bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Perioperative Seizure Prophylaxis on Seizure Rate and Hospital Quality Metrics Following Glioma Resection
Authors: Dewan Michael C. , White-Dzuro Gabrielle A. , Brinson Philip R. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Morone Peter J. , Thompson Reid C. , Wellons John C. , Chambless Lola B.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently administered
prophylactically to mitigate seizures following craniotomy for brain tumor resection.
However, conflicting evidence exists regarding the efficacy of AEDs, and their influence
on surgery-related outcomes is limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of perioperative AEDs on postoperative
seizure rate and hospital-reported quality metrics.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, incorporating all adult
patients who underwent craniotomy for glioma resection at our institution between 1999 and
2014. Patients in 2 cohorts—those receiving and those not receiving prophylactic
AEDs—were compared on the incidence of postoperative seizures and several hospital
quality metrics including length of stay, discharge status, and use of hospital
resources.

RESULTS: Among 342 patients with glioma undergoing cytoreductive surgery, 301
(88%) received AED prophylaxis and 41 (12%) did not. Seventeen patients (5.6%) in the
prophylaxis group developed a seizure within 14 days of surgery, compared with 1 (2.4%) in
the standard group (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [0.3-17.4]). Median hospital and intensive care unit
lengths of stay were similar between the cohorts. There was also no difference in the rate
at which patients presented within 90 days postoperatively to the emergency department or
required hospital readmission. In addition, the rate of hospital resource consumption,
including electroencephalogram and computed tomography scan acquisition, and neurology
consultation, was similar between both groups.

CONCLUSION: The administration of prophylactic AEDs following glioma surgery
did not influence the rate of perioperative seizures, nor did it reduce healthcare
resource consumption. The role of perioperative seizure prophylaxis should be closely
reexamined, and reconsideration given to this commonplace practice.
Using Nuclear Medicine Imaging Wisely in Diagnosing Infectious Diseases
Authors: Censullo Andrea , Vijayan Tara
Published: February 2017

In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on efficient and accurate diagnostic testing, exemplified by the American Board of Internal Medicine’s “Choosing Wisely” campaign. Nuclear imaging studies can provide early and accurate diagnoses of many infectious disease syndromes, particularly in complex cases where the differential remains broad.

This review paper offers clinicians a rational, evidence-based guide to approaching nuclear medicine tests, using an example case of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia in a patient with multiple potential sources. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) with computed tomography (CT) and sulfur colloid imaging with tagged white blood cell (WBC) scanning offer the most promise in facilitating rapid and accurate diagnoses of endovascular graft infections, vertebral osteomyelitis (V-OM), diabetic foot infections, and prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). However, radiologists at different institutions may have varying degrees of expertise with these modalities.

Regardless, infectious disease consultants would benefit from knowing what nuclear medicine tests to order when considering patients with complex infectious disease syndromes.
ASSESSMENT OF HABITUAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BY A SEVEN-DAY RECALL IN A COMMUNITY SURVEY AND CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS
Authors: BLAIR STEVEN N. , HASKELL WILLIAM L. , HO PING , PAFFENBARGER RALPH S. , VRANIZAN KAREN M. , FARQUHAR JOHN W. , WOOD PETER D.
Published: February 2017

Assessment of habitual physical activity in epidemiologic and health education studies has been difficult A seven-day physical activity recall interview was developed and administered in a community health survey, a randomized clinical trial, and two worksite health promotion programs during 1979–1982. These studies were conducted in several populations in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Energy expenditure estimates from the physical activity recall conformed to expected age- and sex-specific values in the cross-sectional community survey. Estimates of energy expenditure were also congruent with other questions on physical activity and job classification. In a randomized, one-year exercise trial, the physical activity recall detected increases in energy expenditure in the treated group and was positively associated with miles run during training (p < 0.05). Changes in energy expenditure were associated with changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and body fatness (r =−0.50, p < 0.01) at six months, and in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) and triglyceride (r =−0.41, p < 0.01) at one year. The physical activity recall detected significant (p < 0.01) increases in energy expenditure in treatment groups in two worksite health promotion projects. These data suggest that the physical activity recall provides useful estimates of habitual physical activity for research in epldemiologtc and health education studies.
A STATISTICAL METHOD FOR EVALUATING SUICIDE CLUSTERS AND IMPLEMENTING CLUSTER SURVEILLANCE
Authors: GIBBONS ROBERT D. , CLARK DAVID C. , FAWCETT JAN
Published: February 2017

The absence of any standard definition of suicide cluster events hinders understanding of the prevalence of the problem, hinders the development of appropriate public health responses to observed clusters, and ultimately hinders Investigation of the mechanisms underlying contagious communication of suicidal behavior. The authors introduce a Poisson mixture model for assessing potential dusters of adolescent suicide, apply that model to the monthly incidence rates of adolescent suicide for one populous US county over the last 11 years, and generate 99% tolerance limits with 95% confidence for the number of suicides which may occur by chance within specific intervals of time in that county. The suicide incidence data showed a remarkable fit to a single Poisson distribution, suggesting it is not unreasonable to consider the cases as randomly-distributed and independent events. The authors conclude that there is no evidence that adolescent suicides occurred in clusters in the place and in the time frame under study, and recommend the Poisson mixture model for ascertaining clusters as well as implementing cluster surveillance.
Clinical Physics Parameters of the UCLA Neutron Therapy Facility
Authors: Smathers J.B. , Myers L.T. , Parker R.G.
Published: February 2017

