bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rubik’s cube of social accountability
Authors: Rossi Paolo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the convergence of the social reporting guidelines available in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on a documentary analysis of four selected social reporting guidelines provided by Italian institutions or translated in Italian.

Findings

– The results of the analysis point out that it is possible to identify an isomorphic convergence among the guidelines, though differences remain relevant and express peculiar institutional expectations on the behaviours of different typologies of organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to Italian social reporting guidelines; however, it provides a methodology which could be applied in different contexts.

Practical implications

– This study identifies the leading and primary issues in social reporting practices across different sectorial and methodological schemes.

Social implications

– The convergence of social reporting guidelines has a twofold implication: on one hand, social accountability is plastic issue, adaptable to different organization sectors and typologies; on the other, a common codification and commodification of social accountability is emerging.

Originality/value

– The article proposes a cross-sectorial analysis of social reporting methodologies, to identify analogies, differences and trends of institutionalization and standardization of this process.
Poor effectiveness of antenatal detection of fetal growth restriction and consequences for obstetric management and neonatal outcomes: a French national study
Authors: Monier I , Blondel B , Ego A , Kaminiski M , Goffinet F , Zeitlin J
Published: October 2014

Objective

To assess the proportion of small for gestational age (SGA) and normal birthweight infants suspected of fetal growth restriction (FGR) during pregnancy, and to investigate obstetric and neonatal outcomes by suspicion of FGR and SGA status at birth.

Design

Population‐based study.

Setting

All French maternity units in 2010.

Population

Representative sample of singleton births (n = 14 100).

Methods

We compared SGA infants with a birthweight of less than the 10th percentile suspected of FGR, defined as mention of FGR in medical charts (true positives), non‐SGA infants suspected of FGR (false positives), SGA infants without suspicion of FGR (false negatives) and non‐SGA infants without suspicion of FGR (true negatives). Multivariable analyses were adjusted for maternal and neonatal characteristics hypothesised to affect closer surveillance for FGR and our outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Obstetric management (caesarean, provider‐initiated preterm and early term delivery) and neonatal outcomes (late fetal death, preterm birth, Apgar score, resuscitation at birth).

Results

21.7% of SGA infants (n = 265) and 2.1% of non‐SGA infants (n = 271) were suspected of FGR during pregnancy. Compared with true negatives, provider‐initiated preterm deliveries were higher for true and false positives (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 6.1 [95% CI, 3.8–9.8] and 4.6 [95% CI, 3.2–6.7]), but not for false negatives (aRR, 1.1 [95% CI, 0.6–1.9]). Neonatal outcomes were not better for SGA infants if FGR was suspected.

Conclusion

Antenatal suspicion of FGR among SGA infants was low and one‐half of infants suspected of FGR were not SGA. The increased risk of provider‐initiated delivery observed in non‐SGA infants suspected of FGR raises concerns about the iatrogenic consequences of screening.
SymbioticChlorella variabilisincubated under constant dark conditions for 24 hours loses the ability to avoid digestion by host lysosomal enzymes in digestive vacuoles of host ciliateParamecium bursaria
Authors: Kodama Yuuki , Fujishima Masahiro
Published: October 2014

Endosymbiosis between symbiotic Chlorella and alga-free Paramecium bursaria cells can be induced by mixing them. To establish the endosymbiosis, algae must acquire temporary resistance to the host lysosomal enzymes in the digestive vacuoles (DVs). When symbiotic algae isolated from the alga-bearing paramecia are kept under a constant dark conditions for 24 h before mixing with the alga-free paramecia, almost all algae are digested in the host DVs. To examine the cause of algal acquisition to the host lysosomal enzymes, the isolated algae were kept under a constant light conditions with or without a photosynthesis inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea for 24 h, and were mixed with alga-free paramecia. Unexpectedly, most of the algae were not digested in the DVs irrespective of the presence of the inhibitor. Addition of 1 mM maltose, a main photosynthetic product of the symbiotic algae or of a supernatant of the isolated algae kept for 24 h under a constant light conditions, did not rescue the algal digestion in the DVs. These observations reveal that unknown factors induced by light are a prerequisite for algal resistance to the host lysosomal enzymes.
GENDER, FRIENDSHIP NETWORKS, AND DELINQUENCY: A DYNAMIC NETWORK APPROACH
Authors: HAYNIE DANA L. , DOOGAN NATHAN J. , SOLLER BRIAN
Published: October 2014

