bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Comparison of Double Small, Standard, and Endoscopic Approaches for Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Zhang Xu , Huang Xiangye , Wang Xianhui , Wen Shumin , Sun Jianxin , Shao Xinzhong
Published: May 2016

Background:

The purpose of this study was to introduce a new surgical technique of carpal tunnel release through double small incisions, and to compare the technique with the standard open release and endoscopic release.

Methods:

Two hundred and seven patients were allocated randomly into group A (n = 73), B (n = 65), or C (n = 69). Patients in group A were treated with carpal tunnel release by means of double small incisions. Patients in group B were treated by means of the standard incision. Patients in group C had endoscopic release.

Results:

Preoperatively, the mean severity of symptoms of groups A, B, and C was 3.7 ± 0.58, 3.8 ± 0.62, and 3.7 ± 0.52, respectively; and the mean functional status was 3.2 ± 0.71, 3.2 ± 0.71, and 3.5 ± 0.64, respectively. At the final follow-up of 3 years, the mean severity of symptoms of the groups was 1.2 ± 0.45, 1.2 ± 0.31, and 1.5 ± 0.36, respectively; and the mean functional status was 1.2 ± 0.38, 1.2 ± 0.41, and 1.5 ± 0.42, respectively. Patient satisfaction was 95 ± 4.2, 90 ± 5.8, and 93 ± 4.4, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups regarding symptom severity or function status (p > 0.05). For scar appearance, there were significant differences between groups A and B and between B and C, but not between A and C; for patient satisfaction, there were significant differences in all comparisons.

Conclusions:

Carpal tunnel release by means of double small incisions is a minimally invasive and less technically challenging procedure with good nerve visualization, resulting in good appearance of scars.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Expression and High-Risk HPV Infection in Anal Lesions of HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Nicol Alcina F. , Brunette Laurie L. , Nuovo Gerard J. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Friedman Ruth K. , Veloso Valdiléa G. , Cunha Cynthia B. , Coutinho José R. , Vianna de Andrade Cecilia , Oliveira Nathalia S. , Woodham Andrew W. , Da Silva Diane M. , Kast W. Martin
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) expression in anal biopsies from HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals, and compare that to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) diagnoses and human papillomavirus (HPV) status.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 54 HIV+ (31 males and 23 females) from an AIDS clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods:

The study material consisted of anorectal tissue biopsies obtained from HIV+ subjects, which were used to construct tissue microarray paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical analysis of SLPI expression. Biopsies were evaluated by an expert pathologist and classified as low-grade AIN1, high-grade AIN2/3, or normal squamous epithelium. In addition, DNA from the biopsies was extracted and analyzed for the presence of low- or high-risk HPV DNA.

Results:

Histologically, normal squamous epithelium from the anorectal region showed strong positive SLPI staining in 17/20 (85%) samples. In comparison, 9/17 (53%) dysplastic squamous epithelial samples from AIN1 patients showed strong SLPI staining, and only 5/17 (29%) samples from AIN2/3 patients exhibited strong SPLI staining, which both were significantly fewer than those from normal tissue (P = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a significantly higher proportion of samples in which oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes were detected in low SLPI-expressing tissues than that in tissues with high SLPI expression (P = 0.040).

Conclusions:

Taken together these results suggest that low SLPI expression is associated with high-risk HPV infections in the development of AIN.
Brief Report: Efficacy and Safety of Switching to a Single-Tablet Regimen of Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in HIV-1/Hepatitis B–Coinfected Adults
Authors: Gallant Joel , Brunetta Jason , Crofoot Gordon , Benson Paul , Mills Anthony , Brinson Cynthia , Oka Shinichi , Cheng Andrew , Garner Will , Fordyce Marshall , Das Moupali , McCallister Scott ,   the GS-US-292-1249 Study Investigators
Published: May 2016

Coformulated elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF) has high efficacy and improved renal and bone safety in multiple phase 3 trials; TAF single agent is being studied in 2 phase 3 trials in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We report the results of an open-label, noncomparative switch study evaluating the efficacy and safety of E/C/F/TAF in HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV)–coinfected adults. At 48 weeks, 91.7% of the 72 participants maintained or achieved virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL; HBV DNA <29 IU/mL). Seroconversion occurred in 2.9% of hepatitis B surface antigen–positive participants and in 3.3% of HBV e antigen–positive participants; 40% of those with abnormal alanine aminotransferase normalized. E/C/F/TAF was associated with improved renal function and reduced bone turnover. These data support the use of E/C/F/TAF in treating HIV/HBV coinfection.
Hybrid Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Paulus Daniel H. , Quick Harald H.
Published: May 2016

