bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How social entrepreneurship can be useful in long-term recovery following disasters
Authors: Ibrahim Sherwat Elwan , El Ebrashi Raghda
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper supports the call for using a separate research stream for long-term recovery vs disaster relief in humanitarian studies. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the thematic shift towards service operations during this developmental phase and explores the role of social entrepreneurial organizations. It builds from the literature on service operations management and social entrepreneurship to promote theory in humanitarian operations management.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study uses literature concepts and field data from multiple development case studies of social entrepreneurial organizations and social enterprises in Africa and the Middle East to analyze service operations.

Findings

Clear contributions to the role of social entrepreneurship in providing humanitarian and development services were identified and categorized according to service operations management stages.

Practical implications

This paper has important practical implications. The positioning of social entrepreneurial organizations as humanitarian service providers would open opportunities for new collaborations between donors and social organizations. Mainstream NGOs dominate the scene of servicing local communities; leaving aside social entrepreneurial organizations with substantial room for innovation that they might bring to the sector. In addition, social entrepreneurial organizations’ ability to build business models and design sustainability and scalability aspects for their operations may bring long-term development to impoverished communities. Global NGOs as well as government actors who carry out the first three stages of humanitarian operations could plan on working with (or even help creating) social entrepreneurial organizations to help with long-term recovery.

Originality/value

This study examines the implications of two bodies of literature; service operations management and social entrepreneurship on humanitarian operations management research. It concludes with a conceptual framework emphasizing the contributions of social entrepreneurship in planning, development, delivery, and distribution of services in the long-term recovery humanitarian and development operations.
Decision support framework for location selection and disaster relief network design
Authors: Timperio Giuseppe , Panchal Gajanan Bhanudas , Samvedi Avinash , Goh Mark , De Souza Robert
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a decision support framework for locations identification to address network design in the domain of disaster relief supply chains. The solution approach is then applied to a real-life case about Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

An approach integrating geographic information system technology and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process has been used.

Findings

For the Indonesian case, distribution centers should be located in Pekanbaru, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Ambon, Timika, and Manado.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this work is that facilities being sited are incapacitated. Inclusion of constraints over capacity would elevate the framework to a further level of sophistication, enabling virtual pool of inventory that can be used to adsorb fluctuation in the demand due to disasters.

Practical implications

The use case provided in this paper shows a practical example of applicability for the proposed framework. This study is able to support worldwide decision makers facing challenges related with disaster relief chains resilience. In order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in relief operations, strategic logistics planning in preparedness is key. Hence, initiatives in disaster preparedness should be enhanced.

Originality/value

It adds value to the previous literature on humanitarian logistics by providing a real-life case study as use case for the proposed methodology. It can guide decision makers in designing resilient humanitarian response, worldwide. Moreover, a combination of recommendations from humanitarian logistics practitioners with established models in facility location sciences provides an interdisciplinary solution to this complex exercise.
Clay montmorillonite-poly(e-caprolactone) electrospun microfiber/epoxy composites with triple shape memory effect
Authors: Dong Yubing , Qian Chen , Lu Jian , Fu Yaqin
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Epoxy (EP) and polye-caprolactone (PCL) are typical dual-shape memory polymer (DSMP). To get excellent triple-shape memory effect (TSME) polymer composites which are made from EP and PCL. Miscible PCL/EP blend composites have been investigated and compared to the TSMEs with electrospun PCL microfiber membranes/EP composites. Clay montmorillonite (MMT)-modified electrospun PCL microfiber membranes were prepared to improve the shape memory fixities of electrospun PCL microfiber membranes/EP composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The morphologies of electrospun PCL microfiber membranes and the cross section of PCL/EP composites were studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and the existence of MMT was confirmed by a transmission electron microscope. Thermal mechanical properties were observed by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a dynamic thermomechanical analysis machine, and the TSMEs were also determined through dynamic mechanical analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the TSMEs of electrospun PCL microfiber membranes/EP composites were excellent, whereas the TSMEs of PCL/EP blend composites were poor. The TSMEs of PCL electrospun microfiber membranes/EP composites significantly improved with the addition of the PCL electrospun microfiber modified with moderate MMT.

Research limitations/implications

Adding a moderate content of MMT into the electrospun PCL fibers, could improve the TSME of the PCL fiber membranes/EP composites. This study was to create a simple and effective method that can be applied to improve the performance of other SMP.

Originality/value

A novel triple-shape memory composite were made from dual-shape memory EP and electrospun PCL fiber membranes.
A bifunctional smart material: the synthesis of a metal-free black pigment for optoelectronic applications from an organic semiconducting molecular rod
Authors: Jones Leighton , Luo Xujun , Kazlauciunas Algy , Lin Long
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesise and evaluate the properties of a novel smart material consisting of a metal-free organic black pigment with a unique chromophore for bifunctional applications in optoelectronics.

Design/methodology/approach

A robust and highly efficient organic reaction, namely, a double [2 + 2] cycloaddition, was deployed to transform a rod-like structure for charge-transfer applications to a strongly conjugated light-absorbing molecule for both optical and electronic applications.

