bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ureteric stones
Authors: Rai Samarpit , Goldsmith Zachariah G. , Lipkin Michael E. , Preminger Glenn M.
Published: November 2017

Acute renal colic is a common presentation to the emergency department. It is estimated that about 12% of men and 5% of women will have at least one symptomatic stone by the age of 70. Renal colic has an annual incidence 16 cases per 10,000 per year, and a lifetime incidence of 2–5%. In the year 2000, there were over 600,000 emergency room visits for urolithiasis listed as the primary diagnosis in the United States alone. In this chapter, acute pharmacologic management of patients diagnosed with ureteral stones will be outlined. The pharmacology and clinical efficacy for narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics will be reviewed. In addition, medical expulsive therapy using alpha blockers and other agents will be extensively reviewed, in order to provide a targeted approach to the pharmacologic management of patients diagnosed with acute renal colic secondary to a ureteral stone.
Surgical treatment options for ureteric stones
Authors: Goldsmith Zachariah G. , Lipkin Michael E. , Preminger Glenn M.
Published: November 2017

Technologic improvements in extracorporeal lithotripters, digital endoscopy, and holmium laser lithotripters allow most ureteric stones to be treated with a minimally invasive approach—specifically shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or ureteroscopy (URS). This chapter will review the essential techniques, efficacy, and complications of SWL and URS in the management of ureteric calculi. The role of percutaneous anterograde ureteroscopy in management of selected ureteric stones will be reviewed as well. As ureteral stent placement can be used as an adjunct to surgical management of selected ureteral stones, indications for stent placement, and the impact of stent design and application on patient comfort will be discussed. In 2016, the European Association of Urology (EAU) , the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Endourological Society Nephrolithiasis Guidelines reviewed all relevant literature examining the efficacy and complications for management of ureteral stones. These and other evidence-based guidelines will also be reviewed.
Stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Chapple Christopher R. , Mangera Altaf
Published: November 2017

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a high prevalence and may be extremely bothersome. It is important for the general urologist to be able to assess, describe, and categorize this group of patients so that treatment, if appropriate, may be instigated. One must become accustomed to using the standardized terminology of the International Continence Society and be confident in differentiating other causes of incontinence from SUI. This chapter describes the anatomy and physiology of continence, as well as the important aspects of the patient history and examination. There are a multitude of tests available to the urologist; in this chapter we describe their indications, findings, and limitations. The various management options for SUI are also considered including, physiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, bulking agents, autologous slings, tension-free tapes, and artificial urinary sphincters. Finally, we discuss post-prostatectomy incontinence, overflow incontinence, and continuous incontinence.
Urinary retention in women
Authors: Fowler Clare J. , Panicker Jalesh N.
Published: November 2017

If a young woman in complete urinary retention is investigated and all urological and neurological investigations are found to be normal, the commonest diagnosis then made is Fowler’s syndrome (FS). Described by Fowler et al. in 1987, the original syndrome comprised of complete urinary retention with the finding of a particular pattern of electromyographic (EMG) activity recorded with a concentric needle electrode from the striated urethral sphincter, in a young woman with clinical features of polycystic ovaries. Prior to that, description medical opinion was that urinary retention in young women was due to ‘hysteria’; more had been written about ‘psychogenic urinary retention in women’ than any other possible causes. Twenty-five years on, the situation now seems to be that if neither the urologist or urologist can discover an underlying abnormality, the woman may be told she has FS without any positive identification of that condition.
Upper urinary tract reconstruction
Authors: Mundy Anthony R. , Andrich Daniela E.
Published: November 2017

This chapter addresses the problem of dealing with a ruptured, ligated or transected ureter, or a ureteric defect caused accidentally or intentionally by surgery. Ureteric strictures may occur as a result of tuberculosis or schistosomiasis. Tuberculous strictures may occur at either end of the ureter; schistosomal strictures occur primarily in the distal ureter. Ureteric stones are another cause of stricture formation and these tend to occur at the common sites of impaction of a stone; therefore, particularly just above the pelvic brim and just outside the bladder. It also develops the theme known as ‘bridging the gap’ and describes the techniques of ureteroureterostomy; the psoas hitch and Boari flap with ureteric reimplantation; transureteroureterostomy (TUU); and the ileal ureter; and briefly refers to renal autotransplantation. Finally, we introduce the concept of ‘complexity’ by reference to the problems of the patient with ureteric obstruction because of, or otherwise associated with radiotherapy.
Genital trauma
Authors: Andrich Daniela E. , Mundy Anthony R.
Published: November 2017

