bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of emotion on numerical estimation: A developmental perspective
Authors: Lewis Emily A , Zax Alexandra , Cordes Sara
Published: April 2017

Recent literature has revealed underestimation effects in numerical judgments when adult participants are presented with emotional stimuli (as opposed to neutral). Whether these numerical biases emerge early in development however, or instead reflect overt, learned responses to emotional stimuli across development are unclear. Moreover, reported links between numerical acuity and mathematics achievement point to the importance of exploring how numerical approximation abilities in childhood may be influenced in real-world affective contexts. In this study, children (aged 6-10 years) and adults were presented with happy and neutral facial stimuli in the context of a numerical bisection task. Results reveal that children, like adults, underestimate number following emotional (i.e., happy) faces (relative to neutral). However, children’s, but not adult’s, responses were also significantly more precise following emotional stimuli. In a second experiment, adult judgments revealed a similar increase in precision following emotional stimuli when numerical discriminations were more challenging (involving larger sets). Together, results are the first to reveal children, like adults, underestimate number in the context of emotional stimuli and this underestimation bias is accompanied with enhanced response precision.
One world, one health: combating infectious diseases in the age of globalization
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: April 2017

There has been a resurgence of the H7N9 bird-flu virus in China since last winter, resulting in over 460 human infections—the largest number since the first outbreak in 2013—raising serious concerns about its further spread and the effectiveness of existing anti-viral drugs. This is just the latest example of the increasing threat from emerging infectious diseases. Due to a combination of factors related to farming practices, human behaviour, international travel, globalization and climate change, there has been a succession of such pandemics in recent years, such as Severe Acute Respiration Syndrome (SARS), Nipah, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola and Zika, posing an unprecedented challenge to scientists and health workers worldwide.

In a forum organized by National Science Review at the World Life Science Conference last November, an international panel of scientists discussed the lessons that have learned from a string of pandemics in recent years, the importance of international collaboration and sharing research benefits more equitably, why there is an urgent need to move towards the one-health approach, and how China could play a leading role in the global effort to combat infectious diseases.

Gregory Gray Duke University, USA; Duke Kunshan University, China; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Linfa Wang Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Peter Horby Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, UK Fujie Zhang Capital Medical University, Beijing Titan Hospital, China Malik Peiris University of Hong Kong, China George Fu Gao Deputy Director General of the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Late-onset nivolumab-mediated pneumonitis in a patient with melanoma and multiple immune-related adverse events
Authors: Diamantopoulos Panagiotis T. , Gaggadi Maria , Kassi Eva , Benopoulou Olga , Anastasopoulou Amalia , Gogas Helen
Published: April 2017

Immune-related adverse effects (AEs) of PD-1 inhibitors can affect almost every organ, but the skin, intestine, lung, eye, and liver are the most commonly affected organs. Here, we present the case of a 62-year-old female patient with stage IIIc melanoma treated with nivolumab in an adjuvant setting who sequentially developed hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, acute hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Six months before the emergence of pneumonitis, the patient had discontinued treatment with nivolumab because of acute hepatitis. Information on pneumonitis after nivolumab discontinuation in the literature is scarce, whereas most of the cases emerge during the first 2.5 months of treatment. Patients with multiple immune-related AEs comprise a group of special interest as the identification of factors affecting the susceptibility of patients to immune-related AEs of PD-1 inhibitors may lead to a more rational use of these drugs. Human leukocyte antigen haplotype and Fcγ receptor polymorphisms are possible targets of the relevant research.
Loss of control over alcohol seeking in rats depends on individual vulnerability and duration of alcohol consumption experience
Authors: Spoelder Marcia , Pol Sylvana , Janssen Boris S.G. , Baars Annemarie M. , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J. , Lesscher Heidi M.B.
Published: April 2017

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by excessive alcohol use and persistent alcohol seeking despite knowledge of its negative consequences. Importantly, AUD typically develops after chronic excessive alcohol use in a subgroup of individuals who drink alcohol, suggesting that AUD results from an interaction between individual vulnerability and prolonged alcohol exposure. The present study assessed the contribution of prolonged exposure to alcohol and individual levels of alcohol intake to the development of loss of control over alcohol seeking in a conditioned suppression model. To investigate the impact of prolonged alcohol exposure, conditioned suppression of alcohol seeking was assessed after 2 and 4 months of intermittent alcohol access (IAA) in a subgroup of rats drinking moderate amounts of alcohol. We observed that suppression of alcohol seeking was reduced after 4 months compared with 2 months of IAA. The influence of individual levels of alcohol intake on loss of control over alcohol seeking was subsequently determined by assessing conditioned suppression in subgroups of low and high alcohol drinking rats. Unlike the low alcohol drinking rats, the high alcohol drinking rats showed aversion-resistant alcohol seeking after 2 months of IAA, although both groups showed comparable levels of conditioned freezing. These findings show that the development of loss of control over alcohol seeking, a key characteristic of AUD in humans, is dependent on both the extent of alcohol exposure and the individual’s propensity to consume alcohol.
Visual improvements in vaginal mucosa correlate with symptoms of VVA: data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Simon James A. , Archer David F. , Kagan Risa , Bernick Brian , Graham Shelli , Constantine Ginger D. , Mirkin Sebastian
Published: April 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the response of the vaginal mucosa with TX-004HR and its correlation with vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA) symptoms, and whether visual examination is a useful measure for assessing VVA.

