bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hacking the social life of Big Data
Authors: Pybus Jennifer , Coté Mark , Blanke Tobias
Published: December 2015

This paper builds off the Our Data Ourselves research project, which examined ways of understanding and reclaiming the data that young people produce on smartphone devices. Here we explore the growing usage and centrality of mobiles in the lives of young people, questioning what data-making possibilities exist if users can either uncover and/or capture what data controllers such as Facebook monetize and share about themselves with third-parties. We outline the MobileMiner, an app we created to consider how gaining access to one’s own data not only augments the agency of the individual but of the collective user. Finally, we discuss the data making that transpired during our hackathon. Such interventions in the enclosed processes of datafication are meant as a preliminary investigation into the possibilities that arise when young people are given back the data which they are normally structurally precluded from accessing.
Understanding fear and anxiety in patients at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Halpin David , Hyland Michael , Blake Susan , Seamark Clare , Pinnuck Margaret , Ward David , Whalley Ben , Greaves Colin , Hawkins Adam , Seamark David
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To determine the importance of fear and anxiety at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To assess the influence of carers and health professionals on this fear and anxiety.

Design

A qualitative study to elicit the views of patients and their carers during a hospital admission for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in a District General Hospital.

Participants

Twenty patients were interviewed shortly after admission to hospital with an exacerbation.

Main outcome measures

Key themes were identified using cross-sectional thematic analysis of transcripts where commonalities and differences were identified.

Results

Four themes emerged: panic and fear; anxiety management techniques used during an exacerbation; intervention from family members and carers; response to medical services.

Conclusion

Panic and fear are important emotions prior to admission. Many patients recognised the link between panic-fear and a worsening of symptoms, and some were able to use self-management techniques to reduce their panic-fear. Some relatives were seen as helping and others exacerbating the symptoms of panic-fear. The emergency services were seen as positive: providing reassurance and a sense of safety. How best to help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease manage panic and fear remains a challenge.
Doctors’ views about their work, education and training three years after graduation in the UK: questionnaire survey
Authors: Lambert Trevor , Smith Fay , Goldacre Michael J
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Doctors who graduated in the UK after 2005 have followed a restructured postgraduate training programme (Modernising Medical Careers) and have experienced the introduction of the European Working Time Regulation and e-portfolios. In this paper, we report the views of doctors who graduated in 2008 three years after graduation and compare these views with those expressed in year 1.

Design

Questionnaires about career intentions, destinations and views sent in 2011 to all medical graduates of 2008.

Participants

3228 UK medical graduates.

Main outcome measures

Comments on work, education and training.

Results

Response was 49% (3228/6538); 885 doctors wrote comments. Of these, 21.8% were unhappy with the standard of their training; 8.4% were positive. Doctors made positive comments about levels of supervision, support, morale and job satisfaction. Many doctors commented on poor arrangements for rotas, cover and leave, which had an adverse effect on work-life balance, relationships, morale and health. Some doctors felt pressured into choosing their future specialty too early, with inadequate career advice. Themes raised in year 3 that were seldom raised in year 1 included arrangements for flexible working and maternity leave, obtaining posts in desired locations and having to pay for courses, exams and conferences.

Conclusions

Many doctors felt training was available, but that European Working Time Regulation, rotas and cover arrangements made it difficult to attend. Three years after graduation, doctors raised similar concerns to those they had raised two years earlier, but the pressures of career decision making, family life and job seeking were new issues.
Persistent right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery, Kommerell’s diverticulum and bicarotid trunk in a 3-year-old cat
Authors: Shannon Dylan , Husnik Roman , Fletcher Jon M , Middleton Grant , Gaschen Lorrie
Published: December 2015

Case summary

A 3-year-old male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat with a history of chronic regurgitation since being obtained as a kitten was presented for weight loss and regurgitation of all ingested food. The cat was in poor body condition and had a firm swelling in the ventral neck at the time of presentation. Thoracic radiographs showed severe dilation of the entire cervical and cranial intrathoracic esophagus to the level of the heart base. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed a persistent right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery and severe dilation of the cervical and intrathoracic esophagus cranial to the heart base. CTA also showed a bicarotid trunk and Kommerell’s diverticulum to be present, which are rare vascular structures in the cat. Esophagoscopy showed esophageal dilation and multiple compact trichobezoars obstructing the esophagus. Removal of the obstructing trichobezoars resulted in resolution of clinical signs, and the cat was able to drink water and eat a canned food slurry without regurgitation. Surgical correction was not pursued.

