bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information seeking and/or identity seeking: libraries as sources of cultural identity
Authors: Dancs Szabolcs
Published: November 2017

Purpose

What are the responsibilities of libraries, if there is any, in the personal process of constructing cultural identity? The purpose of this paper is to find answers to this question and pose several others such as: Can the author define a standard for creating group identity, for instance, by involving or integrating tools and experiences from the area of bibliotherapy? How can libraries support their patrons to work with their tradition, on their tradition, i.e. to create their own cultural identity?

Design/methodology/approach

The author provides with proposals to develop library services to meet new expectations that are raised by the increasing importance of bridging communities of different cultural backgrounds.

Findings

By expanding the scope of bibliotherapy, the author might assist in solving social problems and international tensions. The author should consider the possibility of running projects involving historians, culture experts and bibliotherapists to build a shared digital corpus and design specific tools for research and constructing common narratives. To find common cultural references in a multicultural environment is a challenge that requires openness in many fields. Public libraries are mainly at the frontline. There are some old responsibilities that need to be refined under the changing circumstances; new tasks and principals might emerge.

Originality/value

Despite the role of libraries in creating cultural identity is emphasized by a couple of relevant IFLA and UNESCO documents, there are no specific guides on methods to implement. A few ideas have been outlined in this paper about how libraries could contribute to bringing cultures together and challenge prejudices and stereotypes.
Using Agile approaches for breakthrough product innovation
Authors: Beaumont Mitch , Thuriaux-Alemán Ben , Prasad Prashanth , Hatton Chandler
Published: November 2017

Purpose

According to the authors research, Agile approaches are increasingly being deployed successfully alongside phase-gate processes in engineering and R&D functions outside software, with a very positive result.

Design/methodology/approach

An Agile approach to product development has been a mainstay of the software industry since the turn of the century. In recent years, some non-software product-based companies have successfully combined both Agile and non-Agile methods in a complementary way to pursue breakthrough innovation. The article reports on how to make this combination work.

Findings

The study found companies adopting two general approaches when trying to introduce Agile into an existing phase-gate process: integrating Agile into a single innovation process or adding a partly parallel Agile path.

Practical implications

As a measure of Agile’s potential, the software industry has consistently produced patents at three times the level of the next-most prolific sectors.

Originality/value

Arthur D. Little’s research reveals that companies that have successfully added Agile methods to their toolboxes and tailor their innovation approaches by the type of innovation – incremental or breakthrough–perform significantly better than those that stick to single phase-gate approach.
Strategic choices for managing potential crises
Authors: Garcia Helio Fred
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The article guides executives and their staff on how to respond to and manage a potential crisis as it is evolving.

Design/methodology/approach

The article offers three sets of questions that executives can use to help them clarify what is happening and what the appropriate response should be in the event of a potential crisis.

Findings

Every crisis is a business problem before it is a communication problem. Effective crisis response pairs smart action with smart communication.

Practical implications

The more candidly we articulate the problem, the more likely we are to effectively address it.

Originality/value

Among the many valuable insights in this article are these three: (1) Trust is the consequence of fulfilled expectations. (2) Framing decisions in light of stakeholder expectations leads to smarter choices faster, and maintains stakeholder trust. (3) Effective crisis response begins with a timely demonstration of caring.
The 1st step initiation essential for allergen‐specific IgE antibody production upon the 2nd step: Induction of non‐specific IgE+ small B cells containing secondly‐sensitized allergen‐specific ones in mice firstly‐sensitized with an allergen
Authors: Hannya Natsuki , Ogita‐Nakanishi Hiromi , Kato Ryuji , Ijiri Yoshio , Hayashi Tetsuya , Tanaka Kazuhiko , Kawata Ryo , Takenaka Hiroshi , Kubota Takahiro , Yoshida Ryotaro
Published: November 2017

There was a significant amount of non‐specific, but not of allergen (e.g., papain, mite feces and four kinds of pollen)‐specific, IgE antibodies (Abs) in the sera of normal mice. An i.n. injection of each allergen without adjuvant into mice caused an increase in total IgE Ab titers with a similar time course in the serum. However, the stage of initiation of allergy varied from allergen to allergen. Submandibular lymph node cells from normal mice contained papain‐, but not mite feces‐ or pollen‐specific IgE+ cells and an i.n. injection of papain induced papain‐specific IgE Abs in the serum. In contrast, one (i.n.) or two (i.n. and s.c) injections of mite feces induced neither mite feces‐specific IgE+ cells in the lymph nodes nor mite feces‐specific IgE Abs in the serum. I.n. sensitization with cedar pollen induced cedar pollen‐specific IgE+ small B cells in the lymph nodes on Day 10, when non‐specific IgE Ab titers reached a peak in the serum, implying induction of related allergen‐specific IgE+ small cells as well. In fact, a second (s.c.) injection of ragweed (or cedar) pollen into mice sensitized i.n. once with cedar (or ragweed) pollen, but not with mite feces, induced a large amount of ragweed (or cedar) pollen‐specific IgE Abs in the serum. These results indicate that when firstly‐sensitized non‐specific IgE+ small B cells in mouse lymph nodes include some secondly‐sensitized allergen‐specific ones, mice produce IgE Abs specific for the secondly‐injected allergen.
Leaf carbon and oxygen isotopes are coordinated with the leaf economics spectrum in Mediterranean rangeland species
Authors: Prieto Iván , Querejeta José I. , Segrestin Jules , Volaire Florence , Roumet Catherine
Published: November 2017

