bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Segment‐level Natural Resource Operational Risk Reporting on Earnings Predictions
Authors: Cai Shuwen (Wendy) , Godfrey Jayne M. , Moroney Robyn
Published: October 2017

Non‐financial reports alert investors to operational risks associated with issues such as insufficient access to natural resource inputs and related costly interruptions to production, while segment‐level reports alert investors to operational risk distribution across a firm. An important issue, to date unexplored, is how segment‐level non‐financial reporting has an impact on earnings predictions. We report the results of an experiment used to examine how mining company segment‐level water reports affect investors' earnings predictions, where water reports indicate whether the firm and its segments will have access to sufficient water to meet production needs. We find that investors do not change their earnings predictions when firm and segment‐level reports indicate low water risk but they do revise down their earnings predictions when firm and segment‐level water reports indicate high water risk. This is consistent with investors responding to the additional information provided in segment‐level reports confirming that water risk is high across the firm. Regardless of whether firm‐level water reports indicate high or low water risk, when segment‐level reports indicate that one segment is low water risk and another is high water risk, investors revise down their earnings predictions. This is consistent with investors recognizing that natural resource operational risk concentration in one segment can affect earnings more than evenly‐distributed risk. Overall, our findings suggest that belief‐adjustment theory explains how investors react to prospective operational risk information contained in segment‐level water reports according to the similarity of the segment‐level risks, and that this information is factored into earnings predictions.
Efficacy and safety of amrubicin‐based regimen used as first‐line for extensive‐disease small‐cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Chun‐Quan , Tian Dan , Wang Ning , Meng Xian‐Pu , Yang Jian‐Dong , Li Hua‐Wei , Zhao Ning , Zhao Su , Liao Fei , Cui Yong
Published: October 2017

Background

Currently, amrubicin is used as first‐line in the treatment of patients with small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the effect of amrubicin‐based treatment in extensive‐disease (ED) SCLC remains controversial. Thus, we conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and safety of amrubicin‐based regimen in the treatment of patients with ED‐SCLC.

Methods

RCTs published in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically reviewed. Eligible studies were these that evaluated the efficacy and safety profiles of amrubicin‐based regimen in ED‐SCLC. Outcomes included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and adverse events. Results were expressed with hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and risk ratio (RR) with 95% CIs.

Results

Four RCTs involving a total of 740 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta‐analysis. Amrubicin‐based regimen was not associated with significantly prolonged PFS (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90–1.30; P = 0.463) and OS (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.89–1.29; P = 0.443) in patients with ED‐SCLC. However, it significantly improved ORR (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.25; P = 0.008). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that neither amrubicin alone nor in combination with cisplatin prolonged the PFS and OS, and only the combination therapy significantly increased ORR. The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events was comparable between amrubicin‐containing and other treatment groups (RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.78–2.58; P = 0.248). However, amrubicin‐based treatment induced a significantly higher incidence of febrile neutropenia (RR = 3.32, 95% CI: 2.04–5.41; P < 0.001), anemia (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06–1.97; P = 0.022), leukopenia (RR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.41–3.33; P < 0.001), neutropenia (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04–1.70; P = 0.021), and interstitial lung disease (RR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.21–1.98; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Amrubicin‐based regimen used as first‐line had no survival benefits in patients with ED‐SCLC. But it significantly improved ORR. Further well‐conducted, large‐scale trials are needed to validate these findings.
Do Foreign Investors Destabilize Stock Markets? A Reexamination of Korea in 2008
Authors: Yang Cheol‐Won
Published: October 2017

Motivated by Choe, Kho, and Stulz (1999) (CKS), this paper reexamines whether foreign investors destabilize the Korean stock markets during the 2008 global financial crisis. Consistent with CKS, large sales by foreigners don't result in significant negative returns over the next 25 minutes of trading. However, when the price impact is measured per trade, the impact of foreigners increases sharply during the crisis, and even surpasses that of Korean individuals and institutions. This is particularly pronounced in the permanent components, and in large, liquid stocks. The influence of foreigners therefore is not negligible in emerging markets, although it does not destabilize the whole market on its own.
Altered brain networks in psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a resting‐state fMRI study
Authors: Chen J. , Chen Y. , Chen G. , Dai Y. , Yao Z. , Lu Q.
Published: October 2017