Methods:

REJOICE was a 12-week, phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a vaginal, muco-adhesive, 17β-estradiol softgel capsule (TX-004HR 4, 10, and 25 μg) in postmenopausal women with VVA and moderate-to-severe dyspareunia. Treatments were self-administered vaginally once per day for 2 weeks, then twice per week for 10 weeks. The vagina was visually examined at baseline and at weeks 2, 6, 8, and 12; changes were evaluated using a 4-item scale for vaginal color, vaginal epithelial integrity, vaginal epithelial surface thickness, and vaginal secretions.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed with all three TX-004HR doses versus placebo in vaginal color (least square mean score changes of −0.96 to −1.06 for TX-004HR doses vs −0.60 for placebo at week 12), epithelial integrity (−0.97 to −1.07 vs −0.60), epithelial surface thickness (−0.94 to −1.03 vs −0.61), and secretions (−1.01 to −1.06 vs −0.64) (P < 0.001 for all comparisons at all time points). Both Pearson's correlations and logistic regression receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses significantly correlated the sum of the individual visual assessment scores with dyspareunia (P < 0.0001) and vaginal dryness (P < 0.0001) at 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

Greater improvements in the vaginal mucosa of postmenopausal women with VVA and moderate-to-severe dyspareunia were observed with TX-004HR versus placebo, and vaginal mucosa assessment scores correlated with vaginal symptoms of dyspareunia and dryness. Visual vaginal assessment by healthcare professionals is a useful measure for diagnosing VVA and assessing response to treatment.
BILATERAL VISUAL FIELD DEFECTS IN A PATIENT TREATED WITH THE MEK AND BRAF INHIBITORS TRAMETINIB AND DABRAFENIB FOR MELANOMA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Authors: Siedlecki Jakob , Mackert Marc , Wolf Armin , Berking Carola , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Eibl-Lindner Kirsten
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

Although the introduction of BRAF and MEK inhibitors has greatly enhanced treatment possibilities in advanced BRAFV600-mutated melanoma, class-related toxicities are rather frequent and often involve the eye. Ophthalmologic side effects most commonly include central/diffuse serous retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. Affection of the optic nerve head however has not been described clinically.

Case report:

A 29-year-old man presented in our eye clinic with bilateral blurred vision. Seventeen days earlier, he had been started on trametinib and dabrafenib combination therapy for metastasized melanoma of unknown origin. Visual field testing revealed diffuse bilateral defects, which regressed spontaneously on pause of MEK and BRAF inhibitor treatment.

Discussion:

In addition to the widely known class-related retinal toxicity, MEK and BRAF inhibitor-associated adverse events may also involve the optic nerve head, causing visual field defects probably regressing spontaneously after discontinuation of targeted oncologic therapy. In such cases, repeat brain imaging and exclusion of melanoma-associated retinopathy is recommended. Reinitiation of treatment and subsequent dose escalation seem to be feasible, but should be monitored by an ophthalmologist.
Clinical Utility of Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae in Pediatric Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples
Authors: Alqayoudhi Abdullah , Nielsen Maryke , O’Sullivan Nicola , Corcoran Mary , Gavin Patrick J. , Butler Karina M. , Cunney Robert , Drew Richard J.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this retrospective study was to review the diagnostic accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for Streptococcus pneumoniae DNA in comparison with traditional bacterial culture. The hypothesis was that PCR is more sensitive than culture and would detect more cases of pneumococcal meningitis, particularly in children treated with antimicrobials before CSF sampling occurred. Patients younger than 16 years of age who had a CSF sample tested for S. pneumoniae DNA by PCR between 2004 and 2015 were included. A total of 2025 samples were included, and the PCR had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98% for the detection of S. pneumoniae DNA in comparison with culture. Of the 28 culture negative/PCR positive cases, 25 (89%) were probable meningitis cases and only 3 (11%) were suspected false positive results. Nineteen (76%) of the 25 probable cases required ICU admission, and 3 died (12%). Six different serotypes were found in the culture positive patients (18C, 6B, 14, 22F, 7F and 33F). This study demonstrates that PCR testing of CSF samples for S. pneumoniae is sensitive and specific when compared with culture. PCR is particularly useful in detecting those cases where culture is negative, perhaps relating to pre-CSF sampling administration of antimicrobials.
Squamous Cellular Carcinoma Antigen Serum Determination as a Biomarker of Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Maddalo Gemma , Fassan Matteo , Cardin Romilda , Piciocchi Marika , Marafatto Filippo , Rugge Massimo , Zaninotto Giovanni , Pozzan Caterina , Castoro Carlo , Ruol Alberto , Biasiolo Alessandra , Farinati Fabio
Published: April 2017