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) describes covariation in traits relevant to carbon and nutrient economics across plant species, but much less is known about the relationship between the LES and leaf water economy. We propose an approach combining the measurement of two leaf traits related to water‐use economy, leaf carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic composition, and the measurement of leaf morphological and nutrient traits to investigate the link between leaf carbon and nutrient economics and water use.

We tested the relationships between leaf traits linked to carbon and nutrient use within the LES and water‐use traits using leaf δ18O as a proxy of stomatal conductance (gs) and δ13C as a proxy of intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WUEi) across 15 Mediterranean rangeland species grown in an irrigated common garden and in a natural rangeland in Southern France.

The target species spanned a wide range of variation in leaf morphological and nutrient trait values and a wide range of leaf δ18O and δ13C values. Principal component analysis revealed multiple associations among leaf morphology, nutrients and isotopic composition, with the first axis alone explaining 56.0% of the total variation across species. Leaf δ18O and δ13C covaried with leaf morphology and leaf nutrient concentrations along a single resource‐use axis. Species with high leaf δ18O and δ13C (low gs and high WUEi) exhibited a resource‐conservative strategy (high leaf dry matter content, low leaf N, P and K), whereas species with low leaf δ18O and δ13C (high gs and low WUEi) showed a more resource‐acquisitive strategy (high specific leaf area and leaf N, P and K). These leaf trait syndromes and resource‐use strategies were strongly conserved across sites with contrasting environmental conditions, indicating that foliar δ18O and δ13C can be included as an integral part of the LES for this set of rangeland species.

Overall, the data suggest a tight coupling and coordination between water, carbon and nutrient‐use strategies across herbaceous plant species. A dual δ18O and δ13C isotope approach combined with LES trait measurements is a promising tool to more comprehensively assess the diversity of resource‐use strategies among coexisting plant species.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Development of an aggressive bark beetle on novel hosts: Implications for outbreaks in an invaded range
Authors: Rosenberger Derek W. , Venette Robert C. , Aukema Brian H.
Published: November 2017

Some subcortical insects have devastating effects on native tree communities in new ranges, despite benign interactions with their historical hosts. Examples of how insects, aggressive in their native habitat might respond in novel host environs are less common. One aggressive tree‐killing insect undergoing a dramatic range shift is the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins). Ongoing eastward expansion by the mountain pine beetle through the previously climatically unsuitable Canadian boreal forest may have large‐scale impacts on north eastern North American pine forests.

No systematic studies have been conducted on potential reproduction of mountain pine beetle on pines common to north eastern North America. We report reproduction of mountain pine beetle in logs of novel pine species (jack, Pinus banksiana Lamb; red, Pinus resinosa Ait.; eastern white, Pinus strobus L.; and Scots Pinus sylvestris L.) compared to the two most common pine hosts in its historical range (ponderosa, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws. var. scopulorum Engelm. and lodgepole Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) in a two year study.

Successful reproduction of mountain pine beetle occurred in all novel hosts, demonstrating that constitutive defences pose no barrier to further range expansion. Despite the number of progeny in novel hosts on par with that of historical hosts, a greater number of adult brood in novel hosts died prior to emergence.

Brood mortality was correlated with the number of brood that developed to adulthood prior to winter, particularly in red pine. Brood developed more rapidly in novel vs. historical pine hosts and, the summer after a warm fall, exhibited less synchronized emergence in novel hosts.

Synthesis and applications. Outbreaks by an aggressive bark beetle may be possible outside its historical host range, but constrained by an interaction between host and seasonality. Our results suggest that pines common to north eastern North America are suitable hosts for mountain pine beetle and highlight the value of monitoring efforts and response preparations as the insect moves eastward.
Fundamental structural and functional properties of Aquaporin ion channels found across the kingdoms of life
Authors: Kourghi Mohamad , Pei Jinxin V. , De Ieso Michael L. , Nourmohammadi Saeed , Chow Pak Hin , Yool Andrea J.
Published: November 2017

