bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal control of visual distraction
Authors: Cosman Joshua D. , Woodman Geoffrey F. , Schall Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2017

Avoiding distraction by salient irrelevant stimuli is critical to accomplishing daily tasks. Regions of prefrontal cortex control attention by enhancing the representation of task-relevant information in sensory cortex, which can be measured directly in modulation of both single neurons and averaging of the scalp-recorded electroencephalogram [1,2]. However, when irrelevant information is particularly conspicuous, it may distract attention and interfere with the selection of behaviorally relevant information. Many studies have shown that that distraction can be minimized via top-down control [3–5], but the cognitive and neural mechanisms giving rise to this control over distraction remain uncertain and vigorously debated [6–8]. Bridging neurophysiology to electrophysiology, we simultaneously recorded neurons in prefrontal cortex and event-related potentials (ERPs) over extrastriate visual cortex to track the processing of salient distractors during a visual search task. Critically, we observed robust suppression of salient distractor representations in both cortical areas, with suppression arising in prefrontal cortex before being manifest in the ERP signal over extrastriate cortex. Furthermore, only prefrontal neurons that participated in selecting the task-relevant target also showed suppression of the task-irrelevant distractor. This suggests a common prefrontal mechanism for target selection and distractor suppression, with input from prefrontal cortex being responsible for both selecting task-relevant and suppressing task-irrelevant information in sensory cortex. Taken together, our results resolve a long-standing debate over the mechanisms that prevent distraction, and provide the first evidence directly linking suppressed neural firing in prefrontal cortex with surface ERP measures of distractor suppression.
Nearly Neutral Evolution Across theDrosophila melanogasterGenome
Authors: Castellano David , James Jennifer , Eyre-Walker Adam
Published: November 2017

Under the nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution the proportion of effectively neutral mutations is expected to depend upon the effective population size (Ne). Here we investigate whether this is the case across the genome ofDrosophila melanogasterusing polymorphism data from North American and African lines. We show that the ratio of the number of non-synonymous and synonymous polymorphisms is negatively correlated to the number of synonymous polymorphisms, even when the non-independence is accounted for. The relationship is such that the proportion of effectively neutral non-synonymous mutations increases by ~45% asNeis halved. However, we also show that this relationship is steeper than expected from an independent estimate of the distribution of fitness effects from the site frequency spectrum. We investigate a number of potential explanations for this and show, using simulation, that this is consistent with a model of genetic hitch-hiking: genetic hitch-hiking depresses diversity at neutral and weakly selected sites, but has little effect on the diversity of strongly selected sites.
British values and identity among young British Muslims in Tower Hamlets: understandings and connections
Authors: Green Finlay
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a platform for young British Muslims in Tower Hamlets to share their perspectives on British values and identity, in light of the increased pressure schools are facing to actively promote “British values”.

Design/methodology/approach

Three focus groups were convened of 16-18 year olds, two all-male (one with five and one with six participants) and one all-female (five participants). Discussions were audio recorded with the data subjected to a form of thematic analysis that divided the raw data into three different categories: individual, group and group interaction data.

Findings

All but one of the participants defined themselves as British, largely due to a strong connection with British values. A minority felt this understanding was reflected back to them by society. However, the majority felt that, as ethnically Bengali and as Muslims, the opposite was the case. By judging the strength of an individual’s Britishness against the strength of their adherence to British values the government’s British values agenda is only serving to reinforce the isolation of those that feel excluded.

Originality/value

While the identities of young people, British people, and Muslims have been widely explored, there is little research that looks at the intersection of all three.
The environment-strategy-structure fit and performance of industrial servitized SMEs
Authors: Ambroise Laure , Prim-Allaz Isabelle , Teyssier Christine , Peillon Sophie
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the environment-strategy-structure fit in the context of industrial servitization and its impact on the profitability of manufacturing SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with the CEOs of 184 French manufacturing SMEs. These primary data were complemented by the indicators extracted from a financial database to ensure objective measures of financial performance. Analyses were conducted by means of partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The research tests the impact of the organizational design (customer interface, service delivery system and service culture (SC)) on financial performance. It also tests the moderating effect on this relationship of servitization strategies adopted by the firm (added services (AS), activities reconfiguration (AR) and business model reconfiguration (BMR)) and the environment in which the firm is situated (industry dynamism, competitive intensity and industry munificence).

Research limitations/implications

This study considers the coalescence of the environment-strategy-structure to be a driver of firm performance in the context of industrial firms’ servitization. Three specific servitization strategies (AS, AR and BMR) are suggested based on the service offering’s impact on the customer’s activity chain or business model.

Practical implications

The research proposes some optimal organizational design depending on servitization strategy and environmental factors; for example, SC has a strong impact on financial performance when BMR is adopted.

