bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bitcoin as a new asset class
Authors: Ram Asheer Jaywant
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Bitcoin is the best-known cryptocurrency which currently holds the largest market capitalisation and is regarded as a standard example of a cryptocurrency. There is, however, no consensus as to the nature of the Bitcoin. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether Bitcoin represents a new asset class by building on prior research.

Design/methodology/approach

The prior literature on asset classes is explored in detail and then applied to the Bitcoin. Four key criteria of asset classes are discussed, namely, investability, politico-economic profile, correlation of returns and risk-reward profile. Statistical techniques are used to inform the conclusions for the third and fourth criteria.

Findings

This research finds that the Bitcoin represents a distinct alternative investment and asset class. There are significant opportunities for investment. The politico-economic profile of the decentralised and consensus-based Bitcoin is dissimilar to other asset classes. The Bitcoin shares little or no correlation with other asset classes. Using Sharpe Ratios, it is shown that the Bitcoin provides risk-adjusted returns over and above most asset classes.

Research limitations/implications

The aim of this research is to present a normative exploration into the asset class nature of the Bitcoin and, as a result, the aim is not to create positivist generalisable conclusions. This paper does not address cryptocurrencies, other than Bitcoin and does not constitute a detailed manual on modern portfolio theory.

Originality/value

This research adds to finance paradigm research on the Bitcoin by including a developing country perspective on Bitcoin as an asset class as prior studies have concentrated on developed country settings. Further, this research introduces recent economic data (2014 to 2017) in the form of daily observations to enhance prior understanding. It is important to understand if the Bitcoin represents an alternative investment and new asset class as this may affect investment decisions.
The ten stages of the Agile transformation journey
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Soon leaders in many top-down managed organization may face the necessity of undertaking a company-wide Agile transformation.First adopted by digital innovation teams, the Agile mindset is spreading to middle management operations and top level leadership initiatives in many established organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A guide to the ten stages of implementing an Agile mindset and practices through out an organization are detailed.

Findings

For traditionally managed hierarchical organizations, the transformation will include radical shifts in power, attitudes, values, mindsets, ways of thinking and ways of interacting with stakeholders—customers, employee talent, shareholders and partners. The goal is to enable the organization to generate instant, frictionless, intimate, incremental, risk-free value at scale, and to gain the financial rewards that flow from that capability.In the race for such outcomes, rigidly hierarchical firms are at a disadvantage.

Practical implications

The idea of Agile itself will continue to evolve as it is adapted by the organization. The process is not a matter of crafting a plan and then rolling it out across the organization. It’s not a mechanical eight-step program. It requires continuously adapting the idea to the circumstances of the organization. As the organization and everyone in it adapts the Agile approach to their own context, each individual needs to own it.

Originality/value

This map of the Agile implementation process enables top management and Agile champions to envision how to prepare an organization to change to a customer-focused, business that operates with Strategic Agility.
Whole exome sequencing identified two point mutations of COL7A1 and FLG in a Chinese family with dystrophic epidermolysis bullous pruriginosa and ichthyosis vulgaris
Authors: Gong Lin , Liu Cheng‐Cheng , Li Yuan‐Hong , Xu Xue‐Gang
Published: December 2018

We report a 21‐year‐old man with recurrent bullous eruptions and severe itching on the lower legs and feet since 5 years of age. Dry, dirty brown, tile‐like scales covered his lower legs with dystrophic toenails. Nodular prurigo‐like lesions, scarring papules and milia remitted after the bullous eruptions. His father and another two family members had similar but mild presentations with recurrent bullae on the lower legs. Whole exome sequencing detected the heterozygous variants of COL7A1 c.6698G>A and FLG c.7249C>T in this pedigree. COL7A1 c.6698G>A was reported in bullous dermolysis of the newborn and FLG c.7249C>T was reported in ichthyosis vulgaris. Thus, the diagnosis of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa associated with ichthyosis vulgaris was made.
Gynaecological surgery
Authors: Chien Patrick
Published: December 2018

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Patrick Chien, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/january-editorial-2019
Unpredictable Behavior Under the Influence of “Magic Mushrooms”: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Honyiglo Emma , Franchi Angélique , Cartiser Nathalie , Bottinelli Charline , Advenier Anne‐Sophie , Bévalot Fabien , Fanton Laurent
Published: December 2018

Fatalities implicating psychedelic mushrooms are not a common clinical situation in everyday forensic medicine. Despite classification as an illegal drug in many countries, psilocybin mushrooms have the reputation of being safe. We report the case of a young man who jumped from a second story balcony under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms. The psilocin assay was performed by gas chromatography coupled to an electron‐impact ionization time‐of‐flight detector (GC‐EI‐TOF) after solid‐phase extraction. Total psilocin was quantified in peripheral and cardiac blood as 60 and 67 ng/mL, respectively, and in urine (2230 ng/mL), bile (3102 ng/mL), and vitreous humor (57 ng/mL). This case report and review of literature highlights the danger of psilocybin mushrooms. Isolated use of psilocybin mushrooms by a regular consumer without psychiatric history, even under “safe” circumstances, can lead to a fatal outcome.
The omnivorous predator Macrolophus pygmaeus, a good candidate for the control of both greenhouse whitefly and poinsettia thrips on gerbera plants
Authors: Leman Ada , Ingegno Barbara L. , Tavella Luciana , Janssen Arne , Messelink Gerben J.
Published: December 2018

