bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEC permits all issuers to submit confidential draft registration statements
Authors: Brady Andrew , Breheny Brian , Gasaway Michelle , Kanter Stacy , Zeidel Michael , Zhou Monika
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To explain the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) June 29, 2017 announcement (as updated August 17, 2017) that the staff of its Division of Corporation Finance will accept draft registration statement submissions from all companies for nonpublic review, thereby expanding a popular benefit previously available only to emerging growth companies (ECGs) under the JOBS Act and, in limited circumstances, to certain foreign private issuers under historical Staff practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the rationale and limitations of the new policy, the existing confidential submission process, the expanded class of issuers and transactions that now qualifies for the nonpublic review process, and content and staff processing details.

Findings

Recognizing that the confidential submission process for EGCs proved highly popular and quickly became standard practice for eligible companies seeking to conduct an IPO, the SEC has made the nonpublic review process available to an expanded class of issuers and transactions. The expanded confidential submission process for IPOs addresses some of the typical concerns associated with engaging in the IPO process by giving a company more time and flexibility to determine whether it actually will be able to achieve the benefits of going public before it incurs the burdens and expenses of doing so.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced securities and corporate finance lawyers.
Reforming EU securities laws: the new EU Prospectus Regulation
Authors: Fischer-Appelt Dorothee
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To analyse the changes brought about by the new EU Prospectus Regulation, which replaced the EU Prospectus Directive, which has been the cornerstone of EU securities regulation for over a decade. The Regulation is part of the EU Commission’s plans for a Capital Markets Union launched in September 2015, which is intended to achieve a true single market for capital across the EU and allow companies to access the capital markets in a more cost efficient way.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the key changes to the European prospectus regime included in the new EU Prospectus Regulation and highlights the changes compared to the old prospectus regime.

Findings

The new Prospectus Regulation will change current prospectus rules and practice for both equity and debt issuances in several areas and will contribute to a more uniform European prospectus regime. For EU Member States, the format of a regulation (rather than directive) that the new Prospectus Regulation has taken means that there will be much less room for divergence of prospectus rules across its member states. The Regulation’s success in making EU capital markets more uniform will depend to a great extent on whether the application of the new rules by member states’ regulators will be more consistent.

Originality/value

Key EU securities law changes are explained by an experienced EU and US securities lawyer practising in London.
An overview of the FINRA Rule 4210 margin amendments
Authors: Mathews Nikiforos , Robison Jonas
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To summarize for registered broker-dealers and their customers upcoming margin requirements for “to-be-announced” (TBA) transactions on mortgage-backed securities pursuant to recently-amended FINRA Rule 4210.

Design/methodology/approach

This article explains the various margin requirements that are expected to come into effect on June 25, 2018. A chart summarizing the applicability of margin requirements for various types of accounts is also provided. Additionally, the article addresses practical steps to bring Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“MSFTAs”) governing relevant transactions into compliance with the amended rules.

Findings

The compliance date for margining under FINRA Rule 4210 is approaching. Broker-dealers will be required to collect (but not post) daily variation margin and, depending on the type of account, maintenance margin, from their customers on specified transactions. Broker-dealers should become familiar with the relevant requirements in order to amend (or enter into new) MSFTAs by the deadline. Customers also should become familiar with, and consider the implications of, these margin requirements.

Originality/value

Concisely summarizes and explains the key requirements and provides practical guidance regarding compliance from experienced derivatives attorneys.
SEC’s unwavering focus on disclosure of valuation methods and calculation of IRRs by fund sponsors
Authors: Earley Michael P. , Panza Jessica , Thrapp Katherine
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To explain the SEC’s historical focus on the calculation of investment performance and to highlight important issues for fund sponsors in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the SEC’s recent subpoena of at least one fund sponsor for information related to the firm’s practices in calculating internal rates of return and then explains the history of SEC enforcement in this area.

Findings

The SEC continues to be focused on how fund sponsors calculate investment performance metrics, such as IRRs, and the related disclosure.

Originality/value

This article contains valuable information for fund sponsors, such as best practices for valuation methods and related investment performance disclosures, including the calculation of IRRs from experienced investment fund lawyers.
ESMA issues Brexit opinions to EU regulators: a warning shot not only to the UK but also to the EU27
Authors: Yonge William , Currie Simon
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To summarize and analyse four opinions issued in May and July 2017 by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) concerning regulatory and supervisory arbitrage risks that arise as a result of increased requests from financial market participants to relocate activities and functions in the EU27 following the UK’s decision to withdraw from the EU, and the expected regulatory response to those risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the possible relocation of financial firms, activities and functions following the UK’s decision to withdraw from EU; the resulting cross-sectoral regulatory and supervisory arbitrage risks that ESMA foresees; nine principles that ESMA enumerates to guide its regulatory response to those risks; some common themes that emerge from ESMA’s July Opinions; and the implications for UK firms and trading venues seeking to establish a presence in the EU 27.

