bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of mobile banking servicescape on customer attitude and engagement
Authors: Sahoo Debjani , S. Pillai Sreejesh
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential influence of the mobile banking (M banking) servicescape on customer attitude and engagement. The stimulus-organism-response framework was adapted to formulate a conceptual model, in which the M banking servicescape was modelled as an antecedent (stimulus) of customer attitudes towards M banking (organism), in turn directing customer behaviour (response), namely, customer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based survey of 345 M banking users was conducted to gather data. The structural equation modelling technique was employed to analyse the conceptual model and test the proposed set of hypotheses.

Findings

The results of data analyses showed that M banking servicescape is a strong predictor of customer attitude towards M banking, which then influences customer engagement. The findings also demonstrate that customer attitudes towards M banking mediate both the M banking servicescape and engagement.

Originality/value

The extension of servicescape literature from the physical to the online context of M banking provides a notable new realm in which academicians can extend the current paradigms. This study also enhances understanding of potential improvements to customer attitude towards and engagement with M banking.
Apps for mobile banking and customer satisfaction: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Sampaio Cláudio Hoffmann , Ladeira Wagner Junior , Santini Fernando De Oliveira
Published: August 2017

Purpose

By specifically focussing on the use of mobile banking apps, the purpose of this paper is to examine how perceived justice moderates the relationship between the benefits offered by mobile banking and the consequences of satisfaction with mobile banking. This research employs a model in which mobile banking offers comprehensive benefits, satisfaction and consequences that favour mobile banking; in addition, the model also tests the moderating role of perceived justice and uncertainty avoidance in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey study was conducted among bank customers who suffered service failure with certain mobile banking apps. The surveys were collected in three different countries: Brazil, India and the USA. A total of 383 questionnaires were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to analyse and test the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

The results indicate that the benefits offered by mobile banking are positively related to customer satisfaction. Additionally, three consequences of customer satisfaction were analysed: trust, loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Regarding the context of service failure, the influence of offered benefits on customer satisfaction was significantly different between customers with high and low perceived justice. Uncertainty avoidance (Brazil, USA and India) was not a significant moderator in this study.

Practical implications

The model can be useful for banks to understand perceived justice. Additionally, managers can use the study’s results to develop strategies to better serve customers.

Originality/value

The main contribution is to extend previous research on the benefits offered by mobile banking and the consequences of satisfaction with mobile banking, which includes studies on service failure and perceived justice.
Spatio‐temporal variation in lifelong telomere dynamics in a long‐term ecological study
Authors: Spurgin Lewis G. , Bebbington Kat , Fairfield Eleanor A. , Hammers Martijn , Komdeur Jan , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S.
Published: August 2017

Understanding individual‐level variation in response to the environment is fundamental to understanding life‐history evolution and population dynamics. Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, shorten in response to oxidative stress, and telomere shortening is correlated with reduced survival and life span. Investigating telomere dynamics may help us quantify individual variation in the costs experienced from social and ecological factors, and enhance our understanding of the dynamics of natural populations.

Here, we study spatio‐temporal variation in lifelong telomere dynamics in the Seychelles warbler, Acrocephalus sechellensis. We combine long‐term life history and ecological data with a large longitudinal dataset of mean telomere lengths, consisting of 1,808 samples from 22 cohorts born between 1993 and 2014. We provide a detailed analysis of how telomere dynamics vary over individual life spans and cohorts, and with spatio‐temporal variation in the social and ecological environment.

We found that telomere length decreases with cross‐sectional and longitudinal measures of age, and most rapidly very early in life. However, both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data suggested that against this overall pattern of shortening, bouts of telomere length increase occur in some individuals. Using a large number of repeated measurements we show statistically that these increases are unlikely to be explained solely by qPCR measurement error.

Telomere length varied markedly among cohorts. Telomere length was positively associated with temporal variation in island‐wide insect abundance—a key resource for the insectivorous Seychelles warbler—suggesting that the costs associated with living in harsher environments can be studied by investigating telomere dynamics. We also found evidence for sex‐specific relationships between telomeres and tarsus length, potentially reflecting differential costs of growth.

Our long‐term data show that in a natural population, telomere dynamics vary in a complex manner over individual life spans, and across space and time. Variance in telomere dynamics among individuals is the product of a wide array of genetic, parental and environmental factors. Explaining this variation more fully will require the integration of comprehensive long‐term ecological and genetic data from multiple populations and species.
Quantifying risk of overharvest when implementation is uncertain
Authors: Eriksen Lasse F. , Moa Pål F. , Nilsen Erlend B.
Published: August 2017

Sustainable harvest management implies an ability to control harvest rates. This is challenging in systems that have limited control of resources and resource users, which is often the case in small game harvest management. The difference between management strategies and actual harvest bag size (i.e. implementation uncertainty) may be substantial, but few studies have explored this.