The poinsettia thrips Echinothrips americanus Morgan is a relatively new pest that has spread rapidly worldwide and causes serious damage in both vegetable and ornamental plants. In this study, we investigated if and how effective this pest can be controlled in gerbera by the omnivorous predator Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur). Because herbivores on plants can interact through a shared predator, we also investigated how poinsettia thrips control is affected by the presence of the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), a pest that commonly coexists with E. americanus in gerbera. In laboratory studies, we found that the predator M. pygmaeus fed on both pests when offered together. Olfactometer tests showed a clear preference of the predators for plants infested by whiteflies but not by thrips. In a greenhouse experiment, densities of both pests on single gerbera plants were reduced to very low levels by the predator, either with both pests present together or alone. Hence, predator‐mediated effects between whiteflies and thrips played only a minor role. The plant feeding of the shared predator probably reduced the dependence of predator survival and reproduction on the densities of the two pests, thereby weakening potential predator‐mediated effects. Thus, M. pygmaeus is a good candidate for biological control of both pests in gerbera. However, further research is needed to investigate pest control at larger scales, when the pests can occur on different plants.
Polyautoimmunity in rheumatological conditions
Authors: Matusiewicz Agata , Stróżyńska‐Byrska Joanna , Olesińska Marzena
Published: December 2018

Co‐occurrence of autoimmune diseases (ADs) within an individual is postulated to be a frequent phenomenon in rheumatic diseases. Similar clinical signs and symptoms, pathophysiological mechanisms, genetic factors within autoimmune diseases and aggregation of diverse ADs within families sustain the theory of shared pathogenesis of several ADs (autoimmune tautology). Polyautoimmunity (PA) is defined as the presence of more than one autoimmune disease in a single patient. When three or more autoimmune diseases coexist, this condition is called multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS). This analysis summarizes an estimated prevalence of PA in the most common rheumatic diseases, the presumable risk factors for PA and influence of concomitant diseases on the course of disease.
Remote ischaemic preconditioning increases serum extracellular vesicle concentrations with altered micro‐RNA signature in CABG patients
Authors: Frey Ulrich H. , Klaassen Marina , Ochsenfarth Crista , Murke Florian , Thielmann Matthias , Kottenberg Eva , Kleinbongard Petra , Klenke Stefanie , Engler Andrea , Heusch Gerd , Giebel Bernd , Peters Jürgen
Published: December 2018

Background

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) can attenuate myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury but its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to mediate distant intercellular communication that may be involved in cardioprotection. We tested the hypothesis that RIPC in anaesthetized patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery results in the release of EVs from the ischaemic/reperfused arm into the blood stream harbouring cardioprotective miRNAs.

Methods

In 58 patients randomised to RIPC (three 5/5 minutes episodes of left arm ischaemia/reperfusion by suprasystolic blood pressure cuff inflations/deflations) or Sham, a subprotocol comprising of parallel right radial artery and regional (left subclavian) venous blood sampling before (awake) and 5 and 60 minutes after RIPC/Sham during isoflurane/sufentanil anaesthesia could be completed. EVs were extracted by polymer‐based precipitation methods, their concentrations measured, and their miRNA signature analysed.

Results

Five minutes after RIPC, regional venous EV concentrations downstream from the cuff increased and arterial concentrations increased after 60 minutes (fold change [fc]: RIPC: 1.33 ± 0.5, Sham: 0.91 ± 0.31; P = 0.003 for interaction). Already 5 minutes after RIPC, expression of 26 miRNAs (threshold fc: 3.0, P < 0.05) isolated from EVs including the cardioprotective miR‐21 had increased. RIPC also decreased postoperative Troponin I concentrations (AUC RIPC: 336 ng/mL × 72 hours ± 306 vs Sham: 713 ± 1013; P  =  0.041).

Conclusions

Remote ischaemic preconditioning increases serum EV concentrations, most likely by early EV release from the patients’ left (RIPC) arm, alters their miRNA signature, and is associated with myocardial protection. Thus, an increased EV concentration with an altered miR‐signature may mediate the RIPC effect.
Aging differentially modulates the Wnt pro‐survival signalling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Brown Bethan A. , Connolly Georgia M. , Mill Carina E. J. , Williams Helen , Angelini Gianni D. , Johnson Jason L. , George Sarah J.
Published: December 2018