Findings

ESMA foresees regulatory and arbitrage risks in Brexit and a potential “race to the bottom” as certain national regulators jostle for and grab UK market share.

Practical implications

UK firms and trading venues seeking to establish a presence in the EU27 from which to operate will need to give detailed consideration and focus to the resources and operational substance which will need to be located in the jurisdiction in which that presence is established.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced financial services, securities and fund management lawyers.
Pregnancy after endometrial ablation: a systematic review
Authors: Kohn JR , Shamshirsaz AA , Popek E , Guan X , Belfort MA , Fox KA
Published: September 2017

Background

Pregnancies have been reported after endometrial ablation but there is little data regarding subsequent pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

To review systematically the available evidence regarding pregnancy outcomes after endometrial ablation, in order to equip physicians effectively to counsel women considering endometrial ablation.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through January 2017.

Selection criteria

Published and unpublished literature in any language describing pregnancy after endometrial ablation or resection was eligible.

Data collection and analysis

Data about preconception characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were extracted and analysed according to study design of source and pregnancy viability.

Main results

We identified 274 pregnancies from 99 sources; 78 sources were case reports. Women aged 26–50 years (mean 37.5 ± 5 years) conceived a median of 1.5 years after ablation (range: 3 weeks prior to 13 years after). When reported, 80–90% had not used contraception. In all, 85% of pregnancies from trial/observational studies ended in termination, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancies that continued (case report and non‐case report sources) had high rates of preterm delivery, caesarean delivery, caesarean hysterectomy, and morbidly adherent placenta. Case reports also frequently described preterm premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal demise, uterine rupture, and neonatal demise.

Conclusions

An unexpectedly high rate of pregnancy complications is reported in the available literature (which may reflect publication bias) and high‐quality evidence is lacking. However, based on the existing evidence, women undergoing endometrial ablation should be informed that subsequent pregnancy may have serious complications and should be counselled to use reliable contraception after the procedure.

Tweetable abstract

Systematic review – pregnancies reported after endometrial ablation have an increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of autophagy‐related 16‐like 1 gene are associated with ankylosing spondylitis in females: a case–control study
Authors: Li Xiaona , Chen Mengya , Zhang Xu , Wang Mengmeng , Yang Xiao , Xia Qing , Han Renfang , Liu Rui , Xu Shengqian , Xu Jianhua , Shuai Zongwen , Pan Faming
Published: September 2017

Aims

To investigate the associations of autophagy‐related 16‐like 1 (ATG16L1) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

Six hundred and forty‐nine AS patients from the First Affiliation Hospital of Anhui Medical University and 628 matched controls were selected. Genotyping for five SNPs in the ATG16L1 gene (rs4663421, rs2241880, rs4663396, rs6758317 and rs6431655) was performed using the improved multiplex ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) method. Haplotypes were built after linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis. All analyses were stratified by gender.

Results

Significant differences in the genotype frequencies at rs4663421 were found between female AS patients and female controls (P = 0.033). The frequencies of allele G of rs4663421 and allele C of rs6758317 were lower in AS patients than controls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.391, 95% CI = 0.175–0.876, P = 0.019; OR = 0.499, 95% CI = 0.263–0.949, P = 0.032, respectively) in females. However, no association remained significant after Bonferroni correction. rs4663396 and rs6758317 have been tested in high LD, and were used to construct three haplotypes: ht1 (CC), ht2 (TT) and ht3 (CT). The frequency of ht2 (TT) haplotype was higher in AS patients than controls (OR = 2.003, 95% CI = 1.053–3.808, P = 0.032) in females; similarly, no association existed after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

Two SNPs (rs4663421 and rs6758317) and the TT haplotype of the ATG16L1 gene are possibly associated with AS susceptibility in a Chinese Han female population.
Distinct epitope structures of defensin‐like proteins linked to proline‐rich regions give rise to differences in their allergenic activity
Authors: Pablos I. , Eichhorn S. , Machado Y. , Briza P. , Neunkirchner A. , Jahn‐Schmid B. , Wildner S. , Soh W. T. , Ebner C. , Park J.‐W. , Pickl W. F. , Arora N. , Vieths S. , Ferreira F. , Gadermaier G.
Published: September 2017

Background

Art v 1, Amb a 4, and Par h 1 are allergenic defensin‐polyproline–linked proteins present in mugwort, ragweed, and feverfew pollen, respectively. We aimed to investigate the physicochemical and immunological features underlying the different allergenic capacities of those allergens.

Methods

Recombinant defensin‐polyproline–linked proteins were expressed in E. coli and physicochemically characterized in detail regarding identity, secondary structure, and aggregation status. Allergenic activity was assessed by mediator releases assay, serum IgE reactivity, and IgE inhibition ELISA using sera of patients from Austria, Canada, and Korea. Endolysosomal protein degradation and T‐cell cross‐reactivity were studied in vitro.