We investigated how different management strategies and ecosystem variables affected realised harvest of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus L.) among nine independently managed, state‐owned hunting areas in Central and South Norway during 2008–2015. First, we focused our empirical analysis around three response variables of interest: hunting bag (scaled by area), hunting effort (number of hunting days scaled by area) and hunter efficiency (shot birds per hunting day). Akaike information criteria (AIC) guided model selection among candidate GLMMs. Then, we used model‐averaged parameter estimating from the statistical models in numerical simulations to explore risk of overharvest due to implementation uncertainty.

The most parsimonious model explaining hunting bag included total allowable catch (TAC) and willow ptarmigan density. Hunting effort was explained by number of permits sold and type of quota (daily vs. weekly quota). The most parsimonious model describing hunter efficiency only included the effect of willow ptarmigan density.

Our results show that managers have only partial control over harvest rates in this system, and that hunters were relatively more efficient and harvest rates higher at low densities. This effect was present for all management strategy scenarios, including when managers adjusted TAC according to population estimates from monitoring programmes.

Synthesis and applications. Quantifying risk of unsustainable harvest rates under different scenarios enables managers to make informed decisions, when dealing with competing objectives of harvest opportunities and sustainability. The substantial risk of high harvest rates at low densities reported here should encourage frequent use of threshold strategies. This study is one of the first approaches for quantifying implementation uncertainty in small game harvest, and shows how estimates from empirical analyses could be used to quantify risk of overharvest.
Comparing blunders in government
Authors: JENNINGS WILL , LODGE MARTIN , RYAN MATT
Published: August 2017

Much attention has been paid to government ‘blunders’ and ‘policy disasters’. National political and administrative systems have been frequently blamed for being disproportionately prone to generating mishaps. However, little systematic evidence exists on the record of failures of policies and major public projects in other political systems. Based on a comparative perspective on blunders in government, this article suggests that constitutional features do not play a prominent role. In order to establish this finding, this article (a) develops theory‐driven expectations as to the factors that are said to encourage blunders, (b) devises a systematic framework for the assessment of policy processes and outcomes, and (c) uses fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis to identify sets of causal conditions associated with particular outcomes (i.e., blunders). The article applies this novel approach to a set of particular policy domains, finding that constitutional features are not a contributory factor to blunders in contrast to instrument choice, administrative capacity and hyper‐excited politics.
The Regulatory Framework Across International Jurisdictions for Risks Associated with Consumption of Botanical Food Supplements
Authors: Low Teng Yong , Wong Kwok Onn , Yap Adelene L. L. , De Haan Laura H. J. , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: August 2017

Dietary supplements, including those containing botanical ingredients and botanical‐derived compounds, have been marketed to consumers globally for many decades. However, the legislative framework for such products remains inconsistent across jurisdictions internationally. This study aims to compare the regulatory framework of botanical food supplements in the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, and China. The study also aims to investigate and describe safety assessment criteria for botanical food supplements where they are present in the above said jurisdictions, and attempts to analyze whether these criteria are suitable for addressing the toxicological risks associated with the use of botanical food supplement products, based on the evaluation of reported adverse effects related to botanical food supplement use as examples. Finally, this study discusses some future issues that need further attention, such as the consideration of less than lifetime exposures, potential for misidentification, and adulteration of botanical supplements by pharmacologically active substances. It is concluded that the regulatory approaches towards botanical food supplements differ significantly across jurisdictions. In addition, national authorities are increasingly considering having more regulatory oversight for such products. Further consideration of the actual impact of adverse events arising from botanical food supplement usage will be helpful in guiding such decisions.
Healthy Snacks: Using Nutrient Profiling to Evaluate the Nutrient‐Density of Common Snacks in the United States
Authors: Hess Julie M. , Slavin Joanne L.
Published: August 2017

Objective: To quantify and compare the nutrient‐density of commonly consumed snacks using two nutrient‐density measures, Nutrient Rich Foods Indices 9.3 (NRF 9.3) and 15.3 (NRF 15.3). Design: Identify commonly consumed categories of snacks and individual snack foods, calculate NRF 9.3 and 15.3 scores, rank snacks by category and by individual food based on nutrient density, compare and contrast scores generated by the two NRF Indices. Main Outcome Measures: NRF 9.3 and 15.3 scores. Analysis: Averages and standard deviations of nutrient‐density scores for each snack category. Results: Vegetables and coffee/tea received the highest category scores on both indices. Cakes/cookies/pastries and sweets had the lowest category scores. NRF 9.3 scores for individual snacks ranged from –46 (soda) to 524 (coffee). NRF 15.3 scores ranged from –45 (soda) to 736 (coffee). Conclusions and Implications: If added to food labels, NRF scores could help consumers identify more nutritious choices. The differences between NRF 9.3 and 15.3 scores generated for the same foods and the limitations of these indices highlight the need for careful consideration of which nutrient‐density measure to include on food labels as well as consumer education.
Temporal Texture Profile and Identification of Glass Transition Temperature as an Instrumental Predictor of Stickiness in a Caramel System
Authors: Mayhew Emily J. , Schmidt Shelly J. , Schlich Pascal , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: August 2017

