bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of HLA‐DRA and CD74 mRNA in whole blood during the course of complicated and uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Rasmussen Gunlög , Cajander Sara , Bäckman Anders , Källman Jan , Söderquist Bo , Strålin Kristoffer
Published: September 2017

To improve management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), better understanding of host–pathogen interactions is needed. In vitro studies have shown that S. aureus bacteria induce dose‐dependent immunosuppression that is evidenced by reduced expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II on antigen presenting cells. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether expression of the MHC class II‐related genes HLA‐DRA and CD74 is more greatly reduced in complicated SAB, with its probable higher loads of S. aureus, than in uncomplicated SAB. Adult patients with SAB were prospectively included and blood samples taken on the day of confirmation of SAB (Day 1) and on Days 2, 3, 5 and 7. HLA‐DRA and CD74 mRNA expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Sepsis was defined according to the Sepsis‐3 classification and SAB was categorized as complicated in patients with deep‐seated infection and/or hematogenous seeding. Twenty patients with SAB were enrolled and samples obtained on all assessment days. HLA‐DRA and CD74 expression did not differ significantly between patients with SAB and sepsis (n = 13) and those without sepsis (n = 7) on any assessment day. However, patients with complicated SAB (n = 14) had significantly weaker HLA‐DRA expression on all five assessment days than patients with uncomplicated SAB (n = 6). Additionally, they tended to have weaker CD74 expressions. Neutrophil, monocyte and leukocyte counts did not differ significantly between complicated and uncomplicated SAB. In conclusion, patients with complicated SAB show weaker HLA‐DRA expression than those with uncomplicated SAB during the first week of bacteremia.
Weighing the Significance of World War I for the Australian Economy
Authors: Coleman William
Published: September 2017

The article argues there is little evidence that World War I quickened the currents of structural change in the Australian economy. It suggests instead that the War was reinforcing of the Deakinite model of economic management that already been established by the outbreak of War. It did so by enlarging the tenet of ‘protection plus imperial preference’ that had been inscribed in the pre‐War policy consensus; by strengthening the revenue and power of the central state basic to the Deakinite framework of economic governance; and by assimilating rural interests into the terms of that framework.
Is Informal Employment a Result of Market Segmentation? Evidence from China
Authors: Nemoto Jiro , Zuo Hong
Published: September 2017

Many studies on informal employment have identified significant differences in wages and other aspects between workers engaged in formal and informal employment in China. However, whether informal employment is the result of a segmented labour market or a competitive labour market remains unclear. In this study, we empirically examined this issue and found that the informal labour market in China is both a segmented and a competitive labour market, with nearly half of workers in informal employment entering involuntarily in 2006. However, entry barriers are not observed for 2010.
Australian Children Growing Up with Opportunity
Authors: Kalb Guyonne
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on the early years of children in Australia. It discusses the inequality of opportunity as reflected in the statistics and the potential impacts of this inequality. A brief literature review is provided regarding the impact of formal childcare and preschool attendance on child development, with a specific focus on the impact for children from disadvantaged families. The article concludes with a discussion of possible policy directions to counteract the inequality of opportunity.
Laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension with suture line instead of mesh
Authors: Liang J , Chen G , Deng L , Liu FJ , Wu LJ , Li Q , Shen X , Yang YJ , Ling B
Published: September 2017

Objective

To compare the safety and effectiveness of two different materials (mesh and suture line) used in laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension.

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Setting

Gynaecology departments in two hospitals in China.

Population

Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) of stage II or higher.

Methods

The women were divided into two groups according to the two different materials for laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension: mesh or suture line. The baseline characteristics, perioperative details, complications, objective and subjective indexes of the two groups were compared.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was subjective satisfaction rate based upon validated questionnaires. The secondary outcome was objective anatomic assessment with the POP‐Q system.

Results

No difference was found in baseline characteristics and perioperative details except that there were more cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated other surgeries in the Line than the Mesh group (36 versus 19, P < 0.05; 12 versus 2, P < 0.05). Statistically significant improvements were found in anatomical measures of points Aa, Ba, Ap, Bp, C and TVL (P < 0.01), as well as functional and quality‐of‐life measures (P < 0.01 for PFDI‐20 and PFIQ‐7) between both groups. The postoperative PFDI‐20, PFIQ‐7 and PGI‐I scores were not different between two groups (P > 0.05). Two cases of deep wound infection were observed in Mesh group at 3‐month follow up.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal linear uterine suspension is easy to perform and is associated with fewer mesh‐related complications. It is more secure, especially in elderly women and in those with physical complications.

Tweetable abstract

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal linear uterine suspension is safe, with fewer mesh‐related complications.
A comparison between high‐intensity focused ultrasound and surgical treatment for the management of abdominal wall endometriosis
Authors: Zhu X , Chen L , Deng X , Xiao S , Ye M , Xue M
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic outcomes of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and surgical treatment for abdominal wall endometriosis.