Researchers have examined selection and influence processes in shaping delinquency similarity among friends, but little is known about the role of gender in moderating these relationships. Our objective is to examine differences between adolescent boys and girls regarding delinquency‐based selection and influence processes. Using longitudinal network data from adolescents attending two large schools in AddHealth (N = 1,857) and stochastic actor‐oriented models, we evaluate whether girls are influenced to a greater degree by friends’ violence or delinquency than boys (influence hypothesis) and whether girls are more likely to select friends based on violent or delinquent behavior than boys (selection hypothesis). The results indicate that girls are more likely than boys to be influenced by their friends’ involvement in violence. Although a similar pattern emerges for nonviolent delinquency, the gender differences are not significant. Some evidence shows that boys are influenced toward increasing their violence or delinquency when exposed to more delinquent or violent friends but are immune to reducing their violence or delinquency when associating with less violent or delinquent friends. In terms of selection dynamics, although both boys and girls have a tendency to select friends based on friends’ behavior, girls have a stronger tendency to do so, suggesting that among girls, friends’ involvement in violence or delinquency is an especially decisive factor for determining friendship ties.
Prevalence and risk factors for clinically significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhan Xian Bao , Guo Xiao Rong , Yang Jing , Li Jie , Li Zhao Shen
Published: October 2014

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods

Altogether 101 patients were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Medical Military Hospital from July 2006 to June 2010 due to SAP. Their prevalence and risk factors of UGIB were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In total, 18 (17.8%) patients developed UGIB and 13 received endoscopic examination, which yielded six cases of acute gastric mucosal lesions (AGML), five of peptic ulcers (PU) and two of pancreatic necrotic tissue invading the duodenal bulb and presenting as multilesion, honeycomb‐like ulcer. The mortality rate of UGIB patients was much higher than that of non‐UGIB patients (44.4% vs 10.8%, P = 0.0021). Univariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for UGIB included the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), Ranson score, arterial blood pH and PaO2, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, platelet count, shock, sepsis and organ failure, mechanical ventilation, heparinized continuous renal replacement therapy and total parenteral nutrition. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that APACHE II score and CTSI were significant risk factors while PaO2 was the protective factor for UGIB in SAP.

Conclusions

UGIB is a common complication with poor prognosis due mainly to PU and AGML. Patients having SAP with high APACHE II scores and CTSI or low PaO2 should be considered to be at high risk for UGIB.
Performance of two neutral oral contrast agents in CT enterography
Authors: Wong Jessica , Roger Mark , Moore Helen
Published: October 2014

Introduction

This study compares the performance of two neutral oral contrast agents in CT enterography (CTE). Mannitol 2.5%, an oral osmotic agent, is compared with psyllium fibre (Metamucil). Both these agents are commonly used, but to our knowledge, they have not been compared in CTE.

Methods

CTE data were collected from 25 consecutive studies for both mannitol and psyllium fibre between 2011 and 2013. All images were reviewed by two radiologists and one registrar blinded to the oral contrast used. Each quadrant was assessed for maximum distension, proportion of bowel loops distended, presence of inhomogeneous content and bowel wall visibility. Overall subjective quality and whether the contrast agent reached the caecum were also assessed. Patients were invited to answer a questionnaire regarding tolerability of the preparations.

Results

Wall visibility was rated good in 100% of the mannitol studies, compared with 71% of the psyllium fibre studies, in the right lower quadrant (P = 0.01). No statistically significant difference between groups was observed in either maximal distension or proportion of loops distended in any quadrant. Inhomogeneous material was observed in 12% of the mannitol cases and 86% of the psyllium fibre cases (P < 0.0001). In all mannitol cases, the contrast reached the caecum, compared with 50% of psyllium fibre cases (P < 0.0001), and 36% of the mannitol studies were considered excellent, compared with 20% of the psyllium fibre studies (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Mannitol achieves studies of better quality and is now the preferred oral contrast for CTE studies at Auckland City Hospital.
Still in the Woods: Gridlock in the IMF and the World Bank Puts Multilateralism at Risk
Authors: Vestergaard Jakob , Wade Robert H.
Published: October 2014

The Western hegemony of the past 200 years is ending as power shifts towards the East and as Western states lose the authority to uphold a rules‐based multilateral order. In the wake of the Great Crash of 2008 the G20 leaders took steps to bolster the multilateral order, including reform of the governance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank so as to reflect the increasing economic weight of developing countries. The executive boards of both organizations affirmed that the primary criterion for allocating voting shares should be shares of world GDP.

We show that the reforms at the IMF and the World Bank have substantially failed to meet their ostensible objectives. First, in both organizations the developed countries gained voting share relative to GDP share between 2009 and 2014. Second, countries continue to vary widely in their share of votes relative to share of world GDP; in both organizations some countries have six times or more the votes relative to GDP of others. Politicians and analysts should give attention to achieving more equitable governance in these important multilateral organizations. At the end of this article we show how this could be done.
Green Shipping: Governing Sustainable Maritime Transport
Authors: Lister Jane
Published: October 2014