Originality/value

This empirical study is based on an extended sample of 184 SMEs and provides quantitative support for the claim that good alignment between strategy and organizational design based on environmental factors increases profitability.
Jekyll and Hyde of chemotherapy treatment: Method for patient‐specific dosing of chemotherapy medications
Authors: Tatlow Dean
Published: November 2017

Currently chemotherapy dosing is determined by a patient's weight, height and renal function. Dosing chemotherapy based on these parameters is generally effective, assuming all other physiological conditions are normal. In hypoalbuminaemia patients a decrease in albumin often results in more severe side‐effects, since this may lead to higher chemotherapy free drug levels. A new method to dose chemotherapy based on a patients albumin will maintain the same effective free drug levels as in patients with normal albumin. This can reduce the severity of chemotherapy side‐effects and may: ensure better outcomes for patients since it allows them to complete their course of chemotherapy without interruption, decrease the cost and complications associated with severe side‐effects, and will allow for enhanced treatment options.
Serum mast cell tryptase measurements: Sensitivity and specificity for a diagnosis of anaphylaxis in emergency department patients with shock or hypoxaemia
Authors: Francis Abbie , Fatovich Daniel M , Arendts Glenn , Macdonald Stephen PJ , Bosio Erika , Nagree Yusuf , Mitenko Hugh MA , Brown Simon GA
Published: November 2017

Objective

Clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis is principally based on symptoms and signs. However, particularly for patients with atypical symptoms, laboratory confirmation of anaphylaxis would be useful. This study investigated the utility of mast cell tryptase, an available clinical biomarker, for differentiating anaphylaxis from other causes of critical illness, which can also involve mast cell activation.

Methods

Tryptase was measured (ImmunoCAP) in serum from patients with anaphylaxis and non‐anaphylactic critical illness (controls) at ED arrival, and after 1–2, 3–4 and 12–24 h. Differences in both peak and delta (difference between highest and lowest) tryptase concentrations between groups were investigated using linear regression models, and diagnostic ability was analysed using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Peak tryptase was fourfold (95% CI: 2.9, 5.5) higher in anaphylaxis patients (n = 67) than controls (n = 120) (P < 0.001). Delta‐tryptase was 5.1‐fold (95% CI: 2.9, 8.9) higher in anaphylaxis than controls (P < 0.001). Optimal test characteristics (sensitivity: 72% [95% CI: 59, 82] and specificity: 72% [95%CI: 63, 80]) were observed when peak tryptase concentrations were >11.4 ng/mL and/or delta‐tryptase ≥2.0 ng/mL. For hypotensive patients, peak tryptase >11.4 ng/mL had improved test characteristics (sensitivity: 85% [95% CI: 65, 96] and specificity: 92% [95% CI: 85, 97]); the use of delta‐tryptase reduced test specificity.

Conclusion

While peak and delta tryptase concentrations were higher in anaphylaxis than other forms of critical illness, the test lacks sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, mast cell tryptase values alone cannot be used to establish the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in the ED. In particular, tryptase has limited utility for differentiating anaphylactic from non‐anaphylactic shock.
Does willingness to pay increase with the number and strictness of sustainability labels?
Authors: Tebbe Eva , von Blanckenburg Korbinian
Published: November 2017

Labels signaling sustainable product attributes are gaining importance, although uncertainty concerning the environmental, micro‐ and macroeconomic benefits of such labels persist. One of the questions still incompletely answered is whether Willingness To Pay (WTP) varies with a gradually increasing number of labels on a food product. In order to answer this question, we conducted a laboratory experiment with 191 student respondents, testing consumer valuations of different labeling strategies. Using the Becker‐DeGroot‐Marschak mechanism, WTP for 15 food products was measured. The products were endowed with up to six different sustainability labels, such that each grocery item was available in eight product versions. For perishable, nonperishable, and plant‐based products, the results indicate that participants are prone to allocating WTP‐premiums to labeled products, more than to unlabeled products. For animal products, however, labels do not influence WTP significantly. Furthermore, the premiums do not vary with an increasing number of labels, irrespective of whether the labels signal substitute or complementary sustainability information. The results are not entirely in line with normative notions of magnitude variation, but rather with the behavioral economic concept of embedding effects.
Parent‐of‐origin‐environment interactions in case‐parent triads with or without independent controls
Authors: Gjerdevik Miriam , Haaland Øystein A. , Romanowska Julia , Lie Rolv T. , Jugessur Astanand , Gjessing Håkon K.
Published: November 2017

With case–parent triad data, one can frequently deduce parent of origin of the child's alleles. This allows a parent‐of‐origin (PoO) effect to be estimated as the ratio of relative risks associated with the alleles inherited from the mother and the father, respectively. A possible cause of PoO effects is DNA methylation, leading to genomic imprinting. Because environmental exposures may influence methylation patterns, gene–environment interaction studies should be extended to allow for interactions between PoO effects and environmental exposures (i.e., PoOxE). One should thus search for loci where the environmental exposure modifies the PoO effect.

