bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Motivations of Public Sector Employees: Evidence for Germany
Authors: Dur Robert , Zoutenbier Robin
Published: September 2014

We examine differences in altruism and laziness between public sector employees and private sector employees. Our theoretical model predicts that the likelihood of public sector employment increases with a worker’s altruism, and increases or decreases with a worker’s laziness depending on his altruism. Using questionnaire data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study, we find that public sector employees are significantly more altruistic and lazy than observationally equivalent private sector employees. A series of robustness checks show that these patterns are stronger among higher educated workers; that the sorting of altruistic people to the public sector takes place only within the caring industries; and that the difference in altruism is already present at the start of people’s career, while the difference in laziness is only present for employees with sufficiently long work experience.
Trigeminal Neuralgia – A Prospective Systematic Study of Clinical Characteristics in 158 Patients
Authors: Maarbjerg Stine , Gozalov Aydin , Olesen Jes , Bendtsen Lars
Published: September 2014

Objective

To prospectively describe the clinical characteristics of classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in a standardized manner.

Background

TN is a rare disease and most clinicians only see a few patients. There is a lack of prospective systematic studies of the clinical characteristics of TN. We hypothesized that contrary to current thinking, some TN patients suffer from sensory abnormalities at neurological examination.

Methods

Clinical characteristics such as demographics, pain characteristics, and comorbidities were systematically and prospectively collected from consecutive TN patients in a tertiary referral center in a cross‐sectional study.

Results

A total of 158 patients were included. Average age of onset was 52.9 years. TN was more prevalent in women (95; 60%) than in men (63; 40%), P = .011, and more often located on the right (89; 56%) than on the left side (64; 41%), P = .043. It affected solely the second and/or third trigeminal branch in 109 (69%) while the first branch alone was affected in only 7 (4%). Notably, 78 (49%) had concomitant persistent pain in addition to paroxysmal stabbing pain. Autonomic symptoms were present in 48 (31%). Patients who had not undergone surgery for TN had sensory abnormalities in 35 (29%).

Conclusions

This, the first study in a series of papers focusing on the clinical, radiological, and etiological aspects of TN, revealed that the symptomatology of TN includes a high percentage of concomitant persistent pain, autonomic symptoms, and sensory abnormalities. These findings offer new insights to the prevailing clinical impression of the clinical characteristics in TN.
Helicobacter pylori Induces Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production in Gastric Epithelial Cells Through Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1α‐Dependent Pathway
Authors: Kang Min‐Jung , Song Eun‐Jung , Kim Bo‐Yeon , Kim Dong‐Jae , Park Jong‐Hwan
Published: September 2014

Background

Although Helicobacter pylori have been known to induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in gastric epithelial cells, the precise mechanism for cellular signaling is incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of bacterial virulence factor and host cellular signaling in VEGF production of H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells.

Materials and methods

We evaluated production of VEGF, activation of nuclear factor nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) stabilization in gastric epithelial cells infected with H. pylori WT or isogenic mutants deficient in type IV secretion system (T4SS).

Results

H. pylori induced VEGF production in gastric epithelial cells via both T4SS‐dependent and T4SS‐independent pathways, although T4SS‐independent pathway seems to be the dominant signaling. The inhibitor assay implicated that activation of NF‐κB and MAPKs is dispensable for H. pylori‐induced VEGF production in gastric epithelial cells. H. pylori led to HIF‐1α stabilization in gastric epithelial cells independently of T4SS, NF‐κB, and MAPKs, which was essential for VEGF production in these cells. N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor, treatment impaired H. pylori‐induced HIF‐1α stabilization and VEGF production in gastric epithelial cells.

Conclusion

We defined the important role of ROS‐HIF‐1α axis in VEGF production of H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells, and bacterial T4SS has a minor role in H. pylori‐induced VEGF production of gastric epithelial cells.
Prevalence and correlates of obstructive sleep apnoea among patients with and without HIV infection
Authors: Kunisaki KM , Akgün KM , Fiellin DA , Gibert CL , Kim JW , Rimland D , Rodriguez‐Barradas MC , Yaggi HK , Crothers K
Published: September 2014

Objectives

In HIV‐uninfected populations, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairment. These comorbidities are common in HIV‐infected patients, but there are scarce data regarding OSA in HIV‐infected patients. Therefore, we examined the prevalence and correlates of OSA in a cohort of HIV‐infected and uninfected patients.

Methods

An observational cohort study was carried out. Electronic medical record and self‐report data were examined in patients enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) between 2002 and 2008 and followed until 2010. The primary outcome was OSA diagnosis, determined using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD‐9) codes, in HIV‐infected compared with uninfected individuals. We used regression analyses to determine the association between OSA diagnosis, symptoms and comorbidities in adjusted models.

