bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Emergency Department Return
Authors: Tran Quincy Khoi , Bayram Jamil D. , Boonyasai Romsai T. , Case Meredith A. , Connor Christine , Doggett David , Fawole Oluwakemi A. , Ijagbemi O. Mayowa , Levin Scott , Wu Albert W. , Pham Julius Cuong
Published: August 2016

Background and Objective

Children discharged from emergency departments (EDs) are often at risk for ED return. The objective was to identify risk factors and interventions to mitigate or prevent ED return among this patient population.

Methods

Structured literature review of PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov was conducted to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were studies evaluating ED returns by identifying risk factors and interventions in the pediatric population. Emergency department return was defined as returning to the ED within 1 year after initial visit. Abstract and full text articles were reviewed, and data were abstracted by 2 independent authors.

Results

A total of 963 articles were screened and yielded 42 potential relevant articles involving pediatric population. After full text review, a total of 12 articles were included in the final analysis (6 on risk factors and 6 on interventions). Risk factors for pediatric ED return included behavioral/psychiatric problems, younger age, acuity of illness, medical history of asthma, and social factors. Interventions included computer-generated instructions, postdischarge telephone coaching, ED-made appointments, case management, and home environment intervention. Emergency department–made appointments and postdischarge telephone coaching plus monetary incentive improved outpatient follow-up rate but not ED return. Home environment assessment coupled with case management reduced ED returns specifically among asthma patients.

Conclusions

Several patient and visit characteristics can help predict children at risk for ED return. Although some interventions are successful at improving postdischarge follow-up, most did not reduce ED returns.
“Breast in a Day”: Examining Single-Stage Immediate, Permanent Implant Reconstruction in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Choi Mihye , Frey Jordan D. , Alperovich Michael , Levine Jamie P. , Karp Nolan S.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate, permanent implant reconstruction offers patients a prosthetic “breast in a day” compared to tissue expander techniques requiring multiple procedures.

Methods:

Patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate, permanent implant reconstruction were reviewed with patient demographics and outcomes analyzed.

Results:

Of 842 nipple-sparing mastectomies from 2006 to June of 2015, 160 (19.0 percent) underwent immediate, permanent implant reconstruction. The average age and body mass index were 46.5 years and 23.3 kg/m2. The majority of implants were either Allergan Style 20 (48.1 percent) or Style 15 (22.5 percent). The average implant size was 376.2 ml, and 91.3 percent of reconstructions used acellular dermal matrix. The average number of reconstructive operations was 1.3. Follow-up was 21.9 months. The most common major complication was major mastectomy flap necrosis (8.1 percent). The rate of reconstructive failure was 5.6 percent and implant loss was 4.4 percent. The most common minor complication was minor mastectomy flap necrosis (14.4 percent). The rates of full-thickness and partial-thickness nipple necrosis were 4.4 and 7.5 percent, respectively. Age older than 50 years (p = 0.0276) and implant size greater than 400 ml (p = 0.0467) emerged as independent predictors of overall complications. Obesity (p = 0.4073), tobacco use (p = 0.2749), prior radiation therapy (p = 0.4613), and acellular dermal matrix (p = 0.5305) were not associated with greater complication rates.

Conclusion:

Immediate, permanent implant reconstruction in nipple-sparing mastectomy provides patients with a breast in a day in less than two procedures, with a low complication rate.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Phenotypic Analysis of Stromal Vascular Fraction after Mechanical Shear Reveals Stress-Induced Progenitor Populations
Authors: Banyard Derek A. , Sarantopoulos Christos N. , Borovikova Anna A. , Qiu Xiaolong , Wirth Garrett A. , Paydar Keyianoosh Z. , Haun Jered B. , Evans Gregory R. D. , Widgerow Alan D.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Optimization of fat grafting continues to gain increasing attention in the field of regenerative medicine. “Nanofat grafting” implements mechanical emulsification and injection of standard lipoaspirate for the correction of superficial rhytides and skin discoloration; however, little is known about the cellular constituents of the graft. Based on recent evidence that various stressors can induce progenitor activity, the authors hypothesized that the shear forces used in common fat grafting techniques may impact their regenerative capacities.

Methods:

Lipoaspirates were obtained from 10 patients undergoing elective procedures. Half of each sample was subjected to nanofat processing; the other half was left unchallenged. The viscosity of each sample was measured for computational analysis. The stromal vascular fraction of each sample was isolated, quantified, and analyzed by means of flow cytometry with two multicolor fluorescence antibody panels.

Results:

Standard lipoaspirate is ideally suited for mechanical stress induction. The mechanical emulsification involved in nanofat processing did not affect cell number; however, viability was greatly reduced when compared with the stromal vascular fraction of standard lipoaspirate. Interestingly, nanofat processing resulted in stress-induced stromal vascular fraction with a higher proportion of endothelial progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and multilineage differentiating stress-enduring cells. Single-parameter analysis also revealed significant increases in CD34, CD13, CD73, and CD146 of the stress-induced stromal vascular fraction, markers associated with mesenchymal stem cell activity.

