bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphoma Causing Gastrosplenic Fistula Revealed by FDG PET/CT
Authors: Wang Trent P. , Doss Mohan , Tokar Jeffrey L. , Reddy Sanjay , Barta Stefan K. , Yu Jian Q.
Published: August 2017

A 73-year-old man presented with fatigue and weight loss. He had CT-proven splenic mass with fistulous connection to the greater curvature of the stomach, which suggested abscess. FDG PET/CT confirmed gastrosplenic fistula in addition to active lymph nodes in the gastrohepatic ligament and epigastric region. Pathological examination after the biopsy of the spleen was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was administered with close clinical follow-up and resulted in the resolution of fistula without requirement for surgery.
Photosynthesis solutions to enhance productivity
Authors: Foyer Christine H. , Ruban Alexander V. , Nixon Peter J.
Published: August 2017

The concept that photosynthesis is a highly inefficient process in terms of conversion of light energy into biomass is embedded in the literature. It is only in the past decade that the processes limiting photosynthetic efficiency have been understood to an extent that allows a step change in our ability to manipulate light energy assimilation into carbon gain. We can therefore envisage that future increases in the grain yield potential of our major crops may depend largely on increasing the efficiency of photosynthesis. The papers in this issue provide new insights into the nature of current limitations on photosynthesis and identify new targets that can be used for crop improvement, together with information on the impacts of a changing environment on the productivity of photosynthesis on land and in our oceans.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement’.
What limits photosynthetic energy conversion efficiency in nature? Lessons from the oceans
Authors: Falkowski Paul G. , Lin Hanzhi , Gorbunov Maxim Y.
Published: August 2017

Constraining photosynthetic energy conversion efficiency in nature is challenging. In principle, two yield measurements must be made simultaneously: photochemistry, fluorescence and/or thermal dissipation. We constructed two different, extremely sensitive and precise active fluorometers: one measures the quantum yield of photochemistry from changes in variable fluorescence, the other measures fluorescence lifetimes in the picosecond time domain. By deploying the pair of instruments on eight transoceanic cruises over six years, we obtained over 200 000 measurements of fluorescence yields and lifetimes from surface waters in five ocean basins. Our results revealed that the average quantum yield of photochemistry was approximately 0.35 while the average quantum yield of fluorescence was approximately 0.07. Thus, closure on the energy budget suggests that, on average, approximately 58% of the photons absorbed by phytoplankton in the world oceans are dissipated as heat. This extraordinary inefficiency is associated with the paucity of nutrients in the upper ocean, especially dissolved inorganic nitrogen and iron. Our results strongly suggest that, in nature, most of the time, most of the phytoplankton community operates at approximately half of its maximal photosynthetic energy conversion efficiency because nutrients limit the synthesis or function of essential components in the photosynthetic apparatus.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement’.
Strategies and tools to improve crop productivity by targeting photosynthesis
Authors: Nuccio Michael L. , Potter Laura , Stiegelmeyer Suzy M. , Curley Joseph , Cohn Jonathan , Wittich Peter E. , Tan Xiaoping , Davis Jimena , Ni Junjian , Trullinger Jon , Hall Rick , Bate Nicholas J.
Published: August 2017

Crop productivity needs to substantially increase to meet global food and feed demand for a rapidly growing world population. Agricultural technology developers are pursuing a variety of approaches based on both traditional technologies such as genetic improvement, pest control and mechanization as well as new technologies such as genomics, gene manipulation and environmental modelling to develop crops that are capable of meeting growing demand. Photosynthesis is a key biochemical process that, many suggest, is not yet optimized for industrial agriculture or the modern global environment. We are interested in identifying control points in maize photoassimilation that are amenable to gene manipulation to improve overall productivity. Our approach encompasses: developing and using novel gene discovery techniques, translating our discoveries into traits and evaluating each trait in a stepwise manner that reflects a modern production environment. Our aim is to provide step change advancement in overall crop productivity and deliver this new technology into the hands of growers.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement’.
Enhancing (crop) plant photosynthesis by introducing novel genetic diversity
Authors: Dann Marcel , Leister Dario
Published: August 2017

