bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal chemistry of layered structures formed by linear rigid silyl-capped molecules
Authors: Lumpi Daniel , Kautny Paul , Stöger Berthold , Fröhlich Johannes
Published: August 2015

The crystallization behavior of methylthio- or methylsulfonyl-containing spacer extendedZ,Z-bis-ene–yne molecules capped with trimethylsilyl groups obtained by (tandem) thiophene ring fragmentation and of two non-spacer extended analogs were investigated. The rigid and linear molecules generally crystallized in layers whereby the flexibility of the layer interfaces formed by the silyl groups leads to a remarkably rich crystal chemistry. The molecules with benzene and thiophene spacers both crystallized withC2/csymmetry and can be considered as merotypes. Increasing the steric bulk of the core by introduction of ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) gave a structure incommensurately modulated in the [010] direction. Further increase of steric demand in the case of a dimethoxythiophene restored periodicity along [010] but resulted in a doubling of thecvector. Two different polytypes were observed, which feature geometrically different layer interfaces (non-OD, order–disorder, polytypes), one with a high stacking fault probability. Oxidation of the methylthio groups of the benzene-based molecule to methylsulfonyl groups led to three polymorphs (two temperature-dependent), which were analyzed by Hirshfeld surfacede/difingerprint plots. The analogously oxidized EDOT-based molecule crystallized as systematic twins owing to its OD polytypism. Shortening of the backbone by removal of the aryl core resulted in an enantiomorphic structure and a further shortening by removal of a methylthio-ene fragment again in a systematically twinned OD polytype.
Three-dimensional coherent X-ray diffractive imaging of whole frozen-hydrated cells
Authors: Rodriguez Jose A. , Xu Rui , Chen Chien-Chun , Huang Zhifeng , Jiang Huaidong , Chen Allan L. , Raines Kevin S. , Pryor Jr Alan , Nam Daewoong , Wiegart Lutz , Song Changyong , Madsen Anders , Chushkin Yuriy , Zontone Federico , Bradley Peter J. , Miao Jianwei
Published: August 2015

A structural understanding of whole cells in three dimensions at high spatial resolution remains a significant challenge and, in the case of X-rays, has been limited by radiation damage. By alleviating this limitation, cryogenic coherent diffractive imaging (cryo-CDI) can in principle be used to bridge the important resolution gap between optical and electron microscopy in bio-imaging. Here, the first experimental demonstration of cryo-CDI for quantitative three-dimensional imaging of whole frozen-hydrated cells using 8 keV X-rays is reported. As a proof of principle, a tilt series of 72 diffraction patterns was collected from a frozen-hydratedNeospora caninumcell and the three-dimensional mass density of the cell was reconstructed and quantified based on its natural contrast. This three-dimensional reconstruction reveals the surface and internal morphology of the cell, including its complex polarized sub-cellular structure. It is believed that this work represents an experimental milestone towards routine quantitative three-dimensional imaging of whole cells in their natural state with spatial resolutions in the tens of nanometres.
Crystal structure of 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4-dinitrobenzene
Authors: Brihi Ouarda , Hamdouni Noudjoud , Boudjada Ali , Meinnel Jean
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C9H10N2O4, the planes of the nitro groups subtend dihedral angles of 55.04 (15) and 63.23 (15)° with that of the aromatic ring. These tilts are in opposite senses and the molecule possesses approximate mirror symmetry about a plane normal to the molecule. In the crystal, molecules form stacks in the [100] direction with adjacent molecules related by translation, although the centroid–centroid separation of 4.136 (5) Å is probably too long to regard as a significant aromatic π–π stacking interaction. An extremely weak C—H...O interaction is also present.
Crystal structure of 10-[(3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromen-1-yl)methyl]-2-trifluoromethyl-9a,10-dihydrobenz[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4(5aH)-one
Authors: Chandra  , Kumar. Shamantha , Puttaraju K. B. , Shivashankar K. , Mahendra M.
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C25H14F3N3O3, the dihedral angle between the planes of the benz[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine unit (r.m.s. deviation = 0.035 Å) and the benzochromene ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.106 Å) is 72.82 (5)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O interactions, generating [010]C(9) chains. A weak aromatic π–π stacking interaction [centroid–centroid separation = 3.5376 (15) Å] is also observed.
Crystal structure of 3-chloro-N-(2-nitrophenyl)benzamide
Authors: Moreno-Fuquen Rodolfo , Azcárate Alexis , Kennedy Alan R.
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C13H9ClN2O3, the mean plane of the central amide fragment (r.m.s. deviation = 0.016 Å) subtends dihedral angles of 15.2 (2) and 8.2 (2)° with the chloro- and nitro-substituted benzene rings, respectively. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond generates anS(6) ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, formingC(7) chains which propagate along [010], but no Cl...Cl short contacts are observed.
Crystal structure of ethyl 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-4H-pyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-3-carboxylate
Authors: Kumar Balbir , Kour Manmeet , Paul Satya , Kant Rajni , Gupta Vivek K.
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C20H17ClN2O2S, the dihedral angle between the planes of the benzothiazole fused ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.024 Å) and the chlorobenzene ring is 89.62 (12)°. The ester C—O—C—C side chain has anantiorientation [torsion angle = −155.2 (3)°]. In the crystal, weak aromatic π–π stacking interactions are observed between the phenyl and pyrimidine rings [centroid–centroid seperation = 3.666 (2) Å].
Crystal structure of [1,1′:3′,1′′-terphenyl]-2′,3,3′′-tricarboxylic acid
Authors: Decato Daniel A. , Berryman Orion B.
Published: August 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C21H14O6, comprises two symmetrically independent molecules that form a locally centrosymmetric hydrogen-bonded dimer, with the planes of the corresponding carboxylic acid groups rotated by 15.8 (1) and 17.5 (1)° relative to those of the adjacent benzene rings. The crystal as a whole, however, exhibits a noncentrosymmetric packing, described by the polar space groupPca21. The dimers form layers along theabplane, being interconnected by hydrogen bonds involving the remaining carboxylic acid groups. The plane of the central carboxylic acid group forms dihedral angles of 62.5 (1) and 63.0 (1)° with those of the adjacent benzene rings and functions as a hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor. As a donor, it interconnects adjacent layers, while as an acceptor it stabilizes the packing within the layers. The `distal' carboxylic acid groups are nearly coplanar with the planes of the adjacent benzene rings, forming dihedral angles of 1.8 (1) and 7.1 (1)°. These groups also form intra- and inter-layer hydrogen bonds, but with `reversed' functionality, as compared with the central carboxylic acid groups.
Crystal structure of bis(μ2-tetrabromophthalato-κ2O1:O2)bis[aqua(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine-κ2N,N′)copper(II)]
Authors: Tobón-Trujillo Luis Manuel , Villanueva-Sánchez Luis Felipe , Martínez-Otero Diego , Dorazco-González Alejandro
Published: August 2015

