bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Global City: Enabling Economic Intermediation and Bearing Its Costs
Authors: Sassen Saskia
Published: June 2016

Contesting the widespread notion in the 1980s that place no longer mattered to highly digitized economic sectors turned out to be the first step towards conceptualizing the Global City function. It became an effort to detect a new, somewhat elusive formation deep inside major cities. Then came 8 years of endless data analyses and exciting fieldwork. My basic mode was discovery, not replication. What was the combination of elements that might produce this ironic outcome: the fact that the most powerful, rich, and digitized economic actors needed “central places,” and perhaps more than ever before? Large corporate firms engaged in routinized production could locate anywhere. But if they went global they needed access to a whole new mix of complex specialized services almost impossible to produce in–house as had been the practice. A second hypothesis that was stronger than I expected was that this new economic logic, partial as it was, would generate high–level jobs and low–wage jobs; it would need far fewer middle–range jobs than traditional corporations. But those low–level jobs, whether in the office or in households, would matter more than one might imagine. I described them as the work of maintaining a strategic infrastructure.
Application of DNA barcodes in wildlife conservation in Tropical East Asia
Authors: Wilson John‐James , Sing Kong‐Wah , Lee Ping‐Shin , Wee Alison K. S.
Published: June 2016

Over the past 50 years, Tropical East Asia has lost more biodiversity than any tropical region. Tropical East Asia is a megadiverse region with an acute taxonomic impediment. DNA barcodes are short standardized DNA sequences used for taxonomic purposes and have the potential to lessen the challenges of biodiversity inventory and assessments in regions where they are most needed. We reviewed DNA barcoding efforts in Tropical East Asia relative to other tropical regions. We suggest DNA barcodes (or metabarcodes from next‐generation sequencers) may be especially useful for characterizing and connecting species‐level biodiversity units in inventories encompassing taxa lacking formal description (particularly arthropods) and in large‐scale, minimal‐impact approaches to vertebrate monitoring and population assessments through secondary sources of DNA (invertebrate derived DNA and environmental DNA). We suggest interest and capacity for DNA barcoding are slowly growing in Tropical East Asia, particularly among the younger generation of researchers who can connect with the barcoding analogy and understand the need for new approaches to the conservation challenges being faced.
Passive acoustic monitoring of the decline of Mexico's critically endangered vaquita
Authors: Jaramillo‐Legorreta Armando , Cardenas‐Hinojosa Gustavo , Nieto‐Garcia Edwyna , Rojas‐Bracho Lorenzo , Ver Hoef Jay , Moore Jeffrey , Tregenza Nicholas , Barlow Jay , Gerrodette Tim , Thomas Len , Taylor Barbara
Published: June 2016

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the world's most endangered marine mammal with approximately 245 individuals remaining in 2008. This species of porpoise is endemic to the northern Gulf of California, Mexico, and historically the population has declined because of unsustainable bycatch in gillnets. An illegal gillnet fishery for an endangered fish, the totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), has recently resurged throughout the vaquita's range. The secretive but lucrative wildlife trade with China for totoaba swim bladders has probably increased vaquita bycatch mortality by an unknown amount. Precise population monitoring by visual surveys is difficult because vaquitas are inherently hard to see and have now become so rare that sighting rates are very low. However, their echolocation clicks can be identified readily on specialized acoustic detectors. Acoustic detections on an array of 46 moored detectors indicated vaquita acoustic activity declined by 80% between 2011 and 2015 in the central part of the species’ range. Statistical models estimated an annual rate of decline of 34% (95% Bayesian credible interval –48% to –21%). Based on results from 2011 to 2014, the government of Mexico enacted and is enforcing an emergency 2‐year ban on gillnets throughout the species’ range to prevent extinction, at a cost of US$74 million to compensate fishers. Developing precise acoustic monitoring methods proved critical to exposing the severity of vaquitas’ decline and emphasizes the need for continual monitoring to effectively manage critically endangered species.
Introducing Neural Computing in Governance Research: Applying Self‐Organizing Maps to Configurational Studies
Authors: Somers Mark John , Casal Jose
Published: June 2016

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Issue/Question

Self‐organizing maps (SOMs), a neural computing paradigm, were introduced as a methodology to enhance and extend configurational governance research. The capabilities of SOMs include assessment of nonlinear relationships among study variables and projection of firms and clusters in two‐dimensional space based on their relative similarity.

Research Findings/Insights

To demonstrate their application to governance research, SOMs were used to study patterns of immunity to institutional governance logics in the financial services industry. Firm sensemaking and governance logics were assessed by analyzing the language and meaning of corporate codes of conduct. Content analysis was guided by the DICTION software program. DICTION uses data dictionaries to analyze the meaning of text documents based on word usage. Our results supported a configurational model characterized by distinct groupings of firms with varying degrees of acceptance of prevailing institutional governance logics.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

SOM analysis demonstrated that context influences firm governance logics. Specifically, different interpretations of environmental pressures led to different adaptive responses suggesting reconsideration of the notion of universal or best governance practices.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase activity and pharmacologic inhibition in horses with chronic severe laminitis
Authors: Guedes A. , Galuppo L. , Hood D. , Hwang S. H. , Morisseau C. , Hammock B. D.
Published: June 2016

Background

The roles of soluble epoxide hydrolase and lipid mediators in inflammatory and neuropathic pain could be relevant in laminitis pain management.