Various neuroimaging studies had identified changes of cerebral activity and structures during the processes of sexual arousal. The identified brain regions were also believed to regulate emotional and cognitive processes. Yet, little was known about the neural mechanisms underlying psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Moreover, brain mechanisms mediating the processing of sexual arousal by these psychological processes were unclear. To investigate this issue, graph theory was applied to evaluate the topological properties of functional brain networks among 24 psychogenic erectile dysfunction patients and 26 healthy controls. Abnormal metrics and correlations with clinical characteristics were further analyzed. Our results showed that psychogenic erectile dysfunction had higher small‐worldness and more modules. Furthermore, psychogenic erectile dysfunction showed altered path length and strength of the right superior frontal gyrus (dorsolateral), superior parietal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus and left temporal pole (superior temporal gyrus), post‐central gyrus, mainly located in the cognitive control and emotional regulation subnetworks. And the altered parameters of the small‐worldness and right parahippocampal gyrus were related to the clinical characteristics of psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Together, our results suggested that psychogenic erectile dysfunction was associated with disruptions in the topological structure of functional brain subnetworks underlying the cognitive and emotional processes.
Transdifferentiation of adult rat stem Leydig cells into prostatic and uterine epithelium, but not epidermis
Authors: Nanjappa M. K. , Medrano T. I. , Prins G. S. , Chen H. , Zirkin B. R. , Cooke P. S.
Published: October 2017

Stem Leydig cells (SLCs), precursors of testicular Leydig cells that secrete testosterone required for male sexual differentiation, spermatogenesis, and fertility, were recently identified in rat testes. Various types of stem cells have shown the ability to differentiate into other tissues, but there is no information on the plasticity of adult rat SLCs (rSLCs). This study investigated the ability of rSLCs to transdifferentiate into cell types from all three germ layers—prostatic epithelium (endoderm), uterine epithelium (mesoderm), and epidermis (ectoderm)—under the influence of inductive mesenchyme from fetal and neonatal tissues. To differentiate rSLCs into cells of other lineages, mesenchyme from green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing mice was used. Tissue recombinants of urogenital sinus mesenchyme (a potent prostate inducer) and rSLCs grafted into adult male hosts formed ductal structures resembling prostate after 5 weeks. Prostate epithelium was of rSLC origin as determined by absence of GFP expression, and expressed characteristic markers of prostatic epithelium. Similarly, uterine mesenchyme + rSLCs tissue recombinants contained a simple columnar epithelium that was histologically similar to normal uterine epithelium and expressed typical uterine epithelial markers, but was of rSLC origin. In contrast, epidermal tissue was absent in fetal dermis + rSLCs recombinants, suggesting rSLCs did not form skin epithelium. Thus, rSLCs can transdifferentiate into uterine and prostatic epithelium, mesodermal, and endodermal derivatives, respectively, but they may have a limited transdifferentiation potential, as shown by their inability to form epidermis, an ectodermal derivative.
HLA-Cw6 and psoriasis
Authors: Chen L. , Tsai T.-F.
Published: October 2017

Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic background. HLA-Cw6 is one of the most strongly associated psoriasis susceptibility alleles. It is repeatedly observed to affect disease course, phenotypic features, severity, comorbidities and treatment outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, the roles of HLA-Cw6 in psoriasis have not yet been thoroughly reviewed. The worldwide frequency of the HLA-Cw6 allele varies greatly, with it being generally higher in white people than in Asians. The allele is associated with type I early-onset psoriasis. Stress, obesity and streptococcal pharyngitis are commonly observed in HLA-Cw6-positive patients. Phenotypically, HLA-Cw6 has been found to be associated with guttate psoriasis. In addition, patients carrying the allele are more likely to have arm, leg and trunk involvement, and the Koebner phenomenon. Patients with psoriatic arthritis with HLA-Cw6 more often have early onset and tend to show cutaneous symptoms before musculoskeletal symptoms. HLA-Cw6-positive patients have been shown in several studies to be more responsive to methotrexate and ustekinumab. However, this difference in ustekinumab efficacy was only moderate in a post-hoc analysis of a pivotal phase III study. HLA-Cw6 positivity also tends to be less frequent in high-need patients who fail conventional therapy. Small studies have also investigated the role of HLA-Cw6 in remission of psoriasis during pregnancy, and with the comorbidities of photosensitivity and atherosclerosis. Given the diverse nature of psoriasis pathogenesis, as well as the difference of HLA-Cw6 positivity in different ethnic groups, more studies are needed to confirm the role of HLA-Cw6 in psoriasis.
Strategies for success: a multi‐institutional study on robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal lesions
Authors: Hennessey Derek B. , Wei Gavin , Moon Daniel , Kinnear Ned , Bolton Damien M. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Chan Yee K.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To describe our technique, illustrated with images and videos, of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for challenging renal tumours.

Patients and Methods

A study of 249 patients who underwent RAPN in multiple institutions was performed. Patients were identified using prospective RAPN databases. Complex renal lesion were defined as those with a RENAL nephrometry score ≥10. Data were analysed and differences among groups examined.