Conclusions:

Mechanical processing used in techniques such as nanofat grafting induces the up-regulation of progenitor phenotypes consistent with multipotency and pluripotency. These data provide a first step in characterizing the potential regenerative benefits realized through stress induction in fat grafting.

CLINCAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, V.
Cadaveric Investigation of Active Finger Range of Motion for Detection of Intratendinous Needle Placement
Authors: Starr Harlan M. , Tsai Michael A. , Parks Brent G. , Means Kenneth R.
Published: August 2016

Background:

The authors’ purpose was to determine if investigators can predict whether a needle is within a finger’s flexor tendon by postinsertion tactile and visualization evaluation in an active range-of-motion cadaver model.

Methods:

In 48 cadaver fingers, a 25-gauge needle, with a 1-cc syringe attached, was placed into one of three randomly assigned positions at the A2 pulley level: within the flexor digitorum profundus, within the flexor digitorum superficialis, or outside both flexors and the sheath. Each finger was cycled through full active range of motion as three hand surgeons, blinded to each other’s responses and needle position, recorded whether they thought the needle was intratendinous. The initial investigator confirmed needle position after each surgeon’s assessment.

Results:

Active cadaver finger range of motion did not allow surgeons to accurately determine whether a needle was in a flexor tendon. There was no statistically significant agreement among the surgeons about whether the needle was intratendinous.

Conclusion:

Because of poor interobserver agreement, sensitivity, and negative predictive value, we conclude that finger range of motion is not a reliable test to detect intratendinous needle placement in this cadaver model.
Time- versus Competency-Based Residency Training
Authors: Nguyen Vu T. , Losee Joseph E.
Published: August 2016

Graduate medical education is at the brink of a paradigm shift in educating the next generation of physicians. Over 100 years ago, the Flexner report helped usher in the Halstedian residency, based on timed exposure and knowledge assessment as the cornerstones of medical education. The addition of operative case logs and respective board examinations to the current model of surgical education has served to establish practice minimums; however, they do not provide any assessment of actual operative capability or clinical competence. Although these facets have been tempered over time, one could argue that they currently exist only as surrogates for the true goal of all graduate medical education: the development of competent, graduating physicians, capable of independent and ethical practice. There now exists a growing body of evidence that competency-based medical education is this century’s Flexnerian revolution. By the objective, subjective, and global assessment of competence, it is thought that we can more effectively and efficiently educate our trainees, provide much needed accountability to our individual patients and to the public as a whole, and establish a lasting model of self-motivated, lifelong learning.
Association of Depressed Mood With Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Immunoglobulin-G Levels in Pregnancy
Authors: Hsu Pao-Chu , Yolken Robert H. , Postolache Teodor T. , Beckie Theresa M. , Munro Cindy L. , Groer Maureen W.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Depressed mood is common in pregnancy, is associated with stress, and could result in immune suppression that may lead to latent herpes viral reactivation. This study investigated whether depressed mood is associated with higher herpes viral IgG levels in pregnant women.

Methods

Complete cross-sectional data from 247 pregnant women were available for this substudy. The data included demographics, scores on the Perceived Stress Scale and Profile of Mood States (POMS), and a panel of serum IgG levels for human herpesviruses.

Results

Only the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) (genital herpes) IgG level was associated with Perceived Stress Scale and POMS—Depression/Dejection (POMS-D) score. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association of POMS-D with herpesviral IgG levels adjusting for demographic variables. In the final model, African American race (β = .251, p < .001), older age (β = .199, p = .002), single marital status (β = −.304, p < .001), and depressed mood (β = .122, p = .04) were associated with HSV-2 IgG levels. In logistic regression, the strongest correlates of HSV IgG positivity were single marital status, followed by POMS-D scores and African American race.

Conclusion

Genital herpes is a concern in pregnancy. Antibody titers may indicate asymptomatic viral shedding, viral reactivation, or primary viral infection. Antibody levels may be higher because of the immune changes during pregnancy and potential immune effects of depressed mood causing reactivation of latent HSV-2.
Brief Report: Sexual Violence Against HIV-Positive Women in the Nyanza Region of Kenya: Is Condom Negotiation an Instigator?
Authors: Onu Chinwe C. , Dworkin Shari L. , Ongeri Linnet G. , Oyaro Patrick , Neylan Thomas C. , Cohen Craig R. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Rota Grace , Meffert Susan M.
Published: August 2016

For people living with HIV, exposure to sexual violence (SV) is associated with decreased adherence to antiretroviral medication, a primary predictor of their survival. Identification of risk factors for SV is a pressing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where the global majority of HIV-positive women live and the prevalence of SV against women is high. We used qualitative data to examine SV against HIV-positive women enrolled in HIV care in Kenya. Respondents identified husbands as perpetrators of SV in the context of women's efforts to use condoms as directed by HIV care providers.
Zika virus infection: epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis
Authors: Calvet Guilherme Amaral , Santos Flavia Barreto dos , Sequeira Patricia Carvalho
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus previously believed to cause only a mild and self-limiting illness. Recently, it has emerged as a new public health threat that caused a large outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013–2014 and since 2015 an explosive outbreak in Brazil, with an increase in severe congenital malformations (microcephaly) and neurological complications, mainly Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Since then, it has spread through the Americas. On 1 February 2016, the WHO declared the ZIKV epidemic in Brazil a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. We reviewed the epidemiology of ZIKV infection, clinical presentations and diagnosis. We highlighted the clinical features and nonvector borne transmission of the virus.

