bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of IPO Risks on Auditors’ Decisions: Auditor Designation Case
Authors: Oh Kwang Wuk , Jeong Seok Woo , Kim Seon Mi , Yoo Seung Weon
Published: June 2017

This study examines the effect of audit risks in the Korean initial public offering (IPO) market on the designated auditors’ decisions. The Korean External Audit Act requires firms to switch from incumbent to new auditors designated by the Securities and Futures Commission after the firm announces a future IPO. This study shows the effects of audit risks by examining if the quality of reported earnings and audit fees significantly differs between IPO‐eligible and IPO‐ineligible firms. Empirical tests first show that discretionary accruals are significantly lower for IPO‐ineligible firms than for IPO‐eligible firms in both the IPO designation period and the following review period. We interpret this result to mean that designated auditors evaluate the IPO‐ineligible (and eventually failed) firms’ listing possibility as low. Second, audit fees are higher for IPO‐ineligible firms in the auditor designation period. This reflects the fact that designated auditors are exposed to future audit risks associated with firms’ post‐IPO financial market troubles if IPO‐ineligible firms attempt to go public. Our study contributes to IPO‐related research by showing the effects of auditors’ risk evaluation on discretionary accruals and audit fees. This study also contributes to accounting policymaking regarding auditor independence.
Insights from Accounting Practitioners on China's Convergence with IFRS
Authors: Yang Helen Hong , Clark Colin , Wu Changyu , Farley Alan
Published: June 2017

This study provides insights from accounting practitioners on China's convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Through a survey of 33 senior financial executives of Chinese listed companies in 2014, the study reports their perceptions on the following issues: first, the degree of convergence between IFRS and Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS); second, the choice between fair value and historical cost accounting, and the usefulness of fair value accounting for Chinese companies’ financial reporting; third, challenges in the process of China's harmonisation with IFRS; and finally, essential capabilities of Chinese accounting professionals in the process of China's harmonisation with IFRS. Multivariate regression was used for further analysis. The survey findings reveal that in general CAS have converged with IFRS, with a few exceptions that reflect the unique Chinese context. Historical cost accounting is the preferred measurement base to fair value accounting. Exercising professional judgement was identified as a challenge for China's full convergence with IFRS. Ownership structure and the expertise of accounting practitioners were found to affect respondents’ judgements on China's convergence with IFRS. This study has policy implications for international accounting standard setters and accounting educators to consider the contextual issues of implementing IFRS in an emerging economy.
Glyphosate redirects wetland vegetation trajectory following willow invasion
Authors: Burge Olivia R. , Bodmin Kerry A. , Clarkson Beverley R. , Bartlam Scott , Watts Corinne H. , Tanner Chris C.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Aerially applied glyphosate is an economic tool to deal with large areas of invasive plants. However, there are few studies investigating non‐target effects or rates of reinvasion, particularly over multi‐year time frames. The aims were to evaluate the effectiveness of aerial application of glyphosate for control of dense stands of the invasive grey willow Salix cinerea, and determine the vegetation trajectory over the subsequent 2 yr.

Location

Whangamarino Wetland, Waikato, New Zealand.

Methods

A before–after control–impact (BACI) experiment was conducted in a Ramsar‐listed wetland in New Zealand. Effects on S. cinerea cover, canopy light interception and non‐target damage were monitored over a 7.1 ha experimental area prior to, and for 2 yr following, aerial application of glyphosate. Vegetation classification, ordination and species richness analyses were undertaken to describe community‐level effects.

Results

Aerial application of glyphosate to an established willow canopy was effective in reducing cover to <5% on average for up to 2 yr post‐spray when assessed using 100 m2 vegetation survey plots. Smaller 1 m2 plots were more sensitive for detecting willow reinvasion, which was noted from 1 yr post‐spray. Collateral damage to non‐target sub‐canopy species was generally minimal, except for the native tree fern Dicksonia squarrosa, which showed marked reductions in cover and no recovery over the study period. Species richness was higher in sprayed plots post‐spray and a shift towards a native Carex‐dominated sedgeland community was detected.

Conclusions

Aerial application of glyphosate to a dense canopy of mature willow was effective in reducing the cover and dominance of this invasive wetland tree species. Minimal collateral damage occurred, facilitating recovery and expansion of a native sedgeland community. The risk of secondary invasion did not eventuate, although exotic species richness spiked in the year following spraying. Sedgelands are susceptible to willow reinvasion via seed, so longer‐term trajectories will diverge depending on management intensity. Using currently available tools, the management options are either repeated cycles of herbicide application to redirect the trajectory from reinvasion to short‐statured sedgelands, or intensive initial management to establish an alternative, more resilient trajectory to native wetland forest.
Effects of exercise‐based interventions on postpartum depression: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Poyatos‐León Raquel , García‐Hermoso Antonio , Sanabria‐Martínez Gema , Álvarez‐Bueno Celia , Cavero‐Redondo Iván , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: June 2017

Background

There is inconsistent evidence about the effect of physical activity on the prevention and treatment of depression during the postnatal period. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine the effect of physical activity interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period for controlling postpartum depressive symptoms.

