bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biometric verification based on facial profile images for mobile security
Authors: Jung Eunhwa , Hong Kyungho
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This study aims at a biometric verification based on facial profile images for mobile security. The modern technology of mobile Internet devices and smart phones such as the iPhone series and Galaxy phone series has revealed the development of information technology of input and output devices as high-definition multimedia interface. The development of information technology requires novel biometric verification for personal identification or authentication in mobile security, especially in Internet banking and mobile Internet access. Our study deals with a biometric verification based on facial profile images for mobile security.

Design/methodology/approach

– The product of cellphones with built-in cameras gives us the opportunity of the biometric verification to recognize faces, fingerprints and biological features without any other special devices. Our study focuses on recognizing the left and right facial profile images as well as the front facial images as a biometric verification of personal identification and authentication for mobile security, which can be captured by smart phone devices such as iPhone 4 and Galaxy S2.

Findings

– As the recognition technique of the facial profile images for a biometric verification in mobile security is a very simple, relatively easy to use and inexpensive, it can be easily applied to personal mobile phone identification and authentication instead of passwords, keys or other methods. The biometric system can also be used as one of multiple verification techniques for personal recognition in a multimodal biometric system. Our experimental data are taken from persons of all ages, ranging from children to senior citizens.

Originality/value

– As the recognition technique of the facial profile images for a biometric verification in mobile security is very simple, relatively easy to use and inexpensive, it can be easily applied to personal mobile phone identification and authentication instead of passwords, keys or other methods. The biometric system can also be used as one of multiple verification techniques for personal recognition in a multimodal biometric system. Our experimental data are taken from persons of all ages, ranging from children to senior citizens.
Enochs of the modern workplace
Authors: Campbell Robert Hugh , Grimshaw Mark
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to expose the behaviours through which modern professional people commonly obstruct information system (IS) implementations in their workplace. Users often resist IS implementations, and it has been established that this can cause an implementation to fail. As the initial analysis of an on-going research project, this paper does not yet seek to present IS resistance as a good or a bad thing, it simply identifies and codifies forms of IS resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Inductive interviews with IS implementers threw light on 29 resisted projects across 21 organisations. Interviewees were introduced to established theories of attitude change from social and cognitive psychology then asked to reflect on their experiences of IS implementations using these theories as a lens.

Findings

– Although it is not claimed that all approaches by which users obstruct IS implementations are identified here, we believe that those most commonly deployed have been uncovered. It is also revealed that such behaviours result from negative user attitudes and that their impact can be significant. They can emotionally or psychologically affect system champions and can often cause implementation projects to fail.

Research limitations/implications

– Our method was based on an epistemic assumption that significant understanding is found in the experience and knowledge (tacit and explicit) of IS implementation experts. The paper’s contents are drawn from reflections on a combined 302 years of experience using attitude change psychology as a lens. Using this method, a range of obstructive behaviours was identified. Although it is claimed that the obstructive behaviours most commonly deployed have been unveiled, it is not probable that this list is comprehensive and could be appended to using alternative approaches.

Practical implications

– This paper has significant implications for stakeholders in IS implementations. It enables project risks originating from users to be better identified, and it highlights the critical role that negative user attitudes can play in an implementation.

Social implications

– This paper considers a common area of conflict in professional organisations, modelling its nature and effect. It also encourages system champions to consider user attitude cultivation as a critical part of any implementation project.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this research is twofold. In the arena of user resistance, it is the first to focus on how implementations are resisted and is accordingly the first to identify and taxonomise forms of IS resistance. A contribution is also made to an ongoing literature conversation on the role of attitude in technology acceptance. This paper is the first to focus, not on user attitudes but on how negative attitudes are manifest in behaviour.
The analysis of near and far field pattern through mode analysis and FFT in a finite periodic dielectric gratings
Authors: Lee Tae-Bong , Kim Min-Nyeon
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze far and near field emitted field patterns through more exact calculation of the modes formed in finite periodic dielectric gratings.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the mode calculation, equations are newly defined by applying vertical boundary condition on the assumption that transverse electric modes are generated in the structure. After finding modes, near field patterns are calculated using the wave number and coefficient of the mode.

Findings

– Additionally, the results from these calculations are compared with that of the rigorous-coupled method. Finally, far field patterns are derived by applying fast Fourier transform to near field patterns and also compared with the results of rigorous-coupled method.

Research limitations/implications

– For convenience of coordinate, we use rectangular coordinate, though the shape of radome is a hemisphere.

Practical implications

– In this paper, the authors derive more exact near field patterns without the assumption of infiniteness so that these results can be used practically for a making real frequency-selective structure.