We have developed an extensive framework to analyze PoOxE effects in genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), based on complete or incomplete case–parent triads with or without independent control triads. The interaction approach is based on analyzing triads in each exposure stratum using maximum likelihood estimation in a log‐linear model. Interactions are then tested applying a Wald‐based posttest of parameters across strata. Our framework includes a complete setup for power calculations. We have implemented the models in the R software package Haplin.

To illustrate our PoOxE test, we applied the new methodology to top hits from our previous GWAS, assessing whether smoking during the periconceptional period modifies PoO effects on cleft palate only.
The Mendacity of Reconciliation in an Age of Resentment
Authors: McIvor David W.
Published: November 2017

The political ideal of reconciliation has gained increased prominence in recent decades, in part due to political experiments such as the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other formal or informal truth or reconciliation processes. Here, I argue that there is a fundamental mendacity to reconciliation, given stubborn asymmetries of social power and disrespect. Reconciliation as an ideal carries an impetus towards resolution that covers over the necessary role that conflict plays in political struggles—including the role that conflict plays within struggles for reconciliation. Nevertheless, despite the mendacity of reconciliation, its meaning still holds political value. Reconciliation implies an orientation towards social repair, which even the strongest critics of reconciliation cannot bring themselves to reject. Some lies are worse than others, and some lies might be noble or necessary. Reconciliation is the latter—a fiction that is less pernicious than its absence. In this light, the task is to locate means of political reconciliation that do not obscure the conflicts and asymmetries of social life but enable social actors to face up to these conflicts and to discover novel ways to repair the damage that they can do.
Plant recolonization of reclamation areas from patches of salvaged forest floor material
Authors: Jones Caren E. , Landhäusser Simon M.
Published: November 2017

Question

Understorey development is a great challenge in the restoration of many forest sites, particularly when sources of vegetation propagules are scarce. Can placement of propagule‐rich soil patches within reclaimed landscapes otherwise covered with propagule‐poor material promote the dispersal of vegetation from the patches into the surrounding areas?

Location

Large reclamation site in the Canadian (Alberta) boreal forest.

Method

Patches of propagule‐rich forest floor material were placed within a matrix of propagule‐poor peat material. Vegetation assessments (cover estimates, seed rain) were done surrounding these patches in the third and fourth growing seasons.

Results

There was significant egress of species from the patches into the peat after four growing seasons, and overall species associated with the patches had higher cover in the peat than species that were associated with the peat itself. While wind‐dispersed herbaceous species from the patches were found at the leading edge of the egressing community, most species used vegetative propagation, resulting in short egress distances. Several patch‐associated species were found in seed rain collected on the peat areas but were not observed in this material, suggesting seedbed limitations.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively short distance of egress, this experiment suggests that placement of propagule‐rich soil material within reclaimed landscapes will promote egress into adjacent propagule‐poor soil material.
Reader Reaction: A Note on Testing and Estimation in Marker-set Association Study Using Semiparametric Quantile Regression Kernel Machine
Authors: Zhan Xiang , Wu Michael C.
Published: November 2017

Kong et al. (2016, Biometrics72, 364–371) presented a quantile regression kernel machine (QRKM) test for robust analysis of genetic marker-set association studies. A potential limitation of QRKM is the permutation-based test design may be unscalable for the massive sizes of modern datasets. In this article, we present an alternative strategy for p-value calculation of QRKM, which is capable of speeding up the QRKM testing procedure dramatically while maintaining the same testing performance as QRKM. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated via simulation studies.
Data-driven Confounder Selection via Markov and Bayesian Networks
Authors: Häggström Jenny
Published: November 2017

To unbiasedly estimate a causal effect on an outcome unconfoundedness is often assumed. If there is sufficient knowledge on the underlying causal structure then existing confounder selection criteria can be used to select subsets of the observed pretreatment covariates, X, sufficient for unconfoundedness, if such subsets exist. Here, estimation of these target subsets is considered when the underlying causal structure is unknown. The proposed method is to model the causal structure by a probabilistic graphical model, for example, a Markov or Bayesian network, estimate this graph from observed data and select the target subsets given the estimated graph. The approach is evaluated by simulation both in a high-dimensional setting where unconfoundedness holds given X and in a setting where unconfoundedness only holds given subsets of X. Several common target subsets are investigated and the selected subsets are compared with respect to accuracy in estimating the average causal effect. The proposed method is implemented with existing software that can easily handle high-dimensional data, in terms of large samples and large number of covariates. The results from the simulation study show that, if unconfoundedness holds given X, this approach is very successful in selecting the target subsets, outperforming alternative approaches based on random forests and LASSO, and that the subset estimating the target subset containing all causes of outcome yields smallest MSE in the average causal effect estimation.
Population-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink study using algorithm modelling to identify the true burden of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Ingram J.R. , Jenkins-Jones S. , Knipe D.W. , Morgan C.L.I. , Cannings-John R. , Piguet V.
Published: November 2017

Background

Epidemiology data regarding hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are conflicting and prevalence estimates vary 80-fold, from 0·05% in a population-based study to 4%.