Methods

We systematically searched Cochrane Library Plus, Science Direct, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from January 1990 to May 2016, for randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials addressing the effect of physical activity on postpartum depression. The inverse variance‐weighted method was used to compute pooled estimates of effect size and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for physical activity intervention on postpartum depression. Subgroup analyses were performed comparing women with and without postpartum depressive symptoms according to specific scales measuring this construct. Meta‐regression and sensitivity analysis were computed to evaluate heterogeneity.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Effect size for the relationship between physical activity interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period on postpartum depressive symptoms was 0.41 (95% CI 0.28‐0.54). Heterogeneity was I2 = 33.1% (P = .117). When subgroup analyses were done, pooled effect sizes were 0.67 (95% CI 0.44‐0.90) for mothers who met postpartum depressive symptoms criteria at baseline based on specific scales, and 0.29 (95% CI 0.14‐0.45) for mothers who did not meet those depressive symptoms criteria at baseline.

Conclusion

Physical exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a safe strategy to achieve better psychological well‐being and to reduce postpartum depressive symptoms.
Impact of red blood cell transfusion strategies in haemato‐oncological patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoeks Marlijn P. A. , Kranenburg Floris J. , Middelburg Rutger A. , van Kraaij Marian G. J. , Zwaginga Jaap‐Jan
Published: June 2017

Haemato‐oncological patients receive many red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, however evidence‐based guidelines are lacking. Our aim is to quantify the effect of restrictive and liberal RBC transfusion strategies on clinical outcomes and blood use in haemato‐oncological patients. A literature search, last updated on 11 August 2016, was performed in PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and Academic Search Premier without restrictions on language and year of publication. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared different RBC transfusion strategies in haemato‐oncological patients were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane collaboration's tool and Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was performed. After removing duplicates, 1142 publications were identified. Eventually, 15 studies were included, reporting on 2636 patients. The pooled relative risk for mortality was 0·68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·46–1·01] in favour of the restrictive strategy. The mean RBC use was reduced with 1·40 units (95% CI 0·70–2·09) per transfused patient per therapy cycle in the restrictive strategy group. There were no differences in safety outcomes. All currently available evidence suggests that restrictive strategies do not have a negative impact regarding clinical outcomes in haemato‐oncological patients, while it reduces RBC use and associated costs.
Impact of concomitant dexamethasone dosing schedule on bortezomib‐induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kumar Shaji K. , Laubach Jacob P. , Giove Thomas J. , Quick Maureen , Neuwirth Rachel , Yung Godwin , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Richardson Paul G.
Published: June 2017

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is the most troublesome adverse event associated with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Studies suggest an inflammatory aetiology for bortezomib‐induced PN (BiPN) and it has been hypothesized that reducing inflammation with concomitant dexamethasone may reduce BiPN incidence and/or severity. We retrospectively analysed PN rates from 32 studies (2697 patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma) incorporating bortezomib and differing dexamethasone schedules: partnered dosing (days of and after bortezomib), weekly dosing, and other dosing schedules (e.g. days 1–4, 8–11). Pooled overall PN rates were 45·5%, 63·9%, and 47·5%, respectively, with 5·3%, 11·0%, and 9·6% grade ≥3. Adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, presence of thalidomide, bortezomib treatment duration), PN rates in patients on partnered dosing schedules appeared lower than in patients on weekly or other dosing schedules. Analyses conducted using patient‐level data suggest that cumulative dexamethasone dose, a potential confounding factor, is unlikely to have influenced the analyses. Findings were similar in a separate pooled analysis excluding data from regimens incorporating thalidomide, when pooled overall PN rates were 50·1%, 63·9%, and 48·3%, respectively, with 4·2%, 11·0%, and 8·6% grade ≥3. These findings suggest that partnered dexamethasone dosing may result in less severe BiPN compared with alternative dexamethasone dosing schedules.
Centre characteristics and procedure‐related factors have an impact on outcomes of allogeneic transplantation for patients with CLL: a retrospective analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
Authors: Schetelig Johannes , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Andersen Niels S. , Moreno Carol , van Gelder Michel , Vitek Antonin , Karas Michal , Michallet Mauricette , Machaczka Maciej , Gramatzki Martin , Beelen Dietrich , Finke Jürgen , Delgado Julio , Volin Liisa , Passweg Jakob , Dreger Peter , Schaap Nicolaas , Wagner Eva , Henseler Anja , van Biezen Anja , Bornhäuser Martin , Iacobelli Simona , Putter Hein , Schönland Stefan O. , Kröger Nicolaus ,   the CLL subcommittee, Chronic Malignancies Working Party
Published: June 2017