Attenuation correction (AC) is an essential step in the positron emission tomography (PET) data reconstruction process to provide accurate and quantitative PET images. The introduction of PET/magnetic resonance (MR) hybrid systems has raised new challenges but also possibilities regarding PET AC. While in PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging, CT images can be converted to attenuation maps, MR images in PET/MR do not provide a direct relation to attenuation. For the AC of patient tissues, new methods have been suggested, for example, based on image segmentation, atlas registration, or ultrashort echo time MR sequences. Another challenge in PET/MR hybrid imaging is AC of hardware components that are placed in the PET/MR field of view, such as the patient table or various radiofrequency (RF) coils covering the body of the patient for MR signal detection. Hardware components can be categorized into 4 different groups: (1) patient table, (2) RF receiver coils, (3) radiation therapy equipment, and (4) PET and MR imaging phantoms. For rigid and stationary objects, such as the patient table and some RF coils like the head/neck coil, predefined CT-based attenuation maps stored on the system can be used for automatic AC. Flexible RF coils are not included into the AC process till now because they can vary in position as well as in shape and are not accurately detectable with the PET/MR system.

This work summarizes challenges, established methods, new concepts, and the state of art in hardware component AC in the context of PET/MR hybrid imaging. The work also gives an overview of PET/MR hardware devices, their attenuation properties, and their effect on PET quantification.
Image Quality of a Novel Frequency Selective Nonlinear Blending Algorithm
Authors: Bongers Malte N. , Bier Georg , Marcus Roy , Ditt Hendrik , Kloth Christopher , Schabel Christoph , Nikolaou Konstantin , Horger Marius
Published: May 2016

Objective

Aim of this ex vivo phantom study was to evaluate the contrast enhancement applying a new frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm (best contrast [BC]) and to compare it with standard 120-kV single-energy computed tomography (SECT) images, as well as with low-kiloelectron volt monoenergetic extrapolations (Mono+40–100keV) from dual-energy CT (DECT) and with low-kilovolt (70–100 kV) SECT acquisitions.

Materials and Methods

A dilution series of iodinated contrast material–filled syringes was centered in an attenuation phantom and was scanned with SECT70–120kV and DECT80–100/Sn150. Monoenergetic images (40–100 keV) were reconstructed, and a new manual frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm (BC) was applied to SECT70kV and SECT120kV images. Manual BC settings were set to simulate a reading situation with fixed overall best values (FVBC120kV) as well as to achieve best possible values for each syringe (BVBC120kV) for maximum contrast enhancement. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were used as an objective region of interest–based image analysis parameter. Two radiologists evaluated the detectability of hyperdense and hypodense syringes (Likert). Results were compared between SECT70–100kV, Mono+40–100keV, and DECT80–100/Sn150kV, as well as FVBC120kV, BVBC120kV, and BC70kV.

Results

Highest CNR without BC was detected at SECT70kV (5.04 ± 0.12) and Mono+40keV (4.40 ± 0.11). FVBC and BVBC images allow a significant increase of CNR compared with SECT120kV (CNRBVBC, 5.21 ± 0.15; CNRFVBC, 5.12 ± 0.16; CNRSECT120kV, 2.5 ± 0.08; all P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference in CNR between BVBC and FVBC. Averaged CNR in BVBC and FVBC was significantly higher compared with Mono+40–100keV (all P ≤ 0.01). Compared with SECT70kV, averaged CNR in BVBC and FVBC show no significant differences. BVBC70kV (7.67 ± 0.17) significantly increases CNR in SECT70kV up to 213%.

Subjective image analysis showed an interobserver agreement of 0.63 to 0.83 (κ), confirming the superiority of BC in detecting hyperdense and hypodense syringes, when compared with SECT120kV. Compared with SECT120kV, BVBC70kV was scored highest, followed by SECT70kV. BVBC showed higher scores when comparing to Mono+40keV, however almost identical to those of SECT70kV. Scores of FVBC were slightly lower than SECT70kV, but in the range of Mono+40keV.

Conclusions

The new frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm with fixed settings offers a superior differentiation of contrast levels from low- to high-contrast settings. Using the optimal settings, this algorithm shows an equivalent contrast enhancement when compared with SECT70kV. Because of the non–DECT-based algorithm of BC, the new method of contrast enhancement seems to be particularly valuable for implementation in CT systems not equipped for dual-energy or spectral CT imaging.
Early Revision of Suburethral Sling for Persistent Stress Incontinence
Authors: Shah Nima M. , Hall Cynthia D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Midurethral slings are an effective treatment method for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Although success rates can be as high as 90%, the remaining patients with disappointing results may require further surgical intervention. In particular, those patients with persistent SUI may need further revision of the existing sling. Literature is limited in the optimal treatment of these patients.