Originality/value

– Conventional periodic finite dielectric gratings analysis has been done using Floquet–Bloch wave theory, coupled-mode, rigorous-coupled method which is based on the assumption of infiniteness of the structure.
Wicked global challenges: sustainability in the enterprise crosshairs
Authors: Edgeman Rick
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to address wicked sustainability issues lurking behind sensational headlines: “Humanity faces significant and unprecedented challenges on grand, global scales”. Such headlines refer to the span of such challenges as well as their complex roots and consequences. In a cosmic version of the “chicken or the egg” issue, causes and consequences of these grand global challenges are often difficult to distinguish from one another, although distinction is critical to solution derivations.Sustainable Enterprise Excellence, Resilience & Robustness(SEER2) is discussed relative to selected wicked challenges, including ones associated with climate change and human security.

Design/methodology/approach

– Roots of grand global challenges and the present and future reality they portend are discussed relative to intersections with enterprise strategy, performance and impact.

Findings

– Social-ecological innovation, big and small data analytics and intelligence and supply chain proficiency are identified as key drivers of enterprise response to grand global challenges. These are embedded in a holistic model for enterprise sustainability, resilience and robustness.

Social implications

– The SEER2 approach to enterprise sustainability, resilience and robustness that emphasizes performance and impact has the capability to aid progress toward more sustainable futures for enterprises and humankind alike.

Originality/value

– The SEER2 model leverages business excellence thinking to advance strategic and tactical approaches to enterprise excellence, sustainability, resilience and robustness. As such, the model is distinctly performance-oriented. Performance alone is not sufficient, however, so that impact – financial, societal and ecological – is also deeply embedded.
Measuring social issues in sustainable supply chains
Authors: Ahi Payman , Searcy Cory
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the metrics used in the literature to measure social issues in sustainable supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic literature review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles containing metrics pertaining to social issues in the supply chain. A structured content analysis of each identified article was conducted to extract the metrics. This analysis provided a basis for a frequency analysis to determine how often the various metrics appeared in the literature. The metrics were also analyzed to determine whether they: simultaneously addressed the other areas of the triple bottom line, namely, environmental and/or economic issues; were quantitative or qualitative metrics; and could be classified as absolute, relative or context-based metrics.

Findings

– A total of 53 unique metrics were identified. The analysis of the results showed that a limited number of environmental (3 metrics) and economic (11 metrics) issues were addressed by the metrics as well. A combination of quantitative (39.6 per cent) and qualitative (60.4 per cent) measurements were used. The vast majority of the metrics (90.6 per cent) were further classified as absolute metrics.

Originality/value

– This paper presents one of the first in-depth analyses of metrics used to measure social issues in supply chains. This is important because social issues are often overlooked in research focused on performance measurement in sustainable supply chains.
Evidence for the performance prism in higher education
Authors: Smulowitz Stacy
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the potential for the Performance Prism (Neely et al., 2001) to influence the perceived outcome of a planned organizational change. General Systems Theory (Ruben, 1979; Thayer, 1968; vonBertalanffy, 1975) is used to understand the differences in stakeholder perception throughout the institution.

Design/methodology/approach

– Thirty-two participants from four educational support services departments and the senior leadership group of a university were interviewed. A grounded theory, constant comparative method (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) was used to generate themes and codes from transcripts.

Findings

– Findings suggest that implementers failed to adequately assess all employees’ satisfaction and contributions prior to implementation. Using the Performance Prism could have been the key to perceptions of success about the change effort.

Research limitations/implications

– Research comparing the Performance Prism to implemented planned change efforts not using the Performance Prism is limited, especially in higher education. Also limited is research using the Performance Prism and General Systems Theory.

Practical implications

– Understanding stakeholder satisfaction and contributions throughout the organizational system are vital to planned change efforts, especially in loosely coupled organizations (Gallivan, 2001; Neely et al., 2001; Ruben, 1979). Using the Performance Prism is valuable to further this understanding.

Originality/value

– The study advances the literature about the use of the Performance Prism in higher education by providing an understanding of the implications of neglecting to consider all stakeholders at all levels of the system in planned change efforts.
Unified communications as an enabler of workplace redesign
Authors: Williams Joseph , LaBrie Ryan C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how advances in unified communications (UC) technologies are enabling radical changes in workplace redesign. Low-cost and readily available technologies allow individuals to participate in work in ways that they could not before. Mobile hardware, networking infrastructure and robust UC platforms are making work less location- and time-dependent. Whereas these technologies provided the catalyst for the reimagining of the workplace in the early to mid-2000s, it was the explosion of BYOD (bring your own device) in recent years that has caused organizations to reconsider innovative workplace usage.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this case study on the Microsoft Corporation, business motivators for workplace innovation, driven by performance metrics, are examined.