The best approach for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantations (alloHCT) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is unknown. We therefore analysed the impact of procedure‐ and centre‐related factors on 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) in a large retrospective study. Data of 684 CLL patients who received a first alloHCT between 2000 and 2011 were analysed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with a frailty component to investigate unexplained centre heterogeneity. Five‐year EFS of the whole cohort was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34–42%). Larger numbers of CLL alloHCTs (hazard ratio [HR] 0·96, P = 0·002), certification of quality management (HR 0·7, P = 0·045) and a higher gross national income per capita (HR 0·4, P = 0·04) improved EFS. In vivo T‐cell depletion (TCD) with alemtuzumab compared to no TCD (HR 1·5, P = 0·03), and a female donor compared to a male donor for a male patient (HR 1·4, P = 0·02) had a negative impact on EFS, but not non‐myeloablative versus more intensive conditioning. After correcting for patient‐, procedure‐ and centre‐characteristics, significant variation in centre outcomes persisted. In conclusion, further research on the impact of centre and procedural characteristics is warranted. Non‐myeloablative conditioning appears to be the preferable approach for patients with CLL.
Do Employee‐Owned Firms Produce More Positive Employee Behavioural Outcomes? If Not Why Not? A British‐Spanish Comparative Analysis
Authors: Basterretxea Imanol , Storey John
Published: June 2017

Whether ‘employee ownership’ takes the form of worker cooperatives, co‐ownership or simply employee share ownership plans, there are normally high expectations that a range of positive outcomes will result. Yet many empirically based studies tend to find a much more complex picture. An influential segment of that empirical literature has posited the need for a number of mutually reinforcing workforce management components to be in place alongside co‐ownership. Drawing on detailed case research in two large and successful co‐owned retailers in Spain and Britain this paper examines the role of these wider elements supporting employee ownership. We find that employee ownership can be linked to higher productivity and lower employee turnover, while at the same time being linked to higher absenteeism and mixed effects on attitudes. Expectations held by managers and employees are higher; these expectations are not always fully met. The role of managers was also found to be crucial.
The Role of Intergenerational Relationships in Children's Experiences of Community
Authors: Bessell Sharon
Published: June 2017

Community‐strengthening initiatives for children and their families often focus on the provision of services and the development of adult relationships to support children. Less attention is paid to the relationships that children experience within their communities. Drawing on research with over 100 children aged between 8 and 12 years, this paper examines the importance children place on relationships within their communities. More specifically, it explores what children told us about the nature and value of extra‐familial intergenerational relationships.
The Significance of the Social for Child Well‐Being
Authors: Fattore Tobia , Mason Jan
Published: June 2017

This article responds to the theme of this special edition by drawing on the findings of our research on child well‐being, where children linked a holistic understanding of well‐being with an emphasis on the socially situated nature of their experiences of well‐being. We briefly outline our epistemological approach and methodology, involving a multistage qualitative study with children 8–15 years, about their understandings and experiences of well‐being. We discuss the liberal predispositions in well‐being research and the ways in which these predispositions exclude discussion of the significance of the social for well‐being. We posit an explanation for the disparity between our findings on the significance of the social for child well‐being, and the way these topics are marginalised in much research on well‐being. In the remainder of the paper we outline the centrality of affective solidarity for children's well‐being, how generation structures adult–child relations and frames the ways in which children's experiences of well‐being can be facilitated by symmetrical, or jeopardised by asymmetrical, adult–child relations. We conclude by discussing how these conceptions of well‐being suggest metaphors of the social which challenge liberal conceptualisations of well‐being.
Voice Inclusive Practice, Digital Literacy and Children's Participatory Rights
Authors: Gillett‐Swan Jenna K. , Sargeant Jonathon
Published: June 2017

This paper posits the need to align child participation principles and the emerging field of digital pedagogies. Informed by a contextualisation of children's participatory rights in contemporary technologically enhanced classrooms, the challenges of facilitating Voice Inclusive Practices are explored. Education is experiencing unprecedented change, particularly in the area of digital pedagogies, student engagement and voice. Such developments necessitate a participatory, Voice Inclusive Practice model relevant to contemporary education contexts where digital pedagogies are engaged. The potential of digital spaces in education will only be fully realised when student perspectives are included in the planning and implementation of digital pedagogies.
Radiological and pathological evaluation of the level of arterial division after colon cancer surgery
Authors: Munkedal D. L. E. , Rosenkilde M. , Nielsen D. T. , Sommer T. , West N. P. , Laurberg S.
Published: June 2017

Aim

In aiming to cure patients with colorectal cancer surgery, the surgeon must carefully dissect the mesocolon and mesorectum and divide the vascular pedicle near to its origin so as to include all local lymph nodes. This has been termed complete mesocolic excision. The distance from the distal vascular tie to the bowel wall in the fixed specimen is an indication as to the quality of surgery but this does not assess the length of the residual vascular pedicle and, by implication, residual lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to establish if our surgeons were carrying out complete mesocolic excision by assessing the length of the proximal arterial pedicle and relating this to arterial length in the fixed specimen.