Results

Of 3683 HIV‐infected and 3641 uninfected patients, 143 (3.9%) and 453 (12.4%) had a diagnosis of OSA (p < 0.0001), respectively. HIV‐infected patients were more likely to report symptoms associated with OSA such as tiredness and fatigue. Compared with uninfected patients with OSA, HIV‐infected patients with OSA were younger, had lower body mass indexes (BMIs), and were less likely to have hypertension. In models adjusting for these traditional OSA risk factors, HIV infection was associated with markedly reduced odds of OSA diagnosis (odds ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval 0.39‐0.60).

Conclusions

HIV‐infected patients are less likely to receive a diagnosis of OSA. Future studies are needed to determine whether the lower prevalence of OSA diagnoses in HIV‐infected patients is attributable to decreased screening and detection or to a truly decreased likelihood of OSA in the setting of HIV infection.
Stereolithographic Ceramic Manufacturing of High Strength Bioactive Glass
Authors: Gmeiner Robert , Mitteramskogler Gerald , Stampfl Jürgen , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: September 2014

Bioactive glasses and glass ceramics like the 45S5 formulation have been studied toward biocompatibility and biodegradability for years. Nevertheless, clinical applications as bone substitute or scaffold material are highly limited because of the often poor mechanical behavior of bioactive glasses. In this study, we are able to provide a new production alternative for 45S5 bioactive glass structures resulting in parts with high density and strength. Using the stereolithographic ceramic manufacturing (SLCM) process, it is possible to additively produce solid bulk glass ceramics as well as delicate scaffold structures. Recent developments in SLCM slurry preparation together with an appropriate selection of raw materials led to 3D parts with a very homogeneous microstructure and a density of about 2.7 g/cm³. Due to the low number and small size of defects, a high biaxial bending strength of 124 MPa was achieved. Weibull distribution also underlines good process control showing a Weibull modulus of 8.6 and a characteristic strength of 131 MPa for the samples tested here. By reaching bending strength values of natural cortical bone, bioactive glasses processed with SLCM could eventually advance to be an interesting bone substitute material even in load‐bearing applications, valuing the huge efforts undertaken to understand their bioactive behavior.
Adolescents with severe obesity: outcomes of participation in an intensive obesity management programme
Authors: Luca P. , Dettmer E. , Khoury M. , Grewal P. , Manlhiot C. , McCrindle B. W. , Birken C. S. , Hamilton J. K.
Published: September 2014

Background

Most interventions for childhood obesity are randomized controlled studies. Less is known about the effectiveness of clinical obesity programmes.

Objective

To assess outcomes in adolescents participating in the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program (STOMP) vs. a comparison group of obese adolescents.

Methods

Severely obese adolescents (n = 75) in STOMP (15.1 ± 1.8 years, body mass index [BMI] 44.8 ± 7.8 kg m−2) were compared with adolescents (n = 41) not in the programme (14.9 ± 2.0 years, BMI 34.5 ± 8.0 kg m−2). Outcomes were change in BMI, cardiometabolic, psychological and health behaviour measures.

Results

At 6 months, STOMP patients' BMI was unchanged (0.08 ± 0.3; P = 0.79) and they reported improvements in quality of life and depression (−3.6 ± 1.4; P = 0.009), and increases in measures of readiness to change (RTC). Between‐group differences in change between 0 and 6 months, in favour of STOMP patients, were observed for homeostatic measurement assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR; −2.7 ± 1.0; P = 0.007), depression scores (−3.5 ± 1.7; P = 0.04), diet‐RTC (0.6 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) and physical activity (1.7 ± 0.9; P = 0.05). At 12 months, STOMP patients increased BMI (0.8 ± 0.5; P = 0.07), but they exhibited decreased waist circumference (−7.4 ± 2.1 cm; P = 0.001) and HOMA‐IR (−1.9 ± 0.6; P = 0.002). Between‐group differences in change between 0 and 12 months, in favour of STOMP patients, were observed for waist circumference (−5.9 ± 2.4 cm; P = 0.01), HOMA‐IR (−2.9 ± 0.7; P < 0.001) and diet‐RTC (0.9 ± 0.2; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

STOMP participants did not experience a significant reduction in BMI but did have improvements in cardiometabolic, psychological and health behaviour outcomes. Evaluation of paediatric clinical obesity programmes using multiple measures is essential to understanding real‐world outcomes.
Stroke in Asia: A Global Disaster
Authors: Kim Jong S.
Published: September 2014

Although stroke is a world-wide problem, the burden of stroke is particularly serious in Asia; its mortality is higher than in Europe or North America. The situation in Asia is dichotomized. Stroke mortality and case fatality has been declining in northern-eastern countries such as Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and urbanized areas of China. This is attributed to both the risk factor control and stroke care improvement. However, declining stroke incidence is rarely observed, which is in part due to rapidly aging population. As a result, there is an increase in the number of stroke survivors who require long-term, costly care. The extremely low birth rate and relatively insecure social health system markedly increases the caregiver burden. The problem in southern Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia is more fundamental. With the improving control of infectious diseases, life expectancy is prolonged. However, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cigarette smoking become prevalent, and are poorly controlled. Stroke neurologists, organized stroke centers, and diagnostic tools are insufficient, which has resulted in high stroke fatality and mortality. Throughout Asia, the most urgent priority should be the primary stroke prevention through promoting a healthy lifestyle, e.g. low salt intake, regular physical exercise, stopping smoking, government sectors should take a stronger initiative to accomplish this. The rapidly aging populations and stroke burden will shrink the economy and destabilize the society, not only in Asia but also globally unless appropriate efforts are promptly initiated, this may result in a global disaster.
The role of training in reducing poverty: the case of agricultural workers receiving microcredit in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Kazi Tanvir , Parvez Asif , Hilton David , Kabir G. M. Shamsul , Wahid Ishraat Saira
Published: September 2014