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

Gynaecological department of a teaching hospital in China.

Population

Patients with abdominal wall endometriosis.

Methods

Among the 51 patients, 23 patients were treated with ultrasound‐guided HIFU and 28 patients with surgery. Pain relief and the size change of the nodule after each management were evaluated 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, respectively. The hospital stay and blood loss were also compared.

Main outcome measures

Difference between HIFU and surgical treatment for abdominal wall endometriosis.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the pain relief in 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, respectively. The hospital stay was clearly shorter in the HIFU group than in the surgery group. Change in nodules was more remarkable in the group treated with surgery; no palpable nodules existed in most patients in the surgery group. HIFU had more advantages over surgery, such as no blood loss, no new scar, no anaesthesia and lower pain score immediately after treatment.

Conclusions

Based on our results, it appears that either HIFU or surgery is safe and effective in treating patients with AWE in short‐term. Compared with surgery, HIFU treatment for AWE has the advantages of shorter hospital stay, no blood loss, no new scar, no anaesthesia and a lower immediate pain score.

Tweetable abstract

Either HIFU or surgical treatment is safe and effective in treating patients with AWE. HIFU has the advantages of a less invasive procedure and shorter hospital stay.
Ultrasound‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment for abdominal wall endometriosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Luo S , Zhang C , Huang JP , Huang GH , He J
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for treating abdominal wall endometrioses (AWE).

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in China.

Population

Patients with abdominal wall endometriosis.

Methods

From August 2010 to April 2014, 32 patients with AWE were treated with USgHIFU in our hospital. USgHIFU treatment was performed with the Model JC‐200 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Tumor Therapeutic System. The symptom relief and the adverse effects were evaluated after USgHIFU ablation.

Main outcome measures

USgHIFU as a new treatment option for patients with AWE.

Results

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound showed that all lesions were successfully ablated with USgHIFU. The follow‐up results showed that the average volume of AWE lesions at 6 months after USgHIFU was significantly smaller than that before treatment (2.80 ± 0.12 versus 1.33 ± 0.31 cm3). The pain scores at 6 months after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (6.80 ± 2.64 versus 1.80 ± 0.3). The non‐perfused volume (indicative of successful ablation) was measured in all patients immediately after treatment, ranging from 0.9 to 2.1 cm3 (median: 1.6 cm3), and the fractional ablation ranged from 87% to 100% (median: 94%). Local oedema was observed in these patients, lasting for 1–3 days only. No severe complications occurred during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Based on our study, USgHIFU ablation is a safe and effective method for treating AWE.

Tweetable abstract

As a non‐invasive treatment technique, HIFU could be used to treat abdominal wall endometriosis.
Dividend Stickiness, Debt Covenants, and Earnings Management
Authors: Kim Jaewoo , Lee Kyeong Hun , Lie Erik
Published: September 2017

Consistent with the notion that dividends are very sticky, Daniel, Denis, and Naveen () report evidence that firms manage earnings upward when pre‐managed earnings are expected to fall short of dividend payments. However, we find that this evidence is not robust when controlling for firms' tendency to manage earnings upward to avoid reporting earnings declines; only firms with high leverage exhibit a statistically weak tendency to manage earnings to close deficits of pre‐managed earnings relative to dividends. We further report that the decision to cut dividends depends on whether reported earnings fall short of past dividends, but not on earnings management that eliminates a shortfall in pre‐managed earnings relative to dividend payments. Overall, our evidence suggests that firms that face dividend constraints are more likely to cut dividends than to manage earnings to avoid dividend cuts.
Neurological and Neurophysiological Findings in Workers with Chronic 2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐Dioxin Intoxication 50 Years After Exposure
Authors: Pelclova Daniela , Urban Pavel , Fenclova Zdenka , Vlckova Stepanka , Ridzon Petr , Kupka Karel , Meckova Zuzana , Bezdicek Ondrej , Navratil Tomas , Rosmus Jan , Zakharov Sergey
Published: September 2017

The last eight survivors of 80 workers accidentally exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) during production of herbicides based on trichlorophenoxyacetic acid in 1965–1967 in a chemical factory were followed. All were men, mean age 72.4 ± 1.3 years. Their current median TCDD blood level was 112 (46–390) pg/g lipids. Neurological examination revealed central nervous system impairment in all individuals and signs of polyneuropathy in 87.5%, which was confirmed by a nerve conduction study (NCS) in 75%. A Lanthony test demonstrated acquired dyschromatopsia in 87.5% of the patients, with deterioration of mean colour confusion index (CCI) from 1.52 ± 0.39 in 2010 to 1.73 ± 0.41 in 2016. Single‐photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) of the brain showed focal reduction of perfusion in various brain locations in all patients and worsening in six patients. Visual‐evoked potentials (VEP) was abnormal in 62.6% of individuals. Most patients complained of psychological problems. The neuropsychological test battery showed most positive impairments in the Trail Making Test evaluating processing speed (average level in the range of mild neurocognitive impairment), which correlated with mean CCI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fifty years after exposure, blood levels of TCDD are still 10 times higher than the general population. NCS, VEP, Lanthony test and SPECT findings deteriorated from examination of these patients in 2004 and in 2010. The total of abnormal tests per patient in 2016 is very high. Minor differences among patients and their reduced count may explain why the number of impairments in 2016 does not correlate with TCDD blood level.
Topographic growth of the Jishi Shan and its impact on basin and hydrology evolution, NE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Saylor Joel E. , Jordan Jessica C. , Sundell Kurt E. , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Shiqi , Deng Tao
Published: September 2017