Aquaporin (AQP) channels in the major intrinsic protein (MIP) family are known to facilitate transmembrane water fluxes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Some classes of AQPs also conduct ions, glycerol, urea, CO2, nitric oxide, and other small solutes. Ion channel activity has been demonstrated for mammalian AQPs 0, 1, 6, Drosophila Big Brain (BIB), soybean nodulin 26, and rockcress AtPIP2;1. More classes are likely to be discovered. Newly identified blockers are providing essential tools for establishing physiological roles of some of the AQP dual water and ion channels. For example, the arylsulfonamide AqB011 which selectively blocks the central ion pore of mammalian AQP1 has been shown to impair migration of HT29 colon cancer cells. Traditional herbal medicines are sources of selective AQP1 inhibitors that also slow cancer cell migration. The finding that plant AtPIP2;1 expressed in root epidermal cells mediates an ion conductance regulated by calcium and protons provided insight into molecular mechanisms of environmental stress responses. Expression of lens MIP (AQP0) is essential for maintaining the structure, integrity and transparency of the lens, and Drosophila BIB contributes to neurogenic signalling pathways to control the developmental fate of fly neuroblast cells; however, the ion channel roles remain to be defined for MIP and BIB. A broader portfolio of pharmacological agents is needed to investigate diverse AQP ion channel functions in situ. Understanding the dual water and ion channel roles of AQPs could inform the development of novel agents for rational interventions in diverse challenges from agriculture to human health.
Converging and Diverging Governance Mechanisms: The Role of (Dys)Function in Long‐term Inter‐organizational Relationships
Authors: Howard Mickey , Roehrich Jens K. , Lewis Michael A. , Squire Brian
Published: November 2017

This paper explores the dynamic interplay of formal/informal governance mechanisms, in terms of functional and dysfunctional consequences for both sides of the dyad, in long‐term inter‐organizational relationships. Using two longitudinal cases of UK defence sector procurement (warship commissioning) we move beyond notions of complementarity and substitution in governance towards a more nuanced view where the governance mix of inter‐organizational relationships can be convergent or divergent. Our findings, showing that relationships can exhibit functional and dysfunctional behaviour simultaneously, lead us to conclude that mismatches in governance mechanisms can be positive as well as negative. In building a context‐dependent understanding of governance we both summarize the (dys)functions associated with formal and informal governance mechanisms and explore their impact on relationship exchange performance over time.
The incidence, characteristics, management and outcomes of anaphylaxis in pregnancy: a population‐based descriptive study
Authors: McCall SJ , Bunch KJ , Brocklehurst P , D'Arcy R , Hinshaw K , Kurinczuk JJ , Lucas DN , Stenson B , Tuffnell DJ , Knight M
Published: November 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of anaphylaxis in pregnancy and describe the management and outcomes in the UK.

Design

A population‐based descriptive study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).

Setting

All consultant‐led maternity units in the UK.

Population

All pregnant women who had anaphylaxis between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2015. Anaphylaxis was defined as a severe, life‐threatening generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction.

Methods

Prospective case notification using UKOSS.

Main outcome measures

Maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, neonatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity.

Results

There were 37 confirmed cases of anaphylaxis in pregnancy, giving an estimated incidence of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1–2.2) per 100 000 maternities. Four cases of anaphylaxis were in women with known penicillin allergies: two received co‐amoxiclav and two cephalosporins. Twelve women had anaphylaxis following prophylactic use of antibiotics at the time of a caesarean delivery. Prophylactic use of antibiotics for Group B streptococcal infection accounted for anaphylaxis in one woman. Two women died (5%), 14 (38%) women were admitted to intensive care and seven women (19%) had one or more additional severe maternal morbidities, which included three haemorrhagic events, two cardiac arrests, one thrombotic event and one pneumonia. No infants died; however, in those infants whose mother had anaphylaxis before delivery (n = 18) there were seven (41%) neonatal intensive care unit admissions, three preterm births and one baby was cooled for neonatal encephalopathy.

Conclusions

Anaphylaxis is a rare severe complication of pregnancy and frequently the result of a reaction to antibiotic administration. This study highlights the seriousness of the outcomes of this condition for the mother. The low incidence is reassuring given the large proportion of the pregnant population that receive prophylactic antibiotics during delivery.

Tweetable abstract

Anaphylaxis is a rare severe complication of pregnancy and frequently the result of a reaction to antibiotic administration.
Skeletal Trauma Resulting From Fatal Low (≤3 m) Free Falls: An Analysis of Fracture Patterns and Morphologies
Authors: Rowbotham Samantha K. , Blau Soren , Hislop‐Jambrich Jacqueline , Francis Victoria
Published: November 2017

