bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling reporting and disease transmission
Authors: O’Dea Eamon B. , Drake John M.
Published: December 2017

Second order statistics such as the variance and autocorrelation can be useful indicators of the stability of randomly perturbed systems, in some cases providing early warning of an impending, dramatic change in the system’s dynamics. One specific application area of interest is the surveillance of infectious diseases. In the context of disease (re-)emergence, a goal could be to have an indicator that is informative of whether the system is approaching the epidemic threshold, a point beyond which a major outbreak becomes possible. Prior work in this area has provided some proof of this principle but has not analytically treated the effect of imperfect observation on the behavior of indicators. This work provides expected values for several moments of the number of reported cases, where reported cases follow a binomial or negative binomial distribution with a mean based on the number of deaths in a birth-death-immigration process over some reporting interval. The normalized second factorial moment and the decay time of the number of case reports are two indicators that are insensitive to the reporting probability. Simulation is used to show how this insensitivity could be used to distinguish a trend of increased reporting from a trend of increased transmission. The simulation study also illustrates both the high variance of estimates and the possibility of reducing the variance by avE. O’Dea eraging over an ensemble of estimates from multiple time series.
Associated valence impacts early visual processing of letter strings: Evidence from ERPs in a cross-modal learning paradigm
Authors: Bayer Mareike , Graß Annika , Schacht Annekathrin
Published: December 2017

Emotion effects in event-related potentials (ERPs) during reading have been observed at very short latencies of around 100 to 200 ms after word onset. The nature of these effects remains a matter of debate: First, it is possible that they reflect semantic access, which might thus occur much faster than proposed by most reading models. Second, it is possible that associative learning of a word’s shape might contribute to the emergence of emotion effects during visual processing. The present study addressed this question by employing an associative learning paradigm on pronounceable letter strings (pseudowords). In a learning session, letter strings were associated with positive, neutral or negative valence by means of monetary gain, loss or zero-outcome. Crucially, half of the stimuli were learned in the visual modality, while the other half was presented acoustically, allowing for experimental separation of associated valence and physical percept. In a test session one or two days later, acquired letter string were presented in an old/new decision task while we recorded event-related potentials. Behavioural data showed an advantage for gain-associated stimuli both during learning and in the delayed old/new task. Early emotion effects in ERPs were limited to visually acquired letter strings, but absent for acoustically acquired letter strings. These results imply that associative learning of a word’s visual features might play an important role in the emergence of emotion effects at the stage of perceptual processing.
Effects of acclimation time and epigenetic mechanisms on growth ofNeurosporain fluctuating environments
Authors: Kronholm Ilkka , Ketola Tarmo
Published: December 2017

Reaction norms or tolerance curves have often been used to predict how organisms deal with fluctuating environments. A potential drawback is that reaction norms measured in different constant environments may not capture all aspects of organismal responses to fluctuating environments. We examined growth of the filamentous fungusNeurospora crassain fluctuating temperatures and tested if growth in fluctuating temperatures can be explained simply by growth in different constant temperatures or if more complex models are needed. In addition, as previous studies on fluctuating environments have revealed that past temperatures that organisms have experienced can affect their response to current temperature, we tested the roles of different epigenetic mechanisms in response to fluctuating environments using different mutants. We found that growth ofNeurosporacan be predicted in fluctuating temperatures to some extent if acclimation times are taken into account in the model. Interestingly, while fluctuating environments have been linked with epigenetic responses we found only some evidence of involvement of epigenetic mechanisms on tolerating fluctuating temperatures. Mutants which lacked H3K4 or H3K36 methylation had slightly impaired response to temperature fluctuations, in addition the H3K4 methylation mutant and a mutant in the RNA interference pathway had altered acclimation times.
Recovery Dynamics of the High Frequency Alternating Current Nerve Block
Authors: Rapeaux Adrien , Brunton Emma , Nazarpour Kianoush , Constandinou Timothy G.
Published: December 2017

Objective

High-Frequency alternating current (HFAC) nerve block has great potential for neuromodulation-based therapies. However nerve function recovery dynamics after a block is highly understudied. This study aims to characterise the recovery dynamics of neural function after an HFAC block.

Approach

Experiments were carried out in-vivo to determine blocking efficacy as a function of blocking signal amplitude and frequency, and recovery times as well as recovery completeness was measured within a 0.7 s time scale from the end of block. The sciatic nerve was stimulated at 100 Hz during recovery to reduce error to within ±10 ms for measurements of recovery dynamics. The electromyogram (EMG) signals were measured from gastrocnemius medialis and tibialis anterior during trials as an indicator for nerve function.

Main Results

The HFAC block was most reliable around 20 kHz, with block thresholds approximately 5 or 6 mA depending on the animal and muscle. Recovery times ranged from 20 to 430 milliseconds and final values spanned relative outputs from approximately 1 to 0.2. Higher blocking signal frequencies and amplitudes increased recovery time and decreased recovery completeness.