Although some elements of the photosynthetic light reactions might appear to be ideal, the overall efficiency of light conversion to biomass has not been optimized during evolution. Because crop plants are depleted of genetic diversity for photosynthesis, efforts to enhance its efficiency with respect to light conversion to yield must generate new variation. In principle, three sources of natural variation are available: (i) rare diversity within extant higher plant species, (ii) photosynthetic variants from algae, and (iii) reconstruction of no longer extant types of plant photosynthesis. Here, we argue for a novel approach that outsources crop photosynthesis to a cyanobacterium that is amenable to adaptive evolution. This system offers numerous advantages, including a short generation time, virtually unlimited population sizes and high mutation rates, together with a versatile toolbox for genetic manipulation. On such a synthetic bacterial platform, 10 000 years of (crop) plant evolution can be recapitulated within weeks. Limitations of this system arise from its unicellular nature, which cannot reproduce all aspects of crop photosynthesis. But successful establishment of such a bacterial host for crop photosynthesis promises not only to enhance the performance of eukaryotic photosynthesis but will also reveal novel facets of the molecular basis of photosynthetic flexibility.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement’.
Hacking the thylakoid proton motive force for improved photosynthesis: modulating ion flux rates that control proton motive force partitioning into Δ
ψ
and ΔpH
Authors: Davis Geoffry A. , Rutherford A. William , Kramer David M.
Published: August 2017

There is considerable interest in improving plant productivity by altering the dynamic responses of photosynthesis in tune with natural conditions. This is exemplified by the ‘energy-dependent' form of non-photochemical quenching (
q
E
), the formation and decay of which can be considerably slower than natural light fluctuations, limiting photochemical yield. In addition, we recently reported that rapidly fluctuating light can produce field recombination-induced photodamage (FRIP), where large spikes in electric field across the thylakoid membrane (Δ
ψ
) induce photosystem II recombination reactions that produce damaging singlet oxygen (
1
O
2
). Both
q
E
and FRIP are directly linked to the thylakoid proton motive force (
pmf
), and in particular, the slow kinetics of partitioning
pmf
into its ΔpH and Δ
ψ
components. Using a series of computational simulations, we explored the possibility of ‘hacking'
pmf
partitioning as a target for improving photosynthesis. Under a range of illumination conditions, increasing the rate of counter-ion fluxes across the thylakoid membrane should lead to more rapid dissipation of Δ
ψ
and formation of ΔpH. This would result in increased rates for the formation and decay of
q
E
while resulting in a more rapid decline in the amplitudes of Δ
ψ
-spikes and decreasing
1
O
2
production. These results suggest that ion fluxes may be a viable target for plant breeding or engineering. However, these changes also induce transient, but substantial mismatches in the ATP : NADPH output ratio as well as in the osmotic balance between the lumen and stroma, either of which may explain why evolution has not already accelerated thylakoid ion fluxes. Overall, though the model is simplified, it recapitulates many of the responses seen
in vivo
, while spotlighting critical aspects of the complex interactions between
pmf
components and photosynthetic processes. By making the programme available, we hope to enable the community of photosynthesis researchers to further explore and test specific hypotheses.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement’.
Slow induction of photosynthesis on shade to sun transitions in wheat may cost at least 21% of productivity
Authors: Taylor Samuel H. , Long Stephen P.
Published: August 2017

Wheat is the second most important direct source of food calories in the world. After considerable improvement during the Green Revolution, increase in genetic yield potential appears to have stalled. Improvement of photosynthetic efficiency now appears a major opportunity in addressing the sustainable yield increases needed to meet future food demand. Effort, however, has focused on increasing efficiency under steady-state conditions. In the field, the light environment at the level of individual leaves is constantly changing. The speed of adjustment of photosynthetic efficiency can have a profound effect on crop carbon gain and yield. Flag leaves of wheat are the major photosynthetic organs supplying the grain of wheat, and will be intermittently shaded throughout a typical day. Here, the speed of adjustment to a shade to sun transition in these leaves was analysed. On transfer to sun conditions, the leaf required about 15 min to regain maximum photosynthetic efficiency.
In vivo
analysis based on the responses of leaf CO
2
assimilation (
A
) to intercellular CO
2
concentration (
c
i
) implied that the major limitation throughout this induction was activation of the primary carboxylase of C3 photosynthesis, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). This was followed in importance by stomata, which accounted for about 20% of the limitation. Except during the first few seconds, photosynthetic electron transport and regeneration of the CO
2
acceptor molecule, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RubP), did not affect the speed of induction. The measured kinetics of Rubisco activation in the sun and de-activation in the shade were predicted from the measurements. These were combined with a canopy ray tracing model that predicted intermittent shading of flag leaves over the course of a June day. This indicated that the slow adjustment in shade to sun transitions could cost 21% of potential assimilation.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement’.
scPipe: a flexible R/Bioconductor preprocessing pipeline for single-cell RNA-sequencing data
Authors: Tian Luyi , Su Shian , Dong Xueyi , Amann-Zalcenstein Daniela , Biben Christine , Seidi Azadeh , Hilton Douglas J. , Naik Shalin H. , Ritchie Matthew E.
Published: August 2017

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology allows researchers to profile the transcriptomes of thousands of cells simultaneously. Protocols that incorpo-rate both designed and random barcodes have greatly increased the throughput of scRNA-seq, but give rise to a more complex data structure. There is a need for new tools that can handle the various barcoding strategies used by different protocols and exploit this information for quality assessment at the sample-level and provide effective visualization of these results in preparation for higher-level analyses.