Objectives

To assess the hypothesis that previous population-based studies underestimated true HS prevalence by missing undiagnosed cases.

Methods

We performed a population-based observational and case–control study using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) linked to hospital episode statistics data. Physician-diagnosed cases in the CPRD were identified from specific Read codes. Algorithms identified unrecognized ‘proxy’ cases, with at least five Read code records for boils in flexural skin sites. Validation of proxy cases was undertaken with general practitioner (GP) questionnaires to confirm criteria-diagnosed cases. A case–control study assessed disease associations.

Results

On 30 June 2013, 23 353 physician-diagnosed HS cases were documented in 4 364 308 research-standard records. In total, 68 890 proxy cases were identified, reduced to 10 146 criteria-diagnosed cases after validation, extrapolated from 107 completed questionnaires (61% return rate). Overall point prevalence was 0·77% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·76–0·78%]. An additional 18 417 cases had a history of one to four flexural skin boils. In physician-diagnosed cases, odds ratios (ORs) for current smoker and obesity (body mass index > 30 kg m-2) were 3·61 (95% CI 3·44–3·79) and 3·29 (95% CI 3·14–3·45). HS was associated with type 2 diabetes, Crohn disease, hyperlipidaemia, acne and depression, and not associated with ulcerative colitis or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusions

Contrary to results of previous population-based studies, HS is relatively common, with a U.K. prevalence of 0·77%, one-third being unrecognized, criteria-diagnosed cases using the most stringent disease definition. If individuals with probable cases are included, HS prevalence rises to 1·19%.
RANDOM SHOCK UNCERTAINTY AND INVESTMENT REVERSIBILITY: REAL OPTION FRAMEWORK
Authors: Cui Xue , Shibata Takashi
Published: November 2017

This paper examines, in the presence of random shock, how changes in reversibility of investment affect a firm's optimal investment strategies including the investment timing (trigger) and quantity. Existing results do not consider random shock, where the quantity is independent of the degree of reversibility and the investment trigger is always decreasing with the degree of reversibility. In contrast, we show that with random shock, the quantity exhibits an inverse U‐shape, and the investment trigger is not always monotonically decreasing with the degree of reversibility. Additionally, we show that the firm undertakes a smaller quantity with random shock than without random shock for any degree of reversibility. Finally, we find that the presence of random shock decreases firm value, which implies that random shock is costly for firms.
Fluoxetine induces autophagic cell death via eEF2K‐AMPK‐mTOR‐ULK complex axis in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Sun Dejuan , Zhu Lingjuan , Zhao Yuqian , Jiang Yingnan , Chen Lixia , Yu Yang , Ouyang Liang
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a complex and intrinsically aggressive tumour with poor prognosis, and the discovery of targeted small‐molecule drugs for TNBC treatment still remains in its infancy. In this study, we aimed to discover a small‐molecule agent for TNBC treatment and illuminate its potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Cell viability was detected by using methylthiazoltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Electron microscopy, GFP‐LC3 transfection, monodansylcadaverine staining and apoptosis assay were performed to determine Fluoxetine‐induced autophagy and apoptosis. Western blotting and siRNA transfection were carried out to investigate the mechanisms of Fluoxetine‐induced autophagy. iTRAQ‐based proteomics analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

We have demonstrated that Fluoxetine had remarkable anti‐proliferative activities and induced autophagic cell death in MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐436 cells. The mechanism for Fluoxetine‐induced autophagic cell death was associated with inhibition of eEF2K and activation of AMPK‐mTOR‐ULK complex axis. Further iTRAQ‐based proteomics and network analyses revealed that Fluoxetine‐induced mechanism was involved in BIRC6, BNIP1, SNAP29 and Bif‐1.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that Fluoxetine induces apoptosis and autophagic cell death in TNBC, which will hold a promise for the future TNBC therapy.
Molecular testing of BRAF, RAS and TERT on thyroid FNAs with indeterminate cytology improves diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Decaussin‐Petrucci M. , Descotes F. , Depaepe L. , Lapras V. , Denier M.‐L. , Borson‐Chazot F. , Lifante J.‐C. , Lopez J.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Liquid‐based (LB)‐FNA is widely recognized as a reliable diagnostic method to evaluate thyroid nodules. However, up to 30% of LB‐FNA remain indeterminate according to the Bethesda system. Use of molecular biomarkers has been recommended to improve its pathological accuracy but implementation of these tests in clinical practice may be difficult. Here, we evaluated feasibility and performance of molecular profiling in routine practice by testing LB‐FNA for BRAF, N/HRAS and TERT mutations.

