bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Nile Red‐Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Developing Water‐Soaked Fingerprints on Thermal Paper
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Xing Jinfeng , Ge Zhiqiang
Published: November 2018

Nile red has been an alternative reagent for detecting latent fingerprints on wetted substrates. However, the presence of methanol in nile red solution could make injury to handlers and destroy the traces on surfaces, such as texts on thermal papers. A novel small particle reagent formulation constituting of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) based on nile red was prepared to overcome the problem. Compared with the conventional reagents Oil Red O or nile red solution, the nile red‐loaded MSNs are highly selective to lipid residues of fingerprints and showed a greater ability to develop clear, sharp, and detailed fingerprints on thermal papers after these were immersed in water. In addition, it can retain texts on the thermal papers well and use only water as a solvent. These suggested that nile red‐loaded MSNs are a safe, efficient, and convenient method to develop latent fingerprints on wide range of substrates of forensic importance.
Chemical and Chemometric Methods for Halal Authentication of Gelatin: An Overview
Authors: Hassan Nurfarhana , Ahmad Tahir , Zain Norhidayu Muhamad
Published: November 2018

The issue of food authenticity has become a concern among religious adherents, particularly Muslims, due to the possible presence of nonhalal ingredients in foods as well as other commercial products. One of the nonhalal ingredients that commonly found in food and pharmaceutical products is gelatin which extracted from porcine source. Bovine and fish gelatin are also becoming the main commercial sources of gelatin. However, unclear information and labeling regarding the actual sources of gelatin in food and pharmaceutical products have become the main concern in halal authenticity issue since porcine consumption is prohibited for Muslims. Hence, numerous analytical methods involving chemical and chemometric analysis have been developed to identify the sources of gelatin. Chemical analysis techniques such as biochemical, chromatography, electrophoretic, and spectroscopic are usually combined with chemometric and mathematical methods such as principal component analysis, cluster, discriminant, and Fourier transform analysis for the gelatin classification. A sample result from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, which combines Fourier transform and spectroscopic technique, is included in this paper. This paper presents an overview of chemical and chemometric methods involved in identification of different types of gelatin, which is important for halal authentication purposes.
The Effects of Added Water and Grinding Temperature on Stability and Degradation Kinetics of Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Compounds, and Ascorbic Acid in Ground Apples
Authors: Kim Ah–Na , Lee Kyo‐Yeon , Kim Hyun‐Jin , Chun Jiyeon , Kerr William L. , Choi Sung‐Gil
Published: November 2018

The effects of added water (1:0 up to 1:4 apple:water w/v) and grinding temperature on browning and antioxidant capacity of apples were investigated. Grinding apple with addition of water decreased browning and loss of antioxidant activity when ground with water up to 1:3 ratio. Browning, antioxidant capacity, major phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2), and ascorbic acid in ground apple with water (1:1) were evaluated at grinding temperatures from 5 °C to 45 °C. The degradation of antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and ascorbic acid followed first‐order kinetics. The temperature‐dependent degradation was adequately modeled using the Arrhenius equation, and kinetic parameters such as k, t1/2, Q10, and Ea indicated that the grinding temperature was a key factor affecting retention of antioxidant activity, phenolics, and ascorbic acid contents in apple.

Practical Application

The phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables can be altered by processing such as thermal treatments and grinding. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and predict the quality characteristics of the fruits as affected by processing conditions. In this study, we found grinding conditions retard the changes in color and loss in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of ground apples. This new finding can be helpful for engineers and scientists to control and optimize the grinding system by retaining the high nutritional values of apple products.
Development of a Gulfweed‐Based Edible Coating Using High‐Pressure Homogenization and Its Application to Smoked Salmon
Authors: Kim Su Yeon , Kang Joo Hyun , Jo Jin Ho , Min Sea C.
Published: November 2018

Gulfweed‐based edible materials were developed in forms of food film and coating. Gulfweed suspension was subjected to high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) at 103, 138, and 193 MPa with 1, 2, and 3 passes, and mixed with 14, 30, 50, and 70% (w/w gulfweed) glycerol and 1% (w/w gulfweed) polysorbate 20 to produce a film‐forming suspension. The particle size of the suspension decreased with increasing pressure from 103 to 193 MPa and pass number from 1 to 3. The HPH‐treated gulfweed suspension behaved like a pseudo‐plastic non‐Newtonian fluid. High pressure and pass number generally decreased the suspension viscosity. Uniformity and compactness of the films increased with increasing pressure. The optimal conditions for forming a film with high stretchability, low water vapor permeability, low and water solubility, as well as for preparing bright‐colored coated smoked salmon, were found to be 193 MPa, three passes of HPH, and a glycerol concentration of 70%. Coating smoked salmon with gulfweed suspension enhanced the redness without altering its texture and volatile properties. The method reported in this study may be useful for seaweed‐based edible film production, increasing their potential application to various food products like red meats.

