma
Authors: Vandenplas O. , Wiszniewska M. , Raulf M. , de Blay F. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Moscato G. , Nemery B. , Pala G. , Quirce S. , Sastre J. , Schlünssen V. , Sigsgaard T. , Siracusa A. , Tarlo S. M. , van Kampen V. , Zock J.‐P. , Walusiak‐Skorupa J.
Published: May 2014

The term irritant‐induced (occupational) asthma (IIA) has been used to denote various clinical forms of asthma related to irritant exposure at work. The causal relationship between irritant exposure(s) and the development of asthma can be substantiated by the temporal association between the onset of asthma symptoms and a single or multiple high‐level exposure(s) to irritants, whereas this relationship can only be inferred from epidemiological data for workers chronically exposed to moderate levels of irritants. Accordingly, the following clinical phenotypes should be distinguished within the wide spectrum of irritant‐related asthma: (i) definite IIA, that is acute‐onset IIA characterized by the rapid onset of asthma within a few hours after a single exposure to very high levels of irritant substances; (ii) probable IIA, that is asthma that develops in workers with multiple symptomatic high‐level exposures to irritants; and (iii) possible IIA, that is asthma occurring with a delayed‐onset after chronic exposure to moderate levels of irritants. This document prepared by a panel of experts summarizes our current knowledge on the diagnostic approach, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of the various phenotypes of IIA.
Hypersensitivity associated with sugammadex administration: a systematic review
Authors: Tsur A. , Kalansky A.
Published: May 2014

Sugammadex is a drug used to reverse neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium or vecuronium. It has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA due to concerns regarding hypersensitivity. The objective of this review was to identify similarities in the presentation of hypersensitivity reactions to sugammadex. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for cases reporting hypersensitivity reactions to sugammadex. In addition, we contacted regulatory agencies and the company marketing the drug for unpublished reports. Reports were included if they were in English, primary investigations, lacked an alternative probable explanation for the reaction and included a comprehensive description of the hypersensitivity. We identified 15 cases of hypersensitivity following sugammadex administration. All cases that reported exact timing (14/15) occurred in 4 min or less. Most of the patients (11/15; 73%) met World Anaphylaxis Organization criteria for anaphylaxis. Awareness must be raised for the possibility of drug‐induced hypersensitivity during the critical 5‐min period immediately following sugammadex administration.
Functional hyposplenism is an important and underdiagnosed immunodeficiency condition in children
Authors: Scheuerman O. , Bar‐Sever Z. , Hoffer V. , Gilad O. , Marcus N. , Garty B.Z.
Published: May 2014

Aim

Few studies have focused on paediatric hyposplenism/asplenism, in which splenic phagocytic activity is diminished or absent in an anatomically present spleen. This study aimed to evaluate clinical findings, laboratory tests and prognosis of children with functional hyposplenism/asplenism.

Methods

The study group comprised 74 children who had liver/spleen technetium‐99m sulphur colloid scintigraphy from 2002 to 2008. Information collected included demographic features, background diseases, blood smear findings, indications for scintigraphy and outcome. Children with functional hyposplenism were followed until 2012.

Results

We found that 34 patients had functional hyposplenism/asplenism. The main indications for scintigraphy in the hyposplenic patients were persistent thrombocytosis and recurrent infections. Associated conditions included immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, malignancies and genetic disorders. Main infections were sinopulmonary infections, bacteraemia and sepsis. The major pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza group A. There was no correlation between the presence of Howell‐Jolly bodies in blood smear with clinical disease severity or scintigraphic findings. Repeated scintigraphy showed spontaneous normalisation in 40% of patients.

Conclusion

Functional hyposplenism is an important and underdiagnosed immunodeficiency condition in children, associated with various clinical conditions including prolonged unexplained thrombocytosis, immune deficiency and autoimmunity. Technetium‐99m sulphur colloid scintigraphy is the method of choice for evaluating splenic function.
Comparison of four near‐infrared spectroscopy devices shows that they are only suitable for monitoring cerebral oxygenation trends in preterm infants
Authors: Schneider Anna , Minnich Bernd , Hofstätter Edda , Weisser Christof , Hattinger‐Jürgenssen Erna , Wald Martin
Published: May 2014

Aim

Measuring cerebral oxygenation using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has taken on an increasingly important role in the field of neonatology. Several companies have already developed commercial devices, and more publications are reporting absolute boundary values or percentiles for neonates. We compared four commercially used devices to discover whether they provided consistent results in the same patients.

