bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model of malignant risk prediction for solitary pulmonary nodules on 18F‐FDG PET/CT: Building and estimating
Authors: Yu MingMing , Wang ZhenGuang , Yang GuangJie , Cheng Yuan
Published: March 2020

Background

To develop a model of malignant risk prediction of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) using metabolic characteristics of lesions.

Methods

A total of 362 patients who underwent PET/CT imaging from January 2013 to July 2017 were analyzed. Differences in the clinical and imaging characteristics were analyzed between patients with benign SPNs and those with malignant SPNs. Risk factors were screened by multivariate nonconditional logistic regression analysis. The self‐verification of the model was performed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and out‐of‐group verification was performed by k‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in age, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), size, lobulation, spiculation, pleural traction, vessel connection, calcification, presence of vacuoles, and emphysema between patients with benign nodules and those with malignant nodules (all P < 0.05). The risk factors for malignant nodules included age, SUVmax, size, lobulation, calcification and vacuoles. The logistic regression model was as follows: P = l/(1 + e‐x), x = − 5.583 + 0.039 × age + 0.477 × SUVmax + 0.139 × size + 1.537 × lobulation – 1.532 × calcification + 1.113 × vacuole. The estimated area under the curve (AUC) for the model was 0.915 (95% CI: 0.883–0.947), the sensitivity was 89.7%, and the specificity was 78.9%. K‐fold cross‐validation showed that the training accuracy was 0.899 ± 0.011, and the predictive accuracy was 0.873 ± 0.053.

Conclusions

The risk factors for malignant nodules included age, SUVmax, size, lobulation, calcification and vacuoles. After verification, the model has satisfactory accuracy, and it may assist clinics make appropriate treatment decisions.
The clinical significance of CXCL16 in the treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shibata Yuji , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Sato Takashi , Nakashima Kentaro , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: March 2020

Background

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, has shown efficacy in patients with advanced nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are no identified or clinically validated biomarkers to determine the efficacy of bevacizumab. In this study, we assessed the adequacy of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 16 (CXCL16) as a biomarker for patients treated with bevacizumab‐containing chemotherapy regimen.

Methods

Patients diagnosed histologically with NSCLC were enrolled. Serial serum CXCL16 levels during treatment were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between serum CXCL16 levels before and after treatment, progression‐free survival, and overall survival were analyzed. CXCL16 and VEGF‐A expressions in lung cancer tissue were also evaluated by immunohistochemical tests.

Results

The median serum level of CXCL16 in these patients was 3.4 ng/mL, which was significantly higher than that in age‐matched healthy adults (2.2 ng/mL). Immunohistochemistry results showed that CXCL16 was predominantly localized in the tumor stroma, whereas VEGF was expressed in tumor cells. Including bevacizumab with chemotherapy led to lower CXCL16 levels post‐chemotherapy, which correlated with better response rates. In addition, evaluation of differences in serum CXCL16 levels before and after the first‐line chemotherapy showed that longer overall survival was achieved in patients who showed a larger decrease in serum CXCL16 levels.

Conclusions

According to our findings, serum CXCL16 level was identified as a potential biomarker for the efficacy of therapy, including anti‐VEGF.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Patients with NSCLC whose serum CXCL16 levels decreased below 0.07 ng/mL after chemotherapy, showed longer overall survival than those without this decrease. Moreover, low CXCL16 levels corresponded to better response rates among patients with advanced NSCLC treated with bevacizumab‐containing chemotherapy.

What this study adds

Previously there were no identifiable predictive biomarkers to determine the efficacy of bevacizumab. Data from our findings identified serum CXCL16 level as a potential biomarker for the efficacy of bevacizumab‐containing chemotherapy.
Utility of an index metacarpal cortical thickness application as an osteoporosis screen in distal radius fracture patients aged over 50
Authors: Hymer Isobel , Sivakumar Brahman , Bindra Randipsingh , Awal Wasim , Robinson Ann
Published: March 2020

Background

Following wrist fracture, it is desirable to identify patients with osteoporosis. A smartphone‐based application (BoneGauge) that uses second metacarpal cortical thickness ratio (2MCP) measured on X‐ray has been proposed. This study aims to validate this application using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan in a cohort of patients with distal radius fractures.

Methods

Thirty subjects aged 50 and over who sustained low‐energy fractures of the radius were recruited and measurements were completed by two independent observers using the application.

Results

The interrater reliability as a screening tool was insufficient (κ = 0.61). Using the 2MCP threshold of 60% for detection of osteopaenia or osteoporosis, we found insufficient correlation between the dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan and the two sets of readings using the application (κ = 0.28 and 0.35, respectively).