Relevance and novel information

Vascular ring anomaly (VRA) should be considered in all cats with a history of regurgitation, regardless of their age at the time of presentation. CTA is a valuable diagnostic imaging procedure that allows differentiation of a VRA from other causes of esophageal obstruction and provides information about the VRA that can be used to determine amenability to surgical correction.
Primary goitrous hypothyroidism in a young adult domestic longhair cat: diagnosis and treatment monitoring
Authors: Peterson Mark E
Published: December 2015

Case summary

Primary goitrous hypothyroidism was diagnosed in a 12-month-old cat examined because of small stature, mental dullness, severe lethargy, generalized weakness and gait abnormalities. Radiographs of the long bones and spine revealed delayed epiphyseal ossification and epiphyseal dysgenesis. Diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism was confirmed by low serum concentrations of total and free thyroxine (T4) with high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Thyroid scintigraphy revealed severe enlargement of both thyroid lobes, as evidenced by a seven-fold increase in calculated thyroid volume above the reference interval. In addition, this bilateral goiter had an extremely high radionuclide uptake, about 10-fold higher than the normal feline thyroid gland. Treatment with twice-daily levothyroxine (L-T4), administered on an empty stomach, resulted in increased alertness, playfulness, strength and improvement in gait, as well as an increase in body length and weight. L-T4 replacement also led to normalization of serum thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations, and complete resolution of goiter.

Relevance and novel information

Spontaneous hypothyroidism is rarely reported in cats, with congenital hypothyroidism in kittens diagnosed most frequently. Despite the fact that this cat was a young adult, it likely had a form of congenital hypothyroidism caused by dyshormonogenesis (defect in thyroid hormone synthesis) that led to compensatory development of goiter. In hypothyroid cats, treatment with L-T4 is best given twice daily on an empty stomach to ensure adequate absorption. Normalization of serum TSH and shrinkage of goiter, as well as improvement in clinical signs, is the goal of treatment for cats with goitrous hypothyroidism.
Tetrathyridiosis in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Dahlem Dorothee , Bangoura Berit , Ludewig Eberhard , Glowienka Nicole , Baldauf Katrin , Stoeckel Frank , Burgener Iwan
Published: December 2015

Case summary

This report describes the clinical and parasitological findings in a domestic shorthair cat with isolated thoracic tetrathyridiosis. The cat was a stray from Malta that had lived in Germany for several years since as an indoor-only cat. Therefore, the process of infection remains very unusual. In this case it must be considered that the cat had been infected years previously while in Malta, and had lived at least 4 years without any clinical signs. It was possible to diagnose this uncommon disease and initiate an effective treatment with fenbendazole, praziquantel and supportive care. Clinical signs, as well as radiographic findings, were regressive with this treatment.

Relevance and novel information

Tetrathyridiosis is a rare finding in cats, especially in Germany, but it seems to be a potential differential diagnosis of pleural effusion. Mesocestoides corti, which was the causative parasite in this case, has not previously been isolated in Germany. Because tetrathyridiosis is only diagnosed post mortem in most cases, little is known about effective therapeutic options. Furthermore, clinical signs of this disease can be absent for several years and can potentially be triggered by neoplastic conditions or immunosuppression. Tetrathyridiosis seems to be a treatable disease that can be controlled by adequate antiparasitic therapy.
Explaining the Rise in Agricultural Prices: Impact of Neoliberal Policies on the Agrarian Economy
Authors: Chakraborty Shouvik
Published: December 2015

The international prices of agricultural commodities have exhibited a rising trend since the mid-2000s. This article explains the phenomenon using demand–supply framework from a macroeconomic perspective. It does not find any evidence in favour of the mainstream argument of increased demand from India and China being responsible for this price rise. It argues that the pursuit of neoliberal policies have squeezed the earnings of the peasantry and made agriculture an unviable occupation, adversely affecting its supply. During 1995–2004, the annual per capita production of cereals in the world declined at an alarming rate of 0.32 per cent and then over 2005–2012 grew at a meagre rate of 0.85 per cent, respectively. The production of biofuels, using food crops as feed, has further distorted the international food market. Moreover, speculative activities in the futures market fuelled the existing tendencies of rising prices. If sufficient policy support is given to the agrarian economy of developing countries, then this phenomenon can be reversed.
Informal Economy in India: Persistence and Meagreness
Authors: Mitra Arup
Published: December 2015

This article offers an estimate of the informal sector in non-agricultural activities in the rural and urban areas. It brings out the supply-push segment within the informal sector. The findings of micro-surveys are utilized to construct the well-being index of the households, the members of which are largely engaged in the informal sector. Findings from the qualitative survey are also cited to understand how contractualization and ancillarization have impacted on the work practices and performance of the informal sector. Finally, the article looks into policy issues.
Household Production and Market Engagement among Resettled Hmong and Lao Loum Communities
Authors: Dalasavong Phoutkanya , Southiseng Nittana , Walsh John
Published: December 2015

