bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling an effective knowledge and information flow between the phases of building construction and facilities management
Authors: Tan Adeline Zhu Teng , Zaman Atiq , Sutrisna Monty
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate ways of transferring knowledge and information during the life-cycle phases of construction projects, particularly between the construction and occupancy phases, and to find an approach to minimise knowledge and information gaps during the handover process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a qualitative approach involving a literature review and an archival analysis of information flow in the studied cases of a construction project, followed by a cross-cases analysis and expert interviews. Data on information flow were collected from three cases of building construction projects in Perth, Western Australia. In addition, a total of 18 local facilities management experts were interviewed to identify the key reasons of knowledge and information gaps and to propose an effective knowledge flow model.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated a significant knowledge and information gap, which exists during the handover process in construction projects in Western Australia. The findings of case analysis and expert interviews identified that the project handover guidelines were often ignored in construction projects in Western Australia, and the handover phase was not given the same priority as the design and construction phases by most of the project stakeholders, which led to information and knowledge gaps between the project construction and post-occupancy phases. The study conducted, integrated knowledge and information flow modelling to analyse the knowledge and information gaps followed by mapping the gaps against existing knowledge sharing frameworks (KSFs) before proposing an integrated knowledge sharing conceptual model to improve current practice and to enhance the information flow during the various phases of the construction project life cycle.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on three cases in Perth, Western Australia, and thus the findings and recommendations are contextual. Whilst laying a good foundation to do so, further research is needed to investigate more cases in Western Australia and beyond to fully generalise the findings from this study.

Originality/value

The study contributes to improve the handover process and information flows in project life-cycle phases in Western Australia and develop an information flow model followed by bringing together existing KSFs, namely, the open communication channel (OCC), soft landing framework (SLF) and building information modelling (BIM), to propose an integrated knowledge sharing conceptual model. The methodology used here to analyse the information flow in a diagrammatic manner, the mapping of FM issues against the KSFs’ capabilities and a conceptual model to facilitate change in the industry’s silo mindset are the main contributions of this paper.
Export promotion programmes for assisting SMEs
Authors: Coudounaris Dafnis N.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on how small- and medium-sized enterprises can use export promotion programmes (EPPs) to improve their performance. The proposed conceptual model focuses on the need that the mechanism of awareness and use of EPPs should play a more active strategic role in shaping the firm’s export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis of the pertinent literature reveals 16 studies on EPPs.

Findings

This study reveals that there are 16 relationships which are important based on the meta-analytic correlations. The analysis of these relationships shows that EPPs, export performance, strategy, knowledge, commitment, capabilities, competitive advantage and experience are the mostly used constructs.

Originality/value

This investigation supports the view that the moderating effects of the improvement of trust relationship between partners, i.e. importers to exporter and public policymakers to exporter, and the mechanism of awareness and use of EPPs accelerate the firm’s export performance. EPPs explain 31.3 per cent of the variance in export performance indicating their catalytic role in the exports’ growth.
Interconnecting exporter types with export growth and decline patterns
Authors: Vissak Tiia , Lukason Oliver , Segovia-Vargas Maria-Jesus
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to find out if different exporter types dominate among matched mature Spanish and Estonian firms and whether these types are associated with specific export growth/decline patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on firm-level data from the Estonian Business Register’s database of annual financial reports and SEPI Foundation’s survey on Spanish firms’ business strategies. From both countries, 242 firms were included and the period 2009-2013 was chosen.

Findings

Committed exporters (with 75 per cent or higher export shares) dominated in Estonia and experimental exporters (with export shares mostly below 10 per cent) in Spain. While in Estonia, the most frequent export growth/decline pattern encompassed four consecutive growth years, in Spain, it had two consecutive growth years and then two decline years. Spanish firms’ export growth/decline patterns were more random: 12 patterns of 16 fell within the range of a random walk assumption, while in Estonia, only 5 patterns were within the range. Contingency existed between exporter types and export growth/decline patterns only for the whole sample.

Originality/value

This paper studies if committed/aggressive/active exporters experience more export fluctuations than passive/experimental exporters, and how random export growth/decline patterns are.
“Thinking Outside the Camp”: Education Solutions for Syrian Refugees in Jordan
Authors: VON BAEYER SARAH LEBARON
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a case study of a project on education solutions for Syrian refugees in Jordan conducted between 2015–2017. First, it describes how ReD's methodological approach provided a unique perspective to studies on refugees. By immersing a team in the day‐to‐day lives and settings that most Syrian refugees experience in Jordan—i.e., outside of camps and in people's actual homes—ReD led its client to “think outside the camp,” something that relief agencies and companies often fail to do due to the refugee camp model of humanitarian assistance that, ever since WWII, has dominated the approach to refugees. Second, as a result of its unique methodological approach, ReD uncovered important findings about social networks and technology use and access in Syrian refugees’ homes and communities that ultimately shaped the client's perspective on solution development. For example, ReD's team of ethnographers found that nearly all out‐of‐camp Syrian households had at least one Smartphone in their possession, if not two or more, and that digital devices served as important tools of communication and community‐building among people displaced by conflict. Consequently, ReD advised its client to tap into these pre‐existing social networks and mobile technologies in order to develop an education solution that best fit refugees’ “real‐life” practices. Ultimately, both ReD's methods and its findings led to a significant impact in how the client strategized on and developed their education solution, and can serve as a broader model for how to approach building services and/or products for displaced populations with access to basic mobile technologies.