Genital trauma is the commonest type of both blunt and penetrating external trauma. Unlike renal trauma, the diagnosis is mainly clinical and the treatment is commonly surgical but the degree of trauma is rarely life-threatening, albeit a potential cause of infertility or erectile dysfunction. Iatrogenic trauma does occur but most trauma is blunt or penetrating external non-iatrogenic trauma. The commonest type of significant blunt trauma is penile fracture due to sexual intercourse or masturbation. Scrotal trauma causing a ruptured testis or haematocele is less common. Penetrating trauma can occur as a result of animal or human bites, or as a result of amputation other sharp injury, or as a result of gunshot wounds or other military injuries.
Epidemiology of prostate cancer
Authors: Key Timothy J. , Price Alison J.
Published: November 2017

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the sixth most common cause of cancer death for men worldwide. The highest incidence and mortality rates are in populations that originated in Africa, such as African Americans. Rates are also high in Western countries and generally low in East and South Asia. Incidence rates are increasing in some countries which until recently had low rates, but are not changing much in countries which already have high rates. The only well-established risk factors are increasing age, African ancestry, family history of the disease, and certain genetic factors, none of which is modifiable. Many potential risk factors have been investigated in epidemiological studies and randomized trials. Observational studies have shown that prostate cancer risk is positively associated with the plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor-I, but is not strongly associated with testosterone or other sex hormones. Studies of nutritional factors suggest that risk may be higher in men with a high intake of animal foods and dairy products, but this relationship is not clear enough to be considered as established. Some studies of other nutritional factors such as fat, lycopene and other carotenoids, vitamin D, vitamin E and selenium have suggested possible associations, but overall do not show any clear relationships. Research on other possible risk factors has shown a small positive association of risk with height, but little association with obesity, smoking or alcohol intake, and evidence on sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted infections is inconclusive. Further research is needed, particularly to determine whether potential risk factors may be related more to aggressive than to indolent prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew , Carroll Peter
Published: November 2017

Management of prostate cancer remains controversial, in large part because of its wide heterogeneity in terms of aggressiveness and prognosis. Early detection efforts based on prostate specific antigen (PSA) and aggressive treatment of high-risk cancers have yielded major improvements in mortality rates, but overtreatment of low-risk cancers—those unlikely to cause symptoms or threaten life if they were never detected—is associated with high rates of avoidable toxicity and cost. Prostate cancer can be effectively risk-stratified based on tools (e.g. nomograms, CAPRA score) integrating the PSA level, Gleason grade, clinical stage, and extent of biopsy tissue involvement. Most men with low-risk tumours are eligible for active surveillance, a programme of careful monitoring based on PSA and follow-up biopsies. Men with higher-risk cancers are best served with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy.
Focal therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ahmed Hashim Uddin , Dickinson Louise , Emberton Mark
Published: November 2017

Minimally-invasive therapies in localized prostate cancer offer the potential to reduce side effects and the healthcare burden/costs associated with radical modalities such as surgery or radiotherapy. As radical treatments carry significant perioperative morbidity (wound infection, haemorrhage, hospital stay), potentially life-long side effects (such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, rectal toxicity), and fail to cure many men, ablative therapies that reduce treatment burden while retaining acceptable cancer control have increasingly become areas of evaluation. This chapter reviews the role of these approaches and the therapeutic dilemma that men with localized low volume prostate cancer currently face as in the context of novel therapies which aim to find a middle ground—tissue-preserving focal therapy—that follows the paradigm of almost all other solid organ cancers.
The investigation of haematuria
Authors: Bryant Richard J , Catto James W
Published: November 2017

Haematuria is the presence of blood within the urine and is best defined as visible or non-visible, and symptomatic or non-symptomatic. Non-visible haematuria may be further classified as microscopic or dipstick, depending on the investigation used to detect it. Around 40% of patients presenting with visible haematuria will be found to have a significant underlying cause, and around 20% of patients will be found to have an underlying urological malignancy. Many younger patients will be found to have an underlying nephrological disease. The risk of significant underlying malignancy increases with the extent of haematuria (visible versus non-visible), the absence of symptoms and various patient factors (such as rising age, smoking status, and gender). As such, haematuria is an important urological symptom that requires investigation. These investigations should include clinical assessment, urinalysis, lower urinary tract endoscopy, and upper urinary tract radiological evaluation.
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Zehnder Pascal , Thalmann George N.
Published: November 2017

In the United Kingdom, >4,000 people die of bladder cancer every year. This reflects around one-third of affected patients and occurs in those with primary metastatic disease, with invasion at presentation, and in persons whose tumour progresses to invasion from non-invasive disease. The outcome from invasive cancers has not dramatically altered over the last 30 years, due to a lack of screening programmes, a lack of advances in treatment, and the fact that many patients present with tumours at an advanced stage. Around 50% of patients with invasive disease die from bladder cancer despite radical treatment, suggesting the disease is metastatic at presentation. Cure is rarely possible in patients with locally advanced tumours and lymph node metastases. Therapeutic options include systemic chemotherapy and salvage radical treatment for responders or palliation. Following radical cystectomy for cancer, patients require lifelong follow-up for both oncologic and functional reasons.
Adenocarcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Mano Roy , Yossepowitch Ofer
Published: November 2017

