bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why do governments use pay for performance? Contrasting theories and interview evidence
Authors: Atkinson Michael M. , Fulton Murray , Kim Boa 
Published: September 2014

AbstractInCanada, pay‐for‐performance (PFP) systems to compensate senior public servants have been established in several jurisdictions despite arguments by academics who doubt their efficacy in public sector environments characterized by high levels of intrinsic motivation. This article traces the pattern ofPFPinCanada and distinguishes among “aggressive,” “passive,” and “reluctant” regimes. It explores whyPFPis growing in popularity despite its acknowledged limitations. We canvass three theoretical perspectives and review evidence from interviews with key officials in a number of jurisdictions. The article contributes to our knowledge of managerial innovations by revealing the variety of motivations behindPFP.
The three dimensions of universal Medicare in Canada
Authors: Marchildon Gregory P. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe history of Canadian Medicare is reviewed to demonstrate the extent to which non‐universal alternatives almost became the norm in Canada. While this historical survey focuses on the most critical dimension of universal coverage – the drive to have all Canadians insured on the same terms and conditions – it also addresses the second and third dimensions of universality, the extent of user fees and the breadth of coverage, respectively. However, that there is no single national narrative on health coverage, in part because of the highly decentralized nature of the Canadian health system. Ultimately, public‐sector health system coverage is a policy decision taken at the sub‐national level by the provincial rather than the federal government.
Top‐end salaries and theOntario public sector
Authors: Dobrescu Vlad , Mirkovic Stefan , Mohsenzadeh Shabnam , Veall Michael R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGomez andWald (2010) found thatOntario salary disclosure did not restrain top university salaries. We provide evidence that supports and extends this conclusion by finding that since 1996, with the exception of school boards,Ontario public sector top salaries have increased at about the same rate as top‐end salaries for the province as a whole. The time path in top public sector salaries is much smoother, suggesting short‐run insulation from private sector markets. We consider alternative theories of the surge in top‐end incomes, noting that the rise inOntario top public salaries had no direct link with international trade and occurred without declining unionization. One possibility is that reduced top marginal tax rates improved the bargaining position of high‐salaried employees by enhancing the gains of outside offers.
Gender‐specific co‐activation of arginine vasopressin and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis during stress
Authors: Kacheva S. , Kolk K. , Morgenthaler N.G. , Brabant G. , Karges W. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo study the interaction between copeptin and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) activation in men and women during hypoglycaemic stress.Design and patientsA prospective study in 118 patients (mean age 47·7 ± 13·6 years, n = 52 women) undergoing insulin tolerance testing for suspected pituitary dysfunction.MeasurementsSerum copeptin was measured in serially collected blood samples and assessed in relation to ACTH, cortisol and other endocrine parameters.ResultsSymptomatic hypoglycaemia (mean glucose nadir, 1·6 ± 0·5 mmol/l) resulted in a rapid significant increase of serum copeptin. Individuals with impaired pituitary function had lower stress‐induced copeptin levels (median, 6·26 pmol/l) than patients with intact pituitary (8·46 pmol/l, P < 0·001). A weak overall correlation between stress‐induced copeptin and cortisol levels was observed (rs = 0·31, P < 0·001). In female individuals, there was a positive correlation between stress‐induced copeptin and ACTH (rs = 0·47, P < 0·001) or cortisol levels (rs = 0·42, P = 0·002), while in males, no correlation with ACTH levels (rs = 0·03, P = 0·75) and poor correlation with cortisol levels (rs = 0·24, P = 0·045) was observed. Patients with central diabetes insipidus showed lowest baseline (2·20 pmol/l) and stimulated copeptin levels (3·68 pmol/l).ConclusionsThe data from this study indicate that stress‐induced release of AVP in women, but not in men, is linked to the co‐activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal system.
