bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Right to Life in Armed Conflict
Authors: Park Ian
Published: April 2018

The controversy surrounding the applicability of the right to life during armed conflict makes it arguably one of the most divisive and topical issues at the junction of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Recent litigation has, among other things, prompted the UK government to signal an intention to derogate from Article 2, ECHR, subject to certain caveats, in future armed conflicts. The litigation pursuant to Article 2 is also set to continue as the UK, and many other States with right to life obligations, will continue to use lethal force overseas; thus the significance of the issue will remain unabated. The scope and application of the right to life in armed conflict not only concerns parties to the ECHR; the predominance of coalition military operations in recent years has necessitated that it is essential for all troop-contributing States to understand the legal limitations of those States bound by the ECHR. It is equally important that the UN, NATO, NGOs, and other governments not directly involved in the armed conflict are aware of any States’ right to life obligations. Notwithstanding this, the applicability of the right to life in armed conflict is yet to be fully considered in academic literature. This book aims to close this lacuna and address the issue of the right to life in armed conflict by identifying and analysing the applicable law, citing recent examples of State practice, and offering concrete proposals to ensure that States comply with their right to life obligations.
Pieces of Earth
Authors: Suhail Peer Ghulam Nabi
Published: April 2018

Resource exploitation in the form of land-grabbing has become a major debate worldwide. Based on extensive field research conducted at the India-Pakistan border, using Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project as a case study, this book on corporate land-grabbing in Kashmir explains how capital is at play in a conflict zone. The author explains how different actors—village elites, government officers, politicians, civil society coalitions, peasants, and the states of India and Pakistan—mobilize support to legitimize their respective claims. It captures how the tensions between developmentalism, environmentalism, and national interest on one hand, and universal rights, national sovereignty, subnational identity, and resistance on the other—facilitate and challenge these corporate resource-grabs simultaneously. The author argues that the patterns and scale of land- and resource-grabbing has led to depeasantization, dispossession, displacement, loss of livelihoods, forced commoditization of the local peasantry, and damages to the local ecology at large. The book thus combines the literature in violence and development and dispossession studies by addressing the socio-political conflict in land- and resource-grabbing in conflict zones.
‘Humane Governance’ as the Moral Responsibility of Rulers in East Asian Confucian Political Philosophy
Authors: Huang Chun-chieh
Published: April 2018

This chapter explores the East Asian Confucian political thought centred on Humane Governance, and their internally imbedded theoretical issues. Humane Governance is a critical core value in East Asian Confucian political thought. It examines the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Confucians’ discourses on Humane Governance, employing analyses of their political thoughts and the theoretical dilemmas embedded therein. It reaches a critical conclusion that Confucian ethic remains largely internal and does not develop clear lines of external accountability. At the same time this ethic is at a personal level very demanding in terms of the concern rulers should display towards the governed.
An Educational Implementation Process Staff Survey: Lessons Learned
Authors: Delmore Barbara , Kent Martha
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the education process for the effective use of the Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale by practicing perioperative staff at an urban tertiary medical center. Given that pressure injury formation is tied to the surgical process, there is a need for a pressure injury risk assessment scale that addresses the uniqueness of the perioperative process.

METHODS:

Participants were staff who worked in the surgical admissions area, the main operating room, and the main postanesthesia care unit. The authors’ facility was 1 of 8 participants in a multisite study. Each site was required to educate staff using standard written instructions and an instructional webinar. However, sites were also encouraged to consider any other methods that would successfully engage the staff in the learning process. After the education process, staff were surveyed and asked to evaluate the educational interventions.

MAIN RESULTS:

Findings indicated that the staff did not prefer written instructions alone but rather preferred a combination of different learning modalities and media to assist them in using the Munro Scale effectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

This article discusses the strategies required to engage staff in the implementation process of this scale, the barriers encountered during this implementation, and the implications for perioperative nursing using this scale. The lessons learned from conducting this research provided insight into engaging and educating the adult learner in a new process.
Economic Conditions During Pregnancy and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Singleton Live Births in the United States, 1990–2013
Authors: Margerison-Zilko Claire E. , Li Yu , Luo Zhehui
Published: April 2018

(Abstracted from Am J Epidemiol 2017;186(10):1131–1139)

Although there exists a plethora of evidence on the adverse adult health effects of negative macroeconomic change, little is known about the effects of macroeconomic change on birth outcomes. This association is inherently difficult to discern, given the lack of state- and time-specific data and the simultaneous effects of economic conditions on fetal health and economic conditions on who is born (ie, selection). Economic conditions prior and during pregnancy may affect women's choices to conceive, declines in fertility, spontaneous pregnancy loss, and elective abortion.
Human versus Robot
Authors: Shillingford Jamal N. , Laratta Joseph L. , Park Paul J. , Lombardi Joseph M. , Tuchman Alexander , Saifi Comron , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: April 2018

Study Design.

