bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐step standardized approach for complete mobilization of the splenic flexure during robotic rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Ahmed J. , Kuzu M. A. , Figueiredo N. , Khan J. , Parvaiz A.
Published: February 2016

Aim

The aim of this technical note is to describe a three‐step technique for expeditious and complete mobilization of the splenic flexure (CMSF) during single docking totally robotic rectal cancer surgery.

Method

A prospectively maintained database was searched for all patients who underwent single docking totally robotic rectal cancer surgery with CMSF through a stepwise technique.

Results

We studied 89 patients underwent CMSF during single docking totally robotic lower anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Conclusion

The technique demonstrates that CMSF can be performed with a standardized approach using the natural embryological planes of surgery. Moreover, this technique does not involve any change in patient's position on the operating table or undocking the robotic system. We have included an intra‐operative video recording to demonstrate the technique.
Where Institutional Logics of Corporate Governance Collide: Overstatement of Compliance in a Developing Country, Bangladesh
Authors: Sobhan Abdus
Published: February 2016

Manuscript Type

Empirical.

Research Question/Issue

How do conflicting institutional logics predict and explain the overstatement of corporate governance compliance in a developing country?

Research Findings/Insights

A unique opportunity to study overstatement of compliance is available through checklists published in annual reports by companies in Bangladesh. A data set contrasting with that available from checklists is collected by a confidential survey of company secretaries. Overstatement of compliance with the country's Corporate Governance Guideline issued in 2006 is measured by comparing the published compliance with that revealed by the survey. There is significant overstatement of compliance in annual reports, particularly with respect to the less directly observable provisions of the Guideline. The overstatement is positively associated with control by a sponsor family and is negatively associated with the presence of an institutional investor on the board of directors.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The logic associated with the regulative framework of an Anglo‐American‐based corporate governance model conflicts with the logic of a cultural‐cognitive institutional framework in a developing country. The resulting contest of legitimacy motivates firms to overstate compliance with the Corporate Governance Guideline 2006 in annual reports.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study highlights the challenges of introducing an Anglo‐American model of corporate governance in a developing country. National and international investors should seek to understand the reality of the corporate governance structure of firms in developing countries, rather than relying solely on compliance reported in annual reports. For researchers, there may be limitations in using the compliance reported in annual reports as a measure of corporate governance.
Safeguarding Children: Ofsted and Regulatory Failure
Authors: Craven Barrie M. , Tooley James N.
Published: February 2016

This article analyses two aspects of the regulatory conduct of Ofsted in protecting children from abuse by strangers. The first concerns the problems associated with child protection and safeguarding in the context of facilitating multicultural norms whereby certain social behaviours which would be unacceptable in one culture can be tolerated or condoned in another. The second aspect arises because, following Ofsted's failure to protect thousands of children from child abuse in many UK cities, children's social services' departments may have adopted strategic behaviour which may protect them rather than the children.
Comprehensive Functional Assessment of Right‐Sided Heart Using Speckle Tracking Strain for Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Fukuda Yuko , Tanaka Hidekazu , Ryo‐Koriyama Keiko , Motoji Yoshiki , Sano Hiroyuki , Shimoura Hiroyuki , Ooka Junichi , Toki Hiromi , Sawa Takuma , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Matsumoto Kensuke , Emoto Noriaki , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2016

Background

Right ventricular (RV) systolic function is one of the most important determinants of outcome for pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, but the factors influencing prognosis vary widely. Elevated right atrial (RA) pressure is reported to be one of these prognostic factors, but its functional importance has scarcely been assessed.

Methods

Eighty‐two PH patients, all of whom underwent echocardiography and right heart catheterization, were recruited. RV function was assessed by two‐dimensional speckle tracking longitudinal strain from RV‐focused apical four‐chamber view and calculated by averaging the three regional peak strains from the RV free wall (RV‐free). RA function was determined as the sum of three peak strain values comprising reservoir, conduit, and contractile function (sum of RA strain).

Results

Sum of RA strain correlated significantly with hemodynamic parameters such as mean right atrial pressure (r = −0.35, P = 0.002) and end‐diastolic RV pressure (r = −0.29, P = 0.008). Patients with sum of RA strain ≥30.2% experienced more favorable outcomes than those with sum of RA strain <30.2% (log‐rank P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with impaired RV systolic function (RV‐free <20%) and RA function (sum of RA strain <30.2%) showed the worst outcome (P = 0.001). A sequential Cox model based on clinical variables (χ2 = 5.8) was improved by addition of RV‐free (χ2 = 8.7; P < 0.05) and further improved by addition of sum of RA strain (χ2 = 12.0; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Right atrial strain appears to be a valuable additive factor for predicting outcomes for PH patients, and comprehensive functional assessment of right‐sided heart using speckle tracking strain may have potential clinical implications for better management of PH patients.
Phylogenetic composition and structure of tree communities shed light on historical processes influencing tropical rainforest diversity
Authors: Carlucci Marcos B. , Seger Guilherme D. S. , Sheil Douglas , Amaral Iêda L. , Chuyong George B. , Ferreira Leandro V. , Galatti Ulisses , Hurtado Johanna , Kenfack David , Leal Darley C. , Lewis Simon L. , Lovett Jon C. , Marshall Andrew R. , Martin Emanuel , Mugerwa Badru , Munishi Pantaleo , Oliveira Átila Cristina A. , Razafimahaimodison Jean Claude , Rovero Francesco , Sainge Moses N. , Thomas Duncan , Pillar Valério D. , Duarte Leandro D. S.
Published: February 2016