Recent findings

Association between ZIKV infection and severe foetal outcomes, including microcephaly and other birth defects; increased rate of GBS and other neurological complications due to the ongoing ZIKV outbreak; increased evidence to date of ZIKV being the only arbovirus linked to sexual transmission; the challenge of ZIKV diagnosis; and the need for a specific point-of care test in epidemic scenarios.

The findings illustrate the emergence of a viral disease with the identification of new associated disorders, new modes of transmission, including maternal–foetal and sexual transmission.
N-Acetylcysteine Use in Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: McPheeters Chelsey M. , VanArsdale Vanessa M. , Weant Kyle A.
Published: August 2016

This article will review the available evidence related to the management of non-acetaminophen induced acute liver failure with N-acetylcysteine. Randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis were included in this review. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute liver failure from causes other than acetaminophen toxicity was evaluated. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is limited to specific patient populations. Patients classified as Coma Grade I or II are more likely to benefit from the use of this agent. The use of N-acetylcysteine is associated with improved transplant-free survival, not overall survival, in adults. N-Acetylcysteine does not improve the overall survival of patients with non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure but may be beneficial in those patients with Coma Grades I–II. Liver transplantation remains the only definitive therapy in advanced disease.
American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Guideline 6: Minimum Technical Standards for EEG Recording in Suspected Cerebral Death
Authors: Stecker Mark M. , Sabau Dragos , Sullivan Lucy , Das Rohit R. , Selioutski Olga , Drislane Frank W. , Tsuchida Tammy N. , Tatum William O.
Published: August 2016

This revision to the EEG Guidelines is an update incorporating current EEG technology and practice. The role of the EEG in making the determination of brain death is discussed as are suggested technical criteria for making the diagnosis of electrocerebral inactivity.
Pathway to the identification of C
60
+
in diffuse interstellar clouds
Authors: Maier John P. , Campbell Ewen K.
Published: August 2016

The origin of the attenuation of starlight in diffuse clouds in interstellar space at specific wavelengths ranging from the visible to the near-infrared has been unknown since the first astronomical observations around a century ago. The absorption features, termed the diffuse interstellar bands, have subsequently been the subject of much research. Earlier this year four of these interstellar bands were shown to be due to the absorption by cold, gas phase

molecules. This discovery provides the first answer to the problem of the diffuse interstellar bands and leads naturally to fascinating questions regarding the role of fullerenes and derivatives in interstellar chemistry. Here, we review the identification process placing special emphasis on the laboratory studies which have enabled spectroscopic measurement of large cations cooled to temperatures prevailing in the interstellar medium.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Fullerenes: past, present and future, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Buckminster Fullerene’.
The Stone–Wales transformation: from fullerenes to graphite, from radiation damage to heat capacity
Authors: Heggie M. I. , Haffenden G. L. , Latham C. D. , Trevethan T.
Published: August 2016

The Stone–Wales (SW) transformation, or carbon-bond rotation, has been fundamental to understanding fullerene growth and stability, and
ab initio
calculations show it to be a high-energy process. The nature and topology of the fullerene energy landscape shows how the
I

h

-C
60
must be the final product, if SW transformations are fast enough, and various mechanisms for their catalysis have been proposed. We review SW transformations in fullerenes and then discuss the analogous transformation in graphite, where they form the Dienes defect, originally posited to be a transition state in the direct exchange of a bonded atom pair. On the basis of density functional theory calculations in the local density approximation, we propose that non-equilibrium concentrations of the Dienes defect arising from displacing radiation are rapidly healed by point defects and that equilibrium concentrations of Dienes defects are responsible for the divergent ultra-high-temperature heat capacity of graphite.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Fullerenes: past, present and future, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Buckminster Fullerene’.
The influence hydrogen atom addition has on charge switching during motion of the metal atom in endohedral Ca@C
60
H
4
isomers
Authors: Raggi G. , Besley E. , Stace A. J.
Published: August 2016

Density functional theory has been applied in a study of charge transfer between an endohedral calcium atom and the fullerene cage in Ca@C
60
H
4
and [Ca@C
60
H
4
]
+
isomers. Previous calculations on Ca@C
60
have shown that the motion of calcium within a fullerene is accompanied by large changes in electron density on the carbon cage. Based on this observation, it has been proposed that a tethered endohedral fullerene might form the bases of a nanoswitch. Through the addition of hydrogen atoms to one hemisphere of the cage it is shown that, when compared with
Ca
@C
60
, asymmetric and significantly reduced energy barriers can be generated with respect to motion of the calcium atom. It is proposed that hydrogen atom addition to a fullerene might offer a route for creating a bi-stable nanoswitch that can be fine-tuned through the selection of an appropriate isomer and number of atoms attached to the cage of an endohedral fullerene.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Fullerenes: past, present and future, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Buckminster Fullerene’.
Another big discovery—metallofullerenes
Authors: Shinohara Hisanori
Published: August 2016

