bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libraries as bureaucracies: a SWOT analysis
Authors: Jordan-Makely Chelsea
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Bureaucracy in libraries is typically presented in terms of six banal characteristics originally identified by the historian Max Weber at the turn of the twentieth century. In some cases, bureaucracy in libraries is seen as a system that might be undone. These characterizations underestimate the power of bureaucracy as a force external and intrinsic to libraries. The purpose of this paper is to reintroduce the topic of libraries as bureaucracies such that library practitioners can identify, question and reform aspects of bureaucracy in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature from the library field and from the social sciences is presented in the framework of a SWOT analysis, such that readers can see bureaucracy in libraries for its strengths and weaknesses, as well as in regards to its external opportunities and threats.

Findings

Bureaucracy is a largely misunderstood and overlooked topic, in all disciplines, including library science. Generally, bureaucracy is presented as a negative and ineffective system operating in the public sector only, though bureaucracies serve many positive purposes and functions in all aspects of society. Bureaucracy cannot be dismantled, though opportunities exist to eliminate its less desirable aspects and effects. In some ways, libraries exemplify bureaucratic thinking, yet in webs, libraries are poised to offset or challenge the harmful effects of bureaucracy in all other aspects of society.

Originality/value

Bureaucracy is seldom considered in library research or in other fields. As such, it is a grossly misunderstood subject. This extensively research paper synthesizes the literature that does exist on the topic, and expands upon it using theory from the social sciences. As such, this paper stands to begin a discussion about how libraries can restructure and respond to change.
Survey of modern language research guides: a window on disciplinary information literacy
Authors: Lehnen Carl A. , Artemchik Terri
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to use research guides as a window to disciplinary information literacy in the field of modern language studies from a librarian’s point of view. Informed by literature on disciplinary research practices and on library research guides, it analyzes how librarians represent, and teach, an especially rich and multifaceted information landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers analyzed the topical coverage, organization, resource emphasis and instructional content of 182 research guides in the field of modern language studies. Data were collected both manually and automatically using a Web scraper. Data were then coded using categories developed by the authors.

Findings

Guides focused on language and literature topics, with some interdisciplinary coverage. Guides tended to focus on resources and formats rather than user tasks or instruction. Over two thirds of guides included some type of instruction, primarily focused on locating resources, and a slim majority of instructional topics were specific to modern language studies.

Research limitations/implications

Looking at guides from another field would have allowed for cross-disciplinary comparisons. It is possible that including guides from additional languages or universities would have given different results.

Originality/value

Although there is significant literature on research guides, few have analyzed how they reflect what information literacy looks like in a particular discipline. This study also contributes to research on information literacy instruction for modern languages and recommends that it be informed by an understanding of disciplinary research practices.
Compound heterozygous missense mutations p.Leu207Pro and p.Tyr544Cys in TGM1 cause a severe form of lamellar ichthyosis
Authors: Takeda Masae , Nomura Toshifumi , Sugiyama Takato , Miyauchi Toshinari , Suzuki Shotaro , Fujita Yasuyuki , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

TGM1 is the most common gene responsible for lamellar ichthyosis. Previous studies have suggested that patients with lamellar ichthyosis carrying two missense mutations in TGM1 show significantly less severe phenotypes than those with at least one truncating mutation in TGM1. Here, we report a patient with severe lamellar ichthyosis who was compound heterozygous for TGM1 missense mutations, including a novel one. A 22‐year‐old Japanese man presented with large, dark brown, plate‐like scales on the extremities and small adherent scales on the face and trunk. His other clinical findings included ectropion, hair loss, hypohidrosis, hyperthermia in summer, palmoplantar keratoderma and constriction of the fingers. Dermoscopy revealed accentuated sulci cutis with numerous large keratotic plugs in the cristae cutis. Histologically, orthohyperkeratosis and mild acanthosis were noted. Electron microscopy showed reduced cornified envelope thickness and numerous lipid droplets in the stratum corneum. Mutation analysis revealed the patient to be compound heterozygous for missense mutations, c.620T>C (p.Leu207Pro) and c.1631A>G (p.Tyr544Cys), in TGM1. Furthermore, we showed that TGM1 enzymatic activity was largely absent in his epidermis. These findings led us to diagnose him as having lamellar ichthyosis. This study has two important notions. First, even two missense mutations in TGM1 can cause severe lamellar ichthyosis. Second, this is the first report of dermoscopic findings of lamellar ichthyosis, implicating the obstruction of sweat glands by keratotic plugs in the pathogenesis of hypohidrosis in the disease. In conclusion, this study provides further insights into genotype–phenotype correlations and pathogenesis in lamellar ichthyosis.
The Gravity Module Assembly used in airborne full tensor gradiometry surveys
Authors: Barnes G.J.
Published: October 2018