“The Jordanian educational/policy response to refugees is broken and will not easily be fixed or tinkered with. Solutions must work around this system.” (Education expert and activist working with vulnerable youth and school dropouts in Jordan)
A clinical audit on the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic adenomyosis: Results in 117 women
Authors: Liang Eisen , Brown Bevan , Rachinsky Maxim
Published: January 2018

Background

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a possible uterine‐sparing treatment option for women with unsuccessful conservative management for adenomyosis‐related heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and dysmenorrhoea.

Aim

To conduct a clinical audit on the efficacy and safety of UAE for symptomatic adenomyosis.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of 309 women who underwent UAE identified 117 women with magnetic resonance imaging features of adenomyosis (junctional zone thickness ≥ 12 mm). Overall success and HMB control were rated by women. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Uterine Fibroid Symptom and health‐related Quality of Life (UFS‐QoL) symptoms score and quality of life score were also used to measure outcome.

Results

One hundred and fifteen women (98%) were available for outcome evaluation. The mean follow‐up was 22.5 months. Overall clinical success was achieved in 102/115 (89%) women; HMB control was achieved in 91/104 (88%); dysmenorrhea relief was achieved in 94/104 (90%), with VAS reduction of 6.13 (P < 0.001), Mean symptoms score was reduced from 58 to 17 at 12 months (P < 0.001) and QoL score increased from 42 to 88 at 12 months (P < 0.001). Hysterectomy was performed on six (5%) women. There were three (3%) mild groin haematomatas and three (3%) mild subacute complications (one possible endometritis, two urinary tract infections; all responded to oral antibiotics). Two women had unintended pregnancies which were complicated.

Conclusions

In this clinical audit UAE was found to be an effective uterine‐sparing option for women who had unsuccessful conservative treatments for adenomyosis‐related HMB and dysmenorrhoea. There were no major complications. Two women had unintended pregnancies that were complicated.
Refractory Pulmonary Edema and Upper Body Hypoxemia During Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation—A Case for Atrial Septostomy
Authors: Prasad Amit , Ghodsizad Ali , Brehm Christoph , Kozak Mark , Körner Michael , El Banayosy Aly , Singbartl Kai
Published: January 2018

Veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) provides mechanical circulatory support for patients with advanced cardiogenic shock, facilitating myocardial recovery and limiting multi‐organ failure. In patients with severely limited left ventricular ejection, peripheral VA‐ECMO can further increase left ventricular and left atrial pressures (LAP). Failure to decompress the left heart under these circumstances can result in pulmonary edema and upper body hypoxemia, that is, myocardial and cerebral ischemia. Atrial septostomy can decrease LAP in these situations. However, the effects of atrial septostomy on upper body oxygenation remain unknown. After IRB approval, we identified 9 out of 242 adult VA‐ECMO patients between January 2011 and June 2016 who also underwent atrial septostomy for refractory pulmonary edema/upper body hypoxemia. We analyzed LAP/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), right atrial pressures (RAPs), PaO2/FiO2 ratios (blood samples from right radial artery), intrathoracic volume status, and resolution of pulmonary edema before and up to 48 h after septostomy. There were no procedure‐related complications. Thirty‐day survival was 44%. LAP/PCWP decreased by approximately 40% immediately following septostomy and remained so for at least 24 h. PaO2/FiO2 ratios significantly increased from 0.49 (0.38–2.12) before to 5.35 (3.01–7.69) immediately after septostomy and continued so for 24 h, 6.6 (4.49–10.93). Radiographic measurements also indicated a significant improvement in thoracic intravascular volume status after atrial septostomy. Atrial septostomy reduces LAP and improves upper body oxygenation and intrathoracic vascular volume status in patients developing severe refractory pulmonary edema while undergoing peripheral VA‐ECMO. Atrial septostomy therefore appears safe and suitable to reduce the risk of upper body ischemia under these circumstances.
A Weaning Protocol for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With a Review of the Literature
Authors: Grant April A. , Hart Valerie J. , Lineen Edward B. , Badiye Amit , Byers Patricia M. , Patel Amit , Vianna Rodrigo , Koerner Michael M. , El Banayosy Aly , Loebe Matthias , Ghodsizad Ali
Published: January 2018

Several articles have discussed the weaning process for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; however, there is no published report to outline a standardized approach for weaning a patient from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This complex process requires an organized approach and a thorough understanding of ventilator management and ECMO physiology. The purpose of this article is to describe the venovenous ECMO weaning protocol used at our institution as well as provide a review of the literature.
First‐in‐human study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BMS‐962212, a direct, reversible, small molecule factor XIa inhibitor in non‐Japanese and Japanese healthy subjects
Authors: Perera Vidya , Luettgen Joseph M. , Wang Zhaoqing , Frost Charles E. , Yones Cynthia , Russo Cesare , Lee John , Zhao Yue , LaCreta Frank P. , Ma Xuewen , Knabb Robert M. , Seiffert Dietmar , DeSouza Mary , Mugnier Pierre , Cirincione Brenda , Ueno Takayo , Frost Robert J. A.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aims of the present study were to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of BMS‐962212, a first‐in‐class factor XIa inhibitor, in Japanese and non‐Japanese healthy subjects.

