bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial exclusion and financial capabilities in Canada
Authors: Lamb Laura
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The financially excluded are often denied basic financial services from mainstream banking institutions, leading them to high-cost fringe finance institutions (FFIs) such as payday loan companies and pawnshops. While strategies to address financial exclusion often include financial capabilities education, there does not appear to be evidence suggesting such education is an appropriate solution. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between financial capability and financial exclusion with survey data collected from the Canadian city of Kamloops located in the southern interior of British Columbia.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research addresses the objective with survey data collected on the banking habits and financial capability levels of fringe finance users in a Canadian city.

Findings

The results imply that fringe finance users do not have lower levels of financial capability than those who do not use fringe finance, when education and income are controlled.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the relatively small survey sample of 105 people in one urban center in Canada.

Originality/value

While financial literacy is acknowledged to be an important life skill for all members of society, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting it is a solution to financial exclusion. This is the first research to examine the relationship between financial exclusion and fringe finance use in Canada by collecting data on fringe finance users with face-to-face interviews.
Thermal shock and degradation of metallization systems on silicon
Authors: Skvortsov Arkady , Zuev Sergey , Koryachko Marina , Glinskiy Vadim
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of degradation of aluminum metallization under conditions of thermal shock caused by rectangular current pulses (amplitude j < 8 × 1010 A/m2, duration t < 800 μs).

Design/methodology/approach

The results were obtained using oscillography and optical microscopy and through the construction of an empirical model of the thermal degradation of metallization systems.

Findings

Initially, for the authors’ studies, they deduced an equation that associated the depth of melting with the parameters of a current pulse.

Research limitations/implications

The authors were able to observe effects only in systems with appropriate adhesion of the thin metal films. For the systems with bad adhesion, the main mechanisms of degradation were associated with the melting of the metal, the formation of melted drops (up to 20 mcm in size) and the movement of these drops along the electrical field due to the electrocapillary effect.

Practical/implications

The mechanisms the authors studied could only occur in high-power semiconductor devices.

Originality/value

The principal mechanism of melting of a metallization track is linked to the heat dissipation at the interface of solid and liquid phases under conditions of thermal shock. The authors estimated the mechanical stresses in subsurface layers of silicon in the proximity of a non-stationary thermal source. The authors’ results show that the mechanical stresses that are strong enough to form dislocations emerge with current flow with power measuring approximately 0.7 Pkr.
The impact of executives’ perceptions of environmental threats and organizational slack on innovation strategies
Authors: Wang Chengyuan , Luo Biao , Liu Yong , Wei Zhengyun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to study the relationship between executives’ perceptions of environmental threats and innovation strategies and investigate the moderating effect of contextual factor (i.e. organizational slack) on such relations. It proposes a dualistic relationship between executives’ perceptions of environmental threats and innovation strategies, in which different perceptions of environmental threats will lead to corresponding innovation strategies, and dyadic organizational slack can promote such processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a survey with 163 valid questionnaires, which were all completed by executives. Hierarchical ordinary least-squares regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses proposed in this paper.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about that executives tend to choose exploratory innovation when they perceive environmental changes as likely loss threats, yet adopt exploitative innovation when perceiving control-reducing threats. Furthermore, unabsorbed slack (e.g. financial redundancy) positively moderates both relationships, while absorbed slack (e.g. operational redundancy) merely positively influences the relationship between the perception of control-reducing threats and exploitative innovation.

Originality/value

The paper bridges the gap between organizational innovation and cognitive theory by proposing a dualistic relationship between executives’ perceptions of environmental threats and innovation strategies. The paper further enriches innovation studies by jointly considering both subjective and objective influence factors of innovation and argues that organizational slack can moderate such dualistic relationship.
Perceived ethicality of moral choice
Authors: Chao Mike Chen-ho , Li Fuan , Chen Haiyang
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Motivated by the heated discussion with regard to the Chinese milk powder incident, this paper aims to explore the determinants of Chinese managers’ moral judgment. Are Chinese professional managers’ moral judgments on an ethical dilemma influenced by their commitment to the norms and values recognized by a prestigious professional association outside of China? Do Chinese managers’ moral development and level of relativism impact their ethical decisions?

Design/methodology/approach

A structured survey was conducted, generating 544 valid responses from Chinese managers.

Findings

The results showed that moral maturity and relativism, independently and together, were significantly related to Chinese managers’ moral judgment on a hypothetical business dilemma, though no significant effect was found for their commitment to ethics codes.

