bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical study on the influence of Islamic values in poverty alleviation
Authors: Senadjki Abdelhak , Sulaiman Jamalludin
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to shed some light on the roles of Islamic values and principles in encouraging households to enhance their livelihood and, therefore, alleviate their poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured and tested socio-economic questionnaire instrument was randomly distributed to 102 randomly selected households from the state of Penang in Malaysia. Data collected were analysed using one-way ANOVA tests.

Findings

– The results indicated that poverty can be fought with commitment, faith and guided principles based on faith. While the self-reliance degree remains indispensable in the development progress of individuals, communities and societies, dependence on others leads to disappointment and failure.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has its own limitations. First, the study did not consider the gender factor in the analysis. Second, only cash transfer (role of the government) was considered in the study, although other roles such as taxation and social services are probably equally important. Third, the discussion did not pay attention to how the proposed three constructs (Micro, Meso and Macro) are related. Lastly, as proposed by an anonymous reviewer, the present study did not take in consideration how Islamic philosophy perceives the share of responsibility to the three proposed constructs. Does Islam give similar weight to each of them?

Practical implications

– Sadakah and Waqf should be integrated with the financial systems to halt any misuse of the financial assistance offered to the poor.

Social implications

– Government assistance remains indispensable through providing the necessities of comfort and well-being to the hardcore poor such as housing, health-care facilities and cash transfer.

Originality/value

– This study enhances the understanding of how religious adherence and Islamic values influence households’ well-being and paves the way for further research on this crucial issue.
The practice of IFSB guiding principles of risk management by Islamic banks
Authors: Rosman Romzie , Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahim
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of the risk management practices of Islamic banks as recommended by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) in managing their unique risks. This study also explores the differences in risk management practices based on the country, size, type and age of the bank.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire was developed to investigate the risk management practices. The main reference for the questionnaire was the IFSB Guiding Principles of Risk Management and the respondents were either the chief risk officers or holders of other senior positions involved in risk management in the Islamic banks. A non-parametric test was then conducted to explain the difference in mean scores for the unique risk management practices by the Islamic banks.

Findings

– A lack of effective risk management practices was found in relation to liquidity risk, displaced commercial risk and equity investment risk by Islamic banks. However, Islamic banks were comparatively good in managing operational risk/Shari’ah non-compliance risk. The study found that there was a significant difference in the practice of equity investment risk management based on the size, type and age of the Islamic bank. In addition, a significant difference was found between the Islamic banks in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) and Asian countries concerning the practice of both displaced commercial risk and operational risk/Shari’ah non-compliance risk management.

Research limitations/implications

– In spite of the limitations in non-parametric analysis, this analysis was preferred inasmuch as the data were measured on an ordinal scale with a small sample size.

Originality/value

– This study is among the few studies that examine and explore the risk management practices of Islamic banks internationally by explaining the unique risks encountered in Islamic finance.
‘I See You on My Radar’: Displays of the Confirmatory Form in Maritime Technologically Mediated Interaction
Authors: Froholdt Lisa Loloma
Published: August 2015

This article investigates how speakers in maritime technologically mediated interaction utilize pre-scripted interaction. The analysis uses micro-analytical methods that have not been used in the analysis of maritime interactions since the study by Bailey et al. (2006) . In contrast to Bailey et al. (2006) who have analysed interactions between co-located speakers on board ships, this article analyses interactions between speakers who are not co-located. Micro-analytical methods can shed light on sense-making practices that speakers display in pre-scripted user-device interaction as pointed out by Arminen (2005) . The article advances the observations of Bailey et al. (2006) regarding the ‘confirmatory form’ that they found predominant in co-located bridge team interaction. A ‘confirmatory form’ is a speaker display of the pre-script 1 called a ‘readback’ ( IMO SMCP, 2001 ), that speakers show when verifying information. The analysis shows that the structure of the ‘readback’ is used by speakers, is dependent on reflexive user-device interaction and involves a situated rule-following (Wittgenstein, 1958). The article then argues against the findings in The MARCOM Project (1999) that advocates that spoken interaction should be done away with completely as a way of promoting safe navigation, and concurs with studies in aviation research, that show how verbal interaction is an essential part of the situated understanding that takes place when performing institutional tasks ( Sanne, 2003 ; Nevile, 2004a ; Falzon, 2008 , 2009 ).
Immersion Vacuum‐Cooling as a Novel Technique for Cooling Meat Products: Research Advances and Current State‐of‐the Art
Authors: Feng Chao‐Hui , Li Cheng
Published: August 2015

