bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of geographic location on surgical outcomes of women with breast cancer
Authors: Azzopardi Jonathan , Walsh David , Chong Chilton , Taylor Corey
Published: January 2014

Background

The aim of this study is to use the Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Quality Audit to evaluate the diagnostic work up and surgical treatment path for Australian women with early breast cancer in relation to geographic location.

Methods

We accessed data on patient geographic demographics, diagnostic and surgical procedures and cancer characteristics in 115 872 episodes of early breast cancer reported to the Quality Audit between 1998 and 2012. Tumour size, grade and number, lymph node positivity and lymphovascular invasion are the major prognostic factors adjusted for.

Results

Core biopsy is the most frequently performed diagnostic method and open biopsy the least (P = 0.001). Remote locations have the highest proportion of open biopsies and cities the lowest (13.8 versus 9.8%, P = 0.001). The outer regional/remote patient group has a higher likelihood of an open biopsy than city patients (odds ratio 1.5; 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.2 P = 0.02). Reconstruction rates are low throughout ranging from 3 to 4% (P = 0.001). Cities have the highest proportion of no surgery (1.5%, P = 0.001). Cities have the highest proportion of breast conserving surgery and the remote the lowest (64.5% versus 29.9%, P = 0.001). Outer regional locations have the highest proportion of mastectomies and cities the lowest (38 versus 29.9%, P = 0.001). The likelihood of receiving radiotherapy is associated with geographic location of residence and geographic distribution of the radiotherapy facility (P = 0.002, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Geographic location of residence is associated with the diagnostic work up and surgical treatment of Australian women with early breast cancer.
Prognostic value of surgical margin status in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Liang Yuexiang , Ding Xuewei , Wang Xiaona , Wang Baogui , Deng Jingyu , Zhang Li , Liang Han
Published: January 2014

Background

It has been reported that positive surgical margin is one of the most significant risk factors for local recurrence and poor survival. However, the survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients with positive margin is still controversial.

Methods

A total of 1025 stage I–III GC patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent between January 2003 and April 2008 in our centre were enrolled in this study, of whom, 75 patients got a microscopic positive resection margin. Other 950 patients with negative resection margin were used for comparison.

Results

Borrmann type and extranodal metastasis were independent risk factors for positive margin. The 5‐year overall survival for the patients with positive margin is merely 13.3%. Survival in such patients was similar to that of the patients staged IIIc with R0 resection. In multivariate analysis, surgical margin status was found to be an independent prognostic factor for GC patients, while histology, tumour location, TNM stage and chemotherapy were independently associated with overall survival for patients with positive margin.

Conclusion

Surgical margin status is an independent prognostic factor for GC. Patients with positive margin have a poor prognosis, similar to that of IIIc stage disease. When the tumour demonstrates infiltrative growth pattern (Borrmann type III and IV) and the surgical margin status is difficult to determine, extended gastrectomy should be implemented to ensure an R0 resection. Those high‐risk patients should be considered for postoperative chemotherapy.
Comorbidity is an independent prognostic factor in women with uterine corpus cancer: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Noer Mette C. , Sperling Cecilie , Christensen Ib J. , Nielsen Marie L.S. , Lidegaard Øjvind , Høgdall Claus
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine whether comorbidity independently affects overall survival in women with uterine corpus cancer.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Study population

A total of 4244 patients registered in the Danish Gynecologic Cancer database with uterine corpus cancer from 1 January 2005 until 13 October 2011.

Methods

All patients included in the study were assigned a comorbidity score according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Multivariate survival analyses were performed to investigate the prognostic impact of comorbidity adjusting for known prognostic factors. As performance status might capture the prognostic impact of comorbidity and because information on the variable grade was missing in some special histological subtypes, we included different models in the multivariate analyses with and without PS and grade, respectively.

Main outcome measures

Overall survival.

Results

Univariate survival analysis showed a significant (p < 0.001) negative association between increasing level of comorbidity and overall survival. Multivariate analyses adjusting for other prognostic factors showed that comorbidity is a significant independent prognostic factor with hazard ratios ranging from 1.27 to 1.42 in mild, 1.69 to 1.74 in moderate, and 1.72 to 2.48 in severe comorbidity. Performance status was independently associated to overall survival and was found to slightly reduce the prognostic impact of comorbidity.