Previous research demonstrates that large basins on the periphery of the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau were partitioned during development of intrabasin mountain ranges. These topographic barriers segregated basins with respect to surface flow and atmospheric circulation, ponded sediments, and formed rain shadows. However, complex mixing between airmasses and nonsystematic isotope‐elevation lapse rates have hampered application of quantitative paleoaltimetry to determine the timing of development of critical topographic barriers. We address the timing and drivers for changes in surface connectivity and atmospheric circulation in the Linxia and Xunhua basins using a multidisciplinary approach incorporating detrital zircon geochronology, Monte Carlo inverse flexural modelling, and published stable isotope data. Disruption of surface flow between the two basins during exhumation of the Jishi Shan preceded development of topography sufficient to intercept moisture‐bearing airmasses. Detrital zircon data point to disruption of an eastward‐flowing axial fluvial network between 14.7 and 13.1 Ma, coincident with the onset of exhumation in the Jishi Shan. Flexural modelling suggests that by 13 Ma, the Jishi Shan had developed 0.3 ± 0.1 km of relief; sufficient to disrupt eastward‐flowing drainage networks but insufficient to intercept moisture‐bearing airmasses. Stable isotope data indicate that, although surface connections between the Xunhua and Linxia basins were broken, the two basins continued to be dominated by a common climate regime until 9.3 Ma. Subsequent reintegration of surface flow between the basins occurred between 9.3 and 7.6 Ma. Divergence in the stable isotope and depositional environment records between the two basins suggests that at 9.3 Ma the paleo‐Yellow River breached the growing Jishi Shan dam, and may have reintegrated surface flow between the two basins via erosion of the modern Yellow River gorge, which transects the Jishi Shan. The reintegration of the Xunhua and Linxia basins’ surface connection is confirmed by reintroduction of a Songpan‐Ganzi flysch sediment source by 7.6 Ma. Continued exhumation and uplift of the Jishi Shan developed 0.8 ± 0.2 km of relief by ca. 8 Ma capable of intercepting moisture‐bearing airmasses; isolating and increasing aridity in the Xunhua Basin while decreasing it in the Linxia Basin. Our findings point to protracted development of the modern ca. 1 km of relief in the Jishi Shan between 14 and ca. 4.5 Ma followed by attainment of a topographic equilibrium which persists into modern times.
Symptom evaluation during the methacholine test: Does it add to the interpretation of the test results based on the PC20FEV1?
Authors: Bohadana Abraham B. , Wild Pascal , Izbicki Gabriel
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Conventionally, symptoms occurring during the methacholine test are not taken into account when interpreting the test results. We examined whether the evaluation of methacholine‐induced symptoms (MIS) added to the test interpretation based on the PC20FEV1 by assessing their prevalence, their similarity with symptoms justifying referral and their relationship with airway responsiveness.

Methods

Eighty‐two patients with suspected asthma completed a questionnaire of symptoms and underwent bronchial challenge with methacholine. Based on MIS and airway responsiveness (responders = PC20FEV1 < 8 mg/mL), subjects were classified as asymptomatic non‐responders (ANRs), asymptomatic responders (ARs), symptomatic non‐responders (SNRs) and symptomatic responders (SRs). Airway responsiveness for all subjects, including non‐responders (ie, fall in FEV1 < 20%), was assessed by the methacholine concentration response‐slope (MCRS) obtained using all points of the curve.

Results

ARs (n = 6) were poor‐perceivers of bronchoconstriction. SNRs (n = 16) did not differ from SRs (n = 34) in any clinical parameter, including the proportion of subjects (∼80%) whose methacholine test reproduced symptoms justifying referral. In turn, SNRs differed significantly from ANRs (n = 26) by having lower baseline FEV1 (P = .005), more physician‐diagnosed asthma (P < .001), more use of respiratory medication (P = .032), and relatively greater responsiveness as manifested by a steeper MCRS (P < .001).

