bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theoretical framework for consolidation in humanitarian logistics
Authors: Vaillancourt Alain
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework to better understand incentives and obstacles to consolidation of materials in humanitarian logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a content analysis for its literature review method to code 87 articles related to supply chain and logistics and understand what are the incentives and obstacles to consolidation. It then discusses these issues from the point of view of humanitarian logistics.

Findings

– Through the combination of a literature review and discussion, the framework developed in this conceptual paper identifies specific sources of delays and impediments to cooperation present in disaster response and development activities. These issues can be related to disaster type, the focus of the organization and the stakeholders as well as the resources required for consolidation themselves.

Research limitations/implications

– There are limitations to a conceptual paper, one being the lack of empirical proof for the findings. Another limitation is the use of coding; even though the coding grid was iterative to take into account the findings in the literature, there might still be shortcomings inherent to the categories.

Originality/value

– This study offers a comprehensive review of consolidation activities in the last decades and offers an abstract model to further investigate consolidation in the context of humanitarian logistics.
Study of Electrospun Poly\acrylonitrile (PAN) and PAN/CNT Composite Nanofibrous Webs
Authors: Sinha M. K. , Das B. R. , Srivastava A. , Saxena A. K.
Published: March 2016

The electrospinng of PAN and PAN/CNT composite webs is carried out with the commercially available Nanospider machine. The webs are spun under similar processes and coated on Polypropylene spun bonded nonwoven fabric. This research work reports on the influence of multi-walled carbon nano tube (MWCNT) on the morphology, tensile properties, conductivity, thermal, chemical and crystalline structure of PAN and PAN/CNT composite nanofibrous webs. The morphological developments are explained on the basis of nanofibre diameter and web density as depicted by FESEM images. An addition of CNT greatly affects the morphology of webs, increases fibre diameter, decreases web density and leads to a roughened web surface. The mechanical properties of PAN /CNT composite webs are also found to be influenced by CNT concentration. The addition of MWCNT to PAN enhances the conductive properties of webs. The specific conductivity of PAN/CNT composite webs is found to be in order of 10-6 S/cm, which falls in the semiconducting regime and follows Ohm's law of conductivity. The TGA plots confirmed that the PAN/CNT composite web is more thermally stable than the PAN web. The presence of CNT in the polymer matrix is evidenced by D and G band, indicating a successful electrospun coating process.
Effect of Plasma Treatment on Cotton Desizing
Authors: Lam C.F. , Kan C.W. , Ng S.P. , Chan C.K.
Published: March 2016

As a significant amount of water, chemicals and energy are incurred in the preparation process of cotton materials, the handling of waste water and the associated chemical disposal is costly and the side effects that are resultant of the wastes affect the environment. Cost efficiency and environment protection are emphasized in this generation, and as a result, the textile industry is seeking for more cost saving and environmentally friendly cotton preparation processes as an alternative to conventional wet chemical processing. Moreover, the combination of both physical and chemical treatments will be the trend for future textile processing to achieve the desired fabric properties in a more flexible way. The application of plasma treatment on textile material has been proven successful in altering material performance without affecting its bulk properties, and also plasma treatment has been considered as a potential alternative to the conventional chemical wet treatment. Background information on plasma and the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on cotton fabrics are reviewed. Comparisons are made between conventional enzyme and plasma desizing.
Clean Process: Reducing indigo by using environmentally friendly 3-hydroxybutanone on dyed cotton modified with Denitex BC 200%
Authors: Ticha M Ben , N Meksi , N Drira , M.F. Mhenni
Published: March 2016

Industrial processes in everyday life need to take into consideration environmental safety. This is the major goal of today's scientific research. Textile research is no exception. This paper illustrates a green process in which indigo is converted into its water-soluble leuco form by using a reducing agent that is ecologically friendly: 3-hydroxybutanone (C4H8O2). The effect of alkalinity and reducing temperature on the reducing power of C4H8O2 has been evaluated in the absence and presence of indigo. The dyeing quality of the modified cotton resultant of the exhaust process is studied. Cotton modification is carried out by using Denitex BC 200% in order to improve the quality of the exhaustion dyeing process. Modified cotton fibres are characterized through a morphology analysis (by using a SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The performances of the indigo dyeing process are evaluated by measuring the redox potentials generated in the medium with and without indigo, dyeing bath exhaustion (E(%)), and colour yield (K/S) of the coloured cotton at 660 nm, brightness index (B(%)) and dyeing fastness of both the untreated and modified cotton fabrics.
Union Dyeing of Wool/Polyester Blend Fabric Using Sulphatoethylsulphone Dye Derivative of C.I. Disperse Yellow 23
Authors: Mohamed Fatma A. , Mousa A.A. , Farouk R. , Youssef Y.A. , Youssef Y.A. , Youssef Y.A.
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to synthesise, characterise and find out the properties of a model dye for convenient union dyeing of wool, polyester and wool/polyester blend fabric compared with C.I. Disperse Yellow 23. The reactive disperse dye was prepared containing sulphatoethylsulphone (SES) as a reactive group. The dye was synthesised by diazotization and coupling reaction. Firstly, we synthesized azo dye intermediate I using 1-aminobenzene-4-sulphatoethylsulphone diazotized and then coupled it with aniline. The synthesized azo dye intermediate I was diazotized and coupled with phenol to give dye 2. Different factors affecting the dyeability and fastness properties of SES dye 2 were thoroughly investigated on wool, polyester and wool/polyester blend fabrics in comparison with C.I. Disperse Yellow 23 dye 1. Maximum exhaustion and total fixation yield using sulphatoethylsulphone (SES) dye 2 were achieved on wool fabric at neutral pH 7. The dye showed high dyeing performance due to its nonionic reactive VS derivative. The dyeing results indicate high quality dyeing properties
Study on Dye Uptake-Blend Ratio Relation of Melt Spun Polypropylene / Polybutylene-terephthalate Blend Fibers
Authors: Tavanaie M. A. , Shoushtari A. M. , Goharpey F.
Published: March 2016

