bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time contextual feedback for closed-loop control of navigation
Authors: Lim Judith , Celikel Tansu
Published: November 2018

Objective

Close-loop control of brain and behavior will benefit from real-time detection of behavioral events to enable low-latency communication with peripheral devices. In animal experiments, this is typically achieved by using sparsely distributed (embedded) sensors that detect animal presence in select regions of interest. High-speed cameras provide high-density sampling across large arenas, capturing the richness of animal behavior, however, the image processing bottleneck prohibits real-time feedback in the context of rapidly evolving behaviors.

Approach

Here we developed an open-source software, named PolyTouch, to track animal behavior in large arenas and provide rapid close-loop feedback in ~5.7 ms, ie. average latency from the detection of an event to analog stimulus delivery, e.g. auditory tone, TTL pulse, when tracking a single body. This stand-alone software is written in JAVA. The included wrapper for MATLAB provides experimental flexibility for data acquisition, analysis and visualization.

Main results

As a proof-of-principle application we deployed the PolyTouch for place awareness training. A user-defined portion of the arena was used as a virtual target; visit (or approach) to the target triggered auditory feedback. We show that mice develop awareness to virtual spaces, tend to stay shorter and move faster when they reside in the virtual target zone if their visits are coupled to relatively high stimulus intensity (≥49dB). Thus, close-loop presentation of perceived aversive feedback is sufficient to condition mice to avoid virtual targets within the span of a single session (~20min).

Significance

Neuromodulation techniques now allow control of neural activity in a cell-type specific manner in spiking resolution. Using animal behavior to drive closed-loop control of neural activity would help to address the neural basis of behavioral state and environmental context-dependent information processing in the brain.
Pervasive translation of circular RNAs driven by short IRES-like elements
Authors: Fan Xiaojuan , Yang Yun , Chen Chuyun , Wang Zefeng
Published: November 2018

Although some circular RNAs (circRNAs) were found to be translated through IRES-driven mechanism, the scope and functions of circRNA translation are unclear because endogenous IRESs are rare. To determine the prevalence and mechanism of circRNA translation, we developed a cell-based system to screen random sequences and identified 97 overrepresented hexamers that drive cap-independent circRNA translation. These IRES-like short elements are significantly enriched in endogenous circRNAs and sufficient to drive circRNA translation. We further identified multipletrans-acting factors that bind these IRES-like elements to initiate translation. Using mass-spectrometry data, hundreds of circRNA-coded peptides were identified, most of which have low abundance due to rapid degradation. As judged by mass-spectrometry, 50% of translatable endogenous circRNAs undergo rolling circle translation, several of which were experimentally validated. Consistently, mutations of the IRES-like element in one circRNA reduced its translation. Collectively, our findings suggest a pervasive translation of circRNAs, providing profound implications in translation control.
Copy when uncertain: Lower light levels result in higher trail pheromone deposition and stronger reliance on pheromone trails in the ant Lasius niger
Authors: Jones Sam , Czaczkes Tomer J. , Gallager Alan J. , Bacon Jonathan P.
Published: November 2018

Animals may gather information from multiple sources, and these information sources may conflict. Theory predicts that, all else being equal, reliance on a particular information source will depend on its information content relative to other sources. Information conflicts are a good area in which to test such predictions. Social insects, such as ants, make extensive use of both private information (e.g. visual route memories) and social information (e.g. pheromone trails) when attempting to locate a food source. Importantly, eusocial insects collaborate on food retrieval, so both information use and information provision may be expected to vary with the information content of alternative information sources. Many ants, such as Lasius niger, are active both day and night. Variation in light levels represents an ecologically important change in the information content of visually-acquired route information. Here, we examine information use and information provision under high light levels (3200 lux), moderate light levels simulating dusk (10 lux) and darkness (0.007 lux). Ants fail to learn the location of a food source in darkness. As light levels decrease, ants show decreasing reliance on private visual information, and increasing pheromone trail following, consistent with a ‘copy when uncertain’ strategy. In moderate light levels and darkness, pheromone deposition increases, presumably to compensate for the low information content of visual information. Varying light levels for cathemeral animals provides a powerful and ecologically meaningful method for examining information use and provision under varying levels of information content.
Detection of breast cancer lymph node metastases in frozen sections with a point-of-care low-cost microscope scanner
Authors: Holmström Oscar , Linder Nina , Moilanen Hannu , Suutala Antti , Nordling Stig , Ståhls Anders , Lundin Mikael , Diwan Vinod , Lundin Johan
Published: November 2018

Background

Detection of lymph node metastases is essential in breast cancer diagnostics and staging, affecting treatment and prognosis. Intraoperative microscopy analysis of sentinel lymph node frozen sections is standard for detection of axillary metastases, but requires access to a pathologist for sample analysis. Remote analysis of digitized samples is an alternative solution, but is limited by the requirement for high-end slide scanning equipment.