Methods

This was a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, sequential, ascending‐dose study of 2‐h (part A) and 5‐day (part B) intravenous (IV) infusions of BMS‐962212. Part A used four doses (1.5, 4, 10 and 25 mg h−1) of BMS‐962212 or placebo in a 6:2 ratio per dose. Part B used four doses (1, 3, 9 and 20 mg h−1) enrolling Japanese (n = 4 active, n = 1 placebo) and non‐Japanese (n = 4 active, n = 1 placebo) subjects per dose. The PK, PD, safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the study.

Results

BMS‐962212 was well tolerated; there were no signs of bleeding, and adverse events were mild. In parts A and B, BMS‐962212 demonstrated dose proportionality. The mean half‐life in parts A and B ranged from 2.04 to 4.94 h and 6.22 to 8.65 h, respectively. Exposure‐dependent changes were observed in the PD parameters, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and factor XI clotting activity (FXI:C). The maximum mean aPTT and FXI:C change from baseline at 20 mg h−1 in part B was 92% and 90%, respectively. No difference was observed in weight‐corrected steady‐state concentrations, aPTT or FXI:C between Japanese and non‐Japanese subjects (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

BMS‐962212 has tolerability, PK and PD properties suitable for investigational use as an acute antithrombotic agent in Japanese or non‐Japanese subjects.
Hypoalbuminaemia segregates different prognostic subgroups within the refined standard risk acute graft‐versus‐host disease score
Authors: Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Sheets Kyle , Kumar Ambuj , Murthy Hemant S. , Nishihori Taiga , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Mina Alain , Mathews John , Ayala Ernesto , Chavez Julio , Perez Lia E. , Betts Brian C. , Anasetti Claudio , Pidala Joseph
Published: January 2018

Hypoalbuminaemia has been previously described to predict worse non‐relapse mortality (NRM) and inferior overall survival (OS) in allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (allo‐HCT) recipients. Here, we evaluate the role of hypoalbuminaemia (<35 g/l) at time of onset of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) when incorporated into the refined aGVHD score. The study population consisted of 522 patients, median age 53 (18–75) years, who underwent an allo‐HCT mostly for haematological malignancies. Standard risk (SR) aGVHD comprised 467 patients (89%) and the number of high risk (HR) cases was 55 (11%). Median follow‐up for all surviving patients was 26 (3–55) months. Two‐year OS was significantly better in patients with SR aGVHD with a serum albumin ≥35 g/l compared to SR with albumin <35 g/l [70% (95% CI = 64–76%) vs. 49% (95% CI = 42–56%), P < 0·0001]. Also, patients with SR aGVHD and a serum albumin level of ≥35 g/l had a significantly lower NRM at 1‐year post‐transplantation [6% (95% CI = 3–10%) vs. 25% (95% CI = 20–32%), P < 0·0001]. After our findings are validated in a large cohort of patients, we propose that hypoalbuminaemia should be incorporated into the refined aGVHD risk score to further its ability to predict outcomes within this group.
Musicians as entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs as musicians?
Authors: Albinsson Staffan
Published: January 2018

This study investigates how Swedish musicians in the non‐profit sector accept the “entrepreneur” label for themselves. The background section describes how identity work among “serious” musicians has, historically, made them shun any facet related to money‐making. The qualitative study shows that there is some remaining reluctance. But it is obvious that freelance musicians recognize the need for entrepreneurial skills. A majority of those interviewed regard themselves as “entrepreneurs”, although in most cases it is out of necessity. It seems that the older generations are more hesitant than the younger. I conclude that it would be beneficial if musicians, during their higher education, were introduced to basic entrepreneurial skills.
Palbociclib in combination with letrozole as first‐line treatment for advanced breast cancer: A Japanese phase II study
Authors: Masuda Norikazu , Nishimura Reiki , Takahashi Masato , Inoue Kenichi , Ohno Shinji , Iwata Hiroji , Mori Yuko , Hashigaki Satoshi , Muramatsu Yasuaki , Nagasawa Takashi , Umeyama Yoshiko , Toi Masakazu
Published: January 2018