Results

Despite variations in the proline‐rich region, similar secondary structure elements were observed in the defensin‐like domains. Seventy‐four percent and 52% of the Austrian and Canadian patients reacted to all three allergens, while Korean patients were almost exclusively sensitized to Art v 1. This was reflected by IgE inhibition assays demonstrating high cross‐reactivity for Austrian, medium for Canadian, and low for Korean sera. In a subgroup of patients, IgE reactivity toward structurally altered Amb a 4 and Par h 1 was not changed suggesting involvement of linear epitopes. Immunologically relevant endolysosomal stability of the defensin‐like domain was limited to Art v 1 and no T‐cell cross‐reactivity with Art v 125‐36 was observed.

Conclusions

Despite structural similarity, different IgE‐binding profiles and proteolytic processing impacted the allergenic capacity of defensin‐polyproline–linked molecules. Based on the fact that Amb a 4 demonstrated distinct IgE‐binding epitopes, we suggest inclusion in molecule‐based allergy diagnosis.
Thermal decomposition, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and gas production and in situ degradability of oilseed residues from the biofuel industry
Authors: Vieira de Souza Anderson Dias , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Fávaro Simone Palma , Ferreira Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão , Petit Hélène Veronique , Dias Alexandre Menezes , Morais Maria da Graça , Reis Fernando Alvarenga , Roscoe Renato
Published: September 2017

Thermal analysis could rapidly and easily predict nutritional value of ruminant feeds. The hypothesis is that crambe meal (CM) has a quality similar to that of soybean meal (SM), and the objective of this study was to determine the nutritional characteristics of CM and compare them to those of SM. CM had greater concentrations of phytic acid (26.3 vs. 16.0 g/kg) and phenol compounds (615 vs. 393 mg gallic acid (GAE)/kg) than SM. In vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility was lower for CM than SM (752 vs. 975 g/kg DM). Cumulative in vitro gas production at 48 h of incubation (14.1 vs. 19.4 mL/100 mg substrate DM), and energy release (4.5 vs. 5.7 kJ/g substrate DM) were lower for CM than SM. CM had a higher concentration of low digestible fiber, hence degradability of DM was lower and the proportion of indigestible fraction was greater for CM than SM. High concentrations of indigestible compounds were likely responsible for lower gas production of CM compared to SM. These results suggest CM quality is lower than that of SM and that thermal analysis is a useful tool to precisely determine the nutritive value of oilseed residues.
Microarray analysis of Longissimus thoracis muscle gene expressions in vitamin A‐restricted Japanese Black steers in middle fattening stage
Authors: Hayashi Masayuki , Kido Kyoko , Hodate Kyoko
Published: September 2017

Vitamin A (VA) restriction in beef cattle improves meat marbling; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We performed microarray analysis to clarify the effect of VA restriction on Longissimus thoracis gene expressions in Japanese Black steers. Six Japanese Black steers 13–14 months of age were divided into two groups: S group (n = 3), which received VA supplementation, and R group (n = 3), in which dietary VA intake was restricted. Steers were fattened for 7 months, following which tissue samples were obtained. Extracted RNA samples were analyzed by Affymetrix Genechip Bovine Genome Array. Lists of genes highly expressed in the R and S groups were obtained. The lists were functionally interpreted using functional annotation software, DAVID. In the R and S groups, 48 and 40 genes were significantly highly expressed, respectively. The gene list of the R group included CD36, LPL, GPAM, DGAT2, and SCD and additional genes annotated ‘PPAR signaling pathway,’ ‘lipid biosynthesis’ and ‘mitochondrion,’ whereas that of the S group included COL1A2, FN1 and DCN and additional genes annotated ‘extracellular matrix.’ Changes in the expression of these genes are possibly involved in marbling improvement in beef cattle by VA restriction.
A retrospective study of female reproductive parameters in the Kunming dog
Authors: Wei Yun‐Fang , Wan Jiu‐Sheng , Chen Fang‐Liang , Chen Chao , Li Jing , Cheng Lu‐Guang , Mao Ai‐Guo , Li Fei‐Xiang , Wang Bin , Huang Qing‐Guo , Tang Shu‐Sheng , Wei Hong‐Jiang
Published: September 2017

