bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher education participation in “high-income” universal higher education systems
Authors: Wright Ewan , Horta Hugo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Global participation in higher education has expanded greatly since the late twentieth century. The implications for the cultural, social, and economic fabric of societies have been substantial. To explain transitions from elite to mass higher education systems, theoretical insights from Technical-functionalism, Neo-institutionalism, World Academic System, and Credentialism perspectives have been put forward. It is the contention of this paper that there are emerging and complementary factors driving steadily growing participation in “high-income” universal higher education systems. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

With reference to Ulrich Beck’s concept of the “risk society”, it is discussed how higher education participation is increasingly a response by young people (and their families) seeking to mitigate heightened instability in work and employment under a “risk regime”. Publicly available data from national and supra-national organisations are used to evidence trends and support the arguments put forward by this paper.

Findings

Participation is perceived as quasi-compulsory to “survive” amid concern that those without higher education attainment are being “left behind” in modern labour markets. This environment has contributed to more students from more diverse backgrounds viewing higher education as the only viable option to secure a livelihood regardless of rising private costs of participation and rising uncertainty over graduate employment outcomes. The expansion of higher education has therefore potentially developed a self-perpetuating dynamic as the perceived cost of non-participation escalates.

Originality/value

It is shown that to better understand higher education participation in “high-income” countries with universal higher education systems, one needs to consider the conceptual idea of “survivalism”, that underlines risk and the vulnerabilities of modern societies.
The development of Malaysian higher education
Authors: Wan Chang-Da , Sirat Morshidi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Universities in Malaysia, particular public universities, have been tasked not only with the traditional focus on the pursuit of knowledge, but also the important role of nation-building. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nation-building agenda in the development of Malaysian higher education in the globalisation era.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded within the literature of nation-building and globalisation and neoliberalism, the approach of this paper examines the development of higher education in Malaysia across time.

Findings

Two particular aspects in the Malaysian higher education that have seen tension and changes emerging from the interaction between globalisation and nation-building are: the medium of instruction and hybridisation in universities.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the ways in which universities have adapted in terms of the medium of instruction between the Malay language and English, as well as hybridisation that has taken place as a result of globalisation on the local vision, structure and characteristics of Malaysian universities.
In dialogue with science’s social contract with society
Authors: Kuo Yu-Ching , Chan Sheng-Ju
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The science policy has been at the core business of contemporary nations, and determining how to establish a constructive contract between the wider society and the science/academia community has become a continuous challenge and major task. The purpose of this paper is to draw on Bush’s (1945) classical works and other scholarly stances in an attempt to reveal how research funding discourses and practices in Taiwanese universities have taken shape and been implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

Against this broader context, the authors examine the main elements of official documents and significant statistical evidence from recent years.

Findings

In summary, basic research investment has comparatively underperformed while the business sector has contributed relatively higher expenditures to the university sector at the international level. A strong state-led approach has been identified as the key characteristics of research funding policy for industrial development/economic growth or social problem solving. Although not making an effort to “save the nation,” the state has been dominant in steering the direction of priority areas and issues for university research in order to achieve better international competitiveness and, in turn, nation building.

Research limitations/implications

The authors examine the impact of the interplay between science’s social contract with society and rhetorical devices on the institutionalization of the university research funding policy framework in Taiwan. The exploration of this interplay leads the authors to elaborate tensions between the government, industry, universities, and research communities in Taiwan. As in other contexts, the race between social accountability and academic autonomy has evolved to be a significant element of these tensions in Taiwan. For better reflecting the public needs or social demands, a greater autonomy for the science community is desirable and favorable for long-term development.

Originality/value

The science policy is a rarely addressed but critical issue for the past two decades. Along with the increasing demand on value for money publicly funded research, societal accountability, and the international competition caused by league tables and cutting-edge technology innovation, this paper draws on classical and current mainstream discourses of science’s contract with society by investigating into Taiwanese research funding in the higher education sector. All findings are highly original for theoretical and practical implications.
Natal dispersal of tree sloths in a human‐dominated landscape: Implications for tropical biodiversity conservation
Authors: Garcés‐Restrepo Mario F. , Pauli Jonathan N. , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: February 2018

Habitat loss and fragmentation caused by the conversion of tropical forests are among the most important threats to biodiversity globally. Habitat specialists and species with low dispersal capacity are expected to be the most sensitive to such changes. Relatively little is known, however, about how habitat change and life history interact to impact natal dispersal and population viability in tropical species.

Here, we characterized natal dispersal patterns, habitat selection and survival rates in two‐toed (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three‐toed (Bradypus variegatus) sloths within a human‐dominated tropical landscape in Costa Rica consisting of a shade‐grown cacao plantation surrounded by riparian forests and cattle pastures.