In order to achieve a rapid cooling rate and to increase the industrial yield of the products without compromising their quality attributes, immersion vacuum‐cooling (IVC) is now widely applied for cooling of both small and large food items. However, the lower cooling rate compared with vacuum‐cooling has initiated numerous studies to improve this technique. Substantial efforts, such as combination of IVC with other cooling methods, using different initial water temperatures, or employment of agitation during IVC, have been made to optimize cooling parameters while also maintaining quality properties and complying with strict food safety requirements. This review presents and discusses the IVC evolution and recent developments directed at the ready‐to‐eat meat products industry. The principle of IVC and its applications are discussed first. Then future prospects and suggestions are covered, especially for the cooling of ready‐to‐eat meat products.
Sudden Death Due To Acute Cocaine Toxicity—Excited Delirium in a Body Packer
Authors: Shields Lisa B. E. , Rolf Cristin M. , Hunsaker John C.
Published: August 2015

Excited delirium denotes a life‐threatening medical condition characterized by the acute onset of agitated and violent behavior that often results in a sudden and unexplained death. Cocaine‐induced excited delirium refers to fatal cocaine intoxication with the following symptoms occurring sequentially: hyperthermia, delirium with agitation, respiratory arrest, and death. We present a case of cocaine‐induced excited delirium in a cocaine “body packer” or a “mule”, specifically an individual who attempts to smuggle cocaine within the body. Investigators at the scene initially suspected homicide due to the victim's sharp and blunt force injuries. Three rubber packets containing cocaine were removed from the victim's rectum. Blood toxicological analysis revealed an alcohol concentration of 0.016 g/100 and cocaine >1 mg/L. The forensic pathologist should consider cocaine‐induced excited delirium when an individual exhibits aggressive behavior, unexpected strength, and resistance to pain who dies suddenly. Further analysis should be performed during the scene investigation and autopsy for evidence of body packing.
Growth, Poverty and Development Assistance: When Does Foreign Aid Work?
Authors: Sumner Andy , Glennie Jonathan
Published: August 2015

This is a survey paper on aid effectiveness in terms of the contribution of development assistance to economic growth and poverty reduction. The article focuses primarily on the most recent generation of cross‐country studies. It concludes that there is a set of broad areas where the evidence reviewed shows signs of convergence that have direct relevance for policy decisions on aid and for aid‐effectiveness discussions. These areas are: aid levels (meaning if the level of aid is too low or too high); domestic political institutions (including political stability and the extent of decentralisation); the composition of aid (including sectors, modalities, objectives and time horizons); and the volatility and fragmentation of aid. We also identify two areas where there is little sign of convergence in the evidence: the importance or otherwise of ‘good’, meaning orthodox macroeconomic policies and whether grants are more effective than loans.
A British Constitutional Convention?
Authors: Renwick Alan
Published: August 2015

Constitutional reform is heading the UK political agenda, generating much debate over whether a Constitutional Convention should be established and, if so, what form it should take. Alan Renwick sets out the options and weighs their strengths and weaknesses.
Why Aren't There More Women in British Politics?
Authors: Kenny Meryl
Published: August 2015

Despite gains in May's General Election, women remain heavily under-represented in British politics. Meryl Kenny examines the evidence and asks if the time has come for gender quotas to deliver real change.
Should the Voting Age be Lowered to 16 for UK Elections?
Authors: Eichhorn Jan
Published: August 2015

Lowering the voting age would increase youth engagement in politics, says Jan Eichhorn.
US Presidential Election 2016
Authors: Karol David
Published: August 2015

As the race to succeed Barack Obama intensifies, David Karol takes a look at the defining issues of next year's US presidential election, the electoral process and the leading contenders.
The Rise of a Political Englishness?
Authors: Kenny Michael
Published: August 2015

From English Votes for English Laws to the rise of Ukip, Englishness is a growing feature of British politics. Michael Kenny examines the rise of English national identity as a political force.
Britain's Political Parties and the EU: Conflict and Consensus
Authors: Goodlad Graham
Published: August 2015

Controversy over the holding of an in/out referendum has made Europe once again a divisive issue in British politics. Graham Goodlad examines the differing attitudes of the UK's main political parties to the European Union in recent years.
Last Word
Authors: Barnett Steven
Published: August 2015

The current BBC charter expires at the end of next year. Conservative proposals for the broadcaster's future are nothing short of an assault on democracy, writes Steven Barnett.
Impact of the new IADPSG gestational diabetes diagnostic criteria on pregnancy outcomes in Western Australia
Authors: Laafira Aminath , White Scott W. , Griffin Christopher J. , Graham Dorothy
Published: August 2015

Background

There is debate as to the most appropriate diagnostic criteria to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The proposed International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria have recently been endorsed by various bodies, but there remains no national consensus.

Aim

To assess the perinatal outcomes of women with GDM classified according to the 1998 Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) criteria compared to those with GDM by the IADPSG criteria.

Materials and Methods

Results of glucose tolerance tests performed between January 2011 and January 2014 were linked with the perinatal data of those who delivered singleton fetuses after 24 weeks' gestation. Analysed data included birthweight, gestational age at birth, macrosomia, mode of delivery, perinatal mortality, nursery admission, maternal body mass index, and gestational weight gain.