Significance

These results confirm that recovery dynamics from block depend on blocking signal frequency and amplitude, which is of particular importance for neuromodulation therapies and for comparing results across studies using different blocking signal parameters.
ISM and Fuzzy MICMAC application for analysis of Lean Six Sigma barriers with environmental considerations
Authors: R. Ben Ruben , S. Vinodh , P. Asokan
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to prioritize and analyze the barriers that affect Lean Six Sigma (LSS) adoption with environmental considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

To find interrelationships and mutual influences among the identified barriers, an integrated interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Fuzzy MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement approach was applied). In total, 20 crucial barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations have been derived from the literature and in consultation with experts hailing from the industry and academia.

Findings

Based on the analysis, the most dominant and dependent barriers that affects LSS adoption with environmental considerations have been identified. The barriers, namely, “lack of top management commitment”, “lack of training and education” and “lack of funds for green projects”, occupy the base segment of the ISM hierarchy; the barriers, namely, “difficulty in adopting environmental strategies”, “stringent government policies”, “negative attitude towards sustainability concepts”, “improper communication” and “lack of defect monitoring analysis”, occupy the top level of the ISM hierarchy.

Practical implications

The analysis helped in identifying and prioritizing the barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations using a mathematical approach. This approach is also helpful for practitioners to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and to enable LSS adoption with environmental considerations smoothly.

Originality/value

The analysis helped in identifying and prioritizing the barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations using the Fuzzy MICMAC approach which has not been attempted in the past. The structural model is developed holistically based on the inputs gathered from practitioners and academicians to ensure practical validity. Also, this approach is helpful for practitioners to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and enabling them to deploy LSS concepts with environmental considerations smoothly.
Can respect be key to gender justice?
Authors: Østebø Marit Tolo
Published: December 2017

Equality and respect are, together with dignity, considered foundational values in international human rights discourse. While equality in particular has been established as a widely accepted goal in the women's rights movement, respect is, however, less commonly invoked. Based on long‐term ethnographic fieldwork conducted among the Arsi Oromo of Ethiopia, this article examines the notion ofwayyuu, a tacit moral model of respect and sacredness that is central to institutions and norms that have secured women certain rights and power. These norms and institutions represent a challenge to the liberal feminist conceptualization of gender equality that dominates international women's rights discourse. Drawing on theories of respect and on feminist and anthropological discussions of equality, I argue that even though there are certain limitations inherent inwayyuu, the sacredness it entails and the implications this has had for women's status and power among the Arsi Oromo call for an exploration of respect not as an alternative to equality, but as a complementary notion which to a greater extent could be included in global discussions of gender justice.
Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the children: a meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Jiang H‐Y , Peng C‐T , Zhang X , Ruan B
Published: December 2017

Background

Evidence for the relationship between antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the children is conflicting.

Objective

To assess the association between fetal exposure to antidepressant drugs and the subsequent development of ADHD.

Search strategy

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases to identify relevant cohort studies published from inception until October 2017.

Selection criteria

Cohort studies, identifying children with ADHD diagnosis and linking antidepressant use during pregnancy in their mothers.

Data collection

Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed study quality.

Main results

The literature search identified six relevant cohort studies with association between antidepressant exposure during pregnancy and the risk of ADHD in children [hazard ratio (HR) 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.57]. However, the association was not statistically significant when the reference group was mothers with psychiatric disorders not treated during pregnancy (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.76–1.2; n = 2 studies). Moreover, preconception exposure to antidepressants was significantly associated with increased risk of ADHD (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.54–2.15; n = 3 studies).

Conclusions

The significant association between antidepressant exposure during pregnancy and ADHD in the children can be partially explained by confounding by indication. Given the low number of included studies, further studies with prospective designs that use validated measurements and controls for important confounders are needed to verify our findings.

Tweetable abstract

Antidepressant use during pregnancy may be not associated with ADHD in the offspring.
Bayesian Networks: With Examples in R. By M.Scutari and J.‐B.DenisBoca Raton, FloridaCRC Press. 2014. 241 pages. UK £69.99 (hardback). ISBN 978‐1‐48222‐558‐7
Authors: Vignes Matthieu , Sammarro Mélodie , Schrefheere Anthime , White Alex , Marsland Stephen
Published: December 2017

Bayesian networks are now pedagogically factorised in R with tremendous applications by Mario Scutari and Jean‐Baptiste Denis’ book.
EFFICACY OF OXFENDAZOLE AGAINST INHIBITED OSTERTAGIA OSTERTAGI IN NATURALLY INFECTED CATTLE
Authors: KISTNER T. P. , WYSE D. , AVERKIN E.
Published: December 2017

