bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical Presentation of Chorioretinal Folds-Related Maculopathy
Authors: Corvi Federico , Capuano Vittorio , Benatti Lucia , Bandello Francesco , Souied Eric , Querques Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Chorioretinal folds are undulations that anatomically include the inner choroid, Bruch’s membrane, and the retinal pigment epithelium, and secondarily affect the overlying neurosensory retina. We analyzed clinical data and management of six patients diagnosed with chorioretinal folds-related maculopathy with atypical presentations.

Case Report

The mean age of the six patients (five women) was 77 years. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged between 20/200 and 20/80. None of the patients had history of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, or autoimmune disease, and they were all diagnosed with idiopathic chorioretinal folds. Case 1, 2, and 3 received intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy; case 4 received intravitreal anti-VEGF and photodynamic therapy; case 5 received only photodynamic therapy; and case 6 received intravitreal injections of sustained-release dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex). In case 1 and 2, the use of ranibizumab resulted in BCVA improvement and resolution of sub-/intraretinal exudation. In case 3, ranibizumab led to a mild reduction of the intraretinal exudation but no changes in BCVA. In case 4 and 5, six intravitreal injections of ranibizumab with two photodynamic therapies and three photodynamic therapies, respectively, led to a mild reduction of the sub-/intraretinal exudation but no changes in BCVA. In case 6, five intravitreal injections of Ozurdex in both eyes led to reduction of the subretinal or intraretinal fluid accumulation and BCVA improvement.

Discussion

Choroidal vessel dilation and hyperpermeability may be involved in atypical presentations of chorioretinal folds-related maculopathy characterized by sub-/intraretinal fluid accumulation. Dilated and hyperpermeable choroidal vessels may result in focal retinal pigment epithelium alterations that can progress to choroidal neovascularization or chronic central serous chorioretinopathy-like maculopathy with or without telangiectatic retinal capillaries. Intravitreal anti-VEGF administration seems effective to treat choroidal neovascularization in stage 3 chorioretinal folds-related maculopathy, both anti-VEGF and photodynamic therapy seem to have only limited efficacy on chronic central serous chorioretinopathy-like maculopathy (and telangiectatic retinal capillaries), whereas intravitreal injection of Ozurdex seems efficacious to treat chronic central serous chorioretinopathy-like maculopathy.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Seo Yuri , Kim Min , Kim Jin Hyoung , Park Jae Jun , Lee Sung Chul
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To report a case of central retinal vein occlusion without macular edema associated with ulcerative colitis and its novel treatment with intravitreal dexamethasone.

Case Report

A 40-year-old man with ulcerative colitis presented with sudden visual disturbances. An initial fundus examination showed subtle yellow-to-white patches within the inner retina of the right eye superotemporal to the fovea. There were intraretinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots within the superior vascular arcade and nasal to the optic disc. Despite initiation of systemic corticosteroids, 2 weeks later there was an increase in retinal hemorrhages, formation of cotton wool spots, and development of optic disc swelling in the right eye. The patient was eventually diagnosed with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion associated with ulcerative colitis. He received sustained-release intravitreal dexamethasone, which led to the resolution of retinal hemorrhage, optic disc swelling, and cotton-wool spots. Three months after the injection, retinal hemorrhages were not detectable. However, ocular coherence imaging showed marked thinning of the inner retina at the locations that were previously hyper-reflective.

Conclusions

Central retinal vein occlusion is an uncommon ophthalmologic manifestation associated with ulcerative colitis. Injection of intravitreal dexamethasone could be a viable treatment option in these patients even without the presence of macular edema.
Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy in Rhinoplasty: Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques
Authors: Sinno Sammy , Mehta Karan , Lee Z-Hye , Kidwai Sarah , Saadeh Pierre B. , Lee Michael R.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is often encountered by plastic surgeons who perform rhinoplasty. Many treatment options are available to treat the inferior turbinate. The objective of this study was to systematically review outcomes of available techniques and provide guidance to surgical turbinate management.

Methods:

A MEDLINE search was performed for means of treating inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Studies selected focused on treatment of the inferior turbinate in isolation and excluding patients with refractory allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, or hypertrophic rhinitis.