The Neotropics, Afrotropics and Madagascar have different histories which have influenced their respective patterns of diversity. Based on current knowledge of these histories, we developed the following predictions about the phylogenetic structure and composition of rainforest tree communities: (Hypothesis 1) isolation of Gondwanan biotas generated differences in phylogenetic composition among biogeographical regions; (H2) major Cenozoic extinction events led to lack of phylogenetic structure in Afrotropical and Malagasy communities; (H3) greater angiosperm diversification in the Neotropics led to greater phylogenetic clustering there than elsewhere; (H4) phylogenetic overdispersion is expected near the Andes due to the co‐occurrence of magnoliids tracking conserved habitat preferences and recently diversified eudicot lineages. Using abundance data of tropical rainforest tree species from 94 communities in the Neotropics, Afrotropics and Madagascar, we computed net relatedness index (NRI) to assess local phylogenetic structure, i.e. phylogenetic clustering vs. overdispersion relative to regional species pools, and principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure (PCPS) to assess variation in phylogenetic composition across communities. We observed significant differences in phylogenetic composition among biogeographical regions (agreement with H1). Overall phylogenetic structure did not differ among biogeographical regions, but results indicated variation from Andes to Amazon. We found widespread phylogenetic randomness in most Afrotropical and all Malagasy communities (agreement with H2). Most of central Amazonian communities were phylogenetically random, although some communities presented phylogenetic clustering (partial agreement with H3). We observed phylogenetic overdispersion near the Andes (agreement with H4). We were able to identify how differences in lineage composition are related to local phylogenetic co‐occurrences across biogeographical regions that have been undergoing different climatic and orographic histories during the past 100 Myr. We observed imprints of the history following Gondwana breakup on phylobetadiversity and local phylogenetic structure of rainforest tree communities in the Neotropics, Afrotropics and Madagascar.
Immunohistochemical expression of secreted frizzled receptor protein 1 in the invasive front of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rahimi Siavash , Kenward Susan , Glaysher Sharon , Marani Carla , Brennan Peter A.
Published: February 2016

The Wnt signalling pathway is involved in the development of oral cancer. When inactivated, secreted frizzled receptor protein 1 (SFRP1), a cellular Wnt‐inhibitor protein, may enhance cancer development. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of SFRP1 in the invasive front of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Immunohistochemical expression of SFRP1 in the cohesive and discohesive invasive front of 36 resection specimens of tongue SCC was investigated. Immunostaining was compared with tumour size, tumour thickness, and neural invasion. Immunoreactivity increased in depth from the surface of the tumour to the invasive front. There was a statistically significant association between type of invasive front and pattern of SFRP1 expression. A discohesive invasive front showed more intense immunoreactivity. No statistically significant associations were found between the intensity of staining and relevant prognostic factors. Tongue SSC has variable SFRP1 expression in different parts of the tumour and the greatest expression is in the invasive front. The more intense staining in the discohesive invasive front compared with the cohesive invasive front might contribute to the worse prognosis of cancers with a discohesive invasive front.
Brivaracetam: Rationale for discovery and preclinical profile of a selective SV2A ligand for epilepsy treatment
Authors: Klitgaard Henrik , Matagne Alain , Nicolas Jean‐Marie , Gillard Michel , Lamberty Yves , De Ryck Marc , Kaminski Rafal M. , Leclercq Karine , Niespodziany Isabelle , Wolff Christian , Wood Martyn , Hannestad Jonas , Kervyn Sophie , Kenda Benoit
Published: February 2016