Originality/value

The findings confirm the important role of moral development and relativism in Chinese mangers’ moral judgment and suggest the need for further research on the impact of professional ethics codes.
Genetic and antigenic characteristics of ApxIIA and ApxIIIA fromActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeserovars 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15
Authors: To Ho , Nagai Shinya , Iwata Akira , Koyama Tomohiro , Oshima Atsushi , Tsutsumi Nobuyuki
Published: May 2016

Apx toxins produced byActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeare essential components of new generation vaccines. In this study,apxIIAandapxIIIAgenes of serovars 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 were cloned and sequenced. Amino acid sequences of ApxIIA proteins of serovars 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 were almost identical to those of serovars 1, 5, 7, 9 and 11–13. Immunoblot analysis showed that rApxIIA from serovars 2 and 15 reacts strongly with sera from animals infected with various serovars. Sequence analysis revealed that ApxIIIA proteins has two variants, one in strains of serovar 2 and the other in strains of serovars 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15. A mouse cross‐protection study showed that mice actively immunized with rApxIIIA/2 or rApxIIIA/15 are protected against challenge withA. pleuropneumoniaestrains of serovars 3, 4, 6, 8, 15, and 2 expressing ApxIII/15 and ApxIII/2, respectively. Similarly, mice passively immunized with rabbit anti‐rApxIIIA/2 or anti‐rApxIIIA/15 sera were found to be protected against challenge with strains of serovars 2 and 15. Our study revealed antigenic and sequence similarities within ApxIIA and ApxIIIA proteins, which may help in the development of effective vaccines against disease caused byA. pleuropneumoniae.
The UK National Minimum Wage's Impact on Productivity
Authors: Rizov Marian , Croucher Richard , Lange Thomas
Published: May 2016

Low pay poses issues for managers internationally. We examine productivity in low‐paying sectors in Britain, since the introduction of the National Minimum Wage (NMW). We use a multiple channel analytical strategy, emphasizing the wage incentives channel and linking it to a model of unobserved productivity. We estimate firm‐specific productivity measures and aggregate them to the level of low‐paying sectors. Difference‐in‐differences analysis illustrates that the NMW positively affected aggregate low‐paying sector productivity. These findings highlight increased wage incentive effects with implications for management practice and public policy since ‘living’ wages may be productivity enhancing.
Syphilis screening in pregnancy in the United Kingdom, 2010–2011: a national surveillance study
Authors: Townsend CL , Francis K , Peckham CS , Tookey PA
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the national antenatal syphilis screening programme and provide evidence for improving screening and management strategies.

Design

National population‐based surveillance.

Setting

United Kingdom (UK).

Population

All pregnant women screening positive for syphilis, 2010–2011.

Methods

Demographic, laboratory and treatment details for each pregnancy were collected from UK antenatal units (~210), along with follow‐up information on all infants born to women requiring syphilis treatment in pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of women with newly or previously diagnosed syphilis among those with positive screening tests in pregnancy; proportion requiring treatment.

Results

Overall, 77% (1425/1840) of reported pregnancies were confirmed syphilis screen‐positive. Of these, 71% (1010/1425) were in women with previously diagnosed syphilis (155 requiring treatment), 26% (374/1425) with newly diagnosed syphilis (all requiring treatment) and 3% (41/1425) required treatment but the reason for treatment was unclear. Thus 40% (570/1425) required treatment overall; of these, 96% (516/537) were treated (missing data: 33/570), although for 18% (83/456), this was not until the third trimester (missing data: 60/537). Follow up of infants born to treated women was poor, with at least a third not followed. Six infants were diagnosed with congenital syphilis; two mothers were untreated, three had delayed treatment and one had incomplete treatment (first trimester).

Conclusion

Over 2 years, among pregnant women with confirmed positive syphilis screening results in the UK, a quarter had newly diagnosed infections and 40% required treatment. Despite high uptake of treatment, antenatal syphilis management could be improved by earlier detection, earlier treatment, and stronger links between healthcare teams.

Tweetable abstract

25% of pregnant women screening positive for syphilis in the UK were newly diagnosed and 40% needed treatment.
Exploring nutrition capacity in Australia's charitable food sector
Authors: Wingrove Kate , Barbour Liza , Palermo Claire
Published: May 2016

Aim

The primary aim of this study was to explore the capacity of community organisations within Australia's charitable food sector to provide nutritious food to people experiencing food insecurity. A secondary aim was to explore their capacity to provide food in an environment that encourages social interaction.

Methods

This qualitative research used an exploratory case study design and was informed by a nutrition capacity framework. Participants were recruited through SecondBite, a not‐for‐profit food rescue organisation in Australia. Convenience sampling methods were used. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of people actively involved in emergency food relief provision. Transcripts were thematically analysed using an open coding technique.

Results

Nine interviews were conducted. The majority of participants were female (n = 7, 77.8%) and worked or volunteered at organisations within Victoria (n = 7, 77.8%). Results suggest that the capacity for community organisations to provide nutritious food to their clients may be limited by resource availability more so than the nutrition‐related knowledge and attitudes of staff members and volunteers.