Conclusion

Comorbidity is an independent prognostic factor in uterine corpus cancer and increasing levels of comorbidity are associated with shorter survival.
When Reality Bites: Hopeful Thinking Mediates the Discrimination–Life Satisfaction Relationship
Authors: Zhang Airong , Cui Lijuan , Iyer Aarti , Jetten Jolanda , Hao Zhen
Published: January 2014

We examine the role of hopeful thinking in enhancing life satisfaction among a minority group facing pervasive group‐based discrimination: country migrant workers’ children in China. Positive psychology reasoning suggests that hopeful thinking can attenuate the negative impact of perceived discrimination on life satisfaction. This moderation model is compared to a mediation model, which predicts that reduced hopeful thinking explains the negative impact of perceived discrimination on life satisfaction. Study 1 showed that hopeful thinking did not moderate the relationship between discrimination and life satisfaction. Rather, the negative impact of discrimination on life satisfaction was mediated through diminished hopeful thinking. Study 2 manipulated perceived discrimination and replicated Study 1 findings. The results reveal that hopeful thinking can indeed have positive consequences, but that hopeful thinking is also constrained by perceiving discrimination. This suggests that there are limits to the extent to which hopeful thinking can be developed when facing group‐based discrimination.
The Minnesota Multi‐Investigator 2012 Presidential Election Panel Study
Authors: Chen Philip G. , Appleby Jacob , Borgida Eugene , Callaghan Timothy H. , Ekstrom Pierce , Farhart Christina E. , Housholder Elizabeth , Kim Hannah , Ksiazkiewicz Aleksander , Lavine Howard , Luttig Matthew D. , Mohanty Ruchika , Rosenthal Aaron , Sheagley Geoff , Smith Brianna A. , Vitriol Joseph A. , Williams Allison
Published: January 2014

In an analysis of the 2012 presidential election, we sought to optimize two key desiderata in capturing campaign effects: establishing causality and measuring dynamic (i.e., intraindividual) change over time. We first report the results of three survey‐experiments embedded within a three‐wave survey panel design. Each experiment was focused on a substantive area of electoral concern. Our results suggest, among other findings, that retrospective evaluations exerted a stronger influence on vote choice in the referendum (vs. the choice) frame; that among White respondents, racial animosity strongly predicted economic evaluations for knowledgeable Republicans who were led to believe that positive economic developments were the result of actions taken by the Obama administration; and that information‐seeking bias is a contingent phenomenon, one depending jointly on the opportunity and motivation to selectively tune in to congenial information. Lastly, we demonstrate how the panel design also allowed us to (1) examine the reliability and stability of a variety of election‐related implicit attitudes, and to assess their impact on candidate evaluation; and (2) determine the causal impact of perceptions of candidates’ traits and respondents’ policy preferences on electoral preferences, and vice versa, an area of research long plagued by concerns about endogeneity.
Disadvantage and Privilege in our Schools: How Teachers, Psychologists and Policymakers can do Better
Authors: Williams Wendy R. , Carter Kristina A.
Published: January 2014

By examining the ways in which teachers address social class in an economically integrated school, White, Mistry, & Chow () call attention to a critical gap in the educational system. Their analysis indicates that although teachers are comfortable discussing diversity in a number of areas, social class diversity is not covered with the same care as other domains. The current paper uses White at al. () as a starting point to discuss how teachers, psychologists, and policy‐makers can better educate students about both social class privilege and disadvantage.
Online Collective Behaviors in China: Dimensions and Motivations
Authors: Qiu Lin , Lin Han , Chiu Chi‐yue , Liu Pan
Published: January 2014

Despite the rising prevalence of online collective behaviors in Mainland China, there is a dearth of research on their categorization and underlying motivations. To fill this gap, we applied grounded theory to identify the major categories of online collective behaviors in China, and conducted a survey study to understand their underlying motivations. Results show Chinese online collective behaviors may take the form of hard, violent confrontations (e.g., burst‐the‐bar attacks), or soft actions (e.g., discussions and voting). In addition, some of these behaviors are geared toward restoration of justice in the social, moral, and political domains (justice‐driven behaviors). Others are directed toward sanctioning counter‐normative behaviors, or “getting even” with aggression against the in‐group (intolerance‐motivated behaviors). Individuals who intend to participate in justice‐driven online collective behaviors perceive the social problems in China to be serious and to need to be addressed collectively. In contrast, individuals who participate in intolerance‐motivated online collective behaviors are those who experience social estrangement. The intention to engage in both types of online collective behaviors increases with the amount of offline social influence.
Predictors of clinical effectiveness of Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy
Authors: Ruëff F. , Vos B. , Oude Elberink J. , Bender A. , Chatelain R. , Dugas‐Breit S. , Horny H.‐P. , Küchenhoff H. , Linhardt A. , Mastnik S. , Sotlar K. , Stretz E. , Vollrath R. , Przybilla B. , Flaig M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Treatment failure during venom immunotherapy (VIT) may be associated with a variety of risk factors, of which the relative importance is unknown.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the association of baseline serum tryptase concentration (BTC), mastocytosis in the skin (MIS) and of other parameters with the frequency of objective systemic reactions during in‐hospital sting challenge (SC).