Conclusions

The occurrence of asthma‐like symptoms during the methacholine test was associated with milder airway hyperresponsiveness that would go unnoticed by the PC20FEV1. This finding suggests that SNRs should not be merely classified as having normal responsiveness, as currently recommended, but further assessed for airway inflammation. Our results helped planning a longitudinal study to investigate the prognostic validity of this approach.
Impacts of an invasive tree across trophic levels: Species richness, community composition and resident species’ traits
Authors: Hejda Martin , Hanzelka Jan , Kadlec Tomáš , Štrobl Martin , Pyšek Petr , Reif Jiří
Published: September 2017

Aim

To investigate the community‐level impacts of woody plant invasions using Robinia pseudoacacia as a model species, affecting organisms on different trophic levels: vascular plants, nocturnal Lepidoptera and birds.

Location

Czech Republic, central Europe.

Methods

Nineteen plots with strong dominance of the invader were compared to 20 plots with native deciduous trees on sites with similar conditions. Species richness was compared using marginal models, species composition and the distribution of species traits by ordination analyses. Functional relationships between the three groups of organisms were investigated using a path analysis.

Results

Only minor differences in species richness between invaded and uninvaded plots were detected for plants and birds, but the invaded stands hosted significantly fewer species of nocturnal Lepidoptera. On the contrary, all three groups differed in species composition and in the distribution of traits between the invaded and uninvaded stands. Nitrophilous plants, supported by human disturbances, were more represented in the invaded stands, while habitat specialist birds preferred uninvaded forest. Within nocturnal Lepidoptera, species of open habitats and fast life cycle preferred the invaded stands, and forest and canopy species and habitat generalists of larger sizes preferred the uninvaded stands. Path analysis showed a minor effect of R. pseudoacacia on the numbers of plants which were unrelated to species richness at higher trophic levels. However, R. pseudoacacia had a negative direct effect on nocturnal Lepidoptera, contributing to a weak negative indirect impact on birds.

Main conclusions

The impacts of R. pseudoacacia on species richness differed across the trophic levels, questioning the existence of simple cascading effects as a consequence of its invasion. Invasive plants do not always reduce the diversity of species per se, but cause shifts in species composition by replacing some of the pre‐invasion biota by species with traits enabling tolerance to the invaded habitat.
Performance of individually measured vs population‐based C‐peptide kinetics to assess β‐cell function in the presence and absence of acute insulin resistance
Authors: Varghese Ron T. , Dalla Man Chiara , Laurenti Marcello C. , Piccinini Francesca , Sharma Anu , Shah Meera , Bailey Kent R. , Rizza Robert A. , Cobelli Claudio , Vella Adrian
Published: September 2017

Aims

To compare the performance of population‐based kinetics with that of directly measured C‐peptide kinetics when used to calculate β‐cell responsivity indices, and to study people with and without acute insulin resistance to ensure that population‐based kinetics apply to all conditions where β‐cell function is measured.

Methods

Somatostatin was used to inhibit endogenous insulin secretion in 56 people without diabetes. Subsequently, a C‐peptide bolus was administered and the changing concentrations were used to calculate individual kinetic measures of C‐peptide clearance. In addition, the participants were studied on 2 occasions in random order using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). On one occasion, free fatty acid elevation, to cause insulin resistance, was achieved by infusion of Intralipid + heparin. The Disposition Index (DI) was then estimated by the oral minimal model using either population‐based or individual C‐peptide kinetics.

Results

There were marked differences in the exchange variables (k
12 and k
21) of the model describing C‐peptide kinetics, but smaller differences in the fractional clearance; that is, the irreversible loss from the accessible compartment (k
01), obtained from population‐based estimates compared with experimental measurement. Because it is predominantly influenced by k
01, DI estimated using individual kinetics correlated well with DI estimated using population‐based kinetics.

Conclusions

These data support the use of population‐based measures of C‐peptide kinetics to estimate β‐cell function during an OGTT.
LIPID SYNTHESIS IN HUMAN LEUCOCYTES IN ACUTE LEUKÆMIA
Authors: KIDSON CHEV
Published: September 2017

SUMMARY

Lipid synthesis in human leucocytes was examined in vitro in blood from patients with acute leukæmia and from normal controls, acetate being used as substrate. The incorporation of acetate‐1‐C14 was measured in total lipids, neutral lipids and phospholipids of the leucocytes and plasma. Both morphological types of acute leukæmia revealed trends away from the normal rates of total lipid synthesis, the rates being high in acute myeloid leukæmia and low in acute lymphatic leukæmia. Fractional lipid synthesis was similar to the normal in acute lymphatic leukæmia, but in the cells of acute myeloid leukæmia proportionally more radioactivity was incorporated into the phospholipid fraction. This difference was not reflected in the plasma‐phospholipid fraction. The changes in leucocyte lipid synthesis are discussed in relation to the mixed‐cell populations involved and to the question of cell age.
Superior thermal stability of polymer capped Fe3O4 magnetic nanoclusters
Authors: Sathya Ayyappan , Ravindran Thoguluva R. , Philip John
Published: September 2017