Results

Of 3571 women, 466 (13%) and 559 (16%) met the criteria for the 1998 ADIPS and IADPSG criteria for GDM, respectively. Those with GDM according to the IADPSG criteria only (6%) were more obese (95% CI 2.3–4.8 kg/m2), delivered neonates on average 106 g heavier (95% CI 19–193 g) and had more fetal macrosomia (18% vs 11%, P = 0.002) than those with normal glucose tolerance.

Conclusions

The IADPSG criteria for GDM identified a group of women at previously unrecognised increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Adopting the IADPSG criteria would increase the number of women diagnosed with GDM by 20%; however, the improvements in perinatal morbidity, in addition to potential long‐term benefits, may justify the increase in healthcare workload.
Prediction of subsequent miscarriage risk in women who present with a viable pregnancy at the first early pregnancy scan
Authors: Stamatopoulos Nicole , Lu Chuan , Casikar Ishwari , Reid Shannon , Mongelli Max , Hardy Nigel , Condous George
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To generate and evaluate a new prediction model for miscarriage in women who present with a viable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) at the primary early pregnancy scan and to compare this new model to a previously published model.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected prospectively from women presenting to the early pregnancy unit with a viable IUP between November 2006 and January 2013. More than 30 historical, clinical and ultrasonographic variables were recorded on a standardised datasheet at the first visit. Women were followed until the final outcome was known at the end of the first trimester: viable IUP or miscarriage. A new multinomial logistic regression model was developed retrospectively on training cases and tested prospectively on test cases. The performance of the new prediction model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and compared to a previously published model. After removing cases with missing values for the model of Oates, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was also calculated for the new model and the Oates model.

Results

A total of 1115 consecutive first‐trimester women presented to the early pregnancy unit. Eight hundred and sixty‐two women with a viable IUP at the first scan whose outcome was known at the end of the first trimester were included in the final analysis. Five hundred and sixty‐six women were included in the training set and 296 in the test set. 92.1% were viable and 7.9% had miscarried at the end of the first trimester. The most significant independent prognostic variables for the logistic regression model were as follows: maternal age, embryonic heart rate (EHR), logarithm [gestational sac (GS) volume/crown‐rump length (CRL)], CRL and the presence or absence of clots per vagina (PV) at presentation. The performance of the new model compared with the Oates model gave an AUC of 0.870 vs 0.847 for the training set and 0.783 vs 0.744 for the test set. After removing cases with missing values for the model of Oates 2013, the performance of the new model compared to the Oates model gave an AUC of 0.887 vs 0.861 for the training set and 0.816 vs 0.734 for the test set (P‐value <0.04).

Conclusions

We have developed a new prediction model which indicates the likelihood of miscarriage. In women who present with a viable IUP at the primary scan, advancing maternal age in the presence of clots PV increases the probability of subsequent miscarriage. Whereas, in women with a higher EHR in the presence of an increased GS volume/CRL ratio, the likelihood of subsequent miscarriage is reduced. This new model outperforms the previously published model developed in our unit.
What factors determined restoration success of a salt marsh ten years after de‐embankment?
Authors: Chang Esther R. , Veeneklaas Roos M. , Bakker Jan P. , Daniels Petra , Esselink Peter
Published: August 2015

Questions

How successful was the restoration of a salt marsh at a former summer polder on the mainland coast of the Dutch Wadden Sea 10 yr after de‐embankment? What were the most important factors determining the level of restoration success?

Location

Noard‐Fryslân Bûtendyks, northwest Netherlands.

Methods

The frequencies of target plant species were recorded before de‐embankment and monitored thereafter (1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10 yr later) using permanent transects. Vegetation change was monitored using repeated mapping 14 yr before and 1, 7 and 10 yr after de‐embankment. A large‐scale factorial experiment with 72 sampling plots was set up to determine the effects of distance to a breach point, distance to a creek and grazing treatment on species composition. Abiotic data were also collected from the permanent transects and sampling plots on elevation, soil salinity and redox potential.

Results

Ten years after de‐embankment, permanent transect data showed that 78% to 96% of the target species were found at the restoration site. Vegetation mapping, however, showed that the diversity of salt marsh communities was low, with 50% of the site covered by the secondary pioneer marsh community. A multivariate analogue of ANOVA indicated that the most important experimental factor determining species composition was the interaction between distance to the nearest creek and livestock grazing. The combination of proximity to a creek and exclusion from livestock grazing always resulted in development of the high marsh community. In contrast, the combination of being located far from a creek, grazed and situated at low elevation with accompanying high salinity resulted in development of the secondary pioneer marsh community.