Retrospective matched cohort analysis.

Objective.

To compare the accuracy of S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw placement by robotic guidance versus free hand technique.

Summary of Background Data.

Spinopelvic fixation utilizing S2AI screws provides optimal fixation across the lumbosacral junction allowing for solid fusion, especially in long segment fusion constructs. Traditionally, S2AI screw placement has required fluoroscopic guidance for accurate screw placement. Herein, we present the first series comparing a free hand and robotic-guided technique for S2AI screw placement.

Methods.

Sixty-eight consecutive patients who underwent S2AI screw placement by either a free hand or robotic technique between 2015 and 2016 were reviewed. Propensity score-matching was utilized to control for preoperative characteristic imbalances. Screw position and accuracy were evaluated using three-dimensional manipulation of computed tomography scan reconstructions from intraoperative O-arm imaging.

Results.

A total of 51 patients (105 screws) were matched, 28 (59 screws) in the free hand group (FHG) and 23 (46 screws) in the robot group (RG). The mean age in the FHG and RG were 57.9 ± 14.6 years and 61.6 ± 12.0 years (P = 0.342), respectively. The average caudal angle in the sagittal plane was significantly larger in the RG (31.0 ± 10.0° vs. 25.7 ± 8.8°, P = 0.005). There was no difference between the FHG and RG in the horizontal angle, measured in the axial plane using the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) as a reference (41.1 ± 8.1° vs. 42.8 ± 6.6°, P = 0.225), or the S2AI to S1 screw angle (9.4 ± 7.0° vs. 11.3 ± 9.9°, P = 0.256), respectively. There was no difference in the overall accuracy between FHG and RG (94.9% vs. 97.8%, P = 0.630). Additionally, there were no significant intraoperative neurovascular or visceral complications associated with S2AI screw placement.

Conclusion.

Free hand and robotic-guided S2AI screw placement both prove to be safe, accurate, and reliable techniques for achieving spinopelvic fixation.

Level of Evidence: 3
Survival in Very Preterm Infants: An International Comparison of 10 National Neonatal Networks
Authors: Helenius Kjell , Sjörs Gunnar , Shah Prakesh S. , Modi Neena , Reichman Brian , Morisaki Naho , Kusuda Satoshi , Lui Kei , Darlow Brian A. , Bassler Dirk , Håkansson Stellan , Adams Mark , Vento Maximo , Rusconi Franca , Isayama Tetsuya , Lee Shoo K. , Lehtonen Liisa
Published: April 2018

(Abstracted from Pediatrics 2017;140(6); doi: 10.1542/peds.2017–1264)

Current literature demonstrates significant variation in the outcomes and survival rates of preterm infants in different health care settings and countries. The International Network for Evaluating Outcomes of Neonates (iNeo) is a nonprofit partnership consisting of 10 national and regional neonatal networks that seeks to study and improve outcomes of very preterm infants through comparison of care practices.
Independent predictors of survival after traumatic atlanto-occipital dissociation
Authors: Schellenberg Morgan , Inaba Kenji , Cheng Vincent , Bardes James M. , Heindel Patrick , Matsushima Kazuhide , Benjamin Elizabeth , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Atlanto-occipital dissociation (AOD) occurs when the skull base is forcibly separated from the vertebral column. Existing literature on AOD is sparse and risk factors for mortality are unknown. This study determined independent predictors of survival after AOD.

METHODS

Patients who sustained AOD were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2007–2014). Those arriving without signs of life or with missing mortality data were excluded. Study groups were defined as patients who survived to hospital discharge versus patients who died in hospital. Demographics, injury data, interventions, and outcomes were compared between groups using univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of survival.

RESULTS

After applying exclusion criteria, 1,489 patients (<1% of National Trauma Data Bank) were identified. Median age was 37 years (interquartile range [IQR), 20–59 years], and 59% of patients were male. Atlanto-occipital dissociation occurred almost exclusively after blunt mechanisms (97%), most commonly motor vehicle collisions (66%). Median injury severity score (ISS) was 25 (IQR, 10–36), with 22% mortality. Median time to death was 1,358 minutes (IQR, 281–4,451 minutes), approximately 23 hours. Independent predictors of survival were higher Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission (p < 0.001), lower ISS (p = 0.011), lower Abbreviated Injury Scale score for the head (p = 0.001), and the lack of need for exploratory laparotomy (p < 0.001). Time to neurosurgical intervention of the spine was not predictive of survival (p > 0.05). Patients who survived had a median hospital length of stay of 5 days (IQR, 1–14 days) and intensive care unit length of stay of 1 day (IQR, 0–7 days). The most common discharge destination was home (n = 393 [34%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic AOD is not uniformly fatal, with 78% of patients who arrive alive to hospital surviving to discharge. When death occurs, it is typically within the first 23 hours. Lower ISS and higher Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission independently predict survival, while time to neurosurgical intervention does not. Survivors have a short hospital stay and are commonly discharged home. This study suggests that AOD among patients who arrive alive to hospital may not be as devastating as previously considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Progonostic/Epidemiological, level III; Therapeutic, level IV.
Long-term Outcome of Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Male Parkinson Disease Patients
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Yabe Ichiro , Kanno Yukiko , Higuchi Madoka , Ouchi Mifuka , Togo Mio , Moriya Kimihiko , Takahashi Ikuko , Matsushima Masaaki , Sasaki Hidenao , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: April 2018