Practical Application

Seaweeds have high nutritional and functional values, but they are not commonly used as food materials owing to their appearance and size. Therefore, it is important to develop methods to utilize seaweeds by overcoming appearance and size limitations. A self‐standing film/coating using gulfweed was developed in this study, making use of commercially available high‐pressure homogenization technology. The method developed herein might enable increased applications of gulfweed and possibly other seaweeds to food products such as films, rolls, or coatings.
Extension of the gambin model to multimodal species abundance distributions
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Borregaard Michael K. , Gillespie Colin S. , Rigal François , Ugland Karl I. , Krüger Rodrigo Ferreira , Marques Roberta , Sadler Jon P. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Kubota Yasuhiro , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: November 2018

Species abundance distributions (SADs) are one of the most widely used tools in macroecology, and it has become increasingly apparent that many empiricalSADs can best be described as multimodal. However, only a fewSADmodels have been extended to incorporate multiple modes and no software packages are available to fit multimodalSADmodels. In this study, we present an extension of the gambinSADmodel to multimodalSADs.

We derive the maximum likelihood equations for fitting the bimodal gambin distribution and generalize this approach to fit gambin models with any number of modes. We present these new functions, along with additional functions to aid in the analysis of multimodalSADs, within an updatedrpackage (“gambin”; version 2.4.0) that enables the fitting, plotting and evaluating of gambin models with any number of modes.

We use a mixture of simulations and empirical datasets to test our new models, including tests of the sensitivity of the model parameters to the number of individuals and the number of species in a sample. We show that the new multimodal gambin models perform well under a variety of circumstances, and that the application of these new models to empiricalSADand other macroecological (e.g., species range size distributions) datasets can provide interesting insights. The updated software package is simple to use and provides straightforward yet flexible statistical analyses of multimodality inSAD‐type datasets.
Real‐world efficacy and toxicity of combined nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Parakh Sagun , Randhawa Manreet , Nguyen Bella , Warburton Lydia , Hussain Mohammad Akhtar , Cebon Jonathan , Millward Michael , Yip Desmond , Ali Sayed
Published: November 2018

Background

There is limited real‐world data on the efficacy and safety of combination programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitor, nivolumab and the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen (CTLA‐4) inhibitor ipilimumab.

Method

We retrospectively identified patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma treated with three‐weekly nivolumab (1 mg/kg) in combination with ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) for four cycles followed by nivolumab monotherapy (3 mg/kg) fortnightly. Patient demographics and treatment parameters were collected and outcomes determined.

Results

A total of 45 pts received combination treatment with a median follow up of 8.7 months (range 0.33–25.9 months). A total of 67% were male, and BRAF V600 mutations detected in 38%. At treatment commencement, 14 (31%) pts had brain metastases, 51% had an elevated LDH and 18 (40%) were treatment‐naive. Almost a third (30%) required corticosteroids for symptom control or management of prior toxicities. Nineteen (42%) patients had prior anti‐PD‐1 therapy. The disease control rate (DCR) was 54% and objective response rate (ORR) was 29%. Of pts treated with prior immune checkpoint inhibitors, the DCR and ORR were 50% and 33%, respectively. Intracranial responses were observed in 18% (n = 2). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 5.8 months (95% Confidence interval (CI), 2.9–14.1 months). PFS was higher in treatment naïve patients compared to those who had prior immunotherapy (6.2 months vs 4.9 months, P = 0.59). The median OS was 17.4 months (95% CI, 7.1–NR). pts requiring corticosteroids had a shorter PFS (4.9 months vs 6.8 months) and OS (7.1 months vs NR, P = 0.01).Treatment‐related adverse events of any grade were experienced by 88% of pts, with 54% having grade 3–4 adverse events. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events occurred in 44% of pts.

Conclusion

In this study, responses to combination immunotherapy were lower than reported. Patients treated with prior immunotherapy had similar responses as treatment‐naïve pts. The toxicity profile seen in this study is similar to those reported in clinical trials.
Variations of electrocardiographic parameters during hospitalization predict long‐term outcomes in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Guoyong , Li Qiao , Huang Baotao , Chen Mao
Published: November 2018

Background

Electrocardiogram is an essential modality for diagnosis and early risk stratification for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but its long‐term prognostic value has not been well studied. This study tried to investigate the long‐term prognostic value of variations of ECG parameters at admission and discharge in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

A total of 170 NSTEMI patients were recruited consecutively from 2013 to 2014 in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All subjects' ECGs at admission and discharge were reviewed. Follow‐up was performed, and the survival difference between groups was analyzed.

Results

Comparing with at admission, NSTEMI patients at discharge with a wider P wave (19.4% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.047), with new‐onset PtfV1 positive (31.2% vs. 8.1%, 11.5%, 13.3%, p = 0.147) and with a greater number of leads showing ST depression (21.9% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.037) were prone to MACEs during long‐term follow‐up. The independent risk factors for the primary endpoints determined using a multivariate cox regression were new‐onset PtfV1 positive during hospitalization (HR = 4.705, 95% CI = 1.457–15.197, p = 0.010) and prolonged QRS duration at discharge comparing to admission (HR = 2.536, 95% CI = 1.057–6.083, p = 0.030), besides diabetes mellitus, stage 3 hypertension, and multiple vessel lesions.