Findings

The synthesis and characterisation of an air-stable metal-free black pigment is reported, which contains an unconventional donor–acceptor panchromatic chromophore with an absorption window spanning 600 nm; the compound was synthetically converted from an organic semiconducting molecular rod and retains strong charge-transfer properties. The chromophore comprises tetracyanoquinodimethane adduct on either side of a dithienothiophenyl core, capped with hexyl thiophenes that ensure solubility in common organic solvents. Its propensity to form excellent thin films on different substrates such as glass and paper, with a total opacity in organic solvent, gives it the potential for wide-ranging applications in organic optoelectronics.

Research limitations/implications

The synthetic chemistry and fundamental properties are investigated in the present study, with more detailed treatments and analysis to be soon developed. One leading smart material is presented, with further derivatives under investigation.

Practical implications

The work presented shows the possibility of converting structures from one application to another with relative ease, but how they retain properties for both, using well-known and facile conditions.

Originality/value

The structures are novel and an enhanced air-stable organic panchromatic chromophore is reported for processing in common organic solvents.
Preparation of graphene-TiO2 nanocomposite films and its photocatalytic performances on degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Qin Pei , Yi Guobin , Zu Xihong , Wang Huan , Luo Hongsheng , Tan Miao
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to synthesize graphene-modified titanium dioxide (GR-TiO2) nanorod arrays nanocomposite films, so that these can enhance the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide and overcome the problem of difficult separation and recovery of photocatalysts.

Design/methodology/approach

The GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films were synthesized via hydrothermal method and spin-coating. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum and Raman spectrum. The photocatalytic performance of the GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films for degrading Rhodamin B under ultraviolet (UV) was studied by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic enhancement mechanism of graphene was studied by photoelectrochemical analysis.

Findings

The introduction of graphene expanded the range of the optical response of TiO2 nanorod arrays, improving the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and thus dramatically increasing its photocatalytic performance.

Research limitations/implications

A simple and novel way for synthesizing GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films has enhanced the photocatalytic performance of TiO2.

Originality/value

The photocatalyst synthesized is easy to separate and recycle in the process of photocatalytic reaction, so it is possible to achieve industrialization.
Linear inversion via the discrete wavelet transform pseudoinverse
Authors: Fernández‐Muñiz M.Z. , Cernea A. , Fernández‐Martínez J.L.
Published: October 2017

Classical least‐squares techniques (Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse) are covariance based and are therefore unsuitable for the solution of very large‐scale linear systems in geophysical inversion due to the need of diagonalisation. In this paper, we present a methodology to perform the geophysical inversion of large‐scale linear systems via the discrete wavelet transform. The methodology consists of compressing the linear system matrix using the interesting properties of covariance‐free orthogonal transformations, to design an approximation of the Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse. We show the application of the discrete wavelet transform pseudoinverse to well‐conditioned and ill‐conditioned linear systems. We applied the methodology to a general‐purpose linear problem where the system matrix has been generated using geostatistical simulation techniques and also to a synthetic 2D gravimetric problem with two different geological set‐ups, in the noise‐free and noisy cases. In both cases, the discrete wavelet transform pseudoinverse can be applied to the original linear system and also to the linear systems of normal equations and minimum norm. The results are compared with those obtained via the Moore–Penrose and the discrete cosine transform pseudoinverses. The discrete wavelet transform and the discrete cosine transform pseudoinverses provide similar results and outperform the Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse, mainly in the presence of noise. In the case of well‐conditioned linear systems, this methodology is more efficient when applied to the least‐squares system and minimum norm system due to their higher condition number that allows for a more efficient compression of the system matrix. Also, in the case of ill‐conditioned systems with very high underdetermined character, the application of the discrete cosine transform to the minimum norm solution provides very good results. Both solutions might differ on their regularity, depending on the wavelet family that is adopted. These methods have a general character and can be applied to solve any linear inverse problem arising in technology, particularly in geophysics, and also to non‐linear inversion by linearisation of the forward operator.
Impact of age on cardiovascular function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in experimental asphyxial cardiac arrest
Authors: Secher N. , Østergaard L. , Tønnesen E. , Hansen F. B. , Granfeldt A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Advanced age is an independent predictor of poor outcome after cardiac arrest (CA). From experimental studies of regional ischemia‐reperfusion injury, advanced age is associated with larger infarct size, reduced organ function, and augmented oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age on cardiovascular function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial activation after CA representing global ischemia‐reperfusion.

Methods

Aged (26 months) and young (5 months) rats were subjected to 8 min of asphyxia induced CA, resuscitated and observed for 360 min. Left ventricular pressure‐derived cardiac function was measured at baseline and 360 min after CA. Blood samples obtained at baseline, 120 min, and 360 min after CA were analyzed for IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, elastase, sE‐selectin, sL‐selectin, sI‐CAM1, hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and protein carbonyl. Tissue samples of brain, heart, kidney, and lung were analyzed for HO‐1.