Results:

Fifty-eight articles were identified, collectively including the following surgical treatments of inferior turbinate hypertrophy: total turbinectomy, partial turbinectomy, submucosal resection, laser surgery, cryotherapy, electrocautery, radiofrequency ablation, and turbinate outfracture. Outcomes and complications were collected from all studies. Procedures such as turbinectomy (partial/total) and submucosal resection showed crusting and epistaxis at comparatively higher rates, whereas more conservative treatments such as cryotherapy and submucous diathermy failed to provide long-term results. Submucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation were shown to decrease nasal resistance and preserve mucosal function. No literature exists to support the belief that turbinate outfracture alone is an effective treatment for turbinate hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

Treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy is best accomplished with modalities that provide long-lasting results, preservation of turbinate function, and low complication rates. Submucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation appear to best fulfill these criteria. Turbinate outfracture should only be considered in combination with tissue-reduction procedures.
Predictors of Patient Satisfaction with Hand Function after Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: Zhou Chao , Hovius Steven E. R. , Slijper Harm P. , Zuidam Michiel J. , Smit Xander , Feitz Reinier , Selles Ruud W.
Published: August 2016

Background:

This study examined patient satisfaction with hand function after fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture and determined which preoperative patient- and disease-specific factors predicted this satisfaction.

Methods:

Demographics and disease-specific factors were assessed from a prospective cohort of 194 patients who completed the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire preoperatively and underwent limited fasciectomy between 2011 and 2014 at six hand surgery practice sites. To evaluate satisfaction with hand function, patients were asked to complete the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire during the first year after fasciectomy. After patients were classified into a satisfied and an unsatisfied category using the question that specifically pertains to satisfaction with hand function, the authors applied multivariate logistic regression modeling to identify independent predictors of patient satisfaction.

Results:

At an average of 10 months (range, 6 to 12 months) after fasciectomy, 84 percent (n = 163) of the patients were satisfied with their hand function. In multivariate analyses adjusting for the degree of postoperative residual contracture (p < 0.001) and complications (p < 0.001), a higher preoperative Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire hand appearance subscore and male gender predicted a higher likelihood of becoming satisfied after fasciectomy. Other patient- and disease-specific factors did not show evidence for an association with patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that providers should consider assessing concerns about the appearance of the hand in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture. They also highlight the importance of complication prevention and full contracture correction from the patient’s perspective.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Evaluating the Rule of 10s in Cleft Lip Repair: Do Data Support Dogma?
Authors: Chow Ian , Purnell Chad A. , Hanwright Philip J. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Cleft lip represents one of the most common birth defects in the world. Although the timing of cleft lip repair is contingent on a number of factors, the “rule of 10s” remains a frequently quoted safety benchmark. Initially reported by Wilhelmsen and Musgrave in 1966 and modified by Millard in 1976, this rule referred to performing surgery once patients had reached cutoffs in weight, hemoglobin, and age/leukocyte count. Despite significant advances in both surgical and anesthetic technique, the oft-quoted “rule of 10s” has not been systematically investigated since its inception.

Methods:

Patients who underwent primary cleft lip repair were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the independent effect of each rule of 10 metric or violation of the rule of 10s as a whole on postoperative complications, and to determine independent risk factors for complications in cleft lip surgery.

Results:

One thousand three hundred thirteen patients met inclusion criteria, with a 3.6 percent complication rate. Of the included patients, 151 (11.5 percent) violated at least one facet of the rule of 10s. Other than patient weight, neither the rule of 10s nor any individual metric was significantly predictive of postoperative complications.

Conclusions:

Since its introduction nearly a half century ago, the risks associated with performing surgery in patients who violate the rule of 10s has undergone dramatic reductions. This analysis highlights the need to continually validate and evaluate dogma as the field continues to advance.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Skin-Sparing Débridement for Necrotizing Fasciitis in Children
Authors: Rüfenacht Magali S. , Montaruli Ernesto , Chappuis Eléonore , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , La Scala Giorgio C.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious soft-tissue infection associated with sepsis and tissue destruction. Surgical management usually requires extensive débridement of necrotic fascia and overlying skin, with significant aesthetic and functional consequences. The authors review the outcome of all recent cases of necrotizing fasciitis treated with skin-sparing débridement at their institution.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective review of all of their cases of necrotizing fasciitis treated with skin-sparing débridement. Medical records were evaluated with a standard form gathering relevant demographic and clinical data. All cases were confirmed as necrotizing fasciitis histologically.

Results:

Ten patients were admitted with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. The median age of the patients was 4.9 years (range, 1.7 to 15.1 years). The majority of initial lesions were caused by chickenpox, mostly on the trunk. Interval from admission to surgery was 6 hours (range, 1 to 27.5 hours), with a median hospital stay of 11 days (range, 5 to 43 days). Median fasciectomy was 2.5 percent (range, 1 to 15 percent) of total body surface area, with a median skin excision of 0.25 percent of total body surface area (range, 0.1 to 3 percent). All patients received intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid plus clindamycin. Delayed direct closure was possible for all patients. Median follow-up was 17 months (range, 3 to 79 months). There was no death in this series.

