bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The assessment of ICT literacy of Iranian teachers through the ISST model
Authors: Pourkarimi Javad , Nazarzadeh Zare Mohsen
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the views of experts of educational technology and teachers in Tehran, about the components of ICT literacy based on the ISST model.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study conducted a descriptive methodology by using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 9,800 teachers and 37 experts of educational technology in Tehran; owing to the small size of the experts’ population, all 37 experts were selected for research, and a sample of 266 teachers was selected based on the cluster sampling method. To collect the necessary data, the researcher designed a questionnaire based on four key components of the ISST model. To analyze the data, statistical procedures including the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test, one sample t-test and independent t-test were used.

Findings

– The findings of research showed that from the viewpoint of experts all components of ICT literacy were significant. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of teachers, all components of ICT literacy except the component of information society were significant. Furthermore, the findings showed that, there were a significant difference (p=0.05) between the views of experts and teachers about all components of ICT literacy, except the component of information processing.

Practical implications

– The study showed that to equip all teachers with the components of ICT literacy such as information device, information society, information processing and information handling can help them to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and also the ISST model applied in this study can be used by other functional areas.

Originality/value

– This study showed that fundamental training in the field of ICT literacy for teachers is very essential in the education system, because fluency of ICT skills can help them to increase better performance, and subsequently to increase self-value, motivation, feeling of success and productivity in the work environment.
Measuring fatigue-related impairment in the workplace
Authors: Powell Ronald I. , Copping Alex G.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This research was founded on the premise that more can be done to help improve safety in the global construction industry. Worker fatigue-impairment may be an underlying cause or major contributor to accidents. Fatigue-impairment is believed to be pervasive in construction, and research has shown it can be as concerning as alcohol-impairment. When fatigue-impairment is acknowledged as existing, there is poor understanding of its severity or how it contributes to performance and accidents. The purpose of this research was to attempt to measure fatigue-impairment in real time.

Design/methodology/approach

This research expanded on actual measurements of fatigue-related impairment from workers on a large construction project displaying significant fatigue-related impairment. The research identified and tested possible techniques for real-time measurement solutions to assist with this safety-related issue. 100 participants had their sleep/wake cycles monitored for a month with an actigraph to derive their on-going mental effectiveness levels by the minute. The same participants took cognitive tests over the month to compare mental performance results to the modelled mental effectiveness levels.

Findings

Performance results from cognitive tests were compared with modelled mental effectiveness from actigraph-monitored sleep of 100 participants for a month each and showed significant correlation for all cognitive tests used.

Practical implications

This research showed that real-time surrogate measurements for fatigue-impairment in the workplace exist to assist organizations manage an important workplace hazard.

Originality/value

Derived from operational settings, this research developed predictive models based on simple, quick and inexpensive cognitive tests as screening techniques for workplace impairment and confirmed the need for and found a solution for fatigue monitoring in the workplace.
Comparison of sustainability characteristics of conventional and CNC turning processes
Authors: Jayakrishna K. , Girubha R. Jeya , Vinodh S.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the comparison of sustainability characteristics of conventional and computer numerical control (CNC) turning process. The sustainability performance measures of both the processes were also being evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study discusses the achievement of sustainability characteristics at the manufacturing process level of widely used industrial process, mechanical machining. Sustainable development includes improvements in material, product design and manufacturing process orientations. The present study narrates the sustainability characteristics at the process level.

Findings

The results confirm that the overall sustainability characteristics of CNC machining are potentially high considering the economic and environmental aspects of the machining parameters. A detailed life cycle analysis for both conventional and CNC turning was performed to evaluate the environmental impact and benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributed in the paper is limited to process dimension of sustainability. The economic and environmental aspects of machining were also being discussed.

Practical implications

The conduct of the study enabled the comparison of sustainability characteristics of conventional and CNC-turning processes. The approach could also be expanded for the comparison of sustainability characteristics of other manufacturing processes also.

Originality/value

The study is an attempt to explore the process sustainability by the comparison of environmental impact of making processes. Hence, the contributions are original.
Measuring Qatar’s compliance with international standards on money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism
Authors: Truby Jon
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Under scrutiny in light of the growing threat of international terrorism, Qatar faces pressure and accusations that it is not doing enough to counter terror financing and clamp down money laundering. The issue is not that Qatar is avoiding positive action, but that by the time measures are implemented, they become outdated because the international community has by then tightened its regulatory requirements. Qatar’s slow pace has led to a case of cat-and-mouse chase with respect to updating its standards, with a revised set of rules being required by the time Qatar implements the last set of international standards. This study aims to draw on lessons from the past to help Qatar avoid findings of it falling below international standards in the upcoming 2017 mutual evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary purpose of this article is to catalogue Qatar’s efforts to comply with international anti-money laundering (AML) and anti-terror finance standards. It demonstrates the real legislative progress post-2008 recorded by Qatar to minimize money laundering and terrorist financing. The paper also contests the view that Qatari law is insufficient.