Conclusions

Using target species as criteria, restoration success could be claimed 10 yr after de‐embankment. However, the diversity of communities in the salt marsh was lower than desired. Variable grazing regimes should be applied to high‐elevation areas to prevent dominance by single species of tall grasses and to promote formation of vegetation mosaics. Low‐elevation areas need lower grazing pressure. Also, an adequate soil drainage network should be preserved or constructed in low‐elevation areas before de‐embankment.
Local-aggregate Modeling for Big Data via Distributed Optimization: Applications to Neuroimaging
Authors: Hu Yue , Allen Genevera I.
Published: August 2015

Technological advances have led to a proliferation of structured big data that have matrix-valued covariates. We are specifically motivated to build predictive models for multi-subject neuroimaging data based on each subject's brain imaging scans. This is an ultra-high-dimensional problem that consists of a matrix of covariates (brain locations by time points) for each subject; few methods currently exist to fit supervised models directly to this tensor data. We propose a novel modeling and algorithmic strategy to apply generalized linear models (GLMs) to this massive tensor data in which one set of variables is associated with locations. Our method begins by fitting GLMs to each location separately, and then builds an ensemble by blending information across locations through regularization with what we term an aggregating penalty. Our so called, Local-Aggregate Model, can be fit in a completely distributed manner over the locations using an Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) strategy, and thus greatly reduces the computational burden. Furthermore, we propose to select the appropriate model through a novel sequence of faster algorithmic solutions that is similar to regularization paths. We will demonstrate both the computational and predictive modeling advantages of our methods via simulations and an EEG classification problem.
Time-dependent Prognostic Score Matching for Recurrent Event Analysis to Evaluate a Treatment Assigned During Follow-up
Authors: Smith Abigail R. , Schaubel Douglas E.
Published: August 2015

Recurrent events often serve as the outcome in epidemiologic studies. In some observational studies, the goal is to estimate the effect of a new or “experimental” (i.e., less established) treatment of interest on the recurrent event rate. The incentive for accepting the new treatment may be that it is more available than the standard treatment. Given that the patient can choose between the experimental treatment and conventional therapy, it is of clinical importance to compare the treatment of interest versus the setting where the experimental treatment did not exist, in which case patients could only receive no treatment or the standard treatment. Many methods exist for the analysis of recurrent events and for the evaluation of treatment effects. However, methodology for the intersection of these two areas is sparse. Moreover, care must be taken in setting up the comparison groups in our setting; use of existing methods featuring time-dependent treatment indicators will generally lead to a biased treatment effect since the comparison group construction will not properly account for the timing of treatment initiation. We propose a sequential stratification method featuring time-dependent prognostic score matching to estimate the effect of a time-dependent treatment on the recurrent event rate. The performance of the method in moderate-sized samples is assessed through simulation. The proposed methods are applied to a prospective clinical study in order to evaluate the effect of living donor liver transplantation on hospitalization rates; in this setting, conventional therapy involves remaining on the wait list or receiving a deceased donor transplant.
Joint Frailty Models for Zero-Inflated Recurrent Events in the Presence of a Terminal Event
Authors: Liu Lei , Huang Xuelin , Yaroshinsky Alex , Cormier Janice N.
Published: August 2015

Recurrent event data arise frequently in longitudinal medical studies. In many situations, there are a large portion of subjects without any recurrent events, manifesting the “zero-inflated” nature of the data. Some of the zero events may be “structural zeros” as patients are unsusceptible to recurrent events, while others are “random zeros” due to censoring before any recurrent events. On the other hand, there often exists a terminal event which may be correlated with the recurrent events. In this article, we propose two joint frailty models for zero-inflated recurrent events in the presence of a terminal event, combining a logistic model for “structural zero” status (Yes/No) and a joint frailty proportional hazards model for recurrent and terminal event times. The models can be fitted conveniently in SAS Proc NLMIXED. We apply the methods to model recurrent opportunistic diseases in the presence of death in an AIDS study, and tumor recurrences and a terminal event in a sarcoma study.
A Bayesian joint model of menstrual cycle length and fecundity
Authors: Lum Kirsten J. , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Buck Louis Germaine M. , Louis Thomas A.
Published: August 2015

Menstrual cycle length (MCL) has been shown to play an important role in couple fecundity, which is the biologic capacity for reproduction irrespective of pregnancy intentions. However, a comprehensive assessment of its role requires a fecundity model that accounts for male and female attributes and the couple's intercourse pattern relative to the ovulation day. To this end, we employ a Bayesian joint model for MCL and pregnancy. MCLs follow a scale multiplied (accelerated) mixture model with Gaussian and Gumbel components; the pregnancy model includes MCL as a covariate and computes the cycle‐specific probability of pregnancy in a menstrual cycle conditional on the pattern of intercourse and no previous fertilization. Day‐specific fertilization probability is modeled using natural, cubic splines. We analyze data from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment Study (the LIFE Study), a couple based prospective pregnancy study, and find a statistically significant quadratic relation between fecundity and menstrual cycle length, after adjustment for intercourse pattern and other attributes, including male semen quality, both partner's age, and active smoking status (determined by baseline cotinine level 100 ng/mL). We compare results to those produced by a more basic model and show the advantages of a more comprehensive approach.
Technological Environment and Technology Entrepreneurship: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Colovic Ana , Lamotte Olivier
Published: August 2015