Objective

To determine whether the image quality achievable with a low-cost, miniature digital microscope scanner is sufficient for detection of metastases in breast cancer lymph node frozen sections.

Methods

Lymph node frozen sections from 79 breast cancer patients were digitized using a prototype miniature microscope scanner and a high-end slide scanner. Images were independently reviewed by two pathologists and results compared between devices with conventional light microscopy analysis as ground truth.

Results

Detection of metastases in the images acquired with the miniature scanner yielded an overall sensitivity of 91 % and specificity of 99 % and showed strong agreement when compared to light microscopy (k= 0.91). Strong agreement was also observed when results were compared to results from the high-end slide scanner (k= 0.94). A majority of discrepant cases were micrometastases and sections of which no anticytokeratin staining was available.

Conclusion

Accuracy of detection of metastatic cells in breast cancer sentinel lymph node frozen sections by visual analysis of samples digitized using low-cost, point-of-care microscopy is comparable to analysis of digital samples scanned using a high-end, whole slide scanner. This technique could potentially provide a workflow for digital diagnostics in resource-limited settings, facilitate sample analysis at the point-of-care and reduce the need for trained experts on-site during surgical procedures.
Clinical experiences with the use of oxytocin injection by healthcare providers in a South-Western State Nigeria: A Cross sectional study
Authors: Ejekam Chioma Stella , Okafor Ifeoma Peace , Anyakora Chimezie , Ozomata Ebenezer A. , Okunade Kehinde , Oridota Sofela Ezekiel , Nwokike Jude
Published: November 2018

Background

Post-Partum Hemorrhage (PPH), is a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria and most low and middle income countries(LMIC). The World Health Organization(WHO) strongly recommends oxytocin as effective, affordable and the safest drug of first choice in the prevention and treatment of PPH in the third stage of labor. However, there are concerns about its quality. Very high prevalence of poor-quality oxytocin, especially in Africa and Asia has been reported in literature. Excessive and inappropriate use is also common with oxytocin in low-resource settings.

Objective

To assess clinical experiences with quality of oxytocin used by healthcare providers in Lagos State Nigeria.

Methods

It was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in 2017. Seven hundred and five respondents (doctors and nurses) who use oxytocin for obstetrics and gynaecological services were recruited from 195 health facilities (public and registered private) across Lagos State. Data collection was quantitative, using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 21. Statistical significance was set at 5%(p<0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from Lagos University Teaching Hospital Health Research Ethics Committee. Funding support was provided by the Promoting the Quality of Medicines, a program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented by the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention.

Results

Only 52 percent of the respondents knew oxytocin should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. About 80% of the respondents used oxytocin for augmentation of labor; 68% for induction of labor, 51% for stimulation of labor and 78% for management of PPH. Forty-one percent used 20IU and as much as 10% used 30IU to 60IU for management of PPH. About 13% of the respondents have experienced use of an ineffective brand of oxytocin in their practice. Just over a third (36%) of the respondents had an available means of documenting or reporting perceived ineffectiveness of drugs in their facility. Of these, only about 12% had pharmacovigilance forms available in their facilities to report the ineffectiveness.

Conclusion

The inappropriate and inconsistent use of oxytocin especially overdosing likely led to the spuriously high perception of medicine effectiveness among respondents. This is also coupled with lack of suspicion of medicine ineffectiveness by clinicians as a possible root cause of poor treatment response or disease progression. Poor knowledge of oxytocin storage and consequent poor storage practices could have contributed to the ineffectiveness reported by some respondents. There is need for the establishment of a unified protocol for oxytocin use with strict compliance to the guidelines. Continued training of healthcare providers in medicines safety monitoring is advocated.
A case of KMT2A–SEPT9 fusion–associated acute megakaryoblastic leukemia
Authors: Forlenza Christopher J. , Zhang Yanming , Yao JinJuan , Benayed Ryma , Steinherz Peter , Ramaswamy Kavitha , Kessel Rachel , Roshal Mikhail , Shukla Neerav
Published: November 2018