Oxfendazole was administered to pregnant cows at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight to determine the anthelmintic efficacy against naturally acquired larvae which became inhibited at the early 4th stage. The experimental design included three groups of orally‐treated cows, that is, 10 placebo treated control cows, 11 cows treated with 2.5 mg/kg of oxfendazole and 10 cows treated with 5.0 mg/kg of oxfendazole. Oxfendazole at 2.5 mg/kg body weight was 82 and 94% effective against EL‐4 and adult O. ostertagi, respectively. At 5 mg/kg, Oxfendazole was 95 and 99% effective against EL‐4 and adult O. ostertagi, respectively. The results suggested the use of a field dosage level of 5 mg/kg body weight oxfendazole where inhibited larvae may be encountered.
ACTIVITY AGAINST OSTERTAGIA OSTERTAGI OF LOW DOSES OF OXFENDAZOLE CONTINUOUSLY RELEASED FROM INTRARUMINAL CAPSULES IN CATTLE
Authors: ANDERSON N. , LABY R. H.
Published: December 2017

Slow release from intraruminal capsules of 0.48 mg/kg oxfendazole per day for 5.5 days gave percentage efficiencies of 99 ± 0.6, 86.6 ± 6.3 and 93.1 ± 4.5 for the removal of adult worms, developing 4th stages and inhibited larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi respectively. These efficiencies were not significantly different from those obtained from a single oral dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Peak plasma levels of oxfendazole were similar for the 2 types of administration but high levels were maintained longer in cattle given capsules.
Protein‐altering variants of PTPN2 in childhood‐onset Type 1A diabetes
Authors: Okuno M. , Ayabe T. , Yokota I. , Musha I. , Shiga K. , Kikuchi T. , Kikuchi N. , Ohtake A. , Nakamura A. , Nakabayashi K. , Okamura K. , Momozawa Y. , Kubo M. , Suzuki J. , Urakami T. , Kawamura T. , Amemiya S. , Ogata T. , Sugihara S. , Fukami M. ,   the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes
Published: December 2017

Aim

To examine the contribution of PTPN2 coding variants to the risk of childhood‐onset Type 1A diabetes.

Methods

PTPN2 mutation analysis was carried out for 169 unrelated Japanese people with childhood‐onset Type 1A diabetes. We searched for coding variants that were absent or extremely rare in the general population and were scored as damaging by multiple in silico programs. We performed mRNA analysis and three‐dimensional structural prediction of the detected variants, when possible. We also examined possible physical links between these variants and previously reported risk SNPs as well as clinical information from variant‐positive children.

Results

One frameshift variant (p.Q286Yfs*24) and two probably damaging missense substitutions (p.C232W and p.R350Q) were identified in one child each. Of these, p.Q286Yfs*24 and p.C232W were hitherto unreported, while p.R350Q accounted for 2/121,122 alleles of the exome datasets. The p.Q286Yfs*24 variant did not encode stable mRNA, and p.C232W appeared to affect the structure of the tyrosine‐protein phosphatase domain. The three variants were physically unrelated to known risk SNPs. The variant‐positive children manifested Type 1A diabetes without additional clinical features and invariably carried risk human leukocyte antigen alleles.

Conclusions

The results provide the first indication that PTPN2 variants contribute to the risk of Type 1A diabetes, independently of known risk SNPs. PTPN2 coding variants possibly induce non‐specific Type 1A diabetes phenotypes in individuals with human leukocyte antigen‐mediated disease susceptibility. Our findings warrant further validation.
Nutrients from salmon parents alter selection pressures on their offspring
Authors: Auer Sonya K. , Anderson Graeme J. , McKelvey Simon , Bassar Ronald D. , McLennan Darryl , Armstrong John D. , Nislow Keith H. , Downie Helen K. , McKelvey Lynn , Morgan Thomas A.J. , Salin Karine , Orrell Danielle L. , Gauthey Alice , Reid Thomas C. , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: December 2017

Organisms can modify their surrounding environment, but whether these changes are large enough to feed back and alter their evolutionary trajectories is not well understood, particularly in wild populations. Here we show that nutrient pulses from decomposing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parents alter selection pressures on their offspring with important consequences for their phenotypic and genetic diversity. We found a strong survival advantage to larger eggs and faster juvenile metabolic rates in streams lacking carcasses but not in streams containing this parental nutrient input. Differences in selection intensities led to significant phenotypic divergence in these two traits among stream types. Stronger selection in streams with low parental nutrient input also decreased the number of surviving families compared to streams with high parental nutrient levels. Observed effects of parent‐derived nutrients on selection pressures provide experimental evidence for key components of eco‐evolutionary feedbacks in wild populations.
Response of estuarine consumer communities following the stocking of a juvenile penaeid (Penaeus plebejus) over two consecutive years
Authors: Becker A. , Lowry M. B. , Taylor M. D.
Published: December 2017

