bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of developers’ social relationships in improving service selection
Authors: Bianchini Devis , De Antonellis Valeria , Melchiori Michele
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Modern Enterprise Web Application development can exploit third-party software components, both internal and external to the enterprise, that provide access to huge and valuable data sets, tested by millions of users and often available as Web application programming interfaces (APIs). In this context, the developers have to select the right data services and might rely, to this purpose, on advanced techniques, based on functional and non-functional data service descriptive features. This paper focuses on this selection task where data service selection may be difficult because the developer has no control on services, and source reputation could be only partially known.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework and methodology are apt to provide advanced search and ranking techniques by considering: lightweight data service descriptions, in terms of (semantic) tags and technical aspects; previously developed aggregations of data services, to use in the selection process of a service the past experiences with the services when used in similar applications; social relationships between developers (social network) and their credibility evaluations. This paper also discusses some experimental results regarding the plan to expand other experiments to check how developers feel using the approach.

Findings

In this paper, a data service selection framework that extends and specializes an existing one for Web APIs selection is presented. The revised multi-layered model for data services is discussed and proper metrics relying on it, meant for supporting the selection of data services in a context of Web application design, are introduced. Model and metrics take into account the network of social relationships between developers, to exploit them for estimating the importance that a developer assigns to other developers’ experience.

Originality/value

This research, with respect to the state of the art, focuses attention on developers’ social networks in an enterprise context, integrating the developers’ credibility assessment and implementing the social network-based data service selection on top of a rich framework based on a multi-perspective model for data services.
Formal analysis and verification support for reactive rule-based Web agents
Authors: Ksystra Katerina , Stefaneas Petros
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Reactive rules are used for programming rule-based Web agents, which have the ability to detect events and respond to them automatically and can have complex structure and unpredictable behavior. The aim of this paper is to provide an appropriate formal framework for analyzing such rules.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this goal, the authors give two alternative semantics for the basic reactive rules’ families which allow us to specify reactive rule-based agents and verify their intended behavior. The first approach expresses the functionality of production and event condition action rules in terms of equations, whereas the second methodology is based in the formalism of rewriting logic. Both semantics can be expressed within the framework of CafeOBJ algebraic specification language, which then offers the verification support and have their advantages and downsides.

Findings

The authors report on experiences gained by applying those methodologies in a reactive rule-based system and compare the two methodologies.

Originality/value

Finally, the authors demonstrate a tool that translates a set of reactive rules into CafeOBJ rewrite rules, thus making the verification of reactive rules possible for inexperienced users.
Securitization and financial markets: the implications for interest rate pass-through
Authors: Robertson Mari L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The transmission of monetary policy rates to lending rates is viewed as a crucial path of monetary policy. As an integral part of the financial system and the recent financial crisis, securitized assets have the potential to affect the interest rate pass-through process and monetary policy effectiveness. This paper aims to investigate the influence of securitization on the transmission of policy rate changes to lending rates and how rate transmission has changed since the recent financial crisis. Emphasis is placed on differences among the mortgage, consumer credit and business loan securitization markets and between agency and private-label securitization transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical framework is an error-correction model augmented to directly measure the influence of securitization. Monetary policy effectiveness is measured by the size and speed of transmitted policy rate changes to lending rates. An efficiency measure of relative adjustment accounts for differences in the size of long-run responses across loan markets and changes in efficiency from securitization within loan markets.

Findings

The size and speed of interest rate pass-through tend to increase with securitization. Liquidity, capital relief and funding from securitization help to make lending rates more responsive. Increases in pass-through with securitization are less in the consumer credit and business loan markets after the recent financial crisis relative to before the crisis. In contrast, mortgage markets tend to have larger pass-through after the financial crisis. Differences in rate transmission after the recent financial crisis point to the role on nonbanks in consumer credit and business loans and asset purchase programs of the Federal Reserve in mortgage markets. Securitization tends to make the adjustment process more efficient, and gains in efficiency from securitization are larger after the financial crisis.

Originality/value

A key contribution of the study differentiates securitization across markets and types to determine the effects on the interest rate pass-through process. The results show that increases in the efficiency of the adjustment process from securitization tend to be greater in mortgage markets and for all private-label securitized assets. These findings have implications for proposed government-sponsored entity (GSE) reform to reduce the role of GSEs in the housing market, promote private-label mortgage credit and strengthen securitization deals.
US banks’ international balance sheet linkages: a data survey
Authors: D’Avino Carmela
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed further light on international financial linkages created by banks. Typically, the larger the balance sheet exposure a bank has to a counterparty country, the more will be both its risk exposure and sensibility to shocks to this latter. The latest crisis has revealed the importance of filling the existing data gaps which hinder a full understanding of the geographical composition of banks’ balance sheet on a global basis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, by focusing on US banks, reviews existing data on bilateral foreign positions on both a consolidated and an unconsolidated basis.

