bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Systemic Steroid on Hearing Preservation After Cochlear Implantation via Round Window Approach: A Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Chang Mun Young , Rah Yoon Chan , Choi Jun Jae , Woo Shin Wook , Hwang Yu-Jung , Eastwood Hayden , O’Leary Stephen J. , Lee Jun Ho
Published: May 2017

Hypothesis:

When administered perioperatively, systemic dexamethasone will reduce the hearing loss associated with cochlear implantation (CI) performed via the round window approach.

Background:

The benefits of electroacoustic stimulation have led to interest in pharmacological interventions to preserve hearing after CI.

Methods:

Thirty guinea pigs were randomly divided into three experimental groups: a control group; a 3-day infusion group; and a 7-day infusion group. Dexamethasone was delivered via a mini-osmotic pump for either 3 or 7 days after CI via the round window. Pure tone-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were monitored for a period of 12 weeks after CI. The cochleae were then collected for histology.

Results:

At 4 and 12 weeks after CI, ABR threshold shifts were significantly reduced in both 7-day and 3-day infusion groups compared with the control group. Furthermore, the 7-day infusion group has significantly reduced ABR threshold shifts compared with the 3-day infusion group. The total tissue response, including fibrosis and ossification, was significantly reduced in the 7-day infusion group compared with the control group. On multiple regression the extent of fibrosis predicted hearing loss across most frequencies, while hair cell counts predicted ABR thresholds at 32 kHz.

Conclusion:

Hearing protection after systemic administration of steroids is more effective when continued for at least a week after CI. Similarly, this treatment approach was more effective in reducing the fibrosis that encapsulates the CI electrode. Reduced fibrosis seemed to be the most likely explanation for the hearing protection.
C-MYC and Its Main Ubiquitin Ligase, FBXW7, Influence Cell Proliferation and Prognosis in Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Mihashi Yasuhito , Mizoguchi Mikio , Takamatsu Yasushi , Ishitsuka Kenji , Iwasaki Hiromi , Koga Monji , Urabe Kazunori , Momosaki Seiya , Sakata Toshifumi , Kiyomi Fumiaki , Takeshita Morishige
Published: May 2017

Smoldering-type and chronic-type adult T-cell leukemia/lymphomas (ATLL) patients have relatively indolent clinical courses, but often progress into aggressive lymphoma-type and acute-type disease. We examined the roles of transcription factor C-MYC and its ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 in tumor tissues from 137 patients with ATLL. Immunohistochemical tests showed ≥50% of lymphoma cells in 78.7% (48/61) of lymphoma-type, and 64.9% (24/37) of acute-type samples expressed C-MYC, significantly higher than was seen in smoldering-type (3.6%) and chronic-type (9.1%) samples (P<0.01). Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed C-MYC mRNA expression in lymphoma-type and acute-type samples were significantly higher than in smoldering-type (P<0.01). C-MYC expression was highly correlated with its mRNA levels (ρ=0.65, P<0.0001), chromosomal amplification and duplication (ρ=0.3, P=0.045) and MIB1 labeling index (ρ=0.69, P<0.0001). Expression of FBXW7 protein and mRNA in lymphoma-type samples were significantly lower than those of smoldering-type (P<0.01 for each), and both were inversely correlated with C-MYC (protein: ρ=−0.4, P=0.0002; mRNA: ρ=−0.31, P=0.015). Seven patients with smoldering-type or chronic-type ATLL converted to acute-type, in 4 of whom C-MYC expression increased from <50% to ≥50%. Patients with ≥50% C-MYC or MIB1 had significantly worse prognosis than those with <50% C-MYC (P=0.0004) or MIB1 (P<0.0001), as did those with ≥7.5 C-MYC mRNA scores (P=0.033); whereas significantly better prognosis was associated with ≥50% FBXW7 protein (P=0.0006) or ≥0.17 FBXW7 mRNA (P=0.016). C-MYC and FBXW7 affect ATLL proliferation and progression, and low FBXW7 may increase C-MYC expression. C-MYC was a critical prognostic factor in ATLL patients.
Tumor Spread Through Air Spaces Is an Independent Predictor of Recurrence-free Survival in Patients With Resected Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kadota Kyuichi , Kushida Yoshio , Katsuki Naomi , Ishikawa Ryou , Ibuki Emi , Motoyama Mutsumi , Nii Kazuhito , Yokomise Hiroyasu , Bandoh Shuji , Haba Reiji
Published: May 2017

Tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) is a newly recognized pattern of invasion in lung adenocarcinoma. However, clinical significance of STAS has not yet been characterized in lung squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we investigated whether STAS could determine clinical outcome in Japanese patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. We reviewed tumor slides from surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinomas (n=216). STAS was defined as tumor cells within air spaces in the lung parenchyma beyond the edge of the main tumor. Tumors were evaluated for histologic subtypes, tumor budding, and nuclear diameter. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Tumor STAS was observed in 87 patients (40%), increasing incidence with lymph node metastasis (P=0.037), higher pathologic stage (P=0.026), and lymphatic invasion (P=0.033). All cases with STAS showed a solid nest pattern. The 5-year RFS for patients with STAS was significantly lower than it was for patients without STAS in all patients (P=0.001) and in stage I patients (n=134; P=0.041). On multivariate analysis, STAS was an independent prognostic factor of a worse RFS (hazard ratio=1.61; P=0.023). Patients with STAS had a significantly increased risk of developing locoregional and distant recurrences (P=0.012 and 0.001, respectively). We found that tumor STAS was an independent predictor of RFS in patients with resected lung squamous cell carcinoma, and it was associated with aggressive tumor behavior.
Modeling the Impact of Retention Interventions on Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: Results From INSPIRE Studies in Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe
Authors: McCarthy Elizabeth , Joseph Jessica , Foster Geoff , Mangwiro Alexio-Zambezio , Mwapasa Victor , Oyeledun Bolanle , Phiri Sam , Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Essajee Shaffiq ,   on behalf of the INSPIRE Team
Published: May 2017

Background:

Six implementation research studies in Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe tested approaches for improving retention in care among women living with HIV. We simulated the impact of their interventions on the probability of HIV transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Methods:

A computer-based state-transition model was developed to estimate the impact of the retention interventions. Patient-level data from the 6 studies were aggregated and analyzed, and weighted averages of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV probabilities were presented. The average MTCT probability of the more successful interventions was applied to national estimates to calculate potential infections averted if these interventions were taken to scale.

Results:

Among the total cohort of 5742 HIV-positive women, almost 80% of all infant infections are attributed to the roughly 20% of HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women not retained on antiretroviral therapy. Higher retention in the arms receiving interventions resulted in an overall lower estimated MTCT probability of 9.9% compared with 12.3% in the control arms. In the 2 studies that showed a statistically significant effect, Prevention of MTCT Uptake and Retention (PURE) and Mother Mentor (MoMent), the difference in transmission rates between intervention and control arms was 4.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Scaling up retention interventions nationally in the 3 countries could avert an average of almost 3000 infant infections annually.

Conclusions:

Linking HIV-positive pregnant women to antiretroviral therapy and retaining them is essential for addressing the remaining gaps and challenges in HIV/AIDS care and the elimination of MTCT. At national level, even modest improvements in retention translates into large numbers of infant infections averted.
Supporting Implementation Research to Improve Coverage and Uptake of HIV Related Interventions
Authors: Blais Pierre , Sirivar Sylvia , Seto Joyce
Published: May 2017

In 2015, Global Affairs Canada joined other members of the United Nations to establish the Sustainable Development Goals, which include the elimination of AIDS by 2030. Innovation is an important part of accelerating the response against HIV and ensuring success in eliminating AIDS by 2030. This is the reason Global Affairs Canada decided to partner with the World Health Organization, to support the INtegration and Scaling Up PMTCT through Implementation REsearch (INSPIRE) initiative, to learn how HIV interventions can be successfully integrated with other essential health services for mothers and children, especially among the most vulnerable populations. Canada also believes that the empowerment of women and girls will be critical to eliminating AIDS. INSPIRE is the evidence that providing women with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, treat, and manage HIV enables them to become experts and agents of change in their families and communities. We know that when women are empowered with critical information regarding their health, there is greater retention in care which leads to improved treatment adherence and ultimately helps to reduce the rate of new infections. Global Affairs Canada is proud to have supported the World Health Organization in this effort.
Building Health System Capacity Through Implementation Research: Experience of INSPIRE—A Multi-country PMTCT Implementation Research Project
Authors: Newman Owiredu Morkor , Bellare Nita B. , Chakanyuka Musanhu Christine C. , Oyelade Taiwo A. , Thom Ellen M. , Bigirimana Francoise , Anyaike Chukwuma , Eliya Michael T. , Mushavi Angela , Nyarko Eugene A. , Okello David O. , Zawaira Felicitas R.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The INSPIRE—Integrating and Scaling Up PMTCT through Implementation REsearch—initiative was established as a model partnership of national prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) implementation research in 3 high HIV burden countries—Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. INSPIRE aimed to link local research groups with Ministries of Health (MOH), build local research capacity, and demonstrate that implementation research may contribute to improving health care delivery and respond to program challenges.

Methodology:

We used a mixed methods approach to review capacity building activities, as experienced by health care workers, researchers, and trainers conducted in the 6 INSPIRE projects before and during study implementation.