Methods

We recruited nine preterm infants and tested them for 2 h, using sensors from two different devices. The measurements were carried out six times on each child, so that all four devices were compared with each other. A total of 54 measurements were conducted. The following devices were compared: the NIRO 200 (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K), the INVOS 5100c (Somanetics), the Fore‐Sight (CAS Med.) and the SenSmart X‐100 (NONIN).

Results

The cerebral tissue oxygenation data yielded by the individual devices differed significantly from each other, ranging from a minimum difference of 2.93% to a maximum difference of 12.66%.

Conclusion

The commercially available NIRS devices showed highly significant differences in local cerebral tissue oxygenation levels, to the extent that the industry cannot agree on uniform and reproducible standards. Therefore, NIRS should only be used for trend measurements in preterm infants.
Higher levels of antibodies to the tumour-associated antigen cyclin B1 in cancer-free individuals than in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Pandey J P , Kistner-Griffin E , Namboodiri A M , Iwasaki M , Kasuga Y , Hamada G S , Tsugane S
Published: May 2014

Cyclin B1 is a checkpoint protein that regulates cell division from G2 to the M phase. Studies in mice have shown that cyclin B1 vaccine-induced immunity significantly delayed or prevented the spontaneous cancer development later in life. We hypothesized that if these results showing a protective effect of anti-cyclin B1 antibodies could be extrapolated to the human condition, cancer-free individuals should have higher levels of endogenous antibodies than patients with cancers characterized by the over-expression of this tumour-associated antigen. To test this hypothesis, we characterized a large (1739 subjects) number of multi-ethnic patients with breast cancer (which over-expresses cyclin B1) and matched controls for anti-cyclin B1 immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies. Multivariate analyses, after adjusting for the covariates, showed that cancer-free individuals had significantly higher levels of naturally occurring IgG antibodies to cyclin B1 than patients with breast cancer (mean ± standard deviation: 148·0 ± 73·6 versus 126·1 ± 67·8 arbitrary units per ml; P < 0·0001). These findings may have important implications for cyclin B1-based immunotherapy against breast cancer and many other cyclin B1-over-expressing malignancies.
In-uteroinfection with HIV-1 associated with suppressed lymphoproliferative responses at birth
Authors: Lohman-Payne B , Sandifer T , OhAinle M , Crudder C , Lynch J , Omenda M M , Maroa J , Fowke K , John-Stewart G C , Farquhar C
Published: May 2014

In-utero exposure to HIV-1 may affect the immune system of the developing child and may induce HIV-1-specific immune responses, even in the absence of HIV-1 infection. We evaluated lymphoproliferative capacity at birth among 40 HIV-1-uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers and 10 infants who had acquired HIV-1 in utero. Cord blood mononuclear cells were assayed using [3H]-thymidine incorporation for proliferation in response to HIV-1 p55-gag and the control stimuli phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) and allogeneic cells. In response to HIV-1 p55-gag, eight (20%) HIV-1-exposed, uninfected (EU) infants had a stimulation index (SI) ≥ 2 and three (30%) in-utero HIV-1 infected infants had SI ≥2. The frequency and magnitude of responses to HIV-1 p55-gag were low overall, and did not differ statistically between groups. However, proliferative responses to control stimuli were significantly higher in EU infants than in infants infected in utero, with a median SI in response to PHA of 123 [interquartile range (IQR) 77–231] versus 18 (IQR 4–86) between EU and infected infants, respectively (P < 0·001). Among infected infants, gestational maturity was associated with the strength of HIV-1 p55-gag response (P < 0·001); neither maternal nor infant HIV-1 viral load was associated. In summary, EU and HIV-1-infected infants mounted HIV-1-specific lymphoproliferative responses at similar rates (20–30%), and although global immune function was preserved among EU infants, neonatal immune responses were significantly compromised by HIV-1 infection. Such early lymphoproliferative compromise may, in part, explain rapid progression to AIDS and death among HIV-1-infected infants.
Early inhibition of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in muscle tissue as a therapy for dystrophinopathy in mdx mice
Authors: Arahata Hajime , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Iinuma Kyoko M. , Tanaka Masahito , Tateishi Takahisa , Yamasaki Ryo , Matsushita Takuya , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: May 2014

Objective

Pro‐inflammatory cytokines can exacerbate muscle fiber damage in dystrophinopathy. The aim of the present study was to identify cytokine/chemokine alterations in the muscle tissues of mdx mice, a model of dystrophinopathy, and the beneficial effects of anti‐proinflammatory cytokine therapy.

