bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green building for office interiors: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Gou Zhonghua
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the concept and practice of green building for office interiors: whether the green intent can be effectively implemented in an interior retrofitting project.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing green building rating systems for interiors, examining certified interior projects and interviewing occupants working in certified green offices.

Findings

The green building credits for interiors fall into three relational layers: the urban context, the host building and interior fit-outs. Most projects under study performed well on credits for interior fit-outs (e.g. low emitting materials, energy efficient equipment and appliances, etc.), while underperformed on credits for its host building (e.g. air-conditioning systems, ventilation, etc.). The latter might more significantly affect working experience. The other important green aspects, such as daylight availability, facilities accessibility, might be subject to its location and urban context.

Research limitations/implications

This article presents a multi-examination of green interiors. The data came from second-hand Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design scorecards and qualitative interviews. More quantitative surveys are expected to be conducted.

Practical implications

Green interior retrofitting should go beyond selecting environmental-friendly finishes and furniture or resource-efficient fixtures and appliances. It should proactively start from assessing the environmental performance of the host building and its urban context.

Originality/value

Most research looked at green building as a whole. Green interiors are actually more practical for tenants who intend to reduce their corporate environmental impacts, whereas they do not have control over whole building design and operations. This article highlights the importance of green interior retrofitting and provides guidance.
Integrating sustainability across the university curriculum
Authors: Dmochowski Jane Ellen , Garofalo Dan , Fisher Sarah , Greene Ann , Gambogi Danielle
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Colleges and universities increasingly have the mandate and motivation to integrate sustainability into their curricula. The purpose of this paper is to share the strategy used at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and provide an evaluation of its success and guidance to others creating similar programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This article summarizes Penn’s Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum (ISAC) program. ISAC pairs Penn undergraduate research assistants with instructors in a collaborative effort to incorporate sustainability into courses.

Findings

In concert with other Penn initiatives (a course inventory, faculty discussion groups and a research network), ISAC increases Penn’s sustainability-related courses and creates dialogue regarding how various disciplines contribute to sustainability.

Practical implications

The program described in this article is replicable at other institutions. The authors demonstrate that the logistics of recruiting students and establishing the program are straightforward. Undergraduate students are on campus; their pay requirements are modest; and they are desirous of such research experiences.

Social implications

The ISAC program inculcates a cultural and behavioral shift as students and faculty approach sustainability issues collaboratively, and it facilitates the development of a shared language of environmental sustainability. Such social implications are difficult to quantify, but are nonetheless valuable outcomes.

Originality/value

The faculty–student partnership used to facilitate the integration of sustainability into courses at Penn is original. The ISAC program provides a framework for engaging students and faculty in curriculum development around sustainability in a manner that benefits the student research assistants, the participating faculty and future students.
Understanding and alleviating loneliness in later life: perspectives of older people
Authors: Sullivan Mary Pat , Victor Christina Rita , Thomas Michael
Published: September 2016

Purpose

There is extensive empirical literature that has sought to establish the prevalence of, and risk factors for, loneliness and social isolation in later life. Traditional empirical gerontological approaches have characterised loneliness as a linear experience that is both pathological and easily relieved with external intervention. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of qualitative interview data to reveal the possible complexities in understanding loneliness, including conceptual considerations for the dynamic and multi-dimensional aspects of loneliness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on two different studies where the purpose was to qualitatively examine the meaning of loneliness in the lives of older people and how they understood loneliness in the context of their daily life (n=37).

Findings

Interviews with “lonely” older people revealed that loneliness is a complex and dynamic experience. The authors also identified a range of internal and external factors that contribute to vulnerability for loneliness as well as resources to alleviate it.

Originality/value

The dynamic and multi-dimensional characteristics of loneliness in older people may help explain why community-based interventions to diminish it may be so challenging.
Mixed or merged? Integration as the real challenge for mixed methods
Authors: Bazeley Pat
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Giampietro Gobo called for new methods that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single instrument, suggesting this was the next challenge facing social research and mixed methods in particular. The purpose of this paper is to respond to that challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of methods, demonstrating their inherently mixed qualities, with special emphasis on a range of methods that can be classified as merged.

Findings

The real challenge is not to find merged methods, but to ensure integration of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the methods used during the analysis and writing processes.

Practical implications

Researchers need to be alerted to the mixed elements within their work, to learn how to better tap into these and to exploit the integrative potential of their methods during analysis and writing. Researchers need more “rounded” methods training.

