bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion and continuous hemodiafiltration in premature neonates with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Maede Yoshinobu , Ibara Satoshi , Tokuhisa Takuya , Ishihara Chie , Hirakawa Eiji , Matsui Takako , Takahashi Daijiro , Machigashira Seiro , Minakami Hisanori
Published: April 2016

Background

There have been no previous studies regarding whether combined use of Polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX‐DHP) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) is helpful in the treatment of preterm infants with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and hypercytokinemia.

Methods

A retrospective review was carried out of 18 SIRS infants born at gestational week 24–28. Eight with blood interleukin (IL)‐6 ≥ 1000 pg/mL were treated actively with 2 h PMX‐DHP followed by 2 h PMX‐DHP and CHDF. Ten with IL‐6 < 500 pg/mL were treated conventionally (with neither PMX‐DHP nor CHDF) and served as controls.

Results

Demographic characteristics were similar except for IL‐6, arterial‐to‐alveolar oxygen tension ratio (a/APO2), and number of immature neutrophils between the two groups. Baseline a/APO2 was significantly lower in infants with than without active treatment (0.44 vs 0.67, respectively, P = 0.002). After 4 h treatment, the IL‐6 decreased to < 500 pg/mL in all eight infants, and a/APO2 improved significantly to 0.62 (P = 0.006). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurred in a similar proportion (63%, 5/8 vs 80%, 8/10, respectively), but the number of days on inhaled oxygen (30 vs 47 days, respectively, P = 0.033) and tracheal intubation (36 vs 51 days, respectively, P = 0.040) was significantly lower in infants with than without active treatment. Prevalence of adverse events was similar (13%, 1/8 vs 50%, 5/10 for active vs conventional treatment, respectively).

Conclusion

Active treatment with PMX‐DHP and CHDF was helpful in the reduction of days on inhaled oxygen and tracheal intubation in preterm SIRS infants with hypercytokinemia. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted.
Metaphysics of Color 2: Non‐Physicalist Theories of Color
Authors: Logue Heather
Published: April 2016

This entry outlines relationalism, primitivism, and eliminativism about color and considers objections to each theory.
Metaphysics of Color 1: Physicalist Theories of Color
Authors: Logue Heather
Published: April 2016

This entry outlines physicalism about color, and objections to the effect that it cannot meet various desiderata on a metaphysics of color.
Metaphorical Language in the Zhuangzi
Authors: Morrow C. M.
Published: April 2016

Chapter 27 of the ancient Chinese text the Zhuangzi (c. 400 BCE) describes three kinds of language: yuyan , zhiyan , and chongyan . Wang Fuzhi ( 1619–1692) first coined the term ‘sanyan ’ or ‘tripartite‐language’ to emphasize their overlapping characteristics and incorporate them into a cohesive approach to the text. Sanyan has been used consistently in interpreting the Zhuangzi since the earliest compilation of its extant version and continues to inform academic publications today. Based on descriptions found in the Zhuangzi's ‘miscellaneous chapters’ (chapters 23–33) and on contemporary scholarship, I will explain how this model of sanyan functions and then how it facilitates philosophical reading of the Zhuangzi. Understanding the Zhuangzi's metaphorical language through sanyan lends access into the interrelated semantic field of the pre‐Qin philosophical canon and helps unravel Zhuangzi's often‐cryptic philosophical expressions.
The Uniqueness Thesis
Authors: Kopec Matthew , Titelbaum Michael G.
Published: April 2016

The Uniqueness Thesis holds, roughly speaking, that there is a unique rational response to any particular body of evidence. We first sketch some varieties of Uniqueness that appear in the literature. We then discuss some popular views that conflict with Uniqueness and others that require Uniqueness to be true. We then examine some arguments that have been presented in its favor and discuss why permissivists (i.e., those who deny Uniqueness) find them unconvincing. Last, we present some purported counterexamples that have been raised against Uniqueness and discuss some possible reasons why proponents of Uniqueness might find these similarly unconvincing.
Enhanced stress responses and metabolic adjustments linked to diapause and onset of migration in the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Dean Charles A. E. , Teets Nicholas M. , Koštál Vladimir , Šimek Petr , Denlinger David L.
Published: April 2016

In response to short‐day photoperiods in the autumn, the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus Dallas enters a reproductive diapause and migrates south to avoid the adverse environmental conditions and food shortages that prevail in the winter. Milkweed bugs are one of only a few temperate insects that undergo long distance migration during diapause, making them a good model for investigating trade‐offs associated with migratory diapause. Although enhanced stress tolerance is typical of diapause, it is unclear whether this aspect of diapause would be retained in a species that migrates to more favourable conditions. The present study tests (i) whether diapause enhances thermal tolerance; (ii) whether food shortage, which is required for maximal expression of diapause, influences thermal tolerance during diapause; and (iii) whether the potential changes in stress tolerance are associated with upregulated heat shock protein expression or metabolic adjustments (including cryoprotectant synthesis), or both. Both cold tolerance at −10 °C and heat tolerance at 43 °C are significantly higher in diapausing O. fasciatus, whereas food restriction has no further effect on thermal tolerance. None of the heat shock protein transcripts measured are significantly upregulated in response to diapause, and the experiments also fail to detect any cryoprotectant accumulation during diapause. Thus, although heat shock proteins and cryoprotectants are common mechanisms for enhancing thermal tolerance in many diapausing insects, the results of the present study suggest that alternative mechanisms are responsible in milkweed bugs.
Photoenolization of o‐Methylvalerophenone Ester Derivative
Authors: Das Anushree , Lao Emily A. , Gudmundsdottir Anna D.
Published: April 2016