Maritime shipping is integral to the global economy. Over 80 per cent of traded goods travel by ship. While states and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have stalled in the regulation of the environmental impacts of ocean transit, new private ‘green shipping’ initiatives are emerging. These are supported by powerful corporate actors, in particular the largest container shipping customers – multinational brand retail companies. As debated in the private governance literature, this can be both a global governance opportunity and a worrying trend. This article traces the importance of retail power in influencing the rise of private environmental governance in shipping as a business strategy for market certainty and advantage. In evaluating the implications for the architecture and effectiveness of the regime, the article argues that the well‐established, focal authority of the IMO offers it the potential to orchestrate ‘green shipping’ private initiatives alongside international efforts to spur policy innovation, coordination and state regulatory cooperation. In conclusion, the article offers guidance to the IMO on the importance but also caution in governing private governance to ensure, as Susan Strange appealed for almost four decades ago, the management of maritime shipping in the public interest and not just for private benefit.
Accounting for imperfect detection in Hill numbers for biodiversity studies
Authors: Broms Kristin M. , Hooten Mevin B. , Fitzpatrick Ryan M.
Published: October 2014

Hill numbers unify biodiversity metrics by combining several into one expression. For example, species richness, Shannon's diversity index and the Gini–Simpson index are a few of the most used diversity measures, and they can be expressed as Hill numbers. Traditionally, Hill numbers have been calculated from relative abundance data, but the expression has been modified to use incidence data as well. We demonstrate an approach for estimating Hill numbers using an occupancy modelling framework that accounts for imperfect detection.

We alter the Hill numbers formula to use occupancy probabilities as opposed to the incidence probabilities that have been used previously and to calculate its summations from the modelled species richness. After introducing the occupancy‐based Hill numbers, we demonstrate the differences between them and the incidence‐based Hill numbers previously used through a simulation study and two applications.

In the simulation study and the two examples using real data, the occupancy‐based Hill numbers were larger than the incidence‐based Hill numbers, although species richness was estimated similarly using both methods.

The occupancy‐based Hill number estimators are always at their asymptotic values (i.e. as if an infinite number of samples have been taken for the study region), therefore making it easy to compare biodiversity between different assemblages. In addition, the Hill numbers are computed as derived quantities within a Bayesian hierarchical model, allowing for straightforward inference.
Split diversity in constrained conservation prioritization using integer linear programming
Authors: Chernomor Olga , Minh Bui Quang , Forest Félix , Klaere Steffen , Ingram Travis , Henzinger Monika , von Haeseler Arndt
Published: October 2014

Phylogenetic diversity (PD) is a measure of biodiversity based on the evolutionary history of species. Here, we discuss several optimization problems related to the use ofPD, and the more general measure split diversity (SD), in conservation prioritization.

Depending on the conservation goal and the information available about species, one can construct optimization routines that incorporate various conservation constraints. We demonstrate how this information can be used to select sets of species for conservation action. Specifically, we discuss the use of species' geographic distributions, the choice of candidates under economic pressure, and the use of predator–prey interactions between the species in a community to define viability constraints.

Despite such optimization problems falling into the area ofNPhard problems, it is possible to solve them in a reasonable amount of time using integer programming. We apply integer linear programming to a variety of models for conservation prioritization that incorporate theSDmeasure.

We exemplarily show the results for two data sets: the Cape region of South Africa and a Caribbean coral reef community. Finally, we provide user‐friendly software athttp://www.cibiv.at/software/pda.
Antibacterial activity of fluoride compounds and herbal toothpastes on Streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study
Authors: Randall JP , Seow WK , Walsh LJ
Published: October 2014

Background

Streptococcus mutans is an important bacterial species implicated in dental caries. This laboratory study compared the antimicrobial activity of a number of fluoride containing and herbal dentifrices and their components against S. mutans.

Methods

An agar diffusion method was used with Mueller–Hinton agar. Wells were filled with either 10 commercial fluoride or 6 herbal dentifrices, or with solutions of various fluoride compounds, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium benzoate, chlorhexidine digluconate or triclosan. Diameters of zones of bacterial growth inhibition surrounding the wells were measured using a micrometer.

Results

Significant differences were found for growth inhibition between the 10 fluoridated dentifrices (p < 0.0001), with Colgate Total having the greatest effect. There was not a direct correlation with fluoride type or fluoride concentration. The antibacterial activities of the 6 herbal toothpastes varied, with Herbal Fresh being the strongest. Sodium lauryl sulphate showed strong antimicrobial activity against S. mutans at the levels used in dentifrices.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial activity of commercial dentifrices against S. mutans may be exerted by components other than fluoride. Ingredients such as triclosan and sodium lauryl sulphate have larger antimicrobial effects than fluorides in this model.
Survival rates and complication types for single implants provided at the Melbourne Dental School
Authors: Guo Q , Lalji R , Le AV , Judge RB , Bailey D , Thomson W , Escobar K
Published: October 2014

Background

Single implants and implant‐supported single crowns (ISSCs) have become popular treatment modalities for single tooth replacement. Studies have identified high implant survival rates, but also many complications. The aim of this five‐year retrospective study was to assess the survival rates, complication types and occurrences for single implants and ISSCs at the Melbourne Dental School (MDS) in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A search of the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne (RDHM) database was conducted for data on all implant treatment and reported complications during the period between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2009. Complications were categorized into surgical, biological and restorative types.

