bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of tax increment financing programs on local economic development
Authors: Man Joyce Y.
Published: December 2017

The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) method has achieved widespread popularity as a funding source to finance local infrastructure investments and improvements. However, little research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs. This study undertakes a regression analysis to examine the effects of the municipal adoption of TIF programs on local economic development. The empirical results suggest that the adoption of TIF programs has a significant positive effect on local employment.
Financing regional development through tax sharing: the story of a plan called jedd
Authors: Gianakis Gerasimos A. , McCue Clifford P.
Published: December 2017

This article describes the implementation of Joint Economic Development Districts between the City of Akron, Ohio and surrounding townships. We examine the capacity of the JEDD structure to make Akron’s boundaries more “elastic” without contentious annexation, explore its capacity to serve as a vehicle for cooperative regional economic development, and assess its utility as mechanism for generating the funds necessary to finance the infrastructure improvements required for economic development. Preliminary indications are that the JEDD mechanism will allow the benefits of economic development to accrue to Akron while it avoids costly and contentious annexations and will generate funds to support economic development, but it does not manifest a cooperative, regional approach to economic development.
The role of survey research in the benchmarking process
Authors: Link Michael W. , Oldendick Robert W.
Published: December 2017

As more state and local governments and agencies embrace strategic planning as a means of cost control, accountability, and goal achievement, the process of benchmarking has become increasingly important. This article examines the role survey research can play in the benchmarking process. The authors focus on some of the considerations and controversies involved in this process, including questionnaire design (What types of questions should be included?), population definition (Who should be included and how can these individuals be identified?), sampling procedures (What methods of sampling should be employed to ensure that the data are representative of the population of interest?), data collection methods (Should surveys be conducted via mail, face-to-face, or telephone?), and data analysis (How can the survey data help state and local officials evaluate their service delivery?)
State institutions and city property taxes: revisiting the effects of the tax revolt
Authors: Coyle McCabe Barbara
Published: December 2017

Cities’ reliance on property taxes has declined since the 1970s. This shift has been attributed to state rules enacted in the wake of the tax revolt and intended to curb property taxes. The extent to which state limits on property taxes have affected their cities’ revenues is unclear. This study examines competing explanations for the change in city property tax reliance among states. Pooled cross-sectional time series analysis is used to assess how much state limits or other factors account for changes in property tax reliance over time. The results of this analysis challenge state limitations’ long-term effects.
Government purchasing: an evolving profession?
Authors: Callender Guy , Matthews Darin
Published: December 2017

As government organizations step hopefully into a new century, among the challenges they face will be the demands of the “New Purchasing” and persistent pressure to redefine the role of the purchasing practitioner in government. Reengineering of purchasing activities was a constant feature of the 1990s in many government jurisdictions. Those who manage the function usually influence a large share of organizational expenditure and must also cope with the demands of e-commerce, devolution of responsibility, partnering and strategic alliances, and the implications of globalization within the context of an accountable public sector. Applying some theoretical, functionalist models of a profession, this paper seeks to establish professional credentials for purchasing practitioners.
Decision-making tools for public productivity improvement: a comparison of DEA to cost-benefit and regression analyses(1)
Authors: de Lancer Julnes Patria
Published: December 2017

The long tradition in the public sector of introducing decision-making tools that then fail to live up to expectations has fueled a debate over the proper role of government. This paper suggests that the debate over government productivity may be misplaced. Public productivity may be hindered as a result of inappropriate use of decisionmaking tools for the allocation of resources. Thus, this paper argues for an enlarged repertoire of decision-making techniques. In particular, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is presented as an alternative often more appropriate than such commonly used techniques as cost-benefit ratio and regression analyses.
The gamification of trust: the case of China’s “social credit”
Authors: Ramadan Zahy
Published: December 2017

Purpose

China is establishing a social credit rating system with the aim to score the trust level of citizens. The scores will be based on an integrated database that includes a vast range of information sources, rating aspects like professional conduct, corruption, type of products bought, peers’ own scores and tax evasion. While this form of gamification is expected to have dire consequences on brands and consumers alike, the literature in that particular area of interest remains non-existent. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is suggested that highlights early on the risks and implications on brands and companies operating in that particular upcoming landscape.

Findings

The gamification of trust that the social credit system focuses on presents potential risks on brand and consumer relationships. This in turn will affect brand sustainabilityvis-à-visthe expected drastic changes in the Chinese business landscape. This study suggests the strategies to follow which will be of high interest to companies, consumers, as well as to the Chinese authorities during and after implementation stage.