The skeletal trauma resulting from fatal low (≤3 m) free falls is poorly researched and understood by forensic practitioners. The aim of this study was to identify the types of skeletal trauma resulting from low falls through investigating fracture patterns and morphologies. Skeletal trauma was analyzed using full‐body postmortem computed tomography scans of 145 individuals who died from a low free fall. Trauma was then contextualized to the variables that influence how a person falls using multiple logistic regression. Results showed fracture patterning primarily involved the axial skeleton and that there were a number of patterns significantly associated with the height fallen, pre‐existing health conditions, and age. Analysis of fracture morphologies showed 108 possible fracture types, six of which were significantly associated with the height fallen. Understanding the skeletal trauma characteristic of low free falls will further inform anthropological interpretations of trauma in cases where a fall may be considered the possible mechanism.
Impact of tumour motion compensation and delineation methods on FDG PET‐based dose painting plan quality for NSCLC radiation therapy
Authors: Thomas Hannah Mary , Kinahan Paul E , Samuel James Jebaseelan E , Bowen Stephen R
Published: November 2017

Introduction

To quantitatively estimate the impact of different methods for both boost volume delineation and respiratory motion compensation of [18F] FDG PET/CT images on the fidelity of planned non‐uniform ‘dose painting’ plans to the prescribed boost dose distribution.

Methods

Six locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were retrospectively reviewed. To assess the impact of respiratory motion, time‐averaged (3D AVG), respiratory phase‐gated (4D GATED) and motion‐encompassing (4D MIP) PET images were used. The boost volumes were defined using manual contour (MANUAL), fixed threshold (FIXED) and gradient search algorithm (GRADIENT). The dose painting prescription of 60 Gy base dose to the planning target volume and an integral dose of 14 Gy (total 74 Gy) was discretized into seven treatment planning substructures and linearly redistributed according to the relative SUV at every voxel in the boost volume. Fifty‐four dose painting plan combinations were generated and conformity was evaluated using quality index VQ0.95–1.05, which represents the sum of planned dose voxels within 5% deviation from the prescribed dose. Trends in plan quality and magnitude of achievable dose escalation were recorded.

Results

Different segmentation techniques produced statistically significant variations in maximum planned dose (P < 0.02), as well as plan quality between segmentation methods for 4D GATED and 4D MIP PET images (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in plan quality and maximum dose were observed between motion‐compensated PET‐based plans (P > 0.75). Low variability in plan quality was observed for FIXED threshold plans, while MANUAL and GRADIENT plans achieved higher dose with lower plan quality indices.

Conclusions

The dose painting plans were more sensitive to segmentation of boost volumes than PET motion compensation in this study sample. Careful consideration of boost target delineation and motion compensation strategies should guide the design of NSCLC dose painting trials.
Outsourcing the Fight against Corruption: Lessons from the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala
Authors: Krylova Yulia
Published: November 2017

The article is devoted to an analysis of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) that was established in 2006 to fight against clandestine criminal structures and illegal security groups in this country. Over the last decade, CICIG has achieved numerous victories in prosecuting corrupt politicians, businessmen, judges, and law enforcement officers, as well as in reforming legal and judicial institutions in Guatemala. CICIG represents an experimental approach to the fight against impunity and corruption in weak and failed states, with the aid of international anti‐corruption and law enforcement experts. Since this experience is very useful for other countries, the article takes a comprehensive look at the lessons they can learn from Guatemala's case. CICIG serves as a good example of new anti‐corruption tools and innovative agreements created under the aegis of the United Nations. The article argues that CICIG's expansion to other countries could constitute a new chapter in the global fight against corruption.
Assessment of tomato potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) food plant range by comparing feeding behaviour to survival of early life stages
Authors: Sandanayaka Manoharie , Connolly Patrick G , Withers Toni M
Published: November 2017

The tomato potato psyllid (TPP, Bactericera cockerelli) is an important vector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum. TPP is a phloem sap feeder, with an extensive host plant range. Measuring host plant feeding via electrical penetration graph (EPG) is a potentially less time‐consuming method compared with traditional ways of assessing the host range of sap‐feeding insects through feeding bioassays. Feeding behaviour of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum‐positive adult TPP was measured using EPG technique on seven plant species: capsicum, eggplant, Cape gooseberry, poroporo, black nightshade (all Solanaceae), kumara (Convolvulaceae) and coprosma (Rubiaceae). Coprosma was used as a plant species of unknown host status. EPG data were analysed for three recording durations (5, 10 and 15 h). Data recorded for 10 h provided the most accurate prediction of subsequent feeding behaviour, allowing discrimination between host plants which could support feeding by TPP and non‐host plants that could not. EPG feeding behaviour was then contrasted with the survival of early life stages of TPP on four of the seven plant species under a choice situation on whole plants. The one discrepancy between the two methods for separating host from non‐host plants was with Cape gooseberry. EPG suggested that Cape gooseberry was as acceptable for feeding by TPP as capsicum, but whole‐plant assays showed survival of early nymph stages on Cape gooseberry was poor. EPG has merit as a tool for rapid assessment of plants at risk of feeding damage from a phloem sap feeder. However, a degree of experience is required to operate this technology successfully and to interpret the output data. The wire attachment on the insects may have a negative influence on initial plant contact. Therefore, a long recording time around 10 h may be required to offset this limitation.
Analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates, biological water quality and conservation value of a tropical river and UNESCO‐protected environment
Authors: Akindele Emmanuel O. , Adeniyi Akinkunle V. , Oyeku Oyeshina G. , Adu Babasola W.
Published: November 2017