Method

This was a single centre prospective study of patients undergoing elective surgery for locally advanced colorectal cancer. An abdominal and pelvic CT scan was performed 2 days postoperatively and a radiologist blinded to the operative procedure measured the length of the residual arterial stump. Similarly, the length of the vessel in the fixed resected specimen and lymph node yield were also recorded.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were recruited. The mean length of the residual arterial stump was 38 mm (95% CI: 33–43), which was significantly longer than the < 10 mm recommended in guidelines (P < 0.0001). The mean length was 31 mm (95% CI: 25–37) and 49 mm (95% CI: 40–57) for left and right sided resections respectively. There was no correlation between the residual arterial stump and the pathology.

Conclusions

The residual arterial length was greater than suggested by guidelines and may indicate that our surgery is less radical than we planned. Caution should be taken when using pathological measurements of vascular ligation as it may not reflect the height of the pedicle division.
Texture analysis of ultrasound images is a sensitive method to follow‐up muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise
Authors: Matta Thiago Torres da , Pereira Wagner Coelho de Albuquerque , Radaelli Regis , Pinto Ronei Silveira , Oliveira Liliam Fernandes de
Published: June 2017

The grey level of co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) is a texture analysis approach accounting for spatial distribution of the pixels from an image and can be a promising method for exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD) studies. We followed up the time changes of two GLCM texture parameters and echo intensity (EI) on ultrasound images after eccentric contractions. Thirteen untrained women performed two sets of ten elbow flexions eccentric contractions. Ultrasound images were acquired at baseline and 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after exercise. Two GLCM texture parameters were calculated for the brachialis muscle: contrast (CON) and correlation (COR). Peak torque, EI, muscle thickness (MT) and soreness were measured. The peak torque and soreness decreased immediately after the intervention in comparison with all the measures. MT increased immediately after the intervention remaining for 72 h (P<0·05). Significant increases (P<0·05) were observed for COR (48, 72 and 96 h) and EI only at 72 and 96 h. The increasing COR represents high similarity between grey levels, which could be observed on US images after few days on eccentric training for elbow flexors.
Cutaneous sarcomas
Authors: Kohlmeyer Judith , Steimle‐Grauer Susanne Annette , Hein Rüdiger
Published: June 2017

Cutaneous sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal spindle cell tumors of the dermis and subcutis, one of the best‐known entities being dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Other sarcomas addressed in this review include atypical fibroxanthoma, cutaneous undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and angiosarcoma. With the exception of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, which has its peak incidence in middle‐aged adults, cutaneous sarcomas usually occur in elderly individuals starting in the sixth or seventh decade of life. The pathogenesis of the various disease entities is not uniform and has not been definitively ascertained. Histology is the key to arriving at a correct diagnosis, and should always include ruling out other dermal neoplasms such as melanoma. In recent years, molecular genetic methods have provided greater insight into the pathogenesis, thus paving the way for new targeted therapies. Treatment of choice for cutaneous sarcomas is excision with sufficient surgical margins. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapeutic concepts include radiation therapy and the use of targeted therapies or chemotherapies. Local recurrences have frequently been reported in cutaneous sarcomas. Unlike soft tissue sarcomas, the prognosis in terms of survival – with the exception of angiosarcoma – is very good if treated adequately, a fact that should be emphasized to patients.
Is food safety a real concern in Mexico and Colombia? A preliminary report on a survey of small producers, retailers and consumers
Authors: Mayett Y. , Sabogal M. , Popp J. S. , Crandall P. , Arvizu‐ Barrón E.
Published: June 2017

Data that capture the impact of unsafe food in Mexico and Colombia are not readily available, yet are vital for well‐informed decisions to be taken towards reducing the problem. Using hierarchical cluster analyses, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi‐square tests, we analyzed 460 responses from small producers, retailers and consumers about food concerns and willingness to produce, sell or buy health‐certified food in these two countries. Food that is free of virus and bacteria was of concern to all respondents, and a small percentage reported suffering from food‐related illness. There has been investment in food‐safety certification, but the impact of this remains unknown. Producers and restaurants are far more interested in obtaining certification than are retailers. Consumers are willing to buy certified food even if it is expensive. This could provide an incentive to invest in food safety and spread its benefits.
Intraspecific variability in egg maturation patterns and associated life‐history trade‐offs in a polyembryonic parasitoid wasp
Authors: KEINAN YAEL , KISHINEVSKY MIRIAM , KEASAR TAMAR
Published: June 2017

1. Life‐history theory predicts a trade‐off between the resources allocated to reproduction and those allocated to survival. Early maturation of eggs (pro‐ovigeny) is correlated with small body size and low adult longevity in interspecific comparisons among parasitoids, demonstrating this trade‐off. The handful of studies that have tested for similar correlations within species produced conflicting results.