Conclusion

On the basis of these results, 2MCP of 60% is not sensitive enough to be used as a screening tool via a smartphone application for assessment of osteoporosis risk.
Editorial: glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C virus—do baseline resistance‐associated substitutions matter?
Authors: Kwong Allison J. , Kwo Paul Y.
Published: March 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Singh et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15633 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15666.
Letter: are opioid prescriptions associated with hepatic encephalopathy in patients with compensated cirrhosis?
Authors: Li Chao , Liang Lei , Jia Hang‐Dong , Diao Yong‐Kang , Yang Tian
Published: March 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Moon et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15639 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15669.
The technology of Copper Age funerary pottery from Central Italy: An integrated study of compositional analyses and manufacturing traces
Authors: Forte V. , Tarquini O. , Botticelli M. , Medeghini L.
Published: March 2020

The paper focuses on ceramic vessels unearthed from Copper Age necropolises located in the area of the modern city of Rome and commonly attributed to the Rinaldone culture. The peculiar vessels' shapes, mainly associated with the consumption of beverages, their accuracy of manufacture and the very low impact of these ceramic morphologies in the coeval household assemblages lead to the study of such an apparently selected production through a multidisciplinary research. Petrographic analysis, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) integrated with the analysis of manufacturing traces and X‐ray investigation suggest the transmission of technological choices, which remained unchanged over almost two millennia.
Delayed vs initial cytomegalovirus prophylaxis after kidney transplantation
Authors: Laub Melissa R. , Byrns Jennifer , Gommer Jennifer , Ellis Matthew , Harris Matt
Published: March 2020

It is recommended to start cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis within 10 days of solid organ transplant, if indicated. Our center underwent a cost‐savings initiative to delay CMV prophylaxis initiation from postoperative day zero to postoperative day 7 or upon discharge, hypothesizing this would not affect clinical outcomes but could impact costs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the effects of early vs delayed (<72 vs >72 hours after transplant) CMV prophylaxis in kidney and kidney/pancreas transplant recipients transplanted between June 2014 and January 2017. The primary endpoint was incidence of CMV infection within 1 year. Secondary endpoints included CMV disease, CMV testing, and valganciclovir cost during index hospitalization. A total of 173 patients (114 early, 59 delayed) were included. CMV infection occurred in 61% vs 54% in the early vs delayed group (P = .5). Excluding low‐level DNAemia (QNAT < 200 IU/mL), infection occurred in 30% vs 22% in the early vs late group (P = .4). The median days to starting prophylaxis were 0 and 6 in the early and delayed group (P < .05), which led to a median cost savings of $497.00 per patient during index hospitalization (P < .05). Delaying prophylaxis initiation did not impact CMV outcomes in this cohort and decreased costs.
Dewey and Possibility: Challenging Neoliberalism in Education
Authors: d'Agnese Vasco
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, critiques of neoliberalism have been widespread within the scholarly literature on education. Despite the lack of a clear definition of what neoliberalism in education is and entails, researchers from different fields and perspectives have widely criticized the neoliberal educational mindset for its narrowness, lack of democratic engagement, and objectification of educational practices. In this essay, through an analysis of a particular aspect of Dewey's oeuvre — namely, Dewey's commitment to the “unattained” and “wonderful possibilities” of experience and education — I argue that educational neoliberalism should be refuted above all on the basis of its lack of intelligence and professional weakness. With regard to this, I contend that educational neoliberalism, despite its relative sophistication, is but another form authoritarian teaching. Dewey, in contrast, challenged the view of education as a means for achieving predetermined goals, and instead conceived of education as an end in itself, something imbued with the unpredictable space of pure possibility.
Analysis of antiseizure drug‐related adverse reactions from the electronic health record using the common data model
Authors: Choi Sun Ah , Kim Hunmin , Kim Seok , Yoo Sooyoung , Yi Soyoung , Jeon Yonghoon , Hwang Hee , Kim Ki Joong
Published: March 2020

Objective

Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) are known to cause a wide range of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Recently, electronic health care data using the common data model (CDM) have been introduced and commonly adopted in pharmacovigilance research. We aimed to analyze ASD‐related ADRs using CDM and to assess the feasibility of CDM analysis in monitoring ADR in a single tertiary hospital.

Methods

We selected five ASDs: oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), valproic acid (VPA), and topiramate (TPM). Patients diagnosed with epilepsy and exposed to monotherapy with one of the ASDs before age 18 years were included. We measured four ADR outcomes: (1) hematologic abnormality, (2) hyponatremia, (3) elevation of liver enzymes, and (4) subclinical hypothyroidism. We performed a subgroup analysis to exclude the effects of concomitant medications.

Results

From the database, 1344 patients were included for the study. Of the 1344 patients, 436 were receiving OXC, 293 were receiving LTG, 275 were receiving LEV, 180 were receiving VPA, and 160 were receiving TPM. Thrombocytopenia developed in 14.1% of patients taking VPA. Hyponatremia occurred in 10.5% of patients taking OXC. Variable ranges of liver enzyme elevation were detected in 19.3% of patients taking VPA. Subclinical hypothyroidism occurred in approximately 21.5% to 28% of patients with ASD monotherapy, which did not significantly differ according to the type of ASD. In a subgroup analysis, we observed similar ADR tendencies, but with less thrombocytopenia in the TPM group.

