bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion of internationalization in business group networks: evidence from India
Authors: Shukla Dhirendra Mani , Akbar M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that business group (BG) networks act as conduits for diffusion of information and resources pertaining to internationalization. It considers three types of BG networks arising from three different types of ties- director interlock, direct equity, and indirect equity. In particular, it examines the effects of cohesiveness of these BG networks on the diffusion of internationalization within a BG.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on social network perspective, it is hypothesized that, for each type of network, cohesiveness enhances within-BG similarity of the extent of internationalization. An empirical investigation is conducted on a sample of 55 Indian BGs for the period 2009-2013.

Findings

Results support all the three hypotheses, suggesting that higher level of cohesiveness leads to higher level of within-BG similarity of the extent of internationalization, for all three network types.

Originality/value

Findings of this study contribute to the BG literature by examining the effects of BG network cohesiveness on the diffusion of internationalization within a BG, for three types of BG networks.
Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws and Equitable Sharing Activity by the Police
Authors: Holcomb Jefferson E. , Williams Marian R. , Hicks William D. , Kovandzic Tomislav V. , Meitl Michele Bisaccia
Published: January 2018

Research Summary

For several decades, critics have argued that civil forfeiture laws create incentives for law enforcement to increase departmental revenue by “policing for profit.” By using data on federal equitable sharing payments to nearly 600 local law enforcement agencies between 2000 and 2012, we examine the relationship between the characteristics of state forfeiture laws and equitable sharing payments to local agencies. Our results indicate that agencies in states with state laws that are more restrictive or less rewarding to police collect more in federal equitable sharing. This finding supports the critics’ argument that police behavior in regard to forfeiture activities is influenced by the financial rewards and burdens involved.

Policy Implications

Our results reveal that the findings of investigative journalism and case study research, that is, that police forfeiture activities are influenced by financial rewards, may be more generalizable to law enforcement than previously thought. Despite recent state‐level reforms, federal equitable sharing and most state forfeiture laws provide limited due process protections and have minimal accountability or reporting requirements. Concerns about the impact of civil forfeiture practices on perceptions of procedural justice and police legitimacy are discussed, and possible policy reforms are reviewed.
Implementation of a Novel Algorithm to Decrease Unnecessary Hospitalizations in Patients Presenting to a Community Emergency Department With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: DeMeester Susanne , Hess Rebecca A. , Hubbard Bradley , LeClerc Kara , Ferraro Jane , Albright Jeremy J.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common dysrhythmia in the United States. Patients seen in the emergency department (ED) in rapid AFib are often started on intravenous rate‐controlling agents and admitted for several days. Although underlying and triggering illnesses must be addressed, AFib, intrinsically, is rarely life‐threatening and can often be safely managed in an outpatient setting. At our academic community hospital, we implemented an algorithm to decrease hospital admissions for individuals presenting with a primary diagnosis of AFib. We focused on lenient oral rate control and discharge home. Our study evaluates outcomes after implementation of this algorithm.

Methods

Study design is a retrospective cohort analysis pre‐ and postimplementation of the algorithm. The primary outcome was hospital admissions. Secondary outcomes were 3‐ and 30‐day ED visits and any associated hospital admissions. These outcomes were compared before (March 2013–February 2014) and after (March 2015–February 2016) implementation. Chi‐square tests and logistic regressions were run to test for significant changes in the three outcome variables.

Results

A total of 1,108 individuals met inclusion criteria with 586 patients in the preimplementation group and 522 in the postimplementation group. Cohorts were broadly comparable in terms of demographics and health histories. Admissions for persons presenting with AFib after implementation decreased significantly (80.4% pre vs. 67.4% post, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.4, p < 0.001). Despite this difference there was no change in ED return rates within 3 or 30 days (adjusted ORs = 0.93 and 0.89, p = 0.91 and 0.73, respectively).

Conclusions

Implementation of a novel algorithm to identify and treat low‐risk patients with AFib can significantly decrease the rate of hospital admissions without increased ED returns. This simple algorithm could be adopted by other community hospitals and help lower costs.
Negotiating Green Space with Landed Interests: The Urban Political Ecology of Greenway in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Chung Calvin King Lam , Zhang Fangzhu , Wu Fulong
Published: January 2018

Land‐centred urbanisation has precipitated shortage of green space in Chinese cities. However, in the Pearl River Delta, an ambitious greenway system has recently managed to flourish. It is intriguing to ask how this has become possible. Informed by the perspective of urban political ecology, this paper finds that the greenway project in the Pearl River Delta represents a set of politically realistic endeavours to alleviate urban green space shortage by adapting to, rather than challenging, powerful landed interests. Three interlocking dimensions about land—municipal land quota, rural land use claims, and real estate development—have influenced why, where and how greenways have been created. Based on these findings, we argue that research on China's politics of urban sustainability necessarily needs to understand the country's land politics.
Prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with croup in Swedish infants
Authors: Shu Huan , Wikstrom Sverre , Jönsson Bo A.G. , Lindh Christian H. , Svensson Åke , Nånberg Eewa , Bornehag Carl‐Gustaf
Published: January 2018

Aim

This study examined whether prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with lower or upper airway inflammation in infants.