Case Series

Five patients who underwent midurethral slings for SUI and had subsequent sling revision were included in this analysis. The technique of revision is outlined in this article. Subsequently, these patients had greatly improved continence.

Conclusions

Our patients did benefit from this method of sling revision. Further information on sling revisions with increased patient populations would allow us to make appropriate recommendations.
Systematic Reconstruction of Autism Biology with Multi-Level Whole Exome Analysis
Authors: Luo Weijun , Zhang Chaolin , Brouwer Cory R.
Published: May 2016

Whole exome/genome studies on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identified thousands of variants, yet not a coherent and systematic disease mechanism. We conduct novel integrated analyses across multiple levels on ASD exomes. These mutations do not recur or replicate at variant level, but significantly and increasingly so at gene and pathway level. Genetic association reveals a novel gene+pathway dual-hit model, better explaining ASD risk than the well-accepted mutation burden model.

In multiple analyses with independent datasets, hundreds of variants or genes consistently converge to several canonical pathways. Unlike the reported gene groups or networks, these pathways define novel, relevant, recurrent and systematic ASD biology. At sub-pathway level, most variants disrupt the pathway-related gene functions, and multiple interacting variants spotlight key modules, e.g. cAMP second-messenger system and mGluR signaling regulation by GRK in synapses. At super-pathway level, these distinct pathways are highly interconnected, and further converge to a few biology themes, i.e. synaptic function, morphology and plasticity. Therefore, ASD is a not just multi-genic but a multi-pathway disease.
Linking Turgor with ABA Biosynthesis: Implications for Stomatal Responses to Vapor Pressure Deficit across Land Plants
Authors: McAdam Scott A.M. , Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: May 2016

Stomatal responses to changes in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) constitute the predominant form of daytime gas-exchange regulation in plants. Stomatal closure in response to increased VPD is driven by the rapid up-regulation of foliar abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and ABA levels in angiosperms; however, very little is known about the physiological trigger for this increase in ABA biosynthesis at increased VPD. Using a novel method of modifying leaf cell turgor by the application of external pressures, we test whether changes in turgor pressure can trigger increases in foliar ABA levels over 20 min, a period of time most relevant to the stomatal response to VPD. We found in angiosperm species that the biosynthesis of ABA was triggered by reductions in leaf turgor, and in two species tested, that a higher sensitivity of ABA synthesis to leaf turgor corresponded with a higher stomatal sensitivity to VPD. In contrast, representative species from nonflowering plant lineages did not show a rapid turgor-triggered increase in foliar ABA levels, which is consistent with previous studies demonstrating passive stomatal responses to changes in VPD in these lineages. Our method provides a new tool for characterizing the response of stomata to water availability.
Examining social exchange among Chinese service workers
Authors: Ng Mark
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of perceived external prestige (PEP), perceived organizational support (POS), and organizational inducement (OI) on employee turnover intention (TI) and on the mediation effect of trust in organizations (TOs).

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 243 self-administered questionnaires were collected from five service companies in Guangdong, China. The construct validity, the measurement model, and the hypothetical relationship between variables were tested by partial-least-squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that OI, PEP, and POS tended to increase employees’ trust in their organization and hence to reduce their TI.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study have implications for managers’ design and implementation of effective human resource management strategies for adults in China. To deal with the serious problem of high employee turnover in China, organizations should implement not only appropriate human resource policy but also practices to improve corporate reputation.

Originality/value

– This paper extends the research on TI by investigating the impacts of PEP and the mediating effect of TOs in a Chinese context.
The role of universities in nation-building in 1950s Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Manathunga Catherine
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the diverse rendering of the idea of nation and the role of universities in nation-building in the 1950s Murray and Hughes Parry Reports in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. This paper provides trans-Tasman comparisons that reflect the different national and international interests, positioning of science and the humanities and desired academic and student subject positions and power relations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper adopts a Foucauldian genealogical approach that is informed by Wodak’s (2011) historical discourse analysis in order to analyse the reports’ discursive constructions of the national role of universities, the positioning of science and humanities and the development of desired academics and student subjectivities and power relations.