The building of the Nam Mang 3 (NM3) Hydroelectricity Power Project between 2001 and 2003 caused the resettlement of some 140 local households. Although compensation was promised to those being resettled, no long-term survey of the change in living circumstances of the resettled has been conducted. To address this gap in knowledge, exploratory research was conducted through questionnaire survey and in-depth personal interviews. A total of 69 of the resettled people were interviewed, from January to April, 2013. Data were gathered about land compensation, access to health care, education services and clean water, as well as income opportunities and community and social relations in the new environment. Results indicated a number of problems relating to resettlement compensation and the ability of those affected to re-establish a way of life in their new environment similar to what they had left behind. However, some had prospered because of new income generating opportunities, while new neighbours were characterized as friendly and welcoming. There is a need for better basic services for those resettled, for resources, transportation infrastructure and land allocated for a graveyard.
Economic Cycles, Deforestation and Social Impacts in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Barbanti Olympio
Published: December 2015

This article examines the cycles of economic development in the Brazilian Amazon, in a historical perspective, aiming at understanding current prospects. From the colonial period until today, the Amazon has been integrated into the national and world economies in a subordinate manner, by providing agricultural, mineral and livestock commodities. This subordinated integration has led to generalized deforestation in the Amazon region, mostly due to the expansion of livestock. Both agribusiness and small producers integrated into agribusiness have participated in this process. Although cattle ranching, the current main agribusiness in the Amazon, leads the current economic cycle, the rates of deforestation are dropping. It is regarded as a consequence of public policies that have managed to tackle environmental and economic impacts; however, social impacts, especially of small producers and other communities, remain overlooked. The article questions whether this state of affairs is circumstantial and whether it may give way to renewed deforestation and expansion of cattle ranching. The text concludes with policy recommendations for fostering sustainable development in the Amazon.
A Case Report of Rash at Peritoneal Dialysis Exit Site
Authors: Gosmanova Elvira O. , Ezumba Ikena , Fisher Kristopher R. , Cleveland Kerry O.
Published: December 2015

The International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis recommends the regular application of topical antibiotic-containing preparations in addition to a routine exit site care to reduce the risk of exit site infection (ESI). Among these prophylactic antimicrobial preparations, topical gentamicin is one of the widely used and effective antibiotics for prevention of ESI and peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Overall, topical gentamicin is well tolerated; however, its use can be associated with the development of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We describe a first reported case of PD catheter exit site contact ACD due to topical gentamicin mimicking ESI. The patient in this report developed worsening violaceous in color and pruritic rash surrounding the PD catheter exit site that appeared 3 weeks after the initiation of gentamicin cream. The association between development of rash and initiation of topical gentamicin led to a suspicion of local reaction to gentamicin rather than ESI. Skin biopsy confirmed ACD. Discontinuation of the provoking agent and subsequent treatment with topical hydrocortisone application led to a resolution of the exit site rash. Any rash at a PD catheter exit site should be considered infectious until proven otherwise. However, it is important to be aware of noninfectious etiologies of exit site rashes as the treatment of these 2 conditions differs.
Best Practices for Launching a Flipped Classroom
Authors: Hall Ashley A. , DuFrene Debbie D.
Published: December 2015

Popularity is growing for flipped classroom instruction, which replaces lectures with out-of-class delivery of streaming video, reading materials, online chats, and other modalities. Face-to-face class time is spent on instructor-student and student-student interaction, including small group problem solving and discussion. Classroom flipping has its advocates and critics. Because of the theoretical and applied aspects of business and professional communication instruction, courses in the discipline seem ideally suited to flipped instruction. This research reports on perceptions from instructors who have employed the instructional model, summarizes the insights gained, identifies best practices, and makes recommendations for future research and application.
Report from the Standards for Pathogen Identification via Next-Generation Sequencing (SPIN) Workshop
Authors: Olson Nathan D. , Jackson Scott A. , Lin Nancy J.
Published: December 2015

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is not routinely used in applied settings due to lack of confidence in results. This workshop convened experts to identify measurement challenges impeding NGS implementation and potential standards-based solutions to address these challenges.
Caution, Student Experience May Vary: Social Identities Impact a Student’s Experience in Peer Discussions
Authors: Eddy Sarah L. , Brownell Sara E. , Thummaphan Phonraphee , Lan Ming-Chih , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: December 2015

In response to calls for implementing active learning in college-level science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses, classrooms across the country are being transformed from instructor centered to student centered. In these active-learning classrooms, the dynamics among students becomes increasingly important for understanding student experiences. In this study, we focus on the role a student prefers to assume during peer discussions, and how this preferred role may vary given a student’s social identities. In addition we explore whether three hypothesized barriers to participation may help explain participation difference in the classroom. These barriers are 1) students are excluded from the discussion by actions of their groupmates; 2) students are anxious about participating in peer discussion; and 3) students do not see value in peer discussions. Our results indicate that self-reported preferred roles in peer discussions can be predicted by student gender, race/ethnicity, and nationality. In addition, we found evidence for all three barriers, although some barriers were more salient for certain students than others. We encourage instructors to consider structuring their in-class activities in ways that promote equity, which may require more purposeful attention to alleviating the current differential student experiences with peer discussions.
Quantifying Directional Dependencies from Infrastructure Restoration Data
Authors: Zorn Conrad R. , Shamseldin Asaad Y.
Published: December 2015

