bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key issues for tourism development – the AM-UNWTO contribution
Authors: Perdomo Yolanda
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present the contribution of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Afiliate Members’ Programme, its knowledge generation, prototypes and research initiatives to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the activities and projects of the UNWTO, as they generate market knowledge, promote competitive and sustainable tourism policies and instruments, foster tourism education and training and work to make tourism an effective tool for development through technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world.

Findings

The UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme serves as the major gateway for the collaboration between the private and public sectors, working together for the development of tourism. Bringing together over 470 companies, educational and research institutions, destinations and NGOs, this interactive platform provides a space for members to engage in dialogue, share information and take further action.

Practical implications

The UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme has identified some key focus areas for the overall development of tourism and accordingly designed public–private models of collaboration that can be applied in practice.

Originality/value

UNWTO offers a unique platform to stimulate public–private and academic partnerships in creation, dissemination and application of knowledge in tourism, focusing specifically on innovation.
Barometer of tourism
Authors: Costa Jorge , Rodrigues Daniela , Bastos João
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In this paper, the barometer of tourism (BoT), as a new approach to environmental scanning, is presented and discussed. A unique research methodology developed by IPDT, with the aim of analyzing prospectively the tourism and hospitality sectors from the perspective of senior professionals and public and private decision makers, is illustrated in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on official tourism information and on-going research by IPDT, in particular, the “Barometer of Tourism”, which results are used to correlate with official statistics, thus demonstrating the Barometer’s value as a scanning tool.

Findings

BoT is a simple and low budget tool that can successfully predict the behaviour of tourism demand for Portugal in the short and medium term. After 50 editions, BoT established itself as a recognized and unique trends’ identification tool for the Portuguese hospitality and tourism organizations.

Practical implications

Results provide rich insights on analyzing prospectively the tourism and hospitality sectors from the perspective of senior professionals and public and private decision makers.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to illustrate that BoT can successfully predict the behaviour of tourism demand for Portugal, being a simple, low-budget and recognized tool for trends identification in hospitality, travel and tourism organizations.
Monotony of social networking among millennial and its effect on social advertisement: a challenge to digital marketers
Authors: Singh Rashmi
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to investigate an initial understanding about the different factors that are inducing and stemming the monotony of different social networking sites (SNSs). Specifically, the study provides an initial understanding for the liking/disliking of different SNSs, factors affecting users’ monotony and its impact on the success and effectiveness of different marketing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was adopted from previously developed and validated scales. The questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students enrolled in different universities in India. We have used regression analysis, bootstrapping technique, Sobel test and ANOVA to address the research questions and hence to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that gender does not have any impact on the monotony of SNSs. Both genders are experiencing boredom for SNSs and spend less time on such sites. Moreover, SNS boredom negatively impacts users’ attitudes toward different SNSs such as Facebook, twitter, etc., which in turn develop negative attitudes toward the different advertisement on these sites. This study revealed the marketers’ necessity of studying the phenomenon of SNS boredom. One of the most important finding of this study is that users’ age decides the level of monotony/boredom with the social sites; older users report significantly lower levels of social sites boredom as compared to younger users.

Research limitations/implications

To capture the opinion of SNS users, this study used a sample of students from different universities. The study findings are primarily based on studies utilizing millennial population.

Originality/value

This is the first study which empirically examines the phenomenon of social networking boredom among millennial by linking the theories of monotony, i.e. gratification theory. The findings of the study added a chapter in the literature by identifying the underlying mechanism through which monotony of SNS impacts effectiveness of the social media marketing activities. The findings shed more light on the consequences of SNS monotony for the digital marketers and revealed that age is an important factor in it.
If children won lotteries: materialism, gratitude and imaginary windfall spending
Authors: Kiang Lisa , Mendonça Sara , Liang Yue , Payir Ayse , O’Brien Lia T. , Tudge Jonathan R.H. , Freitas Lia B.L.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Despite USA’s emphasis on children as consumers with great spending power, little is known about their actual spending preferences and how they might be linked to personal character traits such as materialism and gratitude. This study aims to address this literature gap by examining children’s spending preferences in an imaginary windfall scenario, as well as main and interactive effects of materialism and gratitude on such preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a school-based research study. Survey methodology was used in which self-report measures were collected from 247 7-14-year-old children (58 per cent male).

Findings

Results suggest that materialism was significantly associated with saving resources and allocating less money to charity. Gratitude was related to more charitable giving. One interactive effect was found whereby the link between more materialism and saving was attenuated by high levels of gratitude. Contrary to expectations, no age or gender differences in spending preferences or materialism were found, but older children and girls reported higher gratitude than did younger children and boys.

Research limitations/implications

Although cross-sectional data limit conclusions regarding directionality, the results have implications for understanding children’s consumer behavior, as well as children’s well-being, self-regulation and ability to delay gratification.

Practical implications

The results suggest that materialism, with its emphasis on consumption, and gratitude, with its positive feedback loop that encourages prosocial connections, are particularly relevant avenues to continue examining in future research on youth consumer patterns.