Findings

– The analysis reveals the different positioning of Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand in relation to the Empire and the Cold War. It also demonstrates how Australian national interests were represented in these reports as largely economic and defence related, while Aotearoa/New Zealand national interests were about economic, social and cultural nation-building. These differences were also matched by diverse weightings attached to university science and the humanities education. There is also a hailing of traditional, enlightenment-inspired discourses about desired academic and student subjectivities and power relations in Australia that contrasts with the emergence of early traces of more contemporary discourses about equity and diversity in universities in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates the value of transnational analysis in contributing to historiography about university education. The Foucauldian discourse analysis approach extends existing Australian historiography about universities during this period and represents a key contribution to Aotearoa/New Zealand historiography that has explored academic and student subjectivities to a lesser extent.
Interior design students perceptions of sustainability
Authors: Stark Johnnie , Park Jin Gyu “Phillip”
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This longitudinal study assessed student perceptions of sustainable design issues in the context of an accredited interior design program. Although literature exists documenting the integration of sustainable strategies into interior design curriculum, more analysis is needed to determine the impact of program experiences on students’ attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Over a four-year period, a questionnaire was administered to 245 freshmen in an introduction to interior design survey course and to 122 seniors enrolled in a professional practice in interior design seminar. In addition to statistically analyzing category responses between the two subject groups, the authors also looked for patterns in responses within each subject group.

Findings

Results indicated that the seniors were significantly more aware of the term “sustainable design” than the freshmen were. Understanding the students’ perceptions of more specific principles including life cycle thinking, environmentally and socially responsible materials sourcing and sustainable design practice required a more nuanced discussion. Although statistical significance of differences between the two groups was small to moderate throughout the survey categories, the seniors tended to be more deliberate in their responses.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to conduct a longitudinal investigation of an interior design student body from freshman through senior cohorts regarding perceptions of sustainable design. Findings from the large sample size provide direction for interior design programs and form the basis for further study.
Abnormal stock returns in Greece during the Cypriot banking crisis
Authors: Repousis Spyridon
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the Cypriot banking crisis in specific bank stocks’ prices traded in the Athens Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, event study methodology has been used. The basis of the event study is to examine the returns derived from the stock prices of the relevant banks before March 15, 2013.

Findings

This study focuses on three banks, Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Popular Bank and Piraeus Bank, and finds abnormal stock returns during the ten-day period before the event date (announcement of prohibition and put under suspension trading of all movable securities of Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank). Also, an interesting matter is that during the estimation period and in specific dates, such as October 18, 22 and 23, 2012, a high volume of stocks trading took place in Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study examining it.
ISIS political economy: financing a terror state
Authors: Stergiou Dimitrios
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the financial aspects of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), its sources of financing and the management of funds in a State-like apparatus.

Design/methodology/approach

It is argued that ISIS constitutes a phenomenon not only due to the extreme violence, instrumentalized via “marketing” methods but also on grounds of its declared aspiration to occupy and control land and population with ever expanding borders. After analyzing the group’s sources of funding which are closely interlinked to the areas it controls and its coordinated efforts to establish a proto-terror state framework, a strategy for addressing this threat based on international practices and decisions is being highlighted.

Findings

ISIS represents a “sui generis”, primarily self-funded State Scale Entity, a case study for Defense and Security Geo-economics. Its “economic model”, an amalgam of terrorist and criminal practices, could not be used for a viable proto-state it aspires to be.

Research limitations/implications

No official data of any kind are available by international recognized organizations or bodies. The sources for this paper are primarily Western media, journalists, indirect habitants’ testimonies and very few official reports.

Practical implications

Caution must be exercised, when using even trivial platforms of social media and mobile applications, linked even remotely with ISIS or its affiliates.

Originality/value

This paper is a comprehensive presentation of the economic facets of this first modern endeavor for a terror-state.
International anti-money laundering laws: the problems with enforcement
Authors: Keesoony Selina
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the underlying problem of tackling money laundering, namely, the difficulty of enforcing international laws and whether this is a problem which is too great to overcome in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A doctrinal approach is used to discuss international anti-money laundering (AML) laws and question whether money laundering can be truly regarded as an international crime. A comparative approach with case studies of corruption in financial institutions illustrates the problems which law enforcement might encounter. The advantages and disadvantages of tackling money laundering will be highlighted to elucidate both the negative impacts of the crime and the reasons why some states may not be tackling money laundering as forcefully as they could.

Findings

Uniformity of AML laws among different countries may deter criminals from laundering money. The ratification of the Vienna Convention can help to facilitate uniformity of legal rules. States need robust domestic laws to tackle money laundering. Money laundering is an international crime, although not always a specific crime in international law. Moreover, it is generally advantageous to consider money laundering to be a specific crime under international law.

