bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information literacy literature in the social sciences and humanities: a bibliometric study
Authors: Bhardwaj Raj Kumar
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to map information literacy literature in social sciences and humanities published during the period of 2001-2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study are obtained from Scopus, accessible atwww.scopus.com. Study used the Transformative Activity Index (TAI) and relative citation impact (RCI) to know the impact of most productive countries and prolific institutions. The SCImago Journal and Country Rank accessible atwww.scimagojr.com/was used to determine the SCImago Journal Rank and source normalized impact per paper.

Findings

The study found that 1990 documents originating from 79 countries were published in this study area. These papers are published in 160 journals with an average ∼12.51 papers per journal. These papers have been cited 10,025 times with ∼5.0. average citations per publication. Study also found that information literacy literature is published in 16 languages and the majority of the papers are in English, 1,879 (94.4 per cent). The highest growth of publications (106.7 per cent) was found in 2005. The USA contributed the highest number, 1,035 (52 per cent) papers. Moreover, of the 15 most productive countries, three recorded TAIs >100, and 12 countries recorded TAIs <100. In all, 160 institutions worldwide have contributed in information literacy research. Study also found that maximum literature published on the subject by a single author is 828 (41.6 per cent). Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain has produced the highest number of papers (24, or 1.2 per cent) and received 61 (0.6 per cent) citations, while University of Strathclyde has the highest RCI (∼2.7) for its publications. Pintos, María from Universidad de Granada has published the maximum number of papers (18) that have been cited 78 times.

Social implications

The study endeavors to showcase information literacy research outcomes in social sciences and humanities. It involves quantitative analysis of the literature in this domain using bibliographic elements such as keywords, authors, affiliation, publication and citations.

Originality/value

No study has been conducted so far to map the information literacy literature in social sciences and humanities. Study will be useful in understanding the progress on information literacy in the area of social sciences and humanities. The study is significant for social scientists to foster further research in this emerging area.
Antecedents of customer satisfaction in mobile commerce
Authors: Marinkovic Veljko , Kalinic Zoran
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine statistically significant drivers of customer satisfaction in mobile commerce and to test the moderating effects of customization on the relationships between customer satisfaction and its predictors.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 224 respondents. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the model, and moderated regression analysis was applied to determine main and interaction effects.

Findings

Trust, perceived usefulness, mobility, and perceived enjoyment were found to be significant drivers of customer satisfaction. The results also indicate the statistical significance of two interaction effects: customization moderates the influence of mobility and the influence of trust on customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a single time period and in a developing country where m-commerce is still not widely used. Future models should include new variables. Comparison between different age or gender groups would also be useful.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for m-commerce providers who are developing marketing campaigns, where the focus should be on promoting the mobility aspect of m-commerce, in particular its usefulness to consumers and its security. M-commerce activities should be developed and redesigned to better meet consumers’ specific demands and needs.

Originality/value

M-commerce customer satisfaction studies are rare. The developed model has five potential antecedents of satisfaction: trust, social influence, perceived usefulness, mobility, and perceived enjoyment. New insights are provided into the moderating role of customization.
Inquisitiveness: distributing rational thinking
Authors: Bardone Emanuele , Secchi Davide
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims at redefining bounded rationality on the basis of a more socialized view of the individual. In doing so, it introduces “inquisitiveness” as a key disposition that some team members use to assemble and integrate knowledge when solving problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an agent-based computational simulation, this research models different simulated employees working together in “ad hoc” teams to solve problems.

Findings

Results show that inquisitiveness may work as an efficiency “driver” that, when present, economizes on the knowledge needed by team members to solve problems. In addition to that, results also show that environments with many problems are more suitable for inquisitive individuals to be effective.

Originality/value

Following the late Herbert Simon, the paper takes the stance that rationality should be redefined as a socially oriented process and introduces inquisitiveness as one – although probably not the only one – of the characteristics that help individuals and teams to make rational decisions.
Agent-based mechanism design – investigating bounded rationality concepts in a budgeting context
Authors: Lorscheid Iris , Meyer Matthias
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate how agent-based simulation (ABS) may provide a computational testbed for mechanism design using concepts of bounded rationality (BR). ABS can be used to systematically derive and formalize different models of BR. This allows us to identify the cognitive preconditions for behavior intended by the mechanism and thereby to derive implications for the design of mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of the requirements of the decision context, the authors describe a systematic way of incorporating different BR concepts into an agent learning model. The approach is illustrated by analyzing an incentive scheme suggested for truthful reporting in budgeting contexts, which is an adapted Groves mechanism scheme.

Findings

The study describes systematic ways in which to derive BR agents for research questions where behavioral aspects might matter. The authors show that BR concepts may lead to other outcomes than the intended truth-inducing effect. A modification of the mechanism to more distinguishable levels of payments improves the results in terms of the intended effect.