We previously reported pro‐survival effects of Wnt3a and Wnt5a proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Wnt5a achieved this through induction of Wnt1‐inducible signalling pathway protein‐1 (WISP‐1) consequent to β‐catenin/CREB‐dependent, TCF‐independent, signalling. However, we found that as atherosclerosis advances, although Wnt5a protein was increased, WISP‐1 was reduced. We hypothesized this disconnect could be due to aging. In this study, we elucidate the mechanism underlying Wnt3a pro‐survival signalling and demonstrate the differential effect of age on Wnt3a‐ and Wnt5a‐mediated survival. We show Wnt3a protein was expressed in human atherosclerotic coronary arteries and co‐located with macrophages and VSMCs. Meanwhile, Wnt3a stimulation of primary mouse VSMCs increased β‐catenin nuclear translocation and TCF, but not CREB, activation. Wnt3a increased mRNA expression of the pro‐survival factor WISP‐2 in a TCF‐dependent manner. Functionally, β‐catenin/TCF inhibition or WISP‐2 neutralization significantly impaired Wnt3a‐mediated VSMC survival. WISP‐2 was upregulated in human atherosclerosis and partly co‐localized with Wnt3a. The pro‐survival action of Wnt3a was effective in VSMCs from young (2 month) and old (18–20 month) mice, whereas Wnt5a‐mediated rescue was impaired with age. Further investigation revealed that although Wnt5a induced β‐catenin nuclear translocation in VSMCs from both ages, CREB phosphorylation and WISP‐1 upregulation did not occur in old VSMCs. Unlike Wnt5a, pro‐survival Wnt3a signalling involves β‐catenin/TCF and WISP‐2. While Wnt3a‐mediated survival was unchanged with age, Wnt5a‐mediated survival was lost due to impaired CREB activation and WISP‐1 regulation. Greater understanding of the effect of age on Wnt signalling may identify targets to promote VSMC survival in elderly patients with atherosclerosis.
Doubled lifespan and patient‐like pathologies in progeria mice fed high‐fat diet
Authors: Kreienkamp Ray , Billon Cyrielle , Bedia‐Diaz Gonzalo , Albert Carolyn J. , Toth Zacharie , Butler Andrew A. , McBride‐Gagyi Sara , Ford David A. , Baldan Angel , Burris Thomas P. , Gonzalo Susana
Published: December 2018

Hutchinson‐Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a devastating premature aging disease. Mouse models have been instrumental for understanding HGPS mechanisms and for testing therapies, which to date have had only marginal benefits in mice and patients. Barriers to developing effective therapies include the unknown etiology of progeria mice early death, seemingly unrelated to the reported atherosclerosis contributing to HGPS patient mortality, and mice not recapitulating the severity of human disease. Here, we show that progeria mice die from starvation and cachexia. Switching progeria mice approaching death from regular diet to high‐fat diet (HFD) rescues early lethality and ameliorates morbidity. Critically, feeding the mice only HFD delays aging and nearly doubles lifespan, which is the greatest lifespan extension recorded in progeria mice. The extended lifespan allows for progeria mice to develop degenerative aging pathologies of a severity that emulates the human disease. We propose that starvation and cachexia greatly influence progeria phenotypes and that nutritional/nutraceutical strategies might help modulate disease progression. Importantly, progeria mice on HFD provide a more clinically relevant animal model to study mechanisms of HGPS pathology and to test therapies.
COMPARING PPP WITH TRADITIONAL PROCUREMENT: THE CASE OF SCHOOLS PROCUREMENT IN IRELAND
Authors: O'SHEA Cian , PALCIC Dónal , REEVES Eoin
Published: December 2018

Advocates of public‐private partnerships (PPPs) argue that they can deliver public infrastructure more efficiently than traditional procurement through timelier completion and superior value for money. Despite these claims comparative analysis of the performance of both procurement methods has received scant attention in the PPP literature to date. This paper addresses this issue by providing an in‐depth, case‐based comparison of PPP versus traditional procurement in the schools sector in Ireland. Through detailed semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders and an examination of the available documentation, we assess whether the key objectives of using PPP have been achieved. Overall, we find no evidence that PPP leads to faster delivery of infrastructure when the overall procurement process from contract notice to delivery is accounted for. In addition, we find only limited evidence to suggest that PPP results in better value for money.
Fruitful first experience with an 8K ultra‐high‐definition endoscope for laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Ohigashi Seiji , Taketa Takashi , Shimada Gen , Kubota Keisuke , Sunagawa Hiroki , Kishida Akihiro
Published: December 2018

We performed laparoscopic surgery for three cases of colorectal cancer using an 8K ultra‐high‐definition endoscopic system, which offers 16‐fold higher resolution than the current 2K high‐definition endoscope. The weight of the camera has been successfully reduced to 370 g. To maximize the advantages of the 8K ultra‐high‐definition endoscope, surgery was performed by darkening the room and placing a large 85‐in. display as close to the surgeon as possible. As a result, the autonomic nerve was preserved, and the membrane structure could be clearly observed. Moreover, we were able to feel the stereoscopic effect near the 3‐D image. This suggests the possibility of improved curability and function preservation with the 8K endoscope. Although there are some disadvantages that need to be overcome, the 8K ultra‐high‐definition endoscope will surely contribute to further progress in laparoscopic surgery.
Drawing Inferences for High-Dimensional Linear Models: A Selection-Assisted Partial Regression and Smoothing Approach
Authors: Fei Zhe , Zhu Ji , Banerjee Moulinath , Li Yi
Published: December 2018