In general, the technologically important ferrites nanoparticles, magnetite and maghemite, are converted from cubic to the more stable rhombohedral structure above 500°C‐700°C under air/vacuum/inert atmosphere. Here, we report, the superior thermal stability of polymer capped Fe3O4 (PCIO) nanocluster (synthesized using microwave‐assisted polyol approach) up to 1000°C under vacuum and inert atmosphere. Raman spectra of post annealed PCIO nanoclusters show the Fe3O4 phase with carbon signature due to the decomposition of polymer matrix. The carbon layer seems to act as a thermal shield and increases the activation energy thereby preventing the intrusion of heat, oxygen, volatiles mass into the magnetic core. The presence of carbon layer was further confirmed from the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopic image. After thermal annealing at 1000°C, PCIO nanoclusters showed superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 89 emu/g, close to the bulk saturation magnetization of Fe3O4 phase. In contrast, the uncoated Fe3O4 (UCIO) nanoclusters decompose at 700°C into α‐Fe2O3 and FeO phases under similar annealing conditions. Our findings open up new possibilities of stabilizing nanomaterials for high‐temperature applications.
SiC fiber strength after low pO2 oxidation
Authors: Hay Randall S.
Published: September 2017

Hi‐Nicalon™‐S SiC fiber was heat treated for 1 hour at 1300°C, 1400°C, and 1500°C in argon with pO2 of 3.7, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ppm. Fiber strengths were measured by 30 single‐filament tensile tests. Fiber microstructure and surface morphology were characterized by TEM. Active oxidation occurred in all cases except at 1500°C with 200 ppm pO2, 1400°C with 100 ppm pO2 or higher, and 1300°C with 50 ppm pO2 or higher. When active oxidation did not occur, a glass SiO2 scale formed at 1300°C and 1400°C, and a cristobalite scale formed at 1500°C. The thickness of these scales was much larger than that predicted by linear dependence of oxidation rate on pO2. Fiber strengths were lowest after heat treatment at 1300°C and a pO2 of 3.7 ppm, 1400°C and a pO2 of 20 ppm, and 1500°C and a pO2 of 200 ppm. Active oxidation caused fiber surface roughening, but no obvious changes to the internal fiber microstructure. Decreased fiber strength correlated with increased fiber surface roughness, but roughness magnitudes were not large enough to explain the amount by which strength was degraded. Fiber strengths, surface roughness, scale thicknesses, and the passive‐active oxidation transition for SiC are compared with previous observations. Possible strength degradation mechanisms are discussed.
Investor sentiment and management earnings forecast bias
Authors: Hurwitz Helen
Published: September 2017

This study investigates whether investor sentiment is associated with behavioral bias in managers’ annual earnings forecasts that are generally issued early in the year when uncertainty is relatively high. I provide evidence that management earnings forecast optimism increases with investor sentiment. Furthermore, I find that managers’ annual earnings forecasts are more pessimistic during low‐sentiment periods than during normal‐sentiment periods. Since managers lack incentives to further deflate stock prices during a low‐sentiment period, this evidence indicates that sentiment‐related management earnings forecast bias is likely to be unintentional. In addition, I find that the relationship between management earnings forecast bias and investor sentiment is stronger for firms with higher uncertainty, consistent with investor sentiment having a greater influence on management earnings forecasts when uncertainty is higher.
Genetic susceptibility of lung cancer in Chinese population: An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhao Taiqiang , Xu Chengjie , Huang Jiang , Yu Hua
Published: September 2017

Background

Genetic susceptibility of lung cancer has been widely studied for Chinese population, and meta‐analysis of candidate gene association studies has also been performed for those genes. However, the overall evidence has not been well recognized.

Objective

To investigate genetic association for the risk of lung cancer in Chinese.

Method

An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of candidate gene association studies for lung cancer in Chinese was performed up to August 10th, 2016. The AMSTAR tool was used to assess the quality of the included systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. Bibliometric analysis was performed to analyze the characteristics of reviews.

Results

A total of 21 variants in 17 genes from 20 meta‐analyses were included in this study. All 20 meta‐analyses were published from 2011 to 2016. The quality scores of AMSTAR ranged from 3 to 7. All included genes were in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, such as the CYPs genes, GSTs genes, and base excision repair genes. Three polymorphisms were found to be associated with decreased risk of lung cancer for Chinese, 15 polymorphisms were found to be associated with increased risk of lung cancer for Chinese, but three polymorphisms were found to be not associated with lung cancer risk for Chinese.

