bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks in homeownership: a perspective on The Netherlands
Authors: Teye Alfred Larm , Haan Jan de , Elsinga Marja Geessiena , Bondinuba Francis Kwesi , Gbadegesin Job Taiwo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the risk factors in homeowners from the individual household’s perspectives within the owner-occupied housing sector of The Netherlands. Risk in home ownership from mortgage providers’ perspectives has received tremendous attention than individual home owner’s perspectives in existing literature following the financial crisis in 2007/2008 within the euro zone.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted a broader review of extent literature on the different concepts and views on risk in homeownership. These concepts are unified into a framework that enhances our understanding of the perceived sophisticated risk in owner-occupier with focus on The Netherlands.

Findings

From the perspective of the homeowner, two main types of risks were identified: default payment and property price risk. The paper has unearthed a quantum number of factors which underline the above risks. These factors relate to the initial amount of mortgage loan taken out, the future housing expenses and the income development of the owner-occupier. Family disintegration is identified, as one of the main causes of mortgage default and that of property price risk are mainly influenced by income levels, interest rates and conditions in the social and private rental sectors.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of the paper are based on review of the extant literature in the context of the Dutch housing market. Possible rigorous situational analysis using other tools are recommended for further research.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the much needed body of knowledge in the owner-occupied sector and provides a better understanding of risk in home ownership from the individual perspectives.
Understanding the contribution of effective communication strategies to program performance in humanitarian organizations
Authors: Villa Sebastián , Gonçalves Paulo , Villy Odong Tonny
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ concepts drawn from communication theory to develop a structural model that it is hoped will improve the understanding of the impact of effective communication mechanisms on the performance of humanitarian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a case study of a single humanitarian organization. The authors designed a cross-sectional study, collecting data using structured questionnaires and interviews. Structural equation modeling was used to test and estimate the model.

Findings

Estimations show that the proper design of internal manuals and procedure guidelines, coupled with formal strategies to foster stakeholder dialogue in organizations and increase the perceived performance of humanitarian programs.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the importance of designing effective communication strategies that permit humanitarian organizations to use their communication channels properly and improve operations based on lessons learned and the concerns of stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper builds on the foundations provided by communication theory to develop a model that explains how communication affects performance in humanitarian organizations. The study further builds on a case study to test the theoretical model.
Ketamine does not enhance the quality of recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moro E. T. , Feitosa I. M. P. S. S. , de Oliveira R. G. , Saraiva G. F. P. , Rosalino R. , Marossi V. P. , Bloomstone J. A. , Navarro L. H. C.
Published: June 2017

Background

Ketamine has been used as part of the multimodal analgesia technique in the acute perioperative period. The effect of perioperative intravenous small‐dose ketamine on the quality of recovery from the patient point‐of‐view has not been assessed. We hypothesized that low‐dose ketamine would enhance recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anesthesia.

Methods

One hundred thirty five patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: saline, ketamine 0.2 mg/kg, or ketamine 0.4 mg/kg immediately following the induction of anesthesia and before skin incision. The primary endpoint was assessed using the Quality of Recovery Questionnaire (QoR‐40), a 40‐item quality of recovery scoring system. In addition, early clinical recovery variables, such as time to eye opening, occurrence of nausea and vomiting, pain score, analgesic use, and length of PACU stay were assessed.

Results

No differences were detected in the total or individual dimension scores of the QoR‐40 questionnaire. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and other complications did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusions

Small doses of ketamine do not improve the quality of recovery after remifentanil‐based anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
2016 ASE undergraduate essay competition candidate information
Authors: Chen Alice
Published: June 2017

The aim of this review is to discuss the role of medicaments and materials used in teeth undergoing root canal treatment and how they affect the overall prognosis of root canal treated teeth. Irrigants, medicaments and materials play a vital role in RCT. They reduce the overall microbial load within the root canal system, help reduce inter‐appointment pain, and induce apexification during RCT of permanent teeth with immature apices. In addition, they also help create a hermetic coronal and periradicular seal to entomb any residual microorganisms within the canals and prevent future ingress of contaminants into the root canal system and subsequent reinfection. Whilst the role of various materials in RCT has been thoroughly investigated, the available literature and longitudinal clinical studies evaluating the affect of such materials on the prognosis of RCT is scarce, and requires further investigation.
Redescription of the Brazilian stick insect Pseudophasma cambridgei Kirby (Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae), with first description of the female and egg
Authors: Chiquetto‐Machado Pedro Ivo
Published: June 2017

The stick insect Pseudophasma cambridgei Kirby, 1904 was described from a single male collected in the region of Santarém, state of Pará, Brazil. Based on specimens recently collected near the type locality, the species is redescribed here, including the first description of the female and egg. In addition, Pseudophasma septemtrionalis Toledo Piza, 1977 is synonymised with P. cambridgei, and morphological features of the genus Pseudophasma are discussed.
Construction of Anterior Hemi‐Corneal Equivalents Using Nontransfected Human Corneal Cells and Transplantation in Dog Models
Authors: Xu Bin , Song Zhan , Fan Tingjun
Published: June 2017