Findings

– Included in the findings are increased productivity, talent attraction and retention, reduced sick leave, reduced communications costs, reduced IT and administration costs, reduced carbon footprint, lower real estate costs and reduced travel and training costs.

Practical implications

– While many of these findings are beneficial to both employer and employee, they do not come without a cost. UC typically makes the employee accessible from anywhere at any time and this challenges a traditional work–life balance model. Moving forward will require both employer and employee to find a healthy work-life integration model that balances the needs of the individual with the needs of the organization.

Originality/value

– This research documents a workplace redesign initiative enabled by UC at a global high technology company.
Performance measurement effects on organizational responses to threats
Authors: Huber George
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain how an organization’s performance measurement system can influence the appropriateness of an organization’s responses to threats.

Design/methodology/approach

– Inductive and deductive reasoning, drawing on major theories and on empirical findings in the management literature.

Findings

– An organization’s performance measurement system can influence the effectiveness of the organization’s detections of threats and the appropriateness of the organization’s responses to threats and, in these ways, contribute to the organization’s robustness and sustainability.

Practical implications

– Formation of an appropriate performance management system can prove critical to both detection of and responses to organizational threats. As such, an organizational performance management system can contribute to organizational robustness and sustainability.

Originality/value

– The idea, that an organization’s performance measurement system can influence the effectiveness of the organization’s detections of threats and the appropriateness of the organization’s responses to threats, is not articulated in the management literature. Thus, the research reported here is original and would seem to have value to the research community, the organization design community (as an organization’s control systems are an important component of its architecture), and the management community.
67‐kDa Laminin receptor contributes to hypoxia‐induced migration and invasion of trophoblast‐like cells by mediating matrix metalloproteinase‐9
Authors: Wang Leilei , Yu Yang , Guan Hongbo , Liu Tong , Qiao Chong
Published: March 2015

Insufficient trophoblast invasion often occurs in patients experiencing preeclampsia. The 67‐kDa laminin receptor (LR1) is a multifunctional protein that binds to laminin and interacts with the extracellular matrix. We recently demonstrated that LR1 is implicated in trophoblast migration and invasion. However, whether LR1 is involved in hypoxia‐mediated trophoblastic invasion remains unclear and requires further investigation. This study demonstrates that two trophoblast‐like cell lines (JEG3 and BeWo cells) cultured at 3% oxygen exerted enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities as compared with their counterparts exposed to 20% oxygen. LR1 expression was increased in hypoxic JEG3 cells but decreased after transfection with hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α) specific siRNA. Moreover, shRNA targeting LR1 mRNA significantly inhibited hypoxia‐induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 activity in JEG3 cells. Forced overexpression of LR1 augmented JEG3 cell migration and invasion, and enhanced MMP‐9 expression and activity. Additionally, the blockade of the MMP‐9 effect with its neutralizing antibody reduced LR1 elevation‐promoted trophoblastic invasion. In summary, this study demonstrates that LR1 contributes to hypoxia‐induced migration and invasion of trophoblast cells at least partly by mediating MMP‐9 in vitro.
Cost‐Effective Placement of Best Management Practices in a Watershed: Lessons Learned from Conservation Effects Assessment Project
Authors: Kurkalova Lyubov A.
Published: March 2015

This article reviews the key, cross‐cutting findings concerning watershed‐scale cost‐effective placement of best management practices (BMPs) emerging from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) competitive grants watershed studies. The synthesis focuses on two fundamental aspects of the cost‐effectiveness problem: (1) how to assess the location‐ and farmer‐specific costs of BMP implementation, and (2) how to decide on which BMPs need to be implemented and where within a given watershed. Major lessons learned are that (1) data availability remains a significant limiting factor in capturing within‐watershed BMP cost variability; (2) strong watershed community connections help overcome the cost estimation challenges; (3) detailing cost components facilitates the transferability of estimates to alternative locations and/or economic conditions; and (4) implicit costs vary significantly across space and farmers. Furthermore, CEAP studies showed that (5) evolutionary algorithms provide workable ways to identify cost‐effective BMP placements; (6) tradeoffs between total conservation costs and watershed‐scale cost‐effective water quality improvements are commonly large; (7) quality baseline information is essential to solving cost‐effectiveness problem; and (8) systemic and modeling uncertainties alter cost‐effective BMP placements considerably.
Assessing BMP Effectiveness and Guiding BMP Planning Using Process‐Based Modeling
Authors: Brooks E.S. , Saia S.M. , Boll J. , Wetzel L. , Easton Z.M. , Steenhuis T.S.
Published: March 2015