In the title complex, [Cu2(C8Br4O4)2(C6H16N2)2(H2O)2], the CuIIcation is chelated by a tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine ligand and coordinated by a water molecule as well as bridged by two tetrabromophthalate anions in a distorted O3N2trigonal–bipyramidal geometry. The two symmetry-related tetrabromophthalate anions bridge the two CuIIcations, forming a centrosymmetric dinuclear complex in which the Cu...Cu separation is 5.054 (2) Å. Intramolecular classic O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds occur in the dinuclear molecule. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak C—H...Br and C—H...O interactions into supramolecular chains propagating along theb-axis direction.
Crystal structure of bis[2-(benzothiazol-2-yl)phenolato-κ2N,O]copper(II)
Authors: Kim Namhun , Kang Sung Kwon
Published: August 2015

In the title complex, [Cu(C13H8NOS)2], the CuIIatom is coordinated by two N atoms and two O atoms from two bidentate benzothiazolphenolate ligands, forming a distorted tetrahedral geometry [dihedral angle between two N—Cu—O planes: 45.1 (2)°]. The dihedral angles between the benzothiazole ring systems and the phenol rings are 4.1 (4) and 5.8 (4)°, indicating an almost planar geometry. Weak intra- and intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds are observed. In the crystal, weak π–π interactions between aromatic and thiazole rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.626 (3) and 3.873 (3) Å] link the molecules into a two-dimensional supramolecular network along thebcplane.
Crystal structure of dichloridobis(N,N′-dimethylthiourea-κS)mercury(II)
Authors: Shaheen Muhammad Ashraf , Munawar Aisha , Sadaf Haseeba , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Isab Anvarhusein A. , Ahmad Saeed
Published: August 2015