Results

A total of 622 implant fixtures and 444 ISSCs were inserted into 406 patients. Seventeen implants failed during the mean follow‐up time of 2.18 years, yielding a 2.7% failure rate and an estimated one‐ and five‐year survival rate of 98.8% and 93.9%, respectively. The cumulative surgical, biological and restorative complication incidences were 11.9%, 17.6% and 14.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that single tooth replacement using implant therapy within a teaching environment had a high survival rate. However, complications frequently occurred. This article only provides a descriptive analysis. Correlation analysis between variables would provide greater insight into the causes of complications.
Spanning the Globe: The Rise of Global Communications Systems and the First Globalisation
Authors: Lampe Markus , Ploeckl Florian
Published: October 2014

After postulating the relevance of information for trade costs we outline the rise of international communication networks (mail, telegraph, telephone) during the first globalisation of the long nineteenth century. In this period, global communications systems for the first time in history provided universal access to affordable and reliable means of communication. Using a new set of internationally comparable data on global postal flows, we analyse basic determinants of international information exchange and conclude by outlining a research agenda that links these to international trade patterns and knowledge transfer between countries.
The Provenance of Historical Gunpowder from South‐Western Japan: A Stable Isotopic Approach
Authors: Mizota C. , Yamanaka T. , Ichinose A.
Published: October 2014

Stable isotopic analysis was undertaken for the gunpowder ingredients from crude saltpetre and propellants from several types of gun that prevailed during the late 19th century in south‐western Japan. Stable isotopic signatures for δ15Nsaltpetre nitrogen, δ34Snative sulphur and δ13Ccharcoal carbon in crude saltpetre, gunpowder magazines bearing the trademark of mills from southern Scotland and cartridges for an improved Sharps rifle (with a US trademark) all imply common assemblages from the same source (saltpetre and native sulphur from British India and Sicily, respectively) in the United Kingdom (UK). One Pritchett patron is common for muzzle‐loading Enfield rifles, while the other suggests a four‐allied lead bullet for an unidentified hand gun. Propellants in the Pritchett patron from the same institution also suggest a common source of these rifles. On the contrary, the ingredients for an unidentified rifle and time fuse for a Paixhans gun with unique stylistic devices showed distinctive isotopic signatures, indicating a local Japanese origin. The Pritchett patron from the Kumamoto Museum involved a mixed provenance from the UK and Japan. The stable isotopic analysis provides direct evidence for the ultimate origin of the propellant.
Esthetics of Flapless Single‐Tooth Implants in the Anterior Maxilla Using Guided Surgery: Association of Three‐Dimensional Accuracy and Pink Esthetic Score
Authors: Fürhauser Rudolf , Mailath‐Pokorny Georg , Haas Robert , Busenlechner Dieter , Watzek Georg , Pommer Bernhard
Published: October 2014

Background

Flapless implant placement using surgical templates may guarantee predictable and esthetic results provided that preplanned implant positions are transfered precisely into surgical reality.

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the effect of three‐dimensional accuracy in guided implant surgery on the esthetic outcome of single‐tooth implants in the anterior maxilla.

Materials and Methods

Single‐tooth implants for delayed replacement of upper incisors were inserted in 27 patients using stereolithographic templates. Superimposition of postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans allowed assessment of positional inaccuracy at the implant shoulder and apex, as well as angular deviation. Objective evaluation of implant esthetics was performed after a mean follow‐up of 2.3 years using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES).

Results

Mean deviation between planned and actual implant position was 0.84 mm at the implant shoulder and significantly correlated to average PES of 12 (p = .031). Inaccuracy toward the buccal side was most frequent (70%). Deviations ≥ 0.8 mm resulted in significantly worse implant esthetics (median PES: 9.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 8–11) compared with more accurate implant positions (median PES: 13, IQR: 12–13, p = .039).

Conclusion

Positional inaccuracy is low in guided implant surgery, but may however significantly compromise implant esthetics in the anterior maxilla.
Nasal Floor Elevation for Implant Treatment in the Atrophic Premaxilla: A Within‐Patient Comparative Study
Authors: Garcia‐Denche Jesus Torres , Abbushi Abdullah , Hernández Gonzalo , Fernández‐Tresguerres Isabel , Lopez‐Cabarcos Enrique , Tamimi Faleh
Published: October 2014

Background

There is a lack of evidence regarding success of implants placed in atrophic premaxilla using the nasal floor elevation technique.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare implants placed in augmented bone in the anterior maxilla using the nasal floor elevation technique with implants placed in the maxillary sinus region using the sinus lift technique.

Materials and Methods

A within‐patient controlled clinical trial was performed on 14 patients receiving 78 implants. The implants were assigned to one of two study groups on the basis of implant location. A total of 37 implants were placed in the nasal fossa region (NF group), and 41 implants were placed in the maxillary sinus region (MS group). Patients were followed up for 4.5 ± 2.2 years, with comparable follow‐up times for implants in NF and MS groups (4.7 ± 2.1 and 4.9 ± 2.1 years, respectively; p > .05). Treatment outcomes were assessed and statistically analyzed.