Recent years have seen growing interest in the influence of the environment on entrepreneurship. However, little is known about the impact of the country‐level technological environment on the creation of new technology‐based firms. This study investigates the relationship between the technological environment (measured by the amount of investment in R&D, and access to information and communication technology [ICT] infrastructure) and technology entrepreneurship, in 54 countries during the years 2005 to 2010. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, and the World Bank Development Indicators, we identify a significant, robust inverted U‐shaped relationship between R&D investment at country level and the likelihood of technology entrepreneurship. We also find evidence of a positive relationship between access to ICT infrastructure and the likelihood of technology entrepreneurship.
Functional characterization of two new STAT3 mutations associated with hyper‐IgE syndrome in a Mexican cohort
Authors: Alcántara‐Montiel J.C. , Staines‐Boone T. , López‐Herrera G. , Espinosa‐Rosales F. , Espinosa‐Padilla S.E. , Hernández‐Rivas R. , Santos‐Argumedo L.
Published: August 2015

Hyper‐IgE syndrome (HIES) is an immunodeficiency disorder that is characterized by distinctive immunologic and non‐immunologic manifestations. Although mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) have been associated with HIES, the exact nature of the relationship is unknown. Here, we characterized the functional activity of STAT3 and its mutations in 11 Mexican patients with autosomal dominant HIES. STAT3 phosphorylation was evaluated by flow cytometry, and in silico analyses were performed to estimate the impact of allelic mutations on the DNA binding and SH2 domains of the STAT3 protein. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to assess whether the STAT3 mutants could bind to the consensus oligonucleotide target in vitro. Two novel mutations [g.58891A>T (Asn395Tyr) and g.59078A>T (Asn425Tyr)] as well as one possible somatic mosaicism were found in several of the patients who bore some remarkable features. However, there were no direct correlations between genotypes and HIES clinical features. STAT3 phosphorylation was found to be lower in the patient cohort than in healthy controls. Moreover, the mutated STAT3 proteins could bind to the Sp1, but not to the STAT3, consensus sequence. From these functional studies, the STAT3 mutations found in our patient cohort were concluded to be deleterious for normal STAT3 function.
Factors affecting long‐term outcome of transoral surgery for submandibular stones: a follow‐up study of 125 patients
Authors: Kim J.K. , Shin S.M. , Lee H. , Lee S.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To investigate the long‐term results of transoral surgery for submandibular stones and assess factors that may affect the long‐term outcomes.

Study design

A follow‐up study including retrospective review of medical records and prospective telephone survey.

Setting

Tertiary Hospital.

Participants

A total of 125 patients who had undergone transoral surgery for submandibular stones and responded to telephone survey.

Main outcome measures

Recurrent obstructive symptoms, tongue paraesthesia.

Results

The period between transoral surgery and telephone survey was mean 54.8 months. Eighteen (14.4%) of 125 patients had recurrent obstructive symptoms, and 7 (5.6%) patients showed tongue paraesthesia. Proximal stones (P = 0.041) and partially removed stones (P = 0.003) had significant impact on the development of recurrent obstructive symptoms via multivariate analysis. No significant factors for increased risk of tongue paraesthesia were identified. Recurred symptoms could be managed by subsequent transoral surgeries or conservative management.

Conclusions

Complete removal of proximal stones and gland‐preserving management of recurred symptoms are the essential elements to achieve good long‐term outcome of transoral surgery for the submandibular stones.
Predicting Short‐Term Remembering as Boundedly Optimal Strategy Choice
Authors: Howes Andrew , Duggan Geoffrey B. , Kalidindi Kiran , Tseng Yuan‐Chi , Lewis Richard L.
Published: August 2015

It is known that, on average, people adapt their choice of memory strategy to the subjective utility of interaction. What is not known is whether an individual's choices are boundedly optimal. Two experiments are reported that test the hypothesis that an individual's decisions about the distribution of remembering between internal and external resources are boundedly optimal where optimality is defined relative to experience, cognitive constraints, and reward. The theory makes predictions that are tested against data, not fitted to it. The experiments use a no‐choice/choice utility learning paradigm where the no‐choice phase is used to elicit a profile of each participant's performance across the strategy space and the choice phase is used to test predicted choices within this space. They show that the majority of individuals select strategies that are boundedly optimal. Further, individual differences in what people choose to do are successfully predicted by the analysis. Two issues are discussed: (a) the performance of the minority of participants who did not find boundedly optimal adaptations, and (b) the possibility that individuals anticipate what, with practice, will become a bounded optimal strategy, rather than what is boundedly optimal during training.
The impact of the megafauna extinctions on savanna woody cover in South America
Authors: Doughty Christopher E. , Faurby Søren , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: August 2015

