bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying adaptive strategies employed by office building investors
Authors: Halvitigala Dulani , Reed Richard G.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– With strategies including flexible work practices, tenants are increasingly seeking flexibility in their physical office space and layouts. The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent investors address tenants’ changing demand for office space with reference to layouts in new and existing office buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study comprising in-depth individual interviews with senior portfolio managers of all listed property trusts investing in the office sector in New Zealand was undertaken.

Findings

– The findings confirmed property investors incorporate several adaptive and flexible space design and specifications in their modern office buildings to enhance space flexibility and functional efficiency. These include adaptive building structures, efficient floor plates, flexible building services, advanced IT networking, high-quality building amenities and modern building materials. Building structures and layouts are designed to be modified quickly and cost effectively to address tenants’ changing needs. Implications affecting tenant demand for flexible spaces on their lease contracts were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings from this research have implications for management of office space. Although the data were sourced with reference to buildings located in New Zealand only, the findings are applicable to office buildings in other countries.

Practical implications

– The study provides an insight into design strategies adopted in modern office buildings to enhance space flexibility and functional efficiency. These findings are of practical application to professionals involved in the design, development, investment and valuation of modern office buildings.

Originality/value

– The paper provides in-depth insights into how investors meet tenants’ changing demand for physical space which is linked to delivering improved and stable market-driven returns to investors.
The evolution of Global Libraries’ performance measurement and impact assessment systems
Authors: Paley Jeremy , Cottrill Julia , Errecart Katherine , White Aimee , Schaden Carrie , Schrag Tyler , Douglas Robert , Tahmassebi Beeta , Crocker Rachel , Streatfield David
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of a common approach to impact assessment across the Global Libraries (GL) portfolio of grants. It presents an overview of two systems, the Performance Metrics (PMs) and the Common Impact Measurement System (CIMS). By providing a standard set of definitions and methods for use across countries, these systems enable grantees to collect data that can be compared and aggregated for the purpose of collective learning, improvement, accountability, and advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The PMs offer a standard methodology to collect library project performance management data, whereas the CIMS is a standard survey of public library users. The paper describes how the PM and CIMS data are being visualized and used, with examples of findings and lessons learned.

Findings

– The paper cites examples of the type of PM and CIMS data available, with a focus on employment, gender, and case studies from Botswana and Indonesia. These highlights illustrate how libraries’ user demographics differ from other types of public internet access venues and how libraries can contribute to strong employment and growth.

Research limitations/implications

– The measurement systems rely on different partners collecting data for the same metrics across different countries; while each grantee adheres to a standard methodology, small procedural, and methodological differences are inevitable. Future research could focus on conducting similar studies elsewhere, outside the cohort of countries in the GL portfolio of grants.

Practical implications

– The paper offers insights and lessons for library agencies or institutions interested in implementing a common measurement system. Recognizing that few library projects have the resources to track a comprehensive set of indicators, a case study is presented about how smaller initiatives can adapt these systems to their needs.

Social implications

– The indicators described in this paper enable public libraries to shift their focus from services provided to the outcomes they help individuals and communities realize, potentially increasing the potency of their programming and advocacy.

Originality/value

– Common measurement systems are not new, but their application in the public library field is novel, as is the Data Atlas, a platform grantees use to compare results across metrics, track progress, and conduct advocacy.
Innovative impact planning and assessment through Global Libraries
Authors: Streatfield David , Andrade Blanco Pablo , Chiranov Marcel , Dryžaite Ieva , Kochanowicz Maciej , Liubyva Tetiana , Tkachuk Yuliya
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a range of innovative (for public library performance measurement and impact assessment) methods and tools developed by country teams as part of the Global Libraries (GL) initiative. Short reports are provided on: a return on investment study, a simplified data processing system for library managers and an online reporting system for public libraries in Ukraine; a study of the public image of Polish libraries in print mass media, two approaches to sustainability of performance measurement and impact assessment in Romania, through tools to conduct pop-up surveys and use of agricultural subsidies support data, assessments of changes in public library managers’ planning efforts in Poland and of their perceptions of libraries and their own role, using Modified Delphi forecasting, in Lithuania, two ways of focussing on the world of public library users by engaging non-profit organizations in library research in Poland and conducting impact studies in virtual environments in Chile.

Design/methodology/approach

– A range of methods and tools and their uses are described.

Findings

– No specific research findings are reported.

Research limitations/implications

– All of these tools and methods have been (or are being) trialed in national public library contexts; some have been developed over several years.

Practical implications

– Useful for people in other (non-GL) countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local level or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation.

Social implications

– This paper is part of a GL effort to share what participants have learnt about impact planning and assessment in public libraries with the wider international libraries community.