Originality/value

This paper is amongst the first to discuss the potential effects of the Chinese social credit rating system on brands. The conceptual framework fills a sizeable gap in the literature and pioneers the discussion on potential dilemmas brands will be faced with within this new business landscape.
Recent development of SPR spectroscopy as potential method for diagnosis of dengue virus E-protein
Authors: Omar Nur Alia Sheh , Fen Yap Wing
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to review the potential application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV-2) E-protein and the development of SPR to become an alternative DENV sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

In this review, the existing standard laboratory techniques to diagnosis of DENV are discussed, together with their drawbacks. To overcome these drawbacks, SPR has been aimed to be a valuable optical biosensor for identification of antibodies to the DENV antigen. The review also includes the future studies on three-dimensional poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-surface-assembled monolayer (SAM)-Au multilayer thin films, which are envisaged to have high potential sensitive and selective detection ability toward target E-proteins.

Findings

Application of SPR in diagnosis of DENV emerged over recent years. A wide range of immobilized biorecognition molecules have been developed to combine with SPR as an effective sensor. The detection limit, sensitivity and selectivity of SPR sensing in DENV have been enhanced from time to time, until the present.

Originality/value

The main purpose of this review is to provide authors with up-to-date and useful information on sensing DENV using SPR and to introduce a novel three-dimensional PAMAM-SAM-Au multilayer thin films for future research on SPR sensing applications.
Cell‐cell recognition and social networking in bacteria
Authors: Troselj Vera , Cao Pengbo , Wall Daniel
Published: December 2017

The ability to recognize self and to recognize partnering cells allows microorganisms to build social networks that perform functions beyond the capabilities of the individual. In bacteria, recognition typically involves genetic determinants that provide cell surface receptors or diffusible signalling chemicals to identify proximal cells at the molecular level that can participate in cooperative processes. Social networks also rely on discriminating mechanisms to exclude competing cells from joining and exploiting their groups. In addition to their appropriate genotypes, cell‐cell recognition also requires compatible phenotypes, which vary according to environmental cues or exposures as well as stochastic processes that lead to heterogeneity and potential disharmony in the population. Understanding how bacteria identify their social partners and how they synchronize their behaviours to conduct multicellular functions is an expanding field of research. Here, we review recent progress in the field and contrast the various strategies used in recognition and behavioural networking.
100 Days of marine Synechococcus–Ruegeria pomeroyi interaction: A detailed analysis of the exoproteome
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Hernandez‐Fernaud Juan R. , Aguilo‐Ferretjans Maria del Mar , Wellington Elizabeth M. , Christie‐Oleza Joseph A.
Published: December 2017

Marine phototroph and heterotroph interactions are vital in maintaining the nutrient balance in the oceans as essential nutrients need to be rapidly cycled before sinking to aphotic layers. The aim of this study was to highlight the molecular mechanisms that drive these interactions. For this, we generated a detailed exoproteomic time‐course analysis of a 100‐day co‐culture between the model marine picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. WH7803 and the Roseobacter strain Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3, both in nutrient‐enriched and natural oligotrophic seawater. The proteomic data showed a transition between the initial growth phase and stable‐state phase that, in the case of the heterotroph, was caused by a switch in motility attributed to organic matter availability. The phototroph adapted to seawater oligotrophy by reducing its selective leakiness, increasing the acquisition of essential nutrients and secreting conserved proteins of unknown function. We also report a surprisingly high abundance of extracellular superoxide dismutase produced by Synechococcus and a dynamic secretion of potential hydrolytic enzyme candidates used by the heterotroph to cleave organic groups and hydrolase polymeric organic matter produced by the cyanobacterium. The time course dataset we present here will become a reference for understanding the molecular processes underpinning marine phototroph‐heterotroph interactions.
Multiplex quantitative SILAC for analysis of archaeal proteomes: a case study of oxidative stress responses
Authors: McMillan Lana J. , Hwang Sungmin , Farah Rawan E. , Koh Jin , Chen Sixue , Maupin‐Furlow Julie A.
Published: December 2017

Stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) is a quantitative proteomic method that can illuminate new pathways used by cells to adapt to different lifestyles and niches. Archaea, while thriving in extreme environments and accounting for ∼20%–40% of the Earth's biomass, have not been analyzed with the full potential of SILAC. Here, we report SILAC for quantitative comparison of archaeal proteomes, using Haloferax volcanii as a model. A double auxotroph was generated that allowed for complete incorporation of 13C/15N‐lysine and 13C‐arginine such that each peptide derived from trypsin digestion was labelled. This strain was found amenable to multiplex SILAC by case study of responses to oxidative stress by hypochlorite. A total of 2565 proteins was identified by LC‐MS/MS analysis (q‐value ≤ 0.01) that accounted for 64% of the theoretical proteome. Of these, 176 proteins were altered at least 1.5‐fold (p‐value < 0.05) in abundance during hypochlorite stress. Many of the differential proteins were of unknown function. Those of known function included transcription factor homologs related to oxidative stress by 3D‐homology modelling and orthologous group comparisons. Thus, SILAC is found to be an ideal method for quantitative proteomics of archaea that holds promise to unravel gene function.
Cultural cumulative effects: Communicating energy extraction's true costs
Authors: Willow Anna
Published: December 2017