Objectives

To determine soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) activity in the digital laminae, sEH inhibitor potency in vitro, and efficacy of a sEH inhibitor as an adjunct analgesic therapy in chronic laminitic horses.

Study design

In vitro experiments and clinical case series.

Methods

sEH activity was measured in digital laminae from euthanised healthy and laminitic horses (n = 5–6/group). Potency of 7 synthetic sEH inhibitors was determined in vitro using equine liver cytosol. One of them (t‐TUCB; 0.1 mg/kg bwt i.v. every 24 h) was selected based on potency and stability, and used as adjunct therapy in 10 horses with severe chronic laminitis (Obel grades 2, one horse; 3–4, nine horses). Daily assessments of forelimb lifts, pain scores, physiologic and laboratory examinations were performed before (baseline) and during t‐TUCB treatment. Data are presented as mean ± s.d. and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

sEH activity in the digital laminae from laminitic horses (0.9±0.6 nmol/min/mg; 95% CI 0.16–1.55 nmol/min/mg) was significantly greater (P = 0.01) than in healthy horses (0.17±0.09 nmol/min/mg; CI 0.07–0.26 nmol/min/mg). t‐TUCB as an adjunct analgesic up to 10 days (4.3±3 days) in laminitic horses was associated with significant reduction in forelimb lifts (36±22%; 95% CI 9–64%) and in pain scores (18±23%; 95% CI 2–35%) compared with baseline (P = 0.04). One horse developed gas colic and another corneal vascularisation in a blind eye during treatment. No other significant changes were observed.

Main limitations

Absence of control group and evaluator blinding in case series.

Conclusions

sEH activity is significantly higher in the digital laminae of actively laminitic compared with healthy horses, and use of a potent inhibitor of equine sEH as adjunct analgesic therapy appears to decrease signs of pathologic pain in laminitic horses.
Thermal expansion behavior of Ge‐Sb‐Se glasses in a compositional range for molded infrared lens applications
Authors: Lee Woo Hyung , Yi Jeong Han , Lee Jun Ho , Park Bong Je , Choi Ju Hyeon , Kim Hye Jeong , Choi Yong Gyu
Published: June 2016

The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of Ge‐Sb‐Se glass, within a compositional range suitable for molded lenses capable of transmitting long‐wavelength infrared, was analyzed to assess compositional dependence. Unlike other thermal properties, eg, glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature, which are correlated mostly with germanium content, the TEC turned out to behave most sensitively with selenium content. The thermal expansion behavior of this glass was evaluated based on two structural parameters: the mean coordination number and average bond energy (ABE). It was verified that the relation between TEC and these structural parameters needs to be distinguished in terms of homopolar Se‐Se bonds. Specifically, the TEC tends to decrease monotonically as the mean coordination number increases, and there are relatively small discrepancies between Se‐sufficient and Se‐deficient compositions. The TEC of the Se‐sufficient glass appears to have a relatively well‐defined correlation with the ABE: the TEC decreases as the ABE increases. However, a much weaker correlation between the TEC and ABE is observed in the Se‐deficient glass. The observed thermal expansion behavior of this glass is delineated, with a particular focus on its connection to the structural role of the Se atoms.
Bacterial biofilms in food processing environments: a review of recent developments in chemical and biological control
Authors: Phillips Carol A.
Published: June 2016

Biofilms are immobile communities of micro‐organisms attached to any surface, such as stainless steel or a food matrix surface or on packaging material. They may be composed of a single species, but more generally, in the natural environment, they consist of mixed species together with an extracellular matrix. Biofilms provide a common mechanism of persistence for a number of bacterial species especially in food processing environments, and therefore, prevention of biofilm formation and the removal of preformed biofilms are an important issue for the food industry. This article reviews the current understanding on the formation of biofilms and recent developments in biological and chemical methods for prevention and removal.
Toughness and Hamiltonicity of strictly chordal graphs
Authors: Markenzon Lilian , Waga Christina F.E.M.
Published: June 2016

The clique‐based structure of chordal graphs allows the development of efficient solutions for many algorithmic problems. In this context, the minimal vertex separators play a decisive role. In this paper, we study properties of these structures, presenting a linear time determination of the toughness of strictly chordal graphs. We prove that every 1‐tough strictly chordal graph is Hamiltonian. This result leads to the characterization of a new class, the Hamiltonian strictly chordal graphs. We also prove that graphs belonging to this class are cycle extendable.
COLD COMFORT: WINGED PSYCHAI ON FIFTH-CENTURY BC GREEK FUNERARY LEKYTHOI
Authors: MARTIN BRIDGET
Published: June 2016