Goal:

To evaluate the potential role of the determination of the immunocomplexed form of squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA-immunoglobulin (Ig)M] for the screening of Barrett esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Background:

The cost-effectiveness of surveillance in BE is still debated and the use of biomarkers in screening and surveillance still not recommended. No information is available regarding SCCA-IgM determination in BE.

Study:

SCCA-IgM levels were determined (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in 231 patients prospectively recruited, 71 with BE, 53 with EAC, and 107 controls, including 42 blood donors and 65 patients with gastroesophageal reflux. SCCA-IgM cutoffs between BE/EAC and controls and for BE “at risk” versus short nondysplastic BE were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Immunostaining for SCCA-IgM was obtained in a subgroup of patients.

Results:

Median SCCA-IgM values were significantly higher in BE and EAC than in controls (P=0.0001). Patients with SCCA-IgM levels above the cutoff had a 33 times higher relative risk of harboring BE or EAC (P=0.0001). Patients “at risk,” with long or dysplastic BE had SCCA-IgM levels significantly higher than those with short nondysplastic BE (P=0.035) and patients with SCCA-IgM above the cutoff had a 8 times higher relative risk of having BE “at risk.” SCCA was expressed in Barrett mucosa but not in cardiac metaplasia.

Conclusions:

Serum SCCA-IgM determination allows the identification of patients at risk for BE/EAC and the stratification of BE patients in subgroups with different cancer risk. Because of the still limited number of controls, large, prospective studies are required to confirm this evidence.
Short article: Anger and quality of life in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus: a cross-sectional study (ANRS CO13-HEPAVIH)
Authors: Marcellin Fabienne , Protopopescu Camelia , Esterle Laure , Wittkop Linda , Piroth Lionel , Aumaitre Hugues , Bouchaud Olivier , Goujard Cécile , Vittecoq Daniel , Dabis François , Salmon-Ceron Dominique , Spire Bruno , Roux Perrine , Carrieri Maria P.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The aim of this study is to document the relationship between anger dimensions (state, trait, expression, and control) and quality of life (QoL) in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Patients and methods

This is a cross-sectional study nested in the ANRS CO13-HEPAVIH French national cohort. Anger and QoL were assessed using self-administered questionnaires in 536 HIV–HCV-co-infected patients. Correlations between anger scores (STAXI-2 scale) and QoL scores (WHOQOL-HIV BREF scale) were assessed using Spearman’s coefficients. Multiple linear regression models were then used to test the relationship between the different dimensions of anger and QoL after adjustment for statistically significant psychosocial, sociobehavioral, and clinical characteristics.

Results

Patients with excessive alcohol use or history of injecting drug use had higher levels of anger. All dimensions of anger were significantly correlated with impaired QoL for all six dimensions of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF scale. Greater internal experience of anger and impaired anger control were confirmed as independent correlates of impaired QoL related to psychological health, social relationships, and patients’ beliefs after adjustment for depressive symptoms, functional impact of fatigue, socioeconomic status, and HIV-related characteristics.

Conclusion

Anger issues need close monitoring in HIV–HCV-co-infected patients, especially in patients with addictive behaviors. Screening for problems in anger management and implementing individualized psychotherapeutic strategies may help improve QoL in this population.
Paracrine regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Chai-Ho Wanxing , Chute John P.
Published: April 2017

Purpose of review

The paradigm of niche-regulation of hematopoiesis has rapidly and substantially evolved within the last 12 months. Here, we will review the most critical advances in understanding of paracrine regulation of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cell fate during the past year.

Recent findings

Several novel paracrine mechanisms have been recently identified, highlighting the function of mesenchymal progenitor cells, osteoprogenitor cells and endothelial cells in regulating hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and regeneration. Similarly, niche-driven inflammatory states, paracrine mechanisms, exosomes, and endocytosis have each been shown to powerfully regulate the maintenance and propagation of leukemic cells.