Photolysis of ester 1 in argon‐saturated methanol and acetonitrile does not produce any product, whereas irradiation of 1 in oxygen‐saturated methanol yields peroxide 2. Laser flash photolysis studies demonstrate that 1 undergoes intramolecular H atom abstraction to form biradical 3 (λmax ~340 nm), which intersystem crosses to form photoenols Z‐4 and E‐4 (λmax ~380 nm). Photoenols 4 decay by regenerating ester 1. With the aid of density functional theory calculations, it was concluded the photoenol E‐4 does not undergo spontaneous lactonization or electrocyclic ring closure because the transition state barriers for these reactions are too large to compete with reketonization of E‐4 to form 1.
Immunohistochemical analysis of steroidogenic enzymes in ovarian‐type stroma of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms: Comparative study of subepithelial stromal cells in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Ishida Kazuyuki , Sasano Hironobu , Moriya Takuya , Takahashi Yayoi , Sugimoto Ryo , Mue Yoshiharu , Murakami Keigo , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Morikawa Takanori , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Suzuki Takashi , Unno Michiaki , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: April 2016

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are generally defined as cyst‐forming epithelial neoplasms that arise in the pancreas and harbor characteristic ovarian‐type stroma beneath the epithelium. In this study, we compared the immunoreactivity of steroid‐related factors in these subepithelial stromal cells in MCNs to those in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) to further characterize this unique MCN ovarian‐type stroma through evaluation of sex steroid biosynthesis. Twenty MCNs and twenty IPMNs were examined. Immunoreactivity of steroid hormone receptors, including estrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR, PR‐A, and PR‐B), and androgen receptor (AR), was more frequently detected in MCN ovarian‐type stromal cells than in IPMN stromal cells (P < 0.01). The H‐scores (mean ± SD) of steroidogenic factor (SF)‐1 were also significantly higher in MCNs (112.3 ± 33.1) than in IPMNs (0.9 ± 1.2) (P < 0.01). The steroidogenic enzymes cytochrome P450 cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17 alpha‐hydroxylase (P450c17) and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) showed immunoreactivity in 9/20 (45.0 %), 15/20 (75.0 %) and 13/20 (65.0 %), respectively, of ovarian‐type stroma from MCN cases. These results demonstrate that the ovarian‐type stroma of MCNs can express steroidogenic enzymes. Thus, the ovarian‐type stroma of MCNs can produce sex steroids that may also act on these cells.
Temporal dynamics of sediment bacterial communities in monospecific stands of Juncus maritimus and Spartina maritima
Authors: Cleary D. F. R. , Polónia A. R. M. , Sousa A. I. , Lillebø A. I. , Queiroga H. , Gomes N. C. M.
Published: April 2016

In the present study, we used 16S rRNA barcoded pyrosequencing to investigate to what extent monospecific stands of different salt marsh plant species (Juncus maritimus and Spartina maritima), sampling site and temporal variation affect sediment bacterial communities. We also used a bioinformatics tool, PICRUSt, to predict metagenome gene functional content. Our results showed that bacterial community composition from monospecific stands of both plant species varied temporally, but both host plant species maintained compositionally distinct communities of bacteria. Juncus sediment was characterised by higher abundances of Alphaproteobacteria, Myxococcales, Rhodospirillales, NB1–j and Ignavibacteriales, while Spartina sediment was characterised by higher abundances of Anaerolineae, Synechococcophycidae, Desulfobacterales, SHA–20 and Rhodobacterales. The differences in composition and higher taxon abundance between the sediment bacterial communities of stands of both plant species may be expected to affect overall metabolic diversity. In line with this expectation, there were also differences in the predicted enrichment of selected metabolic pathways. In particular, bacterial communities of Juncus sediment were predicted to be enriched for pathways related to the degradation of various (xenobiotic) compounds. Bacterial communities of Spartina sediment in turn were predicted to be enriched for pathways related to the biosynthesis of various bioactive compounds. Our study highlights the differences in composition and predicted functions of sediment‐associated bacterial communities from two different salt marsh plant species. Loss of salt marsh habitat may thus be expected to both adversely affect microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning and have consequences for environmental processes such as nutrient cycling and pollutant remediation.
CAX‐ing a wide net: Cation/H+ transporters in metal remediation and abiotic stress signalling
Authors: Pittman J. K. , Hirschi K. D.
Published: April 2016