Some fifth-century BC Greek funerary lekythoi depict the dead as diminutive, winged figures. These often overlooked figures are the culmination of a tradition stretching back to the winged epic dead of the sixth century, whose depiction centred on motifs of recognition, remembrance, and comfort. This article argues that these motifs were adopted and adapted in the fifth century to fulfil the particular needs of the vase dedicators: the winged figures offered comfort and reassurance to the living that the dead were cared for and their own piety noted, and suggested remembrance and honour for the dead.
INHABITING A LETTERED WORLD: EXPLORING THE FRINGES OF ROMAN WRITING HABITS
Authors: KRUSCHWITZ PETER
Published: June 2016

Based on a survey of the evidence for perishable and liminal Roman material writing habits that might appropriately be described as ‘fringe epigraphy’, this paper invites a conceptual re-evaluation of writing and the role of letters, words, and texts – including their perception – in the Roman world. It thus challenges recent attempts of an all too narrow disciplinary, institutional view of what might constitute Latin epigraphy. Much rather, it is argued, it seems appropriate to think of the Roman world as a fundamentally lettered one – a world that is not only described and perceived, but, in actual fact, even imagined and explained in such terms, allowing for fluid transitions from monumental to informal, from serious and communication-driven to playful, pointless, and sensational, and ultimately from real to imagined.
Different paths to protest: predictors of collective action in the Occupy Movement
Authors: Morgan G. Scott , Chan Wing Yi
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the variables that shaped people's willingness to engage in collective action in the context of the Occupy Movement. Data were collected in 2011 from nonprotesting supporters at the New York City Occupy encampment and active occupiers at the New York and Atlanta encampments. Participants distinguished between different kinds of collective action based on cost. Furthermore, different predictors motivated distinct kinds of collective action. Identity and anger predicted low‐cost collective action. Efficacy predicted relatively costly collective action and mediated the link between identity and costly collective action. This study provides evidence that people draw distinctions between different actions based on cost and that, when it comes to predicting collective action, these distinctions matter.
Self‐Reported Hearing in the Last 2 Years of Life in Older Adults
Authors: Smith Alexander K. , Ritchie Christine S. , Miao Yinghui , Boscardin W. John , Wallhagen Margaret L.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and correlates of self‐reported hearing loss during the last 2 years of life.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal nationally representative cohort of adults aged 50 and older (2000–13).

Participants

Older adults (N = 5,895, mean age at death 78, 53% female, 20% nonwhite).

Measurements

The HRS interview closest to death was used (mean 12.2 months before death). Participants rated their hearing (excellent, very good, good, fair, poor) and indicated whether they used hearing aids. The prevalence and correlates of fair and poor ratings are described, adjusted for age and sex.

Results

Thirty‐two percent (95% confidence interval (CI) = 31–34%) of all participants and 60% (95% CI = 57–64%) of the 7% of participants who used hearing aids rated their hearing as fair or poor. The prevalence of fair or poor hearing was highest in participants interviewed closest to death (29% 19–24 months before death, 36% 1–6 months before death, P for trend = .01). Correlates of fair or poor hearing during the last 2 years of life included age at death (50–59, 22%; 60–69, 21%; 70–79, 26%; 80–89, 38%; ≥90, 50%), sex (men 35%, women 30%), race and ethnicity (Hispanic 42%, white 33%), wealth (lowest quartile 38%, highest quartile 27%), history of heart disease (yes 38%, no 27%), activity of daily living dependence (yes 42%, no 26%), difficulty taking medications (yes 46%, no 29%), and probable dementia (yes 44%, no 24%).

Conclusion

Self‐reported hearing loss increases during the last 2 years of life and is associated with physical and social vulnerability.
Analysis of the 100 most‐cited articles in periodontology
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Francetti Luca , Taschieri Silvio , Weinstein Roberto , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to analyze two distinct biomedical electronic databases for the 100 most‐cited articles in the field of periodontology.

Methods

Two electronic databases (Scopus [SCO] and Web of Science [WOS]) were used to retrieve lists of the 100 most‐cited articles using appropriately‐chosen keywords. The correlation between the number of citations and age of publication was evaluated statistically.

Results

Sixty‐three papers could be found in both lists. The mean number of citations in SCO was 476.7 ± 361.9 and 371.2 ± 249.7 in WOS. The mean age of publication in the SCO list was 21.4 ± 9.4 years and 18.6 ± 6.5 years in the WOS list. No correlation was found between age of publication and number of citations for both databases.

Conclusions

There is a lack of evidence of the correlation between age of publication and number of citations. The concordance between the two databases that were reviewed was relatively significant, even though the rankings of the most‐cited articles are dependent on the number of journals covered by one database. The actual value of the number of citations to measure the quality of one article should be carefully evaluated.
Developing ‘subject matter experts’: an improvement methodology programme for acute postoperative pain with patients post major surgery
Authors: Connor Laserina O
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To determine the effectiveness of an improvement methodology initiative, directed at refining the quality of acute pain management of patients in the first 24 hours post major surgery using the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire, pre‐ and post development of a ‘subject matter experts’ acute pain programme.