2. Egg maturation patterns and related life‐history traits were studied in the polyembryonic parasitoid wasp, Copidosoma koehleri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Although the genus Copidosoma was previously reported to be fully pro‐ovigenic, mean egg loads of host‐deprived females almost doubled within their first 6 days of adulthood.

3. The initial egg‐loads of newly emerged females were determined and age‐specific realised fecundity curves were constructed for their clone‐mate twins. The females' initial egg loads increased with body size, but neither body size nor initial egg load was correlated with longevity and fecundity.

4. The variation in initial egg loads was lowest among clone‐mates, intermediate among non‐clone sisters and highest among non‐sister females. The within‐clone variability indicates environmental influences on egg maturation, while the between‐clone variation may be genetically based.

5. Ovaries of host‐deprived females contained fewer eggs at death (at ∼29 days) than on day 6. Their egg loads at death were negatively correlated with life span, consistent with reduced egg production and/or egg resorption. Host deprivation prolonged the wasps' life span, suggesting a survival cost to egg maturation and oviposition.

6. It is concluded that adult fecundity and longevity were not traded off with pre‐adult egg maturation.
Extinction and time help drive the marine‐terrestrial biodiversity gradient: is the ocean a deathtrap?
Authors: Miller Elizabeth C. , Wiens John J.
Published: June 2017

The marine‐terrestrial richness gradient is among Earth's most dramatic biodiversity patterns, but its causes remain poorly understood. Here, we analyse detailed phylogenies of amniote clades, paleontological data and simulations to reveal the mechanisms underlying low marine richness, emphasising speciation, extinction and colonisation. We show that differences in diversification rates (speciation minus extinction) between habitats are often weak and inconsistent with observed richness patterns. Instead, the richness gradient is explained by limited time for speciation in marine habitats, since all extant marine clades are relatively young. Paleontological data show that older marine invasions have consistently ended in extinction. Simulations show that marine extinctions help drive the pattern of young, depauperate marine clades. This role for extinction is not discernible from molecular phylogenies alone, and not predicted by most previously hypothesised explanations for this gradient. Our results have important implications for the marine‐terrestrial biodiversity gradient, and studies of biodiversity gradients in general.
Reduced glucose metabolism in neocortical network nodes remote from hypothalamic hamartomas reflects cognitive impairment
Authors: Wagner Kathrin , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Urbach Horst , Trippel Michael , Spehl Timo S. , Buschmann Franziska , Metternich Birgitta , Ofer Isabell , Meyer Philipp T. , Frings Lars
Published: June 2017

The clinical appearance of patients with hypothalamic hamartomas is very heterogeneous, and interindividual variability of intellectual abilities is not completely understood. We retrospectively investigated cerebral dysfunction as indicated by reduced regional glucose metabolism in 29 patients (age range 7–49 years) with epilepsy due to hypothalamic hamartomas. Brain metabolism assessed by [18F]FDG‐PETwas compared between patients with and without cognitive impairment controlled for unevenly distributed hamartoma lateralization seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the broad age range, the variable “age” was included in the imaging analyses as a covariate. Additional voxel‐wise analysis with hamartoma volume, disease duration, seizure severity, seizure frequency, and antiepileptic drug (AED) load as well as dosage and gender as further covariates was accomplished. Furthermore, global visual ratings on laterality of hypometabolism patterns were assessed according to clinical standards and related to hamartoma lateralization onMRIas well as lateralization ofelectroencephalography (EEG)abnormalities. Cognitively impaired patients showed significantly reduced glucose metabolism in bilateral frontal as well as right parietal and posterior midline cortices (p < 0.005), irrespective of hamartoma lateralization seen onMRI. Additional voxel‐wise analysis with the above‐mentioned further covariates revealed comparable results.FDGuptake values within the main right frontal cluster obtained from group comparison were not associated with hamartoma volume, disease duration, orAEDload. Irrespective of cognitive functioning, lateralization of reducedFDGuptake in global visual ratings was associated with lateralization of hypothalamic hamartomas seen onMRI(p < 0.01), but not withEEGabnormalities. We found regions of reduced glucose metabolism in cognitively impaired patients remote from the hypothalamic hamartomas in frontal and parietal regions, which have been identified as important network nodes in the human brain and are linked to higher cognitive functions.
Evolutionary responses to crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill by the copepod Eurytemora affinis
Authors: Lee Carol Eunmi , Remfert Jane Louise , Opgenorth Taylor , Lee Kristin M. , Stanford Elizabeth , Connolly Joseph William , Kim Jinwoo , Tomke Sarah
Published: June 2017

The BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster was the most catastrophic offshore oil spill in U.S. history, yet we still have a poor understanding of how organisms could evolve in response to the toxic effects of crude oil. This study offers a rare analysis of how fitness‐related traits could evolve rapidly in response to crude oil toxicity. We examined evolutionary responses of populations of the common copepod Eurytemora affinis residing in the Gulf of Mexico, by comparing crude oil tolerance of populations collected before versus after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010. In addition, we imposed laboratory selection for crude oil tolerance for ~8 generations, using an E. affinis population collected from before the oil spill. We found evolutionary increases in crude oil tolerance in the wild population following the oil spill, relative to the population collected before the oil spill. The post‐oil spill population showed increased survival and rapid development time in the presence of crude oil. In contrast, evolutionary responses following laboratory selection were less clear; though, development time from metamorphosis to adult in the presence of crude oil did become more rapid after selection. We did find that the wild population, used in both experiments, harbored significant genetic variation in crude oil tolerance, upon which selection could act. Thus, our study indicated that crude oil tolerance could evolve, but perhaps not on the relatively short time scale of the laboratory selection experiment. This study contributes novel insights into evolutionary responses to crude oil, in directly examining fitness‐related traits before and after an oil spill, and in observing evolutionary responses following laboratory selection.
A bio‐inspired tool for managing resilience in enterprise networks with embedded intelligent formulation
Authors: Habib Sami J. , Marimuthu Paulvanna N.
Published: June 2017

The bio‐organisms are resilient in nature, where resilience is viewed as a sign of intelligence for understanding and reacting to the unforeseen changes in order to retain their normal functionalities. The resilient behavior within the livings is developed through an evolutionary cycle. Here, we want to provide an enterprise network (EN) with a resilient behavior by embedding intelligent formulations to guide EN through uncertain workload, which is not considered during early design stage. We formulated the resilient management problem within EN as an optimization problem, with an objective function is to maximize the resilience. We developed a bio‐inspired tool comprising of Genetic Algorithm (GA), Molecular Assembly (MA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). Our experimental results on an EN of 100 nodes, with a heavy backbone traffic of 7.6 TB demonstrated that GA gains the maximum resilience of 50%, whereas MA gains 46%, ACO gains 31.54%, and the original EN had 20% resilience. However, with light workload, MA and GA performed closely with a maximum resilience of 64% and 62%, respectively, and ACO showed a moderate resilience with a maximum of 32%.
Contrasting effects of water and nutrient additions on grassland communities: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Zaady Eli , Kadmon Ronen
Published: June 2017

Aim

Changes in global climate and land use are expected to alter water and nutrient availability. Various meta‐analyses and large‐scale experiments show that increasing nutrient availability is expected to decrease the diversity of ecological communities, but so far, no study has attempted to provide a global‐scale perspective of diversity responses to water manipulation.

Location

Global.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis focusing on the effects of water and nutrient additions both on species richness and on biomass of herbaceous plant communities. We identified 41 water addition experiments, of which 19 experiments manipulated both water and nutrients.

Results

Although both water and nutrient additions increased biomass (by c. 15 and 34%, respectively), only the latter consistently decreased richness (by c. 23%). Biomass responses to water addition were mainly derived from an increase in forb biomass (by c. 37%), whereas corresponding responses to nutrient addition were derived from an increase in graminoid biomass (by c. 56%). Addition of both water and nutrients led to larger biomass responses compared with the addition of each resource alone (by c. 69%), but the negative effect on species richness was similar to nitrogen addition alone. None of these responses could be explained by general (resource‐independent) theories, such as the productivity–diversity hypothesis or the niche dimension hypothesis.

Main conclusions

While highlighting overlooked patterns, this meta‐analysis reveals a fundamental knowledge gap in our ability to predict biodiversity responses to global change and demonstrates that future theories attempting to explain and predict such changes must take into account the potential implications of resource‐specific and functional group‐specific responses.
Regionalisation or Globalisation of Automotive Production Networks? Lessons from Import Patterns of Four European Countries
Authors: Frigant Vincent , Zumpe Martin
Published: June 2017

The automotive industry has long had a reputation for organising its production networks on a macro‐regional scale. However, over the 2000–2012 time span, extended vertical disintegration of both carmakers and mega‐suppliers, and the 2008–2009 trade collapse suggest that this geographical organisation pattern could have weakened, giving way to a genuine globalisation of auto‐parts trade. This paper first reviews arguments likely to explain why automotive production networks are multi‐scalar, ranging from local to global. Empirical analysis of international auto‐parts trade data from Germany, France, UK, and Spain suggests that there has been little progression in globalisation of production networks. General data features can be best explained as follows: 1) the auto‐parts import level of a given country is mainly driven by its automobile production level, and by the degree of presence of foreign headquartered carmakers; and 2) the breakdown of imports into procurement flows from near‐distant and far‐distant countries is mainly driven by the degree of presence of carmakers headquartered in far‐distant countries.
Depletion Mapping and Constrained Optimization to Support Managing Groundwater Extraction
Authors: Fienen Michael N. , Bradbury Kenneth R. , Kniffin Maribeth , Barlow Paul M.
Published: June 2017