The elucidation of paracrine mechanisms that regulate normal and malignant hematopoiesis is critical for both fundamental understanding of hematology and for the identification of novel molecular targets for therapeutic translation.
Associations Between Dietary Intake Before 6 Months of Age and Rapid Weight Gain Among HIV‐exposed Uninfected Infants
Authors: Neri Daniela , Oliveira Fernanda L.C. , Carvalho Aline M. , Somarriba Gabriel A. , Scott Gwendolyn B. , Miller Tracie L.
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

HIV‐exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants are potentially at risk for cardiovascular disease due to in utero exposures. Feeding practices of the infant could compound this risk. Few studies have, however, evaluated dietary intake of HEU infants. We determined dietary factors associated with rapid weight gain (RWG) among HEU infants from birth to 6 months followed at the University of Miami HIV Screening Program.

Methods:

In this cross‐sectional analysis, logistic regression was used to determine dietary factors associated with RWG defined as a >0.67 SD change in weight‐for‐age z score from birth to assessment (0.3–6 months). Other covariates included demographics, birth, maternal and gestational characteristics, and antiretroviral exposures.

Results:

A total of 86 full‐term HEU infants with a mean age of 3.4 months (SD 1.8 months) were included in this analysis. Fifty‐five percent of mothers were obese. Overall, 39.5% of infants exhibited RWG. A significant association between consumption of infant cereal and RWG (odds ratio, 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–12.10) was found after adjusting for birth weight, current age, and energy intake. Those infants who consumed the highest tertile of protein were less likely to gain weight rapidly after adjusting for the same covariates (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.94).

Conclusions:

Overall differences in weight gain during early infancy are at least partly explained by means of infant feeding in young HEU infants in the United States. Dietary counseling for families of HEU should reinforce current feeding practice recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A Novel Needle-Free Blood Draw Device for Sample Collection From Short Peripheral Catheters
Authors: Cadacio Caprice , Nachamkin Irving
Published: April 2017

A new US Food and Drug Administration-cleared needleless blood collection device (PIVO; Velano Vascular, San Francisco, CA) for short peripheral catheters was compared with conventional venipuncture for collecting blood samples for routine laboratory analysis from adult healthy volunteers. The PIVO device was comparable with venipuncture in terms of providing high-integrity samples (no hemolysis or clotting), equivalent laboratory values, and better patient experience as assessed by pain scores. Further studies to assess the overall utility of the PIVO device are warranted.
Clinicopathologic Association and Prognostic Value of Microcystic, Elongated, and Fragmented (MELF) Pattern in Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma
Authors: Kihara Atsushi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Watanabe Reiko , Takahashi Kenta , Kato Tomoyasu , Ino Yoshinori , Kitagawa Masanobu , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2017

Microcystic, elongated, and fragmented (MELF) pattern is seen in the invasive front of some endometrial endometrioid carcinomas. Although MELF pattern can be expected as an indicator of patient outcomes, its prognostic significance remains unclear. This study was conducted to elucidate clinicopathologic features and the prognostic impact of MELF pattern in patients with endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed data of 479 consecutive patients with endometrial endometrioid carcinoma that had been surgically resected. In 45 of 427 patients (11%) with low-grade endometrioid carcinoma, MELF pattern was found, but it was found in none of the 52 patients with high-grade endometrioid carcinoma. Among the patients with low-grade endometrioid carcinoma, MELF pattern was associated significantly with larger tumor size, myometrial invasion of more than 50%, advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages, lymphovascular space invasion, lymph node metastasis, papillary architecture, and mucinous differentiation. However, survival analysis revealed that the patients with MELF pattern showed no significantly worse prognosis than those without MELF pattern either in disease-specific survival or in recurrence-free survival. MELF was not a significant prognosticator after adjustment for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (disease-specific survival [hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-7.67; P=0.64], recurrence-free survival [hazard ratio, 0.98, 95% confidence interval, 0.32-2.99, P=0.98]). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MELF pattern was positive for p16 and p21 and almost negative for Ki-67 labeling, which suggested that tumor cells in MELF pattern were involved in growth arrest or cellular senescence. We conclude that MELF pattern could have little impact on outcomes of patients with low-grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma.
Effect of Legal Status on the Early Treatment Outcomes of Migrants Beginning Combined Antiretroviral Therapy at an Outpatient Clinic in Milan, Italy
Authors: Ridolfo Anna L. , Oreni Letizia , Vassalini Paolo , Resnati Chiara , Bozzi Giorgio , Milazzo Laura , Antinori Spinello , Rusconi Stefano , Galli Massimo
Published: April 2017

Objective:

In a setting of free access to HIV care, we compared the early treatment outcomes of HIV-infected undocumented migrants (UMs), documented migrants (DMs), and Italian subjects.

