bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A built environment response to the rising costs of dementia
Authors: Pantzartzis Efthimia , Price Andrew D.F. , Pascale Federica
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to identify costs related to dementia care provision and explore how purpose-built environment investments can help control these costs and improve quality of life and clinical outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a multi-method approach where the findings of a literature review drove the analysis of data obtained from the 115 pilot projects funded by the Department of Health England’s National Dementia Capital Investment Programme.

Findings

Under the UK Government’s new productivity challenge, it is fundamental to identify actions that provide value for money to prioritise policy and practice. This paper identifies healthcare spaces (e.g. bathroom) where the impact of the built environment on healthcare costs are most evident and building elements (e.g. lighting) to which these costs can be directly associated. The paper advocates the development of evidence and decision support tools capable of: linking built environment interventions to the healthcare costs; and helping the healthcare and social care sectors to develop effective and efficient capital investment strategies.

Research Limitations/implications

Further work needs to develop more systematic ways of rationalising proactive and timely built environment interventions capable of mitigating dementia (and older people) care cost escalation.

Originality/value

This research takes an innovative view on capital investment for care environments and suggests that appropriate built environment interventions can have a profound impact on costs associated with dementia care provision.
Intellectual capital performance during financial crises
Authors: Kehelwalatenna Sampath
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine empirically the behaviour of the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on firm performance during financial crises, having observed that there was no prior research carried out to examine whether the theoretically expected sustainable firm performance created by IC holds during a financially unstable situation in the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The Pulic’s value-added intellectual coefficient method is used to measure IC. Firm performance is measured through productivity, profitability and revenue growth. Structural stability tests and dynamic regression models for panel data are used for the data of 191 banking firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange during 2000-2011.

Findings

The paper reveals, contrary to theoretical expectations, that the impact of IC on firm performance is inconsistent during financial crises. This behaviour emerges mainly because of the incapability of human capital, the main component of IC, to create value for the sample firms during financial crises.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are confined to financial crises that existed in the US economy during the period 2000-2011. The findings provide evidence that heterogeneity in the resource base of a firm plays a very minor role in the value creation process during turbulent economic situations. The findings also question the practicality of investing in intangible assets, including IC, during periods of financial crises.

Originality/value

This paper could be the first attempt to evident empirically that the heterogeneity in the resource base of the firm has a very minor role to play in the value creation process when instability exists in the macroeconomic environment.
A pragmatic constructivist approach to accounting practice and research
Authors: Nørreklit Hanne , Raffnsøe-Møller Morten , Mitchell Falconer
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the practice paradigm of pragmatic constructivism.

Design/methodology/approach

Pragmatic constructivism emphasizes the role of the actors in the construction of organized reality. For such construct to function successfully, four dimensions of reality must be integrated in the actor-world relations.

Findings

This includes an examination of pragmatic constructivist theory as an alternative to traditional realism and critical theories of organizational reality. The papers of the special issue include methodological, conceptual and empirical studies to expand the understanding of management accounting in relation to the actors’ construction of functioning organizational practices.

Research limitations/implications

As pragmatic constructivism is a relatively new paradigm, there is a need for further methodological and conceptual development and empirical studies of functioning practices.

Originality/value

In a discipline such as management accounting that can be theoretically polarized between the “realist” scientific mainstream and social constructivist criticism, pragmatic constructivism offers a mediating model in which realism is retained as the pragmatic criteria of success of the organizational actors’ construction.
The traveling researchers’ sisterhood
Authors: Zapata-Sepúlveda Pamela , Stanley Phiona , Ramírez-Pereira Mirliana , Espinoza-Lobos Michelle
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a collaborative (auto)ethnography that has emerged from the meeting of four academic researchers working with and from the heart in various Latin American contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Our “I’s” have mingled with our very varied participations in different themes, latitudes, and disciplines – health, education and psychosocial approaches. We have worked, variously, in both English and Spanish. At the core of this piece are our own biographies, motivations, senses, academic dreams, international contexts, and the injustices and suffering felt in our bodies.

Findings

– We seek to reflect from our experience of traveling as young researchers and as women with Latin souls. Through our stories, we show how crossing cultures as part of our research and work gives us both a privileged position but also the constant stress and questioning that goes beyond the intellectual and appears in our embodied experiences of interculturality.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation of this piece of research is that it is based on personal experiences, that although there may be people who feel identified with these experiences, these are not generalizable or transferable.

Practical implications

– Performative autoethnography is an instance to understand the world like a crisol with different faces; self, social, cultural and methodology, which allows us to understand the world from a holistic perspective.

Social implications

– With this paper, we hope to contribute for other women in academia to see themselves reflected in the experience of moving through a globalized world.