Originality/value

This paper refocuses the challenge facing mixed methods research.
Why “merged” methods realize a higher integration than “mixed” methods: a reply
Authors: Gobo Giampietro
Published: September 2016

Purpose

After the initial life (which coincides with the origins of social research in the 1850s, and lasts until 1940s), mixed methods revive at the beginning of 1970s. However, this second life (or renaissance) receives the deleterious imprinting of quantitative methods. In fact, some of the old positivist assumptions are still reproduced and active in most of mixed methods research. This imprinting is traceable in the ambiguity (and purposive semantic stretching) of the term “qualitative”: from the 1990s, it encompasses almost everything (even approaches considered positivistic in the 1950s!). Whereby the semantical extension of the term “qualitative” has become a sort of Trojan horse for a new legitimation of many quantitative and positivist researchers: a great swindle. Today “qualitative” is nonsense and acts as a bug, which muddies the qualitative-quantitative debate. For this reason, it would be better to remove the bug (i.e. to discharge the term “qualitative” from the language of social research and methodology), reset and start over from the level of specific research methods, considering carefully and balancing their diversity before mixing them. The purpose of this paper is to outline two (complementary) ways of integration of methods (“mixed” and “merged”), arguing that “merged” methods realize a higher integration than “mixed” methods, because the former overcome some weaknesses of the latter.

Design/methodology/approach

A semantic and pragmatic analysis of the term “qualitative.”

Findings

In social and behavioral sciences, the second life of mixed methods has been heavily affected by old positivist and quantitative assumptions.

Research limitations/implications

The term “qualitative” should be discharged from the language of social research and methodology.

Practical implications

The coveted integration in “mixed” methods, could be better pursed through “merged” methods.

Social implications

Disentangling the strands of a debate (the qualitative-quantitative one) become muddy.

Originality/value

An alternative framework, to interpret the mixed methods history and their recent developments, has been proposed.
How did the domestication of Fertile Crescent grain crops increase their yields?
Authors: Preece Catherine , Livarda Alexandra , Christin Pascal‐Antoine , Wallace Michael , Martin Gemma , Charles Michael , Jones Glynis , Rees Mark , Osborne Colin P.
Published: September 2016

The origins of agriculture, 10 000 years ago, led to profound changes in the biology of plants exploited as grain crops, through the process of domestication. This special case of evolution under cultivation led to domesticated cereals and pulses requiring humans for their dispersal, but the accompanying mechanisms causing higher productivity in these plants remain unknown. The classical view of crop domestication is narrow, focusing on reproductive and seed traits including the dispersal, dormancy and size of seeds, without considering whole‐plant characteristics. However, the effects of initial domestication events can be inferred from consistent differences between traditional landraces and their wild progenitors.

We studied how domestication increased the yields of Fertile Crescent cereals and pulses using a greenhouse experiment to compare landraces with wild progenitors. We grew eight crops: barley, einkorn and emmer wheat, oat, rye, chickpea, lentil and pea. In each case, comparison of multiple landraces with their wild progenitors enabled us to quantify the effects of domestication rather than subsequent crop diversification. To reveal the mechanisms underpinning domestication‐linked yield increases, we measured traits beyond those classically associated with domestication, including the rate and duration of growth, reproductive allocation, plant size and also seed mass and number.

Cereal and pulse crops had on average 50% higher yields than their wild progenitors, resulting from a 40% greater final plant size, 90% greater individual seed mass and 38% less chaff or pod material, although this varied between species. Cereal crops also had a higher seed number per spike compared with their wild ancestors. However, there were no differences in growth rate, total seed number, proportion of reproductive biomass or the duration of growth.

The domestication of Fertile Crescent crops resulted in larger seed size leading to a larger plant size, and also a reduction in chaff, with no decrease in seed number per individual, which proved a powerful package of traits for increasing yield. We propose that the important steps in the domestication process should be reconsidered, and the domestication syndrome broadened to include a wider range of traits.
Exploring elementary students’ perceptions of disabilities using children's literature
Authors: Wilkins Julia , Howe Kathryn , Seiloff Maddie , Rowan Shelly , Lilly Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