In this study, polypropylene (PP)/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) polyblend fibers that were melt spun at various blend ratios (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 percent of the dispersed phase of the PBT) were prepared and the relation of the morphological, rheological and structural properties to dye uptake was investigated. The results show that the dye uptake of the PP/PBT polyblend fiber samples significantly increases when the dispersed phase content of the PBT is increased. An increase in the dispersed content of the PBT leads to interface improvement between the matrix and dispersed phase of the polyblend fibers, reduction in the crystallinity percentage and improvement in the adhesion bonds and active centers in the polyblend fibers for dye absorption. Positive deviation from the linear mixing rule observed in the melt viscosities is good evidence of the improvement in the morphology of the polyblend fiber samples.
Study on Physical and Structural Properties of Jute-Palf Blended Yarn Spun by Apron Draft Spinning
Authors: Jalil Mohammad Abdul , Sinha Rabindra Chandra , Mahabubuzzaman A.K.M. , Milon Hossain Md. , Idris Mohammad Arafat
Published: March 2016

A study is performed on the properties of jute-pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) blended yarn and 100% jute yarn. The jute-PALF blend ratios of two counts of yarn (5 and 7 lbs/spy) are 70:30 and 80:20 respectively. The physical properties of the blended yarns such as load at break, strain at break, tenacity at break, tensile modulus and quality ratio are tested and measured. It is observed from the test results that the physical properties of the blended yarns are better than those of the 100% jute yarn. The experimental results also show that the physical and structural properties of the blended yarn changes with the increase of PALF in the blend ratio. So the blending of PALF has a positive impact on yarn properties. Another study is done, in which it is found that surface appearance properties like color strength (K/S value) and whiteness, yellowness and brightness indices of the blended yarns are almost the same as those of the jute yarn due to the blending of jute-PALF. Therefore, the blending ratio does not cause any notable changes in the natural color of the jute yarn.
Inter-fibre Cohesion Behaviour of New Zealand Wools
Authors: Tandon Surinder
Published: March 2016

Inter-fibre cohesion is regarded as an important property of assemblies, such as slivers, made of wool or any other fibres, with respect to the processing in carding, drawing (gilling) and spinning. In this paper, the results of the multiple regression analyses, and their validation, are presented to show that a strong relationship exists between the sliver cohesion (measured as sliver tenacity and sliver specific energy-to-break in a long-gauge tensile test) and a combination of the standard wool properties, such as bulk, mean fibre length (Barbe), mean fibre diameter and medullation content, used for the objective blend specification of New Zealand wools for marketing and processing.
Designing of Tension Control Device to Minimize Tension Variation across Weaver's Beam
Authors: Fernando E.A.S.K. , Jayawardana T.S.S.
Published: March 2016

The tension variations across the width of the weaver's beam cause uneven tension in the fabric formation zone. As a result of the tension variation, the woven fabric tends to have fabric defects, such as non-uniform fabric density and differential dye take–up at various places on the fabric. As the warp ends are continuously subjected to varying tensions, warp breakage frequently occurs. As a result, the quality of the fabric produced suffers and there is reduced loom efficiency. However, uniformity in the fabric density is crucial, especially for technical and smart textiles. In this paper, the authors have attempted to model the varyingtensions across different segments of a warp sheet under a set of assumptions and derived a linear model. Furthermore, a prototype of an automatic tension control device is instrumentedwith two different positions which are located one meter apart and allows the tension variations across the warp-sheet to be practically observed. The measured average tension shows that variations in the internal tension on different segments of the warp-sheet can be minimized or even completely eliminated over time. With the implementation of a related experiment, the authors have shown the effectiveness of this automatic tension controller and its strong implications for the industry.
Domestic Method of Silk Dyeing with Raw Natural Colours
Authors: Choudhury Prof. Asim Kumar Roy , Mitra Mr. Suman
Published: March 2016