The clinical parameters of the UCLA Neutron Therapy Facility such as dose build-up, depth dose, beam profiles, field size dependence, wedge field profiles, and upper limits to the photon contamination in the beam are presented. The use of the AECL Theraplan photon treatment planning software for neutron therapy treatment planning and the compromises which had to be made for this use are discussed. Data on the sensitivity of the isodose distributions to flattening filter-neutron beam alignment are presented and the implications this has on system design are discussed.
226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb Concentrations in Brazilian Mineral Waters
Authors: Pires do Rio M.A. , Godoy J.M. , Amaral E.C.S.
Published: February 2017

The Brazilian production of bottled mineral water is about 560 million litres per year. The states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Pernambuco are responsible for more than 65% of the total production. Over twenty samples of bottle mineral waters from these states were analysed for 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb content. Mean values of 27 mBq.l-1 for 226Ra and 77 mBq.l-1 for 210Pb were found. 228Ra was found in only two samples and the highest value was 300 mBq.l-1. Dose calculations were performed in order to evaluate the relative importance of the radionuclides to the radiation exposure of the Brazilian population. Based upon the production rate and the measured concentrations, collective committed effective doses per year of 1.5 manSv for 226Ra, 1.4 manSv for 228Ra and 17 manSv for 210Pb were obtained. These results show that the 210Pb is the main contributor to radiation exposure of the population because of their ingestion of bottled mineral water.
Radioecological Measurements in the Coal Power Plant Environment
Authors: Papastefanou C. , Manolopoulou M. , Charalambous S.
Published: February 2017

Radioecological measurements were carried out on the radioactive nuclides escaping from the stacks of coal-fired power plants (CPP) and dispersing into the environment, as most types of lignites burned contain radioactive nuclides, mostly of the uranium series. Different methods were used, such as low level counting, gamma ray spectroscopy, nuclear activation analysis and the delayed neutron technique, TL dosimetry, the solid state nuclear etched track detector technique, WL monitoring and air sampling. The Valley model for atmospheric dispersion of the escaping 226Ra was applied and a series of experimental measurements of this nuclide were carried out in the environment of CPPs for simulation. TLD measurements of the external exposure dose rate as well as radon concentration indoor measurements for a period of three years (1985-1987) are presented.
Measurement of Doses Between 10-2 and 10-8 Gy with Glass Dosemeters
Authors: Tesch K.
Published: February 2017

The absorbed dose in glass due to electrons or photons can be measured between 10-2 and about 108 Gy (100 and 1010 rad) using radiophotoluminescence, thermoluminescence, and colouration properties of silver-activated phosphate glass. Systematic and statistical errors of measurement relevant to practical applications are discussed.
Radial Distributions of Energy Deposited Along Charged Particle Tracks
Authors: Toburen L.H. , Braby L.A. , Metting N.F. , Kraft G. , Scholz M. , Kraske F. , Schmidt-Böcking H. , Dörner R. , Seip R.
Published: February 2017

Distributions of the specific energy deposited in nanometre-sized volumes have been measured as a function of the radial distance from the path of 5.9 MeV.amu-1 uranium and 13.0 to 17.2 MeV.amu-1 germanium beams. Tissue volumes of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 nm diameter were simulated using a grid-walled proportional counter capable of two-dimensional motion relative to the ion beam. Radial distances from 0 to 8000 nm were investigated. Values of the mean specific energy were obtained from these distributions and compared with radial dose profiles calculated from track structure models. Excellent agreement was observed between the measured mean specific energy and the calculated radial dose for small distances relative to the track path. At longer distances, the mean specific energy deposited in small volumes became larger than the calculated average dose, reflecting the stochastic nature of the energy deposition process, i.e. at greater distances from the ion path a small site was either hit, by the traversal of secondary electron or absorption of a photon, or received no energy. If one accounts for the fraction of the particles that deposit no energy in the site, then the average specific energy deposition per particle is in excellent agreement with model calculations.
In Vivo Effects of 5.3 MeV Alpha Particles from 210Po Mouse Testes: Comparison with Internal Auger Emitters
Authors: Rao D.V. , Narra V.R. , Govelitz G.F. , Lanka V.K. , Howell R.W. , Sastry K.S.R.
Published: February 2017

