bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The disclosure of environmental conservation costs and its relation to eco-efficiency
Authors: Yook Keun-Hyo , Song Hakjoon , Patten Dennis M. , Kim Il-Woon
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the amount of costs disclosed as relating to environmental controls is associated with environmental performance in terms of carbon-based eco-efficiency, and whether any relation supports voluntary disclosure theory or legitimacy theory arguments. Further, this paper attempts to determine whether the relations differ across the initial Kyoto Protocol period.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the focus was on Japanese firms over the period from 2002 to 2012. Disclosed environmental control costs (capital expenditures and operating costs) were identified and eco-efficiency measures based on carbon emissions were calculated. Relations were tested for using regression models controlling for other potential impact factors.

Findings

This study’s results indicate a negative relation between disclosed levels of environmental control costs and eco-efficiency performance measures, and, for two of our three eco-efficiency metrics, this is more pronounced over the Kyoto Protocol period.

Research limitations/implications

These results support a legitimacy theory (as opposed to voluntary disclosure theory) explanation for the relation between the levels of disclosed environmental control costs and carbon-based eco-efficiency.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore how flexibility in cost classification may be used by companies to foster a disclosure strategy.
A new strategic role for purchasing: business partner for value(s) creation
Authors: de Hemmer Gudme Olaf
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to question a new strategic role for purchasers.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparing current hot topics in purchasing with the application of system modeling/value thinking to the purchasing department of a company.

Findings

A new vision of the roles of purchasers arises as creating value(s) for internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Originality/value

The application of system modeling/value management leads to a renewed vision of the company and the purchasers roles.
Framing outcomes of post-diagnostic psychosocial interventions in dementia: the Adaptation-Coping Model and adjusting to change
Authors: Brooker Dawn , Dröes Rose-Marie , Evans Shirley
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Adaptation-Coping Model developed by Dröes in the Netherlands to frame the process of optimal adjustment for people diagnosed with dementia. This model is not well-known in English-speaking countries, but appears to have much to offer practitioners and researchers. As part of a large EU research project (MeetingDem) the authors translated and utilised this model in piloting the Dutch Meeting Centre Support Programme in the UK. This is a local community place-based approach to post-diagnostic psychosocial support. It is aimed at people diagnosed with dementia alongside their families and has proven benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The Adaptation-Coping Model underpins the support provided by the Meeting Centre Programme. The model and its translation into the UK context are described. Focus groups were undertaken with people living with dementia (n=9) and family carers (n=6) at the UK Meeting Centre pilot. Examples from these focus groups are provided in order to illustrate different aspects of the model.

Findings

The translated Adaptation-Coping (adjusting to change) Model provides a way for service users (people with dementia and families) to conceptualise their journey with dementia post-diagnosis, and potentially provides service providers and researchers with aims for treatment and support.

Research limitations/implications

These are initial observations based on a UK pilot service.

Originality/value

Ways of conceptualising psychosocial support for people living with dementia often do not get translated between countries. This model has been successfully utilised within the Netherlands for many years. This paper highlights the opportunity to build on this in English-speaking countries.
Advance Decisions: issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy
Authors: Wilkinson Sue
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce Advance Decisions, address low uptake and examine fundamental issues that can inform the development of policy and practice in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses findings from a research project with the charity Compassion in Dying (analysing calls to its telephone helpline) and practical experience of working with the charity Advance Decisions Assistance (helping people write Advance Decisions and training healthcare professionals).

Findings

Older people themselves identify the issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy as key challenges in writing Advance Decisions and having them respected.

Originality/value

This paper shows how addressing the “real world” challenges of advance decision making can inform policy and practice.
A Parametric Approach to Estimating Eco‐Efficiency
Authors: Orea Luis , Wall Alan
Published: February 2017

The concept of eco‐efficiency is becoming increasingly popular as a tool to capture economic and environmental aspects of agricultural production. The literature to date has exclusively used the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to measure producers’ eco‐efficiency. We show that it can also be estimated using a Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) approach. Our approach not only allows controlling for random noise in the data but also permits an analysis of the potential substitutability between environmental pressures. We provide an empirical application of our model to data on a sample of Spanish dairy farms.
Abrasion Collar Around Shrapnel Entry Wound
Authors: Gujaral Pootheril Balan , Ajay Balachandran
Published: February 2017

Abrasion collar is usually described as a feature of bullet entry wounds caused by friction and indentation. The present case is that of the peculiar entry wound caused by a piece of flying shrapnel which was ejected from a furnace in a steel plant. The scrap metal which exploded in the plant was sourced from the West Asia region. The entry wound on the chest was circular and had an abrasion collar around it. The projectile was a cylindrical object of obscure origin. The forensic science laboratory put forth the possibility that the projectile was a component of an artillery fuze. A decades old study which employed high‐speed photography has rejected the possibility that abrasion collars are produced by friction. High‐velocity projectiles other than bullets can also produce abrasion collars as the rubbing of the bullet against the skin or its rotation are not the causative mechanisms.
Treatment outcome of craniopharyngioma: 18‐Year experience at a Hong Kong regional neurosurgical centre
Authors: Chan David Yuen‐Chung , Cheng Yue , Lee Michael Wing‐Yan , Pang Vincent Kai‐Yuen , Wong Chi‐Keung
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of craniopharyngioma at a neurosurgery centre in Hong Kong over an 18‐year period.