Objectives

In addition to motor symptoms, bladder dysfunction is a major clinical issue in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Istradefylline is adenosine A2A receptor antagonist approved for PD patients with wearing-off symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effects of istradefylline on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in PD patients.

Methods

We enrolled 14 male PD patients. The mean age of patients was 73 years (61–77 years), the Hoehn-Yahr stage was 2 (2–3), and disease duration was 9 years (3–28 years). The effects of istradefylline (20 mg/d) on LUTSs in PD patients with motor complications after 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy were evaluated based on the International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score before and after its administration.

Results

Motor symptoms significantly improved at 12 months' administration (Movement Disorder Society–sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III: 30.0 ± 12.9 vs 13.8 ± 8.1; P < 0.01). Significant improvements were also observed in the answers provided on urinary questionnaires (International Prostate Symptom Score, 14.4 ± 7.6 vs 8.5 ± 6.8; Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, 6.9 ± 2.8 vs 5.5 ± 3.7; P < 0.05). Nighttime urinary frequency and the percentage of the nocturnal urine volume also improved significantly at 3 months' administration (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Istradefylline effectively improved not only motor symptoms, but also LUTSs in patients with PD.
Endosymbiotic adaptations in three new bacterial species associated with Dictyostelium discoideum: Burkholderia agricolaris sp. nov., Burkholderia hayleyella sp. nov., and Burkholderia bonniea sp. nov
Authors: Brock Debra A. , Hubert Alicia N.M. , Noh Suegene , DiSalvo Susanne , Geist Katherine S. , Haselkorn Tamara , Queller David C. , Strassmann Joan E.
Published: April 2018

Here we name three species of Burkholderia that can defeat the mechanisms by which bacteria are normally excluded from the spores of a soil dwelling eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum, which is predatory on bacteria. They are B. agricolaris sp. nov., B. hayleyella sp. nov., and B. bonniea sp. nov. These new species are widespread across the eastern USA and were isolated as internal symbionts of wild collected D. discoideum. Evidence that they are each a distinct new species comes from their phylogenetic position, carbon usage, reduced cell length, cooler optimal growth temperature, and ability to invade D. discoideum amoebae and remain there for generations.
Circularization of genes and chromosome by CRISPR in human cells
Authors: Devitt Møller Henrik , Lin Lin , Xiang Xi , Petersen Trine Skov , Huang Jinrong , Yang Luhan , Kjeldsen Eigil , Jensen Uffe Birk , Zhang Xiuqing , Liu Xin , Xu Xun , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Church George M. , Bolund Lars , Regenberg Birgitte , Luo Yonglun
Published: April 2018

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) and ring chromosomes are genetic alterations found in humans with genetic disorders and diseases such as cancer. However, there is a lack of genetic engineering tool to recapitulate these features. Here, we report the discovery that delivery of pairs of CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNAs into human cells generate functional eccDNAs and ring chromosomes. We generated a dual-fluorescence eccDNA biosensor system, which allows us to study CRISPR deletion, inversion, and circularization of genes inside cells. Analysis after CRISPR editing at intergenic and genic loci in human embryonic kidney 293T cells and human mammary fibroblasts reveal that CRISPR deleted DNA readily form eccDNA in human cells. DNA in sizes from a few hundred base pairs up to a 47.4 megabase-sized ring chromosome (chr18) can be circularized. Our discoveries advance and expand CRISPR-Cas9 technology applications for genetic engineering, modeling of human diseases, and chromosome engineering.

One Sentence Summary: CRISPR circularization of DNA offers new tools for studying eccDNA biogenesis, function, chromosome engineering, and synthetic biology.
Functional connectivity alterations in Parkinson’s disease during the stop-signal task
Authors: Vriend Chris , Leffa Douglas T. , Trujillo James P. , Gerrits Niels J.H.M. , de Boer Femke E. , Berendse Henk W. , van der Werf Ysbrand D. , van den Heuvel Odile A.
Published: April 2018

Although deficits in response inhibition are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), studies on their neural correlates are relatively scarce. In our previous study, medication-naïve PD patients showed, among others, lower activation of the inhibition-related bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) compared with healthy controls while performing the stop-signal task. Here we report on a follow-up study in the same cohort.