Originality/value

– The impact planning and assessment program of GL has been the largest sustained international public library evaluation program so far attempted. This paper reports on the more innovative evaluation activities undertaken at country level through this program.
Coho salmon spawner mortality in western US urban watersheds: bioinfiltration prevents lethal storm water impacts
Authors: Spromberg Julann A. , Baldwin David H. , Damm Steven E. , McIntyre Jenifer K. , Huff Michael , Sloan Catherine A. , Anulacion Bernadita F. , Davis Jay W. , Scholz Nathaniel L.
Published: October 2015

Adult coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch return each autumn to freshwater spawning habitats throughout western North America. The migration coincides with increasing seasonal rainfall, which in turn increases storm water run‐off, particularly in urban watersheds with extensive impervious land cover. Previous field assessments in urban stream networks have shown that adult coho are dying prematurely at high rates (>50%). Despite significant management concerns for the long‐term conservation of threatened wild coho populations, a causal role for toxic run‐off in the mortality syndrome has not been demonstrated.

We exposed otherwise healthy coho spawners to: (i) artificial storm water containing mixtures of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons, at or above concentrations previously measured in urban run‐off; (ii) undiluted storm water collected from a high traffic volume urban arterial road (i.e. highway run‐off); and (iii) highway run‐off that was first pre‐treated via bioinfiltration through experimental soil columns to remove pollutants.

We find that mixtures of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons – conventional toxic constituents in urban storm water – are not sufficient to cause the spawner mortality syndrome. By contrast, untreated highway run‐off collected during nine distinct storm events was universally lethal to adult coho relative to unexposed controls. Lastly, the mortality syndrome was prevented when highway run‐off was pretreated by soil infiltration, a conventional green storm water infrastructure technology.

Our results are the first direct evidence that: (i) toxic run‐off is killing adult coho in urban watersheds, and (ii) inexpensive mitigation measures can improve water quality and promote salmon survival.

Synthesis and applications. Coho salmon, an iconic species with exceptional economic and cultural significance, are an ecological sentinel for the harmful effects of untreated urban run‐off. Wild coho populations cannot withstand the high rates of mortality that are now regularly occurring in urban spawning habitats. Green storm water infrastructure or similar pollution prevention methods should be incorporated to the maximal extent practicable, at the watershed scale, for all future development and redevelopment projects, particularly those involving transportation infrastructure.
Increased ratio of neutrophil elastase to α1‐antitrypsin is closely associated with liver inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Zang Shufei , Ma Xiaojie , Zhuang Zhenjie , Liu Jing , Bian Dongxue , Xun Yunhao , Zhang Qiuling , Zhao Falin , Yang Wenjun , Liu Juan , Luo Yan , Liu Yinlan , Ye Bei , Ye Dewei , Shi Junping
Published: October 2015

An imbalance between neutrophil elastase (NE) and its inhibitor α1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) is known to contribute to the development of obesity‐related inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the role of the NE‐A1AT system in the histological progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to evaluate the ability of it to predict nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A total of 252 adults (NAFLD group, n = 202; healthy group, n = 50) were recruited. Clinical biochemical characteristics, NE and A1AT concentrations were measured in all subjects. Among the NAFLD group, 86 patients had previously undergone liver biopsy and information on histological characteristics was consequently available. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to determine the predictive accuracy of the NE‐A1AT system for NASH. NAFLD patients had an elevated serum NE concentration and a reduced A1AT level with consequent NE/A1AT imbalance. NE increased in the early stage of steatosis, preceding the decline in A1AT, dating from the onset of NASH (NAS 3–4), and subsequently NE/A1AT increased in the presence of NASH. Nonetheless, this increase began to resolve as the disease state progressed to advanced fibrosis. A1AT had a sensitivity (SEN) of 83.8% and a specificity (SP) of 83.3% with the optimal cut‐off of −1459.43, NE/A1AT had a SEN of 88.8% and a SP of 83.3% with cut‐off of 0.363 to predict NASH. An increased NE: A1AT ratio is closely associated with liver Inflammation in patients with NASH and could serve as a novel marker to predict NASH in humans.
Accessible polyvocality and paired talk: how family therapists talk positive connotation into being
Authors: Williams Lynsey , Auburn Tim
Published: October 2015

In this article we identify one particular way in which the reflecting team process is used by family therapists. We show that reflecting teams draw upon occasions in the main session to intensify and extend positivity in the reflecting session. This analysis identified positive connotation as a device by which a hopeful orientation is established. Videos of family therapy sessions were obtained and transcripts of these sessions made. Excerpts with hope and positivity were identified and conversation analysis was used to gain insight into the organization and function of this talk. In addition, therapist interventions occurring during the main therapy session and which were reworked in the reflecting session were identified and analyzed. Sixteen examples of this paired talk are presented, and two exemplars are analyzed in full. Main session interpretations of talk and the reflecting team second versions (a device identified as paired talk) were found to work together as a resource for the construction and reinforcement of positive connotation in family therapy.

Practitioner points

Positive connotation is constructed through therapists’ talk; this study shows in close detail how positive connotation is ‘talked into being’.

There is little opportunity for family members themselves to ratify or challenge these constructions.