Patients and Methods

The study design was a retrospective review of patients with craniopharyngioma. Clinical records of all patients with histologically‐confirmed craniopharyngioma during the period from January 1998 to December 2015 at a neurosurgery centre in Hong Kong were reviewed. Outcome measures included recurrence, morbidities and mortalities.

Results

From January 1998 to December 2015, 13 patients with histologically‐diagnosed craniopharyngioma were identified. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 75 per cent (9/12) of primary craniopharyngiomas; a total of 25 per cent (3/12) had recurrence requiring reoperation, which was comparable to the 24.5 per cent reported in the literature. Morbidities included visual field defect (16.7 per cent), visual acuity deficit (8.3 per cent) and endocrinopathy (83.3 per cent). All patients with adjuvant radiotherapy in the present study had no tumour recurrence or progression. There was no perioperative mortality.

Conclusion

The treatment outcome of craniopharyngioma at a regional neurosurgical centre in Hong Kong had a recurrence rate comparable to the international standard. Consistent with other reported studies, postoperative morbidities are high with GTR. Further large‐scale, randomized, controlled trials are needed to demonstrate a superior long‐term outcome from a more conservative approach.
Scar outcomes in dermatological surgery
Authors: Kim Burcu , Sgarioto Melissa , Hewitt Daniel , Paver Robert , Norman Julia , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo
Published: February 2017

Background/Objectives

Significant functional impairment and psychological burden may result from poor scar quality and its impact on patient's quality of life has been well‐established. It is important to identify measures to reduce the risk of surgical complications.

Method

212 patients undergoing dermatological surgery were recruited from March 2011 to February 2014. Their age, sex, surgical site, closure type, defect size (length and width), scar length, number of deep sutures, suture type and size were recorded. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months for complications including abscess formation, granuloma formation, scar spreading, suture spitting and hypertrophic scar formation.

Results

At 6 weeks complications included suture spitting (14%), granuloma (11%), scar spreading (7%), hypertrophic scarring (3%) and abscess formation (1%), and at 6 months; scar spreading (17%), hypertrophic scarring (2%) and suture spitting (1%). In our multivariate analysis there were no predictors for spreading or spitting at 6 weeks, and only the defect size width was a predictor for granulomas in the stepwise analysis. For scar spreading at 6 months, younger age, site (trunk or limbs), higher number of deep sutures and surgeon were independent predictors (P < 0.0001 for the model).

Conclusion

Complications following dermatological surgery are low and tend to resolve with time, except for scar spreading. The surgeon who experienced more complications was placing sutures more superficially to the skin surface and was throwing more knots per closure; factors that we did not record in our study and merit further study.
A voxel‐based diffusion tensor imaging study in unipolar and bipolar depression
Authors: Repple Jonathan , Meinert Susanne , Grotegerd Dominik , Kugel Harald , Redlich Ronny , Dohm Katharina , Zaremba Dario , Opel Nils , Buerger Christian , Förster Katharina , Nick Theresa , Arolt Volker , Heindel Walter , Deppe Michael , Dannlowski Udo
Published: February 2017

Objective

The absence of neurobiological diagnostic markers of bipolar disorder (BD) leads to its frequent misdiagnosis as unipolar depression (UD). We investigated if changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) could help to differentiate BD from UD in the state of depression.

Methods

Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) we employed a voxel‐based analysis approach to examine fractional anisotropy (FA) in 86 patients experiencing an acute major depressive episode according to DSM‐IV (N=39 BD, mean age 39.2 years; N=43 UD, mean age 39.0 years), and 42 healthy controls (HC, mean age 36.1 years). The groups did not differ in sex, age or total education time. FA was investigated in white matter (FA >.2) and hypothesis‐driven anatomically defined tracts (region‐of‐interest [ROI] analysis). Additionally, an exploratory gray matter FA analysis was performed.

Results

White matter analysis showed decreased FA in the right corticospinal tract in UD vs HC and in the right corticospinal tract/superior longitudinal fascicle in BD vs HC and also in BD vs UD. ROI analysis revealed decreased FA in BD vs UD in the corpus callosum and in the cingulum. Gray matter exploratory analysis revealed decreased FA in the left middle frontal gyrus and in the right inferior frontal gyrus in UD vs HC, and in the left superior medial gyrus in BD vs HC.