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) constitutes ∼5%–15% of cases of non–Down syndrome AML in children, and in the majority of cases, chimeric oncogenes resulting from recurrent gene rearrangements are identified. Based on these rearrangements, several molecular subsets have been characterized providing important prognostic information. One such subset includes a group of patients with translocations involving the KMT2A gene, which has been associated with various fusion partners in patients with AMKL. Here we report the molecular findings of a 2-yr-old girl with AMKL and t(11;17)(q23;25) found to have a KMT2A–SEPT9 fusion identified through targeted RNA sequencing. A KMT2A–SEPT9 fusion in this subset of patients has not previously been reported.
Towards nurturing the entrepreneurial intentions of neglected female business students of Pakistan through proactive personality, self-efficacy and university support factors
Authors: Sidratulmunthah  , Hussain Saddam , Imran Malik Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Nowadays in the competitive economy, the field of entrepreneurship and particularly female entrepreneurship is rapidly advancing, and its contribution to the economy is imperative. Consequently, the female business students’ factors and university support factors are imperative to nurture the entrepreneurial intentions, but the literature does not address them at large. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of proactive personality, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived university support factors on female student’s entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from a total of 306 female students from the business schools of universities of Pakistan is collected through the personal physical-survey questionnaires. The data were then analyzed through Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique for results.

Findings

The results indicate that the proactive personality, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and university support factors are the significant predictors of entrepreneurial intentions of female students. Moreover, the results also support that entrepreneurial self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between proactive personality and entrepreneurial intentions of female students.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, the study originality lies in the testing of university support factors and individual personality factors (entrepreneurial self-efficacy and proactive personality) as the predictors of entrepreneurial intentions. Moreover, the present study provides the useful insight for the policymakers in formulating, delivering and evaluating educational policies into the universities for female students.
Should the family or the state provide support for the elderly people? Findings from a two-generational Finnish study
Authors: Tanskanen Antti O. , Kallio Johanna , Danielsbacka Mirkka
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate public opinions towards elderly care. The authors analysed respondents’ opinions towards financial support, practical help and care for elderly people.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used nationally representative data collected in Finland in 2012. Respondents represent an older generation (born between 1945 and 1950,n=1,959) and their adult children (born between 1962 and 1993,n=1,652).

Findings

First, the authors compared the opinions of older and younger Finns but did not find that older adults were more likely than younger adults support the state responsibility, or vice versa. It was also when only actual parent-child dyads (n=779) from same families were included. Next, the authors found that several socioeconomic and family-related variables were associated with public opinions of elderly care in both generations. For instance, in both generations lower-income individuals supported the state’s responsibility more compared to their better-off counterparts.

Originality/value

The study provides important knowledge on attitudes towards elderly care using unique two-generational data of younger and older adults.
Leading with love and hospitality: applying a radical pedagogy to LIS
Authors: Cooke Nicole A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest that classroom instructors should reflect and revise their pedagogy to lead a classroom designed to produce future information professionals who will be prepared to serve their communities in a radical way.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature related to radical and humanizing pedagogies and then features an auto ethnographic case study which details how the author implemented some of the strategies.

Findings

Formal study of pedagogy can improve the library and information science (LIS) teaching and learning process.

Practical implications

Examining pedagogy in a formal way yields concrete suggestions for improving classroom management and content delivery.

Social implications

Using a radical pedagogy can improve relationships between teachers and learners, and learners will be able to model the classroom strategies in their own professional practice.

Originality/value

The study builds upon current examples of radical practice in the field and examines how such practices can be instilled even earlier in LIS graduate classrooms.
Services in global value chains – the cases of Taiwan and Korea
Authors: Chen Min Hui
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the value added of exports of services, which increasingly involve intermediate inputs to manufacturing and are indirectly embodied in intermediate and finished good exports to the global market earned by Taiwan and South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the World Input-Output Database to examine and compare the competitiveness of service industry between Taiwan and South Korea in China from 1995 to 2011. The author measures the value added of export in two ways: value added in trade (VAiT) and trade in value added (TiVA).

Findings

The proportion of domestic (intermediate and final demand) VAiT was created by Taiwanese and South Korean exports to China. The services amount share of value added embodied in Taiwanese electrical and optical equipment (ELE) exports to China increased gradually (38.0–45.7 percent) from 1996 to 2011, that was more than that of South Korea (26.7–23.3 percent). Taiwanese financial and business (F&B) service contributed to Taiwanese ELE production exported to China. In service sectors, the proportion of VAiT of Taiwanese F&B service embodied in ELE exports to China increased annually (9.8–11.5 percent), that was similar to that of South Korea (12.2–11.3 percent). Thus, F&B sector played an increasingly important role in service sectors. Taiwanese F&B promotes the ELE export to China with higher efficiency than South Korea does.