Conclusions

Australia's charitable food sector plays a vital role in addressing the short‐term needs of people experiencing food insecurity. To ensure the food provided to people experiencing food insecurity is nutritious and provided in an environment that encourages social interaction, it appears that the charitable food sector requires additional resources. In order to reduce demand for emergency food relief, an integrated policy approach targeting the underlying determinants of food insecurity may be needed.
Association between smoking, glycaemia, blood lipoproteins and risk of oral leukoplakia
Authors: Granero Fernandez M , Lopez‐Jornet P
Published: May 2016

Background

Among potentially malignant disorders, oral leukoplakia is the most common in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors associated with oral leukoplakia.

Methods

This retrospective study included 142 patients diagnosed with oral leukoplakia according to World Health Organization clinical and histopathological criteria and a control group of healthy subjects matched for age and gender. Sociodemographic data were registered for each patient: age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption. Leukoplakia characteristics were also registered: size, position, clinical form, and presence or absence of dysplasia; all cases of leukoplakia were classified systematically according to clinicopathological stage. Blood lipid component levels of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoproteins, low‐density lipoproteins and triglycerides were compared between groups.

Results

Smoking had a significant effect on the risk of leukoplakia (P = 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 8.33). High glucose levels also increased the probability of leukoplakia (P = 0.03, OR = 6.35), as did low‐density lipoproteins (P = 0.049, OR = 5.65). The risk of dysplasia increased among patients presenting the non‐homogeneous form of leukoplakia (P = 0.039, OR = 9.06) and among smokers (P = 0.044, OR = 28.33).

Conclusions

Smoking, increased glucose and low‐density lipoproteins in the blood are associated with a risk of oral leukoplakia.
Influence of volatile organic compounds emitted by Pseudomonas and Serratia strains on Agrobacterium tumefaciens biofilms
Authors: Plyuta Vladimir , Lipasova Valentina , Popova Alexandra , Koksharova Olga , Kuznetsov Alexander , Szegedi Erno , Chernin Leonid , Khmel Inessa
Published: May 2016

The ability to form biofilms plays an important role in bacteria‐host interactions, including plant pathogenicity. In this work, we investigated the action of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by rhizospheric strains of Pseudomonas chlororaphis 449, Pseudomonas fluorescens B‐4117, Serratia plymuthica IC1270, as well as Serratia proteamaculans strain 94, isolated from spoiled meat, on biofilms formation by three strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens which are causative agents of crown‐gall disease in a wide range of plants. In dual culture assays, the pool of volatiles emitted by the tested Pseudomonas and Serratia strains suppressed the formation of biofilms of A. tumefaciens strains grown on polycarbonate membrane filters and killed Agrobacterium cells in mature biofilms. The individual VOCs produced by the tested Pseudomonas strains, that is, ketones (2‐nonanone, 2‐heptanone, 2‐undecanone), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) produced by Serratia strains, were shown to kill A. tumefaciens cells in mature biofilms and suppress their formation. The data obtained in this study suggest an additional potential of some ketones and DMDS as protectors of plants against A. tumefaciens strains, whose virulence is associated with the formation of biofilms on the infected plants.
Urachal‐sigmoid fistula managed by laparoscopic assisted high anterior resection, primary anastomosis and en bloc resection of the urachal cyst and involved bladder
Authors: Sakata Shinichiro , Grundy Joshua , Naidu Sanjeev , Gillespie Christopher
Published: May 2016

Sigmoid‐urachal fistula is exceedingly rare in adults and only a few cases have been reported in the world literature. We present the case of a 54‐year‐old man with symptomatic sigmoid‐urachal fistula managed successfully with a laparoscopic assisted high anterior resection, primary anastomosis and an en bloc resection of the urachal cyst and the involved cuff of bladder.
Adaptive Contrast Weighted Learning for Multi-Stage Multi-Treatment Decision-Making
Authors: Tao Yebin , Wang Lu
Published: May 2016

Dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs) are sequential decision rules that focus simultaneously on treatment individualization and adaptation over time. To directly identify the optimal DTR in a multi-stage multi-treatment setting, we propose a dynamic statistical learning method, adaptive contrast weighted learning. We develop semiparametric regression-based contrasts with the adaptation of treatment effect ordering for each patient at each stage, and the adaptive contrasts simplify the problem of optimization with multiple treatment comparisons to a weighted classification problem that can be solved by existing machine learning techniques. The algorithm is implemented recursively using backward induction. By combining doubly robust semiparametric regression estimators with machine learning algorithms, the proposed method is robust and efficient for the identification of the optimal DTR, as shown in the simulation studies. We illustrate our method using observational data on esophageal cancer.
Fine‐scale habitat heterogeneity explains the local distribution of two Amazonian frog species of concern for conservation
Authors: Jorge Rafael F. , Simões Pedro I. , Magnusson William E. , Lima Albertina P.
Published: May 2016