Results:

Between 2011 and 2016, over 3400 health care workers, research team members, and community members participated in INSPIRE activities. This included research prioritization exercises, proposal development, good clinical practice and research ethics training, data management and analysis workshops, and manuscript development. Health care workers in clinics and district health offices acknowledged the value of hosting implementation research projects and how the quality of services improved. Research teams acknowledged the opportunities that projects provided for personal development and the value of participating in a multicountry research network.

Discussion:

INSPIRE provided an opportunity for African-led research in which researchers worked closely with national MOH to identify priority research questions and implement studies. Close partnerships between research teams and local implementers facilitated project responsiveness to local program issues. Consequently, processes and training needed for study implementation also improved local program management and service delivery. Additional benefits included improved data management, publications, and career development.
Gastrointestinal Colonization of Candida Albicans Increases Serum (1→3)-β-D-Glucan, without Candidemia, and Worsens Cecal Ligation and Puncture Sepsis in Murine Model
Authors: Panpetch Wimonrat , Somboonna Naraporn , Bulan Dewi Embong , Issara-Amphorn Jiraphorn , Worasilchai Navaporn , Finkelman Malcolm , Chindamporn Ariya , Palaga Tanapat , Tumwasorn Somying , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: May 2017

The role of intestinal Candida albicans in bacterial sepsis, in the absence of candidemia, was investigated in murine models. Live C albicans or normal saline solution (NSS) was administered orally once, followed by 5 days of daily oral antibiotic-mixtures (ATB). Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was then performed to induce sepsis.

Fecal Candida was detected by culture only in models with Candida administration. Oral Candida administration with/without ATB enhanced gut-pathogenic bacteria as determined by microbiome analysis. Despite negative candidemia, serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BG) was higher in CLP with Candida preconditioning models than in CLP-controls (NSS-preconditioning) at 6 and/or 18 h post-CLP. Blood bacterial burdens were not increased with Candida administration.

Additionally, CLP with high-dose Candida (106 colony forming units) induced higher levels of fecal Candida, serum BG, serum IL-6, and mortality than the lowest dose (100 colony forming units). Interestingly, fluconazole attenuated fecal Candida and improved survival in mice with live-Candida administration, but not in the CLP-controls. Heat-killed Candida preparations or their supernatants reduced bone marrow-derived macrophage killing activity in vitro but enhanced cytokine production.

In conclusion, intestinal abundance of fungi and/or fungal-molecules was associated with increased bacterial sepsis severity, perhaps through cytokine storm induction and/or decreased macrophage killing activity. These observations suggest that further investigation of the potential role of intestinal fungal burdens in sepsis is warranted.
Activin Biology After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Westall Glen P. , Snell Gregory I. , Loskot Monika , Levvey Bronwyn , O’Hehir Robyn , Hedger Mark P. , de Kretser David M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Activins A and B, members of the TGF-β superfamily, are produced as part of the physiological response to tissue damage and the resulting proinflammatory response. Given that lung allograft reperfusion results in an inflammatory response, it is likely that the activins and their binding protein follistatin will form part of the regulatory response. There is a need to document the response of these proteins to allograft reperfusion to determine if there is a role for the use of follistatin to control the biological actions of the activins because some of these are potentially damaging.

Methods

Serum from 48 consecutive patients undergoing lung transplantation (LTx) was collected at 2, 6, 12, and 26 weeks post-LTx. The serum levels of activin A and B and follistatin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and specific radioimmunoassays and compared with clinical events.

Results

Serum activin A and B levels were at the upper limit of the normal ranges at 2 weeks post-LTx decreasing thereafter to 12 weeks post-LTx (P < 0.05). In contrast, serum follistatin levels were unchanged between 2 and 12 weeks, with a late significant increase at 24 week post-LTx (P < 0.01). Patients with primary graft dysfunction had lower serum follistatin levels (7.7 vs 9.5 ng/mL; P = 0.04) and a higher activin A/follistatin ratio (13.1 vs 10.4; P = 0.02) at 2 weeks post-LTx.

