bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New approach for fashion design
Authors: Tse Florence, T.F. , Chan Catherine Y.P.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest a user-approach to doing style designs for apparel products.

Design/methodology/approach

A case of the approach to produce a collection of party dresses for mothers-to-be was presented. Two consecutive studies were conducted to understand and identify the needs of contemporary business women for maternity party dresses to attend banquets and functions. In these two studies, direct dialogue with target customers and scene deployment were used to collect the voice of the customer (VOC); affinity diagramming was used to organize the collected VOC data into items that were required by target customers; and the pairwise comparison method of analytic hierarchy process was used to identify important requirements.

Findings

In using various design techniques and incorporating appropriate fashion elements, style designs were produced with the primary focus on meeting user needs.

Originality/value

It has been a common practice that marketers do market research and designers do style creation. However, a joint effort of these two parties is required to better understand and address user needs. With the main focus on collecting and analyzing the VOC and organizing it into customer needs before applying various design techniques and incorporating appropriate fashion elements, the style designs that were produced in this case study were highly capable of satisfying user needs.
Effects of SnCl4 weighting of silk fibre on direct dyes uptake and physico-chemical properties
Authors: Hoque Md. Asadul , Mondal Md. Ibrahim H. , Saiduzzaman Md. , Paul Uttom Kumar
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Colorfastness properties of dyed degummed and dyed stannic chloride weighted silk fiber were studied as a function of exposure to sunlight in air, washing with soap solution and spotting with alkalis.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved multi-voltine variety of degummed silk fibers was weighted with the treatment of stannic chloride at the varying pH level. Maximum weighting of silk fiber was achieved at the optimum SnCl4 concentration, pH of the solution, time and temperature. The degummed (un-weighted) and weighted silk fibers were then dyed with Direct Blue 1 and Direct Red 28 dyes at the optimized dying conditions.

Findings

The role of base (Na2CO3) on dyeing of weighted silk fiber with Direct Red 28 was found very influential. The loss in tenacity of degummed silk fiber was higher than that of SnCl4 weighted silk fiber when they were exposed to sunlight in air.

Originality/value

The colorfastness of weighted dyed silk was comparatively higher than that of un-weighted dyed silk.
Characterization of partially methylolated polyacrylamide guar gum by FTIR and fastness properties on to printing cotton fabric
Authors: Amin Rabab , El-Ebissy Amal
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to prepare partially methylolated polyacrylamide-guar gum via graft copolymerization of acryalmide and guar gum using the potassium bromate/thiourea redox system.

Design/methodology/approach

Using HCHO (40 per cent), amide groups in the composite are converted to reactive composite. The reactive composites (N-methylolated [PAam-GG]) were used as pastes for printing cotton fabrics with pigment dye, under a variety of conditions. Variables studied include the amount of binder incorporated into the printing paste and different catalysts incorporated into the printing paste.

Originality/value

Characterization of printing samples under different conditions, including amount of the beneficial effects of varying conditions of printing on the color strength (K/S); the color parameters L, a, b, h and c; and the change in color difference (ΔE) were also investigated. The Fourier transforms infrared spectra of printed cotton fabrics has followed each condition of printing. The obtained results indicate that the improvement in the printing process may be due to change in molecular configuration as a result of the variation in chemical bond.
A prediction model for keyhole geometry and acoustic signatures during variable polarity plasma arc welding based on extreme learning machine
Authors: Wu Di , Chen Huabin , He Yinshui , Song Shuo , Lin Tao , Chen Shanben
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the keyhole geometry and acoustic signatures from the backside of a workpiece. It lays a solid foundation for monitoring the penetration state in variable polarity keyhole plasma arc welding.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment system is conducted on 6-mm-thick aluminum alloy plates based on a dual-sensor system including a sound sensor and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The first step is to extract the keyhole boundary from the acquired keyhole images based on median filtering and edge extraction. The second step is to process the acquired acoustic signal to obtain some typical time domain features. Finally, a prediction model based on the extreme learning machine (ELM) technique is built to recognize different keyhole geometries through the acoustic signatures and then identify the welding penetration status according to the recognition results.

Findings

The keyhole geometry and acoustic features after processing can be closely related to dynamic change information of keyhole. These acoustic features can predict the keyhole geometry accurately based on the ELM model. Meanwhile, the predict results also can identify different welding penetration status.

Originality/value

This paper tries to make a foundation work to achieve the monitoring of keyhole condition and penetration status through image and acoustic signals. A useful model, ELM, is built based on these features for predicting the keyhole geometry. Compared with back-propagating neural network and support vector machine, this proposed model is faster and has better generalization performance in the case studied in this paper.
A double-end-beam based infrared device fabricated using CMOS-MEMS process
Authors: Lei Cheng , Mao Haiyang , Yang Yudong , Ou Wen , Xue Chenyang , Yao Zong , Ming Anjie , Wang Weibing , Wang Ling , Hu Jiandong , Xiong Jijun
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Thermopile infrared (IR) detectors are one of the most important IR devices. Considering that the surface area of conventional four-end-beam (FEB)-based thermopile devices cannot be effectively used and the performance of this type of devices is relatively low, this paper aims to present a double-end-beam (DEB)-based thermopile device with high duty cycle and performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical analysis was conducted to show the advantages of the DEB-based thermopile devices.