Background

Accurately measuring effectiveness of acute pain management post major surgery is intertwined with measuring overall patient satisfaction. A critical element of quality evaluation is obtaining direct feedback from patients about the here‐and‐now pain experiences post major surgery.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted in a large university hospital in Ireland. The questionnaire was completed with patients within 24 hours post major surgery, i.e., cardiothoracic, breast, gynaecological, gastrointestinal and urology surgery. The nurse participants were selected based on their commitment to play a key role in acute pain management. The study consisted of: a pre programme phase (n = 100 patients), an intervention phase – ‘subject matter experts’ acute pain programme (n = 24 nurses) and a postprogramme phase (n = 100 patients).

Results

Over a quarter of patients were in severe pain for long periods in the first 24 hours post major surgery. These findings were linked not only to ineffective analgesia from some pain drug therapies but also to contradictory messages from nurses. Over half of the patients’ pre‐ and postintervention reported satisfaction with acute pain management, whereas the remainder were dissatisfied and some sought answers to their suboptimum pain status. The ‘subject matter experts’ had a noteworthy impact on the patients’ pain beliefs.

Conclusions

The findings revealed that a ‘subject matter experts’ acute pain programme can have a positive impact on pain management in the immediate phase post major surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice

The role making of ‘subject matter experts’ in acute pain is a tactical approach towards achieving optimum patient pain control in the immediate phase post major surgery.
Evaluating medical errors made by nurses during their diagnosis, treatment and care practices
Authors: Kahriman İlknur , Öztürk Havva
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether the nurses committed medical errors and to identify the types of and reasons for the medical errors.

Background

Medical errors have recently emerged as a significant issue both in Turkey and around the world because they result in the death and disability of a number of people each year.

Design

This study was a descriptive study.

Method

The study was conducted with 1092 nurses working at a university hospital, 12 public hospitals and a private hospital in Trabzon.

Results

Twenty‐two per cent of the nurses stated that they had made medical errors endangering patient safety, and 4% stated that their medical errors had injured a patient. Of the nurses who made a medical error, 10% indicated that a patient's treatment was delayed and 6% stated that the patient experienced side effects. In addition, 23% of the nurses stated that they had committed medical errors such as delaying/not administering a patient's treatment and 20% stated that they had made medical errors such as using instruments without first checking them. Eighty‐three per cent of the nurses stated that they had committed a medical error due to fatigue, 82% were reported to be caused by the hospital's administration due to the limited number of nurses on duty and 75% were caused by physicians and other medical personnel due to a lack of communication.

Conclusion

Two of five nurses had committed a medical error throughout their career; these errors were due to fatigue, a limited number of nurses and communication problems, and patients were harmed because of these errors.

Relevant to clinical practice

The results of this study could be used to take precautions against nursing medical errors in Turkey and to enhance institutional policies and activities regarding medical errors and patient safety.
Black discolouration of urine in two young sisters
Authors: Martens Tine , van Gammeren Adriaan J. , Huijmans Jan G.M. , de Man Stella A.
Published: June 2016

See Answer
Children with Down syndrome: Clinical course and mortality‐associated factors in a French medical paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Joffre Christelle , Lesage Fabrice , Bustarret Olivier , Hubert Philippe , Oualha Mehdi
Published: June 2016

Aim

To investigate clinical course and mortality‐associated factors in children with Down syndrome (DS) managed in a medical paediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

A single‐centre, retrospective study conducted between 2001 and 2010 in DS children aged 1 month to 16 years.

Results

Sixty‐six patients with a median age of 24 months (1–192) and a male/female ratio of 1.5 were analysed. Patients presented with history of congenital heart disease (n = 52, 78.8%), mechanical ventilation (n = 40, 60.6%) and chronic upper airway obstruction (n = 10, 15.1%). The primary reason for admission was respiratory failure (n = 56, 84.8%). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (n = 19, 28.8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 18, 27.2%) and sepsis (n = 14, 21.2%) were observed during their clinical course. Twenty‐six patients died (39.4%). Mortality‐associated factors included the following: (i) baseline characteristics: history of mechanical ventilation, chronic upper airway obstruction and congenital heart disease; (ii) clinical course during paediatric intensive care unit stay: sepsis, catecholamine support, ARDS, PAH and nosocomial infection. In multivariate logistic analysis, history of mechanical ventilation, ARDS and PAH remained independently associated with death.