Methods

In this observational retrospective study, we enrolled 1532 patients (1609 cases due to double SC) with established honeybee or vespid venom allergy who had undergone VIT and a subsequent SC. Data were collected on various putative risk factors. Adult‐onset MIS and/or a BTC > 20.0 μg/L was defined as clinical indicators of systemic mastocytosis. Relative rates were calculated with logistic regression models.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients (6.4%) presented with MIS and/or BTC > 20.0 μg/L. 104 cases (6.5%) developed objective generalized symptoms during SC. In the absence of MIS, a BTC ≤ 20 μg/L did not increase the risk for VIT failure. The most important factors associated with a worse outcome were ACE inhibitor medication (OR 5.24, 95% CI 1.83–13.00, P < 0.001), honeybee venom allergy (OR 5.09, 95% CI 3.17–8.15, P < 0.001), systemic allergic reaction during VIT (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.79–5.14, P < 0.001), and a substantial likelihood to suffer from SM (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.37–5.22, P = 0.003), whereas a double VIT (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27–0.90, P = 0.027) and a longer duration of therapy (OR 0.68 per treatment month, 95% CI 0.50–0.93, P = 0.017) reduced the failure rate.

Conclusion

The magnitude of therapeutic success correlates with type of venom, duration of therapy, and venom dose. Adult‐onset MIS and/or a BTC > 20 μg/L is a significant, albeit not the strongest determinant for VIT failure. According to its odds ratio, ACE inhibitor therapy appears to be associated with the highest risk for VIT failure.
Implant counseling and information: questions, predictors, and decision‐making of patients before implant therapy
Authors: Korsch Michael , Robra Bernt P. , Walther Winfried
Published: January 2014

Background

Implant counseling and information must enable the patient to make his/her own independent decision (informed consent). However, there are indications that patient counseling and information often provides incomplete information.

Methods

In 40 implant counseling and information sessions, all questions raised by the patients were documented during the session. The patient's decision for or against implant therapy was recorded 3 months later. The influence of the patient's age and gender, the type of insurance, the number of questions asked by the patient, the number of required implants, and the need for augmentation on the patient's decision were determined.

Results

Sixty‐five percentage of the patients decided in favor of implant‐prosthetic therapy. One significant factor influencing the patient's decision was the need for augmentation. Fifty‐four percentage of the patients who decided in favor of the implant intervention needed augmentation. Eighty‐six percentage of the patients who refused the intervention could have been treated only in conjunction with pre‐implantological augmentation. The need for augmentation was associated with a higher mean number of questions per counseling and information session (3.7 vs. 2.3) (n.s.). Patients who had opted for implant treatment asked significantly fewer questions (2.5) than patients who refused the treatment (4.4). The patient's age and gender, the type of insurance, or the number of implants required had no influence on decision‐making.

Conclusion

Patients who ask many questions rather tend to refuse the implant treatment. The need for augmentation was also associated with a significantly higher percentage of implant refusal. These results suggest that patients with an indication of augmentation require particularly detailed and comprehensive counseling and information.
Long‐term outcomes from implants installed by using split‐crest technique in posterior maxillae: 10 years of follow‐up
Authors: Garcez‐Filho J. , Tolentino L. , Sukekava F. , Seabra M. , Cesar‐Neto J. B. , Araújo M. G.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The aim of the present 10‐year retrospective study was to evaluate the success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants (NDIs) placed in combination with a split‐crest technique.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐one healthy individuals who received prosthetic rehabilitation supported by narrow diameter implants (NDIs) installed in atrophic maxillary posterior areas immediately after split‐crest procedure were included in the study. Six to eight weeks after implant placement, the prosthetic rehabilitations were delivered. Periapical radiographs were taken at the 6‐month and 10‐year time interval after implant loading to assess bone marginal level around the implants. In addition, survival and success indexes were also obtained at these time intervals.

Results

Forty NDIs were placed in 21 patients. At the end of the 10‐year follow‐up period, seven patients had dropped out, two implants were lost, and nine prostheses presented some type of deficiency (ceramic fracture or retaining screw fracture). At the 10‐year time interval, the implant survival rate was 97% and the success rate was 95%. The marginal bone loss at the 6‐month and 10‐year time intervals was, respectively, 0.47 (SD 0.91) mm and 1.93 (SD 0.93) mm.

Conclusion

Narrow diameter implants installed immediately after split‐crest procedure may successfully support prosthetic rehabilitations after long‐time intervals.
Impact of platform switching on marginal peri‐implant bone‐level changes. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Strietzel Frank Peter , Neumann Konrad , Hertel Moritz
Published: January 2014

Objective

To address the focused question, is there an impact of platform switching (PS) on marginal bone level (MBL) changes around endosseous implants compared to implants with platform matching (PM) implant‐abutment configurations?

Material and methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Journals@Ovid Full Text and Embase, manual search for human randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical controlled cohort studies (PCCS) reporting on MBL changes at implants with PS‐, compared with PM‐implant‐abutment connections, published between 2005 and June 2013.