Research limitations/implications

The presented BR concepts as simulated by agent models cannot model human behavior in its full complexity. The simplification of complex human behavior is a useful analytical construct for the controlled analysis of a few aspects and an understanding of the potential consequences of those aspects of human behavior for mechanism design.

Originality/value

The paper specifies the idea of a computational testbed for mechanism design based on BR concepts. Beyond this, a systematic and stepwise approach is shown to formalize bounded rational behavior by agents based on a requirements analysis, including benchmark models for the comparison and evaluation of BR concepts.
A model of innovation and knowledge development among boundedly rational rival firms
Authors: Boari Cristina , Fioretti Guido , Odorici Vincenza
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of bounded rationality for innovation research. It does so by expounding the structure and the assumptions of an agent-based model where boundedly rational actors engage in knowledge development and imitation. It is a conceptual paper that illustrates the model but does not present its results.

Design/methodology/approach

This model explores the consequences of common theoretical hypotheses and empirical stylized facts regarding innovation, knowledge development and knowledge management by geographically clustered rival firms. This model artificially generates innovations, unknown and unexpected to the artificial decision-makers. As the set of possibilities is not known a priori to the agents, they cannot apply utility maximization. Bounded rationality enters this model both as behavioural rules of thumb and as cognitive constraints on their application.

Findings

This paper illustrates a model.

Originality/value

This paper links innovation studies to the concept of bounded rationality. It shows what problems must be faced and what issues must be addressed by an agent-based model on this subject.
Equity-constrained dispatching models for emergency medical services
Authors: V.K. Sreekanth , Roy Ram Babu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply agent-based modeling and simulation concepts in evaluating different approaches to solve ambulance-dispatching decision problems under bounded rationality. The paper investigates the effect of over-responding, i.e. dispatching ambulances even for doubtful high-risk patients, on the performance of equity constrained emergency medical services.

Design/methodology/approach

Agent-based modeling and simulation was used to evaluate two different dispatching policies: first, a policy based on maximum reward, and second, a policy based on the Markov decision process formulation. Four equity constraints were used: two from the patients’ side and two from the providers’ side.

Findings

The Markov decision process formulation, solved using value iteration method, performed better than the maximum reward method in terms of number of patients served. As the equity constraints conflict with each other, at most three equity constraints could be enforced at a time. The study revealed that it is safe to over-respond if there is uncertainty in the risk level of the patients.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to understand the implications of under-responding, where doubtful high-risk patients are denied an ambulance service.

Practical implications

The need for good triage system is apparent as over-responding badly affects the operational budget. The model can be used for evaluating various dispatching policy decisions.

Social implications

Emergency medical services have to ensure efficient and equitable provision of services, from the perception of both patients and service providers.

Originality/value

The paper applies agent-based modeling to equity constrained emergency medical services and highlights findings that are not reported in the existing literature.
Basement structural architecture and hydrocarbon conduit potential of polygonal faults in the Cooper‐Eromanga Basin, Australia
Authors: Kulikowski David , Amrouch Khalid , Cooke Dennis , Gray Michael Edward
Published: April 2017

A thorough and complete understanding of the structural geology and evolution of the Cooper‐Eromanga Basin has been hampered by low‐resolution seismic data that becomes particularly difficult to interpret below the thick Permian coal measures. As a result, researchers are tentative to interpret the basement fault architecture within the basin, which is largely undefined. To provide a better understanding of the basement fault geometry, all available two‐dimensional seismic lines together with 12 three‐dimensional seismic surveys were structurally interpreted with assistance from seismic attribute analysis. The Upper Cretaceous Cadna‐owie Formation and top Permian reflectors were analysed using a common seismic attribute technique (incoherency) that was used to infer the presence of faults that may have otherwise been overlooked. Detailed basement fault maps for each seismic survey were constructed and used in conjunction with two‐dimensional seismic data interpretation to produce a regional basement fault map. Large north‐northeast–south‐southwest‐striking sinistral strike–slip faults were identified within the Patchawarra Trough appearing to splay from the main northeast–southwest‐striking ridge. These sinistral north‐northeast–south‐southwest‐striking faults, together with field‐scale southeast–northwest‐striking dextral strike–slip faults, are optimally oriented to have potentially developed as a conjugated fault set under a south‐southeast–north‐northwest‐oriented strike–slip stress regime. Geomechanical modelling for a regionally extensive system of Cretaceous polygonal faults was performed to calculate the Leakage Factor and Dilation Tendency of individual faults. Faults that extend into Lower Cretaceous oil‐rich reservoirs with strikes of between 060°N and 140°N and a high to near‐vertical dip angle were identified to most likely be acting as conduits for the tertiary migration of hydrocarbons from known Lower Cretaceous hydrocarbon reservoirs into shallow Cretaceous sediments. This research provides valuable information on the regional basement fault architecture and a more detailed exploration target for the Cooper‐Eromanga Basin, which were previously not available in literature.
Comparing the performances of four stochastic optimisation methods using analytic objective functions, 1D elastic full‐waveform inversion, and residual static computation
Authors: Sajeva Angelo , Aleardi Mattia , Galuzzi Bruno , Stucchi Eusebio , Spadavecchia Emmanuel , Mazzotti Alfredo
Published: April 2017