To this end, we developedscPipe, a R/Bioconductor package that integrates barcode demultiplexing, read alignment, UMI-aware gene-level quantification and quality control of raw sequencing data generated by multiple 3-prime-end sequencing protocols that include CEL-seq, MARS-seq, Chromium 10X and Drop-seq.scPipeproduces a count matrix that is essential for downstream analysis along with an HTML report that summarises data quality. These results can be used as input for downstream analyses including normalization, visualization and statistical testing.scPipeperforms this processing in a few simple R commands, promoting reproducible analysis of single-cell data that is compatible with the emerging suite of scRNA-seq analysis tools available in R/Bioconductor. ThescPipeR package is available for download fromhttps://www.bioconductor.org/packages/scPipe.
SelexGLM differentiates androgen and glucocorticoid receptor DNA-binding preference over an extended binding site
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Martini Gabriella D. , Rube H. Tomas , Kribelbauer Judith F. , Rastogi Chaitanya , FitzPatrick Vincent D. , Houtman Jon C. , Bussemaker Harmen J. , Pufall Miles A.
Published: August 2017

The DNA-binding interfaces of the androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors are virtually identical, yet these transcription factors share only about a third of their genomic binding sites and regulate similarly distinct sets of target genes. To address this paradox, we determined the intrinsic specificities of the AR and GR DNA binding domains using a refined version ofSELEX-seq. We developed an algorithm,SelexGLM, that quantifies binding specificity over a large (31 bp) binding-site by iteratively fitting a feature-based generalized linear model to SELEX probe counts. This analysis revealed that the DNA binding preferences of AR and GR homodimers differ significantly, both within and outside the 15bp core binding site. The relative preference between the two factors can be tuned over a wide range by changing the DNA sequence, with AR more sensitive to sequence changes than GR. The specificity of AR extends to the regions flanking the core 15bp site, where isothermal calorimetry measurements reveal that affinity is augmented by enthalpy-driven readout of poly-A sequences associated with narrowed minor groove width. We conclude that the increased specificity of AR is correlated with more enthalpy-driven binding than GR. The binding models help explain differences in AR and GR genomic binding, and provide a biophysical rationale for how promiscuous binding by GR allows functional substitution for AR in some castration-resistant prostate cancers.
Transcriptome wide analysis of natural antisense transcripts shows their potential role in breast cancer
Authors: Wenric Stephane , ElGuendi Sonia , Caberg Jean-Hubert , Bezzaou Warda , Fasquelle Corinne , Charloteaux Benoit , Karim Latifa , Hennuy Benoit , Freres Pièrre , Collignon Joëlle , Boukerroucha Meriem , Schroeder Hélène , Olivier Fabrice , Jossa Véronique , Jerusalem Guy , Josse Claire , Bours Vincent
Published: August 2017

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) represent at least 1/5 of the mammalian transcript amount, and about 90% of the genome length is actively transcribed. Many ncRNAs have been demonstrated to play a role in cancer. Among them, natural antisense transcripts (NAT) are RNA sequences which are complementary and overlapping to those of protein-coding transcripts (PCT). NATs were punctually described as regulating gene expression, and are expected to act more frequently incisthan other ncRNAs that commonly function intrans. In this work, 22 breast cancers expressing estrogen receptors and their paired healthy tissues were analyzed by strand-specific RNA sequencing. To highlight the potential role of NATs in gene regulations occurring in breast cancer, three different gene extraction methods were used: differential expression analysis of NATs between tumor and healthy tissues, differential correlation analysis of paired NAT/PCT between tumor and healthy tissues, and NAT/PCT read count ratio variation between tumor and healthy tissues. Each of these methods yielded lists of NAT/PCT pairs that were demonstrated to be enriched in survival-associated genes on an independent cohort (TCGA). This work allows to highlight NAT lists that display a strong potential to affect the expression of genes involved in the breast cancer pathology.
The Mediator co-activator complex regulates Ty1 retromobility by controlling the balance between Ty1i and Ty1 promoters
Authors: Salinero Alicia C. , Knoll Elisabeth R. , Zhu Z. Iris , Landsman David , Curcio M. Joan , Morse Randall H.
Published: August 2017

The Ty1 retrotransposons present in the genome ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaebelong to the large class of mobile genetic elements that replicate via an RNA intermediary and constitute a significant portion of most eukaryotic genomes. The retromobility of Ty1 is regulated by numerous host factors, including several subunits of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex. In spite of its known function in the nucleus, previous studies have implicated Mediator in the regulation of post-translational steps in Ty1 retromobility. To resolve this paradox, we systematically examined the effects of deleting nonessential Mediator subunits on the frequency of Ty1 retromobility and levels of retromobility intermediates. Our findings reveal that loss of distinct Mediator subunits alters Ty1 retromobility positively or negatively over a >10,000-fold range by regulating the ratio of an internal transcript, Ty1i, to the genomic Ty1 transcript. Ty1i RNA encodes a dominant negative inhibitor of Ty1 retromobility that blocks virus-like particle maturation and cDNA synthesis. These results resolve the conundrum of Mediator exerting sweeping control of Ty1 retromobility with only minor effects on the levels of Ty1 genomic RNA and the capsid protein, Gag. Since the majority of characterized intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of Ty1 retromobility alter a post-translational step(s), Mediator could play a central role in integrating signals that influence Ty1i expression to modulate retromobility.