Lifeline utilities and critical infrastructures are becoming increasingly interactive and dependent on one another for normal operation. With a natural disaster or disruptive event, these dependencies can be studied under stressed conditions. To replicate events and inform future simulations, such dependencies can be quantified in both magnitude and direction. This paper builds on recent efforts by proposing a new dependency index methodology that gives importance to the direction of dependency between coupled infrastructures and equally weighting the multiple dependencies that may be realized across a variety of lag times. The effectiveness of this methodology is presented as a case study for the 22 February 2011 earthquake experienced in Christchurch, New Zealand. Dependencies are quantified for a range of critical infrastructure couplings, which provide insight into the future application of these results and the requirement for integration with qualitative studies to accurately inform interdependency models.
Outcomes After Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy or Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wahl Daniel R. , Stenmark Matthew H. , Tao Yebin , Pollom Erqi L. , Caoili Elaine M. , Lawrence Theodore S. , Schipper Matthew J. , Feng Mary
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Data guiding selection of nonsurgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are lacking. We therefore compared outcomes between stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for HCC.

Patients and Methods

From 2004 to 2012, 224 patients with inoperable, nonmetastatic HCC underwent RFA (n = 161) to 249 tumors or image-guided SBRT (n = 63) to 83 tumors. We applied inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for imbalances in treatment assignment. Freedom from local progression (FFLP) and toxicity were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

RFA and SBRT groups were similar with respect to number of lesions treated per patient, type of underlying liver disease, and tumor size (median, 1.8 v 2.2 cm in maximum diameter; P = .14). However, the SBRT group had lower pretreatment Child-Pugh scores (P = .003), higher pretreatment alpha-fetoprotein levels (P = .04), and a greater number of prior liver-directed treatments (P < .001). One- and 2-year FFLP for tumors treated with RFA were 83.6% and 80.2% v 97.4% and 83.8% for SBRT. Increasing tumor size predicted for FFLP in patients treated with RFA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.54 per cm; P = .006), but not with SBRT (HR, 1.21 per cm; P = .617). For tumors ≥ 2 cm, there was decreased FFLP for RFA compared with SBRT (HR, 3.35; P = .025). Acute grade 3+ complications occurred after 11% and 5% of RFA and SBRT treatments, respectively (P = .31). Overall survival 1 and 2 years after treatment was 70% and 53% after RFA and 74% and 46% after SBRT.

Conclusion

Both RFA and SBRT are effective local treatment options for inoperable HCC. Although these data are retrospective, SBRT appears to be a reasonable first-line treatment of inoperable, larger HCC.
Preoperative Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Contralateral Breast Cancer Occurrence Among Older Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Shi-Yi , Long Jessica B. , Killelea Brigid K. , Evans Suzanne B. , Roberts Kenneth B. , Silber Andrea , Gross Cary P.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects occult contralateral breast cancers (CBCs) in women with breast cancer, but the impact of detection on long-term CBC events is unclear. We examined whether MRI use decreases the occurrence of CBCs and the detection of stages II to IV disease among women who develop a CBC.

Patients and Methods

Analyzing the SEER-Medicare database, we assessed overall, synchronous (< 6 months after primary cancer diagnosis), and subsequent (ie, metachronous) stage-specific CBC occurrences in women who were diagnosed with stages I and II breast cancer during 2004-2009 and who were observed through 2011.

Results

Among 38,971 women with breast cancer, 6,377 (16.4%) received preoperative MRI. After propensity score matching, and compared with women who did not undergo MRI, preoperative MRI use was significantly associated with a higher synchronous CBC detection rate (126.4 v 42.9 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; hazard ratio, 2.85; P < .001) but a lower subsequent CBC detection rate (3.3 v 4.5 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.68; P = .002). However, the 5-year cumulative incidence of CBC remained significantly higher among women undergoing MRI compared with those not undergoing MRI (7.2% v 4.0%, respectively; P < .001). The analyses of projected CBC events for 10,000 patients who receive MRI indicated that, after a 5-year follow-up, MRI use would detect an additional 192 in situ CBCs (95% CI, 125 to 279) and 120 stage I CBCs (95% CI, 62 to 193) but would not have a significant impact on stages II to IV CBC occurrences (∼ 6; 95% CI, −21 to 47).