Conclusion:

This surgical management restricts skin excision to the area of definite skin necrosis, limiting skin excision to one-tenth of excised fascia, with long-term favorable cosmetic and functional results.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Revenue Generation and Plastic Surgery Training Programs: 1-Year Evaluation of a Plastic Surgery Consultation Service
Authors: Drolet Brian C. , Tandon Vickram J. , Sargent Rachel , Loor Kamaris , Schmidt Scott T. , Liu Paul Y.
Published: August 2016

Background:

In academic institutions, residents make substantial contributions to clinical productivity. However, billing cannot be generated unless there is direct attending physician supervision of these services. The purpose of this study was to quantify clinical services provided by residents at a large academic medical center.

Methods:

The authors performed a review of all consultations to the plastic surgery service between January 1 and December 31, 2014. Documentation was reviewed and hypothetical billing for services was generated using American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology and evaluation and management codes.

Results:

A total of 2367 consultations were reviewed during the 1-year study period. Residents provided services under indirect supervision for the majority of consultations [n = 1940 (81.9 percent)]. If these services had been billed, evaluation and management would have resulted in 6970 physician work relative value units. More than half of the encounters (52.0 percent) involved at least one procedure, resulting in an additional 3316 work relative value units from 1339 Current Procedural Terminology codes. Using a conservative estimate (2014 Medicare reimbursement rates), charges from these services would total $368,496.

Conclusions:

The plastic surgery consultation service is a potential source of uncaptured revenue for training programs using indirect supervision of residents. Greater than 10,000 work relative value units could have been generated from resident clinical services, which is considerably more than the national average productivity of a full-time, academic plastic surgeon. Capturing a portion of this revenue stream could improve the fiscal balance of training programs and improve the cost-effective use of resident productivity.
The Telemark Breast Score: A Reliable Method for the Evaluation of Results after Breast Surgery
Authors: Begic Anadi , Stark Birgit
Published: August 2016

Background:

Validated instruments for assessing results after breast surgery are sparse. The authors present here a method used for the past 10 years at their institution for evaluation of outcome after breast-conserving surgery and microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Methods:

The Telemark Breast Score is a method based on standard two-dimensional photographs assessing the outcome after breast surgery in terms of volume, shape, and symmetry. Three panels comprising two plastic surgeons, two breast surgeons, and two nurses tested the Telemark Breast Score on 346 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery for cancer and 31 other patients who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction. All patients were assessed at least 1 year after their operation. Consistency of agreement between and within the panels was studied.

Results:

Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was good after consensus discussion. Good rating stability was shown using test-retest measurements.

Conclusion:

The Telemark Breast Score is an inexpensive, statistically reliable method and can be applied for quality control after breast surgery.

CLINCAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Closing the loop: tracking and perturbing behaviour of individuals in a group in real-time
Authors: Rasch Malte J. , Shi Aobo , Ji Zilong
Published: August 2016

Quantitative description and selective perturbation of individual animals in a social group is prerequisite for understanding complex social behaviors. Tracking behavioral patterns of individuals in groups is an active research field, however, reliable software tools for long-term or real-time tracking are still scarce. We developed a new open-source platform, calledxyTracker, for online tracking and recognition of individual animals in groups. Featuring a convenient Matlab-based interface and a fast multi-threading C++ core, we achieved an > 30× speed-up over a popular existing tracking method without loss in accuracy. Moreover, since memory usage is low, many hours of high-resolution video files can be tracked in reasonable time, making long-term observation of behavior possible. In a number of exemplary experiments on zebra fish, we show the feasibility of long-term observations and how to use the software to perform closed-loop experiments, where the tracked position of individuals is fed-back in real-time to a stimulus presentation screen installed below the fish-tank. Visual stimulation capabilities is incorporated intoxyTrackerand can be based on any behavioral features of all members of the group, such as, collective location, speed, or direction of movement, making interesting closed-loop experiments for investigating group behavior in a virtual reality setting possible.
Heme concentration-dependently modulates the production of specific antibodies in murine
Authors: Li Guofu , Xue Haiyan , Fan Zeng , Bai Yun
Published: August 2016