The molecular structure of the title compound, [HgCl2(C3H8N2S)2], has point group symmetry 2, with the twofold rotation axis passing through the HgIIatom. The latter is coordinated by two Cl atoms and twoN,N′-dimethylthiourea (Dmtu) ligands through their S atoms, defining a distorted tetrahedral coordination sphere with bond angles in the range 102.47 (4)–118.32 (4)°. Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the type N—H...Cl withS(6) andR22(12) ring motifs are present. The intermolecular contacts make up polymeric chains extending parallel to [101].
Crystal structure of 2-methylsulfanyl-1-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)ethanone
Authors: Kang Gihaeng , Kim Jineun , Kwon Eunjin , Kim Tae Ho
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C7H13NOS2, the thiomorpholine ring adopts a chair conformation and the bond-angle sum at the N atom is 360°. The dihedral angle between the amide group and the thiomorpholine ring (all atoms) is 36.48 (12)°. In the crystal, C—H...O and C—H...S hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules, forming two-dimensional networks extending parellel to the (011) plane.
Crystal structure of fenbuconazole
Authors: Kang Gihaeng , Kim Jineun , Park Hyunjin , Kim Tae Ho
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C19H17ClN4[systematic name: (RS)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-phenyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)butyronitrile], which is the conazole fungicide fenbuconazole, the dihedral angles between the planes of the central benzene and the terminal chlorophenyl and triazole rings are 32.77 (5) and 32.97 (5)°, respectively. The C—C—C—C linkage between the tertiary C atom and the benzene ring has anantiorientation [torsion angle = 174.47 (12)°]. In the crystal, C—H...N hydrogen bonds and very weak C—Cl...π interactions [Cl...π = 3.7892 (9) Å] link adjacent molecules, forming two-dimensional networks lying parellel to the (101) plane. The planes are linked by weak π–π interactions [centroid–centroid separation = 3.8597 (9) Å], resulting in a three-dimensional architecture.
Crystal structure oftrans-bis{4-bromo-N-[(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]aniline-κ2N,N′}dichloridoruthenium(II)
Authors: Chainok Kittipong , Kielar Filip
Published: August 2015

In the title complex, [RuCl2(C12H9BrN2)2] or [RuCl2(PM-BrA)2] (PM-BrA = 4-bromo-N-(2′-pyridylmethylene)aniline), the RuIIcation is located on a centre of inversion and is surrounded by four N atoms of two PM-BrA ligands in the equatorial plane and by two Cl atoms in atransaxial arrangement, displaying a distorted octahedral coordination environment. Two C atoms in the benzene ring of the PM-BrA ligand are equally disordered over two sets of sites. The benzene and pyridine rings of the PM-BrA ligand are oriented at dihedral angles of 62.1 (10) and 73.7 (11)° under consideration of the two orientations of the disordered benzene ring. In the crystal, the complex molecules are connectedviaC—H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions into a layered arrangement parallel (100). C—H...Br hydrogen bonding and weak aromatic π–π stacking interactions complete a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Can reflection boost competences development in organizations?
Authors: Nansubuga Florence , Munene John C , Ntayi Joseph M
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the gaps in some existing competence frameworks and investigate the power of reflection on one’s behavior to improve the process of the competences development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used a correlational design and a quasi-experimental non-equivalent group design involving a baseline assessment (pre-test) of participants’ ability to reflect on their actions instead of applying the standardized competences. Participants were placed in a treatment group and control groups. The treatment group was exposed to a coaching intervention in reflection and operant competence development. Six months later, the authors conducted post-test assessment to assess effect size caused by the coaching intervention regarding the treatment group’s ability to reflect and transform standardized competences into operant competences.

Findings

– The results showed that reflection and operant competences correlates significantly. Second, there was a larger effect size between the pre-test and post-test assessment results for the treatment group implying change in reflective practice and acquisition of operant competences.

Practical implications

– The results demonstrated the need to utilize reflection as a component that will add value to the existing competence frameworks.

Originality/value

– The research adds value to the existing competence development frameworks by introducing reflective practice among managers to create competences that are compatible with the operational context.
On the conditions for the cooperative relations between family businesses: the role of trust
Authors: Hadjielias Elias , Poutziouris Panikkos
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the conditions underpinning the cooperative relationships between family businesses. The role of trust is also explored, given the focus on informal conditions nested within the cooperation between firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study research method is adopted in this paper. This research is conducted within a cooperative association in Cyprus where 40 retail family businesses trade under the same brand.

Findings

– The findings suggest that cooperation between family businesses emerges and unfolds as a result of the presence and interrelationships between a number of critical conditions: trust, altruism, collective thinking, stewardship, friendship, and family values congruence. The work illustrates that trust becomes a catalyst to the emergence and maintenance of cooperative relations between family businesses. Trust between family leaders is important in building altruism, collective thinking, and stewardship norms amongst them, and helps in sustaining the cooperation between their respective firms. At the same time, trust (stemming from past friendship and values congruence between diverse family leaders) becomes important in bringing family businesses to cooperate together at first instance. Further, the findings stress the role of critical events and self-interest in moderating the role and influence of trust on the cooperation between family businesses.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the family business field through new knowledge on the relations between family businesses and the unique conditions that shape their long-term cooperation.
Societal institutions and control system characteristics: empirical evidence from the UAE
Authors: Youssef Mayada Abd El-Aziz , Moustafa Essam
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the existence of two sets of factors societal institutions and management control systems’ (MCS) characteristics in the UAE business entities. Subsequently, this paper empirically examines the bilateral and the multivariate associations between the two sets. The societal institutions include six factors categorised in three main groups: cultural conventions, state structures and policies and skill development and control. The MCS characteristics consist of four factors which are: reliance on formal rules, control over the behaviour of employees, involvement of subordinates in target setting and performance evaluation and scope of information used in performance evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Whitley’s model (1999) is adopted in the UAE business environment and the analyses are performed at the organisational level. Qualified accounting officials and managers are surveyed. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman’s partial correlation and multiple regression are used for data analyses.