Conclusion

This is one of very few studies directly showing differences in FA between BD and UD. Gray matter FA changes in prefrontal areas might be precursors for future prefrontal gray matter abnormalities in these disorders.
WAGE DISPARITY, TEAM PERFORMANCE, AND THE 2005 NHL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Authors: Depken Craig A. , Lureman Jeff
Published: February 2017

This paper provides an empirical analysis of salary disparity and team performance in the National Hockey League during the first decade of the twenty‐first century. We find that the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) reduced average salaries immediately after it was introduced but did not change the trajectory of average salaries nor did it alter the salary disparity on the average team. Salary disparity harms overall team performance primarily through reduced defensive performance and this relationship was not altered by the 2005 CBA. (JEL J31, J42, L83)
It's about time: revisiting temporal processing deficits in dyslexia
Authors: Casini Laurence , Pech‐Georgel Catherine , Ziegler Johannes C.
Published: February 2017

Temporal processing in French children with dyslexia was evaluated in three tasks: a word identification task requiring implicit temporal processing, and two explicit temporal bisection tasks, one in the auditory and one in the visual modality. Normally developing children matched on chronological age and reading level served as a control group. Children with dyslexia exhibited robust deficits in temporal tasks whether they were explicit or implicit and whether they involved the auditory or the visual modality. First, they presented larger perceptual variability when performing temporal tasks, whereas they showed no such difficulties when performing the same task on a non‐temporal dimension (intensity). This dissociation suggests that their difficulties were specific to temporal processing and could not be attributed to lapses of attention, reduced alertness, faulty anchoring, or overall noisy processing. In the framework of cognitive models of time perception, these data point to a dysfunction of the ‘internal clock’ of dyslexic children. These results are broadly compatible with the recent temporal sampling theory of dyslexia.
Detection of early radiotherapy‐induced changes in intrinsic myocardial contractility by ultrasound tissue characterization in patients with early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Tuohinen Suvi Sirkku , Skyttä Tanja , Huhtala Heini , Virtanen Vesa , Virtanen Marko , Kellokumpu‐Lehtinen Pirkko‐Liisa , Raatikainen Pekka
Published: February 2017

Background

Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are major late complications after radiotherapy (RT) in the thoracic region. Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is a noninvasive method for the identification of myocardial changes. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess whether the analysis of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) can detect early RT‐induced myocardial alterations.

Methods

Seventy‐three eligible patients with early‐stage breast cancer were evaluated before and immediately after adjuvant RT. Twenty and 53 patients had right‐sided and left‐sided breast cancer, respectively. None of the patients received chemotherapy. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination included three‐dimensional (3D) measurements and UTC analysis of the left ventricular (LV) septum and posterior wall.

Results

RT reduced CVIBS in a dose‐dependent manner. The mean heart radiation dose over two gray (Gy) reduced the septal CVIBS from 12.0±3.4 to 9.6±2.5 dB (P<.001) and the posterior wall CVIBS from 12.8±2.7 to 11.3±2.4 dB (P=.007). The CVIBS remained unchanged when the mean heart RT dose was below 2 Gy. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association with a change in septal CVIBS and the use of aromatase inhibitor (β=2.986, P=.001) and body mass index (β=−0.241, P=.014). The posterior values were worse with higher mean lung dose (β=‐.485, P=.018) and with nonsmoking status (β=−2.411, P=.009). Echocardiography parameters showed increased myocardial mass but conventional measurements of the LV systolic function remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Cyclic variation of integrated backscatter analysis seems to be a sensitive method to detect early RT‐induced myocardial changes. Hence, it may be useful in screening of patients needing closer follow‐up.
Two‐dimensional strain echocardiography technology for evaluation of myocardial strain in swimming athletes after high‐intensity exercise
Authors: Liang Chen , Ma Yun , Gao Can , Zhang Jianhong , Yang Min , Chen Gen , Fu Shan , Zhu Tiangang
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the change in myocardial strain in swimming athletes before and after high‐intensity exercise using two‐dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) technology.

Methods

To assess whether the local and overall myocardial function and myocardial injury are accurately measured using 2DSE technology, 15 swimming athletes were selected as research objects. We applied 2DSE technology to track the 2D ultrasound images of the apical four chambers, the apical two chambers, and the apical long axis before and after high‐intensity, increasing‐load exercise. We recorded indices such as the left ventricular global strain (GS) and the left ventricular segmental wall longitudinal peak systolic strain (PS) in 18 systoles and analyzed the myocardial strain change before and after exercise.

Results

After high‐intensity exercise, the overall myocardial strain decreased, especially the strain of the posterior wall, posterior divider, lateral wall, lower wall, and the basal and middle segments of the anterior wall. The influence of exercise on myocardial strain was greater on the basal and middle segments than on the apical segment. One‐time intensive exercise negatively affected the myocardial muscle.