Results

Implant success rate was 89.2% in the NF group and 95.0% in the MS group, with no statistically significant difference between them (p > .05). No nasal or sinus membrane perforation or other complications were reported within the follow‐up period. Significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of residual bone height, augmented bone height, and implant diameter.

Conclusions

Nasal floor elevation is an effective and safe procedure that can be used for implant placement in atrophic premaxilla with success rates that are comparable to those of implants placed in the maxillary sinus.
Marginal masticatory mucosa dimensional changes in immediate post‐extractive implants: a 2 year prospective cohort study
Authors: Ramaglia Luca , Sbordone Carolina , Saviano Raffaele , Martuscelli Ranieri , Sbordone Ludovico
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The present two‐year prospective cohort study was undertaken to evaluate marginal masticatory mucosa dimensional changes around immediate post‐extractive implants positioned transgingivally with a non‐submerged healing screw.

Material and methods

Twenty‐one immediate post‐extractive implants from 21 patients were enrolled, peri‐implant gap was filled with bovine bone mineral, and soft tissue was allowed to heal around a non‐submerged healing screw. Post‐extractive socket dimension was recorded. Intraoperative (T0) vertical distances: bone margin level (BML) from the bone margin to the implant platform and mucosal margin height (MMH) from marginal mucosa to implant platform were taken; MMH measurement was repeated 4 months later (T4). Horizontal mucosal level (HML): from customized stent to marginal mucosa at 0, 4, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (T0, T4, T12, T24) and vertical mucosal level (VML): from the stent to marginal mucosa at T4, T12, T24 were registered.

Results

One implant failed at 3 weeks; in the remaining 20 cases the MMH, coronally positioned with respect to the BML ≅2 mm at T0, showed a statistically significant vertical contraction of the mucosa at T4. Other vertical mucosal measurements (VML) did not show further changes over time. HML measures showed a, statistically significant, shrinkage of the mucosa on the transverse plane between T0/T12 and T0/T24 and between T4/T12 and T4/T24.

Conclusions

Immediate post‐extractive implant inserted transgingivally with a non‐submerged healing screw and internal peri‐implant gap filled with bovine bone mineral may favor an early and stable peri‐implant soft tissue healing over 2 years.
The population distribution of the sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and SAD/height ratio among Finnish adults
Authors: Kahn H. S. , Rissanen H. , Bullard K. M. , Knekt P.
Published: October 2014

Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD; ‘abdominal height’ measured in supine position) may improve upon conventional anthropometry for predicting incident cardiometabolic diseases. However, the SAD is used infrequently by practitioners and epidemiologists. A representative survey of Finnish adults in 2000–2001 collected body measurements including SAD (by sliding‐beam calliper) using standardized protocols. Sampled non‐pregnant adults (ages 30+ years; 79% participation) provided 6123 SAD measurements from 80 health centre districts. Through stratified, complex survey design, these data represented 2.86 million adults at ages 30+ years. SAD ranged from 13.5 to 38.0 cm, with a population mean (standard error) of 21.7 (0.05) cm and median (interquartile range) of 21.0 (19.1–23.4). Median SAD was higher at ages 50+ years compared with ages 30–49 both for men (22.4 [20.5–24.6] vs. 20.8 [19.3–22.7]) and women (21.7 [19.6–23.9] vs. 19.4 [17.8–21.4]). The SAD/height ratio was similar (0.118) for both sexes at 30–39 years, rising more steeply with age for women than men. Attaining only a basic education, compared with a high level, was associated with increased mean (95% confidence interval) SADs for men (22.6 [22.3–22.8] vs. 22.0 [21.7–22.2]) and women (21.8 [21.5–22.0] vs. 20.6 [20.4–20.8]). Finland's early experience with nationally representative SAD measurements provides normative reference values and physiological insights useful for investigations of cardiometabolic risk.
Soil moisture monitoring in mountain areas by using high‐resolution SAR images: results from a feasibility study
Authors: Pasolli L. , Notarnicola C. , Bertoldi G. , Della Chiesa S. , Niedrist G. , Bruzzone L. , Tappeiner U. , Zebisch M.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the results of a two‐year experiment carried out in mountain areas on soil moisture retrieval from remotely sensed images. In particular, fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) RADARSAT and single polarization ASAR images were used. During acquisitions of SAR over the test area in Alto Adige, Südtirol region, northern Italy, extensive field measurements were carried out to characterize the area in terms of soil moisture variability, vegetation cover and soil properties. The area is equipped with 17 meteorological stations that also provide information on soil moisture on an hourly basis. To deal with the process of soil moisture retrieval from SAR images in this challenging environment, an advanced algorithm based on the support vector regression (SVR) technique and the integration of ancillary data were successfully proposed. The selected method was also combined with an innovative multi‐objective strategy for model selection. The results indicate that the use of polarimetric features such as horizontal‐horizontal polarization (HH) and horizontal‐vertical polarization (HV) channels improves the estimation of SMC in the mountain area investigated, in particular because the HV channel contributes to disentangling the effect of vegetation on the radar signal. The root mean square error (RMSE) indicates accuracy of retrieval for soil moisture values of around 5%, which is well within the requirements for estimating soil moisture from remotely sensed data. This work was carried out with the main aim of demonstrating the feasibility of soil moisture retrieval in mountain areas with high‐resolution images in view of the upcoming Sentinel 1 mission.
Polish Labour Migration to the UK: Data Discrepancies, Migrant Distributions, and Indicators of Entrepreneurial Activity
Authors: Harris Catherine , Moran Dominique , Bryson John R.
Published: October 2014