Commercial natural dyes are quite costly as manufacturers are to follow multi-step extraction and purification procedures for standardisation purposes. Upon cost comparison, they lose in the market to synthetic dyes. However, in the handicraft sector, reproducibility may be of lesser importance against cost. In the present study, a domestic method of dyeing silk with the aqueous extract of raw plant/tree components (flower, leave, bark and root) by using a natural mordant and alum will be described. Good dyebath exhaustion and washing and light fastness are observed for some of the natural colouring matters.
Analysis of Impacts of Production Order Complexity and Lot Size on Apparel Production Systems Using Simulation Technique
Authors: Mak L.C. , Wong W.K. , Leung S.Y.S.
Published: March 2016

In the current practice of production planning in the apparel industry, the decision is mainly based on the primary concerns of avoiding the late completion of contracts and minimizing costs. Production planners do not consider the factors of production order complexity and lot size which are closely related to the performance of an apparel production system. Toprovide more insights into the decision, this paper aims to explore the impacts of lot size and order complexity and their interaction effect on the performance of two distinct and representative apparel production systems, namely pull and push systems, using simulation technique. The results show that there is a significant difference in system performance across all levels of order complexity between pull and push systems. According to the results, no particular production system can outperform in all circumstances and a conclusion is drawn to provide insights into the selection of apparel production systems.
Community sport and the newcomer experience in small cities
Authors: Nadeau John , O'Reilly Norm , Scott Alexander
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This research reports on work related to integrating new immigrants into their local communities. The purpose of this paper is to explore community sport and the newcomer experience in communities through an acculturation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– The role of community sport organizations in the acculturation process is explored empirically via a three-stage research study of a small Canadian city that includes interviews with local newcomers, interviews with managers of local community sport organizations, and a website content analysis of community sport organizations in the region.

Findings

– Results outline a number of important constraints, practices and realities facing newcomers and community sport organizations in improving participation rates and integration. In addition, the use of the acculturation frame provides insight on the perceived value of community sport yet low participation rates among newcomers.

Practical implications

– There is a need for community sport providers to adopt an acculturation perspective to newcomers rather than the current assimilationist perspective. This change will lead to improvements in sport offerings and newcomer supports.

Originality/value

– There is an increasing desire to have migrants locate in smaller urban centers rather than the large metropolises of their new home country. However, smaller communities may be perceived by newcomers as less desirable places to live and the communities can face significant integration challenges. Further, there is a dearth of research on newcomers and smaller communities particularly in the area of community sport. This study explores the role of sport as a means to overcome these challenges by assessing the capacity of a smaller city and the needs of immigrants and their families using a lens of acculturation.
The theory of planned behaviour and intention of purchase sport team licensed merchandise
Authors: Kim Min Soo , James Jeffrey
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to predict intentions to purchase sport team licensed merchandise (STLM) using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

– Three constructs of the TPB such as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were used to predict purchase intention of STLM. In an effort to increase the level of prediction, additional elements – past behavior and role identity – were included. A total of 384 university students participated in the survey.

Findings

– The results indicated that attitude, subjective norms, and PBC accounted for 64 percent of the variance in purchase intention of STLM. Past behavior and role identity explained an additional 9.3 percent of the variance in purchase intentions. Past behavior was the strongest predictor of purchase intention.

Originality/value

– The results showed the efficacy of the TPB in predicting purchase intentions of STLM.
Using spatio‐temporal models of population growth and movement to monitor overlap between human impacts and fish populations
Authors: Thorson James T. , Jannot Jason , Somers Kayleigh
Published: March 2016

Protected and managed species, including harvested fishes, exhibit spatial and temporal variation in their distribution and productivity. Spatio‐temporal variation can arise from differences in habitat quality, human impacts (including harvest), density‐dependent changes in per capita productivity, as well as individual movement. Human impacts (e.g. direct harvest) also vary spatially and over time, and monitoring the overlap between impacts and population distribution is necessary to ensure that human impacts are sustainable and to prioritize research and management for populations that are heavily impacted. However, estimating spatio‐temporal variation in human impacts and population dynamics while accounting for individual movement has remained computationally challenging for decades.

We developed a spatial population growth (also known as ‘surplus production’) model that is inspired by finite element analysis, which estimates spatio‐temporal population dynamics given density‐dependent population regulation, individual movement and spatially explicit harvest. We demonstrate the method using data for big skate Raja binoculata in the California Current from 2003 to 2013 and demonstrate that results can be processed to estimate an upper limit on sustainable harvest (an ‘overfishing limit’). We also conduct a simulation experiment to explore the small‐sample properties of parameter estimates.

