bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEC issues new guidance on excluding shareholder proposals under rule 14a-8
Authors: Newell John , McGivern Arthur , Roberts David
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To explain SEC Division of Corporation Finance Staff Legal Bulletin No. 14H (SLB 14H), which provides interpretive advice on how the Staff will treat shareholder proposals under the “directly conflicts” and “ordinary business” exclusions under Rule 14a-8.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains Rule 14-8 concerning the inclusion of shareholder proposals in a company’s proxy materials, Rule 14a-8(i)(9) on substantive bases for exclusion of shareholder proposals, guidance from SLB 14H on shareholder proposals that do and do not directly conflict with company proposals, Staff guidance prior to SLB 14H, the “ordinary business” exclusion under Rule 14a-8(i)(7), and how SEC staff guidance differs from the majority opinion in Trinity Wall Street v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. on the ordinary business exclusion.

Findings

The SEC Staff’s new standard for conflicting proposals is likely to make it more difficult for companies to exclude a shareholder proposal that is different from a management proposal if the two proposals are not “mutually exclusive”. Staff guidance also states that companies may not exclude proposals focusing on a significant policy issue under the ordinary business exclusion if “the proposals would transcend the day-to-day business matters and raise policy issues so significant that it would be appropriate for a shareholder vote”.

Originality/value

Expert guidance from experienced securities and financial services lawyers.
Proposed CFTC cybersecurity testing rules for derivatives market infrastructure
Authors: Humenik Stephen M. , Kwok James
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To summarize and analyze the CFTC’s proposed enhanced cybersecurity testing rules for entities that run the core derivatives market infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the CFTC’s proposed rulemaking related to cybersecurity testing, including enhanced cybersecurity testing requirements and guidance on risk analysis and oversight programs, as well as industry commentary on such rulemaking.

Findings

This article finds that the CFTC’s recent proposed rulemaking has been met with approval generally by industry participants, and is part of a broader effort to protect against cybersecurity threats that may affect the functioning of financial markets.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced futures and derivatives lawyers.
SEC flexes its muscle on accounting fraud and targets more individuals
Authors: Woodcock David , McKown Joan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To note the increase in accounting and financial reporting matters at the Securities and Exchange Commission by highlighting a number of recent cases filed by the agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The SEC recently announced the settlement or filing of a number of significant accounting fraud cases. Coupled with recent statements by the SEC and the Department of Justice, it is clear that accounting fraud is a priority and that individuals are in the cross-hairs. This article discusses a few of the recent cases and the trend toward more financial reporting and issuer disclosure cases.

Findings

The number of financial reporting and issuer disclosure cases will likely continue to increase. Individuals will be targeted in more of those cases, internal controls will be a focus, whistleblowers will continue to be important in this area, and SOX 304 clawbacks will continue to be a weapon for the SEC.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced securities and financial services lawyers.
Life on the margin: US margin rules finalized at last
Authors: Horwitz Marc , Hall Claire , Phipps Bradley
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To discuss the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) final rule regarding margin for uncleared swaps (the CFTC margin rule) and an interim final rule exempting non-financial and certain other end-users who are eligible for the end-user clearing exception from the scope of the CFTC margin rule, both adopted in December 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Compares the CFTC margin rule to the similar “Bank margin rule”; explains what trades and types of entities are covered, the treatment of inter-affiliate swaps, the initial margin and the variation margin requirements, the types of collateral that can be posted, the required documentation, how netting is applied, the custodian requirements and the compliance dates.

Findings

The margin rules apply to uncleared swaps including cross-currency swaps, non-deliverable foreign exchange forwards and currency options. Exempt foreign exchange swaps and deliverable foreign exchange forwards are not required to be margined. Non-financial end-users who rely on the end-user exception are exempt from margin requirements.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
The SEC’s increased use of administrative proceedings in enforcement actions: background, controversies, and future outlook
Authors: Wolper Alan , VonderHeide Heidi
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To explain the background, controversy and possible future developments related to the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) increased use of administrative proceedings (APs), rather than court actions, in bringing enforcement matters.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the SEC’s historic forum selection process, the home court advantage APs may give to the SEC, changes the SEC has proposed to the Rules of Practice governing APs, arguments challenging the constitutionality of APs, a jurisdictional hurdle faced by respondents challenging APs before federal courts, and possible future developments.

Findings

Critics consider the SEC’s expanded use of APs to be procedurally biased, unconstitutional, and unfairly advantageous to the SEC. In response, the SEC has offered guidance explaining its forum selection process, proposed procedural changes, and its belief that its systems are fair.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced financial services and securities litigation lawyers.
High temperature creep properties of low-Ag Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu solder joints by nanoindentation method
Authors: Kong Xiangxia , Sun F. , Yang Miaosen , Liu Yang
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the creep properties of the bulks of low-Ag Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu micro solder joints from 298 to 358 K. The creep constitutive modelling was developed. Meanwhile, the creep mechanism of the bulks of Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu micro solder joints was discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The creep properties of the bulks of low-Ag Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu micro solder joints from 298 to 358 K were investigated using the nanoindentation method.