Radio‐marked individuals of both species preferentially selected tropical forests during natal dispersal and were commonly observed using riparian forest buffers for dispersal. The more specialized and sedentary three‐toed sloth, however, avoided both pastures and shade‐grown cacao for dispersal, whereas two‐toed sloths only avoided pastures.

Juvenile survival was lower for three‐toed than two‐toed sloths, and was lowest immediately following maternal independence for both species. However, despite interspecific differences, juvenile survival was high and sufficient to maintain stable populations of both species.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that tropical forest conversion is more likely to impact the natal dispersal success of specialized and dispersal‐limited species. Moreover, riparian forest buffers appear to provide critical corridors for maintaining such species, and biodiversity more broadly, in modified tropical landscapes.
Acclimation of leaf traits in seasonal light environments: Are non‐native species more plastic?
Authors: Martinez Kelsey A. , Fridley Jason D.
Published: February 2018

In temperate deciduous forests, understorey light environments vary dramatically throughout spring, summer and autumn due to tree canopy leaf display. This variability in light level is a physiological challenge for understorey species that produce sun‐adapted leaves in the spring before being shaded by the tree canopy. Similarly, some understorey species display leaves late into autumn after the tree canopy senesces.

Many species in North American deciduous forests with extended leaf display are not native to North America. Since many non‐native species have been shown to have greater plasticity than natives, we hypothesized that leaves of non‐native species may be more plastic with respect to seasonal light changes than natives, and that this plasticity may allow them to assimilate more carbon in the same environment.

We measured leaf traits and photosynthetic capacity of 17 native and 13 non‐native understorey shrub species in a common garden in Syracuse, New York, during spring, summer and autumn. We tested for the contribution of seasonal mean and variance (plasticity) of leaf traits to a species’ average photosynthetic rate and total leaf production. We also analysed the extent to which leaf adjustments depended on whether plants continued to produce new leaves over the growing season.

Leaf traits of both native and non‐native species varied seasonally, but plasticity varied in extent and contribution to overall carbon gain. Non‐native species had the highest seasonal plasticity, but, contrary to our hypothesis, such plasticity did not contribute to their overall carbon gain. However, leaf trait plasticity was adaptive for native species that continued to produce leaves throughout the year, primarily due to increases in quantum efficiency and electron transport rate in leaves produced mid‐year compared to leaves produced early in the year.

Synthesis. Despite large adjustments in leaf traits across seasonal light environments for both native species and non‐native species, we found little evidence that leaf‐level plasticity drives non‐native invasion or contributes strongly to annual carbon gain or productivity in understorey species. Instead, differences in mean leaf traits across seasons are sufficient to explain carbon gain advantages of non‐native woody species in deciduous forests.
Integration of Emerging Biomedical Technologies in Meat Processing to Improve Meat Safety and Quality
Authors: Ravensdale Joshua T. , Coorey Ranil , Dykes Gary A.
Published: February 2018

Modern‐day processing of meat products involves a series of complex procedures designed to ensure the quality and safety of the meat for consumers. As the size of abattoirs increases, the logistical problems associated with large‐capacity animal processing can affect the sanitation of the facility and the meat products, potentially increasing transmission of infectious diseases. Additionally, spoilage of food from improper processing and storage increases the global economic and ecological burden of meat production. Advances in biomedical and materials science have allowed for the development of innovative new antibacterial technologies that have broad applications in the medical industry. Additionally, new approaches in tissue engineering and nondestructive cooling of biological specimens could significantly improve organ transplantation and tissue grafting. These same strategies may be even more effective in the preservation and protection of meat as animal carcasses are easier to manipulate and do not have the same stringent requirements of care as living patients. This review presents potential applications of emerging biomedical technologies in the food industry to improve meat safety and quality. Future research directions investigating these new technologies and their usefulness in the meat processing chain along with regulatory, logistical, and consumer perception issues will also be discussed.
Transient left septal fascicular block in the setting of acute coronary syndrome associated with giant slurring variant J‐wave
Authors: Pérez‐Riera Andrés Ricardo , Barbosa‐Barros Raimundo , Lima Aragão Wallam , Daminello‐Raimundo Rodrigo , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Tonussi Mendes Rossette do Valle Joseane Elza , Esposito Sorpreso Isabel Cristina , Nikus Kjell
Published: February 2018

We report a case of acute coronary syndrome with transient prominent anterior QRS forces (PAF) caused by proximal subocclusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery before the first septal perforator branch. The ECG change indicates left septal fascicular block (LSFB) with associated slurring‐type giant J‐wave. Currently, this J‐wave variant is considered as a lambda‐like wave or QRS‐ST‐T “triangulation”. Its presence is indicative of poor prognosis because of the risk for cardiac arrest as a consequence of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF).
Telomere length was similar in school‐age children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and allergic asthma
Authors: Henckel E , Svenson U , Nordlund B , Berggren Broström E , Hedlin G , Degerman S , Bohlin K
Published: February 2018

Aim

Inflammation is a major factor in the pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and it contributes to accelerated telomere shortening and cellular ageing. This study aimed to determine its effect on telomere length and lung function in school‐aged children born preterm with BPD.