We compare the performances of four stochastic optimisation methods using four analytic objective functions and two highly non‐linear geophysical optimisation problems: one‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversion and residual static computation. The four methods we consider, namely, adaptive simulated annealing, genetic algorithm, neighbourhood algorithm, and particle swarm optimisation, are frequently employed for solving geophysical inverse problems. Because geophysical optimisations typically involve many unknown model parameters, we are particularly interested in comparing the performances of these stochastic methods as the number of unknown parameters increases. The four analytic functions we choose simulate common types of objective functions encountered in solving geophysical optimisations: a convex function, two multi‐minima functions that differ in the distribution of minima, and a nearly flat function. Similar to the analytic tests, the two seismic optimisation problems we analyse are characterised by very different objective functions. The first problem is a one‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversion, which is strongly ill‐conditioned and exhibits a nearly flat objective function, with a valley of minima extended along the density direction. The second problem is the residual static computation, which is characterised by a multi‐minima objective function produced by the so‐called cycle‐skipping phenomenon. According to the tests on the analytic functions and on the seismic data, genetic algorithm generally displays the best scaling with the number of parameters. It encounters problems only in the case of irregular distribution of minima, that is, when the global minimum is at the border of the search space and a number of important local minima are distant from the global minimum. The adaptive simulated annealing method is often the best‐performing method for low‐dimensional model spaces, but its performance worsens as the number of unknowns increases. The particle swarm optimisation is effective in finding the global minimum in the case of low‐dimensional model spaces with few local minima or in the case of a narrow flat valley. Finally, the neighbourhood algorithm method is competitive with the other methods only for low‐dimensional model spaces; its performance sensibly worsens in the case of multi‐minima objective functions.
Negative effects of pesticides under global warming can be counteracted by a higher degradation rate and thermal adaptation
Authors: Op de Beeck Lin , Verheyen Julie , Olsen Kent , Stoks Robby
Published: April 2017

An alarming finding for biodiversity is that global warming and pesticides often interact synergistically. Yet, this synergism may not capture the full picture because two counteracting processes may reduce the higher impact of pesticides under warming: higher pesticide degradation in the environment and thermal adaptation of populations.

We tested for the effects of warming and multiple pulses of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on life history and fitness‐related physiological traits in the damselfly Ischnura elegans. To assess whether thermal adaptation is able to mitigate the impact of the pesticide under future warming, we exposed replicated populations from a colder, high latitude and from a warmer, low latitude in a common garden rearing experiment at 20 and 24 °C (the respective mean summer water temperatures at both latitudes).

At the higher temperature pesticide degradation was higher, leading to less accumulation after multiple pulses compared to the lower temperature. Accordingly, the pesticide caused less mortality and less oxidative damage at the higher temperature. This contradicts the general belief (based on studies that kept pesticide concentrations constant) of a higher impact of pesticides under warming. Furthermore, the reduction of the impact of the pesticide at the higher temperature was more pronounced in the warm‐adapted low‐latitude populations, indicating a counteracting role of thermal adaptation.

Policy implications. Our findings provide proof‐of‐principle for two key insights that will allow improving ecological risk assessment of pesticides under global warming: (i) higher pesticide degradation in the environment under warming may temper the impact of multiple pesticide pulses; (ii) gradual thermal evolution may further reduce the impact of pesticides at high latitudes under global warming. This knowledge can be very important for policy makers to arrive at a more realistic forecasting of the impacts of chemical pollution and climate change interactions on organisms.
The effect of clean energy regulations and incentives on green jobs: panel analysis of the United States, 1998–2007
Authors: Lee Taedong
Published: April 2017