Drawing inferences for high-dimensional models is challenging as regular asymptotic theories are not applicable. This article proposes a new framework of simultaneous estimation and inferences for high-dimensional linear models. By smoothing over partial regression estimates based on a given variable selection scheme, we reduce the problem to low-dimensional least squares estimations. The procedure, termed as Selection-assisted Partial Regression and Smoothing (SPARES), utilizes data splitting along with variable selection and partial regression. We show that the SPARES estimator is asymptotically unbiased and normal, and derive its variance via a nonparametric delta method. The utility of the procedure is evaluated under various simulation scenarios and via comparisons with the de-biased LASSO estimators, a major competitor. We apply the method to analyze two genomic datasets and obtain biologically meaningful results.
Potent antiproliferative effect of fatty‐acid derivative AIC‐47 on leukemic mice harboring BCR‐ABL mutation
Authors: Shinohara Haruka , Sugito Nobuhiko , Kuranaga Yuki , Heishima Kazuki , Minami Yosuke , Naoe Tomoki , Akao Yukihiro
Published: December 2018

Therapy based on targeted inhibition of BCR‐ABL tyrosine kinase has greatly improved the prognosis for patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive leukemia and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have become standard therapy. However, some patients acquire resistance to TKI that is frequently associated with point mutations in BCR‐ABL. We previously reported that a medium‐chain fatty‐acid derivative AIC‐47 induced transcriptional suppression of BCR‐ABL and perturbation of the Warburg effect, leading to growth inhibition in Ph‐positive leukemia cells. Herein, we showed that AIC‐47 had anti‐leukemic effects in either wild type (WT)‐ or mutated‐BCR‐ABL‐harboring cells. AIC‐47 suppressed transcription of BCR‐ABL gene regardless of the mutation through downregulation of transcriptional activator, c‐Myc. Reprogramming of the metabolic pathway has been reported to be associated with resistance to anti‐cancer drugs; however, we found that a point mutation of BCR‐ABL was independent of the profile of pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM) isoform expression. Even in T315I‐mutated cells, AIC‐47 induced switching of the expression profile of PKM isoforms from PKM2 to PKM1, suggesting that AIC‐47 disrupted the Warburg effect. In a leukemic mouse model, AIC‐47 greatly suppressed the increase in BCR‐ABL mRNA level and improved hepatosplenomegaly regardless of the BCR‐ABL mutation. Notably, the improvement of splenomegaly by AIC‐47 was remarkable and might be equal to or greater than that of TKI. These findings suggest that AIC‐47 might be a promising agent for overcoming the resistance of Ph‐positive leukemia to therapy.
The right to exit and skilled labour emigration: Ethical considerations for compulsory health service programmes
Authors: Yuksekdag Yusuf
Published: December 2018

Compulsory (health) service contracts have recently received considerable attention in the normative literature. The service contracts are considered and offered as a permissible and liberal alternative to emigration restrictions if individuals relinquish their right to exit via contract in exchange for the state‐funded tertiary education. To that end, the recent normative literature on the service programmes has particularly focused on discussing the circumstances or conditions in which the contracts should be signed, so that they are morally binding on the part of the skilled workers. However, little attention is devoted to the relevance of the right to exit for the debate on compulsory service programmes. In this paper, I argue that even if the service contracts are voluntary, and thus the would‐be medical students voluntarily relinquish their right to exit, the reasons behind the right should be taken into account for the contracts to be morally valid. A clear understanding of the right to exit is a must in order not to breach its basic components and for the service contracts to be morally binding. To that end, I provide two accounts of the reasons to value the right to exit by presenting Patti Lenard's discussion of the right to exit and by reconstructing James Griffin's account of human rights. I conclude by offering brief ethical considerations for compulsory health service programmes grounded in the reasons to value the right to exit.
Cardiac septation in heart development and evolution
Authors: Katano Wataru , Moriyama Yuuta , Takeuchi Jun K. , Koshiba‐Takeuchi Kazuko
Published: December 2018

The heart is one of the vital organs and is functionalized for blood circulation from its early development. Some vertebrates have altered their living environment from aquatic to terrestrial life over the course of evolution and obtained circulatory systems well adapted to their lifestyles. The morphology of the heart has been changed together with the acquisition of a sophisticated respiratory organ, the lung. Adaptation to a terrestrial environment requires the coordination of heart and lung development due to the intake of oxygen from the air and the production of the large amount of energy needed for terrestrial life. Therefore, vertebrates developed pulmonary circulation and a septated heart (four‐chambered heart) with venous and arterial blood completely separated. In this review, we summarize how vertebrates change the structures and functions of their circulatory systems according to environmental changes.
Early psychosis detection program in Chile: A first step for the South American challenge in psychosis research
Authors: Gaspar Pablo A. , Castillo Rolando I. , Maturana Alejandro , Villar María J. , Ulloa Karen , González Gabriel , Ibaceta Osvaldo , Ortiz Andrea , Corral Sebastián , Mayol Rocío , De Angel Valeria , Aburto María B. , Martínez Antígona , Corcoran Cheryl M. , Silva Hernán
Published: December 2018

Aim

Early detection and intervention (EDI) is a main challenge in psychosis research. The Chilean schizophrenia (SZ) national program has universal support and treatment by law for all SZ patients, but this does not yet extend to earlier stages of illness. Therefore, we have piloted an ultra‐high risk (UHR) program to demonstrate the utility and feasibility of this public health approach in Chile.