Significance

The incidence and trends of ADRs that were evaluated by CDM were similar to the previous literature. CDM can be a useful tool for analyzing ASD‐related ADRs in a multicenter study. The strengths and limitations of CDM should be carefully addressed.
Home Management Houses: Part I History and a Case Study of Kansas State University
Authors: Nickols Sharon Y.
Published: March 2020

For much of the 20th century, living in a home management house for the purpose of applying principles and practices of household resource management was a core feature of the home economics curriculum. Home management houses were an integral part of the infrastructure on campuses of colleges and universities offering home economics majors. The purpose of this study was to explore the history of the home management house as an educational method in home economics and to illustrate the conversion of the physical facilities into contemporary purposes. Using multiple research methods, this study summarizes the development and repurposing of home management residences. In addition, Part I presents a case study of Kansas State University on the history of the home management course, the residences for the practicum, and the repurposing of the physical structures to meet contemporary academic needs. Part II will present further discussion and two case studies.
Patterns in nonstructural carbohydrate contents at the tree organ level in response to drought duration
Authors: He Wenqi , Liu Hongyan , Qi Yang , Liu Feng , Zhu Xinrong
Published: March 2020

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) facilitate the adaptation of trees to drought stress. There have been a large number of studies exploring NSC changes in individual plant species and individual organ under drought and showed different trends; however, an understanding of the universal pattern of the plant NSCs responses to drought, particularly to drought duration, is still lacking. Here, we compiled data from 47 experimental studies on 52 tree species and conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the responses of soluble sugars, starch, and TNSC (total nonstructural carbohydrates including both soluble sugars and starch) concentrations in different tree organs (leaf, stem, and root) to drought intensity and duration. We found that starch in all organs decreased and soluble sugars in leaf increased with prolonged experiment time, and the changes in soluble sugars in all organs were stronger under severe drought than under slight‐to‐moderate drought. Under slight‐to‐moderate drought, the NSC content of each organ varied with time, while with the extension of the drought duration, the NSCs gradually approached the control value (no drought stress); this trend remained in the late drought, which means that trees activated physiological regulation processes to increase carbon storage and reduce the risks of carbon starvation. In contrast, long‐term severe drought could lead to a net loss of carbohydrates, especially in the root, implying that prolonged severe drought could lead to NSC depletion in the whole plant. As prolonged drought duration has occurred in and is projected for many regions, this paper could shed light into studies on how trees respond and adapt extending drought duration through nonstructural carbon production, transportation, and reallocation.
Mediating engagement in a social network intervention for people living with a long‐term condition: A qualitative study of the role of facilitation
Authors: James Elizabeth , Kennedy Anne , Vassilev Ivaylo , Ellis Jaimie , Rogers Anne
Published: March 2020

Background

Successful facilitation of patient‐centred interventions for self‐management support has traditionally focussed on individual behaviour change. A social network approach to self‐management support implicates the need for facilitation that includes an orientation to connecting to and mobilizing support and resources from other people and the local environment.

Objective

To identify the facilitation processes through which engagement with a social network approach to self‐management is achieved.

Method

Thematic analysis was used to analyse data from a longitudinal study design using quasi‐ethnographic methods comprising non‐participant observation, video and qualitative interviews involving 30 participants living with a long‐term condition recruited from a marginalized community.

Results

Findings centred on three themes about the social network approach facilitation processes: reversing the focus on the self by bringing others into view; visualization and reflection as a mediator of positive disruption and linking to new connections; personalized matching of valued activities as a means of realizing preference elicitation.

Discussion and conclusions

Engagement processes with a social network approach illuminated the relevance of cognizance of an individual's immediate social context and forefronting social participation with others as the bases of self‐management support of a long‐term condition. This differs from traditional guided facilitation of health behaviour interventions that frame health as a matter of personal choice and individual responsibility.
How satisfied are you with your job? Estimating the reliability of scores on a single‐item job satisfaction measure
Authors: Ock Jisoo
Published: March 2020

Estimating the reliability of scores on single‐item measures can be difficult because commonly used internal consistency estimates of reliability cannot be calculated. When longitudinal data is available, statistical models can be used to decompose the variability in the latent variable at each wave into trait versus state variance. Then, reliability can be estimated as a ratio of the sum of the trait variance that is captured in repeated assessments over the total variance. The current study used latent trait‐state‐error models on a nine‐year longitudinal data (N = 5,003) to estimate the test–retest reliability of scores on a single‐item measure of job satisfaction. Results showed that job satisfaction scores were somewhat unreliable (rxx = .49–.59) and amenable to change.
Impact of donor‐related arteriosclerosis in pretransplant biopsy on long‐term outcome of living‐kidney transplantation: A propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Kakuta Yoichi , Okumi Masayoshi , Kanzawa Taichi , Unagami Kohei , Iizuka Junpei , Takagi Toshio , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To compare the long‐term outcome and complications of living‐kidney grafts with arteriosclerosis to those without abnormal findings diagnosed using pretransplant graft biopsy, and to assess the impact of the arteriosclerosis in living‐donor kidneys.