A simulation experiment confirms that real‐world sample sizes are sufficient to estimate the sustainable harvest level within 20% of its actual value. However, sample sizes are likely insufficient to reliably estimate movement rates.

The spatial population growth model estimates an overfishing limit of 740–890 metric tonnes for big skate from 2010 to 2013, compared with annual harvest <100 tonnes. This suggests that recent harvest of big skate is likely sustainable, and sensitivity analysis confirms that this conclusion is robust to different potential rates for individual movement.

Synthesis and applications. We recommend that spatio‐temporal population models be used across systems and taxa to monitor the spatial overlap between species distribution and human impacts. For big skate, we recommend management rules triggering additional data collection and assessment effort if harvest rates substantially increase. We also recommend future research regarding spatial management regulations for emerging fisheries.
The Effects of Burning and Mold Growth on the Chemical Composition of Firelog Fuels
Authors: Winters Kelsey , Evans Michelle
Published: March 2016

Firelogs consist of a cellulosic material, such as sawdust or wood particles, and a combustible binder (fuel). Historically, the fuel typically consisted of a petroleum‐based (paraffin) wax; however, some manufacturers now include vegetable oils in their firelog fuels. To determine fuel composition, fuels from various brands of firelogs were extracted and analyzed by high‐temperature gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HTGC‐MS) and a GC‐MS with a polar column specific for the analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Firelogs were also burned, allowed to grow mold, and analyzed by GC‐MS to determine the effects that burning and mold growth have on firelog fuel composition. Mold did not tend to preferentially degrade any of the fatty acids. Burning caused a decrease in the relative amount of all of the fatty acids present in the vegetable oil fuel, with a greater effect on unsaturated fatty acids than saturated ones.
Characterization, Anti‐Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Activities of Natural and Sulfonated Exo‐Polysaccharides from Streptococcus thermophilus ASCC 1275
Authors: Li Siqian , Shah Nagendra P.
Published: March 2016

Exo‐polysaccharides (EPS) isolated from Streptococcus thermophilus ASCC 1275 were sulfated (31%). High‐performance liquid chromatography identified that EPS was composed of mannose (30.19%), galactose (20.10%), glucose (18.05%), glucosamine (16.04%), galactosamine (9.06%), glucuronic acid (3.55%), and ribose (3.01%). Pro‐/anti‐inflammatory cytokine secretion ratios (IL‐1β/IL‐10, IL‐6/IL‐10, and TNF‐α/IL‐10) of lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were significantly decreased by EPS and S.EPS treatments in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, anti‐inflammatory activities of S.EPS improved 49.3% and 24.0% than those of EPS before or after LPS treatment. The reactive oxygen species were inhibited by EPS and S.EPS by 49.6% and 55.1% at 50 μg/mL, respectively. Inhibition activities of S.EPS on nitric oxide production were 12.9% and 55.4% higher than those of EPS at 10 and 50 μg/mL. Additionally, S.EPS exhibited stronger antiproliferative activity on Caco‐2 and HepG2 cells. Our results indicated that anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of EPS were significantly (P < 0.01) improved by sulfonation.
Cytopathological findings of primary pulmonary Ewing family of tumors with EWSR1 translocation: A case report
Authors: Mizuguchi Keishi , Minato Hiroshi , Onishi Hitomi , Mitani Yuki , Kawai Jun
Published: March 2016

Primary pulmonary neoplasms of the Ewing family of tumors (EFT) are extremely rare and usually occur in adolescents or young adults. Only about 40 cases of pulmonary EFT have been reported in English literature, and no cytological studies have been documented. In this report, we describe the cytopathological findings of a primary pulmonary EFT in an elderly patient. A 70‐year‐old man sought care because of a progressing cough and dyspnea. Chest computed tomography revealed a circumscribed mass of 6 cm in the left upper lobe. Fine needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy revealed uniform round cell proliferation. The predominant population consisted of cells with thickened nuclear membranes, finely dispersed chromatin, single distinct nucleoli, and indistinct cytoplasm. The other population consisted of smaller cells with darker chromatin. The cytoplasm stained positive for periodic acid–Schiff stain and was digested by diastase. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for MIC2 (CD99), and focal positivity for neuron specific enolase, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed
EWSR1
translocation. Although rare, pulmonary EFT cannot be disregarded, regardless of age. When two populations of uniform, round cells are observed, immunohistochemistry with MIC2 (CD99) and cytogenetic analysis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or FISH should be considered. Cytological diagnosis may play an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary EFT.
Robinia pseudoacaciaas a surrogate for native tree species for saproxylic beetles inhabiting the riparian mixed forests of northern Italy
Authors: Della Rocca Francesca , Stefanelli Silvia , Bogliani Giuseppe
Published: March 2016

The felling and leaving of non‐native trees comprise management strategies designed to increase dead wood for saproxylic fauna in forests without affecting native tree species. In northern Italy, the most widespread exotic tree in alluvial forests is the North AmericanRobinia pseudoacacia.