Originality/value

The article questions the effectiveness of current AML laws by examining the foundations of international law. Suggestions as to how uniformity can be achieved are given. A comparative approach is also used to demonstrate the extent of the crime, weaknesses in companies’ regulatory regimes and how each State responds to money laundering. The comparison also reveals State-specific issues which fuel money laundering. Moreover, the article explores the practical and legal advantages and disadvantages of money laundering being considered a specific crime in international law.
A survey of R&D of intelligent STR system based on behavior pattern recognition in China
Authors: Tang Jun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically study the research and development history of suspicious transaction reporting (STR) system in China, and introduce the core elements in constructing an intelligent surveillance system which could provide a solution to the situation of low effectiveness and efficiency in Chinese Financial Institutions (FIs) STR procedure nowadays. The solution outputs those falling out of the normal customer behavior profiles instead of only extracting data by the rules issued by authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the latest literature, regulations and guidelines of STR gathered domestically and overseas, and hands out questionnaire surveys to hundreds of software vendors, regulators and FIs, details the current situation of poor deployment of intelligent in China and tells the difficulties of subjective STR decision procedures.

Findings

Few Chinese FIs have deployed real intelligent STR systems, most are using rule-based filtering systems conformed to the objective STR supervisory regulations. To change the embarrassing situation, the regulators have tried to introduce self-regulatory mode which allows the FIs to define STR decision procedures themselves. Limited by the FIs’ ability of information sharing and investigation scope, FIs could hardly unveil the whole schema of a money laundering organization. The pursuant objective FIs can reach is to construct a system that could tell what the normal customer behaviors look like and extract all those falling out of the system’s expectations as suspicious activities.

Research limitations/implications

Only the core elements of the total intelligent STR system are discussed, that is, what, why and how about the customer behavior pattern recognition system. Besides this, a total solution should also use a watch list, reporting decision, cases management, risk control, etc.

Originality/value

This paper for the first time argues that the orientation of regulatory rules in China has actually hindered the spreading of really effective intelligent system for these years. The author creatively puts forward a solution to the difficult problem for FIs to spot criminal schema directly, instead the FIs should only be required to determine whether the transactions carrying out currently are falling within the expected behavior pattern scopes, which is under the FIs’ capabilities due to the internationally accepted obligations of “Know Your Customer”.
Study on pedestrian flow evacuation with individual-guidance mechanism
Authors: Yao Can Zhong , Liu Xiao Feng , Lin Ji Nan
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide the possible and better selection for pedestrian flow evacuation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Simulation.

Findings

– First, according to the model with self-decision agents, the paper figures out that the effect of evacuation guided by the random-walk mechanism exceeds that guided by the inertial mechanism, and specifically, the effect of evacuation could significantly improve if random-walk agents restraint the probability of random walk under 0.4. Besides, on neighborhood reference mechanism, individuals who take neighbors’ average direction as reference tend to achieve better effect of evacuation than that of following majority rule. Furthermore, this paper proposes that an optimal ratio of the proportion of clever individuals and system density exists for evacuation effect improvement. Finally, the evacuating effect with barrier locating in different space is also studied in our research.

Originality/value

– The effect of evacuation could significantly improve if random-walk agents restraint the probability of random walk under 0.4. On neighborhood reference mechanism, individuals who take neighbors’ average direction as reference tend to achieve better effect of evacuation than that of following majority rule.
RFM approach for telecom insolvency modeling
Authors: Zabkowski Tomasz S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present application of recency, frequency and monetary value (RFM) approach to predict customer insolvency using telecommunication data corresponding to RFM of late payments. The study tackles a serious problem that telecommunication companies often face and shows the ways to deal with it.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a real telecom customer data, RFM approach was tested against decision trees and logistic regression models. Proposed models were evaluated with lift measure, area under the receiver operating characteristic and the ability to detect significant amount of money owed by insolvent customers.

Findings

– The main findings from the research are twofold: RFM approach offers a viable alternative for customer insolvency classification. The proposed models perform well and all of them can capture significant amount of money owed by insolvent customers what is of high importance for the revenue assurance.

Originality/value

– In comparison to previous studies proposed research presents novelty in the following areas. First, it deals with RFM applied to insolvency data (previous studies dealt with direct marketing data). Second, with these three variables it is possible to act as an early warning system for predicting the risk level and probable anomalies as quickly as it is possible (data retrieval and computational time is reduced). Third, RFM approach was tested against decision trees and logistic regression and the quality of the models was also assessed three months after the estimation.
What information to measure? How to measure it?
Authors: Rocchi Paolo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Thinkers are still debating about the concept of information while engineers prepare astonishing digital appliances. The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: what concepts do experts adopt in the working environment? What information do they measure? What can be done to help them?

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper offers a concise report of the researches driven on the problem of the information definition. The report consists of three principal sections. The first section is twofold. On one hand, there are comments on the various information theories; on the other hand, the semiotics concepts (that engineers and professionals use in intuitive manner) are illustrated.

Findings

– In consequence of the popularity of the semiotic notions – in the second section – the authors define the concept of signifier using the mathematical language, and discuss some features of this mathematical definition.