This single‐arm, open‐label, phase II study in 42 Japanese postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor‐positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative (ER+/HER2−) advanced breast cancer evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of first‐line palbociclib (125 mg once daily, 3 weeks on/1 week off) coadministered with letrozole (2.5 mg once daily). Primary endpoint of investigator‐assessed 1‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) probability was 75.0% (90% CI, 61.3%‐84.4%), far surpassing the 40% lower limit of the 90% CI supporting efficacy. Median duration of treatment was 438 days. Among secondary efficacy measures, median PFS was not reached (95% CI, 16.7: not estimable), 17/42 patients (40.5%) had an objective response, 36/42 (85.7%) maintained disease control, and 27/42 (64.3%) remained in follow‐up. Median overall survival was not reached, and 1‐year survival probability was 92.9% (95% CI, 79.5%‐97.6%). Results of intensive pharmacokinetics in a subset of 6 patients showed palbociclib steady‐state mean area under the plasma concentration‐time curve over the dosing interval [τ] and mean maximum plasma concentration were 1979 ng·h/mL and 124.7 ng/mL, respectively. For day 15 plasma samples from cycles 1 and 2, geometric mean of the within‐patient mean trough concentration was 90.1 ng/mL. The most common treatment‐related adverse events were neutropenia (100%) and stomatitis (73.8%). There was 1 case of treatment‐related febrile neutropenia. Toxicities were generally tolerated and manageable by dose modifications and/or medical care. Efficacy and safety of first‐line palbociclib plus letrozole therapy is supported in Japanese postmenopausal patients with treatment‐naive ER+/HER2− advanced breast cancer.
Long‐term follow‐up after full‐split liver transplantation and its applicability in the recent transplant era
Authors: Herden Uta , Fischer Lutz , Sterneck Martina , Grabhorn Enke , Nashan Bjoern
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Full‐split liver transplantation (LTX) offers the possibility to expand the donor pool by utilization of one liver for two adults. The aim of our study was to analyze the long‐term outcome in a large series and its applicability in the recent transplant era.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all full‐split LTX from deceased donors (1999‐2015). Additionally, the potential of full‐split LTX was retrospectively analyzed in all whole organ LTX recipients between 2006 and 2015 (after introduction of the MELD allocation).

Results

We performed 44 full‐split LTX, thereof 82% before introduction of the MELD‐based allocation system in Germany. Analysis showed highly selected recipients (median MELD score 8 points) and organ data (median donor age 30 years). 5‐ and 10‐year patient survival rates after full‐left and full‐right LTX were 90.7%/90.7% and 85.2%/56.8% (P = .301), corresponding graft survival rates were 80.5%/80.5% in full‐left grafts and 73.7%/36.8% in full‐right graft (P = .198).

Conclusion

In the past, in case of strict donor and recipient selection, full‐split LTX was a feasible method with a good outcome. Due to introduction of the national waiting list with a patient‐oriented allocation based on the MELD score in 2006, full‐split LTX seems to be not any longer applicable.
Histopathological findings in pregnancy associated cutaneous hyperpigmentation
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Barja Juan M. , Vilas‐Sueiro Alejandro , Alija Antonio
Published: January 2018

Hyperpigmentation in pregnancy is a common phenomenon, experienced to some degree by up to 90% of pregnant women. It mainly involves sun‐exposed areas, but it can extend to non‐exposed zones. Cases with extensive hyperpigmentation are rarely reported. In this paper, we describe the case of a 30‐year‐old phototype V woman in her 37th week of pregnancy, who presented with brownish hyperpigmentation of the skin in extensive areas, including both axillae, the abdomen and the lowest part of the back. In the abdomen, there was a reinforcement of the hyperpigmentation through the linea nigra and the umbilicus. The hyperpigmentation affected the buttocks as well and involved the intertriginous area between them. Histopathologic analysis showed a hyperpigmented basal layer of the epidermis with no melanocytic atypia or melanocytic nests. Histochemical staining for iron did not show any deposits. Immunohistochemical studies for HMB‐45, Melan A and SOX10 demonstrated an increased number of melanocytes. There was hyperpigmentation of basal layer keratinocytes. We also performed immunohistochemical stains for estrogen and progesterone receptors, which were both negative. The patient was examined 3 months after delivery, evidencing a significant clearing of the lesions.
Individual variability in response to renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibition predicts cardiovascular outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes: A primary care cohort study
Authors: Apperloo Ellen M. , Pena Michelle J. , de Zeeuw Dick , Denig Petra , Heerspink Hiddo J. L.
Published: January 2018

Aims

To assess variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and albuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio [UACR]) responses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition, and to assess the association of response variability with cardiovascular outcomes.

Material and Methods

We performed an observational cohort study in patients with type 2 diabetes who started RAAS inhibition between 2007 and 2013 (n = 1600). Patients were identified from general practices in the Netherlands. Individual response in SBP and UACR was assessed during 15 months’ follow‐up. Patients were categorized as: good responders (∆SBP <0 mm Hg and ∆UACR <0%); intermediate responders (∆SBP <0 mm Hg and ∆UACR >0% or ∆SBP >0 mm Hg and ∆UACR <0%); or poor responders (∆SBP >0 mm Hg and ∆UACR >0%). Multivariable Cox regression was performed to test the association between initial RAAS inhibition response and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes.