Timelines in the management of adrenal crisis – targets, limits and reality
Authors: Hahner Stefanie , Hemmelmann Nina , Quinkler Marcus , Beuschlein Felix , Spinnler Christina , Allolio Bruno 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate current management timelines in adrenal crisis (AC) and to establish time targets and time limits for emergency treatment.Design/patientsPatients from a prospective study who had reported an AC (n = 46) were contacted and asked about management of their AC. A survey among 24 European endocrinologists collected expert recommendations concerning time targets and time limits for contact–arrival time of emergency health professionals and presentation of emergency card–glucocorticoid (GC) injection time.ResultsMedian time targets and time limits regarded by experts as adequate for contact–arrival time were 45 and 90 min, respectively, and for card–injection time 15 and 30 min, respectively. Thirty‐seven of 46 patients could be interviewed. All patients were equipped with an emergency card but only 23 (62%) with an emergency kit. Seven patients (19%) were trained in GC self‐injection. The median time interval between contacting a health professional and arrival was 20 min (range 2–2880 min); ≤45 min: n = 32 (86%), <90 min: n = 34 (92%). The median time interval between arrival and administration of GC was 30 min (range 2–2400 min); ≤15 min: n = 17 (46%), ≤30 min: n = 20 (54%).ConclusionWhile the time between contacting health professionals and their arrival was within the limits set by experts, initiation of GC administration was delayed in 46% of patients. Thus, improved management of AC needs to focus on shortening the presentation of card–injection time. Given the current reality in the management of AC, promotion of self‐injection of GC (s.c. or i.m.) is warranted.
Understanding the Supports of and Challenges to Community Engagement in the CTSAs
Authors: Holzer Jessica , Kass Nancy 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program has raised the profile and the available funding for engagement in biomedical research. Such increased funding and attention may address known barriers to engagement. However, little work has been done to describe experiences across multiple CTSAs, especially how the CTSA structure supports or challenges engagement.ObjectiveWe sought to understand the supports and challenges experienced by multiple CTSAs as they pursued community engagement. This knowledge may help guide future efforts to support and enhance community engagement in biomedical research.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with CTSA community engagement core leaders and staff from the 2006 cohort of CTSAs (n = 12).ResultsA total of 17 interviews with respondents from nine institutions identified three support themes, including: funding, existing relationships with communities, and leadership and a partnership approach at the institution. Six challenge themes arose: need for capacity development, lack of positive relationships with communities, lack of leadership, funding constraints, time and staff constraints, and unsustainable models.ConclusionThe CTSAs have brought much‐needed attention to community engagement in research, but more can be done to adequately support engagement. Challenges remain that need to be addressed to achieve the potential benefits of engagement.
Musical rhythm discrimination explains individual differences in grammar skills in children
Authors: Gordon Reyna L. , Shivers Carolyn M. , Wieland Elizabeth A. , Kotz Sonja A. , Yoder Paul J. , Devin McAuley J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study considered a relation between rhythm perception skills and individual differences in phonological awareness and grammar abilities, which are two language skills crucial for academic achievement. Twenty‐five typically developing 6‐year‐old children were given standardized assessments of rhythm perception, phonological awareness, morpho‐syntactic competence, and non‐verbal cognitive ability. Rhythm perception accounted for 48% of the variance in morpho‐syntactic competence after controlling for non‐verbal IQ, socioeconomic status, and prior musical activities. Children with higher phonological awareness scores were better able to discriminate complex rhythms than children with lower scores, but not after controlling for IQ. This study is the first to show a relation between rhythm perception skills and morpho‐syntactic production in children with typical language development. These findings extend the literature showing substantial overlap of neurocognitive resources for processing music and language.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/_lO692qHDNg
Twice‐daily dapagliflozin co‐administered with metformin in type 2 diabetes: a 16‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Schumm‐Draeger P.‐M. , Burgess L. , Korányi L. , Hruba V. , Hamer‐Maansson J. E. , de Bruin T. W. A. 