Social implications

Gratitude not only promotes social connectedness but also is more environmentally sustainable in promoting appreciation for what one has rather than wanting more. Uncovering ways that these characteristics are linked to hypothetical and, ultimately, actual spending behavior reflects a meaningful contribution to the field.

Originality/value

This paper fills gaps in the literature by examining links between specific character traits and potential spending behaviors, with deeper implications for children’s psychosocial development, self-regulation and environmental sustainability.
Teen girls’ adoption of a virtual fashion world
Authors: Kobia Caroline , Liu Chuanlan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of teen consumers’ adoption of virtual fashion. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of individual variables, including fashion innovativeness and peer pressure, on needs gratification, attitudes and adoption of virtual fashion worlds (VFWs) among teen girl consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was designed and administered to a convenience sample of female teens. Empirical analyses were performed on 177 valid responses. Structural equation modeling was used to test all hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that adoption of VFWs in the sample was affected significantly by teen female consumers’ needs gratification, attitudes about VFWs and fashion innovativeness. However, peer pressure had no effects.

Originality/value

The emergence of different types of virtual worlds has influenced the way in which business is conducted, and VFWs are a popular trend. However, no studies have examined consumers’ adoption of VFWs that promote fashion using avatars and offer similar styles for teens in the real world. The study adds to existing literature related to consumers’ adoption of innovations by integrating communication, sociological and innovation adoption theories.
Family‐based outpatient treatments: a viable alternative to hospitalization for suicidal adolescents
Authors: Lear Mary K. , Pepper Carolyn M.
Published: December 2016

Historically, inpatient hospitalization has historically been a primary approach for managing risk in suicidal adolescents. However, hospitalization is disruptive and its efficacy in reducing suicide risk for adolescents is unclear. Preliminary data suggest that hospitalization may be iatrogenic and result in increased risk for subsequent hospitalizations and continued suicidal behaviour (Linehan, April 2016; Prinstein et al., 2008). This paper first discusses potential theoretical pitfalls of psychiatric hospitalization for suicidal adolescents, specifically poor triage to outpatient treatment, stigma, and social isolation. Secondly, we present outpatient family‐based therapy as an alternative evidence‐based approach for treating suicidal adolescents. To achieve this aim we review the existing research base examining specific family‐based outpatient treatments and discuss practical considerations concerning the implementation of family‐based approaches with suicidal adolescents.

Practitioner points

Inpatient hospitalization is a frontline treatment for treating suicidal adolescents despite the lack of evidence supporting this approach and growing evidence of negative effects

Suicidal adolescents can be treated effectively and safely in outpatient settings

Several family‐based therapies for suicidal adolescents have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing suicidality and improving family functioning
Beyond Public Sector Reform – The Persistence of Change
Authors: Shannon Elizabeth Ann
Published: December 2016

This article responds to the conundrum of public sector reform identified by O'Flynn (2015): why are so many reform programs initiated when so few clearly apparent and measurable benefits result? It draws on the literature analysing change management in the public sector and the results of a qualitative analysis of responses from Tasmanian health and human services public sector employees. While recognising the contextualised nature of change in a complex, adaptive system, the article identifies some lessons that may be drawn from this case study and applied more broadly. These include the importance of: communication, understanding employee stress and promoting practices for resilience, and for explicit change management and leadership throughout the organisation. An overview of change management resources developed by public sector agencies around Australia suggests that this approach is more common in the practice of public sector reform than it is reflected in the literature analysing these reforms.
Case Study – The Making of an Institutional Crisis: The Mass Release of Inmates by a Correctional Agency
Authors: Useem Bert , Pacholke Dan , Mullins Sandy Felkey
Published: December 2016

A US state correctional agency inadvertently released a large numbers of inmates before expiration of their sentences. This created an institutional crisis, for three reasons. First, the correctly timed release of inmates is unequivocally central the agency's core mission. Second, the early releases were consequential, in that serious crimes were committed by those only out of prison because of early release. Third, a citizen alerted the agency of an early‐release calculation for a particular offender, but the agency failed to act on this information. The correctional agency responded to this crisis by changing both its operating procedure and its culture.
The long‐term immunological effects of alloferon and its analogues in the mealworm Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Czarniewska Elżbieta , Urbański Arkadiusz , Chowański Szymon , Kuczer Mariola
Published: December 2016