Stickiness is an important texture attribute in many food systems, but its meaning can vary by person, product, and throughout mastication. This variability and complexity makes it difficult to devise analytical tests that accurately and consistently predict sensory stickiness. Glass transition temperature (Tg) is a promising candidate for texture prediction. Our objective is to elucidate the temporal profile of stickiness in order to probe the relationship between Tg and dynamic stickiness perception. Nine caramel samples with diverse texture and thermal profiles were produced for sensory testing and differential scanning calorimetry. Sixteen trained panelists generated stickiness‐relevant terms to be used in a subsequent temporal dominance of sensation (TDS) test with the same panelists. Following the TDS study, these panelists also rated samples for overall tactile and oral stickiness. Stickiness ratings were then correlated to TDS dominance parameters across the full evaluation period and within the first, middle, and final thirds of the evaluation period. Samples with temporal texture profiles dominated by tacky, stringy, and enveloping attributes consistently received the highest stickiness scores, although the correlation strength varied by time period. Tg was found to correlate well with trained panelist and consumer ratings of oral (R2trained = 0.85; R2consumer = 0.96) and tactile (R2trained = 0.78; R2consumer = 0.79) stickiness intensity, and stickiness intensity ratings decreased with Tg of completely amorphous samples. Further, glassy samples followed a different texture trajectory (brittle‐cohesive‐toothpacking) than rubbery samples (deformable‐tacky‐enveloping). These results illuminate the dynamic perception of stickiness and support the potential of Tg to predict both stickiness intensity and texture trajectory in caramel systems.
A comparison of regression methods for model selection in individual‐based landscape genetic analysis
Authors: Shirk Andrew J. , Landguth Erin L. , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: August 2017

Anthropogenic migration barriers fragment many populations and limit the ability of species to respond to climate‐induced biome shifts. Conservation actions designed to conserve habitat connectivity and mitigate barriers are needed to unite fragmented populations into larger, more viable metapopulations, and to allow species to track their climate envelope over time. Landscape genetic analysis provides an empirical means to infer landscape factors influencing gene flow and thereby inform such conservation actions. However, there are currently many methods available for model selection in landscape genetics, and considerable uncertainty as to which provide the greatest accuracy in identifying the true landscape model influencing gene flow among competing alternative hypotheses. In this study, we used population genetic simulations to evaluate the performance of seven regression‐based model selection methods on a broad array of landscapes that varied by the number and type of variables contributing to resistance, the magnitude and cohesion of resistance, as well as the functional relationship between variables and resistance. We also assessed the effect of transformations designed to linearize the relationship between genetic and landscape distances. We found that linear mixed effects models had the highest accuracy in every way we evaluated model performance; however, other methods also performed well in many circumstances, particularly when landscape resistance was high and the correlation among competing hypotheses was limited. Our results provide guidance for which regression‐based model selection methods provide the most accurate inferences in landscape genetic analysis and thereby best inform connectivity conservation actions.
New approaches for delineating n‐dimensional hypervolumes
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Morrow Cecina Babich , Maitner Brian , Harris David J. , Lamanna Christine , Violle Cyrille , Enquist Brian J. , Kerkhoff Andrew J.
Published: August 2017

Hutchinson's n‐dimensional hypervolume concept underlies many applications in contemporary ecology and evolutionary biology. Estimating hypervolumes from sampled data has been an ongoing challenge due to conceptual and computational issues.

We present new algorithms for delineating the boundaries and probability density within n‐dimensional hypervolumes. The methods produce smooth boundaries that can fit data either more loosely (Gaussian kernel density estimation) or more tightly (one‐classification via support vector machine). Further, the algorithms can accept abundance‐weighted data, and the resulting hypervolumes can be given a probabilistic interpretation and projected into geographic space.

We demonstrate the properties of these methods on a large dataset that characterises the functional traits and geographic distribution of thousands of plants. The methods are available in version ≥2.0.7 of the hypervolume r package.

These new algorithms provide: (i) a more robust approach for delineating the shape and density of n‐dimensional hypervolumes; (ii) more efficient performance on large and high‐dimensional datasets; and (iii) improved measures of functional diversity and environmental niche breadth.
Understanding Emergency Care Delivery Through Computer Simulation Modeling
Authors: Laker Lauren F. , Torabi Elham , France Daniel J. , Froehle Craig M. , Goldlust Eric J. , Hoot Nathan R. , Kasaie Parastu , Lyons Michael S. , Barg‐Walkow Laura H. , Ward Michael J. , Wears Robert L.
Published: August 2017