Findings

The paper explains Qatar’s efforts to comply with the recommendations made by each evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It also highlights the potential for Qatar to be caught out again by the evolution of international expectations in an upcoming review, which, it is understood, is likely to take place in 2017.

Originality/value

No article exists specifically on this research field. As Qatar prepares for its 2017 FATF evaluation, it should be reminded of the need to comply with all new standards.
A conceptual approach to the relationships between the social economy, social welfare, and social innovation
Authors: Shin Changhwan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

With the aim of finding a balance between social and economic benefits, the social economy has reemerged in the crisis of the welfare state. The Fordist welfare state can be characterized by state-provided welfare, the mediation of paid work and welfare by the labor market and redistributive policies. Globally, neoliberalism and the market have given rise to social exclusion; in this context, the social economy is emerging as an alternative to the market domination of societies. This paper aims to construct a conceptual framework of welfare provision in an open innovation era.

Design/methodology/approach

The welfare state system between the Fordist welfare state and post-Fordist welfare state is different on provision and delivery of welfare service. To construct the conceptual relation among the social economy, the state and the market and welfare provision in the social economy, this study mainly used the literature review.

Findings

Attention should be paid to civil society at the local level to ignite social economy through open social innovation. Various social actors in the local community need to change and develop the social economy with collaborative entrepreneurship and collaborative economic mindsets.

Research limitation/implications

This paper presents the welfare service model led by social economy and open innovation, as well as social change. To fill the shortage of welfare provision caused by crisis of the welfare state, social economy is considered as an alternative for neo-liberalism. This study emphasizes that endogenous local development is a prerequisite for social economy as a welfare supplier.

Practical implications

In the social economy, reciprocity, democracy, self-help and social capital at the local level are emphasized. Also, open innovation put emphasis on collaboration economy among the local community, firms and the public sector: this emphasis can be expected to affect the welfare provision system and the social relations surrounding welfare. To address social problem and social needs, the social economy can adapt and apply the open innovation model.

Originality/value

The previous researches on open innovation mainly deal with the business sector and the public sector, but this paper has a focus on the relation between provision of social welfare and social innovation. The social economy is likely to function properly on the foundation of open social innovation.
The philosophy of “open innovation”
Authors: Yun JinHyo Joseph , Park KyungBae , Yang JeongHo , Jung WooYoung
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ideological foundation of open innovation strategies and the open business model, which are appearing as new industrial paradigms based on information technology (IT).

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper examined the ideological foundation of Deleuze, Whitehead, and Popper. Next, Taoism was scrutinized to discover concrete bases for open innovation.

Findings

Here, it was found that Taoism completely coincides with the logical basis of open innovation. The theory “the supreme good is like water” of Taoism means to vacate oneself and fill the space with others to create paradoxes, thereby filling oneself with a more creative method.

Originality/value

Taoism provides a way to present paradoxes through the idea of vacating and opening to reach a creative stage of leaving nature as it is.
Design Thinking in Policymaking Processes: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Mintrom Michael , Luetjens Joannah
Published: July 2016

Design thinking has the potential to improve problem definition and mechanism design in policymaking processes. By promoting greater understanding of how citizens experience government services, design thinking can support public managers who desire to enhance public value. In Australia, as elsewhere, design thinking currently remains separated from mainstream policymaking efforts. This article clarifies the essence of design thinking and its applicability to policy development. Five design thinking strategies are discussed, all of which have lengthy histories as social science methodologies. They are (1) environmental scanning, (2) participant observation, (3) open‐to‐learning conversations, (4) mapping, and (5) sensemaking. Recent examples from Australia and New Zealand are used to illustrate how these strategies have been incorporated into policymaking efforts. The article concludes by considering how design thinking might be more broadly applied in policymaking, and the training and resourcing requirements that would entail.
BJOG Editor's Choice
Authors: Thorp John
Published: July 2016

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Professor John M Thorp, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/august-editors-choice-2016.
On the Relation between Local Amenities and House Price Dynamics
Authors: Beracha Eli , Gilbert Ben T , Kjorstad Tyler , Womack Kiplan
Published: July 2016

This study explores the extent to which local amenities are related to house price volatility, returns and risk‐adjusted returns across 238 MSAs. We find strong evidence that high amenity areas experience greater price volatility. In regards to returns, high amenity areas experience greater (lower) real returns in appreciating (depreciating) markets. However, high amenity areas experience little to no abnormal risk‐adjusted returns. Results from the study are robust to an endogenous treatment of amenities and land supply elasticity. Overall, we conclude that the desirability of a metropolitan area is a significant channel through which land values drive house price dynamics.
Bondi's Big Rock: explanations and representations in coastal geomorphology
Authors: Booth Douglas
Published: July 2016