‘Green jobs’ are often presented as a simultaneous solution for the economic downturn and the environmental crisis, particularly as they relate to sustainable development in energy and climate change. Federal, state, and municipal authorities have employed a variety of policy tools to boost job creation within their jurisdictions. This study focuses on the role that state policies play in creating green jobs. It examines two generic policy tools – regulations and incentives – each of which can be aimed at advancing energy efficiency or renewable energy production, and assesses the relative impact they have had on generating green jobs. In order to measure this impact, we utilize panel data compiled by the Pew Charitable Trusts, which contain a state‐level count of green jobs from 1998 to 2007. The results of the analysis suggest that regulations, particularly those that mandate action on renewable energy, are likely to increase the number of private sector green jobs in states. Regulations with clear guidelines and targets tend to reduce uncertainty in business, and can lead to increased private sector investment and job availability. This study provides practical lessons regarding the type and design of policy instruments and regulations on renewable energy, which effectively encourage green job growth.
Novel ‘CandidatusLiberibacter’ species identified in the Australian eggplant psyllid,Acizzia solanicola
Authors: Morris Jacqueline , Shiller Jason , Mann Rachel , Smith Grant , Yen Alan , Rodoni Brendan
Published: April 2017

A novel candidate species of the liberibacter genus, ‘CandidatusLiberibacter brunswickensis’ (CLbr), was identified in the Australian eggplant psyllid,Acizzia solanicola. This is the first discovery of a species belonging to the liberibacter genus in Australia and the first report of a liberibacter species in the psyllid genusAcizzia. This new candidate liberibacter species has not been associated with plant disease, unlike other psyllid‐vectored species in the genus including ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), ‘CandidatusLiberibacter africanus’ (CLaf) and ‘Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum’ (CLso). This study describes novel generic liberibacter genus primers, used to screen Australian psyllids for the presence of microflora that may confound diagnosis of exotic pathogens.CLbr forms a unique clade in the liberibacter genus based on phylogenetic analysis of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) region and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of seven highly conserved genes,dnaG,gyrB,mutS,nusG,rplA,rpoBandtufB. TheMLSAmapping approach described in this article was able to discriminate between two ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ species within a metagenomic data set and represents a novel approach to detecting and differentiating unculturable species of liberibacter. Further,CLbr can confound the Liet al. (2006) quantitativePCR(qPCR) diagnostic tests forCLas andCLaf.
Unintended Consequences of Forecast Disaggregation: A Multi‐Period Perspective
Authors: Dong Lei , Lui Gladie , Wong‐On‐Wing Bernard
Published: April 2017

Prior research finds that investors respond more favorably to a disaggregated earnings forecast than to an aggregated one. The present study examines whether this initial favorable effect on investors’ decisions leads to investors giving management the benefit of the doubt, or backfires in the event of a subsequent earnings surprise announcement. The results of our experiment indicate a “backfire effect” consistent with Expectation Violation Theory. We find that investors’ negative reactions to an earnings surprise are stronger if they first observed a disaggregated forecast than if they first saw an aggregated forecast. The largest downward adjustment in investment interest occurs when the disaggregated forecast is later found to be overstated. This study provides evidence of the complexity of the effect of disaggregated earnings forecast and adds to the literature concerning the costs and benefits of accounting information disaggregation.
BUSTING BUREAUCRACY
Authors: HAMEL GARY , ZANINI MICHELE
Published: April 2017

Productivity growth is throttled by organisational red tape. Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini know how to untangle it
New insights on Flavescence dorée phytoplasma ecology in the vineyard agro‐ecosystem in southern Switzerland
Authors: Casati P. , Jermini M. , Quaglino F. , Corbani G. , Schaerer S. , Passera A. , Bianco P.A. , Rigamonti I.E.
Published: April 2017

Phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée (FDp) grapevine disease are quarantine pathogens controlled through mandatory measures including the prompt eradication and destruction of diseased plants, and the insecticide treatments against the insect vector, the ampelophagous leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. In the present study, a multidisciplinary approach has been applied to investigate the FDp ecological cycle in a test vineyard agro‐ecosystem in Canton Ticino, south Switzerland. Despite the scarce population density of S. titanus, a regular trend of new infections (3.4% of the total vines) through the years was observed. The leafhopper Orientus ishidae was found as the most abundant among the captured insect species known as phytoplasma vectors (245 out of 315 specimens). The population of O. ishidae was evidenced prevalently (167 specimens) in the south‐western side of the vineyard and within the neighbouring forest constituted mainly by hazel (Corylus avellana) and willow (Salix spp.). These plant species were found infected by FDp related strains (30% of analysed trees) for the first time in this study. Interestingly, O. ishidae was found to harbour FDp related strains in high percentage (26% of the analysed pools). In addition, 16SrV phytoplasma group was detected for the first time in the insect Hyalesthes obsoletus and a FDp related strain in Thamnotettix dilutior, present in low populations within the test vineyard. Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of methionine aminopeptidase (map) gene sequences of FDp and related strains, here identified, revealed the great prevalence of the map‐type FD2 in grapevines (97%) and in O. ishidae pools (72%). Such a map‐type was found also in hazel and in T. dilutior, but not in S. titanus. Moreover, map‐types FD1 and FD3 were identified for the first time in Switzerland in several host plants and phytoplasma vectors, including grapevine (FD1), S. titanus (FD1) and O. ishidae (FD1 and FD3). Based on the data obtained in this study, it is reasonable to hypothesise that the ecological cycle of FDp could be related not exclusively to the grapevine‐specific feeding diet of S. titanus, but it could include other insect vector(s) and/or plant host(s). Further studies will be needed to prove the role of O. ishidae as vector able to transmit FDp from wild plants (e.g. hazel) to grapevine.
The effects of gestational use of antidepressants and antipsychotics on neonatal outcomes for women with severe mental illness
Authors: Frayne Jacqueline , Nguyen Thinh , Bennett Kellie , Allen Suzanna , Hauck Yvonne , Liira Helena
Published: April 2017