Conclusions

The mortality rate in critically ill DS children admitted for medical reasons is high and is predominantly associated with respiratory conditions.
Functionality of Different Surfactants on the Rheological and Micro‐Structural Characteristics of Multigrain Premix Incorporated Wheat Flour
Authors: K Ashwath Kumar , Sharma G. K.
Published: June 2016

Effect of different surfactants namely, lecithin, glycerol monostearate (GMS), sodium stearoyl‐2 lactylate (SSL) and di‐acetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides (DATEM) at three different levels (0.25, 0.5 and 1%) on the rheological and micro‐structural characteristics of multigrain premix incorporated wheat flour (MWF) were studied. Surfactants significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the consistograph water absorption capacity, tolerance, alveograph average abscissa at rupture and mixogram peak value of MWF and decreased the consistograph dough development time, alveograph tenacity, mixograph height and width. DATEM and lecithin decreased the rapid visco analyzer peak viscosity of MWF, whereas GMS and SSL increased the same. The maximum increase in tolerance and peak viscosity were observed with GMS and SSL at 0.5% level when compared to other surfactants at the same level. SEM studies showed thick protein matrix with 0.5% of SSL and DATEM, whereas with GMS, the protein matrix appeared smooth, uniform and continuous. Among the surfactants studied, GMS and SSL at 0.5% level showed maximum effect on the rheological and micro‐structural characteristics of MWF.

Practical Applications

Rheological characteristics of wheat flour are effective in predicting the behavior of the dough during processing and the quality of end product. Incorporating multigrain premix to wheat flour adversely affected the rheological characteristics of wheat flour. This article discusses the improvement effect of different surfactants on the rheological and micro‐structural characteristics of multigrain premix incorporated wheat flour. This article also suggests the better surfactant for multigrain incorporated wheat flour to improve its rheological characteristics. Knowledge of functionality of different surfactants on multigrain incorporated wheat flour will be very much useful for the industries to develop nutritious multigrain products with desired quality using surfactants.
Toxic hydrogen sulphide shapes brain anatomy: a comparative study of sulphide‐adapted ecotypes in the Poecilia mexicana complex
Authors: Schulz‐Mirbach T. , Eifert C. , Riesch R. , Farnworth M. S. , Zimmer C. , Bierbach D. , Klaus S. , Tobler M. , Streit B. , Indy J. R. , Arias‐Rodriguez L. , Plath M.
Published: June 2016

The teleost brain is an energetically costly organ, which raises the question of how brain anatomy is shaped by divergent ecological factors in contrasting (extreme/resource‐limited vs. benign) environments. A previous study compared different ecotypes of the teleost Poecilia mexicana in the Tacotalpa drainage system and found that cave fish had a smaller eye diameter, a smaller optic tectum and larger telencephalic lobes relative to ancestral surface‐dwelling fish. Smaller eyes and a smaller optic tectum but larger telencephalic lobes were also found in fish from a sulphidic surface habitat near one of the caves, which the authors hypothesized to result from limited vision in turbid sulphide waters. In this study, we tested if repeated transitions along a replicated, natural toxicity gradient result in repeated (‘convergent’) anatomical changes of the teleost brain. We compared ecotypes in the P. mexicana species complex that have independently evolved increased tolerance to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in three river drainages in southern Mexico, including a phylogenetically old H2S‐adapted form (P. sulphuraria) and two P. mexicana ecotypes that represent earlier stages of adaptation to H2S. All H2S‐adapted ecotypes exhibited smaller eyes, a smaller optic tectum volume and a smaller brain volume, but larger corpora cerebelli and hypothalamic volume than fish from non‐sulphidic habitats. Drainage‐specific effects were found for the telencephalic lobes, the total brain and eye size, as sexes responded differently to the presence of H2S depending on the drainage of origin. Turbidity and toxicity in sulphidic habitats may explain patterns of brain size divergence similar in direction (but not degree) to those observed in cave ecotypes. Hence, variation in brain anatomy reflects major ecological differences, and repeated ecological gradients can result in convergent differences in brain anatomy. Nonetheless, some unique patterns of brain differentiation suggest as yet unidentified differences in selection regimes between different sulphidic springs.
The effect of (L‐)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pooyandjoo M. , Nouhi M. , Shab‐Bidar S. , Djafarian K. , Olyaeemanesh A.
Published: June 2016

This study provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials, which have examined the effect of the carnitine on adult weight loss. Relevant studies were identified by systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and reference lists of relevant marker studies. Nine studies (total n = 911) of adequate methodological quality were included in the review. Trials with mean difference (MD) of 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using random effect model. Results from meta‐analysis of eligible trials revealed that subjects who received carnitine lost significantly more weight (MD: −1.33 kg; 95% CI: −2.09 to −0.57) and showed a decrease in body mass index (MD: −0.47 kg m−2; 95% CI: −0.88 to −0.05) compared with the control group. The results of meta‐regression analysis of duration of consumption revealed that the magnitude of weight loss resulted by carnitine supplementation significantly decreased over time (p = 0.002). We conclude that receiving the carnitine resulted in weight loss. Using multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis of the drugs and non‐pharmacotherapy options seem to be insightful areas for research. © 2016 World Obesity
Neurophysiological and Clinical Effects of Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Triple Neurectomy in Patients with Refractory Postherniorrhaphy Neuropathic Inguinodynia
Authors: Bjurström Martin F. , Nicol Andrea L. , Amid Parviz K. , Lee Christine H. , Ferrante Francis M. , Chen David C.
Published: June 2016

Background

Chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP) is a complex, major health problem. In the absence of recurrence or meshoma, laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy (LRTN) has emerged as an effective surgical treatment of CPIP.