Sitting on the shore platform at Ben Buckler, the north‐east headland of Bondi Beach, Sydney, is a large isolated boulder, weighing around 235 tons. In this article I analyse geomorphological explanations for, and historical representations of, the boulder, locally known as the Big Rock. Explanations for and representations of Bondi's Big Rock typically appear in discussions and debates about changes to the New South Wales coast and the impact of storm waves and tsunami. Geomorphologists date the Big Rock from a storm in July 1912 and have identified a range of wave sizes and forms to explain its presence. Yet, neither their explanations nor evidence have convinced a number of local residents who claim the rock existed before the 1912 storm. Bondi's Big Rock is thus a valuable reminder that geomorphological features are not fully formed subjects. Rather, they must be defined and contextualised in inordinately complex processes of explanation and representation that ultimately are always interpretations.
Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) inhabiting anthropogenic habitats in the lower delta of the Paraná river, Argentina: geographic distribution and ecological characteristics
Authors: Nanni Analia S , Quintana Rubén D , Fracassi Natalia G , Cicchino Armando C
Published: July 2016

The primary aims of this paper were to provide the first inventory of carabid beetles collected in five different anthropogenic habitat types of the Lower Delta of the Paraná River, to describe their main ecological characteristics and to provide information on their distribution range in ecoregions, subregions and ecosystem complexes of Argentina and across the Neotropical region. Species were grouped according to six classes of distributions in relation to their presence in the Delta of the Paraná River. In addition, rarefaction curves were built in order to compare the seasonal species richness. We collected 1486 individuals belonging to 48 species. The southernmost distribution limit of 50% of the species is located south of the Delta region. Moreover, 21% of the species are confined to the Delta and Islands of the Parana and Uruguay Rivers ecoregion and to localities within the neighbouring ecoregions of Espinal and Pampa. Most (63%) of the species were zoophagous and 25% were either omnivorous or seed eaters; 52% were hydrophilous, 44% mesophilous and one was xerophilous. The high number of species found in this ecoregion emphasising its importance as a biodiversity hotspot of South American carabids. Human activities have led to changes in the landscape of the Delta Islands which could favour the establishment of mesophilous and xerophilous species from other ecoregions. Seasonal carabid richness is higher in the warm seasons (spring and summer) compared with the cold seasons (autumn and winter). Although, the highest absolute richness was found in the most anthropised habitat types, secondary forests had exclusive species, showing the importance of preserving the ecological mosaic of the landscape.
Evidence that independent gut‐to‐brain and brain‐to‐gut pathways operate in the irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia: a 1‐year population‐based prospective study
Authors: Koloski N. A. , Jones M. , Talley N. J.
Published: July 2016

Background

Traditionally, functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are conceptualised as originating in the brain via stress pathways (brain‐to‐gut). It is uncertain how many with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) have a gut origin of symptoms (gut‐to‐brain pathway).

Aims

To determine if there is a distinct brain‐to‐gut FGID (where psychological symptoms begin first) and separately a distinct gut‐to‐brain FGID (where gut symptoms start first).

Methods

A prospective random population sample from Newcastle, Australia who responded to a validated survey in 2012 and completed a 1‐year follow‐up survey (n = 1900). The surveys contained questions on Rome III IBS and FD and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

We found that higher levels of anxiety and depression at baseline were significant predictors of developing IBS (OR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.06–1.61, P = 0.01; OR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.29–1.83, P < 0.001) and FD (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.05–1.55, P = 0.01; OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.32–1.83, P < 0.001), respectively, at the 1‐year follow‐up. Among those people who did not have elevated levels of anxiety and depression at baseline, subjects at baseline with documented IBS (mean difference 0.34; 95% CI 0.13–0.55, P = 0.002; 0.81; 95% CI 0.47–1.15, P < 0.001) and FD (0.38; 95% CI 0.14–0.63, P = 0.002; 0.92; 95% CI 0.57–1.27, P < 0.001), reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression at the 1‐year follow‐up. We calculated in one‐third of individuals a mood disorder precedes FGID but in two‐thirds an FGID precedes the mood disorder.