There is an increasing need for improved process‐based planning tools to assist watershed managers in the selection and placement of effective best management practices (BMPs). In this article, we present an approach, based on the Water Erosion Prediction Project model and a pesticide transport model, to identify dominant hydrologic flow paths and critical source areas for a variety of pollutant types. We use this approach to compare the relative impacts of BMPs on hydrology, erosion, sediment, and pollutant delivery within different landscapes. Specifically, we focus on using this approach to understand what factors promoted and/or hindered BMP effectiveness at three Conservation Effects Assessment Project watersheds: Paradise Creek Watershed in Idaho, Walnut Creek Watershed in Iowa, and Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed in Missouri. These watersheds were first broken down into unique land types based on soil and topographic characteristics. We used the model to assess BMP effectiveness in each of these land types. This simple process‐based modeling approach provided valuable insights that are not generally available to planners when selecting and locating BMPs and helped explain fundamental reasons why long‐term improvement in water quality of these three watersheds has yet to be completely realized.
Peripheral venous lactate at admission is associated with in‐hospital mortality, a prospective cohort study
Authors: BARFOD C. , LUNDSTRØM L. H. , LAURITZEN M. M. P. , DANKER J. K. , SÖLÉTORMOS G. , FORBERG J. L. , BERLAC P. A. , LIPPERT F. K. , ANTONSEN K. , LANGE K. H. W.
Published: March 2015

Background

The prognostic value of blood lactate as a predictor of adverse outcome in the acutely ill patient is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate if a peripheral venous lactate measurement, taken at admission, is associated with in‐hospital mortality in acutely ill patients with all diagnosis. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate if the test improves a triage model in terms of predicting in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

We retrieved a cohort of 2272 adult patients from a prospectively gathered acute admission database. We performed regression analysis to evaluate the association between the relevant covariates and the outcome measure: in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Lactate as a continuous variable was a risk for in‐hospital mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–1.57, P < 0.0001]. OR for in‐hospital mortality increased with increasing lactate levels from 2.97 (95% CI 1.55–5.72, P < 0.001) for lactate between 2 mmol/l and 4 mmol/l, to 7.77 (95% CI 3.23–18.66, P < 0.0001) for lactate > 4 mmol/l. If the condition was non‐compensated (i.e. pH < 7.35), OR for in‐hospital mortality increased to 19.99 (7.26–55.06, P < 0.0001). Patient with a blood lactate at 4 mmol/l or more had a risk of in‐hospital mortality equivalent to the patients in the most urgent triage category.

Conclusion

We found elevated admission peripheral venous lactate to be independently associated with in‐hospital mortality in the acutely ill patient admitted to the emergency department. Patients with a lactate > 4 mmol/l at hospital admission should be considered triaged to the most urgent triage category.
Carious affected dentine: its behaviour in adhesive bonding
Authors: Pinna R , Maioli M , Eramo S , Mura I , Milia E
Published: March 2015

Background

Carious affected dentine (CAD) represents a very common substrate in adhesive dentistry. Despite its ability to interact with adhesive systems, the intrinsic character ofCADleads to lower bonding compared with sound dentine, regardless of the adhesive systems used. This low bonding may be more susceptible to leakage and hydrolysis of the interface by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This systematic review aimed to determine current knowledge ofCADbonding, together with bond strength andMMPinhibitors’ ability to prevent hybrid layer instability.

Methods

MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus and The Cochrane Library databases were electronically searched for articles published from 1 January 1960 to 31 August 2014. Two reviewers independently screened and included papers according to predefined selection criteria.

Results

The electronic searches identified 320 studies. After title, abstract and full‐text examinations, 139 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data highlighted that a poor resin saturation of the already demineralized collagen matrix inCADis strictly related to nanoleakage in interdiffusion and is the basis of the progressive decrease in strength with hydrolysis byMMPs. The use of mild self‐etching systems seems to be the more accredited method to establish bonding inCAD. Inhibitors ofMMPs may ensure better performance ofCADbonding, allowing undisturbed remineralization of the affected matrix.

Conclusions

CADbonding needs further understanding and improvement, particularly to enhance the strength and durability of the hybrid layer.
A Neo‐Polanyian Theory of Economic Crises
Authors: Block Fred
Published: March 2015