Findings

Structural size of the DEB-based thermopiles may be further scaled down and maintain relatively higher responsivity and detectivity when compared with the FEB-based thermopiles. The authors characterized the thermoelectric properties of the device proposed in this paper, which achieves a responsivity of 1,151.14 V/W, a detectivity of 4.15 × 108 cm Hz1/2/W and a response time of 14.46 ms sensor based on DEB structure.

Orginality/value

The paper proposed a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) thermopile infrared sensor based on double-end-beam structure.
Study on high precision magnetic encoder based on PMSM sensorless control
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Yongde , Hao Shuanghui , Song Baoyu , Hao Minghui , Tang Zili
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To eliminate the angle deviation of magnetic encoder, this paper aims to propose a compensation method based on permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) sensorless control. The paper also describes the experiments performed to verify the validity of this proposed method.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method uses PMSM sensorless control method to get high precision virtual angle value, and then get the deviation value between virtual position and magnetic angle which is used as compensation table. Oversampling linear interpolation tabulation method has been proposed to eliminate the noise signals. Finally, a magnetic encoder with precision (repeatability) 0.09° and unidirectional motion precision 0.03 is realized. The control system with an encoder running at 14,000 and 0.01 r/min showing high motion resolution is also realized.

Findings

Higher value of current in PMSM leads to a magnetic encoder with higher precision. When using oversampling linear interpolation to tabulate the compensation table, it is understood that more oversampling does not lead to a better result. Finally, validated by experiments, using eight intervals to calculate the mean value of angle deviation leads to the best result.

Practical implications

The angle deviation compensation method proposed in this paper has a great practical implication and a good commercial application. The method proposed in this paper could be effectively used to self-correct the magnetic encoder using arctangent method and also correct any rotary encoder sensor.

Originality/value

This paper originally proposes an adaptive correction method for a rotary encoder based on PMSM sensorless control. To eliminate the noise signals in an angle compensation table, over-sampling linear interpolation tabulation method has been proposed which also guarantees the precision of the compensation table.
Creating Unidimensional Global Measures of Physician Practice Quality Based on Health Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Martsolf Grant R. , Carle Adam C. , Scanlon Dennis P.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To explore the extent to which commonly used claims‐based process quality indicators can be used to create an internally valid global composite measure of physician practice quality.

Data Sources

Health insurance claims data (October 2007–May 2010) from 134 physician practices in Seattle, WA.

Study Design

We use confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis to develop theory‐ and empirically driven internally valid composite measures based on 19 quality indicators.

Data Collection Methods

Health insurance claims data from nine insurance companies and self‐funded employers were collected and aggregated by third‐party organization.

Principal Findings

Our results did not support a single global measure using the entire set of quality indicators. We did identify an acceptable multidimensional model (RMSEA = 0.059; CFI = 0.934; TLI = 0.910). The four dimensions in our data were diabetes, depression, preventive care, and generic drug prescribing.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that commonly used process indicators can be used to create a small set of useful composite measures. However, the lack of an internally valid single unidimensional global measure has important implications for policy approaches meant to improve quality by rewarding “high‐quality physicians.”
The Sustainability of the Farm‐level Impact of Bt Cotton in China
Authors: Qiao Fangbin , Huang Jikun , Zhang Caiping
Published: July 2016

The short‐run impact of Bt cotton adoption has been well documented; however, the sustainability of the impact remains unclear. In particular, pest resistance build‐up and secondary pest outbreaks have caused concern regarding the sustainability of this benefit. This paper analyses the effects and impact dynamics of Bt cotton adoption in China. Using six unique waves of panel data collected between 1999 and 2007, we show that the benefits of Bt cotton continue 10 years after it has been commercialised, albeit with evidence of a decline in the benefit since the early adoption period. Importantly, we also show that the benefit has been shared by both Bt and non‐Bt cotton adopters.
Subchondral bone scan uptake correlates with articular cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritic knees
Authors: Park Do Young , Jin Long Hao , Min Byoung‐Hyun , Kwack Kyu‐Sung , An Young‐Sil , Kim Young Jick
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze subchondral bone scan uptake in osteoarthritic knees with reference to subchondral bone microstructure and articular cartilage histology.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, laboratory study evaluated 123 human distal femoral condyle specimens of 67 patients after joint replacement surgery. All patients were preoperatively examined with bone scan of the knee joint. Specimens were evaluated for cartilage histology and micro‐computed tomography analysis of subchondral bone. Data between bone scan, histology and micro‐computed tomography were statistically analyzed using either coefficient of correlation, Student's t‐test or one‐way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test.