Findings

The results of the experiments showed that the indentation depth and area increased with increasing temperatures. At the test temperature of 298-358 K, the creep strain rate of the bulks of the micro solder joints increases with the rising of the tested temperature. The values of creep stress exponent and activation energy calculated for the bulks of Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu micro solder joints were reasonably close to the published data. At the tested temperatures, dislocation climb took place and the dislocation climb motion was controlled by the dislocation pipe mechanism, and the second-phase particles enhancement mechanism played a very important role.

Originality/value

This study provides the creep properties of low-Ag Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu solder joints at different temperatures. The creep constitutive modelling has been developed for low-Ag Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-Ni/Cu solder joints.
Safety and tolerability of bosentan for digital ulcers in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis: Prospective, multicenter, open‐label study
Authors: Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Sumida Takayuki , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Ihn Hironobu , Tanaka Sumiaki , Asano Yoshihide , Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Kuwana Masataka , Endo Hirahito , Takehara Kazuhiko
Published: July 2016

A multicenter, open‐label study was performed to investigate the safety and tolerability of bosentan in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and secondary digital ulcers. Twenty‐eight patients were enrolled. The safety and tolerability of bosentan was monitored over 52 weeks of study treatment (primary end‐point), while incidence and healing of digital ulcers were also assessed up to week 16. The following adverse events occurred in 5% or more of patients during the 52‐week treatment period: upper respiratory tract infection (50.0%), abnormal liver function tests (42.9%), digital ulcers (25.0%), anemia (17.9%), peripheral edema (14.3%), diarrhea (10.7%), urinary tract infection (7.1%), arthralgia (7.1%), constipation (7.1%) and herpes zoster (7.1%). Eight patients experienced at least one serious adverse event, including drug‐related serious adverse events in two patients, which were abnormal liver function tests and fluid retention (pericardial effusion) in one patient each. During the 16‐week observation period, seven out of 28 patients (25%) developed new digital ulcers. In this study, adverse events were comparable with those previously reported with bosentan. Approximately half of the patients had adverse events associated with abnormal liver function tests, thus we conclude that liver function should be monitored regularly during treatment with bosentan.
Novel mutations in one allele in a Chinese family with neurofibromatosis type 1: Including a complex insertion–deletion mutation
Authors: Zhu Lude , Shi Lei , Wang Bo , Bi Mingye , Pu Jie , Zhang Linglin , Zhang Yunfeng , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Guolong
Published: July 2016

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary disease with variable clinical manifestations. This study was performed in a Chinese three‐generation family containing two members with NF1. Two novel mutations, c.853_854insTC and c.1975_1976delinsTA, were identified in the same allele in both patients by direct sequencing. By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found that the NF1 transcript contained the first mutation instead of the second mutation, suggesting a pathological role of c.853_854insTC mutation. Case reports of patients with two NF1 mutations in the same allele have not been reported. Our findings expand the known spectrum of NF1 mutations and the ongoing recognition of different mutations may give insight into the mysterious NF1 pathogenesis.
Weeds on the web: conflicting management advice about an invasive non‐native plant
Authors: Robinson Beth S. , Inger Richard , Crowley Sarah L. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: July 2016

Invasive non‐native plants (INNPs) can have serious and widespread negative ecological and socio‐economic impacts. It is therefore important they are managed appropriately. Within domestic gardens management decisions, which will tend to be made by individual members of the public, are likely to vary depending on (a) understanding of problems caused by INNP, and (b) knowledge of best practice.

Using content analysis, an approach seldom employed in an ecological context, this study analysed variation in internet‐based information sources regarding INNP to determine how this collective discourse might influence risk perceptions and management decisions for domestic garden owners/managers. We used Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica in the UK, as a case study, as it is one of the most ecologically and economically damaging INNP in the region. Our analysis categorized the types of author disseminating information about Japanese knotweed, the relative frequency of documents between author categories, and variation in content and style between and within author categories.

We identified five author categories: environmental NGOs, control companies, government, media and the property market. There was extensive variation in document structure, topics discussed, references and links to other sources, and language style; sometimes this variation was between author categories and sometimes within author categories. The most significant variation in topics discussed between author categories was indirect socio‐economic problems, with control companies discussing these most. The number of pieces of legislation referenced and the proportion of militaristic words used were also highly significantly different between author categories. Some documents used neutral terminology and were more circumspect, whilst others were more forceful in expressing opinions and sensational.

The author category returning the highest number of documents was the subcategory local government, the shortest of which contained neither links to other information nor referenced any organizations. Further analysis of local government documents revealed conflicting advice regarding the disposal of Japanese knotweed waste material; confusion about this topic could result in decisions being made that spread Japanese knotweed further and are potentially unlawful.