Findings

The investigation stresses the extent to which new data enhancements are going to enable to a better understanding of the global banking system and discusses other data limitations and gaps which should be addressed. In particular, policy recommendations point to the need to collect more detailed foreign offices-related statistics.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt in the literature to discuss data availability, limitations and policy suggestions regarding international bilateral banking statistics in the USA.
A century of macro-financial linkages
Authors: Abildgren Kim
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The recent international financial crisis and the subsequent Great Recession has underlined the need to gain a better understanding of the linkages between financial factors and the real economy. The purpose of this paper is to explore the contributions of financial shocks to macroeconomic fluctuations in Denmark, USA and Canada over the past century.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compiles a new data set with break-adjusted quarterly time series of real gross domestic product (GDP) and six other key macroeconomic indicators for the three countries since 1921. It then explores the time-variation of macro-financial linkages by estimating structural vector-autoregressive models separately for three sample periods: 1921-1949, 1950-1979 and 1980-2014.

Findings

For all three countries, there seems to have been a non-trivial contribution from financial shocks to volatility in output and unemployment in all sample periods, even in the period 1950-1979, which was characterised by tight regulation of the financial sector and widespread financial stability. These findings underscore the general importance of financial factors to macroeconomic fluctuations.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to offer regression-based estimates of quarterly real GDP for Denmark for 1921-1947. As a result, quarterly figures for real GDP are now available for Denmark for the entire period 1921-2014. Such long-span time series of quarterly real GDP do not exist for any other European countries.
The role of ICT use to the economic growth in Sub Saharan African region (SSA)
Authors: Albiman Masoud Mohammed , Sulong Zunaidah
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the long run impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on economic growth in the Sub Saharan African (SSA) region. The direct impact of ICTs use was examined for a 27-year period (1990-2014), before the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era (1990-1999) and during the MDGs era (2000-2014). Second and third objectives examined the nonlinear effect of ICT in the economic growth and their threshold values, respectively. The main growth enhancing transmission channels of ICT use were also looked at.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel method technique of system generalist method of moment. The data period was collected from the years 1990-2014 from 45 SSA countries. The three main proxies of ICT are fixed telephone lines, mobile phone users and internet users per 100 inhabitants.

Findings

For the direct impact analysis, mobile phone and internet were found to have triggered economic growth. However, for nonlinear effect analysis, mass penetration of ICT proxies seems to slow economic growth. The threshold analysis showed a penetration rate threshold of 4.5 per cent for both mobile phone and internet, and 5 per cent for fixed telephone line before economic growth gets triggered. Finally, the results indicated that, except for financial development, human capital, institutional quality and domestic investment were the main growth enhancing transmission channels of ICTs use in the economy.

Practical implications

From a policy perspective, results suggest SSA region to open more doors for investment in technology to ensure sustainable development. Such policy has to focus on investment into main transmission channels of ICT, namely, human capital, institutional quality and domestic investment. The policymakers have to ensure that penetration of mobile phone, fixed telephone and internet is met by improvement in human capital, institutional quality and domestic investment. Moreover, to fully use the potential of ICT, improving the financial sector is highly recommended.

Originality/value

In SSA, studies that address the impact of ICT on economic growth was almost non-existent, especially on its nonlinear effect and main transmission channels. While few studies have examined the direct impact of ICT, this study extended the scope by including the main growth enhancing transmission channels and nonlinear effect of ICT on SSA economies using recent data.
The impact of leader-member exchange on knowledge sharing and performance
Authors: Sharifkhani Maryam , Khazaei Pool Javad , Asian Sobhan
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX), knowledge sharing and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach the objective, a sample was used which consisted of some oil and gas companies in Singapore with experience in balanced scorecard (BSC) perspectives. The partial least-squares structural equation modeling approach was used to test the model.

Findings

The results showed that LMX affects knowledge sharing and performance positively and meaningfully. Moreover, knowledge sharing affects performance.

Originality/value

An integrated model of LMX, knowledge sharing and performance was tested in the oil and gas industry. The combination of a developed country context and the significance of LMX enhances the contextual contribution of the paper.
The moderating effect of project risk mitigation strategies on the relationship between delay factors and construction project performance
Authors: Zailani Suhaiza , Ariffin Hazrina Aziz Md. , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Moeinzadeh Soroush , Iranmanesh Masoomeh
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between delay factors and construction project performance with respect to project risk mitigation strategies as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

Random sampling was used to select the sample of the study. Data were gathered through a survey of 204 Malaysian construction companies. The data were analysed using the partial least squares technique.