Methods

We introduce “The University of Chile High‐risk Intervention Program,” which is the first national EDI program for UHR youths. Longitudinal follow‐up included clinical and cognitive assessments, and monitoring of physiological sensory and cognitive indices, through electroencephalographic techniques.

Results

We recruited 27 UHR youths over 2 years. About 92.6% met criteria for attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS). Mean Scale of Psychosis‐Risk Symptoms (SOPS) ratings in the cohort were 6.9 (SD 4.6) for positive, 9.1 (SD 8.3) for negative, 5.4 (SD 5.3) for disorganized and 6.3 (SD 4.1) for general symptoms. About 14.8% met criteria for comorbid anxiety disorders and 44.4% for mood disorders. Most participants received cognitive behavioural therapy (62.9%) and were prescribed low dose antipsychotics (85.2%). The transition rate to psychosis was 22% within 2 years.

Conclusions

We describe our experience in establishing the first EDI program for UHR subjects in Chile. Our cohort is similar in profile and risk to those identified in higher‐income countries. We will extend our work to further optimize psychosocial and preventive interventions, to promote its inclusion in the Chilean SZ national program and to establish a South American collaboration network for SZ research.
Declining population trends of European mountain birds
Authors: Lehikoinen Aleksi , Brotons Lluís , Calladine John , Campedelli Tommaso , Escandell Virginia , Flousek Jiri , Grueneberg Christoph , Haas Fredrik , Harris Sarah , Herrando Sergi , Husby Magne , Jiguet Frederic , Kålås John Atle , Lindström Åke , Lorrillière Romain , Molina Blas , Pladevall Clara , Calvi Gianpiero , Sattler Thomas , Schmid Hans , Sirkiä Päivi M. , Teufelbauer Norbert , Trautmann Sven
Published: December 2018

Mountain areas often hold special species communities, and they are high on the list of conservation concern. Global warming and changes in human land use, such as grazing pressure and afforestation, have been suggested to be major threats for biodiversity in the mountain areas, affecting species abundance and causing distribution shifts towards mountaintops. Population shifts towards poles and mountaintops have been documented in several areas, indicating that climate change is one of the key drivers of species’ distribution changes. Despite the high conservation concern, relatively little is known about the population trends of species in mountain areas due to low accessibility and difficult working conditions. Thanks to the recent improvement of bird monitoring schemes around Europe, we can here report a first account of population trends of 44 bird species from four major European mountain regions: Fennoscandia, UK upland, south‐western (Iberia) and south‐central mountains (Alps), covering 12 countries. Overall, the mountain bird species declined significantly (−7%) during 2002–2014, which is similar to the declining rate in common birds in Europe during the same period. Mountain specialists showed a significant −10% decline in population numbers. The slope for mountain generalists was also negative, but not significantly so. The slopes of specialists and generalists did not differ from each other. Fennoscandian and Iberian populations were on average declining, while in United Kingdom and Alps, trends were nonsignificant. Temperature change or migratory behaviour was not significantly associated with regional population trends of species. Alpine habitats are highly vulnerable to climate change, and this is certainly one of the main drivers of mountain bird population trends. However, observed declines can also be partly linked with local land use practices. More efforts should be undertaken to identify the causes of decline and to increase conservation efforts for these populations.
Winter grazing stockpiled native warm‐season grasses in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Tilhou Neal W. , Nave Renata L. G. , Mulliniks J. Travis , McFarlane Zachary D.
Published: December 2018

In the Southeastern United States, native warm‐season grasses (NWSG) are not harvested during autumn to rebuild root reserves, resulting in de facto stockpiled winter forage. Senesced NWSG forage is considered nutritionally inadequate by temperate livestock managers, but comparable forage is regularly utilized in rangeland systems. This experiment compared the forage characteristics of two NWSG pastures: switchgrass [Panicum virgatum L. (SG)] and a two species mixture of big bluestem/indiangrass [Andropogon gerardii Vitman/Sorghastrum nutans L. (BBIG)] to tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (TF)]. During two winter periods (January‐April), monthly samples were collected and measured for dry‐matter herbage mass (HM), crude protein (CP), in‐vitro true dry‐matter digestibility (48 hr; IVTDMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), NDF digestibility (dNDF) and lignin. Across sampling dates, TF provided adequate forage for low‐input animal maintenance (90.3 CP g/kg; 488 g IVTDMD/kg; 4,040 kg DM/ha), while SG had lowest nutritive values and greatest DM (21.0 g CP/kg; 366 g IVTDMD/kg; 7,670 kg DM/ha). Samples of BBIG had results intermediate to SG and TF (32.1 g CP/kg; 410 g IVTDMD/kg; 5,160 kg DM/ha). Leaf sub‐samples of NWSG indicated greater forage nutritive value compared to whole plant samples (e.g., SG: 65 vs 27 g CP/kg respectively). This indicates that selective grazing could allow superior outcomes to those expected from whole plant NWSG nutritive values. Although consistently nutritionally inferior to TF, further research could reveal strategies to make stockpiled NWSG economically useful to livestock managers.
The paradox of collective action: Linking interest aggregation and interest articulation in EU legislative lobbying
Authors: De Bruycker Iskander , Berkhout Joost , Hanegraaff Marcel
Published: December 2018