This article seeks to use Karl Polanyi's book, The Great Transformation, first published in 1944, to understand the global financial crisis that began in 2008. Polanyi's basic premise was that a great crisis must result from powerful causes. He argued that the crisis of the 1930s was a consequence of three distinct processes: deep imbalances in the global trading system, a crisis within the global financial mechanism that was supposed to manage those imbalances, and a failure of adaptation in the world's leading economy, the United States. The same processes can be seen at work in the last decade.
Quality‐of‐life issues in survivors to anaphylactic reactions to drugs
Authors: Baiardini I. , Gaeta F. , Molinengo G. , Braido F. , Canonica G.W. , Romano A.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this cross‐sectional observational study was to explore quality of life and well‐being in patients with drug‐induced anaphylaxis. Two validated tools were used: the Drug Hypersensitivity Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (DrHy‐Q) and the Psychological General Well‐Being Index (PGWBI). Sixty‐five patients (13 males) underwent data analysis. The mean DrHy‐Q score was 62.82 ± 12.1. Mean PGWBI score was 64.03 ± 17.66. DrHy‐Q score was significantly correlated with PGWBI total score (r = −0.314; P = 0.011) and with the following domains: Anxiety (r = −0.260; P = 0.036), Depressed mood (r = −0.406; P = 0.001), Positive well‐being (r = −0.251; P = 0.004), and General Health (r = −0.352; P = 0.004). Compared with the Italian reference population, patients had a significantly reduced PGWBI total and domain score. Our results highlight for the first time how impaired HRQoL and distress commonly feature in survivors to anaphylactic reactions to drug.
Industry Concentration, Knowledge Diffusion and Economic Growth Without Scale Effects
Authors: Davis Colin , Hashimoto Ken‐Ichi
Published: March 2015

This paper studies the relationship between geographic patterns of industry and economic growth without scale effects. Facing transport costs and imperfect knowledge diffusion, firms locate production, process innovation and product development in their lowest cost regions, leading to the partial concentration of production and full agglomeration of innovation in the region with the largest market. An increase in industry concentration raises knowledge spillovers from production to innovation, causing a fall (rise) in market entry, if labour productivity improves more for process innovation (product development). The rate of economic growth rises or falls, depending on how industry concentration affects market entry.
Varying Political Economy Weights of Protection: The Case of Colombia
Authors: Karacaovali Baybars
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we examine trade policy determinants and trade reform in a developing country setting using a political economy model. The government determines tariffs by balancing the political support from producers vs. consumers, while placing a higher political weight on producers’ welfare relative to average citizens. We then expand the model in several directions to guide our subsequent estimations at the three‐digit industry level for Colombia between 1983 and 1998. We account for import substitution motives for protection but describe how the government's move away from these policies leads to unilateral trade liberalization. We innovatively allow the political weights to vary based on key industry variables beyond a common denominator. The sectors with higher employment, labor cost, and preferential trade agreement (PTA) import shares receive a larger political weight compared to otherwise similar sectors. The novelty of our approach is estimating the effect of sectoral characteristics on protection filtered through the political weights. We obtain more realistic estimates for these weights and provide some evidence for a slowing down effect of PTAs on trade liberalization.
Fertility, social class, gender, and the professional model: statistical explanation and historical significance
Authors: Szreter Simon
Published: March 2015

In 2012 Barnes and Guinnane published a revised statistical analysis of the critical evaluation of the official 1911 social class model of fertility decline that was presented in chapter 6 of Szreter's Fertility, class and gender in Britain, 1860–1940 (FCG). They argue that the official model of five ranked social classes is, after all, a satisfactory statistical summary of the fertility variance found among the married couples of England and Wales at the famous 1911 fertility census, and so they conclude that, pace Szreter, the official model provides a satisfactory account of the nation's fertility decline as one of social class differentials. It is acknowledged here that Barnes and Guinnane have deployed superior statistical techniques. However, it is pointed out that FCG identified fundamental problems with the design of the 1911 official model. It was a social evolutionary model privileging male professional occupations, not a modelling of recognized social class theory at the time or since. In FCG it was therefore termed ‘the professional model’. The central historiographical claim of FCG is re‐affirmed: that in order to study fruitfully the historical relationship between social class and fertility decline, an alternative approach is needed which explicitly integrates gender relations with social class.
Self‐Determination in the Constitutional Future of the EU
Authors: Dawson Mark , De Witte Floris
Published: March 2015

This article analyses three prominent proposals for the functional and political transformation of the EU from a constitutional perspective. It argues that existing EU reform proposals, to varying degrees, entrench rather than reverse the challenges to individual and political self‐determination brought about by the EU's response to its Euro crisis. As the article will conclude, challenging ‘authoritarian liberalism' in an EU context may require the development of a constitutional structure for the Union able to contest, rather than set in stone, the EU's existing economic and political goals.
Length of the Mitral Isthmus But Not Anatomical Location of Ablation Line Predicts Bidirectional Mitral Isthmus Block in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: SCHERR DANIEL , DERVAL NICOLAS , SOHAL MANAV , PASCALE PATRIZIO , WRIGHT MATTHEW , JADIDI AMIR , KOMATSU YUKI , ROTEN LAURENT , WILTON STEPHEN B. , PEDERSEN MICHALA , RAMOUL KHALED , MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , SHAH ASHOK , LINTON NICK , MANNINGER MARTIN , DENIS ARNAUD , HOCINI MELEZE , SACHER FREDERIC , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL , JAIS PIERRE , KNECHT SEBASTIEN
Published: March 2015

Importance of Line and Length for Mitral Isthmus

Introduction

Mitral isthmus (MI) ablation is an effective option in patients undergoing ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Achieving bidirectional conduction block across the MI is challenging, and predictors of MI ablation success remain incompletely understood. We sought to determine the impact of anatomical location of the ablation line on the efficacy of MI ablation.