Findings

The results indicate that environmental, resource and coordination issues negatively affect construction project performance. Project visibility and flexibility can mitigate the negative effects of both resource and coordination issues on project performance. Furthermore, supplier development can mitigate the negative effects of coordination issues.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will be useful for construction firms to complete construction projects timely, within a scheduled budget and with only minor defects if adopted.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to empirically test the moderating role of risk mitigation strategies on the relationship between delay factors and project performance in the construction industry.
Sudan and South Sudan: Distributional Impact of Public Spending and Taxation
Authors: Sahn David E. , Younger Stephen D.
Published: October 2016

This paper considers options for the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to use tax and expenditure policy to reduce poverty and inequality. We focus on understanding who benefits when government spends money on services such as paying teachers, building clinics, and subsidizing food or petrol, as well as the redistributive consequences of some standard taxes. Among the many findings is that it makes sense for South Sudan to concentrate on providing a few public services, such as expanding primary and secondary schooling, and primary health care units, with broad coverage, rather than trying to provide a wide range of public services with more limited coverage, especially given the limits of South Sudan's young bureaucracy. Taxing transport and communication would be strongly progressive. In the case of Sudan, we suggest that policy‐makers focus on expanding schooling services at both the primary and secondary levels, and also find that food aid, in kind and in cash, are highly pro‐poor. It would make sense to expand the electricity grid to rural areas, but the cost of doing so may be prohibitive. In contrast, it does appear as though petroleum subsidies are regressive in both countries, as they are in most developing countries.
Postmortem Concentration and Redistribution of Diazepam, Methadone, and Morphine with Subclavian and Femoral Vein Dissection/Clamping
Authors: Lemaire Eric , Schmidt Carl , Denooz Raphael , Charlier Corinne , Boxho Philippe
Published: October 2016

Postmortem redistribution (PMR) concerns blood drug concentration variations after death, depending on many factors such as sampling site and technique. In our study, we focused on sampling method. 30 cases were sampled, each at cardiac, subclavian, femoral, and popliteal sites. Targeted substances were diazepam, methadone, and morphine. Blind stick and dissection/clamping techniques were concomitantly performed at subclavian and femoral sites. Subclavian and femoral concentrations were compared according to technique used. To assess the influence of sampling technique on PMR, central/peripheral ratios were calculated depending on sampling method. Results show that drug concentrations tend to be lower when drawn from a clamped subclavian or femoral vein whereas ratios including subclavian and/or femoral blood concentration are influenced according to the technique used. In conclusion, clamping a subclavian or femoral vessel before sampling tends to result in lower drug concentrations and may influence ratios, suggesting the importance of isolating vessels from thoraco‐abdominal viscera.
Paediatric surgery in the 21st century: The future is bright
Authors: Chung Patrick HY , Wong Kenneth KY
Published: October 2016

The future of our society lies with our children, and they should be served best by well‐trained specialist paediatric surgeons. This is now the accepted standard of care in developed countries worldwide. In the present article, we describe the history of development of our specialty over the years, and look forward to the bright future in the coming years.
Extrusion of Rice, Bean and Corn Starches: Extrudate Structure and Molecular Changes in Amylose and Amylopectin
Authors: Vanier Nathan Levien , Vamadevan Varatharajan , Bruni Graziella Pinheiro , Ferreira Cristiano Dietrich , Pinto Vânia Zanella , Seetharaman Koushik , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Elias Moacir Cardoso , Berrios Jose De J.
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of starch source and amylose content on the expansion ratio, density, and texture of expanded extrudates, as well as to investigate the structural and molecular changes that occur in starch granules as a function of extrusion. The starches employed were rice starches (8%, 20%, and 32% amylose), carioca bean starch (35% amylose), and Hylon V® corn starch (55% amylose). The extrudates from rice starches containing 20% and 32% amylose exhibited the highest expansion ratio, while, extrudates from Hylon V® corn starch containing 55% amylose exhibited the lowest expansion ratio. The hardness values of the extrudates with 55% amylose were twice those of the extrudates with 20%, 32%, and 35% amylose. An additional finding was that although the amylopectin promoted the expansion of the gelatinized starch matrix, it failed to strengthen and sustain the walls of the extrudate bubbles during expansion.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae grows as aggregates in the lung of pigs: is it time to refine our in vitro biofilm assays?
Authors: Tremblay Yannick D. N. , Labrie Josée , Chénier Sonia , Jacques Mario
Published: October 2016