Results

Twenty‐two publications were eligible for the systematic review. The qualitative analysis of 15 RCTs and seven PCCS revealed more studies (13 RCTs and three PCCS) showing a significantly less mean marginal bone loss around implants with PS‐ compared to PM‐implant‐abutment connections, indicating a clear tendency favoring the PS technique. A meta‐analysis including 13 RCTs revealed a significantly less mean MBL change (0.49 mm [CI95% 0.38; 0.60]) at PS implants, compared with PM implants (1.01 mm [CI95% 0.62; 1.40] (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis revealed a significantly less mean MBL change at implants with a PS compared to PM‐implant‐abutment configuration. Studies included herein showed an unclear as well as high risk of bias mostly, and relatively short follow‐up periods. The qualitative analysis revealed a tendency favoring the PS technique to prevent or minimize peri‐implant marginal bone loss compared with PM technique. Due to heterogeneity of the included studies, their results require cautious interpretation.
Mobile biofeedback of heart rate variability in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy: a preliminary study
Authors: Druschky Katrin , Druschky Achim
Published: January 2014

Biofeedback of heart rate variability (HRV) was applied to patients with diabetic polyneuropathy using a new mobile device allowing regularly scheduled self‐measurements without the need of visits to a special autonomic laboratory. Prolonged generation of data over an eight‐week period facilitated more precise investigation of cardiac autonomic function and assessment of positive and negative trends of HRV parameters over time. Statistical regression analyses revealed significant trends in 11 of 17 patients, while no significant differences were observed when comparing autonomic screening by short‐term HRV and respiratory sinus arrhythmia at baseline and after the 8 weeks training period. Four patients showed positive trends of HRV parameters despite the expected progression of cardiac autonomic dysfunction over time. Patient compliance was above 50% in all but two patients. The results of this preliminary study indicate a good practicality of the handheld device and suggest a potential positive effect on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A retrospective comparison of skin and renal direct immunofluorescence findings in patients with glomerulonephritis in adult Henoch‐Schönlein purpura
Authors: Poterucha Timothy J. , Wetter David A. , Grande Joseph P. , Gibson Lawrence E. , Camilleri Michael J. , Lohse Christine M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a vasculitis that can affect the skin and kidneys. It is characterized by immunoglobulin (Ig) A‐predominant deposition in small blood vessels. To our knowledge, there has been no comparison of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings in skin and kidney biopsy specimens.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 21 adults with HSP who had IgA deposition in the skin and kidneys. The skin and kidney DIF findings were compared and tested for an association with the progression of renal disease.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 51.4 years. Follow‐up data were available for 19 patients, of whom 5 had progression to chronic kidney disease or renal failure. Concordance between DIF findings on skin and renal biopsies was 100% for IgA, 80% for C3, 80% for IgG, 71% for IgM and 53% for fibrinogen. A worse renal outcome was associated with renal IgG deposition (p = 0.04). A trend for worse renal outcome was found with renal fibrinogen and skin IgM deposition (p = 0.10 and 0.14, respectively).

Conclusions

In this retrospective study of adult HSP, the concordance between DIF findings in skin and kidney specimens was low‐moderate. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these differences in Ig deposition.
Degradation Discourse and Green Governmentality in the Xilinguole Grasslands of Inner Mongolia
Authors: Kolås Åshild
Published: January 2014

This article examines discourses about grassland degradation in China as expressed by herders, government officials and researchers, presenting findings from fieldwork in Xilinguole League, Inner Mongolia. Recognizing degradation discourse and grassland restoration policies as key sites of political contestation, this study does not try to arrive at the scientific facts about degradation, but rather seeks to illuminate the mechanisms by which grasslands are identified as degraded, and the implementation of policies to restore and protect the grasslands. A key finding is that policy outcomes are widely divergent and difficult to predict. This is not merely due to differences among actors in terms of their interests, access to resources, power, values or knowledge, but as much a result of contradictions and tensions inherent in key policy goals, opening up spaces for local resistance as well as selective policy implementation. This highlights the open‐ended and contested nature of China's environmental state project.
Cor Triatriatum Dexter, Atrial Septal Defects, and Pulmonary Stenosis—A Rare Association
Authors: Simsek Ziya , Koza Yavuzer , Tas Hakan
Published: January 2014

Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly in which the right atrium is divided into 2 chambers by a membrane. The estimated incidence of cor triatriatum has been reported as 0.1% of congenital cardiac malformations. The septation of the right atrium in the setting of CTD is the result of failed resorption of the right valve of the sinus venosus. This results in anterolateral and posteromedial portions of the divided right atrium. CTD can be diagnosed at any age, especially if it is incidentally discovered.
Coexisting Bicuspid Aortic and Pulmonary Valves with Normally Related Great Vessels Diagnosed by Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Kemaloğlu Öz Tuğba , Karadeniz Fatma Özpamuk , Gundlapalli Hareesh , Erer Betul , Sharma Rohit K. , Ahmed Mustafa , Nanda Navin C. , Yıldırım Aydın , Orhan Gökçen , Öz Ayhan , Eren Mehmet
Published: January 2014