Author Summary

Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that copy their RNA genomes into DNA and insert the DNA copies into the host genome. These elements contribute to genome instability, control of host gene expression and adaptation to changing environments. Retrotransposons depend on numerous host factors for their own propagation and control. The retrovirus-like retrotransposon, Ty1, in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaehas been an invaluable model for retrotransposon research, and hundreds of host factors that regulate Ty1 retrotransposition have been identified. Non-essential subunits of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex have been identified as one set of host factors implicated in Ty1 regulation. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the effects of loss of these non-essential subunits of Mediator on Ty1 retrotransposition. Our findings reveal a heretofore unknown mechanism by which Mediator influences the balance between transcription from two promoters in Ty1 to modulate expression of an autoinhibitory transcript known as Ty1i RNA. Our results provide new insights into host control of retrotransposon activity via promoter choice and elucidate a novel mechanism by which the Mediator co-activator governs this choice.
A long symmetric N...H...N hydrogen bond in bis(4-aminopyridinium)(1+) azide(1−): redetermination from the original data
Authors: Fábry Jan
Published: August 2017

The structure of the title molecular salt, C10H13N4+·N3−, has been redetermined from the data published by Qian & Huang [Acta Cryst.(2010), E66, o3086; refcode WACMIY (Groomet al., 2016)]. The improvement of the present redetermination consists in a correction of the site-occupancy parameter of the bridging H atom between the pyridine rings, as well as of its position. The present study has shown that the bridging H atom (site symmetry 2) is involved in a symmetric N...H...N hydrogen bond, which is one of the longest ever observed [N...N = 2.678 (3) Å]. In addition, there are also present weaker Nam—H...Nazhydrogen bonds (am = amine and az = azide) of moderate strength and π-electron pyridine...π-electron interactions in the structure. All the azide N atoms also lie on a twofold axis.
Crystal structures of pure 3-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-d][1,2,4]triazin-4(3H)-one and contaminated with 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-d][1,2,4]triazin-4(3H)-one
Authors: Wahedy Kanan , Abu Thaher Bassam , Schollmeyer Dieter , Almasri Ihab , Morjan Rami , Qeshta Basem , Deigner Hans-Peter
Published: August 2017

The side product of the cyclocondensation reaction between ethyl benzimidazole-2-carboxylate and the nitrile imine of the corresponding hydrazonyl chloride, C20H11BrClN5O, crystallized in two crystal forms. Form (1) is a co-crystal of the target compound (without any chlorine substituent) and a side product containing a Cl atom in position 2 of the bromophenyl group, C20H12BrN5O·0.143C20H11BrClN5O. (2) contains the pure side product. The slightly different conformation of the ring systems leads to a different packing of (1) and (2), but both crystal structures are dominated by π–π interactions.
(R*)-1-Benzyl-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)indoline-2-one
Authors: Bargavi Srinivasan , Gouthaman Siddan , Sugunnalakshmi Madurai , Lakshmi Srinivasakannan
Published: August 2017

The title compound, C21H17NO2, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The indoline ring system is almost planar in both molecules (r.m.s. deviations = 0.020 and 0.024 Å for moleculesAandB, respectively). The benzyl and phenol rings are inclined to the indole ring system by 80.39 (12) and 68.39 (12)° in moleculeA, and by 79.90 (13) and 74.88 (10)° in moleculeB. The aryl rings are inclined to one another by 33.30 (14) and 30.62 (14)° in moleculesAandB, respectively. In the crystal,Amolecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The same situation is observed for theBmolecules and both sets of inversion dimers encloseR22(14) ring motifs. These dimers stack along thea-axis direction and are linked by offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.6802 (13) Å] involvingAandBindole ring systems, forming layers parallel to theabplane.
Civil disobedience movements in Hong Kong: a civil society perspective
Authors: Wong Yiu Chung , Chan Jason K.H.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of civil disobedience (CD) movements in Hong Kong in the context of the notion of civil society (CS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by rigorously defining the notion of CD, as well as the concept of CS and tracing its development in Hong Kong over the past several decades. By using a model of CS typology, which combines the variables of state control and a society’s quest for autonomy (SQA), the paper aims to outline the historical development of CD movements in Hong Kong. It also discusses the recent evolution of CS and its relationship with CD movements, particularly focusing on their development since Leung Chun-ying became the Chief Executive in 2012. Finally, by using five cases of CD witnessed in the past several decades, the relationship between the development of CS and the emergence of CD in Hong Kong has been outlined.