Originality/value

– Through both living in and reflecting on this process, we show how our experiences provide us with new, intercultural “worlds under construction.”
A methodological proposal to benefit from team knowledge
Authors: Perez-Soltero Alonso , Galvez-Leon Humberto , Barcelo-Valenzuela Mario , Sanchez-Schmitz Gerardo
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a methodology to develop an organizational memory to benefit from team knowledge and to make the design of electromechanical devices processes more efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

Different frameworks and methods were analyzed from literature, obtaining key ideas to be included in the methodology developed and considering other approaches to apply in team knowledge about design processes. The research was conducted as a case study in a Mexican small and medium-sized enterprises dedicated to the manufacturing and installation of electromechanical devices where the methodology was implemented.

Findings

A five-stage methodology was developed which consisted of preparation, identification, capture & storage, dissemination & application and finally the evaluation & feedback stage. An implementation of the described processes was carried out, which was materialized into a technological tool that represents the organizational memory where knowledge was captured, organized and disseminated.

Practical implications

This study offers guidelines that can be applied in other organizations where team knowledge on design processes have not been adequately used for company’s improvement. The application of this methodology could be a strategy that enabled team knowledge to store their experience. This knowledge could then be consulted and recovered by the workgroup in an effective manner to solve new problems.

Originality/value

A methodological proposal to develop an organizational memory about team knowledge was developed. To evaluate the impact of the methodology implementation, a variety of indicators were proposed, which were classified as economic, organizational and performance indicators.
How does the employee cross-training lean tool affect the knowledge transfer in product development processes?
Authors: Stanica Stefan , Peydro Jorge
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to study the challenge of transferring knowledge among product development processes of an research and development department and other departments of the organization. To have a more concise focus on this broad field and having a lean perspective, this paper aims to analyse and identify how the cross-training employee lean tool affects the knowledge transfer processes in the previously mentioned departments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper bases its research on a valid theoretical framework which is built to develop an explorative perspective that allows the authors to create and interpret the data collected from the companies through interviews. The paper uses a qualitative perspective by using the expertise of the companies not only to validate and draw conclusions from the studied theoretical framework but also to look beyond it.

Findings

The companies agree that the implementation of the cross-training employee lean tool will have a positive effect on the knowledge transfer processes in the organizations. Other important advantages that are detected are that this lean tool broadens the knowledge and the competences of employees, and that it helps the company to manage the tacit knowledge. However, some unexpected drawbacks such as the lack of metrics for measuring the knowledge transfer and the strictness of this lean tool were also found.

Originality/value

No previous research exists that analyses the effect of cross-training lean tool in knowledge transfer processes. This paper identifies such a gap in the literature and is used as the starting point to motivate the use of this tool to improve knowledge transfer processes due to the positive effects of it.
High‐resolution Radon transforms for improved dipole acoustic imaging
Authors: Li Chao , Yue Wenzheng
Published: August 2016

Imaging using dipole acoustic logging reflections has become a research topic of increasing interest in recent years. Extracting reflections from the whole waveform is both important and extremely difficult because the reflections are obscured by large‐amplitude direct waves. A method of wavefield separation based on high‐resolution Radon transforms has been applied to separate the reflected waves. First, an analysis of the common offset gathers shows that the linear Radon transform can be used to separate the direct and reflected wave fields. However, traditional linear Radon transforms cannot focus the wave event using the least squares method. An improved high‐resolution linear Radon transform is achieved using the principles of maximum entropy and Bayesian methods based on previous studies. The separation method is tested using synthetic data for hard and soft formations, a void model, and a fault model. The high‐resolution Radon transform method is used to process a field dataset and exhibits improved results compared with those of the standard method.
Effect of Cellulose Acetate Beads on Interleukin‐23 Release
Authors: Nishise Shoichi , Abe Yasuhiko , Nomura Eiki , Sato Takeshi , Sasaki Yu , Iwano Daisuke , Yoshizawa Kazuya , Yagi Makoto , Sakuta Kazuhiro , Ueno Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2016