The potential implications of our findings for the management of INNP in domestic gardens and societal perceptions of risks posed by INNP are discussed.

Synthesis and applications. To help prevent inappropriate management of invasive non‐native plants (INNPs), for example Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica in domestic gardens, we recommend that local and national authorities collaborate and work towards disseminating more consistent messages about (a) the potential socio‐economic and ecological problems caused by INNP, whilst avoiding hyperbole, and (b) the most appropriate management techniques.
Unravelling post‐transcriptional PrmC‐dependent regulatory mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Krueger Jonas , Pohl Sarah , Preusse Matthias , Kordes Adrian , Rugen Nils , Schniederjans Monika , Pich Andreas , Häussler Susanne
Published: July 2016

Transcriptional regulation has a central role in cellular adaptation processes and is well investigated. In contrast, the importance of the post‐transcriptional regulation on these processes is less well defined. The technological advancements have been critical to precisely quantify protein and mRNA level changes and hold promise to provide more insights into how post‐transcriptional regulation determines phenotypes. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa the methyltransferase PrmC methylates peptide chain release factors to facilitate translation termination. Loss of PrmC activity abolishes anaerobic growth and leads to reduced production of quorum sensing‐associated virulence factors. Here, by applying SILAC technology in combination with mRNA‐sequencing, they provide evidence that the P. aeruginosa phenotype can be attributed to a change in protein to mRNA ratios of selected protein groups. The UAG‐dependent translation termination was more dependent on PrmC activity than the UAA‐ and UGA‐dependent translation termination. Additionally, a bias toward UAG stop codons in global transcriptional regulators was found. The finding that this bias in stop codon usage determines the P. aeruginosa phenotype is unexpected and adds complexity to regulatory circuits. Via modulation of PrmC activity the bacterial cell can cross‐regulate targets independently of transcriptional signals, a process with an underestimated impact on the bacterial phenotype.
Antipodean agricultural and resource economics at 60: farm management
Authors: Malcolm Bill , Wright Vic
Published: July 2016

From the beginning Agricultural economics in the Antipodes has encompassed farm management in various guises, from the farm economics of firms to the farm management economics of a firm to farm management research. Theoretical advances in the inter‐disciplinary task of farm management analysis, built on economics as the core discipline, make a sound foundation for farm management to be enriched by related disciplinary areas, which will further enhance analytical and problem‐solving capacities. Nowadays though, as in the past, the potential outstrips the application, meaning farmer advice, policy analysis and research investment evaluation are much the poorer.
A Question of Integrity: Variants of Bt Cotton, Pesticides and Productivity in Pakistan
Authors: Ma Xingliang , Smale Melinda , Spielman David J. , Zambrano Patricia , Nazli Hina , Zaidi Fatima
Published: July 2016

Bt cotton remains one of the most widely grown biotech crops among smallholder farmers in lower income countries, and numerous studies attest to its advantages. However, the effectiveness of Bt toxin, which depends on many technical constraints, is heterogeneous. In Pakistan, the diffusion of Bt cotton occurred despite a weak regulatory system and without seed quality control; whether or not many varieties sold as Bt are in fact Bt is also questionable. We utilise nationally representative sample data to test the effects of Bt cotton use on productivity. Unlike previous studies, we invoke several indicators of Bt identity: variety name, official approval status, farmer belief, laboratory tests of Bt presence in plant tissue, and biophysical assays measuring Bt effectiveness. Only farmer belief affects cotton productivity in the standard production model, which does not treat Bt appropriately as damage‐abating. In the damage control framework, all Bt indicators reduce damage from pests. Biophysical indicators have the largest effect and official approval has the weakest. Findings have implications for impact measurement. For policy‐makers, they suggest the need, on ethical and productivity grounds, to improve variety information and monitor variety integrity closer to point of sale.
Cleaning Puparia for Forensic Analysis
Authors: Higley Leon G. , Brosius Tierney R. , Reinhard Karl J. , Carter David
Published: July 2016

We tested procedures for removing adipocere from insect samples to allow identification. An acceptable procedure was determined: (i) Samples were sorted in petri dishes with 75% alcohol to remove any larvae, adult insects, or other soft‐bodied material. (ii) Samples of up to 24 puparia were placed in a vial with 15 mL of 95% acetone, capped, and vortexed for a total of 30–90 sec in 10‐ to 15‐sec bursts. This step removed large masses of adipocere or soil from specimen. (iii) Specimens were removed from acetone and placed in a vial of 15 mL of 2% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and vortexed in 10‐ to 15‐sec bursts until all puparia appeared clean (with our samples this required a total of 60–120 sec). (iv) Specimens were removed from the 2% KOH, placed in 75% ethanol, and examined microscopically. (v) Material was stored in 75% ethanol for identification and long‐term preservation.
Dental Age Estimation: A Test of the Reliability of Correctly Identifying a Subject Over 18 Years of Age Using the Gold Standard of Chronological Age as the Comparator
Authors: Lucas Victoria S. , Andiappan Manoharan , McDonald Fraser , Roberts Graham
Published: July 2016