Background

Psychotropic medication use occurs in 8% of pregnancies, with rates increasing, and often multiple medications prescribed.

Aims

This study aims to determine if the use of psychotropic medication, in a cohort of women with severe mental illness, increases rates of special care nursery admission and reports differences between antidepressant and antipsychotic medication use either alone or in combination.

Methods

A retrospective database analysis from a cohort with severe mental illness in pregnancy identified 268 pregnant women who were grouped according to medication type. Demographic, obstetric and neonatal variables were analysed using t‐tests, χ2, analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis for special care nursery admission.

Results

The medication groups consisted of: women taking no psychotropic medications (n = 67); those taking antipsychotics (n = 87); those taking antidepressants (n = 55); those taking and a combination of antidepressants/antipsychotics (n = 59). Rates of special care nursery admission in women who took psychotropic medication (41.3%) were elevated compared to those who did not (26.9%) (P = 0.035), and were significantly raised when compared to the general population (P < 0.000). No significant difference occurred between the medication groups. A significant adjusted odds ratio of 2.79 (95% CI 1.286–6.049) was found for special care nursery and psychiatric admission during pregnancy but not for psychotropic medication.

Conclusion

Rates of special care nursery admission are elevated in neonates of women with severe mental illness taking psychotropic medication, but were not different for monotherapy or polytherapy when prescribing antidepressants or antipsychotic medication. Additional vulnerability occurs in the neonates of women with a mental illness and paediatric presence at delivery is recommended.
Feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt
Authors: Yoshihara Terukazu , Tomimaru Yoshito , Noguchi Kozo , Nagase Hirotsugu , Hamabe Atsushi , Hirota Masashi , Oshima Kazuteru , Tanida Tsukasa , Morita Shunji , Imamura Hiroshi , Iwazawa Takashi , Akagi Kenzo , Dono Keizo
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Previous reports of laparoscopic surgery in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts for intracranial hypertension described shunt‐related complications. Thus, the shunts have been considered a contraindication for laparoscopic procedures. However, with the implementation of recent improvements in surgical techniques, perioperative management, and shunt technology, laparoscopic surgery may now be safe in cases with shunts. The aim of the present study was to examine the safety of such procedures based on our own experiences with laparoscopic surgery in patients with CSF shunts.

Methods

A total of 582 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease at our institute during the study period. Among these patients, four (0.7%) had a CSF shunt at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics of these four cases.

Results

Two patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunts, and two patients had lumboperitoneal shunts. Based on the advice of consulted neurosurgeons, the shunt catheter was clamped during pneumoperitoneum in three of the four cases, and the catheter was left unclamped in the remaining case because it was judged to be occluded. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed under pneumoperitoneum pressure of 8 mmHg. All four cases experienced an uneventful postoperative course, with no shunt‐associated complications.

Conclusion

Analysis of our current cases suggests the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cases with CSF shunts.
Visualizing, interpreting and comparing detrital zircon age and Hf isotope data in basin analysis – a graphical approach
Authors: Andersen Tom , Kristoffersen Magnus , Elburg Marlina A.
Published: April 2017

The development of fast and reliable instrumental methods for U‐Pb dating and Lu‐Hf isotope analysis of zircon has caused detrital zircon to become a popular provenance indicator for clastic sediments and an important tool in basin analysis. In parallel with the increasing ease of access to data, advanced methods of data interpretation have been developed. The downside of some techniques for visualization and comparison of detrital zircon distribution patterns is that the results are difficult to relate to what the zircon grains really record: The age and nature of geological processes in a protosource terrane. Some simple methods of data presentation and inter‐sample comparison that preserve a direct and intuitively understandable relationship between the data and the age of zircon‐forming processes in the protosource are proposed here: Comparison of confidence intervals around empirical, cumulative distribution curves combined with the use of a plot of upper vs. lower quartile values of cumulative zircon U‐Pb age or Lu‐Hf model age distributions. This approach allows a robust and transparent separation to be made between samples whose detrital zircon distributions are indistinguishable from each other, and those that are more or less similar. Furthermore, it allows simple comparison between detrital zircon distributions and the geological age record of potential protosource terranes, or the detrital zircon distributions of possible sedimentary precursors.
Decreased expression of acetyl‐CoA synthase 2 promotes metastasis and predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Lin , Kong Yinlong , Cao Manqing , Zhou Hongyuan , Li Huikai , Cui Yunlong , Fang Feng , Zhang Wei , Li Jiafeng , Zhu Xiaolin , Li Qiang , Song Tianqiang , Zhang Ti
Published: April 2017