Results

A total of 31 (12.4%) RAPNs were performed for complex renal tumours. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) patient age was 57 (50.5–70.5) years and 21 patients (67.7%) were men. The median (IQR) American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2 (2–3). The median (IQR) operating time was 200 (50–265) min, warm ischaemia time was 23 (18.5–29) min, and estimated blood loss was 200 (50–265) mL. There were no intra‐operative complications. Two patients (6.4%) had postoperative complications. One patient (3.2%) had a positive surgical margin. The median (IQR) length of stay was 3.5 (3–5) days and the median (IQR) follow‐up was 12.5 (7–24) months. There were no recurrences. RAPN resulted in statistically significant changes in renal function 3 months after RAPN compared with preoperative renal function (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results showed that RAPN was a safe approach for selected patients with complex renal tumours and may facilitate tumour resection and renorrhaphy for challenging cases, offering a minimally invasive surgical option for patients who may otherwise require open surgery.
Tunnel valley deposits from the southern North Sea – material provenance and depositional processes
Authors: Benvenuti Antonio , Šegvić Branimir , Moscariello Andrea
Published: October 2017

This study offers new insights into the origin and depositional history of the mixture of sediments infilling one of the largest offshore, northward‐orientated, clinoform‐structured, tunnel valleys (TVs) of Elsterian age in the southern North Sea (SNS). Specifically, the study sheds light on the provenance ofTVdeposits based on K‐Ar dating of illite,QEMSCAN®heavy mineral assemblage study, and U‐Pb and fission track dating on single grains of apatite. Early Pleistocene substrate and theTVinfill demonstrate provenance from the Scandinavian and Baltic realms as well as from Renish central Europe and the Alps. Prior to Elsterian glaciation fluvial transport to theSNSincreasingly switched from Baltic sources to a more central European influence. However, based on similar provenance of both the substrate andTVinfill, the episode of subglacial tunnel valley formation interrupted this central European influence. Glacial erosional processes associated with the expansion of the Elsterian ice sheet to theSNSreworked a large amount of sediment from the Early Pleistocene deposits of theSNS. The sediment was eventually deposited as the tunnel valley infill. Taking into account a high uncertainty related to the facies ofTVsedimentary infill, which thus far has been inferred from seismic reflection surveys only, this study offers the first comprehensive set of data on the composition and provenance of the offshore ElsterianTVsediment.
The Colonial Roots of Forest Extraction: Rosewood Exploitation in Southern Belize
Authors: Wainwright Joel D. , Zempel Christopher L.
Published: October 2017

In 2013 there was a spike in the illegal export of rosewood, a highly‐valued tropical hardwood, from Belize. Hewn by Maya workers at night, logs were sold to Chinese buyers. Although protected by international conservation agreements, container‐loads of rosewood were exported unprocessed, unmarked and untaxed. This article examines the rosewood exports, providing a critical analysis that seeks its underlying causes and lessons for development. Drawing on extensive archival research, interviews with multiple actors, and data on China's rosewood imports, the authors show that the exports reflect a long‐standing pattern: the extraction and export of unprocessed primary commodities from Belize's forests. However, contemporary patterns are not simply repeating colonial history. On the demand side, the recent rosewood boom was triggered by a rapid rise in demand from urban, middle‐class consumers in China, stimulating a new commodity chain. On the supply side, the ‘rosewood crisis’ was facilitated by a peculiar legal‐political conjuncture: it occurred during a period after the Maya communities had won legal rights to their forests through the courts, but before the state had recognized those rights. Thus the incomplete recognition of indigenous land rights collided with long‐standing patterns of forest extractivism and explosive demand in China.
Counting on fine motor skills: links between preschool finger dexterity and numerical skills
Authors: Fischer Ursula , Suggate Sebastian P. , Schmirl Judith , Stoeger Heidrun
Published: October 2017

Finger counting is widely considered an important step in children's early mathematical development. Presumably, children's ability to move their fingers during early counting experiences to aid number representation depends in part on their early fine motor skills (FMS). Specifically, FMS should link to children's procedural counting skills through consistent repetition of finger‐counting procedures. Accordingly, we hypothesized that (a) FMS are linked to early counting skills, and (b) greater FMS relate to conceptual counting knowledge (e.g., cardinality, abstraction, order irrelevance) via procedural counting skills (i.e., one–one correspondence and correctness of verbal counting). Preschool children (N = 177) were administered measures of procedural counting skills, conceptual counting knowledge, FMS, and general cognitive skills along with parent questionnaires on home mathematics and fine motor environment. FMS correlated with procedural counting skills and conceptual counting knowledge after controlling for cognitive skills, chronological age, home mathematics and FMS environments. Moreover, the relationship between FMS and conceptual counting knowledge was mediated by procedural counting skills. Findings suggest that FMS play a role in early counting and therewith conceptual counting knowledge.
Targeting postprandial glycaemia in children with diabetes: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Geyer Myfanwy C. , Rayner Christopher K. , Horowitz Michael , Couper Jennifer J.
Published: October 2017