We quantified the difference in species composition and abundance among saproxylic beetles of two European broad‐leaved trees,Populus albaandQuercus robur, and the exotic broad‐leaved treeRobinia pseudoacacia.

We collected beetles emerging from 29 fallen trunks with a diameter of between 29 and 31 cm and belonging to the second decomposition stage.

We identified 249 individuals from 25 saproxylic beetle species. Species richness and composition did not differ among tree species. Although permutational multivariate analysis of variance highlighted significant differences in species composition, linear mixed effect models showed that differences depend exclusively on spatial distances between logs and not on the host tree species. The Morisita‐Horn index and principal coordinate analysis confirmed this pattern.

Thus, we found that saproxylic beetles use all dead trees available in the forest, without distinguishing between exotic or native trees but only occupying the nearest ones. From a forest management point of view, this supports the practice of leaving dead wood of exotic trees at restorations for saproxylic beetles.
Choroidal melanoma and pregnancy
Authors: Lemaître Stéphanie , Lévy‐Gabriel Christine , Desjardins Laurence , Plancher Corine , Asselain Bernard , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Lumbroso‐Le Rouic Livia , Dendale Rémi , Rouzier Roman , Delacroix Sabine , Cassoux Nathalie
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Choroidal melanoma is a rare tumour in adults. The mean age at diagnosis is 60, but the tumour can affect women of childbearing age. A negative effect of pregnancy on patients' survival has not been formally excluded to date. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on the prognosis of choroidal melanoma.

Methods

We conducted a single‐centre retrospective study at the Institut Curie on the population of women of childbearing age who were diagnosed with choroidal melanoma between June 1980 and October 2013. We took a particular interest in the prognosis of those who were pregnant at the time of diagnosis and in the prognosis of those who chose to get pregnant after the treatment.

Results

We found 27 pregnant patients at the time of diagnosis and 13 patients who became pregnant after the treatment. There was no difference in the survival between these two groups of patients and the group of other women of childbearing age diagnosed with choroidal melanoma (p = 0.52). There was also no difference in metastasis‐free survival (p = 0.91). Most women were able to carry their pregnancies to term (67% had a term pregnancy, and only 7% had an abortion). For women who were pregnant when they were diagnosed with choroidal melanoma, a conservative treatment was chosen in 85% of cases, and proton beam therapy was the most widely used treatment.

Conclusions

Survival in women of childbearing age does not appear to be influenced by pregnancy. We show that proton beam therapy can be used to treat women who are pregnant at the time of choroidal melanoma diagnosis.
Low dose versus conventional dose of intravitreal bevacizumab injection for retinopathy of prematurity: a case series with paired‐eye comparison
Authors: Han Jinu , Kim Seong Eun , Lee Sung Chul , Lee Christopher Seungkyu
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection, with different dosing (0.25 mg/0.01 ml versus 0.625 mg/0.025 ml) in each eye of the same patient with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) was injected into eight patients with stage 3+ in zone I or posterior zone II ROP (16 eyes). Bevacizumab, with different dosing (0.25 mg/0.01 ml and 0.625 mg/0.025 ml), was injected into the vitreous cavity of each eye.

Results

Among the 16 eyes treated with IVB, six eyes had zone I ROP and 10 eyes had zone II ROP. The mean birthweight was 800 ± 139 g (range, 533–955 g), and the mean gestational age was 25.9 ± 1.2 gestational weeks (range, 24.4–28.7 weeks). The postmenstrual age at initial treatment was 37.2 gestational weeks (range, 33.7–41 weeks). The mean follow‐up was 312 ± 50 days (median, 305 days; range, 238–376 days). All eyes showed regression of plus sign after IVB injection within 1 week and revascularization to the ora serrata at the time of final visit. There was no difference in the time of anatomical achievement between the eyes with different doses. None of the patients received any additional IVB injection or laser photocoagulation. After the regression of ROP, tractional retinal detachment and macular ectopia were not observed in any patients during follow‐up.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the short‐term clinical outcomes of stage 3+ ROP in zone I or II between the eyes with low dose and conventional dose of IVB.
Posterior displacement of the lamina cribrosa in normal‐tension and high‐tension glaucoma
Authors: Li Lüe , Bian Ailing , Cheng Gangwei , Zhou Qi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To compare the in vivo lamina cribrosa position in patients with normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG) and high‐tension glaucoma (HTG).

Methods

The comparative cross‐sectional study included three age‐ and sex‐matched groups: 26 eyes of 26 NTG patients, 26 eyes of 26 HTG patients and 25 eyes of 25 healthy controls. Serial horizontal B‐scan images of the optic nerve head were obtained from each eye using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Mean and maximum lamina cribrosa depths were measured in 11 equally spaced horizontal B‐scans. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare lamina cribrosa depth among the three groups and to correlate lamina cribrosa depth with age, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for lamina cribrosa depth was calculated.