Conclusion

While brain–gut pathways are bidirectional, a major subset begin with gut symptoms first and only then psychological distress develops, implicating primary gut mechanisms as drivers of the gut and extra‐intestinal features in many cases.
Prognostic significance of baseline peripheral absolute neutrophil, monocyte and serum β2‐microglobulin level in patients with diffuse large b‐cell lymphoma: a new prognostic model
Authors: Chen Yiming , Neelapu Sattva , Feng Lei , Bi Weiqi , Yang Tian‐Hui , Wang Michael , Fanale Michelle A. , Westin Jason R. , Hagemeister Fredrick B. , Fayad Luis E. , Romaguera Jorge E. , Samaniego Felipe , Turturro Francesco , Fowler Nathan H. , McLaughlin Peter , Cabanillas Fernando , Oki Yasuhiro , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Rodriguez Alma
Published: July 2016

There are limited reports that baseline peripheral absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and serum β2‐microglobulin level independently predict survival in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To confirm these findings, we analysed these parameters together with components of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) in patients with newly‐diagnosed DLBCL. We evaluated baseline clinical features for their ability to predict survival in 817 newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients with DLBCL who received frontline treatments between October 2001 and December 2011. The median age at diagnosis was 58 years. Multivariate analysis identified elevated baseline ANC (P = 0·036), AMC (P = 0·028) and serum β2‐microglobulin level (P < 0·001), poor performance status (P < 0·001) and high number of extranodal disease sites (P = 0·0497) as independent unfavourable predictors of OS; serum β2‐microglobulin level was the strongest predictor of survival outcomes among all the parameters. High baseline serum β2‐microglobulin, ANC and AMC levels are independent prognostic factors for short overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL. Our new model, based on the above five parameters, better stratifies patients into various risk categories than the IPI for newly diagnosed DLBCL.
Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of children with immune thrombocytopenia and Evans syndrome. A retrospective data review from the Italian association of paediatric haematology/oncology
Authors: Miano Maurizio , Ramenghi Ugo , Russo Giovanna , Rubert Laura , Barone Angelica , Tucci Fabio , Farruggia Piero , Petrone Angelamaria , Mondino Anna , Lo Valvo Laura , Crescenzio Nicoletta , Bellia Francesco , Olivieri Irene , Palmisani Elena , Caviglia Ilaria , Dufour Carlo , Fioredda Francesca
Published: July 2016

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been shown to be effective in children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and Evans syndrome (ES), but data from larger series and details on the timing of the response are lacking. We evaluated 56 children treated with MMF for ITP (n = 40) or ES (n = 16), which was primary or secondary to autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome ‐related syndrome (ARS). Thirty‐five of the 54 evaluable patients (65%) achieved a partial (18%) or complete (46%) response after a median (range) of 20 (7–137) and 37 (7–192) d, respectively. ITP and ES patients responded in 58% and 81% of cases (P = not significant, ns), with complete response in 32% and 81% (P = 0·01), respectively. 60% and 73% of children with primary disease and ARS responded (P = ns) with complete response in 34% and 68% of cases (P = 0·01), respectively. Six of 35 (17%) children relapsed after a median of 283 d (range 189–1036). Limited toxicity was observed in four patients. The median durations of treatment and follow‐up were seven and 12·7 months, respectively. This is the largest reported cohort of patients treated with MMF for ITP/ES. The results show that MMF is effective and safe and provides a relatively quick response, suggesting that it has a potential role as an alternative to more aggressive and expensive second/further‐line treatments.
The potential role of unregulated autonomous bladder micromotions in urinary storage and voiding dysfunction; overactive bladder and detrusor underactivity
Authors: Drake Marcus J. , Kanai Anthony , Bijos Dominika A. , Ikeda Youko , Zabbarova Irina , Vahabi Bahareh , Fry Christopher H.
Published: July 2016

The isolated bladder shows autonomous micromotions, which increase with bladder distension, generate sensory nerve activity, and are altered in models of urinary dysfunction. Intravesical pressure resulting from autonomous activity putatively reflects three key variables; the extent of micromotion initiation, distances over which micromotions propagate, and overall bladder tone. In vivo, these variables are subordinate to the efferent drive of the central nervous system. In the micturition cycle storage phase, efferent inhibition keeps autonomous activity generally at a low level, where it may signal ‘state of fullness’, whilst maintaining compliance. In the voiding phase, mass efferent excitation elicits generalised contraction (global motility initiation). In lower urinary tract dysfunction, efferent control of the bladder can be impaired, for example due to peripheral ‘patchy’ denervation. In this case, loss of efferent inhibition may enable unregulated micromotility, and afferent stimulation, predisposing to urinary urgency. If denervation is relatively slight, the detrimental impact on voiding may be low, as the adjacent innervated areas may be able to initiate micromotility synchronous with the efferent nerve drive, so that even denervated areas can contribute to the voiding contraction. This would become increasingly inefficient the more severe the denervation, such that ability of triggered micromotility to propagate sufficiently to engage the denervated areas in voiding declines, so the voiding contraction increasingly develops the characteristics of underactivity. In summary, reduced peripheral coverage by the dual efferent innervation (inhibitory and excitatory) impairs regulation of micromotility initiation and propagation, potentially allowing emergence of overactive bladder and, with progression, detrusor underactivity.
Structural commonality of C1q TNF‐related proteins and their potential to activate relaxin/insulin‐like family peptide receptor 1 signalling pathways in cancer cells
Authors: Klonisch Thomas , Glogowska Aleksandra , Thanasupawat Thatchawan , Burg Maxwell , Krcek Jerry , Pitz Marshall , Jaggupilli Appalaraju , Chelikani Prashen , Wong G William , Hombach‐Klonisch Sabine
Published: July 2016