Methods

This prospective pilot study evaluated the neurophysiological and clinical effects of LRTN. Ten consecutive adult CPIP patients with unilateral predominantly neuropathic inguinodynia underwent three comprehensive quantitative sensory testing (QST) assessments (preoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative). Pain severity, health‐related function, and sleep quality were assessed over the course of a 6‐month follow‐up period.

Results

QST revealed marked increases in mechanical, pressure, thermal, and pain thresholds in the areas with maximum pain prior to LRTN surgery for the immediate (P < 0.01; mean 160.9 minutes, range 103 to 255 minutes after extubation) and late postoperative (P < 0.05; mean 27.9 days, range 14 to 78 days after surgery) assessments compared to baseline. Wind‐up phenomena were eliminated postoperatively. LRTN provided robust group‐level improvements of all clinical measures. No preoperative QST variables were found to be predictive of surgical outcomes. The positive change in heat pain threshold (preoperative compared to late postoperative) showed significant positive correlations with improvements of pain scores and function.

Conclusions

LRTN may produce immediate, profound, and consistent positive effects across multiple mechanical, pressure, and thermal QST variables, and marked improvements of clinical outcomes in selected CPIP patients. These data contribute to the understanding of mechanisms involved in the success of LRTN. Large, high‐powered studies are warranted to determine whether preoperative or repeated longitudinal QST may guide patient selection and predict effectiveness of LRTN.
On the relevance of using laboratory selection to study the adaptive value of circadian clocks
Authors: Abhilash Lakshman , Sharma Vijay K.
Published: June 2016

The phrase ‘as sure as night comes after day’ highlights the most conspicuous phenomenon on earth (i.e. the daily cycling of geophysical factors). It is hypothesized that life‐forms on earth have evolved timekeeping mechanisms (circadian clocks) as adaptations to cope with such cyclic variations in their environment and, to test this hypothesis, diverse strategies have been employed. In this review, these different approaches, including comparative, clinal, ecology and/or trait manipulation and laboratory selection strategies are discussed, aiming to evaluate the adaptive value of circadian clocks. The limitations of each of these methods are assessed, and it is suggested that laboratory selection is an ideal, potent and suitable strategy for examining whether circadian clocks are indeed adaptations. In support of this, laboratory selection strategies are highlighted and critically reviewed in a discussion of studies that demonstrate the evolution of circadian clocks and life‐history traits in response to selection for the timing of rhythmic behaviours, as well as those studies that demonstrate the evolution of circadian clocks in response to selection for life‐history traits. Finally, newer approaches are proposed that involve the use of mutants, simultaneous manipulation of multiple environmental factors and genomic technologies in conjunction with laboratory selection to further explore the adaptive significance of circadian clocks.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Synthesis and its Receptors’ Expression in the Bovine Oviduct During the Oestrous Cycle
Authors: Sinderewicz E , Grycmacher K , Boruszewska D , Kowalczyk‐Zięba I , Yamamoto Y , Yoshimoto Y , Woclawek‐Potocka I
Published: June 2016

Contents

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a naturally occurring simple phospholipid which in the bovine reproductive system can be produced in the endometrium, corpus luteum, ovarian follicle and embryo. In this study, we examined the possibility that LPA receptors are expressed, and LPA synthesized, in the bovine oviduct. We found that the concentration of LPA was highest in infundibulum in the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle and was relatively high during the early‐luteal phase in all examined parts of the oviduct. We also documented that LPA synthesis engages both available pathways for LPA production. The autotaxin (ATX) protein expression was significantly higher in the infundibulum compared to the isthmus during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. During the early‐luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, ATX and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) protein expression was highest in ampulla, although the expression of LPARs was not as dynamic as LPA concentration in the oviduct tissue, and we presume that in the bovine oviduct, the most abundantly expressed receptor is LPAR2. In conclusion, our results indicate that the bovine oviduct is a site of LPA synthesis and a target for LPA action in the bovine reproductive tract. We documented that LPAR2 is the most abundantly expressed in the bovine oviduct. We hypothesize that in the bovine oviduct, LPA may be involved in the transport of gametes, fertilization and cellular signalling between the oviduct and cumulus–oocyte complex.
Changes in blood center red blood cell distributions in the era of patient blood management: the trends for collection (TFC) study
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Jackson Bryon , Beckman Neil , Chesneau Stuart , Bowler Patrick , Delaney Meghan , Devine Dana , Field Stephen , Germain Marc , Murphy Mike F. , Sayers Merlyn , Shaz Beth , Shinar Eilat , Takanashi Minoko , Vassallo Ralph , Wickenden Crispin , Yahalom Vered , Land Kevin ,   on behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusions (BEST) Collaborative
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

As patient blood management becomes more widespread, fewer red blood cell (RBC) units have been transfused. This multinational study evaluated changes in blood center RBC distributions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on number and ABO and D groups of RBC distributions were obtained from several large American blood centers and national or provincial blood services (NPBS) from fiscal year (FY) 2010 through FY2014. Due to relatively larger numbers of distributions and differences in ABO and D groups between the Japanese Red Cross and the other NPBS, Japanese data were not included in distributions calculations.