To test the hypothesis that subtle differences in abiotic requirements can result in almost total spatial segregation, we sampled two species of diurnal frogs, Atelopus spumarius and Allobates sumtuosus, in a primary forest reserve in central Brazilian Amazonia. We conducted visual and acoustic surveys on three occasions over 2 months, in 40 streamside (riparian) plots distributed throughout the reserve's two major drainage basins, using a grid system that covers 64 km2. On average, drainages differed in the pH of stream water and the number of connected and isolated streamside pools. Differences in abiotic characteristics of drainages were associated with the spatial distribution of frog species. The occurrence and density of Allobates sumtuosus was negatively related to stream pH and discharge and positively related to the number of isolated pools in plots. The occurrence and density of Atelopus spumarius was associated with streams with high discharge and pH near neutral. These results indicate that although very large reserves will probably contain sufficient landscape heterogeneity to accommodate different species of diurnal frogs, due to strongly patchy distributions, in situ studies using fine‐scale species‐distribution models will be necessary to assess the adequacy of small reserves in Amazonia that cover hundreds of square kilometers or less for the conservation of some anuran species.
Brain capillary endothelial cells as a therapeutic target of hypothermia
Authors: Takeuchi Hideyuki
Published: May 2016

Hypothermia has been used as a neuroprotective therapy for severe brain damage, although its precise mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Matsui and Yoshida reported that the brain capillary endothelial cell is a novel target of therapeutic hypothermia.
Dynamics of osseointegration in various human and animal models ‐ a comparative analysis
Authors: Botticelli Daniele , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate the sequential events of osseointegration in various model situations.

Material and methods

A series of eight recent sequential studies on the early phases of osseointegration performed in various species analyzing new bone apposition and parent bone resorption at the implant surfaces have been studied. One human, six dog and one rabbit studies were analyzed for old and new bone percentages, assessed at least at 4 periods of the early osseointegration. Data on new and old parent bone in contact with the implant surfaces were collected. The interception point of the two proportions of new and old bone was calculated in terms of osseointegration (y; %) and period of the interceptions (x; days).

Results

It has been shown that the interception point of old and new bone proportions was strongly influenced by the choice of the model adopted (human, dog, rabbit), by the density of the surrounding bone (cortical, spongy, trabecular) and by the implant geometry. Implant surface configuration, time of implantation and load influenced the interception point to a lesser degree. The fastest rate of osseointegration was observed in the rabbit model followed by the dog model. The slowest osseointegration rate was seen in humans. Osseointegration was documented best in spongiosa bone when compared to cortical bone. The moderately rough surfaces gave rise to faster osseointegration than did the turned implant surfaces.

Conclusions

The interception points may provide information on efficacy of early osseointegration. The slope of the line (m) is related to the efficacy of bone appositions.
Prevalence and management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in the UK: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Donne A. J. , Keltie K. , Cole H. , Sims A.J. , Patrick H. , Powell S.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To estimate the number of patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis currently managed in secondary and tertiary health care in the UK and the frequency of its treatment with radiofrequency cold ablation (Coblation™).

Design

Cross‐sectional survey of ENT consultants in the UK with validation using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) inpatient data.

Setting

Online survey.

Participants

ENT consultants in the UK.

Main outcome measures

Number of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis patients currently managed in acute care in the UK and frequency of use of Coblation.

Results

A total of 283 ENT consultants from 128 UK NHS healthcare trusts and health boards completed the online survey. Responses were received from 86% of surveyed organisations, and an estimated 45% of all ENT consultants in UK. The estimated number of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis patients from the cross‐sectional survey was 918 (at August 2015) which included 730 patients in England. The number of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis patients in England estimated from Hospital Episode Statistics (2014/15 financial year) was up to 741. A total of 42 Coblation procedures conducted in the UK were identified from the cross‐sectional survey; 36 were conducted in England compared with 34 identified from Hospital Episode Statistics.

Conclusions

The numbers of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis patients and Coblation procedures identified in England from a cross‐sectional survey and Hospital Episode Statistics were in broad agreement. Our study estimated 1.42 recurrent respiratory papillomatosis patients per 100 000 in the general UK population. We also estimated that Coblation procedures accounted for 3% of interventional treatments conducted in the UK recurrent respiratory papillomatosis population.
Once daily vs multiple daily mesalamine therapy for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Li W. , Zhang Z.‐M. , Jiang X.‐L.
Published: May 2016

Aim

5‐Aminosalicylic acid is the first‐line drug for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). The most commonly used 5‐aminosalicylic acid is mesalamine. Several systematic reviews have demonstrated that mesalamine is effective in inducing and maintaining remission. Efficacy, safety and adherence to once daily (OD) and multiple daily (MD) dosing of mesalamine for the induction and maintenance of remission in mild to moderate UC were systematically reviewed and compared.