In airborne gravity gradiometry, the Gravity Module Assembly is an optional gravimeter unit that is mounted on the same stabilized platform as the Full Tensor Gradiometer. Direct measurements of the gravity field are needed from this device to constrain the long wavelengths when gradient data are integrated mathematically to form high‐resolution gravity fields. The Gravity Module Assembly is, however, capable of providing independent gravity data with a specification approaching that expected from a dedicated airborne gravity system. Presented here is an error analysis of data from this instrument collected alongside the Full Tensor Gradiometer during an airborne survey. By having both gradiometry and gravity datasets, comparisons of the information content in these two types of measurement are made.
Whom do we serve?
Authors: Thorp John
Published: October 2018

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr John Thorp, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/november-editors-choice-2018
Evaluation of Nutritional Compositions, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activities of Shanxi Aged Vinegars During the Aging Process
Authors: Xia Ting , Yao Jiahui , Zhang Jin , Duan Wenhui , Zhang Bo , Xie Xiaolin , Xia Menglei , Song Jia , Zheng Yu , Wang Min
Published: October 2018

Shanxi aged vinegar (SAV) is known as famous fermented food in China. During the brewing process, a large number of nutritional substances and bioactive compounds are produced, which have beneficial effects on human body. In this study, the contents of nutritional compositions including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids were determined in SAV samples. The antioxidant compounds and properties of SAV with different aging time were also evaluated. The results showed that the contents of proteins, crude fats, and carbohydrates in SAV were not changed with the aging time. Moreover, Alanine was the main component of amino acids in SAV, and the total contents of amino acids were increased with the aging time. Acetic acid and lactic acid were the predominant organic acids in SAV. The contents of acetic acid and lactic acid accounted for more than 90% of the total organic acids in SAV, which were increased during the aging process of 5 years. Furthermore, total phenols, flavonoids contents, and browning index in SAV were also increased during the aging time. These antioxidant compounds showed a high correlation with the antioxidant activities of SAV measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2’‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthi azoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assays. The contribution of polyphenolic fractions and high molecular weight melanoidins to total antioxidant activities was similar (about 49% and 48%, respectively). Our findings would provide new insights to further explore the development of new vinegar‐based functional foods.

Practical Application

The analysis of nutritional compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacities in vinegars provides a theoretical basis for the function of SAV. It also provides references for further explore the development of new‐type functional and healthy vinegars.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound in rural New Zealand: Safety, quality and impact on patient management
Authors: Nixon Garry , Blattner Katharina , Koroheke‐Rogers Marara , Muirhead Jillian , Finnie Wendy L. , Lawrenson Ross , Kerse Ngaire
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the safety, quality and impact of point‐of‐care ultrasound on patient management when performed by rural generalist doctors.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Setting

Six rural small hospitals serving a range of communities in rural New Zealand.

Participants

All generalist doctors practising ultrasound in the study hospitals.

Main outcome measures

Technical quality, accuracy, impact on diagnostic certainty, patient disposition and overall patient care.

Result

Participants correctly interpreted 90% of images and a similar percentage of point‐of‐care ultrasound findings when compared with the results of formal imaging or the final diagnosis. In total, 87% of scans contributed to the diagnostic process, changing the diagnostic probability. There was a 4% overall reduction in the number of patients needing hospital admission or transfer to an urban base hospital. The overall impact on patient care was positive for 71% of point‐of‐care ultrasound scans. Three percent of scans had the potential for patient harm.

Conclusion

Rural generalists’ practise a broad scope of point‐of‐care ultrasound that, when used as a part of the full clinical assessment, has a positive impact on patient care, improving diagnostic certainty and reducing the need for hospital admission and inter‐hospital transfer. There are challenges in learning and maintaining the skills needed to practise a high standard of point‐of‐care ultrasound in this context. Further consideration needs to be given to the development safe scopes of practice, training, credentialing and quality assurance.
Vancomycin hemodialysis: Clearance differences between high‐flux hemodialysis and on‐line hemodiafiltration
Authors: Rodríguez Néstor , Gómez Miquel , Rico Naira , María Campistol Josep , Maduell Francisco
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between vancomycin clearance (Kd) with high‐flux hemodialysis (HFHD) and on‐line hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF). The OL‐HDF therapy combined the diffusion and convective transport of solutes. To compare the Kd, a vancomycin loading dose of 1 g was administered intravenously post‐dialysis to 11 chronic and anuric (<100 mL/24 h) hemodialysis patients, undergoing HFHD and post‐dilutional OL‐HDF in consecutive therapies. Additional doses of 0.5 g were administered after 45 minutes at the end of each dialysis therapy during antibiotic treatment. Blood samples were drawn from arterial and venous lines at the start of hemodialysis sessions and at the first, second, third, and fourth hours. Additional samples were drawn at 15, 30, and 45 minutes after the end of dialysis therapy. Vancomycin plasma concentration, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and β2‐microglobulin were measured. The patients’ hydration status was evaluated by bioimpedance analysis. The mean of vancomycin dialyzer clearance (Kddc) calculated was 110.8 ± 15 mL/min with HFHD and 146.8 ± 13.8 mL/min with OL‐HDF (P = 0.025). Significant differences were also obtained for β2‐microglobulin clearance, Kddc 72.6 ± 15.4 mL/min with HFHD and 113.4 ± 24.2 mL/min with OL‐HDF (P = 0.012), whereas no differences were found for BUN or creatinine. Additionally, to analyze differences between HFHD and OL‐HDF, a variable volume dual pool mathematical model was developed to estimate the body clearance (Kdbc), extraction mass (Me), and inter‐compartment mass‐transfer coefficient (K12) of each molecule. A higher vancomycin Kddc with OL‐HDF produced by convection improved removal of antibiotic; this can compromise achieving a therapeutic concentration target. We recommended evaluating increased loading doses of vancomycin and avoiding administration during OL‐HDF to assure adequate treatment.
Bargained Equality: The Strengths and Weaknesses of Workplace Gender Equality Agreements and Plans in France
Authors: Milner Susan , Demilly Hélène , Pochic Sophie
Published: October 2018