Residents of northeastern British Columbia's Peace River region concurrently confront intensifying oil/gas drilling, reinvigorated coal mining and the construction of a third massive hydroelectric dam. After years of approaching industrial impacts as temporally and spatially isolatable, calls to acknowledge cumulative ecological effects are finally being heard. Yet the sociocultural disruptions that accompany biophysical alterations are equally essential components of a comprehensive cumulative effects agenda. This article considers how frameworks for comprehending the consequences of landscape‐altering, life‐changing projects could be expanded to address both the complex realities of ecological degradation and the entangled cultural and political transformations that contour local communities and lives. Ultimately, the resource extraction experiences at the forefront of regional residents’ minds must be recognized as key determinants of forthcoming socio‐natural worlds, as they arise and aggregate out of countless culturally constituted and politically mediated decisions to embrace, accept or oppose extractive schemes.
SMOG IN A TIME OF TOBACCO CONTROL
Authors: Russell Andrew
Published: December 2017

This article reflects on the irony of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control taking place in north India during the worst smog in Delhi's history. It is presented as both a material reminder that tobacco is not the only cause of respiratory disease and as a symbol of the permeation of the conference by tobacco industry interests. A further ironic connection is the proximity of the conference venue to Bisrakh, the birthplace of the demon king Ravana, whose statue was despoiled in the months preceding the Diwali festival which celebrates his vanquishing by Ram. Older Bisrakh residents are reported as mourning rather than celebrating Ravana's death during the festival, although younger people are turning their backs on such practices. A new statue of Ravana had recently been vandalized. With the smog which occurred being attributed partly to fireworks from Diwali, the set of anthropological knots unravel to reveal a continuous thread: the message that it is necessary to respect your demons, whether they be tobacco or part of the Hindu pantheon.
The limits of the decentred state: the case of policing insurance claims fraud
Authors: Stenström Anders
Published: December 2017

Existing research clearly shows that the public–private divide is continuously being challenged, recast and transformed. However, this article argues that a sharp distinction between public and private continues to operate as an important norm for professionals involved in the investigation of insurance claims fraud in Sweden. It shows how power within private insurance companies and the police authority is organized around the public–private divide, which is in turn mobilized to justify repression and to give investigations legitimacy. The article indicates that the formal public–private distinction is far more thoroughly maintained than is suggested by the existing literature. Rather than challenging the centrality of state power, private insurers and the police construct, maintain and have a stake in the reproduction of a state‐centric monopoly of crime control.
Teens and Spice: A Review of Adolescent Fatalities Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid Use
Authors: Paul Anthea B. Mahesan , Simms Lary , Amini Saeideh , Paul Abraham Ebenezer
Published: December 2017

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are commonly abused by adolescents with reported past year (2013) use in high school students between 3 and 10%. Standard adolescent postmortem toxicology does not include routine SC analysis, and thus, the true burden of fatalities related to SCs is unknown. A retrospective case review of two cases included scene investigation, interviews, autopsy, and toxicology. SCs were confirmed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS). Review of the eight adolescent SC‐associated fatalities in the literature revealed five of eight cases had no other discernible cause of death on autopsy. Compounds detected included PB‐22 (1.1 ng/mL), JWH‐210 (12 ng/mL), XLR‐11 (1.3 ng/mL), JWH‐122, AB‐CHMINACA (8.2 ng/mL), UR‐144 (12.3 ng/mL), and JWH‐022 (3 ng/mL). With synthetic drug use on the rise, forensic experts should have a high index of suspicion for the possibility of SC intoxication in adolescent fatalities with no other discernible cause of death.
Functional and genetic characteristics of Chlorantraniliprole resistance in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Kang Won Jin , Koo Hyun‐Na , Jeong Dae‐Hun , Kim Hyun Kyung , Kim Juil , Kim Gil‐Hah
Published: December 2017

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is a globally distributed and important economic pest, and it has developed resistance to all conventional insecticide classes used in the field. Chlorantraniliprole is a new chemical class of insecticide that acts as a conformation‐sensitive activator of the insect ryanodine receptor (RyR). In the present study, a field strain (16.3‐fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole) was collected in Korea and lab‐selected with chlorantraniliprole for more than one year. The resulting strain presented 2,157‐fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole. A point mutation (G4946E) in the RyR gene was observed at a high frequency in the resistant strain. Enzyme assays indicated that glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and P450 activity in the resistant strain were 2.4‐ and 1.96‐times higher than that of the susceptible strain, respectively. The expression of the RyR, GST (sigma, omega, and zeta) and CYP321E1 gene was higher in the resistant strain than in the susceptible strain. The F1 progeny resulting from reciprocal crosses did not reveal maternal effects or a diamide‐susceptible phenotype, which suggests an autosomal nearly recessive mode of inheritance. In addition, we surveyed the susceptibility to 13 insecticides (3 diamides, 2 synthetic pyrethroids, 2 spinosyns, 1 organophosphate, 1 oxadiazine, 1 avermectin, and 3 others) in the chlorantraniliprole‐resistant strain. The resistant strain exhibited high cross‐resistance to flubendiamide (5,910 fold) and showed no cross‐resistance to spinetoram, spinosad, indoxacarb, and metaflumizone. These results can serve as an important basis for guiding the use of insecticides in the field.
Composition, Granular Structure, and Pasting Properties of Native Starch Extracted from Plectranthus edulis (Oromo dinich) Tubers
Authors: Hellemans Tom , Abera Gifty , De Leyn Ingrid , Van der Meeren Paul , Dewettinck Koen , Eeckhout Mia , De Meulenaer Bruno , Van Bockstaele Filip
Published: December 2017