This study was designed to test the reliability of using the third molars to demarcate between child and adult status. A total of 2000 dental panoramic tomographs were used for assessment of the calculated age using the 8‐stage system of tooth development and applied to all four third molars. TheLL8 was also assessed using this 8‐stage system. For each tooth development stage, the Normal distribution and percentile summary data were estimated. The calculated dental age compared with the chronological age was statistically significantly different (p< 0.001) for both females and males giving underestimates of the true age. Comparison of single tooth dental age and chronological age was only slightly different. The most important finding is that the assignment to above or below the 18‐year threshold, in the age range 17 years to 19 years, could be wrong on up to 50% of occasions.
Variability in Saponin Content, Cancer Antiproliferative Activity and Physicochemical Properties of Concentrated Agave Sap
Authors: Santos‐Zea Liliana , Rosas‐Pérez Aratza Mireya , Leal‐Díaz Ana María , Gutiérrez‐Uribe Janet A
Published: July 2016

Concentrated agave sap (CAS) has gained popularity as an unrefined sweetener. It is obtained by boiling “aguamiel” that contains phytochemicals with diverse bioactivities. Saponins have been the most widely studied agave phytochemicals due to their cancer antiproliferative effect but their concentration may vary due to maturity of the agave plant and collection site. In this study, 18 CAS samples produced in different states of Mexico were analyzed using multivariate methods to determine which physicochemical or phytochemical parameters were responsible for variation. Additionally, extracts with different saponin profiles were tested to determine possible correlations with antiproliferative activity. Total soluble solids, pH, and water activity were similar to those reported for other agave sweeteners. Antioxidant capacity of samples was correlated to browning index. Eleven steroidal saponins were found in CAS samples and they were the main source of variability. Magueyoside B, a kammogenin tetraglycoside, was the most abundant saponin in all samples. With respect to bioactivity, multivariate analysis indicated that magueyoside B and a gentrogenin tetraglycoside were compounds strongly related with bioactivity. CAS from Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz had higher concentration of magueyoside B than from the other kamogenin tetraglycoside found in the samples from other Mexican states. These results could be used as a first approach to characterize and standardize CAS to validate the potential health benefits derived from its consumption.
Characterization of Active Dry Wine Yeast During Starter Culture (Pied de Cuve) Preparation for Sparkling Wine Production
Authors: Benucci Ilaria , Liburdi Katia , Cerreti Martina , Esti Marco
Published: July 2016

The preparation of yeast starter culture (Pied de Cuve) for producing sparkling wine with the traditional method is a key factor for manufacturing a good Prise de mousse. In this paper, the evolution of total yeast population, its viability during Pied de Cuve preparation, and the pressure profile during the 2nd fermentation in 2 different base wines made from Bombino bianco and Chardonnay grapes were investigated using 4 different commercial active dried yeasts. The study proves that despite the initial differences observed throughout the acclimatization phase, all the tested strains showed similar results on either the total population (from 8.2 × 107 cells/mL to 1.3 × 108 cells/mL) or cellular viability (from 70% to 84%). Independently from the base wine tested, the kinetic of sugar consumption was faster during the gradual acclimatization to the alcoholic medium (phase II) and slower during the preparation of starter culture in active growth phase (phase III). During both of these phases Saccharomyces cerevisiae bayanus Vitilevure DV10® (Station œnotechnique de Champagne) proved to have a higher sugar consumption rate than the other strains. During the Prise de mousse, S. cerevisiae bayanus Lalvin EC‐1118® (Lallemand) reached the maximum pressure increase within time in both base wines.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with chemotherapy in first‐line treatment in an advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patient with EGFR sensitive mutation
Authors: Huang Aimi , Li Rong , Zhao Jikai , Wang Xiaofei , Jin Bo , Niu Yanjie , Zhang Jie , Jiang Liyan , Han Baohui
Published: July 2016