Methods

The influence of arteriosclerosis in pretransplant biopsy on long‐term outcomes and complications was evaluated in both unmatched (n = 1351, without arteriosclerosis n = 788 vs with arteriosclerosis n = 563) and propensity score‐matched cohorts (n = 984, without arteriosclerosis n = 492 vs with arteriosclerosis n = 492) of adults who underwent living‐kidney transplant.

Results

In both the unmatched and matched cohort, there was no significant difference in patient and death‐censored graft survival at 10 years between the without arteriosclerosis and with arteriosclerosis groups. The with arteriosclerosis group had a higher incidence rate of overall rejection than did the without arteriosclerosis group in both the unmatched (P = 0.026) and matched (P = 0.060) cohorts. The with arteriosclerosis group had significantly higher chronic antibody‐mediated rejection than did the without arteriosclerosis group (P = 0.006) in the unmatched cohort. The with arteriosclerosis group had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in recipients, but there was no significant difference after matching. The incidence rates of calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity and post‐transplant anemia were significantly higher in the with arteriosclerosis group than in the without arteriosclerosis group in both the unmatched and matched cohorts. Long‐term postoperative kidney function of living donors was lower in the with arteriosclerosis group.

Conclusions

Kidney graft with arteriosclerosis might affect the incidence of rejection, complications and postoperative kidney function of donors. Long‐term careful observation is required for both the recipients who received grafts with arteriosclerosis and the donors who had kidneys with arteriosclerosis.
Visceral adipose tissue Tregs and the cells that nurture them
Authors: Li Chaoran , Spallanzani Raul German , Mathis Diane
Published: March 2020

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a primary site for storage of excess energy, but it also serves as an important endocrine organ that impacts organismal metabolism. Chronic, low‐grade inflammation of VAT, and eventually systemically, is one of the major drivers of obesity‐associated insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. A unique population of regulatory T cells (Tregs), with a distinct transcriptional profile and antigen receptor repertoire resides in VAT, keeps inflammation in check and regulates organismal metabolism. Accumulation of these cells depends on interactions with other local immunocytes and, importantly, subtypes of VAT mesenchymal stromal cells (VmSCs) that are either immunomodulators or adipogenic. We summarize our current understanding of the phenotype, function, dependencies, derivation, and modulations of VAT Tregs, and review the heterogeneity and regulation of VmSCs as well as their cross talk with VAT Tregs. Lastly, we discuss imperative questions remaining to be answered.
Effect of pore solution calcium and substrate calcium on PMMA/cement paste interface during early stages of hydration
Authors: Konanur Nagesh Ashwin , Kamala Ilango Nirrupama , Alex Aleena , Ghosh Pijush
Published: March 2020

The interfacial shear strength of polymer thin film coating on calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) or cement paste significantly depends on the time‐point, from addition of water, when the polymer is coated. This is because the physico‐chemical properties of C–S–H surface evolve over time as hydration progresses. The instant of coating thus determines the interfacial performance of a thin film coating in an organic‐inorganic material system. In this work, we provide molecular insights into the interactions of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) functional groups with the pore solution calcium and bound substrate calcium present in hydrating C–S–H. The experimental observation reveals that PMMA thin film coated on second day of hydration exhibits larger interfacial shear strength than when coated on the 28th day. The possible reasons for this observations are: a) chemical crosslinking of two oxygen atoms from two different PMMA polymer chains by pore solution calcium ions and b) the physical interaction between double bond oxygen (O1) present in –COO functional group of PMMA with pore solution calcium. In this work, physical interaction between double bond oxygen (O1) present in –COO functional group of PMMA with pore solution calcium and substrate calcium in C–S–H is addressed.
Effect of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) on melting gel behavior
Authors: Klein Lisa C. , Al‐Marzoki Kutaiba , Jitianu Andrei , Rodriguez Gabriela
Published: March 2020

To increase the connectivity of the molecular structure but not to prevent softening, small amounts of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were added to phenyl‐substituted melting gels. The limit of the additions was determined when the melting gel lost its ability to soften. A comparison was made between TEOS diluted with ethanol, TEOS diluted with methanol, and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) diluted with methanol. The additions had slight effects on the glass transition behavior, the gelling time and the indentation hardness. The role of the TEOS was both a form of dilution and a cross‐linking promoter.
Inhibition of Interleukin‐6/glycoprotein 130 signalling by Bazedoxifene ameliorates cardiac remodelling in pressure overload mice
Authors: Shi Wei , Ma Haiyan , Liu Tianshu , Yan Dan , Luo Pengcheng , Zhai Maocai , Tao Jingwen , Huo Shengqi , Guo Junyi , Li Chenglong , Lin Jiayuh , Zhang Cuntai , Li Sheng , Lv Jiagao , Lin Li
Published: March 2020