Results

Cardiac function, evaluated by dP/dtmax and dP/dtmin, was decreased after CA in both young and aged rats, with no group differences. Mean arterial pressure increased after CA in young, but not old rats. Aged rats showed significantly higher plasma levels of elastase and sE‐selectin after CA, and there was a significant different development over time between groups for IL‐6 and IL‐10. Young rats showed higher levels of HO‐1 in plasma and renal tissue after CA.

Conclusion

In a rat model of asphyxial CA, advanced age is associated with an attenuated hyperdynamic blood pressure response and increased endothelial activation.
Regulation of Kisspeptin Synthesis and Release in the Preoptic/Anterior Hypothalamic Region of Prepubertal Female Rats: Actions of IGF‐1 and Alcohol
Authors: Hiney Jill K. , Srivastava Vinod K. , Vaden Anderson Danielle N. , Hartzoge Nicole L. , Dees William L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Alcohol (ALC) causes suppressed secretion of prepubertal luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH). Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and kisspeptin (Kp) are major regulators of LHRH and are critical for puberty. IGF‐1 may be an upstream mediator of Kp in the preoptic area and rostral hypothalamic area (POA/RHA) of the rat brain, a region containing both Kp and LHRH neurons. We investigated the ability of IGF‐1 to stimulate prepubertal Kp synthesis and release in POA/RHA, and the potential inhibitory effects of ALC.

Methods

Immature female rats were administered either ALC (3 g/kg) or water via gastric gavage at 0730 hours. At 0900 hours, both groups were subdivided where half received either saline or IGF‐1 into the brain third ventricle. A second dose of ALC (2 g/kg) or water was administered at 1130 hours. Rats were killed 6 hours after injection and POA/RHA region collected.

Results

IGF‐1 stimulated Kp, an action blocked by ALC. Upstream to Kp, IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) activation, as demonstrated by the increase in insulin receptor substrate 1, resulted in activation of Akt, tuberous sclerosis 2, ras homologue enriched in brain, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). ALC blocked the central action of IGF‐1 to induce their respective phosphorylation. IGF‐1 specificity and ALC specificity for the Akt‐activated mTOR pathway were demonstrated by the absence of effects on PRAS40. Furthermore, IGF‐1 stimulated Kp release from POA/RHA incubated in vitro.

Conclusions

IGF‐1 stimulates prepubertal Kp synthesis and release following activation of a mTOR signaling pathway, and ALC blocks this pathway at the level of IGF‐1R.
Performance of the tree‐killing bark beetles Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus in non‐indigenous lodgepole pine and their historical host Norway spruce
Authors: Schroeder Martin , Cocoş Dragoş
Published: October 2017

The North American lodgepole pine Pinus contorta has been planted on 660 000 ha in Sweden.

We compared the performance of Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus in storm‐felled and standing pheromone‐baited trees of the historical host species Norway spruce (Picea abies) and lodgepole pine.

In the first summer after a storm, I. typographus colonized 0.2% and P. chalcographus colonized 2.4% of the storm‐felled lodgepole pines compared with 31% and 25%, respectively, of the storm‐felled Norway spruces. In the second summer 1.6% and 41.5% of the lodgepole pines were colonized by I. typographus and P. chalcographus, respectively. The reproductive success of I. typographus was five‐fold higher in Norway spruce than in lodgepole pine. Other species colonizing lodgepole pine were Ips duplicatus, Orthotomicus proximus, Orthotomicus laricis, Monochamus sutor and Pissodes pini.

The male attack densities of both bark beetle species required to overcome defences of standing pheromone‐baited trees were much higher in lodgepole pine than in Norway spruce. The reproductive success of I. typographus and P. chalcographus was approximately five‐ and 14‐fold higher, respectively, in Norway spruce than in lodgepole pine.

Larvae of the most important groups of bark beetle enemies were present in both storm‐felled and standing pheromone‐baited lodgepole pines colonized by I. typographus and P. chalcographus. In the standing trees, the densities of enemy larvae were lower in lodgepole pine than in Norway spruce, whereas the opposite was true for storm‐felled trees.
Predicting CYP3A‐mediated midazolam metabolism in critically ill neonates, infants, children and adults with inflammation and organ failure
Authors: Brussee Janneke M. , Vet Nienke J. , Krekels Elke H. J. , Valkenburg Abraham J. , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne , van Gerven Joop M. A. , Swart Eleonora L. , van den Anker Johannes N. , Tibboel Dick , de Hoog Matthijs , de Wildt Saskia N. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J.
Published: October 2017

Aims

Inflammation and organ failure have been reported to have an impact on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A‐mediated clearance of midazolam in critically ill children. Our aim was to evaluate a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model both in critically ill children and other populations, in order to allow the model to be used to guide dosing in clinical practice.

Methods

The model was evaluated externally in 136 individuals, including (pre)term neonates, infants, children and adults (body weight 0.77–90 kg, C‐reactive protein level 0.1–341 mg l–1 and 0–4 failing organs) using graphical and numerical diagnostics.