Results

Mean and maximum lamina cribrosa depths were significantly greater in HTG than in NTG eyes, and in NTG than in normal eyes in all 11 scans (all p < 0.05). The AUCs of the averaged mean and averaged maximum lamina cribrosa depths in HTG eyes (0.977 and 0.988, respectively) were significantly greater than those in NTG eyes (0.735 and 0.765, respectively; both p < 0.01). Lamina cribrosa depth was found to have a negative correlation with age in HTG eyes; however, the same association was not found in NTG or controls. Neither RNFL thickness nor VF MD was significantly correlated with lamina cribrosa depth in each group.

Conclusions

The lamina cribrosa is more posteriorly located in HTG than in NTG eyes, as well as in NTG eyes compared with healthy controls. The lamina cribrosa depth can help differentiate HTG from normal eyes, but it does not reach a good level of diagnostic accuracy for detecting NTG.
Outcome of tocilizumab treatment in refractory ocular inflammatory diseases
Authors: Silpa‐archa Sukhum , Oray Merih , Preble Janine M , Foster Charles Stephen
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To report the outcomes of tocilizumab treatment for refractory ocular inflammatory diseases.

Methods

A retrospective case series of 17 patients (28 eyes) diagnosed with recalcitrant ocular inflammatory diseases including uveitis (10 cases), scleritis (six cases) and orbital pseudotumour (one case), who received tocilizumab between April 2010 and March 2015. All patients were initiated with treatment of 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg tocilizumab. The primary outcome was absence of inflammation and achievement of steroid sparing at 6 and 9 months. Secondary outcomes were change in visual acuity and major adverse effects of tocilizumab causing discontinuation of the treatment.

Results

Mean age at initiation of tocilizumab was 41 ± 16 years. Prior to tocilizumab treatment, all patients underwent unsuccessful conventional immunosuppressive therapy while 94% of patients (16/17) failed treatment with various biological agents. After tocilizumab administration, control of inflammation and steroid sparing were achieved in 63% and 71% of uveitis patients at 6 and 9 months, while 50% of scleritis patients achieved the primary outcome at 6 and 9 months. Mean duration of tocilizumab therapy was 12.6 ± 10.0 (range, 2–35) months. Three of four patients who had a follow‐up of at least 18 (range, 18–35) months experienced quiescent inflammation for up to 32 months of tocilizumab use until last visit. Four patients (24%) discontinued tocilizumab due to serious side effects including neutropenia, unacceptable dizziness and nausea, severe angioedema and severe abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Our series demonstrated moderate efficacy of tocilizumab in recalcitrant uveitis and scleritis. Serious adverse effects were not uncommon.
The vasodilating effects of insulin and lactate are increased in precapillary arterioles in the porcine retina ex vivo
Authors: Skov Jensen Peter , Metz Mariendal Pedersen Simon , Aalkjaer Christian , Bek Toke
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Disturbances in the diameter regulation of the larger retinal vessels are involved in the pathophysiology of a number of vision threatening retinal diseases, but the role of the smaller vessels has received less attention. Therefore, an experimental model was developed for studying diameter changes in retinal vessels at all branching levels secondary to pharmacological interventions ex vivo.

Methods

Porcine hemiretinas were mounted in a tissue chamber that allowed the control of temperature, pH and oxygen saturation. The chamber was positioned in a fluorescence microscope, and changes in the diameter of larger arterioles, precapillary arterioles and capillaries were studied after intravascular and extravascular application of the thromboxane analogue U46619, lactate, the glutamate agonist N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) and insulin.

Results

U46619 induced significant contraction of all vessel calibres after extravascular application, but had no significant effect on vessel diameters after intravascular application. In contracted vessels, lactate induced significant dilatation in all vessel calibres, and the effect was more pronounced after intravascular than after extravascular application where only precapillary arterioles dilated significantly. N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) induced similar dilatation in the three vessel types after intra‐ and extravascular application, whereas the dilating effect of insulin was significantly more pronounced in the precapillary arterioles than in the other vessel types.