Findings

Four implications can be concluded: first, CD cannot emerge when the state and society are isolated. Second, the level of SC and the scale of CD are positively related. Third, as an historical trend, the development of SQA is generally in linear progress; SQA starts from a low level (e.g. interest-based and welfare-based aims) and moves upwards to campaign for higher goals of civil and political autonomy. If the lower level of SQA is not satisfied, it can lead to larger scale CD in future. Fourth, the CD movement would be largest in scale when the state-society relationship confrontational and when major cleavages can be found within CS itself.

Originality/value

This paper serves to enrich knowledge in the fields of politics and sociology.
Revisiting the resource-based view on logistics performance in the shipping industry
Authors: Yang Chung-Shan , Lirn Taih-Cherng
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate empirically the impact of intrafirm resources, interfirm relationships, and logistics service capabilities on logistics performance (LP) in the context of container logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

Factor analysis was employed to identify the key intrafirm resources (i.e. tangible assets and intangible assets), interfirm relationships (i.e. communication (COM) and long-term relationships), logistics service capabilities (i.e. service efficiency, service reliability, service flexibility, and value-added service), and LP dimensions. Data were collected from a survey of container shipping service providers, and were analyzed by a structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities act as mediator variables between intrafirm resources and LP.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research support the application of the general theory on firm-level performance and the resource-based view (RBV) as a lens through which LP can be achieved via logistics service capabilities. In addition, the findings lend empirical support to the capability-building view, which asserts the importance of resource investment and relationship maintenance, and the development of distinctive capabilities to enhance performance.

Practical implications

Container logistics operators should not view their intrafirm resources (including logistics information technology and teamwork organizational culture) or interfirm relationships (including informal COM with key stakeholders and evergreen relationship with key stakeholders) separately; instead, a systems approach should be used.

Originality/value

This research updates the RBV theory by clearly indicating that the overall performance of shipping firms cannot be decided solely by the firm’s own resources. Interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities are found to be powerful moderators which help shipping firms allocate their resources effectively and thus improve their LP.
Economic hardship and suicides
Authors: Korhonen Marko , Puhakka Mikko , Viren Matti
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of aggregate suicides in 15 OECD countries during 1960-2010 using an economic model where changes in the welfare of consumers play the critical role for determining the number of suicides.

Design/methodology/approach

The hardship index based on economic theory is developed. In estimating the model, the authors apply the Pesaranet al.(2001) approach that allows the simultaneous estimation of the long-run and short-run parameters. To make sure that the authors’ findings are not specific to their method, the authors also use the generalized method of moments estimation in the panel set-up.

Findings

The authors found a relatively strong positive relationship between macroeconomic conditions, especially changes in aggregate consumption, and suicides. The relationship appears to be robust also in terms of the various control variables cited in the literature. The hardship index which is based on the habit persistence model of consumption predicts and explains the long-term behavior of suicides in most of the countries. Thus, the hardship index is a better economic explanatory variable than the unemployment rate or other proxies describing economic conditions.

Originality/value

Marrying the economic theory and econometric methods produces a reasonable empirical model to explain the connection between aggregate economic conditions and suicides.
Socioeconomic inequalities in child obesity and overweight in Portugal
Authors: Quintal Carlota , Oliveira Joana
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the association between socioeconomic status and child overweight/obesity in Portugal and to evaluate income-related inequalities in its distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

Data come from the last Portuguese National Health Survey (2005/2006) – sample of 6,903 observations. To define child overweight/obesity, the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs for body mass index (BMI) were used; the logistic regression analysis was adopted to explain the risk of overweight/obesity and inequality was measured by means of concentration curve and index.

Findings

The evidence obtained points to income-related inequalities in child overweight/obesity favourable to the better-off. The probability of child overweight/obesity was lower for higher income households, but up to a certain point a positive association between income and caloric food intake was found. The concentration index obtained was −0.072 (p-value<0.001).

Research limitations/implications

Some data limitations, no information on: physical exercise; sleeping habits; parents’ education and BMI; age is coded in groups. Although the data are from 2005/2006, the current analysis is useful to future works aiming to discuss the impact of the economic and financial crisis which occurred after these data were collected.

Social implications

It is important to tailor policies targeting child obesity/overweight in order to tackle not only the prevalence of this disease but also its distribution.