Metastasis is a serious risk that may occur during the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), preventing many patients from being surgical candidates and contributing to poor prognosis. Hypoxia has been proved an important factor of metastasis through the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Acetyl‐CoA synthase 2 (ACSS2) provides an acetyl group for the acetylation of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐2α, and this epigenetic modification affects the activity of HIF‐2α and the subsequent EMT process. Here, we showed that ACSS2 expression was negatively correlated with HCC malignancy. Knockdown of ACSS2 increased the invasion and migration ability of HCC cells and promoted EMT without increasing the total protein level of HIF‐2α, even in hypoxic conditions. The immunoprecipitation assay revealed downregulated acetylation levels of HIF‐2α after ACSS2 knockdown in hypoxic conditions, which resulted in enhanced HIF‐2α activity. Finally, decreased expression of ACSS2 was found to be related to advanced stage and poor overall survival and disease‐free survival rates in a cohort of patients with HCC. In conclusion, ACSS2 plays an important role in the acetylation process of HIF‐2α, which effectively modifies the activity of HIF‐2α under hypoxic conditions and greatly impacts on the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Design and development of some thiazole‐based flavanoids as novel antibacterial against pathogens causing surgical site infection for possible benefit in bone trauma via inhibition of DNA gyrase
Authors: Zhao Gang , Lan Dengzhe , Qi Guobao
Published: April 2017

In this study, a novel class of hybrid thiazole‐based flavanoid derivatives were synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass and elemental analysis. These derivatives were evaluated for antibacterial activity for possible benefit in bone trauma via inhibition of DNA gyrase enzyme. Results suggested that compounds 9n, 9o, and 9p showed considerable inhibition of DNA gyrase with considerable activity against tested forty strains of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates. Moreover, compound 9n showed hydrogen bonding with LYS460 along with low binding free energy of −4.36 kcal/mol against DNA gyrase enzyme. The hemolytic activity of the potent compounds showed mild to no activity together with excellent pharmacokinetics, suggesting to have a potential for the development of designed compounds as novel antibacterial agents.
Developmental pathways in infants from 4 to 24 months
Authors: Valla L. , Birkeland M. S. , Hofoss D. , Slinning K.
Published: April 2017

Background

There has been limited epidemiological research describing population‐based samples regarding developmental pathways throughout infancy, and the research that exists has revealed substantial diversity. Identifying predictors for developmental pathways can inform early intervention services.

Methods

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire was used to measure communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem‐solving and personal–social skills longitudinally in a large, population‐based sample of 1555 infants recruited from well‐baby clinics in five municipalities in southeast Norway. We conducted latent class analyses to identify common pathways within the five developmental areas.

Results

Our results indicated that most classes of infants showed generally positive and stable normative developmental pathways. However, for communication and gross motor areas, more heterogeneity was found. For gross motor development, a class of 10% followed a U‐shaped curve. A class of 8% had a declining communication pathway and did not reach the level of the high stable communication class at 24 months. Low gestational age, low Apgar score, male sex, maternal depression symptoms, non‐Scandinavian maternal ethnicity and high maternal education significantly predict less beneficial communication pathways.

Conclusion

The results suggest that infants with low gestational age, low Apgar score, male sex and a mother with depression symptoms or non‐Scandinavian ethnicity may be at risk of developing less beneficial developmental pathways, especially within the communication area. Targeting these infants for surveillance and support might be protective against delayed development in several areas during a critical window of development.
Associations of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and anti-BAFF autoantibodies with disease activity in multi-ethnic Asian systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Singapore
Authors: Howe H S , Thong B Y H , Kong K O , Chng H H , Lian T Y , Chia F L , Tay K S S , Lau T C , Law W G , Koh E T , Leung B P
Published: April 2017