Several days after the first experimental observation of the ‘magic number’ soccerball-shaped C
60
in a laser-vaporized cluster beam mass spectrum by Kroto and co-workers (Heath
et al
. 1985
J. Am. Chem. Soc.
107
, 7779–7780. (
doi:10.1021/ja00311a102
)) they also found a magic number feature owing to La@C
60
in a mass spectrum prepared by laser vaporization of a LaCl
3
-impregnated graphite rod. With the advent of macroscopic synthesis and the following successful separation and purification of metallofullerenes, both experimental and theoretical studies of metallofullerenes have developed quite rapidly to date so as to elucidate their structural, electronic, magnetic and transport properties. Furthermore, a bottom-up closed network growth mechanism has experimentally been shown to play a crucial role in generating various types of metallofullerenes.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Fullerenes: past, present and future, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Buckminster Fullerene’.
Ecosystem services from southern African woodlands and their future under global change
Authors: Ryan Casey M. , Pritchard Rose , McNicol Iain , Owen Matthew , Fisher Janet A. , Lehmann Caroline
Published: August 2016

Miombo and mopane woodlands are the dominant land cover in southern Africa. Ecosystem services from these woodlands support the livelihoods of 100 M rural people and 50 M urban dwellers, and others beyond the region. Provisioning services contribute $9 ± 2 billion yr
−1
to rural livelihoods; 76% of energy used in the region is derived from woodlands; and traded woodfuels have an annual value of $780 M. Woodlands support much of the region's agriculture through transfers of nutrients to fields and shifting cultivation. Woodlands store 18–24 PgC carbon, and harbour a unique and diverse flora and fauna that provides spiritual succour and attracts tourists. Longstanding processes that will impact service provision are the expansion of croplands (0.1 M km
2
; 2000–2014), harvesting of woodfuels (93 M tonnes yr
−1
) and changing access arrangements. Novel, exogenous changes include large-scale land acquisitions (0.07 M km
2
; 2000–2015), climate change and rising CO
2
. The net ecological response to these changes is poorly constrained, as they act in different directions, and differentially on trees and grasses, leading to uncertainty in future service provision. Land-use change and socio-political dynamics are likely to be dominant forces of change in the short term, but important land-use dynamics remain unquantified.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tropical grassy biomes: linking ecology, human use and conservation’.
Understanding patterns of land-cover change in the Brazilian Cerrado from 2000 to 2015
Authors: Espírito-Santo Mário M. , Leite Marcos E. , Silva Jhonathan O. , Barbosa Rômulo S. , Rocha André M. , Anaya Felisa C. , Dupin Mariana G. V.
Published: August 2016

Clearing tropical vegetation impacts biodiversity, the provision of ecosystem services, and thus ultimately human welfare. We quantified changes in land cover from 2000 to 2015 across the Cerrado biome of northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We assessed the potential biophysical and socio-economic drivers of the loss of Cerrado, natural regeneration and net cover change at the municipality level. Further, we evaluated correlations between these land change variables and indicators of human welfare. We detected extensive land-cover changes in the study area, with the conversion of 23 446 km
2
and the natural regeneration of 13 926 km
2
, resulting in a net loss of 9520 km
2
. The annual net loss (−1.2% per year) of the cover of Cerrado is higher than that reported for the whole biome in similar periods. We argue that environmental and economic variables interact to underpin rates of conversion of Cerrado, most severely affecting more humid Cerrado lowlands. While rates of Cerrado regeneration are important for conservation strategies of the remaining biome, their integrity must be investigated given the likelihood of encroachment. Given the high frequency of land abandonment in tropical regions, secondary vegetation is fundamental to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Finally, the impacts of Cerrado conversion on human welfare likely vary from local to regional scales, making it difficult to elaborate land-use policies based solely on socio-economic indicators.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tropical grassy biomes: linking ecology, human use and conservation’.
pHluorin-assisted expression, purification, crystallization and X-ray diffraction data analysis of the C-terminal domain of the HsdR subunit of theEscherichia colitype I restriction-modification system EcoR124I
Authors: Grinkevich Pavel , Iermak Iuliia , Luedtke Nicholas A. , Mesters Jeroen R. , Ettrich Rüdiger , Ludwig Jost
Published: August 2016