Olson's logic of collective action predicts that business interest associations face fewer collective action problems than citizen action groups. This article challenges this assumption by arguing that forming an organization comes with different collective action problems than voicing a joint policy position. This leads us to examine an important paradox: Citizen groups face challenges in establishing themselves as organizations but find it relatively easy to position themselves on policy issues, whereas the reverse is true for business associations. We study this paradox empirically based on interviews with spokespersons of interest organizations active in the European Union and find support for our hypotheses. Our findings demonstrate that citizen groups position themselves on policy issues more easily than business interests and that this competitive advantage is amplified when policy issues attract the attention of the media.
The impact of R&D and knowledge spillovers on the economic growth of Russian regions
Authors: Kaneva Maria , Untura Galina
Published: December 2018

Russia presents an interesting case of a country which has strived to implement innovation policies since the transition period but so far has achieved mixed results. This study aims to analyze the impact of knowledge production and knowledge spillovers on regional growth in Russia within a framework of endogenous growth models. Applying GMM and spatial error panel modeling techniques to Rosstat data for 80 Russian regions from 2005 to 2013, the authors test the hypothesis about the relevance of R&D and expenditure on technological innovations (H1) and the hypothesis about the relevance of knowledge spillovers (H2) on the growth rates of GRP per capita. Hypothesis 1 was confirmed while Hypothesis 2 was rejected, indicating the absorptive capacities of innovatively lagging regions were not high enough for effective adaptation of new technologies from technologically innovative regions. Inclusion of indicators related to additional channels of knowledge diffusion in regressions resulted in the relevance of FDI and imports of goods and services for regional growth. Results of the study could form the basis for developing innovation policies for the Russian regions.
Microstructure, bonding strength, and friction–wear performance of AlCrN/nitrided layer composite coating on H13 hot work mould steel
Authors: Zhao Wen , Kong Dejun
Published: December 2018

An AlCrN/nitrided layer (NL) composite coating was fabricated on H13 hot work mould steel using a cathode arc ion plating and low temperature plasma nitriding. The surface and cross‐section morphologies, chemical composition, phases, and roughness of AlCrN/NL coating were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer, X–ray diffractometer (XRD), and atomic force microscope, respectively, the friction–wear performances of AlCrN/NL coatings at 400, 500, and 600°C were investigated using a high‐temperature wear test. The results show that the AlCrN/NL coating with the surface roughness of 76.8 nm forms the AlN phase, which increase its hardness from 1088 HV of NL to 2381 HV. The average coefficients of friction (COFs) of AlCrN/NL coating at 400, 500, and 600°C are 0.70, 0.55, and 0.56, respectively, and the corresponding wear rates are 1.59 × 10−5, 9.77 × 10−5, and 3.93 × 10−5 mm3/N/m, respectively, as a result, the lowest average COF and wear rate are at 500 and 400°C respectively. The wear mechanism of AlCrN/NL coating at 400°C is primary abrasive wear, accompanied by adhesive wear, while those at 500 and 600°C are primary adhesive wear, accompanied by abrasive wear.
Head lice infestations in rural Honduras: the need for an integrated approach to control neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Jamani Shabana , Rodríguez Carol , Rueda María M. , Matamoros Gabriela , Canales Maritza , Bearman Gonzalo , Stevens Michael , Sanchez Ana
Published: December 2018

Background

Pediculosis capitis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that receives little attention in countries where it continues to be endemic. This study aimed to understand the impact of Pediculus humanus capitis infestations in the lives of Honduran children living in extreme poverty.

Methods

A qualitative study on head lice infestation was conducted in June 2016 in a rural community in Honduras. Parents were invited to bring their children for head lice inspection using a dry‐combing technique with a stainless steel‐toothed comb with suction power. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to participants. Questions were broadly grouped into knowledge about transmission, control practices, barriers to treatment, and the overall impact of these infestations in children's wellbeing. Responses were coded, categorized, and organized through a theme‐based approach.

Results

In total, 52 children aged 2–14 years (42 girls) and their mothers were enrolled in the study. The overall proportion of children with an infestation was 83%. Response analysis revealed a lack of understanding regarding lice transmission and stigmatization of infested children and the widespread belief that head lice were acquired during bathing in the slow‐flowing river running through the village. An agricultural plaguicide was commonly used to rid children of head lice.