Results

After starting RAAS inhibition, the mean SBP change was −13.2 mm Hg and the median UACR was −36.6%, with large between‐individual variability, both in SBP [5th to 95th percentile: 48.5‐20] and UACR [5th to 95th percentile: −87.6 to 171.4]. In all, 812 patients (51%) were good responders, 353 (22%) had a good SBP but poor UACR response, 268 (17%) had a good UACR but poor SBP response, and 167 patients (10%) were poor responders. Good responders had a lower risk of cardiovascular events than poor responders (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.30‐0.86; P = .012).

Conclusions

SBP and UACR response after RAAS inhibition initiation varied between and within individual patients with type 2 diabetes treated in primary care. Poor responders had the highest risk of cardiovascular events, therefore, more efforts are needed to develop personalized treatment plans for these patients.
DOES ECONOMIC FREEDOM AFFECT THE PRODUCTION FRONTIER? A SEMIPARAMETRIC APPROACH WITH PANEL DATA
Authors: Zhang Fan , Hall Joshua , Yao Feng
Published: January 2018

This paper applies a multistep semiparametric stochastic production frontier estimator to investigate the effects of economic freedom (EF) on the production frontier and technical efficiency. We allow output elasticities and technical efficiency to depend on EF, estimate a smooth coefficient stochastic production frontier, and compare with parametric alternatives. Our results highlight the flexibility of semiparametric approaches as we find parametric approaches are too restrictive in estimating marginal productivity. Output elasticities of labor, human capital, and physical capital vary with the level of EF and our average efficiency estimates are at least 20% higher than those obtained from parametric counterparts. (JELC14, O43)
THE POLITICAL ECONOMICS OF THE ARAB SPRING
Authors: Hodler Roland
Published: January 2018

There were large differences in the responses of Arab dictators to the Arab Spring protests. To understand these differences, I present a stylized model of how a dictator responds to mass protests for democratization in a polarized country with two ethnic or religious groups. In this model, the dictator's response crucially depends on oil revenues and his affiliation to either the majority or the minority group. I document that the model's predictions are consistent with the observed differences in the Arab dictators' responses. Hence, ethnic politics and religious divides may play an important role in political transitions and regime changes. (JEL D72, D74)
Investment beliefs of endowments
Authors: Ang Andrew , Ayala Andrés , Goetzmann William N.
Published: January 2018

United States university and college endowments now hold close to one‐third of their portfolios in private equity and hedge funds. We estimate the implied beliefs of endowments on these alternative assets’ returns relative to equities and bonds. At the end of 2012, the typical endowment believes that its private equity investments will outperform a portfolio of conventional assets by 3.9% per year, and hedge funds will outperform by 0.7% per year. Taking into account the implied equity exposures in alternative asset positions, the effective equity holding of endowments is approximately 60%.
Analytical validation of a new point‐of‐care assay for serum amyloid A in horses
Authors: Schwartz D. , Pusterla N. , Jacobsen S. , Christopher M. M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a major acute phase protein in horses. A new point‐of‐care (POC) test for SAA (Stablelab) is available, but studies evaluating its analytical accuracy are lacking.

Objectives

To evaluate the analytical performance of the SAA POC test by 1) determining linearity and precision, 2) comparing results in whole blood with those in serum or plasma, and 3) comparing POC results with those obtained using a previously validated turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA).

Study design

Assay validation.

Methods

Analytical validation of the POC test was done in accordance with American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines using residual equine serum/plasma and whole blood samples from the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at the University of California‐Davis. A TIA was used as the reference method. We also evaluated the effect of haematocrit (HCT).

Results

The POC test was linear for SAA concentrations of up to at least 1000 μg/mL (r = 0.991). Intra‐assay CVs were 13, 18 and 15% at high (782 μg/mL), intermediate (116 μg/mL) and low (64 μg/mL) concentrations. Inter‐assay (inter‐batch) CVs were 45, 14 and 15% at high (1372 μg/mL), intermediate (140 μg/mL) and low (56 μg/mL) concentrations. SAA results in whole blood were significantly lower than those in serum/plasma (P = 0.0002), but were positively correlated (r = 0.908) and not affected by HCT (P = 0.261); proportional negative bias was observed in samples with SAA>500 μg/mL. The difference between methods exceeded the 95% confidence interval of the combined imprecision of both methods (15%).

Main limitations

Analytical validation could not be performed in whole blood, the sample most likely to be used stall side.