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae causes porcine pleuropneumonia and forms biofilms in vitro on abiotic surfaces; however, presence of biofilms during infections has not been documented. The aim of this study was to use a species‐specific fluorescent oligonucleotide probe and confocal microscopy to localize A. pleuropneumoniae in the lungs of two naturally infected pigs. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization and observed to grow as aggregates (~30–45 μm) during a natural infection. As the A. pleuropneumoniae aggregates observed in porcine lungs differed from the biofilms grown on a solid surface obtained in vitro, we designed a new biofilm assay using agarose, a porous substrate, favouring the formation of aggregates. In this study, we described for the first time the mode of growth of A. pleuropneumoniae during a natural infection in pigs. We also propose an in vitro biofilm assay for A. pleuropneumoniae using a porous substrate which allows the formation of aggregates. This assay might be more representative of the in vivo situation, at least in terms of the size of the bacterial aggregates and the presence of a porous matrix, and could potentially be used to test the susceptibility of A. pleuropneumoniae aggregates to antibiotics and disinfectants.
Metabolomics Analysis Revealed Distinct Cyclic Changes of Metabolites Altered by Chronic Ethanol‐Plus‐Binge and Shp Deficiency
Authors: Tran Melanie , Yang Zhihong , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Wang Li
Published: October 2016

Background

Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption causes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and disruption of the circadian system facilitates the development of ALD. Small heterodimer partner (SHP) is a nuclear receptor and critical regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. This study aimed at depicting circadian metabolomes altered by chronic EtOH‐plus‐binge and Shp deficiency using high‐throughput metabolomics.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6 and Shp−/− mice were fed the control diet (CD) or Lieber–DeCarli EtOH liquid diet (ED) for 10 days followed by a single bout of maltose (CD + M) or EtOH (ED + E) binge on the 11th day. Serum and liver were collected over a 24‐hour light/dark (LD) cycle at Zeitgeber time ZT12, ZT18, ZT0, and ZT6, and metabolomics was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

A total of 110 metabolites were identified in liver and of those 80 were also present in serum from pathways of carbohydrates, lipids, pentose phosphate, amino acids, nucleotides, and tricarboxylic acid cycle. In the liver, 91% of metabolites displayed rhythmicity with ED + E, whereas in the serum, only 87% were rhythmic. Bioinformatics analysis identified unique metabolome patterns altered in WT CD + M, WT ED + E, Shp−/− CD + M, and Shp−/− ED + E groups. Specifically, metabolites from the nucleotide and amino acid pathway (ribose, glucose‐6‐phosphate, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and sedoheptulose‐7‐P) were elevated in Shp−/− CD + M mice during the dark cycle, whereas metabolites including N‐methylalanine, 2‐hydroxybutyric acid, and 2‐hydroxyglutarate were elevated in WT ED + E mice during the light cycle. The rhythmicity and abundance of other individual metabolites were also significantly altered by both control and EtOH diets.

Conclusions

Metabolomics provides a useful means to identify unique metabolites altered by chronic EtOH‐plus‐binge.
The new designer drug buphedrone produces rewarding properties via dopamine D1 receptor activation
Authors: Oh Ji‐Hwan , Hwang Ji‐Young , Hong Sa‐Ik , Ma Shi‐Xun , Seo Jee‐Yeon , Lee Seok‐Yong , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Jang Choon‐Gon
Published: October 2016

Substituted cathinones are synthetic analogs of the active components of natural products and are widely abused worldwide. However, the rewarding properties of these agents have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the abuse potential of buphedrone [2‐(methylamino)‐1‐phenylbutan‐1‐one, α‐methylamino‐butyrophenone] and its effects on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in mice using conditioned place preference (CPP) analysis, a self‐administration test, a locomotor activity test, a behavioral sensitization test and Western blot analysis. Treatment with buphedrone supported CPP and self‐administration, enhanced locomotor activity and produced behavioral sensitization when mice were challenged with methamphetamine. SCH23390, a D1 dopamine antagonist, prevented buphedrone‐induced CPP, whereas raclopride, a D2 dopamine antagonist, had no effect. SCH23390 also blocked locomotor activity increase by buphedrone, while raclopride partially attenuated locomotor activation. Western blot analysis revealed that repeated buphedrone treatment increased D1 dopamine receptor expression in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens in mice. Collectively, these findings suggest the abuse potential of buphedrone and demonstrate the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the establishment of its rewarding properties.
Concurrent polysubstance use in a longitudinal study of US youth: associations with sexual orientation
Authors: Kecojevic Aleksandar , Jun Hee‐Jin , Reisner Sari L. , Corliss Heather L.
Published: October 2016

Aims

To estimate longitudinal associations between self‐reported sexual orientation and past‐year polysubstance use among youth, and test how gender, age and early onset of tobacco and alcohol use contributed to variation in polysubstance use.

Design

Longitudinal community‐based cohort of US adolescents from the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS 1) (n = 16 873) followed from ages 12–29 years.

Setting

United States of America.

Participants

A total of 13 519 individuals (7839 females; 5680 males) who responded to at least one of five self‐administered questionnaires from 1999 to 2010. Ninety‐three per cent reported their race/ethnicity as non‐Hispanic white.