In 2017, Academic Emergency Medicine convened a consensus conference entitled, “Catalyzing System Change through Health Care Simulation: Systems, Competency, and Outcomes.” This article, a product of the breakout session on “understanding complex interactions through systems modeling,” explores the role that computer simulation modeling can and should play in research and development of emergency care delivery systems. This article discusses areas central to the use of computer simulation modeling in emergency care research. The four central approaches to computer simulation modeling are described (Monte Carlo simulation, system dynamics modeling, discrete‐event simulation, and agent‐based simulation), along with problems amenable to their use and relevant examples to emergency care. Also discussed is an introduction to available software modeling platforms and how to explore their use for research, along with a research agenda for computer simulation modeling. Through this article, our goal is to enhance adoption of computer simulation, a set of methods that hold great promise in addressing emergency care organization and design challenges.
Treatment of ALK‐rearranged non‐small cell lung cancer: A review of the landscape and approach to emerging patterns of treatment resistance in the Australian context
Authors: Itchins M. , Chia P.L. , Hayes S.A. , Howell V.M. , Gill A.J. , Cooper W.A. , John T. , Mitchell P. , Millward M. , Clarke S.J. , Solomon B. , Pavlakis N.
Published: August 2017

Since the identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2005, the treatment of ALK‐rearranged NSCLC (ALK+ NSCLC) has evolved at a rapid pace. This molecularly distinct subset of NSCLC has uniquely important biology, clinicopathologic features and mechanisms of drug resistance which impact on the choice of treatment for a patient with this disease. There are multiple ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors now available in clinical practice with efficacy data continuing to emerge and guide the optimal treatment algorithm. A detailed search of medical databases and clinical trial registries was conducted to capture all relevant articles on this topic enabling an updated detailed overview of the landscape of management of ALK‐rearranged NSCLC.
Elite Influence? Religion and the Electoral Success of the Nazis
Authors: Spenkuch Jörg L. , Tillmann Philipp
Published: August 2017

In Weimar Germany, the Catholic Church vehemently warned ordinary parishioners about the dangers of extremist parties. We establish that constituencies' religious composition is a key empirical predictor of Nazi vote shares—dwarfing the explanatory power of any other demographic or socioeconomic variable. Even after carefully accounting for observational differences, Catholics were far less likely to vote for the NSDAP than their Protestant counterparts. The evidence suggests that this disparity was, in large part, due to the sway of the Catholic Church and its dignitaries. At the same time, we show that attempts to immunize Catholics against the radical left failed to achieve the desired result. To explain the puzzling asymmetry in the Church's influence at the ballot box, we develop a simple theoretical framework of elite influence in electoral politics.
Hereditary angioedema with a mutation in the plasminogen gene
Authors: Bork K. , Wulff K. , Steinmüller‐Magin L. , Brænne I. , Staubach‐Renz P. , Witzke G. , Hardt J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) with normal C1‐INH (HAEnCI) may be linked to specific mutations in the coagulation factor 12 (FXII) gene (HAE‐FXII) or functional mutations in other genes that are still unknown. We sought to identify and characterize a hitherto unknown type of HAE with normal C1‐INH and without mutation in the F12 gene.

Methods

The study comprised analysis of whole‐exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and clinical data of patients.

Results

We detected a mutation in the plasminogen (PLG) gene in patients with HAEnCI. The mutation c.9886A>G was located in exon 9 leading to the missense mutation p.Lys330Glu (K330E) in the kringle 3 domain of the PLG protein. The mutation was identified by next‐generation sequencing in 14 patients with HAEnCI belonging to 4 of 7 families. Family studies revealed that this type of HAE was transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. The PLG gene mutation was present in all studied symptomatic patients and was also found in 9 of 38 index patients from 38 further families with HAEnCI. Most patients had swelling of face/lips (78.3%) and tongue (78.3%). A total of 331 of all 3.795 tongue swellings (8.7%) were associated with dyspnea, voice changes, and imminent asphyxiation. Two women died by asphyxiation due to a tongue swelling.