Free heme is an endogenous danger signal to provoke innate immunity. Active innate immunity is a precondition of an effective adaptive immune response. However, heme catabolites, CO, biliverdin and bilirubin trigger immunosuppression. Furthermore, free heme induces the expression of heme oxygenase-1 to reinforce the production of CO, biliverdin and bilirubin. As such, free heme can drive two antagonistic mechanisms to affect adaptive immunity. What is the outcome of animal immune response to an antigen in the presence of free heme? The question remains to be explored. Here we report the immunization results by intraperitoneal injection of the formulations containing BSA and heme. When the used heme concentrations were about less than 1μM, the production of anti-BSA IgG and IgM was unaffected; when the used heme concentrations were about more than 1μM but less than 5μM, the production of anti-BSA IgG and IgM was enhanced; when the used heme concentrations were about more than 5μM, the production of anti-BSA IgG and IgM was suppressed. The results demonstrate that heme can modulate adaptive immunity (at least humoral immunity) by the mode of double concentration-thresholds. If heme concentrations are below the first threshold, there is no effect on adaptive immunity; if between the first and second thresholds, there is promotive effect; if over the second threshold, there is inhibitive effect. A hypothesis is also presented here to explain the mode.
Identification ofKlebsiellacapsule synthesis loci from whole genome data
Authors: Wyres Kelly L. , Wick Ryan R. , Gorrie Claire , Jenney Adam , Follador Rainer , Thomson Nicholas R. , Holt Kathryn E.
Published: August 2016

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniaeand close relatives are a growing cause of healthcare-associated infections for which increasing rates of multi-drug resistance are a major concern. TheKlebsiellapolysaccharide capsule is a major virulence determinant and epidemiological marker. However, little is known about capsule epidemiology since serological typing is not widely accessible, and many isolates are serologically non-typeable. Molecular methods for capsular typing are needed, but existing methods lack sensitivity and specificity and fail to take advantage of the information available in whole-genome sequence data, which is increasingly being generated for surveillance and investigation ofKlebsiella.

Methods

We investigated the diversity of capsule synthesis loci (K loci) among a large, diverse collection of 2503 genome sequences ofK. pneumoniaeand closely related species. We incorporated analyses of both full-length K locus DNA sequences and clustered protein coding sequences to identify, annotate and compare K locus structures, and we propose a novel method for identifying K loci based on full locus information extracted from whole genome sequences.

Results

A total of 134 distinct K loci were identified, including 31 novel types. Comparative analysis of K locus gene content detected 508 unique protein coding gene clusters that appear to reassort via homologous recombination, generating novel K locus types. Extensive nucleotide diversity was detected among thewziandwzcgenes, both within and between K loci, indicating that current typing schemes based on these genes are inadequate. As a solution, we introduceKaptive, a novel software tool that automates the process of identifying K loci from large sets ofKlebsiellagenomes based on full locus information.

Conclusions

This work highlights the extensive diversity ofKlebsiellaK loci and the proteins that they encode. We propose a standardised K locus nomenclature forKlebsiella, present a curated reference database of all known K loci, and introduce a tool for identifying K loci from genome data (https://github.com/katholt/Kaptive). These developments constitute important new resources for theKlebsiellacommunity for use in genomic surveillance and epidemiology.
Can on-the-job training stabilize employment among rural migrant workers?
Authors: Jiang Jinqi , Zhang Guangsheng , Qi Diming , Zhou Mi
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Whether training contributes to stabilizing employment among rural migrant workers in cities remains unclear. Based on this gap in the research, the purpose of this paper is to examine how on-the-job training affects rural migrant workers’ job mobility in China.

Design/methodology/approach

By using randomly sampled survey data on migrant workers in Liaoning province in 2014, the authors applied a logistic model and survival analysis to explore the effect of on-the-job training on migrant workers’ job turnover and understand workers’ job change behaviour after receiving on-the-job training.

Findings

The results showed that job training provided by employers can significantly reduce migrant workers’ turnover by increasing specific human capital. By contrast, training provided by the government or migrant workers themselves focuses on increasing general human capital and thus fails to reduce job turnover. Moreover, further discussion revealed that, in the trained group, those people with a short tenure and low wage in the first job, people without any skills before migration, male migrant workers, and people that work in medium-sized and large cities have a higher probability of changing jobs. These findings suggest that to tackle the high rate of job mobility among rural migrant workers, firms should entice this labour to train by adjusting their internal training mechanisms, and local governments should subsidize firms that provide on-the-job training for rural migrant workers to help share the costs and risks of training. Moreover, for sake of reducing job changing among those trained workers, firms even should take actions to protect their labour rights of migrant workers and to ensure that they receive equal treatment to their urban counterparts.