Despite the growing awareness in freshwater conservation, and the sociocultural significance of the Osun River in the designation of the Osun‐Osogbo Sacred Grove as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is dearth of information on the biological water quality and conservation value of the river. In this study, the conservation value and biological water quality of the river which defines a UNESCO protected environment are assessed. Benthic macroinvertebrates and physicochemical water condition were studied quarterly from June 2015 to March 2016. The river's naturalness was also measured based on habitat alteration, land use and hydrological modifications. A total of 27 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded, and the fauna was dominated by the Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Trichoptera (EOT) group. Taxa richness and/or abundance of macroinvertebrates showed a significant inverse response to vegetation removal, farming, total suspended solids, flow velocity, nitrate and phosphate. There is a notable occurrence of Margaritifera margaritifera which is considered a flagship and umbrella species in the river. This study further reveals the natural property of the sacred grove in addition to its cultural property as a WHS; hence, it may be re‐considered as a WHS based on mixed properties.
Serial lipase for pancreatitis: not enough evidence
Authors: Pathmarajah Tishanthan , Idrees Marwan , Nasim Sana , Weber Dieter G.
Published: November 2017

Background

Lipase is both a sensitive and specific marker for diagnosing pancreatitis. However, the benefit of serial lipase in both monitoring and defining prognosis remains undetermined. This systematic review was conducted to further evaluate this potential application. In addition, this review also looked into the benefits of serial lipase in the subgroup of traumatic pancreatitis.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were systematically searched for related articles, between January 1995 and December 2015, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses standards. Data was extracted and analysed by two authors.

Results

Seven studies were included in the final analysis: six retrospective and one prospective studies were identified. Five studies (all retrospective) concluded no benefits in serial lipase for prognostication, while two studies identified serial lipase as a beneficial prognostic factor for acute pancreatitis. Of the included studies, only two involved traumatic pancreatitis (both dedicated to the paediatric population).

Conclusion

The evidence supporting or opposing serial lipase as a prognostic factor for pancreatitis is weak and consists mainly of retrospective analyses. The only prospective data identified suggested benefits to serial lipase in prognosis. Further prospective studies evaluating the prognostic value of serial lipase in the adult population with both traumatic and non‐traumatic pancreatitis are required given the paucity of available evidence.
Generating Confusion, Concern, and Precarity through the Right to Rent Scheme in Scotland
Authors: Leahy Sharon , McKee Kim , Crawford Joe
Published: November 2017

The Immigration Act 2016 has heralded an era of amplified Government intervention into day‐to‐day life, placing increased responsibility for border protection on UK citizens. Using interviews with representatives from the field of housing in Scotland, this paper examines one specific aspect of the Immigration Act 2016, the Right to Rent scheme. We investigate how the Right to Rent creates a precarious environment for all those who may appear to be non‐UK citizens. We argue that it may endorse senses of fantasy citizenship to inculcate people into acting on behalf of the state and is a driver for further division in society. Scotland provides a particularly interesting case study, as housing is a devolved power, but immigration is not. This creates an additional layer of tension in our interview data, as housing organisations are faced with a set of conditions imposed from Westminster, infringing on a field that Scotland has self‐determined for some time. Our interviews illustrate the level of confusion around the scheme, the fact that it is increasing criminalisation in the housing sector, and stresses that the scheme is offloading state responsibility for border protection.
Effects of applying universal fetal growth standards in a Scandinavian multi‐ethnic population
Authors: Sletner Line , Kiserud Torvid , Vangen Siri , Nakstad Britt , Jenum Anne K.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The question of whether universal growth charts can be used in multi‐ethnic settings is of general interest. The Intergrowth‐21st fetal growth and newborn size standards are suggested to represent optimal fetal growth regardless of country origin. Our aim was to examine whether women fulfilling the strict Intergrowth‐21st inclusion criteria were healthier, showed less ethnic differences in fetal growth and newborn size, and less adverse perinatal outcomes.

Material and methods

Data were drawn from a population‐based multi‐ethnic cohort of 823 presumably healthy pregnant women in Oslo, Norway. We assessed differences in fetal and neonatal gestational age specific z‐scores and compared maternal health parameters, pregnancy and birth complications between pregnancies fulfilling and not fulfilling the Intergrowth‐21st criteria.