Measurements

Multivariable repeated measures generalized estimating equations estimated relative risks (RRs) of concurrent polysubstance use (i.e. past 12‐month use of three or more substances) comparing sexual orientation minority youth [i.e. mostly heterosexual (MH), bisexual (BI), gay/lesbian (GL)] to their same‐gender, completely heterosexual (CH) counterparts. Mediation analyses tested whether early onset of tobacco and/or alcohol use explained relationships between sexual orientation and concurrent polysubstance use.

Findings

Compared with their same‐gender CH peers, sexual minorities evidenced higher risk for concurrent polysubstance use over all repeated measures [risk ratios (RRs) for sexual minority subgroups: from 1.63–2.91, P‐values: <0.001] and for all age groups (RRs: from 1.50–4.04, P‐values: < 0.05–< 0.001), except GL males aged 18–20 years. Differences between sexual minorities and CHs were larger among females than males (P‐values for sexual orientation × gender interactions were < 0.05 for MHs and BIs), and among younger versus older ages (P‐values for sexual orientation × age interactions were < 0.05, except for BI males). Sexual minorities’ younger age of smoking and/or drinking initiation contributed to their elevated polysubstance use (% of effect explained was between 9.4–24.3, P‐values: 0.04–< 0.001), except among GL males.

Conclusions

Sexual minority youth in the United States, and in particular younger females, appear to be at disproportionate risk for concurrent past‐year polysubstance use. Early onset of smoking and drinking may contribute to elevated risk of polysubstance use among sexual minorities.
Testosterone vs. aromatase inhibitor in older men with low testosterone: effects on cardiometabolic parameters
Authors: Dias J.P. , Shardell M. D. , Carlson O. D. , Melvin D. , Caturegli G. , Ferrucci L. , Chia C. W. , Egan J. M. , Basaria S.
Published: October 2016

Testosterone (T) replacement is being increasingly offered to older men with age‐related decline in testosterone levels. The effects of long‐term testosterone replacement and aromatase inhibition (AI) on glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic markers were determine in older non‐diabetic men with low testosterone levels. Men ≥65 years, mean age 71 ± 3 years with serum total T < 350 ng/dL were randomized in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, proof‐of‐concept trial evaluating the effects of 5 g transdermal testosterone gel (TT) (n = 10), 1 mg anastrozole (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9) daily for 12 months. Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included OGIS in response to OGTT, fasting lipids, C‐reactive protein (CRP), adipokines, and abdominal and mid‐thigh fat by computed tomography. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 months. After 12 months, absolute changes in HOMAIR in both treatment arms (TT group: −0.05 ± 0.21); (AI group: 0.15 ± 0.10) were similar to placebo (−0.11 ± 0.26), as were CRP and fasting lipid levels. Adiponectin levels significantly decreased in the TT group (−1.8 ± 0.9 mg/L, p = 0.02) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (−60.34 ± 3.19 cm2, p = 0.003) and leptin levels (−1.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.04) were significantly lower with AI. Mid‐thigh subcutaneous fat was reduced in both treatment arms (TT group: −4.88 ± 1.24 cm2, p = 0.008); (AI group: −6.05 ± 0.87 cm2, p = 0.0002). In summary, in this proof‐of‐concept trial, changes in HOMAIR AI were similar in all three groups while the effects of intervention on subcutaneous fat distribution and adipokines were variable. Larger efficacy and safety trials are needed before AI pharmacotherapy can be considered as a treatment option for low T levels in older men.
Preperitoneal onlay mesh repair for ventral abdominal wall and incisional hernia: a novel technique
Authors: Yang PC George , Tung LM Karen
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair is a current technique for laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias. However, the placement of synthetic mesh intraperitoneally may potentially lead to mesh‐induced complications such as adhesive intestinal obstruction, enterocutaneous fistula, or even mesh erosion into organs. Inspired by the concept of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, we developed a novel technique: preperitoneal onlay mesh repair (PPOM). This involves placing the mesh in the preperitoneal plane to help eliminate mesh‐induced complications.

Material and Surgical Technique

Our first case of PPOM was performed on a 54‐year‐old woman who developed a complex incisional hernia after multiple abdominal operations. The total size of the hernia defect was 8 × 13 cm. The peritoneal flap was carefully created with synthetic mesh placed on the preperitoneal plane, and then it was completely closed with sutures. The patient had an uneventful recovery except for a small seroma.