Conclusion

The POC test has acceptable accuracy and precision in equine serum/plasma with SAA concentrations of up to at least 1000 μg/mL. Low inter‐batch precision at high concentrations may affect serial measurements, and the use of the same test batch and sample type (serum/plasma or whole blood) is recommended. Comparison of results between the POC test and the TIA is not recommended.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of 4‐methylcyclopentadecanone in rats submitted to ischemic stroke
Authors: Jin Yan , Wei Fang , Dai Xiaoli , Qi Min , Ma Yukui
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of 4‐methylcyclopentadecanone (4‐MCPC) in rats suffering from a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, the focal cerebral ischemia in rats was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h, and the rats were treated with 4‐MCPC (8 mg/kg) just 0.5 h before reperfusion. The ischemic infarct volume was recorded 24 h after the MCAO. In addition, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels in the ischemic cerebral cortex were determined by ELISA, while nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 subunit and expression of p‐IκBα were investigated by Western blotting. Our results showed that 4‐MCPC treatment decreased infarct volume significantly, compared with I/R group (16.8%±7.5% vs. 39.7%±10.9%); it reduced MPO activity (0.43 ± 0.10 vs. 1.00 ± 0.51 U/g) and expression levels of TNF‐α (18.90 ± 3.65 vs. 35.87 ± 4.87 ng/g) and IL‐1β (1.68 ± 0.23 vs. 2.67 ± 0.38 ng/g) in ischemic brain tissues of rats. Further study revealed that 4‐MCPC treatment markedly reduced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 subunit and expression of p‐IκBα in ischemic cerebral cortex. Taken together, our results suggest that 4‐MCPC protects against cerebral I/R injury and displays anti‐inflammatory actions through inhibition of the NF‐κB signal pathway.
Observation and quantification of two incidents of mass fish kill of Icelandic summer spawning herring (Clupea harengus) in the winter 2012/2013
Authors: Óskarsson Guđmundur J. , Ólafsdóttir Sólveig R. , Sigurđsson Þorsteinn , Valdimarsson Héđinn
Published: January 2018

The Icelandic summer‐spawning herring (Clupea harengus) stock overwinters in large, dense schools like other herring stocks. In the winter of 2012/2013 around 300 thousand tonnes, or ~70% of the spawning stock, overwintered in a fjord west of Iceland. The inner part of the fjord, where the herring was located, is separated from the outer part with a natural barrier and a built‐up road with a 210 m long bridge. This creates strong tidal currents under the bridge. On 14 December and again on 1 February mass mortalities of herring took place in this location, and the sea floor and the shores were covered with dead herring. Fieldwork, including camera and video recordings on the shore and on a small boat, was conducted 3 and 4 days after the incidents. Results from this indicated that a total of 55 thousand tonnes had died during these two incidents, an amount nearly equal to the total catch from the stock that year. Measurements of environmental conditions in the days following the incidents showed that the oxygen saturation was generally 20%–40% but was as low as 15% (1.1 ml/L). The most likely explanation for the mortalities was oxygen depletion resulting from respiration of the large herring biomass, limited atmospheric‐water gas exchange due to calm and cold weather prior to both incidents and sea ice on part of the fjord, and limited renewal of water coming in and out via tidal currents. Aerobic decomposition of dead herring came additionally in the latter incident.
Precipitation frequency alters peatland ecosystem structure and CO2 exchange: Contrasting effects on moss, sedge, and shrub communities
Authors: Radu Danielle D. , Duval Tim P.
Published: January 2018

Climate projections forecast a redistribution of seasonal precipitation for much of the globe into fewer, larger events spaced between longer dry periods, with negligible changes in seasonal rainfall totals. This intensification of the rainfall regime is expected to alter near‐surface water availability, which will affect plant performance and carbon uptake. This could be especially important in peatland systems, where large stores of carbon are tightly coupled to water surpluses limiting decomposition. Here, we examined the role of precipitation frequency on vegetation growth and carbon dioxide (CO2) balances for communities dominated by a Sphagnum moss, a sedge, and an ericaceous shrub in a cool temperate poor fen. Field plots and laboratory monoliths received one of three rainfall frequency treatments, ranging from one event every three days to one event every 14 days, while total rain delivered in a two‐week cycle and the entire season to each treatment remained the same. Separating incident rain into fewer but larger events increased vascular cover in all peatland communities: vascular plant cover increased 6× in the moss‐dominated plots, nearly doubled in the sedge plots, and tripled in the shrub plots in Low‐Frequency relative to High‐Frequency treatments. Gross ecosystem productivity was lowest in moss communities receiving low‐frequency rain, but higher in sedge and shrub communities under the same conditions. Net ecosystem exchange followed this pattern: fewer events with longer dry periods increased CO2 flux to the atmosphere from the moss while vascular plant‐dominated communities became more of a sink for CO2. Results of this study suggest that changes to rainfall frequency already occurring and predicted to continue will lead to increased vascular plant cover in peatlands and will impact their carbon‐sink function.
Phylogenetic scale in ecology and evolution
Authors: Graham Catherine H. , Storch David , Machac Antonin
Published: January 2018

Aim

Many important patterns and processes vary across the phylogeny and depend on phylogenetic scale. Nonetheless, phylogenetic scale has never been formally conceptualized, and its potential remains largely unexplored. Here, we formalize the concept of phylogenetic scale, review how phylogenetic scale has been considered across multiple fields and provide practical guidelines for the use of phylogenetic scale to address a range of biological questions.