Cation/proton exchangers (CAXs) are a class of secondary energised ion transporter that are being implicated in an increasing range of cellular and physiological functions. CAXs are primarily Ca2+ efflux transporters that mediate the sequestration of Ca2+ from the cytosol, usually into the vacuole. Some CAX isoforms have broad substrate specificity, providing the ability to transport trace metal ions such as Mn2+ and Cd2+, as well as Ca2+. In recent years, genomic analyses have begun to uncover the expansion of CAXs within the green lineage and their presence within non‐plant species. Although there appears to be significant conservation in tertiary structure of CAX proteins, there is diversity in function of CAXs between species and individual isoforms. For example, in halophytic plants, CAXs have been recruited to play a role in salt tolerance, while in metal hyperaccumulator plants CAXs are implicated in cadmium transport and tolerance. CAX proteins are involved in various abiotic stress response pathways, in some cases as a modulator of cytosolic Ca2+ signalling, but in some situations there is evidence of CAXs acting as a pH regulator. The metal transport and abiotic stress tolerance functions of CAXs make them attractive targets for biotechnology, whether to provide mineral nutrient biofortification or toxic metal bioremediation. The study of non‐plant CAXs may also provide insight into both conserved and novel transport mechanisms and functions.
Evaluating relative contribution of osmotolerance and tissue tolerance mechanisms toward salinity stress tolerance in three Brassica species
Authors: Chakraborty Koushik , Bose Jayakumar , Shabala Lana , Eyles Alieta , Shabala Sergey
Published: April 2016

Three different species of Brassica, with differential salt sensitivity were used to understand physiological mechanisms of salt tolerance operating in these species and to evaluate the relative contribution of different strategies to cope with salt load. Brassica napus was the most tolerant species in terms of the overall performance, with Brassica juncea and Brassica oleracea being much more sensitive to salt stress with no obvious difference between them. While prominent reduction in net CO2 assimilation was observed in both sensitive species, physiological mechanisms beyond this reduction differed strongly. Brassica juncea plants possessed high osmotolerance and were able to maintain high transpiration rate but showed a significant reduction in leaf chlorophyll content and efficiency of leaf photochemistry. On the contrary, B. oleracea plants possessed the highest (among the three species) tissue tolerance but showed a very significant stomatal limitation of photosynthesis. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that the high tissue tolerance in B. oleracea was related to the ability of leaf mesophyll cells to maintain highly negative membrane potential in the presence of high apoplastic Na+. In addition to high osmotolerance, the most tolerant B. napus showed also lesser accumulation of toxic Na+ and Cl− in the leaf, possessed moderate tissue tolerance and had a superior K+ retention ability. Taken together, the results from this study indicate that the three Brassica species employ very different mechanisms to cope with salinity and, despite its overall sensitivity to salinity, B. oleracea could be recommended as a valuable ‘donor’ of tissue tolerance genes to confer this trait for marker‐assisted breeding programs.
Acyl‐lipid desaturase 1 primes cold acclimation response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Mingjie , Thelen Jay J.
Published: April 2016

Membrane fluidity change has long been suggested as the primary mechanism by which, plants adapt to cold stress, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely established. In this study, we found that a knockout of acyl‐lipid/CoA desaturase 1 gene (ADS1; EC 1.14.99) enhances freezing tolerance after cold acclimation (CA). Fatty acid composition analysis demonstrated that 18:1 content in ads1 mutant plants was 20% lower than in wild‐type (WT) grown at 23°C. Lipidomics revealed that 34C‐species of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) content in ads1 mutants were 3.3–14.9% lower than in WT. Lipid positional analysis identified 10% lower 18:1 fatty acid content at the sn‐2 position of MGDG. The cytosolic calcium content in ads1 mutant plants was also approximately two‐times higher than that of WT in response to cold shock. Each of these biochemical differences between WT and ads1 mutant disappeared after CA. Subcellular localization of C‐ and N‐terminal enhanced‐fluorescence‐fusion proteins indicated that ADS1 localized exclusively to chloroplasts. These observations suggest that ADS1‐mediated alteration of chloroplast membrane fluidity is required to prime a CA response, and is the upstream event of cytosolic calcium signaling.
To Bridge the Divide between Evidence and Policy: Reduce Ambiguity as Much as Uncertainty
Authors: Cairney Paul , Oliver Kathryn , Wellstead Adam
Published: April 2016

Policy makers cannot consider all evidence relevant to policy. They use two shortcuts—emotions and beliefs to understand problems and “rational” ways of establishing the best evidence on solutions—to act quickly in complex, multilevel policy‐making environments. Many studies only address one part of this problem. Improving the supply of evidence helps reduce scientific and policy maker uncertainty. However, policy makers also combine their beliefs with limited evidence to reduce ambiguity by choosing one of several possible ways to understand and solve a problem. We use this insight to consider solutions designed to “close the evidence–policy gap.”
Measuring firms’ imitation activity
Authors: Doha Ahmed , Pagell Mark , Swink Morgan , Johnston David
Published: April 2016