Coexistence of bicuspid aortic and pulmonary valves in the same patient is a very rare entity identified mainly during surgery and postmortem. To the best of our knowledge, only one case has been diagnosed by two‐dimensional echocardiography in a newborn with malposition of the great arteries but no images were presented. Here, we are reporting the first case of bicuspid pulmonary and aortic valves diagnosed by live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in an adult with normally related great arteries.
The impact of private vs. public ownership on the level and structure of employment
Authors: Bastos Paulo , Monteiro Natália P. , Straume Odd Rune
Published: January 2014

We examine the effects of private vs. public ownership on the level and structure of employment using uncommonly rich data on the population of Portuguese firms from 1991 to 2009. We find that private ownership is associated with sizeable job losses. This occurs whether we consider privatizations or nationalizations, and the relationship tends to be stronger in the presence of foreign capital. We also find some evidence that private ownership is associated with higher skill utilization, particularly following privatizations and when foreign investment is present. The estimated job losses associated with private ownership are consistent with a theory in which the shift in ownership increases the degree of profit orientation and leads to lower job security.
A preliminary report on decay and canker of Acacia richii caused by Inonotus rickii in China
Authors: Cui B. K. , Zhao C. L. , Vlasák J. , Dai Y. C.
Published: January 2014

An epidemic wood‐decaying fungus, Inonotus rickii, originating from South America, has spread to the Mediterranean area and southern China. We report the first observation of this fungus on Acacia richii in Panzhihua, southern China. It causes serious canker and decay on urban trees in the investigated area. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that the fungus from Panzhihua is closely related to isolates from Europe, South America, Mianyang and Hainan of China. Moreover, it was concluded that the isolates of the species previously reported from the USA do not belong to I. rickii.
Effect of green plantain flour addition to gluten‐free bread on functional bread properties and resistant starch content
Authors: Sarawong Chonthira , Gutiérrez Zuleyka Rodríguez , Berghofer Emmerich , Schoenlechner Regine
Published: January 2014

Green plantain flour (GPF) was used as a functional ingredient to produce gluten‐free (GF) bread based on a flour blend of rice flour and GF wheat starch (50:50) to improve their functional properties and to increase their resistant starch (RS) content. In pretrials, an addition of up to 30% GPF provided acceptable bread quality with maximum RS content. Based on these trials, two 23 factorial screening experimental designs were applied, where water content, baking temperature and baking time of GF bread containing 30% GPF addition were optimised. The best baking conditions to achieve satisfying GF bread quality – higher loaf volume, softer crumb firmness and regular porosity structure at the highest RS content could be defined to a maximum addition of water at 160%, baking temperature of 180 °C and baking time of 90 min. The incorporation of GPF showed good potential to improve the quality of GF bread.
The effect of feed supplementation with dietary sources of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, flaxseed and algae Schizochytrium sp., on their incorporation into lipid fractions of Japanese quail eggs
Authors: Gładkowski Witold , Kiełbowicz Grzegorz , Chojnacka Anna , Bobak Łukasz , Spychaj Radosław , Dobrzański Zbigniew , Trziszka Tadeusz , Wawrzeńczyk Czesław
Published: January 2014

The influence of feed supplemented with dietary sources of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely flaxseed and algae Schizochytrium sp., on the fatty acid composition of lipids from Japanese quail eggs was studied. Two groups of quails were fed for 19 weeks, starting from 6th week of life. Lipid fractions from dried egg mass of total of 4300 eggs of control and experimental group were analysed. The fatty acid profile was affected in both triacylglycerols and phospholipids. The significant (P < 0.05) increase in n‐3 PUFAs up to 7.33% in the total lipids, α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3) up to 4.57% in triacylglycerols, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, DHA) up to 23.91% in phosphatidylethanolamine and up to 4.35% in phosphatidylcholine as well as the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in n‐6/n‐3 ratio in the lipid fractions to the range of 0.9–3.7 was observed in experimental group. The incorporation of different n‐3 into lipids was selective: ALA was found in the triacylglycerol fraction, whereas EPA, DPA and DHA were detected in the phospholipid fractions, exclusively at sn‐2 position. The studies showed that the feeding quails with modified diets is effective way of biofortifying the eggs with nutritionally desired n‐3 PUFAs.
Strategic Asset Allocation for China's Foreign Reserves: A Copula Approach
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Fan , Zhang Zhuang
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we study strategic asset allocation for China's foreign reserves using a risk‐based approach. Four aspects of the risk management are investigated: an investment universe, dependence structure, allocation strategies under risk minimization and trade‐off between risks and returns. A regime‐switching copula model is developed to investigate the dynamic dependence between assets. One regime emphasizes a short‐term safe asset and the other regime emphasizes a long‐term safe asset. The optimal allocation is derived following two strategies: risk minimization and trade‐off between risks and returns in utility maximization with disappointment avoidance. If the central bank focuses solely on risk minimization, the asymmetries in the asset return dependence encourage the flight to safety. However, if higher risks are allowed in exchange for higher returns, even the exchange is very conservative, and the asymmetries would discourage the flight to safety. Therefore, we suggest that China should mitigate its flight to safety after 2008 and increase holdings of short‐term bank deposits, long‐term treasury bonds and euro bonds.
Urotensin II inhibited the proliferation of cardiac side population cells in mice during pressure overload by JNK‐LRP6 signalling
Authors: Chen Zhidan , Xu Jiahong , Ye Yong , Li Yang , Gong Hui , Zhang Guoping , Wu Jian , jia Jianguo , Liu Ming , Chen Ying , Yang Chunjie , Tang Yu , Zhu Yichun , Ge Junbo , Zou Yunzeng
Published: January 2014