Using spermatogenesis in the mouse testis as the experimental model, we have investigated the in vivo effects of 5.3 MeV a particles in the decay of 210Po localised in the organ. Spermatogonial cell killing and induction of abnormal shapes in epididymal sperm are the biological end points. The mean lethal dose (D37) to the organ at 37% survival of spermatogonia is 100 mGy, while a dose of 5 mGy doubles the fraction of abnormal sperm in the epididymis. In contrast to these findings with densely ionising a particles are our results for the sparsely ionising 477 keV photons from internal 7Be, with D37 = 670 mGy, and 250 mGy for a doubling of the abnormal sperm fraction. These results, and those obtained with several internal Auger emitters in the same model, are examined in terms of radionuclide localisation and radiation quality.
Network analysis of the hominin origin of Herpes Simplex virus 2 from fossil data
Authors: Underdown Simon , Kumar Krishna , Houldcroft Charlotte
Published: February 2017

Herpes simplex virus 2 is a human herpesvirus found worldwide that causes genital lesions and more rarely causes encephalitis. This pathogen is most common in Africa, and particularly in central and east Africa, an area of particular significance for the evolution of modern humans. Unlike HSV1, HSV2 has not simply co-speciated with humans from their last common ancestor with primates. HSV2 jumped the species barrier between 1.4 and 3 MYA, most likely through intermediate but unknown hominin species.

In this paper, we use probability-based network analysis to determine the most probable transmission route between intermediate hosts of HSV2, from the ancestors of chimpanzees to the ancestors of modern humans, using paleo-environmental data on the distribution of African tropical rainforest over the last 3 million years and data on the age and distribution of fossil species of hominin present in Africa between 1.4 and 3 MYA. Our model identifies Paranthropus bosses as the most likely intermediate host of HSV2, while Homo habilis may also have played a role in the initial transmission of HSV2 from the ancestors of chimpanzees to P boisei.
Genetic equidistance at the nucleotide level
Authors: Yuan Dejian , Huang Shi
Published: February 2017

The genetic equidistance phenomenon was first discovered in 1963 by Margoliash and shows complex taxa to be all approximately equidistant to a less complex species in amino acid percentage identity. The result has been mis-interpretated by the ad hoc universal molecular clock hypothesis, and the much overlooked mystery was finally solved by the maximum genetic diversity hypothesis (MGD). Here, we studied 15 proteomes and their coding DNA sequences (CDS) to see if the equidistance phenomenon also holds at the CDS level. We performed DNA alignments for a total of 5 groups with 3 proteomes per group and found that in all cases the outgroup taxon was equidistant to the two more complex taxa species at the DNA level. Also, when two sister taxa (snake and bird) were compared to human as the outgroup, the more complex taxon bird was closer to human, confirming species complexity rather than time to be the primary determinant of MGD. Finally, we found the fraction of overlap sites where coincident substitutions occur to be inversely correlated with CDS conservation, indicating saturation to be more common in less conserved DNAs. These results establish the genetic equidistance phenomenon to be universal at the DNA level and provide additional evidence for the MGD theory.
Cinnamon hydro alcoholic extract increased expression level of UCP3 gene in skeletal muscle of obese male Wistar Rats
Authors: Golmohamadi Elham , Mahmazi Sanaz , Rahnema Medi
Published: February 2017

abstract

UCPs are the mitochondrial inner membrane proteins regulating basal metabolism. Ucp3 in muscle and adipose tissue helping metabolism and fat oxidation affecting thermogenesis, involve in fatty acid metabolism and energy homeostasis.

42 adult rats divided into 6 groups including control group, the high-fat diet Obese group, experimental groups that in addition to the high-fat diet received 50,100,200 mgKg-1doses of cinnamon extract and the sham group with 200 mgKg-1extract treatment. RNA extracted from muscles, cDNA synthesized and Ucp3 gene expression level was examined by real-time PCR.

In Obese rats’ muscle, significant decrease in UCP3 gene expression was observed but in exprimental groups there was significant increased level of UCP3 gene expression in 100, 50 mgKg-1dose of treatment.

UCP3 might be a target for pharmacological up regulation in treatment of obesity. Cinnamon might influence UCP3 expression, in a dose dependent manner and low dose was more effective.
The rhythm of attentional stimulus selection during visual competition
Authors: Crouzet Sébastien M. , VanRullen Rufin
Published: February 2017

Recent research indicates that attentional stimulus selection could in fact be a rhythmic process, operating as a sequence of successive cycles. When two items must be monitored, an intriguing corollary of this “blinking spotlight” notion could be that the successive cycles are directed alternately to each target; as a result, each item would effectively be selected at half the intrinsic rate of attentional selection. Here, we tested this prediction in two experiments. In an endogenous attention task, subjects covertly monitored one or two peripheral images in order to detect a brief contrast change. In the sustained occipital EEG power spectrum, selecting two vs. one item resulted in a relative increase around 4Hz and a relative decrease around 10–11Hz. In a second experiment, we tested if comparable oscillations could be observed in the stimulus-evoked EEG visual representational content. Subjects saw a first peripheral image displayed alone for 600ms, before a second one also appeared for the same duration, but at a different peripheral location. Using pattern analysis on EEG evoked-responses, we were able to create item selective classifiers that constantly indicated which stimulus was on the screen. The time-course of single-trial classifier decision values presented a relative spectral peak around 11Hz when only one object was present, and around 4–5Hz when two objects were on the screen. These results are both compatible with an attentional stimulus selection process sampling the visual field at around 10–11Hz, and resulting in a half-frequency effective sampling around 4–5Hz when there are two items to monitor.
Gene length as a regulator for ribosome recruitment and protein synthesis: theoretical insights
Authors: Fernandes Lucas Dias , de Moura Alessandro , Ciandrini Luca
Published: February 2017