Tissue‐engineered human anterior hemi‐cornea (TE‐aHC) is a promising equivalent for treating anterior lamellar keratopathy to surmount the severe shortage of donated corneas. This study was intended to construct a functional TE‐aHC with nontransfected human corneal stromal (ntHCS) and epithelial (ntHCEP) cells using acellular porcine corneal stromata (aPCS) as a carrier scaffold, and evaluate its biological functions in a dog model. To construct a TE‐aHC, ntHCS cells were injected into an aPCS scaffold and cultured for 3 days; then, ntHCEP cells were inoculated onto the Bowman's membrane of the scaffold and cultured for 5 days under air‐liquid interface condition. After its morphology and histological structure were characterized, the constructed TE‐aHC was transplanted into dog eyes via lamellar keratoplasty. The corneal transparency, thickness, intraocular pressure, epithelial integrity, and corneal regeneration were monitored in vivo, and the histological structure and histochemical property were examined ex vivo 360 days after surgery, respectively. The results showed that the constructed TE‐aHC was highly transparent and composed of a corneal epithelium of 7–8 layer ntHCEP cells and a corneal stroma of regularly aligned collagen fibers and well‐preserved glycosaminoglycans with sparsely distributed ntHCS cells, mimicking a normal anterior hemi‐cornea (aHC). Moreover, both ntHCEP and ntHCS cells maintained positive expression of their marker and functional proteins. After transplantation into dog eyes, the constructed TE‐aHC acted naturally in terms of morphology, structure and inherent property, and functioned well in maintaining corneal clarity, thickness, normal histological structure, and composition in dog models by reconstructing a normal aHC, which could be used as a promising aHC equivalent in corneal regenerative medicine and aHC disorder therapy.
The Effect of Compliant Inflow Cannulae on the Hemocompatibility of Rotary Blood Pump Circuits in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Pauls Jo P. , Nandakumar Deepika , Horobin Jarod , Prendeville Justin D. , Simmonds Michael J. , Fraser John F. , Tansley Geoff , Gregory Shaun D.
Published: June 2017

Rotary blood pumps (RBPs) are used for mechanical circulatory support in heart failure patients but exhibit a reduced response to preload changes, which can lead to ventricular suction events. A passive control system, in the form of a compliant inflow cannula (IC), has been developed to mitigate suction, although this device may cause significant hemolysis. This study compared the incidence of mechanically induced hemolysis of two compliant IC designs (strutted and nonstrutted) with a rigid IC (control) in a blood circulation loop over 90 min. The nonstrutted compliant IC introduced high frequency and high amplitude oscillations in RBP inlet pressure and RBP IC resistance. These oscillations were correlated with a significant increase in plasma‐free hemoglobin (pfHb) and hemolysis: pfHb increased to 2.005 ± 0.665 g/L, while normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) and modified index of hemolysis (MIH) increased to 0.04945 ± 0.01276 g/100 L and 4.0505 ± 0.6589 after 90 min (P < 0.05). In contrast, the strutted compliant IC performed similar to the clinically utilized rigid IC and did not increase pfHb (0.300 ± 0.090 and 0.320 ± 0.171 g/L, respectively) and rate of hemolysis (NIH 0.00435 ± 0.00155 and 0.00543 ± 0.00371 g/100 L; MIH 0.3896 ± 0.1749 and 0.4261 ± 0.2792, respectively) within the RBP circuit. These data indicated that strutted, compliant ICs meet the hemocompatibility of clinically used rigid ICs while also offering a potential solution to prevent ventricular suction events.
Control of a Pediatric Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device: A Hybrid Cardiovascular Model Study
Authors: Ferrari Gianfranco , Di Molfetta Arianna , Zieliński Krzysztof , Fresiello Libera , Górczyńska Krystyna , Pałko Krzysztof Jakub , Darowski Marek , Amodeo Antonio , Kozarski Maciej
Published: June 2017