Conclusion

The current study supports the genetic risk factors of lung cancer for Chinese are more likely to be variants from genes that contribute to the etiology of lung cancer.
Judges’ Perceptions of Screening, Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment for Substance Use, Mental Health, and HIV among Juveniles on Community Supervision: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Scott Christy K. , Lurigio Arthur J. , Dennis Michael L.
Published: September 2017

Juvenile Justice‐Translational Research on Interventions for Adolescents in the Legal System (JJ‐TRIALS) National Survey was funded in part to describe the current status of screening, assessment, prevention and treatment for substance use, mental health, and HIV for youth on community supervision within the US juvenile justice system. Surveys were administered to community supervision agencies and their primary behavioral healthcare providers, as well as the juvenile or family court judge with the largest caseload of youth on community supervision. This article presents the findings from the judges’ survey. Survey results indicated juvenile and family court judges were open to innovations for improving the court's performance, rated their relationships with collaborators highly, and appreciated the impact of screening, assessment, prevention, and treatment on judicial practices.
Enhancing Information Sharing in Family Drug Courts: A Lean Six Sigma Case Study
Authors: Kovach Jamison V. , Curiel Veronica , Franklin York Alicia , Bogard Sarah , Revere Lee
Published: September 2017

Given the variety of stakeholders involved in cases within family drug courts, efficient communication and information sharing, which are needed to support decision‐making, can be quite challenging. Through a case study in one family drug court system, this research employed an action research approach to improve the information sharing process following the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The solutions implemented through this study contributed to improving the quality of the services provided by this court system and its overall productivity. In addition, this research extends our knowledge about methods for improving court systems from which others can learn to guide future improvement efforts.
MONETARY POLICY SURPRISES, INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND ASSET PRICES
Authors: Detzel Andrew
Published: September 2017

Recent evidence shows that monetary policy announcements convey significant information about expected market returns and are therefore good candidates for innovations in intertemporal asset pricing state variables. I propose an asset pricing model with the market return and a mimicking portfolio for unexpected changes in the federal funds rate on days of Federal Open Market Committee announcements. This economically motivated two‐factor model prices portfolios formed on size, value, momentum, investment, and profitability with an R2 of 80% and an average annual pricing error of 0.93%, performing as well as standard four‐, five‐, and six‐factor models designed to price these assets.
MARKETING STRATEGY AFTER MEETING WALL STREET: THE ROLE OF INFORMATION ASYMMETRY
Authors: Ma Minghui , Dewally Michaël , Huang Jian
Published: September 2017

We relate marketing strategy to the initial public offering (IPO) process during 1980–2010. Pre‐IPO marketing intensity provides information to the market, which reduces underpricing and the magnitude of price revisions during the filing period. Firms that experience upward (downward) price revisions spend more (less) on marketing in the five years post‐IPO. We confirm that marketing spending is related to a firm's informational environment by finding a positive relation between marketing intensity and firm information transparency post‐IPO. This finding indicates that marketing spending is one channel through which a firm affects its perception by the public equity market at issuance and later.
Group‐Based Trajectory Modeling of Marital Quality: A Critical Review
Authors: Proulx Christine M. , Ermer Ashley E. , Kanter Jeremy B.
Published: September 2017

The predominant view in both the research literature and practice is that marital quality declines over time. Although the majority of research using variable‐centered approaches such as latent growth curve modeling supports this view, contemporary research using person‐centered group‐based trajectory modeling techniques suggest a variety of trajectories of marital quality development, including stability, decline, and, occasionally, rebound following decline. The present review synthesizes this current body of research and summarizes the variety of trajectories found across 14 reports examining both positive and negative marital quality dimensions. The theories informing this body of research and the predictors of the various trajectories are also reviewed. We conclude with a discussion of methodological and practical implications of the findings to date and introduce the honeymoon‐as‐ceiling effect, a phrase we use to capture the consistent finding that marital quality rarely increases beyond its initial value.
Sociodemographic profile and oral health status of thalassemic patients attending the National Thalassaemia Centre, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kularatne Wickramasooriyage Nandana , Jayasinghe Rasika M. , Diyunugala Mahinda Chandika , Bandara Dayananda , Abeysundara Sachith , Perera Irosha
Published: September 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the sociodemographic profile and oral health status (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth [DMFT] and periodontal health) of thalassemic patients compared to healthy individuals.

Methods

The data were collected by means of an interviewer‐administered, pretested, and validated questionnaire, followed by oral examination. Patients attending the outpatient department, who were age and sex matched, but without any diagnosed or suspected long‐term illnesses, were considered for the control group. Both groups were compared in terms of facial profile, skeletal pattern, facial angles, DMFT, and periodontal health (plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth).

Results

The association of convex facial profile and class II skeletal pattern with Thalassemic status was statistically significant when compared to healthy individuals. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the permanent and deciduous dentition, plaque index, and probing pocket depths of the control group were significantly higher compared with the thalassemic group. Surprisingly, 67.8% of thalassemic patients did not show bleeding on probing.