Research programmes that monitor and evaluate the impact of stocking activities are essential to quantify effects of stocking and provide information for adaptive management of future releases. The consumer communities in two estuaries stocked with 5.8 million post‐larvae eastern king prawn Penaeus plebejus (Hess) were monitored, both before and after stocking, and relative to two similar reference estuaries. Following stocking, there was evidence of increases in the abundances of prawns within stocked estuaries. Communities in all four estuaries showed significant levels of variation over time as well as among the systems themselves. Changes in overall diversity were similarly observed. The presence or absence of vegetation and other seasonal effects were found to explain most of the observed variation in the community assemblage, while prawn stocking appeared to have a little detectable influence. While this study points to minimal impacts of prawn stocking on the consumer community at the densities used, research into potential shifts in resource use by competitors and the growth and survival of prawns is required to fully understand post‐release changes in stocked systems.
Vitamin A‐coupled liposome system targeting free cholesterol accumulation in hepatic stellate cells offers a beneficial therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis
Authors: Furuhashi Hirotaka , Tomita Kengo , Teratani Toshiaki , Shimizu Motonori , Nishikawa Makoto , Higashiyama Masaaki , Takajo Takeshi , Shirakabe Kazuhiko , Maruta Koji , Okada Yoshikiyo , Kurihara Chie , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Aosasa Suefumi , Nagao Shigeaki , Yamamoto Junji , Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota
Published: December 2017

Aim

Liver fibrosis is a life‐threatening disorder for which no approved therapy is available. Recently, we reported that mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation increased free cholesterol (FC) accumulation, partly by enhancing signaling through sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and microRNA‐33a (miR‐33a), which resulted in HSC sensitization to transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ)‐induced activation in a “vicious cycle” of liver fibrosis.

Methods

Human HSCs were isolated from surgical liver specimens from control patients and patients with liver fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride for 4 weeks and concurrently given SREBP2‐siRNA‐ or anti‐miR‐33a‐bearing vitamin A‐coupled liposomes.

Results

In human activated HSCs obtained from patients with liver fibrosis, FC accumulation was enhanced independently of serum cholesterol levels through increased signaling by both SREBP2 and miR‐33a. This increased FC accumulation enhanced Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein levels and lowered the TGFβ‐pseudoreceptor Bambi (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane‐bound inhibitor) mRNA levels in HSCs. Notably, in a mouse liver fibrosis model, reduction of FC accumulation, specifically in activated HSCs by suppression of SREBP2 or miR‐33a expression using SREBP2‐siRNA‐ or anti‐miR‐33a‐bearing vitamin A‐coupled liposomes, downregulated TLR4 signaling, increased Bambi expression, and consequently ameliorated liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that FC accumulation in HSCs, as an intracellular mediator promoting HSC activation, contributes to a vicious cycle of HSC activation in human and mouse liver fibrosis independent of serum cholesterol levels. Targeting FC accumulation‐related molecules in HSCs through a vitamin A‐coupled liposomal system represents a favorable therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
Vulture funds and the fresh start accounting value of firms emerging from bankruptcy
Authors: Gietzmann Miles , Isidro Helena , Raonic Ivana
Published: December 2017

We study how distress‐oriented hedge funds (vulture funds) play an important role in the fresh start valuation of firms emerging from Chapter 11 reorganization. We find that loan‐to‐own vultures acquire debt positions of the distressed firm that grant dominant power in the bankruptcy negotiations, and they then use the discretion allowed by fresh start accounting to introduce valuation bias in their favor. We show that the strategic influence over fresh start values can create opportunities to increase vulture investors’ returns at the expense of other claim holders.
Genotoxicity of non‐alcoholic mouth rinses: A micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities study with fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Durbakula Karteek , Prabhu Vishnudas , Jose Maji
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of non‐alcoholic mouth rinses on buccal epithelial cells using a micronucleus test.

Methods

A total of 105 patients were selected and randomly divided into five groups. Four different mouth rinses and normal saline were given for 2 weeks’ duration, and cytological smears were collected before and after exposure. These smears were subjected to micronucleus (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities (ONA) tests using acridine orange stain, and their frequencies were obtained in 500 buccal epithelial cells. The statistical analysis included mean, χ2‐test, analysis of variance, and post‐hoc analysis by Bonferroni test.

Results

Micronucleated cells (P < .00) and MN (P < .00) were higher in individuals exposed to chlorhexidine (CHX), followed by chlorine dioxide (ClO2), potassium nitrate (KNO3), and sodium fluoride (NaF), amine fluoride (AmF), and normal saline. ONA were greater (P < .00) in individuals exposed to CHX, followed by ClO2, AmF, KNO3, and NaF and normal saline. Overall, the results showed that genotoxic damage was greater in the case of CHX, followed by ClO2, KNO3, and NaF, AmF, and normal saline.