The policy of providing microcredit and skill training to poor agricultural workers in developing countries is well‐established. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess the effectiveness of the training part of that policy. BRAC (formerly the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), the largest non‐governmental organization in Bangladesh, is making efforts to alleviate poverty by providing microcredit and relevant training to landless and marginal borrowers, who have less than 1.5 acres of land, in order to enhance their standard of living. The study aims to assess the effects of BRAC's training programs on the recipients' total household expenditure. Primary data were collected from female borrowers who participated in the microcredit programs of BRAC and these data reflect the key role women play in agricultural work and the lack of research on their status. The study shows that the training provided to the borrowers failed to create any significant impact on their household expenditure because only a small percentage of borrowers received training and the duration of the training was limited (on average three days per person). Moreover, many of those who received training experienced only a modest income effect. The findings are important not just for the practical purpose of influencing policies for reducing poverty in Bangladesh but also for their contribution to the understanding of the effectiveness of training. The existing literature is concerned mainly with the effectiveness of training in the context of business and other organizations in developed countries. Research on the effectiveness of training in developing countries, particularly in alleviating poverty, is less evident. Moreover, the present research is also exceptional as it focuses only on female trainees.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Contemporary Review
Authors: KRON JORDANA , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A.
Published: September 2014

Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Cardiac sarcoidosis can occur in up to 25% of patients with sarcoidosis in other organ systems and may present with conduction abnormalities, ventricular arrhythmias, or heart failure. This review will summarize the state of current knowledge and key questions that remain to be answered. Because cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare, complex disease, the most meaningful research will include interdisciplinary, multicenter collaborations.
Facilitators and barriers to weight loss and weight loss maintenance: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Metzgar C. J. , Preston A. G. , Miller D. L. , Nickols‐Richardson S. M.
Published: September 2014

Background

The present study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to weight loss (WL) and weight loss maintenance (WLM) in women who participated in a primary, 18‐week comparative trial that promoted WL with an energy‐restricted diet.

Methods

Twenty‐three women participated in seven focus groups conducted by a moderator and co‐facilitator using open‐ended questions and probes. Focus groups were held in a private room and audio tape‐recorded. Tapes were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to evaluate transcripts for common themes.

Results

Accountability to others, social support, planning ahead, awareness and mindfulness of food choices, basic nutrition education, portion control, exercise, and self‐motivation were perceived as key facilitators for WL and WLM by women. Identified barriers included life transitions, health status changes, internal factors, environmental pressures, lack of accountability and an absence of social support.

Conclusions

Future interventions should address these salient facilitators and barriers to promote sustainable changes in women across their WL and WLM journeys.
Combining Life Cycle Assessment with Data Science to Inform Portfolio‐Level Value‐Chain Engineering
Authors: Meinrenken Christoph J. , Sauerhaft Beth C. , Garvan Anthony N. , Lackner Klaus S.
Published: September 2014

Life cycle assessment (LCA)‐based analyses of company value chains can inspire profound modifications to products’ design, material procurement, manufacturing, energy/water use, distribution, use, and disposal. However, such modifications often create trade‐offs, improving some aspects while worsening others. How can firms decide whether or not to carry out such modifications? Or prioritize between different options to choose the one delivering the most competitive advantage? Typically, firms’ metrics fall into two groups: (1) product‐level metrics across the life cycle, including up‐ and downstream of facilities (e.g., product carbon footprints); and (2) facility‐level metrics (e.g., plants’ annual energy cost). Neither is sufficient for firm‐wide cost‐benefit analyses of modifications that affect multiple products and value‐chain stages. Whereas facility‐level metrics do not capture up‐ and downstream effects—where often most cost and environmental impacts originate—life cycle methodologies are currently not mature enough to be applied at the scale of entire product portfolios. We present a pilot system of key performance indicators (KPIs) that evaluate 3,337 products across 211 brands and five countries of PepsiCo, Inc. KPIs are firm‐wide, annual figures (environmental, operational, and financial) across the value chain (cradle to grave) and can be determined at any level (single product, brands, or regions). Uncertainty analysis is included. In addition to KPIs for base cases, the system characterizes KPI impacts for any considered modifications (what‐if scenarios). In a detailed case study, we present background about how and why PepsiCo used the system to evaluate all aspects of a strategic value‐chain modification. For 7 of the 211 brands, this resulted in avoiding an 8% increase in greenhouse gas emissions and a 7% to 10% increase in procurement costs. It also saved PepsiCo an estimated ∼200 years full‐time equivalent employee time (or alternatively ∼US$30 million in LCA consultant fees) had the LCAs of the 3,337 SKUs been carried out by traditional methods. This cost efficiency of the KPI system enables considering environmental impacts with more‐traditional business metrics side by side. As a result, environmental impacts can be considered on a routine basis as part of integrated strategy and business planning. We discuss implementation considerations of the KPI methodology and future improvements.
Organ‐specific effects of brassinosteroids on stomatal production coordinate with the action of TOO MANY MOUTHS
Authors: Wang Ming , Yang Kezhen , Le Jie
Published: September 2014