‘Bargained equality’ reflects wider characteristics of French employment relations whereby state‐driven collective bargaining is a major mode of regulation but is based on weak workplace bargaining cultures outside the largest firms. This article focuses on duties on French employers to bargain on gender equality. It presents findings of a project evaluating workplace agreements and plans on gender equality, based on a sample of 186 agreements submitted in 2014–2015, in 10 sectors, and in‐depth interviews in 20 companies. Despite a rise in formal compliance due to stronger enforcement since 2012, our analysis shows that most companies submitting plans or agreements do not systematically address quantitative measurement of pay or other gender gaps. As well as sectoral differences, the analysis also identifies ‘generational effects’: processes of change which occur as collective agreements expire and are replaced are dependent on local dynamics of bargaining. Based on this analysis, we argue that attention should be paid to the resources available to local bargaining actors, in order to promote an equality agenda.
There and Back Again: The De‐Licensing and Re‐Licensing of Barbers in Alabama
Authors: Timmons Edward J. , Thornton Robert J.
Published: October 2018

The economic effects of occupational licensing remain an understudied topic, but even less is known about the effects of the removal of licensing legislation. In this article, we take advantage of a natural experiment that occurred in the state of Alabama. Alabama was the last state to begin licensing barbers in 1973 and also the only state to de‐license barbers (in 1983). Relying on data from 1974 to 1994, we find evidence that barber de‐licensing reduced the average annual earnings of barbers as well as the number of cosmetologist employees per million residents in Alabama, although not all our results are statistically significant. We also find evidence that de‐licensing resulted in small increases in the number of barber shops and decreases in the number of cosmetology shops in Alabama. In recent decades, a number of attempts have been made to re‐license the occupation — most recently with a barber licensing bill that became law in September 2013. The result is that barbering in Alabama is once again a licensed occupation. Our limited evidence suggests that the re‐licensing of barbers in Alabama may already have had an effect on pay and on the number of barber shops.
Photographing Children in Mexico City's Red‐Light Districts
Authors: GASIOROWSKI DOMINIKA
Published: October 2018

This paper analyses Mexican photographer Maya Goded's representations of children living in one of Mexico City's red‐light districts. Drawing on interviews with the photographer, the practical and ethical difficulties in portraying vulnerable children are analysed to examine the representational limitations of photography in confrontation with child sex exploitation. Through close visual analysis of the images, the paper examines the children's representations as both externalised repositories of their parents' aspirations and their keen imitators. The figure of the child becomes a locus for interpolating critiques of sex work, demonstrating how photographs forge a cultural space where they become politically salient records of vulnerability in the face of neoliberal deregulation and economic rationality.
The role of the unfolded protein response in cancer progression: From oncogenesis to chemoresistance
Authors: Madden Emma , Logue Susan E. , Healy Sandra J. , Manie Serge , Samali Afshin
Published: October 2018

Tumour cells endure both oncogenic and environmental stresses during cancer progression. Transformed cells must meet increased demands for protein and lipid production needed for rapid proliferation and must adapt to exist in an oxygen‐ and nutrient‐deprived environment. To overcome such challenges, cancer cells exploit intrinsic adaptive mechanisms such as the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is a pro‐survival mechanism triggered by accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a condition referred to as ER stress. IRE1, PERK and ATF6 are three ER anchored transmembrane receptors. Upon induction of ER stress, they signal in a coordinated fashion to re‐establish ER homoeostasis, thus aiding cell survival. Over the past decade, evidence has emerged supporting a role for the UPR in the establishment and progression of several cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and glioblastoma multiforme. This review discusses our current knowledge of the UPR during oncogenesis, tumour growth, metastasis and chemoresistance.
Women's perceptions of body mass index
Authors: Holliday C. P. , Holliday N. P. , Mulekar M.
Published: October 2018