Results

Only 21% of pregnancies enrolled in our cohort fulfilled the Intergrowth‐21st criteria. Fetal growth deviated substantially from the new standards, in particular for ethnic Europeans. Ethnic differences persisted in pregnancies fulfilling the criteria. In South Asian fetuses, estimated fetal weight was −0.60 SD (95% confidence interval −1.00, −0.20) lower at 24 gestational weeks, and birthweight was −0.62 SD (−0.95, −0.29) lower, compared with ethnic Europeans. Corresponding numbers for Middle‐East/North Africans were −0.13 (−0.62, 0.36) and −0.60 (−1.00, −0.20). Maternal health indicators and birth complications were similar in women fulfilling and not fulfilling the criteria, but the relation depended on ethnic origin.

Conclusions

In an urban multi‐ethnic Norwegian population, applying an extensive list of criteria to define “healthy” pregnancies excludes the majority of women but does not cancel ethnic differences in fetal growth.
Multicenter Experience With Mechanical Circulatory Support Using a New Diagonal Pump in 233 Children
Authors: Stiller Brigitte , Houmes Robert Jan , Rüffer André , Kumpf Matthias , Müller Andreas , Kipfmüller Florian , Köditz Harald , Herber Jonat Susanne , Schmoor Claudia , Benk Christoph , Tibboel Dick , Fleck Thilo
Published: November 2017

Technological innovations in pediatric extracorporeal life support circuits can reduce system‐related complications and may improve patients' outcome. The Deltastream DP3 (Medos Medizintechnik AG, Stolberg, Germany) is a novel rotational pump with a diagonally streamed impeller that can be used over a broad range of flows. We collected patient data from seven pediatric centers to conduct a retrospective cohort study. We examined 233 patients whose median age was 1.9 (0–201) months. The DP3 system was used for cardiopulmonary support as veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 162 patients. Respiratory support via veno‐venous ECMO was provided in 63 patients. The pump was used as a ventricular assist device in eight patients. Median supporting time was 5.5 (0.2–69) days and the weaning rate was 72.5%. The discharge home rate was 62% in the pulmonary group versus 55% in the cardiac group. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out in 24 patients (10%) with a survival to discharge of rate of 37.5%. About 106 (47%) children experienced no complications, while 33% suffered bleeding requiring blood transfusion or surgical intervention. Three patients suffered a fatal cerebral event. Renal replacement therapy was performed in 28% and pump or oxygenator exchange in 26%. Multivariable analysis identified system exchange (OR 1.94), kidney failure (OR 3.43), and complications on support (OR 2.56) as risk factors for dismal outcome. This novel diagonal pump has demonstrated its efficacy in all kinds of mechanical circulatory and respiratory support, revealing good survival rates.
Exposure to human voices has beneficial effects on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Saliba Sahar , Esseily Rana , Filippa Manuela , Kuhn Pierre , Gratier Maya
Published: November 2017

We reviewed the literature up to March 2016 on the effects of nonmaternal voices on preterm infants’ clinical outcomes. Of the 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 10 focused on short‐term outcomes and one looked at long‐term effects. The studies mainly showed that vocal stimuli increased preterm infants’ stability in terms of heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and behavioural measures. Improvements in feeding skills were also reported. The methods and the measures used in the studies were heterogeneous, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions.

Conclusion

Vocal stimuli increased preterm infants’ stability, but further studies are needed.
Drug burden index to define the burden of medicines in older adults with intellectual disabilities: An observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: O'Connell Juliette , Burke Éilish , Mulryan Niamh , O'Dwyer Claire , Donegan Clare , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary , Henman Martin C. , O'Dwyer Máire
Published: November 2017

Aims

The drug burden index (DBI) is a dose‐related measure of anticholinergic and sedative drug exposure. This cross‐sectional study described DBI in older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and the most frequently reported therapeutic classes contributing to DBI and examined associations between higher DBI scores and potential adverse effects as well as physical function.

Methods

This study analysed data from Wave 2 (2013/2014) of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS‐TILDA), a representative study on the ageing of people with ID in Ireland. Self‐ and objectively‐reported data were collected on medication use and physical health, including health conditions. The Barthel index was the physical function measure.

Results

The study examined 677 individuals with ID, of whom 644 (95.1%) reported taking medication and 78.6% (n = 532) were exposed to medication with anticholinergic and/or sedative activity. 54.2% (n = 367) were exposed to high DBI score (≥1). Adjusted multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant association between DBI score and daytime dozing, constipation or falls. After adjusting for confounders (sex, age, level of ID, comorbidities, behaviours that challenge, history of falls), DBI was associated with significantly higher dependence in the Barthel index (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

This is the first time DBI has been described in older adults with ID. Scores were much higher than those observed in the general population and higher scores were associated with higher dependence in Barthel index activities of daily living.
Outcome of relapse after allogeneic HSCT in children with ALL enrolled in the ALL‐SCT 2003/2007 trial
Authors: Kuhlen Michaela , Willasch Andre M. , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Wachowiak Jacek , Yaniv Isaac , Ifversen Marianne , Sedlacek Petr , Guengoer Tayfun , Lang Peter , Bader Peter , Sufliarska Sabina , Balduzzi Adriana , Strahm Brigitte , von Luettichau Irene , Hoell Jessica I. , Borkhardt Arndt , Klingebiel Thomas , Schrappe Martin , von Stackelberg Arend , Glogova Evgenia , Poetschger Ulrike , Meisel Roland , Peters Christina
Published: November 2017