Conclusion

Families of the thalassemic patients attending the National Thalassaemia Centre are from a low socioeconomic background. Their DMFT and periodontal health are significantly better than those of healthy individuals.
Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency: Evaluation of a commercial T‐cell receptor excision circle‐based method in Victorian dried blood spots
Authors: Richards Stephanie , Pitt James , Choo Sharon
Published: September 2017

Aim

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency and is fatal in infancy if untreated. As early diagnosis is associated with improved outcomes, SCID is an ideal condition to consider for inclusion in a newborn screening (NBS) programme in Australia. In this feasibility study, we evaluated the EnLite Neonatal TREC kit for detection of T‐cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) from NBS dried blood spots for the identification of known SCID patients in Victoria.

Methods

TREC copies/μL were measured retrospectively in 14 children diagnosed with SCID or complete DiGeorge syndrome (CDGS) from 2005 to 2015 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. In addition, TREC copies/μL were measured for 501 prospective de‐identified NBS cards.

Results

Of 14 known SCID or CDGS samples, 11 were correctly identified as presumptive positive samples with low or undetectable TREC on duplicate testing. The remaining three samples also had low or undetectable TREC on duplicate testing but were considered invalid due to insufficient β‐actin DNA amplification. Of the 501 prospective NBS samples, none were identified as presumptive positive samples on duplicate testing.

Conclusions

The EnLite Neonatal TREC kit correctly identified known SCID or CDGS patients as presumptive positive samples, and initial cut‐offs for TREC and β‐actin in the Victorian NBS population were determined. A larger pilot study is required to confirm these proposed cut‐offs and to evaluate the cost and implementation of this screening programme in Victoria, Australia. Overall, this study provides preliminary data to support the introduction of this assay to the NBS programme in Victoria.
Effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 on Serum Creatinine Concentration and Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Nonazotemic Cats
Authors: Sigrist N.E. , Kälin N. , Dreyfus A.
Published: September 2017

Background

Hydroxyethyl‐starch (HES) solutions might have renal adverse effects in humans and dogs.

Objective

To determine if administration of 6% HES‐130/0.4 is associated with an increase in serum creatinine concentration and development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in nonazotemic cats.

Animals

A total of 62 critically ill cats; 26 HES exposed and 36 unexposed.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study (2012–2015). Serum creatinine concentrations were recorded and changes in serum creatinine concentrations before exposure (baseline) and 2–10 and 11–90 days, respectively, were determined. Development of AKI was defined as a > 150% increase or >26 μmol/L increase in serum creatinine concentration from baseline. Risk factors, such as HES administration, cumulative volume of HES (mL/kg) and number of days of HES administration leading to development of AKI, and change in serum creatinine were analyzed.

Results

Cats in the HES cohort received a mean volume of 98.5 ± 76.2 mL/kg (range, 8–278 mL/kg) HES over a median of 4 (range, 1–11) days, resulting in a median dose of 20.1 (range, 8–40.5) mL/kg per day. Short‐term %change in serum creatinine concentration (P = 0.40) and development of AKI (P = 0.32) were not significantly different between cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression did not identify HES dose in mL/kg (P = 0.33) and number of days of HES application (P = 0.49) as a risk factor for development of AKI.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Hydroxyethyl‐starch administration to critically ill nonazotemic cats seems to be safe. A larger prospective study is required to determine the effect of HES administration at higher dosages and for prolonged time periods.
Feline Differential Leukocyte Count with ProCyte Dx: Frequency and Severity of a Neutrophil‐Lymphocyte Error and How to Avoid It
Authors: Tvedten H.W. , Andersson V. , Lilliehöök I.E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Erroneous neutrophil and lymphocyte counts from analysis of feline blood samples were transferred directly into the hospital information system from the ProCyte Dx hematology instrument in our after‐hours laboratory. Errors usually were not detected by the users.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To quantify the frequency and severity of errors associated with the ProCyte Dx analyzer and to identify methods to avoid the errors.

Animals

One‐hundred six EDTA blood samples routinely submitted from feline hospital patients were analyzed.

Methods

ProCyte differential leukocyte counts were compared to 2 reference methods: Advia 2120 hematology instrument and manual enumeration. Limits for unacceptable deviation from the reference methods were defined as 18 for % lymphocytes and 23 for % neutrophils.