Findings

– Findings reveal the characteristics of the UAE societal institutions and the MCS in UAE organisations. They also reveal significant associations among four of the societal institution factors and most of the MCS characteristics. The results highlight the role played by the government structures and policies group in influencing the MCS characteristics in the UAE organisations. However, these results do not entirely agree with Whitley’s model.

Research limitations/implications

– The results of this study are restricted by the typical constraints associated with the survey method. The obtained results have implications for researchers and managers in facilitating the understanding of the relations among the various societal institutions and the MCS characteristics.

Originality/value

– This research, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, provides significant new empirical evidence into the relation between societal institutions and MCS characteristics in a non-Western economy.
Assessing the contribution of Islamic finance to economic growth
Authors: Abd. Majid M. Shabri , H. Kassim Salina
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the contribution of the Islamic banking and financial institutions (IBFIs) to economic growth in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focusing on the post-1997 economic turmoil, the paper relies on several time series tests, such as autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), vector error correction model (VECM) and variance decompositions (VDCs).

Findings

– The paper documents significant role played by the IBFIs in Malaysian economy. In particular, significant unidirectional causality was found from the IBFIs development to economic growth, supporting the finance-growth led hypothesis or the supply-leading view.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper only focuses its analysis on the role of the IBFIs in the Malaysian economy and not the financial sector as a whole. Thus, the findings of this paper are indicative, but inconclusive for the entire financial sector in the country.

Practical implications

– Continuous efforts should be undertaken to promote the development of the Islamic banking industry due to its significant contribution to Malaysia’s economic growth by further improving the Islamic financial infrastructure, increasing the pool of human capital in the Islamic banking industry, providing conducive legal environment to the IBFIs and maintaining the Islamic financial sector stability.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first attempt to empirically assess the contribution of Islamic banking institutions in Malaysia using ARDL, VECM and VDCs.
Earnings management behaviour of Shariah-compliant firms and non-Shariah-compliant firms
Authors: Farooq Omar , AbdelBari Allaa
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to answer the following questions by using the data from the MENA region (Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain): Do Shariah-compliant firms differ from other firms in the quality of information disclosure? and Can investors consider information disclosed by Shariah-compliant firms more truthful than information disclosed by other firms?

Design/methodology/approach

– Using regression analysis, this paper examines the relationship between earnings management and Shariah compliance during the period between 2005 and 2009.

Findings

– Results show that Shariah-compliant firms engage in lower earnings management than non-Shariah-compliant firms. This paper argues that financial characteristics of Shariah-compliant firms (i.e. low leverage, low account receivables and low cash) provide lower chances to managers to misreport earnings. It is also shown that external conditions can minimize the difference in earnings management between the two groups. Results show no significant difference between earnings management of Shariah-compliant firms and earnings management of non-Shariah-compliant firms in the common law countries and during the crisis period. This paper considers high risk of litigation in common law countries and enhanced monitoring of stock market participants during the crisis period main factors behind these results. This paper argues that external governance mechanisms can result in improving disclosure practices of non-Shariah-compliant firms to a level that minimizes the impact of Shariah compliance on earnings management.

Practical implications

– Results have implications for investors and regulators functioning in the MENA region. These results indicate that non-Shariah-compliant firms, being more prone to earnings misreporting, need more scrutiny from regulators than Shariah-compliant firms.

Originality/value

– The authors believe that this paper is the first attempt to argue that it is the financial characteristics of Shariah-compliant firms (i.e. low leverage, low account receivables and low cash) that result in better disclosure of reported earnings.
Charitable Giving and Lay Morality: Understanding Sympathy, Moral Evaluations and Social Positions
Authors: Sanghera Balihar
Published: August 2015

This paper examines how charitable giving offers an example of lay morality, reflecting people's capacity for fellow-feeling, moral sentiments, personal reflexivity, ethical dispositions, moral norms and moral discourses. Lay morality refers to how people should treat others and be treated by them, matters that are important for their subjective and objective well-being. It is a first person evaluative relation to the world (about things that matter to people). While the paper is sympathetic to the ‘moral boundaries' approach, which seeks to address the neglect of moral evaluations in sociology, it reveals this approach to have some shortcomings. The paper argues that although morality is always mediated by cultural discourses and shaped by structural factors, it also has a universalizing character because people have fellow-feelings, shared human conditions, and have reason to value.
Economic Growth, Globalisation and Beer Consumption
Authors: Colen Liesbeth , Swinnen Johan
Published: August 2015