This article demonstrates a case of a lung adenocarcinoma patient in stage IV harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 19 exon deletion mutation treated with 500 mg/m2 pemetrexed and 75 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 1, sequenced with 250 mg gefitinib on prescription on days 4–28 for six cycles as first‐line, then by gefitinib combined with pemetrexed as maintenance therapy. The patient achieved a partial response. Performance status increased from grade 2 to 1. The progression‐free survival period was 17 months. Overall survival is now over three years. Side effects of grade two liver dysfunction and dermal toxicity were tolerable. Combined gefitinib with platinum‐based chemotherapy as first‐line treatment probably benefits non‐small cell cancer patients in stage IV harboring sensitive EGFR gene mutations with a better local control rate, longer survival, and tolerable side effects.
Analysis of Rare Variants in the Alcohol Dependence Candidate Gene GATA4
Authors: Degenhardt Franziska , Krämer Laurenz , Frank Josef , Treutlein Jens , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Hecker Julian , Fier Heide Löhlein , Lang Maren , Witt Stephanie H. , Koller Anna C. , Mann Karl , Hoffmann Sabine , Kiefer Falk , Spanagel Rainer , Rietschel Marcella , Nöthen Markus M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Common variants in the gene GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) show association with alcohol dependence (AD). The aim of this study was to identify rare variants in GATA4 in order to elucidate the role of this gene in AD susceptibility. Identification of rare variants may provide a more complete picture of the allelic architecture at this risk locus.

Methods

Sanger sequencing of all 6 coding exons of GATA4 was performed in 528 patients and 517 controls. Four in silico prediction tools were used to determine the effect of a DNA variant on the amino acid sequence and protein function. Five variants were included in the replication step. Of these, 4 were successfully genotyped in our replication cohort of 655 patients and 1,501 controls. All patients fulfilled DSM‐IV criteria for AD, and all individuals were of German descent.

Results

In the discovery step, 19 different heterozygous variants were identified. Four patient‐specific and potentially functionally relevant variants were followed up. Only the variant S379S (c.1137C>T) remained patient specific (1/1,166 patients vs. 0/1,997 controls). None of the variants showed a statistically significant association with AD.

Conclusions

The present study elucidated the role of GATA4 in AD susceptibility by identifying rare variants via Sanger sequencing and subsequent replication. Although novel patient‐specific rare variants of GATA4 were identified, none received support in the independent replication step. However, given previous robust findings of association with common variants, GATA4 remains a promising candidate gene for AD.
Tumor Phenotype and Gene Expression During Early Mammary Tumor Development in Offspring Exposed to Alcohol In Utero
Authors: Crismale‐Gann Catina , Stires Hillary , Katz Tiffany A. , Cohick Wendie S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Alcohol exposure in utero increases susceptibility to carcinogen‐induced mammary tumorigenesis in adult offspring and causes tumors with a more malignant phenotype. This study was conducted to identify changes early in tumor development that might lead to this outcome.

Methods

Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a liquid diet containing 6.7% ethanol (alcohol), an isocaloric liquid diet without alcohol (pair‐fed), or rat chow ad libitum (ad lib) from gestation day 7 until parturition. At birth, female progeny were cross‐fostered to control dams. Pups were weaned at postnatal day (PND) 21 and fed rat chow ad libitum for the remainder of the experiment. Female offspring were administered N‐nitroso‐N‐methylurea (NMU; 50 mg/kg body weight) on PND 50. Mammary glands were palpated weekly, and offspring were euthanized at 16 weeks post‐NMU injection.

Results

At 16 weeks post‐NMU, tumor multiplicity was greater in alcohol‐exposed offspring compared with control groups. Estrogen receptor‐α (ER) mRNA expression was decreased in tumors from alcohol‐exposed offspring, and these animals developed more ER‐negative tumors relative to the pair‐fed group. Alcohol‐exposed offspring also tended to develop more progesterone receptor (PR)‐positive tumors. All tumors were HER2‐negative. PR positivity was associated with higher Ki67 expression, suggesting that PR‐positive tumors were more proliferative. Tumors from alcohol‐exposed animals exhibited increased mRNA expression of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) family members IGF‐II and IGFBP‐5. IGF‐II and DNA methyltransferase mRNA tended to be greater in the normal contralateral mammary glands of these animals.

Conclusions

These data indicate that alcohol exposure in utero may shift NMU‐induced tumor development toward a more aggressive phenotype and that alterations in IGF‐II expression may contribute to these changes. Additional studies should be aimed at epigenetic mechanisms that underlie IGF‐II expression to further delineate how this gene is altered in mammary glands of adults exposed to alcohol in utero.
Connectivity in East Asia
Authors: Brooks Douglas H.
Published: July 2016

As Asian economies have become more connected through physical and institutional infrastructure, the region's trade has grown and changed. Intraregional trade has increased its share, in large part through the expansion of trade in intermediates in connection with development of global value chains. At the same time, as part of the same process and as part of the structural transformation that underlies most economic development, the share of services in Asia's trade has risen. Policies that support the development of regional infrastructure and the flow of goods and services, as well as factors of production, can increase the benefits from connectivity. Meanwhile, regional cooperation has a key role to play in mitigating negative impacts that may arise from the vulnerabilities that accompany greater connectivity.
China's Transport Infrastructure Investment: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Qin Yu
Published: July 2016