Chemical composition, granular morphology and pasting properties of native starch extracted from tubers of Plectranthus edulis were analyzed. Starch was extracted from tubers of 6 accessions collected from 4 different areas in Ethiopia. Particle size analysis (PSA) and cryo‐scanning electron microscope (cryo‐SEM) imaging were used to examine the granular morphology and visualize the starch paste, respectively. Pasting properties, water absorption, and gelation capacity were compared. A wide range was found for the amylose (14.2% to 23.9%), calcium (216 to 599), potassium (131 to 878), and phosphorus (1337 to 2090) contents (parts per million per dry matter). PSA showed a bimodal distribution containing small spherical (14.6 μm) and large ellipse‐shaped (190.4 μm) granules. Major differences were found for the pasting with peak viscosities differing from 3184 to 7312 mPa⋅s. Starch from accessions Chencha and Inuka showed a difference in packing density as clearly seen through cryo‐SEM image at 75% of the peak viscosity (PV), and the granular integrity was mainly responsible for the significant difference in their PV and breakdown. Principal component analysis revealed 2 distinct groups: native starch extracted from accessions at the Wolayta zone (Inuka, Lofua, and Chenqoua) and other accessions (Jarmet, Arjo white, and Chencha). The study revealed the potential of P. edulis starch for its application in food industries. However, the inherent variation due to environmental conditions on physicochemical properties of the starch needs further investigation.

Practical Application

Plectranthus edulis is cultivated in considerable amounts throughout Ethiopia, which makes it a valuable starch source. Due to its low tendency to retrograde, it could be applied in food industry as an equivalent for the current starch sources. Moreover, the low amylose content makes it preferable for an application in refrigerated foods as this unique quality trait prevents syneresis in end products during storage. Based on the significantly higher pasting temperature of the studied P. edulis starch extracts, it can form an alternative for potato starch, which is less suitable for its use in pasteurized foods.
Polar solar panels: Arctic and Antarctic microbiomes display similar taxonomic profiles
Authors: Tanner Kristie , Martí Jose Manuel , Belliure Josabel , Fernández‐Méndez Mar , Molina‐Menor Esther , Peretó Juli , Porcar Manuel
Published: December 2017

Solar panels located on high (Arctic and Antarctic) latitudes combine the harshness of the climate with that of the solar exposure. We report here that these polar solar panels are inhabited by similar microbial communities in taxonomic terms, dominated by Hymenobacter spp., Sphingomonas spp. and Ascomycota. Our results suggest that solar panels, even on high latitudes, can shape a microbial ecosystem adapted to irradiation and desiccation.
Combating Slavery, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking. Are Current International, European and National Instruments Working?
Authors: Marx Axel , Wouters Jan
Published: December 2017

All throughout history, slavery has been a constant and a key factor in economic development. Also for many centuries slavery and forced labour was legal. Only from the beginning of the 20th century onwards slavery became illegal and criminalized. Many international commitments were made to address the issue of forced labour and slavery. However, despite these international legislative efforts slavery, forced labour and human trafficking still persist today. New regulatory instruments have been developed in recent years to further enforce these international commitments. These instruments aim to force private and public actors to comply with the international conventions. Little is known about their effectiveness. Do these initiatives have any impact? This special section seeks answers to this question by analysing different instruments and their implementation.
Fragments of an early Islamic Arabic papyrus from Khirbet Hamrā Ifdān
Authors: Friedman Hannah , Vorderstrasse Tasha , Mairs Rachel , Adams Russell
Published: December 2017

Excavations in 2013 at the site of Khirbet Hamrā Ifdān in the Faynān revealed several pieces of an Arabic papyrus, the first ever found in Jordan. Although the papyrus is poorly preserved, a detailed analysis of the fragments based on parallels have suggested that it dates to the late seventh/early–mid‐eighth century AD. This article discusses the papyrus fragments and places them within their papyrological and archaeological contexts.
A whole genome sequence association study for puberty in a large Duroc × Erhualian F2 population
Authors: Xin W. S. , Zhang F. , Yan G. R. , Xu W. W. , Xiao S. J. , Zhang Z. Y. , Huang L. S.
Published: December 2017