Interleukin (IL)‐23, which is released by activated monocytes and neutrophils, promotes production of high levels of IL‐17 by T‐helper 17 cells. Cellulose acetate (CA) beads are used as carriers for granulocyte and monocyte (GM) adsorptive apheresis using Adacolumn. Contact between blood and CA beads induces cytokine release; however, their inflammatory effects on IL‐23 release are unclear. We aimed to clarify the effect of CA beads on IL‐23 release in vitro. We incubated peripheral blood with and without CA beads and measured IL‐23. Compared to blood samples incubated without CA beads, blood samples incubated with CA beads had significantly decreased amounts of IL‐23. In conclusion, CA beads inhibited IL‐23 release from adsorbed GMs. The biological effects of this decrease in IL‐23 release during GM adsorption to CA beads need further clarification.
Angiopoietin Balance in Septic Shock Patients With Acute Kidney Injury: Effects of Direct Hemoperfusion With Polymyxin B‐Immobilized Fiber
Authors: Ebihara Itaru , Hirayama Kouichi , Nagai Miho , Shiina Eri , Koda Megumi , Gunji Masanobu , Okubo Yuki , Sato Chihiro , Usui Joichi , Yamagata Kunihiro , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: August 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in approximately 50% of patients in septic shock, and mortality from septic AKI is extremely high. Angiopoietin levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular permeability. It was reported that direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column (DHP‐PMX) therapy ameliorates the angiopoietin balance in patients with sepsis. Although dysregulated angiopoietin balance in sepsis has been demonstrated, mechanisms underlying the development of AKI in sepsis have not been identified. We investigated angiopoietin levels in septic patients with/without AKI treated with DHP‐PMX therapy. We used an enzyme‐linked immunoassay to measure serum angiopoietin‐1 and ‐2 levels in 38 septic shock patients treated with DHP‐PMX. The renal function of all patients was normal for less than 3 months. Twenty‐seven of the patients were diagnosed with AKI. The angiopoietin‐1 level of the AKI group was significantly lower than that of the non‐AKI group at the initiation of DHP‐PMX therapy, but there was no significant difference between the two groups at the end of DHP‐PMX therapy. In the AKI group with recovery, the mean angiopoietin‐1 level at the end of DHP‐PMX therapy was significantly elevated compared to the level before DHP‐PMX therapy, and the mean angiopoietin‐2 level at the end of DHP‐PMX therapy was significantly decreased compared to the level before DHP‐PMX therapy. These results suggest that angiopoietins may play a role in the pathogenesis of AKI and that DHP‐PMX therapy may ameliorate the angiopoietin balance in AKI patients with sepsis.
Efficacy and Usefulness of New Single‐Needle Intensive Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis in Active Ulcerative Colitis Patients Without Corticosteroids and Biologics
Authors: Shimazu Keiji , Fukuchi Takumi , Kim Insung , Noguchi Yuki , Iwata Megumi , Koyama Shintaro , Ubukata Satoshi , Tanaka Atsuo
Published: August 2016

Intensive granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) twice weekly is effective and safe for patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC), but the requirement for maintaining two blood access routes is problematic. Here we compared the efficacy and safety of one‐route blood access intensive GMA using a single‐needle (SN) and conventional two‐route blood access intensive GMA using a double‐needle (DN) in patients with active UC not undergoing corticosteroid therapy. Among 80 active UC patients, 38 patients received SN intensive GMA and 42 patients received DN intensive GMA. The clinical remission ratio and mucosal healing ratio at 6 weeks, and the cumulative non‐relapse ratio at 52 weeks did not differ significantly between groups. In addition, no serious or mild adverse effects were observed in SN intensive GMA. SN intensive GMA may be an adequate and novel therapeutic option for active UC as an alternative therapy before using corticosteroids.
B‐cell‐targeted therapy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ochi Hirofumi
Published: August 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune‐mediated disease of the central nervous system. Traditionally, it has been considered to be mediated primarily by T cells, and the contribution of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS has long been debated. However, clinical trial results of B‐cell depletion therapies have established the central role of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS and their contribution to MS disease activity through antibody‐independent pro‐inflammatory function. One of the monoclonal antibodies targeting the B‐cell surface antigen CD20, ocrelizumab, has shown efficacy in both relapsing–remitting and primary progressive MS in phase III clinical trials, whereas the potential role of B cells in compartmentalized central nervous system inflammation that might underlie tissue injury in progressive MS still continues to be debated. Furthermore, the failure of atacicept, which targets the B‐cell survival factors and a proliferation‐inducing ligand, suggests that B cells potentially have a dual role in the pathogenesis of MS, and the role of B cells in MS is highly complex. In the present review, we discuss the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS and review available clinical efficacy data on B‐cell‐targeted therapy in MS.
Efficacy of double‐scope endoscopic submucosal dissection and long‐term outcomes of endoscopic resection for superficial pharyngeal cancer
Authors: Yoshio Toshiyuki , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Omae Masami , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Fujisaki Junko , Sato Yukiko , Sasaki Tohru , Kawabata Kazuyoshi , Igarashi Masahiro
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Owing to increased awareness and use of narrow‐band imaging, there are more opportunities to treat superficial pharyngeal cancer (SPC). The present study aimed to describe the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER) for SPC.

Methods

This study included 166 consecutive SPC in 113 patients treated during 2006 to 2013 at one referral cancer center. In the first period, we treated patients using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), in the second period using conventional ESD (cESD) and in the recent period using double‐scope ESD (dsESD), which involves a second thin endoscope for assistance to produce traction. Median follow‐up period was 30 months.