The aim of this work is to study pediatric pneumatic ventricle (PVAD) performance, versus VAD rate (VADR) and native heart rate (HR) ratio Rr (VADR/HR). The study uses a hybrid model of the cardiovascular system (HCS). HCS consists of a computational part (a lumped parameter model including left and right ventricles, systemic and pulmonary arterial and venous circulation) interfaced to a physical part. This permits the connection of a VAD (15 mL PVAD). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic data of a pediatric patient (average weight 14.3 kg, HR 100 bpm, systemic pressure 75/44 mm Hg, CO 1.5 L/min) assisted apically with asynchronous PVAD were used to set up a basal condition in the model. After model tuning, the assistance was started, setting VAD parameters (ejection and filling pressures, systole duration) to completely fill and empty the PVAD. The study was conducted with constant HR and variable VADR (50‐120, step 10, bpm). Experiments were repeated for two additional patients' HRs, 90 and 110 bpm and for two values of systemic arterial resistance (Ras) and Emax. Experimental data were collected and stored on disk. Analyzed data include average left and right ventricular volumes (LVV, RVV), left ventricular flow (LVF), VAD flow (VADF), and total cardiac output (COt). Data were analyzed versus Rr. LVV and RVV are sensitive to Rr and a left ventricular unloading corresponds in general to a right ventricular loading. In the case of asynchronous assistance, frequency beats are always present and the beat rate is equal to the difference between HR and VADR. In the case of pulsatile asynchronous LVAD assistance, VADR should be chosen to minimize frequency beat effects and right ventricular loading and to maximize left ventricular unloading.
A New Rat Model of Seizures Suitable for Screening Antiepileptic Electrical Stimulation Therapies
Authors: Sevcencu Cristian , Jiao Jianhang , Harreby Kristian Rauhe , Jensen Winnie
Published: June 2017

The antiepileptic effects of the electrical stimulation therapies developed for patients with intractable epilepsies depend critically on the stimulation parameters, including the pulse duration, current, and frequency. Consequently, optimization of such therapies requires many animals for testing each of the stimulation parameters alone or in combination, which is costly and time consuming. This drawback could be reduced by testing several stimulation paradigms in each animal, but this requires an animal model of long‐lasting seizures allowing such repetitive tests. This study was performed to validate such a model of long‐lasting seizures. The present analysis was performed on electrocorticogram and intracortical signals collected from the somatosensory cortex of 11 Sprague Dawley rats. A protocol of controlled intravenous infusion of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was developed to induce spike‐and‐wave (SW) seizures and maintain stable those seizures for the whole experimental time. SW discharges were induced and maintained stable for 2 h in all rats through a two‐stage infusion of PTZ. During the first stage, the SW discharges were induced by 2.5 min infusion of 10 mg/kg/min PTZ. During the second stage, the SW discharges were maintained at a stable level of frequency and power for 2 h via a 0.21 mg/kg/min PTZ infusion rate. The proposed animal model of seizures is characterized by SW discharges which remain stable for 2 h. This 2‐h long time interval allows repetitive tests with different stimulation parameters in each animal, which may lead to a significant reduction of the number of animals necessary for optimizing electrical stimulation therapies developed to inhibit seizures.
Editorial: yoga for QoL in ulcerative colitis—any better than other supportive activities?
Authors: Andrews J. M
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Cramer et al papers. To view these articles visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14141 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14062.
Editorial: yoga for QoL in ulcerative colitis—any better than other supportive activities? Authors’ reply
Authors: Cramer H. , Dobos G. , Langhorst J.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Andrews and Cramer et al papers. To view these
articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14115 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14062.
Editorial: refractory GERD—good drug, wrong patients? Authors’ reply
Authors: Coyle C. , Bytzer P.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Katz and Coyle et al papers. To view these articles
visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14120 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14064.
Impact of diagnostic ureteroscopy on intravesical recurrence in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Marchioni Michele , Primiceri Giulia , Cindolo Luca , Hampton Lance J. , Grob Mayer B. , Guruli Georgi , Schips Luigi , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Autorino Riccardo
Published: June 2017

Aim of this study was to analyse the association between the use of diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS) and the development of intravesical recurrence (IVR) in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for high‐risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma. A systematic review of the published data was performed up to December 2016, using multiple search engines to identify eligible studies. A formal meta‐analysis was conducted of studies comparing patients who underwent URS before RNU with those who did not. Hazard ratios (HRs), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), from each study were used to calculate pooled HRs. Pooled estimates were calculated using a fixed‐effects or random‐effects model according to heterogeneity. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan, version 5. Seven studies were included in the systematic review, but only six of these were deemed fully eligible for meta‐analysis. Among the 2 382 patients included in the meta‐analysis, 765 underwent diagnostic URS prior to RNU. All examined studies were retrospective, and the majority examined Asian populations. The IVR rate ranged from 39.2% to 60.7% and from 16.7% to 46% in patients with and without prior URS, respectively. In the pooled analysis, a statistically significant association was found between performance of URS prior to RNU and IVR (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.33–1.88; P < 0.001). There was no heterogeneity in the observed outcomes, according to the I2 statistic of 2% (P = 0.40). Within the intrinsic limitations of this type of analysis, these findings suggest a significant association between the use of diagnostic URS and higher risk of developing IVR after RNU. Further research in this area should be encouraged to further investigate the possible causality behind this association and it potential clinical implications.
Using automated patch clamp electrophysiology platforms in pain‐related ion channel research: insights from industry and academia
Authors: Bell Damian C , Dallas Mark L
Published: June 2017