The portrayal of characters in children's literature can be a very powerful influence on young children. Teachers have a responsibility to expose children to characters of all types, including those with disabilities. The goal of this study was to explore how third and fourth grade students responded to characters with disabilities in children's books. We read a total of 12 books that included characters with disabilities to students in two third‐grade and one fourth‐grade class at three elementary schools. We video‐recorded discussions about the books and identified the following four themes, all of which related to influences on students’ responses to the character with a disability: (a) societal messages, (b) academic responses, (c) teacher influence and (d) portrayal of disability. We recommend that teachers carefully select books featuring characters with disabilities based on the way the disability is portrayed in the book, and, after the read‐aloud, use questioning strategies that encourage students to make thoughtful, deep comments rather than giving ‘expected’ responses.
Physicochemical and microbial properties of nanopowdered peanut sprout‐supplemented Caciocavallo‐like cheese during ripening
Authors: Ko Eun‐Jung , Chang Yoon Hyuk , Kwak Hae‐Soo
Published: September 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the physicochemical and microbial properties of nanopowdered peanut sprout‐supplemented Caciocavallo‐like cheese (NPSCC) during ripening at 14 °C for 6 weeks. The total phenol contents and lactic acid bacteria counts in NPSCC were significantly higher than those in the control, indicating that nanopowdered peanut sprout could potentially be used as a prebiotic and potential source of dietary antioxidants in the dairy products. Thiobarbituric acid values of the cheese were significantly decreased and the production of short‐chain free fatty was not significantly different when nanopowdered peanut sprout was added into the production of Caciocavallo‐like cheese.
A randomised controlled trial of paracetamol and ibuprofen with or without codeine or oxycodone as initial analgesia for adults with moderate pain from limb injury
Authors: Graudins Andis , Meek Robert , Parkinson Jacqueline , Egerton‐Warburton Diana , Meyer Alastair
Published: September 2016

Objective

Compare pain relief from non‐opioid, codeine and oxycodone analgesic regimens in adults with moderate pain from limb injury.

Method

Double‐blind, randomised, controlled, non‐inferiority trial. Three regimens of six tablets, each included 2 × 500 mg paracetamol and 2 × 200 mg ibuprofen with 2 × 100 mg thiamine (non‐opioid), 2 × 30 mg codeine (codeine) or 2 × 5 mg oxycodone tablets (oxycodone). Primary outcome: difference in mean visual analogue scale (VAS) change between groups at 30 min, with a limit of inferiority of 13. Secondary outcomes included mean change in VAS rating from baseline to 30 min for each group, patient satisfaction, need for additional analgesia and adverse events. Pain ratings taken at 60 and 90 min for patients still in ED are described.

Results

Of 182 patients randomised, non‐opioid, codeine and oxycodone numbers were 61, 62 and 59. Differences (95% CI) between groups at 30 min were as follows: non‐opioid versus codeine −2.6 (−8.8 to 3.6); non‐opioid versus oxycodone −2.7 (−9.3 to 3.9); codeine versus oxycodone 0.1 (−6.6 to 6.4). Mean VAS reductions for non‐opioid, codeine and oxycodone were −13.5, −16.1 and −16.2 mm, respectively. Satisfaction with analgesia was reported by 77.6% (64.7–87.5), 81.0% (67.2–89.0) and 73.6% (59.7–84.7) and adverse events by 3.3% (0.4–11.3), 1.6% (0.4–8.7) and 16.9% (8.4–29.0), respectively. Mean VAS reductions at 60 and 90 min were as follows: −23.2 and −18.7 mm for non‐opioid; −30.7 and −33.3 mm for codeine; and −26.1 and −31.7 mm for oxycodone.

Conclusion

At 30 min, analgesic effects of non‐opioid, codeine and oxycodone groups were non‐inferior.
Lycopene: Heterogeneous Catalytic E/Z Isomerization and In Vitro Bioaccessibility Assessment Using a Diffusion Model
Authors: Sun Qingrui , Yang Cheng , Li Jing , Raza Husnain , Zhang Lianfu
Published: September 2016

Highly efficient heterogeneous catalytic E/Z isomerization of lycopene was achieved using an iodine‐doped titanium dioxide (I‐TiO2) catalyst prepared by sol‐gel method. The effects of reaction temperature and reaction time were investigated in detail. The maximum total Z‐ratio of lycopene exceeded 78% after 2 h of refluxing at 75 °C in ethyl acetate. Moreover, lycopene samples with a series of total Z‐ratios were prepared and the bioaccessibility of these samples was estimated using a diffusion model, the results showed that the bioaccessibility of lycopene markedly increased conforming to a linear regression model with increasing of the total Z‐ratio of lycopene from 3.6% to 78.5%. Furthermore, the specific role of the microstructure and melting point of 3.6% and 78.5% total Z‐ratio of lycopene was also investigated to understand the probable mechanism for the enhanced bioaccessbility of (Z)‐lycopenes.
Identification of the Critical Amino Acid Residues of Immunoglobulin E and Immunoglobulin G Epitopes in α‐Lactalbumin by Alanine Scanning Analysis
Authors: Yanjun Cong , Shengyun Zhou , Linfeng Li
Published: September 2016

