bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating to Learn: Infants’ Pointing Gestures Result in Optimal Learning
Authors: Lucca Kelsey , Wilbourn Makeba Parramore
Published: December 2016

Infants’ pointing gestures are a critical predictor of early vocabulary size. However, it remains unknown precisely how pointing relates to word learning. The current study addressed this question in a sample of 108 infants, testing one mechanism by which infants’ pointing may influence their learning. In Study 1, 18‐month‐olds, but not 12‐month‐olds, more readily mapped labels to objects if they had first pointed toward those objects than if they had referenced those objects via other communicative behaviors, such as reaching or gaze alternations. In Study 2, when an experimenter labeled a not pointed‐to‐object, 18‐month‐olds’ pointing was no longer related to enhanced fast mapping. These findings suggest that infants’ pointing gestures reflect a readiness and, potentially, a desire to learn.
The Evolution of Interaction Shape in Differential Susceptibility
Authors: Del Giudice Marco
Published: December 2016

Expectations about the shape of statistical interactions play a crucial role in the study of differential susceptibility and other types of person–environment interplay. These expectations shape methodological guidelines and inform the interpretation of empirical findings; however, their logic has never been explicitly examined. This study is the first systematic exploration of the evolution of interaction shape in differential susceptibility. The model introduced here yields a number of novel insights; for example, interactions in differential susceptibility should usually be asymmetric and likely to be biased toward the prototypical shape of diathesis–stress models. This article also presents an exploratory analysis of interaction shape in recent empirical studies and ends with a discussion of the theoretical and methodological implications of the present findings.
High endothelial venules associated with T cell subsets in the inflamed gut of newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Horjus Talabur Horje C S , Smids C , Meijer J W R , Groenen M J , Rijnders M K , van Lochem E G , Wahab P J
Published: December 2016

Naive and central memory T lymphocytes (TN and TCM) can infiltrate the inflamed gut mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Homing of these subsets to the gut might be explained by ectopic formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs), containing high endothelial venules (HEVs). We aimed to evaluate the presence of HEVs and TLOs in inflamed intestinal mucosa of newly diagnosed, untreated IBD patients in relation to the presence of TN and TCM lymphocytes. IBD patients (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 8) were included prospectively. Biopsy samples of inflamed and normal intestine, respectively, were analysed by immunohistochemistry for lymphocytes (CD3/CD20), blood vessels (CD31) and peripheral lymph node addressin (PNAd) expression (MECA-79). TN and TCM lymphocyte subsets were identified by flow cytometric immunophenotyping. A higher number of HEVs was found in the inflamed colon of patients with ulcerative colitis [median 3·05 HEV/mm2; interquartile range (IQR) = 0–6·39] and ileum of Crohn's disease patients (1·40; 0-4·34) compared to healthy controls (both 0; P = 0·033). A high density of colonic HEVs (HEVhigh) was associated with increased infiltration of TN and TCM in the inflamed gut (median 87%; IQR = 82–93% of T cell population), compared to HEVlow patients (58%; 38–81%; P = 0·003). The number of colonic follicles was higher in HEVhigh patients (median 0·54/mm2; IQR 0·28–0·84) compared to HEVlow patients (0·25/mm2; 0·08–0·45; P = 0·031) and controls (0·31/mm2; 0·23–0·45; P = 0·043). Increased homing of TN and TCM lymphocytes to inflamed gut tissue in IBD patients might be facilitated by ectopic formation of extrafollicular HEVs and TLOs in a subgroup of patients.
Thrombospondin-derived peptide attenuates Sjögren's syndrome-associated ocular surface inflammation in mice
Authors: Contreras Ruiz L , Mir F A , Turpie B , Masli S
Published: December 2016

Sjögren's syndrome is the second most common rheumatic disease in which autoimmune response targets exocrine glands (salivary and lacrimal glands) result in clinical symptoms of dry mouth and dry eye. Inflammation of the lacrimal gland induces tear abnormalities that contribute to the inflammation of the ocular surface, which includes ocular mucosa. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) plays a critical regulatory role in the ocular mucosa and as such TSP-1–/– mice develop spontaneously chronic ocular surface inflammation associated with Sjögren's syndrome. The autoimmune pathology is also accompanied by a peripheral imbalance in regulatory (Treg) and inflammatory Th17 effectors. In this study, we demonstrate an in-vitro effect of a CD47-binding TSP-derived peptide in the induction of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-secreting forkhead box protein 2 (Foxp3+) Tregs from activated CD4+CD25– T cells and the inhibition of pathogenic T helper type 17 (Th17)-promoting interleukin (IL)-23 derived from antigen-presenting cells. The in-vivo administration of this peptide promotes Foxp3+ Treg induction and inhibition of Th17 development. Consistent with these results, topical administration of CD47-binding TSP peptide, both before and after the onset of the disease, attenuates clinical symptoms of SS-associated dry eye in TSP-1–/– mice. Augmented expression of Foxp3 detected in the draining lymph nodes of TSP peptide -treated mice compared to those treated with control peptide suggests the ability of TSP peptide to restore peripheral immune imbalance. Thus, our results suggest that TSP-derived peptide attenuates Sjögren's syndrome-associated dry eye and autoimmune inflammation by preventing Th17 development while promoting the induction of Tregs. Collectively, our data identify TSP-derived peptide as a novel therapeutic option to treat autoimmune diseases.
Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 16 [upd(16)mat]: clinical features are rather caused by (hidden) trisomy 16 mosaicism than by upd(16)mat itself
Authors: Scheuvens R. , Begemann M. , Soellner L. , Meschede D. , Raabe‐Meyer G. , Elbracht M. , Schubert R. , Eggermann T.
Published: December 2016

Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 16 [upd(16)mat] as the result of trisomy 16 is one of the most frequently reported uniparental disomies in humans, but a consistent phenotype is not obvious. Particularly, it is difficult to discriminate between features resulting from upd(16)mat and mosaic trisomy 16. By evaluating literature data (n = 74) and three own cases we aimed to determine whether the clinical features are due to upd(16)mat or to trisomy 16 mosaicism. While in single cases the clinical symptoms were caused by homozygosity of autosomal recessive mutations on chromosome 16, it turned out that clinical features in upd(16)mat are caused by (hidden) trisomy 16 mosaicism and a specific chromosome 16‐associated imprinting disorder does not exist. In trisomy 16/upd(16)mat pregnancies, the management should be based on the ultrasound results and on the clinical course of the pregnancy. In fact, mosaic trisomy 16 pregnancies require a close monitoring because of the higher risk for hypertensive disorders. Postnatal testing for upd(16)mat should be considered in case of homozygosity for an autosomal‐recessive mutation, in individuals carrying chromosome 16 aberrations and in phenotypes comprising features of the trisomy 16/upd(16)mat spectrum. Finally, upd(16)mat probably represents a bioindicator for a hidden trisomy 16 mosaicism.
Clinical outcome of salvage neck dissections in head and neck cancer in relation to initial treatment, extent of surgery and patient factors
Authors: van den Bovenkamp K. , Noordhuis M.G. , Oosting S.F. , van der Laan B.F.A.M. , Roodenburg J.L. , Bijl H.P. , Halmos G.B. , Plaat B.E.C.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Salvage surgery has a higher complication rate compared to primary surgical treatment. We evaluated clinical outcome of salvage neck dissections in relation to initial treatment modality, extent of surgery and patient‐related factors.

Design

Single institution consecutive case series.

Setting

Tertiary Head and Neck Cancer Centre.

Participants

In all, 87 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, who underwent salvage neck dissection after initial radiotherapy (n = 30), radiotherapy with carboplatin/5‐fluorouracil (n = 43) or radiotherapy with cetuximab (n = 14).

Main outcome measures

Incidence of complications, disease‐specific survival.

Results

Complications occurred in 28% of the patients. Multivariate analysis identified extent of neck dissection as the only independent predictor of surgical complications (P = 0.010). Surgical complication rate was 16% after radiotherapy with systemic treatment, and 47% after radiotherapy alone (P = 0.171). The 5‐year disease‐specific survival was 55%, independent of complications, initial treatment, extent of surgery and patient‐related factors.

Conclusion

The only predictor for surgical complications was extent of surgery. Survival was not influenced by complications.
The epidemic of methylisothiazolinone: a European prospective study
Authors: Schwensen Jakob F. , Uter Wolfgang , Bruze Magnus , Svedman Cecilia , Goossens An , Wilkinson Mark , Giménez Arnau Ana , Gonçalo Margarida , Andersen Klaus E. , Paulsen Evy , Agner Tove , Foti Caterina , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , McFadden John , White Ian , Johansen Jeanne D. ,   on behalf of the European Environmental Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Published: December 2016

Background

The use of methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetic products has caused an unprecedented epidemic of MI contact allergy. Current data concerning exposures at a European level are required.

Objectives

To describe demographics and MI exposures for European patients with MI contact allergy.

Methods

Eleven European dermatology departments from eight European countries prospectively collected data between 1 May and 31 October 2015 among consecutive patients who had positive patch test reactions to MI (2000 ppm aq.).

Results

A total of 6.0% (205/3434; range 2.6–13.0%) of patients had positive patch test reactions to MI. Dermatitis most frequently affected the hands (43.4%), face (32.7%), arms (14.6%), and eyelids (11.7%); 12.7% had widespread dermatitis. For 72.7% (149/205), MI contact allergy was currently relevant mainly because of exposure to cosmetic products (83.2%; 124/149). Of these 124 patients, 19.5% were exposed to leave‐on and rinse‐off cosmetic products, 24.8% only to leave‐on cosmetic products and 38.9% only to rinse‐off cosmetic products containing MI or methylchloroisothiazolinone/MI. The majority of these (79%) noted onset of their dermatitis between 2013 and 2015. Fifteen patients (7.3%) had previously experienced allergic reactions when they were in newly painted rooms.