Cardiac side population cells (CSPs) are promising cell resource for the regeneration in diseased heart as intrinsic cardiac stem cells. However, the relative low ratio of CSPs in the heart limited the ability of CSPs to repair heart and improve cardiac function effectively under pathophysiological condition. Which factors limiting the proliferation of CSPs in diseased heart are unclear. Here, we show that urotensin II (UII) regulates the proliferation of CSPs by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6) signalling during pressure overload. Pressure overload greatly upregulated UII level in plasma, UII receptor (UT) antagonist, urantide, promoted CSPs proliferation and improved cardiac dysfunction during chronic pressure overload. In cultured CSPs subjected to mechanical stretch (MS), UII significantly inhibited the proliferation by UT. Nanofluidic proteomic immunoassay showed that it is the JNK activation, but not the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signalling, that involved in the UII‐inhibited‐ proliferation of CSPs during pressure overload. Further analysis in vitro indicated UII‐induced‐phospho‐JNK regulates phosphorylation of LRP6 in cultured CSPs after MS, which is important in the inhibitory effect of UII on the CSPs during pressure overload. In conclusion, UII inhibited the proliferation of CSPs by JNK/LRP6 signalling during pressure overload. Pharmacological inhibition of UII promotes CSPs proliferation in mice, offering a possible therapeutic approach for cardiac failure induced by pressure overload.
The global burden of conduct disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 2010
Authors: Erskine Holly E. , Ferrari Alize J. , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Moffitt Terrie E. , Murray Christopher J. L. , Vos Theo , Whiteford Harvey A. , Scott James G.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010) is the first to include conduct disorder (CD) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for burden quantification.

Method

A previous systematic review pooled the available epidemiological data for CD and ADHD, and predicted prevalence by country, region, age and sex for each disorder. Prevalence was then multiplied by a disability weight to calculate years lived with disability (YLDs). As no evidence of deaths resulting directly from either CD or ADHD was found, no years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated. Therefore, the number of disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) was equal to that of YLDs.

Results

Globally, CD was responsible for 5.75 million YLDs/DALYs with ADHD responsible for a further 491,500. Collectively, CD and ADHD accounted for 0.80% of total global YLDs and 0.25% of total global DALYs. In terms of global DALYs, CD was the 72nd leading contributor and among the 15 leading causes in children aged 5–19 years. Between 1990 and 2010, global DALYs attributable to CD and ADHD remained stable after accounting for population growth and ageing.

Conclusions

The global burden of CD and ADHD is significant, particularly in male children. Appropriate allocation of resources to address the high morbidity associated with CD and ADHD is necessary to reduce global burden. However, burden estimation was limited by data lacking for all four epidemiological parameters and by methodological challenges in quantifying disability. Future studies need to address these limitations in order to increase the accuracy of burden quantification.
Excretory nitrogen metabolism and defence against ammonia toxicity in air‐breathing fishes
Authors: Chew S. F. , Ip Y. K.
Published: January 2014

With the development of air‐breathing capabilities, some fishes can emerge from water, make excursions onto land or even burrow into mud during droughts. Air‐breathing fishes have modified gill morphology and morphometry and accessory breathing organs, which would tend to reduce branchial ammonia excretion. As ammonia is toxic, air‐breathing fishes, especially amphibious ones, are equipped with various strategies to ameliorate ammonia toxicity during emersion or ammonia exposure. These strategies can be categorized into (1) enhancement of ammonia excretion and reduction of ammonia entry, (2) conversion of ammonia to a less toxic product for accumulation and subsequent excretion, (3) reduction of ammonia production and avoidance of ammonia accumulation and (4) tolerance of ammonia at cellular and tissue levels. Active ammonia excretion, operating in conjunction with lowering of ambient pH and reduction in branchial and cutaneous NH3 permeability, is theoretically the most effective strategy to maintain low internal ammonia concentrations. NH3 volatilization involves the alkalization of certain epithelial surfaces and requires mechanisms to prevent NH3 back flux. Urea synthesis is an energy‐intensive process and hence uncommon among air‐breathing teleosts. Aestivating African lungfishes detoxify ammonia to urea and the accumulated urea is excreted following arousal. Reduction in ammonia production is achieved in some air‐breathing fishes through suppression of amino acid catabolism and proteolysis, or through partial amino acid catabolism leading to alanine formation. Others can slow down ammonia accumulation through increased glutamine synthesis in the liver and muscle. Yet, some others develop high tolerance of ammonia at cellular and tissue levels, including tissues in the brain. In summary, the responses of air‐breathing fishes to ameliorate ammonia toxicity are many and varied, determined by the behaviour of the species and the nature of the environment in which it lives.
Genetic evidence and new morphometric data as essential tools to identify the Patagonian seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus (Pisces, Syngnathidae)
Authors: González R. , Dinghi P. , Corio C. , Medina A. , Maggioni M. , Storero L. , Gosztonyi A.
Published: January 2014