Despite availability of effective antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), many patients with epilepsy continue to experience refractory seizures and adverse events. Achievement of better seizure control and fewer side effects is key to improving quality of life. This review describes the rationale for the discovery and preclinical profile of brivaracetam (BRV), currently under regulatory review as adjunctive therapy for adults with partial‐onset seizures. The discovery of BRV was triggered by the novel mechanism of action and atypical properties of levetiracetam (LEV) in preclinical seizure and epilepsy models. LEV is associated with several mechanisms that may contribute to its antiepileptic properties and adverse effect profile. Early findings observed a moderate affinity for a unique brain‐specific LEV binding site (LBS) that correlated with anticonvulsant effects in animal models of epilepsy. This provided a promising molecular target and rationale for identifying selective, high‐affinity ligands for LBS with potential for improved antiepileptic properties. The later discovery that synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) was the molecular correlate of LBS confirmed the novelty of the target. A drug discovery program resulted in the identification of anticonvulsants, comprising two distinct families of high‐affinity SV2A ligands possessing different pharmacologic properties. Among these, BRV differed significantly from LEV by its selective, high affinity and differential interaction with SV2A as well as a higher lipophilicity, correlating with more potent and complete seizure suppression, as well as a more rapid brain penetration in preclinical models. Initial studies in animal models also revealed BRV had a greater antiepileptogenic potential than LEV. These properties of BRV highlight its promising potential as an AED that might provide broad‐spectrum efficacy, associated with a promising tolerability profile and a fast onset of action. BRV represents the first selective SV2A ligand for epilepsy treatment and may add a significant contribution to the existing armamentarium of AEDs.
Long‐term approach to patients with postsurgical seizures
Authors: Ryzí Michal , Ošlejšková Hana , Rektor Ivan , Novák Zdeněk , Hemza Jan , Chrastina Jan , Svoboda Michal , Hermanová Markéta , Brázdil Milan
Published: February 2016

Objective

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the long‐term outcomes and therapeutic approaches for patients with seizures within the first year after surgery. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between 1‐year outcome and long‐term outcome and choice of therapy.

Methods

Our study was a retrospective investigation of the long‐term outcomes of 95 patients (33.5% of all surgically treated patients) with seizure recurrence in the first year after surgery. The patients had follow‐up visits for >5 years.

Results

At the 5‐year follow‐up visit (FU5), 28 (29.5%) of the 95 patients were completely seizure‐free (International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) class 1), 17 (17.9%) had auras only (ILAE class 2), and 21 (22.1%) were unimproved (ILAE classes 5 and 6). Statistically significant factors for these long‐term outcomes were the focus localization of the epilepsy, preoperative MRI findings, and postoperative follow‐up results in the first year. The patients with <3 seizure days in the first postoperative year (ILAE 3) represented 53.6% of the seizure‐free patients at FU5; the patients with auras in the first year constituted 64.7% of the patients with only auras at FU5; and the patients unimproved in the first year represented 76.2% of the unimproved patients at FU5.

Significance

Postoperative outcome depends to a certain extent on the outcome achieved in the first postoperative year. More than one third of the patients with postoperative seizures reached a long‐term seizure‐free outcome, and more than half of them did not experience disabling seizures in the last outcome year. The most therapeutic options were used in patients who were minimally influenced by the operation; the majority of patients with considerable improvement because of the operation do not use any other add‐on antiepileptic drugs or other kinds of therapy.
The bumetanide prodrug BUM5, but not bumetanide, potentiates the antiseizure effect of phenobarbital in adult epileptic mice
Authors: Erker Thomas , Brandt Claudia , Töllner Kathrin , Schreppel Philipp , Twele Friederike , Schidlitzki Alina , Löscher Wolfgang
Published: February 2016

Objective

The loop diuretic bumetanide has been reported to potentiate the antiseizure activity of phenobarbital in rodent models of neonatal seizures, most likely as a result of inhibition of the chloride importer Na‐K‐Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) in the brain. In view of the intractability of neonatal seizures, the preclinical findings prompted a clinical trial in neonates on bumetanide as an add‐on to phenobarbital, which, however, had to be terminated because of ototoxicity and lack of efficacy. We have recently shown that bumetanide penetrates only poorly into the brain, so that we developed lipophilic prodrugs such as BUM5, the N,N‐dimethylaminoethylester of bumetanide, which penetrate more easily into the brain and are converted to bumetanide.

Methods

In the present study, we used a new strategy to test whether BUM5 is more potent than bumetanide in potentiating the antiseizure effect of phenobarbital. Adult mice were made epileptic by pilocarpine, and the antiseizure effects of bumetanide, BUM5, and phenobarbital alone or in combination were determined by the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test.

Results

In nonepileptic mice, only phenobarbital exerted seizure threshold–increasing activity, and this was not potentiated by the NKCC1 inhibitors. In contrast, a marked potentiation of phenobarbital by BUM5, but not bumetanide, was determined in epileptic mice.

Significance

Thus, bumetanide is not capable of potentiating phenobarbital's antiseizure effect in an adult mouse model, which, however, can be overcome by using the prodrug BUM5. These data substantiate that BUM5 is a promising tool compound for target validation and proof‐of‐concept studies on the role of NKCC1 in brain diseases.
The Economic Crisis and the Evolution of the System Based on the ECHR: Is There Any Correlation?
Authors: Lambert Abdelgawad Elisabeth
Published: February 2016