Automated patch clamp (APC) technology was first developed at the turn of the millennium. The increased throughput it afforded promised a new paradigm in ion channel recordings, offering the potential to overcome the time‐consuming, low‐throughput bottleneck, arising from manual patch clamp investigations. This has relevance to the fast‐paced development of novel therapies for chronic pain. This review highlights the advances in technology, using select examples that have facilitated APC usage in both industry and academia. It covers both first generation and the latest developments in second‐generation platforms. In addition, it also provides an overview of the pain research field and how APC platforms have furthered our understanding of ion channel research and the development of pharmacological tools and therapeutics. APC platforms have much to offer to the ion channel research community, and this review highlights areas of best practice for both academia and industry. The impact of APC platforms and the prospects of ion channel research and improved therapeutics for chronic pain will be evaluated.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc
Approches formelles en transmission stratégique de l'information : une boîte à outils pour les décideurs publics
Authors: Béchard Benoît
Published: June 2017

Because the elected official requires the civil servant's expertise and the latter owes its survival to its political superior, many see this interface as a strategic opportunity. This dynamic scoping review of the existing literature gathers the main works about strategic transmission of information in a descriptive framework tailored to the needs of practitioners in the state apparatus. Since strategy is likely to influence the output of a decision, formal literature should be considered as a toolbox able to optimize information transmission. Aware of this reality, the public actors break the strategic determinism of such exchanges.
The conundrum of absenteeism in the Canadian public service: A wicked problem perspective
Authors: McGrandle Jocelyn , Ohemeng Frank L. K.
Published: June 2017

Absenteeism has received increasing attention in public sectors across the world. In Canada's federal public service, absenteeism cost the government approximately $871 million in lost wages in 2013 alone (Barkel 2014a). Current and previous Canadian governments have attempted to reform sick‐leave policy to reduce absenteeism, but simple solutions to a complex problem will likely result in negative and unforeseen consequences. This article conceptualizes absenteeism as a “wicked problem” to explore its complexity. Addressing absenteeism requires a deeper understanding of issues and factors by government representatives, unions, NGOs, and policy experts, which can lead to multifaceted solutions.
Parental disease prevention health beliefs and triggers for keeping children home from childcare—a qualitative study in Sydney, Australia
Authors: King C. L. , Leask J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Infectious diseases cause considerable morbidity and mortality in children less than 5 years of age. Children attending childcare centres are at increased risk of contracting infections. It is of public health interest to understand what triggers and underpins parental decisions to send an unwell child to childcare, with the obvious attendant risks to other children and childcare staff as well as the affected child. This study aimed to examine parents' disease prevention health beliefs and practices with a particular focus on how these factors influence childcare attendance decisions.

Methods

Semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted between June 2009 and May 2011 with parents who had at least one child under 5 years of age enrolled in a childcare centre. Six centres in the metropolitan area of Sydney, Australia, were selected to include parents from a range of demographic and socio‐economic backgrounds.

Results

Forty‐two interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Themes emerging from the data included “vitamin dirt,” contagion, and contagion prevention and control. These interacted with parents' decision‐making about childcare attendance, and parents made choices in a complex context of obligations to their child, social contract obligations to others, peer expectations, and the need to work. Vaccination received only scant mention as a preventive health measure. Decision‐making by parents concerning childcare attendance was made without reference to any external guidelines.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into parental disease prevention beliefs, behaviours, and decision‐making. It reveals a need for policies to support parents with unwell children. In addition, resources and educative efforts to raise awareness of vaccination as a preventive health measure, and awareness of infectious disease contagion more broadly, would assist in providing parents with a greater evidence base for making decisions about childcare attendance when their child is unwell.
Saliva testing for human papilloma virus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Qureishi A. , Ali M. , Fraser L. , Shah K.A. , Møller H. , Winter S.
Published: June 2017

Background

New cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are routinely tested for HPV. HPV in saliva can be detected with PCR, but its clinical applicability in the context of OPSCC remains unknown.

Methods

Forty‐six consecutive patients diagnosed with OPSCC had pre‐treatment saliva specimens collected. PCR for HPV on saliva was compared to p16 IHC and HPV DNA in situ hybridisation (ISH) on surgical biopsies.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of saliva testing when compared to the reference test of p16 IHC and HPV DNA ISH were 72.2% and 90%, and positive and negative predictive values were 96.3% and 47.4%. There were no adverse events. Time from last meal, smoking, alcohol drinking and physical exercise did not impact on results.