Postprandial glycaemia makes a substantial contribution to overall glycaemic control in diabetes, particularly in patients whose preprandial glycaemia is relatively well controlled and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) only modestly elevated. Our review addresses the determinants of postprandial glycaemia and how it may be targeted therapeutically in children with diabetes. Postprandial glycaemia is influenced by preprandial glycaemia, macronutrients and their absorption, insulin delivery and sensitivity, the action of the enteroendocrine system, and the rate of gastric emptying. Contemporary continuous glucose monitoring systems reveal patterns of post prandial glycaemia and allow management to be guided more precisely. Delays in blood glucose determination, insulin delivery and its absorption remain challenges in the rapidly evolving closed loop continuous subcutaneous insulin and glucagon delivery systems developed for children with type 1 diabetes. Augmentation of the incretin system through nutritional preloads or incretin mimetics targets postprandial glycaemia by slowing gastric emptying as well as insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects. These treatments are of particular relevance to children with type 2 diabetes. Following the development of targeted therapies in adults, postprandial blood glucose control will now be increasingly targeted in the treatment of diabetes in children.
European honeybee defense against Japanese yellow hornet using heat generation by bee‐balling behavior
Authors: Hosono Shouhei , Nakamura Jun , Ono Masato
Published: October 2017

The Japanese honeybee, Apis cerana japonica Radoszkowski, uses unique generation of heat by bee‐balling to defend against, overheat and kill predacious Japanese hornets. We have now observed the European honeybee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, using similar bee‐balling behavior and heat generation against the Japanese yellow hornet, Vespa simillima xanthoptera Cameron. We monitored temperatures in the center of the bee‐ball and inside thoracic muscles of the captured hornet and found that the thoracic internal temperature (45.8 ± 2.32°C) was higher than that of the bee‐ball (44.0 ± 0.96°C). Although the thoracic temperature of captured hornets rose to the upper lethal level, defending European bees also showed some stinging attempts against the hornet, unlike the sympatric Japanese honeybee, which never stings during bee‐balling. The European honeybee bee‐balling behavior consists of three phases: (i) heating; (ii) heat‐retaining; and (iii) break up. Our results suggest that European honeybees kill hornets by raising the body temperature of hornets rapidly without stinging. The tactics of bee‐balling against hornets are complex and may be performed by extended division of labor.
Zircon U–Pb dating of gabbro and diorite from the Bato pluton, northeast Japan
Authors: Ejima Terumi , Kon Yoshiaki , Kawano Shigenori , Araoka Daisuke
Published: October 2017

To constrain the timing of the tectonothermal events and formation process of a plutonic suite, U–Pb dating was carried out by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry combined with cathodoluminescence imaging on zircon grains extracted from the Bato pluton, northern Yamizo Mountains, Japan. The Bato pluton consists of gabbro and diorite. Zircon grains separated from a gabbro sample had a unimodal 238U–206Pb age (105.7 ±1.0 Ma). It was interpreted as the solidification age of the gabbro. Cathodoluminescence observation showed that the zircon grains from a diorite sample were characterized by anhedral cores, oscillatory zoned mantles, and dark rims. The 238U–206Pb age of the anhedral cores ranged from 2 165 Ma to 161 Ma, indicating the assimilation of surrounding sedimentary rocks. The 238U–206Pb ages of the oscillatory zoned mantles and dark rims are 109.0 ±1.3 Ma and 107.7 ±1.3 Ma, respectively. Observation under polarizing microscopy suggests that the anhedral cores occurred before plagioclase and hornblende, and the oscillatory zones around the anhedral cores had crystallized at the same time as the crystallization of biotite. Moreover, the dark rims formed at the same time as the crystallization of quartz and K‐feldspar. The formation process of the gabbro‐diorite complex in the Bato pluton was inferred as follows. (i) A mafic initial magma intruded into Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, and the assimilation of these sedimentary rocks led to geochemical variation yielding a dioritic composition. Subsequently, plagioclase and hornblende of the diorite were crystallized before 109.0 ±1.3 Ma. (ii) Biotite crystallized in the middle stage around 109.0 ±1.3 Ma. (iii) Quartz and K‐feldspar of the diorite were crystallized at 107.7 ±1.3 Ma. The gabbroic magma solidified (105.7 ±1.0 Ma) after solidification of the diorite.
Electrophoretic deposition of thick titania coatings at constant voltage by controlling current density
Authors: Farrokhi‐Rad Morteza
Published: October 2017

Kinetics of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process usually slows down with time due to the reduction in effective electric field (Eeff) across the suspension. So, normally the deposition of thick coatings or 3‐D objects by EPD is not possible at low voltages. The suspensions of nanometer (NT) and micrometer (MT)‐sized titania particles were prepared in isopropanol, using triethanolamine (TEA) plus acetic acid (AA) as the charging additives. Eeff is directly proportional to the current density. It was found that depending on the composition of suspensions, the current density and so Eeff decrease, remain constant or increase during EPD from them. Current density increased during EPD from NT suspensions with 0.33 (AA≥1.33 mL/L), 0.66 (AA≥2 mL/L) and 1.33 mL/L (AA≥6.66 mL/L) TEA. However, it did not increase any of the MT suspensions, but remained nearly constant for those with 0.33 and 0.66 mL/L TEA plus AA>1.33 mL/L and AA>2 mL/L, respectively. Current density increased or remained constant during EPD from the suspensions in which majority of H+TEA ions are adsorbed on the particles surface and the zeta potential of particles is below the critical value in them (NT≈70 mV and MT≈60 mV). Deposition rate increased continuously during EPD from the suspensions in which current density increased for them.
Total inactivation of lipoxygenase in whole soya bean by pulsed light and the effect of pulsed light on the chemical properties of soya milk produced from the treated soya beans
Authors: Alhendi Abeer , Yang Wade , Goodrich‐Schneider Renee , Sarnoski Paul J.
Published: October 2017