Conclusion

Clinically relevant MI contact allergy remains prevalent across European countries, mainly because of exposure to rinse‐off and leave‐on cosmetic products.
Patch testing with rubber series inEurope: a critical review and recommendation
Authors: Warburton Katharine L. , Uter Wolfgang , Geier Johannes , Spiewak Radoslaw , Mahler Vera , Crépy Marie‐Noëlle , Schuttelaar Marie Louise , Bauer Andrea , Wilkinson Mark
Published: December 2016

Background

Rubber additives constitute an important group of contact allergens, particularly in certain occupations.

Objectives

To collect information regarding the current practice of using a ‘rubber series’ inEurope, and discuss this against the background of evidence concerning the prevalence of allergy in order to derive a recommendation for a ‘European rubber series’.

Methods

The following were performed: (i) a survey targeting all members of theCOSTaction ‘StanDerm’ consortium, (ii) analysis of rubber contact allergy data in the database of theEuropeanSurveillanceSystem onContactAllergies, and (iii) a literature review.

Results

Information from 13 countries was available, from one or several departments of dermatology, and occasionally occupational health. Apart from some substances tested only in single departments, a broad overlap regarding important allergens was evident, but considerable variation existed between departments.

Conclusions

An up‐to‐date ‘European rubber series’ is recommended, with the exclusion of substances only of historical concern. A ‘supplementary rubber series’ containing allergens of less proven importance, requiring further analysis, is recommended for departments specializing in occupational contact allergy. These should be continually updated as new evidence emerges.
Relevance and Reason Relations
Authors: Skovgaard‐Olsen Niels , Singmann Henrik , Klauer Karl Christoph
Published: December 2016

This paper examines precursors and consequents of perceived relevance of a proposition A for a proposition C. In Experiment 1, we test Spohn's (2012) assumption that ∆P = P(C|A) − P(C|~A) is a good predictor of ratings of perceived relevance and reason relations, and we examine whether it is a better predictor than the difference measure (P(C|A) − P(C)). In Experiment 2, we examine the effects of relevance on probabilistic coherence in Cruz, Baratgin, Oaksford, and Over's (2015) uncertain “and‐to‐if” inferences. The results suggest that ∆P predicts perceived relevance and reason relations better than the difference measure and that participants are either less probabilistically coherent in “and‐to‐if” inferences than initially assumed or that they do not follow P(if A, then C) = P(C|A) (“the Equation”). Results are discussed in light of recent results suggesting that the Equation may not hold under conditions of irrelevance or negative relevance.
Evolutionary Constraints on Human Object Perception
Authors: Koopman Sarah E. , Mahon Bradford Z. , Cantlon Jessica F.
Published: December 2016

Language and culture endow humans with access to conceptual information that far exceeds any which could be accessed by a non‐human animal. Yet, it is possible that, even without language or specific experiences, non‐human animals represent and infer some aspects of similarity relations between objects in the same way as humans. Here, we show that monkeys’ discrimination sensitivity when identifying images of animals is predicted by established measures of semantic similarity derived from human conceptual judgments. We used metrics from computer vision and computational neuroscience to show that monkeys’ and humans’ performance cannot be explained by low‐level visual similarity alone. The results demonstrate that at least some of the underlying structure of object representations in humans is shared with non‐human primates, at an abstract level that extends beyond low‐level visual similarity. Because the monkeys had no experience with the objects we tested, the results suggest that monkeys and humans share a primitive representation of object similarity that is independent of formal knowledge and cultural experience, and likely derived from common evolutionary constraints on object representation.
Fuzzy Models to Inform Social and Environmental Indicator Selection for Conservation Impact Monitoring
Authors: Game Edward T. , Bremer Leah L. , Calvache Alejandro , Moreno Pedro H. , Vargas Amalia , Rivera Baudelino , Rodriguez Lina M.
Published: December 2016

Conservation projects increasingly aim to deliver both environmental and social benefits. To monitor the success of these projects, it is important to pick indicators for which there is a reasonable expectation of change as a result of the project, and which resonate with project stakeholders. Results chains are widely used in conservation to describe the hypothesized pathways of causal linkages between conservation interventions and desired outcomes. We illustrate how, with limited additional information, results chains can be turned into fuzzy models of social‐ecological systems, and how these models can be used to explore the predicted social and environmental impacts of conservation actions. These predictions can then be compared with the interests of stakeholders in order to identify good indicators of project success. We illustrate this approach by using it to select indicators for a water fund, an increasingly popular and multiobjective conservation strategy.
Effects of rest intervals and training loads on metabolic stress and muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Fink Julius , Kikuchi Naoki , Nakazato Koichi
Published: December 2016

We investigated the effects of volume‐matched resistance training (RT) with different training loads and rest intervals on acute responses and long‐term muscle and strength gains. Ten subjects trained with short rest (30 s) combined with low load (20 RM) (SL) and ten subjects performed the same protocol with long rest (3 min) and high load (8 RM) (LH). Cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the upper arm was measured by magnetic resonance imaging before and after 8 weeks of training. Acute stress markers such as growth hormone (GH) and muscle thickness (MT) changes have been assessed pre and post a single RT session. Only the SL group demonstrated significant increases in GH (7704·20 ± 11833·49%, P<0·05) and MT (35·2 ± 16·9%, P<0·05) immediately after training. After 8 weeks, the arm CSA s in both groups significantly increased [SL: 9·93 ± 4·86% (P<0·001), LH: 4·73 ± 3·01% (P<0·05)]. No significant correlation between acute GH elevations and CSA increases could be observed. We conclude that short rest combined with low‐load training might induce a high amount of metabolic stress ultimately leading to improved muscle hypertrophy while long rest with high‐load training might lead to superior strength increases. Acute GH increases seem not to be directly correlated with muscle hypertrophy.
Inventory‐Related Compensation in Decentralized Organizations
Authors: Schöndube‐Pirchegger Barbara , Voigt Guido
Published: December 2016