Although imitation is more abundant and prevalent than innovation in firms’ product and process development activities, it has been understudied in research on innovation and R&D management. For example, a valid and reliable objective firm‐level measure of the intensity of imitation activity is lacking in the extant literature. This measure is necessary to understand the antecedents and consequences of firms’ imitation activity, which has implications for R&D management. In this paper, we present novel methods that employ patent infringement litigations data to improve on the validity and reliability of measuring firms’ imitation activity. We validate our proposed measure by presenting a first model and test of R&D as a multiple‐output production function with R&D expenditure as the primary input, and innovation and imitation as joint outputs. This is in contrast to current R&D models as a single‐output production function of either innovation or imitation. This study uses a sample of 227 public firms from the computer, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical industries in the United States during 1991–2010.
Flexible bronchoscopy‐induced massive bleeding: A 12‐year multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Guo‐Wu , Zhang Wei , Dong Yu‐Chao , Huang Hai‐Dong , Hu Chengping , Sun Jiayuan , Jin Faguang , Gu Ye , Li Qiang , Li Shiyue
Published: April 2016

Background and objective

Although massive bleeding is the most life‐threatening complication caused by flexible bronchoscopy, data on flexible bronchoscopy‐induced massive bleeding are scarce, and the associated clinical characteristics and prognostic factors are unknown.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy in 33 tertiary hospitals from January 2001 to June 2013. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected and analysed.

Results

A total of 194 patients with massive bleeding were identified among 520 343 patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy. The average blood loss reached up to 378 mL. The overall incidence and mortality were 0.037% and 0.004%, respectively, and the overall fatality was 10.8%. The risk of massive bleeding induced by therapeutic bronchoscopies was significantly higher than that induced by diagnostic bronchoscopies (incidence: 0.059% vs 0.031%, P < 0.001; mortality: 0.012% vs 0.003%, P < 0.001; fatality: 20% vs 8.4%, P = 0.068). Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥65 years, tracheal bleeding, blood loss ≥500 mL and occurrence of shock were independent factors predicting poor outcome, while emergency surgery was an independent protective factor. Re‐bleeding occurred in six patients, resulting in three deaths within a month.

Conclusion

Flexible bronchoscopy‐induced massive bleeding is rare but life‐threatening. Age, bleeding location, bleeding volume, circulation condition and emergency surgery were independent prognostic factors.
Persistence with inhaled corticosteroids reduces the risk of exacerbation among adults with asthma: A real‐world investigation
Authors: Corrao Giovanni , Arfè Andrea , Nicotra Federica , Ghirardi Arianna , Vaghi Adriano , De Marco Roberto , Pesci Alberto , Merlino Luca , Zambon Antonella ,   on behalf of the CRD Real‐World Evidence Scientific Board
Published: April 2016

Background and objective

Real‐world evidence suggests that persistence with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), the mainstay of asthma drug therapy, is generally poor. The effect of persistence with ICS on the risk of asthma exacerbation was addressed in a population‐based study.

Methods

The cohort of 2335 beneficiaries of the National Health Service provided by the Italian Region of Lombardy, aged 18–40 years and newly treated with ICS during 2005–2008, was followed from their first ICS dispensation until 2010. Discontinuation of treatment with ICS and starting oral corticosteroid therapy during follow‐up were respectively regarded as proxies of poor persistence with asthma medication and asthma exacerbation (outcomes). A proportional hazards model was fitted to identify predictors of ICS discontinuation. Case‐crossover and case‐case‐time‐control designs and conditional logistic regressions were used to estimate the association between persistence with ICS and asthma exacerbation.

Results

Cumulative incidences of discontinuation were 36%, 57% and 78% at 6 months, 1 year and 5 years, respectively. Predictors of poor persistence were female gender, use of antibiotics during follow‐up, absence of use of short‐acting beta‐agonists prior to and after starting treatment with ICS and starting and maintaining ICS monotherapy during follow‐up. The odds ratios of asthma exacerbation (and 95% confidence intervals) associated with ICS exposure during the current period, contrasted with exposure during the reference period, were 0.4 (0.2, 0.9) and 0.3 (0.1, 1.0) from case‐crossover and case‐case‐time‐control estimates, respectively.