Methods

From 2007 to 2010, we used liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, adjusted for creatinine, to analyse 14 phthalate metabolites and one phthalate replacement in the urine of 1062 Swedish mothers at a median of 10 weeks of pregnancy. This was used to determine any associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and croup, wheezing or otitis in their offspring until 12 months of age, using logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

There were significant associations between phthalate metabolites of butyl‐benzyl phthalate (BBzP) and di‐ethyl‐hexyl phthalate (DEHP) concentrations in maternal prenatal urine and croup in 1062 infants during the first year of life, when adjusted for potential confounders. A dose‐response relationship was found between prenatal phthalates exposure and maternal reported croup in the children, with a significant association in boys. There was no clear indication with regard to associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and wheezing or otitis media in the children during the first year of life.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that exposure to BBzP and DEHP phthalates was associated with maternal reports of croup in infants up to 12 months of age.
Early vedolizumab trough levels predict mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre prospective observational study
Authors: Yacoub W. , Williet N. , Pouillon L. , Di‐Bernado T. , De Carvalho Bittencourt M. , Nancey S. , Lopez A. , Paul S. , Zallot C. , Roblin X. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L.
Published: January 2018

Background

The correlation between vedolizumab trough levels during induction therapy and mucosal healing remains unknown.

Aim

To compare early vedolizumab trough levels in patients with and without mucosal healing within the first year after treatment initiation.

Methods

We prospectively collected vedolizumab trough levels in all inflammatory bowel disease patients at weeks 2, 6 and 14 of vedolizumab treatment in three French referral centres between 1 June 2014 and 31 March 2017. Results of every patient that underwent mucosal assessment by magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopy in the first year after treatment initiation were analysed.

Results

Median vedolizumab trough levels in the overall population (n = 82) were 27 μg/mL (interquartile range, IQR 21.2‐33.8 μg/mL) at week 2, 23 μg/mL (IQR 15‐34.5 μg/mL) at week 6 and 10.7 μg/mL (IQR 4.6‐20.4 μg/mL) at week 14. Only median vedolizumab trough levels at week 6 differed between patients with and without mucosal healing within the first year after treatment initiation (26.8 vs 15.1 μg/mL, P = 0.035). A cut‐off trough level of 18 μg/mL at week 6 predicted mucosal healing within the first year after the start of vedolizumab with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.735 (95% confidence interval 0.531‐0.939). A vedolizumab trough level above 18 μg/mL at week 6 was the only independent variable associated with mucosal healing within the first year of treatment (odds ratio 15.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4‐173.0, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Early therapeutic drug monitoring might improve timely detection of vedolizumab‐treated patients in need for an intensified dosing regimen.
A Cross‐Country Comparison of Gender Differences in Job‐Related Training: The Role of Working Hours and the Household Context
Authors: Boll Christina , Bublitz Elisabeth
Published: January 2018

Theory suggests that in a partnership, the individual with the lower working hours and earnings position should exhibit lower training participation rates. Since women are more likely to match this description, we investigate whether systematic group differences in earnings position and working hours explain gender variation. Across all countries, male workers are unaffected by their earnings position. For female workers in Germany, not Italy or the Netherlands, working part‐time instead of full‐time corresponds with a decrease in course length by 5.5 hours. Regarding German part‐ (full‐)time employed women, single earners train 5.6 (2.9) hours more than secondary earners.
Reverse of non‐small cell lung cancer drug resistance induced by cancer‐associated fibroblasts via a paracrine pathway
Authors: Zhang Quanhui , Yang Junping , Bai Jie , Ren Jianzhuang
Published: January 2018

The tumor microenvironment orchestrates the sustained growth, metastasis and recurrence of cancer. As an indispensable component of the tumor microenvironment, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are considered as an essential synthetic machine producing various tumor components, leading to cancer sustained stemness, drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Here, we developed a sustainable primary culture of lung cancer cells fed with lung cancer‐associated fibroblasts, resulting in enrichment and acquisition of drug resistance in cancer cells. Moreover, IGF2/AKT/Sox2/ABCB1 signaling activation in cancer cells was observed in the presence of CAF, which induces upregulation of P‐glycoprotein expression and the drug resistance of non‐small cell lung cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that CAF cells constitute a mechanism for cancer drug resistance. Thus, traditional chemotherapy combined with insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) signaling inhibitor may present an innovative therapeutic strategy for non‐small cell lung cancer therapy.
Physician Awareness of Immune Responses to Polyethylene Glycol‐Drug Conjugates
Authors: McSweeney Morgan D. , Versfeld Zina C. , Carpenter Delesha M. , Lai Samuel K.
Published: January 2018