Methods

We studied a large prospective cohort of 326 cases, including 61 atypia of undetermined significance, 124 follicular neoplasms, 72 suspicious for malignancy and 69 malignant cases. Diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed by histology on paired surgical specimen.

Results

Mutated LB‐FNAs were significantly associated with malignancy regardless of the cytological classification. Overall sensitivity was 60% and specificity 89%. Importantly, in atypia of undetermined significance and follicular neoplasm patients undergoing surgery according to the Bethesda guidelines, negative predictive values were 85.4% and 90% respectively. TERT promoter mutation was rare but very specific for malignancy (5.5%) suggesting that it could be of interest in patients with indeterminate cytology.

Conclusions

Mutation profiling can be successfully performed on thyroid LB‐FNA without any dedicated sample in a pathology laboratory. It is an easy way to improve diagnostic accuracy of routine LB‐FNA and may help to better select patients for surgery and to avoid unnecessary thyroidectomies.
Prevalence and severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease are underestimated in clinical practice: impact of a dedicated screening approach at a large university teaching hospital
Authors: Marjot T. , Sbardella E. , Moolla A. , Hazlehurst J. M. , Tan G. D. , Ainsworth M. , Cobbold J. F. L. , Tomlinson J. W.
Published: November 2017

Aims

To define the attitudes and current clinical practice of diabetes specialists with regard to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and, based on the results, implement an evidenced‐based pathway for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease assessment.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated to diabetes specialists. Based on findings from this survey, we sought a local solution by launching an awareness campaign and implementing a screening algorithm across all diabetes clinics at a secondary/tertiary referral centre.

Results

A total of 133 diabetes specialists responded to the survey. Fewer than 5% of responders correctly assessed the prevalence and severity of advanced fibrotic non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in people with diabetes as 50–75%. Whilst most clinicians performed liver function tests, only 5.7% responded stating that they would use, or had used, a non‐invasive algorithm to stage the severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Implementing a local non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease awareness campaign and screening strategy using pre‐printed blood request forms, we ensured that 100% (n=395) of all people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending secondary/tertiary care diabetes clinics over a 6‐month period were appropriately screened for advanced fibrotic non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using the Fib‐4 index; 17.9% required further investigation or assessment.

Conclusions

The prevalence and severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease are underestimated among diabetes specialists. The Fib‐4 index can easily be incorporated into clinical practice in secondary/tertiary care to identify those individuals at risk of advanced fibrosis who require further assessment and who may benefit from a dedicated multidisciplinary approach to their management.
Direct head‐to‐head comparison of glycaemic durability of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and sulphonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis of long‐term randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Kang , Kang Deying , Yu Miao , Zhang Ruya , Zhang Ye , Chen Guojuan , Mu Yiming
Published: November 2017

We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the long‐term glycaemic durability of dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors vs that of sulphonylureas (SUs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in terms of the changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from an intermediate time point (26 or 52 weeks) to 104 weeks of treatment. The Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), and CENTER (Cochrane Library) databases were searched for relevant RCTs. Eight RCTs were included. Compared with SUs, DPP‐4 inhibitors were associated with significantly smaller increases in the HbA1c level from 24 to 28 weeks to 104 weeks (mean difference [MD]: −0.16%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.21 to −0.11; P < .001) and from 52 weeks to 104 weeks (MD −0.06%, 95% CI −0.10 to −0.02; P = .001). No significant heterogeneities were detected among the included comparisons (I2 = 0%). These results suggest that long‐term treatment with DPP‐4 inhibitors confers better durability of glycaemic response than treatment with SUs in patients with T2DM, which may indicate that DPP‐4 inhibitors better preserve islet β‐cell function compared with SUs.
CORPORATE TAX GAMES WITH CROSS‐BORDER EXTERNALITIES FROM PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: Dewit Gerda , Hynes Kate , Leahy Dermot
Published: November 2017

We construct a model of corporate tax competition in which governments also use public infrastructure investment to attract foreign direct investment, thus enhancing their tax bases. In doing so, we allow for cross‐border infrastructural externalities. Depending on the externality, governments are shown to strategically over‐ or underinvest in infrastructure. We also examine how tax cooperation influences investment in infrastructure and find that welfare may be lower under tax cooperation than under tax competition; this is the case when infrastructure is very effective in raising the tax base and generates a large negative cross‐border externality. (JEL F23, H40)
Instruments of Wonder — Wondrous Instruments: Optical Devices in the Poetics of the Marvelous of Fontenelle, Rist, Breitinger, and Hoffmann
Authors: Gess Nicola
Published: November 2017