Originality/value

Drawing attention on inequalities in child obesity/overweight in Portugal as the vast majority of studies have focussed on prevalence. The middle income effect is an issue raised in this work which deserves further investigation.
The impact of sovereign ratings on euro zone SMEs’ credit rationing
Authors: Demoussis Michael , Drakos Konstantinos , Giannakopoulos Nicholas
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate credit rationing across firms in euro zone countries, as it relates to its own sovereign credit ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize firm-level data from the Survey on Access to Finance of Enterprises for the period 2009-2013 conducted by the European Central Bank.

Findings

A negative association between the rating of sovereign creditworthiness and credit rationing is identified, while credit rationing varies substantially even among countries with the highest quality of sovereign bonds. Credit rationing is lower in sovereigns with high-quality ratings and higher in sovereigns near default. These results remain intact when fundamental firm characteristics (e.g. firm’s age and size, sector of economic activity, financial situation, etc.) are taken into consideration. This indicates that the interconnection of sovereign debt risk with domestic credit market outcomes is robust.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the relevant literature by performing a detailed analysis of credit rationing for euro zone SMEs and by exploring the link between sovereign credit rating and credit rationing during the sovereign debt crisis period.
Integrated reporting as a strategy for firm growth: multiple case study in Colombia
Authors: Macias Hugo A. , Farfan-Lievano Angelica
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the integrated reporting (IR) framework in a group of Colombian enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a multiple-case study in six enterprises that use the IR framework. The selected enterprises, all of which were located in either Bogota or Medellin, were Argos, EEB, EPM, ISA, Nutresa and Ocensa. The authors conducted individual interviews of reporters and performed a documentary analysis.

Findings

The few Colombian firms that use the IR framework all have ambitious expansion goals in the medium term. The main reason for the adoption of the IR framework in these firms is that it facilitates access to resources from new foreign investors.

Research limitations/implications

Since the framework was published recently, only a few Colombian firms follow it, and several of them do not apply all of its components. In the future, there will be more reports and a higher level of framework application.

Practical implications

In the firms studied, the IR framework is an important tool to support the search strategies of new sources of financial capital.

Social implications

If the use of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework were to diminish the application of the GRI, firms would be less likely to evaluate the impact of their activities on numerous stakeholders (other than shareholders).

Originality/value

This is the first Colombian study of IR to include both documentary analysis and personal interviews.
Needs assessment of international capacity building using a Delphi technique
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage African subject matter experts to assist with a needs assessment of international capacity building for developing countries in Africa, to establish a prioritized list of capacity building keywords substantiated by a current literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

A pragmatic mixed-method research design was used which involved conducting literature reviews and applying a modified Delphi technique to determine future research needs. The credibility of these results was strengthened by selecting a Delphi subject matter expert panel from African countries including Benin, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Cameroon, Congo, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Algeria and Nigeria. Non-parametric statistical techniques were used to objectively analyze the qualitative data and prioritize the findings.

Findings

The results clearly identified seven literature keywords which could improve future African capacity building research (in order of highest importance first): Trade Union (regional economic integration), Governance, FDI, Emigration, Education, Economic (small business stimulation), and Brain Gain. Additional keywords surfaced in the literature related to these ones, namely healthcare and brain drain (emigrating academics and scholars).

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study should generalize to government and capacity building policy administrators in Africa as well as to other researchers and practitioners in this field. The use of a novel modified Delphi technique should also be of interest to other researchers.

Originality/value

The modified Delphi technique commenced with a knowledge sharing conference where pre-selected subject matter experts collaborated to define the initial scope of questions. Another novel aspect of the customized Delphi technique was that the subject matter experts were required to conduct a literature review to substantiate their responses to questions.
Environmental disclosure studies in Middle East and Northern Africa in shadow of theoretical context
Authors: Eljayash Kamal
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Over the past few decades, accounting research has received considerable attention from academics and researchers in an effort to understand and interpret accounting events in firms. Environmental disclosure research is featured in those studies because of its effect on the number of groups within society where companies operate. Therefore, many studies, especially in developing countries, have been conducted in order to interpret and reach an understanding of the determinants of disclosure in companies through using accounting and social theories. In the Middle East and North Africa, a substantial number of accounting studies have been undertaken aimed at addressing the environmental disclosure in companies. The purpose of this paper is to examine these studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa in order to establish an overview of the theoretical approach in the interpretation of the environmental disclosure in companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of studies of the environmental disclosure in the Gulf region and North Africa by focusing on a theoretical method that interpreted the environmental disclosure.

Findings

Studies have shown a difference in the theoretical interpretation of the environmental disclosure with emphasis on the theory of stakeholder, the most common in such studies.