Conclusion

Chronic exposure to mouth rinses can cause genotoxic damage to buccal epithelial cells. Long‐term injudicious and inadvertent use of mouth rinses should be discouraged.
Delphinid brain development from neonate to adulthood with comparisons to other cetaceans and artiodactyls
Authors: Ridgway Sam H. , Carlin Kevin P. , Van Alstyne Kaitlin R.
Published: December 2017

Why do neonatal and adult delphinids have much larger brains than artiodactyls when they have common ancestors? We explore relationships between neonatal brain size, gestation duration, maternal body mass, and body growth. Cetacean brains grow fast in the womb and longer gestation results in a larger brain. Allometry shows that the larger the mother's body mass, the larger the neonatal brain. After birth, delphinid bodies grow much faster than brains, and the index of encephalization decreases even as brains grow beyond maturity. Delphinids’ larger brain growth during life at sea may be explained by at least three differences from artiodactyls’ life on land. First, the sea offers high calorie prey to support growth of a large brain. Second, life in water offers relief from gravity, allowing for a large head to contain a large brain. Third, sound in water may pass through an immersed body. This allows sounds from the water to reach the fetus, driving early development of delphinoid auditory brain parts. As an example of this, the dolphin ear bone is very large at birth. Furthermore, the auditory nervous system appears mature well before birth. Compared with artiodactyls, these three differences likely result in a larger delphinid brain.
Primulina lutescens sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from southern Guangxi, China
Authors: Ma Hu-Sheng , Pan Bo , Xu Wei-Bin
Published: December 2017

Primulina lutescens B. Pan & H. S. Ma, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Guangxi Zhuangzu Autonomous Region, China, is illustrated and described. The new species morphologically resembles Primulina carinata Y. G. Wei, F. Wen & H. Z. Lü, but it differs in leaf, floral characteristics and flowering time. The conservation status of P. lutescens is asessed as ‘Endangered’ (EN) according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria.
Emergence of Big Data Research in Operations Management, Information Systems, and Healthcare: Past Contributions and Future Roadmap
Authors: Guha Samayita , Kumar Subodha
Published: December 2017

In this day, in the age of big data, consumers leave an easily traceable digital footprint whenever they visit a website online. Firms are interested in capturing the digital footprints of their consumers to understand and predict consumer behavior. This study deals with how big data analytics has been used in the domains of information systems, operations management, and healthcare . We also discuss the future potential of big data applications in these domains (especially in the areas of cloud computing, Internet of Things and smart city, predictive manufacturing and 3‐D printing, and smart healthcare) and the associated challenges. In this study, we present a framework for applications of big data in these domains with the goal of providing some interesting directions for future research.
Fractal Characteristics of Combustion Noise
Authors: Saurabh Aditya , Imran Hassan , Nawroth Holger , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Kabiraj Lipika
Published: December 2017

Fractal analysis is undertaken to characterize flame surface fluctuations on an unconfined turbulent premixed flame and the resulting far-field acoustics fluctuations. Results indicate that combustion noise is monofractal and is characterized by an anticorrelated structure with a Hurst exponent less than 0.5. The anticorrelated nature was identified in the pressure fluctuations as well as flame surface fluctuations for small time-scales. Additionally, results suggest that flame surface fluctuations are multifractal for large time scales. The calculated Hurst exponent increases noticeably with the equivalence ratio and decreases slightly with Reynolds number for the investigated operating conditions. Variation in the Hurst exponent for combustion noise data is compared with a case study of synthetic fluctuations comprised of linear combinations of white and 1/f2 noise. These results provide a more detailed characterization of the temporal structure of flame surface fluctuations and resulting noise emission from turbulent premixed flames than is presently known.
Real-space analysis of diffusion behavior and activation energy of individual monatomic ions in a liquid
Authors: Miyata Tomohiro , Uesugi Fumihiko , Mizoguchi Teruyasu
Published: December 2017

Real-space visualization of dynamic behaviors of individual atoms in liquids by scanning transmission electron microscopy.
Occupational radiation exposure and its health effects on interventional medical workers: study protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ko Seulki , Chung Hwan Hoon , Cho Sung Bum , Jin Young Woo , Kim Kwang Pyo , Ha Mina , Bang Ye Jin , Ha Yae Won , Lee Won Jin
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Although fluoroscopically guided procedures involve a considerably high dose of radiation, few studies have investigated the effects of radiation on medical workers involved in interventional fluoroscopy procedures. Previous research remains in the early stages and has not reached a level comparable with other occupational studies thus far. Furthermore, the study of radiation workers provides an opportunity to estimate health risks at low doses and dose rates of ionising radiation. Therefore, the objectives of this study are (1) to initiate a prospective cohort study by conducting a baseline survey among medical radiation workers who involve interventional fluoroscopy procedures and (2) to assess the effect of occupational radiation exposure and on the overall health status through an in-depth cross-sectional study.