Results

Bone scan grading and histological articular cartilage degeneration scores showed significant correlation (r = 0.812, P < 0.001). Both bone scan positive and histologically confirmed osteoarthritis samples showed increase in subchondral trabecular bone volume and thickness, reflected in micro‐computed tomography. Overall, positive predictive value (%) of bone scan for osteoarthritic cartilage lesions was 91.9%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.3% and 60%, respectively. Histology showed that bone scan has both a high positive predictive and a low negative predictive value for detection of osteoarthritic cartilage lesions.

Conclusion

Bone scan uptake correlated with articular cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritic knees. Bone scan may be a useful diagnostic tool that reflects pathologic changes of cartilage in osteoarthritis.
Behaviour during handling predicts male natal dispersal distances in an establishing reintroduced hihi (Notiomystis cincta) population
Authors: Richardson K. M. , Ewen J. G. , Brekke P. , Doerr L. R. , Parker K. A. , Armstrong D. P.
Published: July 2016

Natal dispersal is a complex behaviour influenced by multiple factors that are often sex‐specific and density‐dependent. Reintroduced populations are typically low in density in the initial years of establishment; hence, understanding natal dispersal patterns in this context is a critical component of reintroduction biology. Natal dispersal is a key behaviour that influences both the probability of recruitment, and simultaneously dictates the spatial configuration of the reintroduced population as it establishes. Here, we examine natal dispersal in a reintroduced population of an endangered New Zealand forest passerine, the hihi, Notiomystis cincta, in the first 3 years after reintroduction to a large, mature forest reserve. We examined (1) differences between the sexes, and (2) the relationship between temperament and natal dispersal distances (NDD) in locally bred hihi over this time period. We found NDD varied widely in both sexes, with mean NDD significantly higher in males than females. There was a sex‐specific effect of temperament, with males that distress‐called during handling dispersing further than those that did not. Our results show that while clusters of individuals have established across the reserve due to conspecific attraction, there is movement between these clusters, primarily a consequence of dispersal of males of a distinct temperament. Continuing to monitor natal dispersal patterns as populations establish will provide further insights into the role of dispersal in shaping establishment patterns in reintroduced populations.
Cost of alcohol: better data will be justified if it is put to better use
Authors: Ludbrook Anne
Published: July 2016

Commentary to: Which cost of alcohol? What should we compare it against?
The neurobiology of addiction: the perspective from magnetic resonance imaging present and future
Authors: Suckling John , Nestor Liam J.
Published: July 2016

Background and Aims

Addiction is associated with severe economic and social consequences and personal tragedies, the scientific exploration of which draws upon investigations at the molecular, cellular and systems levels with a wide variety of technologies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been key to mapping effects observed at the microscopic and mesoscopic scales. The range of measurements from this apparatus has opened new avenues linking neurobiology to behaviour. This review considers the role of MRI in addiction research, and what future technological improvements might offer.

Methods

A hermeneutic strategy supplemented by an expansive, systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering from database inception to October 2015, with a conjunction of search terms relevant to addiction and MRI. Formal meta‐analyses were prioritized.

Results

Results from methods that probe brain structure and function suggest frontostriatal circuitry disturbances within specific cognitive domains, some of which predict drug relapse and treatment response. New methods of processing imaging data are opening opportunities for understanding the role of cerebral vasculature, a global view of brain communication and the complex topology of the cortical surface and drug action. Future technological advances include increases in MRI field strength, with concomitant improvements in image quality.

Conclusions

The magnetic resonance imaging literature provides a limited but convergent picture of the neurobiology of addiction as global changes to brain structure and functional disturbances to frontostriatal circuitry, accompanied by changes in anterior white matter.
GO‐FAANG meeting: a Gathering On Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes
Authors: Tuggle Christopher K. , Giuffra Elisabetta , White Stephen N. , Clarke Laura , Zhou Huaijun , Ross Pablo J. , Acloque Hervé , Reecy James M. , Archibald Alan , Bellone Rebecca R. , Boichard Michèle , Chamberlain Amanda , Cheng Hans , Crooijmans Richard P.M.A. , Delany Mary E. , Finno Carrie J. , Groenen Martien A. M. , Hayes Ben , Lunney Joan K. , Petersen Jessica L. , Plastow Graham S. , Schmidt Carl J. , Song Jiuzhou , Watson Mick
Published: July 2016

The Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes (FAANG) Consortium recently held a Gathering On FAANG (GO‐FAANG) Workshop in Washington, DC on October 7–8, 2015. This consortium is a grass‐roots organization formed to advance the annotation of newly assembled genomes of domesticated and non‐model organisms (www.faang.org). The workshop gathered together from around the world a group of 100+ genome scientists, administrators, representatives of funding agencies and commodity groups to discuss the latest advancements of the consortium, new perspectives, next steps and implementation plans. The workshop was streamed live and recorded, and all talks, along with speaker slide presentations, are available at www.faang.org. In this report, we describe the major activities and outcomes of this meeting. We also provide updates on ongoing efforts to implement discussions and decisions taken at GO‐FAANG to guide future FAANG activities. In summary, reference datasets are being established under pilot projects; plans for tissue sets, morphological classification and methods of sample collection for different tissues were organized; and core assays and data and meta‐data analysis standards were established.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer: A single institution experience
Authors: Nicholls Luke , Keir Gregory J , Murphy Michelle A , Mai Tao , Lehman Margot
Published: July 2016

Aim

To compare patient demographics, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) utilization and overall survival (OS) of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) referred to a large tertiary center with those reported in large clinical trials.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients with limited stage (LS) and extensive stage (ES) SCLC diagnosed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital between January 2008 and December 2013.