We established the role of the GPCR relaxin/insulin‐like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1 receptor) as a novel active receptor in human glioblastoma (GB), a fatal brain tumour. We identified C1q/TNF‐related protein 8 (CTRP8) as a novel agonist of the RXFP1 receptor. CTRP8 enhanced the motility and matrix invasion of GB, and this involved PKC‐mediated up‐regulation of cathepsin B, a marker for poor prognosis in GB patients. We conclude that the absence of relaxin isoforms does not preclude the activation of the RXFP1 receptor, as the least known member of the CTRP family, CTRP8, can effectively target and activate RXFP1 receptors.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc
Involvement of endocannabinoid neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis in cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats
Authors: Gomes‐de‐Souza Lucas , Oliveira Leandro A , Benini Ricardo , Rodella Patrícia , Costa‐Ferreira Willian , Crestani Carlos C
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

Endocannabinoid signalling has been reported as an important neurochemical mechanism involved in responses to stress. Previous studies provided evidence of endocannabinoid release in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) during aversive stimuli. Nevertheless, a possible involvement of this neurochemical mechanism in stress responses has never been evaluated. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the involvement of BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission, acting via local CB1 receptors, in the cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats.

Experimental Approach

The selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (1, 30 and 100 pmol 100 nL−1) and/or the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme inhibitor URB597 (30 pmol 100 nL−1) or the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enzyme inhibitor JZL184 (30 pmol 100 nL−1) was microinjected into the BNST before the acute restraint stress.

Key Results

Microinjection of AM251 into the BNST enhanced the tachycardia caused by restraint stress, without affecting the increase in arterial pressure and the sympathetic‐mediated cutaneous vasoconstrictor response. Conversely, the increased endogenous levels of AEA in the BNST evoked by local treatment with the FAAH enzyme inhibitor URB597 decreased restraint‐evoked tachycardia. Inhibition of the hydrolysis of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) in the BNST by local microinjection of the MAGL enzyme inhibitor JZL184 also decreased the HR response. These effects of URB597 and JZL184 were abolished by BNST pretreatment with AM251.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings indicate an involvement of BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission, acting via CB1 receptors, in cardiovascular adjustments during emotional stress, which may be mediated by the local release of either AEA or 2‐AG.
Therapeutic potential of adipose stem cell‐derived conditioned medium against pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis
Authors: Rathinasabapathy Anandharajan , Bruce Erin , Espejo Andrew , Horowitz Alana , Sudhan Dhivya R , Nair Anand , Guzzo Dominic , Francis Joseph , Raizada Mohan K , Shenoy Vinayak , Katovich Michael J
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) are life threatening cardiopulmonary diseases. Existing pharmacological interventions have failed to improve clinical outcomes or reduce disease‐associated mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that stem cells offer an effective treatment approach against various pathological conditions. It has been proposed that their beneficial actions may be mediated via secretion of paracrine factors. Herein, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of conditioned media (CM) from adipose stem cells (ASCs) against experimental models of PH and PF.

Experimental Approach

Monocrotaline (MCT) or bleomycin (Bleo) was injected into male Sprague–Dawley rats to induce PH or PF respectively. A subset of MCT and Bleo animals were treated with ASCs or CM. Echocardiographic and haemodynamic measurements were performed at the end of the study. Lung and heart tissues were harvested for RNA, protein and histological measurements.

Key Results

CM treatment attenuated MCT‐induced PH by improving pulmonary blood flow and inhibiting cardiac remodelling. Further, histological studies revealed that right ventricular fibrosis, pulmonary vessel wall thickness and pericyte distribution were significantly decreased by CM administration. Likewise, CM therapy arrested the progression of PF in the Bleo model by reducing collagen deposition. Elevated expression of markers associated with tissue remodelling and inflammation were significantly reduced in both PF and PH lungs. Similar results were obtained with ASCs administration.