Practitioners could engage family members by gaining feedback on the constructions of positive connotation.
The Effects of Medicaid Eligibility on Mental Health Services and Out‐of‐Pocket Spending for Mental Health Services
Authors: Golberstein Ezra , Gonzales Gilbert
Published: October 2015

Objective

Millions of low‐income Americans will gain health insurance through Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This study assesses the impact of previous Medicaid expansions on mental health services utilization and out‐of‐pocket spending.

Data Sources

Secondary data from the 1998–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component merged with National Health Interview Survey and state Medicaid eligibility rules data.

Study Design

Instrumental variables regression models were used to estimate the impact of expanded Medicaid eligibility on health insurance coverage, mental health services utilization, and out‐of‐pocket spending for mental health services.

Data Extraction Methods

Person‐year files were constructed including adults ages 21–64 under 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

Principal Findings

Medicaid expansions significantly increased health insurance coverage and reduced out‐of‐pocket spending on mental health services for low‐income adults. Effects of expanded Medicaid eligibility on out‐of‐pocket spending were strongest for adults with psychological distress. Expanding Medicaid eligibility did not significantly increase the use of mental health services.

Conclusions

Previous Medicaid eligibility expansions did not substantially increase mental health service utilization, but they did reduce out‐of‐pocket mental health care spending.
Australasian Rural Geographies: At the Core, in the Antipodes?
Authors: ARGENT NEIL
Published: October 2015

This paper reviews ‘Antipodean’ rural geography research published over the period 2012–2014 inclusive. A broad, inclusive stance was adopted to what should be regarded as Antipodean rural geography. Key publication outlets were identified and scanned for what were deemed to be relevant paper titles and abstracts, then the institutional and disciplinary affiliations of authors, bearing in mind a general concern for ‘rural issues’. The review concentrates on the prominent themes of the recent mining boom and its externalities, new perspectives on agrarian and regional development, and population issues. Australasian rural geographers have not only become adept at ‘writing back’ to the centre but have played leading roles in the intellectual development of the sub‐discipline and cognate areas (e.g. rural sociology). Indeed, at least in the short period covered by this review and in the admittedly selective scope of that survey, Australian and New Zealand rural geographers have been at the forefront in advancing the sub‐discipline internationally. In doing so, they have not only placed the discussion of Australasian rural issues within a global context but have further refined the philosophical and conceptual approaches and tools used. In important respects, then, Australasian rural geographers are very much at the core of the international project of contemporary rural geography. Moreover, they have made – and continue to make – important contributions to the broader discipline of human geography.
Impact of a β‐blocker and/or acute hemodilution on cerebral oxygenation during apneic hypoxia
Authors: Kurita T. , Morita K. , Sato S.
Published: October 2015

Background

β‐blockers reduce the tolerance for acute hemodilution by decreasing cerebral oxygenation and may contribute to the incidence of stroke. We hypothesized that β‐blockers also increase the risk for cerebral hypoxia when apneic hypoxia occurs.

Methods

After induction of isoflurane, 14 swine (mean ± SD =25.3 ± 0.8 kg) were studied using 200 μg/kg/min of landiolol or saline (control group) in three sequential stages: before, during, and after landiolol (saline) infusion. In each stage, after 5 min of mechanical ventilation with 100% oxygen, apnea was induced until the time to < 70% oxygen saturation. Hemodynamic and blood gas variables were measured, and the cerebral tissue oxygenation index (TOI) was recorded by near infrared spectroscopy (apnea experiment). After these steps, hemodilution was induced by hemorrhage of 600 ml and infusion of the same volume of hydroxyethylstarch, and the apnea experiments were then conducted before, during, and after landiolol (saline) infusion similarly to before hemodilution.

Results

Landiolol decreased TOI at 1 min after apnea and at SpO2 < 70% by 3.3% and 7.0% from each corresponding value at baseline, and by 13.1% and 20.3% during hemodilution. Landiolol shifted the relationship between TOI and arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2) or arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) to the left; and reduced TOI at similar arterial blood oxygenation. This phenomenon was marked during hemodilution.

Conclusions

Landiolol reduces cerebral tissue oxygenation during apneic hypoxia. β‐blockers increase the risk for cerebral hypoxia when apneic hypoxia occurs, especially during acute hemodilution.
Great variation between ICU physicians in the approach to making end‐of‐life decisions.
Authors: Bjørshol C. A. , Sollid S. , Flaatten H. , Hetland I. , Mathiesen W. T. , Søreide E.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

End‐of‐life (EOL) decision‐making in the intensive care unit (ICU) is difficult, but is rarely practiced in simulated settings. We wanted to explore different strategies ICU physicians use when making EOL decisions, and whether attitudes towards EOL decisions differ between a small‐group simulation setting and a large‐group plenary setting.

Methods

The study took place during a Scandinavian anaesthesiology and intensive care conference. The simulated ICU patient had a cancer disease with a grave prognosis, had undergone surgery, suffered from severe co‐morbidities and had a son present demanding all possible treatment. The participants were asked to make a decision regarding further ICU care. We presented the same case scenario in a plenary session with voting opportunities.