We consider a principal agent problem in a decentralized organization. The agent holds private precontracting information with respect to an uncertain demand in a single period setting. Being head of a profit center, his only task is to determine the optimal order quantity. We show that using a profit share as the only performance measure to incentivize the agent creates agency costs. In fact, offering a menu of profit‐sharing contracts to the agent to pick from, requires rent payments to motivate the agent to always choose the desired contract. This result still holds if a fixed payment is added. Using an inventory‐related component as a third measure, however, allows one to solve the agency problem and to achieve first best outcomes. Precisely, each contract needs to specify a bonus or a penalty conditioned on the inventory level at the end of the selling season combined with a profit share and a fixed pay. The paper not only demonstrates that first best can be achieved in the described setting, it also provides a theoretical explanation for the observed practice of using inventory‐related compensation elements, such as service‐level agreements, in organizations.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong , Teoh Anthony Y.B.
Published: December 2016

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided drainage is now firmly established as the best option for drainage of walled‐off pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). It has high clinical efficacy, similar to surgical and percutaneous approaches, but with lower morbidity and costs. It is superior to non‐EUS‐guided approaches because even collections without endoluminal bulging can be successfully drained. Transmural drainage alone is sufficient for pseudocysts, but in the context of walled‐off pancreatic necrosis (WON), adjunctive direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) may be required. Traditionally, double pigtail plastic stents (PS) were used for transmural drainage, but, recently, fully covered self‐expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) customized for PFC drainage have become available and are increasingly used, especially in the management of WON, because the larger‐diameter stent facilitates drainage and insertion of an endoscope into the WON cavity for DEN. The present review will discuss the evidence for EUS‐guided drainage and DEN, the technical problems involved, and the roles of PS and FCSEMS in PFC drainage.
The Health, Functioning and Wellbeing Summary Traffic Light Communication Tool: a survey of families’ views
Authors: Ireland Peter , Horridge Karen A
Published: December 2016

Aim

To ascertain families’ views about the utility of the Health, Functioning and Wellbeing Summary (HFWS) in positively supporting communication in clinics.

Method

The HFWS was co‐developed with families and members of the multidisciplinary team. A sequential convenience sample of 60 families who attended clinics in Sunderland, UK in 2015 agreed to participate and answered eight questions about their views on the tool's usefulness. Data were recorded and analysed in Microsoft Excel.

Results

All families agreed that they had been able to discuss everything they had wanted to discuss with the doctor. All of the serious concerns that they had recorded on the HFWS had been addressed in the consultation. Most (58 out of 60; 97%) reported that the tool was easy to understand and complete, and 57 out of 60 (95%) reported that it helped them to gather their thoughts about what they wanted to discuss. Consultations that used the tool were thought to better address the needs of 49 out of 60 families (87.1%), than those in which it was not used.

Interpretation

The HFWS was acceptable to most families surveyed, improved communication from their perspective, and ensured that the issues that mattered most to them were addressed in medical consultations. The tool has been translated into a number of other languages. Its acceptability and utility in other settings requires further study.
Effects on α‐ and β‐cell function of sequentially adding empagliflozin and linagliptin to therapy in people with type 2 diabetes previously receiving metformin: An exploratory mechanistic study
Authors: Forst Thomas , Falk Alexander , Andersen Grit , Fischer Annelie , Weber Matthias M. , Voswinkel Stephan , Heise Tim , Kapitza Christoph , Plum‐Mörschel Leona
Published: December 2016

Aims

To investigate the effect of sequential treatment escalation with empagliflozin and linagliptin on laboratory markers of α‐ and β‐cell function in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) insufficiently controlled on metformin monotherapy.

Research design and methods

A total of 44 people with T2DM received 25 mg empagliflozin for a duration of 1 month in an open‐label fashion (treatment period 1 [TP1]). Thereafter, they were randomized to a double‐blind add‐on therapy with linagliptin 5 mg or placebo (treatment period 2 [TP2]) for 1 additional month. α‐ and β‐cell function was assessed using a standardized liquid meal test and an intravenous (i.v.) glucose challenge. Efficacy measures comprised the areas under the curve for glucose, insulin, proinsulin and glucagon after the liquid meal test and the assessment of fast and late‐phase insulin release after an i.v. glucose load with a subsequent hyperglycaemic clamp.

Results

Empagliflozin reduced fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels, associated with a significant reduction in postprandial insulin levels and an improvement in the conversion rate of proinsulin (TP1). The addition of linagliptin during TP2 further improved postprandial glucose levels, probably as a result of a marked reduction in postprandial glucagon concentrations (TP2). The insulin response to an i.v. glucose load increased during treatment with empagliflozin (TP1), and further improved after the addition of linagliptin (TP2).