Antibodies against polyethylene glycol (PEG) can critically jeopardize the efficacy and safety of PEGylated therapeutics. For some PEG‐drugs, a sizeable fraction of patients develop anti‐PEG antibodies (APA), leading to reduced efficacy and potential adverse events. We surveyed physicians from several specialties to assess their awareness of APA. Overall, 83% of the physicians surveyed indicated that they have recently prescribed PEGylated drugs. Although 91% of respondents were aware of antidrug antibodies in general, only 22% were aware of APA responses. Further, there was limited awareness (35%) of PEG's inclusion in prescribed PEGylated therapeutics. These findings bring to light a need for improved awareness of APA, potentially via targeted education of physicians who prescribe specific PEGylated therapeutics that could induce or are otherwise affected by APA. Finally, it will be critical to quantitate the extent of knowledge transfer from the research community to clinicians, especially on topics of patient safety.
Genericitysans Gen
Authors: Collins John
Published: January 2018

Generics are exception‐admitting generalisations, which find expression in apparently diverse linguistic forms. A standard claim is that there is a hidden linguistic unity to genericity in the form of a covert operator,Gen. This article surveys and rejects a range of considerations that purport to showGento be syntactically essential to the explanation of a range of linguistic phenomena connected to genericity. The conclusion reached is that genericity is not a specifically linguistic property insofar as it does not supervene upon any especial linguistic device; rather, genericity supervenes on broader cognitive competencies within linguistic constraints.
Confusion, Irrationality and the Ends of Philosophy: Horwich's Wittgenstein Inspired Metaphilosophy
Authors: Djordjevic Charles M.K.
Published: January 2018

This paper focuses on Horwich's metaphilosophical interpretation of Wittgenstein. Specifically, it focuses on Horwich's charge that all philosophy is irrational. First, I coordinate the various aspects of Horwich's metaphilosophical program to make sense of his charge of irrationality against philosophy. Second, I argue that this metaphilosophical program misfires in two distinct ways. However, third, I close by calling attention to what I posit to be a critical insight of Horwich's account.
Deciphering genetic factors that determine melon fruit‐quality traits using RNA‐Seq‐based high‐resolution QTL and eQTL mapping
Authors: Galpaz Navot , Gonda Itay , Shem‐Tov Doron , Barad Omer , Tzuri Galil , Lev Shery , Fei Zhangjun , Xu Yimin , Mao Linyong , Jiao Chen , Harel‐Beja Rotem , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Tzfadia Oren , Bar Einat , Meir Ayala , Sa'ar Uzi , Fait Aaron , Halperin Eran , Kenigswald Merav , Fallik Elazar , Lombardi Nadia , Kol Guy , Ronen Gil , Burger Yosef , Gur Amit , Tadmor Ya'akov , Portnoy Vitaly , Schaffer Arthur A. , Lewinsohn Efraim , Giovannoni James J. , Katzir Nurit
Published: January 2018

Combined quantitative trait loci (QTL) and expression‐QTL (eQTL) mapping analysis was performed to identify genetic factors affecting melon (Cucumis melo) fruit quality, by linking genotypic, metabolic and transcriptomic data from a melon recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) of fruit from 96 RILs yielded a highly saturated collection of > 58 000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, identifying 6636 recombination events that separated the genome into 3663 genomic bins. Bin‐based QTL analysis of 79 RILs and 129 fruit‐quality traits affecting taste, aroma and color resulted in the mapping of 241 QTL. Thiol acyltransferase (CmThAT1) gene was identified within the QTL interval of its product, S‐methyl‐thioacetate, a key component of melon fruit aroma. Metabolic activity of CmThAT1‐encoded protein was validated in bacteria and in vitro. QTL analysis of flesh color intensity identified a candidate white‐flesh gene (CmPPR1), one of two major loci determining fruit flesh color in melon. CmPPR1 encodes a member of the pentatricopeptide protein family, involved in processing of RNA in plastids, where carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments accumulate. Network analysis of > 12 000 eQTL mapped for > 8000 differentially expressed fruit genes supported the role of CmPPR1 in determining the expression level of plastid targeted genes. We highlight the potential of RNA‐Seq‐based QTL analysis of small to moderate size, advanced RIL populations for precise marker‐assisted breeding and gene discovery. We provide the following resources: a RIL population genotyped with a unique set of SNP markers, confined genomic segments that harbor QTL governing 129 traits and a saturated set of melon eQTLs.
Identification and functional study of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yamaoka Yasuyo , Choi Bae Young , Kim Hanul , Shin Seungjun , Kim Yeongho , Jang Sunghoon , Song Won‐Yong , Cho Chung H. , Yoon Hwan Su , Kohno Kenji , Lee Youngsook
Published: January 2018