Conclusion

Discharge ECG with new‐onset PtfV1 positive and prolonged QRS duration were independent risk factors for recurrence of MACEs in NTEMI patients. The differences of ECG parameters between at admission and discharge, including P‐wave duration, number of leads with ST‐segment depression, carried long‐term prognostic information for NSTEMI patients.
Ascitic cholesterol is superior to serum‐ascites albumin gradient in the detection of non‐portal hypertensive ascites and the diagnosis of mixed ascites
Authors: Du Li , Zhu Shenghua , Lu Zhiwen , Xu Ting , Bai Tao , Xu Dong , Wei Xiuqi , Li Jin , Xu Keshu , Ye Jin , Hou Xiaohua , Song Yuhu
Published: November 2018

Background

The diagnostic value of ascitic cholesterol in the differential diagnosis of ascites is controversial.

Aim

To investigate the diagnostic performance of ascitic cholesterol in the differential diagnosis of ascites.

Methods

Consecutive patients with new‐onset ascites were enrolled prospectively. The pertinent data were collected from 629 patients with all forms of ascites.

Results

In the training cohort, determination of the ascitic cholesterol level was a highly effective method of distinguishing non‐portal hypertension (NPH) from portal hypertension (PH). At the pre‐determined cut‐off value of 45 mg/dL, the sensitivity of ascitic cholesterol was superior to the serum‐ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) in identifying NPH‐related ascites; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.945. In the patients misdiagnosed based on SAAG classification, the diagnostic accuracy of ascitic cholesterol was 69%. The ascitic cholesterol level showed excellent performance in identifying peritoneal lesions in patients with mixed ascites.

Conclusion

Ascitic cholesterol is an excellent measure for detecting NPH ascites and for identifying peritoneal lesions in mixed ascites. Thus, this simple and cost‐effective measure should be determined in patients with new‐onset ascites (www.chictr.org.cn; ChiCTR‐DCD‐15006907).
Educating for self‐interest or ‐transcendence? An empirical approach to investigating the role of moral competencies in opportunity recognition for sustainable development
Authors: Ploum Lisa , Blok Vincent , Lans Thomas , Omta Onno
Published: November 2018

Entrepreneurship education with a focus on sustainable development primarily teaches students to develop a profit‐driven mentality. As sustainable development is a value‐oriented and normative concept, the role of individual ethical norms and values in entrepreneurial processes has been receiving increased attention. Therefore, this study addresses the role of moral competence in the process of idea generation for sustainable development. A mixed method design was developed in which would‐be entrepreneurs were subjected to a questionnaire (n = 398) and to real‐life decision‐making processes in a case assignment (n = 96). The results provide stepping stones for implementing (moral) competencies in entrepreneurship education as a possible avenue to move away from a sole focus on a profit‐driven mentality.
Circulating dendritic cells deficiencies as a new biomarker in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Galati Domenico , Zanotta Serena , Corazzelli Gaetano , Bruzzese Dario , Capobianco Gaetana , Morelli Emanuela , Arcamone Manuela , De Filippi Rosaria , Pinto Antonio
Published: November 2018

No robust biomarkers have been yet validated to identify the recurrence of disease in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) patients upon induction treatment. The relevance of the inflammatory microenvironment in cHL prompted us to investigate the key immunomodulator myeloid dendritic cells type‐1 (mDC1), type‐2 (mDC2) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Blood DC levels were assessed in 52 newly diagnosed patients through multiparametric flow‐cytometry. All but two patients received ABVD regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine). The median counts of all DC subsets were lower in cHL patients than in healthy controls (P < 0·001). Median mDC counts were inferior for the advanced vs early stage patients for both mDC1s and mDC2s (P = 0·008; P = 0·0007 respectively). Also, median mDC2 counts were reduced in case of bulky (P = 0·0004) and extra‐nodal (P = 0·046) disease. Patients with B symptoms had lower levels for mDC1s (P = 0·046), mDC2s (P = 0·009) and pDCs (P = 0·040). All the DC subtypes increased at the end of treatment in 26 patients (P < 0·001): 4·6‐fold for mDC1, 2·4‐fold for mDC2, 4·5‐fold for pDC and aligned DCs subsets with the reference frequencies and the interquartile ranges of the controls. In conclusion, DCs may contribute to the disturbed immunological interplay typical of cHL, prompting a further evaluation of their value as a potential new biomarker.
Complement component 5 does not interfere with physiological hemostasis but is essential forEscherichia coli-induced coagulation accompanied by Toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Landsem A , Fure H , Krey Ludviksen J , Christiansen D , Lau C , Mathisen M , Bergseth G , Nymo S , Lappegård K T , Woodruff T M , Espevik T , Mollnes T E , Brekke O-L
Published: November 2018