Conclusion

After metformin failure, sequential treatment escalation with empagliflozin and linagliptin is an attractive treatment option because of the additive effects on postprandial glucose control, probably mediated by complementary effects on α‐ and β‐cell function.
Modified CVAD and modified CBAD compared to high‐dose cyclophosphamide for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Gettys Suzanne C. , Gulbis Alison , Wilhelm Kaci , Sasaki Koji , Dinh Yvonne , Rondon Gabriela , Qazilbash Muzaffar H.
Published: December 2016

Background

The optimal regimen for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto‐HCT) has not been established. Experience at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests in addition to single‐agent cyclophosphamide (Cy), modified cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (mCVAD), and modified cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (mCBAD) may be successful chemomobilization regimens.

Methods

This retrospective review included 167 patients (66 with Cy, 74 with mCVAD, and 27 with mCBAD) with multiple myeloma undergoing mobilization for auto‐HCT between January 1, 2006 and September 30, 2013. The primary objective was to evaluate and compare the successful mobilization of CD34+ cells among high‐dose Cy, mCVAD or mCBAD.

Results

Successful mobilization (≥2×106 CD34+ cells/kg) was achieved in all patients, while 65 (98%), 72 (97%), and 27 (100%) patients achieved an optimal mobilization (≥4×106 CD34+ cells/kg) in the Cy, mCVAD, and mCBAD groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the number of apheresis sessions (P=.63), incidence of febrile neutropenia (P=.57), or hospital admission rates (P=.55).

Conclusion

Either Cy, mCVAD, or mCBAD can yield successful PBSC mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing auto‐HCT.
Clinical implications of SCN1A missense and truncation variants in a large Japanese cohort with Dravet syndrome
Authors: Ishii Atsushi , Watkins Joseph C. , Chen Debbie , Hirose Shinichi , Hammer Michael F.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Two major classes of SCN1A variants are associated with Dravet syndrome (DS): those that result in haploinsufficiency (truncating) and those that result in an amino acid substitution (missense). The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the first large cohort of Japanese patients with SCN1A mutation–positive DS (n = 285), and investigate the relationship between variant (type and position) and clinical expression and response to treatment.

Methods

We sequenced all exons and intron–exon boundaries of SCN1A in our cohort, investigated differences in the distribution of truncating and missense variants, tested for associations between variant type and phenotype, and compared these patterns with those of cohorts with milder epilepsy and healthy individuals.

Results

Unlike truncation variants, missense variants are found at higher density in the S4 voltage sensor and pore loops and at lower density in the domain I–II and II–III linkers and the first three segments of domain II. Relative to healthy individuals, there is an increased frequency of truncating (but not missense) variants in the noncoding C‐terminus. The rate of cognitive decline is more rapid for patients with truncation variants regardless of age at seizure onset, whereas age at onset is a predictor of the rate of cognitive decline for patients with missense variants.

Significance

We found significant differences in the distribution of truncating and missense variants across the SCN1A sequence among healthy individuals, patients with DS, and those with milder forms of SCN1A‐variant positive epilepsy. Testing for associations with phenotype revealed that variant type can be predictive of rate of cognitive decline. Analysis of descriptive medication data suggests that in addition to conventional drug therapy in DS, bromide, clonazepam and topiramate may reduce seizure frequency.
Resolving Information Asymmetry: Signaling, Endorsement, and Crowdfunding Success
Authors: Courtney Christopher , Dutta Supradeep , Li Yong
Published: December 2016

This article draws on information economics to examine when signals and endorsements obtained from multiple information sources enhance or diminish one another's effects. We propose that signals through start–up actions (use of media) and characteristics (crowdfunding experience) can mitigate information asymmetry concerns about project quality and founder credibility, enhancing the project's likelihood of attaining funding. Further, we posit that while start–up–originated signals offset each other's effects, third–party endorsements (sentiment expressed in backer comments) validate and complement start–up–originated signals. Empirical analyses based on a comprehensive dataset of crowdfunding projects on the Kickstarter website during 2009–2015 confirm our predictions.
CEO's Inside Debt and Dynamics of Capital Structure
Authors: Brisker Eric R. , Wang Wei
Published: December 2016

Debt‐type compensation (inside debt) exacerbates the divergence in risk preferences between the chief executive officer (CEO) and shareholders and, in turn, affects capital structure decisions. An excessively risk‐averse CEO tends to use less debt than the shareholders desire, reduce debt quickly when the firm is overlevered, but is reluctant to increase debt when the firm is underlevered. We find that higher CEO's inside debt ratio (i.e., inside debt as a percentage of total incentive compensation) is associated with lower firm leverage and faster (slower) leverage adjustments toward the shareholders’ desired level for overlevered (underlevered) firms. The CEO's inside debt ratio most conducive to capital structure rebalancing is around 10% of the firm's market debt ratio.
Trophic plasticity, environmental gradients and food‐web structure of tropical pond communities
Authors: Schalk Christopher M. , Montaña Carmen G. , Winemiller Kirk O. , Fitzgerald Lee A.
Published: December 2016

Freshwater pond communities exhibit strong patterns in species composition in response to environmental gradients such as ecosystem size, disturbance and productivity, serving as excellent systems for studies of food‐web structure.