Results

The pharmacokinetic model predicted midazolam clearance and plasma concentrations without bias in postoperative or critically ill paediatric patients and term neonates [median prediction error (MPE) <30%]. Using the model for extrapolation resulted in well‐predicted clearance values in critically ill and healthy adults (MPE <30%), while clearance in preterm neonates was over predicted (MPE >180%).

Conclusion

The recently published pharmacokinetic model for midazolam, quantifying the influence of maturation, inflammation and organ failure in children, yields unbiased clearance predictions and can therefore be used for dosing instructions in term neonates, children and adults with varying levels of critical illness, including healthy adults, but not for extrapolation to preterm neonates.
Is tranexamic acid exposure related to blood loss in hip arthroplasty? A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic study
Authors: Lanoiselée Julien , Zufferey Paul J. , Ollier Edouard , Hodin Sophie , Delavenne Xavier ,   for the PeriOpeRative Tranexamic acid in hip arthrOplasty (PORTO) study investigators
Published: October 2017

Aims

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent, decreasing blood loss in hip arthroplasty. The present study investigated the relationship between TXA exposure markers, including the time above the in vitro threshold reported for inhibition of fibrinolysis (10 mg l−1), and perioperative blood loss.

Methods

Data were obtained from a prospective, double‐blind, parallel‐arm, randomized superiority study in hip arthroplasty. Patients received a preoperative intravenous bolus of TXA 1 g followed by a continuous infusion of either TXA 1 g or placebo over 8 h. A population pharmacokinetic study was conducted to quantify TXA exposure.

Results

In total, 827 TXA plasma concentrations were measured in 166 patients. A two‐compartment model fitted the data best, total body weight determining interpatient variability in the central volume of distribution. Creatinine clearance accounted for interpatient variability in clearance. At the end of surgery, all patients had TXA concentrations above the therapeutic target of 10 mg l−1. The model‐estimated time during which the TXA concentration was above 10 mg l−1 ranged from 3.3 h to 16.3 h. No relationship was found between blood loss and either the time during which the TXA concentration exceeded 10 mg l−1 or the other exposure markers tested (maximum plasma concentration, area under the concentration–time curve).

Conclusion

In hip arthroplasty, TXA plasma concentrations were maintained above 10 mg l−1 during surgery and for a minimum of 3 h with a preoperative TXA dose of 1 g. Keeping TXA concentrations above this threshold up to 16 h conferred no advantage with regard to blood loss.
Challenges and opportunities for transboundary conservation of migratory birds in the East Asian‐Australasian flyway
Authors: Yong Ding Li , Jain Anuj , Liu Yang , Iqbal Muhammad , Choi Chang‐Yong , Crockford Nicola J. , Millington Spike , Provencher Jennifer
Published: October 2017

Article impact statement: Migratory waterbird and landbird conservation in the East Asian‐Australasian Flyway is a challenge, but the Bonn Convention can help.
Effect of sitagliptin on glucose control in type 2 diabetes mellitus after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Shah Ankit , Levesque Kiarra , Pierini Esmeralda , Rojas Betsy , Ahlers Michael , Stano Sarah , Holter Marlena , Dutia Roxanne , Belsley Scott , McGinty James , Laferrère Blandine
Published: October 2017

The present study was a 4‐week randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 inhibitor, in persistent or recurring type 2 diabetes after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). Participants (n = 32) completed a mixed meal test (MMT) and self‐monitoring of plasma glucose (SMPG) before and 4 weeks after randomization to either sitagliptin 100 mg daily or placebo daily. Questionnaires were administered to assess gastrointestinal discomfort. Outcome variables were glucose, active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and β‐cell function during the MMT, and glucose levels during SMPG. Age (56.3 ± 8.2 years), body mass index (34.4 ± 6.7 kg/m2), glycated haemoglobin (7.21 ± 0.77%), diabetes duration (12.9 ± 10.0 years), years since RYGB (5.6 ± 3.3 years) and β‐cell function did not differ between the placebo and sitagliptin groups at pre‐intervention. Sitagliptin was well tolerated, decreased postprandial glucose levels during the MMT (from 8.31 ± 1.92 mmol/L to 7.67 ± 1.59 mmol/L, P = 0.03) and mean SMPG levels, but had no effect on β‐cell function. In patients with diabetes and mild hyperglycemia after RYGB, a short course of sitagliptin provided a small but significant glucose‐lowering effect, with no identified improvement in β‐cell function.
Anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy has mild hypoglycaemic effect in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huang Jinya , Yang Yehong , Hu Renming , Chen Lili
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy for type 2 diabetes. A literature search of PubMed and Embase for available trials on anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy in type 2 diabetes was performed. The baseline characteristics, changes in HbA1c and other metabolic parameters, and adverse events were extracted from included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and were analysed with Review Manager. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated to measure differences in metabolic parameters. Odds ratio and 95% CIs were calculated for adverse event rates. Five RCTs were included in the current meta‐analysis with 357 subjects undergoing anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy (IL‐1 receptor antagonist or anti‐IL‐1beta antibody) and 221 controls who received placebo. The HbA1c decrement (%) of anti‐interleukin‐1 group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group (MD = 0.23; 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.07; P = .005). AUC of C‐peptide was improved also (MD = 14.55; 95% CI, 1.81‐27.28; P = .03) after anti‐interleukin‐1 intervention. There was no difference in the rate of adverse events (odds ratio,1.16; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.49; P = .25) between 2 groups. Anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy has mild hypoglycaemic effect in type 2 diabetes.
Do social environments affect the use of exaggerated traits in the dobsonflyCorydalus bidenticulatus?
Authors: Álvarez Hugo Alejandro , García‐Chávez Juan Hector , Cebada‐Ruiz Jorge Alejandro
Published: October 2017