Fourteen medicated PD patients and 16 healthy controls performed the same stop-signal task during MRI; 3.1±1.0 years after our previous study. During that time, all PD patients had started to use dopaminergic medication. We analyzed task-related functional activity and connectivity in the bilateral IFG and anterior insula, brain regions that are important response inhibition. Task-related functional connectivity was analyzed with generalized psychophysiological interaction.

PD patients were significantly slower on response initiation (GO reaction time) and response inhibition (stop-signal reaction time) than healthy controls. There were no between-group differences in functional activity. On the other hand, functional connectivity of the IFG and anterior insula was significantly lower in PD compared with healthy controls. Mainly the inferior parietal lobule and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were less connected with these seed regions.

These results show that early-stage medicated PD patients show lower task-related functional connectivity but not activity of brain regions that are important for response inhibition; the IFG and anterior insula. We tentatively speculate that the use of dopaminergic medication upheld task-related activity but not connectivity.
Stepwise C-Terminal Truncation of Cardiac Troponin T Alters Function at Low and Saturating Ca2+
Authors: Johnson D. , Angus W. , Chalovich J.M.
Published: April 2018

Activation of striated muscle contraction occurs in response to Ca2+binding to troponin C (TnC). The resulting reorganization of troponin repositions tropomyosin on actin and permits activation of myosin catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. It now appears that the levels of activity at both low and saturating Ca2+are modulated by the C-terminal 14 amino acids of cardiac troponin T (TnT). We made a series of mutants of human cardiac troponin T, isoform 2, with deletions from the C-terminal end: Δ4, Δ6, Δ8, Δ10 and Δ14. We measured the effect of these mutations on the normalized ATPase activity at saturating Ca2+, the change in acrylodan tropomyosin fluorescence at low Ca2+, and the degree of Ca2+stimulation of the rate of binding of rigor myosin S1 to pyrene-labeled actin-tropomyosin-troponin. Together, these measurements define the distribution of actin-tropomyosin-troponin among the 3 regulatory states. Results from rates of rigor S1 binding deviated from other measurements when > 8 residues of TnT were deleted. That deviation was due to increased rates of binding of rigor S1 to pyrene-labeled actin with truncated TnT at saturating Ca2+. Such behavior violated a key assumption in the determination of the B state by this method. Nevertheless, all methods show that as residues were removed from the C-terminus of TnT there was approximately a proportional loss of the inactive B state at low Ca2+and an increase in the active M state at saturating Ca2+. Most of the C-terminal 14 residues of human cardiac troponin T are essential for forming the inactive B state at low Ca2+and for limiting the formation of the active M state at saturating Ca2+.
Improved single-molecule localization precision in astigmatism-based 3D superresolution imaging using weighted likelihood estimation
Authors: Bohrer Christopher H. , Yang Xinxing , Lyu Zhixin , Wang Shih-Chin , Xiao Jie
Published: April 2018

Astigmatism-based superresolution microscopy is widely used to determine the position of individual fluorescent emitters in three-dimensions (3D) with subdiffraction-limited resolutions. This point spread function (PSF) engineering technique utilizes a cylindrical lens to modify the shape of the PSF and break its symmetry above and below the focal plane. The resulting asymmetric PSFs at different z-positions for single emitters are fit with an elliptical 2D-Gaussian function to extract the widths along two principle x- and y-axes, which are then compared with a pre-measured calibration function to determine its z-position. While conceptually simple and easy to implement, in practice, distorted PSFs due to an imperfect optical system often compromise the localization precision; and it is laborious to optimize a multi-purpose optical system. Here we present a methodology that is independent of obtaining a perfect PSF and enhances the localization precision along the z-axis. By utilizing multiple calibration images of fluorescent beads at varying z-planes and characterizing experimentally measured background distributions, we numerically approximated the probability of observing a certain signal in a given pixel from a single emitter at a particular z-plane. We then used a weighted maximum likelihood estimator (WLE) to determine the 3D-position of the emitter. We demonstrate that this approach enhances z-axis localization precision in all conditions we tested, in particular when the PSFs deviate from a standard 2D Gaussian model.
Acetyl-CoA promotes glioblastoma cell adhesion and migration through Ca2+–NFAT signaling
Authors: Lee Joyce V. , Berry Corbett T. , Kim Karla , Sen Payel , Kim Taehyong , Carrer Alessandro , Trefely Sophie , Zhao Steven , Fernandez Sully , Barney Lauren E. , Schwartz Alyssa D. , Peyton Shelly R. , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Berger Shelley L. , Freedman Bruce D. , Wellen Kathryn E.
Published: April 2018