RESULTS

Data from seven American blood centers and eight NPBS were obtained. Overall, at both the American and the seven NPBS that were analyzed, there were declines in the number of RBC distributions between FY2010 and FY2014, 16.9 and 8.0%, respectively. The number of O– RBC distributions decreased by 9.0% at American blood centers but the proportion of RBC distributions that were O– increased by 9.3% during this time. The NPBS had 1.6% increase in O– RBC distributions and 10.5% increase in the proportion of O– distributions. The proportion of O+ distributions increased slightly over time at American centers (2.9%) while decreasing slightly (1.1%) at NPBS despite reductions in the absolute numbers of O+ distributions. Overall there was 2.6% decrease in the proportion of B+ and AB+ RBCs distributed and 13.6% absolute reduction in the number of these units distributed.

CONCLUSION

Although overall RBC distributions have decreased over time, the proportion of O units has increased substantially.
Enrofloxacin enhances the effects of chemotherapy in canine osteosarcoma cells with mutant and wild‐type p53
Authors: York D. , Withers S. S. , Watson K. D. , Seo K. W. , Rebhun R. B.
Published: June 2016

Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival time in dogs receiving adequate local control for appendicular osteosarcoma, but most dogs ultimately succumb to metastatic disease. The fluoroquinolone antibiotic enrofloxacin has been shown to inhibit survival and proliferation of canine osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Others have reported that fluoroquinolones may modulate cellular responses to DNA damaging agents and that these effects may be differentially mediated by p53 activity. We therefore determined p53 status and activity in three canine osteosarcoma cell lines and examined the effects of enrofloxacin when used alone or in combination with doxorubicin or carboplatin chemotherapy. Moresco and Abrams canine osteosarcoma cell lines contained mutations in p53, while no mutations were identified in the D17 cells or in a normal canine osteoblast cell line. The addition of enrofloxacin to either doxorubicin or carboplatin resulted in further reductions in osteosarcoma cell viability; this effect was apparent regardless of p53 mutational status or downstream activity.
Confirmation of a Campylobacteriosis Outbreak Associated with Chicken Liver Pâté Using PFGE and WGS
Authors: Lahti E. , Löfdahl M. , Ågren J. , Hansson I. , Olsson Engvall E.
Published: June 2016

In May 2012, an outbreak of campylobacteriosis occurred in southern Sweden at a wedding reception affecting 44 persons. A total of 17 cases were notified (13 were culture positive for Campylobacter spp.). Epidemiological investigation suspected chicken liver pâté as the source of infection. The liver pâté had been deliberately undercooked, lightly fried to keep the right texture and mixed with spices. Campylobacter isolates from six cases as well as three Campylobacter isolates from chicken flocks previously raised by the producer delivering the liver were subtyped using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and whole‐genome sequencing. Indistinguishable PFGE profiles were identified among five human and one chicken C. jejuni isolates as well among the two C. coli isolates, one from a human case and one from a chicken. WGS supported the PFGE findings; the six C. jejuni isolates belonged to one cluster. All these six isolates were of MLST type ST 50 (ST‐CC 21). This study highlights the importance of a combination of strict biosecurity at the flock‐level as well as adequate cooking of chicken liver to prevent transmission of Campylobacter to humans.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: June 2016

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 7   Abdul Azim Akhtar Ahmet Yıkmış Ali Massoud Anna Maria Mouza Chih-Chien Huang Dipankar Chatterjee Hanaa Youssef Shaarawy Henry Poduthas JEHU ONYEKWERE NNAJI, Jenny Tonsing Jianquan Cheng Julia M. Mack K.O. Aramide, Katja Eman Lisa Cherkassky Małgorzata Haładewicz Michael Brooks Mohammad Naji Shah Mohammadi Muharrem EKŞİ Oluwagbemiga Paul Agboola Patricia Wiener Paula Hanasz Priyono Rachita Shrivastava Roy Remigiusz Kijak Said Aldhafri Sanro Serpa Sharif Alghazo Zafer İBRAHİMOĞLU Zlatan Begić             James Young Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Motivic cohomology spectral sequence and Steenrod operations
Authors: Yagunov Serge
Published: June 2016

For a prime number$p$, we show that differentials$d_{n}$in the motivic cohomology spectral sequence with$p$-local coefficients vanish unless$p-1$divides$n-1$. We obtain an explicit formula for the first non-trivial differential$d_{p}$, expressing it in terms of motivic Steenrod$p$-power operations and Bockstein maps. To this end, we compute the algebra of operations of weight$p-1$with$p$-local coefficients. Finally, we construct examples of varieties having non-trivial differentials$d_{p}$in their motivic cohomology spectral sequences.
The role of transient receptor potential channels in hypertension and metabolic vascular damage
Authors: Zhu Zhiming , Xiong Shiqiang , Li Qiang
Published: June 2016

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are highly implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the regulation of metabolism.