Male–male competition is strongly affected by female presence. In insects with primitive features such as megalopterans, however, it is not known how aggressiveness is expressed in the context of female presence. Here we examined the effect of social environments on the use of secondary sexual traits in the sexual behavior of the Mexican dobsonflyCorydalus bidenticulatus(Megaloptera: Corydalidae). Males of this species have exaggerated traits such as disproportionally elongated mandibles with no dentition, which is a secondary sexual trait used in competition over female access as well as males of otherCorydalusspecies. We investigated how male–male interactions are carried out, and the scaling relationships of sexual and non‐sexual traits. Our results show that males ofC. bidenticulatusare not indiscriminately aggressive. The decision whether to fight or not is affected by their social environments: males are aggressive against other males only when the presence of a female is detected. Results also suggest that mandibles and antennae are sexually dimorphic, being exaggerated and showing positive allometry only in males. In contrast, male genitalia, a sex‐specific trait, show negative allometry.
A review of the genus Montescardia Amsel (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) from Japan, with reference to the genital morphology
Authors: Osada Yohei , Ponomarenko Margarita G. , Hirowatari Toshiya
Published: October 2017

The genus Montescardia Amsel is redescribed. Montescardia tessulatellus (Zeller) and M. kurenzovi (Zagulajev) are recorded and redescribed from Japan, with figures of the male and female genitalia. Functional morphology of the male genitalia in M. tessulatellus, the type species of Montescardia, is studied for the first time. The terminology used in the description is clarified taking into account the features of the skeleto‐muscular apparatus of the male genitalia and homologation of genital structures.
cAMP‐induced activation of protein kinase A and p190B RhoGAP mediates down‐regulation of TC10 activity at the plasma membrane and neurite outgrowth
Authors: Koinuma Shingo , Takeuchi Kohei , Wada Naoyuki , Nakamura Takeshi
Published: October 2017

Cyclic AMP plays a pivotal role in neurite growth. During outgrowth, a trafficking system supplies membrane at growth cones. However, the cAMP‐induced signaling leading to the regulation of membrane trafficking remains unknown. TC10 is a Rho family GTPase that is essential for specific types of vesicular trafficking. Recent studies have shown a role of TC10 in neurite growth in NGF‐treated PC12 cells. Here, we investigated a mechanical linkage between cAMP and TC10 in neuritogenesis. Plasmalemmal TC10 activity decreased abruptly after cAMP addition in neuronal cells. TC10 was locally inactivated at extending neurite tips in cAMP‐treated PC12 cells. TC10 depletion led to a decrease in cAMP‐induced neurite outgrowth. Constitutively active TC10 could not rescue this growth reduction, supporting our model for a role of GTP hydrolysis of TC10 in neuritogenesis by accelerating vesicle fusion. The cAMP‐induced TC10 inactivation was mediated by PKA. Considering cAMP‐induced RhoA inactivation, we found that p190B, but not p190A, mediated inactivation of TC10 and RhoA. Upon cAMP treatment, p190B was recruited to the plasma membrane. STEF depletion and Rac1‐N17 expression reduced cAMP‐induced TC10 inactivation. Together, the PKA‐STEF‐Rac1‐p190B pathway leading to inactivation of TC10 and RhoA at the plasma membrane plays an important role in cAMP‐induced neurite outgrowth.
Oxide multilayer thermoelectric generators
Authors: Töpfer Jörg , Reimann Timmy , Schulz Thomas , Bochmann Arne , Capraro Beate , Barth Stefan , Vogel Andy , Teichert Steffen
Published: October 2017

Oxide multilayer thermoelectric generators (MLTEG) were fabricated, using the standard multilayer technology. Green tapes of p‐type La2CuO4and n‐type Nd2CuO4thermoelectric oxides were stacked with intermediate insulating glass layers. Electrical contacts between thermoelectric oxides were applied, using screen‐printing of AgPd paste, and multilayers were cofired at 1000°C. However, cofiring of four different materials turned out to be very challenging, and contact resistance problems frequently led to device malfunctions. We developed a new concept of a transversal multilayer thermoelectric generator (TMLTEG), which is characterized by a simple design. This generator is build up by stacking layers of a p‐ or n‐type thermoelectric oxide and printing stripes of AgPd paste onto the thermoelectric layers at an angle with respect to the temperature gradient. Transversal multilayer thermoelectric generators were fabricated using p‐type La2CuO4, or n‐type substituted CaMnO3; cofiring of the multilayer stacks was performed at 1000°C. TheTMLTEGbased upon p‐type lanthanum cuprate exhibits a power output of 7.8 mW at ∆T= 200 K in the low temperature range of 25‐135°C. Materials issues, cofiring characteristics, design and the thermoelectric performance of multilayerTEGs will be discussed.
Managing group audit risk in a multicomponent audit setting
Authors: Graham Lynford , Bedard Jean C. , Dutta Saurav
Published: October 2017