The metabolite acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is the required acetyl donor for lysine acetylation and thereby links metabolism, signaling, and epigenetics. Nutrient availability alters acetyl-CoA levels in cancer cells, correlating with changes in global histone acetylation and gene expression. However, the specific molecular mechanisms through which acetyl-CoA production impacts gene expression and its functional roles in promoting malignant phenotypes are poorly understood. Here, using histone H3 Lys27 acetylation (H3K27ac) ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation [ChIP] coupled with next-generation sequencing) with normalization to an exogenous reference genome (ChIP-Rx), we found that changes in acetyl-CoA abundance trigger site-specific regulation of H3K27ac, correlating with gene expression as opposed to uniformly modulating this mark at all genes. Genes involved in integrin signaling and cell adhesion were identified as acetyl-CoA-responsive in glioblastoma cells, and we demonstrate that ATP citrate lyase (ACLY)-dependent acetyl-CoA production promotes cell migration and adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Mechanistically, the transcription factor NFAT1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells 1) was found to mediate acetyl-CoA-dependent gene regulation and cell adhesion. This occurs through modulation of Ca2+ signals, triggering NFAT1 nuclear translocation when acetyl-CoA is abundant. The findings of this study thus establish that acetyl-CoA impacts H3K27ac at specific loci, correlating with gene expression, and that expression of cell adhesion genes are driven by acetyl-CoA in part through activation of Ca2+–NFAT signaling.
E-fulfilment and distribution in omni-channel retailing: a systematic literature review
Authors: Melacini Marco , Perotti Sara , Rasini Monica , Tappia Elena
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Given the progressive growth of e-commerce sales and the rising interest in omni-channel (OC) retailing amongst academics and practitioners, the purpose of this paper is to provide an up-to-date literature review on the logistics involved when moving towards OC retailing. Specifically, we have examined the main issues relating to e-fulfilment and distribution, highlighting how the topic has been developed over time, and identifying the most promising research streams for the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review methodology is adopted. The review is based on 58 papers published from 2002 to 2017 in 34 international journals. The papers were analysed and categorised according to their defining characteristics, methodologies adopted and themes addressed.

Findings

This paper provides an overview of the main issues relating to e-fulfilment and distribution experienced by companies shifting towards OC, mapped along three dimensions: distribution network design, inventory and capacity management, delivery planning and execution. Despite the growing interest in OC retailing, many key topics are still under-represented, including the evolution of retail distribution networks, assortment planning over multiple channels, the logistics role played by stores in the delivery process and the interplay between different logistics aspects.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the main logistics issues in MC and OC retailing, as well as highlights potential fields for further investigation. From a managerial perspective, this paper is useful for retailers adopting an OC approach to guide their future efforts concerning their business logistics model.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: a gateway to sustainable economic development
Authors: Kousar Shazia , Rehman Abdul , Zafar Mahwish , Ali Kamran , Nasir Nadia
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss positive spillovers of this project, especially for Pakistan because the majority of the literature discusses challenges associated with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the available literature to assess the role of CPEC in the sustainable economic development of Pakistan.

Findings

This study indicates that CPEC is an ambitious development project because it needs a larger restructuring of the economy of Pakistan and it will be productive with the successful blend of policy changes and participation of the business community in Pakistan. This project primarily creates a huge amount of foreign direct investment for Pakistan, at the same time, it will also create greater trade opportunities to China by giving access to a new market for its trading goods.

Originality/value

This study established that CPEC will improve the economic growth and trade, enhance regional connectivity, overcome energy crises, develop infrastructure and establish people-to-people contacts in both the countries, which will further help to improve the tourism sector.
Austerity to materialism and brand consciousness: luxury consumption in India
Authors: Sharda Nikita , Bhat Anil Kumar
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of materialism and brand consciousness in determining the luxury consumption among the young Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to measure materialism, brand consciousness, attitude toward luxury brands and purchase intention, pre-established scale items were used to design the self-administered questionnaire. A valid sample of 342 respondents was collected through mall intercepts, in-store intercepts, luxury brands exhibitions and festivals and international airports. The relationship was tested using regression analysis.

Findings

The findings support that the materialism and brand consciousness are positively related to the luxury consumption in India and play an important role in predicting the behavior of the young luxury buyers. The Indian youth is buying expensive luxury brands as symbols of status success and wealth in order to fulfill their materialistic goals. The desire to own and possess the well-known and expensive brand names demonstrates the importance the consumers attach to the social and symbolic value of the luxury brands.

Practical implications

The study reveals that the young Indian luxury buyers choose to buy brands that are most advertised. Creative advertisements enhancing luxury brands’ symbolic and social value can be effective. The study has implications for the international luxury brands, as they are expensive, well known and famous among the global consumers.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the study is the establishment of materialism and brand consciousness as important antecedents in the development of attitude toward luxury brands among the young Indian consumers.
Dynamic ease evaluation for 3D garment design
Authors: Zhang Fangfang , Little Trevor John
Published: April 2018

Purpose

3D garment design technology is developing rapidly thereby creating a need for different approaches to developing the patterns. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the 3D dynamic ease distribution for a 3D garment design.