The inactivation of lipoxygenase (LOX) in the whole soya bean prevents lipid oxidation that produces an off‐flavour of soya food. The inactivation of lipoxygenase in the whole soya bean by pulsed light (PL) was examined with three distances (5, 7 and 9 cm) from the PL strobe and for different durations. Soya bean was treated with PL with and without ice surrounding the soya bean sample tray for limiting the rise in sample temperature. Results show that without ice surrounding the sample tray, the lowest LOX residual activity was 4.7%, 0.4% and 0.0% for 80‐s duration at 5 cm distance from the PL strobe, 110 s at 7 cm from the strobe and 150 s at 9 cm from the strobe, respectively; the soya bean temperature after treatment was 109.6, 116.3 and 114.8 °C, respectively. The instantaneous temperatures of the soya bean core measured during PL operating were above 100 °C. The lipoxygenase band was disappeared after longest PL treatments of each distance compared with the LOX band control as assessed by electrophoresis. The pulsed light had no negative effect on peroxide value of produced soya milk. However, PL reduced significantly the total solid amount and changed the colour of the produced soya milk. The residual activity with sample cooling by ice during treatment was 79.0%, 98.8% and 95.7%, with sample temperatures of 81.7, 91.2 and 66.9 °C, respectively. This study indicates that PL illumination could fully inactivate LOX in whole soya beans, with the photo‐thermal effect of PL as the main factor responsible for the inactivation of LOX.
Holistic health care: Patients' experiences of health care provided by an Advanced Practice Nurse
Authors: Eriksson Irene , Lindblad Monica , Möller Ulrika , Gillsjö Catharina
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is a fairly new role in the Swedish health care system.

Aim

To describe patients' experiences of health care provided by an APN in primary health care.

Methods

An inductive, descriptive qualitative approach with qualitative open‐ended interviews was chosen to obtain descriptions from 10 participants regarding their experiences of health care provided by an APN. The data were collected during the spring 2012, and a qualitative approach was used for analyze.

Results

The APNs had knowledge and skills to provide safe and secure individual and holistic health care with high quality, and a respectful and flexible approach. The APNs conveyed trust and safety and provided health care that satisfied the patients' needs of accessibility and appropriateness in level of care.

Conclusion

The APNs way of providing health care and promoting health seems beneficial in many ways for the patients. The individual and holistic approach that characterizes the health care provided by the APNs is a key aspect in the prevailing change of health care practice. The transfer of care and the increasing number of older adults, often with a variety of complex health problems, call for development of the new role in this context.
Negative (But Not Positive) Parenting Interacts with Infant Negative Affect to Predict Infant Approach: Evidence of Diathesis‐Stress
Authors: Holzman Jacob B. , Burt Nicole M. , Edwards Erin S. , Rosinski Leanna D. , Bridgett David J.
Published: October 2017

Temperament by parenting interactions may reflect that individuals with greater risk are more likely to experience negative outcomes in adverse contexts (diathesis‐stress) or that these individuals are more susceptible to contextual influences in a “for better or for worse” pattern (differential susceptibility). Although such interactions have been identified for a variety of child outcomes, prior research has not examined approach characteristics—excitement and approach toward pleasurable activities—in the first year of life. Therefore, this study investigated whether 6‐month maternal reported infant negative affect—a phenotypic marker of risk/susceptibility—interacted with 8‐month observed parenting behaviors (positive parenting, negative parenting) to predict 12‐month infant behavioral approach. Based on a sample of mothers and their infants (N = 150), results indicated that negative parenting was inversely associated with subsequent approach for infants with high, but not low, levels of negative affect. Similar results did not occur regarding positive parenting. These findings better fit a diathesis‐stress model rather than a differential susceptibility model. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Reproducing low‐wage labour: capital accumulation, labour markets and young workers
Authors: Yates Edward
Published: October 2017

Drawing on evidence from Greater Manchester, this article examines how structural changes in capital accumulation have created particular labour market outcomes, which have led to young people becoming a source of cheap labour for the growing low‐wage service economy. Greater Manchester has been selected as a case study because of the sectoral composition of its labour market and because levels of low pay for young workers are above the national low‐pay average of 40 per cent. The research reveals that it is necessary to move beyond sociological explanations that concentrate on the ‘essential youthfulness’ of young people and instead draw on analytical categories from political economy in order to understand the structural causes of young people's material circumstances.
Research Review: Gender identity in youth: treatment paradigms and controversies
Authors: Turban Jack L. , Ehrensaft Diane
Published: October 2017

Background

Pediatric gender identity has gained increased attention over the past several years in the popular media, political arena, and medical literature. This article reviews terminology in this evolving field, traditional models of gender identity development and their limitations, epidemiology and natural history of cross‐gender identification among children and adolescents, co‐occurring conditions and behaviors, research into the biological and psychosocial determinants of cross‐gender identification, and research into the options regarding and benefits of clinical approaches to gender incongruent youth.

