bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of potential evapotranspiration in future periods due to climate change in west of Iran
Authors: Rajabi Ahmad , Babakhani Zahra
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study aims to present the climate change effect on potential evapotranspiration (ETP) in future periods.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily minimum and maximum temperature, solar radiation and precipitation weather parameters have been downscaled by global circulation model (GCM) and Lars-WG outputs. Weather data have been estimated according to the Had-CM3 GCM and by A1B, A2 and B1 scenarios in three periods: 2011-2030, 2045-2046 and 2080-2099. To select the more suitable method for ETP estimation, the Hargreaves-Samani (H-S) method and the Priestly–Taylor (P-T) method have been compared with the Penman-Monteith (P-M) method. Regarding the fact that the H-S method has been in better accordance with the P-M method, ETP in future periods has been estimated by this method for different scenarios.

Findings

In all five stations, in all three scenarios and in all three periods, ETP will increase. The highest ETP increase will occur in the A1B scenario and then in the A1 scenario. The lowest increase will occur in the B1 scenario. In the 2020 decade, the highest ETP increase in three scenarios will occur in Khorramabad and then Hamedan. Kermanshah, Sanandaj and Ilam stations come at third to fifth place, respectively, with a close increase in amount. In the 2050 decade, ETP increase percentages in all scenarios are close to each other in all the five stations. In the 2080 decade, ETP increase percentages in all scenarios will be close to each other in four stations, namely, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Khorramabad and Hamedan, and Ilam station will have a higher increase compared with the other four stations.

Originality/value

Meanwhile, the highest ETP increase will occur in hot months of the year, which are significant with regard to irrigation and water resources.
Seizing history: development and non-climate change in Small Island Developing States
Authors: Baldacchino Godfrey
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper offers a critical review of climate change related initiatives in small island states, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which can end up as ontological traps: fuelled and supported by external donor agencies, thwarting out-migration and shifting scarce and finite resources away from other, shorter-term and locally spawned development trajectories and objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a selective literature review. It clusters important themes found in published research and policy documents.

Findings

The results identify a burgeoning critical voice in regards to resilience and its legitimation of climate change driven projects in SIDS. This paper recommends a more nuanced approach which also privileges migration.

Originality/value

This paper provided a critical overview and synthesis of the immobility implicit in much climate change related work, through the critical lens of island studies and post-colonial studies.
Investigating the effects of work-family spillovers, gender, and formal mentoring on career goal of managers
Authors: Kim Hyondong
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify whether work-family spillovers significantly affect company managers’ determination of career goals by examining the importance of gender and formal mentoring to these managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 4,222 Korean managers compiled from a large-scale data set (Korean Women Manager Panel) that was collected by the Korea Women Development Institution in two waves (2009 and 2011).

Findings

Positive work-family spillover is positively related to managers’ career goals, whereas negative work-family spillover is negatively related to such goals. In the presence of positive work-family spillover, formal mentoring is more effective in helping male managers establish and develop career goals.

Research limitations/implications

The mentoring programs company managers are willing to engage in should be consistent with the gender role. Mentoring programs for female managers are moderately related to the importance of positive work experiences in establishing and developing their career goals. Therefore, to promote the career success of female managers, companies and societies must take actions to change the female managers’ perceptions of their management potentials.

Originality/value

Gender and formal mentoring programs influence the salience of company managers’ work and family roles, which determines the relationship between positive and negative work-family spillovers and career goals.
Social enterprise in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Johnsen Sarah
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to summarise a contribution to the International Comparative Social Enterprise Models (ICSEM) Project from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It particularly highlights the relevance of the social constructionist approach adopted in the study to investigate and make sense of the social enterprise concept as an imported concept in a new environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach is used as a thread to follow through the structure proposed by the ICSEM Project, namely, to look at the concept in context, to identify social enterprise models and establish a typology, as well as to describe institutional trajectories shaping the models. This paper highlights the constructs and institutional trajectories shaping the concept, and the main findings of the study when identifying the models and establishing the typology, based on an in-depth survey of 12 social enterprises in the UAE.

Findings

While this typology can be considered as a preliminary one, it reveals creative recurrent models, with the state and private sector involved as incubators. Although the UAE offers a tax-free environment, the lack of a legal and regulatory system conducive to social enterprises seems to hamper the opportunities for them to develop and scale up.

Originality/value

This contribution is the first study to investigate the ecosystem of social enterprise and its deriving models, and to propose a preliminary typology in the UAE.
Social enterprise in New Zealand: an overview
Authors: Grant Suzanne
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the New Zealand social enterprise (SE) landscape, identifying key influences, enablers of and barriers to SE. Initial mapping is undertaken to identify types of SE in New Zealand. The paper contributes to the wider International Comparative Social Enterprise Models mapping project.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection combined reviews of previous scholarship with interviews with staff in SEs.