Results

Two hundred and three patients with a mean age of 65.4 (±10.7) years were followed for a median duration of 7.6 months (range 0.5–76.5). At diagnosis, 129 (64%) patients had ES‐SCLC, including 39 (19.2%) with cerebral metastases. Median OS in LS‐SCLC patients receiving PCI was 18.8 months (0.9–69.4), compared with 8.2 months (0.1–34.4) in patients who did not receive PCI (P < 0.001). Median OS in the ES‐SCLC cohort receiving PCI was 13.6 months (5.2–37.5) compared to 5.6 months (0.1–73.6) in patients who did not receive the therapy (P < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in intracranial disease‐free survival of 7.1 months in patients with ES‐SCLC who received PCI. Forty‐two LS‐SCLC patients (57%) did not receive PCI due to patient suitability.

Conclusions

In our SCLC cohort, median OS following PCI in LS‐SCLC and ES‐SCLC is comparable to published data. PCI use at our institution was lower than utilization rates in large meta‐analyses, predominately due to poor chemotherapy tolerance and patient suitability. This may be more representative of patients treated in clinical practice rather than those recruited into large phase III trials.
The prognostic value of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography metabolic tumor volume in solitary colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Huang Yi‐Tung T , Park Joomann , Chong Shanley , Hugh Thomas J , Ng Weng Leong , Lin Michael
Published: July 2016

Background

Management of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is evolving but surgery remains the most effective treatment in improving survival. Optimal preoperative patient selection is important and semiquantitative F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) parameters may provide valuable prognostic information.

Methods

Sixty‐one patients with solitary CRLM as first site of distant dissemination and preoperatively staged with PET were retrospectively studied. Various semiquantitative PET parameters, pathological size of the hepatic lesion and clinical variables were correlated with survival outcome. The data were analyzed with nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and univariate Cox regression. Kaplan–Meier estimates of overall survival and disease‐free survival (DFS) were log‐rank tested.

Results

Mean follow‐up for the 61 subjects was 48 months. The 1‐ and 3‐year survival rates were 98.7% and 72.2%. The median DFS was 16 months with recurrence in 10 (16.4%) patients following surgery. Univariate analysis found a statistically significant increased risk of death for higher mean PET tumor diameter (hazard ratio [HR] 2.95, P = 0.014), mean metabolic tumor volume (HR 3.0, P = 0.009) and median pathological size of hepatic lesion (HR 2.97, P = 0.022). Maximum standardized uptake value of the liver metastasis and calculated standardized uptake value ratio between tumor and normal liver parenchyma (tumor background ratio) were not predictive of overall survival. None of the PET parameters or clincopathological variables statistically correlated with DFS.

Conclusion

Semiquantitative PET variables are potentially valuable prognostic biomarkers in CRLM. Volumetric data like metabolic tumor volume enable better estimation of tumor burden and its utility may improve preoperative risk stratification and optimize outcome.
A review of recent ecological changes in the Sahel, with particular reference to land‐use change, plants, birds and mammals
Authors: Walther Bruno A.
Published: July 2016

This review focuses on recent ecological changes in the Sahel. While other recent reviews focused mainly on agricultural changes, remote sensing, and the evolution and distribution of biodiversity, no review focused on ecological changes over time although these changes needed to be summarized to better understand the recent and often dramatic species declines across the Sahel during the last half century. Therefore, I conducted a literature review to summarize these changes, in particular changes to (i) land‐use and land‐cover, (ii) wetlands, (iii) plants, (iv) birds, especially large and migratory birds and (v) large mammals. The main conclusion is that the exceptionally severe Sahel drought in the late 20th century was extremely detrimental to both human society and nature, but thereafter, rainfall, agricultural productivity and human welfare increased again. As human populations and their ecological footprint increased dramatically, the Sahel's biodiversity continued to become more and more impoverished, whereby woody vegetation, migratory birds, and large birds and mammals suffered particularly severe declines. Besides the agricultural expansion, the other main reasons for these declines are wetland conversions, increased fire frequency, overharvesting, persecution, poisoning and death caused by human artefacts and disturbance. More effective protected areas are urgently needed, which could also generate much needed tourism revenue.
The associations of maternal body mass index with birthweight and placental weight. Does maternal diabetes matter? A population study of 106 191 pregnancies
Authors: Strøm‐Roum Ellen M. , Tanbo Tom G. , Eskild Anne
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to study whether the associations of maternal body mass index with offspring birthweight and placental weight differ by maternal diabetes status.

Material and methods

We performed a population study of 106 191 singleton pregnancies by using data from the years 2009–2012 in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We estimated changes in birthweight and in placental weight (in grams) by maternal body mass index by linear regression analysis.