The subject of this article is a search for the long‐term immunological effects of alloferon and 3 structural analogues of alloferon, which were earlier characterized by the highest pro‐apoptotic activity in Tenebrio molitor. The differences in the actions of these peptides on immune response were observed. Alloferon increased nodulation and significantly phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of experimentally infected T. molitor. However, [Phe(p‐NH2)1]‐ and [Phe(p‐OMe)1]‐alloferon strongly inhibited cellular and humoral defense of the mealworm against Staphylococcus aureus infection. One day after injection of these peptides, the specific biochemical and morphological hallmarks of apoptosis in bacteria‐challenged hemocytes were visible; in contrast, 3 days after peptides injection in all hemocytes, caspase activation was not observed. However, these new, circulating hemocytes differed from the control and the peptide‐untreated bacteria‐challenged hemocytes. They had an increased adhesion that led to a separation of viable, anucleated fragments of hemocytes that retain the ability to adhere and to form long filopodia. The peptide‐induced separation of hemocyte fragments may resemble the formation of platelets in mammals and perhaps play a role in sealing wounds in insects. The results of in vivo studies may suggest a long half‐life of studied peptides in the hemolymph of mealworm. Moreover, we showed the importance of the N‐terminal histidine residues at position one of the alloferon molecule for its immunological properties in insects. The results obtained here show that alloferon plays pleiotropic functions in insects.
Brain volume change in first‐episode psychosis: an effect of antipsychotic medication independent of BMI change
Authors: Jørgensen K. N. , Nesvåg R. , Nerland S. , Mørch‐Johnsen L. , Westlye L. T. , Lange E. H. , Haukvik U. K. , Hartberg C. B. , Melle I. , Andreassen O. A. , Agartz I.
Published: December 2016

Objective

The effect of antipsychotic medication on brain structure remains unclear. Given the prevalence of weight gain as a side‐effect, body mass index (BMI) change could be a confounder.

Method

Patients with first‐episode psychosis (n = 78) and healthy controls (n = 119) underwent two 1.5T MRI scans with a 1‐year follow‐up interval. siena (fsl 5.0) was used to measure whole‐brain volume change. Weight and height were measured at both time points. Antipsychotic medication use at baseline and follow‐up was converted into chlorpromazine equivalent dose and averaged.

Results

Patients did not show significantly larger brain volume loss compared with healthy controls. In the whole sample (n = 197), BMI change was negatively associated with brain volume change (β = −0.19, P = 0.008); there was no interaction effect of group. Among patients, higher antipsychotic medication dosage was associated with greater brain volume loss (β = −0.45, P < 0.001). This association was not affected by adjusting for BMI change.

Conclusion

Weight gain was related to brain volume reductions to a similar degree among patients and controls. Antipsychotic dosage‐related reductions of brain volume were not confounded by BMI change. Generalizability to contexts involving severe weight gain needs to be established. Furthermore, disentangling effects of medication from illness severity remains a challenge.
Biologgers reveal post‐release behavioural impairments of freshwater turtles following interactions with fishing nets
Authors: Gutowsky L. F. G. , Stoot L. J. , Cairns N. A. , Thiem J. D. , Brownscombe J. W. , Danylchuk A. J. , Blouin‐Demers G. , Cooke S. J.
Published: December 2016

Bycatch, the incidental capture of non‐target organisms, occurs in most commercial fisheries. Although immediate bycatch mortality is frequently documented in fisheries, detrimental sub‐lethal effects and potential post‐release mortality remain largely unknown despite the potential population‐level consequences. Turtles are captured as bycatch and their populations are vulnerable to slight increases in adult mortality. In eastern Ontario, turtles are frequently captured as bycatch in a small‐scale freshwater commercial fyke‐net fishery and, currently, the fate of discarded turtles is unknown. We wished to determine the effect of fyke‐net capture on post‐release survival and behaviour in eastern musk turtles Sternotherus odoratus and painted turtles Chrysemys picta. We used biologgers equipped with tri‐axial acceleration, depth and temperature sensors to document locomotor activity, vertical distribution, and temperature use of entrapped (exposed to forced submergence for 4 h) and control turtles upon release. Overall dynamic body acceleration was used as a measure of post‐release activity for the first hour, first 6 h, and first 48 h. Post‐release mortality was not detected. Turtles subjected to entrapment exhibited lower activity during the first 6 h following release, and their vertical distribution and temperature use differed in the first 2 h following release, but these effects disappeared after 48 h, suggesting turtles have the ability to recover. Quantifying the post‐release mortality and sub‐lethal effects of entrapment is important for estimating the population effects associated with bycatch.
Brutalism Redux: Relational Monumentality and the Urban Politics of Brutalist Architecture
Authors: Mould Oli
Published: December 2016

Brutalism is an architectural form that is experiencing somewhat of a revival of late. This revival focuses almost purely on its aesthetics, but there is an ethical dimension to Brutalism that often gets overlooked in these narratives. This paper therefore reanalyses the original concepts and ethics of brutalist architecture with a reaffirmation of the original triumvirate of brutalist ethics as articulated by Raynar Banham as monumentality, structural honesty and materials “as found”. The paper then articulates these through the literature on architectural affect to argue that brutalist ethics are continually “enacted” via a relational monumentality that brings the building and its inhabitants together in the practice of inhabitation. Using the case study of Robin Hood Gardens in London, the paper posits that a “brutalist politics” comes into light that can help catalyse a broader critique of contemporary neoliberalism.
Uterine artery Doppler measurements during first and second trimesters of normal pregnancy
Authors: Stridsklev Solhild , Salvesen Øyvind , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Carlsen Sven M. , Husøy May A. , Vanky Eszter
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to construct a reference curve based on longitudinal Doppler blood flow measurements of the uterine artery during the first and second trimesters of normal pregnancy.