Has land surface cover in South America been impacted by the loss of most large herbivores following the severe Pleistocene and Early Holocene megafauna extinctions on this continent? Here, we estimate how mean savanna woody biomass may have changed in the Americas following these extinctions by creating an empirical model to understand how large herbivores impact savanna woody biomass. To create this empirical model, we combine a large recently published dataset of savanna woody cover from Lehmann et al. (2014) (n = 2154 plots) with estimates of mammals ranges and weights from the IUCN database. We evaluate how variables such as number of megaherbivores (mammal species ≥ 1000 kg), log10 sum species weights, and total number of mammal species predict changes to woody cover by using both ordinary least squares regression analysis (OLS) and simultaneous auto‐regressive (SAR) analysis to control for spatial autocorrelation. Both number of megaherbivores and log10 sum species weights, which both disproportionately weight for megaherbivores, significantly explained much (∼ 5–13%) variance in woody cover, but the third variable weighting all animals equally, did not. We then combined these biotic variables with abiotic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and fire frequency to create a model predicting 36% of the variance of savanna woody cover. We used this model combined with estimated range maps of extinct South American megafauna to estimate that had those South American megafauna not gone extinct, total savanna woody cover in South America could possibly have decreased by ∼ 29% and that savannas would likely have been more open like current African savannas.
Epileptic activity is a surrogate for an underlying etiology and stopping the activity has a limited impact on developmental outcome
Authors: Korff Christian M. , Brunklaus Andreas , Zuberi Sameer M.
Published: August 2015

The concept of epileptic encephalopathy is important in clinical practice, but its relevance to an individual must be assessed in the appropriate context. Except in rare situations, epileptic activity is a surrogate for an underlying etiology, and stopping the activity has a limited impact on developmental outcome. Labeling a group of epilepsies as “the epileptic encephalopathies,” risks minimizing the impact of epileptic activity on cognition and behavior more widely in epilepsy. Similarly, describing the encephalopathy associated with many infantile onset epilepsies as “epileptic” may be misleading. Finally, concentrating on the epileptic activity alone and not considering the wider consequences of the underlying etiology on cognitive and behavioral development, may focus research efforts and the search for improved therapies on too narrow a target. Therefore, epileptic encephalopathies should not be considered as a specific group of epilepsies but, rather, the concept of epileptic encephalopathy should be applicable to all types of epilepsies and epilepsy syndromes, whenever it is relevant in the clinical course of a particular individual, at any age.
Should epileptiform discharges be treated?
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Loddenkemper Tobias , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Moshé Solomon L.
Published: August 2015

To evaluate the impact of epileptiform discharges (EDs) that do not occur within seizure patterns – such as spikes, sharp waves or spike waves – on cognitive function and to discuss the circumstances under which treatment of EDs might be considered. Methods used in this article is “Review of the literature”. EDs may disrupt short‐term cognition in humans. Frequent EDs for a prolonged period can potentially impair long‐term cognitive function in humans. However, there is conflicting evidence on the impact of EDs on long‐term cognitive outcome because this relationship may be confounded by multiple factors such as underlying etiology, seizures, and medication effects. Limitations of existing studies include the lack of standardized ED quantification methods and of widely accepted automated spike quantification methods. Although there is no solid evidence for or against treatment of EDs, a non–evidence‐based practical approach is suggested. EDs in otherwise asymptomatic individuals should not be treated because the risks of treatment probably outweigh its dubious benefits. A treatment trial for EDs may be considered when there is cognitive dysfunction or regression or neurologic symptoms that are unexplained by the underlying etiology, comorbid conditions, or seizure severity. In patients with cognitive or neurologic dysfunction with epilepsy or EDs, treatment may be warranted to control the underlying epileptic syndrome. EDs may cause cognitive or neurologic dysfunction in humans in the short term. There is conflicting evidence on the impact of EDs on long‐term cognitive outcome. There is no evidence for or against treatment of asymptomatic ED.
Ictal onset on intracranial EEG: Do we know it when we see it? State of the evidence
Authors: Singh Shaily , Sandy Sherry , Wiebe Samuel
Published: August 2015

Objective

A major limitation of intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) is recording from a confined region. This may falsely localize seizure onset if the distinction between ictal onset zone, proximity, and spread is unclear, or if the ictal rhythm is not clearly identified. Delineation of the ictal onset zone is crucial for surgical success. We appraised the evidence to determine whether specific iEEG ictal patterns are associated with the ictal onset zone.

Methods

We searched Embase for articles in English until September 30, 2014, with MeSH keywords related to intracranially implanted electrodes and seizures. Two authors independently screened abstracts, reviewed full text articles, and abstracted data. The association between seizure outcome and type of ictal onset pattern (IOP), and its extent, location, and spread were explored visually or by univariate analysis when sufficient data were provided. Methodologic quality of each study was assessed.