The Kunming dog is the first and only working dog breed from China to be recognized worldwide. As a domestic working dog, its excellent working performance has been well established; however, its normal reproductive parameters are not well understood. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the main reproductive parameters of this purebred working dog in field breeding conditions. Data on 1004 heats (753 with mating) from 203 bitches between 2008 to 2014, were collected and analyzed. The pregnancy rate and whelping rate was 79.42% and 75.30%, respectively. Finally, for 567 litters (4298 puppies), the mean litter size was 7.19 ± 0.12 puppies (range 1–15). The mean gestation period and birth weight were approximately 61.64 ± 0.10 days and 407.25 ± 1.21 g. The mean sex ratio was 1.03 males to 1.00 female. Estrus occurred throughout the year with no significant differences between seasons and months (P > 0.05), which confirms that Kunming dogs are non‐seasonal breeders; births occurred in every month of the year. Pregnant bitches exhibited significantly longer inter‐estrus intervals than non‐pregnant bitches (220.85 ± 2.05 vs. 180.19 ± 2.94 days, P < 0.05). Bitch parity influenced litter size, and the gestation length and birth weight of the puppies were negatively affected by litter size. This study helps elucidate the reproductive potential of this breed and provides reference values for reproductive performance in the Kunming dog.
Assessment and conceptual remediation of basic calculation skills in elementary school students
Authors: Karakonstantaki Elen S. , Simos Panagiotis G. , Michalis Vamvukas , Micheloyannis Sifis
Published: September 2017

The specific domain model for math disabilities postulates a core number deficit which presents a prime target for remedial interventions. This longitudinal study identified two groups of Grade 3 students based on their basic calculation abilities: students with persistent difficulties through Grade 4 (PD group) and students whose performance improved into the average range (IP group). Baseline data revealed a distinct cognitive profile for students in the PD group featuring predominant deficits in symbolic number processing. A conceptual intervention based on explicit teaching of basic arithmetic procedures was implemented when students attended Grade 5 or 6. Students in the PD group benefited more from the programme, especially in performing written calculations and in multiplication speed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Most interventions focus on young students' basic arithmetical skills to prevent serious math problems in future.

Few interventions target older students who often face persistent math difficulties.

These interventions are usually procedural and focus on age‐appropriate math skills.

What does this study add?

A conceptual intervention was implemented to remediate basic calculation deficits at the end of elementary school.

The aim was to help students compensate for their gaps in knowledge and motivate them to engage in math activities.

Neuropsychological testing of arithmetic abilities revealed difficulties in symbolic number processing.
Reducing discrepancies of personal goals in the context of cancer: A longitudinal study on the relation with well‐being, psychological characteristics, and goal progress
Authors: Pama Marlous R. , Janse Moniek , Sprangers Mirjam A. G. , Fleer Joke , Ranchor Adelita V.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To (1) examine whether reducing discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability is an adaptive predictor of well‐being, (2) investigate intrusion, awareness, optimism, and pessimism as determinants of reducing discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability, and (3) explore how goal progress is involved in reducing discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability during two major periods after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Design

Prospective design.

Methods

Newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients (n = 120) were interviewed three times: within a month, 7 months (treatment period), and 18 months (follow‐up period) post‐diagnosis. Data were analysed using multiple regressions.

Results

Results showed that (1) reducing discrepancies enhances well‐being, (2) optimism and pessimism are predictors of reducing discrepancies during the treatment period but not during the follow‐up period, while intrusion and awareness do not predict reducing discrepancies in either period, and (3) goal progress is a predictor of reducing discrepancies during the follow‐up period, but no evidence for a moderating or mediating role of goal progress in the relation between psychological characteristics and reducing discrepancies was found.

Conclusions

Reducing discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability could benefit colorectal cancer patients’ well‐being. Optimism, pessimism, and goal progress appear to influence cancer patients’ ability to reduce discrepancies. Providing assistance in improving goal progress to those who are less optimistic and highly pessimistic may be a suitable training for cancer patients to prevent deterioration in well‐being.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

More discrepancy between goal importance and goal attainability is associated with lower levels of well‐being.

People are able to change evaluations of importance and attainability, but it is unknown whether this positively impacts well‐being.

Underlying causes of differences in the extent to which discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability are reduced are unknown.

What does this study add?

This is the first study to show that reducing discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability is beneficial for well‐being.

This is the first study to show that optimism and pessimism are determinants of reducing discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability.

Goal progress might be an effective target for interventions that aim to facilitate one's ability to reduce discrepancies between goal importance and goal attainability.
Are the Spanish baseline series markers sufficient to detect contact allergy to corticosteroids in Spain? A GEIDAC prospective study
Authors: Mercader‐García Pedro , Pastor‐Nieto María A. , García‐Doval Ignacio , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , González‐Pérez Ricardo , Fernández‐Redondo Virginia , Serra‐Baldrich Ester , Cordoba‐Guijarro Susana , Gatica‐Ortega María E. , Silvestre‐Salvador Juan F. ,   GEIDAC¶
Published: September 2017

Background

Corticosteroids are among the most commonly used topical drugs. Contact allergy to these exists, but can be easily missed. Corticosteroid screening markers have been included in the baseline series with the aim of detecting most of the sensitized patients.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of contact allergy to topical corticosteroids in Spain and examine the usefulness of corticosteroid markers to detect contact allergy to corticosteroids.