Methods:

The clinical data of 640 Italians and 245 migrants who started combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) at an HIV clinic in Milan, Italy, were reviewed. The migrants were mainly Latin Americans (83 DMs and 56 UMs) or sub-Saharan Africans (52 DMs and 11 UMs), but a minority were of other origin (33 DMs and 10 UMs). Retention in follow-up and HIV suppression were compared between UMs, DMs, and natives 12 months ± 90 days after start of cART.

Results:

There were no significant between-group differences in the stage of HIV infection at the start of cART or the type of regimen received. The Latin American DMs and UMs included a higher proportion of transgender women than the other ethnic groups (P < 0.001). The UMs were less frequently followed up after 12 months than the DMs and natives (P = 0.004) and were more frequently permanently lost to follow-up (P < 0.001). UM status was an independent predictor of lost to follow-up (adjusted odds ratio 8.05, P < 0.001). The DMs and UMs were less frequently HIV suppressed after 12 months than the natives (78% and 80.7% vs 90.5%, P = 0.001), and Latin American migrants were significantly less likely to be virologically suppressed than the natives (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Despite their free access to cART, subgroups of migrants facing multiple levels of vulnerability still have difficulties in gaining optimal HIV care.
The origin of inner Solar System water
Authors: Alexander Conel M. O'D.
Published: April 2017

Of the potential volatile sources for the terrestrial planets, the CI and CM carbonaceous chondrites are closest to the planets' bulk H and N isotopic compositions. For the Earth, the addition of approximately 2–4 wt% of CI/CM material to a volatile-depleted proto-Earth can explain the abundances of many of the most volatile elements, although some solar-like material is also required. Two dynamical models of terrestrial planet formation predict that the carbonaceous chondrites formed either in the asteroid belt (‘classical’ model) or in the outer Solar System (5–15 AU in the Grand Tack model). To test these models, at present the H isotopes of water are the most promising indicators of formation location because they should have become increasingly D-rich with distance from the Sun. The estimated initial H isotopic compositions of water accreted by the CI, CM, CR and Tagish Lake carbonaceous chondrites were much more D-poor than measured outer Solar System objects. A similar pattern is seen for N isotopes. The D-poor compositions reflect incomplete re-equilibration with H2in the inner Solar System, which is also consistent with the O isotopes of chondritic water. On balance, it seems that the carbonaceous chondrites and their water did not form very far out in the disc, almost certainly not beyond the orbit of Saturn when its moons formed (approx. 3–7 AU in the Grand Tack model) and possibly close to where they are found today.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’.
The search for and analysis of direct samples of early Solar System aqueous fluids
Authors: Zolensky Michael E. , Bodnar Robert J. , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Itoh Shoichi , Fries Marc , Steele Andrew , Chan Queenie H.-S. , Tsuchiyama Akira , Kebukawa Yoko , Ito Motoo
Published: April 2017

We describe the current state of the search for direct, surviving samples of early, inner Solar System fluids—fluid inclusions in meteorites. Meteoritic aqueous fluid inclusions are not rare, but they are very tiny and their characterization is at the state of the art for most analytical techniques. Meteoritic fluid inclusions offer us a unique opportunity to study early Solar System brines in the laboratory. Inclusion-by-inclusion analyses of the trapped fluids in carefully selected samples will, in the immediate future, provide us detailed information on the evolution of fluids as they interacted with anhydrous solid materials. Thus, real data can replace calculated fluid compositions in thermochemical calculations of the evolution of water and aqueous reactions in comets, asteroids, moons and the terrestrial planets.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’.
Global water cycle and the coevolution of the Earth’s interior and surface environment
Authors: Korenaga Jun , Planavsky Noah J. , Evans David A. D.
Published: April 2017

The bulk Earth composition contains probably less than 0.3% of water, but this trace amount of water can affect the long-term evolution of the Earth in a number of different ways. The foremost issue is the occurrence of plate tectonics, which governs almost all aspects of the Earth system, and the presence of water could either promote or hinder the operation of plate tectonics, depending on where water resides. The global water cycle, which circulates surface water into the deep mantle and back to the surface again, could thus have played a critical role in the Earth’s history. In this contribution, we first review the present-day water cycle and discuss its uncertainty as well as its secular variation. If the continental freeboard has been roughly constant since the Early Proterozoic, model results suggest long-term net water influx from the surface to the mantle, which is estimated to be 3−4.5×1014 g yr−1on the billion years time scale. We survey geological and geochemical observations relevant to the emergence of continents above the sea level as well as the nature of Precambrian plate tectonics. The global water cycle is suggested to have been dominated by regassing, and its implications for geochemical cycles and atmospheric evolution are also discussed.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’.
The fate of water within Earth and super-Earths and implications for plate tectonics
Authors: Tikoo Sonia M. , Elkins-Tanton Linda T.
Published: April 2017