Results

Fourteen of 106 samples had unacceptable errors for both lymphocytes and neutrophils compared to both reference methods. Median % lymphocytes in those 14 samples were 11.2, 15.0, and 53.0% for Advia, manual, and ProCyte, respectively. Median % neutrophils were 85.4, 81.5, and 34.2% for Advia, manual, and ProCyte, respectively. All errors were avoided by rejecting automated ProCyte differential leukocyte results whenever the dot plot appeared clearly incorrect, but only 9 of these 14 samples had a ProCyte WBC distribution error flag.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Results reported by ProCyte had markedly falsely increased lymphocyte and decreased neutrophil counts in 13% of feline patient samples. Users must reject automated differential leukocyte count results when the WBC dot plot appears overtly incorrect. Rejection based only on ProCyte WBC error flag was insufficient.
Evidence of genomic adaptation to climate in Eucalyptus microcarpa: Implications for adaptive potential to projected climate change
Authors: Jordan Rebecca , Hoffmann Ary A. , Dillon Shannon K. , Prober Suzanne M.
Published: September 2017

Understanding whether populations can adapt in situ or whether interventions are required is of key importance for biodiversity management under climate change. Landscape genomics is becoming an increasingly important and powerful tool for rapid assessments of climate adaptation, especially in long‐lived species such as trees. We investigated climate adaptation in Eucalyptus microcarpa using the DArTseq genomic approach. A combination of FST outlier and environmental association analyses were performed using >4200 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 26 populations spanning climate gradients in southeastern Australia. Eighty‐one SNPs were identified as putatively adaptive, based on significance in FST outlier tests and significant associations with one or more climate variables related to temperature (70/81), aridity (37/81) or precipitation (35/81). Adaptive SNPs were located on all 11 chromosomes, with no particular region associated with individual climate variables. Climate adaptation appeared to be characterized by subtle shifts in allele frequencies, with no consistent fixed differences identified. Based on these associations, we predict adaptation under projected changes in climate will include a suite of shifts in allele frequencies. Whether this can occur sufficiently rapidly through natural selection within populations, or would benefit from assisted gene migration, requires further evaluation. In some populations, the absence or predicted increases to near fixation of particular adaptive alleles hint at potential limits to adaptive capacity. Together, these results reinforce the importance of standing genetic variation at the geographic level for maintaining species’ evolutionary potential.
Ideational Populism in Chile? A Case Study
Authors: Aguilar Rosario , Carlin Ryan E.
Published: September 2017

This paper conducts an experimental test of the theory of ideational populism in a most‐likely case: a well‐known Chilean populist presidential candidate, Roxana Miranda. At the time of our study, Chile had the necessary conditions for ideational populism: corruption scandals and a crisis of political representation that lowered citizens’ trust in establishment elites. The stimulus was a speech that included the core elements of ideational populist discourse. Despite the careful experimental design and a ripe political atmosphere, we found no effects of populist discourse on voting intentions or evaluations of Miranda among the research participants. We discuss the possible reasons for these null findings. Rather than disqualifying the theory of ideational populism, we conclude that our research calls theorists to incorporate other elements – ideology, gender, issue positions, strategic voting – into their models of ideational populism.
An allosteric gating model recapitulates the biophysical properties of IK,L expressed in mouse vestibular type I hair cells
Authors: Spaiardi Paolo , Tavazzani Elisa , Manca Marco , Milesi Veronica , Russo Giancarlo , Prigioni Ivo , Marcotti Walter , Magistretti Jacopo , Masetto Sergio
Published: September 2017

Key points

Vestibular type I and type II hair cells and their afferent fibres send information to the brain regarding the position and movement of the head.

The characteristic feature of type I hair cells is the expression of a low‐voltage‐activated outward rectifying K+ current, IK,L, whose biophysical properties and molecular identity are still largely unknown.

In vitro, the afferent nerve calyx surrounding type I hair cells causes unstable intercellular K+ concentrations, altering the biophysical properties of IK,L.

We found that in the absence of the calyx, IK,L in type I hair cells exhibited unique biophysical activation properties, which were faithfully reproduced by an allosteric channel gating scheme.

These results form the basis for a molecular and pharmacological identification of IK,L.

Type I and type II hair cells are the sensory receptors of the mammalian vestibular epithelia. Type I hair cells are characterized by their basolateral membrane being enveloped in a single large afferent nerve terminal, named the calyx, and by the expression of a low‐voltage‐activated outward rectifying K+ current, IK,L. The biophysical properties and molecular profile of IK,L are still largely unknown. By using the patch‐clamp whole‐cell technique, we examined the voltage‐ and time‐dependent properties of IK,L in type I hair cells of the mouse semicircular canal. We found that the biophysical properties of IK,L were affected by an unstable K+ equilibrium potential (VeqK+). Both the outward and inward K+ currents shifted VeqK+ consistent with K+ accumulation or depletion, respectively, in the extracellular space, which we attributed to a residual calyx attached to the basolateral membrane of the hair cells. We therefore optimized the hair cell dissociation protocol in order to isolate mature type I hair cells without their calyx. In these cells, the uncontaminated IK,L showed a half‐activation at –79.6 mV and a steep voltage dependence (2.8 mV). IK,L also showed complex activation and deactivation kinetics, which we faithfully reproduced by an allosteric channel gating scheme where the channel is able to open from all (five) closed states. The ‘early’ open states substantially contribute to IK,L activation at negative voltages. This study provides the first complete description of the ‘native’ biophysical properties of IK,L in adult mouse vestibular type I hair cells.