Methods

In total, 3699 patients referred to 20 dermatology departments across Spain for patch testing with the baseline series, including budesonide and tixocortol pivalate, were also tested with six supplementary corticosteroids (methylprednisolone aceponate, mometasone furoate, prednicarbate, clobetasol propionate, betamethasone 17‐valerate, and betamethasone 17,21‐dipropionate). Additionally, 2547 (68.8%) patients were tested with hydrocortisone 17‐butyrate.

Results

Fifty‐four patients showed positive reactions to at least one of all tested corticosteroids (1.46%). Thirty‐nine (1.05%) reacted to at least one of the additionally tested corticosteroids; among these, 24 of 39 (61.5%) did not react to any of the corticosteroid allergy screening markers tested.

Conclusions

More than half of the patients who were allergic to the additionally tested corticosteroids were not detected with the corticosteroid allergy markers. An update of the corticosteroid allergy screening markers is encouraged, with consideration of group 3 corticosteroids.
Impacts of human activity and climate change on the distribution of snub‐nosed monkeys in China during the past 2000 years
Authors: Zhao Xumao , Ren Baoping , Garber Paul A. , Li Xinhai , Li Ming
Published: September 2017

Aim

In this article, we analysed two millennia of historical records and environmental information to reconstruct the past distribution and examine the current distribution of snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus) in China.

Location

China.

Methods

We applied trend surface analysis (TSA) to document patterns of range shifting in snub‐nosed monkeys over time. Random forest was used to study the association between explanatory variables and changes in the distribution of snub‐nosed monkeys over the past 2000 years.

Results

Our results showed that both the longitude and latitude of snub‐nosed monkeys contracted from 0 to 2000 AD. We found that the integrated effects of human population size and changes in temperature in the Northern Hemisphere resulted in a westward and northward contraction of the snub‐nosed monkey distributional range. However, the impact of fluctuating temperature was greatest during periods of low human population density (0–1200 AD), whereas from 1200 to 2000 AD, marked increases in human population size in China leading to extensive deforestation, agricultural expansion, hunting, logging and land terracing have had the greatest negative effects. Further analyses highlighted the fact that the rapid expansion of human population density in regions occupied by snub‐nosed monkeys between 1700 and 2000 has resulted in the recent extirpation of this primate radiation in eastern, south‐eastern and central China.

Main conclusions

We examined the interactive effects of human population growth, deforestation, agricultural expansion and climate variation on the past and current distribution of snub‐nosed monkeys. Our data provide clear evidence that climate change, human population increase and human activities have differentially affected the viability and distribution of snub‐nosed monkey populations over time. In particular, the marked expansion of the human population in China over the past 300 years has resulted in the extinction of Rhinopithecus populations across much of its range.
Just Farming? Neoliberal Subjectivities and Agricultural Livelihoods among Educated Youth in Kenya
Authors: Mwaura Grace Muthoni
Published: September 2017

Given the precariousness of graduate employment in most African countries, coupled with intersecting challenges of food insecurity, urbanization and population growth, educated youth are increasingly being encouraged to seek alternative livelihood opportunities in agriculture — a sector traditionally associated with the uneducated rural poor but which has received considerable developmental attention. This article examines how and with what impacts educated youth in Kenya construct and perform new identities as farmers, distinct from the stigmatized smallholder farmers and in keeping with their status as elite, urbanized, social change makers. By developing the concepts of neoliberal youth subjectivities and opportunity space, and examining their life and work histories, the article analyses how educated young farmers construct themselves as productive and socially respectable through different and locally understood neoliberal subjectivities. The author argues that the performances of educated youth who identify themselves as diversified selves, as members of the elite, and as social change makers challenge the normative notions of protracted youth‐hood and, instead, illuminate the neoliberal lives of these young people, facilitated by a liberalized economy and their social positioning in society.
The OECD and the Reconfiguration of the State in Emerging Economies: Manufacturing ‘Regulatory Capacity’
Authors: Jarvis Darryl S.L.
Published: September 2017

This article explores attempts to construct ‘regulatory capacity’ in developing countries, focusing on the work of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) and its role as an international standard‐setting institution in regulatory governance. The article explores how the construction of specific forms of regulatory capacity, and attempts to orchestrate the adoption of regulatory reform agendas in emerging economies, reflect broader processes of political‐policy transfer that impact state capacity and the ability of developing states to manage economic development. By analysing the OECD's engagement practices with third party organizations such as APEC (Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation organization) and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its specific engagement with emerging economies through country ‘reviews’ and ‘audits’, the author explores the implications for state capacity in terms of the adoption of regulatory systems of governance.
Re‐examination of Oostenbroek et al. (2016): evidence for neonatal imitation of tongue protrusion
Authors: Meltzoff Andrew N. , Murray Lynne , Simpson Elizabeth , Heimann Mikael , Nagy Emese , Nadel Jacqueline , Pedersen Eric J. , Brooks Rechele , Messinger Daniel S. , Pascalis Leonardo De , Subiaul Francys , Paukner Annika , Ferrari Pier F.
Published: September 2017