In many eukaryotes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) via the transmembrane endoribonuclease IRE1 to maintain ER homeostasis. The ER stress response in microalgae has not been studied in detail. Here, we identified Chlamydomonas reinhardtii IRE1 (CrIRE1) and characterized two independent knock‐down alleles of this gene. CrIRE1 is similar to IRE1s identified in budding yeast, plants, and humans, in terms of conserved domains, but differs in having the tandem zinc‐finger domain at the C terminus. CrIRE1 was highly induced under ER stress conditions, and the expression of a chimeric protein consisting of the luminal N‐terminal region of CrIRE1 fused to the cytosolic C‐terminal region of yeast Ire1p rescued the yeast ∆ire1 mutant. Both allelic ire1 knock‐down mutants ire1‐1 and ire1‐2 were much more sensitive than their parental strain CC‐4533 to the ER stress inducers tunicamycin, dithiothreitol and brefeldin A. Treatment with a low concentration of tunicamycin resulted in growth arrest and cytolysis in ire1 mutants, but not in CC‐4533 cells. Furthermore, in the mutants, ER stress marker gene expression was reduced, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) marker gene expression was increased. The survival of ire1 mutants treated with tunicamycin improved in the presence of the ROS scavenger glutathione, suggesting that ire1 mutants failed to maintain ROS levels under ER stress. Together, these results indicate that CrIRE1 functions as an important component of the ER stress response in Chlamydomonas, and suggest that the ER stress sensor IRE1 is highly conserved during the evolutionary history.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia
Published: January 2018

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 1 Anastasia Kopaneli, University of Patras, GreeceVineet Chouhan, Sir Padampat Singhania University, IndiaYu Peng Lin, University of Detroit Mercy, USAMarco Muscettola, Independent researcher, ItalyWilson E. Herbert, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, NigeriaMohamed Jalloh, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), NigeriaHaitham Nobanee, , UAENikolay Patonov, European Polytechnical University, BulgariaPeibiao Zhao, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, ChinaMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaFeng Jui Hsu, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, TaiwanFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoGheorghe Morosan, Stefan Cel Mare University Suceava Romania, RomaniaLuca Sensini, University of Salerno, ItalyMeri Boshkoska, Faculty of Economics - Prilep, Republic of MacedoniaNicoleta Radneantu, Romanian – American University, RomanianMazurina Mohd Ali, Universiti Teknologi Mara, MalaysiaAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelIoan Bogdan Robu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaSawsan Saadi Halbouni, Canadian University Dubai, UAEIzidin El Kalak, Kent University, UKFabio Rizzato, University of Turin, ItalyAmira Houaneb, University Ibn Khaldoun, TunisiaLingesiya Kengatharan, University of Jaffna, Sri LankaMohammad Sami Ali Al-Dahrawi, Zarqa University, Jordan Angelia EvelynEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and AccountingRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: afa@redfame.comURL: http://afa.redfame.com
The case for tau
Authors: Choi Huimahn Alex
Published: January 2018

Pathology consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy was found in postmortem brains of teenagers after concussion and was reproduced in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.
The way to a heart is through the stomach
Authors: Shoemaker Ashley H.
Published: January 2018

Ghrelin maintains coronary artery perfusion following acute myocardial infarction.
Azole Resistance of Environmental and Clinical Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Switzerland
Authors: Riat Arnaud , Plojoux Jérôme , Gindro Katia , Schrenzel Jacques , Sanglard Dominique
Published: January 2018

Aspergillus fumigatus
is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen. This fungus can acquire resistance to azole antifungals due to mutations in the azole target (
cyp51A
). Recently,
cyp51A
mutations typical for environmental azole resistance acquisition (for example, TR
34
/L98H) have been reported. These mutations can also be found in isolates recovered from patients. Environmental azole resistance acquisition has been reported on several continents. Here we describe, for the first time, the occurrence of azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolates of environmental origin in Switzerland with
cyp51A
mutations, and we show that these isolates can also be recovered from a few patients. While the TR
34
/L98H mutation was dominant, a single azole-resistant isolate exhibited a
cyp51A
mutation (G54R) that was reported only for clinical isolates. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that azole resistance with an environmental signature is present in environments and patients of Swiss origin and that mutations believed to be unique to clinical settings are now also observed in the environment.
De Novo
Genome Assembly of a
Plasmodium falciparum
NF54 Clone Using Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing
Authors: Bryant Jessica M. , Baumgarten Sebastian , Lorthiois Audrey , Scheidig-Benatar Christine , Claës Aurélie , Scherf Artur
Published: January 2018

Plasmodium falciparum
is the species of human malaria parasite that causes the most severe form of the disease. Here, we used single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology from Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) to sequence, assemble
de novo
, and annotate the genome of a
P. falciparum
NF54 clone.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Escherichia coli
Strain M15-4, a Typical Enteropathogenic
E. coli
Strain Isolated in Mexico
Authors: Magaña-Lizárraga José Antonio , Ahumada-Santos Yesmi Patricia , Parra-Unda Jesús Ricardo , Uribe-Beltrán Magdalena de J. , Gómez-Gil Bruno , Báez-Flores María Elena
Published: January 2018