Results

All lesions were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Complete resection rate of cESD and dsESD procedures was 56.4% and 82.3% (P < 0.01), and local recurrence rate was 2.6% and 0.0%, respectively. Procedure duration was significantly shorter for dsESD than for cESD (P < 0.05). Four cases of recurrent lymph node (LN) metastasis were observed; however, all patients with LN metastases survived to a 48‐month median interval after neck dissection. Risk factors for LN metastasis included subepithelium invasion, tumor thickness >1000 μm, droplet infiltration, and lymphovascular invasion. Overall survival rate after 5 years was 79.5%; no patients died of SPC. Cumulative rate of metachronous SPC after 5 years was 46.5%.

Conclusion

ER for SPC is a feasible and effective treatment, although metachronous SPC occurred frequently. For the technique of ER, dsESD was effective.
Cutaneous malakoplakia masquerading as pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Smith‐Pliego Mariam , Contreras‐Ruiz Jose , Ryan Siobhan , Sibbald R Gary , Hanna Wedad , Roldan‐Marin Rodrigo
Published: August 2016

Cutaneous malakoplakia is a rare infection‐related granulomatous disease frequently associated with immunocompromised states. Foamy macrophages containing basophilic granules, called the Michaelis–Gutman bodies, are pathognomonic. We report a case of cutaneous malakoplakia in a 77‐year‐old male with pyoderma gangrenosum and a 2‐year history of a non‐healing malleolar ulcer treated successfully with cotrimoxazole.
Estimation of Crown Temperature of Winter Wheat and the Effect on Simulation of Frost Tolerance
Authors: Persson T. , Bergjord Olsen A. K. , Nkurunziza L. , Sindhöj E. , Eckersten H.
Published: August 2016

Accurate estimation of winter wheat frost kill in cold‐temperate agricultural regions is limited by lack of data on soil temperature at wheat crown depth, which determines winter survival. We compared the ability of four models of differing complexity to predict observed soil temperature at 2 cm depth during two winter seasons (2013‐14 and 2014‐15) at Ultuna, Sweden, and at 1 cm depth at Ilseng and Ås, Norway. Predicted and observed soil temperature at 2 cm depth was then used in FROSTOL model simulations of the frost tolerance of winter wheat at Ultuna. Compared with the observed soil temperature at 2 cm depth, soil temperature was better predicted by detailed models than simpler models for both seasons at Ultuna. The LT50 (temperature at which 50 % of plants die) predictions from FROSTOL model simulations using input from the most detailed soil temperature model agreed better with LT50 FROSTOL outputs from observed soil temperature than what LT50 FROSTOL predictions using temperature from simpler models did. These results highlight the need for simpler temperature prediction tools to be further improved when used to evaluate winter wheat frost kill.
Generation of Paramoeba perurans clonal cultures using flow cytometry and confirmation of virulence
Authors: Collins C , Hall M , Bruno D , Sokolowska J , Duncan L , Yuecel R , McCarthy U , Fordyce M J , Pert C C , McIntosh R , MacKay Z
Published: August 2016

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) in farmed Atlantic salmon is caused by the amoeba Paramoeba perurans. The recent establishment of in vitro culture techniques for P. perurans has provided a valuable tool for studying the parasite in detail. In this study, flow cytometry was used to generate clonal cultures from single‐sorted amoeba, and these were used to successfully establish AGD in experimental Atlantic salmon. The clonal cultures displayed differences in virulence, based on gill scores. The P. perurans load on gills, determined by qPCR analysis, showed a positive relationship with gill score, and with clonal virulence, indicating that the ability of amoebae to proliferate and/or remain attached on gills may play a role in virulence. Gill scores based on gross signs and histopathological analysis were in agreement. No association between level of gill score and specific gill arch was observed. It was found that for fish with lower gill scores based on histopathological examination, gross examination and qPCR analysis of gills from the same fish were less successful in detecting lesions and amoebae, respectively.
Case definition for clinical and subclinical bacterial kidney disease (BKD) in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salarL.) in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Boerlage A S , Stryhn H , Sanchez J , Hammell K L
Published: August 2016

Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) is considered an important cause of loss in salmon aquaculture in Atlantic Canada. Causative agent ofBKDis the Gram‐positive bacteriaRenibacterium salmoninarum. Infected salmon are often asymptomatic (subclinical infection), and the disease is considered chronic. One of the challenges in quantifying information from farm production and health records is the application of a standardized case definition. Case definitions for farm‐level and cage‐level clinical and subclinicalBKDwere developed using retrospective longitudinal data from aquaculture practices in New Brunswick, Canada, combining (i) industry records of weekly production data including mortalities, (ii) field observations forBKDusing reports of veterinarians and/or fish health technicians, (iii) diagnostic submissions and test results and (iv) treatments used to controlBKD. Case definitions were evaluated using veterinarians’ expert judgements as reference standard. Eighty‐nine and 66% of sites and fish groups, respectively, were associated withBKDat least once. ForBKDpresent (subclinical or clinical), sensitivity and specificity of the case definition were 75–100% varying between event, fish group, site cycle and level (site pen). For clinicalBKD, sensitivities were 29–64% and specificities 91–100%. Industry data can be used to develop sensitive case definitions.
Health and mood among HIV‐positive outpatients attending an ART Clinic of a University Hospital
Authors: Costa Dilar , Mendes Aida , Abreu Wilson
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To evaluate how individuals at different stages of infection with HIV perceive their health status and its association with mood states.