China has been heavily investing in transportation infrastructure since the 1990s. Consequently, connectivity has been significantly improved, both within China and between China and other countries. Such large‐scale investments have been made possible by various financing mechanisms from the central government, local governments, and the private sector. Research findings generally indicate that these infrastructure investments bring economic prosperity to the country, affect the distribution of economic activities, reduce poverty to a certain extent, and promote economic integration. The future trends of connectivity changes in China and relevant policy recommendations are also discussed in this paper.
Philippine Infrastructure and Connectivity: Challenges and Reforms
Authors: Llanto Gilberto M.
Published: July 2016

The Philippines has performed creditably well in the past few years. Ensuring better infrastructure and connectivity is crucial in attaining inclusive growth. This will require substantial investments in infrastructure. Various reforms to address the infrastructure lack were implemented but there is scope for more reforms: improving fiscal space, reforming budgetary processes, improving public‐private partnerships (PPPs) and the regulatory environment, and better policy coordination to address problems of connectivity and infrastructure. The Philippines has to continuously improve the governance framework, ensure stability and predictability of policies and regulations. Better coordination among a diverse set of governmental infrastructure bodies, and also between government and the private sector is needed to address infrastructure bottlenecks.
Infrastructure and Connectivity in India: Getting the Basics Right
Authors: Singh Purva , Kathuria Rajat
Published: July 2016

Infrastructure helps in building productive capacity by bridging connectivity gaps, reducing distribution and trade costs, and facilitating the sharing of the benefits of growth with poorer groups and communities, among others. The evidence in this paper suggests the need for India to develop both hard as well as soft infrastructure for enhancing trade flows and growth. The existence of both aspects simultaneously will produce gains of a significantly higher order but one without the other is likely to be ineffective.
Fetal movements as a predictor of health
Authors: Lai Jonathan , Nowlan Niamh C. , Vaidyanathan Ravi , Shaw Caroline J. , Lees Christoph C.
Published: July 2016

The key determinant to a fetus maintaining its health is through adequate perfusion and oxygen transfer mediated by the functioning placenta. When this equilibrium is distorted, a number of physiological changes, including reduced fetal growth, occur to favor survival. Technologies have been developed to monitor these changes with a view to prolong intrauterine maturity while reducing the risks of stillbirth. Many of these strategies involve complex interpretation, for example Doppler ultrasound for fetal blood flow and computerized analysis of fetal heart rate changes. However, even with these modalities of fetal assessment to determine the optimal timing of delivery, fetal movements remain integral to clinical decision‐making. In high‐risk cohorts with fetal growth restriction, the manifestation of a reduction in perceived movements may warrant an expedited delivery. Despite this, there has been little evolution in the development of technologies to objectively evaluate fetal movement behavior for clinical application. This review explores the available literature on the value of fetal movement analysis as a method of assessing fetal wellbeing, and demonstrates how interdisciplinary developments in this area may aid in the improvement of clinical outcomes.
Long‐term lamivudine therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Lingala S. , Lau D. T.‐Y. , Koh C. , Auh S. , Ghany M. G. , Hoofnagle J. H.
Published: July 2016

Background

One to 5 years of therapy of chronic hepatitis B with oral nucleoside analogues result in significant clinical improvements, but effects of more prolonged therapy are not well defined.

Aim

To describe outcomes of chronic hepatitis B with long‐term lamivudine therapy.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with lamivudine were followed for 3.2–19.5 (median = 16.1) years. Therapy was switched to other agents (n = 16) if patients developed lamivudine resistance and relapse of disease.

Results

Among 22 HBeAg‐positive patients, 17 (77%) became HBeAg negative, of whom 5 (23%) subsequently cleared HBsAg. Among 20 HBeAg‐negative patients, 10 (50%) cleared HBsAg. The time to HBsAg clearance ranged from 0.9 to 16.8 (median = 9.3) years. Lamivudine resistance arose in 24 patients (57%) of whom 6 (25%) lost HBsAg. HBsAg clearance was not always accompanied by seroconversion; anti‐HBs appearing concurrently in only five patients (33%). Nevertheless, HBsAg loss allowed for stopping therapy in all patients, none re‐developing HBsAg or suffering relapse; all having normal alanine aminotransferase levels and no (n = 13) or unquantifiable HBV DNA levels (n = 2) when last seen. In contrast, seven of 27 patients (26%) who remained HBsAg‐positive died of liver disease or liver cancer or underwent liver transplantation, all of whom had cirrhosis.