Results

In the simulation group (n = 48), ICU physicians used various strategies to come to an EOL decision: patient‐oriented, family‐oriented, staff‐oriented and regulatory‐oriented. The simulation group was more willing than the plenary group (n = 47) to readmit the patient to the ICU if the patient again would need respiratory support (32% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Still, fewer participants in the simulation group than in the plenary group (21% vs. 38%, P = 0.019) considered the patient's life expectancy of living an independent life to be over 10%.

Conclusion

There was great variation between ICU physicians in the approach to making EOL decisions, and large variations in their life expectancy estimates. Participants in the simulation group were more willing to admit and readmit the patient to the ICU, despite being more pessimistic towards life expectancies. We believe simulation can be used more extensively in EOL decision‐making training.
Forecast performance of WASDE price projections for U.S. corn
Authors: Hoffman Linwood A. , Etienne Xiaoli L. , Irwin Scott H. , Colino Evelyn V. , Toasa Jose I.
Published: October 2015

We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the season‐average price projections for U.S. corn as published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), an important issue given reduced resources and increased program scrutiny within the Federal Government. This study is the first in the literature to evaluate the WASDE corn projections relative to futures adjusted forecasts throughout the forecasting cycle using a lengthy evaluation period (1980/81–2012/13). We find that WASDE projections provide lower RMSEs relative to futures adjusted forecasts for 9 of the 16 forecast periods, 4 of which are statistically different. Encompassing tests show that WASDE projections often provide incremental information not present in the futures adjusted forecasts. Composite forecasts based on futures adjusted forecasts and WASDE projections reduced the RMSEs over all forecast periods by an average 12–16%. Favorable average trading profits may be generated for some forecast months using WASDE projections. Overall, our results suggest that WASDE projections of the U.S. corn season‐average price provide useful information to the market and could enhance the efficiency of the agricultural sector.
Effects of lactoferrin, a protein present in the female reproductive tract, on parameters of human sperm capacitation and gamete interaction
Authors: Zumoffen C. M. , Massa E. , Caille A. M. , Munuce M. J. , Ghersevich S. A.
Published: October 2015

In a recent study, lactoferrin (LF) was detected in human oviductal secretion. The protein was able to bind to oocytes and sperm, and modulated gamete interaction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LF on parameters related to human sperm capacitation and sperm–zona pellucida interaction. Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic donors (n = 7). Human follicular fluids and oocytes were collected from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Motile sperm obtained by swim‐up were incubated for 6 or 22 h under capacitating conditions with LF (0–100 μg/mL). After incubations, viability, motility, presence of α‐d‐mannose receptors (using a fluorescent probe on mannose coupled to bovine serum albumin), spontaneous and induced acrosome reaction (assessed with Pisum sativum agglutinin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate), and tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins were evaluated. Sperm–zona pellucida interaction in the presence of LF was investigated using the hemizone assay. The presence of LF did not affect sperm viability or motility, but caused a dose‐dependent significant decrease in sperm α‐d‐mannose‐binding sites, and the effect was already significant with the lowest concentration of the protein used after 22 h incubation. Dose‐dependent significant increases in both induced acrosome reaction and tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins were observed in the presence of LF. The present data indicate that LF modulates parameters of sperm function. The inhibition of gamete interaction by LF could be partially explained by the decrease in sperm d‐mannose‐binding sites. The presence of the LF promoted sperm capacitation in vitro.
Effects of silodosin on sexual function – realistic picture from the everyday clinical practice
Authors: Capogrosso P. , Serino A. , Ventimiglia E. , Boeri L. , Dehò F. , Damiano R. , Briganti A. , Montorsi F. , Salonia A.
Published: October 2015

The treatment with α1‐blockers in patients complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) is associated with potential adverse events (AEs), thus including ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD). We sought to assess the effects of a 3‐month course of silodosin 8 mg daily dosing on sexual functioning, mainly including ejaculation and orgasm, in a cohort of 100 consecutive sexually active men in the real‐life setting. Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function‐Orgasmic Function (IIEF‐OF) domain and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) both at baseline and at survey. Likewise, patients completed a 16‐item self‐administered questionnaire with closed questions also including specific questions regarding treatment‐related adverse events on sexual functioning. Rates and predictors of OF impairment and drug discontinuation were investigated. At survey, silodosin resulted highly effective in improving IPSS‐total and subscales (all p < 0.01). Anejaculation, hypospermia, reduced or absent orgasmic feeling, low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction were subjectively reported by 48 (48%), 23 (23%), 11 (11%), 6 (6%), 7 (7%) and 11 (11%) patients respectively. Overall, a reduction in IIEF‐OF domain score was observed in 64 (64%) patients. Patients with decreased IIEF‐Q9 and/or IIEF‐Q10 scores were significantly younger than those without any decrease (p = 0.02). Of all, only 7% of the patients discontinued silodosin because of anejaculation. Silodosin confirms to be highly effective in patients with LUTS/BPH; of them, almost 70% report either anejaculation or hypospermia, with a concomitant OF impairment in 17% of the patients. Younger patients showed higher rates of a concomitant impairment of ejaculation and OF. Overall, anejaculation caused drug discontinuation in 7% of the patients.
The effects of chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cis‐platinum on telomeres in rat male germ cells
Authors: Liu M. , Maselli J. , Hales B. F. , Robaire B.
Published: October 2015