Conclusions

Activin and follistatin levels vary with time form LTX and reflect a proinflammatory environment. Future studies will elucidate associations with chronic lung allograft dysfunction and the therapeutic potential of exogenous follistatin administration.
Efficient quantum circuits for dense circulant and circulant like operators
Authors: Zhou S. S. , Wang J. B.
Published: May 2017

Circulant matrices are an important family of operators, which have a wide range of applications in science and engineering-related fields. They are, in general, non-sparse and non-unitary. In this paper, we present efficient quantum circuits to implement circulant operators using fewer resources and with lower complexity than existing methods. Moreover, our quantum circuits can be readily extended to the implementation of Toeplitz, Hankel and block circulant matrices. Efficient quantum algorithms to implement the inverses and products of circulant operators are also provided, and an example application in solving the equation of motion for cyclic systems is discussed.
Green synthesis of carbon quantum dots embedded onto titanium dioxide nanowires for enhancing photocurrent
Authors: Yen Yin-Cheng , Lin Chia-Chi , Chen Ping-Yu , Ko Wen-Yin , Tien Tzu-Rung , Lin Kuan-Jiuh
Published: May 2017

The green synthesis of nanowired photocatalyst composed of carbon quantum dots-titanium hybrid-semiconductors, CQDs/TiO
2
, are reported. Where graphite-based CQDs with a size less than 5 nm are directly synthesized in pure water electrolyte by a one-step electrochemistry approach and subsequently electrodeposited onto as-prepared TiO
2
nanowires through a voltage-driven reduction process. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies show that the CQDs can generate singlet oxygen and/or oxygen radicals to decompose the kinetic H
2
O
2
intermediate species upon UV light illumination. With the effect of peroxidase-like CQDs, photocurrent density of CQDs/TiO
2
is remarkably enhanced by a 6.4 factor when compared with that of as-prepared TiO
2
.
Contradicting habitat type-extinction risk relationships between living and fossil amphibians
Authors: Tietje Melanie , Rödel Mark-Oliver
Published: May 2017

Trait analysis has become a crucial tool for assessing the extinction risk of species. While some extinction risk-trait relationships have been often identical between different living taxa, a temporal comparison of fossil taxa with related current taxa was rarely considered. However, we argue that it is important to know if extinction risk-trait relations are constant or changing over time. Herein we investigated the influence of habitat type on the persistence length of amphibian species. Living amphibians are regarded as the most threatened group of terrestrial vertebrates and thus of high interest to conservationists. Species from different habitat types show differences in extinction risk, i.e. species depending on flowing waters being more threatened than those breeding in stagnant sites. After assessing the quality of the available amphibian fossil data, we show that today's habitat type-extinction risk relationship is reversed compared to fossil amphibians, former taxa persisting longer when living in rivers and streams, thus suggesting a change of effect direction of this trait. Neither differences between amphibian orders nor environmentally caused preservation effects could explain this pattern. We argue this change to be most likely a result of anthropogenic influence, which turned a once favourable strategy into a disadvantage.
Genetics-based interactions of foundation species affect community diversity, stability and network structure
Authors: Keith Arthur R. , Bailey Joseph K. , Lau Matthew K. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: May 2017

We examined the hypothesis that genetics-based interactions between strongly interacting foundation species, the treePopulus angustifoliaand the aphidPemphigus betae, affect arthropod community diversity, stability and species interaction networks of which little is known. In a 2-year experimental manipulation of the tree and its aphid herbivore four major findings emerged: (i) the interactions of these two species determined the composition of an arthropod community of 139 species; (ii) both tree genotype and aphid presence significantly predicted community diversity; (iii) the presence of aphids on genetically susceptible trees increased the stability of arthropod communities across years; and (iv) the experimental removal of aphids affected community network structure (network degree, modularity and tree genotype contribution to modularity). These findings demonstrate that the interactions of foundation species are genetically based, which in turn significantly contributes to community diversity, stability and species interaction networks. These experiments provide an important step in understanding the evolution of Darwin's ‘entangled bank’, a metaphor that characterizes the complexity and interconnectedness of communities in the wild.
Categorical representations of decision-variables in orbitofrontal cortex
Authors: Hirokawa Junya , Vaughan Alex , Kepecs Adam
Published: May 2017

The brain creates internal representations of the external world in the form of neural activity, which is structured to support adaptive behavior. In many cortical regions, individual neurons respond to specific features that are matched to the function of each region and statistics of the world. In frontal cortex, however, neurons display baffling complexity, responding to a mixture of sensory, motor and other variables. Here we use an integrated new approach to understanding the architecture of higher-order cortical representations, and use this approach to show that discrete groups of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) neurons encode distinct decision variables. Using rats engaged in a complex task combining perceptual and value guided decisions, we found that OFC neurons can be grouped into distinct, categorical response types. These categorical representations map directly onto decision-variables of a choice model explaining our behavioral data, such as reward size, decision confidence and integrated value. We propose that, like sensory neurons, frontal neurons form a sparse and over complete population representation aligned to the natural statistics of the world – in this case spanning the space of decision-variables required for optimal behavior.
MAJIQ-SPEL: Web-Tool to interrogate classical and complex splicing variations from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Green Christopher J. , Gazzara Matthew R. , Barash Yoseph
Published: May 2017

Analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data have highlighted the fact that most genes undergo alternative splicing (AS) and that these patterns are tightly regulated. Many of these events are complex, resulting in numerous possible isoforms that quickly become difficult to visualize, interpret, and experimentally validate. To address these challenges, We developed MAJIQ-SPEL, a web-tool that takes as input local splicing variations (LSVs) quantified from RNA-Seq data and provides users with visualization and quantification of gene isoforms associated with those. Importantly, MAJIQ-SPEL is able to handle both classical (binary) and complex (non-binary) splicing variations. Using a matching primer design algorithm it also suggests users possible primers for experimental validation by RT-PCR and displays those, along with the matching protein domains affected by the LSV, on UCSC Genome Browser for further downstream analysis.