Conclusions

Hereditary angioedema with a mutation in the PLG gene is a novel type of HAE. It is associated with a high risk of tongue swellings.
Un‐earthing the Subterranean Anthropocene
Authors: Melo Zurita Maria de Lourdes , George Munro Paul , Houston Donna
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we argue that the role of the underground has been discursively absent from contemporary debates about the Anthropocene. We build on recent geographical scholarship that has challenged “surface bias” and call for geographical debate to go deeper into the third dimension; to explore the Subterranean Anthropocene; to embrace volume ontologies. We present three core arguments. (1) The Anthropocene is about our future underground, a geological epoch signifier where stratigraphic signatures will be etched in future rocks. This requires us to critically reflect on how our human identity and practice is entangled with rock stratum, both now and in the future. (2) The Anthropocene is about our subterranean past. It involves the emergence of capitalisation and industrialisation – two major driving forces of epochal change – that are predicated on new technologies that redefine the underground as an epistemological space for economic, social and political calculation. (3) We propose that the Anthropocene is about our current sub‐surface relations. That the underground matters in contemporary society as a resource, as a site of urban infrastructure, as a source of soils for agriculture and as a dump for waste, among many other uses. However, this important protagonist role in society, and hence the Anthropocene, is still somewhat obscured. There is therefore a need for new metaphorical tropes to bring the underground into contemporary environmental discourses. As such, we conclude, subterranean spaces should become more prominent epistemic, physical, technical and conceptual locations for geographical exploration and political geo‐ecological framings.
White matter tract integrity is associated with antidepressant response to lurasidone in bipolar depression
Authors: Lan Martin J , Rubin‐Falcone Harry , Motiwala Fatima , Chen Ying , Stewart Jonathan W , Hellerstein David J , Mann J John , McGrath Patrick J
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Patients with bipolar disorder spend the most time in the depressed phase, and that phase is associated with the most morbidity and mortality. Treatment of bipolar depression lacks a test to determine who will respond to treatment. White matter disruptions have been found in bipolar disorder. Previous reports suggest that white matter disruptions may be associated with resistance to antidepressant medication, but this has never been investigated in a prospective study using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved medication.

Methods

Eighteen subjects with bipolar disorder who were in a major depressive episode and off all medications were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging was acquired using a 64‐direction diffusion tensor imaging sequence on a 3T scanner. Subjects were treated with 8 weeks of open‐label lurasidone. The Montgomrey‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was completed weekly. Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics were utilized to perform a regression analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) data with treatment outcome as assessed by percent change in MADRS as a regressor while controlling for age and sex, using a threshold of P (threshold‐free cluster enhancement‐corrected) <.05.

Results

FA was positively correlated with antidepressant treatment response in multiple regions of the mean FA skeleton bilaterally, including tracts in the frontal and parietal lobes.

Conclusions

Greater disruptions in the white matter tracts in bipolar disorder were associated with poorer antidepressant response to lurasidone. The disruptions may potentially indicate treatment with a different antidepressant medication class. These results are limited by the open‐label study design, sample size and lack of a healthy control group.
Menopause and illness course in bipolar disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Perich Tania , Ussher Jane , Meade Tanya
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Menopause may be a time of increased mood symptoms for some women. This systematic review aimed to examine the severity of symptoms and prevalence of mood changes in women with bipolar disorder during peri‐menopause and post‐menopause.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. The two primary outcomes assessed were relapse rates and symptom severity during menopause. Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL and SCOPUS from January 1980 until December 2016.

Results

Nine studies, including a total of 273 participants diagnosed with bipolar disorder and who reported menopause, were included in the narrative synthesis. Menopause was reported to be associated with increased symptoms overall, and with depression in particular (range of 46%‐91%). The collection of self‐reported retrospective data was the most commonly used method to record menopause status.

Conclusions

The impact of menopause on illness course for women with bipolar disorder is largely under‐explored. Preliminary evidence suggests that it may be associated with increased bipolar symptoms. Further work is needed to explore how menopause may interact with bipolar disorder over time and the nature of these symptom changes, and if and how menopause may differ from other reproductive stages.
Focal irreversible electroporation as primary treatment for localized prostate cancer
Authors: van den Bos Willemien , Scheltema Matthijs J. , Siriwardana Amila R. , Kalsbeek Anton M.F. , Thompson James E. , Ting Francis , Böhm Maret , Haynes Anne‐Maree , Shnier Ron , Delprado Warick , Stricker Phillip D.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To determine the safety, quality of life (QoL) and short‐term oncological outcomes of primary focal irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa), and to identify potential risk factors for oncological failure.

Patients and Methods

Patients who met the consensus guidelines on patient criteria and selection methods for primary focal therapy were eligible for analysis. Focal IRE was performed for organ‐confined clinically significant PCa, defined as high‐volume disease with Gleason sum score 6 (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] grade 1) or any Gleason sum score of 7 (ISUP grades 2–3). Oncological, adverse event (AE) and QoL outcome data, with a minimum of 6 months’ follow‐up, were analysed. Patient characteristics and peri‐operative treatment variables were compared between patients with and without oncological failure on follow‐up biopsy. Wilcoxon's signed rank test, Wilcoxon's rank sum test and the chi‐squared test were used to assess statistically significant differences in paired continuous, unpaired continuous and categorical variables respectively.

Results

A total of 63 patients met all eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. No high‐grade AEs occurred. QoL questionnaire analysis demonstrated no significant change from baseline in physical (P = 0.81), mental (P = 0.48), bowel (P = 0.25) or urinary QoL domains (P = 0.41 and P = 0.25), but there was a mild decrease in the sexual QoL domain (median score 66 at baseline vs 54 at 6 months; P < 0.001). Compared with baseline, a decline of 70% in prostate‐specific antigen level (1.8 ng/mL, interquartile range 0.96–4.8 ng/mL) was seen at 6–12 months. A narrow safety margin (P = 0.047) and system errors (P = 0.010) were identified as potential early risk factors for in‐field oncological failure. In‐field and whole‐gland oncological control on follow‐up biopsies was 84% (38/45 patients) and 76% (34/45 patients); this increased to 97% (38/39 patients) and 87% (34/39 patients) when patients treated with a narrow safety margin and system errors were excluded.