The Earth is likely to have acquired most of its water during accretion. Internal heat of planetesimals by short-lived radioisotopes would have caused some water loss, but impacts into planetesimals were insufficiently energetic to produce further drying. Water is thought to be critical for the development of plate tectonics, because it lowers viscosities in the asthenosphere, enabling subduction. The following issue persists: if water is necessary for plate tectonics, but subduction itself hydrates the upper mantle, how is the upper mantle initially hydrated? The giant impacts of late accretion created magma lakes and oceans, which degassed during solidification to produce a heavy atmosphere. However, some water would have remained in the mantle, trapped within crystallographic defects in nominally anhydrous minerals. In this paper, we present models demonstrating that processes associated with magma ocean solidification and overturn may segregate sufficient quantities of water within the upper mantle to induce partial melting and produce a damp asthenosphere, thereby facilitating plate tectonics and, in turn, the habitability of Earth-like extrasolar planets.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’.
Early accretion of water and volatile elements to the inner Solar System: evidence from angrites
Authors: Sarafian Adam R. , Hauri Erik H. , McCubbin Francis M. , Lapen Thomas J. , Berger Eve L. , Nielsen Sune G. , Marschall Horst R. , Gaetani Glenn A. , Righter Kevin , Sarafian Emily
Published: April 2017

Inner Solar System bodies are depleted in volatile elements relative to chondrite meteorites, yet the source(s) and mechanism(s) of volatile-element depletion and/or enrichment are poorly constrained. The timing, mechanisms and quantities of volatile elements present in the early inner Solar System have vast implications for diverse processes, from planetary differentiation to the emergence of life. We report major, trace and volatile-element contents of a glass bead derived from the D'Orbigny angrite, the hydrogen isotopic composition of this glass bead and that of coexisting olivine and silicophosphates, and the207Pb–206Pb age of the silicophosphates, 4568 ± 20 Ma. We use volatile saturation models to demonstrate that the angrite parent body must have been a major body in the early inner Solar System. We further show via mixing calculations that all inner Solar System bodies accreted volatile elements with carbonaceous chondrite H and N isotope signatures extremely early in Solar System history. Only a small portion (if any) of comets and gaseous nebular H species contributed to the volatile content of the inner Solar System bodies.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’.
Burrow Morphology of GenusOcypode(Brachyura: Decapoda: Ocypodidae) Along the Coast of Karachi
Authors: Odhano S. , Saher N. U.
Published: April 2017

Burrow morphology ofOcypode rotundataandO. ceratophthalmawas studied on the sandy beach of Karachi with the aim of identifying their significance and relationship to the shore environment. The small sized burrows found at low tide level and large sized burrows found at the high tide level up to dry or splash zone. The burrow count during the winter season was lower as compared summer season. Only single burrow opening was observed inO. rotundataandO. ceratophthalmaoriented towards the sea. The burrow depth was between 460 to 1300 mm and 490 to 760 mm inO. rotundataandO. ceratophthalmarespectively. Strong correlation (r2=81.2 and 89.2%) was observed between carapace length and burrow diameter of theO. rotundataandO. ceratophthalmarespectively. For the grain size analysis, maximum amount of grain resulted with fine sand 57.04% (2.5Φ, 3.0Φ). For anthropogenic analysis, data showed no any significant difference (P value =0.128 and 0.671) from two sites but number of burrow counts decreases as the number of human activity increasing day by day at the selected beaches.
A neglected input to production: the role of ICT-schooled employees in firm performance
Authors: Hagsten Eva , Sabadash Anna
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the perspective on how information and communication technology (ICT) relates to productivity by introducing a novel ICT variable: the share of ICT-schooled employees in firms, an intangible input often neglected or difficult to measure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a Cobb-Douglas production function specification, the association between the share of ICT-schooled employees and firm productivity is estimated by the use of unique comparable multi-linked firm-level data sets from statistical offices in six European countries for the period of 2001-2009.

Findings

There are indications that the share of ICT-schooled employees significantly and positively relates to productivity, and also that this relationship is generally more persistent than that of ICT intensity of firms, measured as the proportion of broadband internet-enabled employees. However, the strength of the association varies across countries and demonstrates that underlying factors, such as industry structure and institutional settings might be of importance too.

Research limitations/implications

Data features and the way to access harmonised firm-level data across countries affect the choice of econometric approach and output variable.

Practical implications

The results emphasise the importance of specific ICT skills in firms independently of where in the organisation the employee works.