Methods

We examined 29 children with BPD, born preterm in Stockholm county 1998–99, along with 28 children with allergic asthma born at term matched for age and gender. At 10 years of age, we measured relative telomere length (RTL) in blood by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, lung function by spirometry and inflammation by fractional exhaled nitric oxide and blood cytokines.

Results

RTL was not different in preterm born with BPD compared to term born children with asthma. The gender effect was strong in both groups; girls had significantly longer median RTL than boys (1.8 versus 1.5, p < 0.01). Short RTL was associated with low forced expiratory flow, also after adjusting for gender, but was not affected by severity of BPD or ongoing inflammation.

Conclusion

Telomere length was similar in 10‐year‐old children born preterm with a history of BPD and term born children with allergic asthma. However, impaired lung function and male gender were associated with short telomeres.
Common challenges managing bed and staff availability on labor and delivery units in the United States: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Plough Avery , Henrich Natalie , Galvin Grace , Shah Neel T.
Published: February 2018

Background

Managers of labor and delivery units need to ensure that their limited supply of beds and nursing staff are adequately available, despite uncertainty with respect to patient needs. The ability to address this challenge has been associated with patient outcomes; however, best practices have not been defined.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of 96 interviews with nurse and physician managers from 48 labor and delivery units across the United States. Included units represented a diverse range of characteristics, but skewed toward higher volume teaching hospitals. The prior study scored management practice based on their proactiveness (ability to mitigate challenges before they occur). Based on emerging themes, we identified common challenges in managing bed and staff availability and performed an analysis of positive deviants to identify an additional criterion for effective management performance.

Results

We identified four key challenges common to all labor and delivery units, (1) scheduling planned cases, (2) tracking patient flow, (3) monitoring bed and staff availability in the moment, and (4) adjusting bed and staff availability in the moment. We also identified “systematicness” (ability to address challenges in a consistent and reliable manner) as an emerging criterion for effective management. We observed that being proactive and systematic represented distinct characteristics, and units with both proactive and systematic practices appeared best positioned to effectively manage limited beds and staffing.

Discussion

Labor and delivery unit managers should distinctly assess both the proactiveness and systematicness of their existing management practices and consider how their practices could be modified to improve care.
Do joint species distribution models reliably detect interspecific interactions from co‐occurrence data in homogenous environments?
Authors: Zurell Damaris , Pollock Laura J. , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: February 2018

Whether species interactions influence species response to environment and species ranges has always been a central question in ecology. Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) simultaneously model the species–environment relationships of multiple species and the residual correlation between these species. These residual correlations are assumed to depict whether species co‐occur less or more often than expected by the modelled species–environment relationships, which could ultimately be attributed to species interactions, or hidden environmental information. Here, we propose to specifically test the capacity of JSDMs to detect species interactions from co‐occurrence data, at different scales of data aggregation. Using a recently published point‐process model, we simulated equilibrium co‐occurrence patterns of species pairs by varying the strength and type of interactions (e.g. competition, predator–prey, mutualism) as well as the prevalence of the interacting species in homogeneous environments (assuming the environment does not influence the species responses and co‐occurrence). Then, we fitted JSDMs without environmental predictors, and compared the estimated residual correlations against the known interaction coefficients. JSDMs detected competition and mutualism well, but failed with predator–prey interactions. For the latter, JSDMs predicted both negative and positive residual correlations for these kinds of interactions, depending on the prevalence of the interacting species. Interestingly, the estimated residual correlation was strongly influenced by species’ prevalence and can thus not be translated to interaction strength. At increasingly coarser data resolution, the signals of negative and positive interactions became indiscernible by JSDMs, but – reassuringly – were rarely confounded. The underlying point‐process model simulates the consequences rather than the mechanisms of interspecific interactions, and thus is better at corroborating rather than discrediting JSDMs. Nevertheless, our simple theoretical exercise pinpoints important limitations of JSDMs. In conclusion, we caution against interpreting residual correlations from JSDMs as interaction strength and against comparing these across different species and communities.
Are the Fama French factors treated as risk? Evidence from CEO compensation
Authors: Bertomeu Jeremy , Cheynel Edwige , Liu‐Watts Michelle
Published: February 2018

Asset pricing theory postulates that a risk factor correlates with individuals' marginal utility of consumption. Hence, under plausible preferences, individuals should become more risk tolerant given favorable factor returns. We show that this wealth effect predicts a positive association between performance pay and factor returns. Our results support the hypothesized relationship for the market, book‐to‐market and momentum factors. Factors constructed from bond prices are positively associated to incentives, incrementally to the Fama French factors, but we obtain mixed evidence for higher‐order market factors, liquidity factors or factors constructed from national income accounts, including pricing kernels.
Zen and deep evolution: The optical delusion of separation
Authors: Allendorf Fred W.
Published: February 2018