There is a close cross-talk between complement, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and coagulation. The role of the central complement component 5 (C5) in physiological and pathophysiological hemostasis has not, however, been fully elucidated. This study examined the effects of C5 in normal hemostasis and in Escherichia coli-induced coagulation and tissue factor (TF) up-regulation. Fresh whole blood obtained from six healthy donors and one C5-deficient individual (C5D) was anti-coagulated with the thrombin inhibitor lepirudin. Blood was incubated with or without E. coli in the presence of the C5 inhibitor eculizumab, a blocking anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD14) or the TLR-4 inhibitor eritoran. C5D blood was reconstituted with purified human C5. TF mRNA was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and monocyte TF and CD11b surface expression by flow cytometry. Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (PTF1·2) in plasma and microparticles exposing TF (TF-MP) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Coagulation kinetics were analyzed by rotational thromboelastometry and platelet function by PFA-200. Normal blood with eculizumab as well as C5D blood with or without reconstitution with C5 displayed completely normal biochemical hemostatic patterns. In contrast, E. coli-induced TF mRNA and TF-MP were significantly reduced by C5 inhibition. C5 inhibition combined with anti-CD14 or eritoran completely inhibited the E. coli-induced monocyte TF, TF-MP and plasma PTF1·2. Addition of C5a alone did not induce TF expression on monocytes. In conclusion, C5 showed no impact on physiological hemostasis, but substantially contributed to E. coli-induced procoagulant events, which were abolished by the combined inhibition of C5 and CD14 or TLR-4.
Mechanisms of lymphatic system-specific viral replication and its potential role in autoimmune disease
Authors: Friedrich S-K , Lang P A , Friebus-Kardash J , Duhan V , Bezgovsek J , Lang K S
Published: November 2018

Viral infections can be fatal because of the direct cytopathic effects of the virus or the induction of a strong, uncontrolled inflammatory response. Virus and host intrinsic characteristics strongly modulate the outcome of viral infections. Recently we determined the circumstances under which enhanced replication of virus within the lymphoid tissue is beneficial for the outcome of a disease. This enforced viral replication promotes anti-viral immune activation and, counterintuitively, accelerates virus control. In this review we summarize the mechanisms that contribute to enforced viral replication.

Antigen-presenting cells and CD169+ macrophages exhibit enforced viral replication after infection with the model viruses lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (Usp18), an endogenous type I interferon blocker in CD169+ macrophages, has been identified as a proviral gene, as are B cell activating factor (BAFF) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1). Lymphotoxins (LT) strongly enhance viral replication in the spleen and lymph nodes. All these factors modulate splenic architecture and thereby promote the development of CD169+ macrophages. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell signaling (NF-κB) have been found to promote the survival of infected CD169+ macrophages, thereby similarly promoting enforced viral replication.

Association of autoimmune disease with infections is evident from (1) autoimmune phenomena described during a chronic virus infection; (2) onset of autoimmune disease simultaneous to viral infections; and (3) experimental evidence. Involvement of virus infection during onset of type I diabetes is strongly evident. Epstein–Bar virus (EBV) infection was discussed to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

In conclusion, several mechanisms promote viral replication in secondary lymphatic organs. Identifying such factors in humans is a challenge for future studies.
UniverCity: The Vicious Cycle of Studentification in a Peripheral City
Authors: Avni Nufar , Alfasi Nurit
Published: November 2018

Research on studentification has unpacked the spatial, economic, and social impacts that are associated with the growing presence of students in cities. Nonetheless, considerably less attention has been paid to the broader regional and national contexts that shape studentification. Using the case study of Ben–Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, we argue that the studentification of the city should be understood within its context as the periphery of the country. Despite the university's central location and its involvement in revitalization efforts in the region, Ben–Gurion University is surrounded by marginalized neighborhoods which have turned into a “student bubble”. We show that the segregation between the campus and the city results from a vicious cycle that reproduces the city's poor image and disrupts the university's attempts to advance the city and region. Although overlooked by policy–makers, the implications of this cycle reach far beyond the campus' surrounding and affect the city and to some extent the whole region.
Community Crime Prevention in High–Crime Areas: The Seattle Neighborhood Group Hot Spots Project
Authors: Telep Cody W. , Hibdon Julie
Published: November 2018

Hot spots policing, in which police resources are directed toward small geographic areas with high crime levels, has been widely implemented and evaluated, but less is known about the effectiveness of nonpolice efforts to address high–crime locations. Here, we examine the effectiveness of two hot spot interventions led by a community–based nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington. We use interrupted time series analysis to assess changes in total calls, as well as drug and disorder events at each site and in catchment areas surrounding each site. We find evidence of significant postintervention declines in calls for one treatment site and a decline in disorder in the second site. Overall, the results provide initial evidence that community–led crime prevention efforts can have a positive impact on calls in crime and disorder hot spots without significant spatial displacement of crime and disorder. Furthermore, these approaches may be an optimal response to residential hot spots in particular, given current concerns about community reactions to intensive police approaches focused primarily on enforcement.
Evaluation of 0.2% delmopinol mouth rinse for prevention of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis: A randomized controlled canine study
Authors: Levin Liran , Barbu Horia , Kurgan Sivge , Comăneanu Raluca Monica , Referendaru Daniel , Lorean Adi
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.2% delmopinol mouth rinse in maintenance of peri‐implant tissue health and prevention or inhibition of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.