Material and methods

Healthy pregnant women (n = 124) between 18 and 38 years of age were included. The uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI) was measured with transvaginal ultrasound in the first trimester (gestational weeks 8–10 and 11–13) and with transabdominal ultrasound in the second trimester (gestational weeks 18 and 24). Individual longitudinal curves were constructed and a reference curve was created.

Results

A centile curve with the normal distribution of the UtAPI during the first and second trimesters was constructed. We found that 90% of the women alternated between quartiles during the four examinations between gestational weeks 8 and 24, but 75% remained within the higher or lower range.

Conclusions

A UtAPI reference curve was constructed for the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Although the mean UtAPI values may vary from one examination to the next, most mean UtAPI values remain within the higher or lower range, i.e. above or below the 50th centile.
Quantification of Operational Learning in Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Antonitsis Polychronis , Asteriou Christos , Argiriadou Helena , Deliopoulos Apostolos , Konstantinou Dimitrios , Grosomanidis Vassilios , Tossios Paschalis
Published: December 2016

Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) has initiated important new efforts within science and technology towards a more physiologic perfusion. In this study, we aim to investigate the learning curve of our center regarding MiECC. We studied a series of 150 consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting by the same surgical team during the initial phase of MiECC application. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A (n = 75) included patients operated on MiECC, while group B (n = 75) included patients operated with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (cCPB). The primary end‐point of the study was to identify whether there is a learning curve when operating on MiECC. The following parameters were unrelated with increasing experience, even though the results favored MiECC use: reduced CPB duration (102.9 ± 25 vs. 122.2 ± 33 min, P <0.001), peak troponin release (0.07 ± 0.02 vs. 0.1 ± 0.04 ng/mL, P < 0.01), peak creatinine levels (0.97 ± 0.24 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (14.1 ± 7.2 vs. 36.9 ± 59.8 h, P < 0.01) and ICU stay (2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 4.4 ± 6.4 days, P < 0.01). However, need for intraoperative blood transfusion showed a trend towards a gradual decrease as experience with MiECC system was accumulating (R2 = 0.094, P = 0.007). Subsequently, operational learning applied to postoperative hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (R2 = 0.098, P = 0.006). We identified that advantages of MiECC technology in terms of reduced hemodilution and improved end‐organ protection and clinical outcome are evident from the first patient. Optimal results are obtained with 50 cases; this refers mainly to significant reduction in the need for intraoperative blood transfusion. Teamwork from surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perfusionists is of paramount importance in order to maximize the clinical benefits from this technology.
The interplay of nutrients and tree invasion shapes the plant community in heathland habitats
Authors: Fagúndez Jaime
Published: December 2016

Can drivers of temporal vegetation changes and their interactions be modelled in dynamic ecosystems? Kepfer‐Rojas et al., in this issue of Applied Vegetation Science, studied species richness and cover in an unmanaged heathland to address this topic. Complex interactions between drivers and their degree of spatial dependence condition the success of each functional group, in a scenario of permanent competition.
Randomized, controlled, multicentre clinical trial of the antipyretic effect of intravenous paracetamol in patients admitted to hospital with infection
Authors: Tsaganos Thomas , Tseti Ioulia K. , Tziolos Nikolaos , Soumelas Georgios‐Stefanos , Koupetori Marina , Pyrpasopoulou Athina , Akinosoglou Karolina , Gogos Charalambos , Tsokos Nikolaos , Karagiannis Asterios , Sympardi Styliani , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: December 2016

Aim

No randomized study has been conducted to investigate the use of intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) for the management of fever due to infection. The present study evaluated a new ready‐made infusion of paracetamol.

Methods

Eighty patients with a body temperature onset ≥38.5°C in the previous 24 h due to infection were randomized to a single administration of placebo (n = 39) or 1 g paracetamol (n = 41), and their temperature was recorded at standard intervals. Rescue medication with 1 g paracetamol was allowed. Serum samples were collected for the measurement of APAP and its metabolites. The primary endpoint was defervescence, defined as a core temperature ≤37.1°C.

