bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nature of social cognitive deficits in children and adults with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY)
Authors: van Rijn S. , de Sonneville L. , Swaab H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAbout 1 in 650 boys are born with an extra X chromosome (47,XXY or Klinefelter syndrome). 47,XXY is associated with vulnerabilities in socio‐emotional development. This study was designed to assess types of cognitive deficits in individuals with 47,XXY that may contribute to social‐emotional dysfunction, and to evaluate the nature of such deficits at various levels: ranging from basic visuospatial processing deficits, impairments in face recognition (FR), to emotion expression impairments. A total of 70 boys and men with 47,XXY, aged 8 to 60 years old, participated in the study. The subtests feature identification, FR and identification of facial emotions of the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks were used. Level of intellectual functioning was assessed with the child and adult versions of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. Reaction time data showed that in the 47,XXY group, 17% had difficulties in visuospatial processing (no social load), 26% had difficulties with FR (medium social load) and an even higher number of 33% had difficulties with facial expressions of emotions (high‐social load). Information processing impairments increased as a function of “social load” of the stimuli, independent of intellectual functioning. Taken together, our data suggest that on average individuals with XXY may have more difficulties in information processing when “social load” increases, suggesting a specific difficulty in the higher‐order labeling and interpretation of social cues, which cannot be explained by more basic visuospatial perceptual skills. Considering the increased risk for social cognitive impairments, routine assessment of social cognitive functioning as part of neuropsychological screening is warranted.
Exclusion in all‐pay auctions: An experimental investigation
Authors: Fehr Dietmar , Schmid Julia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractContest designers and managers who wish to maximize the overall revenue of a contest are frequently concerned with a trade‐off between contest homogeneity and inclusion of contestants with high valuations. In our experimental study, we find that it is not profitable to exclude the strongest bidder in order to promote greater homogeneity among the remaining bidders, even though the theoreticalexclusion principlepredicts otherwise. This is because the strongest bidders are willing to give up a substantial portion of their expected rent in order to minimize the chance of losing the contest.
Institutions as dispositions: Searle, Smith and the metaphysics of blind chess
Authors: Bauwens Michaël 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper addresses the question what the fundamental nature and mode of being of institutional reality is. Besides the recent debate with Tony Lawson, Barry Smith is also one of the relatively few authors to have explicitly challenged John Searle's social ontology on this metaphysical question, with Smith's realism requirement for institutions conflicting with Searle's requirement of a one‐world naturalism. This paper proposes that an account of institutions as powers or dispositions is not only congenial to Searle's general account, but can also satisfy both the realism and the one world requirements. Searle's worry that such a dispositional account is unable to account for the deontic nature of institutions is countered by an appeal to higher‐order powers as well as Searle's notion of the gap and desire‐independent reasons for action.
Immune response to human telomerase reverse transcriptase‐derived helper T cell epitopes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Kumagai Masashi , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Tamai Toshikatsu , Kitahara Masaaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Arai Kuniaki , Terashima Takeshi , Iida Noriho , Fushimi Kazumi , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsHuman telomerase reverse transcriptase is a catalytic enzyme involved in telomere elongation. It is expressed in many tumours, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to identify major histocompatibility complex class II‐restricted helper T cell epitopes derived from human telomerase reverse transcriptase in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsTEPITOPE software was used to predict helper T cell epitopes based on the entire amino acid sequence of human telomerase reverse transcriptase, and peptides were synthesized based on the predicted sequence. Interferon (IFN)‐γ enzyme linked immunospot assay was performed to examine the T cell response to each of the synthesized peptides in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, the peptides were labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate to test their binding affinity for major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. Lastly, the association between patient characteristics and the level of immune response to these epitopes was examined.ResultsPositive T cell response (>10% enzyme linked immunospot positivity) was detected against 4 of 10 peptides. Among all peptides, positive T cell response to the hTERT68 peptide was detected most frequently. While hTERT68 was HLA‐DRB1*0405‐restricted, it also bound to other MCH class II molecules. Positive helper T cell response was detected most frequently in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with a low serum alpha‐foetoprotein level. Several treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma enhanced the immune response against the peptides.ConclusionOur findings indicate that helper T cell epitopes identified in the present study may be useful to investigate immune responses and for immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
A prospective investigation to evaluate risk factors for lower extremity injury risk in male youth soccer players
Authors: Read P. J. , Oliver J. L. , De Ste Croix M. B. A. , Myer G. D. , Lloyd R. S. 