Design/methodology/approach

Standard garments were created from Size 2 to Size 14 for ten human subjects. Landmarks location on both human body and the standard garment under dynamic postures are recorded, and he fit and comfort evaluation of the standard garment were collected from the ten human subjects. Finally, these data were used to evaluate the 3D dynamic ease distribution for a 3D garment design.

Findings

3D dynamic ease evaluation is challenging and the findings showed that the upper-arm design is a core element of the whole 3D garment design. The upper arm is not only a connecting part for both front and back pieces of the garment, but is also the main active part of the body, so it is the essential element to affect the comfort and fit of the garment under dynamic postures.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel 3D ease evaluation by analyzing the landmarks location of both human body and standard garment, and fit and comfort evaluation of the standard garment, which are all carried under dynamic postures.
Mental health recovery and arts engagement
Authors: Jensen Anita
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Arts and cultural activities have been illustrated to be beneficial for mental health service users. The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of museum visits and engage in arts activities for mental health service users.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 mental health service users in Denmark. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data and theoretical lens of sociological theories of institutional logics was employed to explore the findings.

Findings

These benefits are perceived to include empowerment and meaning in life, which are two of the core principles of recovery; arts engagement can, therefore, be a useful tool in recovery. The findings also show that the experience of visiting a museum was not always positive and depended upon the interaction with the museum educators.

Originality/value

The service users identified arts engagement as creating meaning in life and empowerment, which are two element in the conceptual framework, CHIME (an acronym for: Connectedness, Hope and optimism, Identity, Meaning in life and Empowerment), that describes the human process of recovery. The findings also highlighted that if museums want to engage positively with people with mental health problems and contribute to their recovery then the training of staff and the improvement of institutional approaches to support working with vulnerable people are essential.
Economic growth, disparity, and determinants of female labor force participation
Authors: Kumari Reena
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the themes of relationship between female labor force participation (FLFP) and economic growth, gender disparity in work participation; and to identify the factors which determine females to participate in labor market. The paper uses a framework incorporating a U-shaped relationship between FLFP and economic growth, gender wise wage disparity and economic, social, cultural and other factors which affects FLFP.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematically, the selected literature falls into three main categories: the relationship between FLFP and economic growth; disparity in work participation in terms of male and female wages; and drivers or determinants of FLFP which have been described using international documents and experiences of the different countries. The review closes by identifying gaps in the existing research base and by suggesting areas for inquiry that have been untouched and warrant further research.

Findings

The key findings emerging from this examination of literature show that the FLFP rate exhibits a U-shaped during the process of economic development. Also, there are evidences of gender pay disparity across the sectors which have been justified by documenting a large number of existing literatures. Demographic factors (including fertility, migration, marriages and child care), economic factors (including unemployment, per capita income, non-farm job and infrastructure) and other explanatory variables which include the regulatory context encompassing family and childcare policies, tax regimes, and presence of subsidized health-care for workers determine the FLFP.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that in order to bring equality in gender pay gap, there is a requirement of replacing the traditional value system. There is need to provide an environment in which women are encouraged and supported in their efforts, in which women have equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Social implications

This paper addresses the impact of education, culture and child care subsidies on female labor participation. They positively impact FLFP and such a link has not been sufficiently addressed in prior literature.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies which document a broad-based picture of female work participation, this type of research deals with the link between economic growth and female labor participation, gender wage disparity and determinants of it which has been largely unexplored so far.
An outcome evaluation of Functional Family Therapy for court‐involved youth
Authors: Celinska Katarzyna , Sung Hung‐En , Kim Chunrye , Valdimarsdottir Margret
Published: April 2018

This article presents results of a study on the effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy (FFT), a family intervention designed to prevent delinquency. The sample includes 155 court‐involved youth. This study employs two complementary outcomes: court‐obtained data on recidivism and the clinical data on clients’ psychosocial functioning, the Strengths and Needs Assessment (SNA). Adolescents in the treatment and in the comparison groups experienced statistically significant improvements on the majority of the SNA domains. Although youths in the treatment group improved more, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that youths in FFT had significantly lower odds of recidivism as measured by reconvictions for drug offenses, property offenses and technical violations. The results suggest that FFT was effective in reducing recidivism, however, such reductions cannot be attributed to improvements in the SNA scores.
Naturalgwas: An R package for evaluating genomewide association methods with empirical data
Authors: François Olivier , Caye Kevin
Published: April 2018