Conclusion

An increased synchronous CBC detection rate, attributable to MRI, was not offset by a decrease of subsequent CBC occurrence among older women with early-stage breast cancer, suggesting that preoperative MRI in women with breast cancer may lead to overdiagnosis.
Associations of Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Tools With Tumor Characteristics and Metastasis
Authors: Holm Johanna , Li Jingmei , Darabi Hatef , Eklund Martin , Eriksson Mikael , Humphreys Keith , Hall Per , Czene Kamila
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The association between established risk factors for breast cancer and subtypes or prognosis of the disease is not well known. We analyzed whether the Tyrer-Cuzick–predicted 10-year breast cancer risk score (TCRS), mammographic density (MD), and a 77-single nucleotide polymorphism polygenic risk score (PRS) were associated with breast cancer tumor prognosticators and risk of distant metastasis.

Patients and Methods

We used a case-only design in a population-based cohort of 5,500 Swedish patients with breast cancer. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression of outcomes, estrogen receptor (ER) status, lymph node involvement, tumor size, and grade was performed with TCRS, PRS, and percent MD as exposures. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of distant metastasis.

Results

Women at high risk for breast cancer based on PRS and/or TCRS were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with favorable prognosticators, such as ER-positive and low-grade tumors. In contrast, PRS weighted on ER-negative disease was associated with ER-negative tumors. When stratifying by age, the associations of TCRS with favorable prognosticators were restricted to women younger than age 50. Women scoring high in both TCRS and PRS had a lower risk of distant metastasis (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.98). MD was not associated with any of the examined prognosticators.

Conclusion

Women at high risk for breast cancer based on genetic and lifestyle factors were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancers with a favorable prognosis. Better knowledge of subtype-specific risk factors could be vital for the success of prevention programs aimed at lowering mortality.
Shelf Lives: On Nostalgic Libraries
Authors: Chrostowska S. D.
Published: December 2015

This short essay considers the increasingly nostalgic life of physical books. From immaculate leather-bound collections to “dummy” libraries, in private homes or department stores, since at least the mid-nineteenth century, old books have enjoyed past-directed affective relationships with users and consumers, communicating continuity with, appreciation of, and longing for aspects of time past. These relationships, falling along a spectrum from library-as-utility to library-as-simulation, can be mapped onto different kinds of nostalgic experience.
Unexplored Reactivity of N-Alkyl Unsaturated Imines: A Simple Procedure for Producing Optically Active 1,3-Diamines via a Stereocontrolled Formal [4+2] and [4+2+2] Iminocycloaddition
Authors: Pradipta Ambara R , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: December 2015

Imines are among the most ubiquitous species in organic and bioorganic chemistry; however, the reactivities of N-alkyl unsaturated imines have not been thoroughly explored due to their instability profiles. Here, we describe the novel reactivity of N-alkyl unsaturated imines derived from substituted aldehydes, a chiral aminoalcohol, and paraformaldehyde to produce hexahydropyrimidines and 1,3,5-triazacyclooctanes through a formal asymmetric [4+2] and [4+2+2] cycloaddition reaction in a stereocontrolled manner. The reaction products were successfully transformed via simple functional group manipulations to the variously substituted chiral 1,3-diamines, which could not be simply accessed by other methods.
Probing the Stability of Insulin Oligomers Using Electrospray Ionization Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Raja Uday Kumar Boga , Injeti Srilakshmi , Culver Tiffany , McCabe Jacob W. , Angel Laurence A.
Published: December 2015

The peptide hormone insulin is central to regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body by controlling blood sugar levels. Insulin's most active form is the monomer and the extent of insulin oligomerization is related to insulin's activity of controlling blood sugar levels. Electrospray ionization (ESI) of human insulin produced a series of oligomers from the monomer to the undecamer identified using quadrupole ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Previous research suggested that only the monomer, dimer and hexamer are native forms of insulin in solution and the range of oligomers observed in the gas phase are ESI artifacts. Here the properties of three distinct oligomer bands, I, II and III, where both the charge state and number of insulin units of the oligomer increase incrementally, were investigated. When Zn(II) was added to the insulin sample the same oligomers were observed, but with 0–6 Zn(II) ions bound to each of the oligomers. The oligomers of bands I, II and III were characterized by comparing their drift times, collision cross-sections, relative intensities, collision-induced dissociation (CID) patterns and relative breakdown energies. Insulin oligomers of band I dissociated primarily by releasing either the 2+ or 3+ monomer accompanied by an oligomer that conserved the mass, charge and Zn(II) of the precursor. Insulin oligomers of bands II and III dissociated primarily by releasing the 2+ monomer accompanied by an oligomer that conserved the mass, charge and Zn(II) of the precursor. Comparison of CID patterns and breakdown energies showed all the oligomers in band II required higher collision energies to dissociate than oligomers in band I, and the oligomers of band III required higher energies to dissociate than the oligomers of band II. These results show that the amount of excess charge on the oligomer in respect to the number of insulin monomers in the oligomer affects their stability.
R&D, International Sourcing, and the Joint Impact on Firm Performance
Authors: Bøler Esther Ann , Moxnes Andreas , Ulltveit-Moe Karen Helene
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the impact of an R&D cost shock on R&D investments, imported inputs, and their joint impact on firm performance. We introduce imported inputs into a model of R&D and endogenous productivity, and show that R&D and international sourcing are complementary activities. Exploiting the introduction of an R&D tax credit in Norway in 2002, we find that cheaper R&D stimulated not only R&D investments but also imports of intermediates, quantitatively consistent with the model. An implication of our work is that improved access to imported inputs promotes R&D investments and, ultimately, technological change. (JEL D92, F14, G31, H25, L25, O32, O33)
The Housing Market Impacts of Shale Gas Development
Authors: Muehlenbachs Lucija , Spiller Elisheba , Timmins Christopher
Published: December 2015