Conclusion

Our data support the safety and feasibility of focal IRE as a primary treatment for localized PCa with effective short‐term oncological control in carefully selected men.
Ce que peut la sociologie
Authors: Lahire Bernard
Published: August 2017

When it is relational, processual, and it articulates the incorporated dispositions of the actors and the contexts of their actions, sociology “desevidentialize,” denaturalize, desubstantialize, and historicize the social world by contributing to do away with spontaneous representations that distort the reality of things. Besides, when sociology studies the social at the level of the individuals and individual actions, it destroys the fictions (juridical and philosophical) of the isolated individuals, enclosed on himself, free and fully conscious of everything. By producing images of the real state of the social world, sociology fully participates in the democratic life of our societies and should, therefore, be at the heart of the formation of citizens.

Lorsqu'elle est relationnelle, processuelle, et qu'elle articule les dispositions incorporées des acteurs et les contextes de leurs actions, la sociologie ‘désévidentialise’, dénaturalise, désubstantialise et historicise le monde social en contribuant à chasser les représentations spontanées qui déforment la réalité des choses. Lorsque, par ailleurs, elle étudie le social à l’échelle des individus et des actions individuelles, elle détruit les fictions (juridique comme philosophique) de l'individu isolé, enfermé sur lui‐même, libre et pleinement conscient de tout. Produisant des images un tant soit peu précises et justes de l’état réel du monde social, la sociologie participe pleinement à la vie démocratique de nos sociétés et devrait, pour cette raison, être au cœur de la formation des citoyens.
Long non‐coding RNAs and prostate cancer
Authors: Misawa Aya , Takayama Ken‐ichi , Inoue Satoshi
Published: August 2017

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts larger than 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins the aberrant expression of which has been documented in various types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Lack of appropriate sensitive and specific biomarkers for prostate cancer has led to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, making lncRNAs promising novel biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for the disease. The present review attempts to summarize the current knowledge of lncRNA expression patterns and mechanisms in prostate cancer, which contribute to carcinogenesis. In particular, we focused on lncRNAs regulated by androgen receptor and expressed in castration‐resistant prostate cancer.
He Says, She Says: Mothers and Children Remembering the Same Events
Authors: Wang Qi , Song Qingfang
Published: August 2017

This study examined the consistency of memories for the same events in mothers and children, and how that varied as a function of culture and organizational components of memories. European American (EA) and Chinese immigrant (CI) mothers and their 6‐year‐old children (N = 127) independently recalled two emotionally salient events. In both cultures, mothers and children agreed more on factual event details and observable behaviors and less on subjective experiences and idiosyncratic interpretations. EA mothers and children told more diverse stories than did CI mothers and children. The findings shed important light on autobiographical memory as a multidimensional construct shaped by cultural beliefs and practices, and have critical implications for the evaluation of memory accuracy in research and real‐life settings.
Hairdressers' skin exposure to hair dyes during different hair dyeing tasks
Authors: Lind Marie‐Louise , Johnsson Stina , Lidén Carola , Meding Birgitta , Boman Anders
Published: August 2017

Background

The high risk of occupational skin disease among hairdressers, caused by skin exposure to irritants and sensitizers, such as hair dye substances, is of great concern.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess how the various tasks involved in hair dyeing contribute to hairdressers' exposure to hair dye, in order to enable the formulation of well‐founded recommendations on working routines that will reduce exposure and prevent occupational disease.

Methods

Skin exposure to hair dye was measured for 20 hairdressers applying highlights and all‐over hair colour with the hand rinsing technique. Resorcinol was used as a proxy for hair dye exposure.

Results

Applying hair dye and cutting the newly dyed hair were the tasks that contributed most to exposure in treatments for highlights. After cutting all‐over‐coloured hair, all hairdressers had measurable amounts of hair dyes on both hands.

Conclusions

Hairdressers are exposed to hair dye ingredients during all steps of the hair dyeing procedure. Cutting newly dyed hair contributes significantly to exposure. For the prevention of occupational disease resulting from hair dye exposure, we suggest cutting hair before dyeing it, and wearing gloves during all other work tasks.
An extended high‐frequency ultrasound protocol for detection of vessel wall inflammation
Authors: Zachrisson H. , Svensson C. , Dremetsika A. , Eriksson P.
Published: August 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate an extended protocol of the large vessels using high‐frequency duplex ultrasound (DUS) for detection of vessel wall inflammation.