Results

In pregnancies of women without diabetes, birthweight increased by 14.7 g (95% confidence interval 14.1–15.2) per unit increase in maternal body mass index, and the increase in placental weight was 4.2 g (95% confidence interval 4.0–4.4). In pregnancies of women with gestational diabetes, the corresponding figures were 11.8 g (95% confidence interval 8.3–15.4) and 2.9 g (95% confidence interval 1.7–4.0). In pregnancies of women with type 1 diabetes we found no significant changes in birthweight or in placental weight by maternal body mass index. Overall, mean birthweight was 513.9 g (95% confidence interval 475.6–552.1) higher in pregnancies involving type 1 diabetes than in pregnancies of women without diabetes. Mean placental weight was 102.1 g (95% confidence interval 89.3–114.9) higher. Also, in pregnancies of women with gestational diabetes, both birthweight and placental weight were higher than in women without diabetes (168.2 g and 46.5 g, respectively). Adjustments were made for maternal body mass index and gestational age at birth.

Conclusions

Birthweight and placental weight increased with increasing maternal body mass index in pregnancies of women without diabetes and in pregnancies of women with gestational diabetes, but not in pregnancies of women with type 1 diabetes. Independent of body mass index, mean birthweight and mean placental weight were highest in pregnancies of women with type 1 diabetes.
Ovarian and tubal cancer in Denmark: an update on incidence and survival
Authors: Gottschau Mathilde , Mellemkjaer Lene , Hannibal Charlotte G. , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The Nordic countries are areas with a high‐incidence of ovarian cancer; however, differences between the countries exist.

Material and methods

We used the Danish Cancer Registry to identify 11 264 cases of ovarian cancer and 363 cases of tubal cancer during 1993–2013. We calculated age‐standardized (world standard population) incidence rates for overall and subtype‐specific ovarian cancer, and for tubal cancer. We compared age‐standardized incidence rates, and 1‐ and 5‐year age‐standardized relative survival rates, respectively, for ovarian and tubal cancer combined in four Nordic countries using the NORDCAN database.

Results

The incidence rate of ovarian cancer overall in Denmark decreased statistically significantly by approximately 2.3% per year among women aged <70 years, whereas no change was seen among women aged 70+ years. In the <70‐year age‐group, the incidence of serous tumors was fairly steady, whereas that of other and unspecified epithelial tumors decreased significantly by 6.4% per year. The incidence of tubal cancer was quite stable. In Norway and Finland, the incidence rates of ovarian and tubal cancer combined decreased from 1993 to 2013 in women aged <70 years, whereas in Sweden the incidence rates decreased independently of age. The 1‐ and 5‐year relative survival rates of ovarian and tubal cancer combined increased during the study period in all the Nordic countries. Denmark had the lowest survival; however, the survival rates approached those of the other countries in recent years.

Conclusions

In Denmark, the positive development in ovarian cancer has continued during recent years with a lower incidence and an increased survival.
High‐salt diet induces outward remodelling of efferent arterioles in mice with reduced renal mass
Authors: Zhao L. , Gao Y. , Cao X. , Gao D. , Zhou S. , Zhang S. , Cai X. , Han F. , Wilcox C. S. , Li L. , Lai E. Y.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls progressively in chronic kidney disease (CKD) which is caused by a reduction in the number of functional nephrons. The dysfunctional nephron exhibits a lower glomerular capillary pressure that is induced by an unbalance between afferent and efferent arteriole. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress induced by CKD differentially impairs the structure or function of efferent vs. afferent arterioles.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice received sham operations (sham) or 5/6 nephrectomy (RRM) and three months of normal‐ or high‐salt diet or tempol. GFR was assessed from the plasma inulin clearance, arteriolar remodelling from media/lumen area ratio, myogenic responses from changes in luminal diameter with increases in perfusion pressure and passive wall compliance from the wall stress/strain relationships.

Results

Mice with RRM fed a high salt (vs. sham) had a lower GFR (553 ± 25 vs. 758 ± 36 μL min−1 g−1 kidney, P < 0.01) and a larger efferent arteriolar diameter (9.6 ± 0.8 vs. 7.4 ± 0.7 μm, P < 0.05) resulting in a lower media/lumen area ratio (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.2, P < 0.01). These alterations were corrected by tempol. The myogenic responses of efferent arterioles were about one‐half that of afferent arterioles and were unaffected by RRM or salt. Passive wall compliance was reduced by high salt in both afferent and efferent arterioles.

Conclusion

A reduction in renal mass with a high‐salt diet induces oxidative stress that leads to an outward eutrophic remodelling in efferent arterioles and reduced wall compliance in both afferent and efferent arterioles. This may contribute to the lower GFR in this model of CKD.
Effects of competition, shade and soil conditions on the recolonization of three forest herbs in tree‐planted riparian zones
Authors: Bourgeois Bérenger , Vanasse Anne , Poulin Monique
Published: July 2016

Questions

In mesic forests, ecological filters due to past agricultural land use reduce forest herb recolonization. Is the recruitment of such species also limited in tree‐planted riparian zones by local filters such as competition, shade level and soil conditions?