Materials and Methods

Four weeks following tooth extraction, eight titanium dental implants, were placed in six dogs' mandibles. Three dogs were assigned to the test or placebo mouth rinse. Eight weeks following implant installation (T2) ligature was placed to induce peri‐implant disease. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed during the study period as well as micro‐CT analysis and histologic assessment to evaluate Bone‐Implant Contact at the end of the follow‐up (T4).

Results

Plaque at implant sites before ligature placement (T2) was lower for the test group (0.7 ± 1.0 vs 1.5 ± 1.3, P < .05). The ratio of affected implant (PD ≧4 mm) at T2 and T4 in the test group was significantly smaller than that of the placebo group (T2, 17% vs 47%, P < .01; T4, 67% vs 83%, P < .05). The test agent also seemed to be effective in partially preventing bone loss induced by ligature placement according to the Computed Tomography and histologic analysis (test, 1.1 ± 0.8 mm; placebo, 1.5 ± 0.9 mm).

Conclusions

Within the limits of this animal model study, the results of the study indicate that the 0.2% delmopinol rinse might play a role in prevention of peri‐implant disease development.
Evaluating the effect of electronic monitoring and feedback on hand cream use in healthcare workers: Healthy Hands Project
Authors: Soltanipoor Maryam , Rustemeyer Thomas , Sluiter Judith K. , Hines John , Frison Federico , Kezic Sanja
Published: November 2018

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing hand dermatitis (HD). Current guidelines on HD prevention recommend the use of emollients; however, in practice, adherence is poor.

Objective

To assess whether the provision of creams, electronic monitoring and feedback on cream consumption can improve skin care in HCWs.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted on 19 academic hospital wards, including 501 HCWs, for 12 months. The intervention wards (n = 9; 285 HCWs) were provided with hand cream dispensers equipped with an electronic system to monitor use, which was regularly communicated to the HCWs by the use of posters. The process outcomes were self‐reported cream consumption in both groups, and electronically measured consumption per ward in the intervention group (IG) vs the control group (CG).

Results

Self‐reported cream use at follow‐up was significantly higher in the IG than in the CG, before (odds ratio [OR] 2.27; 95%CI: 1.29‐3.97; P = 0.004) and during (OR 3.30; 95%CI: 1.80‐6.06, P < 0.001) the shift, whereas at baseline there was no difference between the groups. In the IG, electronically measured cream use was, on average, 0.4 events per shift per HCW.

Conclusion

The intervention improved hand cream use, and may therefore be considered as a practical strategy to promote skin care in HCWs. Notwithstanding this, the application frequency remained lower than recommended in the present study and current guidelines.
DEBT AND DEPRESSION
Authors: Breuer Janice Boucher , McDermott John
Published: November 2018

We investigate the relationship between public debt ratios and per capita output using episodal data. Episodes of debt and depression occur far more frequently than expected. Growth is lower during episodes of low, moderate, and high debt ratios; while debt ratios are higher during depressions. We look at precedence of entries and exits in overlapping episodes, and the decomposition of the debt ratio during intervals just before and after overlaps. Output movements influence the debt ratio more during exit than entry. Debt movements often precede depressions. Developing countries account for these results almost exclusively. (JEL E32, E62, O47)
Climate Transition Risk and Development Finance: A Carbon Risk Assessment of China's Overseas Energy Portfolios
Authors: Monasterolo Irene , Zheng Jiani I. , Battiston Stefano
Published: November 2018

The role of development finance institutions in low‐income and emerging countries is fundamental to provide long‐term capital for investments in climate mitigation and adaptation. Nevertheless, development finance institutions still lack sound and transparent metrics to assess their projects' exposure to climate risks and their impact on global climate action. To attempt to fill this gap, we develop a novel climate stress‐test methodology for portfolios of loans to energy infrastructure projects. We apply the methodology to the portfolios of overseas energy projects of two main Chinese policy banks. We estimate their exposure to economic and financial shocks that would result in government inability to introduce timely 2°C‐aligned climate policies and from investors' inability to adapt their business to the changing climate and policy environment. We find that the negative shocks are mostly concentrated on coal and oil projects and vary across regions from 4.2 to 22 percent of the total loan value. Given the current leverage of Chinese policy banks, these losses could induce severe financial distress, with implications on macroeconomic and financial stability.
Nurturing Novelty: Toulmin's Greenhouse, Journal Rankings and Knowledge Evolution
Authors: Renwick Douglas W.S. , Breslin Dermot , Price Ilfryn
Published: November 2018