Results

During the first 6 h, defervescence was achieved in 15 (38.5%) patients treated with placebo compared with 33 (80.5%) patients treated with paracetamol 1 g (P < 0.0001). The median time to defervescence with paracetamol 1 g was 3 h. Rescue medication was given to 15 (38.5%) and five (12.2%) patients allocated to placebo and paracetamol, respectively (P = 0.007); nine (60.0%) and two (40.0%) of these patients, respectively, experienced defervescence. No further antipyretic medication was needed for patients becoming afebrile with rescue medication. Serum glucuronide‐APAP concentrations were significantly greater in the serum of patients who did not experience defervescence with paracetamol. The efficacy of paracetamol was not affected by serum creatinine. No drug‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The 1 g paracetamol formulation has a rapid and sustainable antipyretic effect on fever due to infection. Its efficacy is dependent on hepatic metabolism.
Using video technology to enable student voice in assessment feedback
Authors: Van der Kleij Fabienne , Adie Lenore , Cumming Joy
Published: December 2016

Students’ voices have been remarkably absent in feedback research, yet research shows that the way students engage with feedback significantly impacts on its effect on learning. Feedback research has mainly focused on aspects of the feedback message between a sender and receiver, with little consideration of the positioning of students in this process. This article (a) provides an overview of the literature about feedback in education and the role of the student in these processes and (b) provides findings from a pilot project that explored the use of video technology as a self‐reflection tool for six teachers and six students to capture assessment interactions and give students a voice in feedback conversations. The pilot employed iPads to facilitate video‐aided self‐reflection on feedback practices. The results suggest that not only is video a powerful tool for teacher reflection on their feedback practices, it can also provide better understanding of the student perspective in feedback conversations. Importantly, involving students themselves in video‐stimulated recall of feedback conversations has the potential to contribute to students’ self‐reflection of their involvement in the feedback process, encouraging them to make their voices heard and participate in feedback as a dialogic practice.
Mutations in DYNC2H1, the cytoplasmic dynein 2, heavy chain 1 motor protein gene, cause short‐rib polydactyly type I, Saldino–Noonan type
Authors: Badiner N. , Taylor S.P. , Forlenza K. , Lachman R. S. ,   University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics, Bamshad M. , Nickerson D. , Cohn D. H. , Krakow D.
Published: December 2016

The short‐rib polydactyly syndromes (SRPS) are autosomal recessively inherited, genetically heterogeneous skeletal ciliopathies. SRPS phenotypes were historically categorized as types I–IV, with type I first delineated by Saldino and Noonan in 1972. Characteristic findings among all forms of SRP include short horizontal ribs, short limbs and polydactyly. The SRP type I phenotype is characterized by a very small thorax, extreme micromelia, very short, poorly mineralized long bones, and multiple organ system anomalies. To date, the molecular basis of this most severe type of SRP, also known as Saldino–Noonan syndrome, has not been determined. We identified three SRP cases that fit the original phenotypic description of SRP type I. In all three cases, exome sequence analysis revealed compound heterozygosity for mutations in DYNC2H1, which encodes the main component of the retrograde IFT A motor, cytoplasmic dynein 2 heavy chain 1. Thus SRP type I, II, III and asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD), which also result from DYNC2H1 mutations. Herein we describe the phenotypic features, radiographic findings, and molecular basis of SRP type I.
Associations ofmicroRNAsingle nucleotide polymorphisms and disease risk and pathophysiology
Authors: Liu X. , Han Z. , Yang C.
Published: December 2016

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are genetic variations that contribute to human phenotypes associated with various diseases.SNPsare involved in the regulation of a broad range of physiological and pathological processes, such as cellular senescence, apoptosis, inflammation, and immune response, by upregulating the expression of classical inflammation markers. Recent studies have suggested thatSNPslocated in gene‐encodingmicroRNAs(miRNAs) affect various aspects of diseases by regulating the expression or activity ofmiRNAs. In the last few years,miRNApolymorphisms that increase and/or reduce the risk of developing many diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, have attracted increasing attention not only because of their involvement in the pathophysiology of diseases but also because they can be used as prognostic biomarkers for a variety of diseases. In this review, we summarize the relationships betweenmiRNA SNPsand the pathophysiology and risk of diseases.
Multispecies genetic objectives in spatial conservation planning
Authors: Nielsen Erica S. , Beger Maria , Henriques Romina , Selkoe Kimberly A. , von der Heyden Sophie
Published: December 2016

Growing threats to biodiversity and global alteration of habitats and species distributions make it increasingly necessary to consider evolutionary patterns in conservation decision making. Yet, there is no clear‐cut guidance on how genetic features can be incorporated into conservation‐planning processes, despite multiple molecular markers and several genetic metrics for each marker type to choose from. Genetic patterns differ between species, but the potential tradeoffs among genetic objectives for multiple species in conservation planning are currently understudied. We compared spatial conservation prioritizations derived from 2 metrics of genetic diversity (nucleotide and haplotype diversity) and 2 metrics of genetic isolation (private haplotypes and local genetic differentiation) in mitochondrial DNA of 5 marine species. We compared outcomes of conservation plans based only on habitat representation with plans based on genetic data and habitat representation. Fewer priority areas were selected for conservation plans based solely on habitat representation than on plans that included habitat and genetic data. All 4 genetic metrics selected approximately similar conservation‐priority areas, which is likely a result of prioritizing genetic patterns across a genetically diverse array of species. Largely, our results suggest that multispecies genetic conservation objectives are vital to creating protected‐area networks that appropriately preserve community‐level evolutionary patterns.
Discriminatory ability of right atrial volumes with two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiography to detect elevated right atrial pressure in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ostenfeld Ellen , Werther‐Evaldsson Anna , Engblom Henrik , Ingvarsson Annika , Roijer Anders , Meurling Carl , Holm Johan , Rådegran Göran , Carlsson Marcus
Published: December 2016

Aims

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients have high mortality due to right ventricular failure. Predictors of poor prognostic outcome are increased right atrial volume (RAV) and elevated mean right atrial pressure (mRAP). Our aim was to determine whether RAV measured with 2D echocardiography (2DE) and 3D echocardiography (3DE) can detect elevated mRAP in patients evaluated for PH.