The role of IL‐6 signalling in hypertensive heart disease and its sequelae is controversial. Our group demonstrated that Bazedoxifene suppressed IL‐6/gp130 signalling in cancer cells but its effect on myocardial pathology induced by pressure overload is still unknown. We explored whether Bazedoxifene could confer benefits in wild‐type C57BL/6J mice suffering from transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and the potential mechanisms in H9c2 myoblasts. Mice were randomized into three groups (Sham, TAC, TAC+Bazedoxifene, n = 10). Morphological and histological observations suggested TAC aggravated myocardial remodelling while long‐term intake of Bazedoxifene (5 mg/kg, intragastric) attenuated pressure overload‐induced pathology. Echocardiographic results indicated Bazedoxifene rescued cardiac function in part. We found Bazedoxifene decreased the mRNA expression of IL‐6, MMP2, Col1A1, Col3A1 and periostin in murine hearts after 8‐week surgery. By Western blot detection, we found Bazedoxifene exhibited an inhibition of STAT3 activation in mice three hours and 8 weeks after TAC. Acute TAC stress (3 hours) led to down‐regulated ratio of LC3‐Ⅱ/LC3‐Ⅰ, while in mice after long‐term (8 weeks) TAC this ratio becomes higher than that in Sham mice. Bazedoxifene inverted the autophagic alteration induced by TAC at both two time‐points. In H9c2 myoblasts, Bazedoxifene suppressed the IL‐6‐induced STAT3 activation. Moreover, IL‐6 reduced the ratio of LC3‐Ⅱ/LC3‐Ⅰ, promoted P62 expression but Bazedoxifene reversed both changes in H9c2 cells. Our data suggested Bazedoxifene inhibited IL‐6/gp130 signalling and protected against cardiac remodelling together with function deterioration in TAC mice.
Temporally consistent species differences in parasite infection but no evidence for rapid parasite‐mediated speciation in Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: Gobbin Tiziana P. , Vanhove Maarten P. M. , Pariselle Antoine , Groothuis Ton G. G. , Maan Martine E. , Seehausen Ole
Published: March 2020

Parasites may have strong eco‐evolutionary interactions with their hosts. Consequently, they may contribute to host diversification. The radiation of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria provides a good model to study the role of parasites in the early stages of speciation. We investigated patterns of macroparasite infection in a community of 17 sympatric cichlids from a recent radiation and 2 older species from 2 nonradiating lineages, to explore the opportunity for parasite‐mediated speciation. Host species had different parasite infection profiles, which were only partially explained by ecological factors (diet, water depth). This may indicate that differences in infection are not simply the result of differences in exposure, but that hosts evolved species‐specific resistance, consistent with parasite‐mediated divergent selection. Infection was similar between sampling years, indicating that the direction of parasite‐mediated selection is stable through time. We morphologically identified 6Cichlidogyrusspecies, a gill parasite that is considered a good candidate for driving parasite‐mediated speciation, because it is host species‐specific and has radiated elsewhere in Africa. Species composition ofCichlidogyrusinfection was similar among the most closely related host species (members of the Lake Victoria radiation), but two more distantly related species (belonging to nonradiating sister lineages) showed distinct infection profiles. This is inconsistent with a role forCichlidogyrusin the early stages of divergence. To conclude, we find significant interspecific variation in parasite infection profiles, which is temporally consistent. We found no evidence thatCichlidogyrus‐mediated selection contributes to the early stages of speciation. Instead, our findings indicate that species differences in infection accumulateafterspeciation.
THE EVOLUTION PROCESS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY: RESEARCH INSIGHTS FROM TOP BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS JOURNALS
Authors: Lu Ren , Lu Qi , Lv Daguo , Huang Yuxiang , Li Shuping , Jian Ze , Reve Torger
Published: March 2020

The present study involves a literature survey of 1710 entrepreneurship papers published in 28 top business and economics journals in 12 research disciplines. This paper finds that despite increased recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship, the research literature on entrepreneurship remains fragmented. Studies of entrepreneurship processes have been the dominant theme, but new issues of entrepreneurship are emerging. Based on the entrepreneurship reviewed, this paper summarizes potential research directions.
Reproductive health, fairness, and optimal policies
Authors: Etner Johanna , Raffin Natacha , Seegmuller Thomas
Published: March 2020

We consider an overlapping generations economy in which agents differ through their ability to procreate. Ex‐ante infertile households may incur health expenditure to increase their chances of parenthood. This health heterogeneity generates welfare inequalities that deserve to be ruled out. We explore three different criteria of social evaluation in the long‐run: the utilitarian approach, the ex‐ante egalitarian criterion and the ex‐post egalitarian one. We propose a set of economic instruments to decentralize each solution. To correct for the externalities and health inequalities, both a preventive (a taxation of capital) and a redistributive policy are required. We show that a more egalitarian allocation is associated with higher productive investment but reduced health expenditure and thus, lower population growth.
Trait–abundance relationships in tree communities along temperature and successional gradients
Authors: Aiba Masahiro , Kurokawa Hiroko , Onoda Yusuke , Nakashizuka Tohru
Published: March 2020