Location

Two agricultural watersheds, southeastern Québec, Canada.

Methods

Three herbs characteristic of natural riparian forests were selected for this study: one graminoid, Glyceria striata, and two ferns, Matteuccia struthiopteris and Onoclea sensibilis. Effects of shade level (75% vs 50%) and soil type (forest vs agricultural soil) on seedling emergence were evaluated in a seed‐sowing greenhouse experiment. In a 2‐yr transplant field experiment, seedling and sporophyte establishment was monitored in five natural riparian forests and five tree‐planted post‐agricultural riparian zones on microsites with understorey vegetation kept intact or cleared and on forest or agricultural soils. Using a priori contrasts, we assessed the influence of habitat type (natural riparian forests or tree‐planted riparian zones), competition and post‐agricultural soil type on transplant survival and growth.

Results

Seedling emergence tended to be higher on forest soils for G. striata while sporophyte emergence increased under 75% shade for M. struthiopteris. Transplanted seedlings and sporophytes of the three species survived and grew as well in tree‐planted riparian zones as in natural riparian forests. In tree‐planted riparian zones however, competing understorey vegetation reduced the survival and growth of G. striata and agricultural soil reduced the growth of M. struthiopteris. For O. sensibilis, only sporophyte survival was reduced by competition in tree‐planted riparian zones.

Conclusions

Planting trees in post‐agricultural riparian zones fosters establishment of forest herbs similar than those observed in natural riparian forests. Additional environmental filters specific to tree‐planted riparian zones, however, offset the positive influence of trees and limit recolonization of the three studied species. Considering the partial restoration success of establishment niches by tree planting, controlling spontaneous vegetation after tree planting is advised when conceivable and cost‐effective to promote the recolonization of environmentally‐limited forest herbs. Long‐term transplant experiments should be more often conducted to identify the ecological filters that reduce plant recolonization, and thereby design the most effective restoration strategies.
The impact of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTSTF) recommendations against prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing on PSA testing in Australia
Authors: Zargar Homayoun , van den Bergh Roderick , Moon Daniel , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Costello Anthony , Murphy Declan
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess the impact of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTSTF) recommendations on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate biopsy, and prostatectomy in Australian men based on the available Medicare data.

Patients and Methods

Events were identified using Medicare item numbers for PSA testing (66655, 66659), prostate biopsy (37219), prostatectomy (37210), and prostatectomy with lymph node dissection (37211). The occurrences of each procedure was queried per 100 000 capita for consecutive financial years over the period 2000–2015. For each item number, reports were also generated for all Australian States. For PSA testing the data was stratified into three age groups of 45–54, 55–64, and 65–74 years. For assessing the rate of prostatectomy the capita rate values for two item numbers of prostatectomy (37210) and prostatectomy with lymph node dissection (37211) were combined.

Results

Steady declines in per capita incidences of all five item numbers assessed were seen for the three consecutive financial years (2013–2015) since the publication of the USPTSTF recommendation statement. These declines were seen across all Australian States. When examining the rate of PSA testing for the three age brackets 45–54, 55–64, and 65–74 years, similar trends were identified.

Conclusions

Since the introduction of the USPTSTF recommendation statement there has been a steady nationwide decline in per capita incidences of PSA testing, prostate biopsy, and prostatectomy based on the Australian Medicare data. Whether these declines are in the right direction toward reduction in over‐diagnosis and overtreatment of clinically insignificant prostate cancer or stage migration toward more locally advanced disease due to lost opportunity in diagnosing and treating early clinically significant prostate cancer will remain to be seen.
Emancipation in Latin America: On the Pedagogical Turn
Authors: MOTTA SARA C.
Published: July 2016

Latin American social movements are reinventing emancipatory politics, in which those invisibilised and excluded by capitalist‐coloniality are emerging as the emancipatory subjects of our times. Rather than a method of learning, pedagogy is understood as a radical educational project of subaltern transformation and politics. Emancipatory pedagogical praxis occurs in multiple spatialities and embraces multiple knowledges and subaltern subjects. These knowing‐subjects become creators of political agency, movement practices and imaginaries, and collective self‐liberation. I develop my analysis with reference to movement educators who I work with in the Brazilian Movimento sem Terra (MST,
Landless Workers Movement) and Colombian Escuela Política de Mujeres Pazífica (Political School of Pacifist Women, Escuela).
Complex phenotypes blur conventional borders between Say–Barber–Biesecker–Young–Simpson syndrome and genitopatellar syndrome
Authors: Radvanszky J. , Hyblova M. , Durovcikova D. , Hikkelova M. , Fiedler E. , Kadasi L. , Turna J. , Minarik G. , Szemes T.
Published: July 2016