In Arabidopsis, stomatal development initiates after protodermal cells acquire stomatal lineage cell fate. Stomata or their precursors communicate with their neighbor epidermal cells to ensure the “one cell spacing” rule. The signals from EPF/EPFL peptide ligands received by TOO MANY MOUTHS (TMM) and ERECTA‐family receptors are supposed to be transduced by YODA MAPK cascade. A basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor SPEECHLESS (SPCH) is another key regulator of stomatal cell fate determination and asymmetric entry divisions, and SPCH activity is regulated by YODA MAPK cascade. Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling, one of the most well characterized signal transduction pathways in plants, contributes to the control of stomatal production. But opposite organ‐specific effects of BR on stomatal production were reported. Here we confirm that stomatal production in hypocotyls is controlled by BR levels. YODA and CYCD4 are not essential for BR stomata‐promoting function. Furthermore, we found that BR could confer tmm hypocotyls clustered stomatal phenotype, indicating that the BR organ‐specific effects on stomatal production might coordinate with the TMM organ‐specific actions.
Emergent, After Hours Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spine
Authors: Black David F. , Wood Christopher P. , Wells Michael L. , Erickson Bradley J. , Diehn Felix E. , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Rydberg Charlotte H. , Gilbertson Julie R. , Hunt Christopher H.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Requests for after‐hours emergent spine MR imaging seem to be increasing. We sought to review the trend in after hours spine MRI utilization at our institution and to determine how these results impacted therapeutic intervention.

METHODS

Following Institutional Review Board approval, reports from 179 after hours spinal MRI's performed over the past 13 years were obtained and the relevant electronic medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Emergent after hours spine MRI utilization increased from 7 per year to 23 over 13 years. Fifty‐eight percent (104/179) had significant findings. Twenty‐nine percent (52/179) of all patients imaged underwent surgery to treat pathologies identified on MR. Surgery was performed in only 2% (4/179) of these patients within 3 hours and 6% (10/179) within 6 hours of MRI completion. Five percent (8/179) had findings that were treated with radiation therapy and in 78% of these it was performed within 6–12 hours. Of those in whom steroids or antibiotics were initiated, 41% and 50% were treated within 3 hours of MR scanning, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Clinical use of emergent after hours spine MRI is steadily increasing at our institution. While MR imaging often discerned significant pathologies, performing these emergent studies rarely resulted in immediate surgical or radiotherapeutic intervention.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated with Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia and Pontine Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Giannantoni Nadia Mariagrazia , Broccolini Aldobrando , Frisullo Giovanni , Pilato Fabio , Profice Paolo , Morosetti Roberta , Di Lella Giuseppe , Zampino Giuseppe , Marca Giacomo Della
Published: September 2014

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a heterogeneous, common, neurocutaneous disorder presenting different complications during a life span, including cerebrovascular dysplasia. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of NF1 associated with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia and pontine ischemic stroke. We describe a 57‐year‐old man with NF1 who presented an acute onset right‐sided facial palsy and hemiplegia, dysarthria, and gait imbalance. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an acute left paramedian pontine infarct and a hypoplastic right vertebral artery. Brain Computed Tomography Angiography revealed the occurrence of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. Co‐occurrence of VBD and NF1 might not be merely casual and it may significantly heighten the mortality rate in this multisystem disorder. We suggest a possible role of VBD in the genesis of our patient's clinical‐radiological features and prompt the early detection of asymptomatic arteriopathy in individuals with NF1 in order to ameliorate patients’ quality of life and life expectancy.
Rehabilitation of irradiated patients with chemically modified and conventional SLA implants: five‐year follow‐up
Authors: Nack C. , Raguse J.‐D. , Stricker A. , Nelson K. , Nahles S.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological parameters of standard SLA surface implants compared to chemically modified hydrophilic SLActive implants in irradiated patients after the initial 12‐month loading period up to 5 years. Twenty patients with a mean age of 61·1 years were treated with dental implants after ablative surgery and radio‐chemotherapy of oral cancer. All patients were non‐smokers. The placement of 102 implants (50 SLA, 52 SLActive) was performed bilaterally according to a split‐mouth design. Mean crestal bone changes were evaluated using standardised orthopantomographies and clinical parameters. Data were analysed using a Kaplan–Meier curve, Mann–Whitney U‐test and two‐factorial non‐parametric analysis. The average observation period was 60 months. The amount of bone loss at the implant shoulder of SLA implants was mesial and distal 0·7 mm. The SLActive implants displayed a bone loss of mesial 0·6 mm as well as distal 0·7 mm after 5 years. Two SLA implants were lost before loading. One patient lost five implants due to recurrence of a tumour. The overall cumulative 12‐month, 3‐year and 5‐year survival rate of SLA implants was 92%, 80% and 75·8% and of SLActive implants 94·2%, 78·8% and 74·4%, respectively. Eighteen implants were considered lost because the patients had died. Sandblasted acid‐etched implants with or without a chemically modified surface can be used in irradiated patients with a high predictability of success. Lower implant survival rates in patients with irradiated oral cancer may be associated with systemic effects rather than peri‐implantitis.
Commodifying Sámi culture in an indigenous tourism site
Authors: Kelly‐Holmes Helen , Pietikäinen Sari
Published: September 2014