Adenocarcinoma of the bladder accounts for 0.5–2 of bladder tumours. Risk factors include bladder exstrophy, bladder augmentation, schistosomiasis, and endometriosis. Bladder adenocarcinoma is classified as primary, arising from the bladder or urachal remnant, and secondary (metastatic).
Most patients present with haematuria and irritative voiding symptoms. On imaging, a typical lesion is commonly located at the bladder dome. Compared to urothelial carcinoma (UC), most adenocarcinomas are diagnosed at high grade and advanced stage. Surgical treatment of localized disease entails partial cystectomy for urachal tumours and radical cystectomy for non-urachal or large urachal adenocarcinoma. The optimal treatment for metastatic disease has yet to be defined. Overall survival rates are 20–70% at 5 years, similar to those for UC, when adjusted for stage and grade.
Secondary adenocarcinomas commonly arise from a genitourinary or gastrointestinal origin. Differentiation from primary tumours may be complex. Treatment depends on the prognosis of the primary cancer.
Pathology of renal cancer and other tumours affecting the kidney
Authors: Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Montironi Rodolfo , Cheng Liang
Published: November 2017

In the past 50 years, classification systems for renal neoplasms have become increasingly complex as distinctive morphologic patterns in renal neoplasms have been recognized and correlated with clinical findings. In addition to classic histopatology, more sophisticated diagnostic tools, including electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, and molecular diagnostic techniques have greatly influenced distinctions between various types of renal neoplasms. The current World Health Organization classification of renal neoplasms encompasses nearly 50 distinctive renal neoplasms categorized as malignant or benign tumours. These categories have been expanded during recent years to incorporate newer histotypes, thus suggesting that the next revision of this classification will incorporate some recently recognized entities. In this chapter, we examine clinicopathologic and genetic features of the renal tumours most often seen in clinical practice.
Treatment of localized renal cell cancer
Authors: Almatar Ashraf , Jewett Michael A.S.
Published: November 2017

The incidence of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has increased due to the widespread use of abdominal imaging, often for unrelated conditions. Despite improved understanding of the natural history of slow growth in many tumours and the impact of ageing and co-morbidities on patient survival, RCC is still the most lethal of genitourinary cancers and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Localized RCC is defined as stages T1-2 N0 M0. The relatively safe needle core biopsy is increasingly used, especially for small renal masses (SRMs), as we now know that up to 30% are benign and that RCC subtypes differ in biology and behaviour. Radical nephrectomy, either performed by open or laparoscopic technique, is indicated for stage T2 tumours or when partial nephrectomy (PN) is not believed to be feasible.
Treatment of metastatic renal cancer
Authors: Wong Han Hsi , Greef Basma , Eisen Tim
Published: November 2017

Metastatic renal cancer is resistant to standard chemotherapy. Although some patients with indolent disease can be initially managed with observation, the majority of patients will require aggressive treatment soon after diagnosis. Options include cytoreductive nephrectomy, resection of a solitary metastasis in highly selected cases, or systemic therapy options. The TKIs sunitinib and pazopanib are currently the first-line treatments of choice. Whilst axitinib and cabozantinib have important roles in the second line the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab, is now established as standard second line therapy. Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, everolimus and temsirolimus, interleukin-2 as well as the anti-angiogenic antibody bevacizumab have also been shown to be effective. The treatment paradigm of metastatic renal cancer is constantly changing as evidence from clinical trials continues to emerge. With the development of agents addressing novel targets such as T-cell regulation, the future certainly looks brighter for patients diagnosed with this disease.
The ageing male
Authors: Hackett Geoffrey I
Published: November 2017

For over 40 years, physicians have been aware of the importance of hormonal changes associated with male ageing. As patients now expect to live full and rewarding lives into their eighties and nineties, it has become less acceptable to merely dismiss bothersome symptoms such as excessive tiredness, poor concentration, altered mood, depression, and sexual dysfunction as merely a consequence of the normal ageing process. Androgens are now known to play important roles in cardiometabolic disease, but little attention has been paid to this within current medical and urological education. The wide range of symptoms associated with the hormonal aspects of ageing spans many medical specialities with the result that no single discipline currently deals with these issues. Just as ageing women will remain under the care of gynaecologists, it is likely that the field of andrology must deal with the demands of this growing population of ageing men.
Urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction
Authors: Steinbrecher Henrik
Published: November 2017