Conclusions

Saliva testing is a promising test to detect HPV in patients with OPSCC. A positive result could avoid the need for surgical biopsies, thereby reducing costs, patient morbidity and expedite treatment.
GOVERNMENT BOND YIELDS AT THE EFFECTIVE LOWER BOUND: INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Lombardi Domenico , Siklos Pierre L. , St. Amand Samantha
Published: June 2017

Empirical evidence on the potential impact of central bank policies on government bond yields at the effective lower bound (ELB) is presented for nine economies. We quantify the content of central bank communications and consider international policy spillovers. Yields at the medium‐to‐longer end of the yield curve remain responsive to news for a few years after the ELB is reached. Yields become more sensitive to the content central bank communication at the ELB. Our results provide further evidence that central bank communication is an important element of monetary policy making when the interest rate tool loses efficacy. (JEL E52, E58, G12, F42)
Research on genodermatoses using novel genome‐editing tools
Authors: Lehmann Janin , Seebode Christina , Emmert Steffen
Published: June 2017

Genodermatoses comprise a clinically heterogeneous group of mostly devastating disorders affecting the skin. To date, treatment options have in general been limited to symptom relief. However, the recent technical evolution in genome editing has ushered in a new era in the development of causal therapies for rare monogenetic diseases such as genodermatoses. The present review revisits the advantages and drawbacks of engineered nuclease tools currently available: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), meganucleases, and – the most innovative – clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated (Cas) nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system. A mechanistic overview of the different modes of action of these programmable nucleases as well as their significance for causal therapy of genodermatoses is presented. Remaining limitations and challenges such as efficient delivery and off‐target activity are critically discussed, highlighting both the past and future of gene therapy in dermatology.
Young children discover how to deceive in 10 days: a microgenetic study
Authors: Ding Xiao Pan , Heyman Gail D. , Fu Genyue , Zhu Bo , Lee Kang
Published: June 2017

We investigated how the ability to deceive emerges in early childhood among a sample of young preschoolers (Mean age = 34.7 months). We did this via a 10‐session microgenetic method that took place over a 10‐day period. In each session, children played a zero‐sum game against an adult to win treats. In the game, children hid the treats and had opportunities (10 trials) to win them by providing deceptive information about their whereabouts to the adult. Although children initially showed little or no ability to deceive, most spontaneously discovered deception and systematically used it to win the game by the tenth day. Both theory of mind and executive function skills were predictive of relatively faster patterns of discovery. These results are the first to provide evidence for the importance of cognitive skills and social experience in the discovery of deception over time in early childhood.
Pricing Political Rallies
Authors: Fuller Caleb S. , Lucas David S.
Published: June 2017

Why are political rallies free to attend? Fundraising is a central campaign activity and a perennial correlate of political victory. We argue that politicians set a zero price for rallies in order to reap a non‐pecuniary benefit: political support. An ‘allocation by waiting’ scheme selects those attendees with a lower opportunity cost of time relative to a standard ‘allocation by price’ scheme. Transactions costs mitigate Coasean bargaining by removing the secondary market, thereby altering the composition of the average rally crowd. This mechanism allows politicians to facilitate exchange with ‘general interests’: citizens who do not engage in rent seeking due to collective action costs but still stand to gain from redistributive policies.
SHOULD THERE BE FREEDOM OF DISSOCIATION?
Authors: Oderberg David S.
Published: June 2017

Contemporary liberal societies are seeing increasing pressure on individuals to act against their consciences. Most of the pressure is directed at freedom of religion but it also affects ethical beliefs more generally, contrary to the recognition of freedom of religion and conscience as a basic human right. I propose that freedom of dissociation, as a corollary of freedom of association, could be a practical and ethically acceptable solution to the conscience problem. I examine freedom of association and explain how freedom of dissociation follows from it, showing how dissociation protects freedom of religion and conscience. Extreme cases, such as the problem of the Satanist nurse, can be handled within a dissociationist framework, so it is reasonable to think less extreme cases can also be dealt with. The serious objection that dissociationism entails unjust discrimination is answered primarily by appeal to the need for ‘full and fair access’ to goods and services by all groups. I then allay important concerns about what kind of liberal society we should want to live in. Next, I refute the charge that a dissociationist society violates liberalism's ‘higher good’, arguing that liberalism strictly does not have a higher good. I conclude with some reflections on what a dissociationist society might look like.
JUDAISM AND LIBERALISM: ISRAEL’S ECONOMIC PROBLEM WITH ITS HAREDIM
Authors: Conway David
Published: June 2017

This article argues that, in the arrangements for the public provision of welfare for the poor and a basic education for all in both biblical and post‐biblical times, Judaism is more closely in accord with classical liberalism than it is with those variants of liberalism which favour no more than the minimal night‐watchman state as well as those which favour the extensive welfare states of contemporary Western social democracies. To the extent that Israel's ultra‐orthodox Jews (its Haredim) have been able to secure more by way of state subsidies (through exploiting the leverage their country's national system of proportional representation has given them, which often leaves them holding the balance of power), not only are they endangering Israel's viability as a vibrant, developed liberal democracy, they are also guilty of departing from the religious teachings and tradition of Jewish orthodoxy.
Lowering the Marginal Corporate Tax Rate: Why the Debate?
Authors: Anguelov Nikolay
Published: June 2017