Questions

Functional traits of species, which are responsible for demographic characteristics, environmental preferences, and competitive abilities, may have essential linkages with species abundance in a community, but we lack a general understanding of trait–abundance relationships in tree communities. This study investigated three questions: (a) is the relative abundance of tree species monotonically correlated with their functional traits; (b) are abundant species functionally similar or dissimilar to each other; and (c) do trait–abundance relationships change along temperature or successional gradients?

Location

A total of 3,799 lowland natural forest sites along a 1,500‐km latitudinal gradient in Japan.

Methods

We analyzed trait–abundance relationships (correlations and functional similarity/dissimilarity of abundant species) and their responses to temperature and successional gradients in 3,799 tree communities across multiple biomes in Japan. We focused on five functional traits whose relationships with plant performance are well known: adult height, leaf mass per area (LMA), seed mass, wood density, and leaf size.

Results

Across the temperature and successional gradients, the abundance of a tree species in a local community was often positively correlated with adult height, LMA, seed mass, and wood density and negatively correlated with leaf size. In contrast, whether abundant species are functionally similar or dissimilar to each other was clearly context‐dependent for all five traits. Changes in the similarity/dissimilarity patterns across the temperature and successional gradients were not consistent among the five traits.

Conclusions

The trait–abundance relationships suggest that a long life, a high survival rate, stress tolerance, and/or competitive ability are key properties for higher abundance in a tree community across temperature and successional gradients. However, the fact that dominant species are not always functionally similar to each other suggests that mechanisms that prevent these species from competitively excluding other species, such as gap dynamics, are also important.
Static and semistatic hedging as contrarian or conformist bets
Authors: Boyarchenko Svetlana , Levendorskiĭ Sergei
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we argue that, once the costs of maintaining the hedging portfolio are properly taken into account, semistatic portfolios should more properly be thought of as separate classes of derivatives, with nontrivial, model‐dependent payoff structures. We derive new integral representations for payoffs of exotic European options in terms of payoffs of vanillas, different from the Carr–Madan representation, and suggest approximations of the idealized static hedging/replicating portfolio using vanillas available in the market. We study the dependence of the hedging error on a model used for pricing and show that the variance of the hedging errors of static hedging portfolios can be sizably larger than the errors of variance‐minimizing portfolios. We explain why the exact semistatic hedging of barrier options is impossible for processes with jumps, and derive general formulas for variance‐minimizing semistatic portfolios. We show that hedging using vanillas only leads to larger errors than hedging using vanillas and first touch digitals. In all cases, efficient calculations of the weights of the hedging portfolios are in the dual space using new efficient numerical methods for calculation of the Wiener–Hopf factors and Laplace–Fourier inversion.
Immigrant self‐employment and local unemployment in Sweden
Authors: Miao Chizheng
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between the local unemployment rate and immigrant self‐employment entry decision. The study uses Swedish population register data at the individual level and the annual unemployment rate data at the local labour market level over the time period of 1996–2007. The paper finds that the local unemployment rate is negatively correlated with the probability of entering into self‐employment for natives and immigrants who are not from the Middle East. Compared with natives, Middle Eastern immigrants are more likely to enter into self‐employment when local unemployment rate increases. Furthermore, the magnitude of the impact of the local unemployment rate on women's self‐employment entry is quantitatively smaller than that of men, indicating the less important role of economic conditions in determining women's decision to enter self‐employment.
Today's doctors: What do men and women value in a training post?
Authors: Scanlan Gillian , Johnston Peter , Walker Kim , Skåtun Diane , Cleland Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Recent studies suggest that traditional male‐female differences may be changing in terms of what is valued in a medical career but there have been no studies directly quantifying the relationship between gender and stated career‐related preferences. To address this gap, we examined the differences between male and female doctors in terms of the strength of their work‐related preferences at the point of eligibility to enter residency or specialty training in the UK.

Methods

This was a quantitative study using a survey incorporating a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Respondents were asked a series of questions in which they had to choose between two or more scenarios, differing in terms of attributes. The attributes were: location; familiarity with specialty; culture of the working and learning environment; earnings; working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. The main outcome measure was willingness to accept compensation to forgo a desirable attribute within a training position. Conditional logistic regression models were run separately for males and females.

Results

A total of 5005 out of 6890 (73%) Foundation Year 2 doctors completed the DCE. The relative value of each attribute was similar for males and females, with location most valued and familiarity with the specialty least valued. There was a pattern of female respondents valuing the move between the best and worst levels of each training attribute more than men, and significantly more than men in respect of the importance of working culture.