The meaning, mechanism, and function of imitation in early infancy have been actively discussed since Meltzoff and Moore's (1977) report of facial and manual imitation by human neonates. Oostenbroek et al. (2016) claim to challenge the existence of early imitation and to counter all interpretations so far offered. Such claims, if true, would have implications for theories of social‐cognitive development. Here we identify 11 flaws in Oostenbroek et al.'s experimental design that biased the results toward null effects. We requested and obtained the authors’ raw data. Contrary to the authors’ conclusions, new analyses reveal significant tongue‐protrusion imitation at all four ages tested (1, 3, 6, and 9 weeks old). We explain how the authors missed this pattern and offer five recommendations for designing future experiments. Infant imitation raises fundamental issues about action representation, social learning, and brain–behavior relations. The debate about the origins and development of imitation reflects its importance to theories of developmental science.
Children show limited movement repertoire when learning a novel motor skill
Authors: Lee Mei‐Hua , Farshchiansadegh Ali , Ranganathan Rajiv
Published: September 2017

Examining age differences in motor learning using real‐world tasks is often problematic due to task novelty and biomechanical confounds. Here, we investigated how children and adults acquire a novel motor skill in a virtual environment. Participants of three different age groups (9‐year‐olds, 12‐year‐olds, and adults) learned to use their upper body movements to control a cursor on a computer screen. Results showed that 9‐year‐old and 12‐year‐old children showed poorer ability to control the cursor at the end of practice. Critically, when we investigated the movement coordination, we found that the lower task performance of children was associated with limited exploration of their movement repertoire. These results reveal the critical role of motor exploration in understanding developmental differences in motor learning.
Linear decline of corrected platelet count increment within 24 hours after platelet transfusion in haematological patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Benediktsson Sigurdur , Lazarevic Vladimir , Nilsson Lars , Kjeldsen‐Kragh Jens , Schött Ulf , Kander Thomas
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to prospectively explore the detailed longitudinal development of platelet increments in patients with chemotherapy‐induced bone marrow aplasia during the first 24 hours after platelet transfusion.

Methods

Patients admitted to the Haematology department during 7 months, and fulfilled inclusion criteria were divided into 4 groups: Group 1, patients with acute leukaemia; Group 2, patients after autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT); Group 3, patients after allogeneic SCT; and Group 4, patients given platelet transfusion prior to intervention. We used frequent blood sampling within 24 hours after platelet transfusion to investigate the kinetics of platelet counts following transfusion.

Results and Conclusions

Fifty‐four platelet transfusion occasions in patients with chemotherapy‐induced bone marrow aplasia were included. The decrease in corrected count increment (CCI) 1‐24 hours after platelet transfusions in all groups could be described as linear functions. For patients in the aggregated Groups 1‐3, the decline was 2.0% ± 0.6% (mean ± standard deviation) per hour. For patients in Group 4, the decline of CCI was 2.8% ± 1.2% per hour. We found no differences between the groups, either in the rate of platelet elimination from the bloodstream or in the mean CCI, in the first 24 hours post‐transfusion.
Ice ages leave genetic diversity ‘hotspots’ in Europe but not in Eastern North America
Authors: Lumibao Candice Y. , Hoban Sean M. , McLachlan Jason
Published: September 2017

After the last glacial cycle, temperate European trees migrated northward, experiencing genetic bottlenecks and founder effects, which left high haplotype endemism in southern populations and clines in genetic diversity northward. These patterns are thought to be ubiquitous across temperate forests, and are therefore used to anticipate the potential genetic consequences of future warming. We compared existing and new phylogeographic data sets (chloroplast DNA) from 14 woody taxa in Eastern North America (ENA) to data sets from 21 ecologically similar European species to test for common impacts of Quaternary climate swings on genetic diversity across diverse taxa and between continents. Unlike their European counterparts, ENA taxa do not share common southern centres of haplotype endemism and they generally maintain high genetic diversity even at their northern range limits. Differences between the genetic impacts of Quaternary climate cycles across continents suggest refined lessons for managing genetic diversity in today's warming world.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Stauropoctonus Brauns, 1889 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae) in Japan
Authors: Shimizu So , Lima Alessandro Rodrigues
Published: September 2017

The Japanese species of the ichneumonid genus Stauropoctonus Brauns, are revised. As a result, three species are recognized. Stauropoctonus infuscus (Uchida, ) stat. rev., previously synonymized with S. bombycivorus (Gravenhorst, ), is recognized as a valid species and re‐described. Stauropoctonus bombycivorus, which has already been recorded in Japan, is also recognized and re‐described based on Japanese specimens. Stauropoctonus aurantiacus sp. nov. is described based on a single male specimen from Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Stauropoctonus nigrithorax Lee & Kim, syn. nov. is newly synonymized with S. bombycivorus. Additionally, a key to the Stauropoctonus species and discussions on their phenology and collection methods are provided.
A randomized prospective pilot trial of Web‐delivered epilepsy stigma reduction communications in young adults
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Herrmann Lynn K. , Van Doren Jamie R. , Tatsuoka Curtis , Welter Elisabeth , Perzynski Adam T. , Bukach Ashley , Needham Kelley , Liu Hongyan , Berg Anne T.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that is often associated with stigmatizing attitudes and negative stereotypes among the general public. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) tested two new communication approaches targeting epilepsy stigma versus an education‐alone approach.