In an effort to attract new investors and retain existing producers, governments use corporate tax rates as a policy tool for industrial recruitment, resulting in inter‐state tax competition. Foreign direct investment (FDI) growth and GDP growth are the two policy outcomes gauged in inter‐state tax competition. The assumption is that lower corporate taxes lead to increases in FDI, which results in capital formation that generates GDP growth. This 60‐nation panel study tests that assumption through examining economic indicators contingent on taxation, such as FDI and mergers and acquisitions among multinational corporations between 1999 and 2009. The results suggest that reduced corporate tax rates can increase FDI but decrease annual GDP growth. The main policy implication is that tax competition may attract investment, but may not promote overall economic growth, offering support for value‐extraction theories.
University reform and institutional autonomy: A framework for analysing the living autonomy
Authors: Maassen Peter , Gornitzka Åse , Fumasoli Tatiana
Published: June 2017

In this article we discuss recent university reforms aimed at enhancing university autonomy, highlighting various tensions in the underlying reform ideologies. We examine how the traditional interpretation of university autonomy has been expanded in the reform rationales. An analytical framework for studying how autonomy is interpreted and used inside the university is presented, which allows us to highlight that in order to understand the implications of enhanced university autonomy, we have to go beyond the scrutiny of formal arrangements and analyse practices of autonomy within the university which we refer to as the university?s living autonomy. Finally we introduce ideas for further research on the living autonomy with the use of our analytical framework.
Effect of mixed kojis on physiochemical and sensory properties of rapid‐fermented fish sauce made with freshwater fish by‐products
Authors: Zhao Jiuxiang , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mixed kojis on essential indices of fish sauce. Fish sauce inoculated with mixed kojis (FSB, Aspergillus oryzae koji:Aspergillus niger koji = 3:1) and A. oryzae koji (FSA, control) was prepared. At the end of fermentation, the content of amino nitrogen, total soluble nitrogen, Free amino acid (FAA) and glutamic acid in FSB increased by 7.50%, 7.84%, 9.80% and 28.43% compared to FSA, due to higher acid protease activity in mixed kojis. Moreover, flavour groups including phenols, ketones and nitrogen‐containing compounds in FSB were also improved. According to the results of sensory evaluation, FSB showed higher intensity of umami and caramel attributes, lower intensity of ammonia and sour attributes. All the results suggested that the usage of mixed kojis to produce fish sauce was an effective method that can accelerate the fermentation process and improve the flavour of fish sauce made with freshwater fish by‐products.
Perceived social support and psychosocial adjustment in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Karataş Tuğba , Bostanoğlu Hatice
Published: June 2017

Aim

This study was performed to assess perceived social support and psychosocial adjustment in patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods

Participants were 250 patients referred to the cardiology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey, between December 2013 and March 2014. Data were collected using a participant information form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale‐Self‐Report. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Patients' mean perceived social support scores were relatively low and patients' mean scores for psychosocial adjustment considered to be poor. Subgroups in the psychosocial adjustment and social support scales were significantly associated.

Conclusion

This study's results indicate that patients' social support is linked to their psychosocial adjustment to coronary heart disease. As psychosocial adjustment is inhibited in patients who lack sufficient social support, sources of social support of patients should be identified and facilitated.
Knockdown of a metathoracic scent gland desaturase enhances the production of (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal and suppresses female sexual attractiveness in the plant bug Adelphocoris suturalis
Authors: Luo J. , Li Z. , Ma C. , Zhang Z. , Hull J. J. , Lei C. , Jin S. , Chen L.
Published: June 2017

Insect sex pheromones (SPs) are central to mate‐finding behaviour, and play an essential role in the survival and reproduction of organisms. Understanding the roles, biosynthetic pathways and evolution of insect chemical communication systems has been an exciting challenge for biologists. Compared with Lepidoptera, little is known about the mechanisms underlying pheromone biosynthesis in Hemiptera. In this study, we isolated and characterized two new desaturase‐like genes, termed Asutdes1 and Asutdes2, from Adelphocoris suturalis, an important agricultural pest in China. Although the two genes encode an identical protein, Southern blot analysis revealed that they are duplicated genes. The Asutdes2 transcript is more abundant than Asutdes1 in the tissues tested, in particular the metathoracic scent gland and fat body. Silencing Asutdes expression in females by injecting double‐stranded RNA (dsAsutdes) against a portion of the coding sequence shared by the two genes enhanced the production of (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal, a component of the A. suturalis SP blend, and dramatically suppressed the sexual attractiveness of A. suturalis females. We conclude that dsAsutdes is associated with the SP biosynthetic pathway in A. suturalis.
The conundrums of human development – implications for the study of child and adolescent disorder
Authors: Gregory Alice M.
Published: June 2017