We surveyed 13 ponds that varied along environmental gradients of canopy cover, pond size and hydroperiod at the beginning and end of the rainy season in the semi‐arid thorn forests of the Gran Chaco ecoregion of Bolivia. We collected basal resources and consumers (tadpoles, macroinvertebrates and fishes) from these ponds and used stable isotope ratios of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N), to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of the food webs in these tropical ponds.

There were no relationships between vertical structure of the food webs and the environmental gradients associated with the ponds. Consumers within these ponds exhibited high trophic variability, with multiple taxa occupying more than one trophic position across space or time.

Consumers from larger ponds had a greater degree of trophic redundancy. More shaded ponds supported food webs that had lower trophic diversity. More permanent ponds had significantly greater trophic diversity as well as a greater range of basal resource diversity.

The breeding ponds utilised by tadpoles and macroinvertebrates are patchily distributed across space and time. In these dynamic habitats, a feeding strategy of trophic generalism and plasticity enables consumers to exploit a broad range of resources and promote species coexistence. These results suggest that high diversity in tropical ponds does not necessarily translate into specialisation of trophic function.
BDNFVal66Met polymorphism moderates the link between child maltreatment and reappraisal ability
Authors: Miu A. C. , Cărnuţă M. , Vulturar R. , Szekely‐Copîndean R. D. , Bîlc M. I. , Chiş A. , Cioară M. , Fernandez K. C. , Szentágotai‐Tătar A. , Gross J. J.
Published: December 2016

Child maltreatment is associated with increased risk for virtually all common mental disorders, but it is not yet clear why. One possible mechanism is emotion regulation ability. The present study investigated for the first time the influence of a BDNF Val66Met genotype × child maltreatment interaction on emotion regulation, and compared differential susceptibility and diathesis‐stress models. A sample of N = 254 healthy volunteers were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and underwent an experimental assessment of reappraisal ability (i.e. the success of using reappraisal to downregulate negative affect). A self‐report instrument previously validated against a clinical interview was used to investigate child maltreatment. There was a significant BDNF Val66Met genotype × child maltreatment interaction (B = −0.31, P < 0.015), with Met carriers showing both the lowest level of reappraisal ability in maltreated participants, and the highest level of reappraisal ability in non‐maltreated participants. By assessing alternative models, we found that the best fitting model was in line with strong differential susceptibility. As expected, reappraisal ability was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Therefore, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism moderates the link between child maltreatment and emotion regulation ability. Future studies could investigate whether improving reappraisal in maltreated BDNF Met carriers results in reduced risk for mental disorders.
Effects of plant architecture and drought stress level on lucerne forage quality
Authors: Pecetti L. , Annicchiarico P. , Scotti C. , Paolini M. , Nanni V. , Palmonari A.
Published: December 2016

Breeding for enhanced quality in lucerne (Medicago sativa) frequently involves selection for higher leaf‐to‐stem ratio, multifoliolate leaves or short‐internode stems. Three populations selected for such alternative morphologies and a reference cultivar were evaluated for forage yield, leaf‐to‐stem ratio and protein and fibre concentrations in leaves, stems and whole plants. Four managed environments were obtained by combining two stress levels (moderate or nil) with two sowing times. The population selected for high leaf‐to‐stem ratio, as well as the short‐internode population, had highest leaf‐to‐stem ratio (1.27) across six harvests in two non‐stress environments. The latter population had higher stem protein (12.9%) and lower stem neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF) concentration (58.7%) than other populations. The multifoliolate population had intermediate quality, showing low expression of the multifoliolate trait (14.0% across four environments), particularly under stress (10.5%). The autumn‐sown, fully irrigated environment had, on average, highest dry‐matter yield (4.19 t ha−1) and lowest leaf‐to‐stem ratio (0.74). Drought‐stressed environments had lower plant NDF (−12.3% on average) and leaf protein (−9.7%), and higher stem protein (+8.6%) than fully irrigated environments. The results suggested that environmental effects might have greater impact on quality than genetic effects, even for a population set including material selected for quality‐driven morphology.
Anal verrucous carcinoma is not related to infection with human papillomaviruses and should be distinguished from giant condyloma (Buschke–Löwenstein tumour)
Authors: Zidar Nina , Langner Cord , Odar Katarina , Hošnjak Lea , Kamarádová Kateřina , Daum Ondrej , Pollheimer Marion J , Košorok Pavle , Poljak Mario
Published: December 2016

Aims

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a variant of well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and in the anal region is regarded as synonymous with giant condyloma (Buschke–Löwenstein tumour) (BLT). Aetiology, diagnostic criteria and clinical behaviour of both lesions are controversial. Recent studies suggest that VC at other sites is not associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV). We hypothesized that anal VC is also not related to HPV, while BLT is a HPV‐induced lesion.