Background

With the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in 1996, the quality of life of people living with HIV has improved. However, the literature emphasises the negative effects of the disease on the mental health of individuals suffering from this condition and the high incidence of depression among infected individuals. Although people diagnosed and living with HIV are overwhelmed by emotions, we found that various emotional manifestations are understudied within this group of patients.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in an outpatient unit of a University Hospital (antiretroviral therapy clinic), with a consecutive sample composed of 152 patients.

Methods

Data were collected through a questionnaire used to assess the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Short Form (36) Health Survey, and the Profile of Mood States scale.

Results and conclusions

The health status negatively affects the role at the emotional and mental health dimensions. The participants showing a worse health condition than in the previous year had higher levels of tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, fatigue/inertia and confusion/bewilderment. The stage of disease and the profile of mood state emerged as independent phenomena.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study indicate that nurses worldwide should be aware of the emotional aspects (negative emotions strongly impact health) related to the subjective perception of a worsening health status, regardless of the stage of the disease.
Emotion stimulus processing in narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Susta Marek , Nemcova Veronika , Bizik Gustav , Sonka Karel
Published: August 2016

Reported brain abnormalities in anatomy and function in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy led to a project based on qualitative electroencephalography examination and analysis in an attempt to find a narcolepsy with cataplexy‐specific brain‐derived pattern, or a sequence of brain locations involved in processing humorous stimuli. Laughter is the trigger of cataplexy in these patients, and the difference between patients and healthy controls during the laughter should therefore be notable. Twenty‐six adult patients (14 male, 12 female) suffering from narcolepsy with cataplexy and 10 healthy controls (five male, five female) were examined. The experiment was performed using a 256‐channel electroencephalogram and then processed using specialized software built according to the scientific research team's specifications. The software utilizes electroencephalographic data recorded during elevated emotional states in participants to calculate the sequence of brain areas involved in emotion processing using non‐linear and linear algorithms. Results show significant differences in activation (pre‐laughter) patterns between the patients with narcolepsy and healthy controls, as well as significant similarities within the patients and the controls. Specifically, gyrus orbitalis, rectus and occipitalis inferior are active in healthy controls, while gyrus paracentralis, cingularis and cuneus are activated solely in the patients in response to humorous audio stimulus. There are qualitative electroencephalographic‐based patterns clearly discriminating between patients with narcolepsy and healthy controls during laughter processing.
Controlling Consensual Sex Among Prisoners
Authors: Borchert Jay W.
Published: August 2016

Despite recent legal advances for LGBT citizens, including the Supreme Court's recognition of a constitutional right to engage in private, consensual, same-sex sex, prisons continue to regulate sex in much the same way they have been doing since the nineteenth century. Nationwide, prisons bar consensual sex among prisoners, and those who violate this policy face severe punishment, including administrative segregation. Interviews with prison officials from twenty-three states uncover beliefs linking consensual sex with violence that places the overall security of the prison at risk. While supporting LGBT rights and the decriminalization of same-sex sex in society, officials insist that prisons are not suited for similar change. This article explains why prison officials have been so committed to this policy and argues that the time has come to reconsider prison regulation of consensual sex.
British Nutrition Foundation Healthy Eating Week 2016
Authors: Ballam R.
Published: August 2016

This article provides an overview of the British Nutrition Foundation's Healthy Eating Week for schools in 2016. Included is a summary of activities undertaken, resources developed, school interaction and the results of the pupil survey. Evaluation of the week is also described, along with details for future plans.
A novel mutation in HSD11B2 causes apparent mineralocorticoid excess in an Omani kindred
Authors: Yau Mabel , Azkawi Hanan Said Al , Haider Shozeb , Khattab Ahmed , Badi Maryam Al , Abdullah Wafa , Senani Aisha Al , Wilson Robert C. , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone , New Maria I.
Published: August 2016

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder causing severe hypertension in childhood due to a deficiency of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2), which is encoded by HSD11B2. Without treatment, chronic hypertension leads to early development of end‐organ damage. Approximately 40 causative mutations in HSD11B2 have been identified in ∼100 AME patients worldwide. We have studied the clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, and molecular genetics in six patients from a consanguineous Omani family with AME. DNA sequence analysis of affected members of this family revealed homozygous c.799A>G mutations within exon 4 of HSD11B2, corresponding to a p.T267A mutation of 11βHSD2. The structural change and predicted consequences owing to the p.T267A mutation have been modeled in silico. We conclude that this novel mutation is responsible for AME in this family.
Osteoporosis treatment: bisphosphonates reign to continue for a few more years, at least?
Authors: Pazianas Michael , Abrahamsen Bo
Published: August 2016