Women may not have an accurate perception of their own body weight and vary in understanding about healthy weight. The study's aim was to assess women's accuracy of their own body mass index (BMI), understanding of the healthiest body weight and opinion of the most attractive body figure. We surveyed 385 women (age, 19–77 years) attending our obstetrics and gynaecology clinics with an anonymous survey demonstrating a selection of Body Image Scale graphics to represent their current body, the healthiest body and the most attractive body. There was a significant positive correlation between Body Image Scale graphic selected and BMI (r = 0.80; P < 0.0001). The selected Body Image Scale graphic was accurate or within 1 graphic higher or lower than BMI in 88% of participants. The mean BMI of women accurately selecting the appropriate graphic (BMI, 29 ± 8 kg m−2) was significantly lower than that of women selecting the graphic lower than their BMI (BMI, 37 ± 7 kg m−2) but was significantly higher than those selecting a graphic higher than their BMI (BMI, 25 ± 4 kg m−2). For healthiest figure, 58% women selected a graphic representing overweight BMI and 2% women selected a graphic with Class 1 obesity. For most attractive figure, 48% women selected a graphic representing normal BMI, 49% women selected a graphic representing overweight BMI and 1% of women selected a graphic with Class 1 obesity. It is important to provide counselling about ideal weight, healthy lifestyle choices and consequences of obesity.
Attitudinal and behavioural responses to increasing tobacco control regulation among high smoking prevalence groups: A qualitative study
Authors: Parnell Ashleigh , Box Emily , Biagioni Nicole , Bonevski Billie , Coffin Juli , Slevin Terry , Anwar‐McHenry Julia , Pettigrew Simone
Published: October 2018

Introduction and Aims

Despite substantial reductions in smoking prevalence in many countries, rates remain high among people who are experiencing disadvantage. This study aimed to explore attitudinal and behavioural responses to population‐wide tobacco control policies among Australian smokers experiencing disadvantage.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 84 smokers attending community service organisations in the mental health, homelessness, and alcohol and other drug sectors. Interviewees discussed various tobacco control policies (tobacco taxes, smoke‐free areas, plain packaging and graphic health warnings). The interview transcriptions were coded and thematically analysed.

Results

Responses to tobacco taxes were mixed. Some interviewees reported smoking less as a result of price increases, while others reallocated funds from other budget areas. Many perceived smoke‐free area policies as effective, although some described strategies they use to circumvent this policy, thereby diminishing its effectiveness. Plain packaging and graphic warnings were perceived as being least effective.

Discussion and Conclusions

While tobacco control policies can elicit intended attitudinal and behavioural responses, additional efforts are needed to enhance their effectiveness among smokers experiencing disadvantage. Future efforts to reduce smoking rates should address responses that diminish policy effectiveness among groups exhibiting high smoking prevalence. This could be achieved through strategies that address the specific needs of these groups, such as providing additional cessation support, enforcing existing smoke‐free policies in ways that minimise inequitable effects, and addressing self‐exempting beliefs.
The Politics of Development Metrics and Measurement: Impact Evaluations in Fairtrade‐certified Plantation Agriculture
Authors: Lyall Angus , Havice Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

This article presents an analysis of impact evaluations in the case of Fairtrade International in order to track the political effects of metrics and measurement procedures in development practice today. Metrics or ‘indicators’ have long been understood to have the effect of transforming the political visions of socioeconomic change that shape development interventions into seemingly non‐contentious, technical models. The common practice among development organizations of using such metrics as evidence of apolitical, technical development outcomes has wide‐ranging implications for the field of development and for development subjects. The article explores two specific implications by detailing impact evaluations on three Fairtrade‐certified cut‐flower plantations, which Fairtrade International contracted to inform a 2014 revision of its certification standards. The authors find, first, that debates over competing visions or definitions of development became concealed in technical debates over adequate metrics and measurements; and, second, that such debates over metrics and measurement consolidated the roles of experts and expert knowledge as mediators of what development can or should be. These findings enhance prior critiques of the supposed neutrality of development metrics by illustrating empirically how the processes of defining metrics and measurement conceal and circumscribe political debates over the meaning and making of development practice.
Inferior vena cava assessment can predict contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization: A single‐center prospective study
Authors: Gungoren Fatih , Besli Feyzullah , Tanriverdi Zulkif , Demirbag Recep
Published: October 2018

Background

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) following cardiac catheterization remains a considerable clinic challenge. Volume status is very important in the development of CIN. It can be assessed noninvasively by measuring inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters. The aim of this study was to assess whether IVC can be used for prediction of CIN in patient undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Methods

A total of 269 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were prospectively enrolled in this study. IVC inspiratory and expiratory diameters were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Caval index was calculated as the percentage decrease in the IVC diameter during respiration. CIN was defined as a ≥0.5 mg/dL and/or a ≥25% increase in serum creatinine within 72 hour post‐procedure.