α‐Lactalbumin represents one of the major allergens causing cow milk allergy. Few studies have clearly evaluated immunological relationships between immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐binding epitopes of α‐lactalbumin. IgE‐ and IgG‐binding epitopes were immunolabeled with individual sera from cow milk‐allergic patients. Alanine scanning of immunodominant epitopes was used to identify the critical amino acid (aa). Our initial data revealed Val8, Phe9, Arg10, Tyr103, Leu105, and His107 were the critical aa for IgE‐binding epitope. The critical aa of IgG‐binding epitopes were Phe9, Leu15, Pro24, Trp26, and His32. This study will provide necessary information to alter the cDNA to encode a protein capable of activating milk‐specific T cells, but with reduced IgE‐ or IgG‐binding capacity.
Continental‐Scale River Flow Modeling of the Mississippi River Basin Using High‐Resolution NHDPlus Dataset
Authors: Tavakoly Ahmad A. , Snow Alan D. , David Cédric H. , Follum Michael L. , Maidment David R. , Yang Zong‐Liang
Published: September 2016

As a key component of the National Flood Interoperability Experiment (NFIE), this article presents the continental scale river flow modeling of the Mississippi River Basin (MRB), using high‐resolution river data from NHDPlus. The Routing Application for Parallel computatIon of Discharge (RAPID) was applied to the MRB with more than 1.2 million river reaches for a 10‐year study (2005‐2014). Runoff data from the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model was used as input to RAPID. This article investigates the effect of topography on RAPID performance, the differences between the VIC‐RAPID streamflow simulations in the HUC‐2 regions of the MRB, and the impact of major dams on the streamflow simulations. The model performance improved when initial parameter values, especially the Muskingum K parameter, were estimated by taking topography into account. The statistical summary indicates the RAPID model performs better in the Ohio and Tennessee Regions and the Upper and Lower Mississippi River Regions in comparison to the western part of the MRB, due to the better performance of the VIC model. The model accuracy also increases when lakes and reservoirs are considered in the modeling framework. In general, results show the VIC‐RAPID streamflow simulation is satisfactory at the continental scale of the MRB.
Acute naltrexone does not remediate fronto‐striatal disturbances in alcoholic and alcoholic polysubstance‐dependent populations during a monetary incentive delay task
Authors: Nestor Liam J , Murphy Anna , McGonigle John , Orban Csaba , Reed Laurence , Taylor Eleanor , Flechais Remy , Paterson Louise M , Smith Dana , Bullmore Edward T , Ersche Karen D , Suckling John , Tait Roger , Elliott Rebecca , Deakin Bill , Rabiner Ilan , Lingford‐Hughes Anne , Nutt David J , Sahakian Barbara , Robbins Trevor W ,   ICCAM Consortium
Published: September 2016

There is a concerted research effort to investigate brain mechanisms underlying addiction processes that may predicate the development of new compounds for treating addiction. One target is the brain's opioid system, because of its role in the reinforcing effects of substances of abuse. Substance‐dependent populations have increased numbers of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) in fronto‐striatal regions that predict drug relapse, and demonstrate disturbances in these regions during the processing of non‐drug rewards. Naltrexone is currently licensed for alcohol and opiate dependence, and may remediate such disturbances through the blockade of MORs in fronto‐striatal reward circuitry. Therefore, we examined the potential acute modulating effects of naltrexone on the anticipation of, and instrumental responding for, non‐drug rewards in long‐term abstinent alcoholics, alcoholic poly substance‐dependent individuals and controls using a monetary incentive delay (MID) task during a randomized double blind placebo controlled functional MRI study. We report that the alcoholic poly substance‐dependent group exhibited slower and less accurate instrumental responding compared to alcoholics and controls that was less evident after acute naltrexone treatment. However, naltrexone treatment was unable to remediate disturbances within fronto‐striatal regions during reward anticipation and ‘missed’ rewards in either substance‐dependent group. While we have not been able to identify the underlying neural mechanisms for improvement observed with naltrexone in the alcoholic poly‐substance dependent group, we can confirm that both substance‐dependent groups exhibit substantial neural deficits during an MID task, despite being in long‐term abstinence.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and body site distribution of community isolates of coagulase‐negative staphylococci
Authors: Cavanagh Jorunn Pauline , Wolden Runa , Heise Philipp , Esaiassen Eirin , Klingenberg Claus , Aarag Fredheim Elizabeth G.
Published: September 2016

The primary aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance in coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS) from healthy adults in the community. Healthy adults (n = 114) were swabbed on six body sites; both armpits, both knee pits and both sides of the groin. Species determination was performed using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization – Time of Flight (MALDI‐TOF) and susceptibility testing for 11 relevant antimicrobials was performed by the disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration gradient test. In total, 693 CoNS isolates were identified. Susceptibility testing was done on 386 isolates; one CoNS from each species found on each participant from the different body sites. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the CoNS isolates were; erythromycin (24.6%), fusidic acid (19.9%), tetracycline (11.4%), clindamycin (7.8%), gentamicin (6.2%) and cefoxitin (4.1%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 5.2% of the isolates. Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. hominis were the first and second most prevalent species on all three body sites. We conclude that CoNS isolates from healthy adults in the community have a much lower prevalence of antimicrobial resistance than reported in nosocomial CoNS isolates. Still, we believe that levels of resistance in community CoNS should be monitored as the consumption of antimicrobials in primary care in Norway is increasing.
Are environmental social governance equity indices a better choice for investors? An Asian perspective
Authors: Ur Rehman Ramiz , Zhang Junrui , Uppal Jamshed , Cullinan Charles , Akram Naseem Muhammad
Published: September 2016