Method

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to November 2014. Only randomized controlled trials were considered eligible. STATA software (version 12.0) was used to calculate the pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Seventeen randomized studies containing 5439 patients were identified. No significant differences were noted in comparisons between OD and MD dosing for maintenance and induction of remission. No significant differences were noted in rates of medication adherence or adverse events between OD and MD dosing. With regard to mesalamine suppository, no significant differences were noted for comparisons between dosing regimens and adverse events for induction of remission.

Conclusion

OD dose of mesalamine is as effective and safe as MD doses for the induction and maintenance treatment of mild to moderate UC. OD mesalamine given as a suppository can attain the same effect and safety as MD mesalamine in inducing remission of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
A two‐centre experience of transanal total mesorectal excision
Authors: Buchs N. C. , Wynn G. , Austin R. , Penna M. , Findlay J. M. , Bloemendaal A. L. A. , Mortensen N. J. , Cunningham C. , Jones O. M. , Guy R. J. , Hompes R.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) offers a promising alternative to the standard surgical abdominopelvic approach for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to report a two‐centre experience of this technique, focusing on the short‐term and oncological outcome.

Method

From May 2013 to May 2015, 40 selected patients with histologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma underwent TaTME in two institutions and were prospectively entered on an online international registry.

Results

Forty patients (80% men, mean body mass index 27.4 kg/m2) requiring TME underwent TaTME. Procedures included low anterior resection (n = 31), abdominoperineal excision (n = 7) and proctocolectomy (n = 2). A minimally invasive approach was attempted in all cases, with three conversions. The mean operation time was 368 min and 16 patients (40%) had a synchronous abdominal and transanal approach. There was no mortality and 16 postoperative complications occurred, of which 68.8% were minor. The median length of stay was 7.5 (3–92) days. A complete or near‐complete TME specimen was delivered in 39 (97.5%) cases with a mean number of 20 lymph nodes harvested. R0 resection was achieved in 38 (95%) patients. After a median follow‐up of 10.7 months, there were no local recurrences and six (15%) patients had developed distant metastases.

Conclusion

TaTME appears to be feasible, safe and reproducible, without compromising the oncological principles of rectal cancer surgery. It is an attractive option for patients for whom laparoscopy is likely to be particularly difficult. These encouraging results should encourage larger studies with assessment of long‐term function and the oncological outcome.
Can Market Potential Explain Regional Disparities in Developing Countries? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Karahasan Burhan Can , Dogruel Fatma , Dogruel Ali Suut
Published: May 2016

Regional disparity is one of the important characteristics of the Turkish economy. This study examines the impact of market potential on the regional differences in Turkey by investigating wages in the manufacturing industry for 1987 and 2000. Evidence suggests that market potential is an important determinant of inequality in Turkey. In addition, public–private decomposition reshapes the dispersion of wages supportive of rising heterogeneity in the private manufacturing industry. This increases the explanatory power of market potential, which is observed to be high in western Turkey and diminishes toward eastern Turkey. Our findings highlight that during the postliberalization era of the 1980s, Turkey's regional inequality concern transformed into a structural problem which can be explained by provincial market potential. Moreover, our results underline that the modern geography framework, which has been tested for developed economies, is able to elucidate the regional differences in a developing country suffering from persistent imbalances.
Association between neonatal morbidities and head growth from birth until discharge in very‐low‐birthweight infants born preterm: a population‐based study
Authors: Regev Rivka H , Arnon Shmuel , Litmanovitz Ita , Bauer‐Rusek Sofia , Boyko Valentina , Lerner‐Geva Liat , Reichman Brian ,   In collaboration with the Israel Neonatal Network
Published: May 2016

Aim

To evaluate the possible association between major neonatal morbidities and poor head growth from birth to discharge home in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants born preterm.

Method

Population‐based observational study comprising 12 992 infants (6340 male, 6652 female) of 24 to 32 weeks' gestation, and birthweight ≤1500g. Severe head growth failure (HGF) was defined as a decrease in head circumference z‐score >2 z‐scores, and moderate HGF as a decrease of 1 to 2 z‐scores. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to determine morbidities associated with HGF.