Methods

Based on a critical review of the extant literature, both theoretical and empirical, that addresses the issue of pediatric gender identity, the authors synthesized what is presently known and what is in need of further research in order to elucidate the developmental trajectory and clinical needs of gender diverse youth.

Results

The field of pediatric gender identity has evolved substantially over the past several years. New research suggests that cross‐gender identification is prevalent (approximately 1% of youth). These youth suffer disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Although research into the etiology of cross‐gender identification is limited, emerging data have shown that affirmative treatment protocols may improve the high rates of mental health difficulties seen among these patients.

Conclusions

The field of pediatric gender identity has evolved dramatically. Emerging data suggest that these patients’ high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality appear to be improved with affirmative protocols, although future longitudinal data are needed.
Imaging connected porosity of crystalline rock by contrast agent‐aided X‐ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: KUVA J. , SAMMALJÄRVI J. , PARKKONEN J. , SIITARI‐KAUPPI M. , LEHTONEN M. , TURPEINEN T. , TIMONEN J. , VOUTILAINEN M.
Published: October 2017

We set out to study connected porosity of crystalline rock using X‐ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) with caesium chloride as a contrast agent. Caesium is an important radionuclide regarding the final deposition of nuclear waste and also forms dense phases that can be readily distinguished by X‐ray microtomography and SEM‐EDS. Six samples from two sites, Olkiluoto (Finland) and Grimsel (Switzerland), where transport properties of crystalline rock are being studied in situ, were investigated using X‐ray microtomography and SEM‐EDS. The samples were imaged with X‐ray microtomography, immersed in a saturated caesium chloride (CsCl) solution for 141, 249 and 365 days and imaged again with X‐ray microtomography. CsCl inside the samples was successfully detected with X‐ray microtomography and it had completely penetrated all six samples. SEM‐EDS elemental mapping was used to study the location of caesium in the samples in detail with quantitative mineral information. Precipitated CsCl was found in the connected pore space in Olkiluoto veined gneiss and in lesser amounts in Grimsel granodiorite. Only a very small amount of precipitated CsCl was observed in the Grimsel granodiorite samples. In Olkiluoto veined gneiss caesium was found in pinitised areas of cordierite grains. In the pinitised areas caesium was found in notable excess compared to chloride, possibly due to the combination of small pore size and negatively charged surfaces. In addition, elevated concentrations of caesium were found in kaolinite and sphalerite phases. The findings concerning the location of CsCl were congruent with X‐ray microtomography.
Rationality as the Capacity for Understanding
Authors: Schafer Karl
Published: October 2017

In this essay, I develop and defend a virtue‐theoretic conception of rationality as a capacity whose function is understanding, as opposed to mere truth or correctness. I focus on two main potential advantages of this view. First, its ability to explain the rationality of forms of explanatory reasoning, and second, its ability to offer a more unified account of theoretical and practical rationality.
Assessment of vulnerability for coastal erosion with GIS and AHP techniques case study: Southern coastline of Sri Lanka
Authors: Lin Li , Pussella Pgrni
Published: October 2017

Coastal Vulnerability Index for erosion was introduced for southwestern coast of Sri Lanka in this study. Slope, geomorphology, erosion rate, dune width, tide direction, tidal range, wave height, protection methods and adjacent land use type were used as variables. Existing maps, Google Earth images, field observations, and questionnaire surveys were used as data sources and decision model was prepared using GIS technique. Weights for the model were determined through questionnaire surveys and analytical hierarchical process technique. It was revealed that 7.5% and 23.7% of coastline are very highly and highly vulnerable for coastal erosion, respectively. A total of 27.11% of study area was classified as moderately and 29.4% as lower vulnerable. Only 12.25% of the line is very low vulnerable for coastal erosion. Two hot spots were identified to be given immediate attention. Coastal slope was recognized as most influential factor for high vulnerability using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient values.

Summary for Managers

It can be concluded that the southern coastline of Sri Lanka is in risk and immediate attention of policy makers for mitigation process is highly recommended. It is recommended to construct artificial barriers after analyzing the characteristics and the profile of the coast.

Special attention is highly required for hot spot areas in Kahawa and Hikkaduwa coastal areas.