Conclusion

The diameter regulation in precapillary retinal arterioles differs from that of other retinal vascular branching levels and may play a special role in the pathophysiology of retinal vascular disease.
Evaluation of Mutual Drug–Drug Interaction within Geneva Cocktail for Cytochrome P450 Phenotyping using Innovative Dried Blood Sampling Method
Authors: Bosilkovska Marija , Samer Caroline , Déglon Julien , Thomas Aurélien , Walder Bernhard , Desmeules Jules , Daali Youssef
Published: March 2016

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity can be assessed using a ‘cocktail’ phenotyping approach. Recently, we have developed a cocktail (Geneva cocktail) which combines the use of low‐dose probes with a low‐invasiveness dried blood spots (DBS) sampling technique and a single analytical method for the phenotyping of six major CYP isoforms. We have previously demonstrated that modulation of CYP activity after pre‐treatment with CYP inhibitors/inducer could be reliably predicted using Geneva cocktail. To further validate this cocktail, in this study, we have verified whether probe drugs contained in the latter cause mutual drug–drug interactions. In a randomized, four‐way, Latin‐square crossover study, 30 healthy volunteers received low‐dose caffeine, flurbiprofen, omeprazole, dextromethorphan and midazolam (a previously validated combination with no mutual drug–drug interactions); fexofenadine alone; bupropion alone; or all seven drugs simultaneously (Geneva cocktail). Pharmacokinetic profiles of the probe drugs and their metabolites were determined in DBS samples using both conventional micropipette sampling and new microfluidic device allowing for self‐sampling. The 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of AUC metabolite/AUC probe for CYP probes administered alone or within Geneva cocktail fell within the 0.8–1.25 bioequivalence range indicating the absence of pharmacokinetic interaction. The same result was observed for the chosen phenotyping indices, that is metabolic ratios at 2 hr (CYP1A2, CYP3A) or 3 hr (CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6) post‐cocktail administration. DBS sampling could successfully be performed using a new microfluidic device. In conclusion, Geneva cocktail combined with an innovative DBS sampling device can be used routinely as a test for simultaneous CYP phenotyping.
Paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma ‐ perspectives in translational biology
Authors: Shiramizu Bruce , Mussolin Lara , Woessmann Wilhelm , Klapper Wolfram
Published: March 2016

Exciting advances have been achieved for infants, children and adolescents diagnosed with, and treated for, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In spite of these successes, new frontiers are being paved to improve the prognosis for those who relapse or have resistant disease. This review summarizes some of the novel approaches and ideas in NHL monitoring, diagnosis and treatment as discussed at the 5th International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma on October 22nd–24th 2015 in Varese, Italy.
Relationship factors in skin self‐examination among couples
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Coups Elliot J. , Kashy Deborah A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Individuals may be more motivated to adopt health‐promoting practices if they consider the benefits of these behaviours for their close relationships. The goal of this study was to use the interdependence theory to evaluate the role of relationship factors in skin self‐examination (SSE).

Design

The study adopted a cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐four married couples aged 50 years and older completed measures of skin cancer worry, SSE benefits, SSE barriers, relationship‐centred motivations for SSE, discussions about SSE, and SSE practices in the past year.

Results

Couples who discussed SSE with one another were more likely to engage in it. Couples who adopted a relationship‐centred motivation for SSE were more likely to discuss SSE, and, ultimately, engage in SSE. One partner's beliefs were associated with the other partner's SSE. Women who adopted a relationship‐centred motivation for SSE had husbands who discussed SSE more and also had husbands who were more likely to conduct SSE. Men who adopted a relationship‐centred motivation for SSE did not have wives who reported that they discussed SSE more with their husbands and/or wives who were more likely to conduct SSE. These findings suggest that wives’ relationship beliefs and discussions with their husbands may have a stronger association with their husbands’ SSE practices than the associations between husbands’ relationship beliefs and discussions with their wives’ SSE practices.

Conclusions

Behavioural interventions may benefit from encouraging couples to discuss SSE and consider the benefits of SSE for their relationship and for their spouse's health.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Previous studies have shown that people are more motivated to adopt health‐promoting behaviours if they consider the benefits of such behaviours for their close relationships. However, little is known about the role of the marital relationship in the engagement in skin self‐examination (SSE) practices.

What does this study add?

This study builds on prior research evaluating the role of relationship factors in cancer screening and surveillance practices.

Couples who discuss SSE with one another are more likely to engage in it. Couples who consider the benefits of engaging in SSE for their relationship are more likely to discuss skin examinations and engage in them.
Love versus loving criticism: Disentangling conventional and constructive patriotism
Authors: Sekerdej Maciej , Roccas Sonia
Published: March 2016

We seek in three studies to better understand constructive patriotism by identifying perceptual and motivational factors that predict it above and beyond conventional patriotism and by examining one of its distinctive consequences (total n = 573). Study 1 (Polish students) shows that constructive patriotism is predicted by the perceived discrepancy between actual and ideal representations of the nation. Study 2 (Polish and Israeli students), which draws on Schwartz's theory of values, shows that constructive patriotism is negatively associated with the pursuit of self‐interests. In Study 3 (Israeli adults), we broadened our investigation of constructive patriotism and conventional patriotism by examining the willingness to write examples of what constitutes a contribution to the nation, and analysed the content of these written statements. Individuals who scored higher on constructive patriotism wrote more examples, as well as more distinctive examples, of contributions to the nation. These findings provide the first empirical evidence for predictors and potential consequences of constructive patriotism that go beyond the love of one's nation.
Possible role for anisodamine in organophosphate poisoning
Authors: Eisenkraft Arik , Falk Avshalom
Published: March 2016