This article analyses the relationship between the freezing of the budget of the Council of Europe, the introduction of ‘new management’ techniques to increase productivity and the reforms of the European Court of Human Rights to increase the number of cases solved (and at the speed at which they are solved). To what extent has the the drive to reduce cost had an impact on the evolution of the European Convention of Human Rights? Detailed attention is paid to the preparatory works of both the successful and the unsuccessful reforms of the European system of human rights, other relevant documents of the Council of Europe. Several key institutional actors were interviewed. It is concluded that financial cuts imposed on the budget of the Council of Europe have saved the Court (to a certain extent) but have significantly damaged the European system of human rights.
The Economic, Judicial and Political Influence Exerted by Private Foundations on Cases Taken by NGOs to the European Court of Human Rights: Inklings of a New Cold War’?
Authors: Cliquennois Gaëtan , Champetier Brice
Published: February 2016

Because of the so‐called ‘austerity policies’ implemented by European institutions and national governments entailing substantial public spending cuts, national fundamental rights structures responsible for considering individual petitions and complaints have seen their resources significantly reduced. Similarly, non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), which have become specialised in lodging complaints with the European Court of Human Rights, have faced a substantial decrease in their funding. For these reasons, many NGOs active in the protection of human rights seem to have become increasingly dependent for their funding on private foundations led by wealthy financiers who pursue economic, political and judicial objectives that are not always self‐evidently compliant with the European standards of fundamental rights protection. The best example is perhaps that of the Open Society Foundations, which funds many NGOs. While scant attention has been paid by scholars to this phenomenon, this increasing dependency of NGOs on ‘economic finance’ will have a deep impact on concentrating and orientating applications towards specific domains and against specific countries. This process could therefore lead to the thwarting of the protection given to certain rights in certain countries that are not seen as priorities for NGOs and private foundations and could seriously compromise the right to make complaints to the ECtHR.
Incorporating HIV/hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus combined testing into routine blood tests in nine UK Emergency Departments: the “Going Viral” campaign
Authors: Orkin C , Flanagan S , Wallis E , Ireland G , Dhairyawan R , Fox J , Nandwani R , O'Connell R , Lascar M , Bulman J , Reeves I , Palfreeman A , Foster GR , Ahmad K , Anderson J , Tong CYW , Lattimore S
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Routine HIV screening is recommended in those UK hospitals and primary care settings where the HIV prevalence is > 0.2%. For hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), however, testing is targeted at at‐risk groups. We investigated the prevalence of these blood‐borne viruses (BBVs) during a routine testing pilot in UK Emergency Departments (EDs).

Methods

During the “Going Viral” campaign (13–19 October 2014), nine UK EDs in areas of high HIV prevalence offered routine tests for HIV, HBV and HCV to adults having blood taken as part of routine care. Patients who tested positive were linked to care.

Results

A total of 7807 patients had blood taken during their ED visit; of these, 2118 (27%) were tested for BBVs (range 9–65%). Seventy‐one BBV tests were positive (3.4%) with 32 (45.1%) new diagnoses. There were 39 HCV infections (15 newly diagnosed), 17 HIV infections (six newly diagnosed), and 15 HBV infections (11 newly diagnosed). Those aged 25–54 years had the highest prevalence: 2.46% for HCV, 1.36% for HIV and 1.09% for HBV. Assuming the cost per diagnosis is £7, the cost per new case detected would be £988 for HCV, £1351 for HBV and £2478 for HIV.

Conclusions

In the first study in the UK to report prospectively on BBV prevalence in the ED, we identified a high number of new viral hepatitis diagnoses, especially hepatitis C, in addition to the HIV diagnoses. Testing for HIV alone would have missed 54 viral hepatitis diagnoses (26 new), supporting further evaluation of routine BBV testing in UK EDs.
The role of gene polymorphism in HLA class I splicing
Authors: Voorter C. E. M. , Gerritsen K. E. H. , Groeneweg M. , Wieten L. , Tilanus M. G. J.
Published: February 2016

Among the large number of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, only a few have been identified with a nucleotide polymorphism impairing correct splicing. Those alleles show aberrant expression levels, due to either a direct effect of the polymorphism on the normal splice site or to the creation of an alternative splice site. Furthermore, in several studies, the presence of alternatively spliced HLA transcripts co‐expressed with the mature spliced transcripts was reported. We evaluated the splice site sequences of all known HLA class I alleles and found that, beside the consensus GT and AG sequences at the intron borders, there were some other highly conserved nucleotides for the different class I genes. In this review, we summarize the splicing mechanism and evaluate what is known today about alternative splicing of HLA class I genes.
Performance of the Quidel Sofia rapid influenza diagnostic test during the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 influenza seasons
Authors: Kammerer Peter E. , Radin Jennifer M. , Hawksworth Anthony W. , Myers Chris A. , Brice Gary T.
Published: February 2016

The Quidel Sofia Influenza A+B Fluorescent Immunoassay was used to test nasal swab specimens from patients with influenza‐like illness at US–Mexico border‐area clinics in the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 influenza seasons. Compared with real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the overall sensitivities and specificities were 83% and 81%, and 62% and 93%, respectively.
Subjectivity in Design Education: The Perception of the City through Personal Maps
Authors: Yılmaz Ebru
Published: February 2016