Results

Severe HGF occurred in 4.5% and moderate HGF in 20.9% of infants. Each unit increase in head circumference z‐score at birth was associated with increased odds for severe and moderate HGF (odds ratios [OR] 5.29, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 4.67–6.00, and OR 2.38, 95% CI 2.23–2.54 respectively). Both severe and moderate HGF were associated with respiratory distress syndrome (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.58–2.62, and OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.48–1.85 respectively); bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.33–4.91, and OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.52–2.30 respectively); necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.04–4.09, and OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.38–2.16 respectively), and sepsis (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.69–2.50, and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24–1.53 respectively).

Interpretation

Major neonatal morbidities were associated with HGF in VLBW infants born preterm. Identification of whether this is a direct effect of these morbidities or mediated through nutritional or growth factors may enable interventions to improve postnatal head growth of infants born preterm.
Brain change trajectories that differentiate the major psychoses
Authors: Liberg Benny , Rahm Christoffer , Panayiotou Anita , Pantelis Christos
Published: May 2016

Background

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are highly heritable, often chronic and debilitating psychotic disorders that can be difficult to differentiate clinically. Their brain phenotypes appear to overlap in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal structural neuroimaging studies, with some evidence to suggest areas of differentiation with differing trajectories. The aim of this review was to investigate the notion that longitudinal trajectories of alterations in brain structure could differentiate the two disorders.

Design

Narrative review. We searched MEDLINE and Web of Science databases in May 2016 for studies that used structural magnetic resonance imaging to investigate longitudinal between‐group differences in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Ten studies met inclusion criteria, namely longitudinal structural magnetic resonance studies comparing bipolar disorder (or affective psychosis) and schizophrenia within the same study.

Results

Our review of these studies implicates illness‐specific trajectories of morphological change in total grey matter volume, and in regions of the frontal, temporal and cingulate cortices. The findings in schizophrenia suggest a trajectory involving progressive grey matter loss confined to fronto‐temporal cortical regions. Preliminary findings identify a similar but less severely impacted trajectory in a number of regions in bipolar disorder, however, bipolar disorder is also characterized by differential involvement across cingulate subregions.

Conclusion

The small number of available studies must be interpreted with caution but provide initial evidence supporting the notion that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have differential longitudinal trajectories that are influenced by brain maturation.
The Principle of Sufficient Reason, the Ontological Argument and the Is/Ought Distinction
Authors: Boehm Omri
Published: May 2016

Kant's attack on metaphysics consists in large part in his attack on a principle that he names the Supreme Principle of Pure Reason. This principle, it is not often noticed, is the Principle of Sufficient Reason [PSR]. In interpreting this principle as such, I argue that Kant's attack on the PSR (and thereby his attack on dogmatic metaphysics as a whole) depends on Kant's claim that existence is not a first‐order predicate. If existence isn't what Kant calls a real predicate, the PSR is false. While this constitutes a powerful Kantian argument against dogmatic rationalism, it also poses a problem for Kant. For, as I argue, if the PSR is true, Kant's argument that existence isn't a first‐order predicate is false. In this sense, Kant's attack on the PSR is begging the question vis‐á‐vis radical metaphysicians (e.g. Spinoza). Concluding the paper I suggest relying on Kant's 'is'/'ought' distinction in avoiding this circularity, thereby reinforcing the Kantian critique.
Cantharidin world on islands: Species diversity of canthariphilous arthropods in the Izu–Ogasawara Arc
Authors: Hashimoto Kosei , Hayashi Fumio
Published: May 2016

Cantharidin is a defense chemical produced by only two beetle families, Meloidae and Oedemeridae. This compound also functions as an attractant for certain groups of arthropods (canthariphilous arthropods). Cantharidin‐producing beetles and canthariphilous arthropods build a cantharidin‐mediated community, called cantharidin world. In this study, to clarify the canthariphilous arthropod community formed on small islands, the arthropods were collected by cantharidin‐baited traps and compared among the mainland, peninsula and 11 small islands of the Izu–Ogasawara Arc, Japan. Control traps without cantharidin were also used to collect non‐canthariphilous arthropods. Cantharidin‐producing beetles were distributed across the study area, but the number of species was reduced on islands. We identified 10 species of five families as canthariphilous arthropods in this study area: two species of Anthicidae and Pyrochroidae (Coleoptera), four species of Ceratopogonidae (Diptera), three species of Formicidae (Hymenoptera) and one species of Podoctidae (Opiliones). The number of canthariphilous species was not correlated with island size (area) but was negatively correlated with the distance of island from the mainland. These tendencies were also seen in non‐canthariphilous fauna. The canthariphilous arthropods increased with the number of cantharidin‐producing beetle species, but the non‐canthariphilous fauna did not. Thus, the cantharidin world on islands seems to be affected not only by the geographic characteristics of islands, particularly the degree of isolation from the mainland, but also by the diversity of cantharidin‐producing members within it.
Electrocardiographic features of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Chyou Janice Y. , Friedman Daniel , Cerrone Marina , Slater William , Guo Yu , Taupin Daniel , O'Rourke Sean , Priori Silvia G. , Devinsky Orrin
Published: May 2016