Findings

The New Zealand SE landscape is still emerging. The redevelopment of Christchurch following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes has provided many opportunities for SE growth. Government support has been limited but is at least growing in terms of recognition. In 2014, the government provided base funding for developing SE infrastructure and capacity building, which is primarily delivered through the intermediary Akina Foundation. Resourcing is a key barrier to SE growth. Four main models of SE are evident: trading not-for-profits, community economic development, business-oriented social innovation and Maori enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

The mapping presented is only a snap shot of current status, rather than a static model. Growth and developments in SE will see each category move as their SE activities develop.

Practical implications

Identifying and better understanding barriers and enablers will help further advance development of SE in New Zealand.

Originality/value

Scholarship on SE in New Zealand is limited. This paper brings together key literature as well as provides an initial attempt at mapping the SE landscape. Doing so provides a starting point for further discussion and analysis.
Efficacy and safety of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jing Yunyan , Ni Bin , Zhou Donglai , Zhang Xingwei , Liu Shanxin
Published: September 2017

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a dangerous and urgent clinical pattern of coronary artery disease. Aspirin and adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 receptor antagonists are the standard dual anti‐platelet therapy for patients with ACS. Ticagrelor is a new oral antagonist of the adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 receptor. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel or prasugrel in patients with ACS, obtaining conflicting results. Thus, we conducted a meta‐analysis of these RCTs to determine the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor in patients with ACS. Results of the meta‐analysis indicate that ticagrelor decreased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all‐cause death, but increased the risk of bleeding events. In Asiatic patients, analysis indicates that ticagrelor did not decrease the risk of MACE and all‐cause death, while increasing the risk of bleeding events. Together, this meta‐analysis suggests that ticagrelor was more effective, but less safe than clopidogrel and prasugrel in patients with ACS. Subgroup analysis indicates that ticagrelor was not more effective, although less safe than clopidogrel in Asiatic patients, thus more evidence is needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor in Asiatic patients.
Antiemetic treatment in the emergency department: Patient opinions and expectations
Authors: Meek Robert , Graudins Andis , Anthony Shane
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine patient expectations of antiemetic treatment in the ED.

Methods

Survey of adult ED patients with nausea. Primary outcome: expectation of antiemetic treatment as symptoms being ‘totally gone’, ‘a lot less’, ‘a little less’ and ‘the same’. Secondary outcomes: comparison between expectations and symptom change when expectations were met; general views on indications for treatment, treatment satisfaction and reasons for additional medication use.

Results

Of 176 surveyed, treatment expectation was recorded by 165 (94%). These were: ‘totally gone’, ‘a lot less’ or ‘a little less’ for 60 (36%), 84 (51%) and 21 (13%), respectively. This pre‐treatment nomination, was matched or exceeded by the reported level of symptom reduction at 30 min, for 43/87 (49%, 95% CI: 39–60) whose expectations were met, and 6/33 (18%, 95% CI: 7–35) whose were not. The majority (117/176, 66%) believed treatment should be reserved for moderate or severe nausea; 158/176 (90%) would accept treatment if offered; 130/165 (79%) expected a treatment effect by 30 min. Treatment satisfaction findings were similar to expectations being met. Further drug treatment at 30 min was desired by 29/120 (24%) who received an antiemetic drug. Most were improved, but believed additional drugs might help more. Of the 91 not wanting more treatment, most were improved and thought no more drugs were necessary.

Conclusion

Most patients expected antiemetic treatment to make symptoms at least ‘a lot less’. Most also believe treatment should be reserved for moderate or severe nausea, and should take effect by 30 min.
Towards a best measure of emergency department crowding: Lessons from current Australasian practice
Authors: Jones Peter , Wells Susan , Ameratunga Shanthi
Published: September 2017

Objective

Despite extensive literature, how crowding in EDs should be measured is still debated. The present study aimed to describe crowding metrics used in Australasia, what they were used for, the perceived extent and frequency of crowding and the challenges faced when trying to measure crowding.

Methods

A survey of ED clinical directors was undertaken between December 2014 and July 2015. Free‐text responses were categorised and thematically coded. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and with logistic regression.

Results

There were 113 of 145 responses (78%). Crowding was considered a major problem by 84 of 113 (74%) and not rare by 88 of 111 participants (79%). These constructs were correlated; G = −0.851, P < 0.001. Levels 1–3 EDs were less likely to report crowding as a major problem than Level 4 EDs; odds ratio 0.15 (0.03–0.69), P = 0.02. Sixteen current metrics were identified and categorised into ‘time’, ‘occupancy’ and ‘workload’ metrics. These categories of metric were used differently, and multiple metrics had more uses than single metrics. Previously described complex crowding metrics were infrequently recognised (<20%). Common challenges to measuring crowding were lack of an agreed metric (40%) and lack of buy‐in by inpatient teams or hospital management (35%).