Originality/value

This paper makes three contributions to the field of job mobility in China. First, it explores the mechanism between on-the-job training and rural migrant workers’ job mobility. Second, it empirically analyses the effect of on-the-job training on migrant workers’ job mobility as well as the different effects of general and specific training. Lastly, its results have important policy implications for the employment stability of rural migrant workers.
Alternative approaches to treat respondent uncertainty in contingent willingness to pay estimation
Authors: Wang Jia , Ge Jiaoju
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically using two new models to analyze the effect of respondents’ uncertainty about their stated willingness to pay (WTP) on welfare estimates in the contingent valuation method (CVM) theoretically using two new models, and empirically to reveal consumers’ WTP to improve drinking water supply safety (WSS) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, two alternative preference uncertainty treatment approaches are proposed to estimate consumers’ WTP theoretically and they are applied to China’s WSS improvement program from a payment card method, which depends on how consumers’ certainty level about their valuation is. Furthermore, four regression models are presented to investigate the determinants of consumers’ WTP.

Findings

Theoretically, the alternative approaches that proposed in this research can remove overestimation bias from traditional CVM method but with lower estimation efficiency. In addition, the empirical results of the uncertainty adjusted models show that the expected WTP to improve drinking WSS is from 0.55 to 0.56 Renminbi yuan/ton, which are lower than the estimates from the conventional standard CVM models. Consumers’ preferences for their concerns about WSS, attitudes toward WSS improvement programs, trusts in implement authorities and their knowledge of WSS have significant effects on the WTP for improving drinking WSS and on respondents’ uncertainty too.

Originality/value

Theoretically to the authors’ knowledge, it is the first attempt to compare alternative approaches to treat respondent uncertainty using numerical certainty scale combined with payment card format valuation questions in CVM. Empirically it is the first study at this large scale that investigates consumers’ WTP for improving drinking WSS incorporating with respondent uncertainty in China. In addition, to assess consumer preferences for improved drinking water safety and the sources of uncertainty, information on consumers’ attitudes toward WSS are considered at the first time.
Towards full digital inclusion: the ENTELIS manifesto against the digital divide
Authors: Mavrou Katerina , Hoogerwerf Evert-Jan
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the work of the European Network for Technology Enhanced Learning in an Inclusive Society project, which addresses the challenges of the digital divide for people with disabilities of all ages.

Design/methodology/approach

The project employs a number of activities and approaches which involve people with disabilities and other stakeholders, in order collect scientific knowledge, views, suggestions and experiences that will help in bridging the digital divide. These include literature review and qualitative methodologies of data collection, such as interviews with stakeholders, focus groups and living labs.

Findings

The benefits of (assistive) technology in the lives of people with disabilities are highly appreciated. However, a number of barriers, including lack of digital skills are identified. Thus the development of (assistive) technology competencies programmes is suggested. In addition, there is evidence of the need to further involve all stakeholders and increase awareness.

Social implications

The most important implication of the project is the production of the manifesto against the digital divide. With this document the project consortium justifies for action on raising awareness regarding the rights of persons with disabilities of all ages to be digitally included.

Originality/value

The value of the project lies upon the publication of the manifesto against the digital divide, which has already been endorsed by a number of organisations in Europe and elsewhere, with the aspiration of influencing policy makers and practitioners to collaborate in order to bridge the digital divide.
Structural school safety measures, SROs, and school-related delinquent behavior and perceptions of safety
Authors: Reingle Gonzalez Jennifer M. , Jetelina Katelyn K. , Jennings Wesley G.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of school safety measures, including SROs and safety personnel, on school-related delinquency and perceived safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, a comprehensive search of the literature was performed to identify studies published between January 1, 1998 and July 1, 2016 that focussed on structural school safety measures such as metal detectors, cameras, closed circuit television systems, and access control measures and/or school resource officers in primary and secondary schools. Only studies that relied on randomized controlled trials and pre-test/post-test designs evaluating the impact of at least one school safety measure in reference to a control condition were eligible for inclusion.

Findings

The results of this exhaustive search revealed 32 unique study samples that met the inclusion criteria. Results from the studies suggest that implementation of more security measures may not be an effective policy. More safety measures often result in a decline of student-perceived safety. Study limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.

Originality/value

Results from this meta-review can provide educational administrators, superintendents, and school safety policymakers with a synthesis of only the most rigorous and valid studies that evaluate the impact of school safety measures on both actual and perceived school-related delinquency and safety. This information will provide school safety decision makers with a state-of-the-art synthesis of how school safety measures impact school-related delinquency problems and safety, and which measures appear to be most effective for informing the allocation of scarce resources.
Revenue management: the ever changing landscape and the need to innovate
Authors: Guha Thakurta Prasenjit
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the real time requirements of guests and efforts made by hoteliers to optimize revenue and guest service excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior studies have demonstrated the impact of room rates on profitability. The majority of these studies assumed an algebraic relationship between room rates and room demand to obtain the optimal solution by applying calculus to the revenue or profit function. This study adopts an alternative approach by seeking to better understanding the ever changing needs of hotel guests and how their behavior patterns have evolved over time together with innovative approaches that revenue managers need to adopt to optimize revenue. In today’s environment, revenue management has evolved into a more holistic approach and the study assimilates information from senior professionals from a range of hotels in India based on semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Revenue management is no longer about forecasting supply and demand based on historical data. This paper yields insights on emerging areas of importance for revenue management and advocates a systematic approach that hoteliers can adopt and apply to every department to secure a bigger impact on revenue management.