Protein synthesis rates are determined, at the translational level, by properties of the transcript’s sequence. The efficiency of an mRNA can be tuned by varying the ribosome binding sites controlling the recruitment of the ribosomes, or the codon usage establishing the speed of protein elongation. In this work we propose transcript length as a further key determinant of translation efficiency. Based on a physical model that considers the kinetics of ribosomes advancing on the mRNA and diffusing in its surrounding, as well as mRNA circularisation and ribosome drop-off, we explain how the transcript length may play a central role in establishing ribosome recruitment and the overall translation rate of an mRNA. We also demonstrate how this process may be involved in shaping the experimental ribosome density-gene length dependence. Finally, we argue that cells could exploit this mechanism to adjust and balance the usage of its ribosomal resources.
Unifying concepts of biological function from molecules to ecosystems
Authors: Farnsworth Keith D , Albantakis Larissa , Caruso Tancredi
Published: February 2017

The concept of function arises at all levels of biological study and is often loosely and variously defined, especially within ecology. This has led to ambiguity, obscuring the common structure that unites levels of biological organisation, from molecules to ecosystems. Here we build on already successful ideas from molecular biology and complexity theory to create a precise definition of biological function which spans scales of biological organisation and can be quantified in the unifying currency of biomass, enabling comparisons of functional effectiveness (irrespective of the specific function) across the field of ecology. We give precise definitions of ecological and ecosystem function that bring clarity and precision to studies of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships and questions of ecological redundancy. To illustrate the new concepts and their unifying power, we construct a simple community-level model with nutrient cycling and animal-plant mutualism, emphasising the importance of its network structure in determining overall functioning. This type of network structure is that of an autocatalytic set of functional relationships, which also appears at biochemical, cellular and organism levels of organisation, creating a nested hierarchy. This enables a common and unifying concept of function to apply from molecular interaction networks up to the global ecosystem.
ATLAS: Analysis Tools for Low-depth and Ancient Samples
Authors: Link Vivian , Kousathanas Athanasios , Veeramah Krishna , Sell Christian , Scheu Amelie , Wegmann Daniel
Published: February 2017

Post-mortem damage (PMD) obstructs the proper analysis of ancient DNA samples and can currently only be addressed by removing or down-weighting potentially damaged data. Here we present ATLAS, a suite of methods to accurately genotype and estimate genetic diversity from ancient samples, while accounting for PMD. It works directly from raw BAM files and enables the building of complete and customized pipelines for the analysis of ancient and other low-depth samples in a very user-friendly way. Based on simulations we show that, in the presence of PMD, a dedicated pipeline of ATLAS calls genotypes more accurately than the state-of-the-art pipeline of GATK combined with mapDamage 2.0.

Availability

ATLAS is an open-source C++ program freely available athttps://bitbucket.org/phaentu/atlas.

Contact

Daniel.Wegmann@unifr.ch

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformatics online.
Two stochastic processes shape diverse senescence patterns in a single-cell organism
Authors: Steiner Ulrich K. , Lenart Adam , Ni Ming , Chen Peipei , Song Xiaohu , Taddei François , Lindner Ariel B. , Vaupel James W.
Published: February 2017