Methods

A total of 23 cytokines and chemokines were quantitatively measured in muscle tissues from mdx mice by fluorescent bead‐based immunoassay. The mdx mice were treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and anti‐interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) drugs, and their physical condition was evaluated by Rotarod and muscle damage by histopathological analysis.

Results

Levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were elevated at 14 days (P14), before a transient increase of macrophage and neutrophil‐activating pro‐inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, such as C‐C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL4 and KC (mouse C‐X‐C motif ligand 8 homolog), at P20. Administration of an anti‐TNF‐α drug (etanercept) and an anti‐IL‐6 receptor antibody (MR16‐1) from P7 improved physical performance, and reduced both the area of basophilic fibers that indicated degenerating/regenerating fibers and CD68‐positive macrophage infiltration. Initiating therapy at P7 inhibited the elevation of CCL2, CCL4 and KC more effectively than at P13.

Conclusions

The early administration of anti‐TNF‐α and anti‐IL‐6 drugs attenuated muscle fiber degeneration in a mouse model of dystrophinopathy.
Hybrid procedure for Poland syndrome associated with a Gerbode‐type defect
Authors: Gan Changping , Hu Jia , Luo Shuhua , An Qi , Lin Ke
Published: May 2014

Poland syndrome and Gerbode‐type defect are both very rare congenital malformations. A combination of them is extremely uncommon and no literature has reported this before. We herein present a case of this combination in a 9‐year‐old boy. Besides the reconstruction of the chest wall, a device closure of the Gerbode‐type defect was also planned due to the risk of infective endocarditis. In order to minimize the injury, an innovative hybrid therapeutic strategy was chosen to treat two anomalies simultaneously in one incision.
Utility of finger maze test for learning and memory abilities in infants of cynomolgus monkeys exposed to thiamazole
Authors: Inoue Ayumi , Arima Akihiro , Kato Hirohito , Ebihara Shizufumi
Published: May 2014

A new type of learning and memory test using a finger maze was conducted in infant cynomolgus monkeys that were exposed to thiamazole (2 and 3.5 mg/kg per day to pregnant animals orally) during the fetal period (gestational days 120 to 150). We modified Tsuchida's original finger maze test method by reducing the number of trials per day and simplifying the criteria for achievement of training, and we added a long‐term memory test. In the memory test, thiamazole‐exposed infants required greater time to complete the finger maze test than the control infants although no effect was noted in the training or learning test. The results suggest that an impaired long‐term memory could be detected by our modified finger maze test.
The Clinical Outcomes of Immediate Versus Delayed Restoration Procedures on Immediate Implants: A Comparative Cohort Study for Single‐Tooth Replacement
Authors: Barone Antonio , Toti Paolo , Quaranta Alessandro , Derchi Giacomo , Covani Ugo
Published: May 2014

Background

Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets is generally considered a reliable procedure that offers several clinical advantages.

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the overall clinical outcomes of immediate and delayed restoration procedures for implants placed in fresh extraction sockets by means of a flapless technique and resorbable membrane stabilizing a xenograft. Total costs and operating times were also compared.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective cohort study, changes of marginal bone level, facial soft tissue (ΔFST), and width of keratinized gingiva (ΔWKG), in addition to the papilla index, underwent a pairwise comparison; correlations with pristine buccal bone thickness were also investigated.

Results

Although similar results were recorded for the two procedures, with a bone loss of −1.0 ± 0.5 mm and −0.9 ± 0.7 mm, respectively, for immediate and delayed restoration, negative remodeling in the delayed restoration procedure was seen to occur from 4 to 12 months after implant placement. No significant differences were recorded between the two procedures in terms of ΔFST and ΔWKG. A loss of the papillary soft tissues before restoration, followed by a reestablishment after restoration, seemed to be verified for the delayed group, for which the papilla index went from the minimum of 0 at 4 months to a value of 2 at 24 months. Moreover, the immediate restoration procedure seemed to be more promising in terms of healing times and costs.

Conclusion

Immediate restoration of implants installed in fresh extraction sockets was at least as effective and safe as delayed restoration.
Implant‐Supported Single Crowns Replacing Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A 5‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Branzén Marie , Eliasson Alf , Arnrup Kristina , Bazargani Farhan
Published: May 2014

Background

Knowledge of the long‐term survival of single implants in cases of congenitally missing lateral incisors in the maxilla is limited.