The HsdR subunit of the type I restriction-modification system EcoR124I is responsible for the translocation as well as the restriction activity of the whole complex consisting of the HsdR, HsdM and HsdS subunits, and while crystal structures are available for the wild type and several mutants, the C-terminal domain comprising approximately 150 residues was not resolved in any of these structures. Here, three fusion constructs with the GFP variant pHluorin developed to overexpress, purify and crystallize the C-terminal domain of HsdR are reported. The shortest of the three encompassed HsdR residues 887–1038 and yielded crystals that belonged to the orthorhombic space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa= 83.42,b= 176.58,c= 126.03 Å, α = β = γ = 90.00° and two molecules in the asymmetric unit (VM= 2.55 Å3 Da−1, solvent content 50.47%). X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 2.45 Å.
4-Bromo-N-(4-fluorophenyl)benzenesulfonamide
Authors: Rodrigues Vinola Z. , Suchetan P. A. , Saritha L. , Lokanath N. K. , Naveen S.
Published: August 2016

The title molecule, C12H9BrFNO2S, is U-shaped with the central C—S—N—C fragment having a torsion angle of 68.4 (3)° and a dihedral angle between the planes of the two benzene rings of 41.17 (19)°. The crystal structure features strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds between the molecules, forming infinite one-dimensionalC(4) chains along [001]. These chains are interconnectedviashort F...F contacts [F...F = 2.868 (4) Å], forming a one-dimensional ribbon-like architecture.
Influence of various multilayer LTCC systems on dielectric properties’ stability in GHz frequency range
Authors: Rovensky Tibor , Pietrikova Alena , Vehec Igor , Kmec Martin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create multilayer substrate (composite) from various low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates by their mutual combinations and to analyse influence of these multilayer substrates on dielectric properties in GHz frequency range.

Design/methodology/approach

GreenTape 951, GreenTape 9K7 and Murata LFC were used to create compound multilayer substrates that include three layers: middle layer is from Murata LFC, and both upper and bottom layers are either from GreenTape 951 or GreenTape 9K7. Shrinkage in all x-, y- and z-axes of all substrates including multilayer substrates were analysed, and influence of different shrinkage on dielectric properties was examined by microstrip ring resonators applied on all mentioned of substrates.

Findings

The middle layer of Murata LFC has significant influence on shrinkage value of composites which has a good repeatability and minimalizes problems with design of multilayer LTCC devices. Impact of middle layer from Murata LFC on dielectric constant is not significant, but on the other hand Q factor (loss tangent) of these composites is increased according to inhomogeneity between single LTCC layers, especially at frequency around 6 GHz.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work lies in creating multilayers systems from different types of LTCC substrates to find combination with the most suitable physical and dielectric properties for various purposes in GHz range applications.
Peculiarities of corporate social responsibility development in the monotowns in post-communist countries
Authors: Blam Inna , Vitálišová Katarína , Borseková Kamila , Sokolowicz Mariusz
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze actual issues of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in monofunctional towns in Russia, Slovakia and Poland. The process of social investment restructuring is obviously under way in these countries. However, there can be identified a few examples where the dominant employer with the long tradition (from the soviet period, even longer) has initiated and directly influenced by the social policy the local and regional development. The paper analyzes their development during the past decades, with the special emphasis on social issues. It identifies its strengths and weaknesses and defines future research areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper defines the CSR with focus on the social sphere and relationships between local dominant employer, local government and community. Refer to the theory, the paper adopts a case study methodology to explore the specifics of CSR with a focus on monotowns, especially the role of local dominant employer and its relationship with local government and community in three selected post-communist nations – Russia, Slovakia and Poland. The research uses also the secondary data (the strategic documents, statistical data) and own observation during the study visits to the selected cities. The authors analyze the town’s development during the past decades, with the special emphasis on the social issues.

Findings

It is shown that maintenance and development of essential living conditions in many monofunctional towns depends upon the direct participation of large dominating companies. The paper argues that there is a principal difference between the current social policy conducted by these dominant local employers and the policy that was conducted in the past. What is more, most of the engagement of large in the social affairs in monotowns refers to the CSR concept. The paper summarizes the common features and differences in functioning monotowns in selected states, from the perspective of social responsible behaviors of dominant companies, suggests the practical implications and identifies future research areas.

Originality/value

The paper maps the specific kind of social responsibility interconnected with the issue of local and regional development – monotowns in Russia, Poland and Slovakia – in the countries with common political and social history. It brings in the form of case studies the detailed overview of the selected examples from Russia, Ukraine and Poland dealing with the CSR. Based on the collected data, it summarizes the advantages and disadvantage of these towns and opens the new research areas.
The effect of authenticity and social distance on CSR activity
Authors: Lim Myungsuh , Yang Yoon
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study aims to make a distinction between two types of authenticity (indexical vs iconic), the influence of both of which on the consumer’s inference of companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) motivation is determined. Meanwhile, the consumer inference of CSR activities can be affected by the situational context within which the CSR activities are contained. Therefore, the effect of the interaction between the authenticity type and the given social distance (based on the construal level theory) was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a 2 × 2 between-subjects design experiment to examine the effects of authenticity type (indexical/iconic) and social distance (close/distant) on the perceived motive of the CSR information in a scenario.

Findings

The findings showed significant main effect of authenticity type but no significant main effect of social distance on persuasion knowledge. Participants in the indexical authenticity condition perceived a higher degree of persuasion knowledge than the participants in the iconic authenticity condition. Social distance moderated the effect of authenticity type such that for indexical authenticity, there was a significant difference on persuasion knowledge when the social distance was large. However, for iconic authenticity, the perception of persuasion knowledge was not significantly different between a large distance and a close distance.