Results

We reviewed 1,987 abstracts from which 21 articles were analyzed. Fifteen IOPs were reported. Low frequency high amplitude repetitive spiking (LFRS) was the most frequently reported IOP by studies that dealt with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) and investigated with depth electrodes. In neocortical epilepsy, low voltage fast activity (LVFA) was the most commonly described IOP. Delta activity was an infrequently reported IOP and was described mostly as a spread pattern.

Significance

LFRS is associated with good surgical outcome in mTLE and has a strong relation with mesial temporal pathology and its severity. LVFA is associated with neocortical temporal epilepsy and focal LVFA is associated with better surgical outcome. Electrodecrement may be associated with regional or widespread onsets. Rhythmic delta is a propagation rhythm rather than an IOP. Focal IOPs and slower propagation times are associated with better outcomes. The quality of the studies is suboptimal and there are methodological problems. Interobserver agreement is poorly documented.
Formation of fine grained area in martensitic steel during very high cycle fatigue
Authors: Chai G. , Forsman T. , Gustavsson F. , Wang C.
Published: August 2015

A fine grained area around a subsurface fatigue crack origin can usually be observed on fracture surface of a metallic material after very high cycle fatigue. This paper provides a fundamental study on the mechanisms to form this fine grained area using a martensitic stainless steel and advanced analysis instruments. The results show that the formation of a fine grained zone is a local behaviour. It is only a few micrometres in the transversal direction (cross section) and one micrometre in the longitudinal direction (crack propagation direction). High plastic deformation such as localized dislocation slip bands can be observed in this fine grained area. They interact with grain boundaries and cause the formation of damage by impingement cracking. The results indicate that occurrence of cyclic localized plastic deformation during very high cycle fatigue near the subsurface defect leads to the formation of fine grained area.
Gaussian Process Regression and Bayesian Model Averaging: An Alternative Approach to Modeling Spatial Phenomena
Authors: Dearmon Jacob , Smith Tony E.
Published: August 2015

Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) is a nonparametric technique that is capable of yielding reliable out‐of‐sample predictions in the presence of highly nonlinear unknown relationships between dependent and explanatory variables. But in terms of identifying relevant explanatory variables, this method is far less explicit about questions of statistical significance. In contrast, more traditional spatial econometric models, such as spatial autoregressive models or spatial error models, place rather strong prior restrictions on the functional form of relationships, but allow direct inference with respect to explanatory variables. In this article, we attempt to combine the best of both techniques by augmenting GPR with a Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) component that allows for the identification of statistically relevant explanatory variables while retaining the predictive performance of GPR. In particular, GPR‐BMA yields a posterior probability interpretation of model‐inclusion frequencies that provides a natural measure of the statistical relevance of each variable. Moreover, while such frequencies offer no direct information about the signs of local marginal effects, it is shown that partial derivatives based on the mean GPR predictions do provide such information. We illustrate the additional insights made possible by this approach by applying GPR‐BMA to a benchmark BMA data set involving potential determinants of cross‐country economic growth. It is shown that localized marginal effects based on partial derivatives of mean GPR predictions yield additional insights into comparative growth effects across countries.
Long‐term healthy lifestyle patterns and tooth loss studied in a Swedish cohort of middle‐aged and older people
Authors: Åstrøm AN , Gülcan F , Ekbäck G , Ordell S
Published: August 2015

The promotion of a healthy lifestyle has become an issue of public health importance in the context of ageing populations and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.

Objective

(i) To estimate changes in use of fluoridated tooth paste, use of tooth picks, smoking and alcohol consumption and (ii) to examine whether experience with incident or prevalent tooth loss predict healthy lifestyle transitions from age 50 to 70.

Method

In 1992, 6346 individuals born in 1942 agreed to participate in a prospective cohort study and 3585 completed follow‐up questionnaires in 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012. Statistical analyses were conducted by chi‐square statistics, Cochran's Q and logistic regression.

Results

In total, 15.7% and 74.0% reported incident (tooth loss only in 2012) and prevalent tooth loss (tooth loss in 1992 and 2012). Significant differences occurred between the 1992 and 2012 prevalence of using toothpicks (from 48.3% to 69.1%), smoking (from 26.9% to 10.1%) and alcohol consumption (from 41.5% to 50.5%), 29% and 15.6% increased use of toothpicks and alcohol consumption, whereas 15.5% stopped daily smoking. Increased use of fluoridated tooth paste, smoking cessation and failure to increase use of toothpicks was associated with prevalent tooth loss between age 50 and 70.