A large proportion of gilts and sows are culled from reproduction populations because of anestrus and pubertal reproductive failure. Selecting early onset of puberty gilts has a favorable effect on sows’ reproductivity. However, age at puberty is hard to be routinely measured in commercial herds. With molecular genetic predictors, identifying individuals that have a propensity for early onset of puberty can be simplified. We previously performed genome scanning and a genome‐wide association study for puberty in an F2 resource population using 183 microsatellites and 62 125 SNPs respectively. The detection power and resolution of identified quantitative trait loci were very low. Herein, we re‐sequenced 19 founders of the F2 resource population in high coverage, and whole genome sequences of F2 individuals were imputed to perform an association study for reproductive traits. A total of 2339 SNPs associated with pubertal reproductive failure were identified in the region of 30.94–40.74 Mb on SSC7, with the top one, positioned at 33.36 Mb, explaining 16% of the phenotypic variances. We improved the magnitude of the P‐value by 10E+5 to 10E+7 using the whole genome sequence rather than using low/middle density markers as in previous studies, and we narrowed down the QTL confidence interval to 5.25 Mb. Combining the annotation of gene function, RAB23 and BAK1 were perceived as the most compelling candidate genes. The identified loci may be useful in culling sows failing to show estrus by marker‐assisted selection to increase reproductive efficiency of swine herds.
Radical gastric cancer surgery results in widespread upregulation of pro‐tumourigenic intraperitoneal cytokines
Authors: Long Andrew J. , Burton Paul R. , De Veer Michael J. , Ooi Geraldine J. , Laurie Cheryl P. , Nottle Peter D. , Watt Matthew J. , Brown Wendy A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Radical surgical resection is the mainstay of curative treatment for oesophagogastric malignancy. However, survival and recurrence rates remain poor. Theoretical data suggests that the inflammatory response to surgery can promote tumour recurrence. The local and systemic inflammatory response to radical oesophagogastric cancer surgery has not been fully characterized. We aimed to measure this response, particularly factors associated with tumour implantation.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing radical junctional or gastric cancer resection over 12 months were recruited. Repeated serum and adipose tissue were collected intra‐operatively. Adipose tissue was collected adjacent and remote to the tumour, and cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was measured. Post‐operatively, daily serum was collected for 7 days, and analysed for inflammatory cell profile and cytokine concentration.

Results

There were nine patients recruited (67.1 ± 2.1 years). mRNA expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), CC‐chemokine ligand‐2 and IL‐1β increased in adipose tissue intra‐operatively (P < 0.05), equally both adjacent and remote from the tumour site. Serum IL‐6 concentration increased from 23.3 pg/mL to 161.8 pg/mL intra‐operatively (P < 0.05) before falling steadily to 35.7 pg/mL post‐operatively (P < 0.05). Serum tumour necrosis factor‐α was elevated throughout, and IL‐1β levels were unaffected. Leukocyte and neutrophil populations increased, while T‐cell and dendritic cell populations decreased intra‐operatively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Radical surgery dramatically upregulates the expression of pro‐tumourigenic cytokines in the peritoneum. There is also a marked systemic immune and inflammatory response to surgery, including downregulation of T‐cell and dendritic cell populations. This offers two potential pathways that may facilitate tumour progression – local inflammation promoting peritoneal adherence and implantation, and secondary suppression of immunosurveillance due to circulating inflammatory response.
Cohort studies in the context of obstetric and gynecologic research: a methodologic overview
Authors: Messerlian Carmen , Basso Olga
Published: December 2017

Observational cohort studies represent one of the most powerful designs in epidemiology. They are also the basis of evidence in many areas of obstetric and gynecologic research, given that randomization of women, couples or pregnancies is often impossible or unethical. Indeed, well‐conceived cohort studies have led to a better understanding of many important clinical and public health questions over time, including the impact of different exposures on perinatal and pediatric outcomes in pregnant women and their children. In this paper, we describe the main features, challenges, and limitations of cohort studies in the context of obstetric and gynecologic research. As with all epidemiologic studies, cohort studies present numerous challenges and are vulnerable to bias. However, as we describe throughout this review, careful design – from formulating the study question to planning statistical analysis – can reduce the potential for bias. When possible, we also provide examples from the gynecological and obstetrical literature to illustrate the epidemiological challenge and suggest specific readings.
A comparative study found that a seven‐year school‐based exercise programme increased physical activity levels in both sexes
Authors: Cronholm Felix , Rosengren Björn E. , Karlsson Caroline , Karlsson Magnus K.
Published: December 2017

Aim

This study assessed whether a Swedish school‐based exercise intervention programme could increase total physical activity.