Innovation

We summarize how phylogenetic scale has been treated in macroevolution, community ecology, biogeography and macroecology, illustrating how it can inform, and possibly resolve, some of the longstanding controversies in these fields. To promote the concept empirically, we define phylogenetic grain and extent, scale dependence, scaling and the domains of phylogenetic scale. We illustrate how existing phylogenetic data and statistical tools can be used to investigate the effects of scale on a variety of well‐known patterns and processes, including diversification rates, community structure, niche conservatism or species‐abundance distributions.

Main conclusions

Explicit consideration of phylogenetic scale can provide new and more complete insight into many longstanding questions across multiple fields (macroevolution, community ecology, biogeography and macroecology). Building on the existing resources and isolated efforts across fields, future research centred on phylogenetic scale might enrich our understanding of the processes that together, but over different scales, shape the diversity of life.
Helicobacter pylori infection and occurrence of celiac disease in subjects HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 positive: A prospective study
Authors: Dore Maria P. , Salis Roberta , Loria Maria F. , Villanacci Vincenzo , Bassotti Gabrio , Pes Giovanni M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Celiac disease (CD) occurs in subjects positive for HLA‐DQ2 and/or DQ8 gene loci at any age following ingestion of gluten‐containing food. An increased permeability of the mucosa allows interactions between gliadin macromolecules and genetic factors. It has been observed that Helicobacter pylori has the ability to modulate the integrity of the duodenal epithelium. We aimed to determine whether H. pylori infection may enhance the occurrence of CD in genetically susceptible subjects.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Patients undergoing upper endoscopy for any reason and positive for HLA‐DQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotypes with or without CD were included. H. pylori infection was defined as a positive gastric histopathology and/or 13C‐urea breath test. Prevalence of infection was compared between enrolled subjects with and without CD. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting odds ratios for patient age, gender, smoking habit, residency, body mass index, and assumption of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) were performed.

Results

A total of 397 genetically susceptible individuals (mean age: 37.7 ± 15.3 years; 86% women) were enrolled between October 2014 and October 2017. There were 265 (68%) patients with a diagnosis of CD. Overall, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 33% and was similar in patients with and without CD (32% vs 36%). Adjustment for all covariates did not reveal any significant association, although adjusted odds ratio (OR) for CD was higher in female (OR = 1.302), in patients H. pylori positive (OR = 1.277), followed by use of NSAIDs (OR = 1.126), respectively. The use of PPIs appeared to be mildly protective against CD (OR = 0.644).

Conclusion

Our study did not reveal any significant relationship between H. pylori and CD risk, even taking into account other confounders. More importantly, our findings do not support a “protective” role of H. pylori infection against CD, as previously reported. Therefore, there are no reasons to avoid eradication of H. pylori also in subject genetically susceptible for CD.
Relationship between orthodox and traditional medical practitioners in the transmission of traditional medical knowledge in Nigeria
Authors: Adekannbi Janet O.
Published: January 2018

Background

The problem of incomplete transmission of traditional medical knowledge to the younger generation is of concern to information professionals especially in developing countries where most rural communities depend on traditional medicine for primary health care.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the collaboration between orthodox and traditional medical practitioners as well as the implication of the collaboration for transmission of traditional medical knowledge in Nigeria.

Method

Eighteen communities were purposively selected from six states in south‐western Nigeria. Snowball technique was used in selecting 110 traditional medical practitioners. Three key informant interviews and two focus group discussion sessions were conducted in each state. Data were analysed thematically.

Discussion

Results showed the existence of a low level of collaboration mainly in the form of patient referrals which were not performed officially and mostly one sided. This was attributed to the negative perception of traditional medicine by orthodox practitioners and the failure of government to give traditional medicine its due recognition. This was reportedly responsible for the lack of interest by children of traditional medical practitioners to acquire traditional medical knowledge.

Conclusion

The study recommends inclusion of traditional medicine in the health policy and educational curriculum from the basic level.
How I investigate monocytosis
Authors: Lynch D. T. , Hall J. , Foucar K.
Published: January 2018

Monocytosis is a common finding that is caused by a wide variety of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic conditions. The adequate evaluation of monocytosis involves the integration of laboratory data, morphology, clinical findings, and the judicious use of ancillary studies. We review the literature on monocytosis, including the 2017 revised 4th edition of the World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic neoplasms. We present a review of monocytosis with practical guidelines on how to approach both routine and challenging cases.
Ethnicity, socioeconomic status and the severity and course of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: de Boer Sally , Lewis Christopher A. , Fergusson Wendy , Ellyett Kevin , Wilsher Margaret L.
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims

This study evaluated whether there are ethnic factors which affect the severity and progression of bronchiectasis in our adult multi‐ethnic population in Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods

Clinical records were reviewed from patients attending the outpatient facilities of our institution between 2007 and 2010. Data collected included demographics, clinical features, smoking status, self‐reported ethnicity, socioeconomic status (NZDep), pulmonary function and sputum microbiology.