Methods and analysis

Intervention medical workers in Korea will be enrolled by using a self-administered questionnaire survey, and the survey data will be linked with radiation dosimetry data, National Health Insurance claims data, cancer registry and mortality data. After merging these data, the radiation organ dose, lifetime attributable risk due to cancer and the risk per unit dose will be estimated. For the cross-sectional study, approximately 100 intervention radiology department workers will be investigated for blood tests, clinical examinations such as ultrasonography (thyroid and carotid artery scan) and lens opacity, the validation of badge dose and biodosimetry.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Korea University (KU-IRB-12-12-A-1). All participants will provide written informed consent prior to enrolment. The findings of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations, and a report will be submitted to the relevant public health authorities in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help with the development of appropriate research and management policies.
Transcorneal electrical stimulation for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa: results from the TESOLAUK trial
Authors: Wagner Siegfried K , Jolly Jasleen K , Pefkianaki Maria , Gekeler Florian , Webster Andrew R , Downes Susan M , Maclaren Robert E
Published: December 2017

Objective

To explore the impact of weekly transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) over a 6-month period as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods and analysis

A prospective open-label observational trial was carried out assessing weekly TES in participants with RP for a period of 6 months followed by observation for a further 6 months. Clinical examination and investigations were carried out at 3 monthly intervals for a total of 12 months. The primary outcome measure explored safety through a descriptive analysis of adverse effects with secondary outcome measures evaluating structural and functional efficacy.

Results

Seven male and seven female participants with RP aged 18–80 years were recruited. TES was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. Two participants reported transient foreign body sensation and one participant had discomfort underneath the skin electrode. Following 6 months of TES, best-corrected visual acuity increased by 1.1±1.4 letters in the control arm and 0.93±1.4 letters in the treated arm. Central microperimetry threshold sensitivity rose by 0.02±0.5 decibels (dB) and 0.37±0.4 dB and Goldmann visual field volume by 0.16±0.09 steradians (sr) vs 0.22±0.12 sr for the control and treated eye, respectively. There was no statistical significance seen between eyes following the treatment or observation period.

Conclusion

This small open-label clinical trial showed that TES was safe and well tolerated in patients with RP. Visual function measurements at 6 months demonstrated no significant difference between the control and treated eyes. The results justify a larger clinical trial over a longer period of time in order to identify any treatment effect.
Genetics and genomics of breast fibroadenomas
Authors: Loke Benjamin Nathanael , Md Nasir Nur Diyana , Thike Aye Aye , Lee Jonathan Yu Han , Lee Cheok Soon , Teh Bin Tean , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: December 2017

Fibroadenomas of the breast are benign fibroepithelial tumours most frequently encountered in women of reproductive age, although they may be diagnosed at any age. The fibroadenoma comprises a proliferation of both stromal and epithelial components. The mechanisms underlying fibroadenoma pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. In the clinical setting, distinguishing cellular fibroadenomas from benign phyllodes tumours is a common diagnostic challenge due to subjective histopathological criteria and interobserver differences. Recent sequencing studies have demonstrated the presence of highly recurrent mutations in fibroadenomas, and also delineated the genomic landscapes of fibroadenomas and the closely related phyllodes tumours, revealing differences at the gene level, which may be of potential adjunctive diagnostic use. The present article provides an overview of key studies uncovering genetic and genomic abnormalities in fibroadenomas, from initial karyotype reports revealing myriad cytogenetic aberrations to next-generation sequencing-based approaches that led to the discovery of highly recurrentMED12mutations. A thorough understanding of these abnormalities is important to further elucidate the mechanisms by which fibroadenomas arise and to refine diagnostic assessment of this very common tumour.
Lipoprotein(a) and the Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio Independently Associate With Surgery for Aortic Stenosis Only in Patients With Concomitant Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ljungberg Johan , Holmgren Anders , Bergdahl Ingvar A , Hultdin Johan , Norberg Margareta , Näslund Ulf , Johansson Bengt , Söderberg Stefan
Published: December 2017

Background

Aortic stenosis (
AS
) has different clinical phenotypes, including
AS
with or without concomitant coronary artery disease (
CAD
). It is unknown whether these phenotypes share the same risk factors. In particular, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoproteins (Apo) are associated with
AS
, but it is unknown whether these associations differ among phenotypes. In this prospective analysis we examined the impact of Lp(a) and Apo in subgroups of patients with
AS
.