This paper considers the challenges in planning the scope of auditing procedures in a group audit setting for an entity with geographically dispersed components which vary in risk characteristics. Auditing all the components for a complex group entity is often infeasible, hence the auditor faces risk from components not audited, as well as the normal sampling risk resulting from applying audit procedures to certain components. Auditing standards do not explain how to consider the risk factors and consider what portion of a multiple component entity should be selected for audit to be able to issue an unqualified audit opinion on the group. In this paper we describe a step‐by‐step method for determining a minimum number of component audits needed to support an aggregate low level of audit risk of material misstatement. The paper responds to calls from academics, practitioners, and standards‐setters for theoretically valid and practically feasible solutions to the group audit problem, using a method that combines professional judgment and experience with basic statistical principles in an ensemble approach.
An integrative literature review on midwives' perceptions on the facilitators and barriers of physiological birth
Authors: Wong Cassandra Y.W. , He Hong‐Gu , Shorey Shefaly , Koh Serena S.L.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To present a synthesis and summary of midwives' perceptions on the facilitators and barriers of physiological birth.

Background

Medicalisation of birth has transformed and dictated how birthing should take place since the 20th century. Midwives' perceptions on their role within this medicalised environment have not been well documented.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Data sources and review methods: Primary research articles published in English from the period of 2004 to 2015 were included in this review. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal forms were used to appraise the quality of the articles. Data were identified from CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and Scopus.

Results

Eighteen articles were reviewed. Lack of knowledge due to inadequate training, existing obstetrician‐led practices, and midwives' negative perceptions of physiological birth were identified as barriers in the literature. Facilitators like shared decision‐making, women's preferences, teamwork, institutional support, and midwives' positive perceptions of physiological birth promoted physiological birth. Most of the studies were conducted in Western countries.

Conclusion

Midwives face barriers and facilitators when promoting physiological birth during their clinical practise. Future studies exploring midwives' perceptions of physiological birth are needed, especially in Asia where cultural and organizational factors may differ from Western countries.
Neotropical savanna ants show a reversed latitudinal gradient of species richness, with climatic drivers reflecting the forest origin of the fauna
Authors: Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Maravalhas Jonas B. , Feitosa Rodrigo M. , Pacheco Renata , Neves Karen C. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To evaluate the extent to which ant species richness in Neotropical savannas varies with macrogeographic variables, and to identify the potential climatic drivers of such variation.

Location

The Cerrado savanna biome of central Brazil, in a region spanning ca. 20° of latitude and 18°of longitude.

Methods

Standardized sampling of the arboreal and ground‐dwelling faunas was performed in 29 well‐preserved savanna sites using pitfall traps. Species were classified according to their habitat affinities: open‐savanna specialists, forest‐associated species or habitat generalists. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the importance of geographic (latitude, longitude and elevation) and climatic (mean temperature and three metrics of rainfall) variables as predictors of species richness.

Results

The total number of species recorded at each site varied more than twofold (from 59 to 144), and latitude was the best geographic correlate of overall species richness. However, contrary to the expected pattern, more species were found at higher than lower latitudes. This reversed latitudinal pattern of diversity occurred for both the arboreal and ground‐dwelling faunas, and for the habitat generalists and forest specialists. The savanna specialists showed a mid‐latitudinal peak in diversity. Overall, there was a significant positive association between rainfall and species richness, but the strength of this relationship varied with ant habitat affinity.

Main conclusions

The Cerrado ant fauna shows a reverse latitudinal gradient in species diversity, and this can be explained by increasing rainfall during the warmest months of the year (and therefore in plant productivity) with increasing latitude. The sensitivity of Cerrado ant diversity to declining rainfall contrasts with the high resilience to aridity of the Australian savanna ant fauna, and this reflects the contrasting evolutionary histories of these faunas. Our findings highlight the importance of historical processes as drivers of intercontinental contrasts in macroecological patterns.
Ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using a second‐generation cryoballoon catheter or contact‐force sensing radiofrequency ablation catheter: A comparison of costs and long‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Yokokawa Miki , Chugh Aman , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Ghanbari Hamid , Crawford Thomas , Jongnarangsin Krit , Cunnane Ryan , Saeed Mohammed , Hornsby Kyle , Krishnasamy Kavita , Lohawijarn Watchara , Keast Robert , Karpenko David , Bogun Frank , Pelosi Frank , Morady Fred , Oral Hakan
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Although noninferiority of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency catheter ablation for antral pulmonary vein isolation (APVI) has been reported in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), it is not clear whether contact force sensing (CF‐RFA) and CBA with the second‐generation catheter have similar procedural costs and long‐term outcomes. The objective of this study is to compare the long‐term efficacy and cost implications of CBA and CF‐RFA in patients with PAF.