Conclusions

This study adds to existing knowledge in terms of quantifying gendered values in respect of training or residency preferences. That men value a supportive working culture significantly less than women is well established. However, our findings that location, working conditions and working culture are increasingly important to both men and women, suggests that traditional gender norms may be changing. This intelligence can inform gender‐responsive workforce planning and innovation, and future research.
Species distribution of the main aetiologic agents causing skin dermatophytosis in Colombian patients: A 23‐year experience at a Mycological Reference Center
Authors: Carrascal‐Correa Daniel Fernando , Zuluaga Alejandra , González Angel
Published: March 2020

Background

Dermatophytosis is one of the most frequent superficial mycoses in the world.

Main aim

To describe the cases of skin dermatophytosis and its main aetiologic agents in patients referred to a Mycological Reference Laboratory in Medellín, Colombia.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out with records of patients referred between 1994 and 2016 to the Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín‐Colombia, because of clinical suspicion of skin dermatophytosis.

Results

Of a total of 5628 clinical records of patients with suspicion of skin dermatophytosis analysed, 2780 (49.4%) had a proven or probable dermatophytosis diagnosis, 2774 cultures were performed, and aetiologic agents were isolated in 2576 samples (92.9%). The most frequently isolated aetiologic agents were Trichophyton rubrum (44.3%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (33.3%), Epidermophyton floccosum (12.4%), Nannizzia gypseum complex (5.7%, formerly Microsporum gypseum), Microsporum canis (3.5%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (0.8%). The most frequent clinical forms were tinea pedis (72.7%) and tinea corporis (12.7%). In addition, a group of patients (0.9%) developed mixed infections by two dermatophyte agents and another (4.1%) developed infections in more than one anatomical site.

Conclusions

The results of the present study are coherent with previous reports where T rubrum and T mentagrophytes complex were the main causative agents of dermatophytosis. However, the increased incidence of N gypsea complex over M canis is worth highlighting.
Mediators of socioeconomic inequalities in dietary behaviours among youth: A systematic review
Authors: Mekonnen Teferi , Havdal Hanne Hennig , Lien Nanna , O'Halloran Siobhan Anne , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Papadopoulou Eleni , Gebremariam Mekdes Kebede
Published: March 2020

Children and adolescents with a lower socioeconomic position have poorer dietary behaviours compared to their counterparts with a higher socioeconomic position. A better understanding of the mechanisms behind such socioeconomic inequalities is vital to identify targets for interventions aimed at tackling these inequalities. This systematic review aimed to summarize existing evidence regarding the mediators of socioeconomic differences in dietary behaviours among youth. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases yielded 20 eligible studies. The dietary behaviours included in the reviewed studies were the intake of fruit and vegetables, sugar‐sweetened beverages, unhealthy snacks/fast food and breakfast. The consistent mediators of the effects of socioeconomic position on dietary behaviours among youth were: self‐efficacy, food preferences and knowledge at the intrapersonal level; and availability and accessibility of food items at home, food rules and parental modelling at the interpersonal level. Few studies including mediators at the organisational, community or policy levels were found. Our review found several modifiable factors at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels that could be targeted in interventions aimed at combating inequalities in dietary behaviours among youth. Rigorous studies exploring organisational, community and policy level mediators are warranted.
3D soft‐tissue evaluation of a Class III treatment with rapid maxillary expander and face mask in pre‐pubertal phase—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Krneta Đokić Bojana , Zhurov Alexei , Richmond Stephen , Verdenik Ivan , Ovsenik Maja
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of this prospective controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the rapid maxillary expander (RME) and face mask treatment using three‐dimensional soft‐tissue facial characteristics of pre‐pubertal Class III children.

Setting and Sample Population

CLIII and non‐CLIII groups, both of 32 white children aged 6‐8 years participated.

Material and Methods

Facial surface images were obtained using stereophotogrammetry at T0 and T1 and were superimposed. Landmark‐based and surface‐based facial parameters were measured, and group differences were quantified (ANOVA; P ≥ .05).

Results

CLIII children had less mid‐face prominence, shorter lower facial height and protruded mandible when compared to non‐CLIII children at T0. At T1, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant, indicating successful correction. After the RME/face mask treatment, the n‐sn and sn‐pg distances increased by 1.5 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively. The distance from sn to the n‐pg line increased by 1 mm, the n‐sn‐pg angle decreased by almost 2°. Pogonion moved downward by 2.5 mm and posteriorly by 3 mm. The surface‐based measurements between the groups after treatment showed anterior movement in the mid‐face region and the upper lip region. The lower lip and chin region moved posteriorly in the CLIII group and anteriorly in the non‐CLIII group.