Co‐administration of bleomycin, etoposide, and cis‐platinum (BEP) has increased the 5‐year survival rate of testis cancer patients to over 90%; however, this treatment induces chemotoxic effects on male germ cells. Treatment of male rats with BEP, using a similar schedule to that used in man, affects reproductive organ weights and sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity, as well as pup survival rates. Telomeres, specialized structures at the termini of chromosomes, play an important role in the maintenance of genetic stability. In previous studies, we demonstrated, using a spermatogonial cell line, that cis‐platinum and bleomycin damage telomeres and that cis‐platinum also inhibits telomerase activity. Our objective here was to test the hypothesis that in vivo exposure to the BEP regimen used to treat testis cancer targets telomeres in the male germ line. Adult male Brown Norway rats received chronic treatment with a BEP regimen. DNA double strand breaks were increased significantly in zygotene germ cells, as assessed by γ‐H2AX immunofluorescence. Interestingly, treatment with this BEP regimen increased γ‐H2AX foci in the telomere region of zygotene spermatocytes, but not in other germ cell types, such as pachytene cells, round spermatids, or elongating spermatids. Mean telomere lengths were reduced in zygotene, pachytene, round spermatid, elongating spermatid and cauda epididymal spermatozoa compared with the saline control group. Thus, telomere lengths did not recover during germ cell development. These studies demonstrate that BEP treatment is associated with an effect on telomeres.
Topographic correlation between optic nerve head characteristics and retinal nerve fibre layer defect in primary open‐angle glaucoma patients: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Lee Chong Eun , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Kim Seok Hwan , Kim Chan Yun , Kang Se Woong , Park Ki Ho
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To evaluate topographic correlations of the directions of β‐zone peripapillary atrophy (PPA) and optic disc torsion with retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) defect in a Korean population.

Methods

Among 292 primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) patients from the 2012 KNHANES (n = 7444, age ≥ 19 years), 93 eyes of 93 individuals with a single localized RNFL defect were enrolled. The angular locations of the point of maximum radial extent (PMRE) of β‐zone PPA and the optic disc torsion were measured on fundus photography. The angular location of the PMRE and the torsion degree (TD) were noted when the absolute value of the former or the latter was ≥15 degrees from the reference line, a line drawn from the centre of the optic disc to the fovea.

Results

The overall POAG prevalence was estimated as 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6–4.9). Of the POAG eyes with a single localized RNFL defect, 39.5% had superior or inferior PMRE of β‐zone PPA; in 74.9% (p = 0.015) of those cases, the RNFL defect was located in the same hemifield as the angular location of the PMRE. Meanwhile, 40.4% of the POAG eyes with a single localized RNFL defect showed accompanying optic disc torsion. The correlation rate between the direction of the optic disc torsion and the RNFL defect location was 60.2% (p = 0.029).

Conclusions

In the Korean POAG patients examined, the directions of the PMRE of β‐zone PPA and of the optic disc torsion showed significant associations with the RNFL defect location.
An open‐label study in healthy men to evaluate the risk of seminal fluid transmission of denosumab to pregnant partners
Authors: Sohn Winnie , Lee Edward , Kankam Martin K. , Egbuna Ogo , Moffat Graeme , Bussiere Jeanine , Padhi Desmond , Ng Eric , Kumar Sandeep , Slatter J. Greg
Published: October 2015

Aims

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 antibody that inhibits bone resorption and increases bone mass and strength. The present clinical study assessed serum and seminal fluid pharmacokinetics following a single denosumab dose in healthy men, and evaluated whether denosumab in seminal fluid poses any risk to a fetus in the event of unprotected sexual intercourse with a pregnant partner.

Methods

An open‐label, single‐dose study in 12 healthy men was conducted over a 106‐day period. Subjects received a single subcutaneous dose of 60‐mg denosumab on day 1. Serum and seminal fluid samples were collected at specified time points to assess denosumab pharmacokinetics. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

Denosumab was measurable at low concentrations in seminal fluid (~2% of serum concentrations). The mean [standard deviation (SD)] maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax) was 6170 (2070) ng ml–1 (serum) and 100 (81.9) ng ml–1 (seminal fluid). The median time to Cmax (tmax) was 8 days (serum) and 21 days (seminal fluid). The mean (SD) area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) was 333 000 (122 000) day•ng ml–1 (serum) and 5220 (4880) day•ng ml–1 (seminal fluid). The mean (SD) Cmax and AUC ratios between seminal fluid and serum were 0.0217 (0.0154) and 0.0170 (0.0148), respectively. Using conservative assumptions for ejaculate volume (6 ml), vaginal absorption (100%) and placental transfer (100%), the measured mean denosumab seminal fluid Cmax would result in fetal exposure that was more than 110 times below the preclinically derived ‘no effect level’ for denosumab.