We analyse the evolution of beer consumption between countries and over time. Historically, there have been major changes in beer consumption in the world. In recent times, per capita consumption has decreased in traditional beer drinking countries while it increased strongly in emerging economies. Recently, China has overtaken the US as the largest beer economy. A quantitative empirical analysis studies the relationships among economic growth, globalisation and beer consumption. The relationship between income and beer consumption has an inverse U‐shape. Beer consumption initially increases with rising incomes; but at higher levels of income beer consumption falls. Increased globalisation has contributed to a convergence in alcohol consumption patterns across countries. In countries that were originally beer drinking countries, the share of beer in total alcohol consumption reduced, while this is not the case in countries which traditionally drank mostly wine or spirits.
A Selective Review of the Economic Analysis of Animal Health Management
Authors: Jarvis Lovell S. , Valdes‐Donoso Pablo
Published: August 2015

Economists and veterinarians use similar approaches to analyse animal health threats, but veterinarians are concerned primarily with providing practical guidelines to peers and/or policy‐makers, while economists focus more on understanding the benefits to society as a whole and often provide only general guidelines to policy‐makers and little specific direction to practicing veterinarians. Despite the benefits of working together, differences in perspective and analytical approach often cause economists and veterinarians to struggle in dialogue and to lose some of the mutual gains that could be achieved through collaboration. This article discusses the use of economics in animal health management, identifies several useful literature reviews, and analyses a number of recent studies to explore the advantages and disadvantages of different conceptual and methodological approaches.
Shells and Bones: A Forensic Medicine Study of the Association of Terrestrial Snail Allopeas micra with Buried Human Remains in Brazil
Authors: Galvão Malthus Fonseca , Pujol‐Luz José Roberto , Pujol‐Luz Cristiane Vieira de Assis , de Rosa Cássio Thyone Almeida , Simone Luiz Ricardo L. , Báo Sônia Nair , Barros‐Cordeiro Karine Brenda , Pessoa Larissa , Bissacot Giovanna
Published: August 2015

Little is known regarding the scavenger fauna associated with buried human corpses, particularly in clandestine burials. We report the presence of 20 shells of the terrestrial snail Allopeas micra, within hollow bones of human remains buried for 5 years, during the process of collecting DNA material. The fact that a large number of shells of A. micra had been found in the corpse and in the crime scene supports the assumption that there was no attempt to remove the corpse from the area where the crime occurred. Despite this, our observations cannot be used to estimate the postmortem interval because there is no precise knowledge about the development of this species. This is the first record of a terrestrial snail associated with a human corpse and its role in this forensic medicine case.
Towards a Federal United Kingdom? Lessons from America
Authors: Tierney Stephen
Published: August 2015

As the debate about further devolution deepens, Stephen Tierney looks at the American model of federalism and asks whether the UK is heading in a federal direction.
The Externalities of Inequality: Fear of Crime and Preferences for Redistribution in Western Europe
Authors: Rueda David , Stegmueller Daniel
Published: August 2015

Why is the difference in redistribution preferences between the rich and the poor high in some countries and low in others? In this article, we argue that it has a lot to do with the rich and very little to do with the poor. We contend that while there is a general relative income effect on redistribution preferences, the preferences of the rich are highly dependent on the macrolevel of inequality. The reason for this effect is not related to immediate tax and transfer considerations but to a negative externality of inequality: crime. We will show that the rich in more unequal regions in Western Europe are more supportive of redistribution than the rich in more equal regions because of their concern with crime. In making these distinctions between the poor and the rich, the arguments in this article challenge some influential approaches to the politics of inequality.
The Natures of War
Authors: Gregory Derek
Published: August 2015

“Nature” is more than a resource bank whose riches can trigger armed conflict and finance its depredations; it is also a medium through which military and paramilitary violence is conducted. The militarisation of nature is part of a dialectic in which earthy, vibrant matter shapes the contours of conflict and leaves its marks on the bodies of soldiers who are both vectors and victims of military violence. Three case studies identify some of the central bio‐physical formations that became entangled with armed conflict in the twentieth century: the mud of the Western Front in the First World War, the deserts of North Africa in the Second World War, and the rainforests of Vietnam. Taken together, these reveal vital connections between the materiality and corporeality of modern war and their continued relevance to its contemporary transformations.
Finnish guidelines for the treatment of laryngitis, wheezing bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children
Authors: Tapiainen Terhi , Aittoniemi Janne , Immonen Johanna , Jylkkä Heli , Meinander Tuula , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Peltola Ville , Salo Eeva , Seuri Raija , Walle Satu‐Maaria , Korppi Matti
Published: August 2015

Evidence‐based guidelines are needed to harmonise and improve the diagnostics and treatment of children's lower respiratory tract infections. Following a professional literature search, an interdisciplinary working group evaluated and graded the available evidence and constructed guidelines for treating laryngitis, bronchitis, wheezing bronchitis and bronchiolitis.