This paper argues that many poetic conceptions of the marvelous from the late seventeenth to the early nineteenth century foreground optical devices, drawing attention to the mediality of these devices as well as the mediality of the literature that draws inspiration from them. In light of writings by Fontenelle and Rist that cast the marvelous in optical terms, this paper examines discourses surrounding the wondrous nature of optical devices and the aesthetics of spectacle to which they give rise. It then traces Breitinger's shift of focus from the object observed to the observing subject and uses this shift as a framework for locating aporias of self‐reflection in a crucial text on the marvelous by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
Establishing the link between representative bureaucracy and performance: The South African case
Authors: Fernandez Sergio , Koma Samuel , Lee Hongseok
Published: November 2017

Representative bureaucracy is a critical element of modern public administration and governance. Since the advent of nonracial democracy, the South African government has transformed the apartheid bureaucracy into a new public service that closely mirrors the country's diverse population. Questions remain, however, about how this demographic transformation has impacted the public service. Grounded in the theory of representative bureaucracy, we use a mixed methods approach to examine the relationship between representation of historically disadvantaged groups and performance of national departments in South Africa. Analyses of panel data indicate that as national departments become more representative by employing a greater percentage of Blacks, they become more effective at achieving their goals. Interviews with officials in national departments corroborate this and reveal a range of underlying pathways linking representation of historically disadvantaged groups to performance.
A Retrospective Nested Cohort Study of Emergency Department Revisits for Migraine in New York City
Authors: Minen Mia T. , Boubour Alexandra , Wahnich Amanda , Grudzen Corita , Friedman Benjamin W.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Migraine causes more than 1.2 million visits to US emergency departments (EDs) annually. Many of these visits are revisits among patients who had already been treated in an ED for migraine. The goal of this analysis was to determine the frequency of headache revisits among patients who present to an ED for management of migraine and sociodemographic factors associated with the revisit.

Methods

Using the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Syndromic Surveillance database, we conducted a retrospective nested cohort study. We analyzed visits from 18 NYC EDs with discharge diagnoses in the first 6 months of 2015. We conducted descriptive analyses to determine the frequency of headache revisit within 6 months of an index ED visit for migraine and the elapsed time to revisit. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed associations between age, sex, poverty, and revisit.

Results

Of 1052 ED visits with an ED discharge diagnosis of migraine during the first 6 months of 2015, 277 (26.3%) had a headache revisit within 6 months of their initial migraine visit and 131 (12.5%) had two or more revisits at the same hospital. Of the revisits for headache, 9% occur within 72 hours and 46% occur within 90 days of the initial migraine visit. Sex, age, and poverty level were not associated with an ED revisit.

Conclusion

More than a quarter of initial ED visits for migraine are followed by headache revisits in <6 months. Future work should target interventions to decrease the frequency of headache revisits.
Food insecurity may lead to incomplete HIV viral suppression and less immune reconstitution among HIV/hepatitis C virus‐coinfected people
Authors: Aibibula W , Cox J , Hamelin A‐M , Moodie EEM , Naimi AI , McLinden T , Klein MB , Brassard P
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of food insecurity (FI) on HIV viral load and CD4 count among people coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods

This study was conducted using data from the Food Security & HIV‐HCV Sub‐Study of the Canadian Co‐Infection Cohort study. FI was measured using the adult scale of Health Canada's Household Food Security Survey Module and was classified into three categories: food security, moderate food insecurity and severe food insecurity. The association between FI, HIV viral load, and CD4 count was assessed using a stabilized inverse probability weighted marginal structural model.

Results

A total of 725 HIV/HCV‐coinfected people with 1973 person‐visits over 3 years of follow‐up contributed to this study. At baseline, 23% of participants experienced moderate food insecurity and 34% experienced severe food insecurity. The proportion of people with undetectable HIV viral load was 75% and the median CD4 count was 460 [interquartile range (IQR): 300–665] cells/μL. People experiencing severe food insecurity had 1.47 times [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.88] the risk of having detectable HIV viral load and a 0.91‐fold (95% CI: 0.84, 0.98) increase in CD4 count compared with people who were food secure.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence of the negative impact of food insecurity on HIV viral load and CD4 count among HIV/HCV‐coinfected people.
Observer‐blind randomized controlled study of a cosmetic blend of safflower, olive and other plant oils in the improvement of scar and striae appearance
Authors: Bielfeldt S. , Blaak J. , Staib P. , Simon I. , Wohlfart R. , Manger C. , Wilhelm K. P.
Published: November 2017

Objective

The normal process of skin tissue repair following injury invariably results in visual scarring. It is known that topical treatment with hydrophobic cosmetics rich in silicone and mineral oil content can improve the appearance of scars and striae. Given lifestyle preferences of many cosmetic consumers towards so‐called natural treatments, the objective of this controlled randomized study was to investigate the efficacy of a plant body oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids (Bio Skin Oil®) for improving the appearance of scars and striae.