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the 5‐year survival of implants and implant‐supported crowns (ISCs) and to assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes from the professional and patient perspectives.

Materials and Methods

From a total of 46 patients with congenitally missing upper lateral incisors, 36 patients treated with 54 Brånemark® (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) implants and ISCs participated in the study. A clinical examination, California Dental Association (CDA) evaluation, and patient questionnaire were used to rate and compare the objective and subjective evaluations of the ISCs.

Results

The survival of implants and ISCs was 100%. The CDA ratings were satisfactory for all ISCs, with 70% being rated excellent. The patient rating was also high for the overall satisfaction item, with 21 being completely satisfied and 14 fairly satisfied. However, 12 patients wished for the replacement of their ISCs. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a less optimal embrasure fill was the most discriminating factor though not statistically significant (p = .082).

Conclusions

One‐third of the patients wished for the replacement of their ISCs. Soft tissue adaptation seems to be an important factor for overall satisfaction.
Positive relationship – intensity of response to p‐phenylenediamine on patch testing and cross‐reactions with related allergens
Authors: Thomas Bjorn R. , White Ian R. , McFadden John P. , Banerjee Piu
Published: May 2014

Background

Hair dye exposure is the most common cause of sensitization to p‐phenylenediamine (PPD). Cross‐reactions with structurally related allergens occur.

Objectives

It is suggested that a stronger patch test reaction (3+ rather than 1+) to PPD (usually tested as 1% petrolatum) is associated with an increased propensity for cross‐reactions. In this article we will demonstrate this association.

Methods

Of 230 patients with allergic reactions to PPD on patch testing identified during 2007–2012 from clinical records, notes for 221 were available for review. Data were collected regarding age, sex, and grade of reaction [International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria] to PPD. Cross‐reactions with the following allergens, found in our baseline series, were recorded: Disperse Yellow 3, N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (IPPD), and caine mix. Having excluded 23 doubtful reactions, the reactions from 198 patients were further considered.

Results

Of the patients, 75.3% (n = 149) were female, and the mean age was 48.6 years (12–82 years). Of the patients allergic to PPD, 16.6% (n = 33) showed cross‐reactions with one or more related allergens. Cross‐reactions were seen in 16% with a grade of 1+, 14.5% with a grade of 2+, 28.6% with a grade of 3+ when PPD was tested 1% pet., and 50.0% when PPD was tested at 0.1–0.001%, arbitrarily considered to be 4+ (p = 0.02; Cramér's V = 0.23).

Conclusion

An increasing likelihood of reactions to Disperse Yellow 3, IPPD or caine mix was seen with increasing strength of patch test reaction to PPD. The clinical relevance of these cross‐reactions is unclear.
Topoclimate versus macroclimate: how does climate mapping methodology affect species distribution models and climate change projections?
Authors: Slavich Eve , Warton David I. , Ashcroft Michael B. , Gollan John R. , Ramp Daniel
Published: May 2014

Aim

We analyse how and why ‘topoclimate’ mapping methodologies improve on macroclimatic variables in modelling the distribution of biodiversity. Further, we consider the implications for climate change projections.

Location

Greater Hunter Valley region (c. 60,000 km2), New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

We fitted generalised linear models to 295 species of grasses and ferns at fine resolutions (< 50 m2) using (a) macroclimatic variables, interpolated from weather station data using altitude and location only, (b) topoclimatic variables, interpolated from field measurements using additional climate‐forcing factors such as topography and canopy cover, and (c) both topoclimatic and macroclimatic variables. We conducted community‐level analyses and examined the reasons for differences through single‐species analyses. We projected species distributions under 0–3° warming, comparing biodiversity loss predicted by topoclimate and macroclimate variables.

Results

At the community level, the topoclimatic variables explained significant variation (p < 0.002) in the distribution of both ferns and grasses not explained by macroclimatic variables, resulting in increases of 0.036–0.061 in the pseudo R‐squared. Topoclimate performed better (as determined by AIC) than macroclimate for grass species living in cold extremes under topoclimate and most fern species. Models using topoclimatic temperature variables projected different locations of biodiversity loss/retention and in general projected substantially fewer species becoming critically endangered in the study region than models using macroclimatic temperature variables – in one scenario, topoclimate projected 10% of species becoming critically endangered where macroclimate projected 28%.