Conclusion

ED crowding remains a common and important problem in Australasia. Crowding is multifaceted, so a single metric might not capture all important elements of crowding or be relevant to all stakeholders. However, a metric like Access Block, which encompasses elements of time, occupancy and workload and is relevant to stakeholders outside the ED, might hold the most promise.
Analysing the Relationship between Oil Prices and Islamic Stock Markets
Authors: Arshad Shaista
Published: September 2017

This study is novel in measuring the volatility and efficiency of Islamic stock markets of top oil‐importing countries. Daily prices of six Islamic stock markets are analysed for volatility using EGARCH and efficiency using Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, over three different economic regimes. The results indicate a concurrent movement of oil price volatility and Islamic stock market volatility, as Islamic stock markets are heavily reliant on the real economy, which faces the effects of oil price changes. Emerging markets faced higher volatility and lower efficiency than developed counterparts, owing to fast‐paced economic and infrastructural growth, affecting the real sector of the economy.
Alcohol and Stress Activation of Microglia and Neurons: Brain Regional Effects
Authors: Walter Thomas Jordan , Vetreno Ryan P. , Crews Fulton T.
Published: September 2017

Background

Cycles of alcohol and stress are hypothesized to contribute to alcohol use disorders. How this occurs is poorly understood, although both alcohol and stress activate the neuroimmune system—the immune molecules and cells that interact with the nervous system. The effects of alcohol and stress on the neuroimmune system are mediated in part by peripheral signaling molecules. Alcohol and stress both enhance immunomodulatory molecules such as corticosterone and endotoxin to impact neuroimmune cells, such as microglia, and may subsequently impact neurons. In this study, we therefore examined the effects of acute and chronic ethanol (EtOH) on the corticosterone, endotoxin, and microglial and neuronal response to acute stress.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were treated intragastrically with acute EtOH and acutely stressed with restraint/water immersion. Another group of rats was treated intragastrically with chronic intermittent EtOH and acutely stressed following prolonged abstinence. Plasma corticosterone and endotoxin were measured, and immunohistochemical stains for the microglial marker CD11b and neuronal activation marker c‐Fos were performed.

Results

Acute EtOH and acute stress interacted to increase plasma endotoxin and microglial CD11b, but not plasma corticosterone or neuronal c‐Fos. Chronic EtOH caused a lasting sensitization of stress‐induced plasma endotoxin, but not plasma corticosterone. Chronic EtOH also caused a lasting sensitization of stress‐induced microglial CD11b, but not neuronal c‐Fos.

Conclusions

These results find acute EtOH combined with acute stress enhanced plasma endotoxin, as well as microglial CD11b in many brain regions. Chronic EtOH followed by acute stress also increased plasma endotoxin and microglial CD11b, suggesting a lasting sensitization to acute stress. Overall, these data suggest alcohol and stress interact to increase plasma endotoxin, resulting in enhanced microglial activation that could contribute to disease progression.
Differences in the impact of prognostic factors for hepatocellular carcinoma over time
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Yama Tsuyoki , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Sone Yasuhiro , Maeda Atsuyuki , Kaneoka Yuji , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko
Published: September 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum markers that reflect tumor progression, liver function, or liver fibrosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on how their impact changes over time after diagnosis. Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP), albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and FIB‐4 index were measured at the time of initial non‐recurrent HCC diagnosis in 1669 patients between 1997 and 2016. Survival rates after diagnosis were compared after stratifying patients by these markers. Time‐dependent receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was carried out to assess how these markers predict patient survival or death. Serum AFP and DCP levels, ALBI score, and APRI and FIB‐4 index were strongly correlated with HCC progression, liver function, and degree of liver fibrosis, respectively. Survival rates after diagnosis were significantly different when patients were stratified by these markers. In the time‐dependent ROC analysis, AFP and DCP had a high prognostic impact within 3 years of diagnosis but the impact decreased thereafter. In contrast, APRI and FIB‐4 index had higher prognostic impact 10 years after diagnosis. ALBI score had a high prognostic impact throughout the study period. Time‐dependent ROC analysis clearly showed changes in the prognostic importance of serum markers based on the duration after diagnosis. Whereas the prognostic impact of tumor progression markers was strong in the short term, liver fibrosis markers had higher prognostic impact long after diagnosis. Liver function had constant prognostic impact on patient survival after diagnosis.
Detection of ABCB5 tumour antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in melanoma patients and implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Borchers S , Maβlo C , Müller C A , Tahedl A , Volkind J , Nowak Y , Umansky V , Esterlechner J , Frank M H , Ganss C , Kluth M A , Utikal J
Published: September 2017

ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 5 (ABCB5) has been identified as a tumour-initiating cell marker and is expressed in various malignancies, including melanoma. Moreover, treatment with anti-ABCB5 monoclonal antibodies has been shown to inhibit tumour growth in xenotransplantation models. Therefore, ABCB5 represents a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. However, cellular immune responses against ABCB5 in humans have not been described so far. Here, we investigated whether ABCB5-reactive T cells are present in human melanoma patients and tested the applicability of ABCB5-derived peptides for experimental induction of human T cell responses. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) isolated from blood samples of melanoma patients (n = 40) were stimulated with ABCB5 peptides, followed by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) for interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. To evaluate immunogenicity of ABCB5 peptides in naive healthy donors, CD8 T cells were co-cultured with ABCB5 antigen-loaded autologous dendritic cells (DC). ABCB5 reactivity in expanded T cells was assessed similarly by ICS. ABCB5-reactive CD8+ T cells were detected ex vivo in 19 of 29 patients, melanoma antigen recognised by T cells (MART-1)-reactive CD8+ T cells in six of 21 patients. In this small, heterogeneous cohort, reactivity against ABCB5 was significantly higher than against MART-1. It occurred significantly more often and independently of clinical characteristics. Reactivity against ABCB5 could be induced in 14 of 16 healthy donors in vitro by repeated stimulation with peptide-loaded autologous DC. As ABCB5-reactive CD8 T cells can be found in the peripheral blood of melanoma patients and an ABCB5-specific response can be induced in vitro in naive donors, ABCB5 could be a new target for immunotherapies in melanoma.
Endocrinopathies with use of cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Villa Natalie M. , Farahmand Abtin , Du Lin , Yeh Michael W. , Smooke‐Praw Stephanie , Ribas Antoni , Chmielowski Bartosz , Cherry Grace , Leung Angela M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Immunomodulatory therapies, including CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 inhibitors, provide a directed attack against cancer cells by preventing T cell deactivation. However, these drugs also prevent the downregulation of auto‐reactive T cells, resulting in immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs). Reports show a varied incidence of endocrine IRAEs, ranging from 0% to 63%.

Objective

To describe the frequency and clinical characteristics of endocrine IRAEs in patients taking cancer immunomodulatory therapies.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients

A total of 388 patients aged ≥18 years who were prescribed ipilimumab, nivolumab and/or pembrolizumab between 2009 and 2016 at our institution.

Measurements

Biochemical criteria were used to define endocrine IRAEs, including thyroid, pituitary, pancreas and adrenal dysfunction, following use of immunomodulatory therapies.

Results

Fifty endocrine IRAEs occurred in our cohort, corresponding to a rate of 12.9%. The most common endocrine IRAEs were thyroid dysfunction (11.1%), with a lower incidence of pituitary dysfunction (1.8% of patients).

Conclusions

Over 12% of patients receiving ipilimumab, nivolumab and/or pembrolizumab in our study sample developed an endocrine IRAE. Patients who undergo treatment with immunomodulatory therapies should be monitored for the development of endocrine IRAEs.
Hypoglycaemia represents a clinically significant manifestation of PIK3CA‐ and CCND2‐associated segmental overgrowth
Authors: McDermott J.H. , Hickson N. , Banerjee I. , Murray P.G. , Ram D. , Metcalfe K. , Clayton‐Smith J. , Douzgou S.
Published: September 2017

The PI3K‐AKT signalling cascade has a highly conserved role in a variety of processes including cell growth and glucose homoeostasis. Variants affecting this pathway can lead to one of several segmental overgrowth disorders. These conditions are genetically heterogeneous and require tailored, multidisciplinary involvement throughout life. Hypoglycaemia is common in other overgrowth syndromes but has been described only sporadically in association with PIK3CA and CCND2 variants. We report a cohort of 6 children with megalencephaly‐capillary malformation (MCAP) and megalencephaly‐polydactyly‐polymicrogyria‐hydrocephalus (MPPH) syndromes who developed clinically significant hypoglycaemia. Based on our findings, we suggest that segmental overgrowth patients should be screened for low blood glucose levels during childhood and there should be early specialist endocrine review in any children who develop hypoglycaemia.
Landowner preferences and conservation prioritization: response to Nielsen et al.
Authors: Eyvindson Kyle , Repo Anna , Burgas Daniel , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: September 2017

Article impact statement: Incorporating landowner preferences in prioritization schemes may not improve conservation efficiency.
Opioid and opioid substitution therapy in liver transplant candidates: A survey of center policies and practices
Authors: Fleming James N. , Lai Jennifer C. , Te Helen S. , Said Adnan , Spengler Erin K. , Rogal Shari S.
Published: September 2017