Methods

A panel of 80 volunteers with non‐hypertrophic scars (40) or stretch marks (40) not older than 3 years applied a cosmetic face and body oil for 8 weeks. Compared to an untreated scar/stretch mark region, a blinded investigator as well as volunteer assessments with given observed parameters demonstrated the efficacy of the oil under test.

Results

On the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS), the mean score was reduced on the product‐treated area by approximately 5% (P = 0.006). The untreated area remained unchanged. Observed effects by volunteers were more pronounced – Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) giving a reduction of approximately 20% on the treated area, and on the control untreated area a reduction of approximately 6%. The overall product effect of 14% was shown to be clearly significant (P = 0.001). All statements relating to product traits achieved higher frequencies of agreements than of non‐agreements and were therefore assessed positively by the volunteers. Highest frequencies of agreements occurred in statements that the test product provides a long‐lasting, soft and supple skin feeling (93%); caring effect (87%); and quick absorbance (84%). Agreement was also found for statements that the product improves the skin appearance (61%) and that scars/striae appear less pronounced (51%). Only 17% of volunteers felt the oil had no benefit to the appearance of their scars/striae.

Conclusions

The oil blend under test is effective in improving the appearance of non‐keloid scars and striae. Further work is required to understand the mechanisms of how plant oil fatty acids ameliorate scar and striae appearance.
Double emulsion‐encapsulated guggul exhibits improved in vivo hypocholesterolaemic action in rats
Authors: Lamba Heena , Sabikhi Latha , Aggarwal Dipesh , Choudhary Urmila , Reddi Srinu , Kapila Suman , Kapila Rajeev
Published: November 2017

Guggul tree or Commiphora mukul is a small thorny herb having remarkable hypocholesterolaemic properties. Its therapeutic effects are because of its biocomponent guggulsterones, especially guggulsterone E and Z. In this research, double emulsion‐based spread was tried to improve the bioavailability of the herb guggul in in vivo rat model. The effect of the different diets with encapsulated and nonencapsulated guggul was evaluated and compared after 6 weeks, based on the final body weight and analysis of organs, serum and faeces of normal and hypercholesterolaemic (H) rats. It was evident from the results that double emulsion‐encapsulated guggul showed better control on weight of H rats (25.98% lower), inhibition of HMG CoA reductase (3.95 times less) activity and reduction in atherosclerotic index (47.2%), as compared to diet with unencapsulated guggul. Encapsulation of guggul also improved faecal excretion of bile acids, lipids and total cholesterol in H and normal rats.
A simulation study of an on‐demand transportation system
Authors: Archetti Claudia , Speranza M. Grazia , Weyland Dennis
Published: November 2017

In this paper we present the results of a simulation study aimed at assessing an on‐demand transportation system. The on‐demand system uses minibuses that have neither fixed itineraries nor fixed stops. The minibuses are dynamically routed to accommodate the requests received by the users. To use the on‐demand service, users communicate, close to their desired departure time, the origin and destination of the trip. They accept the service if the estimated arrival time at destination fulfills their service level threshold. In the simulation users may decide whether to walk, to use a standard bus, to call the on‐demand service, and, if none of these options is satisfactory, to use a private car. We consider different scenarios to assess the potential benefits of the introduction of an on‐demand service. We also analyze the scalability and responsiveness of the service. The results suggest that an on‐demand system may be able to satisfy a large portion of user transportation requests and may be put beside standard transportation systems in order to provide a better transportation service to the users and substantially reduce the use of private cars.
Explanatory Variables for National Socio‐Metabolic Profiles and the Question of Forecasting National Material Flows in a Globalized Economy
Authors: West James , Schandl Heinz
Published: November 2017

Identifying which socioeconomic factors can explain differences in national sociometabolic profiles, and quantifying how well they do it, is relevant to the question of whether national‐level material flows can be forecast accurately enough to inform policy. In this study, we employed panel analyses to test a wide range of socioeconomic variables with respect to their ability to explain variations in the material flows trajectories between different nations. We found that, apart from the long‐established explanatory variables of population and affluence (gross domestic product [GDP] per capita), additional variables do little to explain the remaining variation between countries. The main explanation proposed for this is that, as product supply chains are increasingly globalized, expecting national‐level material flows to closely reflect national‐level development is not appropriate. The effects of globalized trade on national material flows are profound, and come via a number of different mechanisms, discussed in the study. This implies that attempting long‐term prediction of national demand for primary materials is unlikely to be a fruitful activity, and that further efforts to refine existing models will probably not greatly improve results. Conversely, forecasting material flows at the global scale may not be unreasonable, but would be contingent on having accurate forecasts of population and GDP. The linkage of national material flows to the global economy has important implications for the efficacy of attempting to materially affect global sustainability via policy measures taken in isolation, at the national level.
Maternal peripartum septic shock caused by intrauterine infection with Edwardsiella tarda: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Miyazawa Yuki , Murakami Keisuke , Kizaki Yuichiro , Itaya Yukiko , Takai Yasushi , Seki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2017

Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) is a rare pathogen in humans, especially during the peripartum period. Only a few cases of fatal neonatal infection with E. tarda have been reported. Herein, we describe a case of maternal septicemia caused by E. tarda following peripartum chorioamnionitis. The mother developed septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and a post‐cesarean wound hematoma with abscess. Her condition improved with multidisciplinary therapy including blood transfusion, antimicrobial agents, recombinant thrombomodulin and surgical debridement. E. tarda was isolated from the maternal blood, cesarean wound and neonatal skin, pharynx and gastric fluid. This case demonstrates that peripartum infection with E. tarda is a rare but life‐threatening condition, not only for the neonate but also for the mother.
A “Jail Escape Technique” (JET) for distal side branch wiring during provisional stenting: Feasibility and first‐in‐man study
Authors: Xiao Han , Chen Shengda , Wang Guixue , Du Ruolin , Song Yaoming , Jin Jun , Huang Lan , Jabbour Richard , Azzalini Lorenzo , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of a novel technique for achieving distal SB access and improve strut apposition during provisional stenting.

Background

While distal rewiring and stent expansion toward the side branch (SB) are associated with better results during provisional stenting of coronary artery bifurcation lesions, these techniques are technically challenging and often leave unopposed struts near the carina.

Methods

The “Jail Escape Technique” (JET) is performed by passing the proximal tip of the SB wire between the main vessel (MV) stent struts and balloon before implantation, allowing the MV stent to push the SB wire against the distal part of the carina. The MV stent can then be deployed without jailing the SB wire. Distal SB access and strut distribution at the carina were tested in phantom and swine models. Stent distortion, dislodgement forces, and material damage were evaluated with tensile testing. Human feasibility was then tested on 32 patients.

Results

Preclinical testing demonstrated that the SB wire was located at the most distal part of the carina and no strut malapposition at the carina was present after balloon inflation. Stent distortion, dislodgement forces, or material damage were not affected. JET was successfully performed in 30 of 32 patients. No major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in any patient at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The “JET” enables distal SB access and eliminates strut malapposition at the carina. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to further investigate this technique.
Developing the System for Observing Behavioral Ecology for Youth in Schools Instrument
Authors: Lorenz Kent A. , van der Mars Hans , Kulinna Pamela H. , Ainsworth Barbara E. , Hovell Melbourne F.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Behavioral support may be effective in increasing physical activity (PA) in school settings. However, there are no data collection systems to concurrently record PA and behavioral support. This paper describes the development and validation of the System for Observing Behavioral Ecology for Youth in Schools (SOBEYS)—an instrument used with existing observation systems to record PA within a behavioral ecological context.

METHODS

In 2013, experts created a set of behavioral categories to record prompting and reinforcement of PA during a recreational school activity program. The school provided supervision and equipment for lunchtime PA, making it possible to assess both PA and behavioral support. The system was implemented in spring semester 2014 at 1 suburban junior high school (N = 1452; 48% girls, 74% Caucasian) in the western Unites States.

RESULTS

Following multiple field trials, the SOBEYS instrument recorded behavioral categories of visual and verbal prompting, verbal, and nonreinforcement by adults and peers, and token reinforcement. Construct validity and acceptable interobserver agreement (>90%; kappa between 0.22 and 0.94) resulted.

CONCLUSION

Trained SOBEYS users can accurately and reliably record the presence of behavioral support aimed at prompting and reinforcing PA in conjunction with established systematic observation instruments to record PA context and quantity.
Corruption, intrinsic motivation, and the love of praise
Authors: Dhillon Amrita , Nicolò Antonio , Xu Fei
Published: November 2017

Do higher wages prevent corruption (bribe taking)? We investigate a setting where individuals who apply for public sector jobs are motivated not just by monetary incentives but also by intrinsic motivation and concern for the collective reputation of their profession. We show that an increase in monetary compensation may cause reputation‐concerned individuals to be more prone to participate in corruption due to an “overjustification” effect. The overall effect of monetary incentives on fighting corruption crucially depends on the composition of the pool of public sector workers for two reasons: first, different types of workers react differently to the same policy; second, the composition of the pool of workers affects individual behavior through its effect on collective reputation. These results imply in particular that policies to fight corruption should focus more on increasing the collective reputation of the public sector rather than using monetary incentives, which have perverse effects on some agents.