Conclusion

Persistence with ICS treatment in adults with asthma reduces the risk of exacerbation in the real‐life setting.
Ethnic Networks and Price Dispersion
Authors: Anderson M. A. , Davies M. H. , Smith S. L. S.
Published: April 2016

We offer and test a model linking ethnic networks to global price dispersion which predicts lower price dispersion as shared ethnic populations between countries rise, effects that may reverse at higher levels as network discipline breaks down. Using Chinese, Indian and Japanese data, we find that country pairs linked by the Chinese network have significantly lower mean price dispersion. A one standard deviation increase in the size of the Chinese coethnic network lowers price dispersion by 6–33%, an effect that reverses as the network gets large. No such evidence exists for the Indian or Japanese networks.
Shedding Light on Price‐ and Non‐price‐competitiveness Determinants of Foreign Trade in the Four Largest Euro‐area Countries
Authors: Giordano Claire , Zollino Francesco
Published: April 2016

Since the mid‐2000s standard price‐competitiveness indicators for euro‐area countries have recently provided conflicting signals, particularly in Italy. The manufacturing unit labor cost (ULCM)‐based indicator reports a major competitiveness loss in Italy. Owing to the internationalization of production processes and to the fading representativeness of labor on overall costs we argue that price‐based measures are more appropriate than those based on ULCMs to assess external competitiveness and play a more important role in explaining export growth. Measuring non‐price competitiveness and considering global value chains are also crucial to correctly identify the determinants of trade flows in the four largest euro‐area countries.
Exploring Complete School Effectiveness via Quantile Value Added
Authors: Page Garritt L. , Martín Ernesto San , Orellana Javiera , González Jorge
Published: April 2016

In education studies value added is by and large defined in terms of a test score distribution mean. Therefore, all except a particular summary of the test score distribution is ignored. Developing a value-added definition that incorporates the entire conditional distribution of students' scores given school effects and control variables would produce a more complete picture of a school's effectiveness and as a result provide more accurate information that could better guide policy decisions. Motivated in part by the current debate surrounding the recent proposal of eliminating co-payment institutions as part of Chile's education reform, we provide a new definition of value added that is based on the quantiles of the conditional test score distribution. Further, we show that the quantile-based value added can be estimated within a quantile mixed model regression framework. We apply the methodology to Chilean standardized test data and explore how information garnered facilitates school effectiveness comparisons between public schools and those that are subsidized with and without co-payments.
Hamiltonian Monte Carlo Sampling in Bayesian Empirical Likelihood Computation
Authors: Chaudhuri Sanjay , Mondal Debashis , Yin Teng
Published: April 2016

We consider Bayesian empirical likelihood estimation and develop an efficient Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method for sampling from the posterior distribution of the parameters of interest. The method proposed uses hitherto unknown properties of the gradient of the underlying log-empirical-likelihood function. We use results from convex analysis to show that these properties hold under minimal assumptions on the parameter space, prior density and the functions used in the estimating equations determining the empirical likelihood. Our method employs a finite number of estimating equations and observations but produces valid semiparametric inference for a large class of statistical models including mixed effects models, generalized linear models and hierarchical Bayes models. We overcome major challenges posed by complex, non-convex boundaries of the support routinely observed for empirical likelihood which prevent efficient implementation of traditional Markov chain Monte Carlo methods like random-walk Metropolis–Hastings sampling etc. with or without parallel tempering. A simulation study confirms that our method converges quickly and draws samples from the posterior support efficiently. We further illustrate its utility through an analysis of a discrete data set in small area estimation.
Two-sample Testing in High Dimensions
Authors: Städler Nicolas , Mukherjee Sach
Published: April 2016

We propose new methodology for two-sample testing in high dimensional models. The methodology provides a high dimensional analogue to the classical likelihood ratio test and is applicable to essentially any model class where sparse estimation is feasible. Sparse structure is used in the construction of the test statistic. In the general case, testing then involves non-nested model comparison, and we provide asymptotic results for the high dimensional setting. We put forward computationally efficient procedures based on data splitting, including a variant of the permutation test that exploits sparse structure. We illustrate the general approach in two-sample comparisons of high dimensional regression models (‘differential regression’) and graphical models (‘differential network’), showing results on simulated data as well as data from two recent cancer studies.
Information-Adaptive Clinical Trials: A Selective Recruitment Design
Authors: Barrett James E.
Published: April 2016

We propose a novel adaptive design for clinical trials with time-to-event outcomes and covariates (which may consist of or include biomarkers). Our method is based on the expected entropy of the posterior distribution of a proportional hazards model. The expected entropy is evaluated as a function of a patient’s covariates, and the information gained due to a patient is defined as the decrease in the corresponding entropy. Candidate patients are only recruited onto the trial if they are likely to provide sufficient information. Patients with covariates that are deemed uninformative are filtered out. A special case is where all patients are recruited, and we determine the optimal treatment arm allocation. This adaptive design has the advantage of potentially elucidating the relationship between covariates, treatments and survival probabilities by using fewer patients, albeit at the cost of rejecting some candidates. We assess the performance of our adaptive design by using data from the German Breast Cancer Study Group and numerical simulations of a biomarker validation trial.
LAND USE, TRANSPORT, AND CARBON EMISSIONS: A COMPUTABLE URBAN ECONOMIC MODEL FOR CHANGZHOU, CHINA
Authors: Zhang Runsen , Matsushima Kakuya , Kobayashi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2016