To measure the levels of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and endogenous anti-BAFF autoantibodies in a cohort of multi-ethnic Asian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Singapore, to determine their correlation with disease activity. Serum samples from 121 SLE patients and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assayed for BAFF and anti-BAFF immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The lowest reliable detection limit for anti-BAFF-IgG antibody levels was defined as 2 standard deviations (s.d.) from blank. Correlation of serum BAFF and anti-BAFF IgG levels with disease activity [scored by SLE Activity Measure revised (SLAM-R)], and disease manifestations were determined in these 121 patients. SLE patients had elevated BAFF levels compared to controls; mean 820 ± 40 pg/ml and 152 pg ± 45/ml, respectively [mean ± standard error of the mean (s.e.m.), P < 0·01], which were correlated positively with anti-dsDNA antibody levels (r = 0·253, P < 0·03), and SLAM-R scores (r = 0·627, P < 0·01). In addition, SLE patients had significantly higher levels of anti-BAFF IgG, which were correlated negatively with disease activity (r = –0·436, P < 0·01), levels of anti-dsDNA antibody (r = –0·347, P < 0·02) and BAFF (r = –0·459, P < 0·01). The majority of patients in this multi-ethnic Asian SLE cohort had elevated levels of BAFF and anti-BAFF antibodies. Anti-BAFF autoantibody levels correlated negatively with clinical disease activity, anti-dsDNA and BAFF levels, suggesting that they may be disease-modifying. Our results provide further information about the complexity of BAFF pathophysiology in different SLE disease populations and phenotypes, and suggest that studies of the influence of anti-cytokine antibodies in different SLE populations will be required when selecting patients for trials using targeted anti-cytokine therapies.
Comprehensive molecular screening strategy of OCLN in band‐like calcification with simplified gyration and polymicrogyria
Authors: Jenkinson E.M. , Livingston J.H. , O'Driscoll M.C. , Desguerre I. , Nabbout R. , Boddaert N. , Soares G. , Gonçalves da Rocha M. , D'Arrigo S. , Rice G.I. , Crow Y.J.
Published: April 2017

Occludin (OCLN) is an important component of the tight junction complex, providing apical intercellular connections between adjacent cells in endothelial and epithelial tissue. In 2010 O'Driscoll et al reported mutations in OCLN to cause band‐like calcification with simplified gyration and polymicrogyria (BLC‐PMG). BLC‐PMG is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome, characterized by early onset seizures, progressive microcephaly, severe developmental delay and deep cortical gray matter and basal ganglia calcification with symmetrical, predominantly fronto‐parietal, polymicrogyria. Here we report 4 additional cases of BLC‐PMG with novel OCLN mutations, and provide a summary of the published mutational spectrum. More generally, we describe a comprehensive molecular screening strategy taking into account the technical challenges associated with the genetic architecture of OCLN, which include the presence of a pseudo‐gene and copy number variants.
Nickel allergy in a Danish population 25 years after the first nickel regulation
Authors: Ahlström Malin G. , Menné Torkil , Thyssen Jacob P. , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: April 2017

Background

Nickel in metallic items has been regulated in Denmark since 1990; however, 10% of young Danish women are still sensitized to nickel. There is a need for continuous surveillance of the effect of regulation.

Objectives

To identify current self‐reported metallic exposures leading to dermatitis in nickel‐allergic patients, and the minimum contact time needed for dermatitis to occur.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to all patients who reacted positively to nickel sulfate 5% pet. within the last 5 years at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Gentofte Hospital.

Results

The response rate was 63.2%. Earrings were the foremost cause of dermatitis after the EU Nickel Directive had been implemented, followed by other jewellery, buttons on clothing, belt buckles, and wrist watches. Dermatitis reactions within 10 min of contact were reported by 21.4% of patients, and dermatitis reactions within 30 min of contact were reported by 30.7% of patients.

Conclusions

Nickel exposures that led to the implementation of a nickel regulation seem to persist. The durations of contact with metallic items to fall under the current REACH regulation of nickel correspond well with the results of this study.
Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus exercise on surgical management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease
Authors: Lee M. J. , Heywood N. , Sagar P. M. , Brown S. R. , Fearnhead N. S. ,   the ACPGBI Perianal Crohn's Disease Group
Published: April 2017

Aim

Management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease (fpCD) is a significant challenge for a colorectal surgeon. A recent survey of surgical practice in this condition showed variation in management approaches. As a result we set out to devise recommendations for practice for UK colorectal surgeons.

Method

Results from a national survey were used to devise a set of potential consensus statements. Consultant colorectal surgeons were invited to participate in the exercise via the previous survey and the mailing list of the professional society. Iterative voting was performed on each statement using a five‐point Likert scale and electronic voting, with opportunity for discussion and refinement between each vote. Consensus was defined as > 80% agreement.