We present here the first draft genome sequence of a typical enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
serotype O55:H51 strain, M15-4, isolated from a 2-month-old infant girl with acute diarrhea. The study of this Mexican isolate will provide insights to the virulence and drug resistance traits involved in its pathogenic potential.
Performance of the Xpert HIV-1 Viral Load Assay: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nash Madlen , Huddart Sophie , Badar Sayema , Baliga Shrikala , Saravu Kavitha , Pai Madhukar
Published: January 2018

Viral load (VL) is the preferred treatment-monitoring approach for HIV-positive patients. However, more rapid, near-patient, and low-complexity assays are needed to scale up VL testing. The Xpert HIV-1 VL assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) is a new, automated molecular test, and it can leverage the GeneXpert systems that are being used widely for tuberculosis diagnosis. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the performance of this new tool in comparison to established reference standards. A total of 12 articles (13 studies) in which HIV patient VLs were compared between Xpert HIV VL assay and a reference standard VL assay were identified. Study quality was generally high, but substantial variability was observed in the number and type of agreement measures reported. Correlation coefficients between Xpert and reference assays were high, with a pooled Pearson correlation (
n
= 8) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89, 0.97) and Spearman correlation (
n
= 3) of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.86, 0.99). Bland-Altman metrics (
n
= 11) all were within 0.35 log copies/ml of perfect agreement. Overall, Xpert HIV-1 VL performed well compared to current reference tests. The minimal training and infrastructure requirements for the Xpert HIV-1 VL assay make it attractive for use in resource-constrained settings, where point-of-care VL testing is most needed.
Combination of indoor residual spraying with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for malaria control in Zambezia, Mozambique: a cluster randomised trial and cost-effectiveness study protocol
Authors: Chaccour Carlos J , Alonso Sergi , Zulliger Rose , Wagman Joe , Saifodine Abuchahama , Candrinho Baltazar , Macete Eusébio , Brew Joe , Fornadel Christen , Kassim Hidayat , Loch Lourdes , Sacoor Charfudin , Varela Kenyssony , Carty Cara L , Robertson Molly , Saute Francisco
Published: January 2018

Background

Most of the reduction in malaria prevalence seen in Africa since 2000 has been attributed to vector control interventions. Yet increases in the distribution and intensity of insecticide resistance and higher costs of newer insecticides pose a challenge to sustaining these gains. Thus, endemic countries face challenging decisions regarding the choice of vector control interventions.

Methods

A cluster randomised trial is being carried out in Mopeia District in the Zambezia Province of Mozambique, where malaria prevalence in children under 5 is high (68% in 2015), despite continuous and campaign distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Study arm 1 will continue to use the standard, LLIN-based National Malaria Control Programme vector control strategy (LLINs only), while study arm 2 will receive indoor residual spraying (IRS) once a year for 2 years with a microencapsulated formulation of pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 300 CS), in addition to the standard LLIN strategy (LLINs+IRS). Prior to the 2016 IRS implementation (the first of two IRS campaigns in this study), 146 clusters were defined and stratified per number of households. Clusters were then randomised 1:1 into the two study arms. The public health impact and cost-effectiveness of IRS intervention will be evaluated over 2 years using multiple methods: (1) monthly active malaria case detection in a cohort of 1548 total children aged 6–59 months; (2) enhanced passive surveillance at health facilities and with community health workers; (3) annual cross-sectional surveys; and (4) entomological surveillance. Prospective microcosting of the intervention and provider and societal costs will be conducted. Insecticide resistance status pattern and changes in local Anopheline populations will be included as important supportive outcomes.

Discussion

By evaluating the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of IRS with a non-pyrethroid insecticide in a high-transmission setting with high LLIN ownership, it is expected that this study will provide programmatic and policy-relevant data to guide national and global vector control strategies.

Trial registration number

NCT02910934.
Survival prediction in mesothelioma using a scalable Lasso regression model: instructions for use and initial performance using clinical predictors
Authors: Kidd Andrew C , McGettrick Michael , Tsim Selina , Halligan Daniel L , Bylesjo Max , Blyth Kevin G
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Accurate prognostication is difficult in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We developed a set of robust computational models to quantify the prognostic value of routinely available clinical data, which form the basis of published MPM prognostic models.

Methods

Data regarding 269 patients with MPM were allocated to balanced training (n=169) and validation sets (n=100). Prognostic signatures (minimal length best performing multivariate trained models) were generated by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression for overall survival (OS), OS <6 months and OS <12 months. OS prediction was quantified using Somers DXYstatistic, which varies from 0 to 1, with increasing concordance between observed and predicted outcomes. 6-month survival and 12-month survival were described by area under the curve (AUC) scores.