This paper contributes to a growing body of work on labour market migration to the UK from the new Member States (NMS) of the European Union, particularly the migration of Polish nationals to the UK, drawing attention to the weaknesses of existing data sets which attempt to quantify these migration flows and in particular to map the geographical distribution of migrants. The analysis of Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) and National Insurance Number (NINo) allocation data demonstrates that NMS migration has focused on urban and rural locales rather than having a predominantly rural or “peripheral” area bias. The paper also argues that the discrepancies between WRS and NINo data potentially reveal a “hidden” geography of self‐employment and entrepreneurial activity among NMS migrants which merits further investigation.
Idealizing Inhabited Wilderness: A Revision to the History of Indigenous Peoples and National Parks
Authors: Rashkow Ezra D.
Published: October 2014

Whereas most histories of national parks and indigenous peoples have largely focused on dispossession of resident populations in the making of uninhabited wilderness areas, this article surveys the problematic history of the idea of preserving human communities today referred to as ‘indigenous’ in parks. In the very first‐ever call for a national park, as well as in frequent proposals for national parks throughout the 19th, 20th, and now the 21st century, protected areas have been envisioned as places of conservation, study, and display not only of endangered species but also of human groups perceived to be endangered. Drawing on cases from the early United States, colonial Africa, Indonesia, and India, as well as on histories of international conservation policies emerging around WWI, the article argues that this alternative conception of what national parks should look like has been pervasive, perennial, and deeply problematic. The problem is not only that indigenous groups have long been perceived as in danger of becoming extinct and therefore paternalistically projected as in need of protection. It is also that these peoples, who have long suffered dehumanizing animal analogies, are envisioned as endangered like wildlife, and in need of protection in parks.
Material Culture and Social History in Early Medieval Western Europe
Authors: Garver Valerie L.
Published: October 2014

Historians of the early Middle Ages (c. 600–c. 1050) have long used material remains and archeological evidence to learn about that era. Over the last four decades, material culture studies have become a prominent area of historical research, particularly for cultural historians. Recent early medieval studies have followed this trend. In addition, religious and economic studies of the so‐called “Dark Ages” have drawn from material sources. Object‐driven social history has been less popular, but recent work, especially on Francia and Anglo‐Saxon England, demonstrates that such projects offer new findings on a period whose texts rarely address social relations and everyday life directly. Material culture therefore offers rich research possibilities for early medieval social history.
Purification, structural data and biological properties of polysaccharide from Prunus amygdalus gum
Authors: Bouaziz Fatma , Koubaa Mohamed , Helbert Claire Boisset , Kallel Fatma , Driss Dorra , Kacem Imen , Ghorbel Raoudha , Chaabouni Semia Ellouz
Published: October 2014

This work demonstrates the efficiency of almond gum polysaccharides (AGPs) as bioactive compounds. AGPs were first extracted using H2O2, in the presence of NaOH, at different times and temperatures. The optimal extraction conditions were 4% H2O2 and 2 N NaOH, for 7 h at 50 °C, leading to an extraction yield of 58.2% (w/w). After a purification step, the retained AGPs were characterised using high‐performance liquid chromatography showing a molecular weight of 99.3 kDa. The monosaccharide composition of AGPs were assessed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. AGPs were found to be a complex heteropolysaccharide with a repeating unit mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid with the respective ratios: 45:26:7:10:1:11. The acidic nature of the polysaccharide is due to the presence of glucuronic acid. Total antioxidant activity, free radical‐scavenging activity and reducing power assay of AGPs were investigated. The obtained results showed high antioxidant activities of AGPs. Furthermore, beyond 60 mg mL−1, AGPs exhibited bacterial growth inhibition for five pathogenic strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus feacalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium.
Rationale and Design of Triple AXEL: Trial for Early Anticoagulation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hong Keun-Sik , Choi Yun Jung , Kwon Sun U.
Published: October 2014

Rationale

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the acute stage of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk of recurrent stroke, but the optimal anticoagulation strategy remains unclear due to the concern of intracranial bleeding. Novel oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin might be more safe and efficacious in patients suitable for early anticoagulation.