Published: February 2018

There is an inherent risk of injury in male youth football; however, pertinent risk factors for injury have yet to be examined. This study used a prospective cohort design with 357 elite male youth football players (aged 10‐18 years) assessed during the preseason period and then monitored during the season recording all non‐contact lower extremity injuries. Screening tests included single leg hop for distance (SLHD); 75% of maximum hop and stick (75%Hop); single leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ); and the tuck jump assessment (TJ). Players were divided into subgroups based on chronological age.SLCMJpeak landing vertical ground reaction force (pVGRF) asymmetry was the most prominent risk factor (U11‐U12s,OR0.90,P = .04; and U15‐U16s,OR0.91,P < .001). Maturational offset (OR0.58,P = .04), lower right legSLCMJ pVGRFrelative to body weight (OR0.36,P = .03), and advanced chronological age (OR3.62,P = .04) were also significantly associated with heightened injury risk in the U13‐U14s, U15‐U16s, and U18s, respectively. Univariate analyses showed combinations of anthropometric and movement screening risk factors were associated with heightened risk of lower extremity injury; however, there was variability across the different chronological age groups. GreaterSLCMJ pVGRFasymmetry, lower right legSLCMJ pVGRF%BW, later maturation, and advanced chronological age are potential risk factors for injury in elite male youth football players, although the strength of these relationships was often low to moderate. In addition, risk factors are likely to change at different stages of development.
Opportunity or threat? How trade union power and preferences shape occupational pensions
Authors: Keune Maarten 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this article, we discuss the role of trade unions in the evolution of occupational pensions in four countries: Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. In all four cases, important reforms have been made to the pension systems, including the consolidation of extensive occupational pensions in the Netherlands, substantial expansion of occupational pensions in Germany, and a continued marginal position of occupational pensions in Austria and Belgium. We show that the distinct developments in occupational pensions in the four cases since the 1990s can, to an important extent, be understood by the differences in the power resources and preferences of trade unions. The influence of unions on the development of occupational pension systems depends, on the one hand, on the extent to which they see them as an opportunity or a threat, and, on the other hand, on the extent to which they have the power resources to consolidate, oppose or shape these systems.
Adult‐onset primary cyclic autoimmune neutropenia: a case report
Authors: Yabushita Tomohiro , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Ono Yuichiro , Yoshioka Satoshi , Karakawa Shuhei , Kobayashi Masao , Ishikawa Takayuki 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDA few cases of primary autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) have been reported in adults, but cyclic primary AIN, which is characterized by the periodic oscillation of neutrophils, is uncommon in adults.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHerein, we report a 70‐year‐old man referred to our hospital with severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. He had experienced intermittent episodes of low‐extremity purpura for the past 3 months, with cellulitis on the skin of the scalp 1 month previously.RESULTSThe patient presented with severely low neutrophil and platelet (PLT) counts. Myeloid progenitors and megakaryocytes were increased in the marrow, but mature neutrophils were remarkably decreased. Anti‐neutrophil antibodies to specific epitopes were detected at neutropenia. Based on these findings, AIN accompanied by autoimmune thrombocytopenia was diagnosed. The patient experienced synchronous fluctuations of neutrophil and PLT counts three times. Despite no treatment, the neutrophil count fluctuated within the range of 0.06 × 109 to 1.65 × 109/L, and the PLT count fluctuated from 0.7 × 1010 to 20.5 × 1010/L. We identified an inverse relationship between neutrophil count and anti‐neutrophil antibody titers, establishing the conclusive diagnosis of cyclic AIN. After prednisolone treatment, the neutrophil and PLT counts normalized, and the patient has maintained long‐term remission.CONCLUSIONWe report a rare case of cyclic AIN diagnosed from the inverse association between periodic oscillation of anti‐neutrophil antibody titers and neutrophil counts. This clinical course suggests that in AIN patients, laboratory data and recurrent signs of infection should be monitored regularly, including shortly after neutrophil recovery.
Decreased severity of age-related macular degeneration in amblyopic eyes
Authors: Storey Philip P , Aziz Hassan A , O’Keefe Ghazala A Datoo , Borchert Mark , Lam Linda A , Puliafito Carmen A , Olmos de Koo Lisa C 
Published: February 2018

AimTo evaluate whether people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a history of amblyopia have equal severity of AMD in both eyes.MethodsBilling records were used to locate all people with a history of amblyopia and AMD evaluated between 1 January 2003 and 1 June 2015 at a single ophthalmology institute. Two ophthalmic graders blinded to amblyopia status determined the severity of AMD in each eye using fundus photos and a validated grading scale.ResultsA total of 14 people were found to have AMD and a documented history of amblyopia. Average patient age was 77.0 years and average best corrected visual acuity was 20/160 in eyes with a history of amblyopia and 20/40 in fellow eyes without amblyopia. Eyes with a history of amblyopia were found to have a lower AMD severity score (mean lower score: −1.38; paired t-test P=0.019). Of the 11 people with asymmetric disease severity, 10 individuals had worse AMD in the non-amblyopic eye while one person had worse AMD in the amblyopic eye (P=0.0067).ConclusionsOur pilot study suggests that eyes with a history of amblyopia may manifest decreased severity of AMD compared with non-ambylopic eyes in the same patient. Further research is warranted to investigate this clinical observation.