Conclusion

Currently available drugs were not effective in relieving cough symptoms. Salbutamol inhalations could relieve the symptoms of wheezing bronchitis and should be administered via a holding chamber. Nebulised adrenaline or inhaled or oral glucocorticoids did not reduce hospitalisation rates or relieve symptoms in infants with bronchiolitis and should not be routinely used.
Issues and Challenges in Performing Family Impact Analysis – Implications for Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Yuk King
Published: August 2015

Family impact analysis (FIA) is informed by a growing vision of incorporating a family perspective into policy making. It is a skillful and technical exercise in examining past, present, or probable future consequences – both intended and unintended – of a policy on family well‐being. Originating in the USA in the 1970s, it has become state/provincial or federal policy in the USA, Canada (Alberta), Australia, and Hong Kong. The policy has had different degrees of success in these countries. This article reviewed the critical issues and challenges for implementing the policy and the countries’ different responses to the challenges. It also discussed the implications of these international experiences on Hong Kong's policy of FIA as the newest member of the ranks. Attention to the diversity of families in defining family, adequate training and support to policy staff, building of quality control mechanisms, and the development of grassroots and political support of FIA were recommended. The review also found that there was a dearth of evaluation research on the policy. Further studies are necessary to examine whether FIA is an effective means of affecting policy‐planning decisions. It is a shared obligation of all countries that voted for a policy on FIA.
Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland
Authors: Pekin Burak K. , Wisdom Michael J. , Parks Catherine G. , Endress Bryan A. , Naylor Bridgett J.
Published: August 2015

Questions

Are exotic plant species favoured by non‐native ungulate herbivores and disadvantaged by native herbivores in forested rangelands? Do the impacts of ungulates on exotic vs native plants depend on forest management activities such as prescribed fire and stand thinning?

Location

Northeastern Oregon, USA.

Methods

We recorded changes in richness and cover of different exotic and native plant life forms in experimental plots that were grazed only by cattle (a non‐native herbivore), only by elk (a native herbivore) or not grazed by any ungulate over a 7‐yr period at both managed (recently burned and thinned) and unmanaged (where no fire and thinning has occurred in >40 yr) forest stands.

Results

There was a general decrease in exotic plant species richness and cover across all treatments. However, the decrease in exotic richness, particularly of exotic annual forbs, was slightly lower in plots grazed by elk than in ungrazed plots at managed stands. Managed stands also displayed a larger increase in native annual forb richness and exotic graminoid richness, and a larger decrease in native perennial graminoid cover with cattle grazing than elk grazing. At unmanaged stands, cover of woody native plants such as shrubs, sub‐shrubs and trees as well as native perennial forbs decreased or remained relatively constant with elk grazing while increasing strongly at plots that were ungrazed or grazed by cattle.

Conclusions

Cattle and elk have variable effects on different plant guilds at managed vs unmanaged forest stands. Overall, cattle grazing tends to have a larger impact on herbaceous plant guilds at managed stands, while elk grazing tends to have a larger impact on woody plant guilds at unmanaged stands. However, in contrast to findings from other ecosystems, grazing only has a minor impact on exotic plant dynamics in our study area, and cattle grazing does not favour exotic plants any more than grazing by elk or ungulate exclusion.
Amnesia and future thinking: Exploring the role of memory in the quantity and quality of episodic future thoughts
Authors: Cole Scott N. , Morrison Catriona M. , Barak Ohr , Pauly‐Takacs Katalin , Conway Martin A.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To examine the impact of memory accessibility on episodic future thinking.

Design

Single‐case study of neurological patient HCM and an age‐matched comparison group of neurologically Healthy Controls.

Methods

We administered a full battery of tests assessing general intelligence, memory, and executive functioning. To assess autobiographical memory, the Autobiographical Memory Interview (Kopelman, Wilson, & Baddeley, 1990. The Autobiographical Memory Interview. Bury St. Edmunds, UK: Thames Valley Test Company) was administered. The Past Episodic and Future Episodic sections of Dalla Barba's Confabulation Battery (Dalla Barba, 1993, Cogn. Neuropsychol., 1, 1) and a specifically tailored Mental Time Travel Questionnaire were administered to assess future thinking in HCM and age‐matched controls.

Results

HCM presented with a deficit in forming new memories (anterograde amnesia) and recalling events from before the onset of neurological impairment (retrograde amnesia). HCM's autobiographical memory impairments are characterized by a paucity of memories from Recent Life. In comparison with controls, two features of his future thoughts are apparent: Reduced episodic future thinking and outdated content of his episodic future thoughts.

Conclusions

This article suggests neuropsychologists should look beyond popular conceptualizations of the past–future relation in amnesia via focussing on reduced future thinking. Investigating both the quantity and quality of future thoughts produced by amnesic patients may lead to developments in understanding the complex nature of future thinking disorders resulting from memory impairments.

Practitioner points

We highlight the clinical importance of examining the content of future thoughts in amnesic patients, rather than only its quantitative reduction.