Rapid economic growth and urbanization has been accompanied by the equally rapid growth of carbon dioxide emissions in China. From the perspective of urban planning, land use, transport, and carbon emissions are involved in a complex process in which they interact with each other. We need to develop a computable urban economic model for sustainable infrastructure planning strategy, which can reflect the interaction among land use, transport, and carbon emissions. Our case study of Changzhou shows that a compact city scenario generates less carbon emissions than an urban sprawl scenario, indicating that a compact urban form can be accepted as a promising solution for developing a low‐carbon city.
Farm Women and the Empowerment Potential in Value‐Added Agriculture
Authors: Wright Wynne , Annes Alexis
Published: April 2016

While the number of women in farming has risen in the United States, less clear is whether increasing participation in agriculture translates into empowerment. Are invisibility and disempowerment lingering expressions of farm women's experience? Using qualitative data drawn from 32 interviews with Michigan value‐added farmers, we examine the extent to which women have been able to experience empowerment, and the ways in which value‐added agriculture specifically fosters an empowering context. We adopt a conceptualization of empowerment from the development scholarship in order to establish a baseline for scrutiny, viewing empowerment as a multidimensional process constituting the “power to” realize one's goals, the opportunity to exercise “power with” others, and the ability to find and nurture “power within” the self. Our findings indicate that value‐added agriculture provides a unique context for women's empowerment. At the same time, the extent to which value added‐agriculture constitutes a venue for women's empowerment is complex, is multifaceted, and requires constant negotiation. It can be organized and performed in such a way as to subvert the empowerment process by confining women to specific social locations that may reproduce oppressive structures.
Use of a Picture Exchange Communication System for preventive procedures in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: pilot study
Authors: Zink Adriana Gledys , Diniz Michele Baffi , Rodrigues dos Santos Maria Teresa Botti , Guaré Renata Oliveira
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in order to facilitate patient‐professional communication during preventive procedures. In this study, 26 patients with ASD, between 5 and 19 years of age (10±3.3 y), were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 13) with no previous experience of dental treatment, and G2 (n = 13), with such previous experience. The initial approach followed the principles of the Son‐Rise Program®. The seven PECSs presented the routine of the dental office: “room,” “ground,” “chair,” “dentist,” “mouth,” “low,” and “triple.” Each PEC was used up to three times in order to acquire the skill proposed. It was verified that G2 required a greater number of times to achieve the acceptance of PECS “ground,” “dentist,” “mouth,” and “triple” (p < .05). We concluded that PECS facilitated patient‐professional communication during preventive procedures, including for ASD patients with previous dental experience.
We Avoid RAAS Inhibitors in PD Patients with Residual Renal Function
Authors: Turner Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2016

Preserving residual renal function in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) positively impacts mortality. While it is important to avoid nephrotoxic agents in this setting, clinicians should appreciate that inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS), including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers are likely to preserve glomerular filtration rate and prolong the time until patients on PD reach anuria, and this may improve mortality in these patients. In addition, RAAS blockade favorably affects the peritoneal membrane by reducing morphologic changes that can lead to ultrafiltration failure. This in turn may delay or prevent modality failure in patients on PD. Thus, clinicians should avoid the impulse to stop RAAS inhibitors in the PD population.
We Give Aminoglycoside Antibiotics at the End of Hemodialysis
Authors: Eyler Rachel
Published: April 2016

We often administer dialyzable medications after dialysis to ensure that adequate concentrations are maintained in the body until the next session. In the case of aminoglycosides, we may have the opportunity to dose more aggressively predialysis, and then use the clearance of the drug by dialysis to limit toxicities. Predialysis aminoglycoside dosing is intriguing, although studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of this approach are necessary before it can be used routinely.
We Avoid Antibiotic Lock Solutions due to Fear of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Krishnan Namrata
Published: April 2016

Hemodialysis catheter‐related bacteremia (CRB) is the most common complication associated with catheter use in dialysis patients and portends a high morbidity and mortality. Current CDC and KDIGO guidelines recommend treating CRBs with systemic antibiotics in conjunction with catheter replacement, although the latter has limitations. Antibiotic lock solutions (ABLs) are very effective in both prevention and treatment of CRBs in hemodialysis patients and may be a preferred alternative to catheter replacement especially in patients where catheter salvage is a priority. Previous smaller observational studies have raised concerns of a potential increase in antibiotic resistance associated with the widespread use of ABLs. Review of the recent literature does not support this claim.
Genetic Variants in IL‐12B and IL‐27 in the Polish Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Paradowska‐Gorycka A. , Sowinska A. , Stypinska B. , Grobelna M. K. , Walczyk M. , Olesinska M. , Piotrowski P. , Jagodzinski P. P.
Published: April 2016