Urinary incontinence is one of the commonest problems encountered in paediatric practice. Recent advances in our understanding of the causes, coupled with the introduction of newer pharmacological agents have expanded the treatment options. This chapter summarizes the terminology and classification of urinary incontinence and describes the development of normal bladder control and the causes of urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction in children. Although most children experience a favourable long-term outcome, a small minority will require urological intervention for intractable incontinence. The commonly held belief that children will simply ‘grow out it’ can result in years of distressing incontinence with a harmful impact on social, emotional, and psychological well-being. For this reason, the investigation and treatment of urinary incontinence should be commenced at an early age.
Hypospadias
Authors: Cuckow Peter
Published: November 2017

Hypospadias is one of the commonest congenital anomalies, with an incidence of approximately 1:250–300. Approximately 80% of cases are of mild to moderate severity and are amenable to single-stage surgical correction at around one year of age. Proximal or complicated cases account for the remaining 20% and these are being increasingly managed by a two-stage approach. While successful surgical repair can help to minimize any long-term psychological morbidity, a minority of patients will nevertheless experience significant psychological problems related to their condition. Long-term follow-up and support may therefore be beneficial for patients with severe forms of hypospadias. The experience and commitment of the surgeon, coupled with regular audit of results are the most important determinants of a successful surgical outcome.
Disorders of the prepuce
Authors: Darwish Ahmed A , Hutton Kim A.R
Published: November 2017

The foreskin is adherent to the glans and is non-retractile at birth. As the preputial adhesions separate the foreskin then gradually becomes retractile so that by three years of age the foreskin is at least partially retractile in 90% of boys. The term ‘physiological’ phimosis refers to a foreskin which is supple, unscarred, but persistently non-retractile. Less than 1% of boys with a physiological phimosis will have a persisting phimosis by the age of 17 years. ‘Pathological’ phimosis refers to scarring of the prepuce due to balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), a cicatrizing inflammatory skin condition of unknown aetiology. Paraphimosis is a rare condition in which the retracted prepuce becomes trapped behind the glans, leading to venous stasis and oedematous swelling. ‘Congenital’ megaprepuce is characterized by a capacious preputial sac, phimosis, and a relative deficiency of penile shaft skin. Surgical intervention is advisable for both functional and cosmetic reasons.
Disorders of sex development
Authors: Thomas David F.M.
Published: November 2017

The aetiology of disorders of sex development (DSD) is multifactorial and includes chromosomal defects, developmental abnormalities of the gonads, and defects of hormonal synthesis and expression. Infants born with ambiguous genitalia require urgent investigation because of the risk of hyponatraemia associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and to permit an informed decision on gender assignment. CAH is the commonest form of DSD, accounting for around 80% of all infants born with ambiguous genitalia. Despite controversy regarding timing and consent, feminizing genitoplasty in early childhood remains the accepted management for girls with significant clitoromegaly. Surgical reconstruction for 46XY DSD is guided by several factors, notably the size of the phallus and gonadal phenotype. The majority of individuals with disorders of sex development will require ongoing specialist care and long-term multidisciplinary follow-up and support.
Urological malignancies in children
Authors: Squire Roly
Published: November 2017

Urological malignancies are rare in children. Renal tumours have an annual incidence of approximately seven per million children while bladder/prostate malignancies and testicular tumours each have an incidence of less than five per million children. Urological malignancies account for less than 15% of all childhood cancers. In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 150 new cases of urological malignancy in children each year. Numerous national and international studies have been undertaken over more than four decades, which have provided a detailed understanding of the biology, genetic profiles, and behaviour of these tumours in children. Such studies have contributed to the development of refined treatment protocols with excellent outcomes.
Magnetic resonance imaging in urology
Authors: Das Raj , Heenan Susan , Patel Uday
Published: November 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging is essential for urological imaging. It offers excellent soft tissue contrast and resolution, allowing manipulation of tissue contrast with different image weighting and sequences. The multiplanar aspect of MRI allows image acquisition in different planes and degrees of obliquity to best exhibit pathology. The basic physics of MRI is explored initially with explanation of image weighting, sequences, and diffusion-weighted imaging. The chapter is then divided into renal, bladder, and prostate MRI imaging. The paragraphs on renal MRI outline renal mass analysis and include characterization and assessment of cystic and fat-containing lesions. Staging of renal carcinoma with MRI is also discussed, along with its advantages compared with CT staging. Throughout the text, the key diagnostic MRI features with each disease and organ, and the pitfalls and caveats of MRI imaging are emphasized.
Interventional radiology
Authors: Kennish Steven
Published: November 2017