Discussion

We herein report the first case of incisional hernia successfully treated by this novel technique, PPOM. We explain the reasons to perform PPOM, the advantages it offers, and why we named this novel technique “PPOM.”
Preoperative colonic cancer tattooing using the near‐infrared fluorescence laparoscopic imaging system
Authors: Ozawa Yoshiaki , Murakami Masahiko , Watanabe Makoto , Yoshizawa Sota , Goto Satoru , Otsuka Koji , Aoki Takeshi
Published: October 2016

Introduction

To identify a colorectal cancer tumor site for surgery, preoperative endoscopic marking methods, such as India ink tattooing or clipping, are generally performed. However, India ink tattooing causes problems such as impaired surgical view because of adverse events, ink leakage into the peritoneal cavity, and peritonitis or adhesion ileus as a result of leakage. The clipping method requires checking by palpation, which is unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and Surgical Techniques

We devised a preoperative marking method for colorectal cancer surgery (laparotomy) by applying the fluorescent dye indocyanine green. Herein, we report its usefulness.

Discussion

We report the application of fluorescent dye indocyanine green in laparoscopic surgery.
Pokémon Go: Benefits, Costs, and Lessons for the Conservation Movement
Authors: Dorward Leejiah J. , Mittermeier John C. , Sandbrook Chris , Spooner Fiona
Published: October 2016

Pokémon Go, an augmented reality (AR) smartphone game, replicates many aspects of real‐world wildlife watching and natural history by allowing players to find, capture, and collect Pokémon, which are effectively virtual animals. In this article, we consider how the unprecedented success of Pokémon Go as a smartphone game might create opportunities and challenges for the conservation movement. By encouraging players to go outside and consider various aspects of virtual species’ biology, the game could increase awareness and engagement with real‐world nature. However, interacting with Pokémon could alternatively encourage exploitation of wildlife or replace players’ desire to interact with real‐world nature. We suggest a number of ways in which Pokémon Go could be adapted to increase its conservation impact, and how new conservation‐orientated AR games could be created. We conclude that Pokémon Go sets a precedent for well‐implemented AR games from which the conservation movement could borrow a number of ideas.
Conservation of marine biodiversity on a very large deep continental margin: how representative is a very large offshore reserve network for deep‐water octocorals?
Authors: Althaus Franziska , Williams Alan , Alderslade Philip , Schlacher Thomas A.
Published: October 2016

Aim

To evaluate the conservation performance of Australia's continental‐scale network of marine reserves for deep‐water octocorals using three criteria: (1) Representation: what fraction of the sampled deep‐water octocoral fauna within Australia's marine jurisdiction is contained in reserves?; (2) Species turnover: to what degree do reserves share species with non‐protected areas?; and (3) Biodiversity: do existing reserves spatially maximize protection of species richness?

Location

Australia's continental exclusive economic zone and Norfolk Island region.

Methods

A new Australia‐wide, taxonomically consistent, dataset for distributions of deep‐water octocorals (> 80 m depth) is used to calculate metrics of reserve performance for Australia's national marine reserve network.

Results

Australia's reserve network represents 52% (270 of 518 species) of deep‐water octocoral species. Coral representation is roughly proportional to spatial extent of reserves in different regions. The proportion of species with joint distributions in reserves and non‐reserves ranges between 0% and 27% of the regional species pool; this may be a reflection of the high species turnover between sampling sites, and to some extent may also reflect sparse sampling coverage. Sites inside reserves have comparable species richness, contain similar numbers of rare species and do not differ in taxonomic diversity to sites outside reserves.

Main conclusions

Australia's marine reserve network is a significant investment in conservation. The first broad biological evaluation of the network's performance, using deep‐water octocorals, indicates that whilst the level of species representation is broadly proportional to the network's spatial coverage, reserves do not appear to be areas of significantly higher octocoral biodiversity compared to areas outside reserves and that there is low species representation within highly protected (IUCN I or II) zones. Considering constraints on reserve expansion and spatial re‐configuration, ‘off‐reserve’ management tools (e.g. fishery closures, environmentally responsible practices by extractive industries) are likely to be important to enhance overall conservation outcomes.
Low‐dose fenfluramine significantly reduces seizure frequency in Dravet syndrome: a prospective study of a new cohort of patients
Authors: Schoonjans A. , Paelinck B. P. , Marchau F. , Gunning B. , Gammaitoni A. , Galer B. S. , Lagae L. , Ceulemans B.
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, drug‐resistant epilepsy. Fenfluramine has been reported to have a long‐term clinically meaningful anticonvulsive effect in patients with DS.

Methods

This prospective, open‐label study assessed the safety and effectiveness of low‐dose fenfluramine in a new cohort of patients with DS. Following a 3‐month baseline period, fenfluramine was added to each patient's current antiepileptic drug regimen at a dose of 0.25–1.0 mg/kg/day (max. 20 mg/day). The incidence of major motor seizures (tonic, clonic, tonic–clonic, atonic and myoclonic seizures lasting >30 s) in both the baseline and treatment periods was assessed via a seizure diary. Periodic echocardiographic examinations during the treatment period were used to assess cardiovascular safety.