Relapse remains the major cause of treatment failure in children with high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (allo‐SCT). Prognosis is considered dismal but data on risk factors and outcome are lacking from prospective studies. We analysed 242 children with recurrence of ALL after first allo‐SCT enrolled in the Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Munster (BFM) ALL‐SCT‐BFM 2003 and ALL‐SCT‐BFM international 2007 studies. Median time from allo‐SCT to relapse was 7·7 months; median follow‐up from relapse after allo‐SCT until last follow‐up was 3·4 years. The 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 15% and overall survival (OS) was 20%. The main cause of death was disease progression or relapse (86·5%). The majority of children (48%) received salvage therapy without second allo‐SCT, 26% of the children underwent a second allo‐SCT and 25% received palliative treatment only. In multivariate analyses, age, site of relapse, time to relapse and type of salvage therapy were identified as significant prognostic factors for OS and EFS, whereas factors associated with first SCT were not statistically significant. Combined approaches incorporating novel immunotherapeutic treatment options and second allo‐SCT hold promise to improve outcome in children with post allo‐SCT relapse.
Bendamustine, bortezomib and rituximab produces durable complete remissions in patients with previously untreated, low grade lymphoma
Authors: Flinn Ian W. , Thompson Dana S. , Boccia Ralph V. , Miletello Gerald , Lipman Andrew , Flora Douglas , Cuevas Daniel , Papish Steven W. , Berdeja Jesus G.
Published: November 2017

This Phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of bendamustine, bortezomib and rituximab in patients with previously untreated low‐grade lymphoma. Eligible patients had low grade lymphoma with no previous systemic disease treatment. Treatment for all patients was given in 28‐day cycles for a maximum of 6 cycles. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on days 1, 8 and 15 of cycle 1 and day 1 of cycles 2–6; bendamustine 90 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 2; and bortezomib 1·6 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8 and 15. Patients were permitted to begin maintenance treatment with rituximab 6 months after completion of study treatment and after 6‐month follow‐up assessments had been conducted. Fifty‐four eligible patients were enrolled. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were leucopenia (28%), neutropenia (30%) and lymphopenia (17%). There were no treatment‐related deaths and 1 unrelated death on study (embolic stroke). The overall response rate was 94% for all patients. The median follow‐up was 54 months. Kaplan–Meier estimates of progression‐free survival and overall survival at 36 months were 75% and 88%, respectively. The treatment regimen was well tolerated and produced high response rates. Further study of this regimen in patients with previously untreated lymphoma is warranted.
Characterization of Ras k 1 a novel major allergen in Indian mackerel and identification of parvalbumin as the major fish allergen in 33 Asia‐Pacific fish species
Authors: Ruethers T. , Raith M. , Sharp M. F. , Koeberl M. , Stephen J. N. , Nugraha R. , Le T. T. K. , Quirce S. , Nguyen H. X. M. , Kamath S. D. , Mehr S. S. , Campbell D. E. , Bridges C. R. , Taki A. C. , Swoboda I. , Lopata A. L.
Published: November 2017

Background

Fish is a well‐recognized cause of food allergy and anaphylaxis. The evolutionary and taxonomic diversity of the various consumed fish species pose a challenge in the identification and characterization of the major fish allergens critical for reliable diagnostics. Globally, fish is a rising cause of food allergy complicated by a large under‐investigated variety of species as well as increasing global tourism and trade. This is the first comprehensive study on allergen profiles of heat‐processed fish from Vietnam.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the major heat‐stable allergens from frequently exported Asia‐Pacific freshwater and marine fish and to characterize the major allergen parvalbumin (PV) from one of the most consumed and exported fish species from Asia, the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta).

Methods

Heated protein extracts from 33 fish species were separated by gel electrophoresis. PV isoforms were identified by immunoblotting utilizing 3 different PV‐specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and further characterized by mass spectrometry. IgE reactivity was investigated using sera from 21 patients with confirmed fish allergy.