Originality/value

The value of this study is to add to the accounting literature in this area which, thus, is considered as a starting point for future studies on the most important theories used in the interpretation of environmental disclosure in the Gulf region and North Africa.
Preliminary Data on the Role of Emotional Intelligence in Moderating the Link between Psychopathy and Aggression in a Nonforensic Sample
Authors: Lanciano Tiziana , Curci Antonietta , Guglielmi Francesca , Soleti Emanuela , Grattagliano Ignazio
Published: August 2017

This short report presents preliminary data on the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in moderating the relationship between psychopathy and aggression in a nonforensic sample. A sample of 109 volunteer men was administered the Psychopathic Personality Inventory‐Revised (PPI‐R), the Reactive‐Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, and the Mayer‐Salovey‐Caruso emotional intelligence Test in individual sessions. Correlation and moderation analyzes showed that, at low levels of EI (in terms of strategic ability to understand and manage one's own and others’ emotions), people scoring high on the total PPI‐R and impulsivity dimension seemed to be both reactively and proactively aggressive. By contrast, at high levels of strategic ability, the relationships between psychopathy and aggression were no longer significant. These preliminary results encourage further investigation into the role of EI ability in mitigating aggressive outcomes in psychopathic subjects.
Implications of Pseudologia Fantastica in Criminal Forensic Evaluations: A Review and Case Report
Authors: Frierson Richard L. , Joshi Kaustubh G.
Published: August 2017

Pseudologia fantastica, a psychological phenomenon that has been described in the literature for at least a century, is an understudied and poorly understood entity. Sometimes referred to as pathological lying, pseudologia fantastica involves disproportionate fabrication that may be present for many years or a lifetime. In a forensic context, it can significantly complicate the evaluation of capacity to stand trial and, in certain jurisdictions, criminal responsibility. We review the current literature regarding pseudologia fantastica and present a case to highlight the clinical and forensic challenges it may create. We specifically discuss the complications that pseudologia fantastica may have on the assessment of a defendant's rational ability to consult with an attorney, a required element of capacity to stand trial. In addition, we discuss the implications of pseudologia fantastica in the evaluation of criminal responsibility.
Homicide Rates in Lithuania
Authors: Chmieliauskas Sigitas , Laima Sigitas , Andriuskeviciute Gerda , Jurolaic Eleonora , Jasulaitis Algimantas
Published: August 2017

Homicide rate in Lithuania between 2004 and 2013 decreased and reached an average of 6.7 per 100,000 people in 2013. The data regarding forensic autopsies of intentional homicide victims were obtained from the State Forensic Medicine Service. Spearman's correlation test was used to assess trends in the homicide rates. A significant correlation was observed between homicide distribution and the following variables: Lithuania's gross domestic product (r = −0.85, p = 0.003), the number of alcohol intoxication cases of victims (r = 0.97, p < 0.05). After regression model adjustments, these variables remained significantly associated with the homicide distribution (p < 0.05). 73% of victims were men, with a mean age of 45.5 ± 15. Alcohol intoxication was present in 58% of victims. 66% of homicides were carried out indoors, 57% in urban area. The presented findings help decide which prevention programs may be the most effective in homicide rate reduction.
Brexit, Trade Agreements and CAP Reform
Authors: Swinbank Alan
Published: August 2017

Although a number of reforms have significantly changed the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) over the past two decades, a defining characteristic of the policy is its prohibitively high import tariffs on a number of key commodities as tariff cuts have not formed part of CAP reform. These high tariffs, whilst protecting EU producers, complicate the EU's attempts to negotiate Free Trade Area (FTA) agreements around the world, and will likewise be problematic for agri‐food trade with a post‐Brexit UK, particularly over the politically sensitive border between the EU‐27 and the UK on the island of Ireland. An open border could be more easily secured if the UK's tariff barriers on CAP products matched those of the EU‐27. This, however, implies either that the UK will have to abandon its plans to pursue ‘free‐trade’ policies with other countries around the world, or that the EU‐27 needs to complete its reform of the CAP by unilaterally reducing its tariff barriers. It seems highly unlikely that the challenges posed by Brexit would prompt the EU to unilaterally reduce its excessively high CAP tariffs.
Monopoly regulation under asymmetric information: prices versus quantities
Authors: Basso Leonardo J. , Figueroa Nicolás , Vásquez Jorge
Published: August 2017

We compare two instruments to regulate a monopoly that has private information about its demand or costs: fixing either the price or quantity. For each instrument, we consider sophisticated (screening) and simple (bunching) mechanisms. We characterize the optimal mechanisms and compare their welfare performance. With unknown demand and increasing marginal costs, the sophisticated price mechanism dominates that of quantity, whereas the sophisticated quantity mechanism may prevail when marginal costs decrease. The simple price mechanism dominates that of quantity when marginal costs decrease, but the opposite may arise if marginal costs increase. With unknown costs, both instruments are equivalent.
Energy efficiency and household behavior: the rebound effect in the residential sector
Authors: Aydin Erdal , Kok Nils , Brounen Dirk
Published: August 2017