Conclusions and Implications

Our study indicates that CM treatment is as effective as ASCs in treating PH and PF. These beneficial effects of CM may provide an innovative approach to treat cardiopulmonary disorders.
Spatial variations of magmatic crustal accretion during the opening of the Tyrrhenian back‐arc from wide‐angle seismic velocity models and seismic reflection images
Authors: Prada Manel , Sallares Valenti , Ranero César R. , Vendrell Montserrat G. , Grevemeyer Ingo , Zitellini Nevio , de Franco Roberto
Published: July 2016

The structural complexity of back‐arc basins is related to the evolution of the associated subduction system. Here, we present an integrated geophysical and geological study that constrains the 3D spatial variability of magmatic activity along the Tyrrhenian back‐arc basin. We use wide‐angle seismic and gravity data, acquired in 2010 within the MEDOC experiment along a ~300 km‐long NW‐SE transect that extends from SE Sardinia Island to the NW Sicily continental margin, across the Cornaglia Terrace. The geophysical transect is coincident with a seismic reflection line from the Italian CROP experiment that we have re‐processed. The geophysical results, together with available basement dredges, support a basement along the profile fundamentally composed of continental‐type rocks, locally affected by subduction‐related magmatism. The continental nature of this region contrasts with the nature of the basement inferred along two geophysical cross‐sections located to the north of the Cornaglia Terrace in which seismic velocity of the lower crust supports significant magmatic crustal accretion. The comparison of these three cross‐sections supports that the highest magmatic activity occurred in the central and most extended region of the basin, whereas it was less important in the North and practically nonexistent in the South. These observations indicate abrupt variations of magmatism during the basin formation. As in other back‐arcs, the temperature, water content and composition of the mantle might have played an important role in such variation, but they fail to explain the abruptness of it. We propose that the interaction of the overriding continental lithospheres of Adria and Africa with the Apenninic‐Calabrian subduction system caused changes in slab rollback and trench retreat dynamics, which in turn resulted in variations of back‐arc stretching and magmatism. Based on our observations, we suggest that the Cornaglia Terrace formation process might share some similarities with the formation of oceanic crust in the Red Sea.
Mammalian herbivores, grass height and rainfall drive termite activity at different spatial scales in an African savanna
Authors: Gosling Cleo M. , Schrama Maarten , van Erk Aafke , Olff Han , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M.
Published: July 2016

Termites have a large influence on ecosystem functioning. Understanding what drives termite activity patterns improves understanding of nutrient cycling, productivity, and heterogeneity in savannas. We present a mechanistic framework that relates the interactive effects of rainfall, grassland structure, large herbivore presence, and soil factors to termite activity. To test this framework, we used grass litterbags to monitor termite activity at ten sites across Hluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park, South Africa. We assessed the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on termite activity at two scales: the large (landscape) scale, variation in bait removal among 300 m2 plots that were distributed across the park and at the small (within‐plot) scale (1–300 m2). Half of our sites were located inside large herbivore exclosures to test for the effect of mammalian herbivore presence. At the landscape scale, termite grass removal declined towards higher rainfall and in the presence of mammalian herbivores. Removal did not depend on soil factors. At the small scale, removal declined with increasing grass height, particularly in the 1 m surrounding the bait bag. Resource quality did not affect bait removal. We suggest that competition for forage drives the negative effect of mammalian herbivores on termites, whereas lower bait removal in taller swards may be due to direct negative effects from rainfall, fire and/or competition with free‐living microbes. Ultimately, we suggest that the impact of termites on nutrient cycling is most pronounced when abiotic (rainfall) and biotic conditions (mammalian herbivory) limit grass removal by fire and decomposition by free‐living microbes.
Columnar cacti as sources of energy and protein for frugivorous bats in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Herrera M. L. Gerardo , López R. Teresa
Published: July 2016

Columnar cacti constitute the dominant elements in the vegetation structure of arid and semi‐arid New World ecosystems representing a plethora of food resources for vertebrate consumers. Previous stable isotope analysis in Central Mexico showed that columnar cacti are of low importance to build tissue for frugivorous bats. We used carbon stable isotope analysis of whole blood and breath samples collected from four species of frugivorous bats (Sturnira parvidens, Sturnira ludovici, Artibeus jamaicensis, and Artibeus intermedius) to reconstruct the importance of cactus plants in their diet. Breath samples were collected within 10 min (B10) of bat capture and ~12 h after capture (B720), representing the oxidation of recently ingested food and of body reserves, respectively. We expected that bats relied primarily on non‐cactus food to construct tissues and fuel oxidative metabolism. Non‐cactus food strongly predominated for tissue building, whereas oxidative metabolism was supported by a moderate preponderance of non‐cactus food for B10 samples, and a moderate preponderance of cactus food or an equal contribution of both sources for B720 samples. Artibeus and Surnira species appear to cover a narrow part of the diet with cactus food, confirming that the incorporation of nutrients derived from these plants is not generalized among vertebrate consumers.
Two‐sample nonparametric estimation of intergenerational income mobility in the United States and Sweden
Authors: Murtazashvili Irina , Liu Di , Prokhorov Artem
Published: July 2016