Conclusions

After RME/face mask treatment, the lower facial height increased, the maxilla moved anteriorly, and the mandible moved posteriorly. Consequently, CLIII children reached the respective values of the non‐CLIII children, indicating a harmonious facial appearance of CLIII children. The results have been obtained using non‐invasive technique.
Stress‐ and pathway‐specific impacts of impaired jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) catabolism on defense signalling and biotic stress resistance
Authors: Marquis Valentin , Smirnova Ekaterina , Poirier Laure , Zumsteg Julie , Schweizer Fabian , Reymond Philippe , Heitz Thierry
Published: March 2020

Jasmonate synthesis and signalling are essential for plant defense upregulation upon herbivore or microbial attacks. Stress‐induced accumulation of jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile), the bioactive hormonal form triggering transcriptional changes, is dynamic and transient because of the existence of potent removal mechanisms. Two JA‐Ile turnover pathways operate in Arabidopsis, consisting in cytochrome P450 (CYP94)‐mediated oxidation and deconjugation by the amidohydrolases IAR3/ILL6. Understanding their impacts was previously blurred by gene redundancy and compensation mechanisms. Here we address the consequences of blocking these pathways on jasmonate homeostasis and defenses in double‐2ah, triple‐3cyp mutants, and a quintuple‐5ko line deficient in all known JA‐Ile‐degrading activities. These lines reacted differently to either mechanical wounding/insect attack or fungal infection. Both pathways contributed additively to JA‐Ile removal upon wounding, but their impairement had opposite impacts on insect larvae feeding. By contrast, only the ah pathway was essential for JA‐Ile turnover upon infection by Botrytis, yet only 3cyp was more fungus‐resistant. Despite building‐up extreme JA‐Ile levels, 5ko displayed near‐wild‐type resistance in both bioassays. Molecular analysis indicated that restrained JA‐Ile catabolism resulted in enhanced defense/resistance only when genes encoding negative regulators were not simultaneously overstimulated. This occurred in discrete stress‐ and pathway‐specific combinations, providing a framework for future defense‐enhancing strategies.
Risk factors and intraoral breast milk application for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in surgical neonates
Authors: Inoue Mikihiro , Uchida Keiichi , Nagano Yuka , Matsushita Kohei , Koike Yuhki , Otake Kohei , Okita Yoshiki , Toiyama Yuji , Araki Toshimitsu , Kusunoki Masato
Published: March 2020

Background

Our previous study identified methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization as an independent risk factor for neonatal surgical site infection. Here we introduce intraoral breast milk application (IBMA) during a fasting state to prevent MRSA colonization. We aimed to evaluate both the risk factors for MRSA colonization and the efficacy of IBMA in neonatal surgical patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed using admission data from 2007 to 2016. Neonatal patients who underwent surgery and were tested periodically for MRSA colonization were evaluated for an association between MRSA colonization and perinatal or perioperative factors.

Results

The overall incidence of MRSA colonization for the 159 patients enrolled in this study was 16.4%. Univariate analysis showed that MRSA colonization was significantly more frequent in the following patients: those with Down syndrome, those admitted on their day of birth, those in need of fasting immediately after birth, and those not receiving IBMA. Multivariate analysis showed that comorbid Down syndrome was an independent risk factor (hazard ratio: 4.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–19.5, P = 0.03) and implementation of IBMA was an independent preventive factor for MRSA colonization (hazard ratio: 0.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.1–0.9, P = 0.04). MRSA‐positive patients admitted significantly earlier and stayed longer preoperatively than MRSA‐negative patients.

Conclusions

In neonates undergoing surgery, and patients with Down syndrome, early diagnosis after birth and a long waiting period before operation may be associated with MRSA colonization. Intraoral breast milk application may be beneficial for preventing MRSA colonization.
The behavioral additionality effects of a tax incentive program on firms’ composition of R&D investment
Authors: Dai Xiaoyong , Verreynne Martie‐Louise , Wang Jian‐Hang , He Yanan
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the behavioral additionality effects of a unique high‐ and new‐ technology enterprise (HNTE) program in China. The program provides a reduced corporate income tax to certificated HNTEs. By distinguishing research expenses from development costs, we examine if the tax incentive program affects firms’ composition of R&D investment, based on a sample of Chinese listed firms. The results indicate that the tax incentive program encourages firms to focus more on development than on research. The effects are also found to be heterogeneous among the first‐time, repeated, and one‐time certification users. The results imply that tax incentives prompt firms to invest in short‐term development opportunities with promising private returns. Conversely, they are less likely to stimulate risky research projects with potential high rates of social and long‐term economic returns. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the behavioral additionality effects for innovation policy evaluations and better policy designs.
Armed conflicts and the environment: The International Law Commission’s new draft principles
Authors: Lehto Marja
Published: March 2020

The International Law Commission’s work on the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts has produced 28 draft principles with commentaries, which the Commission adopted in first reading in 2019. The article gives an overview of what the Commission has accomplished so far, the choices it has made and some of the challenges that have been encountered. The article discusses four general aspects that characterize the topic: the temporal approach, the interplay of several areas of international law, the reliance on the enhanced understanding of the environmental impacts of armed conflicts and the normative nature of the draft principles.