Advances in imaging technology allow ever more complex yet minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to take place in the genitourinary tract. Imaging provides precise targeting for tissue biopsy to facilitate rapid and accurate diagnosis—the basis of all subsequent treatment regimes. Percutaneous renal intervention is invaluable in the treatment of complex stone disease and for renal preservation in the patient with malignant or benign urinary tract obstruction. Antegrade ureteric procedures allow strictures, stones, and tumours to be tackled, often with much greater ease than an alternative retrograde approach. Although interventional radiological procedures are generally safe, they do come with risks such as bleeding and sepsis, as well as the longer-term complications related to indwelling drains, catheters, and stents. It is important for the urological surgeon to be familiar with interventional uroradiological techniques so as to appropriately counsel and care for patients who require these procedures.
A Proteomic Network for Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Efficiency in Bradyrhizobium elkanii
Authors: Cooper Bret , Campbell Kimberly B. , Beard Hunter S. , Garrett Wesley M. , Mowery Joseph , Bauchan Gary R. , Elia Patrick
Published: November 2017

Rhizobia colonize legumes and reduce N2 to NH3 in root nodules. The current model is that symbiotic rhizobia bacteroids avoid assimilating this NH3. Instead, host legume cells form glutamine from NH3, and the nitrogen is returned to the bacteroid as dicarboxylates, peptides, and amino acids. In soybean cells surrounding bacteroids, glutamine also is converted to ureides. One problem for soybean cultivation is inefficiency in symbiotic N2 fixation, the biochemical basis of which is unknown. Here, the proteomes of bacteroids of Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA76 isolated from N2 fixation-efficient Peking and -inefficient Williams 82 soybean nodules were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Nearly half of the encoded bacterial proteins were quantified. Efficient bacteroids produced greater amounts of enzymes to form Nod factors and had increased amounts of signaling proteins, transporters, and enzymes needed to generate ATP to power nitrogenase and to acquire resources. Parallel investigation of nodule proteins revealed that Peking had no significantly greater accumulation of enzymes needed to assimilate NH3 than Williams 82. Instead, efficient bacteroids had increased amounts of enzymes to produce amino acids, including glutamine, and to form ureide precursors. These results support a model for efficient symbiotic N2 fixation in soybean where the bacteroid assimilates NH3 for itself.
Music, social media and public pedagogy: indie music in the post-Cantopop epoch
Authors: Wang Shuang
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Hong Kong’s musical scene is rapidly changing along with the evolving media landscape. The purpose of this paper is to examine the new way of Cantopop production and dissemination in the new media ecosystem. Furthermore, this study calls for a reconceptualization of the process of Cantopop listening and sharing as a form of public pedagogy within the online public space.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the investigation into two of the leading local indie bands Kolor and Supper Moment, this study explores the implications that social media and participatory culture have for these indie bands. In this study, the music content and promotion strategy of the two bands, as well as the role of their online audiences are studied.

Findings

Social media leads to more democratic cultural production and distribution. The strong online audience engagement serves as the foundation for the popularity of the two Cantopop indie bands. In their music practice, the lyrics appear to be in alignment with the goals and interests of the listeners, which gives rise to greater participation by its audiences through social media. Under the context of interactive internet culture, listening and sharing Cantopop can be seen as an educational force, thus reinforcing the values and attitudes.

Originality/value

While many important works have examined various aspects of Cantopop, little attention has been paid to the indie bands. This paper attempts to reveal the recent development of local indie bands as a site under the interactive internet culture. It also gives insights to the significant role of Cantopop played in public pedagogy.
Formation of urban cultural images: Wing Lee Street in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Wui Tim , Zheng Jane
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the cultural images of an urban quarter have been formulated by analyzing the Wing Lee Street (WLS) case in Hong Kong. This study aims to fill the gap in knowledge, which is predominantly associated with the effects of cultural policies on the production of attractive urban images, but has overlooked the social and ideological constructions placed on such imagery by the people viewing them.

Design/methodology/approach

In accordance with the study’s purpose, these images have been taken to have been formulated, thanks to the participation of different social forces that act based on their own respective interests.

Findings

This research has identified four social parties involved in the WLS project: the Urban Renewal Authority, which is a self-financed public corporation; local residents; nonprofit cultural organizations concerned with cultural continuity; and community interests, and artists and the media.

Originality/value

This study reveals the collisions, constraints and influences that result from these social forces’ interactions with one another, and how these have shaped the cultural image of WLS. Finally, this research presents the five dimensions of the cultural image of WLS.
Developing teacher capacity in Cambodia: an expanded model
Authors: King Elizabeth Fiona
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of how best to develop teacher capacity in Cambodia. Since the 1990s the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), with its development partners, has undertaken the tremendous task of rebuilding Cambodia’s shattered education system. Many of the policies and programmes that have been developed hinge on building teacher capacity. This paper investigates the extent to which the capacity of teachers in the schools in this study was developed under the current cascade model favoured by the MoEYS.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study methodology data were collected, primarily, through semi-structured interviews with teachers in three government primary schools located in different geographical areas, and ministry officials and advisors based in these locations.