Aims

This trial is to evaluate the feasibility of early anticoagulation with rivaroxaban in acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with nonvalvular AF.

Design

This is a randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint evaluation trial. Inclusion criteria are ( 1 ) nonvalvular AF, ( 2 ) presumed cardioembolic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) confirmed by MRI within five-days from onset, and ( 3 ) mild to moderate stroke severity. We will randomize 196 patients to either rivaroxaban (10 mg once daily for five-days followed by 15 mg or 20 mg once daily) or dose-adjusted warfarin (coadministration of aspirin 100 mg per day until achieving international normalized ratio of 1·7). The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02042534).

Study outcomes

The primary endpoint is the composite of recurrent ischemic lesion and intracranial bleeding on MRI at four-weeks. Secondary endpoints are recurrent ischemic lesions, intracranial bleeding, major bleeding, major vascular events, four-week modified Rankin Scale score, and duration of hospitalization after randomization.

Discussion

The results of this proof-of-concept trial will guide go/no-go decision to a large phase 3 confirmatory trial.
Moderation Effects of Job Characteristics on the Relationship Between Neuroticism and Job Performance
Authors: Uppal Nishant
Published: October 2014

The present study evaluates a model suggesting that the job performance of highly neurotic individuals is influenced by job characteristics. By building on research that emphasizes bright sides of neuroticism, the author challenges neurotics' disadvantage in job performance. In a longitudinal field study at two time periods using a sample (T1: n = 802; T2: n = 760) of employees in 13 job profiles from 22 private banks, the present study found the support for moderation effects of various job characteristics on the relationship between neuroticism and job performance. These findings highlight a previously unidentified mechanism to explain the complex relationship between neuroticism and job performance. Implications of the study to theory and practice are discussed.
Progress Toward Understanding the Structure and Determinants of Job Performance: A focus on task and citizenship performance
Authors: Borman Walter C. , Brantley Laura B. , Hanson Mary Ann
Published: October 2014

Job performance criterion models have become more popular and more often investigated. The current research adds to this literature by testing performance models focusing on ability and personality predictors of task and citizenship job performance. Air traffic controllers (N = 928) completed cognitive ability and personality predictor measures, were administered a performance test assessing two possible mediators, and were evaluated using supervisor and peer ratings of two task performance, one citizenship performance, and an overall performance dimension. Path analyses largely confirmed that ability predicts primarily task performance and personality predicts primarily citizenship performance. The mediation related to task knowledge and skill on the task performance side was confirmed, and the overall fit of the performance models was quite good. Discussion focuses on how the present research furthers progress toward mapping relations among individual differences and individual performance constructs, beyond using overall performance as the endogenous performance variable.
Research and Development of the Coprecipitation Process for Lanthanum Germanate Oxyapatite
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Kitajima Shouta , Igarashi Yukihito , Higuchi Tohru , Sakka Yoshio
Published: October 2014

Although lanthanum germanate oxyapatite (La–Ge–O) has shown good potential for use as a solid electrolyte in energy storage applications, its synthesis has been challenging by either solid‐ or solution‐state methods. In this study, a new synthesis of La–Ge–O was developed through a coprecipitation technique, in which a highly concentrated homogeneous aqueous solution of La and Ge was prepared from aqueous ammonium germanate and lanthanum nitrate solutions with the addition of dilute nitric acid. Several precipitates were formed by pH manipulation, including an amorphous material obtained at pH > 3. Compared to the individual precipitation behaviors of the parent compounds, the amorphous precipitate was formed only from the aqueous two‐component mixture, and appeared to contain both metals. This material was transformed into crystalline mixtures upon heating at 1273 K. The crystalline phases were La2Ge3O9 and hexagonal‐type GeO2 when the precipitate was formed below pH 8, and the La–Ge–O and La2Ge2O7 phases when the precipitate was formed around pH 8. Product formation from the coprecipitate was discussed based on X‐ray diffraction and thermal analyses. The improved availability of La–Ge–O will allow more extensive investigations of its useful properties.
CEO Risk‐taking Incentives and Bank Loan Syndicate Structure
Authors: Chen Liqiang
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the effects of a borrowing firm's CEO risk‐taking incentives on the structure of the firm's syndicated loans. When CEO risk‐taking incentives are high, syndicates are structured to facilitate better due diligence and monitoring efforts. These syndicates have a smaller number of total lenders and are more concentrated, and lead arrangers will retain a greater portion of the loan. Moreover, CEO risk‐taking incentives have a lesser effect on the syndicate structure when lead arrangers have a good reputation and a prior lending relationship with a borrowing firm, while they have a greater effect on the syndicate structure when borrowing firms have low information transparency, are financially distressed or have low growth prospects.
Embedded blended learning within an Algebra classroom: a multimedia capture experiment
Authors: Smith J.G. , Suzuki S.
Published: October 2014