Originality/value

The study identified the type of authenticity that is mainly perceived as a result of CSR activities and also determined its relation to the social distance dimension to infer a firm’s CSR motives.
Managing the risk of wildlife disease introduction: pathway‐level biosecurity for preventing the introduction of alien ranaviruses
Authors: García‐Díaz Pablo , Ross Joshua V. , Woolnough Andrew P. , Cassey Phillip
Published: August 2016

Alien species are key vectors for the spread of globally emerging diseases, and these emerging diseases have proven to be devastating for amphibian populations world‐wide. Border and post‐border biosecurity activities are pivotal for preventing the introduction of new diseases, but their effectiveness has seldom been assessed.

We developed and populated a model to describe transport pathways into Australia, and the biosecurity activities implemented to manage these pathways. We evaluated the capacity of Australian border and post‐border biosecurity activities, frequently considered one of the best quarantine inspection services in the world, to prevent the introduction of alien ranaviruses via the unintentional transport of alien amphibians into six Australian States.

High transport pressures, measured by the number of international airline passengers and ships arriving in each State, resulted in increasing total numbers of alien stowaway amphibians. Post‐border detection of alien amphibians was variable across States and increased with the full‐time equivalent employees devoted to post‐border biosecurity in each State.

The baseline probabilities of introduction, without biosecurity activities, for at least one infected amphibian into any State were very low (≤0·07 in all cases), January 2004–December 2012. The implementation of biosecurity activities reduced these introduction probabilities further, with reductions of up to 50% for some States.

Synthesis and applications. We have demonstrated the efficacy of biosecurity activities in reducing the introduction risk of new diseases being transported unintentionally alongside alien amphibians. Critically, we found that not all alien amphibians had to be detected to reduce risks appreciably. We advocate the widespread adoption of border and post‐border biosecurity activities to manage the risks posed by alien amphibians (and other stowaway species) as vectors of emergent diseases. We support the robust design of biosecurity activities by providing a framework to evaluate the likely outcomes of case‐specific biosecurity arrangements.
Novel mouse model for primary uveal melanoma: a pilot study
Authors: Süsskind Daniela , Hurst José , Rohrbach Jens Martin , Schnichels Sven
Published: August 2016

Background

To establish a mouse model with the aim of studying the tumour biology and metastasis formation of uveal melanoma.

Methods

Two human primary uveal melanoma cell lines (UMT2 and UMT42) were injected into the choroid of BALB/c nude mouse eyes. Intraocular tumour growth and metastasis formation in the liver and lungs were assessed after 13 to 22 weeks. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded material was processed via haematoxylin and eosin staining for histological examination and periodic acid Schiff staining to search for extravascular matrix patterns. Immunohistochemistry for Melan A, CD34 and Ki67 was performed to assess the expression of a melanocytic lineage marker, angiogenesis and proliferative activity.

Results

All eyes injected with UMT2 cells, but only 25% of eyes treated with UMT42, developed intraocular tumour growth. The morphology of intraocular melanomas resembled that of primary tumours and showed signs of malignancy, including retinal invasion, optic nerve invasion and scleral penetration with extraocular tumour growth. UMT2 tumours formed extravascular matrix patterns exclusively. Most of the tumour cells expressed Melan A. Intratumoural angiogenesis was detected in both tumour entities. Proliferative activity was verified in all but one tumour. However, no metastases appeared in the liver or lungs.

Conclusions

The mouse model presented with the UMT2 cell line allows for investigations of tumour biology of the primary UM because of the high degree of similarity between the tumours generated in the mouse eyes and the corresponding primary human UM. Unfortunately, the model is not suitable for investigations of metastasis formation.
In silico mining of microsatellites and analysis of genetic diversity among inter‐ and intra‐generic aphids of the subfamily Aphidinae
Authors: Vaddi Sridhar , Thiruvengadam Venkatesan , Joshi Sunil , Jalali Sushil Kumar , Chinnappareddy Lakshmana Reddy Dhoranalapalli , Nimmakayala Padma , Tomason Yan , Vajja Gopinath , Reddy Umesh K.
Published: August 2016