Results

Nine patients (aged 1.2–29.8 years) enrolled in the study and were treated with fenfluramine for a median duration of 1.5 (range, 0.3–5.1) years. Median frequency of major motor seizures was 15.0/month in the baseline period. All patients demonstrated a reduction in seizure frequency during the treatment period with a median reduction of 75% (range, 28–100%). Seven patients (78%) experienced a ≥50% reduction in major motor seizure frequency. The most common adverse events were somnolence (n = 5) and anorexia (n = 4). No evidence of cardiac valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension was observed.

Conclusions

The effectiveness and safety of low‐dose fenfluramine as an add‐on therapy for DS in this new prospective cohort supports previous findings.
Development of fatigue cracks from mechanically machined scratches on 2024‐T351 aluminium alloy—part I: experimentation and fractographic analysis
Authors: Cini A , Irving P E
Published: October 2016

Clad and unclad 2024‐T351 aluminium alloy sheets, weakened by mechanically machined scratches, were fatigued to investigate the effect of small surface damage, like scribe marks, on aircraft fuselage joints. The role of scratch cross section geometry on fatigue life of scribed components was analysed. Scratches between 25 and 185 µm deep, with 5, 25 and 50 µm root radii, were cut on sample surface by using diamond‐tipped tools. After testing, fracture surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope, and crack growth rates were measured by striation counting. Scratches reduced aluminium fatigue life under tensile and bending load up to 97.8% due to multiple crack nucleation at their roots. Short cracks nucleated from sharp scratches coalesced to form unique elongated cracks growing through sample thickness. Cracks initiated from scratches were typical short cracks, growing faster than conventional long cracks. Despite the different scribing process, fatigue data of regular diamond tool cut scribes can be used to conservatively predict life reduction owing to ploughed in‐service scribe marks on fuselage joints. Finite element analyses on scribed samples and the fatigue life prediction models are described in Part II of this paper.
Long‐term responses of leaf litter decomposition to temperature, litter quality and litter mixing in plateau wetlands
Authors: Liu Guodong , Sun Jinfang , Tian Kun , Xiao Derong , Yuan Xingzhong
Published: October 2016

Decomposition of plant litter is a key process in the flow of energy and nutrients in ecosystems. The extent and mechanisms towards which climate warming will affect litter decomposition in plateau wetlands remains largely unknown.

We conducted a two‐year litter decomposition experiment along an elevation gradient from 1891 to 3260 m in China using litter from two dominant species of plateau wetland plants to determine the influences of temperature, litter quality and litter mixing on decomposition.

The decomposition rate was significantly correlated with water temperature during the plant growing seasons and with litter quality during the winters. The temperature sensitivity of litter decomposition (Q10) wasc. 3.02 along the elevation gradient, but mixed litter was more sensitive to temperature than the litter of eitherScirpus tabernaemontani(grey club‐rush: Cyperaceae) orZizania caduciflora(wild rice: Gramineae) alone.

The concentration of nitrogen (N) and the ratio of N:P (phosphorus) had positive effects but the concentration of carbon (C) and the ratios of C:N and lignin:N had negative effects on the decomposition rate, especially during the winter. In addition, N concentration and the ratio of C:N were more significantly correlated with decomposition rate during the first winter, while the ratio of lignin:N was more significantly correlated with decomposition during the second winter.

Consequently, climate warming may significantly impact biogeochemical cycling of plateau wetlands, notably C storage.
Diversity of knockdown resistance alleles in a single house fly population facilitates adaptation to pyrethroid insecticides
Authors: Kasai S. , Sun H. , Scott J. G.
Published: October 2016

Insecticide use exerts a tremendous selection force on house fly populations, but the frequencies of the initial resistance mutations may not reach high levels if they have a significant fitness cost in the absence of insecticides. However, with the continued use of the same (or similar) insecticides, it is expected that new mutations (conferring equal or greater resistance, but less of a fitness cost) will evolve. Pyrethroid insecticides target the insect voltage sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) and have been widely used for control of house flies at animal production facilities for more than three decades. There are three Vssc mutations known that cause resistance to pyrethroids in house flies: knockdown resistance (kdr, L1014F), kdr‐his (L1014H) and super‐kdr (M918T + L1014F). Whether or not there are any new mutations in house fly populations has not been examined for decades. We collected house flies from a dairy in Kansas (USA) and selected this population for three generations. We discovered multiple new Vssc alleles, including two that give very high levels of resistance to most pyrethroids. The importance of these findings to understanding the evolution of insecticide resistance, designing appropriate resistance monitoring and management schemes, and the future of pyrethroids for house fly control are discussed.
Democratic Deficits in Europe: The Overlooked Exclusiveness of Nation‐States and the Positive Role of the European Union
Authors: Blatter Joachim , Schmid Samuel D. , Blättler Andrea C.
Published: October 2016