Results

Seventeen surgeons and two patient representatives voted upon 51 statements. Consensus was achieved on 39 items. Participants advocated a patient‐centred approach by a colorectal specialist, within strong multidisciplinary teamworking. The use of anti‐TNFα therapy is advocated. Where definitive surgical techniques are considered they should be carefully selected to avoid adverse impact on function. Ano/rectovaginal fistulas should be managed by specialists in fistulating disease. Stoma or proctectomy could be discussed earlier in a patient's treatment pathway to improve choice, as they may improve quality of life.

Conclusion

This consensus provides principles and guidance for best practice in managing patients with fpCD.
Local and cross‐seasonal associations of climate and land use with abundance of monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus
Authors: Saunders Sarah P. , Ries Leslie , Oberhauser Karen S. , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: April 2017

Quantifying how climate and land use factors drive population dynamics at regional scales is complex because it depends on the extent of spatial and temporal synchrony among local populations, and the integration of population processes throughout a species’ annual cycle. We modeled weekly, site‐specific summer abundance (1994–2013) of monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus at sites across Illinois, USA to assess relative associations of monarch abundance with climate and land use variables during the winter, spring, and summer stages of their annual cycle. We developed negative binomial regression models to estimate monarch abundance during recruitment in Illinois as a function of local climate, site‐specific crop cover, and county‐level herbicide (glyphosate) application. We also incorporated cross‐seasonal covariates, including annual abundance of wintering monarchs in Mexico and climate conditions during spring migration and breeding in Texas, USA. We provide the first empirical evidence of a negative association between county‐level glyphosate application and local abundance of adult monarchs, particularly in areas of concentrated agriculture. However, this association was only evident during the initial years of the adoption of herbicide‐resistant crops (1994–2003). We also found that wetter and, to a lesser degree, cooler springs in Texas were associated with higher summer abundances in Illinois, as were relatively cool local summer temperatures in Illinois. Site‐specific abundance of monarchs averaged approximately one fewer per site from 2004–2013 than during the previous decade, suggesting a recent decline in local abundance of monarch butterflies on their summer breeding grounds in Illinois. Our results demonstrate that seasonal climate and land use are associated with trends in adult monarch abundance, and our approach highlights the value of considering fine‐resolution temporal fluctuations in population‐level responses to environmental conditions when inferring the dynamics of migratory species.
The explosive combination of religious decentralization and autocracy
Authors: Auriol Emmanuelle , Platteau Jean‐Philippe
Published: April 2017

The relationship between religion and politics is explored from a theoretical standpoint. Religious clerics can be seduced by an autocrat and political stability is at stake. The autocrat's decisions consist of two measures both capable of antagonizing religious clerics: adopting secular reforms and unduly appropriating part of the national wealth, which generally are complements. Compared to centralized religions, decentralized religions, such as Islam, tend to discourage secular reforms and corruption but those effects are not guaranteed if the autocrat accepts political instability. The main hypotheses and the central results of the theory are illustrated with regime case studies that refer to contemporary times.
Predicting College Performance of American Indians: A Large‐Sample Examination of the SAT
Authors: Shu Siwen , Kuncel Nathan R. , Sackett Paul R.
Published: April 2017

Extensive research has examined the validity and fairness of standardized tests in academic admissions. However, due to their underrepresentation in higher education, American Indians have gained much less attention in this research. In the present study, we examined for American Indian students (1) group differences on SAT scores, (2) the predictive and incremental validity of SAT over high school grades, (3) the effect of socioeconomic status on SAT validity, (4) differential prediction in the use of SAT scores, and (5) potential omitted variables that could explain differential prediction for American Indian students. Results provided evidence of predictive and incremental validity of SAT scores, and the validity of SAT scores was largely independent of socioeconomic status. Overprediction was found when using SAT scores to predict college performance and it was reduced when including high school grades as an additional predictor. This study provides substantial evidence of the validity and fairness of SAT scores for American Indians.
Extratemporal resections in pediatric epilepsy surgery—an overview
Authors: Blount Jeffrey P.
Published: April 2017

Despite optimized medical treatment, approximately one third of all patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures and by definition have medically resistant epilepsy (MRE). For these patients, surgical disruption of the epileptogenic network may enable freedom or great improvement in control of their seizures. The success of surgery is dependent on accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone and network. Epilepsy arising from regions of cortical dysplasia within the neocortex of the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes show a propensity for reorganization and progressive decline in seizure freedom and consequent poorer surgical outcome. These procedures often require staged investigation with intracranial electrodes via subdural grids or stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and are considered extratemporal resections (ETRs). Central concepts include the following: (1) localization of epileptogenic and eloquent functional regions, (2) safe and effective placement of intracranial electrode arrays, (3) resection of epileptogenic cortex, and (4) avoidance of complications. Each of these concepts is summarized and developed in this summary paper.