Say–Barber–Biesecker–Young–Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS) and genitopatellar syndrome (GTPTS) are clinically similar disorders with some overlapping features. Although they are currently considered to be distinct clinical entities, both were found to be caused by de novo truncating sequence variants in the KAT6B (lysine acetyltransferase 6B) gene, strongly suggesting that they are allelic disorders. Herein, we report the clinical and genetic findings in a girl presenting with a serious multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with phenotypic features overlapping both SBBYSS and GTPTS; pointing out that the clinical distinction between these disorders is not exact and there do exist patients, in whom conventional clinical classification is problematic. Genetic analyses revealed a truncating c.4592delA (p.Asn1531Thrfs*18) variant in the last KAT6B exon. Our findings support that phenotypes associated with typical KAT6B disease‐causing variants should be referred to as ‘KAT6B spectrum disorders’ or ‘KAT6B related disorders’, rather than their current SBBYSS and GTPTS classification.
Discoloration of the mucosa caused by different restorative materials – a spectrophotometric in vitro study
Authors: Ioannidis Alexis , Cathomen Elena , Jung Ronald E. , Fehmer Vincent , Hüsler Jürg , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the discoloration of the mucosa caused by different ceramic and metal‐based materials.

Material and Methods

On six pig maxillae, trap‐door flaps were prepared bilaterally. Different ceramic and metal‐based specimens were placed underneath the flap. To simulate increasing mucosal thicknesses (MC), connective tissue grafts (CTGs) were harvested. Spectrophotometric measurements were performed prior to flap elevation (TBL) and for each material under the flap alone (1 mm MC) (TMC1), with a 1‐mm CTG (2‐mm MC) (TMC2) and with a 2‐mm CTG (3‐mm MC) (TMC3). Tested materials were as follows: Zr1 (zirconia), Zr2 (zirconia + pink ceramic), Zr3 (zirconia), Zr4 (fluorescent zirconia), Zr5 (zirconia), Zr6 (high translucent zirconia), Zr7 (low translucent zirconia) and Zr8 (low translucent zirconia), Gol (gold alloy), Ti1 (titanium alloy), Ti2 (anodized gold‐shaded titanium alloy) and Ti3 (anodized pink‐shaded titanium alloy). Color differences (ΔE) were calculated comparing the measurement of the native tissue (TBL) and the measurements with varying mucosal thicknesses (TMC1‐3).

Results

For ceramic materials, the median ΔE values for the different time‐point comparison ranged as follows: 3.80 (Zr4) – 7.47 (Zr2) (pooled); 3.15 (Zr4) – 8.13 (Zr2) (TBL‐TMC1); 3.39 (Zr4) – 7.24 (Zr2) (TBL‐TMC2); 4.31 (Zr8) – 6.99 (Zr2) (TBL‐TMC3). For metal‐based materials, the median ΔE values were as follows: 4.20 (Gol) – 5.82 (Ti3) (pooled); 3.21 (Gol) – 13.56 (Ti1) (TBL‐TCM1); 4.0 (Ti1) – 5.27 (Gol) (TBL‐TCM2); 3.11 (Ti1) – 5.11 (Gol) (TBL‐TCM2). The comparison of the materials and the time points showed in the nonparametric linear mixed model a significant interaction effect between material and time point (P < 0.001). The side was not a significant main effect, nor as term in an interaction with the other two effects.

Conclusions

Reconstructive materials result in an evident discoloration of the mucosal tissue, tending to decrease with increasing mucosal thickness. The use of fluorescent zirconia (ceramic materials) or gold alloy (metal‐based materials) lead to the least discoloration.
Lingual tonsil: clinically applicable macroscopic anatomical classification system
Authors: Costello R. , Prabhu V. , Whittet H.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To classify the adult lingual tonsil according to the macroscopic appearance.

Study design

Prospective study.

Level of evidence

Four.

Methods

Lingual tonsils were classified according to their appearance and relationship to surrounding structures. This was possible following serial views of lingual tonsils. The classification was named ‘Swansea classification for lingual tonsil’, representing the place of origin. The classification was then discussed with fellow clinicians. Independent professional observers graded lingual tonsil pictures. Intra‐observer agreements were measured to validate the classification.

Results

A total of 22 professional observers went through a set of six pictures of three different grades of lingual tonsil. The pictures were then graded for validation. The intra‐observer agreement was 0.81, confirming good agreement.

Conclusion

Swansea classification for lingual tonsil is reliable and reproducible. This classification should be routinely used during ENT examination, enabling accurate documentation and providing opportunities for future research and audit of practice.
Diagnosing acute appendicitis: surgery or imaging?
Authors: van Rossem C. C. , Bolmers M. D. M. , Schreinemacher M. H. F. , Bemelman W. A. , van Geloven A. A. W. , Pinkney T. D. , Bhangu A.
Published: July 2016

Aim

Investigation of suspected appendicitis varies widely across different countries, which creates variation in outcome for patients. Use of imaging drives much of this variation, with concerns over delay of imaging and radiation exposure of computed tomography being balanced against the risks of unnecessary surgery.

Method

Two national, prospective snapshot audits (UK n = 3326 and Netherlands n = 1934) reported investigation, management and outcome of appendicectomy and can be compared to generate treatment recommendations.