Results

Contrast‐induced nephropathy developed in 46 (17.1%) patients after cardiac catheterization. Caval index was significantly higher in patients with CIN than in patients without CIN (47% [40–64] vs 35% [26–50], P < 0.001). In addition, the used contrast volume (145 [90–217] vs 70 [60–100], P < 0.001) and the frequency of percutaneous coronary intervention (50% vs 17.9%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with CIN than in patients without CIN. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, caval index ≥ 41% predicted CIN with a specificity of 69% and sensitivity of 72%. Multivariate analysis indicated that caval index ≥ 41% was an independent predictor of post‐procedural CIN development (OR: 3.367, 95% CI: 1.574–7.203, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Caval index, a simple and noninvasive echocardiographic marker, is an independent predictor of post‐procedural CIN development in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
A SPATIAL PERSPECTIVE ON EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: HETEROGENEOUS WELFARE AND MIGRATION EFFECTS FROM THE SINGLE MARKET AND THE BREXIT
Authors: Henkel Marcel , Seidel Tobias
Published: October 2018

We use a quantitative model to study the implications of European integration for welfare and net migration flows across 1,280 European regions. The model suggests that an increase of trade barriers to the level of 1957 reduces welfare by about 5%–8% on average, depending on the presumed trade elasticity. However, remote regions may face initial welfare losses of up to 10%. These heterogeneous welfare effects cause estimated net migration of 1.9% of the population to the European geographic center implying that the dismantling of trade barriers in Europe has led to a more homogeneous spatial distribution of economic activity. With regard to the Brexit, we find moderate welfare losses for the United Kingdom of 1.05% in the most pessimistic scenario while continental Europe's welfare declines by 0.41%. (JEL F15, R12, R13, R23)
No better time than now: Future uncertainty and private investment under dictatorship
Authors: Albertus Michael , Gay Victor
Published: October 2018

Despite received wisdom that long time horizons and formal institutions can induce private investment under dictatorship, there is substantial investment even in relatively unconstrained regimes. This paper provides a novel explanation for the puzzle of investment in these regimes: economic elites’ uncertainty over expected investment returns under plausible alternative authoritarian successors. We construct a noisy signaling model that captures how uncertainty over which type of authoritarian successor will rule next and uncertainty in the truthfulness of policy promises made by potential autocratic successors might provide incentives for elite investment.
Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid skills in an Australian university population
Authors: Ashoorian Deena , Albrecht Kristy‐Lee , Baxter Casey , Giftakis Erin , Clifford Rhonda , Greenwell‐Barnden Jayden , Wylde Tricia
Published: October 2018

Aim

University students have high rates of mental health problems; however, most delay or fail to seek help altogether. Tertiary settings can offer educational and social programmes to increase mental health awareness and in turn increase the number of students seeking help for their problems. This study aimed to explore students' and staffs' knowledge of mental health issues, confidence to intervene and application of skills following Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.

Methods

Students and staff at an Australian university who had completed MHFA training in the previous 24 months were invited to complete a validated online questionnaire.

Results

Of the 566 eligible participants, 107 (19%) completed the questionnaire. The majority (65%) had applied their skills to someone in need, with the highest number applying it to students. Notably, of those who had applied their skills 23 participants (33%) had applied them in a crisis situation, the most common being panic attacks followed by suicidal thoughts. Although most (98%) applied their skills in a face‐to‐face capacity, 53% also reported assisting someone via electronic mediums and social media. The mean score for the literacy test was considered high, 12/16 (SD = 1.7) for students and 13/16 (SD = 2.5) for staff. The majority (94%) reported more confidence in providing support following training.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that MHFA training on a university campus is associated with a high level of knowledge, confidence to intervene and apply MHFA skills to assist a student or friend in need, potentially impacting their long‐term health outcomes and future professional careers.
Prevention of the development of polluting characteristics in cooking water residue from nixtamalisation of corn by removing solid lime particles
Authors: Balderas‐López Juan Manuel , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Arámbula‐Villa Gerónimo , Hernández‐Rosas Francisco , Leyva‐Ovalle Otto Raul , Houbron Eric Pascal , Herrera‐Corredor José Andrés
Published: October 2018

Removing solid lime particles (SLP) may help to prevent polluting characteristics of corn cooking wastewater (nejayote). The objective of this study was to evaluate the polluting characteristics of nejayote and characteristics of nixtamal, masa and tortilla using SLP‐free solutions (SLPF) for the nixtamalisation process. Two SLPF treatments: calcium hydroxide (CHYDROX) and calcium oxide (COXIDE) were compared against traditional nixtamalisation (TRADNIX). Polluting characteristics including pH, settleable solids, total hardness, alkalinity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduced by 29.5% and 24.3%, 61.9% and 63.3%, 46.3% and 54.7%, 43.3% and 55.1%, 41.1% and 67.7% in CHYDROX and COXIDE, respectively, compared to TRADNIX. Masas and tortillas from SLPF treatments were whiter than those from TRADNIX. Moisture in SLPF tortillas was lower by 4.3–6.3% compared to TRADNIX. Tortillas from SLPF treatments had higher maximum tensile strength (0.04–0.08 N mm−2) than TRADNIX. Removing SLP is a viable strategy for preventing pollution from the nixtamalisation process.
Experience with gluteal V‐Y fasciocutaneous advancement flaps in vulvar reconstruction after oncological resection and a modification to the marking: Playing with tension lines
Authors: Fin Alessandra , Rampino Cordaro Emanuele , Guarneri Gianni F. , Revesz Susanna , Vanin Michele , Parodi Pier C.
Published: October 2018