Results

Median OS was 270 (IQR 140–450) days. The primary OS model assigned high weights to four predictors: age, performance status, white cell count and serum albumin, and after cross-validation performed significantly better than would be expected by chance (mean DXY0.332 (±0.019)). However, validation set DXYwas only 0.221 (0.0935–0.346), equating to a 22% improvement in survival prediction than would be expected by chance. The 6-month and 12-month OS signatures included the same four predictors, in addition to epithelioid histology plus platelets and epithelioid histology plus C-reactive protein (mean AUC 0.758 (±0.022) and 0.737 (±0.012), respectively). The <6-month OS model demonstrated 74% sensitivity and 68% specificity. The <12-month OS model demonstrated 63% sensitivity and 79% specificity. Model content and performance were generally comparable with previous studies.

Conclusions

The prognostic value of the basic clinical information contained in these, and previously published models, is fundamentally of limited value in accurately predicting MPM prognosis. The methods described are suitable for expansion using emerging predictors, including tumour genomics and volumetric staging.
Development of a patient-centred, evidence-based and consensus-based discharge care bundle for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ospina Maria B , Michas Marta , Deuchar Lesly , Leigh Richard , Bhutani Mohit , Rowe Brian H , Marciniuk Darcy , Goodridge Donna , Dechman Gail , Bourbeau Jean , Balter Meyer , Camp Pat , Hernandez Paul , Goldstein Roger S , Stickland Michael K
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Hospital and emergency department discharge for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often poorly organised. We developed a patient-centred, evidence-based and consensus-based discharge care bundle for patients with acute exacerbations of COPD.

Methods

A purposeful sample of clinicians and patients were invited to participate in a two-round Delphi study (July–November 2015). In round 1, participants rated on a seven-point Likert scale (1=not at all important; 7=extremely important) the importance of 29 unique COPD care actions. Round 2 comprised items selected from round 1 based on consensus (>80% endorsement for Likert values 5–7). A list of 18 care items from round 2 was discussed in a face-to-face nominal group meeting.

Results

Seven care items were included in the COPD discharge bundle based on clinician and patient input: (1) ensure adequate inhaler technique is demonstrated; (2) send discharge summary to family physician and arrange follow-up; (3) optimise and reconcile prescription of respiratory medications; (4) provide a written discharge management plan and assess patient’s and caregiver’s comprehension of discharge instructions; (5) refer to pulmonary rehabilitation; (6) screen for frailty and comorbidities; and (7) assess smoking status, provide counselling and refer to smoking cessation programme.

Conclusion

We present a seven-item, patient-centred, evidence-based and consensus-based discharge bundle for patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. Alignment with clinical practice guidelines and feasibility of local adaptations of the bundle should be explored to facilitate wide applicability and evaluation of the effectiveness of the COPD discharge bundle.
Heavier rumen–reticulum organs in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is consistent with dietary bulk not quality
Authors: Weckerly F.W. , Bhaskar G. , Duarte A. , Luna R.S. , Starns H.D.
Published: January 2018

The organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract have high energy demands. Therefore, when these organs vary in mass, they should impact metabolic requirements. Mass of the rumen–reticulum organs, the organs that comprise the largest part of the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, might vary from bulk or nutrient availability of the diet. We examined differences in mass of the rumen–reticulum organs in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) from two sites in Texas, USA, with different diet types. Specifically, at one site deer were fed a pelleted ration and at the other site deer consumed a natural browse diet. Accounting for body mass, deer consuming the browse diet had rumen–reticulum organ masses that were about 1.7 times heavier than deer consuming the pelleted diet. Deer consuming the browse diet also had lower diet quality, as indexed by crude protein concentration, than deer consuming the pelleted diet. The digesta loads of deer, however, were similar for the two types of diet. Our study findings are consistent with increased mass of rumen–reticulum organs from greater bulk, not diet quality. Understanding variation in rumen–reticulum organ mass has implications for understanding energy conservation in white-tailed deer.
Winter irruptive Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) in North America are not starving
Authors: Curk T. , McDonald T. , Zazelenchuk D. , Weidensaul S. , Brinker D. , Huy S. , Smith N. , Miller T. , Robillard A. , Gauthier G. , Lecomte N. , Therrien J.-F.
Published: January 2018

Winter irruptions, defined as irregular massive movement of individuals over large distances, have been linked to food supply. Two hypotheses have been put forward: the “lack-of-food” suggests that a shortage of food forces individuals to leave their regular winter range and the “breeding output” suggests that unusually large food supplies during the preceding breeding season allows production of a large number of offspring dispersing in winter. According to the breeding output hypothesis, irruptive Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in eastern North America should not exhibit a lower body condition than individuals in regular wintering regions and individuals on the breeding grounds. Additionally, body condition of irruptive individuals should be unrelated to irruption intensity. Although body condition of juveniles was generally lower than that of adults and improved during the winter, we measured a fair body condition in both juvenile and adult irruptive Snowy Owls across North America. The results showed that Snowy Owls are not in a starving state during winter and that body condition of all age classes was not related to winter irruption intensity. Those results support the breeding output hypothesis suggesting that winter irruptions seem to be primarily the result of a large number of offspring produced when food availability on the breeding grounds is high.
Microscopic study of the YBa2Cu3O7−x crystal
Authors: Bondarenko S. I. , Guo Qiudong , Fan J. D. , Sivakov A. G. , Krevsun A. V. , Link S. I.
Published: January 2018