Conclusions

Long‐term viral suppression with nucleoside analogues leads to HBsAg loss in a substantial proportion of patients, particularly if HBeAg‐negative. Serious outcomes during the first 10–20 years of treatment occur largely among patients with pre‐existing cirrhosis who do not clear HBsAg with therapy.
Histone demethylase LSD1 controls the phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells
Authors: Hino Shinjiro , Kohrogi Kensaku , Nakao Mitsuyoshi
Published: July 2016

Epigenetic mechanisms underlie the phenotypic plasticity of cells, while aberrant epigenetic regulation through genetic mutations and/or misregulated expression of epigenetic factors leads to aberrant cell fate determination, which provides a foundation for oncogenic transformation. Lysine‐specific demethylase‐1 (LSD1, KDM1A) removes methyl groups from methylated proteins, including histone H3, and is frequently overexpressed in various types of solid tumors and hematopoietic neoplasms. While LSD1 is involved in a wide variety of normal physiological processes, including stem cell maintenance and differentiation, it is also a key player in oncogenic processes, including compromised differentiation, enhanced cell motility and metabolic reprogramming. Here, we present an overview of how LSD1 epigenetically regulates cellular plasticity through distinct molecular mechanisms in different biological contexts. Targeted inhibition of the context‐dependent activities of LSD1 may provide a highly selective means to eliminate cancer cells.
The Grassmannian Atlas: A General Framework for Exploring Linear Projections of High‐Dimensional Data
Authors: Liu S. , Bremer P.‐T , Jayaraman J. J. , Wang B. , Summa B. , Pascucci V.
Published: July 2016

Linear projections are one of the most common approaches to visualize high‐dimensional data. Since the space of possible projections is large, existing systems usually select a small set of interesting projections by ranking a large set of candidate projections based on a chosen quality measure. However, while highly ranked projections can be informative, some lower ranked ones could offer important complementary information. Therefore, selection based on ranking may miss projections that are important to provide a global picture of the data. The proposed work fills this gap by presenting the Grassmannian Atlas, a framework that captures the global structures of quality measures in the space of all projections, which enables a systematic exploration of many complementary projections and provides new insights into the properties of existing quality measures.
TimeArcs: Visualizing Fluctuations in Dynamic Networks
Authors: Dang T. N. , Pendar N. , Forbes A. G.
Published: July 2016

In this paper we introduce TimeArcs, a novel visualization technique for representing dynamic relationships between entities in a network. Force‐directed layouts provide a way to highlight related entities by positioning them near to each other Entities are brought closer to each other (forming clusters) by forces applied on nodes and connections between nodes. In many application domains, relationships between entities are not temporally stable, which means that cluster structures and cluster memberships also may vary across time. Our approach merges multiple force‐directed layouts at different time points into a single comprehensive visualization that provides a big picture overview of the most significant clusters within a user‐defined period of time. TimeArcs also supports a range of interactive features, such as allowing users to drill‐down in order to see details about a particular cluster. To highlight the benefits of this technique, we demonstrate its application to various datasets, including the IMDB co‐star network, a dataset showing conflicting evidences within biomedical literature of protein interactions, and collocated popular phrases obtained from political blogs.
Comparing Bar Chart Authoring with Microsoft Excel and Tangible Tiles
Authors: Wun Tiffany , Payne Jennifer , Huron Samuel , Carpendale Sheelagh
Published: July 2016

Providing tools that make visualization authoring accessible to visualization non‐experts is a major research challenge. Currently the most common approach to generating a visualization is to use software that quickly and automatically produces visualizations based on templates. However, it has recently been suggested that constructing a visualization with tangible tiles may be a more accessible method, especially for people without visualization expertise. There is still much to be learned about the differences between these two visualization authoring practices. To better understand how people author visualizations in these two conditions, we ran a qualitative study comparing the use of software to the use of tangible tiles, for the creation of bar charts. Close observation of authoring activities showed how each of the following varied according to the tool used: 1) sequences of action; 2) distribution of time spent on different aspects of the InfoVis pipeline; 3) pipeline task separation; and 4) freedom to manipulate visual variables. From these observations, we discuss the implications of the variations in activity sequences, noting tool design considerations and pointing to future research questions.
How Ordered Is It? On the Perceptual Orderability of Visual Channels
Authors: Chung David H. S. , Archambault Daniel , Borgo Rita , Edwards Darren J. , Laramee Robert S. , Chen Min
Published: July 2016

The design of effective glyphs for visualisation involves a number of different visual encodings. Since spatial position is usually already specified in advance, we must rely on other visual channels to convey additional relationships for multivariate analysis. One such relationship is the apparent order present in the data. This paper presents two crowdsourcing empirical studies that focus on the perceptual evaluation of orderability for visual channels, namely Bertin's retinal variables. The first study investigates the perception of order in a sequence of elements encoded with different visual channels. We found evidence that certain visual channels are perceived as more ordered (for example, value) while others are perceived as less ordered (for example, hue) than the measured order present in the data. As a result, certain visual channels are more/less sensitive to disorder. The second study evaluates how visual orderability affects min and max judgements of elements in the sequence. We found that visual channels that tend to be perceived as ordered, improve the accuracy of identifying these values.
GEMSe: Visualization‐Guided Exploration of Multi‐channel Segmentation Algorithms
Authors: Fröhler B. , Möller T. , Heinzl C.
Published: July 2016