Methods

We followed up 228 children who started school in 1998–2000 seven years later, when they had reached a mean age of 14.8. The 152 children (59% boys) at the intervention school did 200 minutes of physical education per week during that period, and the 76 children (50% boys) in the three control schools did the standard 60 minutes. Questionnaires assessed the durations of total and leisure‐time physical activity and screen‐time activity at baseline and after five and seven years.

Results

Physical activity and screen‐time activity were similar between the two groups before the study started. The intervention group then achieved higher durations of total physical activity than the controls (p < 0.001) and these levels remained in the sex‐specific evaluations. There were no differences between the groups in the durations of leisure‐time activity (p 0.08–0.77) or screen‐time activity (p 0.31–0.91).

Conclusion

A school‐based exercise intervention programme increased the total duration of physical activity in both sexes without any compensatory increase in screen‐time activity. The findings contradict the activity‐stat theory, which stated that the duration of physical activity in children is constant.
Characterization of CD45RO+ memory T lymphocytes in keloid disease
Authors: Chen Z. , Zhou L. , Won T. , Gao Z. , Wu X. , Lu L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Memory T cells, a highly effective subset of T lymphocytes, have been reported to be involved in many inflammatory skin disorders. However, the potential role of memory T cells in keloid disease (KD) remains unclear.

Objectives

Due to their important role in regulating inflammation, we investigated the characteristics of CD45RO+ memory T cells in KD.

Methods

Primary cutaneous cells were isolated from keloid scars and normal skin by enzymic digestion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from a related blood sample, and flow cytometry was applied to identify the phenotypic and functional abnormalities of memory T cells in KD.

Results

We observed that the majority of T lymphocytes in keloid scars had the memory phenotype, and a greater number of the CD8+ memory T cells in keloid scars produced lower levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. This abnormal cytokine production was even more distinct in Forkhead box (FOX)P3− CD8− memory T cells, with lower TNF-α production and enhanced interferon-γ production. Furthermore, FOXP3+ CD8− memory T cells in keloid scars were abnormal, including showing reduced CD25 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 expression and interleukin-10 production. In addition, a significant decrease in the number of CD4+ CD25high FOXP3+ regulatory T cells was identified in patients with multiple keloid scars. We also found that there was significantly increased infiltration of CD103+ CD8+ memory T cells in keloid scars.

Conclusions

Our findings preliminarily elucidate the abnormalities of CD45RO+ memory T cells in keloid scars and provide early evidence that a disrupted T-cell response contributes to the progression of KD.
Can EconJobMarket help Canadian universities?
Authors: Nguyen Kim , Peters Michael , Poitevin Michel
Published: December 2017

We analyze the academic matching market by considering a simple model in which applicants who face an application cost strategically choose portfolios of applications. Universities then play a decentralized offer game in which unaccepted offers result in failure to trade on both sides of the market. We characterize a basic equilibrium to illustrate the sorting role that application costs play. In a numeric example, we illustrate how reduced application costs can result in increased matching frictions.
Canadian governance in transition: Multilevel governance in the digital era
Authors: Cargnello Davide P. , Flumian Maryantonett
Published: December 2017

While the digital revolution has created new pressures and tensions for governing institutions in Canada, a broad discussion of the evolution of the Canadian Westminster governance ecosystem has yet to occur in earnest. The article seeks to contribute to such a discussion. We identify three related trends shaping the Canadian governance context: the rise of digital culture, the disintermediation of traditional authorities, and the increasingly distributed nature of governance. We then draw on scholarly literature surrounding “multilevel governance” to help contextualize these trends, and identify key tensions and needs related to the increasingly pressing imperative to develop a “made‐in‐Canada” governance approach that is well attuned to the needs of the digital era. We conclude by suggesting that such an approach will require a new style of leadership, one that privileges agility and resilience and that is issue‐based and outcome‐focused, rather than constrained by jurisdictional silos or narrowly conceived institutional mandates.
Accountability and monitoring government in the digital era: Promise, realism and research for digital‐era governance
Authors: Lindquist Evert A. , Huse Irene
Published: December 2017

Furthering the accountability of elected governments and the public administration apparatus which serves them is a fundamental principle of democratic societies. Over the last fifty years, there have been significant debates about how to operationalize and balance the principles of accountability in our federal governance system. The emergence and proliferation of Web 2.0 capabilities and advocates for their use in government has led to new rounds of experimentation, initiatives and reform under the banner of Government 2.0 in many jurisdictions. This article surveys the Canadian and international literature on accountability in the digital era, including contributions from scholars with interests in information technology, transparency and digital culture, to identify whether Canada is lagging or leading international contributions in this area. It sets out a research agenda inspired by the concepts of interactive, dynamic, and citizen‐initiated accountability (Schillemans, Van Twist, and Vanhommerig).
Age‐related new bone formation following the use of cancellous bone‐block allografts for reconstruction of atrophic alveolar ridges
Authors: Nissan Joseph , Kolerman Roni , Chaushu Liat , Vered Marilena , Naishlos Sarit , Chaushu Gavriel
Published: December 2017

Background

An age‐related decrease in the number of osteogenic progenitor cells may compromise bone augmentation.