Methods and Results

A total of 40 consecutive patients (87% male; 54 ± 10 years) undergoing stepwise AF ablation were included. MI ablation was performed in sinus rhythm. MI ablation was performed from the left inferior PV to either the posterior (group 1) or the anterolateral (group 2) mitral annulus depending on randomization. The length of the MI line (measured with the 3D mapping system) and the amplitude of the EGMs at 3 positions on the MI were measured in each patient. MI block was achieved in 14/19 (74%) patients in group 1 and 15/21 (71%) patients in group 2 (P = NS). Total MI radiofrequency time (18 ± 7 min vs. 17 ± 8 min; P = NS) was similar between groups. Patients with incomplete MI block had a longer MI length (34 ± 6 mm vs. 24 ± 5 mm; P < 0.001), a higher bipolar voltage along the MI (1.75 ± 0.74 mV vs. 1.05 ± 0.69 mV; P < 0.01), and a longer history of continuous AF (19 ± 17 months vs. 10 ± 10 months; P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, decreased length of the MI was an independent predictor of successful MI block (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1–2.1; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased length but not anatomical location of the MI predicts failure to achieve bidirectional MI block during ablation of persistent AF.
Batesian mimics influence the evolution of conspicuousness in an aposematic salamander
Authors: Kraemer A. C. , Serb J. M. , Adams D. C.
Published: March 2015

Conspicuousness, or having high contrast relative to the surrounding background, is a common feature of unpalatable species. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the occurrence of conspicuousness, and while most involve the role of conspicuousness as a direct signal of unpalatability to potential predators, one hypothesis suggests that exaggerated conspicuousness may evolve in unpalatable species to reduce predator confusion with palatable species (potential Batesian mimics). This hypothesis of antagonistic coevolution between palatable and unpalatable species hinges on the ‘cost of conspicuousness’, in which conspicuousness increases the likelihood of predation more in palatable species than in unpalatable species. Under this mimicry scenario, four patterns are expected: (i) mimics will more closely resemble local models than models from other localities, (ii) there will be a positive relationship between mimic and model conspicuousness, (iii) models will be more conspicuous in the presence of mimics, and (iv) when models and mimics differ in conspicuousness, mimics will be less conspicuous than models. We tested these predictions in the salamander mimicry system involving Notophthalmus viridescens (model) and one colour morph of Plethodon cinereus (mimic). All predictions were supported, indicating that selection for Batesian mimicry not only influences the evolution of mimics, but also the evolution of the models they resemble. These findings indicate that mimicry plays a large role in the evolution of model warning signals, particularly influencing the evolution of conspicuousness.
Recovery of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin in Multiple Phase Foods
Authors: Bennett Reginald , Hait Jennifer
Published: March 2015

Lipids are soluble in organic solvents and staphylococcal enterotoxins are water‐soluble. This recognized feature can assist in the recovery of these toxins. Partitioning studies were conducted using a toxin‐insoluble organic solvent (CHCl3) treatment for the extraction of toxins from the lipid portion of the tested food products. Enterotoxin serotypes A, B and D were added at toxin concentrations of 2 ng/mL to five brands each of whole milk, 1% low fat milk, half and half, eggs, and two kinds of salad dressings. Pre‐partition and post‐partition extracts from the foods were assayed for toxin recovery using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based serological method. While the toxin was detected by traditional extraction procedures, toxin levels were retained in the precipitate of the food products. This study demonstrates that CHCl3 treatment in conjunction with concentrating the extract is beneficial when low levels of enterotoxin need to be identified.