Practical implications

The findings can be used by hoteliers to fine-tune the room rates determined by conventional methods to arrive at a realistic and definitive value for optimal room rates.

Originality/value

This study highlights the issues that arise from viewing revenue management in isolation and it also considers innovative, customer-focused ways to optimize revenues.
Innovations mount up in the Indian Hospitality Industry: summing up
Authors: Sanjeev Gunjan M.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize and review the key innovations that have taken place in the Indian Hospitality Industry in recent times.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the findings and managerial implications as outlined by the contributors to this theme issue: “How is the need for innovation being addressed by the Indian Hospitality Industry?”

Findings

The paper highlights some of the recent innovations that have taken place in the Indian Hospitality Industry, especially in the areas of customer service, cost competitiveness, culinary management, revenue management and technology. It also highlights some of the key challenges faced by senior management of selected hotels in implementing innovative ideas and related processes.

Practical implications

With domestic hoteliers continuously expanding and foreign players’ intent on investing in India, it will be of interest to hoteliers and policymakers to know about the recent innovative measures adopted by the Indian Hospitality Industry. The innovations will aid hoteliers as they seek to create differentiation for their products and services.

Originality/value

There is limited literature on innovation in the Indian Hospitality Industry, especially with a focus on practitioner perspectives. This issue offers a significant contribution in the field of research in the Indian Hospitality Industry.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Sanjeev Gunjan M. , Teare Richard
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to profile the theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes titled “How is the need for innovation being addressed by the Indian hospitality industry?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editor, contributors from the industry and academia and the theme issue outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for their theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

It highlights recent innovations that have taken place in the Indian hospitality industry especially in the areas of customer service, cost competitiveness, culinary management, revenue management and technology.

Practical implications

As hotel sector investment in India intensifies, this theme issue will be of interest to hoteliers, policy makers, analysts and others interested in the role that innovation can play in helping to facilitate differentiation between competing hotel products and services.

Originality/value

There is limited literature available on industry innovations in the Indian context. All the papers in this theme issue were written after several cycles of interaction between academics and practitioners and so they incorporate real–time, relevant and contemporary data.
Feasibility of utilizing wavelet phase to map the CO2 plume at the Ketzin pilot site, Germany
Authors: Huang Fei , Juhlin Christopher , Han Li , Sopher Daniel , Ivandic Monika , Norden Ben , Deng Wubing , Zhang Fengjiao , Kempka Thomas , Lüth Stefan
Published: August 2016

Spectral decomposition is a powerful tool that can provide geological details dependent upon discrete frequencies. Complex spectral decomposition using inversion strategies differs from conventional spectral decomposition methods in that it produces not only frequency information but also wavelet phase information. This method was applied to a time‐lapse three‐dimensional seismic dataset in order to test the feasibility of using wavelet phase changes to detect and map injected carbon dioxide within the reservoir at the Ketzin carbon dioxide storage site, Germany. Simplified zero‐offset forward modelling was used to help verify the effectiveness of this technique and to better understand the wavelet phase response from the highly heterogeneous storage reservoir and carbon dioxide plume. Ambient noise and signal‐to‐noise ratios were calculated from the raw data to determine the extracted wavelet phase. Strong noise caused by rainfall and the assumed spatial distribution of sandstone channels in the reservoir could be correlated with phase anomalies. Qualitative and quantitative results indicate that the wavelet phase extracted by the complex spectral decomposition technique has great potential as a practical and feasible tool for carbon dioxide detection at the Ketzin pilot site.
Robustf‐xprojection filtering for simultaneous random and erratic seismic noise attenuation
Authors: Chen Ke , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: August 2016