Originality/value

Studies on associations between employees with specific (higher) education based on formal credentials and productivity are rare. Even more uncommon is the cross-country setting with harmonised data including general ICT intensity of firms.
Service modularity and architecture – an overview and research agenda
Authors: Brax Saara A. , Bask Anu , Hsuan Juliana , Voss Chris
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Services are highly important in a world economy which has increasingly become service driven. There is a growing need to better understand the possibilities for, and requirements of, designing modular service architectures. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the roots of the emerging research stream on service modularity, provide a concise overview of existing work on the subject, and outline an agenda for future research on service modularity and architecture. The articles in the special issue offer four diverse sets of research on service modularity and architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is built on a literature review mapping the current body of literature on the topic and developing future research directions in service modularity and architecture.

Findings

The growing focus on services has triggered needs to investigate the suitability and implementation of physical-product-focused modularity principles and theories in service contexts, and to search for principles/theories that enhance services. The expanding research stream has explored various aspects of service modularity in empirical contexts. Future research should focus on service-specific modularity theories and principles, platform-based and mass-customized service business models, comparative research designs, customer perspectives and service experience, performance in context of modular services, empirical evidence of benefits and challenges, architectural innovation in services, modularization in multi-provider contexts, and modularity in hybrid offerings combining service and tangible product modules.

Originality/value

Nine areas are recommended for further research on service modularity and architecture. The introductory piece also discusses the roots of service modularity and provides an overview of current contributions.
What professionals consider when designing a modular service architecture?
Authors: Broekhuis Manda , van Offenbeek Marjolein , Eissens-van der Laan Monique
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how functional and appropriateness arguments influence the adoption of modularity principles during the design of a professional service architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

Action design research was conducted to examine the design process of a modular service architecture for specialised elderly care by a multi-professional group. Data collection methods included, partly participatory, observations of the interactions between professionals during the design process, interviews and document analysis. Data analysis focussed on the emerging design choices and the arguments underlying them.

Findings

A wide range of both functional and appropriateness considerations were enlisted during the design process. The three core modularity principles were adapted to varying degrees. In terms of the design outcome, the interdependencies between the modularity principles necessitated two trade-offs in the modular design. A third trade-off occurred between modularity and the need for professional inference where services were characterised by uncertainty. Appropriateness was achieved through the professionals reframing and translating the abstract modularity concept to reconcile the concept’s functionality with their professional norms, values and established practices.

Originality/value

The study adds to service modularity theory by formulating three trade-offs that are required in translating the core modularity principles into a functional set of design choices for a multi-professional service environment. Moreover, the inherent intertwinedness of the core modularity principles in professional services requires an iterative design process. Finally, the authors saw that the ambiguity present in the service modularity concept can be used to develop a design that is deemed appropriate by professionals.
Dividend payout policy of Islamic vs conventional banks: case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Kayed Lama Tarek
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors that affect dividend payments for Saudi Arabian Islamic and conventional banks and to test whether the factors that affect Islamic banks’ dividend policy differ from the factors affecting conventional banks’ dividends.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel regression was run on data for six Islamic banks and six conventional banks.

Findings

The paper found that profitability, lagged dividends and leverage are all significant determinants of Islamic Banks’ dividend policy. Lintner’s (1956) model applies to Islamic bank’s dividend policy, as Islamic banks who payout dividends commit to their payments. All factors included in the study (profitability, liquidity, leverage, growth and lagged dividend) are found to be significant determinants of conventional banks’ dividend payments.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should include ownership variables in the regression to test the agency theory regarding dividends. Ownership variables were not included in the study because of data availability issues.

Practical implications

The results of this study have practical implications for analysts, investors and regulators. For Islamic banks to compete in the local and global deposit markets, their management must carefully decide upon their dividend policy. As conventional banks are distributing stable dividends, it is time for Islamic banks to plan for a stable dividend policy to send positive signals to the market. As newcomers to the market Islamic banks should avoid spontaneous and inconsistent dividend distributions that do not carry any signals to the market. It will be difficult for Islamic banks to raise capital or attract investors because of their lower dividend yields compared to conventional banks. Boards of directors of Islamic banks should use dividends as an agency monitoring device; large-scale retention of earnings encourages behaviour by managers that does not maximize shareholder value. Dividends, then, are a valuable financial tool for these firms because they help firms avoid asset/capital structures that give managers wide discretion to make value-reducing investments.