Many post‐vulvectomy vulvar reconstruction solutions, using local fasciocutaneous flaps where possible, have been proposed. We report the use of V‐Y advancement flaps from the gluteal fold in medium to large vulvar reconstructions and a simple modification we made to the technique in order to minimise wound‐related complications. Between 2006 and 2016, 30 vulvar reconstructions were performed via a total of 59 flaps, 24 of which were raised using the proposed modification to the plasty design. Short‐ and long‐term (24 months) follow‐up data were analysed, postoperative flap sensitivity was tested, and any arising complications were recorded. The mean age of patients treated was 75.3 years (51‐92 years). The mean monolateral defect dimensions were 7.5 × 4.7 × 2.8 cm. Minor complications were recorded in 23% of patients (14% of flaps). One case of ostial stenosis occurred. Micturition and ambulation recovery was rapid, and flap sensitivity was fully restored 24 months after reconstruction. Scars were well hidden by natural soft tissue folds. The outcomes in this case series confirm that the gluteal V‐Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap is a useful and simple technique for reconstructing even large vulvar defects. It has a low functional and aesthetic impact and enables rapid return to autonomy. Moreover, the simple modification to the V‐Y flap proposed, designed to reduce tension at the apical part of the wound, appears to reduce the complication rate.
When and why are proactive employees more creative? Investigations of relational and motivational mechanisms and contextual contingencies in the east and west
Authors: Sears Greg J. , Shen Winny , Zhang Haiyan
Published: October 2018

Despite theory and empirical work linking employee proactive personality to individual‐level creativity, less is known about why and under what circumstances this relationship occurs. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic componential model of creativity and innovation in organizations, we report the results of two complementary, multisource field studies conceptualizing and testing interactional justice and intrinsic motivation as mediators of this relationship in two cultural contexts (i.e., China and Canada). We also investigated two potential moderators of these mediated effects: employees’ personal power distance values (in Study 1) and supervisor proactive personality (in Study 2). Although the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation was robust across the two studies, highlighting the cross‐cultural generalizability of this pathway, supplemental analyses in Study 1 indicate that this mechanism was driven by the self‐determination (vs. meaning, competence, or impact) facet of intrinsic task motivation in particular. In contrast, the mediating effect of interactional justice was contingent on both supervisor proactive personality and employee power distance, though at different stages of the process (i.e., Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 moderation, respectively). Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of relational, in addition to motivational pathways, in explaining the influence of proactive personality on creativity, but also suggest that the relational mechanism may be more sensitive to contextual influences.
Effect of autonomic influences to induce triggered activity in muscular sleeves extending into the coronary sinus of the canine heart and its suppression by ranolazine
Authors: Sicouri Serge , Belardinelli Luiz , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Extrasystoles arising from the muscular sleeves associated with the pulmonary veins (PV), superior vena cava (SVC), and coronary sinus (CS) are known to precipitate atrial fibrillation (AF). The late sodium channel current (INa) inhibitor ranolazine has been reported to exert antiarrhythmic effects in canine PV and SVC sleeves by suppressing late phase 3 early and delayed after depolarization (EAD and DAD)‐induced triggered activity induced by parasympathetic and/or sympathetic stimulation. The current study was designed to extend our existing knowledge of the electrophysiological and pharmacologic properties of canine CS preparations and assess their response to inhibition of late INa following autonomic stimulation.

Methods

Transmembrane action potentials were recorded from canine superfused CS using standard microelectrode techniques. Acetylcholine (ACh, 1 µM), isoproterenol (Iso, 1 µM), high calcium ([Ca2+]o = 5.4 mM), or a combination were used to induce EADs, DADs, and triggered activity.