Originality/value

Over the past two decades, the development of information technology and the growth of international specialization and fragmentation of production processes have brought about a global value chains (GVCs) phenomenon in services, which has already been taking place in manufacturing for a long time. Intangible value added of services increasingly involved intermediate inputs from manufacturing and were indirectly embodied in intermediate and finished goods exported to the global market. The focus of this paper is to analyze how the service industry participates in the development of the GVC, with emphasis on the export of ELE production to China in the bilateral trade of Taiwan and Korea with China. In addition to the value-added components, the exports of F&B intermediate products to China have been increasing year by year, and Taiwanese is higher than South Korean. In the bilateral trade between Taiwan or Korea and China, for ELE production exported to China, double counted part of intermediate products is increasing year by year. In terms of the value added of the double counting of F&B exports to China, Taiwan is higher (PDC, 31.23–17.26 percent) than South Korea. (PDC, 8.7–15.12 percent). South Korea and China are not as closely related as Taiwan and China.
The leadership of the school principal
Authors: Dash Sanket Sunand , Vohra Neharika
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The mechanisms through which superiors’ leadership styles and subordinates’ internal cognitions affect subordinates’ actual behaviour and attitudes are relatively unexplored in most contexts. This paper aims to bridge the gap by exploring the mediating effect of teachers’ cognitions (psychological empowerment) in the relationship between principals’ leadership style (empowering leadership) and teachers’ behaviour (job crafting) and attitudes (work alienation and organizational commitment).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used on data obtained from 624 teachers of primary classes in Indian private schools.

Findings

Psychological empowerment partially mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and job crafting and job crafting partially mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and work alienation and affective commitment. Work alienation partially mediates the relationship between job crafting and affective commitment. Empowering leadership has a direct effect on job crafting.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of longitudinal data, causality cannot be established. Also, there are concerns about the factor structure of scales.

Practical implications

Principals demonstrating empowering leadership can help teachers become more proactive and feel more empowered, less alienated and more committed. More proactive teachers and less alienated teachers are more likely to engage in self-initiated professional development and collaboration, thereby improving the teaching-learning process. Though this study was done in the school context, it is believed that the findings can plausibly apply to managers/leaders who work with complex, ambiguous work and knowledge workers.

Originality/value

First, the study extends the research on job crafting by studying the relationship between leadership style (empowering leadership) and job crafting. Second, the identification of the mechanisms through which leaders (principals) can help subordinates (teachers) find meaning in work (reduction in alienation) and develop commitment is an original contribution.
Three‐dimensional curvature analysis of seismic waveforms and its interpretational implications
Authors: Di Haibin , Alfarraj Motaz , AlRegib Ghassan
Published: November 2018

The idea of curvature analysis has been widely used in subsurface structure interpretation from three‐dimensional seismic data (e.g., fault/fracture detection and geomorphology delineation) by measuring the lateral changes in the geometry of seismic events. However, such geometric curvature utilizes only the kinematic information (two‐way traveltime) of the available seismic signals. While analysing the dynamic information (waveform), the traditional approaches (e.g., complex trace analysis) are often trace‐wise and thereby fail to take into account the seismic reflector continuity and deviate from the true direction of geologic deposition, especially for steeply dipping formations. This study proposes extending the three‐dimensional curvature analysis to the waveforms in a seismic profile, here denoted as the waveform curvature, and investigates the associated implications for assisting seismic interpretation. Applications to the F3 seismic dataset over the Netherlands North Sea demonstrate the added values of the proposed waveform curvature analysis in four aspects. First, the capability of the curvature operator in differentiating convex and concave bending allows automatic decomposition of a seismic image by the reflector types (peaks, troughs and zero crossings), which can greatly facilitate computer‐aided horizon interpretation and modelling from three‐dimensional seismic data. Second, the signed minimum curvature offers a new analytical approach for estimating the fundamental and important reflector dip attribute by searching the orientation associated with least waveform variation. Third, the signed maximum curvature makes it possible to analyse the seismic signals along the normal direction of the reflection events. Finally, the curvature analysis promotes the frequency bands of the seismic signals and thereby enhances the apparent resolution on identifying and interpreting subtle seismic features.
Functional analysis of Salmonella Typhi adaptation to survival in water
Authors: Kingsley Robert A. , Langridge Gemma , Smith Sarah E. , Makendi Carine , Fookes Maria , Wileman Tom M. , El Ghany Moataz Abd , Keith Turner A. , Dyson Zoe A. , Sridhar Sushmita , Pickard Derek , Kay Sally , Feasey Nicholas , Wong Vanessa , Barquist Lars , Dougan Gordon
Published: November 2018