The findings of the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002 marginalized the use of hormone replacement therapy and established bisphosphonates as the first line of treatment for osteoporosis.  Denosumab could be used in selected patients. Although bisphosphonates only maintain the structure of bone complete with any accumulated structural or material faults, their bone selectivity and effectiveness in reducing the risk of fractures, together with their low cost, have left little room for improvement for new antiresorptives. The osteoanabolic teriparatide increases new bone formation, but it is administered for up to 2 years only and the cost remains a consideration. Similar restrictions are expected to apply to an anti‐sclerostin antibody, which could be evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the near future. Cathepsin K–inhibiting antibody could be an alternative if approved; although an antiresorptive, it maintains bone formation, in contrast with bisphosphonates, and can be probably used for long‐term treatment.  Rare adverse effects of bisphosphonates, namely osteonecrosis of the jaws and atypical femoral fractures, have been disproportionally emphasized relative to their benefits/harm ratio. Treatment of osteoporosis is a long process, and many patients will require treatment with more than one type of drug over their lifetime.
Quantifying death, calculating revenge: mathematical justice in Henry Chettle's Tragedy of Hoffman
Authors: Jarrett Joseph
Published: August 2016

In this article, I argue that Chettle's somewhat neglected play, The Tragedy of Hoffman, stands apart from either John Kerrigan's influential account of revenge tragedy as continual escalation, or Linda Woodbridge's more recent account of revenge tragedy as bilateral symmetry. The quantification of death and the concomitant mathematical calculation of an appropriate revenge are made a particularly explicit component of the aesthetic of Hoffman, in which two distinctly Aristotelian models of revenge are permitted to emerge: one relies upon the geometrical proportionality inherent to the concept of distributive justice, and the other relies upon the arithmetical proportionality inherent to the concept of corrective, or rectificatory justice. My contention here is that, by placing these two mathematical models of revenge‐justice into counterpoint, Hoffman manages to interrogate them simultaneously as two separate architectures of justice (each with their own logics and aesthetics, problematics and justifications) but also to question where the boundaries between these models might lie, and how the subjective alteration of those boundaries might effect their social and judicial utility.
Cytologic–histologic concordance in the diagnosis of neoplasia in canine and feline lymph nodes: a retrospective study of 367 cases
Authors: Ku C.‐K. , Kass P. H. , Christopher M. M.
Published: August 2016

Lymph nodes are frequently sampled in dogs and cats for the diagnosis of primary and metastatic neoplasia. We determined the accuracy of cytologic diagnosis in lymph nodes using histology as the gold standard. Lymph node reports (2001–2011) were retrospectively evaluated and diagnoses were categorized as neoplastic or non‐neoplastic. Lymph nodes from 296 dogs and 71 cats included 157 (42.7%) non‐neoplastic lesions, 62 (16.9%) lymphomas and 148 (40.3%) metastatic neoplasms. Cytology had a sensitivity of 66.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 60.0–72.8%], specificity of 91.5% (CI 86.3–95.2%), and accuracy of 77.2% (CI 72.6–81.3%) for neoplasia. Likelihood of malignancy with a positive cytologic diagnosis of neoplasia was 93.0%. High proportions of false‐negative results were found in mesenteric T‐cell lymphoma (22/35, 63%, mainly cats), metastatic sarcoma (8/14, 57%) and metastatic mast cell tumour (15/48, 31%, mainly dogs). Factors contributing to discrepancies included well‐differentiated lymphocyte morphology, focal distribution of metastases and poorly defined criteria for metastatic mast cell tumours.
Legislative Approaches for Regulation of the Bankruptcy: State and Prospects
Authors: Bachvarova Margarita S.
Published: August 2016

The present article is a comprehensive research focused on the issue of legislative approaches for regulation of bankruptcy in individual countries. The occurrence of economic crises and the globalization in international relations put forward the issue of preserving viable enterprises regardless of any financial hardships arisen and any risk of initiating a court procedure of bankruptcy. The establishment of updated legislation is inextricably bound up with the building up of a theoretical concept of insolvency based on the contemporary doctrinal achievements and practice. The comparative legal analysis of regulations shows the efforts put in science for the creation of a common concept and approach to bankruptcy issues. In this relation, the subject of scientific and research interest are the characteristic features of the legal regulations for handling insolvency in individual countries, determined by their belonging to the two main legal systems: the system of common law and the continental legal system (civil law). The scientific thesis in the present study is that regardless of the specific features of the historical and legal regulation of the bankruptcy concept, currently, a process of introducing rehabilitation procedures of the US legislation (Chapter 11 of Bankruptcy Code) into the individual legal systems of a number of countries in Europe is going on. In this sense, a trend is arising of applying a single legislative approach related to the concept of fresh start of conscientious entrepreneurs and an opportunity of sanitation of their enterprises before the initiation of formal judicial proceedings of bankruptcy on the basis of mutual concessions and compromises made by the creditors.
Envelope and intensity based prediction of psychoacoustic masking and speech intelligibility
Authors: Biberger Thomas , Ewert Stephan D.
Published: August 2016