Our mental maps related to the cities are limited by our personal perception and fragmented in the process. There are many inner and outer effects that shape our mental maps, and as a result the fragmented whole refers to the total city image in our minds. To represent this image, an experimental study has been conducted with a group of students. They used mapping techniques to design subjective maps. Maps, in general, are objective, and produced by standardised techniques which connote similar meanings for everyone. In contrast, artists and designers use maps as liberating objects of representations. Thus, using mapping techniques, inventing new ways of narration and gaining new understandings towards the city we dwell in are the basic aims of this study. Final designs can be evaluated as tools to question subjectivity in both design and architectural education.
Do Human‐Figure Drawings of Children and Adolescents Mirror their Cognitive Style and Self‐Esteem?
Authors: Dey Anindita , Ghosh Paromita
Published: February 2016

The investigation probed relationships among human‐figure drawing, field‐dependent‐independent cognitive style and self‐esteem of 10–15 year olds. It also attempted to predict human‐figure drawing scores of participants based on their field‐dependence‐independence and self‐esteem. Area, stratified and multi‐stage random sampling were used to select a sample of 600 10–15 year olds residing in Kolkata city, India. The sample comprised three age‐based strata: 10 and 11 year olds; 12 and 13 year olds; and 14 and 15 year olds. Each stratum comprised 100 girls and 100 boys. Participants’ actual age‐ranges were 10 years 1 month – 11 years 10 months (first stratum); 12 years 4 months – 13 years 10 months (second stratum); and 14 years 3 months – 15 years 9 months (third stratum). Goodenough‐Harris Drawing Test, Group Embedded Figures Test and Coopersmith Inventory were administered for assessing participants’ human‐figure drawing, field‐dependence‐independence and self‐esteem respectively. Results revealed significant positive relations among pertinent variables. Participants’ human‐figure drawing scores could be significantly predicted by their field‐dependence‐independence and self‐esteem.
The Metamorphosis of Industrial Designers from Novices to Experts
Authors: Wong Ju‐Joan , Chen Po‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Di
Published: February 2016

Professional training for designers is crucial in the field of design studies. The characteristics of novices versus those of expert designers have been identified in the literature; however, studies exploring the issue of professional training processes in the actual workplace are not well developed. Our study addresses the topic by using qualitative research methods along with flexible design. Collected data from the interviewees with different work experience were analysed by open, axial and selective coding. Herein, we argue that the processes by which a designer transforms from a novice into an expert in the industry are constructed through the interaction of several complicated factors. The re‐learning inherent in design professions is implemented through knowledge transfer gained from participation in design projects, particularly regarding tacit knowledge. Also, the novice's process of learning and training yields the characteristics and skills that companies and firms require of designers; this process involves a series of disciplinary sub‐processes, from destructive to reconstructive, implemented by employers. In these sub‐processes, the subjectivity of designers is neglected, leading to the suppression of imaginative expression and feelings of alienation among these workers.
Looking for a Possible Framework to Teach Contemporary Art in Primary School
Authors: Vahter Edna
Published: February 2016

Traditionally, the learning of arts in the Estonian primary school has meant completion of practical assignments given by the teacher. The new national curriculum for basic school adopted in 2010 sets out new requirements for art education where the emphasis, in addition to practical assignments, is on discussion and understanding of art. The teacher must introduce pupils to both art history and contemporary art. As a result, primary teachers would likely serve their pupils more effectively if they reconsidered their current understandings of art education and update their teaching correspondingly. The action research method seeks to answer the following question: how should one change the art education process in primary school so that in addition to practical activities pupils would have opportunities to talk about and understand contemporary art? The article discusses a framework for modernising art education in primary school. Research shows that primary school learners are open to innovation and thus discussion of contemporary art can become a natural part of primary school art classes. The balance between creating and responding is a key to planning the art education processes today.
Stiff Left Atrial Syndrome: A Complication Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: YANG YUFAN , LIU QIMING , WU ZHIHONG , LI XUPING , XIAO YICHAO , TU TAO , ZHOU SHENGHUA
Published: February 2016

Stiff Left Atrial Syndrome

Radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is an effective approach for treating atrial fibrillation. Its complications have attracted much attention, of which the stiff left atrial syndrome is a recently discovered complication that has not been completely understood. This study aims to investigate the concept, pathologic basis, clinical characteristics, predictors, and treatment protocols of the stiff left atrial syndrome after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Local Heterogeneous Electrical Restitution Properties of Rabbit Atria
Authors: AL ABED AMR , LOVELL NIGEL H. , DOKOS SOCRATES
Published: February 2016

Atrial Electrical Restitution Heterogeneity

Introduction

This study aims to characterize the regional variability in rate‐adaptation in the atria.