Published: September 2014

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of twice‐daily dosing of dapagliflozin and metformin, exploring the feasibility of a fixed‐dose combination.MethodsIn this 16‐week, phase III, randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study, adults who were receiving metformin administered twice daily (≥1500 mg/day) and had inadequate glycaemic control were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 to receive dapagliflozin twice daily (2.5 or 5 mg), placebo or dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily (which was included as a benchmark). The primary endpoint was change from baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Secondary endpoints included changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level and body weight.ResultsFour hundred adults were randomized to dapagliflozin (2.5 mg twice daily, 5 mg twice daily, 10 mg once daily) or placebo co‐administered with metformin twice daily. At 16 weeks, the adjusted mean change in HbA1c from baseline was significantly reduced in the dapagliflozin 2.5 mg twice daily and 5 mg twice daily groups versus placebo (−0.52 vs. −0.30%, p = 0.0106 and −0.65% vs. −0.30%, p < 0.0001). There were also significantly greater improvements for dapagliflozin twice daily groups versus placebo in FPG body weight and achievement of HbA1c level of <7%. Efficacy outcomes for dapagliflozin twice daily were numerically similar to those for dapagliflozin once daily. Dapagliflozin twice daily was well tolerated.ConclusionsDapagliflozin 2.5 or 5 mg twice daily added to metformin was effective in reducing glycaemic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone. This study supports the development of a fixed‐dose combination regimen.
Pioglitazone treatment restores in vivo muscle oxidative capacity in a rat model of diabetes
Authors: Wessels B. , Ciapaite J. , van den Broek N. M. A. , Houten S. M. , Nicolay K. , Prompers J. J. 
Published: September 2014

AimTo determine the effect of pioglitazone treatment on in vivo and ex vivo muscle mitochondrial function in a rat model of diabetes.MethodsBoth the lean, healthy rats and the obese, diabetic rats are Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. The homozygous fa/fa ZDF rats are obese and diabetic. The heterozygous fa/+ ZDF rats are lean and healthy. Diabetic Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats were treated with either pioglitazone (30 mg/kg/day) or water as a control (n = 6 per group), for 2 weeks. In vivo 1H and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on skeletal muscle to assess intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content and muscle oxidative capacity, respectively. Ex vivo muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity was evaluated using high‐resolution respirometry. In addition, several markers of mitochondrial content were determined.ResultsIMCL content was 14‐fold higher and in vivo muscle oxidative capacity was 26% lower in diabetic rats compared with lean rats, which was, however, not caused by impairments of ex vivo mitochondrial respiratory capacity or a lower mitochondrial content. Pioglitazone treatment restored in vivo muscle oxidative capacity in diabetic rats to the level of lean controls. This amelioration was not accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial content or ex vivo mitochondrial respiratory capacity, but rather was paralleled by an improvement in lipid homeostasis, that is lowering of plasma triglycerides and muscle lipid and long‐chain acylcarnitine content.ConclusionDiminished in vivo muscle oxidative capacity in diabetic rats results from mitochondrial lipid overload and can be alleviated by redirecting the lipids from the muscle into adipose tissue using pioglitazone treatment.
Gonad morphogenesis defects drive hybrid male sterility in asymmetric hybrid breakdown of Caenorhabditis nematodes
Authors: Dey Alivia , Jin Qi , Chen Yen‐Chu , Cutter Asher D. 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYDetermining the causes and evolution of reproductive barriers to gene flow between populations, speciation, is the key to understanding the origin of diversity in nature. Many species manifest hybrid breakdown when they intercross, characterized by increasingly exacerbated problems in later generations of hybrids. Recently, Caenorhabditis nematodes have emerged as a genetic model for studying speciation, and here we investigate the nature and causes of hybrid breakdown between Caenorhabditis remanei and C. latens. We quantify partial F1 hybrid inviability and extensive F2 hybrid inviability; the ∼75% F2 embryonic arrest occurs primarily during gastrulation or embryonic elongation. Moreover, F1 hybrid males exhibit Haldane's rule asymmetrically for both sterility and inviability, being strongest when C. remanei serves as maternal parent. We show that the mechanism by which sterile hybrid males are incapable of transferring sperm or a copulatory plug involves defective gonad morphogenesis, which we hypothesize results from linker cell defects in migration and/or cell death during development. This first documented case of partial hybrid male sterility in Caenorhabditis follows expectations of Darwin's corollary to Haldane's rule for asymmetric male fitness, providing a powerful foundation for molecular dissection of intrinsic reproductive barriers and divergence of genetic pathways controlling organ morphogenesis.