Methods

Of 85 patients prospectively evaluated for PH, 44 patients (63 ± 15 years, 57% female) had 2DE, 3DE and right heart catheterization within 48 h and were in sinus rhythm. Maximum (RAVmax) and minimum (RAVmin) volumes were measured with 3DE. 2D maximum RAV and RA area, inferior vena cava diameter and collapsibility were measured. Invasive mRAP > 8 mmHg was predefined as elevated.

Results

RAVmax and RAVmin correlated with mRAP (r = 0·40 and r = 0·35, P<0·05, for both), and so did 2DE maximum RAV (r = 0·42, P = 0·005) and RA area (r = 0·40, P = 0·008). Area under the curve (AUC) from receiver‐operating characteristics curves was for 3DE 0·77 for RAVmax, 0·74 for RAVmin, from 2DE, 0·76 for maximum RAV and 0·75 for RA area to discriminate elevated mRAP (P<0·01 for all). PH patients had larger 3D RAV compared with controls (P<0·01). IVC diameter correlated with mRAP (r = 0·41, P = 0·007), but collapsibility did not (P = 0·078). AUC was neither significant for IVC diameter nor for collapsibility for predicting mRAP>8 mmHg. The optimal threshold was 57 ml m−2 for RAVmax, 31 ml m−2 for RAVmin and 36 ml m−2 for 2DE RAV.

Conclusions

Enlarged RA measures with 2DE and 3DE have better discriminatory ability compared with IVC measures, to detect elevated mRAP in patients evaluated for PH.
The declined levels of inflammatory cytokines related with weaning rate during period of septic patients using ventilators
Authors: Yang Chao‐Huei , Hsiao Jung‐Lung , Wu Ming‐Feng , Lu Mei‐Hua , Chang Hui‐Ming , Ko Wang‐Sheng , Chiou Ya‐ling
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Approximately 50% of patients with sepsis‐induced acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome require mechanical ventilation. Patients with extended mechanical ventilator use routinely develop reinfections, which increases hospital stay, mortality, and health care cost. Some studies have pointed out inflammatory factors concentrations can affect ventilator weaning, but do not indicate changed inflammatory factors related to ventilator weaning during using ventilators.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate during period of septic patients using ventilators, the inflammatory cytokines concentrations related with weaning rate.

Methods

Blood was collected from 35 septic patients before and during ventilator use on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 (or weaning).

Results

58.3% (N = 20) of septic patients with mechanical ventilators were weaned successfully within 21 days (ventilator weaned group, VW), 16.7% (N = 6) did not wean within 21 days (ventilator dependent group, VD), and 25% died (death group) in hospital. Before ventilator use, higher C‐reactive protein (CRP), IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels were measured in the death group than in all other groups (P < .05). During ventilator use, CRP, IL‐6, and IL‐8 concentrations declined significantly in VW and VD patients (P < .05). In addition, IL‐6 concentrations in the VW group were significantly lower than in the VD group at 14 and 21 days (P < .05).

Conclusion

The factors of ventilators weaning successfully such as disease control, nutritional status, and so on. The declined levels of serum inflammatory cytokines, especially IL‐6, improved inflammation status might be one factor of successfully weaning during septic patients on ventilators.
Animal‐to‐Human Dose Translation of Obiltoxaximab for Treatment of Inhalational Anthrax Under the US FDA Animal Rule
Authors: Nagy CF , Mondick J , Serbina N , Casey LS , Carpenter SE , French J , Guttendorf R
Published: December 2016

Obiltoxaximab, a monoclonal antibody against protective antigen (PA), is approved for treatment of inhalational anthrax under the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Animal Rule. The human dose was selected and justified by comparing observed obiltoxaximab exposures in healthy and infected New Zealand White rabbits and cynomolgus macaques to observed exposures in healthy humans, to simulated exposures in healthy and infected humans, and to serum PA levels in infected animals. In humans, at 16 mg/kg intravenous, obiltoxaximab AUC was >2 times that in animals, while maximum serum concentrations were comparable to those in animals and were maintained in excess of the concentration required for PA neutralization in infected animals for 2–3 weeks. Obiltoxaximab 16 mg/kg in humans provided exposure beyond that of 16 mg/kg in animals, ensuring a sufficient duration of PA neutralization to allow for adaptive immunity development. Our approach to dose translation may be applicable to other agents being developed under the Animal Rule.
Incidence and prevalence of childhood‐onset Type 1 diabetes in Japan: the T1D study
Authors: Onda Y. , Sugihara S. , Ogata T. , Yokoya S. , Yokoyama T. , Tajima N. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Study Group
Published: December 2016

Aims

A majority of children with Type 1 diabetes in Japan are registered with the government‐subsidized Specified Pediatric Chronic Disease Treatment Research Projects (SPCDTRP). In this study, the incidence and prevalence of childhood‐onset (< 15 years) Type 1 diabetes in Japan were estimated by drawing on SPCDTRP data.