We present GEMSe, an interactive tool for exploring and analyzing the parameter space of multi‐channel segmentation algorithms. Our targeted user group are domain experts who are not necessarily segmentation specialists. GEMSe allows the exploration of the space of possible parameter combinations for a segmentation framework and its ensemble of results. Users start with sampling the parameter space and computing the corresponding segmentations. A hierarchically clustered image tree provides an overview of variations in the resulting space of label images. Details are provided through exemplary images from the selected cluster and histograms visualizing the parameters and the derived output in the selected cluster. The correlation between parameters and derived output as well as the effect of parameter changes can be explored through interactive filtering and scatter plots. We evaluate the usefulness of GEMSe through expert reviews and case studies based on three different kinds of datasets: A synthetic dataset emulating the combination of 3D X‐ray computed tomography with data from K‐Edge spectroscopy, a three‐channel scan of a rock crystal acquired by a Talbot‐Lau grating interferometer X‐ray computed tomography device, as well as a hyperspectral image.
Visual Analysis of Defects in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers for 4DCT Interrupted In situ Tests
Authors: Amirkhanov Alexander , Amirkhanov Artem , Salaberger Dietmar , Kastner Johann , Gröller M. Eduard , Heinzl Christoph
Published: July 2016

Material engineers use interrupted in situ tensile testing to investigate the damage mechanisms in composite materials. For each subsequent scan, the load is incrementally increased until the specimen is completely fractured. During the interrupted in situ testing of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) defects of four types are expected to appear: matrix fracture, fiber/matrix debonding, fiber pull‐out, and fiber fracture. There is a growing demand for the detection and analysis of these defects among the material engineers. In this paper, we present a novel workflow for the detection, classification, and visual analysis of defects in GFRPs using interrupted in situ tensile tests in combination with X‐ray Computed Tomography. The workflow is based on the automatic extraction of defects and fibers. We introduce the automatic Defect Classifier assigning the most suitable type to each defect based on its geometrical features. We present a visual analysis system that integrates four visualization methods: 1) the Defect Viewer highlights defects with visually encoded type in the context of the original CT image, 2) the Defect Density Maps provide an overview of the defect distributions according to type in 2D and 3D, 3) the Final Fracture Surface estimates the material fracture's location and displays it as a 3D surface, 4) the 3D Magic Lens enables interactive exploration by combining detailed visualizations in the region of interest with overview visualizations as context. In collaboration with material engineers, we evaluate our solution and demonstrate its practical applicability.
Visual Analysis of Spatial Variability and Global Correlations in Ensembles of Iso‐Contours
Authors: Ferstl F. , Kanzler M. , Rautenhaus M. , Westermann R.
Published: July 2016

For an ensemble of iso‐contours in multi‐dimensional scalar fields, we present new methods to a) visualize their dominant spatial patterns of variability, and b) to compute the conditional probability of the occurrence of a contour at one location given the occurrence at some other location. We first show how to derive a statistical model describing the contour variability, by representing the contours implicitly via signed distance functions and clustering similar functions in a reduced order space. We show that the spatial patterns of the ensemble can then be derived by analytically transforming the boundaries of a confidence interval computed from each cluster into the spatial domain. Furthermore, we introduce a mathematical basis for computing correlations between the occurrences of iso‐contours at different locations. We show that the computation of these correlations can be posed in the reduced order space as an integration problem over a region bounded by four hyper‐planes. To visualize the derived statistical properties we employ a variant of variability plots for streamlines, now including the color coding of probabilities of joint contour occurrences. We demonstrate the use of the proposed techniques for ensemble exploration in a number of 2D and 3D examples, using artificial and meteorological data sets.
Visual Analysis of Governing Topological Structures in Excitable Network Dynamics
Authors: Ngo Quynh Quang , Hütt Marc‐Thorsten , Linsen Lars
Published: July 2016

To understand how topology shapes the dynamics in excitable networks is one of the fundamental problems in network science when applied to computational systems biology and neuroscience. Recent advances in the field discovered the influential role of two macroscopic topological structures, namely hubs and modules. We propose a visual analytics approach that allows for a systematic exploration of the role of those macroscopic topological structures on the dynamics in excitable networks. Dynamical patterns are discovered using the dynamical features of excitation ratio and co‐activation. Our approach is based on the interactive analysis of the correlation of topological and dynamical features using coordinated views. We designed suitable visual encodings for both the topological and the dynamical features. A degree map and an adjacency matrix visualization allow for the interaction with hubs and modules, respectively. A barycentric‐coordinates layout and a multi‐dimensional scaling approach allow for the analysis of excitation ratio and co‐activation, respectively. We demonstrate how the interplay of the visual encodings allows us to quickly reconstruct recent findings in the field within an interactive analysis and even discovered new patterns. We apply our approach to network models of commonly investigated topologies as well as to the structural networks representing the connectomes of different species. We evaluate our approach with domain experts in terms of its intuitiveness, expressiveness, and usefulness.