One-Stage Complete Resection of Cholesteatoma With Labyrinthine Fistula: Hearing Changes and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Rah Yoon Chan , Han Won Gue , Joo Jae Woo , Nam Kuk Jin , Rhee Jihye , Song Jae Jun , Im Gi Jung , Chae Sung Won , Jung Hak Hyun , Choi June 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: To evaluate long-term hearing changes and surgical outcomes for middle ear cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula following complete surgical removal of the cholesteatoma matrix. Methods: Consecutive samples of 43 patients who underwent 1-stage complete resection of the cholesteatoma matrix overlying a labyrinthine fistula were obtained. Immediate and long-term hearing changes were analyzed in association with fistula size. Accuracy of various diagnostic examinations was assessed. Results: Immediately postsurgery, the average bone conduction threshold (43.34 dB) did not differ significantly from the preoperative value (36.66 dB, P = .083). There were also minimal changes thereafter (45.63 dB) without recurrent case over an average follow-up time of 38.3 months (range, 17-69 months). More than 10 dB hearing loss was found in 7 patients with a case of intraoperative perilymph leakage (2.3%), although 5 of them had had preoperative air conduction threshold above 90 dB. Their fistulas were significantly larger than those of patients without hearing loss ( P = .027). Conclusion: Although caution is required for total removal of a large fistula, owing to increased risk of postoperative hearing deterioration, 1-stage complete resection of cholesteatoma matrix on labyrinthine fistula could be effective in disease control and long-term hearing preservation.
Differences in depressive symptoms between rural and urban Chinese labor force: The mediating effects of community factors
Authors: Li Wanlian , Sun Fei , Anderson Steven 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to examine differences in depressive symptoms between urban and rural workers in mainland China and to identify community factors that could contribute to such residential differences. Methods: This study used nationally representative data from the 2014 China’s Labor Force Dynamic Survey. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews on a sample of 22,073 participants from 29 provinces of China, including 15,098 rural workers (Mage = 44.92, standard deviation ( SD) = 14.85) and 6,975 urban workers (Mage = 43.28, SD = 13.62). Mediators included community cohesion, foreseeable community threat, supportive network size and medical benefit coverage. Mediation analyses were conducted using Hayes’ SPSS Macro Process for multiple mediators. Results: Urban participants reported fewer depressive symptoms than their rural counterparts. Lower levels of community cohesion, higher community foreseeable threat and poorer medical coverage were related to fewer depressive symptoms. Rural–urban differences were mediated by community cohesion ( B = −0.12, p < .01), foreseeable community threat ( B = −0.08, p < .01) and medical benefit coverage ( B = 0.25, p < .01). Conclusion: This study sheds light on distinctive roles of community factors in explaining rural–urban differences in depressive symptoms. Policies or programs should be designed to promote strengths and address weaknesses in rural communities.
Intermunicipal cooperation: The quest for governance capacity?
Authors: Silva Patricia , Teles Filipe , Ferreira Joanna 
Published: February 2018

Intermunicipal cooperation is being increasingly adopted in various countries to cope with the dilemmas of territorial scale and resource rationing. Despite the pressures towards the reshaping of administrative boundaries, little is known about the capacity of intermunicipal associations to function as effective, legitimate and resilient policy actors. This article aims to contribute to this debate by addressing two interrelated dimensions. First, it seeks to present a conceptual definition of governance capacity, unpacking the conceptual framework into dimensions that can be measured systematically. Second, it aims to empirically assess the governance capacity of Portuguese intermunicipal associations, drawing on a unique survey of intermunicipal associations. Overall, results suggest that despite being instrumentally driven, intermunicipal associations have proven to be efficient, with members recognizing the benefits and the spillover effects of trustworthy arrangements. However, the path dependencies affecting Portuguese local governments may impact on the relatively low levels of governance capacity. Points for practitioners This article undertakes a conceptual analysis of the governance capacity of intermunicipal associations. This analytical framework can be crucial for leaders, practitioners and professionals working in management and administration especially those working in complex and demanding settings. Given the general trend towards intermunicipal cooperation – strongly encouraged by national and European regulations and reforms – practitioners need to be able to measure the capacity of the cooperative arrangements to be established and to be maintained. This article also strives to enlighten those professionals as to which dimensions mostly need to be strengthened so as to allow intelligent collective choices to be made and to set strategic directions for the allocation of (increasingly) scarce resources.