Conclusions

These results indicate a negligible risk to a fetus exposed to denosumab via seminal fluid transfer to a pregnant partner.
A Multi‐Taxa Assessment of Biodiversity Change After Single and Recurrent Wildfires in a Brazilian Amazon Forest
Authors: Silveira Juliana M. , Louzada Julio , Barlow Jos , Andrade Rafael , Mestre Luiz , Solar Ricardo , Lacau Sébastien , Cochrane Mark A.
Published: October 2015

In the last decades, due to human land management that uses fire as a tool, and due to abnormal droughts, many tropical forests have become more susceptible to recurrent wildfires with negative consequences for biodiversity. Yet, studies are usually focused on few taxa and rarely compare different fire frequencies. We examined if the effects of single and recurrent fires are consistent for leaf litter ants, dung beetles, birds (sampled with point‐counts PC and mist net‐MN), saplings, and trees. Recurrent fires had a great effect on forest structure, reducing live tree biomass and number of lianas, and increasing canopy openness and numbers of saplings alive. Recurrent fires had consistently stronger effects on species richness and composition across all sample groups than single fires, except ants. Birds and plants were more grouped in the congruence analysis. The average dissimilarities between control and recurrent‐burned forest were higher than between control and once‐burned forest for all sample groups, furthermore birds and vegetation communities in recurrent‐burned forest are almost entirely dissimilar from the unburned forest. While beta diversity of ants, birds (MN), and trees was not affected by the frequency of fire, it changed for dung beetles, birds (PC), and saplings. Effects of fire on faunal community structure were more due to indirect effects, through vegetation, than through the fire itself. These results reinforce the effect of single and recurrent fires on tropical forests, and highlight the mechanisms acting behind them. Policy‐makers need to explicitly address protection of tropical forests from wildfires in conservation planning.
Thickness of mouthguard sheets after vacuum–pressure formation: influence of mouthguard sheet material
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Koide Kaoru , Iwasaki Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of mouthguard sheet after vacuum–pressure formation based on the mouthguard sheet material. Three mouthguard sheet materials (4.0 mm thick) were compared: ethylene–vinyl acetate co‐polymer (EVA), olefin co‐polymer (OL), and polyolefin–polystyrene co‐polymer (OS). The working model was made by hard gypsum that was trimmed to the height of 20 mm at the cutting edge of the maxillary central incisor and 15 mm at the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar. Where the center of the softened sheet sagged 15 mm lower than the clamp, the sheet was pressed against the working model, followed by vacuum forming for 10 s and compression molding for 2 min. The thickness of mouthguard sheets after fabrication was determined for the incisal portion (incisal edge and labial surface) and molar portion (cusp and buccal surface), and dimensional measurements were obtained using a measuring device. Differences in the change in thickness due to sheet materials were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (anova) followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison tests. The OL sheet was thickest at all measurement points. At the incisal edge and cusp, thickness after formation was highest for OL, then EVA and finally OS. At the labial surface and buccal surface, the thickness after formation was highest for OL, then OS and finally EVA. This study suggested that post‐fabrication mouthguard thickness differed according to sheet material, with the olefin co‐polymer sheet having the smallest thickness reduction.
Human impacts and aridity differentially alter soilNavailability in drylands worldwide
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Maestre Fernando T. , Gallardo Antonio , Eldridge David J. , Soliveres Santiago , Bowker Matthew A. , Prado‐Comesaña Ana , Gaitán Juan , Quero José L. , Ochoa Victoria , Gozalo Beatriz , García‐Gómez Miguel , García‐Palacios Pablo , Berdugo Miguel , Valencia Enrique , Escolar Cristina , Arredondo Tulio , Barraza‐Zepeda Claudia , Boeken Bertrand R. , Bran Donaldo , Cabrera Omar , Carreira José A. , Chaieb Mohamed , Conceição Abel A. , Derak Mchich , Ernst Ricardo , Espinosa Carlos I. , Florentino Adriana , Gatica Gabriel , Ghiloufi Wahida , Gómez‐González Susana , Gutiérrez Julio R. , Hernández Rosa M. , Huber‐Sannwald Elisabeth , Jankju Mohammad , Mau Rebecca L. , Miriti Maria , Monerris Jorge , Morici Ernesto , Muchane Muchai , Naseri Kamal , Pucheta Eduardo , Ramírez Elizabeth , Ramírez‐Collantes David A. , Romão Roberto L. , Tighe Matthew , Torres Duilio , Torres‐Díaz Cristian , Val James , Veiga José P. , Wang Deli , Yuan Xia , Zaady Eli
Published: October 2015

Aims

Climate and human impacts are changing the nitrogen (N) inputs and losses in terrestrial ecosystems. However, it is largely unknown how these two major drivers of global change will simultaneously influence theNcycle in drylands, the largest terrestrial biome on the planet. We conducted a global observational study to evaluate how aridity and human impacts, together with biotic and abiotic factors, affect key soil variables of theNcycle.