Practical implications

– The third section closes the paper with the illustration of some advantages that the mathematical definition of the signifier offers on the practical plane and from the philosophical perspective.

Social implications

– The ensemble of those advantages provides a bridge between the humanist culture and digital engineering.

Originality/value

– The theoretical studies on the concept of information seem to be at a standstill. This paper shows how the measurement of the items of information is handy; and various equations can be unified into a comprehensive frame that facilitates the collaboration of experts coming from different areas.
Kaldorian Disaggregation, Temporary Migration and Welfare: Theory and Calibration
Authors: Cai Tao , Lai Jennifer T. , Hazari Bharat , Mohan Vijay
Published: May 2016

In this paper we examine a four‐good, four‐factor model of trade with two agents: domestic residents and temporary migrants. This modelling framework has three important features: first, there are two tradable and two non‐tradable goods; second, there exists Kaldorian disaggregation in consumption; third, the structure incorporates a combination of price adjustment. The results emphasize the influence of factor accumulation at constant traded goods prices on the variable prices of non‐traded goods. We also analyse the impact of temporary migration and other structural parameters on domestic welfare. To highlight our results, our model is calibrated on a typical small open economy, Hong Kong, and a wide array of situations are presented when temporary migration and Kaldorian disaggregation can reduce domestic welfare in response to exogenous shocks.
Risk of congenital anomalies after exposure to asthma medication in the first trimester of pregnancy – a cohort linkage study
Authors: Garne E , Vinkel Hansen A , Morris J , Jordan S , Klungsøyr K , Engeland A , Tucker D , Thayer DS , Davies GI , Nybo Andersen A‐M , Dolk H
Published: May 2016

Objective

To examine the effect of maternal exposure to asthma medications on the risk of congenital anomalies.

Design

Meta‐analysis of aggregated data from three cohort studies.

Setting

Linkage between healthcare databases andEUROCATcongenital anomaly registries.

Population

519 242 pregnancies in Norway (2004–2010), Wales (2000–2010) and Funen, Denmark (2000–2010).

Methods

Exposure defined as having at least one prescription for asthma medications issued (Wales) or dispensed (Norway, Denmark) from 91 days before to 91 days after the pregnancy start date. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated separately for each register and combined in meta‐analyses.

Main outcome measures

ORs for all congenital anomalies and specific congenital anomalies.

Results

Overall exposure prevalence was 3.76%. Forexposure to asthma medication in general, the adjustedOR(adjOR) for a major congenital anomaly was 1.21 (99%CI1.09–1.34) after adjustment for maternal age and socioeconomic position. TheORof anal atresia was significantly increased in pregnancies exposed to inhaled corticosteroids (3.40; 99%CI1.15–10.04). For severe congenital heart defects, an increasedOR(1.97; 1.12–3.49) was associated with exposure to combination treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting beta‐2‐agonists. Associations with renal dysplasia were driven by exposure to short‐acting beta‐2‐agonists (2.37; 1.20–4.67).

Conclusion

The increased risk of congenital anomalies for women taking asthma medication is small with little confounding by maternal age or socioeconomic status. The study confirmed the association of inhaled corticosteroids with anal atresia found in earlier research and found potential new associations with combination treatment. The potential new associations should be interpreted with caution due to the large number of comparisons undertaken.

Tweetable abstract

This cohort study found a small increased risk of congenital anomalies for women taking asthma medication.
Arrested Development
Authors: Pickett Justin T. , Roche Sean Patrick
Published: May 2016

Research Summary

Deterrence theory assumes that objective and subjective sanction risk are positively related. If this assumption holds true, then the theory is useful for guiding criminal justice policy and practice. However, prior research has failed to support the assumption. Prominent review articles have dismissed this literature on the basis of methodological critiques, and they have presented certain requirements for future deterrence research to be considered credible. Informed by these reviews, Nagin, Solow, and Lum's (NSL, 2015) new deterrence theory of policing rests on the assumption of a strong positive relationship between objective and subjective sanction risk. NSL have asserted that their theory has significant policy implications; indeed, they have contended it reveals a need to alter American policing fundamentally. We elaborate why the critiques of the discredited literature are premature, and we suggest that the plausibility of NSL's theory is called into question by this literature, as well as by other logical inconsistencies. We conclude by emphasizing how much remains unknown about sanction perception updating, hot spots policing, and heuristics and biases in offender decision making.