This article investigates the rebound effect in residential heating, using a sample of 563,000 households in the Netherlands. Using instrumental variable and fixed‐effects approaches, we address potential endogeneity concerns. The results show a rebound effect of 26.7% among homeowners, and 41.3% among tenants. We corroborate the findings through a quasiexperimental analysis, using a large retrofit subsidy program. We also document significant heterogeneity in the rebound effect, determined by household wealth and income, and the actual energy use intensity. The findings in this article confirm the important role of household behavior in determining the outcomes of energy efficiency improvement programs.
Agenda chasing and contests among news providers
Authors: Katona Zsolt , Knee Jonathan A. , Sarvary Miklos
Published: August 2017

This article studies competition in contests with a focus on the news industry that is increasingly influenced by social media. The model assumes publishers to pick a single topic from a large pool based on the topics' prior “success” probabilities, thereby “chasing” potentially successful topics. Firms that publish topics that become successful divide a “reward” which can change with the number of competing firms and the number of successful topics. The results show that share structures can be categorized into three types that, in turn, lead to qualitatively different outcomes for the contest.
Optimal disclosure decisions when there are penalties for nondisclosure
Authors: Dye Ronald A.
Published: August 2017

We study a seller of an asset who is liable for damages if the seller fails to disclose to buyers an estimate of the asset's value he knew prior to the sale. Our results include as either the “damages multiplier” that determines the size of the damages the seller must pay buyers increases, or as the probability the seller is caught withholding his estimate from buyers increases, the seller discloses his estimate less often, and as the precision of the seller's estimate increases, he sells a larger fraction of the asset.
Relative importance of natural enemies and abiotic factors as sources of regulation of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazilian coffee plantations
Authors: Rodrigues‐Silva N. , de Oliveira Campos S. , de Sá Farias E. , de Souza T.C. , Martins J.C. , Picanço M.C.
Published: August 2017

In the present study, we determined the critical stages and the key factors of mortality for Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazilian coffee plantations using a life table to understand the role of natural biological control on its population. Predators, parasitoids, rainfall, sunlight, physiological disturbances and fungal diseases were collectively responsible for 98.79% in the total mortality of P. citri. Predators belonging to the Chrysopidae, Syrphidae, Dolichopodidae and Coccinellidae families were the most important mortality factors in the early developmental stages of P. citri (i.e. eggs and 1st and 2nd instar nymphs), whereas predators belonging to the Coccinellidae and Chrysopidae families were the most important mortality factors for the last instars (i.e. 3rd instars and adults) for P. citri. The generalist predators Harmonia axyridis, Chrysoperla genanigra and Chrysoperla externa were the key mortality factors for P. citri. The third nymph stage was considered the critical life stage (i.e. the life stage that most influences population size). Our results show that generalist predators and climatic factors are important sources of natural mortality of P. citri governing the population dynamics of this pest in the field.
Pancreatico‐jejunostomy decreases post‐operative pancreatic fistula incidence and severity after central pancreatectomy
Authors: Borel Frédéric , Ouaissi Mehdi , Merdrignac Aude , Venara Aurelien , De Franco Valéria , Sulpice Laurent , Hamy Antoine , Regenet Nicolas
Published: August 2017

Backgrounds

Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy in benign tumours of pancreatic isthmus management. It is known for a high post‐operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rate. The purpose of this study was to compare POPF incidence between pancreatico‐jejunostomy (PJ) and pancreatico‐gastrostomy (PG).

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients (mean age 53.9 ± 1.9 years) who underwent a CP in four French University Hospitals from 1988 to 2011 were analysed. The distal pancreatic remnant was either anastomosed to the stomach (44.8%, n = 25) or to a Roux‐en‐Y jejunal loop (55.2%, n = 35) with routine external drainage allowing a systematic search for POPF. POPF severity was classified according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) and Clavien‐Dindo classifications.

Results

The groups were similar on sex ratio, mean age, ASA score, pancreas texture, operative time and operative blood loss. Mean follow‐up was 36.2 ± 3.9 months. POPF were significantly more frequent after PG (76.9 versus 37.5%, P = 0.003). PG was associated with significantly higher grade of POPF both when graded with ISGPF classification (P = 0.012) and Clavien‐Dindo classification (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference in post‐operative bleeding (0.918) and delayed gastric emptying (0.877) between the two groups. Hospital length of stay was increased after PG (23.6 ± 3.5 days versus 16.5 ± 1.9 days, P = 0.071). There was no significant difference in incidence of long‐term exocrine (3.8 versus 19.2%, P = 0.134) and endocrine (7.7 versus 9.4%, P = 0.575) pancreatic insufficiencies.

Conclusion

PG was associated with a significantly higher POPF incidence and severity in CP. We recommend performing PJ especially in older patients to improve CP outcomes.