Methods and Results

Action potential (AP) responses to pulses with uniform as well as pseudo‐random non‐uniform pacing intervals were recorded from rabbit sino‐atrial node, right and left atrial pectinate as well as pulmonary vein antrum tissue preparations using conventional intracellular glass microelectrodes. Steady‐state restitution curves were reconstructed for various AP waveform metrics. We observed significant variability between the four regions under basal pacing representing the rabbit resting heart rate as well as regional variability in rate‐adaptation to increased pacing frequencies. Right‐left atrial restitution differences were further confirmed using the non‐uniform pacing protocol, with significant differences in AP amplitude, duration (APD) as well as maximum phase 0 depolarization rate restitution curves in response to an identical sequence of non‐uniform pacing intervals. In addition, we report regional differences in alternans of AP waveform metrics, over a wide range of pacing frequencies and not simply prior to 1:1 entrainment being lost. We also observed an increase in APD90 along the conduction pathway from the left atrium to pulmonary vein junction.

Conclusions

Our results identified significant regional differences in electrical restitution in the rabbit atria and suggest their dependency on both baseline AP morphology and local intrinsic differences in rate‐adaptation. We propose that the atrial heterogeneity in rate‐adaptation could contribute to arrhythmogenesis and the greater susceptibility of pulmonary vein myocardial sleeves to ectopic foci and reentrant activity.
Assessing and mapping flood hazard, vulnerability and risk in the Upper Brahmaputra River valley using stakeholders’ knowledge and multicriteria evaluation (MCE)
Authors: Hazarika N. , Barman D. , Das A. K. , Sarma A. K. , Borah S. B.
Published: February 2016

Assessing flood hazard, vulnerability and integrated risk has long been recognised as an important input for the formulation of policies aiming at flood risk management. This investigation is an endeavour to assess hazard, vulnerability and risk due to flooding, using an indicator‐based methodology incorporating stakeholders’ knowledge and multicriteria evaluation in geographic information system (GIS) to achieve community‐based assessment. The framework developed in this work is illustrated for the district of Dhemaji, a chronically flood‐affected area in the Upper Brahmaputra River valley. Results show spatial distribution of hotspots of flood hazard and vulnerability and locations at risk at regional and subregional level. The emerged risk pattern indicates that vulnerability indicators are more significant contributors than hazard indicators while calculating risk for the Upper Brahmaputra River valley. The methodology provides a dynamic platform where the flexibility in uses of hazard and vulnerability indicators, depending on variation in physical and socioeconomic setup, is possible.
Flood resilience technology in Europe: identifying barriers and co‐producing best practice
Authors: White I. , Connelly A. , Garvin S. , Lawson N. , O'Hare P.
Published: February 2016

Flood resistance (FRe) and resilience technologies hold considerable potential to limit the damage caused by flooding. Resistance technologies generally aim to keep water out of buildings, while resilient measures may allow ingress but create the conditions for a quicker recovery of individuals, communities and buildings. However, despite their potential contribution to flood risk management (FRM), their use remains uncommon. This paper draws on pan‐European research of local communities at risk and their representatives, and professional stakeholders working at a more strategic scale, to explore the barriers to use and describe the co‐production of new best practice. It interrogates the issues in terms of level of awareness, degree of acceptance and the integration into decision making. We found that even where awareness was high, there was a reluctance to use these measures. This is due to issues related to comparability, costs, installation, performance and maintenance. The research also revealed that FRM policy and practice has struggled to incorporate this emergent approach and that many individuals at risk are reluctant to take responsibility and protect their properties in this way. In response, this paper details how good practice guidance – the ‘Six Steps approach’ – was co‐produced with key stakeholders to facilitate the wider contribution of FRe to FRM.
Hazard mitigation of glacial lake outburst floods in the Cordillera Blanca (Peru): the effectiveness of remedial works
Authors: Emmer A. , Vilímek V. , Zapata M.L.
Published: February 2016

Almost 40 glacial lakes have been remediated in the Cordillera Blanca since the 1940s by implementing different types of structural measures to prevent (mitigate) glacial lake outburst floods. These are (1) open cuts; (2) artificial dams; (3) tunnels; and their combinations. The first part of the paper provides an overview and description of the implemented remedial works. In the second part, the effectiveness of these remedial works is evaluated on the basis of a comparison of the quantified susceptibility of nine selected lakes to outburst floods before and after remediation. Our investigation showed that different types of remedial works have different impacts on the susceptibility of a given lake to outburst floods and are effective for different scenarios (causes and subsequent mechanisms) of outburst floods. Hazard management implications in the framework of risk management and ongoing geo‐environmental change are also discussed.
Estimating the Greenhouse Gas Balance of Individual Gas‐Fired and Oil‐Fired Electricity Plants on a Global Scale
Authors: Hauck Mara , Steinmann Zoran J.N. , Schipper Aafke M. , Gorrissen Freek , Venkatesh Aranya , Huijbregts Mark A.J.
Published: February 2016