Findings

The findings identified that the current cascade model of capacity development, apart from watering down what is taught as it filters along the system, is not developing the requisite capacity of teachers. The findings suggest that the current model limits what constitutes capacity and for whom.

Practical implications

An expanded model of capacity development is forwarded that includes: school-based training for all teachers on an ongoing basis; incremental training; and regular training for trainers and principals.

Originality/value

This paper offers valuable insights that contribute to the ongoing discussion of how best to develop teacher capacity in Cambodia. It may also offer insights on developing teacher capacity to those working in similar situations.
The flash crash: a review
Authors: Akansu Ali N.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the flash crash, and explain why and how it happened.

Design/methodology/approach

The author summarizes several studies suggesting various perspectives on the flash crash and its causes. Furthermore, the author highlights recently proposed and introduced improvements and regulations to reduce the risk of having similar market collapses in the future.

Findings

It is an overview paper that highlights the state of the art on the subject.

Research limitations/implications

Paper does not report any research findings of the author.

Practical implications

High-frequency trading (HFT) along with its pros and cons is the new normal for most of the current electronic trading activity in the markets. It is well recognized by the experts that HFT may have its important shortcomings whenever the rules and regulations are not up to date to match the technological progress offering faster computational and execution capabilities.

Social implications

HFT has created a societal discussion about its benefits and potential deficiencies as the common practice for trading due to potentially unequal access to market data by various categories of participants. Such arguments help the regulators to develop improvements to reduce the market risk and nurture more robust and fair markets for all.

Originality/value

The paper has a tutorial value and summarizes the current state of HFT. The readers of more interest are guided to the most relevant literature for further reading.
Measuring urban competitiveness: ranking European large urban zones
Authors: Sáez Lucía , Periáñez Iñaki , Heras-Saizarbitoria Iñaki
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the main dimensions that determine the ability of cities to compete as locations for business and hubs for investment which can help policymakers to manage and prioritize urban development strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A composite indicator is proposed as a weighted aggregate of sub-indicators for the identified component dimensions (basic, efficiency-related and innovation-related competitiveness). The indicator is used to draw up a ranking of 159 European Large Urban Zones (LUZs) located in 26 EU countries based on 31 indicators, broken down into the three core dimensions of urban competitiveness identified.

Findings

The dimensions underlying urban competitiveness in relation to the location of firms and attracting investment determine the level of economic development of the LUZs. The most competitive cities in the sample have a high level of economic development, and the innovation dimension is the most significant one for the three groups of cities considered, followed by the efficiency dimension and, to a lesser extent, the basic dimension.

Practical implications

The findings provide guidance to policymakers on the most relevant dimensions for urban competitiveness.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature shedding light on the complex relationships between efficiency-related and innovation-related factors with regard to urban competitiveness.
Sustainable tourism and development: the model of the Albergo Diffuso
Authors: Morena Marzia , Truppi Tommaso , Del Gatto Maria Luisa
Published: November 2017

Purpose

In the light of contemporary tourist trends, this paper aims to provide insight on the topicality of the Albergo Diffuso Model, more than 30 years since this concept was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is not based on any particular methodological approach, as it is a practitioner viewpoint paper. It describes both, the contemporary tourist trends and the Albergo Diffuso Model, its main characteristics and some organizational issues.

Findings

The Albergo Diffuso is still a model worth implementing as it is relevant for the sustainable development of the Italian territory and of its treasures and to showcase the local traditions and the qualities of the Italian lifestyle. The Italian Government, too, has acknowledged its potential by means of some recent initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the value of the Albergo Diffuso Model as a tool to match the peculiar features of the Italian territory, local development and the contemporary tourist trends.
Trait‐based approaches for guiding the restoration of degraded agricultural landscapes in East Africa
Authors: Lohbeck Madelon , Winowiecki Leigh , Aynekulu Ermias , Okia Clement , Vågen Tor‐Gunnar
Published: November 2017

Functional ecology provides a framework that can link vegetation characteristics of various land uses with ecosystem function. However, this application has been mostly limited to [semi‐]natural systems and small spatial scales. Here, we apply functional ecology to five agricultural landscapes in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, and ask to what extent vegetation characteristics contribute to soil functions that are key to farmers’ livelihoods.

We used the Land Degradation Surveillance Framework (LDSF), a multi‐scale assessment of land health. Each LDSF site is a 10 × 10 km landscape in which vegetation cover and erosion prevalence were measured, a tree inventory was carried out, and topsoil (0–20 cm) samples were collected for organic carbon (SOC) analysis in approximately 160 × 1,000 m2 plots. Land degradation is a recurring phenomenon across the five landscapes, indicated by high erosion prevalence (67%–99% of the plots were severely eroded). We used mixed models to assess if vegetation cover, above‐ground woody biomass and the functional properties of woody vegetation (weighted‐mean trait values, functional diversity [FD]) explain variation in SOC and erosion prevalence.