Cultural tourism has become an alternative economic activity in many indigenous sites, and local tourist providers compete globally by commodifying their culture in an efficient, attractive manner. This process is not however a straightforward one, because of the need to manage both the multilingual context and the interaction between host and tourists, and this can lead to tensions for all parties. We examine a Reindeer Farm in the indigenous language space of Sámiland. Based on a long‐term ethnography, we identify different scripts which are used within the tourist encounter to pre‐empt and manage tensions around the legitimacy of the host, the collusion and cooperation between host and tourists, and the differing linguistic resources of tourists and host – in terms of the interplay between English as a tourist lingua franca, Finnish as national language, and to a limited extent the local Inari Sámi and Northern Sámi languages. We argue that the stakes involved in producing cultural tourism are potentially higher in indigenous, minority language sites.
Estimating danofloxacin withdrawal time in broiler chickens based on physiologically based pharmacokinetics modeling
Authors: Yang F. , Sun N. , Liu Y. M. , Zeng Z. L.
Published: September 2014

In this study, a physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model was firstly developed for danofloxacin in healthy broiler chickens after a single oral administration at 5 mg/kg bw. Then, the model extrapolation from healthy chickens to those infected with Pasteurella multocidaones was performed. The healthy model was validated through a comparison of predicted and previously published concentrations, which indicated that the healthy PBPK model had good predictive ability in plasma, lung, muscle, liver, and kidney, especially at the later sampling time points. Multiple dosing of administration was incorporated into the healthy and infected models. In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) included 1000 iterations was further incorporated into both models to predict the withdrawal times of danofloxacin in healthy and infected chickens, which were estimated to be 3 and 2 days, respectively.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio predicts mortality in patients listed for liver transplantation
Authors: Leithead Joanna A. , Rajoriya Neil , Gunson Bridget K. , Ferguson James W.
Published: September 2014

Background & Aims

In the absence of overt infection, the systemic inflammatory response is increasingly recognised as a pathogenetic factor in the circulatory dysfunction of advanced cirrhosis. Our aim was to determine whether the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, a marker of systemic inflammation, is predictive of mortality in patients with end‐stage cirrhosis listed for liver transplantation.

Methods

A single centre study of 570 patients listed for first elective single‐organ liver transplantation January 2007–June 2011.

Results

The median listing neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio was 2.9 (IQR 1.9–4.7). Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio demonstrated a positive correlation with listing serum bilirubin (P < 0.001), negative correlation with serum sodium (P < 0.001), and positive correlation with the MELD score (P < 0.001). Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio increased with increasing severity of ascites (P < 0.001). A higher neutrophil count (P < 0.001) and lower lymphocyte count (P = 0.001) were predictors of wait‐list death. In a multivariate competing risk Cox model, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio remained independently associated with mortality (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.05–1.15, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with a neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio <2, 2–4.9, and ≥5 who had died by 3 months of listing was 3%, 13.8% and 37.3% respectively (P < 0.001). After adjusting for MELD, increasing increments of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio were predictive of death by 3 months (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

The blood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, a simple and readily available marker of systemic inflammation, is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with liver failure listed for liver transplantation.
Review Symposium: Interdisciplinary Readings of Ari Z. Bryen's Violence
in Roman Egypt: Where Law, Violence, and Culture Collide: A Sociolegal
Reading of Violence in Everyday Life
Authors: Weinberg Jill D.
Published: September 2014

This comment considers Ari Bryen's Violence in Roman
Egypt (2013) from sociological and sociolegal
perspectives. Although Bryen is a historian, and his site of inquiry is
second‐century Roman Egypt, he turns to contemporary sociologists and law
and society scholars to highlight the interplay between law and the social
world in the construction of violence. In doing so, he finds a new way to
analyze the role of law as a cultural resource for nonelites to make sense
of their social world but also to change it (albeit with limits) through
law.
Malaysian weedy rice shows its true stripes: wild Oryza and elite rice cultivars shape agricultural weed evolution in Southeast Asia
Authors: Song Beng‐Kah , Chuah Tse‐Seng , Tam Sheh May , Olsen Kenneth M.
Published: September 2014