We propose an explanation of how quantitative and qualitative aspects of future thinking could be affected by amnesia. This could provide a useful approach to understand clinical cases of impaired prospection.

Limitations

Systematic group investigations are required to fully examine our hypothesis.

Although the current study utilized typical future thinking measures, these may be limited and we highlight the need to develop clinically relevant measures of prospection.
Job market signalling, stereotype threat and counter‐stereotypical behaviour
Authors: Chisik Richard
Published: August 2015

I introduce stereotype threat in a multiple‐productivity signalling model. Existence of multiple self‐fulfilling stereotypes, which can generate statistical discrimination, is more likely if there is less variance in the ability distribution. A low endogenously correct stereotype about a group forces higher‐ability group members to choose a higher‐productivity and a higher separating signal, thereby engaging in counter‐stereotypical behaviour. This counter‐stereotypical behaviour causes the remaining partially pooling group to have lower average productivity, reinforcing the negative stereotype. The co‐existence of stereotype threat and counter‐stereotypical behaviour can explain the simultaneity of lower wages and higher education attainment in a group facing labour‐market discrimination.
Functional swallowing outcomes following treatment for oropharyngeal carcinoma: a systematic review of the evidence comparing trans‐oral surgery versus non‐surgical management
Authors: Dawe N. , Patterson J. , O'Hara J.
Published: August 2015

Background

Trans‐oral surgical and non‐surgical management options for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) appear to offer similar survival outcomes. Functional outcomes, in particular swallowing, have become of increasing interest in the debate regarding treatment options. Contemporary reviews on function following treatment frequently include surrogate markers and limit the value of comparative analysis.

Objectives of review

A systematic review was performed to establish whether direct comparisons of swallowing outcomes could be made between trans‐oral surgical approaches (trans‐oral laser microsurgery (TLM)/trans‐oral robotic surgery (TORS)) and (chemo)radiotherapy ((C)RT).

Type of review

Systematic review.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were interrogated using the following MeSH terms: antineoplastic protocols, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, deglutition disorders, swallowing, lasers, and trans‐oral surgery.

Evaluation method

Two authors performed independent systematic reviews and consensus was sought if opinions differed. The WHO ICF classification was applied to generate analysis based around body functions and structure, activity limitations and participation restriction.

Results

Thirty‐seven citations were included in the analysis. Twenty‐six papers reported the outcomes for OPSCC treatment following primary (C)RT in 1377 patients, and 15 papers following contemporary trans‐oral approaches in 768 patients. Meta‐analysis was not feasible due to varying methodology and heterogeneity of outcome measures. Instrumental swallowing assessments were presented in 13/26 (C)RT versus 2/15 TLM/TORS papers. However, reporting methods of these studies were not standardised. This variety of outcome measures and the wide‐ranging intentions of authors applying the measures in individual studies limit any practical direct comparisons of the effects of treatment on swallowing outcomes between interventions.

Conclusions

From the current evidence, no direct comparisons could be made of swallowing outcomes between the surgical and non‐surgical modalities. Swallowing is a multidimensional construct, and the range of assessments utilised by authors reflects the variety of available reporting methods. The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory is a subjective measure that allows limited comparison between the currently available heterogeneous data, and is explored in detail. The findings highlight that further research may identify the most appropriate tools for measuring swallowing in patients with OPSCC. Consensus should allow their standardised integration into future studies and randomised control trials.
Hearing loss in survivors of childhood head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Schoot R.A. , Theunissen E.A.R. , Slater O. , Lopez‐Yurda M. , Zuur C.L. , Gaze M.N. , Chang Y.‐C. , Mandeville H.C. , Gains J.E. , Rajput K. , Pieters B.R. , Davila Fajardo R. , Talwar R. , Caron H.N. , Balm A.J.M. , Dreschler W.A. , Merks J.H.M.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine the hearing status of survivors treated for head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS) at long‐term follow‐up.

Design

Cross‐sectional long‐term follow‐up study.

Setting

Tertiary comprehensive cancer centre.

Participants

Survivors treated for HNRMS during childhood in two concurrent cohorts; survivors in London had been treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT‐based local therapy); survivors in Amsterdam were treated with AMORE (Ablative surgery, MOuld technique afterloading brachytherapy and surgical REconstruction) if feasible, otherwise EBRT (AMORE‐based local therapy).

Main outcome measures

We assessed hearing status of HNRMS survivors at long‐term follow‐up. Hearing thresholds were obtained by pure‐tone audiometry.

Methods

We assessed the hearing thresholds, the number of patients with clinically relevant hearing loss and hearing impairment graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAEv4) and Boston criteria. Furthermore, we compared hearing loss between survivors treated with EBRT‐based local therapy (London) and AMORE‐based local therapy (Amsterdam).