Conclusion

This study revealed positive and negative trends in oral health behaviours over a 20‐year period in persons aged 50 at baseline. Mixed support was obtained for the assumption that oral health promoting lifestyle transitions follow experience with tooth loss. Older people with tooth loss experience could benefit from targeted counselling aimed at coping with oral diseases.
Service user and clinical perspectives of psychiatric advance directives in New Zealand
Authors: Thom Katey , O'Brien Anthony John , Tellez Juan Jose
Published: August 2015

Advance care planning is becoming an increasingly important feature of health service provision. Although the New Zealand Mental Health Commission has advocated strongly for the provision of advance directives in mental health services, little is known about clinician or service user views on advance directives. The aim of the study was to survey the perspectives of service users and clinicians on the use of psychiatric advance directives. The study used an anonymous online survey to collect data from 110 mental health service users and 175 clinicians. Survey items included existing knowledge, preferred content and potential benefits of advance directives. Descriptive statistics and intergroup comparisons were conducted. Over 90% of service users and clinicians agreed that they support advance directives in mental health. There were similarities in the preferred content of an advance directive across the two groups, particularly regarding the notification of support persons, cultural support and preferred methods of de‐escalation. Significant differences in opinion were found regarding the use of coercive measures and the ability of mental health legislation to override advance directives. The results indicate strong support for the use of advance directives within New Zealand mental health services, as well as for further research in the area.
Legal Inequality and Federalism: Domestic Violence Laws in the Argentine Provinces
Authors: Smulovitz Catalina
Published: August 2015

This article shows that the institutional design of Argentine federalism allows for differences in the protective scope of the provincial domestic violence laws. It holds that the broad legislative capacities of subnational districts enable the working of political and social local factors, which, in turn, determine heterogeneity in these laws’ protective scope. It analyzes, compares, and measures 37 laws on domestic violence sanctioned between 1992 and 2009. It advances a methodology to measure their differences and it evaluates the impact local factors have on legal variations across jurisdictions. The article shows that the protective scope of these laws is determined by the intensity of the local electoral competition and by the strength of women's organizational capacity. Results also show that time matters insofar as it allows for the diffusion of more protective laws.
Spectroscopic Investigation of the Coloration and Fabrication Conditions of Medieval Blue Glasses
Authors: Hunault Myrtille , Bauchau Fanny , Loisel Claudine , Hérold Michel , Galoisy Laurence , Newville Matthew , Calas Georges
Published: August 2015

Potash‐ and soda‐lime‐stained glasses from the 12th–13th centuries, blue‐colored by cobalt, have been investigated by Mn, Fe, and Cu K‐edge X‐ray and optical absorption spectroscopies in order to determine the oxidation state of these elements and their impact on the blue color. Remelting these historical glasses in air at 1200°C, the estimated temperature of medieval furnaces, revealed that these four glasses are more reduced before remelting. This favors Mn as weakly absorbing Mn2+, Fe as Fe2+ and Cu as colorless Cu+. Therefore Fe2+ is the second blue chromophore and copper was not intentionally used by glassmakers to obtain a blue color. A colorimetric analysis indicates that these specific melting conditions have a limited effect on the blue color of these glasses. Based on the spectroscopic determination of the redox state of Fe, Mn, and Cu, we estimate the oxygen partial pressure in medieval furnaces to be 10−7–10−9 and 10−5 bar for the potash‐ and soda‐lime samples, respectively. The comparison with previous results enables to prove the evolution of furnace technology over centuries.
Gene‐expression analysis of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 and their tissue inhibitors in chronic periapical inflammatory lesions
Authors: Hadziabdic Naida , Kurtovic‐Kozaric Amina , Pojskic Naris , Sulejmanagic Nedim , Todorovic Ljubomir
Published: August 2015

Background

Periapical inflammatory lesions have been investigated previously, but understanding of pathogenesis of these lesions (granulomas and radicular cysts) at the molecular level is still questionable. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the development of periapical pathology, specifically inflammation and tissue destruction. To elucidate pathogenesis of periapical granulomas and radicular cysts, we undertook a detailed analysis of gene expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and their tissue inhibitors, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2.

Methods

A total of 149 samples were analyzed using real‐time PCR (59 radicular cysts, 50 periapical granulomas and 40 healthy gingiva samples as controls) for expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 genes. The determination of best reference gene for expression analysis of periapical lesions was done using a panel of 12 genes.

Results

We have shown that β‐actin and GAPDH are not the most stable reference controls for gene expression analysis of inflammatory periapical tissues and healthy gingiva. The most suitable reference gene was determined to be SDHA (a succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A, flavoprotein [Fp]). We found that granulomas (n = 50) and radicular cysts (n = 59) exhibited significantly higher expression of all four examined genes, MMP‐1, MMP‐2, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2, when compared to healthy gingiva (n = 40; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study has confirmed that the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 genes is important for the pathogenesis of periapical inflammatory lesions. Since the abovementioned markers were not differentially expressed in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts, the challenge of finding the genetic differences between the two lesions still remains.