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients performed a DUS examination where arteritis could not be excluded. All DUS examinations were performed using ACUSON S2000 TM ultrasound system (Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.). High‐frequency linear transducers were used (18L6 MHz, 9L4MHz) or curve linear for the aortic arch (6C2 MHz). Carotid, vertebral, central neck arteries (subclavian, axillary, innominate) arteries, aortic arch and femoral arteries were studied. Circumferential, homogenous wall thickening, with or without a hyperechogenic stripe lining the innermost layer, were regarded as typical signs of arteritis. Intima‐media thickness (IMT) was measured in the patients and a normal control group.

The latest clinical updated diagnosis was assessed at least 6 months after DUS.

Results

The DUS findings showed normal vessels (n = 14), arteritis and atherosclerosis (n = 13), atherosclerosis (n = 15) and arteritis (n = 16). The latter group had a significant increased IMT in the common femoral artery and the common carotid artery (mean 1·0 ±  SD 0·3 mm versus 0·6 ± 0·2 mm in the normal group (n = 37), P<0·00001, 1·2 ± 0·5 mm versus 0·8 ± 0·2 mm in the normal group (n = 40), P<0·00001).

In the groups with sonographic signs implying arteritis (n = 29), 20 patients had a clinical diagnosis of arteritis, whereas eight patients had another main diagnosis such as malignancy/other inflammatory or infectious disease complicated by inflammation of the vessel wall. One patient had multiple diagnoses and was not possible to classify.

Conclusion

An extended ultrasound protocol for central neck and leg arteries could be of value for diagnosis of arteritis. In case of atypical vessel wall inflammation, other main diagnoses should be considered.
Congenital cutaneous lymphadenoma
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Nicklaus‐Wollenteit Ina , Sathishkumar Dharshini , Diba Vicky , Richard Bruce , Carr Richard , Moss Celia , Nagy Anita , Ogboli Malobi , Colmenero Isabel
Published: August 2017

Cutaneous lymphadenoma is an uncommon benign neoplasm often considered to be an adamantinoid variant of trichoblastoma. Lesions present in both sexes, between 14 and 87 years of age, and are mainly located on the head and neck. Cases in children are rare and there is only 1 previous case of a congenital lymphadenoma. An 8‐year‐old Asian girl presented with a congenital lesion on her forehead comprising 4 pink papules, the largest 5 mm in diameter. Microscopy revealed a well‐circumscribed tumor within the dermis and subcutis comprising well‐demarcated epithelial lobules of basaloid and clear cells with subtle peripheral palisading, growing in a collagenous stroma but lacking retraction artefact. A relatively dense accompanying predominantly lymphocytic inflammatory cell infiltrate including both T‐cells (CD3+) and B‐cells (CD20+) permeated the nodules and spilled into the stroma. CD68+ histiocytes and CD1a+ Langerhans cells were moderately numerous. This is the second case of congenital lymphadenoma which—in spite of its rarity in childhood—widens the diagnostic possibilities of cutaneous lymphoepithelial tumors in children.
Review of the current medical literature and assessment of current utilization patterns regarding human papillomavirus in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in dermatopathology
Authors: Litzner Brandon R. , Lee Jason B. , Vidal Claudia I.
Published: August 2017

Human papillomaviruses have been implicated in many cutaneous diseases. Practicing dermatopathologists often consider using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to help clarify the histologic diagnosis, particularly in cases with borderline or nondiagnostic features. We reviewed the current evidence behind the use of these two techniques in dermatopathology. We identified only two studies utilizing the currently available immunohistochemical antibodies. We found more evidence regarding the use of in situ hybridization; however, the majority of this evidence focuses on diagnosing condylomas and other lesions of the genital skin. We also assessed current utilization patterns of attendees of the American Society of Dermatopathology annual meeting (Chicago, 2016) which revealed a wide spectrum of current utilization ranging from no use to regular use more than once per month. Two‐thirds of respondents utilized these tests primarily when requested by the submitting clinician and one‐third of the respondents utilize these tests reflexively in specific clinical scenarios.
Development of RET mutant cutaneous angiosarcoma during BRAF inhibitor therapy
Authors: Dai Julia , Kunder Christian A. , Chu Emily Y. , Chan Edward F. , Egan Christine L. , Novoa Roberto A.
Published: August 2017

Treatment with BRAF inhibitors may lead to paradoxical mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and accelerated tumorigenesis in cells with preexisting oncogenic hits. This phenomenon manifests clinically in the development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and keratoacanthomas (KAs) in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors. Cases of extracutaneous malignancies associated with BRAF inhibitors have also been reported. We present a case of a patient who developed a cutaneous angiosarcoma 6 months after initiation of vemurafenib therapy. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) revealed a mutation in RET, which lies upstream of the MAPK pathway. This case highlights that treatment with BRAF inhibitors may promote the accelerated growth of secondary malignancies. Physician awareness of the spectrum of secondary malignancies associated with BRAF inhibitor treatment will support their early detection and treatment.
Adrenomedullin and galanin responses to orthostasis in older persons
Authors: Broadbent James , Reichmuth Johannes , Trozic Irhad , Kneihsl Markus , Rössler Andreas , Green David A , Rodriguez Joel , Hinghofer‐Szalkay Helmut , Fazekas Franz , Goswami Nandu
Published: August 2017