Conclusion

Myocardial muscles in the apical segment and the myocardial wall were more sensitive to intensive exercise. The 2DSE technology can precisely position the motion‐sensitive areas and help locate myocardial injury.
Mitral systolic velocity at peak exercise predicts impaired exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Masada Kenji , Hidaka Takayuki , Harada Yu , Kinoshita Mirai , Itakura Kiho , Higashi Akifumi , Utsunomiya Hiroto , Kihara Yasuki
Published: February 2017

Background

Nearly half of patients with heart failure have normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but their prognosis is no better than those with reduced LVEF. Although peak oxygen consumption (VO2) is an independent predictor of mortality in heart failure, it is unclear how cardiac function during exercise contributes to peak VO2. Therefore, we explored the useful parameters measured by exercise stress echocardiography to predict peak VO2 in patients with heart failure with preserved LVEF (HFpEF).

Methods and Results

We assessed 80 patients being investigated for effort intolerance or dyspnea and finally analyzed 50 patients who satisfied the HFpEF criteria. Mean peak VO2 was 16.4±2.8 mL/kg/min. Twenty‐three patients (46.0%) achieved a peak VO2 <16.0 mL/kg/min (Weber class C or D). There was a significant relationship between mitral systolic velocity (S′) and cardiac output (CO) at rest (R=.55, P<.0001) and peak exercise (R=.64, P<.0001). The absolute increase in S′ from rest to peak exercise also correlated with the absolute increase in CO (R=.32, P=.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that S′ at peak exercise independently predicted peak VO2. Receiver‐operator characteristic curve analysis identified that an S′ at peak exercise of ≤8.13 cm/s predicted a peak VO2 <16.0 mL/kg/min (sensitivity 95.7%, specificity 44.4%, area under curve 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55‐0.84, P=.004).

Conclusions

Mitral systolic velocity at peak exercise accurately reflects peak VO2 and may facilitate stratification of risk in patients with HFpEF.
CarboScen: a tool to estimate carbon implications of land‐use scenarios
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Kanninen Markku , Alam Syed Ashraful , Mäkinen Antti , Poeplau Christopher
Published: February 2017

Land use directly impacts ecosystem carbon and indirectly influences atmospheric carbon. Computing ecosystem carbon for an area experiencing changes in land use is not trivial, as carbon densities change slowly after land‐use changes. We developed a tool, CarboScen, to estimate ecosystem carbon in landscapes. It is a simple tool typically used with an annual time step, and is based on carbon pools and densities. It assumes that carbon density asymptotically approaches a value, which is set for the land‐use type in question. We recommend CarboScen for landscapes with spatially relatively homogenous soils and climate, multiple land uses, and changes between these leading to slow changes in carbon densities because either soil organic carbon is included in the analysis or afforestation occurs. Thanks to its simplicity, it is particularly suitable for participatory planning, rapid assessment of REDD+ project potential, and educational use.
Smoking does not influence disability accumulation in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Javizian O. , Metz L. M. , Deighton S. , Koch M. W.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

The modifiable risk factor cigarette smoking has been associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and with disease activity in relapsing−remitting MS. However, less is known about the effect of smoking on disease progression in progressive MS. Here the association between cigarette smoking and disability accumulation in primary progressive MS (PPMS) is investigated.

Methods

Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard modelling were used to investigate the influence of cigarette smoking on the risk of reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4 and 6 as well as the time from EDSS 4 to 6 in patients with PPMS.

Results

In all, 416 patients with PPMS and available smoking history were identified. Median time to EDSS 4 was 4 years in ever‐smokers and 5 years in never‐smokers (P = 0.27), and it was 9 years to EDSS 6 in both ever‐smokers and never‐smokers (P = 0.48). Smokers were not at increased risk of faster progression to EDSS 4, 6 and from EDSS 4 to 6. Age at disease onset was the strongest risk factor for progression to EDSS 4, 6 and from EDSS 4 to 6.

Conclusions

Our investigation of a large and well‐characterized population based PPMS cohort suggests that cigarette smoking does not influence disability accumulation in PPMS. Our findings support the idea that PPMS is driven by different underlying pathomechanisms than relapsing−remitting MS.
The structure of nursing: a national examination of titles and practice profiles
Authors: Gardner G. , Duffield C. , Doubrovsky A. , Bui U.T. , Adams M.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To identify the practice patterns of the Australian registered nurse workforce according to position title and to map these disparate titles across all jurisdictions of the country.

Introduction

Effective nursing workforce planning can contribute to improved patient care and increased effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare systems.

Background

The prevailing approach to nursing workforce planning focuses on number of nursing staff needed in relation to the number of patients. The level of expertise and skill mix of registered nurses as a variable in workforce planning is rarely considered.

Methods

A national cross‐sectional electronic survey of registered nurses in Australia was conducted using the validated Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool developed from the Strong Model of Advanced Practice. The study involved a sample of 5599 registered nurses.

Results

Sixty‐six nursing position titles nationally were mapped using cluster analysis technique and gave rise to seven clusters of equivalent Australian jurisdictional nursing position titles and practice profiles.

Discussion

Effective workforce policy and planning is reliant upon access to reliable evidence. This research is an international first in that it has provided comprehensive knowledge of the clinical level and practice profiles of a national nursing workforce.