Methods

Two brief stigma‐reduction videos were developed, informed by community stakeholder input; one highlighted role competency in people with epilepsy; the other highlighted social inclusion of people with epilepsy. A control video was also developed. A Web‐based survey using a prospective RCT design compared effects of experimental videos and control on acceptability, perceived impact, epilepsy knowledge, and epilepsy stigma. Epilepsy knowledge and stigma were measured with the Epilepsy Knowledge Questionnaire (EKQ) and Attitudes and Beliefs about Living with Epilepsy (ABLE), respectively.

Results

A total of 295 participants completed the study. Mean age was 23.1 (standard deviation = 3.27) years; 59.0% were male, and 71.4% were white. Overall, respondents felt videos impacted their epilepsy attitudes. EKQ scores were similar across videos, with a trend for higher knowledge in experimental videos versus control (p = 0.06). The role competency and control videos were associated with slightly better perceived impact on attitudes. There were no differences between videos on ABLE scores (p = 0.568). There were subgroup differences suggesting that men, younger individuals, whites, and those with personal epilepsy experience had more stigmatizing attitudes.

Significance

This RCT tested communication strategies to improve knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy. Although this initial effort will require follow‐up, we have demonstrated the acceptability, feasibility, and potential of novel communication strategies to target epilepsy stigma, and a Web‐based approach for assessing them.
Fatigue and ratcheting assessment of AISI H11 at 500°C using constitutive theory coupled with damage rule
Authors: Ma L. , Luo Y. , Wang Y. , Du W. , Song Z. , Zhang J.
Published: September 2017

Hot extrusion is one of the most commonly used manufacturing methods for metal plastic deformation, and the consumption of extrusion tooling is considerably high due to its fatigue damage under cyclic serving condition. Hot‐work tool steel AISI H11 is one of these typical materials employed in extrusion tooling. This work is dedicated to calculating the stress/strain state of AISI H11 and predicting its lifetime at high temperature 500°C by building a unified constitutive model coupled with Lemaitre's damage law. Tensile tests and strain/stress reversed cycling tests have been conducted at 500°C to investigate mechanical properties and damage evolution. A unified constitutive model with Armstrong‐Fredrick/Ohno‐Wang kinematic hardening rule and a new proposed isotropic hardening rule is built; Lemaitre's damage law is employed as well. Parameters are determined based on tests and are temperature dependent. Finite element simulation of the deformation behaviour and fatigue lifetime is implemented into commercial software ABAQUS Standard v6.14‐2 with user material subroutine to validate the proposed method. The comparison shows good agreement with experimental results, and this part of work is essential and crucial to subsequent structure analysis.
Antimicrobial effectiveness of combinations of oxidant and chelating agents in infected dentine: an ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Giardino L. , Del Fabbro M. , Cesario F. , Fernandes F. S. , Andrade F. B.
Published: September 2017

Aim

To evaluate the intratubular antimicrobial activity of several oxidant and chelating agents associated with or without surfactants in experimentally infected root canals, using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Methodology

Twenty‐four dentine blocks from bovine incisors were contaminated for 5 days with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC‐ 29212). Ten contaminated dentine specimens were irrigated for 5 min with 5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA for 2 min, and the other 10 with Hypoclean for 5 min followed by Tetraclean NA for 2 min. The remaining four specimens were used as positive and negative controls (two samples each). Then, dentine blocks were stained with Live/Dead BacLight for analysis of the remaining live or dead bacteria using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Comparison between and within groups was performed using the Mann–Whitney test for independent samples and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, respectively.

Results

After exposure to irrigants, the positive control group had a median of 67.41% of viable bacteria (95% CI: 48.15, 78.9), whilst the NaOCl+EDTA group and Hypoclean+Tetraclean NA group had 3.77% (1.28, 15.92) and 0.87% (−0.42, 4.30) of viable bacteria, respectively. These results were significantly different from each other, both overall and distinct by region (cervical and medium third), or depth (superficial and deep layer) (P < 0.01 in all cases).