This article examines the risk and return profiles of stock indices composed of companies meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) screening criteria [such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI)] and conventional composite indices of eight Asian countries from 2002 to 2014. The results indicate that there are no significant differences in the returns or risk‐adjusted returns between the ESG indices and the composite indices within countries. The results do reveal that the market volatility of the ESG indices is higher than the market volatility of the conventional indices. Market betas of DJSI and ESG equity indices are significantly lower than betas of the composite equity indices. The overall results indicate that the performance of ESG equity indices of many Asian countries is similar to the performance of conventional indices, suggesting that investors can pursue socially responsible investing objectives without a material difference in portfolio performance from conventional investing.
Socially responsible consumption: an application in Colombia
Authors: Villa Castaño Lida Esperanza , Perdomo‐Ortiz Jesús , Dueñas Ocampo Sebastián , Durán León William Fernando
Published: September 2016

This study constructs a measurement scale for Socially Responsible Consumption in the particular context of Colombia. It uses a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodological approach, beginning with four focus groups and ending with a quantitative validation exercise employing Exploratory Factor Analysis. The result is a Socially Responsible Consumption measurement scale consisting of four dimensions that reflect paradigms found in the existing literature. These are, however, expressed differently in Colombia. In particular, Socially Responsible Consumption involves consumer behavior that favors corporate social responsibility practices and the rational consumption of resources and products while recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through healthcare.
Humanistic and economistic approaches to banking – better banking lessons from the financial crisis?
Authors: Pirson Michael , Gangahar Anuj , Wilson Fiona
Published: September 2016

We sketch out two basic paradigms informing banking practice: the economistic paradigm focusing on profit maximization and the humanistic one, serving the common good. We then highlight paradigmatic cases to explore how each of these business models fared during the quasi‐natural experiment of the financial crisis. We find that many humanistic banks outperformed traditional economistic banks. Despite the uneven playing field humanistic banks fared remarkably well with regard to traditional financial performance judgements, muting criticisms of competitiveness. We find that overall both paradigms can provide a basis for successful banking as long as social and financial value generation are blended. We conclude by providing lessons learned for better banking.
Perpetuation of sexual objectification: The role of resource depletion
Authors: Tyler James M. , Calogero Rachel M. , Adams Katherine E.
Published: September 2016

Women are sexually objectified when viewed and treated by others as mere objects. Abundant research has examined the negative consequences of being the target of sexual objectification; however, limited attention has focused on the person doing the objectification. Our focus is on the agent and how self‐regulatory resources influence sexual objectification. Consistent with prior evidence, we reasoned that people have a well‐learned automatic response to objectify sexualized women, and as such, we expected objectifying a sexualized (vs. personalized) woman would deplete fewer regulatory resources than not objectifying her. Findings across three studies confirmed our expectations, demonstrating the extent to which people objectify a sexualized woman or not is influenced by the availability of regulatory resources, a case that heretofore has been absent from the literature. These patterns are discussed in the context of the sexual objectification and self‐regulation literature.
The loss of that which never was: Evaluating changes to the senior management of the Public Health Agency of Canada
Authors: Fafard Patrick , Forest Pierre‐Gerlier
Published: September 2016

In the fall of 2014, the Government of Canada formally split the role of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) into two positions: the CPHO and the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Despite concerns raised by the public health community, these changes are consistent with the CPHO's authority. However, the nature of responsible government means that the CPHO cannot simultaneously serve as an independent advocate for policies and programs that might prevent disease and as a senior advisor to the government of the day.
Trust but verify: Ministerial policy advisors and public servants in the Government of Canada
Authors: Wilson R. Paul
Published: September 2016

Political advisors in Canada are comparatively numerous and highly differentiated in role. Based on a recent survey, this article examines how senior ministerial policy advisors, a subset of the political staff community, perceive their support for ministers and their relationships with public servants. It finds that they increase ministers' policy capacity, encourage greater responsiveness from public servants, and generally feel that they enjoy good relations with officials and respect their role. Since much depends on advisors' personal maturity, however, the paper endorses the Trudeau government's release of a code of conduct for ministerial‐exempt staff as a means of embedding accountability more deeply within political staff culture.
Decentralized decision‐making and urban planning: A case study of density for benefit agreements in Toronto and Vancouver
Authors: Moore Aaron A.
Published: September 2016