Methods and results

Ten cases of VC and four cases of BLT were included. Several techniques were used for HPV detection: in‐situ hybridization for HPV6, 11, 16 and 18, six different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols for detection of at least 89 HPV types from alpha‐, beta‐, gamma‐ and mu‐PV genera and in‐situ hybridization for high‐risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA; p16 immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis were also performed. Alpha‐, gamma‐ and mu‐PVs were not found in any case of VC, while HPV6 was detected in all cases of BLT. p16 overexpression was not present in any of the lesions. Among microscopic features, only the absence of koilocytosis and enlarged spinous cells seem to be useful to distinguish VC from BLT.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that anal VC, similarly to VC at other sites, is not associated with HPV infection, and must be distinguished from BLT, which is associated with low‐risk HPV. Only with well‐set diagnostic criteria will it be possible to ascertain clinical behaviour and optimal treatment for both lesions.
Sensory characterisation of gluten‐free bread with addition of quinoa, amaranth flour and sweeteners as an alternative for coeliac patients
Authors: Alencar Natália Manzatti Machado , de Morais Elisa Carvalho , Steel Caroline Joy , Bolini Helena Maria André
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to determine the acceptance of gluten‐ and sucrose‐free breads with addition of pseudocereals and sweeteners, characterise them using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA®) and identify the drivers of liking using four different techniques of sensorial data evaluation. A consumer test with 118 people was performed, and a QDA® was carried out by 12 trained assessors to obtain the sensory profile. In addition, partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to identify the drivers of liking of gluten‐free breads, and principal component analysis (PCA) and external preference maps were provided to correlate the data obtained in the sensory studies. The attributes of amaranth aroma and taste contributed positively to consumer acceptance, whereas a brown crust colour and quinoa aroma and taste contributed negatively to consumer acceptance. The external preference map showed that samples containing amaranth and the sweeteners sucralose, stevia and sucralose–acesulfame‐K were the most accepted by consumers.
Tadalafil for male lower urinary tract symptoms improves endothelial function
Authors: Fukumoto Kazuhiko , Nagai Atsushi , Hara Ryoei , Fujii Tomohiro , Miyaji Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To investigate the effects of tadalafil on vascular endothelial function and cardiovascular risk in patients with prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

Tadalafil 5 mg was given to 20 patients with prostatic hyperplasia for whom an α1‐blocker was ineffective. Voiding symptoms and vascular endothelial function were investigated before and after 4 and 12 weeks of administration, using commercial tests for vascular function and vascular endothelial function.

Results

The participants had a median age of 65 years, a mean body mass index of 24.2 and a mean prostate volume of 36.2 mL measured using transabdominal sonography. Voiding symptoms were significantly improved by tadalafil, based on the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index and overactive bladder symptom score (P < 0.05). There were also significant improvements in vascular function (change of brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity from 1701 [before] to 1657 [4 weeks tadalafil] and 1525 [10 weeks tadalafil] cm/s [P < 0.05]) and vascular endothelial function (change of reactive hyperemia index from 1.36 to 1.56 and 1.89 [P < 0.05]). The change in reactive hyperemia index was significantly correlated with International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity.

Conclusions

The improvement in intrapelvic blood flow by tadalafil can result in improved vascular endothelial function, in addition to improvement of voiding symptoms. The change in reactive hyperemia index seems to correlate with the severity of voiding symptoms, with tadalafil being most effective in patients with mild voiding symptoms.
Chronic infections with viruses or parasites: breaking bad to make good
Authors: Godkin Andrew , Smith Katherine A.
Published: December 2016

Eukaryotic forms of life have been continually invaded by microbes and larger multicellular parasites, such as helminths. Over a billion years ago bacterial endosymbionts permanently colonized eukaryotic cells leading to recognized organelles with a distinct genetic lineage, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. Colonization of our skin and mucosal surfaces with bacterial commensals is now known to be important for host health. However, the contribution of chronic virus and parasitic infections to immune homeostasis is being increasingly questioned. Persistent infection does not necessarily equate to exhibiting a chronic illness: healthy hosts (e.g. humans) have chronic viral and parasitic infections with no evidence of disease. Indeed, there are now examples of complex interactions between these microbes and hosts that seem to confer an advantage to the host at a particular time, suggesting that the relationship has progressed along an axis from parasitic to commensal to one of a mutualistic symbiosis. This concept is explored using examples from viruses and parasites, considering how the relationships may be not only detrimental but also beneficial to the human host.
Holistic Healing in Acts 3:1‐10
Authors: Kamba Micheline
Published: December 2016