Results

Seventy‐three survivors were included (median follow‐up 11 years). We found clinically relevant hearing loss at speech frequencies in 19% of survivors. Multivariable analysis showed that survivors treated with EBRT‐based treatment and those with parameningeal tumours had significantly more hearing impairment, compared to survivors treated with AMORE‐based treatment and non‐parameningeal tumours.

Conclusions

One in five survivors of HNRMS developed clinically relevant hearing loss. AMORE‐based treatment resulted in less hearing loss compared to EBRT‐based treatment. As hearing loss was highly prevalent and also occurred in survivors with orbital primaries, we recommend systematic audiological follow‐up in all HNRMS survivors.
Learning Problem‐Solving Rules as Search Through a Hypothesis Space
Authors: Lee Hee Seung , Betts Shawn , Anderson John R.
Published: August 2015

Learning to solve a class of problems can be characterized as a search through a space of hypotheses about the rules for solving these problems. A series of four experiments studied how different learning conditions affected the search among hypotheses about the solution rule for a simple computational problem. Experiment 1 showed that a problem property such as computational difficulty of the rules biased the search process and so affected learning. Experiment 2 examined the impact of examples as instructional tools and found that their effectiveness was determined by whether they uniquely pointed to the correct rule. Experiment 3 compared verbal directions with examples and found that both could guide search. The final experiment tried to improve learning by using more explicit verbal directions or by adding scaffolding to the example. While both manipulations improved learning, learning still took the form of a search through a hypothesis space of possible rules. We describe a model that embodies two assumptions: (1) the instruction can bias the rules participants hypothesize rather than directly be encoded into a rule; (2) participants do not have memory for past wrong hypotheses and are likely to retry them. These assumptions are realized in a Markov model that fits all the data by estimating two sets of probabilities. First, the learning condition induced one set of Start probabilities of trying various rules. Second, should this first hypothesis prove wrong, the learning condition induced a second set of Choice probabilities of considering various rules. These findings broaden our understanding of effective instruction and provide implications for instructional design.
Optimal allocation of invasive species surveillance with the maximum expected coverage concept
Authors: Yemshanov Denys , Haight Robert G. , Koch Frank H. , Lu Bo , Venette Robert , Lyons D. Barry , Scarr Taylor , Ryall Krista
Published: August 2015

Aim

We address the problem of geographically allocating scarce survey resources to detect pests in their pathways of introduction given information about their likelihood of movement between origins and destinations. We introduce a model for selecting destination sites for survey that departs from the aim of reducing propagule pressure (PP) in pest destinations and instead aims to increase monitoring of pest origins. The model is a maximum expected coverage problem (MECP), which maximizes the expected number of origins that are covered by the survey system, where an origin is covered if at least one of its transmission pathways connects to a surveyed destination. For comparison, we present two models that aim to reduce PP in destination sites. One model maximizes the expected number of transmission pathways that are covered by survey locations and the other maximizes the expected number of survey locations that have one or more pest introductions.

Location

United States, Canada.

Methods

We demonstrate the models by analysing the human‐mediated spread of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire), a major pest of ash trees in North America, by visitors to campgrounds in central Canada and the US Midwest. The models incorporate estimates of spread rates from a network of campers travelling from approximately 6500 invaded domains to 266 uninvaded campgrounds in three Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba) and three US states (Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin).

Results

The MECP and PP‐based model solutions agreed for large surveillance budgets but exhibited differences when the budgets were small. These results stem from differences between the coverage‐based objective in MECP and the PP‐based metrics in the PP models.

Main conclusions

Our comparison of MECP and PP‐based models reveals the trade‐offs between objectives. Overall, the MECP is generic and can be adapted to survey species that are spread via other human‐mediated vectors.
Differences in the pathological diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia between the East and the West: Present status and future perspectives from Japan
Authors: Yao Takashi , Shiono Saori
Published: August 2015

It is well known that there are discrepancies in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasia between Western and Japanese pathologists. In the West, colorectal cancer (CRC) is defined by invasion through the muscularis mucosa into the submucosa, especially depending on the presence of desmoplasia. In Japan, however, CRC is defined based on a combination of nuclear and architectural abnormalities, regardless of invasion status. As a result, intramucosal carcinoma is diagnosed as high‐grade dysplasia and even intramucosal carcinoma with poorly differentiated component is classified as ‘Tis’ in the West. It is logical and reasonable that the term ‘T1’ is used to currently describe intramucosal carcinoma. Use of the term ‘high‐grade dysplasia’ for intramucosal CRC is outdated. In order to determine appropriate clinical treatment of CRC, the various risk factors of metastasis should be fully evaluated. With improved contributions and communication between pathologists and clinicians, overtreatment and inadequate follow up can be avoided. The discrepancies in the diagnosis of CRC between Western and Japanese pathologists may be addressed by an increase in East–West exchange. In addition, in the future, molecular analysis may also be useful for establishment of standardized diagnostic criteria of CRC.