Endocrinopathies, metabolic disorders, and iron overload in major and intermedia thalassemia: serum ferritin as diagnostic and predictive marker associated with liver and cardiac T2* MRI assessment
Authors: Chirico Valeria , Rigoli Luciana , Lacquaniti Antonio , Salpietro Vincenzo , Piraino Basilia , Amorini Maria , Salpietro Carmelo , Arrigo Teresa 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionEndocrinopathies and metabolic disorders‐characterized β thalassemic (βT) patients and the prevention and treatment of these comorbidities are important targets to be achieved. The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic and prognostic role of ferritin for endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders in βT patients. The ability of iron chelators to treat iron overload and to prevent or reverse metabolic disorders and endocrinopathies was also evaluated.Patients and methodsSeventy‐two βT patients were treated with different chelation strategies during the study. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was employed to calculate the area under the curve for serum ferritin to find the best cutoff values capable of identifying endocrine dysfunction in thalassemic patients. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated to assess the incidence of endocrinopathy. Adjusted risk estimates for endocrinopathy were calculated using univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.ResultsHigh ferritin levels were observed in patients with hypothyroidism [1500 (872.5–2336.5) μg/L], hypogonadism [878 (334–2010) μg/L], and in patients with hypoparathyroidism or osteoporosis [834 (367–1857) μg/L]. A strict correlation between ferritin and T2* magnetic resonance imaging of heart (r = −0.64; P:0.0006) and liver (r = −0.40; P:0.03) values was observed. Patients with ferritin values above 1800 μg/L experienced a significantly faster evolution to hypothyroidism [log‐rank (χ2):7.7; P = 0.005], hypogonadism [log‐rank (χ2):10.7; P = 0.001], and multiple endocrinopathies [log‐rank (χ2):5.72; P = 0.02]. Ferritin predicted high risk of endocrine dysfunction independently of confounding factors (HR:1.23; P < 0.0001). The intensification of chelation therapy led to an amelioration of hypothyroidism.ConclusionsFerritin represents a prognostic marker for βT patients and a predictive factor for progression to endocrine dysfunctions. Intensive chelation therapy allows the reversibility of hypothyroidism.
Failure matters: unsuccessful cytogenetics and unperformed cytogenetics are associated with a poor prognosis in a population‐based series of acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Lazarevic Vladimir , Hörstedt Ann‐Sofi , Johansson Bertil , Antunovic Petar , Billström Rolf , Derolf Åsa , Lehmann Sören , Möllgård Lars , Peterson Stefan , Stockelberg Dick , Uggla Bertil , Vennström Lovisa , Wahlin Anders , Höglund Martin , Juliusson Gunnar 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUnsuccessful cytogenetics (UC) in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treated on different SWOG trials was recently reported to be associated with increased age and dismal outcome. To ascertain whether this holds true also in unselected patients with AML, we retrieved all cytogenetic reports in cases from the population‐based Swedish AML Registry. Between 1997 and 2006, 1737 patients below 80 yr of age without myelosarcoma or acute promyelocytic leukaemia received intensive treatment. The frequencies of UC and unperformed cytogenetics (UPC) were 2.1% and 20%, respectively. The early death rates differed between the cytogenetic subgroups (P = 0.006) with the highest rates in patients with UC (14%) and UPC (12%) followed by high‐risk (HR) AML, intermediate risk (IR) and standard risk (SR) cases successfully karyotyped (8.6%, 5.9%, and 5.8%, respectively). The complete remission rate was lower in UC and UPC and HR compared with the other risk groups (P < 0.001). The overall five‐year survival rates were 25% for UC and 22% for UPC, whereas the corresponding frequencies for SR, IR and HR AML patients without UC and UPC were 64%, 31% and 15%, respectively. In conclusion, lack of cytogenetic data translates into a poor prognosis.