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of epilepsy‐related mortality. We hypothesized that electrocardiography (ECG) features may distinguish SUDEP cases from living subjects with epilepsy. Using a matched case–control design, we compared ECG studies of 12 consecutive cases of SUDEP over 10 years and 22 epilepsy controls matched for age, sex, epilepsy type (focal, generalized, or unknown/mixed type), concomitant antiepileptic, and psychotropic drug classes. Conduction intervals and prevalence of abnormal ventricular conduction diagnosis (QRS ≥110 msec), abnormal ventricular conduction pattern (QRS <110 msec, morphology of incomplete right or left bundle branch block or intraventricular conduction delay), early repolarization, and features of inherited cardiac channelopathies were assessed. Abnormal ventricular conduction diagnosis and pattern distinguished SUDEP cases from matched controls. Abnormal ventricular conduction diagnosis was present in two cases and no controls. Abnormal ventricular conduction pattern was more common in cases than controls (58% vs. 18%, p = 0.04). Early repolarization was similarly prevalent in cases and controls, but the overall prevalence exceeded that of published community‐based cohorts.
Crop connectivity under climate change: future environmental and geographic risks of potato late blight in Scotland
Authors: Skelsey Peter , Cooke David E. L. , Lynott James S. , Lees Alison K.
Published: May 2016

The impact of climate change on dispersal processes is largely ignored in risk assessments for crop diseases, as inoculum is generally assumed to be ubiquitous and nonlimiting. We suggest that consideration of the impact of climate change on the connectivity of crops for inoculum transmission may provide additional explanatory and predictive power in disease risk assessments, leading to improved recommendations for agricultural adaptation to climate change. In this study, a crop‐growth model was combined with aerobiological models and a newly developed infection risk model to provide a framework for quantifying the impact of future climates on the risk of disease occurrence and spread. The integrated model uses standard meteorological variables and can be easily adapted to various crop pathosystems characterized by airborne inoculum. In a case study, the framework was used with data defining the spatial distribution of potato crops in Scotland and spatially coherent, probabilistic climate change data to project the future connectivity of crop distributions for Phytophthora infestans (causal agent of potato late blight) inoculum and the subsequent risk of infection. Projections and control recommendations are provided for multiple combinations of potato cultivar and CO2 emissions scenario, and temporal and spatial averaging schemes. Overall, we found that relative to current climatic conditions, the risk of late blight will increase in Scotland during the first half of the potato growing season and decrease during the second half. To guide adaptation strategies, we also investigated the potential impact of climate change‐driven shifts in the cropping season. Advancing the start of the potato growing season by 1 month proved to be an effective strategy from both an agronomic and late blight management perspective.
The biomechanics of blade shaving
Authors: Cowley K. , Vanoosthuyze K.
Published: May 2016

The shaving challenge represents a technical contradiction, whereby many of the requirements to improve hair removal efficacy can also result in increased damage to the surrounding skin. Poor‐quality shaving can cause a significant inflammatory response of the skin, which may consequently lead to skin irritation and soreness. This study aims to explore and quantify the forces that act upon the skin and hair during the shave and suggests that careful management of these forces is essential in optimizing the shaving process. Various razor features are discussed and their impact on the resulting biomechanical forces is considered. Recent data are included comparing a basic low‐tier disposable razor with a more technologically advanced premium system razor and show significant differences in both subjective shave attribute scores and resulting blood flux in the skin.
Evaluation of the in vitro biocompatibility of a new fast‐setting ready‐to‐use root filling and repair material
Authors: Lv F. , Zhu L. , Zhang J. , Yu J. , Cheng X. , Peng B.
Published: May 2016

Aim

To evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of iRoot FS (Innovative BioCeramix Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada) and to compare its performance with those of iRoot BP Plus (Innovative BioCeramix Inc.) and ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA).

Methodology

MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured for 1, 2 and 3 days in various dilutions of iRoot FS, iRoot BP Plus and MTA extracts after 7 days of setting to assess cell viability using a cell counting kit‐8 (Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan). The cell apoptosis induced by the set material extracts was evaluated through annexin V–propidium iodide flow cytometry. Changes in the cytoskeletal organization and stress fibres were observed through immunofluorescence by labelling the fibrous actin and nuclei of the cells. Cell attachment was observed under a scanning electron microscope after the MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured on the surface of a material disc set for 1 day. The data were analysed using one‐way anova.