Association studies of polygenic traits are notoriously difficult when those studies are conducted at large geographic scales. The difficulty arises as genotype frequencies often vary in geographic space and across distinct environments. Those large‐scale variations are known to yield false positives in standard association testing approaches. Although several methods alleviate this problem, no tools have been proposed to evaluate the power that association tests could achieve for a specific study design and set of genotypes. Our goal here is to present an R program fulfilling this objective, by allowing users to simulate phenotypes from observed genotypes and to estimate upper bounds on achievable power. The simulation model can incorporate realistic features such as population structure and gene‐by‐environment interactions, and the package implements a gold‐standard test that evaluates power using information on confounders. We illustrated the use of the program with example studies based on data for the plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Simulated phenotypes were used to compare the ability of two recent association methods to correctly remove confounding factors, to evaluate power to detect causal variants, and to assess the influence various parameters. For the simulated data, the new tests reached performances close to the gold‐standard test and could be reasonably used with measured phenotypes. Power to detect causal variants was influenced by the number of variants and by the strength of their effect sizes, and specific thresholds were obtained from the simulation study. In conclusion, our program provides guidance on methodological choice of association tests, as well as useful knowledge on test performances in a user‐specific context.
Sequence clustering threshold has little effect on the recovery of microbial community structure
Authors: Botnen Synnøve Smebye , Davey Marie Louise , Halvorsen Rune , Kauserud Håvard
Published: April 2018

Analysis of microbial community structure by multivariate ordination methods, using data obtained by high‐throughput sequencing of amplified markers (i.e., DNA metabarcoding), often requires clustering of DNA sequences into operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Parameters for the clustering procedure tend not to be justified but are set by tradition rather than being based on explicit knowledge. In this study, we explore the extent to which ordination results are affected by variation in parameter settings for the clustering procedure. Amplicon sequence data from nine microbial community studies, representing different sampling designs, spatial scales and ecosystems, were subjected to clustering into OTUs at seven different similarity thresholds (clustering thresholds) ranging from 87% to 99% sequence similarity. The 63 data sets thus obtained were subjected to parallel DCA and GNMDS ordinations. The resulting community structures were highly similar across all clustering thresholds. We explain this pattern by the existence of strong ecological structuring gradients and phylogenetically diverse sets of abundant OTUs that are highly stable across clustering thresholds. Removing low‐abundance, rare OTUs had negligible effects on community patterns. Our results indicate that microbial data sets with a clear gradient structure are highly robust to choice of sequence clustering threshold.
Pain assessment by pupil dilation reflex in response to noxious stimulation in anaesthetized adults
Authors: Wildemeersch D. , Peeters N. , Saldien V. , Vercauteren M. , Hans G.
Published: April 2018

Background

In response to noxious stimulation, pupillary dilation reflex (PDR) occurs even in anaesthetized patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of pupillometry with an automated increasing stimulus intensity to monitor intraoperative opioid administration.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. Induction by propofol anaesthesia was increased progressively until the sedation depth criteria (SeD) were attained. Subsequently, a first dynamic pupil measurement was performed by applying standardized nociceptive stimulation (SNS). A second PDR evaluation was performed when remifentanil reached a target effect‐site concentration. Automated infrared pupillometry was used to determine PDR during nociceptive stimulations generating a unique pupillary pain index (PPI). Vital signs were measured.

Results

After opioid administration, anaesthetized patients required a higher stimulation intensity (57.43 mA vs 32.29 mA, P < .0005). Pupil variation in response to the nociceptive stimulations was significantly reduced after opioid administration (8 mm vs 28 mm, P < .0005). The PPI score decreased after analgesic treatment (8 vs 2, P < .0005), corresponding to a 30% decrease. The elicitation of PDR by nociceptive stimulation was performed without changes in vital signs before (HR 76 vs 74/min, P = .09; SBP 123 vs 113 mm Hg, P = .001) and after opioid administration (HR 63 vs 62/min, P = .4; SBP 98.66 vs 93.77 mm Hg, P = .032).

Conclusions

During propofol anaesthesia, pupillometry with the possibility of low‐intensity standardized noxious stimulation via PPI protocol can be used for PDR assessment in response to remifentanil administration.
Comparative transcriptomics across 14 Drosophila species reveals signatures of longevity
Authors: Ma Siming , Avanesov Andrei S. , Porter Emily , Lee Byung Cheon , Mariotti Marco , Zemskaya Nadezhda , Guigo Roderic , Moskalev Alexey A. , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: April 2018