The conundrums inherent in the study of child and adolescent development are likely never far from the minds of the readers of JCPP. The complexity of development is flagged clearly in this issue. Included papers remind us that the link between associations (here maternal depression and child internalising problems) can change over short time periods. Even when the magnitude of associations stay consistent over time (here between the home environment and depression), there may be different aetiological processes underlying these links. Going forward, we should not lose sight of the significance of small changes in study designs, whether concerning the age range of participants, stipulated reporting periods and data analysis decisions (such as combining data from different age groups). The value of longitudinal data in addressing these questions remains paramount.
Diet‐induced early‐stage atherosclerosis in baboons: Lipoproteins, atherogenesis, and arterial compliance
Authors: Mahaney Michael C. , Karere Genesio M. , Rainwater David L. , Voruganti Venkata S. , Dick Edward J. , Owston Michael A. , Rice Karen S. , Cox Laura A. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , VandeBerg John L.
Published: June 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether dietary manipulation can reliably induce early‐stage atherosclerosis and clinically relevant changes in vascular function in an established, well‐characterized non‐human primate model.

Methods

We fed 112 baboons a high‐cholesterol, high‐fat challenge diet for two years. We assayed circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, at 0, 7, and 104 weeks into the challenge; assessed arterial compliance noninvasively at 104 weeks; and measured atherosclerotic lesions in three major arteries at necropsy.

Results

We observed evidence of atherosclerosis in all but one baboon fed the two‐year challenge diet. CVD risk biomarkers, the prevalence, size, and complexity of arterial lesions, plus consequent arterial stiffness, were increased in comparison with dietary control animals.

Conclusions

Feeding baboons a high‐cholesterol, high‐fat diet for two years reliably induces atherosclerosis, with risk factor profiles, arterial lesions, and changes in vascular function also seen in humans.
Maternal morbidity and associated factors at a tertiary care Centre in Karachi: A critical analysis
Authors: Hashmi Haleema Akhter , Umer Sarwat , Ahmed Syed Ijlal
Published: June 2017

Aim

The study was conducted to identify maternal morbidity and associated factors such intensive care unit admission and surgical intervention.

Methods

Pregnant and six‐week post‐partum women without any other comorbidy were recruited from January 2014 to December 2015 from the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. A structurally designed questionnaire was used to record demographic data and factors related to the management and intervention of maternal conclusions.

Results

A total of 213 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 27.87 ± 5.26 years, mean parity of 2.02 ± 1.88 and mean gestational period of 32.48 ± 7.93. The details of 186 neonatal cases were also recorded: 47 neonates were admitted to the intensive care unit, while 23 were kept on ventilation. The primary complication was post‐partum hemorrhage. The most common intervention methods used was lower segment cesarean section.

Conclusion

The concept of maternal morbidity is developing as a new indicator for the assessment of maternal healthcare services. Public health awareness programs should be conducted for health professionals to combat the high incidence of maternal morbidity.
Post‐partum podocyturia following pre‐eclamptic pregnancy
Authors: Furuta Itsuko , Zhai Tianyue , Umazume Takeshi , Ishikawa Satoshi , Hosokawa Ami , Kojima Takashi , Chiba Kentaro , Yamada Takahiro , Morikawa Mamoru , Minakami Hisanori
Published: June 2017

Aim

Urine podocin mRNA expression and urine podocin : nephrin mRNA expression ratio (PNR) increase with increasing proteinuria during pregnancy complicated with pre‐eclampsia (PE). This suggests that urine podocytes with reduced nephrin mRNA expression are abundant in pathological podocyturia. The aim of this study was therefore to determine post‐partum changes in podocyturia and PNR in relation to proteinuria after pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

A total of 137 peripartum urine specimens, consisting of 72 and 65 from 24 and 30 women with PE and normotensive control pregnancies (NCP), respectively, were studied. Determination of urine protein and creatinine concentration and quantitative analysis of podocyte‐specific podocin and nephrin mRNA expression were carried out using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in pelleted urine samples. Podocyturia was monitored via urine podocin mRNA expression. Podocyturia and proteinuria were normalized by urine creatinine concentration.

Results

Podocyturia and urine PNR decreased with decreasing proteinuria as well as with increasing time after delivery in the urine from PE women. In physiological proteinuria (i.e. protein : creatinine ratio [P/Cr] 0.005–0.1 mg/mg), however, both podocyturia and PNR were significantly greater in the urine from PE women compared with NPC women, although P/Cr was similar between the groups (median, 0.037 mg/mg for PE vs 0.029 mg/mg for NCP).