Furthermore, study recommends to introduce different buffer zones for various purposes and uses.
Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Have Alterations in Absolute Quantities of Specific Peripheral Leucocyte Populations
Authors: Davies R. , Hammenfors D. , Bergum B. , Jakobsen K. , Solheim M. , Vogelsang P. , Brun J. G. , Bryceson Y. , Jonsson R. , Appel S.
Published: October 2017

An accurate dissection of peripheral blood enumeration is lacking in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The purpose of this study was to quantify different leucocyte populations in peripheral blood of patients with pSS. Numbers of specific leucocyte subsets were determined in 86 pSS patients and 74 healthy donors quantifying 21 distinct subtypes by flow cytometry. Subgroups of pSS patients were stratified based on presence of extraglandular manifestations (EGMs) and SSA/SSB autoantibodies. Overall, pSS patients manifested decreased lymphocyte subpopulations compared to healthy donors. Such decreases were more pronounced in SSA/SSB positive patients and patients with EGM. Granulocyte and monocyte subpopulations were increased in pSS patients compared to healthy donors, with the greatest increases in SSA/SSB positive patients. Unsupervised hierarchal clustering based on cell quantities was used to further subgroup the pSS patients into four clusters. One of the clusters characterized by higher concentrations of NKT cells, CD56hi NK cells, CD20+CD38− B cells and CD8+CD38− T cells was associated with weaker clinical symptoms than the other clusters, possibly marking a milder disease phenotype. In conclusion, our analyses indicate significant alterations in the cellular profiles of peripheral blood leucocytes in patients with pSS and may help to stratify the patients according to disease severity.
Is It Rational to Pursue Zero Suicides Among Patients in Health Care?
Authors: Mokkenstorm Jan K. , Kerkhof Ad J.F.M. , Smit Johannes H. , Beekman Aartjan T.F.
Published: October 2017

Suicide prevention is a major health care responsibility in need of new perspectives. This study reviews Zero Suicide, an emerging approach to suicide prevention that embraces the aspirational goal of zero suicides among patients treated in health care systems or organizations. Zero Suicide is gaining international momentum while at the same time evoking objections and concerns. Fundamental to Zero Suicide is a multilevel system view on suicide prevention, with three core elements: a direct approach to suicidal behaviors; continual improvement of the quality and safety of care processes; and an organizational commitment to the aspirational goal of zero suicides. The rationale and evidence for these components are clarified and discussed against the backdrop of concerns and objections that focus on possible undesired consequences of the pursuit of zero suicide, in particular for clinicians and for those who are bereaved by suicide. It is concluded that it is rational to pursue zero suicides as an aspirational goal, provided the journey toward zero suicides is undertaken in a systemic and sustained manner, in a way that professionals feel supported, empowered, and protected against blame and inappropriate guilt.
The relationality of law and culture: Dominant approaches and new directions for cultural sociologists
Authors: Yazdiha Hajar
Published: October 2017

Much of the cultural sociological research in law and culture falls into one of the following approaches: (1) law as a structure that enables and constrains culture; (2) culture as a structure that enables and constrains law; and (3) law as a cultural toolkit or repertoire upon which actors draw to orient strategies for action. This article briefly reviews these approaches, then, drawing from the generative socio‐legal tradition in law as culture, highlights a fourth approach. While law and culture are often analyzed as autonomous forces in ongoing contention, negotiation, and reconciliation, the socio‐legal approach conceptualizes the relationality of law and culture as constituted by ongoing contention. I argue that this relational approach may offer cultural sociologists who do not study law a framework for better analyzing how power undergirds, enables and constrains cultural meaning. I offer examples to illustrate the utility of this research agenda through three areas of interest for cultural sociologists: (1) embodiment; (2) emotions; and (3) political culture. Such an approach encourages a two‐way bridge between cultural sociology and socio‐legal studies conceptualizing culture as a dynamic system of power relations.
Cardiopulmonary ultrasound for critically ill adults improves diagnostic accuracy in a resource‐limited setting: the AFRICA trial
Authors: Becker Torben K. , Tafoya Chelsea A. , Osei‐Ampofo Maxwell , Tafoya Matthew J. , Kessler Ross A. , Theyyunni Nikhil , Yakubu Hussein A. , Opuni Daniel , Clauw Daniel J. , Cranford James A. , Oppong Chris K. , Oteng Rockefeller A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the effects of a cardiopulmonary ultrasound (CPUS) examination on diagnostic accuracy for critically ill patients in a resource‐limited setting.

Methods

Approximately half of the emergency medicine resident physicians at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, were trained in a CPUS protocol. Adult patients triaged to the resuscitation area of the emergency department (ED) were enrolled if they exhibited signs or symptoms of shock or respiratory distress. Patients were assigned to the intervention group if their treating physician had completed the CPUS training. The physician's initial diagnostic impression was recorded immediately after the history and physical examination in the control group, and after an added CPUS examination in the intervention group. This was compared to a standardised final diagnosis derived from post hoc chart review of the patient's care at 24 h by two blinded, independent reviewers using a clearly defined and systematic process. Secondary outcomes were 24‐h mortality and use of IV fluids, diuretics, vasopressors and bronchodilators.