Human auditory perception and speech intelligibility have been successfully described based on the two concepts of spectral masking and amplitude modulation (AM) masking. The power-spectrum model (PSM) [Patterson and Moore (1986). Frequency Selectivity in Hearing, pp. 123–177] accounts for effects of spectral masking and critical bandwidth, while the envelope power-spectrum model (EPSM) [Ewert and Dau (2000). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 108, 1181–1196] has been successfully applied to AM masking and discrimination. Both models extract the long-term (envelope) power to calculate signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Recently, the EPSM has been applied to speech intelligibility (SI) considering the short-term envelope SNR on various time scales (multi-resolution speech-based envelope power-spectrum model; mr-sEPSM) to account for SI in fluctuating noise [Jørgensen, Ewert, and Dau (2013). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 436–446]. Here, a generalized auditory model is suggested combining the classical PSM and the mr-sEPSM to jointly account for psychoacoustics and speech intelligibility. The model was extended to consider the local AM depth in conditions with slowly varying signal levels, and the relative role of long-term and short-term SNR was assessed. The suggested generalized power-spectrum model is shown to account for a large variety of psychoacoustic data and to predict speech intelligibility in various types of background noise.
Increased diuresis, renal vascular reactivity, and blood pressure levels in young rats fed high sodium, moderately high fructose, or their association: a comparative evaluation
Authors: Da Silva Rita de Cássia Vilhena A.F. , de Souza Priscila , da Silva-Santos José Eduardo
Published: August 2016

Excessive intakes of sodium or fructose have been described as risk factors for hypertension. We hypothesized that even a moderately high fructose diet (6% fructose), either alone or in combination with high sodium (4% NaCl), may impair diuresis and renal and systemic vascular reactivity, contributing to the onset of high blood pressure in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed chow containing 4% NaCl (HS), 6% fructose (MHF), or both 4% NaCl and 6% fructose (HSMHF) for 6 weeks and had their diuresis, plasma creatinine, vascular reactivity of perfused kidneys and systemic arterial pressure evaluated. We found no differences in augmented diuresis among animals given HS, MHF, or HSMHF diets. After 6 weeks both the HS and HSMHF groups had increased weight in their left kidneys, but only the HSMHF group showed augmented plasma creatinine. The effects of phenylephrine on renal vascular perfusion pressure were similarly enhanced in kidneys from the HS, MHF, and HSMHF groups, but not on the systemic arterial pressure. Although when evaluated in anesthetized rats, only the HSMHF group presented augmented blood pressure, evaluation in conscious animals revealed that both the MHF and HSMHF diets, but not the HS alone, were able to induce tachycardia and hypertension. In conclusion, a MHF diet containing 6% fructose was enough to render the renal vascular bed hyperreactive to phenylephrine and to induce both hypertension and tachycardia. The combination of 6% fructose with 4% NaCl led to plasma accumulation of creatinine and accelerated the development of tachycardia.
Asexual regeneration and its implications for local bryophyte establishment in a Brazilian tropical rain forest
Authors: Maciel-Silva Adaíses S.
Published: August 2016

Bryophyte spores commonly show ready germination under laboratory conditions and are assumed to be responsible for long-distance dispersal, but their role in plant establishment under field conditions is considered less important overall than asexual vegetative propagation. Local establishment from spores or vegetative propagules have not been extensively examined among tropical bryophyte species, making it difficult to test hypotheses concerning their roles under natural conditions. I examined 11 bryophyte species from two sites in a tropical rain forest in Brazil to investigate the regenerative capacities of detached leaves (vegetative propagules) under laboratory and field conditions. Spore germination and early gametophyte development were also analyzed for the most prolific spore-producing species. Detached leaves, in contrast to spores, promoted the most rapid plant local establishment, and performed similarly under both culture conditions. Most prolific spore-producing species did not necessarily demonstrate the lowest leaf-regeneration rates. Roles of detached leaves in the persistence strategies of bryophyte species from the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest (especially the dioecious mosses Leucoloma serrulatum Brid., Leucobryum clavatum Hampe, and Pyrrhobryum spiniforme (Hedw.) Mitt.) are reported for the first time, and information concerning the production and germination of spores under field conditions likewise contributes to our understanding of the roles of spores in bryophyte establishment.
First-principles study of O2 and Cl2 molecule adsorption on pristine doped boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Deng Zun-Yi , Zhang Jian-Min
Published: August 2016