Using data from Pennsylvania and an array of empirical techniques to control for confounding factors, we recover hedonic estimates of property value impacts from nearby shale gas development that vary with water source, well productivity, and visibility. Results indicate large negative impacts on nearby groundwater-dependent homes, while piped-water-dependent homes exhibit smaller positive impacts, suggesting benefits from lease payments. Results have implications for the debate over regulation of shale gas development. (JEL L71, Q35, Q53, R31)
Imported Inputs and Productivity
Authors: Halpern László , Koren Miklós , Szeidl Adam
Published: December 2015

We estimate a model of importers in Hungarian microdata and conduct counterfactual analysis to investigate the effect of imported inputs on productivity. We find that importing all input varieties would increase a firm’s revenue productivity by 22 percent, about one-half of which is due to imperfect substitution between foreign and domestic inputs. Foreign firms use imports more effectively and pay lower fixed import costs. We attribute one-quarter of Hungarian productivity growth during the 1993–2002 period to imported inputs. Simulations show that the productivity gain from a tariff cut is larger when the economy has many importers and many foreign firms. (JEL D24, F13, F14, L60)
Update on Neuromodulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Bewernick Bettina , Schlaepfer Thomas E
Published: December 2015

About 30% of patients suffering from a major depressive disorder do not respond sufficiently to established pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, or somatic treatments. Advances in technology and emerging knowledge about the dysfunctional brain circuits underlying depression have led to the development of different neuromodulation techniques. The aim of the present review is to give an update on noninvasive techniques, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), magnetic seizure therapy (MST), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and invasive techniques requiring brain surgery, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). First, the clinical relevance for therapy-resistant depression, including the current level of evidence, are presented.

Neuroethics is concerned with the ethical, legal and social policy implications of neuroscience. A second focus of the review is the application of fundamental ethical principles, such as patient autonomy, patient well-being and justice to neuromodulation therapies. Due to reduced availability and lacking long-term efficacy data, most patients with treatment-resistant depression face a trial-and-error approach to therapeutics. This contravenes the ethical criteria of patient autonomy and justice. In order to raise the level of evidence, financial support of long-term studies, including large samples and randomized control trials, are necessary.
COMPARATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: FROM ORIGINS TO MODERN ERA
Authors: Пилипенко Анатолий , Pilipyenko Anatoliy
Published: December 2015

If we consider 1965 to be the initial date of the formation of constitutional and administrative comparative studies, the year of creation in the Institute of the sector for foreign legislation on State Building, then this direction of the comparative law can rightly celebrate its 50th anniversary. During this period, the main research directions in the Comparative Constitutional and Administrative Law were determined: study and mastering of the comparative law method, research of organization and procedure of law-making, organization and procedures for preparation of draft legislation, legislative technique, Constitutions of foreign countries, a foreign federation, legal status of an individual, system of state-forming organs, individual institutions of constitutional and administrative law, modern trends in the development of administrative law, and others. These areas, in essence, define themes for future comparative law research in the field of comparative constitutional and administrative law.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION ON AGRICULTURE AS SUBJECT OF COMPARATIVE LAW RESEARCH
Authors: Боголюбов Сергей , Bogolyubov Syergyey
Published: December 2015

Research of relevant foreign legislations on agriculture and conducting of comparative law analysis in this sphere serve as scientific support for the development of domestic agricultural legislation. In the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law such works are carried out by the department of agricultural, ecological and natural resources legislation and by the department of foreign civil legislation. Such comparative law comparisons can always be found in the Institute research papers, varying depending on the topicality of problems and social and economic situation in this country and in the world. Special attention is paid to the development and variety of forms of ownership in the agro-industrial complex, its government support, cooperative building construction in villages, to the use, protection and recovery of agricultural lands, forest resources, animal and vegetal life, sustainable development of rural settlements. Having become the subject of comparative law research, the analysis and summary of foreign legislation on agriculture make a positive contribution to modernization of the Russian legislation.
INTERNATIONAL LAW IN THE CONDITIONS OF TRANSFORMATION OF CONTEMPORARY WORLD ORDER
Authors: Капустин Анатолий , Kapustin Anatoliy
Published: December 2015