Implications for nursing policy

Effective, patient‐centred workforce planning must consider both the numerical and expertise mix of a nursing workforce. This research provides Australian health service and policy planners with evidence‐base knowledge of the nursing workforce. Internationally, this research establishes a platform from which to develop validated tools and established processes to support replication of this research.
How to institute the low‐FODMAP diet
Authors: Barrett Jacqueline S
Published: February 2017

A diet low in poorly absorbed, fermentable, short chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) is an effective strategy to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The diet has gained traction since its original description in Australia 10 years ago and is now an internationally accepted dietary management strategy for IBS. Randomized controlled trials have raised the profile of the low‐FODMAP diet to become a viable first‐line therapy for IBS, when implemented under a dietitian's guidance. Importantly, the diagnosis of IBS should be confirmed before commencement of the dietary approach. The skill set of the dietitian is then paramount to the success of the diet. Experience in gastrointestinal disorder management, consideration of symptom types, severity, baseline FODMAP intake, and overall nutritional content and meal pattern are vital in the assessment of the patient. If a strict low‐FODMAP diet is deemed necessary, it should only be for an initial period of 4 to 6 weeks. Research suggests that a strict long‐term, low‐FODMAP diet may negatively impact intestinal microbiome. After the initial strict period, follow up with the dietitian should be conducted to achieve the overall goal—a relaxed FODMAP restriction that enables inclusion of prebiotic FODMAPs while still maintaining symptom relief. The diet will be effective in the vast majority of patients. For those in which it fails, FODMAPs should be reintroduced to the diet, and other dietary (or non‐dietary) approaches should be considered.
Who should deliver the low FODMAP diet and what educational methods are optimal: a review
Authors: O'Keeffe Majella , Lomer Miranda CE
Published: February 2017

Dietary management is being hailed as an effective strategy for the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Specifically, a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) has demonstrated efficacy in approximately 70% of patients. As evidence in support of the low FODMAP diet continues to emerge, there is increasing debate regarding implementation of the diet particularly concerning who should educate patients and how to educate them. Registered dieticians have largely pioneered the evidence that supports the effectiveness of the low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome, and the diet is recognized as a dietician‐led therapy. However, there is an increasing trend for non‐dietician‐led implementation of the diet despite an absence of evidence on both the clinical or cost‐effectiveness of such. Additionally, there is a growing requirement for dietetic services to increase capacity in response to increasing referrals, and consequently, there is a need to investigate innovative ways to educate patients whilst maintaining dietician‐led intervention. Herein, we review the evidence for delivery of the low FODMAP diet and discuss potentially effective methods for service delivery.
Statin Use and 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Blood Level Response to Vitamin D Treatment of Older Adults
Authors: Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A. , Fischer Karina , Orav Endel J. , Dawson‐Hughes Bess , Meyer Ursina , Chocano‐Bedoya Patricia O. , Meyer Otto W. , Ernst Rahel , Schietzel Simeon , Eberli Franz , Staehelin Hannes B. , Freystätter Gregor , Roas Susanne , Theiler Robert , Egli Andreas , Wilson Nicholas M.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine whether statin use alters response of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level to vitamin D treatment.

Design

Pooled analysis.

Setting

Three double‐blind randomized controlled trials that tested different doses of vitamin D.

Participants

Participants of three trials (N = 646; mean age 76.3 ± 8.4, 65% female).

Measurements

In all three trials, 25(OH)D status and statin use were assessed repeatedly over time (baseline, 6 and 12 months). Repeated‐measures analysis was used to compare 25(OH)D response to vitamin D treatment at baseline and 6 and 12 months of statin users and nonusers, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, vitamin D dose, trial, and season.

Results

At baseline, 17.5% were statin users, and 65% were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL). Baseline 25(OH)D levels did not differ significantly between groups at baseline (18.8 for statin users, 17.2 ng/mL for nonusers, P = .07), but according to the longitudinal analyses, the total increase over 12 months in 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in statin users (13.1 ng/L) than nonusers (15.9 ng/mL; 21.4% difference; P = .009).

Conclusion

Of persons aged 60 and older at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, statin users had a 21.4% smaller increase in 25(OH)D serum concentrations over time than nonusers, independent of vitamin D dose and other covariates.
Molecular analysis of the early interaction between the grapevine flower and Botrytis cinerea reveals that prompt activation of specific host pathways leads to fungus quiescence
Authors: Haile Zeraye Mehari , Pilati Stefania , Sonego Paolo , Malacarne Giulia , Vrhovsek Urska , Engelen Kristof , Tudzynski Paul , Zottini Michela , Baraldi Elena , Moser Claudio
Published: February 2017