This article compares the design and implementation of density for benefit agreements (DBAs), a form of density “bonusing” in Toronto and Vancouver. The cities identify many of the same priorities for benefits secured from developers, but in practice they prioritize widely different benefits. By comparing practice in Toronto and Vancouver, this article demonstrates how institutional differences and the decentralization of policy decision‐making in major cities can affect urban planning decision‐making.
The role of scientists in statutory interpretation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Authors: Wilhere George F.
Published: September 2016

Like many federal statutes, the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) contains vague or ambiguous language. The meaning imparted to the ESA's unclear language can profoundly impact the fates of endangered and threatened species. Hence, conservation scientists should contribute to the interpretation of the ESA when vague or ambiguous language contains scientific words or refers to scientific concepts. Scientists need to know at least these 2 facts about statutory interpretation: statutory interpretation is subjective and the potential influence of normative values results in different expectations for the parties involved. With the possible exception of judges, all conventional participants in statutory interpretation are serving their own interests, advocating for their preferred policies, or biased. Hence, scientists can play a unique role by informing the interpretative process with objective, policy‐neutral information. Conversely, scientists may act as advocates for their preferred interpretation of unclear statutory language. The different roles scientists might play in statutory interpretation raise the issues of advocacy and competency. Advocating for a preferred statutory interpretation is legitimate political behavior by scientists, but statutory interpretation can be strongly influenced by normative values. Therefore, scientists must be careful not to commit stealth policy advocacy. Most conservation scientists lack demonstrable competence in statutory interpretation and therefore should consult or collaborate with lawyers when interpreting statutes. Professional scientific societies are widely perceived by the public as unbiased sources of objective information. Therefore, professional scientific societies should remain policy neutral and present all interpretations of unclear statutory language; explain the semantics and science both supporting and contradicting each interpretation; and describe the potential consequences of implementing each interpretation. A review of scientists’ interpretations of the phrase “significant portion of its range” in the ESA is used to critique the role of scientists and professional societies in statutory interpretation.
Selling Finite Capacity in Bulks*
Authors: Eynan Amit , Narasimhan Chakravarthi
Published: September 2016

We consider a firm that owns a limited capacity for the delivery of services or for the production of customized products. Potential buyers specify the amount of capacity they will require for the execution of their intended services, goods or projects. Based on the size of the requirement, the firm makes a bid while being challenged in various ways: (1) it only knows the underlying probability function from which its customers’ reservation prices are drawn, (2) arrival of additional future requests is stochastic, and, (3) the firm knows in advance neither the magnitude of these potential requests nor the buyer's reservation price. The firm aims to maximize its expected profit by choosing its pricing mechanism.

The fact that capacity is demanded in varying amounts distinguishes this problem from most available literature in which standard sizes are sold or partial fulfillment and displacement are permitted. Lacking such allowances presents a new challenge to the firm as in conjunction with pricing it should also address the issue of various sizes requests’ compatibility to achieve optimal utilization of its capacity in order to maximize expected profit. In this article, we consider two approaches of handling this problem: myopic and foresighted. We formulate and analyze the problem to obtain the firm's optimal bidding decisions as well as managerial insight about the optimal bid level and its important role in coordinating buyers’ requests. Furthermore, due to this role, pricing patterns in this environment are different than those in standard unit sales.
Alterations in regional myocardial deformation assessed by strain imaging in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Lo Queenie , Haluska Brian , Chia Ee‐May , Lin Ming‐Wei , Richards David , Marwick Thomas , Thomas Liza
Published: September 2016

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis results in increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and diastolic dysfunction (DD). Strain measurements using velocity vector imaging (VVI) may further characterize myocardial dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 43 AL amyloidosis patients were compared to age‐matched normals and hypertensive patients (HT). Subgroup analysis within the amyloid group was performed based on LV wall thickness (≤14 mm, >14 mm) and diastolic dysfunction (DD) (Group 1: normal and impaired relaxation, Group 2: pseudonormal, Group 3: restrictive). LV strain (longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (S) and strain rate [Sr]) were measured using velocity vector imaging (VVI).

Results

Increased LV wall thickness and DD were observed in the amyloid group. Global longitudinal (−13.9±4.1% vs −16.7±3.8%; P=.002) and radial (27.4±13.4% vs 38.8±15.7%; P<.001) strain were lower in the amyloid group vs normal controls, while circumferential strain was similar. Segmental analysis demonstrated reduced mid‐ and basal segmental strain with relative sparing of apical segments in the amyloid group. Reduced longitudinal and radial strain, with preserved circumferential strain, were observed in patients with wall thickness >14 mm; however, circumferential strain was also altered when severe DD (restrictive filling) was present.