A genetic study to support morphometric analyses was used to improve the description and validate the Patagonian seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus (Syngnathidae) on the basis of a large number of specimens collected in the type locality (San Antonio Bay, Patagonia, Argentina). DNA sequence data (from the cytochrome b region of the mitochondrial genome) were used to differentiate this species from its relatives cited for the west Atlantic Ocean. Both phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses supported the hypothesis that H. patagonicus is a species clearly differentiated from others, in agreement with morphometric studies. Hippocampus patagonicus can be distinguished from Hippocampus erectus by the combination of the following morphometric characteristics: (1) in both sexes and all sizes of H. patagonicus, the snout length is always less than the postorbital length, whereas the snout length of H. erectus is not shorter than the postorbital length in the largest specimens; (2) in both sexes of H. patagonicus, the trunk length:total length (LTr:LT) is lower than in H. erectus (in female H. patagonicus: 0·27–0·39, H. erectus: 0·36–0·40 and in male H. patagonicus: 0·24–0·34, H. erectus: 0·33–0·43) and (3) in both sexes, tail length:total length (LTa:LT) in H. patagonicus is larger than in H. erectus (0·61–0·78 v. 0·54–0·64).
Deep Habits in the New Keynesian Phillips Curve
Authors: LUBIK THOMAS A. , TEO WING LEONG
Published: January 2014

We derive and estimate a New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) in a model with deep habits. Habits are deep in that they apply to individual consumption goods instead of aggregate consumption. This alters the NKPC in a fundamental manner since it introduces consumption growth and future demand terms into the NKPC equation. We construct the driving process in the deep habits NKPC by using the model's optimality conditions to impute time series for unobservable variables. The resulting series is considerably more volatile than unit labor cost. Generalized methods of moments estimation shows an improved fit and a much lower degree of indexation compared to the standard NKPC.
Effects of a novel orally administered calpain inhibitor SNJ‐1945 on immunomodulation and neurodegeneration in a murine model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Trager Nicole , Smith Amena , Wallace IV Gerald , Azuma Mitsuyoshi , Inoue Jun , Beeson Craig , Haque Azizul , Banik Naren L.
Published: January 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology is marked by the massive infiltration of myelin‐specific T cells into the CNS. Hallmarks of T helper (Th) cells during active disease are pro‐inflammatory Th1/Th17 cells that predominate over immunoregulatory Th2/Treg cells. Neurodegeneration, a major factor in progressive MS, is often overlooked when considering drug prescription. Here, we show that oral dosing with SNJ‐1945, a novel water‐soluble calpain inhibitor, reduces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis clinical scores in vivo and has a two pronged effect via anti‐inflammation and protection against neurodegeneration. We also show that SNJ‐1945 treatment down‐regulates Th1/Th17 inflammatory responses, and promotes regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in vivo, which are known to have the capacity to suppress helper as well as cytotoxic T cell functions. Through analysis of spinal cord samples, we show a reduction in calpain expression, decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells, and signs of inhibition of neurodegeneration. We also show a marked reduction in neuronal cell death in spinal cord (SC) sections. These results suggest that calpain inhibition attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis pathology by reducing both inflammation and neurodegeneration, and could be used in clinical settings to augment the efficacy of standard immunomodulatory agents used to treat MS.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology is marked by inflammation and infiltration of myelin‐specific T cells into the central nervous system. Inflammation leads to neurodegeneration in progressive MS which also leads to epitope spreading, feedback looping to more inflammation. Calpain can play a role in both arms of the disease. Here, oral dosing with SNJ‐1945, a novel water‐soluble calpain inhibitor, reduces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis clinical scores in vivo and has a two‐pronged effect via anti‐inflammation and protection against neurodegeneration.
Association between mid‐ to late life physical fitness and dementia: evidence from the CAIDE study
Authors: Kulmala J. , Solomon A. , Kåreholt I. , Ngandu T. , Rantanen T. , Laatikainen T. , Soininen H. , Tuomilehto J. , Kivipelto M.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

This study investigated the association between perceived physical fitness at midlife, changes in perceived fitness during the three decades from mid‐ to late life and dementia risk.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Cardiovascular risk factors, ageing and incidence of dementia (CAIDE) study.

Subjects

Subjects were selected from four independent, random samples of population‐based cardiovascular surveys and were first examined in 1972, 1977, 1982 or 1987, when they were on average 50 years old. The CAIDE target population included 3559 individuals. A random sample of 2000 individuals still alive in 1997 was drawn for re‐examinations (performed in 1998 and 2005–2008) that consisted of cognitive assessments, with 1511 subjects participating in at least one re‐examination. Dementia diagnoses were also confirmed from national registers for the entire target population.