Groundwater models often serve as management tools to evaluate competing water uses including ecosystems, irrigated agriculture, industry, municipal supply, and others. Depletion potential mapping—showing the model‐calculated potential impacts that wells have on stream baseflow—can form the basis for multiple potential management approaches in an oversubscribed basin. Specific management approaches can include scenarios proposed by stakeholders, systematic changes in well pumping based on depletion potential, and formal constrained optimization, which can be used to quantify the tradeoff between water use and stream baseflow. Variables such as the maximum amount of reduction allowed in each well and various groupings of wells using, for example, K‐means clustering considering spatial proximity and depletion potential are considered. These approaches provide a potential starting point and guidance for resource managers and stakeholders to make decisions about groundwater management in a basin, spreading responsibility in different ways. We illustrate these approaches in the Little Plover River basin in central Wisconsin, United States—home to a rich agricultural tradition, with farmland and urban areas both in close proximity to a groundwater‐dependent trout stream. Groundwater withdrawals have reduced baseflow supplying the Little Plover River below a legally established minimum. The techniques in this work were developed in response to engaged stakeholders with various interests and goals for the basin. They sought to develop a collaborative management plan at a watershed scale that restores the flow rate in the river in a manner that incorporates principles of shared governance and results in effective and minimally disruptive changes in groundwater extraction practices.
Impacts of Seasonal Pumping on Stream‐Aquifer Interactions in Miryang, Korea
Authors: Lee Hyeonju , Koo Min‐Ho , Kim Yongcheol
Published: June 2017

Large agricultural fields in South Korea are located mostly on alluvial plains, where a significant amount of groundwater is used for heating of water‐curtain insulated greenhouses. Such greenhouses are commonly used for crop cultivation during the winter dry season from November to March. After use the groundwater is discharged directly into streams, causing groundwater depletion. A hydrogeological study was carried out in a typical agricultural area of this type, located on an alluvial aquifer near the Nakdong River. Groundwater levels, chemical characteristics, and temperatures from 68 observation wells were analyzed to determine the impacts of seasonal groundwater pumping on the groundwater system and stream‐aquifer interactions. Our results show that the groundwater system has not yet reached a state of dynamic equilibrium. Decades of excessive seasonal pumping have caused a gradual decline of groundwater levels, leading to groundwater depletion, especially in areas further from the river. Seasonal pumping has also significantly affected groundwater quality in the aquifer near the river. Groundwater temperature is decreasing (in this case a disadvantage), and saline groundwater is being diluted by induced recharge. The results of this study provide a basic outline for effective integrated water management that is widely applicable in South Korea.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of prostate and prostatic adenocarcinoma with mucinous components: a clinicopathological analysis of 143 cases
Authors: Samaratunga Hemamali , Delahunt Brett , Srigley John R , Yaxley John , Johannsen Shulammite , Coughlin Geoffrey , Gianduzzo Troy , Kua Boon , Patterson Imogen , Nacey John N , Egevad Lars
Published: June 2017

Aim

The clinical significance of mucinous prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) remains uncertain.

Methods

From 6440 cases of PCa treated by radical prostatectomy from 2009 to 2014, mucinous components of 5–100% were found in 143 (2.2%) cases.

Results

The mean age was 61.4 years, mean pre‐operative serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was 7.8 ng/ml and clinical stage category was cT1 in 81% and cT2 in 19% of cases. Cases were graded using the 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology recommendation of grading underlying architecture, and Gleason scores (GS) were 3 + 4 in 13.3%, 4 + 3 in 54.5%, 4 + 4 in 2.1%, 3 + 4 or 4 + 3 with tertiary 5 in 11.9% and 9–10 in 18.2%. The mucinous component invariably had a high‐grade component. Extraprostatic extension was found in 46.8% of cases. In 21.6%, tumour volume was ≥3 cm³ and 9.7% had surgical margin positivity. Seminal vesicle involvement was found in 6.9%. In 73 cases the mucinous component was >25%, and when cases were divided on the basis of the area of mucin present (≤25 versus >25%) there was no significant difference between clinical or pathological features. Similar findings were achieved when cases were compared with grade‐matched non‐mucinous carcinoma controls. The 5‐year biochemical recurrence rates for mucinous versus non‐mucinous cancer were 12.5 versus 17% (P = 0.15).