Background

Neuroendocrine responses to orthostasis may be critical in the maintenance of mean arterial pressure in healthy individuals. A greater reduction in orthostatic tolerance with age may relate to modulation of hormonal responses such as adrenomedullin and galanin. Thus, we investigated (i) whether adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations increase during orthostatic challenge in older subjects, (ii) whether adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations are higher in older females compared with older males when seated and during orthostatic challenge, and (iii) whether postural changes in plasma concentrations of galanin are correlated with levels of adrenomedullin in either older females or males.

Materials and Methods

Subjects (n = 18; 12 ♀; 55–80 years old) performed a sit‐to‐stand test in a 25°C sensory‐minimised environment, with blood samples collected after 4 min of being seated and then when standing. Plasma adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations were determined.

Results

Baseline plasma concentration of adrenomedullin (5·35 ± 0·74 (n = 12, females) vs. 7·40 ± 1·06 pg/mL (n = 5, males)) and galanin (64·07 ± 9·05 vs. 98·99 ± 16·90 pg/mL, respectively) did not significantly differ between genders. Furthermore, plasma adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations were not significantly affected by adoption of the upright posture in either gender and were not correlated in females or males.

Conclusions

Adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations were similar between genders and did not change following adoption of the standing posture. To further clarify the roles, these hormones play in orthostatic intolerance, adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations should be assessed in participants who show presyncopal symptoms during an orthostatic challenge.
FISCAL RULES AND GOVERNMENT BORROWING COSTS: INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Thornton John , Vasilakis Chrysovalantis
Published: August 2017

We find that the adoption of numerical fiscal rules reduces government borrowing costs in a sample of 101 advanced and developing countries for 1985–2010. We apply a variety of propensity score matching methods to address the self‐selection problem of policy adoption and find strong evidence that fiscal rules have large and significant treatment effects on lowering government borrowing costs in both international and domestic financial markets. The results are robust to changes in country sample and alternative estimation methodology, and are consistent with fiscal rules helping to build policy credibility by reducing the probability of default and the “risk premium” on government debt that compensates lenders for this possibility. (JEL E43, G12, H60)
Small‐scale spatial variability in the distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungi affects plant performance and fungal diversity
Authors: Livne‐Luzon Stav , Ovadia Ofer , Weber Gil , Avidan Yael , Migael Hen , Glassman Sydney I. , Bruns Thomas D. , Shemesh Hagai
Published: August 2017

The effects of spatial heterogeneity in negative biological interactions on individual performance and species diversity have been studied extensively. However, little is known about the respective effects involving positive biological interactions, including the symbiosis between plants and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. Using a greenhouse bioassay, we explored how spatial heterogeneity of natural soil inoculum influences the performance of pine seedlings and composition of their root‐associated EM fungi. When the inoculum was homogenously distributed, a single EM fungal taxon dominated the roots of most pine seedlings, reducing the diversity of EM fungi at the treatment level, while substantially improving pine seedling performance. In contrast, clumped inoculum allowed the proliferation of several different EM fungi, increasing the overall EM fungal diversity. The most dominant EM fungal taxon detected in the homogeneous treatment was also a highly beneficial mutualist, implying that the trade‐off between competitive ability and mutualistic capacity does not always exist.
Recreational fishing impacts on threatened river sharks: A potential conservation issue
Authors: Kyne Peter M. , Feutry Pierre
Published: August 2017

The Adelaide River in Australia's Northern Territory is a popular recreational fishing area, as well as habitat for threatened and protected river sharks (Glyphis species). Both the Critically Endangered Speartooth Shark (Glyphis glyphis) and Endangered Northern River Shark (Glyphis garricki) are identified here in illegal catches from recreational angling. The identification of a decayed shark specimen using a DNA barcoding‐like approach is the first such application to the identification of protected sharks in a recreational fishery. While the extent of catches by recreational anglers is unknown, the threatened status of these sharks, their suspected low population sizes, restricted distributions and importance of the Adelaide River as a nursery area call for the consideration of this as a potential conservation issue. As such, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce interactions with recreational anglers. The primary target species in the river is the iconic sportfish, Barramundi, which is predominantly caught by unbaited lure. Sharks are rarely caught on lure, allowing an opportunity for mitigation to focus on a fishing activity (baited hooks) which would limit any regulatory impact on popular lure fishing. Potential mitigation measures range from increased angler education and compliance checks, to the implementation of a spatial closure to baited hook fishing (a lure‐only zone). Such measures may assist in meeting a stated objective of the Australian Government's river shark Recovery Plan to ‘reduce and, where possible, eliminate adverse impacts of recreational fishing'.