Weedy rice is a close relative of domesticated rice (Oryza sativa) that competes aggressively with the crop and limits rice productivity worldwide. Most genetic studies of weedy rice have focused on populations in regions where no reproductively compatible wild Oryza species occur (North America, Europe and northern Asia). Here, we examined the population genetics of weedy rice in Malaysia, where wild rice (O. rufipogon) can be found growing in close proximity to cultivated and weedy rice. Using 375 accessions and a combined analysis of 24 neutral SSR loci and two rice domestication genes (sh4, controlling seed shattering, and Bh4, controlling hull colour), we addressed the following questions: (i) What is the relationship of Malaysian weedy rice to domesticated and wild rice, and to weedy rice strains in the USA? (ii) To what extent does the presence of O. rufipogon influence the genetic and phenotypic diversity of Malaysian weeds? (iii) What do the distributions of sh4 and Bh4 alleles and associated phenotypes reveal about the origin and contemporary evolution of Malaysian weedy rice? Our results reveal the following: independent evolutionary origins for Malaysian weeds and US strains, despite their very close phenotypic resemblance; wild‐to‐weed gene flow in Malaysian weed populations, including apparent adaptive introgression of seed‐shattering alleles; and a prominent role for modern Malaysian cultivars in the origin and recent proliferation of Malaysian weeds. These findings suggest that the genetic complexity and adaptability of weedy crop relatives can be profoundly influenced by proximity to reproductively compatible wild and domesticated populations.
In Candida albicans hyphae, Sec2p is physically associated with SEC2 mRNA on secretory vesicles
Authors: Caballero‐Lima David , Hautbergue Guillaume M. , Wilson Stuart A. , Sudbery Peter E.
Published: September 2014

Candida albicans hyphae grow in a highly polarized fashion from their tips. This polarized growth requires the continuous delivery of secretory vesicles to the tip region. Vesicle delivery depends on Sec2p, the Guanine Exchange Factor (GEF) for the Rab GTPase Sec4p. GTP bound Sec4p is required for the transit of secretory vesicles from the trans‐Golgi to sites of polarized growth. We previously showed that phosphorylation of Sec2p at residue S584 was necessary for Sec2p to support hyphal, but not yeast growth. Here we show that on secretory vesicles SEC2 mRNA is physically associated with Sec2p. Moreover, we show that the phosphorylation of S584 allows SEC2 mRNA to dissociate from Sec2p and we speculate that this is necessary for Sec2p function and/or translation. During hyphal extension, the growing tip may be separated from the nucleus by up to 15 μm. Transport of SEC2 mRNA on secretory vesicles to the tip localizes SEC2 translation to tip allowing a sufficient accumulation of this key protein at the site of polarized growth.
Mating ecology of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhal (Monodon monoceros)as estimated by reproductive tract metrics
Authors: Kelley Trish C. , Stewart Robert E. A. , Yurkowski David J. , Ryan Anna , Ferguson Steven H.
Published: September 2014

Narwhal and beluga whales are important species to Arctic ecosystems, including subsistence hunting by Inuit, and little is understood about their mating ecology. Reproductive tract metrics vary across species in relation to mating strategy, and have been used to infer mating ecology. Reproductive tracts from beluga and narwhal were collected between 1997 and 2008 from five beluga stocks and two narwhal stocks across the Canadian Arctic. Tract length for males and females, relative testes mass for males, and tusk length for male narwhal were measured. We assessed variation relative to species, body size, stock, maturity, and season. Significant variation was found in testes mass across month and stock for beluga, and no significant difference between stock or date of harvest for narwhal. Beluga had significantly larger testes relative to body size than narwhal, suggesting they were more promiscuous than narwhal. A significant relationship was found between narwhal tusk length and testes mass, indicating the tusk may be important in female mate choice. No significant differences were found between narwhal and beluga reproductive tract length for males or females. The mating systems suggested for narwhal and belugas by our results mean the two species may respond differently to climate change.
Interaction of Zygomycetes with innate immune cells reconsidered with respect to ecology, morphology, evolution and infection biology: a mini‐review
Authors: Park Hea‐Reung , Voigt Kerstin
Published: September 2014

Zygomycetes are saprophytic fungi found ubiquitously in nature. Generally, fungi are considered as the most common microbes encountered by mammalian hosts due to its ubiquity in nature. Among the fungi, the Zygomycetes represent the most basal terrestrial lineage which can cause infections in humans. They comprise two orders, the Mucorales and the Entomophthorales, which contain human pathogenic species. Members of the Mucorales are responsible for mucormycosis; the second most common mould fungi infection in the world and infection with members of the Entomophthorales can result in basidiobolomycosis and conidiobolomycosis. However, the infection does not occur frequently as we have efficient barriers from immune system against the fungal invasion. In this review, a summary is provided on the current literature available on innate immune cells such as polymorphonuclear leucocytes, macrophages, etc. and their interaction with zygomycetes.
Immunotherapeutic strategies against mucormycosis in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Schmidt Stanislaw , Tramsen Lars , Schneider Andreas , Balan Ada , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: September 2014