Location

Two hundred and twenty‐four dryland sites from all continents exceptAntarctica widely differing in their environmental conditions and human influence.

Methods

Using a standardized field survey, we measured aridity, human impacts (i.e. proxies of land uses and air pollution), key biophysical variables (i.e. soilpHand texture and total plant cover) and six important variables related toNcycling in soils: totalN, organicN, ammonium, nitrate, dissolved organic:inorganicNandNmineralization rates. We used structural equation modelling to assess the direct and indirect effects of aridity, human impacts and key biophysical variables on theNcycle.

Results

Human impacts increased the concentration of totalN, while aridity reduced it. The effects of aridity and human impacts on theNcycle were spatially disconnected, which may favour scarcity ofNin the most arid areas and promote its accumulation in the least arid areas.

Main conclusions

We found that increasing aridity and anthropogenic pressure are spatially disconnected in drylands. This implies that while places with low aridity and high human impact accumulateN, most arid sites with the lowest human impacts loseN. Our analyses also provide evidence that both increasing aridity and human impacts may enhance the relative dominance of inorganicNin dryland soils, having a negative impact on key functions and services provided by these ecosystems.
Differential binding of ppGpp and pppGpp to E. coliRNA polymerase: photo‐labeling and mass spectral studies
Authors: Syal Kirtimaan , Chatterji Dipankar
Published: October 2015

(p)ppGpp, a secondary messenger, is induced under stress and shows pleiotropic response. It binds to RNA polymerase and regulates transcription in Escherichia coli. More than 25 years have passed since the first discovery was made on the direct interaction of ppGpp with E. coli RNA polymerase. Several lines of evidence suggest different modes of ppGpp binding to the enzyme. Earlier cross‐linking experiments suggested that the β‐subunit of RNA polymerase is the preferred site for ppGpp, whereas recent crystallographic studies pinpoint the interface of β’/ω‐subunits as the site of action. With an aim to validate the binding domain and to follow whether tetra‐ and pentaphosphate guanosines have different location on RNA polymerase, this work was initiated. RNA polymerase was photo‐labeled with 8‐azido‐ppGpp/8‐azido‐pppGpp, and the product was digested with trypsin and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis. We observed three new peptides in the trypsin digest of the RNA polymerase labeled with 8‐azido‐ppGpp, of which two peptides correspond to the same pocket on β’‐subunit as predicted by X‐ray structural analysis, whereas the third peptide was mapped on the β‐subunit. In the case of 8‐azido‐pppGpp‐labeled RNA polymerase, we have found only one cross‐linked peptide from the β’‐subunit. However, we were unable to identify any binding site of pppGpp on the β‐subunit. Interestingly, we observed that pppGpp at high concentration competes out ppGpp bound to RNA polymerase more efficiently, whereas ppGpp cannot titrate out pppGpp. The competition between tetraphosphate guanosine and pentaphosphate guanosine for E. coli RNA polymerase was followed by gel‐based assay as well as by a new method known as DRaCALA assay.
Institutional factors influencing regional differences in the 1‐year survival of dialysis patients
Authors: Ogata Satoshi , Nishi Shinichi , Wakai Kenji , Hanafusa Norio , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Masakane Ikuto
Published: October 2015

There are regional differences in the survival of incident dialysis patients, but few studies have investigated the reasons. We assessed the effect of institutional factors on factors on survival (by both cross‐sectional assessment and after a 1‐year investigation) in a cohort of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT). We investigated 20 institutional factors from 3958 dialysis institution data of the 47 prefectures in Japan in 2005 and the JSDT database of 102,011 patients who commenced dialysis during 2004–2006. Univariate regression analysis between 20 factors and 1‐year survival rate, Kaplan–Meier method, log‐rank test, and Cox's proportional hazard model between the upper 24 and the lower 23 prefectures of the significant factors were carried out. The age‐adjusted 1‐year survival rate was 0.832 ± 0.027. Deaths occurred in 15.0% in 24 upper survival prefectures and 18.7% in 23 lower survival prefectures (P < 0.0001, unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] of death in lower survival prefectures: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.40). A total of five factors among males were significantly correlated with 1‐year survival according to the univariate regression analysis. Among them, three factors (night‐time center/total dialysis center ratio [males: P < 0.0001, age, genders, and presence of diabetes adjusted HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.93], number of full‐time dialysis nurses [males: P = 0.0427, 0.94, 0.87–1.00], number of full‐time dialysis dietitians [males: P = 0.0084, 0.92, 0.85–0.98], respectively) were significant in Kaplan–Meier analysis, log‐rank test, and the Cox's model. Institutional factors were closely related to the survival of incident dialysis patients, and regional differences in the survival may be explained, at least partly, by these factors.
Pleural and pericardial effusion: A manifestation of SVC syndrome in a child on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Siddiqui Sahar , Mistry Kirtida , Moudgil Asha
Published: October 2015