Main outcome measure

All‐cause dementia.

Results

Poor physical fitness at midlife was associated with increased dementia risk in the entire target population [hazard ratio (HR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–2.0]. In participants, odds ratio (OR) was 2.0 (95% CI, 0.9–4.0). This association was significant in apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOEε4) noncarriers (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.4–13.3), men (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–3.0) and people with chronic conditions (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.6). A decline in fitness after midlife was also associated with dementia (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.7–5.1), which was significant amongst both men and women and more pronounced in APOEε4 carriers (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.1–9.1).

Conclusions

Perceived poor physical fitness reflects a combination of biological and lifestyle‐related factors that can increase dementia risk. A simple question about perceived physical fitness may reveal at‐risk individuals who could benefit from preventive interventions.
Established and novel disease‐modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cross A. H. , Naismith R. T.
Published: January 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a presumed autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, resulting in inflammatory demyelination and axonal and neuronal injury. New diagnostic criteria that incorporate magnetic resonance imaging have resulted in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of MS. Several immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapeutic agents are available for relapsing forms of MS, which allow individualized treatment based upon the benefits and risks. Disease‐modifying therapies introduced in the 1990s, the beta‐interferons and glatiramer acetate, have an established track record of efficacy and safety, although they require administration via injection. More recently, monoclonal antibodies have been engineered to act through specific mechanisms such as blocking alpha‐4 integrin interactions (natalizumab) or lysing cells bearing specific markers, for example CD52 (alemtuzumab) or CD20 (ocrelizumab and ofatumumab). These agents can be highly efficacious, but sometimes have serious potential complications (natalizumab is associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; alemtuzumab is associated with the development of new autoimmune disorders). Three new oral therapies (fingolimod, teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate, approved for MS treatment from 2010 onwards) provide efficacy, tolerability and convenience; however, as yet, there are no long‐term postmarketing efficacy and safety data in a general MS population. Because of this lack of long‐term data, in some cases, therapy is currently initiated with the older, safer injectable medications, but patients are monitored closely with the plan to switch therapies if there is any indication of a suboptimal response or intolerance or lack of adherence to the initial therapy. For patients with MS who present with highly inflammatory and potentially aggressive disease, the benefit‐to‐risk ratio may support initiating therapy using a drug with greater potential efficacy despite greater risks (e.g. fingolimod or natalizumab if JC virus antibody‐negative). The aim of this review is to discuss the clinical benefits, mechanisms of action, safety profiles and monitoring strategies of current MS disease‐modifying therapies in clinical practice and of those expected to enter the market in the near future.
Confucian Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Ivanhoe Philip J
Published: January 2014

Scholars in the humanities and social sciences are keenly aware of and often deeply engaged with more global or cosmopolitan approaches to their respective fields; nevertheless, theories of cosmopolitanism remain exceedingly controversial and arise exclusively from Western philosophical sources. Recently,MarthaNussbaum presented a contemporary Western liberal cosmopolitan theory and sought to integrate it with a call for multicultural education. In this essay, I describe, analyze, and criticizeNussbaum's conception of cosmopolitanism and argue that it does not sit comfortably with her laudable advocacy of multicultural education. I then draw upon resources within the Confucian tradition to sketch two alternative conceptions of cosmopolitanism, which I argue are both more powerful than whatNussbaum proposes and better support the kind of multicultural education she so eloquently advocates.
De‐escalation Mechanisms in High‐technology Product Innovation
Authors: Sarangee Kumar R. , Woolley Jennifer L. , Schmidt Jeffrey B. , Long Eileen
Published: January 2014

Many decision‐makers struggle to reduce commitment to failing endeavors. While de‐escalation mechanisms have been documented and tested in information technology, accounting, psychology, and organizational behavior, little work has addressed de‐escalation in innovation. This study identifies and examines the applicability of de‐escalation mechanisms specifically in new product development (NPD) projects. Initially, we conducted an extensive literature review to identify de‐escalation mechanisms found in research across different academic disciplines. Subsequently, we conducted a qualitative study using semistructured interviews to gather primary data. In total, using a sample of organizations that compete in high‐technology industries, 31 managers and engineers in 15 NPD projects that were terminated prior to completion were interviewed regarding mechanisms used to de‐escalate commitment to failing new product innovation projects. Several mechanisms reportedly used for innovation projects parallel those identified in the previous literature. More importantly, the authors uncover novel and previously undocumented ways to discontinue or redirect poorly performing projects. Specifically, internal competitions, feature‐level de‐escalation, continual assumption assessment, benchmarking, roadmaps, and comprehensive product testing are particularly well suited for innovation projects. These findings extend the body of extant literature on de‐escalation of commitment to include innovation, notably in high‐technology settings. The study also highlights that organizations may want to accept or even encourage failure, thereby increasing the efficacy of resource use. Implications for further research and practice are offered.