Reflecting on Toulmin's, 1972 conceptualization of the academic research process, we fast‐forward his thinking to the current climate of academic excellence and associated journal ranking lists. We argue that the formal and informal use of such rankings throughout the hierarchy of research institutions creates an artificial environment within which favoured ‘branches’ of knowledge continue to flourish at the expense of new conceptual saplings. This ‘greenhouse’ effect might result in the creation of a knowledge tree which is increasingly unfit to the external world for which it is intended. We thus step back and examine wider implications of these factors on the broader evolution of knowledge in the research process. In sum, we argue for a Toulminian explanation of the process by which journal ranking lists reduce academic innovation and creativity, bias academic selection and constrain dissemination processes in the academic community.
The epidemiology of drug‐resistant epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kalilani Linda , Sun Xuezheng , Pelgrims Barbara , Noack‐Rink Matthias , Villanueva Vicente
Published: November 2018

Objective

The definition of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) affects case identification and treatment, and impacts prevalence or incidence estimates and health burden estimation in epidemiology. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the consistency between definitions of DRE in the literature and the official definition in the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) guidelines, and to estimate the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for DRE.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for observational studies of DRE published between January 1980 and July 2015. The definitions of DRE in these studies were compared with the definition in the ILAE guidelines. Random‐effect model meta‐analyses were used to generate pooled estimates of prevalence or incidence and pooled odds ratios of the association with risk factors.

Results

Thirty‐five studies met inclusion criteria, including 13 080 epilepsy patients and 3941 patients with DRE. The definition of DRE varied widely across studies, with only 12% meeting the requirements of the ILAE definition. The pooled prevalence proportion of DRE among epilepsy patients was 0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19‐0.42), and the pooled incidence proportion was 0.15 (95% CI 0.11‐0.19). Age at onset, symptomatic epilepsy, abnormal neuroimaging findings, abnormal electroencephalography results, history of mental retardation, neuropsychiatric disorders, febrile seizure, and status epilepticus increased risk for DRE.

Significance

There are limited high‐quality data available on DRE. Lack of consistency in definitions limits the ability to obtain robust estimates on the burden of DRE. More data based on the ILAE definition from well‐designed epidemiologic studies are needed to generate accurate and reliable results.
Near‐future forest vulnerability to drought and fire varies across the western United States
Authors: Buotte Polly C. , Levis Samuel , Law Beverly E. , Hudiburg Tara W. , Rupp David E. , Kent Jeffery J.
Published: November 2018

Recent prolonged droughts and catastrophic wildfires in the western United States have raised concerns about the potential for forest mortality to impact forest structure, forest ecosystem services, and the economic vitality of communities in the coming decades. We used the Community Land Model (CLM) to determine forest vulnerability to mortality from drought and fire by the year 2049. We modified CLM to represent 13 major forest types in the western United States and ran simulations at a 4‐km grid resolution, driven with climate projections from two general circulation models under one emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). We developed metrics of vulnerability to short‐term extreme and prolonged drought based on annual allocation to stem growth and net primary productivity. We calculated fire vulnerability based on changes in simulated future area burned relative to historical area burned. Simulated historical drought vulnerability was medium to high in areas with observations of recent drought‐related mortality. Comparisons of observed and simulated historical area burned indicate simulated future fire vulnerability could be underestimated by 3% in the Sierra Nevada and overestimated by 3% in the Rocky Mountains. Projections show that water‐limited forests in the Rocky Mountains, Southwest, and Great Basin regions will be the most vulnerable to future drought‐related mortality, and vulnerability to future fire will be highest in the Sierra Nevada and portions of the Rocky Mountains. High carbon‐density forests in the Pacific coast and western Cascades regions are projected to be the least vulnerable to either drought or fire. Importantly, differences in climate projections lead to only 1% of the domain with conflicting low and high vulnerability to fire and no area with conflicting drought vulnerability. Our drought vulnerability metrics could be incorporated as probabilistic mortality rates in earth system models, enabling more robust estimates of the feedbacks between the land and atmosphere over the 21st century.
Is oxygen limitation in warming waters a valid mechanism to explain decreased body sizes in aquatic ectotherms?
Authors: Audzijonyte Asta , Barneche Diego R. , Baudron Alan R. , Belmaker Jonathan , Clark Timothy D. , Marshall C. Tara , Morrongiello John R. , van Rijn Itai
Published: November 2018

Aim

The negative correlation between temperature and body size of ectothermic animals (broadly known as the temperature‐size rule or TSR) is a widely observed pattern, especially in aquatic organisms. Studies have claimed that the TSR arises due to decreased oxygen solubility and increasing metabolic costs at warmer temperatures, whereby oxygen supply to a large body becomes increasingly difficult. However, mixed empirical evidence has led to a controversy about the mechanisms affecting species’ size and performance under different temperatures. We review the main competing genetic, physiological and ecological explanations for the TSR and suggest a roadmap to move the field forward.

Location

Global.

Taxa

Aquatic ectotherms.

Time period

1980–present.

Results

We show that current studies cannot discriminate among alternative hypotheses and none of the hypotheses can explain all TSR‐related observations. To resolve this impasse, we need experiments and field‐sampling programmes that specifically compare alternative mechanisms and formally consider energetics related to growth costs, oxygen supply and behaviour. We highlight the distinction between evolutionary and plastic mechanisms, and suggest that the oxygen limitation debate should separate processes operating on short, decadal and millennial time‐scales.