We estimate intergenerational income mobility in the US and Sweden, using a new nonparametric approach. The approach addresses several empirical issues raised in the literature and applies when other estimators are infeasible. We argue that previous estimates of income mobility conceal the heterogeneous nature of the transmission mechanism by keeping mobility constant across families. The striking differences we find between mobility patterns across family backgrounds, captured by father's education, lead us to question the conventional result that intergenerational transmission of earnings is weaker in Sweden than in the United States, for important parts of the population.
Estimating labour supply responses and welfare participation: Using a natural experiment to validate a structural labour supply model
Authors: Hansen Jorgen , Liu Xingfei
Published: July 2016

We estimate an economic model of labour supply and welfare participation using data on single men from Quebec drawn from the 1986 Canadian Census. Detailed budget sets for each work‐welfare combination—accounting for income taxes, tax credits and welfare benefit rules—are derived using a micro‐simulation model. We show that predicted reactions to a welfare reform that took place in 1989 replicate actual changes in labour supply and welfare participation. We also illustrate the advantage of having estimated a structural model by showing how labour supply and welfare participation change when income taxes and benefit levels change.
Workforce or workfare? The optimal use of work requirements when labour is supplied along the extensive margin
Authors: Brett Craig , Jacquet Laurence
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the use of workfare as part of a tax mix when labour supply responses are along the extensive margin. In an economy where the government has a priori chosen any tax‐and‐benefit schedule, we show that, despite their common goal of providing additional incentives for individuals to enter the labour force, workfare and an earned income tax credit are at odds with each other. We also show that, in the presence of an optimal nonlinear income tax, introducing unproductive workfare is always suboptimal when individuals face the same disutility of being on workfare. When this disutility is heterogeneous, unproductive workfare may be a useful policy tool.
Parents' voices: ‘why and how we advocate’. A meta‐synthesis of parents' experiences of advocating for their child with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Boshoff K. , Gibbs D. , Phillips R. L. , Wiles L. , Porter L.
Published: July 2016

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be stressful, and accessing services can add to this stress. Self‐efficacy, agency and advocacy are important for parents when accessing and using services. To develop insight into parental advocacy, a meta‐synthesis was undertaken to consolidate the literature focussing on parents' experiences of advocating for their child with ASD. A qualitative meta‐synthesis was conducted. Fifteen databases were systematically searched by using key terms related to ASD, children, parents/carers, advocacy and qualitative studies. Twenty‐four studies were identified and appraised using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data were synthesized into themes through the steps of review, meta‐aggregation, integration and interpretation. Two overarching concepts emerged, illustrating both the challenging nature of advocacy and the associated personal and societal benefits. These two concepts are supported by eight themes: a life‐long, all‐encompassing challenge; advocacy as a parental coping strategy; advocacy involving working to create a future; balancing roles and needs; isolation versus support; personal impacts of advocacy; benefits of advocacy; and the barriers to advocacy. The experience of advocacy for parents with a child with ASD is complex and intensive, presenting both personal and societal benefits, as well as challenges for parents. In supporting individuals with ASD and family well‐being, service providers need to have an understanding of the advocating role of parents and ensure that opportunities exist for their voices to be heard during service delivery.
Prosocial Behavior in Infancy: The Role of Socialization
Authors: Brownell Celia A. ,   The Early Social Development Research Lab
Published: July 2016

Human prosocial behavior emerges in the 2nd year of life, posing challenging questions about mechanism. An increasingly common claim is that prosocial behavior in the first 3 years of life is neither a result of nor affected by socialization. In this article, we argue that early socialization plays a critical role in the developmental origins of prosocial behavior. To support this argument, we highlight conceptual perspectives and empirical evidence for influences of socialization from parents' reports, direct observation, and experimental studies. We conclude that progress in explaining the ontogenetic origins of human prosocial behavior depends on more fully specifying mechanisms of socialization in infancy as well as what and how human infants learn from their social experiences.
Factors affecting the possibility to detect buccal bone condition around dental implants using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Liedke Gabriela S. , Spin‐Neto Rubens , da Silveira Heloisa E. D. , Schropp Lars , Stavropoulos Andreas , Wenzel Ann
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate factors with impact on the conspicuity (possibility to detect) of the buccal bone condition around dental implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.

Material and Methods

Titanium (Ti) or zirconia (Zr) implants and abutments were inserted into 40 bone blocks in a way to obtain variable buccal bone thicknesses. Three combinations regarding the implant–abutment metal (TiTi, TiZr, or ZrZr) and the number of implants (one, two, or three) were assessed. Two CBCT units (Scanora 3D – Sc and Cranex 3D – Cr) and two voxel resolutions (0.2 and 0.13 mm) were used. Reconstructed sagittal images (2.0 and 5.0 mm thickness) were evaluated by three examiners, using a dichotomous scale when assessing the condition of the buccal bone around the implants. A multivariate logistic regression was performed using examiners’ detection of the buccal bone condition as the dependent variable. Odds ratio (OR) were calculated separately for each CBCT unit.