Methods

Data available for 2005–2012 from the SPCDTRP and Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications were used to estimate the incidence of Type 1 diabetes for 2005–2010, adjusted to cover those registered within 3 years of disease onset and stratified by sex, age at onset and period of onset.

Results

The incidence of Type 1 diabetes for 2005–2010 was 2.25/100,000 persons [95% confidence intervals (95% CI), 2.14–2.36] (boys: 1.91, 95% CI, 1.83–1.98; girls: 2.52, 95% CI, 2.34–2.69), with that for the age brackets 0–4, 5–9 and 10–14 years being 1.48 (95% CI, 1.29–1.66), 2.27 (95% CI, 2.08–2.47) and 3.00 (95% CI, 2.74–3.25), respectively. The onset of disease was shown to peak at age 13 among boys (3.28, 95% CI, 3.02–3.55) and at age 10 among girls (3.28, 95% CI, 3.02–3.55). The peak periods of disease onset were April/May and December. The number of children aged < 15 years with Type 1 diabetes for 2005–2012 was estimated to be 2326 (95% CI, 2202–2450) with the prevalence estimated as 13.53/100,000 persons (95% CI, 12.63–14.43).

Conclusions

Study findings demonstrated no increase in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes, although suggesting, in agreement with earlier reports, that the onset of disease peaks in adolescence with a female predominance. In addition, the incidence of childhood‐onset diabetes exhibited an annual bimodal pattern in this study.
Pareto Models, Top Incomes and Recent Trends in UK Income Inequality
Authors: Jenkins Stephen P.
Published: December 2016

I determine UK income inequality levels and trends by combining inequality estimates from tax return data (for the ‘rich’) and household survey data (for the ‘non‐rich’), taking advantage of the better coverage of top incomes in tax return data (which I demonstrate) and creating income variables in the survey data with the same definitions as in the tax data to enhance comparability. For top income recipients, I estimate inequality and mean income by fitting Pareto models to the tax data, examining specification issues in depth, notably whether to use Pareto I or Pareto II (generalized Pareto) models, and the choice of income threshold above which the Pareto models apply. The preferred specification is a Pareto II model with a threshold set at the 99th or 95th percentile (depending on year). Conclusions about aggregate UK inequality trends since the mid‐1990s are robust to the way in which tax data are employed. The Gini coefficient for individual gross income rose by around 7% or 8% between 1996/7 and 2007/8, with most of the increase occurring after 2003/4. The corresponding estimate based wholly on the survey data is around −5%.
The Effects of Recommended Retail Prices on Consumer and Retailer Behaviour
Authors: Bruttel Lisa
Published: December 2016

This paper presents results from an experiment on the effects of recommended retail prices on consumer and retailer behaviour. We present evidence that recommended retail prices, despite their non‐binding nature, influence consumers’ willingness to pay by setting a reference point. At a given price, consumers buy more the higher the recommended retail price is, and their demand drops at prices above the recommended retail price, even when it is entirely uninformative about the value of the product. Retailers in this study are subject to similar anchoring effects, but they do not anticipate consumers’ behaviour well and are thus not able to exploit their behavioural biases.
Shock associated with endothelial dysfunction in omental microvessels
Authors: Somberg Lewis B. , Gutterman David D. , Miura Hiroto , Nirula Raminder , Hatoum Ossama A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Impaired microvascular function leads to a poor outcome in a variety of medical conditions. Our aim was to determine whether vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (Ach) are impaired in human omental arterioles from patients with severe trauma.

Materials and methods

Patients with massive blood loss and severe shock requiring damage control procedures were included. Tissues were collected at the first (FEL) and the second explorative laparotomy (SEL). Control tissues were collected from nontrauma patients. Freshly isolated 50–200‐μm‐diameter omental arterioles were analysed using videomicroscopy. Dihydroethidine and DCF‐DA fluorescence were used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. MnTBAP was used to determine the contribution of excess vascular superoxide contribution to endothelial dysfunction.