We found that the vegetation cover and above‐ground biomass had strong positive effects on soil health by increasing SOC and reducing soil erosion. After controlling for cover and biomass, we found additional marginal effects of functional properties where FD was positively associated with SOC and the abundance of invasive species was associated with higher soil erosion.

Synthesis and applications. This work illustrates how functional ecology can provide much‐needed evidence for designing strategies to restore degraded agricultural land and the ecosystem services on which farmers depend. We show that to ensure soil health, it is vital to avoid exposed soil, maintain or promote tree cover, while ensuring functional diversity of tree species, and to eradicate invasive species.
Cereal progenitors differ in stand harvest characteristics from related wild grasses
Authors: Preece Catherine , Clamp Natalie F. , Warham Gemma , Charles Michael , Rees Mark , Jones Glynis , Osborne Colin P.
Published: November 2017

The domestication of crops in the Fertile Crescent began approximately 10,000 years ago indicating a change from a hunter‐gatherer lifestyle to a sedentary, agriculture‐based existence. The exploitation of wild plants changed during this transition, such that a small number of crops were domesticated from the broader range of species gathered from the wild. However, the reasons for this change are unclear.

Previous studies have shown unexpectedly that crop progenitors are not consistently higher yielding than related wild grass species, when growing without competition. In this study, we replicate more closely natural competition within wild stands, using two greenhouse experiments to investigate whether cereal progenitors exhibit a greater seed yield per unit area than related wild species that were not domesticated.

Stands of cereal progenitors do not provide a greater total seed yield per unit ground area than related wild species, but these crop progenitors do have greater reproductive efficiency than closely related wild species, with nearly twice the harvest index (the ratio of harvested seeds to total shoot dry mass).

These differences arise because the progenitors have greater seed yield per tiller than closely related wild species, due to larger individual seed size but no reduction in seed number per tiller. The harvest characteristics of cereal progenitors may have made them a more attractive prospect than closely related wild species for the early cultivators who first planted these species, or could suggest an ecological filtering mechanism.

Synthesis. Overall, we show that the maintenance of a high harvest index under competition, the packaging of seed in large tillers, and large seeds, consistently distinguish crop progenitors from closely related wild grass species. However, the archaeological significance of these findings remains unclear, since a number of more distantly related species, including wild oats, have an equally high or higher harvest index and yield than some of the progenitor species. Domestication of the earliest cereal crops from the pool of wild species available cannot therefore be explained solely by species differences in yield and harvest characteristics, and must also consider other plant traits.
Episodic memory retrieval in adolescents with and without developmental language disorder (DLD)
Authors: Lee Joanna C.
Published: November 2017

Background

Two reasons may explain the discrepant findings regarding declarative memory in developmental language disorder (DLD) in the literature. First, standardized tests are one of the primary tools used to assess declarative memory in previous studies. It is possible they are not sensitive enough to subtle memory impairment. Second, the system underlying declarative memory is complex, and thus results may vary depending on the types of encoding and retrieval processes measured (e.g., item specific or relational) and/or task demands (e.g., recall or recognition during memory retrieval).

Aims

To adopt an experimental paradigm to examine episodic memory functioning in adolescents with and without DLD, with the focus on memory recognition of item‐specific and relational information.

Methods & Procedures

Two groups of adolescents, one with DLD (n = 23; mean age = 16.73 years) and the other without (n = 23; mean age = 16.75 years), participated in the study. The Relational and Item‐Specific Encoding (RISE) paradigm was used to assess the effect of different encoding processes on episodic memory retrieval in DLD. The advantage of using the RISE task is that both item‐specific and relational encoding/retrieval can be examined within the same learning paradigm.

Outcomes & Results

Adolescents with DLD and those with typical language development showed comparable engagement during the encoding phase. The DLD group showed significantly poorer item recognition than the comparison group. Associative recognition was not significantly different between the two groups; however, there was a non‐significant trend for to be poorer in the DLD group than in the comparison group, suggesting a possible impairment in associative recognition in individuals with DLD, but to a lesser magnitude.

Conclusions & Implications

These results indicate that adolescents with DLD have difficulty with episodic memory retrieval when stimuli are encoded and retrieved without support from contextual information. Associative recognition is relatively less affected than item recognition in adolescents with DLD.
Efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm twins: the EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study
Authors: Palas D , Ehlinger V , Alberge C , Truffert P , Kayem G , Goffinet F , Ancel P‐Y , Arnaud C , Vayssière C
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy on short‐term neonatal outcomes in preterm twins, and further document the influence of the ACS‐to‐delivery interval.