Central venous catheter is commonly utilized as a hemodialysis access in the pediatric population. Long‐standing central venous catheters can be complicated by superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis and thrombosis that can rarely present as pleural effusions. We report a case of a 5‐year‐old boy on chronic hemodialysis who presented with combined pleural and pericardial effusions, which was secondary to catheter induced SVC stenosis. Both the pleural effusion and the pericardial effusion in this patient subsequently improved with the relief of SVC stenosis. This case report highlights the serious complications of SVC stenosis associated with long‐standing central venous catheters which is an under‐recognized problem in the pediatric population.
Electoral Competition as a Determinant of Fiscal Decentralisation*
Authors: Jametti Mario , Joanis Marcelin
Published: October 2015

This paper estimates the effect of government electoral strength on fiscal decentralisation. Using a panel of democracies, we find that greater government electoral strength at the central level, measured by the share of seats held by the governing party in the legislature, reduces expenditure centralisation. Revenue centralisation is less affected by electoral strength.
The Band Gap of BaPrO3 Studied by Optical and Electrical Methods
Authors: Schrade Matthias , Magrasó Anna , Galeckas Augustinas , Finstad Terje G. , Norby Truls
Published: October 2015

We report on measurements of the electrical and optical properties of BaPrO3. The temperature dependences of the electrical conductivity σ and the Seebeck coefficient α of polycrystalline samples were studied over a wide temperature range (300°C–1050°C). At lower temperatures, the observed charge transport can be described as thermally activated hopping of electron‐based small polarons with an activation energy of 0.37 eV. An observed change in temperature dependence of both σ and α around 700°C was observed and interpreted as a transition from extrinsic to intrinsic carrier transport. The intrinsic conduction can be modeled with an apparent electrical band gap of ~2 eV. Optical absorption and emission spectroscopy in the UV–VIS–NIR range revealed a series of characteristic absorption thresholds and the type of optical transitions was identified by combining transmittance and diffuse‐reflectance spectroscopy methods. An absorption edge of indirect type with onset at 0.6 eV is attributed to small polaron effects. The higher lying absorption thresholds of direct origin positioned at around 1.8 and 3.8 eV are correlated with thermal activation parameters from electrical measurements and discussed in terms of the band gap of BaPrO3.
Effective Air‐Spray Deposition of Thin Films Obtained by Sol–Gel Process onto Complex Pieces of Sanitary Ware
Authors: Enríquez Esther , de la Rubia Miguel Ángel , González Fernando , Alburquerque Antonio , Fernández José F.
Published: October 2015

A deposition mechanism by air‐spray technique is carried out for depositing silica‐based thin films obtained by the sol–gel process. The air‐spray deposition is very useful to coat large and complex surfaces with different morphologies and roughnesses which favors the technology scale‐up, contrary to the most used deposition methods in the sol–gel process (dip and spin coating). To establish the adequate conditions of these techniques, a complete study of the sol properties (rheology, FT‐IR, roughness, thickness) is attempted, which has allowed determining the parameters for the effective air‐spray deposition of homogeneous thin films. By means of an experimental design, it has been possible to validate the selected parameters. Finally, a scheme of an effective spray deposition model is proposed for a better understanding of the deposition mechanisms.
Dopant Site Environment and Spectrum Blue Shift of Yellow‐Emitting Solid Solution Phosphor Ba2−xSrxMg(PO4)2:Eu2+
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Pan Zaifa , Xu Yu , Wang Lili , Ning Lixin
Published: October 2015

An unexpected spectrum blue shift of the yellow emission was observed for solid solution phosphors Ba2−xSrxMg(PO4)2:Eu2+ (x = 0–1.5), when bigger ions Ba2+ were substituted by smaller ions Sr2+ in Ba2Mg(PO4)2 lattices. The solid solution phosphors were prepared by a solid‐state reaction to clarify the local sites environment of activators Eu2+ and tune the anomalous long‐wavelength yellow emission. BaSrMg(PO4)2 phase was identified to be isostructural with Ba2Mg(PO4)2 by Rietveld refinements. DFT calculation and photoluminescence show that the activator ions Eu2+ in BaSrMg(PO4)2 occupy Sr2+ and Ba2+ sites at an equal probability and both generate an anomalous yellow emission. The yellow emission from Ba2−xSrxMg(PO4)2:Eu2+ was gradually blue shift with increasing Sr2+ substitution concentration x from 0.1 to 1. Such unusual blue shift is interpreted based on the evolution of crystal structure parameters due to Sr2+ substitution, and subsequently, a site environmental expansion mechanism is proposed. The proposed mechanism could serve as a general model to reveal the underlying factors for spectrum shift caused by cation substitution and contribute to design new solid solution phosphors.