The article discusses the role and function of international law in the transformation of the modern world order. A brief description of the main features of international contemporary international relations and the role of international law in maintaining international legal order is given. The relationship and interaction of international policies of States and international law is examined. Scientific schools of international law exploring the relationship of international law and foreign policy are analyzed. In this regard, the author draws attention to the problem of the legitimacy of international law and established international legal order. The assessment of challenges to the legitimacy of international law and its reflection in the current international legal theory is made.
Temporal and spatial variability in sea-ice carbon:nitrogen ratios on Canadian Arctic shelves
Authors: Niemi Andrea , Michel Christine
Published: December 2015

To enhance the accuracy of carbon cycling models as applied to sea ice in the changing Arctic, we analyzed a large data set of particulate organic carbon (POC) and nitrogen (PON) measurements in first-year bottom sea ice (n = 257) from two Arctic shelves, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Beaufort Sea shelf, including dark winter and spring seasonal measurements. Wide ranges of sea-ice POC:PON ratios were observed during both the dark winter (12–46 mol:mol) and spring (3–24 mol:mol) periods. Sea-ice POC:PON ratios and chlorophyll a concentrations were significantly higher in the Archipelago versus the Beaufort Sea shelf (p < 0.01), yet there was a highly significant relationship between sea-ice POC and PON during spring for both shelves (r2 = 0.94). POC:PON ratios were not consistent over the range of measured POC and PON concentrations, justifying the use of a power function model to best describe the relationship between POC and PON. Distinct relationships between POC:PON ratios and chlorophyll-based biomass were observed for the dark winter and the spring: dark winter sea-ice POC:PON ratios decreased with increasing sea-ice biomass whereas spring POC:PON ratios increased with increasing sea-ice biomass. The transition from the dark period to the spring growth period in first-year sea ice represented a distinct stoichiometric shift in POC:PON ratios. Our results demonstrate that the Redfield ratio has limited applicability over the four-order of magnitude range of biomass concentrations observed in first-year sea ice on Arctic shelves. This study emphasizes the need for variable POC:PON stoichiometry in sea-ice biogeochemical models and budget estimates, in particular at high biomass concentrations and when considering seasonality outside of the spring period in first year ice. The use of a power function model for POC:PON relationships in sea ice is also recommended to better constrain carbon estimates in biogeochemical sea-ice models.
Men's Health, 13: review and future suggestions
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: December 2015

This article, the last in this series of articles that explored the many facets of men's health, will review a number of issues that have been highlighted in the past 18 months or so in regards to men's health and will propose a number of possible suggestions for future engagement both with these issues and the men behind these issues.
Building bonds of trust
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: December 2015

We all know that attachments are important, especially in the earliest years of a child's life, but do we really know the difference between good and bad, and what we can do to help?
A self-audit framework for your SEND provision
Authors: Sobel Daniel
Published: December 2015

How effective is your school's overall SEND provision? Inclusion expert Daniel Sobel urges you not to wait for problems to develop, but to self-audit your SEND using the following framework
The ABC of learning – practical classroom advice for NQTs
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: December 2015

Being a successful NQT is as simple – if not as easy – as ABC. Matt Bromley offers some practical advice on Assessment, Behaviour and Curriculum…
Using fluoroscopy safely
Authors: Baker Martin
Published: December 2015

Fluoroscopy is an x-ray based imaging modality capable of producing still images or real-time moving images. There is the potential for comparatively high radiation doses to the patient and staff if it is not operated in the correct manner. This article examines the practical techniques available to use c-arm fluoroscopy safely and provides some methods for improving image quality. There is a definite need for structured training in both operation of fluoroscopy units and the associated radiation safety issues, before staff are permitted to use the equipment.
Canine nutrition for a healthy old age
Authors: Moyers Tamberlyn
Published: December 2015

Ageing dogs are commonly seen in veterinary practices. Small breed dogs may be considered geriatric at 12–14 years whereas large and giant breed dog would be geriatric at 7–9 years. When dogs begin to transition from adult to senior or geriatric, it is important that their nutrition is monitored by a veterinary professional so that they maintain health and a high quality of life. The veterinary nurse plays an important role in monitoring patients from the time they are puppies through their senior years assuring that appropriate nutrition is maintained for a long, healthy life.

The veterinary nurse's role in helping the owner to achieve his or her goals of having a healthy older dog begins the minute the patient enters the clinic for the first time.