The Buddha taught that everything is connected and constantly changing. These fundamental observations of the world are shared by ecology and evolution. We are living in a time of unprecedented rates of extinction. Science provides us with the information that we need to address this extinction crisis. However, the problems underlying extinction generally do not result from a lack of scientific understanding, but they rather result from an unwillingness to take the needed action. I present mindfulness and meditative aspects of Zen practice that provide the deeper “knowing,” or awareness that we need to inspire action on these problems.
Small intestinal adenomatous polyps resulting in chronic obstruction in a 3‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding
Authors: Younkin J. T. , Kim I. J. , Lutter J. D. , Ganta C. K.
Published: February 2018

A 3‐year‐old, Quarter Horse gelding was admitted to Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center with a primary complaint of colic. The horse had a 3‐month history of recurrent colic and progressive weight loss. On physical examination, the horse was quiet, alert and responsive. The horse's mucous membranes were pink and capillary refill time was 2 s. His rectal temperature was 37.6°C (99.6°F), heart rate was 56 beats/min and respiration rate was 16 breaths/min. Rectal palpation revealed an approximately 5 cm dilated, firm, tubular, mass traversing from left caudal abdomen to mid abdomen. Nasogastric intubation obtained 6 L net reflux. A 5 cm diameter small intestinal intraluminal mass was detected by abdominal ultrasound. Complete blood count, serum chemistry and peritoneal fluid analysis were performed and all results were unremarkable. The horse was humanely euthanised due to pain and financial constraints. Post‐mortem examination and histopathology revealed a 15 × 5 × 5 cm polyp with multiple smaller satellite polyps that obstructed the distal duodenum. Colic was considered secondary to small intestinal obstruction and luminal distension caused by the adenomatous polyps. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report to include ultrasound images of a small intestine adenomatous polyp that caused small intestinal obstruction and colic in a 3‐year‐old horse.
Surgical approaches to the equine abdomen
Authors: Tóth F. , Schumacher J.
Published: February 2018

Factors to consider when deciding on a surgical approach to explore the abdomen of a horse include facilities and equipment available, experience of the surgeon, temperament of the horse and the necessity for cosmesis. An approach performed with the horse standing may be necessary when anaesthesia or recovery from anaesthesia is considered risky or when the owner imposes a financial limitation that does not allow surgery to be performed with the horse anaesthetised. Approaches performed with the horse standing include the flank and colpotomy approaches. Each approach has benefits and risks inherent to it.
Translating the terrestrial mitigation hierarchy to marine megafauna by‐catch
Authors: Milner‐Gulland E J , Garcia Serge , Arlidge William , Bull Joseph , Charles Anthony , Dagorn Laurent , Fordham Sonya , Graff Zivin Joshua , Hall Martin , Shrader Jeffrey , Vestergaard Niels , Wilcox Chris , Squires Dale
Published: February 2018

In terrestrial and coastal systems, the mitigation hierarchy is widely and increasingly used to guide actions to ensure that no net loss of biodiversity ensues from development. We develop a conceptual model which applies this approach to the mitigation of marine megafauna by‐catch in fisheries, going from defining an overarching goal with an associated quantitative target, through avoidance, minimization, remediation to offsetting. We demonstrate the framework's utility as a tool for structuring thinking and exposing uncertainties. We draw comparisons between debates ongoing in terrestrial situations and in by‐catch mitigation, to show how insights from each could inform the other; these are the hierarchical nature of mitigation, out‐of‐kind offsets, research as an offset, incentivizing implementation of mitigation measures, societal limits and uncertainty. We explore how economic incentives could be used throughout the hierarchy to improve the achievement of by‐catch goals. We conclude by highlighting the importance of clear agreed goals, of thinking beyond single species and individual jurisdictions to account for complex interactions and policy leakage, of taking uncertainty explicitly into account and of thinking creatively about approaches to by‐catch mitigation in order to improve outcomes for conservation and fishers. We suggest that the framework set out here could be helpful in supporting efforts to improve by‐catch mitigation efforts and highlight the need for a full empirical application to substantiate this.
The unfolded protein response in neurodegenerative disorders – therapeutic modulation of the PERK pathway
Authors: Hughes Daniel , Mallucci Giovanna R.
Published: February 2018