Results

Implant–abutment combination (ZrZr) (OR Sc = 19.18, OR Cr = 11.89) and number of implants (3) (OR Sc = 12.10, OR Cr = 4.25) had major impact on buccal bone conspicuity. The thinner the buccal bone, the higher the risk that the condition of the buccal bone could not be detected. The use of lower resolution protocols increased the risk that buccal bone was not properly detected (OR Sc = 1.46, OR Cr = 2.00). For both CBCT units, increasing the image reconstruction thickness increased the conspicuity of buccal bone (OR Sc = 0.33, OR Cr = 0.31).

Conclusions

Buccal bone conspicuity was impaired by a number of factors, the implant–abutment material being the most relevant. Acquisition and reconstruction factors had minor impact on the detection of the buccal bone condition.
Long‐term follow‐up of lung transplant recipients supports non‐operative treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis
Authors: Vetter Diana , Schuurmans Macé M. , Benden Christian , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Nocito Antonio
Published: July 2016

Background

We aim to assess the incidence, current treatment, and outcome of diverticulitis in highly immunosuppressed lung transplant recipients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of 403 lung transplant recipients transplanted between 1992 and 2013 with a mean follow‐up of 100 months (SD 58.0).

Results

4.46% of lung transplant recipients (n=18) developed diverticulitis. Eight lung transplant recipients developed uncomplicated diverticulitis, which were all treated successfully with antibiotics. Three patients (37.5%) underwent elective sigmoid resection with severe Grade 3b complications after two of five (40%) surgical procedures. Diverticulitis recurrence occurred in five patients (60%). In total, 10 lung transplant recipients presented with 11 episodes of perforated diverticulitis with a 30‐day mortality rate of 9.1%. Hartmann procedure was performed in eight lung transplant recipients. Sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy was performed in three patients with Hinchey I. Two of these patients developed anastomotic leakage with a secondary Hartmann procedure.

Conclusion

Due to high leakage rate after resection with primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy in our cohort of lung transplant recipients with perforated diverticulitis, the Hartmann procedure seems to be the safer option. In contrast, in uncomplicated diverticulitis, non‐operative treatment can be considered as a safe and highly successful treatment option, even for recurrences.
Pagetoid Spitz nevi: clinicopathologic characterization of a series of 12 cases
Authors: Fernandez Anthony P. , Billings Steven D. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Ko Jennifer S. , Piliang Melissa P.
Published: July 2016

Background

Pagetoid Spitz nevus is an uncommon Spitz nevus variant characterized by a predominantly intraepidermal proliferation of single epithelioid melanocytes. Recognition of this variant is important to avoid misdiagnosis as melanoma.

Methods

We reviewed and characterized 12 pagetoid Spitz nevi diagnosed at a tertiary care institution over the past 25 years.

Results

All patients were female and average age at biopsy was 34 years. Clinically, 83% (10 out of 12) were located on an extremity and all were ≤ 6 mm in diameter. Histologically, pagetoid Spitz nevi were characterized by individual intraepidermal epithelioid melanocytes mostly confined to the lower half of the epidermis. Most displayed epidermal hyperplasia, eosinophilic bodies and melanocytes with minimal pleomorphism. All displayed melanoderma and at least mild dermal inflammation.

Conclusions

This represents the largest series of pagetoid Spitz nevi characterized to date. Although most clinicopathologic characteristics in our series correlated with those previously described, novel findings included occurrence in middle‐aged adults, occurrence above the waist and demonstration of melanoderma in all lesions. Presence of dermal inflammation and melanoderma may contribute to atypical clinical appearance leading to biopsy despite their small clinical size. Recognition of these additional novel histologic features may aid dermatopathologists in distinguishing pagetoid Spitz nevi from melanoma.
Bug or no bug: challenges in diagnosing cutaneous mycobacterial infections
Authors: Peters Franziska , Batinica Marina , Plum Georg , Eming Sabine A. , Fabri Mario
Published: July 2016

Cutaneous mycobacterioses are rare in Germany. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and subsequent effective treatment requires awareness of these conditions. Moreover, mycobacterial infections are on the differential diagnosis list of many skin diseases. Diagnoses of cutaneous mycobacterioses are based on clinical features, but also on laboratory investigations, including bacterial culture, histopathology and PCR‐based methods. Knowledge about the opportunities and limitations of theses laboratory tests is pivotal to reasonable clinical decision‐making. In this paper, we review the current diagnostic options when suspecting a case of cutaneous mycobacterial infection.
Alternative ketogenic diets in glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome
Authors: De Laet Corinne
Published: July 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Amalou et al. on pages 1193–1199 of this issue.