Despite advances in aging research, a multitude of aging models, and empirical evidence for diverse senescence patterns, understanding is lacking of the biological processes that shape senescence, both for simple and complex organisms. We show that for a isogenicEscherichia colibacterial population senescence results from two stochastic processes. A primary random deterioration process within the cell, such as generated by random accumulation of damage, leads to an exponential increase in mortality early in life followed by a late age mortality plateau; a secondary process of stochastic asymmetric transmission of an unknown factor at cell fission influences mortality. This second process is required to explain the difference between the classical mortality plateaus detected for young mothers’ offspring and the near non-senescence of old mothers’ offspring as well as the lack of a mother offspring correlation in age at death. We observed that life span is predominantly determined by underlying stochastic stage dynamics. Our findings support models based on stage-specific actions of alleles for the evolution of senescence. This support might be surprising since these models that have not specifically been developed in the context of simple, single cell organisms. We call for exploration of similar stochastic influences beyond simple organisms.
Bis(μ-benzoato-κ2O:O′)bis(benzoato-κO)octabutyldi-μ3-oxido-tetratin(IV)
Authors: Reuter Hans , Okio Coco K. Y. A.
Published: February 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [{Sn(C4H9)2(C6H5COO)}2O]2, consists of two half molecules, completed by application of inversion symmetry. Both molecules adopt a ladder structure typical for this class of dimeric tetraorganodistannoxane dicarboxylates characterized by a centrosymmetric four-membered (Sn—O)2ring of rhomboidal shape that is extended on both sides by folded six-membered Sn—O—C rings. To a first approximation, both kinds of Sn atoms (Sniand Sno) are trigonal–bipyramidally coordinated. The bond angles between then-butyl groups are widened [135.64 (7)–146.20 (7)°] in comparison with an ideal trigonal bipyramid. Sn—O bond lengths within the {R2SnO3} coordination sphere depend strongly on the position of the corresponding O atom – axial (ax) or equatorial (eq) – as well as on the functionality of the carboxylate groups which exhibit μ2(–COOi) and μ1(–COOo) coordination modes, respectively. In summary, the following sequence of distances [mean values] is found:d(Sno—Oμ3)eq[2.024 (2) Å] <d(Sni—Oμ3)eq[2.044 (2) Å] <d(Sni—Oμ3)ax[2.158 (6) Å] <d(Sno—Oμ1-carb)ax[2.182 (6) Å] <d(Sni—Oμ2-carb)ax[2.250 (2) Å] ≃d(Sno—Oμ2-carb)ax[2.247 (12) Å]. Then-butyl groups adopt ananti–anticonformation with exception of two disordered outern-butyl groups of the second molecule which exhibitgauche–antiandanti–gaucheconformations. Weak intramolecular Sn...O interactions between the different O atoms of the outer carboxyl groups with the inner, as well as outer, Sn atoms give rise to a strongly distorted octahedral coordination at these Sn atoms. Intermolecular interactions between the individual molecules are restricted to van der Waals and O...H—C interactions of which a nearly linear very short C—H...O contact between the H atom of the phenyl group of one of the molecules with the outer non-coordinating C=O group of the other molecule is the most prominent. It gives rise to a chain-like arrangement of the molecules along [111]. The twon-butyl groups attached to the outer Sn atom of one molecule are disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.806 (3)/0.194 (3) and 0.702 (3)/0.298 (3).
(Z)-2-(4-Methoxyanilino)-1,4-diphenylbut-2-ene-1,4-dione
Authors: Ravi A. J. , Vinduvahini M. , Vinayaka A. C. , Sadashiva M. P. , Devarajegowda H. C.
Published: February 2017

In the molecule of the title compound, C23H19NO3, the mean plane of the methoxyphenyl ring makes dihedral angles of 51.63 (8) and 50.86 (8)° with the terminal phenyl rings. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. The crystal structure features C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
(E)-3-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Naveen S. , Dileep Kumar A. , Lokeshwari D. M. , Ajay Kumar K. , Lokanath N. K. , Warad Ismail
Published: February 2017

In the title compound, C15H10Cl2O, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 5.59 (15)° and the C—C=C—C torsion angle is 177.5 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers withR22(10) ring motifs.
N-[(3-Bromo-1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl]-4-fluoroaniline
Authors: Yadav C. Suresh , Viswanathan Vijayan , Kannadasan Sathananthan , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: February 2017

In the title compound, C21H16BrFN2O2S, the indole ring system makes dihedral angles of 87.23 (10) and 77.58 (9)° with the fluorobenzene and phenyl rings, respectively. The molecular structure is stabilized by a C—H...O and a C—H...Br intramolecular hydrogen bond, which generateS(6) andS(8) ring motifs, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming ribbons propagating along thea-axis direction. Within the ribbons, there are offset π–π interactions present involving inversion-related molecules [intercentroid distance = 3.650 (1) Å].
4-Iodo-N-(phenylsulfonyl)benzamide hemihydrate
Authors: Suchetan P. A. , Sudha A. G. , Suresha E. , Lokanath N. K. , Naveen S. , Warad Ismail
Published: February 2017

In the title hemihydrate, 2C13H10INO3S·H2O, there are two organic molecules (AandB) and one water molecule in the asymmetric unit. The benzene rings are inclined to one another by 77.98 (1)° inAand 79.81 (9)° inB. TheAandBmolecules are connected through a water moleculeviaN—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds. In the extended structure, theAmolecules are interlinkedviatwo water molecules through O—H...O hydrogen bonds to generateR44(12) loops. Further, theAandBmolecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and thus an [010] chain is formed. Several C—H...O interactions extend the chains into sheet lying parallel to theab-plane. The sheets are further extended into a three dimensional architectureviaa C—H...π interaction.
“Speaking truth to power”: analysing shadow reporting as a form of shadow accounting
Authors: Tregidga Helen
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the act of shadow reporting by a social movement organisation as a form of shadow accounting within a sustained campaign against a target corporation. Situated within a consideration of power relations, the rationales underlying the production of the shadow report, and the shadow reports perceived value and limits as a shadow accounting mechanism, are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A Foucauldian approach to power/knowledge and truth is drawn upon in the analysis of a single case study. Alongside a consideration of the shadow report itself, interviews with both the preparers of the report and senior management of the corporation targeted comprise the main data.