Contaminated water is a major risk factor associated with the transmission of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the aetiological agent of human typhoid. However, little is known about how this pathogen adapts to living in the aqueous environment. We used transcriptome analysis (RNA‐seq) and transposon mutagenesis (TraDIS) to characterize these adaptive changes and identify multiple genes that contribute to survival. Over half of the genes in the S. Typhi genome altered expression level within the first 24 h following transfer from broth culture to water, although relatively few did so in the first 30 min. Genes linked to central metabolism, stress associated with arrested proton motive force and respiratory chain factors changed expression levels. Additionally, motility and chemotaxis genes increased expression, consistent with a scavenging lifestyle. The viaB‐associated gene tviC encoding a glcNAc epimerase that is required for Vi polysaccharide biosynthesis was, along with several other genes, shown to contribute to survival in water. Thus, we define regulatory adaptation operating in S. Typhi that facilitates survival in water.
New archaeal viruses discovered by metagenomic analysis of viral communities in enrichment cultures
Authors: Liu Ying , Brandt David , Ishino Sonoko , Ishino Yoshizumi , Koonin Eugene V. , Kalinowski Jörn , Krupovic Mart , Prangishvili David
Published: November 2018

Viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea of the phylum Crenarchaeota display enormous morphological and genetic diversity, and are classified into 12 families. Eight of these families include only one or two species, indicating sparse sampling of the crenarchaeal virus diversity. In an attempt to expand the crenarchaeal virome, we explored virus diversity in the acidic, hot spring Umi Jigoku in Beppu, Japan. Environmental samples were used to establish enrichment cultures under conditions favouring virus replication. The host diversity in the enrichment cultures was restricted to members of the order Sulfolobales. Metagenomic sequencing of the viral communities yielded seven complete or near‐complete double‐stranded DNA virus genomes. Six of these genomes could be attributed to polyhedral and filamentous viruses that were observed by electron microscopy in the enrichment cultures. Two icosahedral viruses represented species in the family Portogloboviridae. Among the filamentous viruses, two were identified as new species in the families Rudiviridae and Lipothrixviridae, whereas two other formed a group seemingly distinct from the known virus genera. No particle morphotype could be unequivocally assigned to the seventh viral genome, which apparently represents a new virus type. Our results suggest that filamentous viruses are globally distributed and are prevalent virus types in extreme geothermal environments.
The Shibboleth of Sovereignty
Authors: Loughlin Martin , Tierney Stephen
Published: November 2018

Sovereignty is the central tenet of modern British constitutional thought but its meaning remains misunderstood. Lawyers treat it as a precise legal concept – the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty – but commonly fail to acknowledge that that doctrine is erected on a skewed sense of what sovereignty entails. In particular, they do not see that the doctrine rests on a particular political conviction, that the British state depends on a central authority equipped with an unlimited power. These two facets of sovereignty are now so deeply intertwined in legal consciousness that they cannot easily be unravelled and this becomes the main barrier to thinking constructively about Britain's constitutional arrangements. This article substantiates these claims by explaining how the doctrine came into being, demonstrating how it is tied to a deeper political conviction, showing that its political underpinnings have been considerably weakened over the last century, and indicating how its re‐working is the precondition of constitutional renewal.
The UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 Three Years On
Authors: Mantouvalou Virginia
Published: November 2018

This article provides a critical assessment of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA) three years after its enactment. It puts forward the following claims: first, that while criminalisation of individuals who engage in severe labour exploitation is welcome, the legislation has failed to increase prosecutions and to provide adequate remedies to victims; second, that heavy reliance on criminal law for the regulation of severe labour exploitation is insufficient, because the broader political and legislative context suggests that there is no political will to address structural factors, including legal structures, that create vulnerability to exploitation; and third, that the MSA is too weak in tackling modern slavery by businesses in their supply chains, as existing evidence from business responses to the MSA indicates. The article concludes that despite the passing of the Act, there is much scope for improvement in measures for eliminating labour exploitation, even with regard to its most severe forms.
Home Sales Pair Counts: TheOrganicMetric for Trading Volume in Housing Markets
Authors: Giannetti Antoine
Published: November 2018

Home sales pair counts are proposed as theorganicmetric for trading volume in housing markets. Aside from seasonality and temporal aggregation, as opposed to price appreciation, pair count growth is serially uncorrelated. A nonlinear dynamic GMM panel relating home price appreciation to adjusted count growth is estimated for respectively 5 condominium and 10 single‐family home S&P/Case–Shiller indices. While both condominium and single‐family home indices display a positive long‐run response to shocks in trading volume, the latter is economically and statistically more pronounced. Overall, the empirical findings are consistent with the observation that housing markets are primarily quantity clearing markets.
Seeking Entry: Discursive Hooks and NGOs in Global Climate Politics
Authors: Allan Jen Iris
Published: November 2018