Purpose

Histomorphometrical assessment of age‐related new bone formation, following atrophic alveolar ridge reconstruction, using cancellous bone‐block allografts.

Material and methods

Ninety‐three consecutive patients (58 females and 35 males) were referred for implant‐supported restoration of 122 severe atrophic alveolar ridges. Alveolar ridge deficiency locations were classified as anterior maxilla (n = 58), posterior maxilla (n= 32), and posterior mandible (n = 32). A bony deficiency of at least 3 mm horizontally and up to 3 mm vertically according to computerized tomography (CT) in the posterior mandible and anterior maxilla, served as inclusion criteria. In the posterior maxilla, a residual alveolar ridge up to 4 mm vertically according to CT served as inclusion criteria. Augmentation was performed by the use of cancellous bone‐block allografts. Bone biopsies (9‐month posterior maxilla, 4 months anterior maxilla and posterior mandible) of young (≤40 years) versus older (>40 years) patients were histomorphometrically evaluated.

Results

In the posterior maxilla, no statistically significant histomorphometric differences were noted. While at the anterior maxilla and posterior mandible, statistically significant more newly formed bone was found in young versus older individuals, respectively (38.6% vs 19.8%, P = 0.04 and 69% vs 31%, P = .05).

Conclusion

New bone formation following residual alveolar ridge bone grafting is age‐related. Longer bone consolidation and healing time may be recommended for older individuals.
Stereotype Threat Effects on Learning From a Cognitively Demanding Mathematics Lesson
Authors: Lyons Emily McLaughlin , Simms Nina , Begolli Kreshnik N. , Richland Lindsey E.
Published: December 2017

Stereotype threat—a situational context in which individuals are concerned about confirming a negative stereotype—is often shown to impact test performance, with one hypothesized mechanism being that cognitive resources are temporarily co‐opted by intrusive thoughts and worries, leading individuals to underperform despite high content knowledge and ability (see Schmader & Beilock, ). We test here whether stereotype threat may also impact initial student learning and knowledge formation when experienced prior to instruction. Predominantly African American fifth‐grade students provided either their race or the date before a videotaped, conceptually demanding mathematics lesson. Students who gave their race retained less learning over time, enjoyed the lesson less, reported a diminished desire to learn more, and were less likely to choose to engage in an optional math activity. The detrimental impact was greatest among students with high baseline cognitive resources. While stereotype threat has been well documented to harm test performance, the finding that effects extend to initial learning suggests that stereotype threat's contribution to achievement gaps may be greatly underestimated.
Evolution of lung and kidney allograft function in patients receiving kidney after lung transplantation
Authors: Weber Nina T. , Bonani Marco , Benden Christian , Schleich Andreas , Fehr Thomas , Mueller Thomas F. , Schuurmans Macé M.
Published: December 2017

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity leads to end‐stage renal disease in almost half of long‐term survivors after lung transplantation, some of them receiving kidney transplants. Little is known about the outcomes of kidney and lung allograft function following kidney after lung transplantation (KALTPL) in the modern era. We retrospectively analyzed a group of 13 consecutive patients who received a KALTPL with respect to their renal and pulmonary function and immunological evolution over 2 years. We documented a stable evolution of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) after KALTPL in most patients as well as an excellent kidney graft during the 2‐year follow‐up period. In our small cohort, living donations showed a significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to deceased donation (75.7 compared to 41.6 mL/min). Patients who received a preemptive KALTPL were more likely to improve their lung function after KALTPL. Four patients developed de novo donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) against the kidney graft. There were no DSA against shared antigens from the lung allograft. De novo DSA did not lead to graft loss in any patient. All 13 patients survived the first 24 months after KALTPL.
Cholinesterase levels predict exercise capacity in cardiac recipients early after transplantation
Authors: Kitagaki Kazufumi , Nakanishi Michio , Ono Rei , Yamamoto Kazuya , Suzuki Yuji , Fukui Noriyuki , Yanagi Hidetoshi , Konishi Harumi , Yanase Masanobu , Fukushima Norihide
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Although cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for patients early after heart transplantation (HTx), adequate exercise effect cannot always be obtained, partly because in patients with chronic heart failure, exercise capacity is reduced due to malnutrition while waiting for HTx. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between exercise capacity and clinical variables, including nutritional indicators, early after HTx.

Patients and Methods

Forty‐three HTx recipients were studied. The mean age at HTx was 38 ± 14 years, and 86% were male. We assessed the relationships between peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and clinical variables, including plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), isometric knee extensor muscle strength (KEMS), and nutritional indicators within 1 week of their respective discharges.