Availability:Program and code will be available athttp://majiq.biociphers.org/majiq-spel
A hypothesis-driven approach to assessing significance of differences in RNA expression levels among specific groups of genes
Authors: He Mingze , Liu Peng , Lawrence-Dill Carolyn J.
Published: May 2017

Genome-wide molecular gene expression studies generally compare expression values for each gene across multiple conditions followed by cluster and gene set enrichment analysis to determine whether differentially expressed genes are enriched in specific biochemical pathways, cellular components, biological processes, and/or molecular functions, etc. This approach to analyzing differences in gene expression enables discovery of gene function, but is not useful to determine whether pre-definedgroupsof genes share or diverge in their expression patterns in response to treatments nor to assess the correctness of pre-defined gene set groupings. Here we present a simple method that changes the dimension of comparison by treating genes as variable traits to directly assess significance of differences in expression levels among pre-defined gene groups. Because expression distributions are typically skewed (thus unfit for direct assessment using Gaussian statistical methods) our method involves transforming expression data to approximate a normal distribution followed by dividing the genes into groups, then applying Gaussian parametric methods to assess significance of observed differences. This method enables the assessment of differences in gene expression distributions within and across samples, enabling hypothesis-based comparison among groups of genes. We demonstrate this method by assessing the significance of specific gene groups’ differential response to heat stress conditions in maize.

Abbreviations

GO

– gene ontology HSP – heat shock protein

KEGG

– Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes

HSF TF

– heat shock factor transcription factor

HSBP

– heat shock binding protein

RNA

– ribonucleic acid

TE

– transposable element

TF

– transcription factor

TPM

– transcripts per kilobase millions
microRNA-451a regulates colorectal cancer radiosensitivity
Authors: Ruhl Rebecca , Rana Shushan , Kelley Katherine , Espinosa-Diez Cristina , Hudson Clayton , Lanciault Christian , Thomas Charles R , Tsikitis Liana V , Anand Sudarshan
Published: May 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. The responses of CRC to standard of care adjuvant therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy are poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that affect gene expression programs in cells by downregulating specific mRNAs. In this study, we discovered a set of microRNAs upregulated rapidly in response to a single 2 Gy dose fraction of γ-radiation in a mouse colorectal carcinoma xenograft model. The most upregulated candidate in our signature, miR-451a inhibits tumor cell proliferation and attenuated surviving fraction in longer-term cultures. Conversely, inhibition of miR-451a increased proliferation, tumorsphere formation and surviving fraction of tumor cells. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified four genes-CAB39, EMSY, MEX3C and EREG as targets of miR-451a. Transfection of miR-451a decreased both mRNA and protein levels of these targets. Importantly, we found miR-451a expression was decreased with tumor stage in a small subset of CRC patients. Finally, analysis of a TCGA colorectal cancer dataset reveals that the CAB39 and EMSY are upregulated at the protein level in a significant number of CRC patients and correlates with poorer overall survival. Taken together, our data indicates miR-451a influences the radiation sensitivity of colorectal carcinomas.
Barcode identification for single cell genomics
Authors: Tambe Akshay , Pachter Lior
Published: May 2017

Single-cell sequencing experiments use short DNA barcode ‘tags’ to identify reads that originate from the same cell. In order to recover single-cell information from such experiments, reads must be grouped based on their barcode tag, a crucial processing step that precedes other computations. However, this step can be difficult due to high rates of mismatch and deletion errors that can afflict barcodes. Here we present an approach to identify and error-correct barcodes by traversing the de Bruijn graph of circularized barcode k-mers. This allows for assignment of reads to consensus fingerprints constructed from k-mers, and we show that for single-cell RNA-Seq this improves the recovery of accurate single-cell transcriptome estimates.
Temperature-induced reversible structural phase transition and X-ray diffuse scattering in 2-amino-3-nitropyridinium hydrogen sulfate
Authors: Bednarchuk Tamara J. , Kowalska Dorota , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Wołcyrz Marek
Published: May 2017