Conclusion

Reduction in longitudinal and radial S and Sr was evident using VVI strain analysis in amyloidosis, with segmental heterogeneity in longitudinal S. There was relative preservation of circumferential strain, which was reduced only in patients with severe DD.
Examination of the anxiety level in patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Çürük Gülsüm N. , Tekinsoy Kartın Pınar , Yüceler Kaçmaz Hatice
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of anxiety in patients with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods

The research was carried out at a university's Heart Hospital, echocardiography laboratory between the dates of January–October 2014. Data were collected with Patient Identification Form, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. The level of state and trait anxiety was measured by Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Signed forms of consent for the study were obtained from patients after the ethics committee approval. Descriptive statistics, t‐test, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical data analysis.

Results

The study included 102 patients who were admitted to the cardiology department for TEE. The mean age of the patients was 44.12±16.86 years and 52.9% were men. About 46.5% of them graduated from primary school, 74.5% were married, and 52.0% has moderate income. Approximately half the patients reported that they had received information for TEE. State anxiety scores of patients ranged from 31 to 66 (mean±SD; 46.7±8.7), and their trait anxiety scores ranged from 28 to 52 (mean±SD; 44.4±4.3). Low educational level, female gender, and hospitalized patients' state anxiety point were very high and statistically significant.

Conclusion

Anxiety level should be determined in this patients, and appropriate nursing care should be done for high anxiety score patients.
Left atrium function by 2D speckle tracking in aortic valve disease
Authors: Salas‐Pacheco Jose L. , Ávila‐Vanzzini Nydia , Eugenia Ruiz‐Esparza M. , Arias‐Godínez Jose A.
Published: September 2016

Background

A paucity of data exists about left atrium (LA) function in aortic valve stenosis (AS) or regurgitation (AR). Two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography allows the noninvasive study of LA functional disturbances in aortic valve disease and their impact in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

Consecutive patients with moderate or severe AS or AR were included. Left ventricle (LV) and LA speckle tracking strain quantification was performed. We included 42 patients with AS and 30 with AR. Differences were not found in LA volumes and strain in AS or AR. The LA volumetric derangements parallel the decrease in LA longitudinal strain. Maximum LA volume, minimum LA volume, and indexed LA volume were higher in severe valvular disease (SVD) than in moderate [23 cc (P=.018, IC95%: 4–41), 16 cc (P=.035, IC95%: 2–31), and 14 cc (P=.022, IC95%: 2–25), respectively], occurred in the same way with LA strain in the conduit (6.3%, P=.034, IC95%: 1–12) and reservoir (7.1%, P=.04, IC95%: 2–14) phases. In multivariable model, strain of reservoir phase was the variable mainly associated with PH; each decrease in one unit of strain of reservoir phase increased 6% the PH probability (OR: 1.06, P=.01).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that in patients with AS and AR, the LA has a similar behavior and that exist a close correlation between LA volumetric and functional parameters. The variable mainly associated with PH was LA strain of reservoir phase.
Impact of anthropometric cut‐off values in determining the prevalence of metabolic alterations
Authors: Almeda‐Valdes Paloma , Aguilar‐Salinas Carlos A. , Uribe Misael , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel , Méndez‐Sánchez Nahum
Published: September 2016

Background

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in parallel with associated metabolic disturbances such as diabetes and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objective

The objective of this article is to underscore discrepancies in the standard anthropometric cut‐off values and the presence of metabolic disturbances including diabetes and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by biological and ethnic variations.

Materials and methods

We performed a literature review regarding the diagnosis and prevalence of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and about the different available indicators to define obesity.

Results

There is an ongoing epidemic of these chronic diseases, partially attributed to the increased prevalence of obesity. The available markers to indicate adiposity are imperfect, and the selection of accurate cut‐off points is still not clear.

Conclusion

Methods to quantify adiposity that are useful in clinical practice should be developed to better classify individuals and to reflect metabolic risk more appropriately.
Lung function, inflammation and cardiovascular mortality in Africans
Authors: Breet Yolandi , Schutte Aletta E. , Huisman Hugo W. , Eloff Fritz C. , Du Plessis Johan L. , Kruger Annamarie , Van Rooyen Johannes M.
Published: September 2016

Background

The link between impaired lung function and cardiovascular outcome is well established in European and American populations. It is possible that this association may be driven by a systemic spillover of inflammation occurring within the lungs. As several studies have found an increased level of inflammatory markers in African populations, we aimed to establish the contribution of lung function in predicting all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in Africans, whilst taking inflammatory markers into account.

Design

We followed 1442 black South Africans from the North West Province participating in the South African leg of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, over a five‐year period. Spirometry, cardiovascular and metabolic measures were performed, and cardiovascular mortality as well as all‐cause mortality used as endpoints.