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a highly conserved protein quality control mechanism, activated in response to Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress. Signalling is mediated through three branches, PERK, IRE1, and ATF6, respectively, that together provide a coordinated response that contributes to overcoming disrupted proteostasis. PERK branch activation predominantly causes a rapid reduction in global rates of translation, while the IRE1 and ATF6 branch signalling induce a transcriptional response resulting in expression of chaperones and components of the protein degradation machinery. Protein misfolding neurodegenerative diseases show disruption of proteostasis as a biochemical feature. In the brains of animal models of disease and in human post mortem tissue from many of these disorders, markers of UPR induction, particularly, the PERK pathway can be observed in close association with disease progression. Recent research has revealed dysregulated UPR signalling to be a major pathogenic mechanism in neurodegeneration, and that genetic and pharmacological modulation of the PERK pathway results in potent neuroprotection. Targeting aberrant UPR signalling is the focus of new therapeutic strategies, which importantly could be beneficial across the broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases.
Will Money Talk? Firm Bribery and Credit Access
Authors: Qi Shusen , Ongena Steven
Published: February 2018

We investigate whether corruption impedes firm growth by limiting access to bank credit. Our estimates demonstrate that access to credit tightens when a firm is more frequently involved in bribery practices and that bribery (most likely) causes this loss of access. We also find that the detrimental impact is mainly driven by supply‐side rather than demand‐side factors and that the loss of access is particularly strong when there are fewer foreign banks in the vicinity of the firm or when competition is either very low or very high in the local banking market. Finally, the bribery‐driven increase in financing obstacle significantly impedes future firm growth.
Compartment model analysis of intravenous contrast‐enhanced dynamic computed tomography in hepatic hemodynamics: A validation study using intra‐arterial contrast‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Komatsu Daisuke , Yamada Akira , Suzuki Takeshi , Kurozumi Masahiro , Fujinaga Yasunari , Ueda Kazuhiko , Kadoya Masumi
Published: February 2018

Aim

To verify the utility of the 2‐in‐1‐out‐compartment model analysis (CMA) of intravenous contrast‐enhanced dynamic computed tomography (IV‐CT) for evaluating hepatic arterial and portal venous flow using intra‐arterial contrast‐enhanced CT (IA‐CT).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 49 consecutive patients who underwent IV‐CT and were radiologically or histologically diagnosed as having hepatic malignant lesion (51 classical hepatocellular carcinomas [HCC], 4 early HCC, 3 cholangiolocellular carcinomas, 1 mixed HCC, 3 cholangiocellular carcinomas). As a gold standard for hepatic arterial and portal blood flows, we defined the normalized enhancement in CT values on CTAP (nCTAP) and CTHA (nCTHA). The hepatic arterial (k1a) and portal venous inflow velocity (k1p) constants in hepatic lesions and surrounding liver parenchyma were obtained from the CMA of IV‐CT with various outflow velocity constant (k2) limits using the nonlinear least square method. The correlation coefficient between the normalized enhancement in IA‐CT and CMA of IV‐CT was statistically evaluated according to various k2 limits.

Results

The highest mean correlation coefficient between k1a and nCTHA (r = 0.65, P < 0.0001) was observed when k2≦0.035. The highest mean correlation coefficient between k1p and nCTAP (r = 0.69, P < 0.0001) was observed when k2≦0.045. The decrease in correlation coefficient was significant when the upper k2 limit was lower than 0.03 or higher than 0.07 compared to the best mean correlation coefficient (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hepatic arterial and portal venous flows can be evaluated quantitatively to some extent with appropriate outflow velocity constant limits using the CMA of IV‐CT.
Prenatal diagnosis in rare bleeding disorders—An unresolved issue?
Authors: Tabibian S. , Shams M. , Naderi M. , Dorgalaleh A.
Published: February 2018

Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is the most dreadful complication, and the main cause of death among patients with rare bleeding disorders (RBD) and prenatal diagnosis (PND) is a preventative lifesaving program. A total of 39 PNDs were reported in the literature through a search on PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases, most often for congenital factor (F) XIII and FVII deficiencies and rarely in FX, FV deficiencies and afibrinogenemia. The main cause to request a PND is ICH and related morbidity and mortality. Different molecular methods including direct sequencing and linkage analysis as well as polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) for a specific mutation are the most common used methods for PND, while factor assay and combination of molecular and factor assay also were used. In this research, 7 severely affected foetuses were identified during PND including 3 foetuses with FXIII deficiency, 3 with FVII deficiency and 1 with FX deficiency. Out of these 7 cases, intrauterine ICH occurred in 1 case with FXIII deficiency, 1 was electively aborted and 1 case with severe FVII deficiency received intrauterine factor transfusion. Postdelivery ICH was reported for 1 patient with severe FVII deficiency within the first month of life. All other pregnancies were uneventful.
Influence of PCE kind and dosage on ettringite crystallization performed under terrestrial and microgravity conditions
Authors: Schönlein Markus , Plank Johann
Published: February 2018