Results

iRoot FS extracts induced higher cell viability than the control extracts (P < 0.05) at levels comparable to those of iRoot BP Plus and MTA. Compared with the control group, iRoot FS did not promote cell apoptosis. Stretched stress fibres and cytoskeletons were detected in the cells treated with iRoot FS extracts. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MC3T3‐E1 cells attached to iRoot FS appeared flatter and exhibited better stretch than those attached to the other extracts.

Conclusions

iRoot FS displayed in vitro biocompatibility with MC3T3‐E1 cells by promoting cellular proliferation and attachment without causing cell apoptosis.
C5a induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis in brain vascular endothelial cells in experimental lupus
Authors: Mahajan Supriya D. , Tutino Vincent M. , Redae Yonas , Meng Hui , Siddiqui Adnan , Woodruff Trent M. , Jarvis James N. , Hennon Teresa , Schwartz Stanley , Quigg Richard J. , Alexander Jessy J.
Published: May 2016

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction complicates central nervous system lupus, an important aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus. To gain insight into the underlying mechanism, vascular corrosion casts of brain were generated from the lupus mouse model, MRL/lpr mice and the MRL/MpJ congenic controls. Scanning electron microscopy of the casts showed loss of vascular endothelial cells in lupus mice compared with controls. Immunostaining revealed a significant increase in caspase 3 expression in the brain vascular endothelial cells, which suggests that apoptosis could be an important mechanism causing cell loss, and thereby loss of BBB integrity. Complement activation occurs in lupus resulting in increased generation of circulating C5a, which caused the endothelial layer to become ‘leaky’. In this study, we show that C5a and lupus serum induced apoptosis in cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs), whereas selective C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) antagonist reduced apoptosis in these cells, demonstrating C5a/C5aR1‐dependence. Gene expression of initiator caspases, caspase 1 and caspase 8, and pro‐apoptotic proteins death‐associated protein kinase 1, Fas‐associated protein (FADD), cell death‐inducing DNA fragmentation factor 45 000 MW subunit A‐like effector B (CIDEB) and BCL2‐associated X protein were increased in HBMVECs treated with lupus serum or C5a, indicating that both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways could be critical mediators of brain endothelial cell apoptosis in this setting. Overall, our findings suggest that C5a/C5aR1 signalling induces apoptosis through activation of FADD, caspase 8/3 and CIDEB in brain endothelial cells in lupus. Further elucidation of the underlying apoptotic mechanisms mediating the reduced endothelial cell number is important in establishing the potential therapeutic effectiveness of C5aR1 inhibition that could prevent and/or reduce BBB alterations and preserve the physiological function of BBB in central nervous system lupus.
Effects of Preform Shear on Tensile Properties of a Woven C/SiC Composite
Authors: Shaw John H. , Rossol Michael N. , Marshall David B. , Zok Frank W.
Published: May 2016

This article addresses effects of weave defects in an angle‐interlock C‐fiber preform on the tensile properties of the resulting fully processed C‐fiber/SiC‐matrix composite. For this purpose, a preform was intentionally sheared in a controlled manner after weaving. The resulting distortions were quantified by analyzing high‐resolution images of the preform surface after the first step of matrix processing, while the tows were still clearly visible. Comparisons are made of tensile test results on specimens cut from this composite panel and from a pristine panel in select loading orientations. Strain maps obtained by digital image correlation are used to identify local strain variations that are attributable to weave defects. The results are discussed in terms of: (i) the shear‐normal coupling that arises in loading orientations of present interest, and (ii) the geometric effects of tow misalignment on tow continuity along the specimen gauge length. The composite is found to perform in a robust manner, in the sense that the tensile properties are not sensitive to the presence of the defects.
Remedial Responsibility for Severe Poverty: Justice or Humanity?
Authors: Tomalty Jesse
Published: May 2016

Remedial responsibility is the prospective responsibility to assist those in great need. With tens of millions of people worldwide suffering from severe poverty, questions about the attribution of remedial responsibility and the nature of the relevant duties of assistance are among the most pressing of our time. This article concerns the question of whether remedial responsibility for severe poverty is a matter of justice or of humanity. I discuss three kinds of situation in which an agent owes remedial responsibility to another suffering from severe poverty. In the first, the remedially responsible agent foreseeably and avoidably caused the poverty. In the second, the poverty was caused by forces outside the control of any agent, such as natural disaster. And in the third situation, the agent who was originally attributed remedial responsibility fails to fulfil it, and so remedial responsibility for the poverty in question is acquired by a secondary bearer. According to David Miller, remedial responsibility is a matter of justice in the first two situations, but not in the third. I argue that his grounds for thinking that remedial responsibility in the second situation are in tension with his view that remedial responsibility is not a matter of justice in the third situation. This has important implications in our world in which remedial responsibilities too often go unfulfilled.