Practical Applications

Traditional extraction methods work well in most low‐fat containing foods; however, multiple CHCl3 extractions are advantageous when testing high‐lipid containing foods or foods that may contain small traces of enterotoxin. This method proved valuable when extracting small quantities of staphylococcal enterotoxin from the lipid fraction of foods.
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS: HAS THE GFC INFLUENCED PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR UTILITY FOR BANKS?
Authors: Dias Roshanthi
Published: March 2015

Credit Default Swaps (CDSs) are considered as one of the most versatile financial innovations of the 21st century. Since its inception, the credit derivatives market has grown to a peak of $64 trillion in 2008 in terms of gross notional values (Cont, ). However, after the onset of the GFC, this market has decreased to a large extent. While there is evidence that promotes the risk reduction properties of CDSs, there is a growing body of research post GFC that identifies destabilising effects of these instruments. In this paper, I review the relevant scholarly literature and provide evidence of how the views on CDSs have changed post GFC due a deeper investigation of issues such as systemic risk, regulatory arbitrage, information asymmetry and risk‐taking, among others, in the banking industry. This paper provides a survey of the literature of views ‘for’ and ‘against’ the use of CDSs during pre and post GFC periods and finally concludes that in comparison to the pre GFC period, post GFC there is a significant increase in the literature that highlights the detrimental nature of CDSs.
REFEREE BIAS
Authors: Dohmen Thomas , Sauermann Jan
Published: March 2015

This paper surveys the empirical literature on the behavior of referees in professional football and other sports. Referees are typically appointed by a principal to be impartial, especially when unbiased referee judgment is vital for the accomplishment of the principal's objective. Answering whether referees make biased decisions and understanding the causes that lead referees to digress from their principal duty of impartiality is therefore fundamental from a theoretical point of view. At the same time, assessing the prevalence and origin of referee bias is germane to various domains of life. Referee bias is particularly relevant in sports, where partial decision‐making can determine competition outcomes, which can have strong repercussions on athletes' careers and supporters' well‐being.
MRI‐Defined Corpus Callosal Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparison of Volumetric Measurements, Corpus Callosum Area and Index
Authors: Granberg Tobias , Bergendal Gösta , Shams Sara , Aspelin Peter , Kristoffersen‐Wiberg Maria , Fredrikson Sten , Martola Juha
Published: March 2015

Objective

To compare corpus callosum area (CCA) and corpus callosum index (CCI) in terms of feasibility and their performance as biomarkers for cognitive and physical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). A secondary aim was to compare these two methods with volumetric measurements.

Methods

This study was based on a cohort of 37 MS patients and a group of age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Physical disability was assessed with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and cognitive disability with the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT). CCA and CCI were assessed on midsagittal brain MRI by 3 raters with varying radiological experience. Volumes of the brain, gray and white matter, corpus callosum, and MS lesions were acquired with Freesurfer and Lesion Segmentation Toolbox for Statistical Parametric Mapping.

Results

CCA and CCI were obtained within seconds with excellent intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement, and outperformed volumetric measurements. CCA had the strongest correlations with both SDMT (r = .82, P < .001) and EDSS (r = −.56, P < .001), and the highest accuracy in differentiating patients from controls (95%) and relapse‐remitting MS from progressive forms of MS (77%). CCI performed less well (r = .73, P < .001; r = −.45, P < .001; 94%; 71%). CCA also outperformed the volumetric measurements in these regards.

Conclusions

CCA is a time‐effective and robust biomarker that has stronger correlations with both EDSS and information processing speed than CCI and volumetric measurements that are commonly used as outcome measures in MS research and clinical trials.
Effect of visual biofeedback of posterior tongue movement on articulation rehabilitation in dysarthria patients
Authors: Yano J. , Shirahige C. , Oki K. , Oisaka N. , Kumakura I. , Tsubahara A. , Minagi S.
Published: March 2015

Articulation is driven by various combinations of movements of the lip, tongue, soft palate, pharynx and larynx, where the tongue plays an especially important role. In patients with cerebrovascular disorder, lingual motor function is often affected, causing dysarthria. We aimed to evaluate the effect of visual biofeedback of posterior tongue movement on articulation rehabilitation in dysarthria patients with cerebrovascular disorder. Fifteen dysarthria patients (10 men and 5 women; mean age, 70·7 ± 10·3 years) agreed to participate in this study. A device for measuring the movement of the posterior part of the tongue was used for the visual biofeedback. Subjects were instructed to produce repetitive articulation of [ka] as fast and steadily as possible between a lungful with/without visual biofeedback. For both the unaffected and affected sides, the range of ascending and descending movement of the posterior tongue with visual biofeedback was significantly larger than that without visual biofeedback. The coefficient of variation for these movements with visual biofeedback was significantly smaller than that without visual biofeedback. With visual biofeedback, the range of ascent exhibited a significant and strong correlation with that of descent for both the unaffected and affected sides. The results of this study revealed that the use of visual biofeedback leads to prompt and preferable change in the movement of the posterior part of the tongue. From the standpoint of pursuing necessary rehabilitation for patients with attention and memory disorders, visualization of tongue movement would be of marked clinical benefit.
Cerebral and Brainstem Electrophysiologic Activity During Euthanasia with Pentobarbital Sodium in Horses
Authors: Aleman M. , Williams D.C. , Guedes A. , Madigan J.E.
Published: March 2015

Background

An overdose of pentobarbital sodium administeredIVis the most commonly used method of euthanasia in veterinary medicine. Determining death after the infusion relies on the observation of physical variables. However, it is unknown when cortical electrical activity and brainstem function are lost in a sequence of events before death.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To examine changes in the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex and brainstem during an overdose of pentobarbital sodium solution for euthanasia. Our testing hypothesis is that isoelectric pattern of the brain in support of brain death occurs before absence of electrocardiogram (ECG) activity.