Results

A total of 437 patients was identified: median age 65 years, 66% female, mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) 62.4% predicted, and 10.5% of patients had recurrent growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Patients of Maori and Pacific ethnicity were overrepresented compared to the institution population catchment and had more severe impairment of lung function: mean % predicted FEV1 for Pacific 52.0, Maori 58.6, European 68.6, Asian 64.2 (P < 0.0001). This was independent of socioeconomic status. However, no overall decline was seen in serial lung function measurements, either across the whole cohort or in any particular ethnic group.

Conclusions

Patients of Maori and Pacific ethnicity are both overrepresented and have more severe bronchiectasis in this cohort, independent of socioeconomic status. Ethnicity did not predict decline in pulmonary function. Further studies into genetic predisposition to bronchiectasis in Maori or Pacific people may be warranted.
Measuring Accessibility for People with a Disability
Authors: Church Richard L. , Marston James R.
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses some of the inherent problems associated with measuring accessibility for people on a landscape of surfaces, barriers, and travel modes. Along with this discussion we propose a new perspective for measuring accessibility with a focus on people with differing abilities. Even though our focus is on people with a physical disability, such an approach can be easily extended and is able to be generalized to other needs and differences. Traditional measurements of accessibility are flawed, as they fail to directly account for mobility and physical differences among people. They ignore structural barriers and individual mobility limitations that affect travel time, effort, and even successful completion. To make sense of this dilemma, we propose an accessibility measurement framework that includes measures of absolute access, gross access, closest assignment access, single and multiple activity access, probabilistic choice access, and relative access. Most of these measures of access have been proposed by others, but our framework attempts to codify an approach that helps to overcome weaknesses in using only the absolute access measurement currently used in ADA compliance. Such measures can be used to map accessibility as well as to help select the mitigation or renovation projects that yield the greatest increase in accessibility for people with disabilities. We argue that for many urban and building design problems providing absolute access for people with physical disabilities should be accompanied by the use of a relative access measurement, so that removing barriers can be done in the order that provides the greatest improvement in access for a given level of expenditure.
Non‐GAAP reporting: Evidence from academia and current practice
Authors: Black Dirk E. , Christensen Theodore E. , Ciesielski Jack T. , Whipple Benjamin C.
Published: January 2018

The number of firms reporting earnings on a non‐GAAP basis has increased dramatically over the last decade, and non‐GAAP reporting is now commonplace in capital markets. This proliferation of non‐GAAP reporting has renewed both regulators’ and standard setters’ interests in these alternative performance metrics. For example, the SEC, FASB, and IASB have all recently questioned what this increasing reporting trend means for IFRS‐ and US‐GAAP‐based reporting and whether these measures are misleading to investors. This increasing focus on non‐GAAP metrics motivates us to synthesize the nearly two decades of research on non‐GAAP reporting to provide insights on what academics have learned to date about this reporting practice. Then, we utilize a novel dataset of detailed non‐GAAP disclosures to provide new descriptive evidence on current trends in non‐GAAP reporting and its recent proliferation. Finally, we discuss important questions for future researchers to consider in moving the literature forward.
Genetic variation in the shape of cold‐survival curves in a single fly population suggests potential for selection from climate variability
Authors: Teets N. M. , Hahn D. A.
Published: January 2018

Temperature variation is one of the primary challenges facing ectotherms, and the ability to tolerate a range of thermal environments is critical for setting current and future species distributions. Low temperature is particularly challenging for ectotherms because winter conditions have strong latitudinal and temporal variation. Lower lethal temperature (LLT) is a common metric of cold tolerance used in studies of local adaptation and plasticity. Comparisons of LLT across groups typically assume parallel S‐shaped survival curves, but genetic variation in the shape of survival vs. temperature curves has not been assessed. Here, we measured the ability of 36 lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to survive a 1‐h cold shock at seven ecologically relevant low temperatures (−1 to −7 °C) to create a high‐resolution response curve for each genotype. We observed surprising variation both in the magnitude of survival and in the shapes of the response curves, with the curves clustering into four distinct shapes. To encompass variation in the shapes of these survival curves, we developed a new cold tolerance metric, cumulative cold tolerance (CCT). By comparing our survival data with climatological data, we propose that variation in the shapes of cold‐survival curves arose from weak selection pressure to survive intermediate subzero temperatures in this mid‐latitude population of flies. Using publicly available genome sequence and transcript expression data for these lines, we identified several candidate genes associated with CCT, and using transgenic RNAi, we confirmed a functional role for many of these genes.
An Orphan Protist Quadricilia rotundata Finally Finds Its Phylogenetic Home in Cercozoa
Authors: Yabuki Akinori , Ishida Ken‐ichiro
Published: January 2018

Quadricilia rotundata is a heterotrophic flagellate with four flagella. However, because this species has no clear morphological characteristics or molecular data affiliating it with any known group, Q. rotundata has been treated as a protist incertae sedis, for a long time. Here, we established a clonal culture of Q. rotundata and sequenced its 18S rDNA sequence. Molecular phylogenetic analysis successfully placed Q. rotundata in an environmental clade within Cercozoa, which contributes to expand the morphological and species diversity within Cercozoa. We also discuss morphological evolution within Cercozoa based on this finding.