Results

Heat‐stable IgE‐reactive PVs, with up to 5 isoforms per species, were identified in all 33 analysed fish species. In the Indian mackerel, 7 PV isoforms were identified by 2D‐gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometric analyses. The amino acid sequence deduced from cDNA of the most expressed isoform showed a high identity (>90%) to PVs from 2 other mackerel species.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Different PVs were identified as the major heat‐stable allergens in all 33 analysed freshwater and marine fish species from Vietnam, many of which are exported world‐wide and 21 species that have never been investigated before. The Indian mackerel PV represents a novel fish allergen, now officially registered as Ras k 1. Improved diagnostics for fish allergy against Asia‐Pacific species should be developed with focus on PV.
Which patients with gynaecomastia require more detailed investigation?
Authors: Ali S.N. , Jayasena C.N. , Sam A.H.
Published: November 2017

Gynaecomastia may be due to medication, chronic liver or kidney disease, hypogonadism (primary or secondary to pituitary disease) or hyperthyroidism. Having excluded these aetiologies, it is imperative to be vigilant for underlying malignancy causing gynaecomastia. These include human chorionic gonadotrophin‐secreting testicular and extratesticular tumours and oestrogen‐secreting testicular tumours and feminising adrenal tumours.
Inverse Kinematics Techniques in Computer Graphics: A Survey
Authors: Aristidou A. , Lasenby J. , Chrysanthou Y. , Shamir A.
Published: November 2017

Inverse kinematics (IK) is the use of kinematic equations to determine the joint parameters of a manipulator so that the end effector moves to a desired position; IK can be applied in many areas, including robotics, engineering, computer graphics and video games. In this survey, we present a comprehensive review of the IK problem and the solutions developed over the years from the computer graphics point of view. The paper starts with the definition of forward and IK, their mathematical formulations and explains how to distinguish the unsolvable cases, indicating when a solution is available. The IK literature in this report is divided into four main categories: the analytical, the numerical, the data‐driven and the hybrid methods. A timeline illustrating key methods is presented, explaining how the IK approaches have progressed over the years. The most popular IK methods are discussed with regard to their performance, computational cost and the smoothness of their resulting postures, while we suggest which IK family of solvers is best suited for particular problems. Finally, we indicate the limitations of the current IK methodologies and propose future research directions.
The ANNS approach to DEM reconstruction
Authors: Buscema Paolo Massimo , Massini Giulia , Fabrizi Marco , Breda Marco , Della Torre Francesca
Published: November 2017

This research has 6 fundamental aims: (i) to present a modified version of Taylor's interpolation, one that is more effective and faster than the original; (ii) outline the capability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to perform an optimal functional approximation of the digital elevation model reconstruction from a satellite map, using a small and independent sample of Global Positioning System observations; (iii) demonstrate experimentally how ANNs outperform the traditional and most used algorithm for the height interpolation (Taylor's interpolation); (iv) introduce a new ANN, the Conic Net, able to outperform the results of the classic and more known multilayer perceptron; (v) determine that Conic Nets, even when using Taylor's modified interpolation as input features, are able to optimally approximate the heights with one order of magnitude more than the original satellite map; and (vi) make evident the possibility to interpolate the DEM heights through an ANN, which learns a data set of known points.
Blood transfusion is a critical determinant of resource utilization and total hospital cost in liver transplantation
Authors: Ruiz Jose , Dugan Adam , Davenport Daniel L. , Gedaly Roberto
Published: November 2017

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with increased resource use and total hospital cost (THC) after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

A study of LT patients undergoing surgery between January 2008 and December 2013 was performed. Main end points were LOS, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), days on the ventilator, THCs, service area costs.

Results

A total of 191 patients undergoing LT were included in the analysis. Creatinine and blood transfusion were significantly associated with prolonged LOS, ICU LOS, and days on the ventilator. Multivariable analysis of predictors of THC demonstrated creatinine as a strong pre‐operative factor. Creatinine was also a significant predictor of OR, ICU, pharmacy, in‐patient (floor), diagnostics, and ancillary services cost. After controlling for intra‐operative factors such as operative time and blood transfusions, we found that transfusions were the strongest independent predictors of total cost. Patients receiving <5 units of PRBCs had a median LOS of 7 days. ICU LOS doubled and ICU total cost increased by 50% if patients required more than five transfusions of PRBCs.

Conclusions

Elevated serum creatinine and blood transfusions are the most critical determinants of increased resource utilization and hospital expenditure in LT.
The Economic Consequences of Political Donation Limits
Authors: Maloney John , Pickering Andrew
Published: November 2017

The economic consequences of limits on political donations depend on the degree of political competition. Donors, who are ideologically aligned with candidates, decide how much to contribute to their own candidate. They may benefit from rent‐seeking by their own candidate but dislike rent‐seeking by the opposition. Increased rent‐seeking by politicians thus generates campaign contributions for themselves but also mobilizes donations to the opposing candidate, potentially to a greater extent. This latter effect acts as a deterrent to rent‐seeking when contributions finance electoral campaigns and positively affect election chances. When political competition is low, incumbent donors outnumber opposition donors, and limits reduce rent‐seeking. When political competition is high, donors are equalized and laissez‐faire reduces rent‐seeking. Consistent with these hypotheses, data from the USA suggest that limits are associated with better policies and stronger growth performance at low levels of political competition, while laissez‐faire is preferred when political competition is high.