Mature dogs are more prone than younger dogs to certain disease processes such as obesity, degenerative joint disease, cognitive dysfunction, and cardiac, renal, liver, and metabolic diseases. A beneficial feeding plan should be based on risk factors and any disease process affecting the individual dog. The aim is to establish a long healthy old age for the canine.
Effects of exposure to human medicines in cats and dogs
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: December 2015

Medicines, including both prescription-only and over-the-counter products, are very readily available in the home and are a common source of poisoning in companion animals. Recent studies have shown that analgesics, in particular, are frequently involved in the accidental poisoning of animals, both in Europe and the US. Some medicinal products, such as cold and flu remedies, can contain a variety of ingredients and it is important to obtain details of the exact product involved. This article describes some common medicines found in the home, focusing on over-the-counter products in particular; lists the clinical signs that can occur in the case of an overdose; and describes differences between species where appropriate, as well as briefly outlining treatment.
Patient care report for the stabilisation of a cat with a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture
Authors: Nelson Debbie
Published: December 2015

Diaphragmatic ruptures in cats are often seen following trauma and can cause severe respiratory distress. This article reflects on the author's experience of providing emergency nursing care to a 2-year-old, domestic short hair cat, with a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. In order to provide effective nursing care it is essential for the veterinary nurse to understand the effects of shock in the feline patient. Creating a protocol for the management of the dyspnoeic trauma cat could facilitate a more efficient treatment plan, allowing for available monitoring equipment to be fully utilised. If advanced monitoring techniques are not available, a successful patient outcome is still achievable with basic nursing skills and a good underpinning knowledge of the emergency and critical patient.
Spectrum bias, a common unrecognised issue in orthopaedic agreement studies
Authors: Kleinlugtenbelt Y. V. , Hoekstra M. , Ham S. J. , Kloen P. , Haverlag R. , Simons M. P. , Bhandari M. , Goslings J. C. , Poolman R. W. , Scholtes V. A. B.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Current studies on the additional benefit of using computed tomography (CT) in order to evaluate the surgeons’ agreement on treatment plans for fracture are inconsistent. This inconsistency can be explained by a methodological phenomenon called ‘spectrum bias’, defined as the bias inherent when investigators choose a population lacking therapeutic uncertainty for evaluation. The aim of the study is to determine the influence of spectrum bias on the intra-observer agreement of treatment plans for fractures of the distal radius.

Methods

Four surgeons evaluated 51 patients with displaced fractures of the distal radius at four time points: T1 and T2: conventional radiographs; T3 and T4: radiographs and additional CT scan (radiograph and CT). Choice of treatment plan (operative or non-operative) and therapeutic certainty (five-point scale: very uncertain to very certain) were rated. To determine the influence of spectrum bias, the intra-observer agreement was analysed, using Kappa statistics, for each degree of therapeutic certainty.

Results

In cases with high therapeutic certainty, intra-observer agreement based on radiograph was almost perfect (0.86 to 0.90), but decreased to moderate based on a radiograph and CT (0.47 to 0.60). In cases with high therapeutic uncertainty, intra-observer agreement was slight at best (-0.12 to 0.19), but increased to moderate based on the radiograph and CT (0.56 to 0.57).

Conclusion

Spectrum bias influenced the outcome of this agreement study on treatment plans. An additional CT scan improves the intra-observer agreement on treatment plans for a fracture of the distal radius only when there is therapeutic uncertainty. Reporting and analysing intra-observer agreement based on the surgeon’s level of certainty is an appropriate method to minimise spectrum bias. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:190–194.
RELAÇÃO ENTRE A TAXA DE CÂMBIO E O SETOR DE TURISMO: ANÁLISE POR VETORES AUTORREGRESSIVOS
Authors: Valença Marilia Nunes , Melo André De Souza , Sobral Marcos Felipe Falcão , Xavier Maria Gilca Pinto
Published: December 2015

O presente artigo aborda a relação entre a taxa de câmbio e a receita e a despesa cambiais turísticas. As receitas cambiais são os gastos dos turistas estrangeiros no Brasil, enquanto as despesas são os gastos dos turistas brasileiros no exterior. A relação entre despesa e receita é analisada na balança de pagamentos e influencia os resultados econômicos da atividade turística no país. Visto que o câmbio é um dos fatores que mais influenciam as receitas e as despesas, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar essa influência. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como exploratória, quantitativa e utiliza dados secundários por meio de fontes estatísticas. A análise foi feita utilizando três séries temporais, de incidência mensal, no período de janeiro de 1994 a dezembro de 2014. Para atingir os objetivos deste artigo, foram utilizados o Teste de Causalidade de Granger e os Vetores Autorregressivos (VAR), que buscam estabelecer as relações de causalidade entre as variáveis e suas influências. Os resultados mostram que o câmbio tem relação de causalidade com as despesas cambiais e influenciam as despesas e as receitas cambiais. Ou seja, os turistas estrangeiros demonstram menor sensibilidade às variações cambiais do que os turistas brasileiros, que diminuem os gastos em viagens internacionais. Palavras-chave: Despesas e receitas cambiais turísticas. Taxa de câmbio nominal. Vetores autoregressivos.