This two‐group, pretest‐posttest, quasi‐experimental study compared secondary students' learning of Algebra II materials over a 4‐week period when identical instruction by the same teacher was delivered through either embedded blended learning (treatment group; n = 32) or a live‐lecture classroom (control group; n = 24). For both groups, instruction was delivered in a normal classroom setting. A math test and a student survey were used to measure students' learning of Algebra II and satisfaction with the instruction. Students in the treatment group showed significantly greater gains in Algebra II test scores and evaluated their learning experiences significantly more positively than did the control group. The great majority (80%) of students in the treatment group preferred the embedded blended learning over traditional live lectures for future learning of math. Students' responses to open‐ended survey questions suggested that students in the treatment group appreciated the: (a) ability to control the pace of instruction; (b) new role of the classroom teacher; (c) lack of distraction in the blended learning environment; and (d) accessibility of the embedded multimedia lessons outside the classroom. This study suggests that screen‐capture instructional technology can be used towards establishing a teacher‐based, embedded blended learning environment within a secondary algebraic classroom.
Combined Actions of Ivabradine and Ranolazine Reduce Ventricular Rate During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: VERRIER RICHARD L. , SILVA ANA F.G. , BONATTI RODOLFO , BATATINHA JULIO A.P. , NEARING BRUCE D. , LIU GONGXIN , RAJAMANI SRIDHARAN , ZENG DEWAN , BELARDINELLI LUIZ
Published: October 2014

Drug Combination Reduces Ventricular Rate in AF

Introduction

Ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation (AF) can be reduced by slowing atrioventricular (AV) node conduction and/or by decreasing dominant frequency of AF. We investigated whether combined administration of ivabradine and ranolazine reduces ventricular rate during AF.

Methods and Results

Ivabradine (maximum clinical dose, 0.25 mg/kg, and 0.10 mg/kg, i.v.) and ranolazine (2.4 mg/kg, i.v., bolus followed by 0.135 mg/kg/min) were studied in an anesthetized pig (N = 16) model of AF. Combined administration of 0.25 mg/kg ivabradine with ranolazine reduced ventricular rate during AF by 51.9 ± 9.7 beats/min (23%, P = 0.017) and dominant frequency of AF by 2.8 ± 0.5 Hz (32%, P = 0.005). It increased PR (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0007) and A‐H intervals (P = 0.047, P = 0.002) during pacing at 130 and 180 beats/min, respectively, to a greater degree than additive effects of single agents. Combined administration of 0.1 mg/kg ivabradine with ranolazine exceeded additive effects of single agents on A‐H intervals and dominant frequency of AF. Moreover, ranolazine potentiated low‐dose ivabradine's reduction in ventricular rate, as combined administration more than doubled effects of the higher ivabradine dose alone and was similar to the combination with the higher dose. Neither drug nor their combination affected contractility (left ventricular [LV] dP/dt), QT or His‐ventricular (H‐V) intervals, or mean arterial pressure during sinus rhythm or AF.

Conclusion

Combined administration of ivabradine and ranolazine at clinically safe levels decreases ventricular rate during AF by reducing AV node conduction and AF dominant frequency without QT prolongation or depression in contractility. Targeting these actions offers intrinsic advantages over conventional nodal agents, which can reduce contractility.
A randomized controlled trial of Pivotal Response Treatment Group for parents of children with autism
Authors: Hardan Antonio Y. , Gengoux Grace W. , Berquist Kari L. , Libove Robin A. , Ardel Christina M. , Phillips Jennifer , Frazier Thomas W. , Minjarez Mendy B.
Published: October 2014

Background

With rates of autism diagnosis continuing to rise, there is an urgent need for effective and efficient service delivery models. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is considered an established treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, there have been few well‐controlled studies with adequate sample size. The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate PRT parent training group (PRTG) for targeting language deficits in young children with ASD.

Methods

Fifty‐three children with autism and significant language delay between 2 and 6 years old were randomized to PRTG (N = 27) or psychoeducation group (PEG; N = 26) for 12 weeks. The PRTG taught parents behavioral techniques to facilitate language development. The PEG taught general information about ASD (clinical trial NCT01881750; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Results

Analysis of child utterances during the structured laboratory observation (primary outcome) indicated that, compared with children in the PEG, children in the PRTG demonstrated greater improvement in frequency of utterances (F(2, 43) = 3.53, p = .038, d = 0.42). Results indicated that parents were able to learn PRT in a group format, as the majority of parents in the PRTG (84%) met fidelity of implementation criteria after 12 weeks. Children also demonstrated greater improvement in adaptive communication skills (Vineland‐II) following PRTG and baseline Mullen visual reception scores predicted treatment response to PRTG.

Conclusions

This is the first randomized controlled trial of group‐delivered PRT and one of the largest experimental investigations of the PRT model to date. The findings suggest that specific instruction in PRT results in greater skill acquisition for both parents and children, especially in functional and adaptive communication skills. Further research in PRT is warranted to replicate the observed results and address other core ASD symptoms.