Linear prediction filters are an effective tool for reducing random noise from seismic records. Unfortunately, the ability of prediction filters to enhance seismic records deteriorates when the data are contaminated by erratic noise. Erratic noise in this article designates non‐Gaussian noise that consists of large isolated events with known or unknown distribution. We propose a robustf‐xprojection filtering scheme for simultaneous erratic noise and Gaussian random noise attenuation. Instead of adopting the ℓ2‐norm, as commonly used in the conventional design off‐xfilters, we utilize the hybrid‐norm to penalize the energy of the additive noise. The estimation of the prediction error filter and the additive noise sequence are performed in an alternating fashion. First, the additive noise sequence is fixed, and the prediction error filter is estimated via the least‐squares solution of a system of linear equations. Then, the prediction error filter is fixed, and the additive noise sequence is estimated through a cost function containing a hybrid‐norm that prevents erratic noise to influence the final solution. In other words, we proposed and designed a robust M‐estimate of a special autoregressive moving‐average model in thef‐xdomain. Synthetic and field data examples are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Migration velocity analysis using pre‐stack wave fields
Authors: Alkhalifah Tariq , Wu Zedong
Published: August 2016

Using both image and data domains to perform velocity inversion can help us resolve the long and short wavelength components of the velocity model, usually in that order. This translates to integrating migration velocity analysis into full waveform inversion. The migration velocity analysis part of the inversion often requires computing extended images, which is expensive when using conventional methods. As a result, we use pre‐stack wavefield (the double‐square‐root formulation) extrapolation, which includes the extended information (subsurface offsets) naturally, to make the process far more efficient and stable. The combination of the forward and adjoint pre‐stack wavefields provides us with update options that can be easily conditioned to improve convergence. We specifically use a modified differential semblance operator to split the extended image into a residual part for classic differential semblance operator updates and the image (Born) modelling part, which provides reflections for higher resolution information. In our implementation, we invert for the velocity and the image simultaneously through a dual objective function. Applications to synthetic examples demonstrate the features of the approach.
Increased serum GDF11 concentration is associated with a high prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly native Chinese women
Authors: Jin Miaomiao , Song Shumin , Guo Lijuan , Jiang Tiejian , Lin Zhang‐Yuan
Published: August 2016

Osteoporosis is an age‐related disease. Many studies have confirmed the anti‐aging effect of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), but the action of GDF11 on bone metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum GDF11 levels and the prevalence of osteoporosis. Our data indicate negative correlations between serum GDF11 levels and BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The serum GDF11 levels were grouped into quartile intervals, and the prevalence and risk of osteoporosis were found be markedly greater with increased GDF11 levels. This study demonstrated that GDF11 was negatively correlated with BMD in elderly Chinese women. Furthermore, osteoporotic risk was significantly increased with increases in GDF11 levels.
Influence of low and normal appendicular lean mass on central blood pressure and wave reflection responses to muscle metaboreflex activation in postmenopausal women
Authors: Figueroa Arturo , Alvarez‐Alvarado Stacey , Jaime Salvador J , Johnson Sarah A , Campbell Jeremiah C , Feresin Rafaela G , Elam Marcus L , Navaei Negin , Pourafshar Shirin , Arjmandi Bahram H
Published: August 2016

Sarcopenia, defined by reduced appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)/height2 (ASMI), is associated with increased arterial stiffness (brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity, baPWV) and wave reflection (augmentation index, AIx). Blood pressure (BP) responses to metaboreflex activation (post‐exercise muscle ischemia, PEMI) are exaggerated in older prehypertensives and hypertensives. We examined peripheral and aortic haemodynamics at rest and during PEMI in postmenopausal women with low‐ASMI and normal‐ASMI. Resting radial AIx and baPWV as well as brachial and aortic systolic BP, pulse pressure, systolic time index, and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) responses to PEMI were greater in women with low‐ASMI than normal‐ASMI. Increased baPWV associated with low‐ASMI may play a major role in the exaggerated pulse pressure and SEVR responses to PEMI in postmenopausal women.
Unfolded protein response is activated in the ipsilateral thalamus following focal cerebral infarction in hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Hongbing , Huang Weixian , Zhou Chunyan , Li Jingjing , Xing Shihui , Chen Li , Li Chuo , Dang Chao , Liu Gang , Pei Zhong , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: August 2016

Focal cerebral cortical infarction causes secondary neurodegeneration in the remote regions, such as the ventroposterior nucleus of the thalamus. Retrograde degeneration of thalamocortical fibers is considered as the principle mechanism, but the exact molecular events remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in thalamic neurons following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in stroke‐prone renovascular hypertensive rats. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate the expression of Grp78 and its downstream effectors in the thalamus at 3, 7 and 14 days after MCAO. Secondary thalamic degeneration was assessed with Nissl staining and NeuN immunostaining. Neuronal death was not apparent at 3 days post‐ischaemia but was evident in the thalamus at 7 and 14 days after MCAO. Grp78 level was reduced in the ipsilateral thalamus at 3 and 7 days after MCAO. In parallel, phosphorylated eIF2α and ATF4 levels were elevated, indicating the activation of UPR. In contrast, ATF6α and CHOP levels were not changed. These results suggest that UPR is activated before neuronal death in the ipsilateral thalamus after MCAO and may represent a key early event in the secondary thalamic degeneration.
Beneficial effect of aspirin against interferon‐α‐2b—induced depressive behavior in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Bhatt Shailendra , Pundarikakshudu Kilambi , Patel Paresh , Patel Nirav , Panchal Ashish , Shah Gaurang , Goswami Sunita
Published: August 2016