Methods and results

A first APVI was performed in 146 consecutive patients (age: 63 ± 10 years, men: 95 [65%], left atrial diameter: 42 ± 6 mm) with PAF using CBA (71) or CF‐RFA (75). Clinical outcomes and procedural costs were compared. The mean procedure time was significantly shorter with CBA than with CF‐RFA (98 ± 39 vs. 158 ± 47 minutes, P < 0.0001). Despite a higher equipment cost in the CBA than the CF‐RFA group, the total procedure cost was similar between the two groups (P = 0.26), primarily driven by a shorter procedure duration that resulted in a lower anesthesia cost. At 25 ± 5 months after a single ablation procedure, 51 patients (72%) in the CBA, and 55 patients (73%) in the CF‐RFA groups remained free from atrial arrhythmias without antiarrhythmic drug therapy (P = 0.84).

Conclusions

The procedure duration was approximately 60 minutes shorter with CBA than CF‐RFA. The procedural costs were similar with both approaches. At 2 years after a single procedure, CBA and CF‐RFA have similar single‐procedure efficacies of 72–73%.
First mover or higher quality? Optimal product strategy in markets with positive feedbacks
Authors: Lamberson P.J. , Page Scott E.
Published: October 2017

Conventional wisdom holds that in markets with positive feedbacks being first to market can matter more than product quality. In this paper, we test that intuition within a generalized Pólya urn model. We find that if we assume constant feedbacks, in the long run, higher quality products dominate the market regardless of initial market shares, contradicting the common wisdom. However, when we allow for variable feedbacks, initial advantages persist almost indefinitely. Thus, the choice of whether to rush to market or focus on quality depends on market characteristics such as whether the positive feedbacks result from more consistent returns to scale or from more variable social influences.
The role of Facebook and Twitter as organisational communication platforms in relation to flood events in Northern Ireland
Authors: Stephenson J. , Vaganay M. , Coon D. , Cameron R. , Hewitt N.
Published: October 2017

Social media networks enable flood‐affected individuals to obtain and share credible information; however, their full potential is not recognised by official institutions. This study evaluates flood‐related usage of Facebook and Twitter by organisations in Northern Ireland. Data collection involved extraction of publicly visible flood‐related Facebook and Twitter posts, over a 9‐month period, from official accounts of selected organisations. NVivo was used to conduct a content analysis of the data. The results concluded that flood‐related information are predominantly distributed at the flood response stage, illustrating the present reactive social media presence of organisations. Twitter accounted for a higher proportion of broadcasting information, while Facebook was more likely to encourage specific behaviour. Public preference was associated with information provided by emergency services and information transmitted at the response stage. Policy implications include the need for an established proactive social media presence among organisations with a flood‐related function and community consultation to identify public information needs.
A quantitative approach for analysing bone modelling patterns from craniofacial surfaces in hominins
Authors: Brachetta‐Aporta Natalia , Gonzalez Paula N. , Bernal Valeria
Published: October 2017

Bone size and shape arise throughout ontogeny as a result of the coordinated activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, responsible for bone deposition and resorption, and growth displacements. The modelling processes leave specific microstructural features on the bone surface, which can be used to infer the mechanisms shaping craniofacial traits in extinct and extant species. However, the analysis of bone surfaces from fossils and archaeological samples faces some difficulties related to the bone loss caused by taphonomic factors, and the lack of formal methods for estimating missing information and comparing the patterns of bone modelling among several specimens and samples. The present study provides a new approach for the quantitative analysis of bone formation and resorption patterns obtained from craniofacial surfaces. First, interpolation techniques were used to estimate missing data on high‐resolution replicas of the left maxilla in a sample of sub‐adult and adult modern humans and sub‐adult fossil hominins. The performance of this approach was assessed by simulating variable amounts of missing data. Then, we applied measures of dispersion and central tendency to represent the variation and average pattern of bone modelling within samples. The spatial interpolation resulted in reliable estimations of the type of cell activity (deposition or resorption) in the missing areas, even when large extensions of the bone surface were lost. The quantification of the histological data allowed us to integrate the information of different specimens and depict the areas with higher and lower variation in the bone modelling pattern of the maxilla among specimens. Overall, the main advantages of the quantitative approach used here for generating bone modelling patterns are the high replicability and the possibility of incorporating variation among specimens into the comparisons among samples.
The child's behavior during inhalational induction and its impact on the anesthesiologist's sevoflurane exposure
Authors: Herzog‐Niescery Jennifer , Vogelsang Heike , Bellgardt Martin , Botteck Nikolaj Matthias , Seipp Hans‐Martin , Bartz Horst , Weber Thomas Peter , Gude Philipp
Published: October 2017

Background

Sevoflurane is commonly used for inhalational inductions in children, but the personnel's exposure to it is potentially harmful. Guidance to reduce gas pollution refers mainly to technical aspects, but the impact of the child's behavior has not yet been studied.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine how child behavior, according to the Frankl Behavioral Scale, affects the amount of waste sevoflurane in anesthesiologists’ breathing zones.