Results

Peak VO2 correlated positively with isometric KEMS (r = .63, P < .0001) and negatively with BNP level (r = −.37, P = .015). Of the nutritional indicators, only cholinesterase levels had a significant relationship with peak VO2 (r = .34, P = .028), whereas the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and the Controlling Nutritional Status scores did not. In multiple linear regression analysis, cholinesterase levels and isometric KEMS were independent predictors of peak VO2.

Conclusion

Cholinesterase levels predicted exercise capacity early after HTx.
Metastatic serous carcinoma presenting as inflammatory carcinoma over the breast—Report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Panse Gauri , Bossuyt Veerle , Ko Christine J.
Published: December 2017

Non‐mammary metastases involving breast are rare and most commonly involve the breast parenchyma. Infrequently, metastasis from an extramammary primary site presents as inflammatory carcinoma over the breast. Diagnosis of such lesions can be challenging, especially in patients with coexisting primary breast carcinoma. Few such cases have been described in literature; however, none of the previously reported cases had a prior history of primary breast carcinoma. We present 2 patients with history of breast carcinoma and serous carcinoma of ovarian/peritoneal origin that presented with inflammatory carcinoma over the breast. Biopsies from breast tissue showed atypical cells in the dermis forming cords and papillary structures. Histopathologic differential diagnosis included infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast origin and metastatic serous carcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor cells were positive for markers of ovarian origin such as PAX‐8 and CA‐125 and negative for breast markers such as GATA‐3, thus supporting the diagnosis. In summary, we describe the unusual presentation of metastatic serous carcinoma as inflammatory carcinoma over breast and discuss the diagnostic challenges in patients with coexisting primary breast and ovarian malignancies. We also review the morphologic features of tumors of breast and ovarian origin and the immunohistochemical stains to differentiate these 2 entities.
Long‐term effects of corpus callosotomy for therapy‐resistant epileptic seizures
Authors: Rydenhag Bertil
Published: December 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Graham et al. on pages 199–206 of this issue.
Advanced cardiac imaging techniques assist in characterizing a cardiac mass and directing management
Authors: Ayoub Chadi , Luis Sushil A. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Pellikka Patricia A.
Published: December 2017

Advanced imaging techniques, including contrast echocardiography and CMR, provided valuable characterization and evaluation of a boy with an unusual cardiac mass. Imaging features assisted with differentiation of benign from malignant etiology and excluding thrombus. Accurate imaging techniques saved our patient risks associated with unnecessary surgery or anticoagulation. The ability to accurately define size serially assisted in guiding expectant management. He died from a noncardiac cause at age 28, and autopsy demonstrated a hamartoma of mature cardiac myocytes.
The Long Shadow of Socialism: Puzzling Evidence on East‐West German Differences in Financial Literacy
Authors: Bucher‐Koenen Tabea , Lamla‐Dietrich Bettina
Published: December 2017

We use the German re‐unification as a natural experiment to understand drivers of financial literacy accumulation. We find that 20 years after re‐unification there is evidence for a significant financial literacy gap between East and West. While for instance women and those who have migrated from East to West have mastered to catch up with their West German peers, others did not. Decomposition of the financial literacy gap shows that most of it remains unexplained when including common factors explaining financial literacy acquisition. Thus, even if the socio‐demographic differences between East and West were to vanish, differences in financial literacy would remain.
Theses and Dissertations Completed in Family and Consumer Sciences: 2016
Authors: Wilmarth Melissa J. , Schopp Jennifer E.
Published: December 2017

The annual survey of family and consumer sciences graduate programs at American universities and colleges was completed between May and June 2017. The goal was to compile a list of theses and dissertations completed in 2016 from all areas of family and consumer sciences. Requests for titles and authors were sent three times by e‐mail to institutions with family and consumer sciences programs. A total of 259 theses and 194 dissertations were reported from 35 universities and colleges. The following is a report of the information provided by institution respondents by subject category including author, title, institution, and name of student's advisor.
Millennials’ Retirement Saving Behavior: Account Ownership and Balance
Authors: Yao Rui , Cheng Guopeng
Published: December 2017

Among the generations, the Millennials are the largest group in the United States. Compared with their parents and grandparents, the Millennials need to assume more responsibility to prepare financially for retirement. Few studies have analyzed this generation's retirement saving behavior. Using data from the 2013 Survey of Consumer Finances, this study examined the state of Millennials’ retirement savings, including retirement account ownership and balance. Results showed that only 37.2% of Millennials had any account designated for retirement. Among those with a retirement account, the average accumulated amount was $21,333. Factors that affected retirement saving behavior included age, education, total household income and assets, job tenure, self‐employment, having a retirement saving motive, having a defined benefit plan, overspending, and risk tolerance. This study provided insight that can help financial planners and educators, as well as policymakers, understand the Millennials’ current retirement savings behavior. Also, the results can help the Millennials engage in saving for their retirement.