Grape quality and yield can be impaired by bunch rot, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Infection often occurs at flowering, and the pathogen stays quiescent until fruit maturity. Here, we report a molecular analysis of the early interaction between B. cinerea and Vitis vinifera flowers, using a controlled infection system, confocal microscopy and integrated transcriptomic and metabolic analysis of the host and the pathogen. Flowers from fruiting cuttings of the cultivar Pinot Noir were infected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labelled B. cinerea and studied at 24 and 96 hours post‐inoculation (h.p.i.). We observed that penetration of the epidermis by B. cinerea coincided with increased expression of genes encoding cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes, phytotoxins and proteases. Grapevine responded with a rapid defence reaction involving 1193 genes associated with the accumulation of antimicrobial proteins, polyphenols, reactive oxygen species and cell wall reinforcement. At 96 h.p.i., the reaction appears largely diminished both in the host and in the pathogen. Our data indicate that the defence responses of the grapevine flower collectively are able to restrict invasive fungal growth into the underlying tissues, thereby forcing the fungus to enter quiescence until the conditions become more favourable to resume pathogenic development.
A laboratory simulation of Arabidopsis seed dormancy cycling provides new insight into its regulation by clock genes and the dormancy‐related genes DOG1, MFT, CIPK23 and PHYA
Authors: Footitt Steven , Ölçer‐Footitt Hülya , Hambidge Angela J. , Finch‐Savage William E.
Published: February 2017

Environmental signals drive seed dormancy cycling in the soil to synchronize germination with the optimal time of year, a process essential for species' fitness and survival. Previous correlation of transcription profiles in exhumed seeds with annual environmental signals revealed the coordination of dormancy‐regulating mechanisms with the soil environment. Here, we developed a rapid and robust laboratory dormancy cycling simulation. The utility of this simulation was tested in two ways: firstly, using mutants in known dormancy‐related genes [DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1), MOTHER OF FLOWERING TIME (MFT), CBL‐INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASE 23 (CIPK23) and PHYTOCHROME A (PHYA)] and secondly, using further mutants, we test the hypothesis that components of the circadian clock are involved in coordination of the annual seed dormancy cycle. The rate of dormancy induction and relief differed in all lines tested. In the mutants, dog1‐2 and mft2, dormancy induction was reduced but not absent. DOG1 is not absolutely required for dormancy. In cipk23 and phyA dormancy, induction was accelerated. Involvement of the clock in dormancy cycling was clear when mutants in the morning and evening loops of the clock were compared. Dormancy induction was faster when the morning loop was compromised and delayed when the evening loop was compromised.
Subcutaneous Midline Nasal Mass in an Infant due to an Intramuscular Lipoma
Authors: Vincent Jessica , Baker Peter , Grischkan Jonathan , Fernandez Faith Esteban
Published: February 2017

Intramuscular lipomas are rare, benign, mesenchymal tumors occurring deep in the fascia, typically involving large muscle groups in adults. We report a case of an intramuscular lipoma occurring as a subcutaneous midline nasal mass in a 3‐month‐old infant. The differential diagnosis of a midline mass on the glabella of an infant is important and should include developmental anomalies such as nasal glioma, nasal dermoid cyst, and encephalocele, so neuroimaging is an essential first step in evaluating these lesions to exclude intracranial extension.
Formulating Emergence
Authors: Paolini Paoletti Michele
Published: February 2017

Emergence is intuitively characterized as dependent novelty. Yet, besides this intuition, several formulations of it were elaborated in the last decades. In this article, after having distinguished between two different varieties of emergence (a weak and a strong one), I aim at providing two formulation schemes for emergence. This could help to explain what emergence is and to clarify and unify the suggested formulations. The general idea behind my schemes is that emergence is partial and qualified dependence of the emergent entities on their emergence bases. After having examined several formulations of emergences and presented my schemes, I shall analyse two interesting consequences of the acceptance of the latter: the in principle compatibility between weak and strong emergence and the idea that micro‐physicalism, i.e., the main competitor of emergentism, may actually come in different degrees of strength, more or less in contrast with emergentism. Eventually, I shall briefly compare my formulation schemes with some other relevantly similar proposals.
Aortic Stenosis in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ahmad Yousif , Bellamy Michael F. , Baker Christopher S. R.
Published: February 2017

Aortic valve stenosis occurs 10–20 years earlier in patients on dialysis compared with the general population. This is likely related to the exposure of the valve to a milieu that predisposes to calcification as well as increased shear stress across the valve. Objective assessment of stenosis severity is largely made using echocardiography though accurate interpretation requires an understanding of the potential pitfalls of the technique and the influence of cardiac output upon the gradient measured across the valve. Timing of valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis is predominantly guided by exercise‐induced symptoms (breathlessness, chest pain and [pre] syncope), which are often difficult to assess in the dialysis population who may have limited exercise capacity and symptoms due to renal failure and other comorbidities. Finally, treatment of aortic stenosis remains a constantly evolving area with advances in both conventional surgery and percutaneous techniques.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*52:01:27 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: Han Z.‐D. , Dong L.‐N. , Wang W. , He J. , Zhu F.‐M.
Published: February 2017