Policy Implications

Our central argument is that NSL's (2015) policy recommendations are premature given that their theoretical model is inconsistent with existing evidence. Pending a better understanding of sanction perceptions, we suggest putting aside dictates for how police should best deter offenders and about what constitutes credible deterrence research. Rather, both policy makers and researchers should prioritize efforts to identify the sources of sanction perceptions, while taking seriously the possibility that such perceptions may, in part, be intuitive judgments influenced by well‐known cognitive heuristics.
Exploring extended scope of practice in dietetics: A systems approach
Authors: Ryan Dominique , Pelly Fiona , Purcell Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore health professionals’ perceptions of an extended scope of a practice clinic, and develop a framework using a systems approach to facilitate extended scope models across various health settings.

Methods

A qualitative investigation using semi‐structured interviews with four health professionals involved in an extended scope dietitian‐led gastroenterology clinic in a hospital in regional Queensland was conducted. A case study design was utilised to investigate interviewees’ perceptions of the clinic. Participants were conveniently, purposively sampled.

Transcript analysis involved a descriptive analytical approach. Interviewee responses were coded and categorised into themes, and investigator triangulation was used to ensure consistency between individual analyses. A secondary interpretative analysis was conducted where relationships between key themes were mapped to the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety work system model.

Results

Interviewees identified various factors as vital inputs to the work system. These were categorised into the four key elements: stakeholder support, resources, planning and the dietitian. Clinic outcomes were categorised into the impact on four key groups: patients, the dietitian, the multidisciplinary team and the health system. Mapping of the relationships between inputs and outcomes resulted in an implementation framework for extended scope of practice.

Conclusions

Extended scope of practice in dietetics may provide positive outcomes for various stakeholders. However, further development of extended scope roles for dietitians requires increased advocacy and support from governments, professional bodies, training institutions and dietitians. We have developed an implementation framework which can be utilised by health professionals interested in embracing an extended scope model of care.
Comparison of insulin intensification strategies with insulin lispro low mixture twice daily versus basal insulin glargine and prandial insulin lispro once daily in East Asian and Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jeong In‐Kyung , Chung Choon Hee , Zhou Zhiguang , Han Jeong Hee , Duan Ran , Edralin Diana M. , Rodriguez Angel
Published: May 2016

Background

This analysis evaluated efficacy and safety of insulin lispro low mixture (LM25) twice daily (breakfast and dinner) versus basal insulin glargine (bedtime) plus prandial insulin lispro (IGL) once daily before the largest meal in East Asian (EA) and Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who failed to reach glycemic targets on basal insulin glargine with metformin and/or pioglitazone.

Methods

Included patients had an HbA1c ≥7.5% and ≤10.5% and fasting plasma glucose ≤6.7 mmol/L. Primary outcome was HbA1c change at 24 weeks.

Results

Baseline mean HbA1c was numerically similar between groups in EA (n = 79) and Caucasian (n = 278) patients. Mean (± SD) HbA1c decreased significantly from baseline to 24 weeks for LM25 and IGL in both subpopulations (EA: –1.32 ± 0.96% and –0.89 ± 0.96%; Caucasian: –1.24 ± 0.98% and –1.04 ± 0.97; all P < 0.0001). The respective proportions reaching HbA1c ≤7.0% at Week 24 in the LM25 and IGL groups were 33.3% and 22.9% (EA) and 37.2% and 34.1% (Caucasian). Mean (± SD) rates of hypoglycemia per 30 days in the LM25 and IGL groups were 0.74 ± 1.16 and 1.22 ± 1.36 (EA) and 1.38 ± 2.04 and 1.65 ± 2.43 (Caucasian). Mean (± SD) weight gain changes in the LM25 and IGL groups were 0.62 ± 2.78 and 0.51 ± 2.63 kg (EA) and 1.77 ± 2.91 and 0.67 ± 3.09 kg (Caucasian).

Conclusions

Both strategies improved glycemic control in a small group of EA and Caucasian patients not adequately controlled on insulin glargine plus metformin and/or pioglitazone.
Plasma‐soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels in Behçet's disease and correlation with disease activity
Authors: Saylam Kurtipek Gulcan , Kesli Recep , Tuncez Akyurek Fatma , Akyurek Fikret , Ataseven Arzu , Terzi Yuksel
Published: May 2016

Background

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a new biomarker, is a soluble form of membrane‐bound receptors secreted from different immune cells. The aim of the present study is to determine plasma suPAR levels in Behçet's disease and their correlation with disease activity.

Methods

Thirty Behçet's disease patients determined according to the International Study Group criteria for Behçet's disease diagnosis and 41 healthy subjects were included in the present study. Micro‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was employed to obtain quantitative data. Data of both groups were statistically analyzed.