Results

Action potentials (AP) recorded from the CS displayed short and long AP durations (APD), with and without phase 4 depolarization (n = 19). Iso induced DAD‐mediated triggered activity. The combination of sympathetic and parasympathetic agonists resulted in late phase 3 EAD‐induced triggered activity in all CS preparations. Ranolazine (5‐10 µM) suppressed late phase 3 EAD‐ and DAD‐induced triggered activity in 8 of 8 preparations. Subthreshold stimulation induced a prominent hyperpolarization that could be suppressed by atropine.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the important role of parasympathetic innervation in the activity of the CS. Autonomic influences promote DAD‐ and late phase‐3‐EAD‐mediated triggered activity in canine CS, thus generating extrasystolic activity capable of initiating atrial arrhythmias. Ranolazine effectively suppresses these triggers.
Beyond Physicians: The Effect of Licensing and Liability Laws on the Supply of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
Authors: McMichael Benjamin J.
Published: October 2018

The increased use of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) represents an important option for increasing access to healthcare. I explore the effect of two types of laws on the supply of NPs and PAs: occupational licensing laws that limit the practices of NPs and PAs and caps on noneconomic damages. Relaxing licensing laws to allow NPs to practice with less physician oversight increases the supply of NPs in areas with few practicing physicians by 60 percent—though the size of this increase decreases as the supply of physicians grows. I find similar, but weaker, evidence for granting PAs more autonomy. Noneconomic damages caps increase the supply of both NPs and PAs by about 60 percent at the lowest levels of physician supply. Examining the effects of these laws on the prevalence of health professional shortage areas, I find that licensing laws have meaningful effects on access to care.
Beyond Tube‐Feeding: Relationship‐Centered, Comfort Care for Individuals with Eating Challenges in Dementia
Authors: Morrison Jill M. , Wu Sarah , Keller Heather H.
Published: October 2018

See the Reply by Paul Rousseau
Interprofessional Intervention to Improve Geriatric Consultation Timing on an Acute Medical Service
Authors: Puelle Margaret , Wiggins Jocelyn , Khateeb Rafina , Firn Janice , Saul D'Anna , Chang Robert , Min Lillian
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To determine whether an interprofessional intervention would improve the use and timing of a geriatric consultation on a hospitalist service.

Design

Difference‐in‐differences (DID), which measures the difference in improvement over time between intervention and control team patients attributable to the intervention.

Setting

1,000‐bed U.S. academic medical center.

Participants

Individuals aged 60 and older admitted to a general medicine hospitalist service (N=7,038; n = 718 on intervention teams, n = 686 historical controls, n = 5,634 on control teams (concurrent and historic).

Intervention

On 2 of 11 hospitalist teams, a geriatrician attended multidisciplinary discharge rounds twice weekly and advised on the benefits of a geriatric consultation for individuals aged 60 and older.

Measurements

Primary outcome was percentage of hospitalizations resulting in a geriatric consultation. Secondary outcome was days to geriatric consultation. Both outcomes were controlled for age, sex, comorbidity, mean daily intensity of inpatient care utilization, and admission in the prior 30 days. In the primary analysis, length of stay was controlled.

Results

Intervention participants were more likely to have a geriatric consultation (DID = 2.35% absolute percentage points, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–4.39%) and to have a consultation sooner (DID = 3.61 fewer days, 95% CI = −1 to −7).

Conclusion

An interprofessional intervention that focused on hospitalist ordering practices increased use of appropriate geriatric consultation and decreased time to consultation. This model of interprofessional effort is effective. Future adaptations are needed to target scarce geriatric resources without increasing overall use. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2372–2376, 2018.
Reply to: Hands‐free but Nonwearable Technology Needed for Outpatient Clinical Gait‐speed Assessment
Authors: Barry Lisa C. , Hatchman Laura , Fan Zhaoyan , Guralnik Jack M. , Gao Robert X. , Kuchel George A.
Published: October 2018

This letter comments on the letter by Vandenberg et al.
Reply to: Beyond Tube‐Feeding: Relationship‐Centered, Comfort Care for Individuals with Eating Challenges in Dementia
Authors: Rousseau Paul
Published: October 2018

This letter comments on the letter by Jill Morrison
Arabidopsis BIG1 and BIG5 are crucial for male gametophyte transmission
Authors: Suo Yiping , Huang Jirong
Published: October 2018

Arabidopsis contains five Brefeldin A‐inhibited guanine nucleotide exchange factors (BIGs), which play a critical role in vesicle biogenesis for protein traffic from the Golgi to the plasma membrane. Biological processes regulated by BIG1‐BIG4 are postulated to be distinct from those by BIG5. However, we show that the self‐pollinated BIG1+/− big5 silique do not produce homozygous seeds, and some pollen tubes from BIG1+/− big5 anthers grew slowly in vitro and failed to target nearby ovules in vivo. We identified the big1 big5 homozygote from the progeny of BIG1+/− big5 plants transformed with BIG5, whose expression is driven by a pollen‐specific promoter pLat52, indicating that male gametophyte transmission is blocked in the double mutant. Confocal microscopy indicated that BIG1 and BIG5 are co‐localized in trans Golgi network. Thus, our data indicate that BIG1 and BIG5 are crucial for male gametophyte transmission.
Validation of the Early Development Instrument for children with special health needs
Authors: Janus Magdalena , Zeraatkar Dena , Duku Eric , Bennett Teresa
Published: October 2018

Aim

Population‐level data on the development of children with special health needs attending primary school can assist special education, health and service delivery strategies. This study aims to determine whether results of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) can be interpreted and used with the same confidence for children with special health needs as for those who are typically developing. Psychometric properties of the EDI for kindergarteners with identified special health needs are examined.