The novel polar material 2-amino-3-nitropyridinium hydrogen sulfate, C5H6N3O2(HSO4) (abbreviated as 2A3NP-HS), was obtained and structurally characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. At room temperature, 2A3NP-HS crystallizes as a non-centrosymmetric disordered phase (I) in the orthorhombicPna21space group. On cooling below 298 K, 2A3NP-HS undergoes a reversible phase transition to phase (II) with the monoclinic non-centrosymmetricP21space group. This transition might be classified as an `order–disorder' type. The structural details in both phases are analysed. Additionally, for phase (I), in the 304–365 K temperature range, diffuse scattering was found to be present in the form of elongated streaks parallel to thea* direction. This can be unravelled when implementing a short-range order affecting anionic cationic ribbons occurring in the structure, with correlations acting both in thea-direction and in thebc-plane. The results of Monte Carlo simulations, adapting a two-dimensional Ising-type model, reveal the formation of domains, which areb-elongated and thin alonga. Locally, the stacking of the ribbons in the domains reflects the ordered arrangement observed in the low-temperature monoclinic phase (II).
Ordered vacancy distribution in 2/1 mullite: a superspace model
Authors: Klar Paul B. , de la Pinta Noelia , Lopez Gabriel A. , Etxebarria Iñigo , Breczewski Tomasz , Madariaga Gotzon
Published: May 2017

A mullite single crystal with composition Al4.84Si1.16O9.58 (2)exhibiting sharp satellite reflections was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction. For the refinement of a superspace model in the superspace groupPbam(α0½)0ssdifferent scale factors for main and satellite reflections were used in order to describe an ordered mullite structure embedded in a disordered polymorph. The ordered fraction of the mullite sample exhibits a completely ordered vacancy distribution and can be described as a block structure of vacancy blocks (VBs) that alternate with vacancy-free blocks (VFBs) alongaandc. The incommensurate nature of mullite originates from a modulation of the block size, which depends on the composition. The displacive modulation is analyzed with respect to the vacancy distribution and a possible Al/Si ordering scheme is derived, although the measurement itself is not sensitive to the Al/Si distribution. An idealized, commensurate approximation for 2/1 mullite is also presented. Comparison of the ordered superspace model with different preceding models reconciles many key investigations of the last decades with partly contradicting conclusions, where mullite was usually treated as either ordered or disordered instead of considering simultaneously different states of order.
Could incommensurability in sulfosalts be more common than thought? The case of meneghinite, CuPb13Sb7S24
Authors: Bindi Luca , Petříček Václav , Biagioni Cristian , Plášil Jakub , Moëlo Yves
Published: May 2017

The structure of meneghinite (CuPb13Sb7S24), from the Bottino mine in the Apuan Alps (Italy), has been solved and refined as an incommensurate structure in four-dimensional superspace. The structure is orthorhombic, superspace groupPnma(0β0)00s, cell parametersa =24.0549 (3),b =4.1291 (6),c =11.3361 (16) Å, modulation vectorq= 0.5433 (4)b*. The structure was refined from 6604 reflections to a finalR= 0.0479. The model includes modulation of both atomic positions and displacement parameters, as well as occupational waves. The driving forces stabilizing the modulated structure of meneghinite are linked to the occupation modulation of Cu and some of the Pb atoms. As a consequence of the Cu/[] and Pb/Sb modulations, three- to sevenfold coordinations of theMcations (Pb/Sb) occur in different parts of the structure. The almost bimodal distribution of the occupation of Cu/[] and Pb/Sb atM5 conforms with the coupled substitution Sb3++ [] → Pb2++ Cu+, thus corroborating the hypothesis deduced previously for the incorporation of copper in the meneghinite structure. The very small departure (∼0.54versus0.50) from the commensurate value of the modulation raises the question of whether other sulfosalts considered superstructures have been properly described, and, in this light, if incommensurate modulation in sulfosalts could be much more common than thought.
Refining financial analysts’ forecasts by predicting earnings forecast errors
Authors: Fedyk Tatiana
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way serial correlation in quarterly earnings forecast errors varies with firm and analyst attributes such as the firm’s industry and the analyst’s experience and brokerage house affiliation. Prior research on financial analysts’ quarterly earnings forecasts has documented serial correlation in forecast errors.

Design/methodology/approach

Finding that serial correlation in forecast errors is significant and seemingly independent of firm and analyst attributes, the consensus forecast errors are modeled as an autoregressive process. The model of forecast errors that best fits the data is AR(1), and the obtained autoregressive coefficients are used to predict consensus forecast errors.

Findings

Modeling the consensus forecast errors as an autoregressive process, the present study predicts future consensus forecast errors and proposes a series of refinements to the consensus.