Findings

The paper provides an empirical investigation into shadow reporting as a form of shadow accounting. While a range of insights are garnered into the preparation, dissemination and impact of the shadow report, key findings relate to a consideration of power relations. The perceived “truth” status of corporate accounts compared to accounts prepared by shadow accountants is problematised through a consideration of technologies of power and power/knowledge formations. Power relations are subsequently recognised as fundamental to the emancipatory potential of shadow reporting.

Research limitations/implications

Results from a single case study are presented. Furthermore, given the production of the shadow report occurred several years prior to the collection of data, participants were asked to reflect on past events. Findings are therefore based on those reflections.

Originality/value

While previous studies have considered the preparation of shadow reports and their transformative potential, this study is, the author believes, the first to empirically analyse the preparation, dissemination and perceived impacts of shadow reporting from the perspectives of both the shadow report producers and the target corporation.
Accounting legislation, corporate governance codes and disclosure in Jordan: a review
Authors: Haddad Ayman E. , Sbeiti Wafaa M. , Qasim Amer
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the most influential economic changes and accounting legislation affecting financial reporting and disclosure practices in Jordan. It also provides an overview of disclosure studies conducted in Jordan covering the year(s) between 1986 and 2014 to investigate whether there is an improvement in disclosure practice in Jordan. This paper also investigates the most influential firm characteristics affecting disclosure practices in Jordan found in prior disclosure studies that were conducted in Jordan between 1986 and 2014. The paper also addresses the disclosure items required in Corporate Governance Codes that exist for listed shareholding companies, banks and insurance companies. Finally, the paper discusses the quality of accounting education in Jordan, as prior studies noted its impact on accounting practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of prior disclosure studies conducted in Jordan between 1986 and 2014, this study compared the results of disclosure studies before and after 1998. In 1997, Jordan, as a result of economic changes, issued the Temporary Securities Law and its Directives of Disclosure, which came into effect in 1998. The law is considered as the turning point in the improvement of disclosure practice in Jordan. A trend line of disclosure practice is also used to investigate whether disclosure practice is improved after the issuance of this law. A descriptive analysis is also used to examine the factors affecting disclosure practice in Jordan.

Findings

Based on a review of prior disclosure studies, it was concluded that disclosure practices have improved overtime. It was also observed that that firm size as a factor has always affected the level of disclosure in Jordan and is followed by external auditing, while liquidity is found to have the least effect. It was concluded that economic changes, agreement with international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), new regulations and financial market reforms have improved disclosure practice in Jordan. It was also found that there is a need for further studies in disclosure practice that are not sufficiently covered in Jordan.

Originality/value

The study is based on a review of disclosure studies conducted in Jordan between 1986 and 2014. We investigate whether mandatory, voluntary, corporate social and internet disclosure practice improved over the last three decades in Jordan. This study is the first to provide evidence on the improvement of disclosure practices based on a review of disclosure studies in Jordan. The paper is expected to be a reference for disclosure studies in developing countries, Jordan in particular, as it summarized and criticized the weaknesses on disclosure practice and accounting legislations in Jordan.
Escaping the corner of death? An eye-tracking study of reading direction influence on attention and memory
Authors: Hernandez Monica D. , Wang Yong , Sheng Hong , Kalliny Morris , Minor Michael
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The authors aim to examine the effect of location-driven logo placement on attention and memory on the web addressing differences between individuals that read unidirectionally (left-to-right [LTR]) versus bidirectionally (both right-to-left and LTR).

Design/methodology/approach

Using an eye-tracking approach combined with traditional verbal measures, the authors compared attention and memory measures from a sample composed of bidirectional (Arab/English) readers and unidirectional readers.

Findings

The findings reveal that unidirectional and bidirectional readers differ in attention patterns. Compared to bidirectional readers, unidirectional readers pay less attention to the logo on the bottom right corner of the webpage based on verbal measures. The eye-tracking data of the two groups further identify differences based on total hits and duration time. Unidirectional LTR readers demonstrate higher fluency in feature-based attention whereas bidirectional readers show higher fluency in spatial attention.

Originality/value

The authors expand on scarce research on reading direction bias effect on location-driven stimuli placement in online settings. They contribute to the understanding of the differences between unidirectional and bidirectional readers in their cognitive responses (attention and memory) to organization of marketing stimuli.
Between mission and revenue: measuring performance in a hybrid organization
Authors: Ponte Diego , Pesci Caterina , Camussone Pier Franco
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the literature concerning performance measurement tools which allow a balanced control of both social goals and financial performances in a hybrid organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows the result of an action research project performed within a hybrid organization in Northern Italy. The tool and the main indicators it should reflect were selected cooperating with the management and stakeholders, and the project was brought on by following Lewin’s (1947) three-stage approach (freezing, moving and, unfreezing).

Findings

The paper shows how a useful tool for measuring social and financial performances has to be driven by the stakeholders’ needs and has to take into consideration the organizational mission.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the performance evaluation literature, as it focuses on a hybrid organization with an action research approach which contributes to bridging the gap between research and practice.
The impact of clozapine on hospital use: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Land R. , Siskind D. , McArdle P. , Kisely S. , Winckel K. , Hollingworth S. A.
Published: February 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies reporting the impact of clozapine on hospital use in people with a psychotic illness.