Life cycle greenhouse gas (LC‐GHG) emissions from electricity generated by a specific resource, such as gas and oil, are commonly reported on a country‐by‐country basis. Estimation of variability in LC‐GHG emissions of individual power plants can, however, be particularly useful to evaluate or identify appropriate environmental policy measures. Here, we developed a regression model to predict LC‐GHG emissions per kilowatt‐hour (kWh) of electricity produced by individual gas‐ and oil‐fired power plants across the world. The regression model uses power plant characteristics as predictors, including capacity, age, fuel type (fuel oil or natural gas), and technology type (single or combined cycle) of the plant. The predictive power of the model was relatively high (R2 = 81% for predictions). Fuel and technology type were identified as the most important predictors. Estimated emission factors ranged from 0.45 to 1.16 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalents per kilowatt‐hour (kg CO2‐eq/kWh) and were clearly different between natural gas combined cycle (0.45 to 0.57 kg CO2‐eq/kWh), natural gas single cycle (0.66 to 0.85 kg CO2‐eq/kWh), oil combined cycle power plants (0.63 to 0.79 kg CO2‐eq/kWh), and oil single cycle (0.94 to 1.16 kg CO2‐eq/kWh). Our results thus indicate that emission data averaged by fuel and technology type can be profitably used to estimate the emissions of individual plants.
Girlhood Betrayals of Women Childhood Trauma Survivors in Treatment for Addiction
Authors: Grabbe Linda , Ball Janell , Hall Joanne M.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

This research explored the understanding of trauma from the perspective of women who had experienced abuse and neglect in childhood. The goal was to better conceptualize potential avenues or interventions for prevention and treatment.

Design

Qualitative description of the accounts of eight women who were childhood trauma survivors and in treatment for addiction. Open‐ended interviews focused on key events or experiences during childhood and adolescence and the use of drugs and alcohol.

Findings

Four levels of betrayal fit the accounts the participants gave as the dominant theme in their narratives. “Primary betrayal” referred to the direct victimization by a perpetrator; “secondary betrayal” referred to the complicity, denial, or indifference of another adult to the child's victimization; “tertiary betrayal” referred to failures of responsible individuals in community settings to protect the child; and “quaternary betrayal” represented self‐betrayals. Substance misuse was an adolescent self‐betrayal that provided initial solace yet ultimately threatened the integrity of the girls. We found an almost complete lack of support in family and community settings for the participants.

Conclusions

These findings on betrayal inform health care for trauma survivors and can be a framework for preventing violence against children.

Clinical Relevance

Interventions for child and adolescent trauma survivors are critical to prevent the life‐long health sequelae of childhood trauma. Pivotal times to engage these survivors include periods when they may be accessed in school and healthcare settings.
A Time Partitioning Technique for Railway Line Design and Timetable Optimization
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Grande Zacarías , Moraga Paola , Sánchez‐Vizcaíno Jesús
Published: February 2016

Existing computer models used to optimize railway timetables lead to a high complexity when the number of analyzed services exceeds a given threshold. A time partitioning technique is proposed which allows line design and timetable optimization and a reduction in the complexity of the problem by considering small time windows of the same or different durations in which the timetables of a small (equal or not) number of running trains are optimized in sequence. Though the optimal solution is not expected to be attained with this method, the analyzed examples demonstrate that the resulting solution is close to the global optimum and practically satisfactory. This technique can be used at the planning and implementation stages. Examples of two real lines are analyzed to show the goodness of the proposed methods. One is the network Madrid–Sevilla–Toledo–Málaga–Valencia–Albacete with a dense traffic of 170 trains per day. The second is the Palencia–Santander line with 70 trains in which as an alternative to a double‐track proposal with a cost of M€ 3,200 an alternate double–single‐track (ADST) solution, with a cost of M€ 330 (one tenth) is proposed.
Reconceptualizing the Nature of Goals and Outcomes in Language/s Education
Authors: Leung Constant , Scarino Angela
Published: February 2016

Transformations associated with the increasing speed, scale, and complexity of mobilities, together with the information technology revolution, have changed the demography of most countries of the world and brought about accompanying social, cultural, and economic shifts (Heugh,). This complex diversity has changed the very nature of communication within and across languages, in society in general, and in education. These changes in turn require a reconceptualization of our approach to language/s education in ways that recognize a diversity of goals for people from different backgrounds, people who are learning a variety of languages in diverse settings and who may be interested in developing different capabilities and achieving different outcomes. In this article, we address the reconceptualization of the goals and outcomes of learning additional languages and processes for their formulation and realization. We will make explicit the educational values that underpin our position. Recognizing the immense diversity that the learning of additional languages in diverse contexts encompasses, our consideration is necessarily conceptual. The point of departure for our discussion is communicative language teaching, the dominant paradigm for language teaching for the past 40 years. We briefly trace its historical development and provide an account of some of the conceptual and theoretical expansions since its initial formulation. In light of this expansion we then discuss goals for learning additional languages by: (a) reaffirming the multilingual character of communication and learning to communicate, focusing on the exchange of meaning, (b) (re‐)inserting the importance of personal development and aesthetics, and (c) recognizing the centrality of reflectivity and reflexivity in communication and learning to communicate. We conclude with a set of principles that are intended to capture the expanded nature of goals and their rendering for the purposes of teaching and learning.
The Foreign Language Classroom: Current Perspectives and Future Considerations
Authors: Collins Laura , Muñoz Carmen
Published: February 2016