Conclusions

Podocyturia decreases with decreasing proteinuria in PE women after childbirth. In PE women, however, pathological podocyturia consisting of podocytes with decreased nephrin mRNA expression persisted even after proteinuria decreased to a level similar to that in NCP women.
Validation of a paper‐disk approach to facilitate the sensory evaluation of bitterness in dairy protein hydrolysates from a newly developed food‐grade fractionation system
Authors: Murray Niamh M. , O'Riordan Dolores , Jacquier Jean‐Christophe , O'Sullivan Michael , Cohen Joshua L. , Heymann Hildegarde , Barile Daniela , Dallas David C.
Published: June 2017

Casein‐hydrolysates (NaCaH) are desirable functional ingredients, but their bitterness impedes usage in foods. This study sought to validate a paper‐disk approach to help evaluate bitterness in NaCaHs and to develop a food‐grade approach to separate a NaCaH into distinct fractions, which could be evaluated by a sensory panel. Membrane filtration generated < 0.2‐µm and <3‐kDa permeates. Further fractionation of the <3‐kDa permeate by flash‐chromatography generated four fractions using ethanol (EtOH) concentrations of 5, 10, 30, and 50%. As some fractions were poorly soluble in water, the fractions were resolubilized in EtOH and impregnated into paper disks for sensory evaluation. Bitterness differences observed in the membrane fractions using this sensory evaluation approach reflected those observed for the same fractions presented as a liquid. The flash‐chromatography fractions increased in bitterness with an increase in hydrophobicity, except for the 50% EtOH fraction which had little bitterness. Amino acid analysis of the fractions showed enrichment of different essential amino acids in both the bitter and less bitter fractions.

Practical applications

The developed food‐grade fractionation system, allowed for a simple and reasonably scaled approach to separating a NaCaH, into physicochemically different fractions that could be evaluated by a sensory panel. The method of sensory evaluation used in this study, in which NaCaH samples are impregnated into paper disks, provided potential solutions for issues such as sample insolubility and limited quantities of sample. As the impregnated paper‐disk samples were dehydrated, their long storage life could also be suitable for sensory evaluations distributed by mail for large consumer studies. The research, in this study, allowed for a greater understanding of the physicochemical basis for bitterness in this NaCaH. As some essential amino acids were enriched in the less bitter fractions, selective removal of bitter fractions could allow for the incorporation of the less bitter NaCaH fractions into food products for added nutritional value, without negatively impacting sensory properties. There is potential for this approach to be applied to other food ingredients with undesirable tastes, such as polyphenols.
Comparing visual food images versus actual food when measuring emotional response of children
Authors: Gallo Katherine E. , Swaney‐Stueve Marianne , Chambers Delores H.
Published: June 2017

With the continued growth of emotion research in the consumer sciences, it has become necessary to investigate approaches which are appropriate for use with children. The purpose of this study was to compare children's liking and emotional responses to food images and actual foods. In both studies, 8 foods were used as stimuli (fresh spinach, baby carrots, orange juice, white grapes, cheddar cheese, chocolate graham snacks, lychee gummy candy, and white bread). In the first study, children answered questions about liking and emotions in response to food images. Emotion responses were collected using a check‐all‐that‐apply format with emojis and words as variables. In the second study, children were asked liking and emotion questions after seeing the sample and after tasting the sample. Overall liking scores were higher for actual foods compared with food images. Additionally, testing with actual foods resulted in increased use of positive emojis and words, and decreased use of negative emojis and words for both food appearance and post‐taste emotions. The largest differences in liking and emotion results were seen in response to the lychee gummy candy, which most children had not tried before. The children's responses differed between a conceptual evaluation (image) versus actual evaluation (appearance, taste).

Practical applications

This study illustrates the influence of stimulus type on study outcomes when testing with children. In this study, the children's responses differed between a conceptual evaluation (image only) versus literally seeing and tasting the product, and are therefore not interchangeable when conducting emotion testing with children.
Efficacy of oral lipid-based formulations of apomorphine and its diester in a Parkinson's disease rat model
Authors: Borkar Nrupa , Andersson Daniel R , Yang Mingshi , Müllertz Anette , Holm René , Mu Huiling
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Apomorphine is used to symptomatically treat Parkinson's disease (PD). Oral delivery of apomorphine is generally limited by its short plasma half-life and a hepatic first-pass metabolism. This study was aimed at evaluating the behavioural response of apomorphine and its prodrug administered in oral lipid-based formulations.

Methods

The behavioural response of apomorphine and its prodrug administered in oral lipid-based formulations was evaluated using a 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model simulating PD symptomatology. Apomorphine or dipalmitoyl apomorphine (DPA) was incorporated into different lipid-based formulations and orally administered (0.24 mmol/kg) to the PD rat model. The rotations by the rats were counted.

Key findings

The duration of response lasted to about 2.5 h with oral apomorphine- and DPA-loaded o/w emulsion, while it was increased to 6 h when DPA was incorporated in self-emulsifying drug delivery systems compared to s.c. apomorphine (1 h). This suggests that the lipid-based formulations provide a sustained drug release allowing for a steady exposure to the brain.

Conclusions

Oral lipid-based apomorphine delivery has a potential in achieving a steady response, though at a higher dose possibly eliminating the need for frequent s.c. apomorphine administration.