With the help of the Immigrant Inclusion Index (IMIX), a quantitative tool for measuring the electoral inclusion of immigrants, we demonstrate that European democracies are much more exclusive than they should be. All normative theories of democracy share the conviction that it is imperative that democracies include long‐term immigrant residents into the demos – either by granting citizenship or by introducing alien voting rights. But even the 20 most established and stable democracies within the EU are far from fully realizing the ideal of ‘universal suffrage’. This is true independently of whether we count in‐ and excluded people in numerical terms, or whether we evaluate the relevant laws and regulations. Therefore, we diagnose a substantial democratic deficit on the level of European nation‐states. By requiring its member states to enfranchise non‐national EU citizens on the local level, the EU, for once, plays a positive role in reducing one of the most fundamental democratic deficits in times of migration.
In‐Office Bleaching During Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Gomes Mauricio Neves , Dutra Hélio , Morais Alexandre , Sgura Ricardo , Devito‐Moraes André Guaraci
Published: October 2016

Objective

To demonstrate that it is possible to pursue teeth whitening treatment protocols during orthodontic treatment with no esthetic loss.

Clinical Considerations

Many patients undergoing orthodontic treatment desire to have a straight and well aligned dentition, but also whiter teeth. For many years, it was believed that carrying out a whitening treatment with positioned orthodontic brackets in place would result in localized spots on the enamel labial surfaces of teeth. However, a deeper understanding of the bleaching process suggests that the oxidation caused by products, which results from hydrogen peroxide decomposition, are able to diffuse peripherally into the tooth structure and reach even that under the cemented brackets. Two in‐office‐bleaching treatments were performed in patients using orthodontic fixed braces in two or three 40‐minute sessions using a 35% hydrogen peroxide.

Conclusion

In‐office bleaching is possible and effective, even with orthodontic brackets in position. The teeth were successfully bleached despite the presence of brackets. All biological criteria have been fulfilled satisfying patients' expectations of aligned and whitened teeth in less time than if treatments had been performed separately, with satisfactory results and no esthetic loss.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The whitening of teeth is possible during orthodontic treatment with fixed braces without any esthetic loss. The in‐office bleaching treatment with brackets in position also may act as a motivation factor, preventing patient withdrawal or treatment interruption. Therefore, at the end of the orthodontic treatment, the patient is able to display an aligned, functional and whitened smile. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:83–92, 2017)
Malnutrition and Risk of Structural Brain Changes Seen on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Older Adults
Authors: de van der Schueren Marian A. E. , Lonterman‐Monasch Sabine , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Kramer Mark H. , Maier Andrea B. , Muller Majon
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To study the associations between protein energy malnutrition, micronutrient malnutrition, brain atrophy, and cerebrovascular lesions.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Geriatric outpatient clinic.

Participants

Older adults (N = 475; mean age 80 ± 7).

Measurements

Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and according to serum micronutrient levels (vitamins B1, B6, B12, D; folic acid). White matter hyperintensities (WMHs), global cortical brain atrophy, and medial temporal lobe atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were rated using visual rating scales. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between the three MNA categories (<17, 17–23.5, ≥23.5) and micronutrients (per SD decrease) and WMHs and measures of brain atrophy.

Results

Included were 359 participants. Forty‐eight participants (13%) were malnourished (MNA <17), and 197 (55%) were at risk of malnutrition (MNA = 17–23.5). Participants at risk of malnutrition (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–3.71) or who were malnourished (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.19–6.60) had a greater probability of having severe WMHs independent of age and sex than those with adequate nutritional status. Results remained significant after further adjustments for cognitive function, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular risk factors, history of cardiovascular disease, smoking and alcohol use, and micronutrient levels. Lower vitamin B1 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.11–2.08) and B12 (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.02–2.04) levels were also related to greater risk of severe WMHs, independent of age and sex. Results remained significant after additional adjustments. MNA and vitamin levels were not associated with measures of brain atrophy.

Conclusion

Malnutrition and lower vitamin B1 and B12 levels were independently associated with greater risk of WMHs. Underlying mechanisms need to be further clarified, and whether nutritional interventions can modify these findings also needs to be studied.
Perspectives on Filial Responsibility Among Uprooted Families From South Lebanon
Authors: Dabbagh Therese , Roer‐Strier Dorit , Kurman Jenny
Published: October 2016

This study focuses on filial responsibilities among uprooted families. Views of 20 mothers and 20 adolescents and young adults from southern Lebanon residing in Israel were compared to identify the roles that adolescent children assume and the perceived effects of these roles. Eight domains of filial responsibilities were agreed upon: language broker, cultural broker, financial supporter and breadwinner, surrogate parent and sibling caretaker, emotional supporter of parents, mediator of family conflicts, heritage transmitter, and role model. The roles had simultaneous positive effects and negative effects. The discussion illustrates the importance of cultural context of country of origin and the host culture. Moreover, it suggests implications of the findings for research and practice.