Animals

Fifteen horses requiring euthanasia.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Horses with neurologic, orthopedic, and cardiac illnesses were selected and instrumented for recording of electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), and ECG. Physical and neurologic (brainstem reflexes) variables were monitored.

Results

Loss of cortical electrical activity occurred during or within 52 seconds after the infusion of euthanasia solution. Cessation of brainstem function as evidenced by a lack of brainstem reflexes and disappearance of theBAERhappened subsequently. Despite undetectable heart sounds, palpable arterial pulse, and mean arterial pressure, recordable ECG was the last variable to be lost after the infusion (5.5–16 minutes after end of the infusion).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Overdose of pentobarbital sodium solution administeredIVis an effective, fast, and humane method of euthanasia. Brain death occurs within 73–261 seconds of the infusion. Although absence of ECG activity takes longer to occur, brain death has already occurred.
Differential growth of naturally and sexually selected traits in an Anolis lizard
Authors: Vanhooydonck B. , Huyghe K. , Holáňová V. , van Dongen S. , Herrel A.
Published: March 2015

Sexual dimorphism may be indicative of differential natural and/or sexual selection pressures acting on males and females. Although similar degrees of adult sexual dimorphism may be observed among populations and species, underlying physiological, developmental and ecological processes driving growth during the juvenile stages may vary. Unraveling how and when differences arise during ontogeny is important to our understanding of the evolutionary patterns observed among adults. In addition, growth patterns may differ among traits within a single individual. Anolis lizards vary greatly in the degree of adult sexual size and shape dimorphism. Ultimate hypotheses (e.g. sexual selection, habitat partitioning) have been put forward to explain this variation, but proximate mechanisms operating during the juvenile stages remain largely unknown. Herein, we aim at elucidating the proximate mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in head and limb shape, performance and dewlap size in Anolis baracoae, a crown‐giant anole. We used a longitudinal approach and raised 23 captive‐bred juvenile A. baracoae lizards through adulthood. By quantifying body size, head and limb dimensions, dewlap size and bite performance, we obtained growth trajectories that were compared between the sexes and among traits. Our results show that the growth of head and limb shape is similar in males and females, whereas dewlap size and bite performance diverge at a specific age. Based on these results, we hypothesize that, whereas selection favors a similar head and limb shape in males and females, selection pressures on dewlap size and bite performance likely differ between the sexes. In addition, dewlap size starts diverging around the time the animals reach sexual maturity, whereas bite performance diverges much earlier in (sexually) immature males.
Parasitism overrides herbivore identity allowing hyperparasitoids to locate their parasitoid host using herbivore‐induced plant volatiles
Authors: Zhu Feng , Broekgaarden Colette , Weldegergis Berhane T. , Harvey Jeffrey A. , Vosman Ben , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H.
Published: March 2015

Foraging success of predators profoundly depends on reliable and detectable cues indicating the presence of their often inconspicuous prey. Carnivorous insects rely on chemical cues to optimize foraging efficiency. Hyperparasitoids that lay their eggs in the larvae or pupae of parasitic wasps may find their parasitoid hosts developing in different herbivores. They can use herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) to locate parasitized caterpillars. Because different herbivore species induce different HIPV emission from plants, hyperparasitoids may have to deal with large variation in volatile information that indicates host presence. In this study, we used an ecogenomics approach to first address whether parasitized caterpillars of two herbivore species (Pieris rapae and P. brassicae) induce similar transcriptional and metabolomic responses in wild Brassica oleracea plants and, second, whether hyperparasitoids Lysibia nana are able to discriminate between these induced plant responses to locate their parasitoid host in different herbivores under both laboratory and field conditions. Our study revealed that both herbivore identity and parasitism affect plant transcriptional and metabolic responses to herbivory. We also found that hyperparasitoids are able to respond to HIPVs released by wild B. oleracea under both laboratory and field conditions. In addition, we observed stronger attraction of hyperparasitoids to HIPVs when plants were infested with parasitized caterpillars. However, hyperparasitoids were equally attracted to plants infested by either herbivore species. Our results indicate that parasitism plays a major role in HIPV‐mediated plant–hyperparasitoid interactions. Furthermore, these findings also indicate that plant trait‐mediated indirect interaction networks play important roles in community‐wide species interactions.