Main Conclusions

How climate variables are constructed has a significant effect on species distribution models and any subsequent climate change predictions. Misleading conclusions may result from models based on fine‐resolution climate data if climate‐forcing factors such as cold air drainage, topography and habitat have not been addressed in the climate mapping methodology.
A pilot phase I dose finding safety study of the thrombopoietin‐receptor agonist, eltrombopag, in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome treated with azacitidine
Authors: Svensson Tobias , Chowdhury Onima , Garelius Hege , Lorenz Fryderyk , Saft Leonie , Jacobsen Sten‐Eirik , Hellström‐Lindberg Eva , Cherif Honar
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Thrombocytopenia is an independent adverse prognostic factor in patients with Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Azacitidine, first‐line treatment for the majority of patients with higher‐risk MDS, is associated with aggravated thrombocytopenia during the first cycles. Eltrombopag is a novel thrombopoietin receptor agonist, which also has been shown to inhibit proliferation of leukaemia cell lines in vitro. This phase I clinical trial was designed to explore the safety and tolerability of combining eltrombopag with azacitidine in patients with MDS. In addition, we assessed the potential effects of eltrombopag on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from included patients.

Patients and methods

Previously untreated patients with MDS eligible for treatment with azacitidine and with a platelet count <75 × 109/L were included. Patients received eltrombopag in dose escalation cohorts during three cycles of azacitidine.

Results

Twelve patients, with a median age of 74 yr, were included. Severe adverse events included infectious complications, deep vein thrombosis and transient ischaemic attack. The maximal tolerated eltrombopag dose was 200 mg qd. Complete remission or bone marrow remission was achieved in 4 of 12 patients. Platelet counts improved or remained stable in 9 of 12 patients despite azacitidine treatment. No increase in blast count, disease progression, or bone marrow fibrosis related to study medication was reported. Eltrombopag did not induce cycling of HSPCs.

Conclusion

The combination of eltrombopag with azacitidine in high‐risk MDS patients is feasible and well tolerated. Improvements in platelet counts and the potential antileukaemic effect of eltrombopag should be explored in a randomised study.
Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab as first‐line treatment in patients with newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma
Authors: De la Cruz Vicente Fátima , Carrillo‐Cruz Estrella , Rodriguez Maria Sole , Marín Niebla Ana , Galiana Maria Luz Martino , Gonzalez Jose Falantes , Cuadrado Isabel Montero , Campos Jose Gonzalez , Tocino Ildefonso Espigado , Rios‐Herranz Eduardo , Perez‐Simón Jose Antonio
Published: May 2014

Fludarabine‐based regimens are highly effective as first‐line therapy in patients with follicular lymphoma. Nevertheless, noticeable haematological toxicity has been reported using fludarabine‐based regimens.

Aim

To analyse the combination of low‐dose oral fludarabine and cyclophosphamide plus rituximab (FCR) as induction therapy, followed by rituximab as maintenance therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 73 patients diagnosed with low‐grade follicular lymphoma treated with two different schemes: attenuated oral (AO) and standard intravenous (SIV) FCR.

Results

Overall response rate (ORR) was 95% (complete response rate, CRR 79.5%, partial response, PR 15.4%). CRR was 84.6% in AO vs. 61.9% in SIV (P = 0.058). 44.4% of patients underwent maintenance therapy. Grade 3–4 toxicities included neutropenia: 65.4%; anaemia: 39.7%; thrombocytopenia: five patients; infectious complications: six patients. There were no treatment‐related deaths. 6.8% had a secondary malignancy. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was 84.6% at 12 yr. The following variables influenced PFS in multivariate analysis: Hb < 12 g/dL [HR 4.7 (95% CI 1.18–18.6)], response after induction [HR 4.9 (95% CI 1.01–24)] for PR vs. CR and [HR 21.27 (95% CI 4.33–104)] for SD/DP vs. CR. OS was 83.1% at 12 yr. The following variables significantly influenced OS in multivariate analysis: not receiving rituximab as maintenance therapy (HR 10.7 (95% CI 1.4–82.5), increased levels of β2‐microglobulin [HR 5.2 (95% CI 1.16–23.7)].

Conclusions

FCR allowed us to obtain a high response rate, which translated into promising progression free and overall survival with an acceptable and manageable toxicity profile, especially with the attenuated oral scheme.