Early ettringite crystallization in the presence of 2 chemically different polycarboxylate superplasticizers was studied by hydrating a commercial portland cement (CEM I 52.5 N) for 10 seconds. It was found that the presence of polycarboxylate superplasticizers leads to ettringite crystals which are longer, yet slimmer (higher aspect ratio), compared with the crystals obtained from neat cement paste. This finding suggests that the polycarboxylate (PCE) polymers predominantly adsorb on the lateral faces of the hexagonal‐prismatic crystals of ettringite. For the methacrylate‐based PCE, this effect increases with increasing superplasticizer dosage, whereas for the IPEG‐PCE, the effect achieved at a very low dosage (0.05%) is not altered when dosage increases. The behaviors of both PCE polymers can be explained by their different adsorption behavior, whereby the IPEG‐PCE reached the saturated adsorbed amount at much lower dosage than the MPEG‐PCE. Microgravity only has a minor effect on the growth of ettringite. There, generally smaller crystals are observed.
Treatment of a case of severe insulin resistance as a result of a PIK3R1 mutation with a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor
Authors: Hamaguchi Tetsushi , Hirota Yushi , Takeuchi Takehito , Nakagawa Yasushi , Matsuoka Atsuko , Matsumoto Masaaki , Awano Hiroyuki , Iijima Kazumoto , Cha Pei Chieng , Satake Wataru , Toda Tatsushi , Ogawa Wataru
Published: February 2018

A Japanese woman aged in her late 30s with severe insulin resistance and bodily features including a triangular face, prominent forehead, small chin, large and low‐set ears, and ocular depression was investigated. A similar phenotype was not observed in other family members with the exception of her son, suggesting that the condition was caused by a de novo mutation that was transmitted from mother to son. Exome analysis showed the presence in the proband and her son of a c.1945C>T mutation in PIK3R1, a common mutation associated with SHORT (short stature, hyperextensibility of joints and/or inguinal hernia, ocular depression, Rieger anomaly, and teething delay) syndrome. Administration of a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor lowered the proband's hemoglobin A1c level and allowed a reduction in her insulin dose without treatment‐related adverse events including ketoacidosis, exaggerated loss of body mass or hypoglycemia. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors might thus offer an additional option for the treatment of genetic syndromes of severe insulin resistance.
Cutaneous tuberculosis in China – A multicentre retrospective study of cases diagnosed between 1957 and 2013
Authors: Zhang J. , Fan Y.K. , Wang P. , Chen Q.Q. , Wang G. , Xu A.E. , Chen L.Q. , Hu R. , Chen W. , Song Z.Q. , Hao F.
Published: February 2018

Background

China has one of the largest populations with tuberculosis worldwide. Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is a rare manifestation of mycobacterial infection. Although CTB is well described, it is important to periodically revisit the prevailing clinical and epidemiological features in most populated countries such as China, India, and Indonesia, where tuberculosis is still a major health problem.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to re‐evaluate the CTB cases in China in the past 50 years to obtain a comprehensive insight into this multiplex entity.

Methods

Cases of diagnosed CTB with confirmed histology from four large medical centres in central China between 1957 and 2013 were collected and analysed, including demographic data, clinical manifestations and pathological findings.

Results

Of the 1194 cases enrolled, there were 666 (55.78%) and 528 cases (44.22%) of true CTB and tuberculids, respectively. Erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) was the most common CTB (35.8%), followed by lupus vulgaris (LV, 32.7%), tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (18.9%), papulonecrotic tuberculid (8.0%), scrofuloderma (2.8%), tuberculosis cutis ulcerosa (1.3%), penile tuberculids (0.4%), and lichen scrofulosorum (0.1%). EIB was the predominant tuberculid (80.87%), while LV the predominant true CTB (58.7%). The number of diagnosed CTB showed a decreasing trend in the 1960s and 1970s, then increased again, and peaked in the 1990s.

Conclusions

Cutaneous tuberculosis is still a common problem in China. Chronologic changes in CTB cases reported in China over the past 50 years may reflect the prevalence transition of overall tuberculosis. CTB has diverse clinical presentations, and each subtype is characterized by specific gender predilection, duration, age, clinic and pathological findings.
Sectoral Aggregation Error in the Accounting of Energy and Emissions Embodied in Trade and Consumption
Authors: Zhang Da , Caron Justin , Winchester Niven
Published: February 2018