Conclusions

The study underscores the dire situation of the rural poor, their physical and mental health affected by pediculosis capitis as well as other NTDs. These results highlight the need to reassess approaches and action towards combating NTDS under an integrated framework.
Mineralocorticoid receptor deficiency improves the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells for myocardial infarction via enhanced cell survival
Authors: Xie Xinxing , Shen Yunli , Chen Jing , Huang Zheyong , Ge Junbo
Published: December 2018

The poor survival of stem cells seriously limits their therapeutic efficacy for myocardial infarction (MI). Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. Here, we examined whether MR silencing in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could improve MSCs’ survival and enhance their cardioprotective effects in MI. MSCs from male Sprague‐Dawley rats were transfected with adenoviral small interfering RNA to silence MR (siRNA‐MR). MR silencing decreased hypoxia‐induced MSCs’ apoptosis, as demonstrated by Annexin V/7‐AAD staining. The mechanisms contributing to the beneficial effects of MR depletion were associated with inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species production and increased Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. In vivo study, 1 × 106 of MSCs with or without siRNA‐MR were injected into rat hearts immediately after MI. Depletion of MR could improve the MSCs’ survival significantly in infarcted myocardium, associated with more cardiac function improvement and smaller infarct size. Capillary density were also significantly higher in siRNA group with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Our study demonstrated that silencing MR promoted MSCs’ survival and repair efficacy in ischaemic hearts. MR might be a potential target for enhancing the efficacy of cell therapy in ischaemic heart disease.
Larval development of mandi‐pintado Pimelodus britskii (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)
Authors: Almeida Mara C. , Message Hugo J. , Sanches Paulo V. , Baumgartner Dirceu , Bombardelli Robie A. , Baumgartner Gilmar , Francisco Langeani
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the morphology, morphometric and meristic characters of 117 larval Pimelodus britskii showing early development of head, eye, barbel and snout. Body and mouth pigmentation increased throughout development; the mouth was ventrally situated in the yolk‐sac stage, becoming subterminal afterwards, and an embryonic fin was visible in all four stages observed. Post‐flexion larval P. bristskii are distinguished from larval P. ortmanni by having 47–50 myomeres (v. 36).
Impact of albumin–bilirubin grade on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received sorafenib: An analysis using time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Tsuji Kunihiko , Hiraoka Atsushi , Michitaka Kojiro , Deguchi Akihiro , Ishikawa Toru , Imai Michitaka , Ochi Hironori , Joko Koji , Shimada Noritomo , Tajiri Kazuto , Hirooka Masashi , Koizumi Yohei , Hiasa Yoichi , Tanaka Junko
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade was developed as a new method to assess hepatic function. Sorafenib has been confirmed to be effective in improving survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the impact of ALBI grade versus Child–Pugh classification on survival in HCC patients who received sorafenib.

Methods

A total of 567 patients with advanced HCC who received sorafenib were included. We analyzed survival based on Child–Pugh classification or score and ALBI grade or score. We also compared the ability of ALBI and Child–Pugh scores to predict survival using time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Cumulative survival rates at 90, 180, 360, and 720 days were 84.1%, 66.6%, 47.0%, and 23.3%, respectively. Median survival was 316 days (95% confidence interval, 279–377). Both Child–Pugh classification and ALBI grade were independently associated with overall survival in multivariate analyses. In addition, overall survival differed significantly between patients with ALBI grades 1 and 2 (hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.92, P = 0.011) among patients with a Child–Pugh score of 5. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that ALBI score predicted overall survival better than Child–Pugh score.

Conclusions

Albumin–bilirubin grade is a better predictor of survival in patients with advanced HCC who received sorafenib therapy than Child–Pugh classification.
High Symptom Burden in Older Adults: A Clarion Call for Geriatrics and Palliative Care Research and Training
Authors: Hunt Lauren J. , Smith Alexander K.
Published: December 2018

This Editorial comments on the Clinical Investigation by Patel et al. in this issue.
Doulas in the Operating Room: An Innovative Approach to Supporting Skin‐to‐Skin Care During Cesarean Birth
Authors: Lanning Rhonda K. , Oermann Marilyn H. , Waldrop Julee , Brown Laura G. , Thompson Julie A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Skin‐to‐skin care (SSC) immediately after birth is recommended for all women and their newborns. Barriers to SSC after cesarean birth lead to delays in initiation of this practice. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement an innovative approach with volunteer doulas to support initiation of SSC after cesarean for all clients.

Process

Volunteer doulas in a well‐established hospital‐based program within an academic health center were trained to provide care during scheduled cesarean births in the operating and recovery rooms. Data on rate and time of SSC and client and nurse satisfaction were collected for a 12‐week period.

Outcomes

Sixty‐six women received doula‐supported care in the operating room. All medically stable woman‐newborn couplets with complete data (N = 58) initiated SSC in the operating room and were included in the data analysis. Forty‐eight women completed a feedback survey after birth. Scores indicated that clients agreed or strongly agreed that the doula was an important part of the birth experience. Feedback from labor and delivery nurses indicated highly positive attitudes about the importance of SSC and the presence of volunteer doulas. All nurses surveyed who had participated in doula care (n = 20) agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the doulas and that the doulas were prepared for this role.