Nearly 5 000 aphid species damage crops, either by sucking plant sap or as disease‐transmitting vectors. Microsatellites are used for understanding molecular diversity and eco‐geographical relationships among aphid species. Expressed sequence tag (EST)‐microsatellite motifs were identified through an in silico approach using inbuilt simple sequence repeat mining tools in aphid EST dataset. Microsatellite mining revealed one in every five aphid genes as containing a repeat motif, and out of 9 290 EST microsatellites mined from Aphis gossypii Glover and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (both Hemiptera: Aphididae), 80% were of A and/or T (AT, ATA, AAT, AATA, and ATTT) motifs, and the rest contained G and/or C motifs. All microsatellite sequences were annotated using BLAST. Primers for EST microsatellites were designed using the Primer 3.0 tool. 106 primer pairs of both dinucleotide repeats (DNRs) and trinucleotide repeats (TNRs), representing open reading frames (ORFs) and untranslated regions (UTRs), were synthesized to amplify 15 aphid species belonging to the subfamily Aphidinae, collected from diverse hosts. Four hundred forty‐five polymorphic alleles were amplified. Fifty TNR and 23 DNR microsatellites amplified across the species studied. Polymorphism information content values of microsatellites ranged from 0.23 to 0.91, amplifying 2–16 alleles. Genetic similarity indices were estimated using the ‘NTSYS‐pc’ software package. Unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean and principal component analysis resolved taxonomic relationships of the aphid species studied. The new aphid microsatellites developed will provide valuable information to researchers to study Indian aphid species diversity and genetic relationships.
Cold hardiness attributes of a field population of the potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella
Authors: Andreadis Stefanos S. , Poulia Yianna , Noukari Sofia , Aslanidou Barbara , Savopoulou‐Soultani Matilda
Published: August 2016

The potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a worldwide pest of solanaceous crops especially devastating to potatoes. In the present study, we investigated the cold hardiness profile of acclimated and non‐acclimated immature and adult stages of a field population of P. operculella. For both acclimated and non‐acclimated individuals mean supercooling point (SCP) did not differ significantly among developmental stages. Unlike supercooling capacity, acclimation at 5 °C for 5 days enhanced the ability to survive at subzero temperatures after a 2‐h exposure. Median lethal temperature (LT50) of all developmental stages (egg, late instar, pupa, and adult) decreased after acclimation, nevertheless only adults displayed a significant difference among acclimated and non‐acclimated individuals concerning their LT50 (−11.1 and −8.3 °C, respectively). Generally, pupae were the most cold‐tolerant developmental stage followed in decreasing order by the eggs and adults, whereas late instars were the least cold tolerant. Non‐freezing injury above the SCP was well‐documented for all developmental stages indicating a pre‐freeze mortality and suggesting that P. operculella is considered to be chill tolerant rather than freeze intolerant. Nevertheless, given its high degree of cold hardiness relative to habitat temperatures, winter mortality of P. operculella due to low temperatures is not likely to occur and pest outbreaks may take place following a mild winter.
Ecdysteroid titers and expression of Halloween genes and ecdysteroid receptor in relation to overwintering and the long larval phase in the seabuckthorn carpenterworm, Holcocerus hippophaecolus
Authors: Zhou Jiao , Li Juan , Wang Rong , Sheng Xia , Zong Shixiang , Weng Qiang , Luo Youqing
Published: August 2016

The cytochrome P450 enzymes encoded by the Halloween genes – spook (spo), phantom (phm), disembodied (dib), shadow (sad), and shade (shd) – catalyze a series of hydroxylation steps resulting in the active molting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E). This study investigated 20E and ecdysone titers and the expression profile of Halloween genes and ecdysone receptor (EcR) during larval, pupal, and adult stages in seabuckthorn carpenterworm, Holcocerus hippophaecolus Hua (Lepidoptera: Cossidae). Hh‐spo, Hh‐phm, Hh‐dib, and Hh‐sad showed predominant expression in the prothoracic gland at the larval stage, whereas Hh‐shd and Hh‐EcR were significantly expressed in the fat body. The mRNA levels of Hh‐spo, Hh‐phm, Hh‐dib, Hh‐shd, Hh‐sad, and Hh‐EcR were lowest from late October to middle April, when the insects were in overwintering dormancy, but began to increase from May each year, when the insects were terminating quiescence. Concomitant with the changes in these genes, 20E and ecdysone titers gradually increased during the 4‐year life cycle of H. hippophaecolus. These data indicate that the seasonal expressions of Hh‐spo, Hh‐phm, Hh‐shd, and Hh‐EcR play crucial roles in quiescence of the overwintering period, and are responsible for the long larval phase and the exact timing and amplitude of the ecdysteroid titer required for the coordination of growth and development in H. hippophaecolus.
Recently characterized molecular events in uncommon gynaecological neoplasms and their clinical importance
Authors: Witkowski Leora , McCluggage W Glenn , Foulkes William D
Published: August 2016

The introduction of new sequencing technologies has resulted in the discovery of commonly mutated genes in uncommon cancers, including non‐epithelial ovarian neoplasms and other rare gynaecological tumours, such as cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. In some of these neoplasms, mutations in certain genes are both frequent and specific enough for the genomic mutations and sometimes their associated protein loss or overexpression to be used as an aid to diagnosis. In this review, we contrast previous gene identification methods with newer ones, and discuss how the new sequencing technologies (collectively referred to as ‘next‐generation sequencing’) have permitted the identification of specific molecular events that characterize several rare gynaecological neoplasms. We highlight the value of using sequencing to complement traditional pathological methods when diagnosing certain tumours, and provide practical advice to pathologists dealing with these neoplasms. We focus on adult granulosa cell tumours (somatic monoallelic mutations in FOXL2), Sertoli–Leydig cell tumours, gynaecological embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (germline and somatic mutations in DICER1), and small‐cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (biallelic mutations in SMARCA4). The new genetic findings provided by next‐generation sequencing in these uncommon neoplasms have brought these disorders back into focus, and point the way towards new diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic avenues.
Breslow density is a novel prognostic feature in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Rashed Hala , Flatman Katarina , Bamford Mark , Teo Kah W , Saldanha Gerald
Published: August 2016