Methods

Sixty‐eight children aged 36‐96 months undergoing elective ENT surgery were recruited for this prospective, observational investigation. After oral midazolam premedication (0.5 mg/kg body weight), patients obtained sevoflurane using a facemask with an inspiratory concentration of 8 Vol.% in 100% oxygen (flow 10 L/min). Ventilation was manually supported and a venous catheter was placed. The inspiratory sevoflurane concentration was reduced, and remifentanil and propofol were administered before the facemask was removed and a cuffed tracheal tube inserted. The child's behavior toward the operating room personnel during induction was evaluated by the anesthesiologist (Frankl Behavioral Scale: 1‐2 = negative behavior, 3‐4 = positive behavior). During induction mean () and maximum (), sevoflurane concentrations were determined in the anesthesiologist's breathing zone by continuous photoacoustic gas monitoring.

Results

Mean and maximum sevoflurane concentrations were = 4.38 ± 4.02 p.p.m and = 70.06 ± 61.08 p.p.m in patients with positive behaviors and sufficient premedications and = 12.63 ± 8.66 p.p.m and = 242.86 ± 139.91 p.p.m in children with negative behaviors and insufficient premedications (: P < .001; : P < .001).

Conclusion

Negative behavior was accompanied by significantly higher mean and maximum sevoflurane concentrations in the anesthesiologist's breathing zone compared with children with positive attitudes. Consequently, the status of premedication influences the amount of sevoflurane pollution in the air of operating rooms.
Subsurface and outcrop characteristics of fluvial‐dominated deep‐lacustrine clinoforms
Authors: Fongngern Rattanaporn , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ron , Mohrig David , Krézsek Csaba , Hess Thomas
Published: October 2017

Deep‐lacustrine deposits provide records of palaeoclimate and tectonics, and often host major hydrocarbon reservoirs, but their facies description and long‐term stratigraphic architecture are not sufficiently reported. A combined outcrop and three‐dimensional seismic dataset in the western Dacian Basin of Romania is used to decipher depositional systems, basin‐fill architecture and clastic sediment dispersal across a narrow shelf. The lake clinoforms are about 400 m high in seismic images and all of their aggradational bottomsets total up to 350 m in thickness. Depositional elements and morphology of fluvial channels, delta lobe complexes, sublacustrine channel forms, sublacustrine canyons and deep‐lacustrine lobes are interpreted on the seismic attribute maps. Outcrops show that sharp‐based deltaic units contain thin delta‐front deposits. The slope succession is dominated by channel‐levée thin‐bedded turbidites with terrestrial debris. Thicker and coarser turbidites are found in sublacustrine channels. The channelized sandstones on the slope are 10 to 25 m thick and often overlie tens of metres thick mass‐transport deposits. Tabular turbidite beds, sandy‐conglomeratic debrites with shallow‐water fossils, mud‐rich mass‐transport deposits and hybrid event beds within fan lobes are found on the basin floor. The integrated seismic‐outcrop analysis suggests that low accommodation on the narrow (10 to 30 km) morphological shelf and high sediment supply resulted in the prograding lacustrine shelf‐margin clinoforms with fluvial‐dominated topsets and significant sediment bypass to the deep lacustrine. The late Miocene–Pliocene Dacian Basin provides a typical example of a supply (river)‐dominated basin margin and possible recognition criteria of deep‐lacustrine clinothems including: fluvial‐dominated topset deposits with abrupt vertical facies changes, bottomset‐dominated sediment partitioning and frequent sediment gravity flow activities denoted by closely spaced and aggradational channel‐levée systems, thick bottomsets and rare indications of sediment starvation in the deep‐lacustrine deposits.
Measuring and reporting campus sexual assault: Privilege and exclusion in what we know and what we do
Authors: Brubaker Sarah Jane , Keegan Brittany , Guadalupe‐Diaz Xavier L. , Beasley Bre’Auna
Published: October 2017

As awareness of and national attention to campus sexual assault in the U.S. has grown, efforts to study and respond to the problem have increased. While these efforts are to be applauded, they have yet to fully challenge or correct the privileged and exclusive perspectives and assumptions regarding student experiences of campus sexual assault. Specifically, the experiences of white, heterosexual, cisgender, middle‐class, and American citizens who are students at primarily elite, traditional colleges and universities are taken as the norm, while experiences of students of color, LGBTQ students, and international students are neglected. Here we examine two primary sources of information regarding campus sexual assault: large‐scale self‐report surveys and individual reporting to authorities. We first review the content of select large‐scale surveys used to gather and measure self‐reported data from students on the scope, prevalence, and character of campus sexual assault, and identify areas of omission and neglect regarding marginalized students. We then review literature on barriers to reporting to authorities specific to these groups that further exclude them from our understanding of the problem. We end with recommendations for improved efforts to study and respond to campus sexual assault that are more inclusive and comprehensive.