The understanding of healing focuses on Acts 3:1‐10, where the rereading of this text with its picture of healing will lead to an understanding of inclusive healing, in the sense that the marginalized people are included in this healing. This means that the healing is holistic, rather than focusing on either physical or spiritual healing only. The research on which this paper is based sought to explore the issue of holistic healing for a transformative church. The paper brings into perspective the following questions: What is entailed in Jesus’ healing people with disabilities? And how can the issue of healing be opened to the possibility of building a community of love, justice, peace, and diversity? In an attempt to answer the preceding questions, this paper has two parts: in the first section, I focus on my personal rereading in view of my own disability experience and my experience with the participants of Bible study, whereby I use narrative interpretation of existing literature, and I interpret from a psycho‐spiritual perspective framed by a liberation theology of disability. In the second section, I engage a dialogue between biblical scholars and ordinary people on the different perspectives on healing. My overall objective in this paper is to offer a new biblical understanding on the text and, on the other hand, a theological reflection on healing to assist church leaders and Christians to understand that people with disabilities, like any human being, deserve to be in fellowship with God and with other people for the sake of social transformation.
Collective Resistance as Prophetic Witness
Authors: Longchar Wati
Published: December 2016

Authentic Christian witness today, marked by the mission from the margins, must engage communities of the marginalized at the structural level through collective solidarity resistance. This article first examines social structures themselves and their capacity to enhance or denigrate human dignity. Inherited structures of oppression can be identified and addressed. Christian witness has a particular exigence for and role in identifying and resisting oppressive structures for the sake of justice. Prophetic witness to kingdom values–saying no to unjust systems–involves joining with victims in active resistance through local and global mobilization for social change and celebration of life.
What to expect from reliability and validity claims? A pragmatic conception of psychiatric nosology
Authors: Lefere Sander , De Rouck Ruben , De Vreese Leen
Published: December 2016

The reliability and validity of psychiatric diagnoses have always been a major concern. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) reliability field trials yielded ambiguous results, with some diagnostic categories scoring well below par. We argue that the emphasis on the reliability of psychiatric diagnoses, which has dominated psychiatric nosology and guided the endeavor of improving the DSM in its consecutive editions, is misguided and lacks in structural validity.

In this article, we defend a pragmatic view on psychiatric disease as the most fruitful approach to an understanding of what the categorical distinctions in the DSM (can) represent. Disorders in the DSM are descriptions of clinical pictures and do not necessarily correspond to an identified pathological substrate. Although this is a logical result of the nature of psychiatric disease, it bears important consequences. The various DSM disease categories are not uniform but should be regarded as representing different kinds of disorders, ranging from a separation from normal behavior based on practical grounds to the discrete kind of disorders envisioned by proponents of a strong realistic view. We argue that the explication of kinds of disorders outlined in this article provides interesting perspectives on the problems of reliability and validity that the DSM faces.
Use of computer‐assisted image analysis for semi‐quantitative histology of the hepatopancreas in whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei (Boone)
Authors: Cervellione F , McGurk C , Berger Eriksen T , Van den Broeck W
Published: December 2016

Despite the increasing use of novel molecular techniques in pathology, histology remains the standard method for monitoring tissue alterations and for assessing pathology. Histopathological evaluation is generally laborious and subjective with risk of discrepancies in semi‐quantitative scoring between pathologists. In contrast, computer‐assisted image analysis (CAIA) is potentially faster, more objective and thus suitable for routine screening. Limited research has been carried out on CAIA in crustacean histopathology, and the methods described were not fully automated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop CAIA in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) for the study of the hepatopancreas. Paraffin sections were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal antibodies WSH8 against haemocytes and counterstained with Mayer′s haematoxylin for detection of haemocytes and B‐cell vacuoles, and modified toluidine blue protocol was used for detection of F‐cells; frozen sections were stained with Oil Red O for detection of lipid droplets within R‐cells. Visiopharm® software was used to develop and validated protocols for the quantification of morphological parameters (areas of haemocyte infiltration, F‐cells, B‐cell vacuoles, lipid droplets and their ratios to total tissue area and total lumen area). These protocols enable the future use of CAIA for determination of the nutritional and pathological condition of this organ.
Functional specialization of Nicotiana attenuata phytochromes in leaf development and flowering time
Authors: Fragoso Variluska , Oh Youngjoo , Kim Sang‐Gyu , Gase Klaus , Baldwin Ian Thomas
Published: December 2016

Phytochromes mainly function in photoautotrophic organisms to adjust growth in response to fluctuating light signals. The different isoforms of plant phytochromes often display both conserved and divergent roles, presumably to fine‐tune plant responses to environmental signals and optimize fitness. Here we describe the distinct, yet partially redundant, roles of phytochromes NaPHYA, NaPHYB1 and NaPHYB2 in a wild tobacco species, Nicotiana attenuata using RNAi‐silenced phytochrome lines. Consistent with results reported from other species, silencing the expression of NaPHYA or NaPHYB2 in N. attenuata had mild or no influence on plant development as long as NaPHYB1 was functional; whereas silencing the expression of NaPHYB1 alone strongly altered flowering time and leaf morphology. The contribution of NaPHYB2 became significant only in the absence of NaPHYB1; plants silenced for both NaPHYB1 and NaPHYB2 largely skipped the rosette‐stage of growth to rapidly produce long, slender stalks that bore flowers early: hallmarks of the shade‐avoidance responses. The phenotyping of phytochrome‐silenced lines, combined with sequence and transcript accumulation analysis, suggest the independent functional diversification of the phytochromes, and a dominant role of NaPHYB1 and NaPHYB2 in N. attenuata's vegetative and reproductive development.