Aims

In 1970, Breslow described his eponymously named thickness measurement. No‐one has sought to enhance the Breslow thickness (BT). The aim of this study was to demonstrate a proof of concept that the density of melanoma cells at the position where the BT is measured is a morphological prognostic biomarker, which we name the Breslow density (BD). The hypothesis was that the BD has prognostic value for overall survival (OS) and is independent of the BT.

Methods and results

We analysed 100 cutaneous melanomas, and followed REMARK guidelines. The BD was the estimated percentage dermal area occupied by melanoma cells in a specified location. The BT and BD had a strong correlation (P = 2.1 × 10−11) but, despite this, they were independent prognostic factors for OS in Cox regression [BD hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, P = 0.001849; and BT HR 1.09, P = 0.000146]. This was corroborated by an independent effect on melanoma‐specific survival. We assessed whether the BT and BD could be combined into a Breslow score. A prognostic index based on Cox regression coefficients was used, and this showed a marginal improvement in predicted 5‐year survival as compared with the BT alone (area under the curve of 94.8% versus 96.7%).

Conclusions

We show a proof of concept that the BD represents a novel morphological prognostic biomarker that is independent of the BT, and that there is potential to combine these into a Breslow score. Larger studies are needed to validate the BD, but the simplicity of this biomarker makes it a strong candidate for translation to clinical practice.
EQUILIBRIUM INDETERMINACY IN A MODEL OF CONSTRAINED FINANCIAL MARKETS
Authors: Fiorini Luciana C.
Published: August 2016

I present a general equilibrium model with incomplete markets in which assets pay in units of a numéraire good. In this economy, agents are constrained to negotiate the same amount of assets in different states of the world. Different from the standard result of economies with real assets, equilibrium indeterminacy can arise, depending on the structure of the financial markets. Equilibrium fails to be unique when it is not possible to transfer wealth between states in which consumers trade a pair of assets that face the same restriction.
SCREENING FOR A CHRONIC DISEASE: A MULTIPLE STAGE DURATION MODEL WITH PARTIAL OBSERVABILITY
Authors: Mroz Thomas A. , Picone Gabriel , Sloan Frank , Yashkin Arseniy P.
Published: August 2016

We estimate a dynamic multistage duration model to investigate how early detection of diabetes can delay the onset of lower extremity complications and death. We allow for partial observability of the disease stage, unmeasured heterogeneity, and endogenous timing of diabetes screening. Timely diagnosis appears important. We evaluate the effectiveness of two potential policies to reduce the monetary costs of frequent screening in terms of lost longevity. Compared to the status quo, the more restrictive policy yields an implicit value for an additional year of life of about $50,000, whereas the less restrictive policy implies a value of about $120,000.
ON THE WELFARE PROPERTIES OF FRACTIONAL RESERVE BANKING
Authors: Sanches Daniel
Published: August 2016

Monetary economists have long recognized a tension between the benefits of fractional reserve banking, such as the ability to undertake more profitable (long‐term) investment opportunities, and the difficulties associated with it, such as the risk of insolvency for each bank and the associated losses to bank liability holders. I show that a specific banking arrangement (a joint‐liability scheme) provides an effective mechanism for ensuring the ex post transfer of reserves from liquid banks to illiquid banks, so it is possible to select a socially efficient reserve ratio in the banking system that preserves the safety of bank liabilities as a store of value and maximizes the rate of return paid to bank liability holders.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: Elsayyad May , Morath Florian
Published: August 2016

This article considers the transfer of cost‐reducing technology in the context of contributions to climate protection. We analyze a two‐period public goods model where later contributions can be based on better information, but delaying the mitigation effort is costly because of irreversible damages. Investments in technology affect the countries' timing of contributing. We show that countries have an incentive to provide cost‐reducing technology as this can lead to an earlier contribution of other countries and can therefore reduce a country's burden of contributing to the public good. Our results provide a rationale for the support of technology sharing initiatives.
INTEGRATION OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICAN PLAYERS IN JAPAN'S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUES
Authors: Kawaura Akihiko , La Croix Sumner
Published: August 2016

Teams in Japan's two professional baseball leagues began to add foreign players in the early 1950s, with the average number per team reaching 5.79 in 2004. This was primarily because foreign hitters outperformed Japanese hitters. Hazard analysis shows that a poorly performing team was more likely to hire its first Caucasian and African American players earlier than a successful team. Econometric analysis of team use of foreign players over 45 seasons (1960–2004) shows that losing Central League teams used foreign players more often in following season(s), whereas past success of Pacific League teams did not affect their use of foreign players.