The Modern Language Journal has long been an important venue for the publication of research and reflection on the teaching and learning of foreign languages (FL) in classroom contexts. In this article, we offer a perspective on the contemporary FL classroom, informed by a descriptive survey of all studies that took place in FL classes that were published in The Modern Language Journal (MLJ) between 2001 and 2014 inclusive (N = 97). This yielded a profile of FL classrooms in terms of geographical locations, languages being taught, the amount and distribution of instructional time, and the age and language backgrounds of the students. The findings revealed that FL environments benefiting from research investigations in the MLJ typically involve older learners in on‐site (rather than virtual) classes that afford limited exposure to the FL, which was typically English (in non‐English‐speaking countries) and French, German, or Spanish (in English‐speaking countries). We consider the implications of these findings for the study of FLs in the future and identify aspects of FL classrooms that merit greater research attention as the MLJ moves into its second century.
Language Program Evaluation
Authors: Norris John M.
Published: February 2016

Language program evaluation is a pragmatic mode of inquiry that illuminates the complex nature of language‐related interventions of various kinds, the factors that foster or constrain them, and the consequences that ensue. Program evaluation enables a variety of evidence‐based decisions and actions, from designing programs and implementing practices to judging effectiveness and improving outcomes. Though often narrowly construed as an external accountability requirement only, evaluation may provide a heuristic for generating new knowledge; raising awareness; and transforming the educational, social, and economic circumstances of individuals and communities. In this article, I review the origins and interdisciplinary nature of program evaluation, and I trace its development within applied linguistics and language education in particular. I then consider the current contributions of language program evaluation, and I point to likely future trends. In particular, I highlight how changing global circumstances, technological affordances, and contexts and purposes for language learning and language use are both impacting the nature of evaluation and presenting challenges for which evaluation is uniquely suited to respond. I also emphasize the potential—versus as yet realized—contribution of program evaluation as a way of ameliorating gaps in current language research and practice, and I point to implications for training, dissemination, and integration of this mode of inquiry as an important part of the future intellectual core of applied linguistics.
Second and Foreign Language Assessment
Authors: Purpura James E.
Published: February 2016

This article summarizes some of the main issues, concerns, and debates that have ensued over the years in the field of L2 assessment and shows how past concerns have shaped contemporary L2 assessment research and practice. The article first describes what L2 assessment is and what it entails, arguing that notions of L2 assessment have been broadened over the years to keep pace with contemporary interpretations of how information from assessments in large‐scale or classroom contexts is used to make decisions. It then describes in some detail four approaches to construct definition, showing how these approaches have influenced what gets assessed. Finally, the paper discusses a range of other topics of current and future importance for L2 assessment theory, research, and practice.
Research Methodology in Second Language Studies: Trends, Concerns, and New Directions
Authors: King Kendall A. , Mackey Alison
Published: February 2016

The field of second language studies is using increasingly sophisticated methodological approaches to address a growing number of urgent, real‐world problems. These methodological developments bring both new challenges and opportunities. This article briefly reviews recent ontological and methodological debates in the field, then builds on these insights to consider some of the current dilemmas faced by researchers of second language teaching and learning, including concerns regarding fragmentation, generalizability, and replication. Through a review of recent research, we argue that one means of addressing these ongoing questions is to continue to focus collectively and collaboratively on solving real‐world problems of language learning, while also layering our perspectives. By layering, we mean considering the central philosophical challenges, often those that are basic values in our methodological approaches, such as objectivity and bias, from varied epistemological stances. We argue that recognizing these differences and using a layered approach will enhance and improve our attempts to address the pressing problems in our field.
Conceptualizing Language Learners: Socioinstitutional Mechanisms and their Consequences
Authors: Kibler Amanda K. , Valdés Guadalupe
Published: February 2016

Through examination of one recently manufactured term for language learners (Long‐term English Learners) and review of a century of MLJ articles, we examine varying ‘socioinstitutional’ conceptualizations of second/foreign/heritage language learners as shaped by educational institutions and related stakeholders over time, given evolving understandings of the practice of language teaching that are directly related to theoretical, political, and institutional discourses. We focus very specifically on constructions of language learners that reflect different views and definitions of language learning, language acquisition/development, and ultimate attainment, examining the intersections of these definitions with formalized language instruction as a particularly significant force for learner categorizations. We argue that formalized language instruction both creates and requires categorizations/classifications of learners that are not neutral and that often have life‐impacting consequences for individuals. These constructions of learners, moreover, are shaped by a number of interacting and intersecting mechanisms, including theoretical perspectives, educational policies, informing disciplines, instructional materials, pedagogical traditions, and testing and accountability requirements.