HLA‐B*52:01:27 differs from HLA‐B*52:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 681 C>T.
Transnational Behaviour of Ukrainian Remitting Migrants
Authors: Janská Eva , Pauknerová Karolína , Koropecká Markéta
Published: February 2017

In connection with the growing trend of transnationalism in international migration flows, the number of transnational communities has been increasing. The aim of this study is to describe the transnational dynamics and processes using the example of remitting Ukrainian workers in Czechia. The research was conducted with immigrants in Czechia and their families in Ukraine. More than 50 interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Based on the remittances sent, marital status, gender, mobility and locality of immigrants, a typology was created, in which the specifics of transnational processes were assessed. We argue that different behaviour of transnational migrants is a reflection of their socio‐demographic characteristics (e.g. family status, education or number of children), which may change over time.
Territorial Arrangements of Small and Medium‐Sized Towns from a Functional‐Spatial Perspective
Authors: Sýkora Luděk , Mulíček Ondřej
Published: February 2017

This contribution applies a functional‐spatial perspective to the study of small and medium‐sized towns. A methodology for functional analysis is developed and tested to identify towns, distinguish towns from cities, and detect town positionality within urban territorial arrangements, focusing on whether they are autonomous, networked with other towns or agglomerated with large cities. The methodology is used to compare settlement systems in two regions and two countries in Europe by looking at the existence and nature of networks between towns and cities and how towns perform in terms of population and jobs in respect of their belonging to different types of territorial arrangement.
The genetic architecture of shoot–root covariation during seedling emergence of a desert tree, Populus euphratica
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Bo Wenhao , Xu Fang , Li Huan , Ye Meixia , Jiang Libo , Shi Chaozhong , Fu Yaru , Zhao Guomiao , Huang Yuejiao , Gosik Kirk , Liang Dan , Wu Rongling
Published: February 2017

The coordination of shoots and roots is critical for plants to adapt to changing environments by fine‐tuning energy production in leaves and the availability of water and nutrients from roots. To understand the genetic architecture of how these two organs covary during developmental ontogeny, we conducted a mapping experiment using Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica), a so‐called hero tree able to grow in the desert. We geminated intraspecific F1 seeds of Euphrates Poplar individually in a tube to obtain a total of 370 seedlings, whose shoot and taproot lengths were measured repeatedly during the early stage of growth. By fitting a growth equation, we estimated asymptotic growth, relative growth rate, the timing of inflection point and duration of linear growth for both shoot and taproot growth. Treating these heterochronic parameters as phenotypes, a univariate mapping model detected 19 heterochronic quantitative trait loci (hQTLs), of which 15 mediate the forms of shoot growth and four mediate taproot growth. A bivariate mapping model identified 11 pleiotropic hQTLs that determine the covariation of shoot and taproot growth. Most QTLs detected reside within the region of candidate genes with various functions, thus confirming their roles in the biochemical processes underlying plant growth.
Informal Finance and Asymmetric Information: A theory Review
Authors: Zhao Wei
Published: February 2017

Based on theories of financial inhibition and Transaction Cost Theories, along with the combination of behavior economics, this paper tries to discuss and analyze the nature of informal finance. In china, it is hard to finance for Mid-small business, informal finance has advantage to deal with the capital gap of Mid-small size business as a supplementary means of formal finance which are hard to overcome the problem of adverse selection and moral hazard induced by asymmetric information. we discussed the foundation for existing of informal finance and objective necessity. Based on perspective of asymmetric information, we tried to answer why informal finance still thrived vibrantly on the process of financial deepening.
Los cuerpos que faltan Memorias, impactos y subversiones en el Museo de las Bellas Artes Santiago de Chile, 1973 - 2015
Authors: Márquez Francisca
Published: February 2017

El artículo trata sobre un espacio de la memoria de las artes, el museo nacional de Bellas Artes en Santiago de Chile, construido en ocasión del centenario de la república. Se analizan tres momentos (1973; 1980; 2013) de este patrimonio de la nación. A partir del análisis de archivos del Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales y el trabajo etnográfico, el artículo se propone leer las huellas e interpretaciones colectivas sobre el museo y sus obras de arte. La tesis señala que los disparos contra el Museo, ocurridos el 14 de septiembre de 1973, romperán el aura de la obra de arte tan celosamente resguardada. El arte rompe su distancia ritualizada, permitiéndole salir del aislamiento conferido por las gruesos muros del museo. En una analogía entre el cuerpo del edificio y los retratos de mujeres ametralladas, el artículo desarrolla la tesis que desde ese día los cuerpos del arte saldrán a las calles a mostrar sus heridas. Desde ese día el Museo actuará como proyección y pizarrón de los imaginarios y marcas que los cuerpos silenciados estamparán en la superficie de sus muros, de sus árboles, de sus canaletas, de sus puertas. 
Optimal-Regularity for Serial Redundant Robots
Authors: Shvalb Nir , Grinshpoun Tal , Medina Oded
Published: February 2017