Today's global climate movement is substantial and diverse. In the mid‐2000s, an influx of activists and organizations advancing social issues, such as gender, labor, justice, development and indigenous rights (to name a few) arrived at the UN climate negotiations, fragmenting civil society. I argue that, in part, the rise of these ‘new’ climate activists can be explained by the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which added new issues that became ‘discursive hooks’ for NGOs’ claims to belonging in the climate regime. Linking to a specific institution had two effects: it served as an entry point to frame climate issues as social issues; and it helped NGOs carve a niche in climate policy in which they were authorities. In the Paris regime, this history matters, as some NGOs will fare better under the new rules than others. First, those established in institutions enshrined in the Paris Agreement will continue to have a foothold in the regime. Second, those that built their authority on their expertise or their capacity to deliver mitigation results may find more opportunities than those making moral claims.
The Policy Role of Corporate Carbon Management: Co‐regulating Ecological Effectiveness
Authors: Lister Jane
Published: November 2018

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has called for private sector participation in global carbon governance and corporations now seem to be heeding the call at an unprecedented scale. Both critics and proponents of corporate social responsibility (CSR) interpret this as a necessary but uncertain development. Business response has demonstrably failed in the past. Contributing to the CSR and private environmental governance effectiveness literature, this article argues that while voluntary corporate climate governance efforts are essential and improving, they are far from sufficient for meaningful decarbonization. Through an evaluation of the three main underlying corporate carbon management practices (target setting, carbon pricing and carbon reporting), the article highlights how company efforts create business advantage (e.g. risk management) but fall short on ecological effectiveness (i.e. absolute carbon reduction). In response, the paper argues the importance of greater climate policy co‐regulation. This includes indirect enabling by governments and the IPCC to encourage incremental improvements in company efforts. It also includes more direct, state‐led prescriptive interventions coordinated across supply chains and supported by international organizations, to ensure corporate participation and deeper transformative change to business models, industry structures and consumptive patterns at the root of the global climate crisis.
Investment Experience, Financial Literacy, and Investment‐Related Judgments
Authors: Krische Susan D.
Published: November 2018

This research examines how investment experience and financial literacy impact investment‐related judgments. Financial literacy refers to a person's knowledge of fundamental financial concepts. I begin by documenting investors' demographic characteristics and financial literacy using a relatively large sample of participants (n > 2,000) recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk under different categories of investment experience, which I benchmark against national samples of financial capability skills in the United States. I then replicate a sample of three accounting research experiments, varying the type and depth of the underlying accounting issue. Across the three experiments, the data show two main results: First, investment experience strengthens the influence of financial accounting disclosures on participants' investment‐related judgments. Second, financial literacy further strengthens the influence of financial accounting disclosures on investors' (but not noninvestors') judgments. Collectively, these findings suggest that investment experience and financial literacy can help to identify individuals who are more likely to be able and willing to study financial reporting information with reasonable diligence as they form their investment‐related judgments.
Significance Testing in Accounting Research: A Critical Evaluation Based on Evidence
Authors: Kim Jae H. , Ahmed Kamran , Ji Philip Inyeob
Published: November 2018

From a survey of the papers published in leading accounting journals in 2014, we find that accounting researchers conduct significance testing almost exclusively at a conventional level of significance, without considering key factors such as the sample size or power of a test. We present evidence that a vast majority of the accounting studies favour large or massive sample sizes and conduct significance tests with the power extremely close to or equal to one. As a result, statistical inference is severely biased towards Type I error, frequently rejecting the true null hypotheses. Under the ‘p‐value less than 0.05’ criterion for statistical significance, more than 90% of the surveyed papers report statistical significance. However, under alternative criteria, only 40% of the results are statistically significant. We propose that substantial changes be made to the current practice of significance testing for more credible empirical research in accounting.
Partial reprogramming induces a steady decline in epigenetic age before loss of somatic identity
Authors: Olova Nelly , Simpson Daniel J. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Chandra Tamir
Published: November 2018

Induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), with their unlimited regenerative capacity, carry the promise for tissue replacement to counter age‐related decline. However, attempts to realize in vivo iPSC have invariably resulted in the formation of teratomas. Partial reprogramming in prematurely aged mice has shown promising results in alleviating age‐related symptoms without teratoma formation. Does partial reprogramming lead to rejuvenation (i.e., “younger” cells), rather than dedifferentiation, which bears the risk of cancer? Here, we analyse the dynamics of cellular age during human iPSC reprogramming and find that partial reprogramming leads to a reduction in the epigenetic age of cells. We also find that the loss of somatic gene expression and epigenetic age follows different kinetics, suggesting that they can be uncoupled and there could be a safe window where rejuvenation can be achieved with a minimized risk of cancer.
Clinical and dermoscopic features associated with lichen planus‐like keratoses that undergo skin biopsy: A single‐center, observational study
Authors: Liopyris Konstantinos , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Dusza Stephen W , Marghoob Ashfaq A , Deng Liang , Wilson Barbara B , Marchetti Michael A
Published: November 2018

Background/Objectives

Lichen planus‐like keratoses (LPLK) are benign skin lesions that can mimic malignancy; the clinical and dermoscopic features distinguishing lichen planus‐like keratoses from skin tumors have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to identify dermoscopic features that may prevent unnecessary biopsies of lichen planus‐like keratoses.