Conclusions

Despite decades of research, we remain uncertain whether the TSR is an adaptive response to temperature‐related physiological (enzyme activity) or ecological changes (food, predation and other mortality), or a response to constraints operating at a cellular level (oxygen supply and associated costs). To make progress, ecologists, physiologists, modellers and geneticists should work together to develop a cross‐disciplinary research programme that integrates theory and data, explores time‐scales over which the TSR operates, and assesses limits to adaptation or plasticity. We identify four questions for such a programme. Answering these questions is crucial given the widespread impacts of climate change and reliance of management on models that are highly dependent on accurate representation of ecological and physiological responses to temperature.
Introduction to special section on blockchains and financial globalization
Authors: CAMPBELL‐VERDUYN MALCOLM
Published: November 2018

This special section shifts analytical attention onto efforts undertaken by dispersed sets of actors operating in online communities to mobilize a novel internet‐based technology that mysteriously appeared at the height of market volatility in 2008. Applications of blockchain technologies and the challenges presented to longstanding patterns of financial globalization are analysed by a group of scholars with backgrounds in anthropology, political science and sociology. This introductory article first elaborates what blockchain technologies consist of before foreshadowing the insights that the following interdisciplinary investigations yield for comprehending the implications that technological changes pose for global finance specifically and globalization more generally.
Reactivity of CK7 across the spectrum of renal cell carcinomas with clear cells
Authors: Gonzalez Manuel L , Alaghehbandan Reza , Pivovarcikova Krystina , Michalova Kvetoslava , Rogala Joanna , Martinek Petr , Foix María P , Mundo Enric C , Comperat Eva , Ulamec Monika , Hora Milan , Michal Michal , Hes Ondrej
Published: November 2018

Aims

Current available data on cytokeratin 7 (CK7) immunostaining pattern in the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) spectrum is conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess CK7 immunoreactivity within the spectrum of clear cell renal neoplasms, including clear cell RCC, multicystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential and clear cell papillary RCC‐like tumours.

Methods and results

We analysed two clones of CK7 and two tumour blocks for a total of 75 cases divided into five distinct groups: (i) low‐grade clear cell RCC, (ii) high‐grade clear cell RCC, (iii) multicystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential, (iv) clear cell RCC with cystic changes and (v) clear cell papillary RCC‐like tumours. We found the highest CK7 reactivity in low‐grade clear cell RCC, multicystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential and clear cell papillary RCC‐like groups, ranging from 60% to 93%.

Conclusions

Our findings show that CK7 immunoreactivity in clear cell RCC is variable, and the extent of staining depends on the grade and architectural growth patterns of the tumours.
Omega‐6 fatty acids down‐regulate matrix metalloproteinase expression in a coronary heart disease‐induced rat model
Authors: Lu Nihong , Du Yingrong , Li Haiyuan , Luo Yu , Ouyang Bing , Chen Yangjun , Yang Yongrui , Yang Lixia
Published: November 2018

The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of omega‐6 fatty acids, according to their effects on antioxidant markers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in coronary heart disease‐induced rats. Rats were grouped into group I (sham control), group II (control), group III (0.5 g/kg bwt of omega‐6 fatty acids) and group IV (1 g/kg bwt of omega‐6 fatty acids). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities were determined. ROS and MDA were substantially reduced, whereas SOD, catalase, Gpx and AChE were significantly increased, following supplementation with omega‐6 fatty acids. MMP‐2 mRNA expression was drastically increased by 95% in group II. Treatment significantly reduced MMP‐2 mRNA expression by 12.3% and 26.7% in groups III and IV respectively. MMP‐9 mRNA expression drastically increased, by 121%, in group II. Treatment significantly reduced MMP‐9 mRNA expression by 22.6% and 29.4% in groups III and IV respectively. MMP‐2 protein expression was drastically increased, by 81%, in group II. Treatment significantly reduced MMP‐2 protein expression by 9.4% and 26% in groups III and IV respectively. MMP‐9 protein expression was drastically increased, by 100%, in group II. Treatment significantly reduced MMP‐9 protein expression by 18.9% and 26.9% in groups III and IV respectively. In summary, the consumption of omega‐6 fatty acids significantly decreased MDA and ROS, while SOD, catalase, GHS, Gpx and AChE were increased. Furthermore, omega‐6 fatty acids significantly downregulated MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression in our coronary heart disease‐induced rat model.
Do discounted food products end up in the bin? An investigation into the link between deal‐prone shopping behaviour and quantities of household food waste
Authors: Giordano Claudia , Alboni Fabrizio , Cicatiello Clara , Falasconi Luca
Published: November 2018