Mucormycoses remain a serious complication in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In these patients, mortality rates of mucormycosis reach up to 90%, which is due, at least in part, to the severe and prolonged immunosuppression after transplantation. Although prolonged neutropaenia is one of the most important risk factors for mucormycosis, other cell populations, such as CD4+ T cells may also provide critical defence mechanisms against this infection. The management of mucormycosis includes antifungal therapy, surgery and, most importantly, the control of the underlying predisposing conditions, such as the correction of an impaired immune system. Here, we review the current data of granulocytes, antifungal T cells and natural killer cells regarding their activity against mucormycetes and regarding a potential immunotherapeutic approach. It is hoped that further animal studies and clinical trials assessing immunotherapeutic strategies will ultimately improve the poor prognosis of allogeneic HSCT recipients suffering from mucormycosis.
The context dependence of beneficiary feedback effects on benefactors in plant facilitation
Authors: Schöb Christian , Callaway Ragan M. , Anthelme Fabien , Brooker Rob W. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Kikvidze Zaal , Lortie Christopher J. , Michalet Richard , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Xiao Sa , Cranston Brittany H. , García Mary‐Carolina , Hupp Nicole R. , Llambí Luis D. , Lingua Emanuele , Reid Anya M. , Zhao Liang , Butterfield Bradley J.
Published: September 2014

Facilitative effects of some species on others are a major driver of biodiversity. These positive effects of a benefactor on its beneficiary can result in negative feedback effects of the beneficiary on the benefactor and reduced fitness of the benefactor. However, in contrast to the wealth of studies on facilitative effects in different environments, we know little about whether the feedback effects show predictable patterns of context dependence.

We reanalyzed a global data set on alpine cushion plants, previously used to assess their positive effects on biodiversity and the nature of the beneficiary feedback effects, to specifically assess the context dependence of how small‐ and large‐scale drivers alter the feedback effects of cushion‐associated (beneficiary) species on their cushion benefactors using structural equation modelling.

The effect of beneficiaries on cushions became negative when beneficiary diversity increased and facilitation was more intense. Local‐scale biotic and climatic conditions mediated these community‐scale processes, having indirect effects on the feedback effect. High‐productivity sites demonstrated weaker negative feedback effects of beneficiaries on the benefactor.

Our results indicate a limited impact of the beneficiary feedback effects on benefactor cushions, but strong context dependence. This context dependence may help to explain the ecological and evolutionary persistence of this widespread facilitative system.
Linking phytochrome to plant immunity: low red : far‐red ratios increase Arabidopsis susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea by reducing the biosynthesis of indolic glucosinolates and camalexin
Authors: Cargnel Miriam D. , Demkura Patricia V. , Ballaré Carlos L.
Published: September 2014

Shade‐intolerant plants respond to low red : far‐red (R : FR) ratios, which signal the proximity of potential competitors, by down‐regulating immune responses. Here we investigated the mechanisms underlying this immune suppression in Arabidopsis.

We used genetic, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to examine the functional connections between R : FR ratio and Arabidopsis resistance to the fungus Botrytis cinerea.

Low R : FR ratios reduced the concentration of indol‐3‐ylmethyl glucosinolate (I3M) (an indolic glucosinolate, iGS) and camalexin in plants inoculated with B. cinerea, and attenuated the I3M response triggered by jasmonate elicitation. These effects on metabolite abundance correlated with reduced expression of iGS and camalexin biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, the effect of low R : FR increasing Arabidopsis susceptibility to B. cinerea was not present in mutants deficient in the biosynthesis of camalexin (pad3) or metabolism of iGS (pen2). Finally, in a mutant deficient in the JASMONATE ZIM DOMAIN‐10 (JAZ10) protein, which does not respond to low R : FR with increased susceptibility to B. cinerea, supplemental FR failed to down‐regulate iGS production.

These results indicate that suppression of Arabidopsis immunity against B. cinerea by low R : FR ratios is mediated by reduced levels of Trp‐derived defenses, and provide further evidence for a functional role of JAZ10 in the link between phytochrome and jasmonate signaling.
Split Median Raphe: Case Series and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Valerio Enrico , Cutrone Mario
Published: September 2014

We describe three cases of split median raphe of the penis (SMR) from our hospital newborn records from 2004 to 2013. One case was associated with median raphe cyst, one with skin hypochromia, and one with a scar‐like aspect of the region of interest. SMR is thought to be the result of defective fusion of ectodermal tissue in the urethra and scrotum area or of defective growth of the perineal mesoderm around the urethra during gestation. Although SMR associated with other major penile congenital defects (epispadias, hypospadias, penile torsion, bifid scrotum, chordee) is common, isolated SMR is probably an underdiagnosed (although not rare) malformative condition. Recognizing SMR in a newborn may be of educational value to neonatologists because it leads to the search for and exclusion of the above‐mentioned pathologic conditions.
Market Trends in Baby Skin Care Products and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Gao Xiang , Simpson Eric L.
Published: September 2014