Results

After constriction (30–50%) with endothelin‐1, dilation to graded doses of Ach (10−9–10−4 M) was greater in control vessels compared to FEL and SEL (max dilation at 10−4 M (MD) = 25 ± 3%, n = 8; and 59 ± 8%, n = 8, respectively, and controls MD = 93 ± 10%, n = 6, P < 0·05). Fluorescence imaging of ROS production showed significant increases in superoxide (225·46 ± 12·86; 215·77 ± 10·75 vs. 133·75 ± 7·26, arbitrary units; P < 0·05) and peroxide‐related ROS (240·8 ± 20·42; 234·59 ± 28·86, vs. 150·78 ± 15·65, arbitrary units; P < 0·05), in FEL and SEL microvessels compared to control, respectively. FEL pretreated with MnTBAP demonstrated significant improvement in Ach‐induced vasodilation (25·5 ± 3·0% vs. 79·5 ± 8·2%; P < 0·05).

Conclusions

Severe shock associated with microvascular endothelial dysfunction enhances production of ROS in human omental tissues. The altered flow regulation may contribute to a mismatch between local blood supply and demand, exacerbating abnormal tissue perfusion and function.
Removal of a large number of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region with navigation system
Authors: Yang Chan‐Yuan , Yang Rong‐Tao , He San‐Gang , Li Zhi
Published: December 2016

The removal of a large number of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region can be complicated and challenging. In this case report, a specific strategy for removal of multiple foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region is presented. A girl diagnosed with 24 foreign bodies in her left lower face and neck underwent the surgery using a computer‐assisted navigation system. A specific strategy was used in this case, which included from one sub‐region to the next and from the easiest to the most difficult. This strategy is recommended for the removal of a large number of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region with a navigation system.
Human mitochondrial nucleases
Authors: Bruni Francesco , Lightowlers Robert N. , Chrzanowska‐Lightowlers Zofia M.
Published: December 2016

Mitochondria are cytosolic organelles that have many essential roles including ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, iron‐sulfur cluster biogenesis, heme and steroid synthesis, calcium homeostasis, and regulation of cellular redox state. One of the unique features of these organelles is the presence of an extrachromosomal mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), together with all the machinery required to replicate and transcribe mtDNA. The accurate maintenance of mitochondrial gene expression is essential for correct organellar metabolism, and is in part dependent on the levels of mtDNA and mtRNA, which are regulated by balancing synthesis against degradation. It is clear that although a number of mitochondrial nucleases have been identified, not all those responsible for the degradation of DNA or RNA have been characterized. Recent investigations, however, have revealed the contribution that mutations in the genes coding for these enzymes has made to causing pathogenic mitochondrial diseases.
Frozen, but no accident – why the 20 standard amino acids were selected
Authors: Doig Andrew J.
Published: December 2016

The 20 standard amino acids encoded by the Genetic Code were adopted during the RNA World, around 4 billion years ago. This amino acid set could be regarded as a frozen accident, implying that other possible structures could equally well have been chosen to use in proteins. Amino acids were not primarily selected for their ability to support catalysis, as the RNA World already had highly effective cofactors to perform reactions, such as oxidation, reduction and transfer of small molecules. Rather, they were selected to enable the formation of soluble structures with close‐packed cores, allowing the presence of ordered binding pockets. Factors to take into account when assessing why a particular amino acid might be used include its component atoms, functional groups, biosynthetic cost, use in a protein core or on the surface, solubility and stability. Applying these criteria to the 20 standard amino acids, and considering some other simple alternatives that are not used, we find that there are excellent reasons for the selection of every amino acid. Rather than being a frozen accident, the set of amino acids selected appears to be near ideal.
Impact of six lignocellulosic biochars on C and N dynamics of two contrasting soils
Authors: Fidel Rivka B. , Laird David A. , Parkin Timothy B.
Published: December 2016

Both soil and biochar properties are known to influence greenhouse gas emissions from biochar‐amended soils, but poor understanding of underlying mechanisms challenges prediction and modeling. Here, we examine the effect of six lignocellulosic biochars produced from the pyrolysis of corn stover and wood feedstocks on CO2 and N2O emissions from soils collected from two bioenergy cropping systems. Effects of biochar on total accumulated CO2‐C emissions were minimal (<0.45 mg C g−1 soil; <10% of biochar C), consistent with mineralization and hydrolysis of small labile organic and inorganic C fractions in the studied biochars. Comparisons of soil CO2 emissions with emissions from microbially inoculated quartz–biochar mixtures (‘quartz controls’) provide evidence of soil and biochar‐specific negative priming. Five of six biochar amendments suppressed N2O emissions from at least one soil, and the magnitude of N2O emissions suppression varied with respect to both biochar and soil types. Biochar amendments consistently decreased final soil NO3− concentrations, while contrasting effects on pH, NH4+, and DOC highlighted the potential for formation of anaerobic microsites in biochar‐amended soils and consequential shifts in the soil redox environment. Thus, results implicated both reduced substrate availability and redox shifts as potential factors contributing to N2O emission suppression. More research is needed to confirm these mechanisms, but overall our results suggest that soil biochar amendments commonly reduce N2O emissions and have little effect on CO2 emissions beyond the mineralization and/or hydrolysis of labile biochar C fractions. Considering the large C credit for the biochar C, we conclude that biochar amendments can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the climate change mitigation potential of bioenergy cropping systems.