Conclusions

The use of adjunctive agents reducing the surface tension associated with oxidant and chelating agents improved the antimicrobial activity of irrigating solutions and intratubular decontamination against Enterococcus faecalis, possibly due to better removal of the smear layer and deeper penetration into dentinal tubules.
Dealing with Migrants in the Central Mediterranean Route: A Legal Analysis of Recent Bilateral Agreements Between Italy and Libya
Authors: de Guttry Andrea , Capone Francesca , Sommario Emanuele
Published: September 2017

Dealing with the current flow of migrants flocking to the shores of southern European countries remains high on the international agenda. At the end of 2016, 276,957 migrants were waiting in Libya to cross the sea. Many of them were subject to human rights violations and abuses such as arbitrary detention, torture, unlawful killings, sexual exploitation and even slavery (IOM, 2017). The international response has been, so far, insufficient and new ideas and practices are urgently needed. After providing an overview of the legal framework and of the efforts carried out by the relevant international and regional organizations, this article focuses on recent treaties concluded between Italy and Libya, and argues that the new bilateral agreements represent an example of how States are responding to this challenge in an attempt to strike a balance between the need to strengthen the protection of migrants’ rights and the necessity to guarantee the security of national borders.
Estimated rates of influenza‐associated outpatient visits during 2001‐2010 in 6 US integrated healthcare delivery organizations
Authors: Zhou Hong , Thompson William W. , Belongia Edward A. , Fowlkes Ashley , Baxter Roger , Jacobsen Steven J. , Jackson Michael L. , Glanz Jason M. , Naleway Allison L. , Ford Derek C. , Weintraub Eric , Shay David K.
Published: September 2017

Background

Population‐based estimates of influenza‐associated outpatient visits including both pandemic and interpandemic seasons are uncommon. Comparisons of such estimates with laboratory‐confirmed rates of outpatient influenza are rare.

Objective

To estimate influenza‐associated outpatient visits in 6 US integrated healthcare delivery organizations enrolling ~7.7 million persons.

Methods

Using negative binomial regression methods, we modeled rates of influenza‐associated visits with ICD‐9‐CM‐coded pneumonia or acute respiratory outpatient visits during 2001‐10. These estimated counts were added to visits coded specifically for influenza to derive estimated rates. We compared these rates with those observed in 2 contemporaneous studies recording RT‐PCR‐confirmed influenza outpatient visits.

Results

Outpatient rates estimated with pneumonia visits were 39 (95% confidence interval [CI], 30‐70) and 203 (95% CI, 180‐240) per 10 000 person‐years, respectively, for interpandemic and pandemic seasons. Corresponding rates estimated with respiratory visits were 185 (95% CI, 161‐255) and 542 (95% CI, 441‐823) per 10 000 person‐years. During the pandemic, children aged 2‐17 years had the largest increase in rates (when estimated with pneumonia visits, from 64 [95% CI, 50‐121] to 381 [95% CI, 366‐481]). Rates estimated with pneumonia visits were consistent with rates of RT‐PCR‐confirmed influenza visits during 4 of 5 seasons in 1 comparison study. In another, rates estimated with pneumonia visits during the pandemic for children and adults were consistent in timing, peak, and magnitude.

Conclusions

Estimated rates of influenza‐associated outpatient visits were higher in children than adults during pre‐pandemic and pandemic seasons. Rates estimated with pneumonia visits plus influenza‐coded visits were similar to rates from studies using RT‐PCR‐confirmed influenza.
Reconstruction of the late Miocene biogeographical history of tits and chickadees (Aves: Passeriformes: Paridae): A comparison between discrete area analyses and probabilistic diffusion approach
Authors: Johansson Ulf S. , Nylinder Stephan , Ohlson Jan I. , Tietze Dieter Thomas
Published: September 2017

Aim

To infer the biogeographical history of the avian clade Paridae (tits and chickadees) using methods based on discrete, a priori defined, geographical areas and a method that uses actual species distributions and a relaxed random walk in a Bayesian context. We compared their relative performances and how different area codings influenced the outcome in the discrete analyses.

Location

Holarctic, Indomalaya, Afrotropics.

Methods

The phylogeny was reconstructed using Bayesian inference and time‐calibrated using published substitution rates and a fossil calibration point. The discrete analyses were performed in BioGeoBEARS. For the probabilistic diffusion analysis, the extant distribution of each species was shaped as polygons in Google Earth and analysed together with the posterior distribution of time‐calibrated trees inbeast. The diffusion process was modelled as a relaxed random walk.

Results

The earliest divergences occurred between 10 and 15 Ma and the probabilistic diffusion analysis, and one of the discrete analyses indicated that the parids originated in the mountains of East Asia (Sino‐Himalayas). Due to a different categorization of the geographical areas, a partly overlapping but conceptually different region was indicated in the second discrete analysis. Between 8 and 5 Ma parids started to spread from the Sino‐Himalayas and became established in North America and Africa before 5 Ma. However, the inferred dispersal patterns differed between the analyses.

Main conclusion

Overall, the analyses were congruent and together with the divergence time analysis provided a solid biogeographical history for the parids. However, some discrepancies were evident and the diffusion analysis often indicated a more stationary pattern in the Sino‐Himalayas in contrast to the more widespread ancestors indicated by the discrete analyses. The discrete analyses were influenced both by the biogeographical model and delimitation of the a priori areas.