This national survey sought to determine the practices and policies pertaining to opioid and opioid substitution therapy (OST) use in the selection of liver transplant (LT) candidates. Of 114 centers, 61 (53.5%) responded to the survey, representing 49.2% of the LT volume in 2016. Only two programs considered chronic opioid (1 [1.6%]) or OST use (1 [1.6%]) absolute contraindications to transplant, while 63.9% and 37.7% considered either one a relative contraindication, respectively. The majority of programs did not have a written policy regarding chronic opioid use (73.8%) or OST use (78.7%) in LT candidates. Nearly half (45.9%) of centers agreed that there should be a national consensus policy addressing opioid and OST use. The majority of responding LT centers did not consider opioid or OST use in LT candidates to be absolute contraindications to LT, but there was significant variability in center practices. These surveys also demonstrated a lack of written policies in the assessment of the candidacy of such patients. The results of our survey identify an opportunity to develop a national consensus statement regarding opioid and OST use in LT candidates to bring greater uniformity and equity into the selection of LT candidates.
The legacy of 20th Century landscape change on today's woodland carabid communities
Authors: Neumann Jessica L. , Holloway Graham J. , Hoodless Andrew , Griffiths Geoffrey H.
Published: September 2017

Aim

For many species, the effects of landscape change can involve a time‐lag and result in an extinction debt. The landscape matrix plays a vital role in supporting species populations. However, the importance of the historical composition and configuration of landscape mosaics has received little attention, with studies focusing on the effects of loss and fragmentation of single (focal) habitat over time. We investigated the importance of historical and contemporary landscape heterogeneity (composition and configuration) to identify how landscape change has, and is continuing to have, an effect on current woodland carabid communities.

Location

Lowland Britain.

Methods

Carabids were sampled from woodlands in 36 tetrads of 4 km2. Ordination methods analysed current community response to representations of contemporary and historical (1930s) landscape heterogeneity. The effects of 80 years of landscape change on current carabid assemblages were compared among tetrads.

Results

Results are consistent with an extinction debt; carabid communities correlated significantly with the historical composition and configuration of the landscape, but not contemporary landscape configuration. Community assemblages have been shaped, and many species remain affiliated with landscape conditions that no longer exist, notably, large patches of broadleaf woodland and semi‐natural grassland. Recent introduction of conifer plantations has had a negative effect on the abundance of many woodland species. For many common, slow‐dispersing species, contemporary and historical landscapes offered sub‐optimum woodland coverage indicating a lag effect that exceeds 80 years. Increased arable land cover and loss of semi‐natural grassland and heathland points towards an ongoing detrimental impact on carabid populations.

Main conclusions

Compared with focal‐habitat studies, the landscape mosaic approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of widespread landscape change on species communities. Conservation guidance includes new planting, maintenance and restoration of semi‐natural habitats, implemented across multiple spatial scales and where feasible, considering both historical and contemporary landscape heterogeneity.
The social practice of medical guanxi (personal connections) and patient–physician trust in China: an anthropological and ethical study
Authors: Zou Xiang , Cheng Yu , Nie Jing‐Bao
Published: September 2017

In China's healthcare sector, a popular and socio‐culturally distinctive phenomenon known as guanxi jiuyi (medical guanxi), whereby patients draw on their guanxi (personal connections) with physicians when seeking healthcare, is thriving. Integrating anthropological investigation with normative inquiry, this paper examines medical guanxi through the lens of patient–physician trust and mistrust. The first‐hand empirical data acquired – on the lived experiences and perspectives of both patients and physicians – is based on six months' fieldwork carried out in a county hospital in Guangdong, southern China, which included in‐depth interviews with 20 patients and 20 medical professionals. Patients who emphasized the positive effects of guanxi on patient–physician trust believed that it facilitates access to experienced medical specialists, enhances clinical communication, and reduces the financial and medical risks of over diagnosis and overtreatment by physicians. At the same time, these findings reveal patients' strong sense of mistrust, not only towards individual health professionals but also to the medical profession and China's commercialized healthcare industry. While some health professionals in the study responded favourably to medical guanxi, most were opposed to it on the grounds that it undermines professional standards and equitable healthcare. We found that the practice of medical guanxi is not morally justifiable, chiefly because it reinforces the present high levels of patient–physician mistrust and erodes trust between patients and the medical profession as a whole. In China, both the medical profession and the state need to promote patient–physician trust based on medical professionalism and institutional norms, rather than on guanxi or individual relationships.
A novel method to assess the potential role of sweating abnormalities in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Shimoda‐Komatsu Yurie , Sato Yohei , Yamazaki Yoshimi , Takahashi Ryo , Shiohara Tetsuo
Published: September 2017