Originality/value

These refinements were not presented in prior literature and can be useful to financial analysts and investors.
Examination of firm performance following the early adoption of SFAS 142
Authors: Han Lei , Hsiao Daniel F.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term performance of firms that early adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 142 (SFAS 142).

Design/methodology/approach

In particular, the paper focuses on a relatively lengthy time frame after the standard became effective in 2002 and examines whether the firms which early adopted SFAS 142 exhibit different characteristics from their non-early adopting counterparts when comparing operating returns, stock returns and earnings quality over the same time period. Profit margin, return on assets and return on equity are used to measure operating returns; buy-and-hold return, Tobin’s Q and price-to-book ratio are used to measure stock returns; and abnormal accruals and accruals quality are used to measure earnings quality.

Findings

Based on a sample of 692 firm-year observations over five years between 2002 and 2006, the authors find that early adopters tend to exhibit lower operating performance (most noticeable when measuring profit margin and return on assets) and lower earnings quality following the early adoption of SFAS 142 than non-early adopters. However, little relation is found between post-adoption market returns and the choice to early adopt SFAS 142.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps fill the gap in accounting literature by investigating the long-term performance of firms post adoption of SFAS 142. The empirical results may provide greater understanding of the firms choosing to early adopt SFAS 142, and offer additional insight to guide standard setters on similar accounting issues in the future.

Originality/value

This study’s research questions attempt to identify potential differences in operating and stock performance and earnings quality by comparing early adopters and non-early adopters of SFAS 142 over a five-year period between 2002 and 2006, which extends the research beyond the relatively short window covered by prior research, and also takes into consideration Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 141 (SFAS 141)-R “Business Combination”, issued in 2007, to supersede SFAS 141 of 2001.
Evaluating the effect of macroeconomic variables on the welfare changes in Iran
Authors: Shahiki Tash Mohammad Nabi , Molaei Saber , Barghandan Kamran
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of cardinal welfare based on Sen’s index using both Pareto and non-Pareto states besides evaluating the effective factors on the welfare changes according to a fuzzy least-squares regression model.

Design/methodology/approach

The social welfare functions express the optimal social allocations in the public economics. Therefore, they can be applied as a tool to represent the difference of utility allocations among consumers. There are various criteria on the literature pertaining to the social welfare functions such as those of Dasgupta et al. (1970), Sheshinski (1972), Sen (1974), Yitzhaki (1979), Shorrocks (1983), Kakwani (1984), Dagum (1990, 1993), Mukhopadhaya (2003), and Mukhopadhaya and Rao (2001). The Sen’s welfare function because of strong theoretical basis and enjoying the welfare axioms is more celebrated among others so that it is a function of individual utilities resulting from the individual’s social positions.

Findings

The findings indicate that the welfare level has increased by about 4.8 percent during the period 2002-2007; by nearly 3.1 percent during 1997-2001 and mature to 2.7 percent from 1992 to 1996 such that the period 1997-2007 has had the highest level of social welfare improvement in Iran. The results obtained from the fuzzy regression show that the unemployment rate, inflation rate and Gini coefficient variables have an adverse relation with the cardinal welfare in both Pareto and non-Pareto cases, while the literacy rate and government expenditures have a positive relation with the welfare index. The findings also imply that there is a positive relationship between economic growth and welfare level in Iran.

Originality/value

I verify that this manuscript is an original study.
QR codes as mobile learning tools for labor room nurses at the San Pablo Colleges Medical Center
Authors: Del Rosario-Raymundo Maria Rowena
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of QR codes as mobile learning tools and examine factors that impact on their usefulness, acceptability and feasibility in assisting the nurses’ learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Study participants consisted of 14 regular, full-time, board-certified LR nurses. Over a two-week period, participants used specially generated QR codes to access a mobile website, connect to physicians’ telephone numbers and access alphanumeric text information. Research data in the form of observations and insights on their experience in using the QR codes were collected from participants through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Findings revealed that QR codes encoded with text information, telephone numbers and URL links to the mobile website all demonstrated a high level of functionality, usability and usefulness. The majority of the participants liked the experience of using the QR codes, citing ease of use of the QR codes; a high level of satisfaction in the kind and amount of supplementary medical information accessed; and the favorable effect the QR codes had on their personal learning.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on the evaluation of usefulness, acceptability and feasibility due to the limited time available for the conduct of the study.

Practical implications

These findings support the acceptability and feasibility of using QR codes as mobile learning tools in the labor room.

Social implications

It shows the QR codes’ potential for use in a workplace environment in the context of just-in-time learning and continuing nursing education.