Lifespan varies dramatically among species, but the biological basis is not well understood. Previous studies in model organisms revealed the importance of nutrient sensing, mTOR, NAD/sirtuins, and insulin/IGF1 signaling in lifespan control. By studying life‐history traits and transcriptomes of 14 Drosophila species differing more than sixfold in lifespan, we explored expression divergence and identified genes and processes that correlate with longevity. These longevity signatures suggested that longer‐lived flies upregulate fatty acid metabolism, downregulate neuronal system development and activin signaling, and alter dynamics of RNA splicing. Interestingly, these gene expression patterns resembled those of flies under dietary restriction and several other lifespan‐extending interventions, although on the individual gene level, there was no significant overlap with genes previously reported to have lifespan‐extension effects. We experimentally tested the lifespan regulation potential of several candidate genes and found no consistent effects, suggesting that individual genes generally do not explain the observed longevity patterns. Instead, it appears that lifespan regulation across species is modulated by complex relationships at the system level represented by global gene expression.
Dietary Iron Fortification Normalizes Fetal Hematology, Hepcidin, and Iron Distribution in a Rat Model of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Huebner Shane M. , Helfrich Kaylee K. , Saini Nipun , Blohowiak Sharon E. , Cheng Adrienne A. , Kling Pamela J. , Smith Susan M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neurodevelopmental disability. Clinical and animal studies show gestational iron deficiency (ID) exacerbates PAE's behavioral and growth deficits. In rat, PAE manifests an inability to establish iron homeostasis, increasing hepcidin (maternal and fetal), and fetal liver iron while decreasing brain iron and promoting anemia. Here, we hypothesize dietary iron fortification during pregnancy may mitigate alcohol's disruption of fetal iron homeostasis.

Methods

Pregnant Long‐Evans rats, fed iron‐sufficient (100 ppm iron) or iron‐fortified (IF; 500 ppm iron) diets, received either 5 g/kg alcohol (PAE) or isocaloric maltodextrin daily on gestational days (GD) 13.5 through 19.5. Maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated on GD20.5.

Results

PAE reduced mean fetal weight (p < 0.001) regardless of maternal iron status, suggesting iron fortification did not improve fetal growth. Both PAE (p < 0.01) and IF (p = 0.035) increased fetal liver iron. In fetal brain, PAE (p = 0.015) affected total (p < 0.001) and nonheme iron (p < 0.001) such that iron fortification normalized (p = 0.99) the alcohol‐mediated reductions in brain iron and nonheme iron. Iron fortification also improved fetal hematologic indices in PAE including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean cell volume (ps<0.001). Iron fortification also normalized hepcidin expression in alcohol‐exposed maternal and fetal liver. Neither diet nor PAE affected transferrin (Tf) and ferritin (FTN) content in fetal liver, nor Tf or transferrin receptor in fetal brain. However, IF‐PAE fetal brains trended to less FTN content (p = 0.074), suggesting greater availability of nonstorage iron. In PAE, hepcidin levels were linearly related to increased liver iron stores and decreased red blood cell count and brain iron.

Conclusions

Maternal oral iron fortification mitigated PAE's disruption of fetal iron homeostasis and improved brain iron content, hematologic indices, and hepcidin production in this rat PAE model. Clinical studies show maternal ID substantially enhances fetal vulnerability to PAE, and our work supports increased maternal dietary iron intake may improve fetal iron status in alcohol‐exposed pregnancies.
Regional Brain Volume Changes in Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals During Short‐Term and Long‐Term Abstinence
Authors: Zou Xiaowei , Durazzo Timothy C. , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Widespread brain atrophy in alcohol‐dependent individuals (ALC) has been consistently documented in pathological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Longitudinal MRI studies have shown that the regional brain volume losses in ALC are partially reversible during abstinence from alcohol. The goal of this study was to determine volume reductions in cortical and subcortical regions functionally important to substance use behavior and their changes during short‐term (1 week to 1 month) and long‐term abstinence (1 to 7 months) from alcohol. The regions of interest (ROIs) were as follows: anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), insula, amygdala, and hippocampus.

Methods

A total of 85 unique ALC were assessed at 1 week (n = 65), 1 month (n = 82), and 7 months (n = 36) of abstinence. In addition, 17 light/nondrinking healthy controls (CON) were assessed at baseline and follow‐up over a 10‐month interval. Regional brain volumes were derived from FreeSurfer. Cross‐sectional statistical analyses using 1‐way analysis of variance or Fisher's exact test were applied to identify group differences. Longitudinal statistical analyses using linear mixed models were applied to identify regional volume increases and nonlinear volume recovery trajectories.

Results

We demonstrated significant regional volume reductions in ACC, DLPFC, and hippocampus. Older age was associated with smaller DLPFC and OFC, and higher average monthly drinking over 1 year prior to study was associated with smaller OFC. We also demonstrated significant volume increases of all ROIs except amygdala in ALC and significant nonlinear volume recovery trajectories of DLPFC, OFC, and insula.

Conclusions

Results showed significant volume reductions in key regions of the executive control, salience, and emotion networks in ALC at entry into treatment and significant volume increases during short‐term and long‐term abstinence that were nonlinear over the entire abstinence period for the DLPFC, OFC, and insula. This gray matter plasticity during alcohol abstinence may have important neurobiological and neurocognitive implications in ALC, and it may contribute to an individual's ability to maintain abstinence from alcohol at different phases.