Although atopic dry skin is believed to be caused by defects in skin genes important for maintaining skin barrier function, the role of sweat in atopic dermatitis (AD) has been apparently underestimated. Given the great capacity of sweat to maintain and increase skin hydration, defective sweating responses may be a logical place to look for changes that predispose individuals to the disease. We investigated how disease process and sweating defects progress from early asymptomatic stages to the onset of clinically apparent disease by employing the impression mould technique, which allows an accurate quantification of individual sweat gland/duct activity in relation to skin surface topography. Insensible and sensible sweating responses under baseline conditions and after thermal stimulus, respectively, were measured in various stages of AD patients and healthy controls. In controls, under baseline conditions, sweat ducts/glands at the dermal folds secreted basal levels of sweat (insensible sweating), thereby maintaining skin hydration. Not only such insensible sweating but also sensible sweating markedly decreased even in the earliest asymptomatic stage and the decrease was followed by compensatory hyperhidrosis at the ridge: leakage of sweat into the dermis could represent the initial event resulting in the decreased sweating and inflammation. The defects eventually progressed involving all of the ducts/glands to develop systemic dry skin. AD skin is characterized by varying degrees of functional impairment of sweat ducts/glands depending on the stage, and this defect would be among the reasons for the inability of AD patients to maintain skin hydration.
Identifying potential habitat distribution of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) off the eastern coast of Japan in winter
Authors: Igarashi Hiromichi , Saitoh Sei‐Ichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Kamachi Masafumi , Usui Norihisa , Sakai Mitsuo , Imamura Yutaka
Published: September 2017

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were applied to identify the potential habitat distribution of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) off the eastern coast of Japan during winter. We used an ocean reanalysis product, a satellite‐derived dataset, and commercial fisheries data during 2003–2008 to develop the HSI models, and illustrated the characteristics of the ocean environments at the fishing ground of the neon flying squid, focusing on a typical fishing ground formation event in 2006. The estimated HSI fields of the neon flying squid using three‐dimensional (3D) ocean environmental parameters showed a clear relationship between the squid habitat and the edge of a warm core ring south of the Oyashio water; this is considered a key characteristic of fishing ground formation, as noted in Sugimoto and Tameishi (Deep‐Sea Research, 39, 1992 and S183). This result suggests that mixing of the warm and nutrient‐poor Kuroshio water and the cold and nutrient‐rich Oyashio water at the edge of the ring could provide favorable conditions for the foraging of the neon flying squid. The warm water condition in the subsurface layers could be a further advantage to the formation of a stable fishing ground for the neon flying squid. Comparison of the Akaike Information Criteria among a satellite‐data‐based model, a reanalysis‐based model using the same parameters as the satellite‐based model, and a reanalysis‐based model using 3D ocean environmental parameters, showed an apparent improvement in the performance of the reanalysis‐based model using the 3D parameters, reproducing realistic features of the squid fishing ground during the winter of 2006.
Human activities as a driver of spatial variation in the trophic structure of fish communities on Pacific coral reefs
Authors: Ruppert Jonathan L. W. , Vigliola Laurent , Kulbicki Michel , Labrosse Pierre , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Meekan Mark G.
Published: September 2017

Anthropogenic activities such as land‐use change, pollution and fishing impact the trophic structure of coral reef fishes, which can influence ecosystem health and function. Although these impacts may be ubiquitous, they are not consistent across the tropical Pacific Ocean. Using an extensive database of fish biomass sampled using underwater visual transects on coral reefs, we modelled the impact of human activities on food webs at Pacific‐wide and regional (1,000s–10,000s km) scales. We found significantly lower biomass of sharks and carnivores, where there were higher densities of human populations (hereafter referred to as human activity); however, these patterns were not spatially consistent as there were significant differences in the trophic structures of fishes among biogeographic regions. Additionally, we found significant changes in the benthic structure of reef environments, notably a decline in coral cover where there was more human activity. Direct human impacts were the strongest in the upper part of the food web, where we found that in a majority of the Pacific, the biomass of reef sharks and carnivores were significantly and negatively associated with human activity. Finally, although human‐induced stressors varied in strength and significance throughout the coral reef food web across the Pacific, socioeconomic variables explained more variation in reef fish trophic structure than habitat variables in a majority of the biogeographic regions. Notably, economic development (measured as GDP per capita) did not guarantee healthy reef ecosystems (high coral cover and greater fish biomass). Our results indicate that human activities are significantly shaping patterns of trophic structure of reef fishes in a spatially nonuniform manner across the Pacific Ocean, by altering processes that organize communities in both “top‐down” (fishing of predators) and “bottom‐up” (degradation of benthic communities) contexts.
Prioritizing forest fuels treatments based on the probability of high‐severity fire restores adaptive capacity in Sierran forests
Authors: Krofcheck Daniel J. , Hurteau Matthew D. , Scheller Robert M. , Loudermilk E. Louise
Published: September 2017