The form and parameters of the superconducting temperature transition (STT) of microscopic parts of a quasi-single crystal domain of YBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text] depend on their locations in the volume domain and they are different from the superconducting transition of a bulk sample. This difference can be explained by the presence of low temperature and normal phases of the Y–Ba–Cu–O compound.
Media Lab Asia: Renovating Business Model for Underserved
Authors: Kumar Subhash
Published: January 2018

Media Lab Asia (MLA) has been incepted in 2001 with the collaboration of MIT Media Lab and Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DEITY), Government of India. It is working on the paradigm of collaborative research from the lab to land in developing and operationalizing technologies to bridge the gap through educating, equipping and empowering common man. MLA is working in four sectors: livelihood, healthcare, empowerment of the disabled and education.

MLA is successful in collaborating with Research & Development (R&D) organizations, institutions in Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), academia and industry. A long list of collaborators of MLA includes 59 partner agencies. MLA role, however, had confined to provide funding to the partner agencies. The collaborative organization develops product, tests and launches the projects. The reach of the project touches major states in India. eGalla, Chic, mDhanwanthari, and Sehat-Saathi are some of the projects developed by MLA and collaborators. eGalla is a retail management software, and Chic is developed to simplify the traditional craft for livelihood generation. mDhanwanthari and Sehat-Saathi are based on healthcare to rural communities. MLA has developed 75 projects since its inception.

The projects have reached the beneficiary but lack in scale and commercialization. The parameter of success for MLA includes the potential for commercialization of the products or projects and self-sustaining mechanism of the impact of these products and projects. There are not many obligations for commercial success being a Section 25 company; however, a self-sustaining mechanism was critical. DEITY, the parent organization, has sought external support to develop a new business model to overcome the limitation.
Effects of Notch Depth and Direction on Stability of Local Sharp-Notched Circular Tubes Subjected to Cyclic Bending
Authors: Lee Kuo-Long , Chang Kao-Hua , Pan Wen-Fung
Published: January 2018

Cyclic bending of tubes leads to progressive ovalization of the tube cross-section, and persistent cycling causes catastrophic buckling of the tube. This paper presents the response and stability of SUS304 stainless steel tubes with local sharp-notched depths of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0[Formula: see text]mm and notch directions of 0[Formula: see text], 30[Formula: see text], 60[Formula: see text], and 90[Formula: see text] under cyclic bending. The experimental results reveal that the moment–curvature relationship first exhibits cyclic hardening and then a steady loop after a few cycles. Because the notches are small and localized, notch depth and direction show minimal influence on the moment–curvature relationship. In contrast, the ovalization–curvature relationship demonstrates an increasing and ratcheting pattern along with the bending cycle, whereas notch depth and direction show a strong influence on this relationship. Finite-element analysis via ANSYS is used to simulate the moment–curvature and ovalization–curvature relationships, and an empirical model is proposed to simulate the relationship between the controlled curvature and number of cycles required to ignite buckling. The experimental and analytical data agree well with each other.
Perfectly Matched Discrete Layers with Analytical Wavelengths for Soil–Structure Interaction Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Dong Van , Kim Dookie
Published: January 2018

The importance of soil–structure interaction analysis has been proven by many researchers. It is obvious that soil media should be considered as an infinite domain to represent the radiation of waves into infinity. Perfectly matched discrete layer (PMDL) is one of the most promising methods to describe properly the infinite domain in soil media in frequency and time domains. In this research, a modified version of PMDLs that has a different strategy to determine their parameters is proposed. The method is named perfectly matched discrete layers with analytical wavelengths (AW-PMDLs). For verification of the proposed method, the dynamic compliances of strip foundations are analyzed and validated in the frequency domain. In the analyses, frequency-dependent system properties and hysteretic (material) damping are considered. The results show that the proposed procedure, AW-PMDL method, is effective for soil–structure interaction analysis in the frequency domain.
Electron transfer in biologically important systems: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, DNA bases and free radicals
Authors: Tiwari M. K. , Mishra P. C.
Published: January 2018

Occurrence of electron transfer was studied for different combinations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and DNA bases as electron donors or acceptors and free radicals only as electron acceptors. Geometries of all the molecules and radicals were optimized in aqueous medium employing the polarizable continuum model. Single electron transfer (SET) and sequential proton loss electron transfer mechanisms were investigated employing Gibbs free energies of the appropriate neutral, anionic and cationic species. Barrier energies involved in these phenomena were calculated using the Marcus theory. The SET barrier energies were found to be linearly correlated with [Formula: see text] (Electron affinities of acceptors – Ionization potentials of donors). SET barrier energies from the DNA bases to the PAHs follow the order Cy [Formula: see text] Th [Formula: see text] Ad [Formula: see text] Gu, whereas SET barrier energies from the PAHs to the DNA bases follow the order Gu [Formula: see text] Ad [Formula: see text] Th [Formula: see text] Cy. Thus, guanine, among the DNA bases, is the best electron donor to the PAHs and worst electron acceptor from the same.
US-China Relations: The Mar-A-Lago Retreat and Implications for Bilateral Ties
Authors: LYE Liang Fook
Published: January 2018