Household food waste is considered to be the largest share of food waste along the food supply chain. Given that its recoverability is also more challenging compared to food waste in other stages of the chain, most studies on household food waste adopt a pre‐emptive approach by aiming to identify and address consumer beliefs, attitudes and actions that are linked to food waste. In scientific literature, household food waste has often been studied in relation to the habit of purchasing discounted food products (DFP). However, findings have been contradictory. Specifically, while some authors found that deal‐prone consumers are usually of lower income and therefore display a wiser and more attentive attitude towards grocery shopping, other authors reported that the purchase of discounted products was usually linked to compulsive shopping, hence resulting in higher food waste quantities at home. Due to these discrepant findings, a definitive answer on the impact of DFP on household food waste does not currently exist in the literature. This paper analyses the correlation between the purchase of DFP and weekly household food waste quantities. To do so, we examine (a) the results of a food waste diary experiment carried out on a representative sample of 385 households in Italy in February 2017, and (b) the results of a 23‐items Computer Assisted Web Interview survey administered to the same householders, in which shopping habits were investigated. Results revealed no evidence of either a positive or negative relationship between the purchase of DFP and household food waste quantities. Frequency of grocery shopping was the only variable found to have a significant impact on household food waste quantities.
Psychotherapeutic skills training for nurses on an acute aged mental health unit: A mixed‐method design
Authors: Kelly Julie , Jayaram Hemalatha , Bhar Sunil , Jesto Sahaya , George Kuruvilla
Published: November 2018

This study examines the need for, and outcomes of, a psychotherapeutic skills training programme, within an acute psychogeriatric unit. Nursing staff were surveyed to explore their training needs in psychotherapeutic skills with inpatients diagnosed with depressive, anxiety, or neurocognitive disorders. Staff were then invited to participate in a focus group (n = 6) to identify content of such training, possible barriers, and an implementation strategy. Next, to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of such training, materials and schedules were developed and piloted with a small group of nurses (n = 8), before being administered to nurses across the unit (n = 23). Impacts of training on the confidence and competence of nurses to use such skills were investigated. Of nurses surveyed (n = 20), 80% wanted to use psychotherapeutic skills in routine practice, but only 35% had received training in such skills in the last 5 years. Focus group results identified that nurses wanted training in skills related to engaging patients, responding to resistance from patients, problem solving, reminiscence, relaxation, and cognitive behaviour therapy. Nurses who underwent the pilot training reported increases in confidence and competence in using such skills. These findings were replicated in the unit‐wide training programme and were found to be durable across a 3‐month follow‐up period. This study highlighted the training needs of nurses working in an inpatient psychogeriatric setting, approaches to implementing new skills, and benefits of training for nurses’ levels of confidence and competence in using psychotherapeutic skills.
MLQCC: an improved local search algorithm for the set k‐covering problem
Authors: Wang Yiyuan , Li Chenxi , Sun Huanyao , Chen Jiejiang , Yin Minghao
Published: November 2018

The set k‐covering problem (SKCP) is NP‐hard and has important real‐world applications. In this paper, we propose several improvements over typical algorithms for its solution. First, we present a multilevel (ML) score heuristic that reflects relevant information of the currently selected subsets inside or outside a candidate solution. Next, we propose QCC to overcome the cycling problem in local search. Based on the ML heuristic and QCC strategy, we propose an effective subset selection strategy. Then, we integrate these methods into a local search algorithm, which we called MLQCC. In addition, we propose a preprocessing method to reduce the scale of the original problem before applying MLQCC. We further enhance MLQCC for large‐scale instances using a low‐time‐complexity initialization algorithm to determine an initial candidate solution, obtaining the MLQCC + LI algorithm. The performance of the proposed MLQCC and MLQCC + LI is verified through experimental evaluations on both classical and large‐scale benchmarks. The results show that MLQCC and MLQCC + LI notably outperform several state‐of‐the‐art SKCP algorithms on the evaluated benchmarks.
Increased UV absorption properties of natural hydroxyapatite‐based sunscreen through laser ablation modification in liquid
Authors: Piccirillo Clara , Fernández‐Arias Mónica , Boutinguiza Mohamed , Tobaldi David M. , del Val Jesus , Pintado Maria M. , Pou Juan
Published: November 2018

Sunfilters based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) and iron‐containing compounds (Fe2O3 and calcium iron phosphates) are of increasing interest, as they show UV absorption without generating health endanger free radicals (usually observed when other inorganic sunscreens are used). In this paper, laser ablation of solids in liquids has been applied to improve the UV absorption properties of a HAp based Fe‐containing sunscreen powder derived from cod fish bones. Two different laser wavelengths were explored (532 and 1064 nm, green and infrared, respectively); an improved experimental device was used, to allow a fine control of the volume of the irradiated particles. Results show an increased UV absorbance for the laser‐treated powders in comparison with the untreated ones; this can be explained considering the smaller particle size and increased surface area; the higher iron concentration in the powders may also be determinant. Enhanced absorption was also observed in the near‐infrared range, making the powders even more suitable for sunscreen applications. The green laser was more effective than the infrared one. Overall, laser ablation showed to be a powerful technique to control the size of the sunscreen particles and tailor their optical properties.