Methods

Retrospective, single‐center, observational study of biopsied skin lesions at a tertiary center. We compared 355 lichen planus‐like keratoses to 118 non‐lichen planus‐like keratoses lesions with lichen planus‐like keratosis in the differential diagnosis biopsied from August 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016. The investigators were blinded to the diagnosis of the lesions.

Results

Lichen planus‐like keratoses were most frequently non‐pigmented (61.7%), truncal (52.1%), and on sun‐damaged skin (69.6%); the majority occurred in Whites (95.5%) and females (62.8%). Dermoscopically, lichen planus‐like keratoses were more likely than non‐lichen planus‐like keratoses to have scale (42.5% vs 31.4%, P = 0.03) and orange colour (8.2% vs 0.9%, P = 0.01). Among lesions with peppering (n = 76; 63 lichen planus‐like keratoses and 13 non‐lichen planus‐like keratoses), coarse ± fine peppering (73% vs 38.5%, P = 0.02) and peppering as the only feature (34.9% vs 0%, P = 0.01) were associated with lichen planus‐like keratoses.

Conclusions

Lichen planus‐like keratoses can be challenging to distinguish from benign and malignant skin tumors. The presence of dermoscopic scale and orange colour may aid in the recognition of lichen planus‐like keratosis. Coarse peppering and the presence of peppering as the only dermoscopic feature may further aid the identification of pigmented lichen planus‐like keratoses.
Coming to town: Reaching agreement on a thorny issue
Authors: Wapau Hylda , Jans Diana , Hapea Emily , Mein Jacki , Curnow Venessa , McDonald Malcolm
Published: November 2018

Objective

To describe the process of gaining consensus across regional organisations in formulating measures to improve coordination of care for people from remote Far North Queensland communities coming to town (Cairns) to access health care.

Design

This is a descriptive study that includes survey data from workshop participants.

Setting

Coming to town for health care poses great challenges, especially for Indigenous Australians from remote communities. Numerous organisations are involved, communications are fragmented and there is no central coordinating body. The system frequently fails to deliver necessary services. This generates preventable cost burdens through missed flights, missed appointments, missed treatment opportunities and extra administration. Workshop organisers invited key service providers from across Far North Queensland.

Main outcome measures

Using real‐case scenarios, the task was to identify and prioritise the central issues and explore ways to address them. Participants jointly crafted the final recommendations and also posted suggestions on a ‘wish‐list’ board. A participant assessment survey was conducted at the end of the workshop, followed by an online survey 6 weeks later.

Results

There were 32 participants. The concluding survey indicated the workshop was well received and people valued the collaboration. There were six primary recommendations plus numerous wish‐list suggestions. The best‐supported recommendation was establishment of a coming to town Hub with a local coordinating team and community‐based representatives.

Conclusion

Implementation of the workshop recommendations and support of all key service providers should be culturally acceptable and resource‐efficient with better health outcomes for travellers, their families and communities.
Response to treatment is more important than disease severity at diagnosis for prediction of early relapse in new‐onset paediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Ziv‐Baran Tomer , Hussey Séamus , Sladek Malgorzata , Amil Dias Jorge , Martin de Carpi Javier , Miele Erasmo , Veres Gabor , Lionetti Paolo , Koletzko Sibylle , Nuti Federica , Paerregaard Anders , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Russell Richard K. , Shaoul Ron , Weiner Dror , Sigall Boneh Rotem , Escher Johanna , Finnby Lenne , Turner Dan , Levine Arie
Published: November 2018

Background

Paediatric Crohn's disease is characteried by frequently relapsing disease which may lead to hospitalisations and complications.

Aim

To develop predictive models for early relapse following first remission.

Methods

The GROWTH CD prospective inception cohort was designed to predict risk for early disease relapse and poor outcomes. Newly diagnosed children underwent endoscopies and imaging. They were phenotyped and followed at scheduled visits through 78 weeks for relapses. Twenty‐eight dichotomous and continuous variables were assessed at baseline and week 12, including phenotype, inflammatory markers, disease activity (PCDAI) and other markers. Clinical relapses defined as PCDAI >10 after remission were recorded using a relapse form. Logistic regression & risk modelling was performed.

Results

We enrolled 282 eligible patients of whom 178 (63.6%) patients achieved steroid free remission by week 12. Disease complications developed in 22/76(29%) of patients with relapse compared to 20/206 (9.7%) without relapse (P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that while variables from age/gender at diagnosis were not predictive, week 12 variables including PCDAI >5 (P = 0.02), CRP >20 mg/L (P = 0.02), and faecal calprotectin >400 µg/g (P = 0.03) as optimal cut‐offs were associated with increased risk of relapse. A prediction model for patients in remission including gender, age, week 12 PCDAI, calprotectin and CRP had sensitivity 43%, specificity 92%, PPV 78%, NPV 71% for relapse.