Methods and Results

We identified 336 patients (mean age at survey 56.7 years, 48% female) who underwent surgery for
AS
after a median 10.9 years (interquartile range 9.3 years), participants in 1 of 3 large population surveys. For each patient, 2 matched referents were allocated. Lp(a) and Apo were analyzed in the baseline samples. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate risks related to a 1 (ln) standard deviation increase in Lp(a) and the ratio of Apo B to Apo A1 (Apo B/A1 ratio). High levels of Lp(a) predicted surgery for
AS
in 203 patients with concomitant
CAD
(odds ratio [95% confidence intervals]) (1.29 [1.07‐1.55]), but not in 132 patients without
CAD
(1.04 [0.83‐1.29]) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, a high Apo B/A1 ratio predicted surgery in patients with concomitant
CAD
(1.43 [1.16‐1.76]) but not in those without
CAD
(0.87 [0.69‐1.10]).

Conclusions

High levels of Lp(a) and a high Apo B/A1 ratio were associated with surgery for
AS
in patients with concomitant
CAD
but not in those with isolated
AS
. This finding may lead to a new avenue of research for targeted risk factor interventions in this population.
Collective Action and Customer Service in Retail
Authors: Naidu Suresh , Reich Adam
Published: December 2017

This article examines the relationship between workplace collective action at a large retail employer and customers’ perceptions of service. The authors show that increases in workplace collective action, as measured by signed labor organization membership cards, are associated with lower customer ratings of service, as measured by Yelp reviews. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 80 workers, the authors discuss several possible explanations for the negative association between worker organizing and customer service, arguing that this correlation poses an underappreciated obstacle for labor organizing in the service sector.
Reviewing the Cost of Police Training: A Cost Analysis Model
Authors: Hayes Colin
Published: December 2017

In this article, the author, a long-serving senior Canadian police officer, offers a model of cost analysis for police training. Training plays an important role in contributing toward raising the standards of the police organisation and its productivity levels. The author suggests that the police trainer must not be afraid to examine the cost of police training, and the cost of not providing training. A cost-analysis model is offered to the reader to accurately access the student cost, instructor cost, facilities cost, administration cost, instructional and development cost.
Career Patterns in the Police Service
Authors: Low Pauline C.
Published: December 2017

The following article is based upon a study made by Miss Low while attending a Command Course at the Police College, Bramshill.
An analysis of educators sanctioned for misconduct
Authors: Brady Geronima , Tajalli Hassan
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the uncharted territory of disciplinary actions taken against educators for their misconducts. The study examines demographics of the educators who have committed various types of offenses to find out whether results are different than the findings in the criminal justice literature.

Methods

The data used in this study include all 582 educators who were disciplined for misconduct in the 2012–2013 school year in Texas. Various descriptive and significance tests were used to answer the hypotheses of this study.

Results

Some of the findings correspond with the findings of the criminal justice literature while others do not. Young, male, and black educators are more likely to offend. Contrary to the literature on “student discipline” and “criminal justice,” minority educators are not treated more harshly when they are disciplined. There are some offenses committed more often by younger, male, and those educators who have held their credentials for a shorter amount of time.

Conclusion

The results have raised many questions similar to the ones studied in the field of criminal justice. A new body of research needs to address questions such as discrimination and the constitutional rights of the accused and the victims.
Can children with developmental language disorder explain actions in terms of intentions?
Authors: Donaldson Morag L. , Reid Jennifer , Murray Claire
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to establish whether 5- to 7-year-old children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have difficulties explaining actions in terms of intentions and if so, to elucidate the nature of such difficulties. Children with DLD and typically developing chronological age peers (TD group) participated in a production task designed to elicit ‘intentional mode’ explanations (e.g. The girl put a spider in the bed because she wanted to give the boy a fright). The DLD group produced significantly fewer well-formed intentional mode explanations than the TD group, made significantly fewer attempts at producing these explanations, and used a more restricted range of linguistic constructions. However, almost all the children with DLD made at least occasional attempts at producing intentional mode explanations. These findings imply that although children with DLD are likely to require support with the socially important task of explaining actions in terms of intentions, there is a foundation on which intervention and classroom practice can build.
Measurement and Outcomes of the Perceived Risk of Stroke: A Review
Authors: Aycock Dawn M. , Clark Patricia C. , Araya Semere
Published: December 2017

Stroke continues to be a public health problem, and risk perceptions are key to understanding people’s thoughts about stroke risk and their preventive health behaviors. This review identifies how the perceived risk of stroke has been measured and outcomes in terms of levels, predictors, accuracy, and intervention results. Sixteen studies were included. The perceived risk of stroke has primarily been assessed with single-item measures; no multi-item surveys were found. In general, people tend to perceive a low-moderate risk of stroke; the most common predictors of higher stroke risk perceptions were having risk factors for stroke (hypertension, diabetes) and a higher number of risk factors. However, inaccuracies were common; at least half of respondents underestimated/overestimated their risk. Few studies have examined whether interventions can improve the perceived risk of stroke. Strategies to improve stroke risk perceptions should be explored to determine whether accuracy can promote healthy lifestyles to reduce stroke risk.
Distribution and Conflict Inflation in Brazil under Inflation Targeting, 1999–2014
Authors: Summa Ricardo , Serrano Franklin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we analyze Brazilian inflation under the inflation-targeting system from a conflict inflation perspective and show how the inflation target system only worked well when there was a trend of exchange rate appreciation. Later, the strengthening of the bargaining power of workers and rising real wages since 2006, combined with continuous nominal exchange rate depreciation after mid-2011, increased distributive conflicts and are ultimately behind the recent shift toward austerity.
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2: Emerging Roles in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Liu Pei-Pei , Xu Ya-Jie , Teng Zhao-Qian , Liu Chang-Mei
Published: December 2017