Methods

Data for children with a special health need designation come from a database of all Canadian provincial implementations of the EDI between 2004 and 2014. Item and domain characteristics (distributions of scores and measures of internal consistency) of the EDI were examined. Construct validation was assessed by correlating EDI scores with gender and age. The fit of the original factor structure of the EDI was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Data for 29 692 children (69.8% male) were analysed. The performance of items and domains was similar to that of typically developing children. As expected, boys scored lower on all EDI domains (Cohen's d: 0.03–0.46) and a general, but non‐significant, positive trend was observed between age and EDI scores. The factor structure of the EDI in this population yielded similar goodness‐of‐fit statistics as those reported in studies with typically developing children.

Conclusion

Results of this investigation support the validity of the EDI in children with special health needs, paving the way for a more extensive use of EDI data for this vulnerable, yet often neglected, population.
Population pharmacokinetics of itraconazole solution after a single oral administration in captive lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor)
Authors: Sánchez Carlos R. , Zalesak Selina , Pich Ashley A. , Papich Mark G.
Published: October 2018

Aspergillosis is an infectious, non‐contagious fungal disease of clinical importance in flamingo collections. Itraconazole is an antifungal drug commonly used in the treatment and prophylaxis of avian aspergillosis. Studies have shown that dosage regimes in birds vary based on different itraconazole presentation and administration methods. This investigation used a population pharmacokinetic approach to study itraconazole in lesser flamingos. Itraconazole was administered orally at 10 mg/kg to 17 flamingos. A sparse blood sampling was performed on the subjects, and samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 16, 21, and 24 hr post‐drug administration. Twelve flamingos were sampled three times, three birds bled twice and two sampled once. Itraconazole in plasma was quantified using high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). A one‐compartment pharmacokinetic model with first order absorption was fitted to the data using nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NLME) to determine values for population parameters. We identified a long half‐life (T½) of more than 75 hr and a maximum plasma concentration (CMAX) of 1.69 µg/ml, which is above the minimal inhibitory concentrations for different aspergillus isolates. We concluded that plasma drug concentrations of itraconazole were maintained in a population of flamingos above 0.5 ug/ml for at least 24 hr after a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg of itraconazole solution.
The role played by the regime of collective and certification marks in the protection of geographical indications—Comparative study of law and practice in France, the EU and China
Authors: Song Xinzhe
Published: October 2018

The US way of protecting geographical indications (GIs) as collective or certification marks and the European way of treating GIs as sui generis intellectual property rights represent practices that could make a country's legislation conform to the TRIPS Agreement. However, the US trademark system and the European sui generis system are common knowledge, whereas the trademark regime in Europe and other countries with similar sui generis systems is less well known. This article shows how the different trademark systems, more specifically the systems of collective and certification marks, can be “designed” and thus shows the different roles that they will have in GI protection. This article has chosen to compare Europe and China because they both have developed the sui generis GI regime but have adopted contrasting approaches to an alternative tool, the trademark regime. Europe confines trademark use to a complementary purpose, which is reflected in the EU trademark reform of 2015 and the European Court of Justice case law. China is adapting the system to meet the needs of GI protection that the European trademark law is unwilling to cater to. A discussion of different ways of “designing” trademark systems will shed light on their multifaceted role.
Taxonomic significance of seed‐coat microsculpturing in Noccaea Moench and Thlaspi L. (Brassicaceae: Coluteocarpeae, Thlaspideae)
Authors: Antkowiak Wojciech , Janyszek‐Sołtysiak Magdalena , Klimko Małgorzata
Published: October 2018

We studied seeds of 25 species of Noccaea and 3 species of Thlaspi s.s. from Europe, southwestern Asia and northern Africa using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Macro‐ and micromorphological characters, including seed shape, the size and shape of epidermal cells, anticlinal boundaries, outer periclinal cell walls and the outlines of outer cell walls were recorded. Two types of anticlinal cell wall boundaries were recognised and 5 different shapes of outer periclinal walls are described. The secondary sculpture of the cell walls varies from smooth to striate, micro‐papillate to finely foled and rugulate. The epicuticular wax comes in platelets in all the species. SEM examinations at higher magnifications revealed 5 types of seed surface sculpture: colliculate, reticulate, mixed (colliculate‐reticulate), verrucate and foveolate in Noccaea, in addition to ribbed and reticulate patterns in Thlaspi s.s. SEM studies of the taxa showed that the seed patterns are species‐specific and support a clear distinction between Noccaea and Thlaspi. However, some species of Noccaea cannot be separated based on seed size and shape, but may only be identified to their groups. Micromorphological features of the seed surface are thus of great value, both for the differentiation between the genera Noccaea and Thlaspi and for the species‐level taxonomy. A key to the identification of the investigated taxa based on the micromorphological characters is provided.