Accumulating data advocates that inflammatory mediators may contribute to depression in experimental models as well as in humans. Nonetheless, whether anti‐inflammatory treatments can prevent depression still remains controversial. To substantiate our hypothesis, we used an interferon‐α‐2b model of depression using Sprague Dawley rats. Interferon‐α‐2b is a cytokine which activates immune response and also produces depression. The animals were treated for 21 days with aspirin (10 mg/kg, per oral (p.o.)) dexamethasone (1 mg/kg p.o.) and amitriptyline (10 mg/kg p.o.). Amitriptyline was used as reference standard, and given concurrently with aspirin and dexamethasone to examine any synergy. Interferon‐α‐2b (6000 IU/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) was administered in all the above groups daily, except normal control. Tests performed included sucrose preference test, behavioural tests like forced swim test, elevated plus maze, light dark box and locomotor activity along with biochemical estimations like serum cortisol and brain neurotransmitters. The rats in the group treated with Interferon‐α‐2b produced depressive behaviour in rats. We found that animals treated with aspirin decreased immobility time in forced swim test, increased sucrose preference, decreased serum cortisol and increased brain serotonin levels signifying antidepressant action. In contrast, there was no effect in groups treated with dexamethasone. Our results suggest that aspirin can serve as a potential antidepressant both individually and as adjuvant agent in the treatment of depression. Inhibition of the cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 levels and prostaglandins concentration or any other potential physiological and biochemical mechanisms may be involved in antidepressant effect.
Renal simplicity denervation reduces blood pressure and renal injuries in an obesity‐induced hypertension dog model
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Yang Kan , Zeng Lixiong , Wang Xiaoyan , Jiang Fenglin , Tu Shan , Liang Qishun , Shen Zhijie
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effects of renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) on blood pressure, renal function, and renal tissue pathological changes in obesity‐induced hypertensive dogs. Thirty‐two beagle dogs (10‐12 months) were randomized to the control (n=10) and model groups (n=22). High‐fat diet (HFD) was used to establish the obesity‐induced hypertensive model. After 3 months of HFD, 20 animals with successfully induced hypertension were randomized to the RDN (n=10) and sham groups (n=10). Renal artery angiography, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and blood and urine biochemistry were determined 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Models were killed 6 months after surgery. Pathological changes in the renal artery and renal tissue were assessed. The HFD group had significantly (P<.05) increased body weight, HR, and blood pressure, and higher levels of urine albumin, serum noradrenaline, and angiotensin II compared with controls. After RDN, blood pressure was decreased compared with baseline and the sham group (P<.05). In the RDN group, examination of the renal artery and renal tissue showed intact intima of renal artery in the surgical area, renal sympathetic nerve degeneration, necrosis, and dissolution, and widened space between nerve fibres. Hypertension‐induced renal pathological changes were mild to moderate in the RDN group, but severe in the sham group. The control group had normal glomerular structure. In conclusion, RDN can effectively lower blood pressure in obesity‐induced hypertensive dogs, as well as hypertension‐induced renal pathological changes.
Can space teach? Theorising pedagogies of social order
Authors: Watkins Megan
Published: August 2016

Space affects bodies but to what extent does it teach? This paper explores the pedagogic dimensions of space and its various permutations. Engaging critically with phenomenological accounts of body/space relations, it examines how certain aspects of space—what here are termed non‐human didactics—equip the body with skills that have application in terms of a broad notion of social order requisite for cohabitation and the sharing of social space. As Theodore Schatzki (2002, p.1) points out, ‘Order is a basic dimension of any domain of entities’. He foregrounds the notion of Zusammenhang or ‘hanging together’ as a crucial element of social life. Such ‘hanging together’, however, does not just happen; it involves individuals acquiring certain ways of being, to navigate social space and to operate as part of a larger whole. Importantly, this process of acquisition is not just a matter of learning, it also involves teaching but understood in broad terms as pertaining to the many ways in which, as Raymond Williams (1966, p.15) explains, ‘the whole environment, its institutions and relationships, actively and profoundly teaches’. This paper explores these processes. It focuses on the neglect of pedagogy within theorisations of space and draws on examples from within the institutional space of the school to exemplify their role in the spatial formation of social order.