To investigate the potential association between IL‐12B and IL‐27 gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we performed a case–control study based on the Polish population. Patients with SLE and healthy individuals were examined for −6415 CTCTAA/GC (rs17860508) and +1188A/C (rs3212227) in IL‐12B and −924A/G (rs153109) and 4730T/C (rs181206) in IL‐27 gene polymorphisms using the high‐resolution melting method, PCR–RFLP method and TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, respectively. An increased frequency of GC/GC genotype as well as GC allele of the IL‐12B rs17860508 was found in patients with SLE, as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.001). We did not find differences in genotype and allele frequencies of the IL‐12B rs3212227 and IL‐27 rs153109 and rs181206 variants between patients with SLE and controls. IL‐27 haplotype rs181206C/rs153109G indicated higher risk for SLE (P = 0.002), whereas haplotype rs181206T/rs153109G indicated reduced risk for SLE (P = 0.005). The IL‐12B rs3212227 A/C polymorphism was associated with the mean value of the platelets (PLT), urea and complement C3 level. Furthermore, IL‐12B rs17860508 genetic variant showed correlation with PLT, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and alkaline phosphatase. Our results revealed that IL‐12B rs17860508 and IL‐27 haplotype CG are genetic risk factors for SLE and that both IL‐12B rs17860508 and rs3212227 predict disease phenotype.
Frame Correction Modelling with Applications to the German Register‐Assisted Census 2011
Authors: Dostál Lucie , Gabler Siegfried , Ganninger Matthias , Münnich Ralf
Published: April 2016

Frame corrections have been studied in census applications for a long time. One very promising method is dual system estimation, which is based on capture–recapture models. These methods have been applied recently in the USA, England, Israel and Switzerland. In order to gain information on subgroups of the population, structure preserving estimators can be applied [i.e. structure preserving estimation (SPREE) and generalized SPREE]. The present paper extends the SPREE approach with an alternative distance function, the chi‐square. The new method has shown improved estimates in our application with very small domains. A comparative study based on a large‐scale Monte Carlo simulation elaborates on advantages and disadvantages of the estimators in the context of the German register‐assisted Census 2011.
Linear Increments with Non‐monotone Missing Data and Measurement Error
Authors: Seaman Shaun R. , Farewell Daniel , White Ian R.
Published: April 2016

Linear increments (LI) are used to analyse repeated outcome data with missing values. Previously, two LI methods have been proposed, one allowing non‐monotone missingness but not independent measurement error and one allowing independent measurement error but only monotone missingness. In both, it was suggested that the expected increment could depend on current outcome. We show that LI can allow non‐monotone missingness and either independent measurement error of unknown variance or dependence of expected increment on current outcome but not both. A popular alternative to LI is a multivariate normal model ignoring the missingness pattern. This gives consistent estimation when data are normally distributed and missing at random (MAR). We clarify the relation between MAR and the assumptions of LI and show that for continuous outcomes multivariate normal estimators are also consistent under (non‐MAR and non‐normal) assumptions not much stronger than those of LI. Moreover, when missingness is non‐monotone, they are typically more efficient.
Suicidality Among Chronically Homeless People with Alcohol Problems Attenuates Following Exposure to Housing First
Authors: Collins Susan E. , Taylor Emily M. , King Victor L. , Hatsukami Alyssa S. , Jones Matthew B. , Lee Chi‐Yun , Lenert James , Jing Johanna M. , Barker Charlotte R. , Goldstein Silvi C. , Hardy Robert V. , Kaese Greta , Nelson Lonnie A.
Published: April 2016

This study is the first to document suicidality among chronically homeless people with alcohol problems (N = 134) and examine its trajectory following exposure to immediate, permanent, low‐barrier housing (i.e., Housing First). Suicidal ideation, intent, plans, and prior attempts were assessed at baseline and during a 2‐year follow‐up. Baseline suicidal ideation was over four times higher than in the general population. Two‐year, within‐subjects, longitudinal analyses indicated severity of suicidal ideation decreased by 43% from baseline to follow‐up. Significant decreases were also found for intent and clinical significance of ideation. No participants died by suicide during the 2‐year follow‐up.
Welfare Generosity in Europe: A Multi‐level Study of Material Deprivation and Income Poverty among Disadvantaged Groups
Authors: Saltkjel Therese , Malmberg‐Heimonen Ira
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to analyze whether and to what extent welfare generosity moderates the risk of income poverty and material deprivation among disadvantaged groups, that is, people with ill health, low education and lack of employment. The data are based on the 2009 European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (cross‐sectional) surveys. The analyses comprise 27 and 28 European countries, including 292,874 and 302,343 individuals between 18 and 64 years of age. Multi‐level analyses demonstrated that welfare generosity moderated the risk of both material deprivation and income poverty. With few exceptions, the risk decreased among disadvantaged groups in absolute terms. Among individuals who experienced the combinations of limiting long‐standing illness and either low education or non‐employment, the absolute inequalities in material deprivation decreased with increasing welfare generosity. Also, the absolute inequalities in income poverty among individuals who experienced the combination of limiting long‐standing illness and low education were lower in more generous welfare contexts. Results indicated lower absolute levels of both material deprivation and income poverty among disadvantaged individuals in generous welfare states. However, for material deprivation the results were more substantial and consistent than for income poverty. Taken together, these findings support the view that generous welfare states reach the worst‐off and are successful in buffering material deprivation and income poverty and, hence, in reducing social inequalities.
Many de novo donor‐specific antibodies recognize β2‐microglobulin‐free, but not intact HLA heterodimers
Authors: Michel K. , Santella R. , Steers J. , Sahajpal A. , Downey F. X. , Thohan V. , Oaks M.
Published: April 2016