Correctly accounting for the energy and emissions embodied in consumption and trade is essential to effective climate policy design. Robust methods are needed for both policy making and research—for example, the assignment of border carbon adjustments (BCAs) and greenhouse gas emission reduction responsibilities rely on the consistency and accuracy of such estimates. This analysis investigates the potential magnitude and consequences of the error present in estimates of energy and emissions embodied in trade and consumption. To quantify the error of embodied emissions accounting, we compare the results from the disaggregated Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP 8) data set, which contains 57 sectors to results from different levels of aggregation of this data set (3, 7, 16, and 26 sectors), using 5,000 randomly generated sectoral aggregation schemes as well as aggregations generated using several commonly applied decisions rules. We find that some commonly applied decision rules for sectoral aggregation can produce a large error. We further show that an aggregation scheme that clusters sectors according to their energy, emissions, and trade intensities (net exports over output) can minimize error in embodied energy and emissions accounting at different levels of aggregation. This sectoral aggregation scheme can be readily used in any input‐output analysis and provide useful information for computable general equilibrium modeling exercises in which sector aggregation is necessary, although our findings suggest that, when possible, the most disaggregated data available should be used.
Growth in Environmental Footprints and Environmental Impacts Embodied in Trade: Resource Efficiency Indicators from EXIOBASE3
Authors: Wood Richard , Stadler Konstantin , Simas Moana , Bulavskaya Tatyana , Giljum Stefan , Lutter Stephan , Tukker Arnold
Published: February 2018

Most countries show a relative decoupling of economic growth from domestic resource use, implying increased resource efficiency. However, international trade facilitates the exchange of products between regions with disparate resource productivity. Hence, for an understanding of resource efficiency from a consumption perspective that takes into account the impacts in the upstream supply chains, there is a need to assess the environmental pressures embodied in trade. We use EXIOBASE3, a new multiregional input‐output database, to examine the rate of increase in resource efficiency, and investigate the ways in which international trade contributes to the displacement of pressures on the environment from the consumption of a population. We look at the environmental pressures of energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, material use, water use, and land use. Material use stands out as the only indicator growing in both absolute and relative terms to population and gross domestic product (GDP), while land use is the only indicator showing absolute decoupling from both references. Energy, GHG, and water use show relative decoupling. As a percentage of total global environmental pressure, we calculate the net impact displaced through trade rising from 23% to 32% for material use (1995–2011), 23% to 26% for water use, 20% to 29% for energy use, 20% to 26% for land use, and 19% to 24% for GHG emissions. The results show a substantial disparity between trade‐related impacts for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and non‐OECD countries. At the product group level, we observe the most rapid growth in environmental footprints in clothing and footwear. The analysis points to implications for future policies aiming to achieve environmental targets, while fully considering potential displacement effects through international trade.
Direct medical costs associated with the extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C infection in Europe
Authors: Cacoub P. , Buggisch P. , Carrión J. A. , Cooke G. S. , Zignego A. L. , Beckerman R. , Younossi Z.
Published: February 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a systemic disease associated with both hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations. The burden associated with the hepatic manifestation of HCV infection has been well documented in Europe, although that of HCV extrahepatic manifestations remains unknown. In this study, we estimated the annual direct medical costs associated with HCV extrahepatic manifestations in five European countries. A previously validated economic model was used to estimate the annual direct medical cost associated with HCV extrahepatic manifestations. Global excess prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations in HCV patients relative to that in non‐HCV patients was obtained from a recent meta‐analysis. Per‐patient per‐year inpatient, outpatient and medication costs to treat each extrahepatic manifestation were from the literature, national databases or expert opinion if unavailable otherwise. All costs were adjusted to 2016 euros (€). The overall direct medical costs associated with HCV extrahepatic manifestations were calculated by multiplying the total per‐patient per‐year costs of each by the respective excess prevalence rates and then by the size of the HCV‐infected population in each country. Treatment impact with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) was explored using HCV extrahepatic manifestations excess prevalence rates among cured patients compared to untreated HCV patients, as sourced from a meta‐analysis. The total annual direct medical cost associated with HCV extrahepatic manifestations was estimated to be 2.17 billion euro (€), with a per‐HCV‐patient cost ranging from €899 to €1647 annually. DAA treatment was projected to result in cost savings of €316 million per year. We find that the annual economic burden of extrahepatic manifestations is significant and may be partly mitigated by treatment with DAAs.
Death Qualification in Black and White: Racialized Decision Making and Death‐Qualified Juries
Authors: Lynch Mona , Haney Craig
Published: February 2018

Death qualification has been shown to have a number of biasing effects that appear to undermine a capital defendant's Sixth Amendment right to a fair jury. Attitudes toward the death penalty have shifted modestly but consistently over the last several decades in ways that may have changed the overall impact of death qualification. Specifically, the very large gap between black and white Americans' current support for capital punishment raises the question of whether death qualification procedures disproportionately exclude African Americans from capital jury participation. In order to examine this possibility, we conducted two countywide death penalty attitude surveys in the California county that has the highest percentage of African American residents in the state. Results show that death qualification continues to have a number of serious biasing effects—including disproportionately excluding death penalty opponents—which result in the significant underrepresentation of African Americans. This creates a death‐qualified jury pool with the potential to be significantly more likely to ignore and even misuse mitigating factors and to rely more heavily on aggravating factors in their death penalty decision making. The implications of these findings for the fair administration of capital punishment are discussed.
The evolutionary impact of intragenic FliA promoters in proteobacteria
Authors: Fitzgerald Devon M. , Smith Carol , Lapierre Pascal , Wade Joseph T.
Published: February 2018