The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is responsible for catalyzing both di- and trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me2/3). The subunits of PRC2 are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). PRC2 as well as H3K27me2/3, play distinct roles in neuronal identity, proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells, neuronal morphology, and gliogenesis. Mutations or dysregulations of PRC2 subunits often cause neurological diseases. Therefore, PRC2 might represent a common target of different pathological processes that drive neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of the intricate and complex regulatory networks mediated by PRC2 in CNS will help to develop new therapeutic approaches and to generate specific brain cell types for treating neurological diseases.
Safety Assessment of Dimethiconol and Its Esters and Reaction Products as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Heldreth Bart , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: December 2017

Dimethiconol and its esters and reaction products are used in cosmetics as either skin-conditioning agents or hair-conditioning agents. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed relevant data and concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. While there is an absence of data on reproductive and developmental toxicity and limited tumorigenicity and toxicokinetics data, the Panel reasoned that these ingredients would not be absorbed through the skin, obviating concern over potential reproductive and developmental toxicity or carcinogenicity.
Transformational change towards gender equality: An autobiographical reflection on resistance during participatory action research
Authors: Bleijenbergh Inge
Published: December 2017

This article contributes to the academic debate about gender equality change by conceptualizing resistance to gender equality change as characteristic of a system where gendered organizations tend to move back to an equilibrium when confronted with change. It explores the role of change agents and change recipients in challenging this equilibrium using autobiographical reflections on three events of resistance during participatory action research aimed at gender equality in Dutch universities. It argues that resistance can be understood as stakeholders’ articulated defence of the organizational identity when research results threaten gendered organizational norms, beliefs and values. Organizational change cognitively and emotionally challenges not only change recipients but also change agents. Reflection on and sharing of personal experiences in groups of researchers may be sources of empowerment, enabling gender equality change agents to continue the conversation with change recipients. This conversation may transform not only change recipients but also change agents.
An Interview with Snowden’s Lawyer: Robert Tibbo on Whistleblowing, Mass Surveillance and Human Rights Activism
Authors: Munro Iain
Published: December 2017

Robert Tibbo is a prominent human rights lawyer and activist and is the defence lawyer of the National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden. This interview may be of particular interest to researchers in the field of critical management studies regarding its discussion of (1) the close relationship between whistleblowing and human rights activism, (2) the use of new systems of global mass surveillance to target activists and journalists, (3) the use of secrecy by government organisations to avoid democratic accountability in cases of human rights violations and (4) the effect of mass surveillance on freedom of expression and problems relating to increased self-censorship and political apathy. This interview with Robert Tibbo provides a helpful introductory discussion of whistleblowing and human rights activism from a key figure who has had first-hand experience in this key area of social and political struggle.
Writing as Labiaplasty
Authors: Pullen Alison
Published: December 2017

Woman. Active. Passive. Erased, In writing and thought.
Assessing Living Donor Priorities Through Nominal Group Technique
Authors: Dorflinger Lindsey M. , Kulkarni Sanjay , Thiessen Carrie , Klarman Sharon , Fraenkel Liana
Published: December 2017

The need for kidneys for transplantation continues to far surpass the number of donors. Although studies have shown that most people are aware of and support the idea of living donation, it remains unclear what motivates individuals who are aware, knowledgeable, and in support of donation to actually donate, or conversely, what deters them from donating. Utilizing nominal group technique, 30 individuals participated in 4 groups in which they brainstormed factors that would impact willingness to be a living donor and voted on which factors they deemed most important. Responses were analyzed and categorized into themes. Factors that influence the donation decision, from most to least important as rated by participants, were altruism, relationship to recipient, knowledge, personal risk/impact, convenience/access, cost, support, personal benefit, and religion. Participants reported a significant lack of information about donation as well as lack of knowledge about where and how to obtain information that would motivate them to donate or help make the decision to donate. Findings suggest that public campaign efforts seeking to increase rates of living donation should appeal to altruism and increase knowledge about the impact (or lack thereof) of donation on lifestyle factors and future health, and transplant programs should aim to maximize convenience and minimize donor burden. Future research should examine whether tailoring public campaigns to address factors perceived as most salient by potential donors reduces the significant gap in supply of and demand for kidneys.