The adsorption of oxygen (O2) and chlorine (Cl2) on pristine and impurity X atom (X = C, Al, Si, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Ge) doped (10,0) and (6,6) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) has been theoretically studied using first-principles approach based on density functional theory. Comparing with the formation energy, the distance between gas molecule and X atoms, the Bader charge transfer, and the elevation of the dopant atom, we find that the O2 or Cl2 molecule undergoes weakly physical adsorption on the pristine (10,0) and (6,6) BNNTs, and the Al, Si, and Mn atoms are suitable dopants to modify BNNTs to enhance the reactivity of the tube to gas molecules. This work reveals that the sensitivity of BNNT-based chemical gas sensors for O2 and Cl2 can be drastically improved by introducing appropriate dopant, and Al-, Si-, and Mn-doped BNNTs can be used as O2 and Cl2 gas sensor manufacturing raw materials.
Systematic approach to the relativistic Doppler effect based on a test theory
Authors: Choi Yang-Ho
Published: August 2016

Numerous experiments have been carried out to validate the Lorentz transformation or to find possible violations of Lorentz invariance, based on test theories to test special relativity. The test theory of Mansouri and Sexl (MS) provides a general framework for the transformation of inertial frames, presuming a preferred system of reference. Based on the MS framework, this paper systematically approaches the relativistic Doppler effect such that its dependency on transformation coefficients and parameters can be investigated. The Doppler effect is formulated in a complex Euclidean space where time is represented with imaginary numbers. Two formulae of the Doppler effect, which have been derived in an arbitrary transformation within the MS framework, are presented: one between an inertial frame and the preferred one and the other between arbitrary inertial frames. It is shown from the former formulation that the Doppler effect is independent of the synchronization of clocks, which implies that the Doppler-shifted frequency in the absolute synchronization is the same as that in the standard synchronization. The latter formula can allow us to find Doppler shifts without information on the velocities of inertial frames relative to the preferred frame. Exploiting these theoretical results, we examine the transverse and the longitudinal Doppler effects in detail.
Cosmological constant vis-à-vis dynamical vacuum: Bold challenging the ΛCDM
Authors: Solà Joan
Published: August 2016

Next year we will celebrate 100 years of the cosmological term, [Formula: see text], in Einstein’s gravitational field equations, also 50 years since the cosmological constant problem was first formulated by Zeldovich, and almost about two decades of the observational evidence that a nonvanishing, positive, [Formula: see text]-term could be the simplest phenomenological explanation for the observed acceleration of the Universe. This mixed state of affairs already shows that we do no currently understand the theoretical nature of [Formula: see text]. In particular, we are still facing the crucial question whether [Formula: see text] is truly a fundamental constant or a mildly evolving dynamical variable. At this point the matter should be settled once more empirically and, amazingly enough, the wealth of observational data at our disposal can presently shed true light on it. In this short review, I summarize the situation of some of these studies. It turns out that the [Formula: see text]. hypothesis, despite being the simplest, may well not be the most favored one when we put it in hard-fought competition with specific dynamical models of the vacuum energy. Recently, it has been shown that the overall fit to the cosmological observables SNIa+BAO+H(z)+LSS+BBN+CMB do favor the class of “running” vacuum models (RVM’s) — in which [Formula: see text] is a function of the Hubble rate — against the “concordance” [Formula: see text]CDM model. The support is at an unprecedented level of [Formula: see text] and is backed up with Akaike and Bayesian criteria leading to compelling evidence in favor of the RVM option and other related dynamical vacuum models. I also address the implications of this framework on the possible time evolution of the fundamental constants of Nature.
Rare B-meson decays at the crossroads
Authors: Ali Ahmed
Published: August 2016

Experimental era of rare [Formula: see text]-decays started with the measurement of [Formula: see text] by CLEO in 1993, followed by the measurement of the inclusive decay [Formula: see text] in 1995, which serves as the standard candle in this field. The frontier has moved in the meanwhile to the experiments at the LHC, in particular, LHCb, with the decay [Formula: see text] at about 1 part in 10[Formula: see text] being the smallest branching fraction measured so far. Experimental precision achieved in this area has put the standard model to unprecedented stringent tests and more are in the offing in the near future. I review some key measurements in radiative, semileptonic and leptonic rare [Formula: see text]-decays, contrast them with their estimates in the SM, and focus on several mismatches reported recently. They are too numerous to be ignored, yet, standing alone, none of them is significant enough to warrant the breakdown of the SM. Rare [Formula: see text]-decays find themselves at the crossroads, possibly pointing to new horizons, but quite likely requiring an improved theoretical description in the context of the SM. An independent precision experiment such as Belle II may help greatly in clearing some of the current experimental issues.