Conclusions

Early relapses were associated with a higher risk for disease complications at followup. Relapse prediction based on week 12 disease activity or inflammation is superior to prediction using data from diagnosis.
First Geochemical ‘Fingerprinting’ of Balkan and Prut Flint from Palaeolithic Romania: Potentials, Limitations and Future Directions
Authors: Moreau L. , Ciornei A. , Gjesfjeld E. , Filzmoser P. , Gibson S. A. , Day J. , Nigst P. R. , Noiret P. , Macleod R. A. , Niţă L. , Anghelinu M.
Published: November 2018

Long‐distance raw material transfers across Romania prior to the Last Glacial Maximum have previously been inferred from either visual and/or petrographic observations of East Carpathian sites. We investigated the potential to ‘fingerprint’ flint from archaeological sites at Mitoc‐Malu Galben and Bistricioara–Lutărie III in Eastern Romania, using in situ high‐precision analyses of 28 major, minor and trace elements determined by laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) in combination with multivariate statistical analysis. Our results suggest that geochemical analyses have the ability to distinguish between different geographical sources but are unable to positively associate flint artefacts from archaeological contexts to these geochemical groups. The mismatches of signatures between artefacts and geological materials, however, raise new questions and open unforeseen perspectives.
Chronic administration of theobromine inhibits mTOR signal in rats
Authors: Sugimoto Naotoshi , Katakura Masanori , Matsuzaki Kentaro , Sumiyoshi Eri , Yachie Akihiro , Shido Osamu
Published: November 2018

Theobromine is a caffeine derivative and the primary methylxanthine in Theobroma cacao. We have shown previously that theobromine inhibits the Akt‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether orally administered theobromine could inhibit mTOR activity in rats. mTOR is phosphorylated by Akt. Thus, the level of phosphorylated mTOR was used as an index of mTOR activity. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. The control group (CN) was fed a normal diet, while the theobromine group (TB) was fed a diet supplemented with 0.05% theobromine for 40 days. We measured body‐weights and tissue weights, food and water intake, blood count, concentrations of theobromine in the plasma, liver and brain, and the levels of phosphorylated mTOR in the liver and brain. Orally administered theobromine did not affect the body‐weights and tissue weights, food and water intake, and blood count as determined by comparison with levels in rats that were fed standard chow. Theobromine was detected in the plasma, liver and brain obtained from TB rats, but was not detected in tissues obtained from CN rats. The phosphorylated mTOR levels in the liver and brain were significantly lower in TB rats than in CN rats. The results suggest that oral theobromine inhibits mTOR signalling in vivo.
Red Blood cell IMPDH activity in adults and children with or without azathioprine: Relationship between thiopurine metabolites, ITPA and TPMT activities
Authors: Citterio‐Quentin Antony , El Mahmoudi Amal , Perret Thibault , Conway Anthony , Ryan Aishling , Beringer Audrey , Lachaux Alain , Boulieu Roselyne
Published: November 2018

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is considered as the limiting enzyme of thiopurine metabolism for the formation of 6‐thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN). No data are available on the influence of RBC IMPDH activity on the metabolism of thiopurine drugs in individuals with IBD. The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to carry out a phenotypic study of RBC IMPDH activity in adults and children treated or not with azathioprine (AZA) for autoimmune diseases, and (b) to investigate the relationship between the activities of IMPDH, thiopurine metabolites, inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) and thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). IMPDH activity was determined in 97 adults and 67 children treated or not with AZA. 6‐Thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN), 6‐methylmercaptopurine nucleotide (6‐MeMPN) levels, and ITPA as well as TPMT activities were measured in RBCs by HPLC. Using the Gaussian mixture model, distribution of IMPDH activity was evaluated. Influence of age, sex and AZA treatment on IMPDH activity was also assessed. A bimodal distribution in IMPDH activity was found with 87% of patients exhibiting normal activity and 13% of patients with high activity. No influence of age, sex and AZA therapy was found. There is no relationship between TPMT, ITPA and IMPDH activities. A negative correlation between IMPDH activity and 6‐MeMPN was shown in adults and children (rs = −0.335 P = 0.014 and rs = −0.383 P = 0.012, respectively). Our results suggest that AZA‐treated patients exhibiting lower IMPDH activity could have higher Me‐6MPN levels with higher risk of hepatotoxicity. We demonstrated that RBC matrix could be an interesting alternative to lymphocyte matrix to monitor thiopurine metabolites and enzyme activity.