Results

The comparison of C‐reactive protein and suPAR plasma levels of the control and Behçet's disease group revealed statistically significant differences (respectively, P = 0.003 < 0.05 and P = 0.020 < 0.05). However, plasma suPAR levels related with disease activity revealed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study is the first study analyzing suPAR levels in Behçet's disease patients and their correlation with disease activity. However, further prospective studies with larger patient series using suPAR as a new plasma biomarker are required to diagnose and monitor Behcet's disease and to support the findings of the present study.
The changing technological environment and the future of behavioural research in accounting
Authors: Arnold Vicky
Published: May 2016

In an era where the pace of change continues to escalate, behavioural research provides an ongoing avenue for explaining the likely effects of emergent changes on decision‐making by providers, users and assurers of accounting information, and for providing ex ante enlightenment for policy‐makers. The purpose of this discussion is to identify contemporary changes affecting the accounting environment, discuss the potential impact to individual and organisational decision‐making, and explore how behavioural research can be utilised to examine these changes. Specifically, this discussion focuses on the impact that technological changes have had on financial reporting, external auditing and managerial accounting, with an eye towards the potential for these changes to radically alter the future of accounting and auditing research.
Na+ dependence of K+‐induced natriuresis, kaliuresis and Na+/Cl− cotransporter dephosphorylation
Authors: Jensen I. S. , Larsen C. K. , Leipziger J. , Sørensen M. V.
Published: May 2016

Aim

High dietary K+ intake is associated with protection against hypertension. In mammals, acute K+ intake induces natriuresis and kaliuresis, associated with a marked dephosphorylation of the renal Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC). It has been suggested that reduced activity of NCC increases the driving force for more distal tubular epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC)‐dependent K+ secretion. This study investigated the ENaC dependence of urinary K+ and Na+ excretion following acute K+ loading.

Methods

Mice were fed low (0.03%), control (0.2%) or high (2%) Na+ diets for 25 days to preserve or promote Na+ loss and thus ENaC activity. Once a week, the mice received either K+‐containing gavage or a control gavage. Following the gavage treatment, the mice were placed in metabolic cages and urine was collected in real time. ENaC dependence of kaliuresis was assessed by benzamil injections prior to gavage.

Results

We confirmed that dietary Na+ content is inversely related to plasma aldosterone, NCC phosphorylation and ENaC cleavage products. The novel findings were as follows: (i) acute K+ feeding caused NCC dephosphorylation in all dietary groups; (ii) under all dietary conditions, K+ loading induced natriuresis; (iii) high Na+ diet markedly reduced the K+ excretion following K+ gavage; (iv) benzamil injection prior to K+ loading increased natriuresis, decreased kaliuresis and eliminated the differences between the dietary groups.

Conclusion

These data indicate that acute K+‐induced kaliuresis is ENaC dependent. Maximal K+ excretion rates are attenuated when ENaC is physiologically down‐regulated or pharmacologically blocked. NCC is dephosphorylated following acute K+ loading under all dietary Na+ regimens. This leads to natriuresis, even in severely Na+‐restricted animals.
Reduction in central venous pressure enhances erythropoietin synthesis: role of volume‐regulating hormones
Authors: Montero D. , Rauber S. , Goetze J. P. , Lundby C.
Published: May 2016

Aims

Erythropoiesis is a tightly controlled biological event, but its regulation under non‐hypoxic conditions, however, remains unresolved. We examined whether acute changes in central venous blood pressure (CVP) elicited by whole‐body tilting affect erythropoietin (EPO) concentration according to volume‐regulating hormones.

Methods

Plasma EPO, angiotensin II (ANGII), aldosterone, pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) and copeptin concentrations were measured at supine rest and up to 3 h during 30° head‐up (HUT) and head‐down tilt (HDT) in ten healthy male volunteers. Plasma albumin concentration was used to correct for changes in plasma volume and CVP was estimated through the internal jugular vein (IJV) aspect ratio with ultrasonography.

Results

From supine rest, the IJV aspect ratio was decreased and increased throughout HUT and HDT respectively. Plasma EPO concentration increased during HUT (13%; P = 0.001, P for linear component = 0.017), independent of changes in albumin concentration. Moreover, ANGII and copeptin concentrations increased during HUT, while proANP decreased. The increase in EPO concentration during HUT disappeared when adjusted for changes in copeptin. During HDT, EPO, ANGII and copeptin concentrations remained unaffected while proANP increased. In regression analyses, EPO was positively associated with copeptin (β = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.18, 0.93; P = 0.004) irrespective of changes in other hormones and albumin concentration.

Conclusion

Reduction in CVP prompts an increase in plasma EPO concentration independent of hemoconcentration and hence suggests CVP per se as an acute regulator of EPO synthesis. This effect may be explained by changes in volume‐regulating hormones.