Method

PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register were systematically searched from inception to 12 October 2016. We included all trials and observational studies, except case reports.

Results

Thirty‐seven studies were included. Clozapine significantly reduced the proportion of people hospitalised compared to control medicines (RR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.69–0.80, P < 0.001, 22 studies, n = 44 718). There were significantly fewer bed days after clozapine treatment compared to before clozapine treatment in both controlled (MD = −34.41 days; 95% CI: −68.22 to −0.60 days, P = 0.046, n = 162) and uncontrolled studies (MD = −52.86 days; 95% CI: −79.86 days to −25.86 days, P < 0.001, n = 2917). Clozapine and control medicines had a similar time to rehospitalisation (−19.90 days; 95% CI: −62.42 to 22.63 days, P = 0.36).

Conclusion

Clozapine treatment reduced the number of people hospitalised and the number of bed days after treatment compared with before treatment. Clozapine has the potential to reduce acute hospital use among people with treatment refractory schizophrenia.
Landscape‐scale effects of single‐ and multiple small wind turbines on bat activity
Authors: Minderman J. , Gillis M. H. , Daly H. F. , Park K. J.
Published: February 2017

While the effects of wind farms on bats are widely studied, effects of small wind turbines (SWTs, here <25 m hub height) remain understudied. SWTs are installed in a wider range of habitats compared to wind farms and their effect on wildlife can therefore be different. While single SWTs can adversely affect bat activity in their immediate vicinity, they are often installed in clusters, and to date, no data are available on whether installation of more than one turbine increases the likelihood of adverse effects on bats. Here, we test whether (1) SWT installations affect the activity of two species of bat (the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and soprano pipistrelle P. pygmaeus) on a landscape scale (here defined as up to 500 m from SWTs) and (2) such an effect is stronger when multiple (2–4) SWTs are installed. We show that, after accounting for potentially confounding effects (e.g. variation in habitat and weather), (1) mean P. pipistrellus activity is lower at 0–100 m compared to 200–500 m from SWTs and (2) the effect on P. pygmaeus activity tends to be similar and stronger in multiple SWT sites, although evidence for the latter is limited. We conclude that in some cases, adverse effects of SWTs on bat activity may be measurable over longer spatial scales (within 100 m) than previously thought. However, combined with earlier findings, it is likely that the bulk of such effects operate within relative close proximity of SWTs (<25 m). Moreover, although these effects may be species‐specific, with, for example, P. pygmaeus potentially more strongly affected by multiple SWT sites, this requires further data. These findings are highly relevant to decision‐making aimed at minimizing any adverse effects of wind turbines, specifically single‐ versus multiple SWT developments, on wildlife.
A genome‐wide association study for a proxy of intermuscular fat level in the Italian Large White breed identifies genomic regions affecting an important quality parameter for dry‐cured hams
Authors: Fontanesi L. , Schiavo G. , Galimberti G. , Bovo S. , Russo V. , Gallo M. , Buttazzoni L.
Published: February 2017

Intermuscular fat content in protected designations of origin dry‐cured hams is a very important meat quality trait that affects the acceptability of the product by the consumers. An excess in intermuscular fat (defined as the level of fat deposition between leg muscles) is a defect that depreciates the final product. In this study we carried out a genome‐wide association study for visible intermuscular fat (VIF) of hams in the Italian Large White pig breed. This trait was evaluated on the exposed muscles of green legs in 1122 performance‐tested gilts by trained personnel, according to a classification scale useful for routine and cheap evaluation. All animals were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. The genome‐wide association study identified three QTL regions on porcine chromosome 1 (SSC1; accounting for ~79% of the SNPs below the 5.0E−04 threshold) and SSC2, two on SSC7 and one each on SSC3, SSC6, SSC9, SSC11, SSC13, SSC15, SSC16 and SSC17. The most significant SNP (ALGA0004143 on SSC1 at 77.3 Mb; PFDR < 0.05), included in the largest QTL region which spanned about 6.8 Mb on SSC1, is located within the glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate type subunit 2 (GRIK2) gene. Functional annotation of all genes included in QTL regions for VIF suggested that intermuscular fat in the Italian Large White breed is a complex trait apparently influenced by complex biological mechanisms also involving obesity‐related processes. These QTL target mainly chromosome regions different from those affecting subcutaneous and intramuscular fat deposition.
Institutional investors as stewards of the corporation: Exploring the challenges to the monitoring hypothesis
Authors: Ivanova Mila R.
Published: February 2017

The study explores the challenges UK‐based institutional investors face when trying to monitor investee companies and influence their social, environmental, and governance practices. Consistent with previous research, I find that misalignment of interests within the investment chain and dispersed ownership are factors which inhibit investor activism. However, other underexplored challenges include lack of investee company transparency and investor experience in activism, as well as low client demand for engagement and internal conflicts of interest. The results contribute to the literature on institutional investor activism by using direct empirical evidence to systematically discuss the challenges to stewardship. Given the intensification of media and regulatory attention on shareholders in the post‐global financial crisis era, coupled with investors’ growing awareness and practice of stewardship, the research opens new avenues for enquiry which go beyond the on‐going debate about the monitoring versus short‐termism roles of institutional investors.
‘Thinking ill of others without sufficient warrant?’ Transcending the accuracy–inaccuracy dualism in prejudice and stereotyping research
Authors: Dixon John
Published: February 2017