Discussion

This project demonstrates that volunteer doulas can be prepared to provide supportive care to clients during and immediately after cesarean birth. Doulas can play an integral role in supporting the initiation of SSC after cesarean birth and are perceived as an important member of the maternity health care team by clients and nurses.
30 years after: CNS actions of prolactin: Sources, mechanisms and physiological significance
Authors: Bridges Robert S. , Grattan David R.
Published: December 2018

Our understanding of the neural actions of prolactin (PRL) and its biochemical basis has expanded greatly over the past three decades. During this time, major progress has been made, including clarification of how PRL accesses the brain, identification of the PRL receptor and the sites where it is expressed within the brain, determination of the neurochemical mechanism of action of PRL and its effect on genomic expression in neurones, identification of the neural sites where PRL acts to stimulate maternal behaviour and related affective states, and exploration of how life experiences impact neural PRL receptor activity and actions. The next 30 years promise to reveal a myriad of basic and clinical findings regarding new roles for PRL and a greater indepth understanding of how and where PRL affects physiological and behavioural processes.
Effects of dietary ramie powder at various levels on growth performance, antioxidative capacity and fatty acid profile of finishing pigs
Authors: Li Yinghui , Liu Yingying , Li Fengna , Sun Ao , Lin Qian , Huang Xingguo , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ramie (Boehmeria nivea, previously known as a fibre crop and also called “China grass”) included in diets on growth performance, antioxidative capacity and muscular fatty acid profile of finishing pigs. A total of 180 Xiangcun Black pigs (initial body weight =70.71 ± 1.21 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with six pens of six pigs per pen. The pigs were provided a basal diet or a diet contained 3%, 6%, 9% or 12% of ramie powder during a 50‐day experiment period. The results showed that the inclusion of ramie increased (quadratic, p < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) with the highest value of ADG and G:F in 3% ramie group, but ramie content in the diet up to 9% reduced the growth performance of the pigs compared with that of 3% ramie group. The activity of serum total superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased (linear, p < 0.05) by ramie, while content of malondialdehyde was decreased (linear, p < 0.05). As increasing the dietary ramie level, the mRNA expression level of SOD1 was increased quadratically (p < 0.05) in muscle tissues. Moreover, the addition of ramie linearly increased (p < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids content, whereas it linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the lipid indices of atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) in muscle tissues, and lower values of AI and TI reflect a “healthier” fat composition. The results indicated that ramie in a diet not more than 9% may improve antioxidative capacity with no detrimental impact on growth performance of Chinese native finishing pigs; meanwhile, it could beneficially change the pork fatty acid pattern which has a positive impact on consumer's health.
The alteration history of the Jbilet Winselwan CM carbonaceous chondrite: An analog for C‐type asteroid sample return
Authors: King A. J. , Russell S. S. , Schofield P. F. , Humphreys‐Williams E. R. , Strekopytov S. , Abernethy F. A. J. , Verchovsky A. B. , Grady M. M.
Published: December 2018

Jbilet Winselwan is one of the largest CM carbonaceous chondrites available for study. Its light, major, and trace elemental compositions are within the range of other CM chondrites. Chondrules are surrounded by dusty rims and set within a matrix of phyllosilicates, oxides, and sulfides. Calcium‐ and aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) are present at ≤1 vol% and at least one contains melilite. Jbilet Winselwan is a breccia containing diverse lithologies that experienced varying degrees of aqueous alteration. In most lithologies, the chondrules and CAIs are partially altered and the metal abundance is low (<1 vol%), consistent with petrologic subtypes 2.7–2.4 on the Rubin et al. () scale. However, chondrules and CAIs in some lithologies are completely altered suggesting more extensive hydration to petrologic subtypes ≤2.3. Following hydration, some lithologies suffered thermal metamorphism at 400–500 °C. Bulk X‐ray diffraction shows that Jbilet Winselwan consists of a highly disordered and/or very fine‐grained phase (73 vol%), which we infer was originally phyllosilicates prior to dehydration during a thermal metamorphic event(s). Some aliquots of Jbilet Winselwan also show significant depletions in volatile elements such as He and Cd. The heating was probably short‐lived and caused by impacts. Jbilet Winselwan samples a mixture of hydrated and dehydrated materials from a primitive water‐rich asteroid. It may therefore be a good analog for the types of materials that will be encountered by the Hayabusa‐2 and OSIRIS‐REx asteroid sample‐return missions.
Plausible Petri nets as self‐adaptive expert systems: A tool for infrastructure asset monitoring
Authors: Chiachío Manuel , Chiachío Juan , Prescott Darren , Andrews John
Published: December 2018

This article provides a computational framework to model self‐adaptive expert systems using the Petri net (PN) formalism. Self‐adaptive expert systems are understood here as expert systems with the ability to autonomously learn from external inputs, like monitoring data. To this end, the Bayesian learning principles are investigated and also combined with the Plausible PNs (PPNs) methodology. PPNs are a variant within the PN paradigm, which are efficient to jointly consider the dynamics of discrete events, like maintenance actions, together with multiple sources of uncertain information about a state variable. The manuscript shows the mathematical conditions and computational procedure where the Bayesian updating becomes a particular case of a more general basic operation within the PPN execution semantics, which enables the uncertain knowledge being updated from monitoring data. The approach is general, but here it is demonstrated in a novel computational model acting as expert system for railway track inspection management taken as a case study using published data from a laboratory simulation of train loading on ballast. The results reveal self‐adaptability and uncertainty management as key enabling aspects to optimize inspection actions in railway track, only being adaptively and autonomously triggered based on the actual learnt state of track and other contextual issues, like resource availability, as opposed to scheduled periodic maintenance activities.