Although the U.S. pediatric skin care market is a $1.7 billion industry, little is known regarding the usage pattern of skin care products in very young children. We have begun to recognize that common over‐the‐counter skin care products may have positive or negative effects on skin barrier function. Thus, knowing what and how skin care products are used early in life is important. The goal of the current study was to better understand skin care product use in the United States using market research data. We found that the prevalence of use was greater than 50% for all skin care product categories and age groups. Premoistened cleansing wipes and cloths were the most frequently used product, followed by baby oil and lotion and body and baby powder. Baby bath and shampoo products were used at least five times per week per household, and caregivers generally preferred products that were fragrance‐free and made for sensitive skin. Lower‐income households reported a higher frequency of product use and were less likely to purchase fragrance‐free products or ones that were made for sensitive skin. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of pediatric skin care product use is high and conflicts with current recommended skin care guidelines. Product use and preferences may also vary according to race and ethnicity and household income level.
Narratives of Identity in the Northern Irish Troubles
Authors: Hancock Landon E.
Published: September 2014

This study examines the manners in which individuals and organizations used historical narratives to justify images of themselves and of the other, contributing both to the outbreak of the Troubles and the difficulty in resolving the conflict. The role of cultural identity formation through symbolic interpretation creates a backdrop that colors struggles over access to political and economic resources and assists in either fomenting conflict or fostering the peaceful resolution of differences. Despite the relative success of the Good Friday Agreement, I argue that many of Northern Ireland's identity narratives persist and continue to provide a fertile ground to interpret new conflicts through the old lens of identity conflicts. Understanding the construction of these identity narratives and how they contributed to the conflict may provide avenues for identity reconstruction, which may assist in making Northern Ireland's peace more durable.
With partners like you, who needs strangers? Ostracism involving a romantic partner
Authors: ARRIAGA XIMENA B. , CAPEZZA NICOLE M. , REED JASON T. , WESSELMANN ERIC D. , WILLIAMS KIPLING D.
Published: September 2014

Being ostracized by others threatens the satisfaction of fundamental needs, although less so when individuals first are reminded of a close relationship. What remains unknown is the effect of being ostracized directly by a relationship partner, which may vary depending on attachment security. We examined how a partner's involvement in ostracism affects need satisfaction and relationship evaluations, and explored attachment security. One hundred and twenty‐seven couple members played Cyberball in a between‐subjects experiment manipulating ostracism and partner involvement. Need satisfaction was more strongly affected by the partner's presence (vs. absence). Individuals evaluated their relationship more negatively as a function of partner ostracism and high attachment avoidance. Attachment anxiety was associated with lower need satisfaction. The results highlight relational expectations and influences on belonging needs.
Capacity building in pediatric transplant infectious diseases: An international perspective
Authors: Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Evans Helen M. , Green Michael , McCulloch Mignon , Michaels Marian G. , Posfay‐Barbe Klara M. , Verma Anita , Allen Upton
Published: September 2014

Transplant infectious diseases is a rapidly emerging subspecialty within pediatric infectious diseases reflecting the increasing volumes and complexity of this patient population. Incorporating transplant infectious diseases into the transplant process would provide an opportunity to improve clinical outcome and advocacy as well as expand research. The relationship between transplant physicians and infectious diseases (ID) specialists is one of partnership, collaboration, and mutual continuing professional education. The ID CARE Committee of the International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) views the development and integration of transplant infectious diseases into pediatric transplant care as an international priority.
Regulatory capitalism and its discontents: Bilateral interdependence and the adaptability of regulatory styles
Authors: Yasuda John Kojiro , Ansell Christopher
Published: September 2014

The expansion of global trade has produced new challenges for the effective governance of product safety. We argue that many of these challenges arise at the bilateral level from the interaction of more or less adaptable national regulatory styles. When regulatory styles are unadaptable they produce gaps in risk management, slow and contested resolutions to crises, and limited regulatory cooperation. To examine these claims empirically, we study bilateral food safety regulation in four major exporter–importer dyads: China–Japan; Canada–United States (US), China–European Union (EU), and the US–Japan. The China–Japan dyad is the most adaptable, combining China's “export segmentation” regulatory style with Japan's strongly “risk‐averse, interventionist” style. The Canada–US dyad operates effectively, bringing together Canada's “global market–conforming” regulatory style with the US strategy of “sovereign regulator.” The China–EU dyad is less adaptable because the EU's “harmonization” regulatory style makes it difficult for the EU to adapt to the weaknesses of the Chinese food safety system. Finally, the US's sovereign regulator style clashes with Japan's interventionist style, making them the least adaptable of the four dyads. The paper concludes with a discussion of the broader relevance of our findings for the development of regulatory capitalism.