In frequent fire forests of the western United States, a legacy of fire suppression coupled with increases in fire weather severity have altered fire regimes and vegetation dynamics. When coupled with projected climate change, these conditions have the potential to lead to vegetation type change and altered carbon (C) dynamics. In the Sierra Nevada, fuels reduction approaches that include mechanical thinning followed by regular prescribed fire are one approach to restore the ability of the ecosystem to tolerate episodic fire and still sequester C. Yet, the spatial extent of the area requiring treatment makes widespread treatment implementation unlikely. We sought to determine if a priori knowledge of where uncharacteristic wildfire is most probable could be used to optimize the placement of fuels treatments in a Sierra Nevada watershed. We developed two treatment placement strategies: the naive strategy, based on treating all operationally available area and the optimized strategy, which only treated areas where crown‐killing fires were most probable. We ran forecast simulations using projected climate data through 2,100 to determine how the treatments differed in terms of C sequestration, fire severity, and C emissions relative to a no‐management scenario. We found that in both the short (20 years) and long (100 years) term, both management scenarios increased C stability, reduced burn severity, and consequently emitted less C as a result of wildfires than no‐management. Across all metrics, both scenarios performed the same, but the optimized treatment required significantly less C removal (naive=0.42 Tg C, optimized=0.25 Tg C) to achieve the same treatment efficacy. Given the extent of western forests in need of fire restoration, efficiently allocating treatments is a critical task if we are going to restore adaptive capacity in frequent‐fire forests.
Plants do not suffer greater losses to seed predation towards the tropics
Authors: Chen Si‐Chong , Hemmings Frank A. , Chen Fang , Moles Angela T.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Biotic interactions have traditionally been predicted to be stronger towards the tropics. However, all previous studies about the latitudinal gradient in seed predation were either based on single species or compiled data from studies that used different methods in different ecosystems. Our goal was to provide the first broad‐scale quantification of the latitudinal gradient in seed predation at both cross‐species and within‐species levels.

Location

Twenty‐five sites spanning 28° of latitude on the east coast of Australia.

Methods

Using consistent protocols, we measured pre‐dispersal seed predation for 256 species × site combinations (including a total of 170 species) and post‐dispersal seed removal for 126 species × site combinations (including a total of 91 species), as well as removal of standard rice grains at each site. The relationships between seed predation and latitude were quantified using generalized mixed‐effects models and meta‐analyses.

Results

Contrary to expectations, the proportion of seeds lost to pre‐dispersal seed predation increased with latitude at the cross‐species level and showed no latitudinal trend at the within‐species level. There was no significant relationship between latitude and the proportion of seeds lost to post‐dispersal seed removal, either within species or across species. We found significantly higher removal of standard rice grains at lower latitudes, but this trend reversed if we excluded the four island sites from analysis.

Main conclusions

Seed predation on natural seeds was not higher at lower latitudes. Thus, our study joins a growing body of evidence contrary to the idea that tropical species suffer greater losses to herbivores than do temperate species. The latitudinal gradient in removal rates for standard rice grains suggests that natural seeds from low latitudes may have achieved a similar predation rate to high‐latitudinal species through increased investment in defenses. However, additional data will be necessary to test this hypothesis.
Measuring recall of medical information in non‐English‐speaking people with cancer: A methodology
Authors: Lipson‐Smith Ruby , Hyatt Amelia , Murray Alexandra , Butow Phyllis , Hack Thomas F. , Jefford Michael , Ozolins Uldis , Hale Sandra , Schofield Penelope
Published: September 2017

Background

Many patients who require an interpreter have difficulty remembering information from their medical consultations. Memory aids such as consultation audio‐recordings may be of benefit to these patients. However, there is no established means of measuring patients’ memory of medical information.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a method for eliciting and coding recall of medical information in non‐English‐speaking patients.

Design

This method, called Patient‐Interpreter‐Clinician coding (PICcode), was developed in the context of a phaseIItrial conducted in two outpatient oncology clinics in Melbourne, Australia, and was refined iteratively through consultation with an expert panel and piloting. Between‐coder differences in early versions of the coding system were resolved through discussion and consensus resulting in refinements toPICcode.

Results

The final version ofPICcode involved transcribing, translating and coding of audio‐recorded consultations and semi‐structured interviews (SSI). TheSSIs were designed to elicit patients’ free‐recall of medical information. Every unit of medical information in the consultation was identified and categorized in a coding tree.SSIs were coded to identify the extent to which information was recalled from the consultation.

Discussion

The iterative changes involved in developingPICcode assisted in clarifying precise details of the process and produced a widely applicable coding system.PICcode is the most comprehensively described method of determining the amount of information that patients who use an interpreter recall from their medical consultations.PICcode can be adapted for English‐speaking patients and other healthcare populations.
Prognostic factors and treatment outcomes for patients with Fournier's gangrene: a retrospective study
Authors: Hong Kyung Sook , Yi Hee Jung , Lee Ryung‐Ah , Kim Kwang Ho , Chung Soon Sup
Published: September 2017