Results

Preoperative imaging was conducted in 32.8% of UK patients in contrast to 99.5% of patients in the Netherlands. A large difference in the normal appendicectomy rate was observed (20.6% in the UK vs 3.2% in the Netherlands) and the connection between these two outcome differences cannot be neglected.

Conclusion

This article discusses the role of imaging in the diagnostic work‐up of patients who are suspected of acute appendicitis, comparing national snapshot studies as a model to do so.
Risk of colorectal adenomas, advanced adenomas and cancer in patients with colonic diverticular disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jaruvongvanich Veeravich , Sanguankeo Anawin , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Upala Sikarin
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Diverticular disease and colorectal neoplasia are common digestive disorders worldwide. Both diseases share epidemiological trends and certain risk factors including advancing age, physical inactivity, and Western diet and lifestyle. Studies assessing the association between these diseases reported inconsistent results. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the association between diverticular disease and colorectal adenomas, advanced adenomas and cancer.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the databases MEDLINE and EMBASE was done from inception through March 2016. Inclusion criterion was the observational studies’ assessment of the association between diverticular disease and colorectal neoplasia in adult participants. Pooled OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effect.

Results

Data were extracted from 14 observational studies (11 cross‐sectional studies, one case–control study and two cohort studies). Diverticular disease was associated with increased odds of adenomas (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.27–2.21, 10 studies), but not associated with advanced adenomas (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.88–1.62, I2 = 52%, four studies) or colorectal cancer (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.47–3.92, I2 = 98%, seven studies).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis demonstrated that diverticular disease was associated with colorectal adenomas. Colonoscopists should be aware of this association and carefully examine the entire large bowel in individuals with diverticulosis.
Pathways to poverty reduction
Authors: Saleem Zahabia , Donaldson John A.
Published: July 2016

Of the myriad approaches to reducing poverty, which have proved effective on a national scale? This article analyses 15 systematically selected national cases of demonstrated rapid poverty reduction, seeking insights into effective approaches to reducing poverty. From these 15 economies, in which the bottom quintile experienced an annual increase in income of at least 6% over at least a decade, emerge four poverty‐reduction pathways: (1) industrialisation, (2) rural development, (3) social welfare and (4) petroleum‐generated employment. In addition to helping us understand what policy approaches have actually helped reduce poverty, this article has implications for the understanding of economic growth, the impact of pro‐growth policies, the relationship between state and market, and the roles of non‐government organisations (NGOs) and civil society.
A Practical Approach to Public Sector Reform: Following the Dollar in Reforming Road Maintenance
Authors: Kaiser Paul J. , Streatfeild Jeremy
Published: July 2016

This article presents a new approach to designing public sector reform programmes, which we call a capacity map (CM). This approach focuses on the flow of public funds from the point of ‘extraction’ through to their ‘disbursement’, with specific attention to ‘leakages’ in that overall system. The CM is a modest attempt to provide development partners and their partner governments with a relatively simple, but effective, tool that complements other oft‐used tools in the programme design process. To elucidate the CM approach, development partner attempts to support the establishment, or reform of, road maintenance regimes are focused on. The CM unpacks the process of road maintenance to identify leakages in the overall road maintenance system, thus enabling development partners to focus on institutional root causes beyond a singular focus on insufficient funds. It is contended that this tool enables the programme designer to develop focused interventions, whether in roads or other infrastructure projects, that move beyond ‘quick fixes’ that may avoid the difficult questions and hard choices that need to be made for sustainable institutional and policy reform.
IGF‐1 and NT‐proBNP in a black and white population: The SABPA study
Authors: Koegelenberg Anna S. E. , Smith Wayne , Schutte Rudolph , Schutte Aletta E.
Published: July 2016

Background

Black populations exhibit lower concentrations of the cardioprotective peptide, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and are more prone to develop hypertensive heart disease than whites. We therefore determined whether lower IGF‐1 in black individuals relates to a marker of cardiac overload and systolic dysfunction, namely N‐terminal prohormone B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).

Materials and methods

We included 160 black and 195 white nondiabetic South African men and women (aged 44·4 ± 9·81 years) and measured ambulatory blood pressure, NT‐proBNP, IGF‐1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3).

Results

Although the black group presented elevated ambulatory blood pressure accompanied by lower IGF‐1 compared to the white group (all P < 0·001), we found similar NT‐proBNP concentrations (P = 0·72). Furthermore, in blacks we found a link between NT‐proBNP and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (R2 = 0·37; β = 0·28; P < 0·001), but not with IGF‐1. In the white group, NT‐proBNP was inversely associated with IGF‐1 (R2 = 0·39; β = −0·22; P < 0·001) after adjusting for covariates and potential confounders. As IGF‐1 is attenuated in diabetes, we added the initially excluded patients with diabetes (n = 38), and the aforementioned associations remained robust.

Conclusion

Contrary to the white group, we found no association between NT‐proBNP and IGF‐1 in black adults. Our findings suggest that SBP and other factors may play a greater contributory role in cardiac pathology in blacks.