Originality/value

The current literature on the use of QR codes in medical and nursing education is limited.
Disability and the criminal justice system in Zambia
Authors: Jacobson Jessica , Sabuni Phillip , Talbot Jenny
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Drawing on multi-method research conducted in 2013-2014, the purpose of this paper is to consider the extent and nature of disadvantage experienced by individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities (PID) who come into contact with the criminal justice system in Zambia. The research was conducted as part of a wider project aiming to bring about improvements in how people with PID are dealt with by the criminal justice services.

Design/methodology/approach

The research activities included interviews with 29 individuals with PID who had experienced the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or prisoners (“self-advocates”). A focus group and interviews were also conducted with the family members of people with PID who had criminal justice experience.

Findings

People with PID in contact with the criminal justice services in Zambia are disadvantaged and discriminated against routinely and systematically. Like all detainees, they experience harsh and at times brutal conditions of detention. However, because of their disabilities, such experiences can be more keenly felt: their disabilities may be exacerbated by detention or by limited or non-existent health care; and they are likely to be less resourceful than other detainees and, therefore, less able to cope with the privations of detention.

Originality/value

In drawing on the self-advocate interviews, this paper presents direct, vivid accounts of what it means to be a suspect, defendant or prisoner with disabilities in Zambia. These are extremely marginalised and multiply disadvantaged individuals whose voices are rarely heard.
Well funded and dangerous: assessing the Islamic State’s financing operations
Authors: Tierney Michael
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The existing literature on Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has thus far focused on the group’s contemporary or previous financing activities. However, there has not been an analysis of the ways in which ISIS’ funding is likely to change moving forward now that it has come under international scrutiny. The purpose of this paper is to assess the ways in which ISIS’ funding is likely to evolve in the future and to also suggest methods for combating its financing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is theoretical in nature. By assessing the existing literature on terrorist financing, it is apparent that terrorist organizations alter their funding sources and methods after coming under intense international scrutiny. Therefore, two hypotheses are put forth for the future of ISIS’ funding activities: the group will become more effective at building social support among its local population, thereby consolidating is funding sources and methods within Syria and Iraq; and the group will increasingly branch out, searching for sources from a transnational network, as its base in Syria and Iraq begins to deteriorate.

Findings

Community support is essential for sustaining a terrorist network. As a result, it is likely that ISIS will increasingly seek funding from a transnational network as its base of support in Iraq and Syria begins to deteriorate. There is also a distinct third possibility that the group will be able to consolidate its base while also moving abroad for financial support. This third option presents the most complicated outcome for the international community in its fight against ISIS.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature on terrorist financing, particularly with regards to ISIS, to assist the international community in its fight against the group both now and moving into the future.
Prosecution for illicit enrichment: the Lithuanian perspective
Authors: Bikelis Skirmantas
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the issues with which Lithuania is faced through its introduction of a modern legal mechanism for a more efficient confiscation of the proceeds of crime – the criminalization of illicit enrichment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses issues raised in the Constitutional Court of Lithuania concerning the constitutionality of the country’s Criminal Code, as amended, by means of which illicit enrichment has been criminalized. Then, developments in and statistics for prosecutions and convictions for illicit enrichment are presented, and the legal issues that have been raised in the practice of the higher courts of Lithuania are analysed.

Findings

The concept of the criminalization of illicit enrichment proves to be less promising than that of civil forfeiture. First, it is contentious in the context of proportionality and ultima ratio. Second, it may infringe upon the prohibition of self-incrimination. Third, it appears that collecting sufficient evidence of illicit enrichment on the criminal standard of proof is an extremely difficult task for the prosecution.

Originality/value

Lithuania was the first European Union Member State to introduce general criminal liability for illicit enrichment. This analysis of the five years since the implementation of the enabling legislation should provide useful insights for the other countries considering introducing modern legal instruments to bring about a more effective control of illicit enrichment, as well as inspire additional, vital deliberation on the matter.
Performance assessment on high strength steel endplate connections after fire
Authors: Qiang Xuhong , Wu Nianduo , Jiang Xu , Bijlaard Frans , Kolstein Henk
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to reveal more information and understanding on performance and failure mechanisms of high strength steel endplate connections after fire.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental and numerical study on seven endplate connections after cooling down from fire temperature of 550°C has been carried out and reported herein. Moreover, the provisions of European design standard for steel structures, Eurocode 3, were validated with test results of high strength steel endplate connections.

Findings

In endplate connections, a proper design using a thinner high strength steel endplate can achieve the same failure mode, similar residual load bearing capacity and comparable or even higher rotation capacity after cooling down from fire. It is found that high strength steel endplate connection can regain more than 90 per cent of its original load bearing capacity after cooling down from fire temperature of 550°C.

Originality/value

The post-fire performance of high strength steel endplate connection has been reported. The accuracy of Eurocode 3 for endplate connections is validated against test results.