What advances does it highlight?

Dysfunction of TRP channels leads to hypertension and metabolic disorders. Elucidating the role of TRP channels in hypertension and metabolic vascular damage would facilitate the design of novel target therapeutics for these intractable diseases.

Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is critical for vascular function and the regulation of metabolism. Metabolic disorders are major risk factors for hypertension. A family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels plays an important role in the regulation of cellular calcium signalling and cardiometabolic function. Emerging evidence indicates that TRP channels are highly implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and metabolic disorders. Dysfunction of TRP channels leads to hypertension and metabolic dysfunction. Activation of certain subtypes of TRP channels could attenuate metabolic vascular damage and alleviate hypertension. Therefore, elucidating the role of TRP channels in the physiological state and in cardiometabolic diseases will facilitate the design of novel targeted therapeutics for these intractable diseases.
The mechanisms of subharmonic tone generation in a synthetic larynx model
Authors: Kniesburges Stefan , Lodermeyer Alexander , Becker Stefan , Traxdorf Maximilian , Döllinger Michael
Published: June 2016

The sound spectra obtained in a synthetic larynx exhibited subharmonic tones that are characteristic for diplophonia. Although the generation of subharmonics is commonly associated with asymmetrically oscillating vocal folds, the synthetic elastic vocal folds showed symmetrical oscillations. The amplitudes of the subharmonics decreased with an increasing lateral diameter of the supraglottal channel, which indicates a strong dependence of the supraglottal boundary conditions. Investigations of the supraglottal flow field revealed small cycle-to-cycle variations of the static pressure in the region of the pulsatile glottal jet as the origin of the first subharmonic tone. It is located at half the fundamental frequency of the vocal fold oscillation. A principle component analysis of the supraglottal flow field with the fully developed glottal jet revealed a large recirculation area in the second spatial eigenvector which deflected the glottal jet slightly in a perpendicular direction of the jet axis. The rotation direction of the recirculation area changed with different oscillation cycles between clockwise and counterclockwise. As both directions were uniformly distributed across all acquired oscillation cycles, a cycle-wise change can be assumed. It is concluded that acoustic subharmonics are generated by small fluctuations of the glottal jet location favored by small lateral diameters of the supraglottal channel.
Modeling listener perception of speaker similarity in dysarthria
Authors: Lansford Kaitlin L. , Berisha Visar , Utianski Rene L.
Published: June 2016

The current investigation contributes to a perceptual similarity-based approach to dysarthria characterization by utilizing an innovative statistical approach, multinomial logistic regression with sparsity constraints, to identify acoustic features underlying each listener's impressions of speaker similarity. The data-driven approach also permitted an examination of the effect of clinical experience on listeners' impressions of similarity. Listeners, irrespective of level of clinical experience, were found to rely on similar acoustic features during the perceptual sorting task, known as free classification. Overall, the results support the continued advancement of a similarity-based approach to characterizing the communication disorders associated with dysarthria.
Influence of Load on Three-Dimensional Segmental Trunk Kinematics in One-Handed Lifting: A Pilot Study
Authors: Müller Juliane , Müller Steffen , Stoll Josefine , Rector Michael , Baur Heiner , Mayer Frank
Published: June 2016

Stability of the trunk is relevant in determining trunk response to different loading in everyday tasks initiated by the limbs. Descriptions of the trunk’s mechanical movement patterns in response to different loads while lifting objects are still under debate. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of weight on 3-dimensional segmental motion of the trunk during 1-handed lifting. Ten asymptomatic subjects were included (29 ± 3 y; 1.79 ± 0.09 m; 75 ± 14 kg). Subjects lifted 3× a light and heavy load from the ground up onto a table. Three-dimensional segmental trunk motion was measured (12 markers; 3 segments: upper thoracic area [UTA], lower thoracic area [LTA], lumbar area [LA]). Outcomes were total motion amplitudes (ROM;[°]) for anterior flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation of each segment. The highest ROM was observed in the LTA segment (anterior flexion), and the smallest ROM in the UTA segment (lateral flexion). ROM differed for all planes between the 3 segments for both tasks (P < .001). There were no differences in ROM between light and heavy loads (P > .05). No interaction effects (load × segment) were observed, as ROM did not reveal differences between loading tasks. Regardless of weight, the 3 segments did reflect differences, supporting the relevance of multisegmental analysis.