Results

Of 890 patients presenting during the study period, 502 were assessed for eligibility, and 180 patients were enrolled. Diagnostic accuracy was higher for patients who received the CPUS examination (71.9% vs. 57.1%, Δ 14.8% [CI 0.5%, 28.4%]). This effect was particularly pronounced for patients with a ‘cardiac’ diagnosis, such as cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure or acute valvular disease (94.7% vs. 40.0%, Δ 54.7% [CI 8.9%, 86.4%]). Secondary outcomes were not different between groups.

Conclusions

In an urban ED in Ghana, a CPUS examination improved the accuracy of the treating physician's initial diagnostic impression. There were no differences in 24‐h mortality and a number of patient care interventions.
Highly interwoven communities of a gene regulatory network unveil topologically important genes for maize seed development
Authors: Xiong Wenwei , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Xiangbo , Yang Qinghua , Shao Ruixin , Lai Jinsheng , Du Chunguang
Published: October 2017

The complex interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and their target genes in a spatially and temporally specific manner are crucial to all cellular processes. Reconstruction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from gene expression profiles can help to decipher TF‐gene regulations in a variety of contexts; however, the inevitable prediction errors of GRNs hinder optimal data mining of RNA‐Seq transcriptome profiles. Here we perform an integrative study of Zea mays (maize) seed development in order to identify key genes in a complex developmental process. First, we reverse engineered a GRN from 78 maize seed transcriptome profiles. Then, we studied collective gene interaction patterns and uncovered highly interwoven network communities as the building blocks of the GRN. One community, composed of mostly unknown genes interacting with opaque2, brittle endosperm1 and shrunken2, contributes to seed phenotypes. Another community, composed mostly of genes expressed in the basal endosperm transfer layer, is responsible for nutrient transport. We further integrated our inferred GRN with gene expression patterns in different seed compartments and at various developmental stages and pathways. The integration facilitated a biological interpretation of the GRN. Our yeast one‐hybrid assays verified six out of eight TF‐promoter bindings in the reconstructed GRN. This study identified topologically important genes in interwoven network communities that may be crucial to maize seed development.
Prospective Teachers’ Representations for Teaching Note Values: An Analysis in the Context of Mathematics and Music
Authors: Özgül İlhan , İncikabı Lütfi
Published: October 2017

In this study, the representations preferred by prospective teachers in the teaching of note values were determined and the accuracy of these representations was analyzed in the context of mathematics and music. The case study, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. Study group of the research consisted of 113 pre-school teachers. According to the findings of the research, prospective teachers preferred verbal (92%), note and (80%) real life representations in defining the note values in general terms. On the other hand, geometrical and algebraic representations were preferred at lower rates. The mathematical expressions of the vast majority were found to be correct when the accuracy of representations chosen by the teacher candidates were analyzed. Problems experienced in relation to mathematical expressions in teaching note values include disproportionate fragmentation, modeling error, and algebraic error. On the other hand, representations used in the teaching of note values have generally been unsuccessful in musical expressions; the problems faced in articulation were determined as not (being able to) showing note values, incorrectly showing quarter note values and incorrectly defining note values. The accuracy rates of mathematical expressions are higher than those of musical expressions, regardless of the representation used (note, real life, geometric, verbal, algebraic). In addition, research findings show that prospective teachers who use four types of representation in the teaching of note values are more successful in mathematical and musical context than those who use two and three representations.
Application of the Strain Energy Density Criterion to the Estimation of Fracture Loads in Structural Steel S355J2 at Lower Shelf Temperatures
Authors: Cicero Sergio , Ibáñez Francisco , Procopio Isabela , Madrazo Virginia
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the application of the Strain Energy Density (SED) criterion to the estimation of fracture loads on structural steel S355J2 operating at lower shelf temperatures (−196°C) and containing U-shaped notches. 24 fracture tests were performed on this material, combining 6 different notch radii: 0 mm (crack-like defect), 0.15 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm, 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm. The results obtained in cracked specimens (0 mm notch radius) were used to determine the material fracture toughness, which is an input parameter in the SED criterion, whereas the notched specimens were used to demonstrate the capacity and the limitations of the SED criterion to provide fracture load estimations in the analyzed conditions.
A New Pressure Vessel Class: Challenging Weld Efficiencies
Authors: Frith Robert , Laird Sean
Published: October 2017

It could be argued that pressure equipment design is fully mature. Aside from placing increased attention on regions of localized stress, offered by Finite Element Analysis (FEA), there is little else that can be done, from a design standpoint, to reduce manufacturing costs of pressure equipment. This paper builds on previous work undertaken by the authors that questioned the use of weld efficiency based on partial and no volumetric inspection. It proposes a new class of pressure vessel where the fabricator has control over the weld efficiency factor, thus enabling the opportunity for reduction in pressure vessel costs for a certain range of products. This paper addresses three key topics:

1. The historical basis and justification for the use of weld efficiency factors;

2. The design principles behind the proposed new vessel class, and;

3. The advantages, conditions and challenges faced in implementing the new vessel class.

The intent of this paper is to explore the opportunity for an advancement in pressure equipment design and its fabrication.