In cases of organophosphate poisoning, patients are treated with a combination of antidotes. In addition to these poison‐directed antidotes, patients may require extra oxygen and artificial ventilation; other modalities may also be needed due to the wide range of toxic effects. Anisodamine is a belladonna alkaloid, and like other drugs from this family is non subtype‐selective muscarinic, and a nicotinic cholinoceptor antagonist, which has been employed in traditional Chinese medicine. As a muscarinic antagonist, it displays similar pharmacological effects to atropine and scopolamine. However, anisodamine is not only less potent than atropine and scopolamine but also less toxic. Current in vitro and animal model studies have demonstrated that anisodamine has protective effects in a variety of diseases. Organophosphate poisoning involves not only the central and peripheral nervous systems, but also the cardiac and respiratory systems, as well as activation of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. Therefore, the anticholinergic and additional activities of anisodamine appear to be relevant and justify its consideration as an addition to the existing remedies. However, more research is needed, as at present data on the role of anisodamine in the management of organophosphate poisoning are limited. Here, we review the beneficial effects of anisodamine on processes relevant to organophosphate poisoning.
Intersubunit interactions at putative sites of ethanol action in the M3 and M4 domains of the NMDA receptor GluN1 and GluN2B subunits
Authors: Zhao Y , Ren H , Peoples R W
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose

The NMDA receptor is an important target of alcohol action in the brain. Recent studies in this laboratory have demonstrated that alcohol‐sensitive positions in the intersubunit interfaces of the M3 and M4 domains of GluN1 and GluN2A subunits interact with respect to ethanol sensitivity and receptor kinetics and that alcohol‐sensitive positions in the M domains of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits differ. In this study, we tested for interactions among alcohol‐sensitive positions at the M domain intersubunit interfaces in GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptors.

Experimental Approach

We used whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording in tsA201 cells expressing tryptophan substitution mutants at ethanol‐sensitive positions in the GluN1 and GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits to test for interactions among positions.

Key Results

Six pairs of positions in GluN1/GluN2B significantly interacted to regulate ethanol inhibition: Gly638/Met824, Gly638/Leu825, Phe639/Leu825, Phe639/Gly826, Met818/Phe637 and Val820/Phe637. Tryptophan substitution at Met824 or Leu825 in GluN2B did not alter ethanol sensitivity but interacted with positions in the GluN1 M3 domain to regulate ethanol action, whereas tryptophan substitution at Gly638, which is the cognate of an ethanol‐sensitive position in GluN2A, did not alter ethanol sensitivity or interact with positions in GluN1. Two and three pairs of positions interacted to regulate glutamate steady‐state and peak current EC50, respectively, and one pair interacted with respect to macroscopic desensitization.

Conclusions

Despite highly‐conserved M domain sequences and similar ethanol sensitivity in the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits, the manner in which these subunits interact with the GluN1 subunit to regulate ethanol sensitivity and receptor kinetics differs.
Who speaks for whom? Implementing the Crown's duty to consult in the case of divided Aboriginal political structures
Authors: Peach Ian
Published: March 2016

The Supreme Court of Canada has determined that the Crown has a duty to consult Aboriginal peoples on government decisions that may adversely affect their rights, but the Court did not define who the Crown should consult on behalf of Aboriginal people when two or more groups claim the right to speak for them. For government officials attempting to fulfil the Crown's duty, this can create challenges. This article reviews the jurisprudence and scholarly commentary to provide some guidance to government officials on how to effectively implement the Crown's duty to consult as a practical matter of public administration.
Municipal‐Aboriginal advisory committees in four Canadian cities: 1999–2014
Authors: Heritz Joanne
Published: March 2016

How have municipal governments in Canada been engaging Aboriginal peoples and First Nations? This project examined municipal Aboriginal relations offices and/or advisory committees across Canada and focuses on four cases in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto. This study identified their mandates, size, locations and initiatives these offices and advisory committees have undertaken, which include: awareness training; employment strategies to recruit, hire and retain Aboriginal municipal employees; and improve Aboriginal representation on municipal agencies, boards and commissions.
Theorizing the resilience of the Indian Act
Authors: Morden Michael
Published: March 2016

The Indian Act, 1876 has exhibited extraordinary resistance to major change – despite inspiring universal antipathy. This puzzle is addressed by applying institutionalist theories designed to explain continuity. Both the rational choice and historical versions of institutionalism offer partial explanations for the resilience of the Indian Act – and both can be used to predict change. Discursive institutionalism completes the theoretical puzzle by drawing attention to legitimacy norms. The Indian Act is an example of a “legitimacy trap” – it imposes limits on participation in the policy discussion, but saps the credibility and political capital of those leaders upon whom it confers standing, inhibiting change.