Design

EPIPAGE‐2 is a nationwide observational multicentre prospective cohort study of neonates born between 22 and 34 completed weeks of gestation.

Setting

All French maternity units, except in a single administrative region, between March and December 2011.

Population

A total of 750 twin neonates born between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Exposure to ACSs was examined in four groups: single complete course, with an ACS administration‐to‐delivery interval of ≤7 days; single complete course, with an ACS‐to‐delivery interval of >7 days; repeated courses; or no ACS treatment.

Main outcome measures

Neonatal outcomes analysed were severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia or intraventricular haemorrhage grade III/IV, in‐hospital mortality, and a composite indicator of severe outcomes.

Results

Compared with no ACSs, in multivariable analysis, a single course of ACSs with an administration‐to‐delivery interval of ≤7 days was significantly associated with a reduced rate of periventricular leukomalacia or intraventricular haemorrhage grade III/IV (aOR 0.2; CI 95% 0.1–0.5), in‐hospital mortality (0.3; 0.1–0.6), and the composite indicator (0.1; 0.1–0.3), whereas a single course of ACDs with an administration‐to‐delivery interval of >7 days did not significantly reduce the frequency of in‐hospital mortality (0.7; 0.3–1.8). No significant differences in terms of benefit or risk were found when comparing repeated courses with a single complete course.

Conclusion

In preterm twins, a single complete course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with an improvement of severe neurological outcome, whereas reduced in‐hospital mortality was seen only when the ACS‐to‐delivery interval was ≤7 days.

Tweetable abstract

A single complete course of antenatal steroids reduced severe neurological morbidity in preterm twins (24–31 weeks).
Impact of same day vs day before pre‐operative lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node biopsy for early breast cancer (local Australian experience)
Authors: Huang Yang Yang , Maurel Amelie , Hamza Saud , Jackson Lee , Al‐Ogaili Zeyad
Published: November 2017

Introduction

To assess the impact of delayed vs immediate pre‐operative lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) for sentinel lymph node biopsy in a single Australian tertiary breast cancer centre.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study analysing patients with breast cancer or DCIS who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy with pre‐operative LSG and intra‐operative sentinel lymph node biopsy from January 2015 to June 2016.

Results

A total of 182 LSG were performed. Group A patients had day before pre‐operative LSG mapping (n = 79) and Group B had LSG mapping on the day of surgery (n = 103). The overall LSG localisation rate was 97.3% and no statistical difference was detected between the two groups. The overall sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLN) were identified in 99.6% of patients. The number of nodes excised was slightly higher in Group A (1.90 vs 1.72); however, this was not statistically significant. In addition, the number of nodes on histopathology and the incidence of second echelon nodal detection were also similar between the two groups without statistical significance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2‐day LSG protocol had no impact on overall SLNB and LSG detection rates although slightly higher second tier nodes but this did not translate to any difference between the number of harvest nodes between the two groups. The 2‐day LSG allows for greater flexibility in theatre planning and more efficient use of theatre time. We recommend a dose of 40 Mbq of Tc99 m pertechnetate‐labelled colloid be given day prior to surgery within a 24‐hour timeframe.
Substantial differences in bias between single‐digest and double‐digest RAD‐seq libraries: A case study
Authors: Flanagan Sarah P. , Jones Adam G.
Published: November 2017

The trade‐offs of using single‐digest vs. double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) protocols have been widely discussed. However, no direct empirical comparisons of the two methods have been conducted. Here, we sampled a single population of Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) and genotyped 444 individuals using RAD‐seq. Sixty individuals were subjected to single‐digest RAD‐seq (sdRAD‐seq), and the remaining 384 individuals were genotyped using a double‐digest RAD‐seq (ddRAD‐seq) protocol. We analysed the resulting Illumina sequencing data and compared the two genotyping methods when reads were analysed either together or separately. Coverage statistics, observed heterozygosity, and allele frequencies differed significantly between the two protocols, as did the results of selection components analysis. We also performed an in silico digestion of the Gulf pipefish genome and modelled five major sources of bias: PCR duplicates, polymorphic restriction sites, shearing bias, asymmetric sampling (i.e., genotyping fewer individuals with sdRAD‐seq than with ddRAD‐seq) and higher major allele frequencies. This combination of approaches allowed us to determine that polymorphic restriction sites, an asymmetric sampling scheme, mean allele frequencies and to some extent PCR duplicates all contribute to different estimates of allele frequencies between samples genotyped using sdRAD‐seq versus ddRAD‐seq. Our finding that sdRAD‐seq and ddRAD‐seq can result in different allele frequencies has implications for comparisons across studies and techniques that endeavour to identify genomewide signatures of evolutionary processes in natural populations.