Hall of Mirrors: Media, Democratization, and the Public Sphere in Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Herrmann Julián Durazo 
Published: February 2018

Freedom of expression and access to diverse sources of information are seen as critical elements of democracy, although their concretization on the ground is subject to strong interference. Recent regime change in Maranhão, one of Brazil’s poorest states, has led to the emergence of new media and some expansion of the public sphere. The traditional oligarchy continues to dominate the media, however, and the opposition media replicate its exclusion of nonelite actors. The Maranhão experience confirms that normative approaches to the media either as automatic contributors to democracy or as instruments of elite manipulation have little value for understanding media dynamics. Liberdade de expressão, bem como o acesso a diversas fontes de informação, são considerados elementos críticos da democracia, ainda que a concretização desses fatores esteja sujeita a forte interferência. A recente troca de regime no Maranhão, um dos estados mais pobres do Brasil, tem levado ao surgimento de uma nova mídia e a uma certa expansão da esfera pública. Contudo, a oligarquia continua dominando a mídia tradicional e a mídia alternativa imita a prática de exclusão de atores não pertencentes à elite. A experiência do Maranhão confirma que tratamentos normativos que veem a mídia como contribuinte automática do processo democrático, ou como instrumento de manipulação da elite, teem pouco valor para se entender a dinâmica da mídia.
Biomarker definitions and their applications
Authors: Califf Robert M 
Published: February 2018

Biomarkers are critical to the rational development of medical therapeutics, but significant confusion persists regarding fundamental definitions and concepts involved in their use in research and clinical practice, particularly in the fields of chronic disease and nutrition. Clarification of the definitions of different biomarkers and a better understanding of their appropriate application could result in substantial benefits. This review examines biomarker definitions recently established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health as part of their joint Biomarkers, EndpointS, and other Tools (BEST) resource. These definitions are placed in context of their respective uses in patient care, clinical research, or therapeutic development. We explore the distinctions between biomarkers and clinical outcome assessments and discuss the specific definitions and applications of diagnostic, monitoring, pharmacodynamic/response, predictive, prognostic, safety, and susceptibility/risk biomarkers. We also explore the implications of current biomarker development trends, including complex composite biomarkers and digital biomarkers derived from sensors and mobile technologies. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential benefits of biomarker-driven predictive toxicology and systems pharmacology, the need to ensure quality and reproducibility of the science underlying biomarker development, and the importance of fostering collaboration across the entire ecosystem of medical product development. Impact statement Biomarkers are critical to the rational development of medical diagnostics and therapeutics, but significant confusion persists regarding fundamental definitions and concepts involved in their use in research and clinical practice. Clarification of the definitions of different biomarker classes and a better understanding of their appropriate application could yield substantial benefits. Biomarker definitions recently established in a joint FDA-NIH resource place different classes of biomarkers in the context of their respective uses in patient care, clinical research, or therapeutic development. Complex composite biomarkers and digital biomarkers derived from sensors and mobile technologies, together with biomarker-driven predictive toxicology and systems pharmacology, are reshaping development of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. An approach to biomarker development that prioritizes the quality and reproducibility of the science underlying biomarker development and incorporates collaborative regulatory science involving multiple disciplines will lead to rational, evidence-based biomarker development that keeps pace with scientific and clinical need.
The clinical effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention in a work setting: a 5-year retrospective analysis of outcomes
Authors: Hitt David , Tahir Tayyeb , Davies Lyndon , Delahay Jo , Kelson Mark 
Published: February 2018

Background The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as part of multidisciplinary occupational mental health interventions for people with long-term or recurrent short-term sickness absence from work (NICE, 2009). Despite this, there is a paucity of data for both randomised trials for CBT and literature that supports the transferability of CBT into occupational environments. Aims This service evaluation aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of CBT by analysing data from a partnership scheme between a local authority and a local heath board using a routine employee population. Methods A clinical cohort of 81 employees referred through the partnership scheme completed CBT over a 5-year period via a CBT nurse therapist. A sample of 76 employees was included in the evaluation who completed pre-/post-measures to establish outcome. Of these, 30 were followed up at a 3-year point, completing the same measures. Results Each of the clinical measures yielded significant outcomes at 95% confidence intervals, and large effect sizes using Cohen’s d both at post-test and follow-up. No significant difference was shown between post-treatment and follow-up outcomes. CBT was demonstrated to be clinically effective within an occupational mental health setting. Conclusions In conclusion, partnership schemes with a focus on mental health between public sector agencies can have a positive outcome for the funding agency as well as individual employees.