A configuration of a mechanical linkage is defined as regular if there exists a subset of actuators with their corresponding Jacobian columns spans the gripper's velocity space. All other configurations are defined in the literature as singular configurations. Consider mechanisms with grippers' velocity space ℝm. We focus our attention on the case where m Jacobian columns of such mechanism span ℝm, while all the rest are linearly dependent. These are obviously an undesirable configuration, although formally they are defined as regular. We define an optimal-regular configuration as such that any subset of m actuators spans an m-dimensional velocity space. Since this densely constraints the work space, a more relaxed definition is needed. We therefore introduce the notion of k-singularity of a redundant mechanism which means that rigidifying k actuators will result in an optimal-regularity. We introduce an efficient algorithm to detect a k-singularity, give some examples for cases where m = 2, 3, and demonstrate our algorithm efficiency.
Automated Quantification of the Impact of Defects on the Mechanical Behavior of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Origami Nanoplates
Authors: Liang Bowen , Nagarajan Anand , Hudoba Michael W. , Alvarez Ricardo , Castro Carlos E. , Soghrati Soheil
Published: February 2017

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) origami is a method for the bottom-up self-assembly of complex nanostructures for applications, such as biosensing, drug delivery, nanopore technologies, and nanomechanical devices. Effective design of such nanostructures requires a good understanding of their mechanical behavior. While a number of studies have focused on the mechanical properties of DNA origami structures, considering defects arising from molecular self-assembly is largely unexplored. In this paper, we present an automated computational framework to analyze the impact of such defects on the structural integrity of a model DNA origami nanoplate. The proposed computational approach relies on a noniterative conforming to interface-structured adaptive mesh refinement (CISAMR) algorithm, which enables the automated transformation of a binary image of the nanoplate into a high fidelity finite element model. We implement this technique to quantify the impact of defects on the mechanical behavior of the nanoplate by performing multiple simulations taking into account varying numbers and spatial arrangements of missing DNA strands. The analyses are carried out for two types of loading: uniform tensile displacement applied on all the DNA strands and asymmetric tensile displacement applied to strands at diagonal corners of the nanoplate.
Theoretical Adjustment of Necessary Conditions for Enhancing Figure of Merit of Thin Thermoelectric Layers
Authors: Ghrib Taher , Almessiere Munirah Abdullah , Al-Otaibi Amal Lafy , Brini Sami , Chtourou Radhouane
Published: February 2017

This work presents a simple method based on electrical and thermal properties of materials. It permits researchers, in the field of manufacturing and characterization of thin and thick films in solid state to take appropriate experimental conditions before the preparation process. The calculation of the thermal diffusion length, its comparison with thicknesses of the substrate, the thin layer deposited on the substrate, the use of photothermal deflection technique, and the Cahill's law permit to highlight the necessary conditions that allow researchers to manufacture samples with high thermoelectric power such as the required thickness, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
The Research of Temperature Fields in the Proximity of a Bundle of Heated Pipes Arranged Above Each Other
Authors: Cernecky Jozef , Brodnianska Zuzana , Błasiak Przemysław , Koniar Jan
Published: February 2017

The paper deals with the research of temperature fields in the proximity of heated pipes arranged above each other in a natural air convection. The holographic interferometry method was used for the visualization of temperature fields. The experiments were made with pipes, diameter of 20 mm, length 200 mm, spacing two-dimensional (2D) at surface temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, with the vertical arrangement of the pipes as well as with the horizontal shift of their centers by 1/4D and 1/2D (on a surface temperature of 50 °C). Temperature profiles were determined from the experimentally obtained images of temperature fields, and local parameters of heat transfer were calculated. Under the same marginal and geometric conditions, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of temperature fields were performed as well, while the results (temperature fields, local and mean parameters of heat transfer) were also calculated for various distances between the pipe centers (1D, 2D, and 3D). From the obtained experimental results and CFD simulation results, it is possible to observe the impact of the arrangement and spacing of pipes on heat transfer parameters. The achieved results imply the change in the spacing of the pipes has a greater impact on heat transfer parameters in the bundle of heated pipes located above each other than a moderate horizontal shift of their centers.
Investigation of Flow Over an Airfoil Using a Hybrid Detached Eddy Simulation–Algebraic Stress Turbulence Model
Authors: Beyhaghi Saman , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: February 2017

Turbulent air flow over an NACA 4412 airfoil is investigated computationally. To overcome the near-wall inaccuracies of higher order turbulence models such as large Eddy simulation (LES) and detached Eddy simulation (DES), it is proposed to couple DES with algebraic stress model (ASM). Angles of attack (AoA) of 0 and 14 deg are studied for an airfoil subjected to flow with Re = 1.6 × 106. Distribution of the pressure coefficient at airfoil surface and the chordwise velocity component at four locations near the trailing edge are determined. Results of the baseline DES and hybrid DES–ASM models are compared against published data. It is demonstrated that the proposed hybrid model can slightly improve the flow predictions made by the DES model. Findings of this research can be used for the improvement of the near-wall flow predictions for wind turbine applications.