Solid‐phase single antigen bead (SAB) assays are standard of care for detection and identification of donor‐specific antibody (DSA) in patients who receive solid organ transplantation (SOT). While several studies have documented the reproducibility and sensitivity of SAB testing for DSA, there are little data available concerning its specificity. This study describes the identification of antibodies to β2‐microglobulin‐free human leukocyte antigen (β2‐m‐fHLA) heavy chains on SAB arrays and provides a reassessment of the clinical relevance of DSA testing by this platform. Post‐transplant sera from 55 patients who were positive for de novo donor‐specific antibodies on a SAB solid‐phase immunoassay were tested under denaturing conditions in order to identify antibodies reactive with β2‐m‐fHLA or native HLA (nHLA). Antibodies to β2‐m‐fHLA were present in nearly half of patients being monitored in the post‐transplant period. The frequency of antibodies to β2‐m‐fHLA was similar among DSA and HLA antigens that were irrelevant to the transplant (non‐DSA). Among the seven patients with clinical or pathologic antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR), none had antibodies to β2‐m‐fHLA exclusively; thus, the clinical relevance of β2‐m‐fHLA is unclear. Our data suggests that SAB testing produces false positive reactions due to the presence of β2‐m‐fHLA and these can lead to inappropriate assignment of unacceptable antigens during transplant listing and possibly inaccurate identification of DSA in the post‐transplant period.
HLA‐B*46:65, a novel HLA‐B*46 variant, detected in a Taiwanese unrelated bone marrow stem cell donor
Authors: Yang K. L. , Hung J. H. , Lin P. Y.
Published: April 2016

One nucleotide exchange at residue 550 of the HLA‐B*46:65 results in a novel allele, HLA‐B*46:65.
Perceptions of fieldwork in occupational therapy
Authors: Ingwersen Kate , Lyons Nikki , Hitch Danielle
Published: April 2016

Background

There are few studies in occupational therapy that compare the perceptions of supervisors and students regarding quality clinical placement programmes, and those that exist indicate substantial differences in the perceptions held by each group.

Methods

This pilot study was conducted using a cross‐sectional descriptive design, with a single questionnaire distributed to occupational therapy students and clinical supervisors. A total of 40 questionnaires were returned: 17 from students and 23 from clinical supervisors.

Results

Differences were found between the perceptions of occupational therapy students and clinical supervisors in response to four topics: preparation from the university for their placements; consistency across placement sites; instances of supervisors seeking feedback from students; and the burden associated with the placement‐related workload for clinicians.

Differences were found between the perceptions of occupational therapy students and clinical supervisors in response to four topics

Discussion

Different perceptions around preparation from universities and consistency across placement sites relate to the existing roles of each group: students are more aware of university preparation and clinical supervisors are more aware of organisational inconsistencies in their respective usual work environments. The discrepancy in the perceived seeking of feedback from students has also been reported in student debriefing sessions. The burdens perceived by clinical supervisors appear to be influenced by a belief that clinical education is an additional duty rather than a core role.
Reconstitution of cytomegalovirus‐specific T‐cell response in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients: the contribution of six frequently recognized, virus‐encoded ORFs
Authors: Nemeckova S. , Krystofova J. , Babiarova K. , Hainz P. , Musil J. , Sroller V. , Maly M. , Stastna‐Markova M.
Published: April 2016

Background

The reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in immunosuppressed patients is associated with significant morbidity. Testing HCMV‐specific T‐cell responses can help determine which patients are at high risk of HCMV disease. We optimized selection of HCMV antigens for detection of T‐cell response of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with the aim of identifying patients with insufficient control of HCMV reactivation.

Methods

T‐cell immune response to HCMV was monitored in 30 patients during the first year after HSCT. The HSCT recipients were classified according to their anti‐HCMV T‐cell response and the presence of HCMV DNA in the blood.

Results

We observed an inverse relationship between the magnitude of HCMV‐specific T‐cell responses against CMV lysate, phosphoprotein (pp) 65, immediate early‐1 (IE‐1), UL36, and UL55, but not to US3 and US29 detected by interferon‐gamma (IFNγ)‐ ELISPOT and the level of HCMV DNA in the blood of patients during the 30 days following sampling. The study has revealed that patients who received a graft from a seronegative donor have a lower T‐cell response against HCMV and increased probability of HCMV reactivation in comparison to the patients who had received their graft from a seropositive donor.

Conclusion

The individual peptide pools and native HCMV antigens were useful for monitoring the time course of the anti‐HCMV response by IFNγ‐ELISPOT, which proved to have a prognostic value. Besides widely employed peptide pools of pp65 and IE‐1, the use of antigens UL36 and UL55, but not US3 or US29, increased sensitivity of the test.