Research on prejudice seeks to understand and transform inaccurate beliefs about others. Indeed, historically such research has offered a cautionary tale of the biased nature of human cognition. Recently, however, this view has been challenged by work defending the essential rationality of intergroup perception, a theme captured controversially in Jussim and colleagues’ (2009) research on the ‘unbearable accuracy of stereotyping’. The present paper argues that in its own terms the ‘rationalist turn’ in socio‐cognitive research on stereotyping presents an important challenge to the prejudice tradition, raising troubling questions about its conceptual and empirical foundations. However, it also argues for the necessity of transcending those terms. By focusing on the correspondence between individual beliefs and the supposedly ‘objective’ characteristics of others, we neglect the historical and discursive practices through which the social realities that we ‘perceive’ are actively constructed and institutionalized. We mask their social origins, contested and perspectival nature, relativity, and relationship to wider structures of power. By implication, moving beyond the Allportian perspective that has dominated both the prejudice tradition and the emerging stereotype accuracy paradigm, we may now need to prioritize other kinds of questions. Reversing Allport's famous definition of prejudice, it may now be time to ask: How, and with what consequences, does ‘thinking ill of others’ become sufficiently warranted? How does such thinking become part of institutionalized relations of power and an accepted way of perceiving, evaluating and treating others? What should social psychologists be doing to challenge this state of affairs?
The drowning of a siliciclastic shelf: insights into oceanographic reconstructions of the northern Arabian Platform during the Early Cretaceous
Authors: Bialik Or M. , Waldmann Nicolas
Published: February 2017

Barremian‐Aptian sedimentary successions along the northern Arabian margin have been described as a transition from a siliciclastic to a carbonate‐dominated marine environment, deposited upon a low‐relief shelf or platform formed as a consequence of continuous regional subsidence. A long (360 m) core from northern Israel offers a unique look at this transition, providing valuable insights for the palaeoceanography, geometry and ventilation conditions that lead to Oceanic Anoxic Event 1 (OAE1) in this region. Results from high‐resolution elemental, mineralogical, sedimentological and petrophysical analyses carried out revealed the emplacement of abundant mass‐transport deposits (MTDs) during the Late Barremian and the Aptian. The transplanted units are characterized by fine grained calcareous shales with elevated organic matter, sulphur and iron contents. The scarcity or absence of bioturbation in the disturbed sequences provides a hint to the sediment/water interface conditions. However, a decrease in sulphur and iron occurring at the contact between the shales and the MTDs is explained as increased oxic conditions at the sediment‐water interface as a result of turbulence and mixing associated with the descending sediment masses. Such recurrent events ventilation of the low‐energy basinal environment during the Late Barremian and Aptian, predate the wide‐scale establishment of OAE1 in the northern Arabian margin. Moreover, the identification of coarse‐grained MTDs within deep‐water calcareous sediments indicates a much steeper gradient of the northern Arabian margin, challenging previous studies.
Does Parental Mind‐Mindedness Account for Cross‐Cultural Differences in Preschoolers’ Theory of Mind?
Authors: Hughes Claire , Devine Rory T. , Wang Zhenlin
Published: February 2017

This study of 241 parent–child dyads from the United Kingdom (N = 120,Mage = 3.92,SD = 0.53) and Hong Kong (N = 121,Mage = 3.99,SD = 0.50) breaks new ground by adopting a cross‐cultural approach to investigate children's theory of mind and parental mind‐mindedness. Relative to the Hong Kong sample, U.K. children showed superior theory‐of‐mind performance and U.K. parents showed greater levels of mind‐mindedness. Within both cultures parental mind‐mindedness was correlated with theory of mind. Mind‐mindedness also accounted for cultural differences in preschoolers’ theory of mind. We argue that children's family environments might shed light on how culture shapes children's theory of mind.
PAX9 gene mutations and tooth agenesis: A review
Authors: Bonczek O. , Balcar V.J. , Šerý O.
Published: February 2017

Paired box 9 (PAX9) is one of the best‐known transcription factors involved in the development of human dentition. Mutations in PAX9 gene could, therefore, seriously influence the number, position and morphology of the teeth in an affected individual. To date, over 50 mutations in the gene have been reported as associated with various types of dental agenesis (congenitally missing teeth) and other inherited dental defects or variations. The most common consequence of PAX9 gene mutation is the autosomal‐dominant isolated (non‐syndromic) oligodontia or hypodontia.

In the present review, we are summarizing all known PAX9 mutations as well as their nature and precise loci in the DNA sequence of the gene. Where necessary, we have revised the loci of the mutations in line with the reference sequence of the
PAX9 gene as it appears in the current DNA databases.