Originality/value

This is the first study – up to the author’s knowledge – to investigate the financial institutions (banks) dividend policy in Saudi Arabia.
Transmission and control for QKD in online banking systems
Authors: Sharma Anand , Lenka Saroj
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a technology, based on the quantum laws of physics, rather than the assumed computational complexity of mathematical problems, to generate and distribute provably secure cipher keys over unsecured channels. The authors are using this concept of QKD for the online banking systems. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to function properly, any system using QKD needs to transport both quantum and classical data from a specified source to a specified destination, resolve competing requests for shared hardware, and manage shared keys between neighboring trusted nodes via a multi-hop mechanism. In this paper the authors are going to explain the transmission and control system for QKD implementation in online banking systems.

Findings

This paper presents the transmission and system control of QKD for online banking system is feasible under specific conditions outside a laboratory. Above, the authors have shown the research on the QKD based online banking systems. Though the current researches are focused on QKD systems for online banking systems, the techniques discussed can be applied to other quantum information processing involving photons. Combination with other efforts that are not mentioned here, such as entangled-photon-sources, single photon sources, two-qubit gates, and so on, will provide a rigid foundation for future quantum information technologies.

Originality/value

Recognizing the importance of online access as one of the vehicles for the development of cheaper, faster and more reliable services there are areas of improvement where all involved parties should endeavor to improve toward the deployment of services without unnecessary or excessive risks. This improvement applies to both retail and commercial customers and does not endorse any particular technology.
The role of sustainability practices in international port operations
Authors: Kim Sihyun , Chiang Bong Gyu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

With increasing attention to sustainability in port operations, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of sustainability practice (SP) as a moderator on the relationships between competitiveness and performance in port operations.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the specific route of SPs in managing competitiveness and performance, this study adopted the hierarchical moderated regression analysis. Additionally, to analyze the difference in the level of implementation of SP, alternative subgroup analysis was conducted via independent sample t-tests in SPSS 21.

Findings

Research results have shown the role of SPs in achieving outstanding port activities, which significantly moderates the relationship between competitiveness, particularly for operational efficiency and service quality, and performance.

Research limitations/implications

As this study is based on cross-sectional data, it does not tap any temporal attitude change, which would require a longitudinal approach. The authors contribute to filling a void between what is achievable and how sustainable practice contributes to managing competitiveness and performance, based on commercial port operations.

Practical implications

Results provide useful insights to establish the strategies to develop sustainable port operations and a strategic agenda to assist ports to incorporate SP.

Originality/value

Drawing on multiple theories, this study advances the role of SP by shedding new light on how it improves operational sustainability through strengthening the relationships between competitiveness and performance.
Use of zeroing in the W-T comparison methodology and targeted dumping (US anti-dumping measures on large residential washers from Korea (DS464))
Authors: Kim Sang Man , Kim Jongho
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the use of zeroing in the weighted average-to-transaction (W-T) comparison methodology and targeted dumping under the anti-dumping agreement by reviewing the WTO appellate body’s rulings on the use of zeroing in the W-T comparison methodology in the USA – anti-dumping measures on large residential washers from Korea (DS464). Although the appellate body has ruled that the use of zeroing would not be allowed in the weighted-average-to-weighted-average comparison methodology nor in the transaction-to-transaction comparison methodology, it has not ruled on whether the use of zeroing is allowed in the W-T comparison methodology prior to the instant case.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper mainly analyzes the WTO appellate body report on the USA – anti-dumping and countervailing measures on large residential washers from Korea’s rulings (DS464) and reviews other WTO appellate body reports on the use of zeroing in anti-dumping measures. This paper reviews the relevant provisions of the WTO anti-dumping agreement and the US Anti-Dumping Act, and also referred prior papers on the use of zeroing.

Findings

The appellate body upheld the panel’s finding that the USA’s use of zeroing in the W-T comparison methodology is inconsistent with Article 2.4.2 of the anti-dumping agreement. As zeroing inflates dumping margins, increases the amount of duty collected, and hinders the expansion of trade in goods. The use of zeroing should be prohibited or permitted only in very limited circumstances.

Social implications

Zeroing, which has been the subject of many WTO disputes between the USA and foreign governments, causes dumped sales to be masked by fair value. The WTO appellate body has consistently condemned the US practice of zeroing over the past decade as an unfair commerce practice. The instant case and this paper will help to stop the practice of zeroing in anti-dumping measures.

Originality/value

The text of Article 2.4.2 does not clearly prohibit the use of zeroing. The paper reviews the WTO appellate body’s rulings on the use of zeroing in the W-T comparison methodology in the USA – anti-dumping measures on large residential washers from Korea (DS464). The appellate body report was very recently circulated, on September 9, 2016. The appellate body has not ruled on whether the use of zeroing is allowed in the W-T comparison methodology prior to the instant case. This paper, first, concludes that the W-T comparison methodology is inconsistent with Article 2.4.2 of the anti-dumping agreement.