Conclusion

PCa with mucinous components is often high grade; however, the prognosis appears to be similar to non‐mucinous cancers of similar GS.
Racialized Labour Market Incorporation? African Immigrants and the Role of Education‐Occupation Mismatch in Earnings
Authors: Tesfai Rebbeca
Published: June 2017

U.S. immigration policy debates increasingly center on attracting highly‐skilled immigrants. African immigrants, in particular, exhibit high levels of over‐education. But questions remain about whether African immigrants’ skills are appropriately utilized in the U.S. labour market. This paper uses U.S. Census and American Community Survey data to determine whether Africans’ over‐education leads to a corresponding wage disadvantage. I also investigate whether search and match, imperfect transferability, or queuing theory describes African immigrants’ wage outcomes. I find that, while African and Asian immigrants have similarly high rates of college education and over‐education, Africans experience significantly larger wage disadvantages due to over‐education. African immigrants’ low wages are closer to that of U.S. and Caribbean‐born blacks indicating that queuing theory describes their wage disadvantage. These findings suggest the need for policy addressing racial disparities in the labour market rather than new immigration policy.
“Not everything that counts can be counted”: Assessing ‘success’ of EU external migration policy
Authors: Reslow Natasja
Published: June 2017

In the context of the ongoing “migration crisis” the externalization of EU migration policy has continued. EU policy documents argue that cooperation with non‐EU countries is essential in order to manage migration flows. But how successful is this policy? The public policy literature teaches us that “policy success” can be defined in varying ways: as goal achievement; as political success; in terms of norms; in terms of the costs associated with the policy; temporally; and in the light of external factors. An application of this analytical framework to the EU Mobility Partnerships uncovers conceptual and methodological challenges, and above all highlights the need for evaluation of EU external migration policy to be taken more seriously.
Missional Formation for Transforming Discipleship
Authors: Míguez Néstor
Published: June 2017

Mission – in the larger sense, beyond the mission of the institutional church – in the 21st century is an urgent and decisive issue. We need to prepare for a transforming mission with transforming discipleship. Together towards Life, along with Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato Si', offer paradigm shifts to consider as we envision mission formation with other parameters – with a different theological and ministerial education. Participation in the world is necessary for any true transformative mission: it is there that we learn and practise the true challenges to abundant life for everyone and for all. Practice alone is not enough: we must always question our own praxis, reviewing it in the light of the gospel.
Missional Formation for Transforming Discipleship: A Response
Authors: Holman Jo Ella
Published: June 2017

As I approached teaching my first missiology course in the seminary of a Dominican partner church a few years ago, I had to ask myself, “How do we possibly talk about and engage in ‘mission’ in this hemisphere, where the first ‘mission’ ended in genocide?” In this article, I explore the context for mission, which I believe is sometimes given insufficient attention as we seek to form and equip our church leaders and members for mission. The contexts are both local and global, with much intersection between the two. I will also focus on methodology that may be useful for the formation of disciples for mission as part of the need for a different type of theological and ministerial education within the new mission paradigm that Míguez proposes.
Mission and Theology: Teaching Missiology on the Basis of Together towards Life
Authors: Vassiliadis Petros
Published: June 2017

Theological education and Christian mission have a history of mutual relations of only a century or so – from the time when missiology as a distinctive course was introduced into the curricula of certain theological schools and seminaries. For almost a generation, I have been involved both in global theological education, through the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions, and in global Christian mission, through the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, trying to analyze the viability and effectiveness of a missiological formation of future religious leaders.
Experience from the Mission to Cuba: Related to Together towards Life
Authors: Rosales Daniel Montoya
Published: June 2017

The mission that God has given is one of proclamation, liturgy, deaconry, education, and stewardship. This is why it is necessary to develop new models for mission based on national work, where we review our biblical and theological discourse, our ecclesiology, the structures that limit our missionary activity, the models of theological education, our traditions and creation of liturgy, and our conceptual models and practice in ministry. Considering this, the World Council of Churches' document Together towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes offers interesting guidelines for teaching and practicing mission, which the author analyzes in the ecumenical Cuban context, and in particular in that of the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Matanzas, Cuba.
Missional Formation for Life‐giving Interfaith Encounter
Authors: Ezekiel Lesmore Gibson
Published: June 2017

Our world is characterized by a plurality of religions and cultures, including people who do not profess any religious faith or belief. Each religion cherishes and reveres its norms and ethos and seeks to uphold and project its sacredness both publicly and privately. If the multiplicity of religious expressions is not accepted as a gift, it may fuel and sustain unhealthy rivalry. With this understanding in mind, the need for pedagogy that prepares Christian missioners and workers to engage in life‐affirming dialogue and cooperation with people of other belief systems remains crucial. This article seeks to reinforce the case for a missional formation that includes and mainstreams basic aspects of interfaith knowledge, knowing full well that mission activities are not carried out in a vacuum, but among human beings in their social and communal locations.
Toward a Cosmic and Holistic Mission: A Biblical Reflection on Romans 8:14‐24a
Authors: Ham Adolfo
Published: June 2017

This article explores Romans 8:14‐24a, one of the scripture passages quoted in Together towards Life (TTL). References to the Holy Spirit that frees us from fear; the liberation of the cosmos from bondage; the dimension of hope; and the wider concept of mission shed light on the hopeful message of TTL.