Fournier's gangrene is a gas‐forming, necrotising soft tissue infection affecting the perineum. It spreads rapidly along the deep fascial planes and is associated with a high mortality rate. With a growing elderly population with comorbidities, the frequency of severe cases of Fournier's gangrene is expected to increase. We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene at our institution from 2003 to 2014 and analysed data. Thirteen patients had diabetes mellitus, two had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and four were chronic alcoholics. Of 15 patients admitted to an intensive care unit, 11 underwent colostomy, and 4 required skin grafts for wound healing. The wide wounds of two patients were healed using vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC®) dressing without additional surgery. The mortality rate was 25%, and the patients whose Fournier's gangrene severity index (FGSI) score was higher than 9 points or whose blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was higher than 50 mg/dl had a poor prognosis. In order to treat Fournier's gangrene, aggressive surgical treatment, including wide debridement and stoma creation, should be considered as soon as possible to improve survival rates. Additionally, VAC dressing is helpful in healing the wide debridement wound without additional reconstructive surgery.
Low‐firing and temperature stable microwave dielectric ceramics: Ba2LnV3O11 (Ln = Nd, Sm)
Authors: Li Chunchun , Xiang Huaicheng , Xu Minyu , Khaliq Jibran , Chen Junqi , Fang Liang
Published: September 2017

Low‐firing and temperature stable microwave dielectric ceramics of Ba2LnV3O11 (Ln = Nd, Sm) were prepared by solid‐state reaction. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the phase purity, crystal structure, sintering behavior, and microstructure. The XRD patterns indicated that Ba2LnV3O11 (Ln = Nd, Sm) ceramics belong to monoclinic crystal system with P21/c space group in the whole sintering temperature range (800°C ‐900°C). Both ceramics could be well densified at 880°C for 4 hours with relative densities higher than 96%. The Ba2LnV3O11 (Ln = Nd, Sm) samples sintered at 880°C for 4 hours exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties: εr = 12.05, Q × f = 23 010 GHz, τf = −7.7 ppm/°C, and εr = 12.19, Q × f = 27 120 GHz, τf = −16.2 ppm/°C, respectively. Besides, Ba2LnV3O11 (Ln = Nd, Sm) ceramics could be well co‐fired with the silver electrode at 880°C.
Agent‐Based Modeling of Temporal and Spatial Dynamics in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Wu Susie Ruqun , Li Xiaomeng , Apul Defne , Breeze Victoria , Tang Ying , Fan Yi , Chen Jiquan
Published: September 2017

Current aggregate and top‐down approaches in life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) generally fail to account for spatial, temporal, and emergent behavioral dynamics simultaneously during the inventory stage. We discuss the key characteristics captured by complex system approaches (agent‐based modeling [ABM] in particular) in the context of LCSA. It is understood that by integrating ABM, temporal, spatial, and behavioral dynamics can be addressed during the life cycle inventory stage. We propose a general concept to integrate ABM into current building life cycle assessment standards. We then use a hypothetical example of green building development to compare the ABM approach with a predefined static policy model. Simulation results from the agent‐based model confirm that there are temporal and spatial variations caused by behavioral dynamics. The results are integrated into the calculation of temporally dynamic LCSA indicators on an annual basis. Spatially distributed simulation results can also be used in spatially dynamic LCSA.
High‐P tectono‐metamorphic evolution of mylonites from the Variscan basement of the Northern Apennines, Italy
Authors: Lo Pò Deborah , Braga Roberto , Massonne Hans‐Joachim , Molli Giancarlo , Montanini Alessandra , Bargossi Giuseppe M.
Published: September 2017

Strain localization within shear zones may partially erase the rock fabric and the metamorphic assemblage(s) that had developed before the mylonitic event. In poly‐deformed basements, the loss of information on pre‐kinematic phases of mylonites hinders large‐scale correlations based on tectono‐metamorphic data. In this study, devoted to a relict unit of Variscan basement reworked within the nappe stack of the Northern Apennines (Italy), we investigate the possibility to reconstruct a complete pressure (P)–temperature (T)–deformation (D) path of mylonitic micaschist and amphibolite by integrating microstructural analysis, mineral chemistry and thermodynamic modelling. The micaschist is characterized by a mylonitic fabric with fine‐grained K‐white mica and chlorite enveloping mica‐fishes, quartz, and garnet pseudomorphs. Potassic white mica shows Mg‐rich cores and Mg‐poor rims. The amphibolite contains green amphibole+plagioclase+garnet+quartz+ilmenite defining S1 with a superposed mylonitic fabric localized in decimetre‐ to centimetre‐scale shear zones. Garnet is surrounded by an amphibole+plagioclase corona. Phase diagram calculations provide P–T constraints that are linked to the reconstructed metamorphic‐deformational stages. For the first time an early high‐P stage at >11 kbar and 510°C was constrained, followed by a temperature peak at 550–590°C and 9–10 kbar and a retrograde stage (<475°C, <7 kbar), during which ductile shear zones developed. The inferred clockwise P–T–D path was most likely related to crustal thickening by continent‐continent collision during the Variscan orogeny. A comparison of this P–T–D path with those of other Variscan basement occurrences in the Northern Apennines revealed significant differences. Conversely, a correlation between the tectono‐metamorphic evolution of the Variscan basement at Cerreto pass, NE Sardinia and Ligurian Alps was established.