US-China relations appear to have attained a more practical and realistic footing following the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago retreat in April 2017. At the meeting, they elevated their existing bilateral talks to a more comprehensive framework and agreed to unveil a 100-day economic plan. Trump further expects China to play a bigger role in reining in North Korea.
Effect of laser parameters on microstructure, metallurgical defects and property of AlSi10Mg printed by selective laser melting
Authors: Wu Hong , Ren Junye , Huang Qianli , Zai Xiongfei , Liu Ling , Chen Chao , Liu Shifeng , Yang Xin , Li Ruidi
Published: January 2018

AlSi10Mg alloy has been widely used in selective laser melting (SLM). However, the formation of metallurgical defects in this material during SLM process has not been studied sufficiently. In this work, different laser parameters were adopted to fabricate the specimens. The effects of volumetric energy density (VED) on the metallurgical defect, densification, phase composition and mechanical property were also comprehensively analyzed. At low VED of 37.39[Formula: see text]J/mm3, a nearly full dense sample with density of 2.602[Formula: see text]g/cm3 can be printed. The sample with maximal tensile strength of 475[Formula: see text]MPa can be printed. While with the increase of VED, the ultimate tensile strength decreases due to the formation of micro-pores. The formation mechanisms of micro-pores including gas pores and keyhole-induced pores were disclosed from the angle of alloy smelting. Better understanding of the influence mechanisms of the laser parameters on the formation of metallurgical defects is beneficial for the production of high performance SLM parts.
Taphonomy of a Mississippian crinoid pluricolumnal, Newton Grange, Derbyshire, UK
Authors: Donovan S. K.
Published: January 2018

The Mississippian (Lower Carboniferous) succession of Derbyshire contains numerous crinoid specimens, but they remain poorly documented. Although these well-lithified limestones may include abundant crinoids, they are difficult to study; better results can be obtained from weakly lithified mudrocks, as seen elsewhere. A moderately long pluricolumnal of 29 columnals has been collected from the mudrock of the Newton Grange crinoid bed of the Hopedale Limestone Formation, Peak Limestone Group; it most likely comes from high in the formation (=Brigantian) and was deposited in the deeper water of the Widmerpool Gulf. The pluricolumnal is part of the mesistele of either a cladid or a camerate crinoid. The pluricolumnal was originally circular in section, but has been deformed into an ellipse. A second elongate structure, probably a second pluricolumnal (not preserved), was adpressed into the surface, and calcite of the endoskeleton lost on this and the opposite side of the pluricolumnal to expose the axial canal. All these post-burial modifications were probably under the influence of the weight of overburden, but indicate a complex scenario for the preservation of a simple specimen.
Attitude Fusion of Inertial and Magnetic Sensor under Different Magnetic Filed Distortions
Authors: He Zhijian , Chen Yao , Shen Zhaoyan
Published: January 2018

By virtue of gravity measurement from a handheld inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, current indoor attitude estimation algorithms can provide accurate roll/pitch dimension angles. Acquisition of precise heading is limited by the absence of accurate magnetic reference. Consequently, initial stage magnetometer calibration is deployed to alleviate this bottleneck in attitude fusion. However, available algorithms tackle magnetic distortion based on time-invariant surroundings, casting the post-calibration magnetic data into unchanged ellipsoid centered in the calibration place. Consequently, inaccurate fusion results are formulated in a more common case of random walk in time-varying magnetic indoor environment. This article proposes a new fusion algorithm from various kinds of IMU sensors, namely gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer. Compared to state-of-the-art attitude fusion approaches, this article addresses the indoor time-varying magnetic perturbation problem in a geometric view. We propose an extend Kalman filter--based algorithm based on this detailed geometric model to eliminate the position-dependent effect of a compass sensor. Experimental data demonstrate that, under different indoor magnetic distortion environments, our proposed attitude fusion algorithm has the maximum angle error of 2.02°, outperforming 7.17° of a gradient-declining-based algorithm. Additionally, this attitude fusion result is constructed in a low-cost handheld arduino core--based IMU device, which can be widely applied to embedded systems.
Technology and Business Challenges of Big Data in the Digital Economy
Authors: Penkler Dave
Published: January 2018

The early digital economy during the dot-com days of internet commerce successfully faced its first big data challenges of click-stream analysis with map-reduce technology. Since then the digital economy has been becoming much more pervasive. As the digital economy evolves, looking to benefit from its burgeoning big data assets, an important technical-business challenge is emerging: How to acquire, store, access, and exploit the data at a cost that is lower than the incremental revenue or GDP that its exploitation generates. Especially now that efficiency increases, which lasted for 50 years thanks to improvements in semiconductor manufacturing, is slowing and coming to an end.