In Escherichia coli, one sigma factor recognizes the majority of promoters, and six ‘alternative’ sigma factors recognize specific subsets of promoters. The alternative sigma factor FliA (σ28) recognizes promoters upstream of many flagellar genes. We previously showed that most E. coli FliA binding sites are located inside genes. However, it was unclear whether these intragenic binding sites represent active promoters. Here, we construct and assay transcriptional promoter‐lacZ fusions for all 52 putative FliA promoters previously identified by ChIP‐seq. These experiments, coupled with integrative analysis of published genome‐scale transcriptional datasets, strongly suggest that most intragenic FliA binding sites are active promoters that transcribe highly unstable RNAs. Additionally, we show that widespread intragenic FliA‐dependent transcription may be a conserved phenomenon, but that specific promoters are not themselves conserved. We conclude that intragenic FliA‐dependent promoters and the resulting RNAs are unlikely to have important regulatory functions. Nonetheless, one intragenic FliA promoter is broadly conserved and constrains evolution of the overlapping protein‐coding gene. Thus, our data indicate that intragenic regulatory elements can influence bacterial protein evolution and suggest that the impact of intragenic regulatory sequences on genome evolution should be considered more broadly.
Leadless pacemaker implantation and concurrent atrioventricular junction ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Okabe Toshimasa , El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Lloyd Michael S. , Buck Benjamin , Gornick Charles C. , Moore JoEllyn C. , Augostini Ralph S. , Hummel John D.
Published: February 2018

Background

Atrioventricular junctional (AVJ) ablation and pacemaker implantation are indicated when pharmacotherapy fails to achieve adequate rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of our study is to assess the feasibility and safety of concurrent Micra leadless transcatheter pacemaker implantation and AVJ ablation.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed patients who underwent Micra implantation and concurrent AVJ ablation at three institutions between August 2014 and March 2016. All patients and devices were followed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postimplantion.

Results

Twenty‐one patients with permanent AF (median age 77 [range: 62–88], female 15 [71.4%]) underwent successful Micra implantation followed by concurrent AVJ ablation. There was no device dislodgement or malfunction during the 12‐month follow‐up. Complete 12‐month electrical performance data were available in 14 patients (67%). Among patients with the complete data set, median pacing thresholds at implant and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 0.5 V (range: 0.25–0.88), 0.44 V (range: 0.25–2.0), 0.5 V (range: 0.25–1.63), 0.5 V (range: 0.25–1.13), and 0.5 V (range: 0.25–1.13) at a pulse width of 0.24 msec, respectively. Two patients died due to noncardiac causes during follow‐up. There were no patients with major device‐related complications.

Conclusions

Concurrent Micra implantation and AVJ ablation is feasible and appears safe. There was no device dislodgement, malfunction, or significant pacing threshold rise requiring device reimplantation during the 12‐month follow‐up. This combined approach can be considered for patients with AF with suboptimal rate control who have failed AF catheter ablation and/or pharmacotherapy.
Subcutaneous ICD screening with the Boston Scientific ZOOM programmer versus a 12‐lead ECG machine
Authors: Chang Shu C. , Patton Kristen K. , Robinson Melissa R. , Poole Jeanne E. , Prutkin Jordan M.
Published: February 2018

Background

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) requires preimplant screening to ensure appropriate sensing and reduce risk of inappropriate shocks. Screening can be performed using either an ICD programmer or a 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. It is unclear whether differences in signal filtering and digital sampling change the screening success rate.

Methods

Subjects were recruited if they had a transvenous single‐lead ICD without pacing requirements or were candidates for a new ICD. Screening was performed using both a Boston Scientific ZOOM programmer (Marlborough, MA, USA) and General Electric MAC 5000 ECG machine (Fairfield, CT, USA). A pass was defined as having at least one lead that fit within the screening template in both supine and sitting positions.

Results

A total of 69 subjects were included and 27 sets of ECG leads had differing screening results between the two machines (7%). Of these sets, 22 (81%) passed using the ECG machine but failed using the programmer and five (19%) passed using the ECG machine but failed using the programmer (P < 0.001). Four subjects (6%) passed screening using the ECG machine but failed using the programmer. No subject passed screening with the programmer but failed with the ECG machine.

Conclusion

There can be occasional disagreement in S‐ICD patient screening between an ICD programmer and ECG machine, all of whom passed with the ECG machine but failed using the programmer. On a per lead basis, the ECG machine passes more subjects. It is unknown what the inappropriate shock rate would be if an S‐ICD was implanted. Clinical judgment should be used in borderline cases.