Results

In univariate Cox regression models, both forced expiratory volume in 1‐s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) predicted all‐cause (P = 0·022; P < 0·001) and cardiovascular mortality (P = 0·004; P < 0·001). In multivariate adjusted standardized Cox regression analyses, only FVC predicted cardiovascular mortality independent of several covariates (hazard ratio, 0·57 [0·35–0·94]), including C‐reactive protein (CRP). When CRP was replaced by interleukin‐6 in the model, the significance of FVC was lost (hazard ratio, 0·85 [0·55–1·30]).

Conclusion

FVC, but not FEV1, is a strong predictor of both all‐cause and CV mortality in black South Africans, which may be mediated by inflammation.
Early selectivity for vocal and musical sounds: electrophysiological evidence from an adaptation paradigm
Authors: Rigoulot Simon , Armony Jorge L.
Published: September 2016

There is growing interest in characterizing the neural basis of music perception and, in particular, assessing how similar, or not, it is to that of speech. To further explore this question, we employed an EEG adaptation paradigm in which we compared responses to short sounds belonging to the same category, either speech (pseudo‐sentences) or music (piano or violin), depending on whether they were immediately preceded by a same‐ or different‐category sound. We observed a larger reduction in the N100 component magnitude in response to musical sounds when they were preceded by music (either the same or different instrument) than by speech. In contrast, the N100 amplitude was not affected by the preceding stimulus category in the case of speech. For P200 component, we observed a diminution of amplitude when speech sounds were preceded speech, compared to music. No such decrease was found when we compared the responses to music sounds. These differences in the processing of speech and music are consistent with the proposal that some degree of category selectivity for these two classes of complex stimuli already occurs at early stages of auditory processing, possibly subserved by partly separated neuronal populations.
Graph coarse‐graining reveals differences in the module‐level structure of functional brain networks
Authors: Kujala Rainer , Glerean Enrico , Pan Raj Kumar , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Sams Mikko , Saramäki Jari
Published: September 2016

Networks have become a standard tool for analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In this approach, brain areas and their functional connections are mapped to the nodes and links of a network. Even though this mapping reduces the complexity of the underlying data, it remains challenging to understand the structure of the resulting networks due to the large number of nodes and links. One solution is to partition networks into modules and then investigate the modules’ composition and relationship with brain functioning. While this approach works well for single networks, understanding differences between two networks by comparing their partitions is difficult and alternative approaches are thus necessary. To this end, we present a coarse‐graining framework that uses a single set of data‐driven modules as a frame of reference, enabling one to zoom out from the node‐ and link‐level details. As a result, differences in the module‐level connectivity can be understood in a transparent, statistically verifiable manner. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method by applying it to networks constructed from fMRI data recorded from 13 healthy subjects during rest and movie viewing. While independently partitioning the rest and movie networks is shown to yield little insight, the coarse‐graining framework enables one to pinpoint differences in the module‐level structure, such as the increased number of intra‐module links within the visual cortex during movie viewing. In addition to quantifying differences due to external stimuli, the approach could also be applied in clinical settings, such as comparing patients with healthy controls.
Congruent representation of visual and acoustic space in the superior colliculus of the echolocating bat Phyllostomus discolor
Authors: Hoffmann Susanne , Vega‐Zuniga Tomas , Greiter Wolfgang , Krabichler Quirin , Bley Alexandra , Matthes Mariana , Zimmer Christiane , Firzlaff Uwe , Luksch Harald
Published: September 2016

The midbrain superior colliculus (SC) commonly features a retinotopic representation of visual space in its superficial layers, which is congruent with maps formed by multisensory neurons and motor neurons in its deep layers. Information flow between layers is suggested to enable the SC to mediate goal‐directed orienting movements. While most mammals strongly rely on vision for orienting, some species such as echolocating bats have developed alternative strategies, which raises the question how sensory maps are organized in these animals. We probed the visual system of the echolocating bat Phyllostomus discolor and found that binocular high acuity vision is frontally oriented and thus aligned with the biosonar system, whereas monocular visual fields cover a large area of peripheral space. For the first time in echolocating bats, we could show that in contrast with other mammals, visual processing is restricted to the superficial layers of the SC. The topographic representation of visual space, however, followed the general mammalian pattern. In addition, we found a clear topographic representation of sound azimuth in the deeper collicular layers, which was congruent with the superficial visual space map and with a previously documented map of orienting movements. Especially for bats navigating at high speed in densely structured environments, it is vitally important to transfer and coordinate spatial information between sensors and motor systems. Here, we demonstrate first evidence for the existence of congruent maps of sensory space in the bat SC that might serve to generate a unified representation of the environment to guide motor actions.