Mineralisation or Ossification of the Interosseous Ligament of the Centrodistal Joint of the Horse: Is There an Association with Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Skelly E. , Dyson S. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThere have been no detailed descriptions of the radiological appearance of the centrodistal joint interosseous ligament in horses with and without distal hock joint pain.Objectives1) To describe the normal radiological appearance of the region of the centrodistal joint interosseous ligament; 2) to determine the frequency of occurrence of mineralisation or ossification of the interosseous ligament and to describe radiological abnormalities surrounding the interosseous space; 3) to describe concurrent radiological abnormalities in the tarsus. It was hypothesised that ossification of the interosseous ligament will be associated with radiological evidence of osteoarthritis of the centrodistal joint.Study designSystematic radiological analysis using a predefined grading system, after a repeatability study, and descriptive statistics.MethodsCase records and radiographs of all horses which underwent radiographic examination of one or both tarsi over 7 years were reviewed.ResultsThere were 700 horses, including 470 examined bilaterally. The normal interosseous space was an oval‐shaped radiolucent area surrounded by subchondral bone of uniform opacity and thickness. Changes in the region of the interosseous ligament of the centrodistal joint were evident in 190/1170 (16.2%) tarsi, including 50 horses examined bilaterally. In 33/190 (17.4%) tarsi there was complete loss of the oval‐shaped radiolucent area, together with increased thickness of the adjacent subchondral bone, endosteal irregularity and increased opacity of the adjacent trabecular bone. In addition 157/190 tarsi had patchy increased opacity within the interosseous space and alterations of the adjacent subchondral and trabecular bone. There was radiological evidence of osteoarthritis of the centrodistal joint in 27/33 (81.8%) of tarsi with complete ossification of the centrodistal interosseous ligament, 17 of which (51.5%) had distal tarsal pain, and in 29/157 (18.5%) tarsi with other abnormalities of the centrodistal interosseous ligament.ConclusionsWhen evaluating the tarsus radiologically the region of the centrodistal joint interosseous ligament should be assessed.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the Animal Health Trust and there was informed owner consent. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Concurrent Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy And Injury of the Proximal Aspect of the Accessory Ligament of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon in Forelimbs and Hindlimbs
Authors: Plowright E. , Dyson S. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThere are no reports of proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) and concurrent injuries of the proximal aspect of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT).ObjectivesTo describe clinical features, response to local analgesia and ultrasonographic features.Study designRetrospective study.MethodsReview of case records, January 2009–2014.ResultsThere were 8 horses with forelimb lameness, 4 unilateral and 4 bilateral (2 with bilateral injuries of the suspensory ligament [SL] and ALDDFT and 2 with PSD and injury of the ALDDFT in one limb and injury of the ALDDFT alone in the other). One horse had pain on palpation of the proximal aspect of the ALDDFT. Lameness was abolished by palmar metacarpal (subcarpal) nerve blocks in 10/12 limbs; in 2 limbs an ulnar nerve block was required to abolish lameness. There were 5 horses with bilateral hindlimb lameness; concurrent desmopathy of the ALDDFT and PSD was identified in one horse. In the other 4 horses there was a history of bilateral PSD which had undergone treatment. Recurrent lameness was associated with unilateral (n = 3) or bilateral (n = 1) PSD and desmopathy of the ALDDFT. In 2 horses there was soft tissue swelling in the proximomedial aspect of the metatarsus in the region of the ALDDFT. Lameness was abolished by local infiltration of mepivacaine in the proximoplantar aspect of the metatarsus in 3 limbs; in one limb a tibial nerve block was required to eliminate lameness. In all horses lesions were characterised ultrasonographically by enlargement of both the ALDDFT and the proximal aspect of the SL and a diffuse decrease in echogenicity. There was echogenic material between the SL and ALDDFT in 5 limbs.ConclusionsAll soft tissue structures in the proximal aspect of the metacarpus/metatarsus should be evaluated ultrasonographically if pain is localised to this area.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the Animal Health Trust and there was informed owner consent. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.