bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lexicale rijkdom, frequentielagen en tekstmoeilijkheid
Authors: Vermeer Anne
Published: June 2016

In line with recent developments in both language acquisition and text comprehension studies, it is argued that more reliable and valid lexical richness measures can be obtained by including frequency class information. To that end, texts written by 452 elementary school children (L1/L2) in grades 3–6 were investigated. In order to find out whether a frequency class based lexical measure is more valid than type/token based measures, the central question to be answered was whether with increasing vocabulary skills from grades 3 to 6 (measured by standardized vocabulary tests), the number of low frequency words in children’s writings increased, and whether L2-children with lower vocabulary skills used relatively more high frequency words than their L1-peers. The results show a gradually growing number of low frequency words: children in grade 3 use more words belonging to the 1,000–5,000 word frequency range; in grades 4/5 more from the 5,000–12,500 range; and in grade 6 more from the 12,500-plus range. L2-children in all grades use relatively more words from the first frequency class (the first 1,000 lemmas) than their L1-peers. The effect sizes, however, with eta2 ranging from .09 to .02 between grades, and from eta2 = .01 to nonsignificant between L1/L2, were lower than those of the standardized productive and receptive vocabulary tests (eta2 = .26-.35 resp. between grades, eta2 = .34-.23 resp. between L1/L2), and also lower than the effect sizes for the number of different types in the texts (eta2 = .23 between grades, and .01 between NT1/NT2). The TTR shows only a significant difference in the wrong direction (grade 6 outperforming grade 5). The frequency class based lexical measure MLR discriminates significantly both between the grades and between L1/L2, but the effect sizes are low (eta2 = .05 between grades, and eta2 = .02 between L1/L2). These outcomes show evidence that a frequency class based lexical measure as the MLR is more valid than a type/token based measure such as the TTR.
Attention marker =ɕoin Denjongke (Sikkimese Bhutia)
Authors: Yliniemi Juha
Published: June 2016

This paper describes the attention marker =ɕo in Denjongke, a Tibetic language spoken in Sikkim, India. The presence of the attention marker, which may be either speaker or addressee-oriented, indicates that something is brought to the forefront of the speaker’s or the addressee’s attention. The attention marker =ɕo occurs in declarative uses postposed to a verb, and in interrogative uses postposed to other parts of speech (verbless uses). The attention in verbal uses, which resemble the notion “mirativity”, is either speaker or addressee-oriented, whereas verbless uses, which resemble the notion “contrastive focus”, are always addressee-oriented. When occurring with copulas, the function of =ɕo as either speaker or addressee-oriented is partly dependent on the evidentiality of the copulas. With other verbs, the orientation of =ɕo is dependent on other contextual factors. After describing the verbal and verbless uses of =ɕo, the article concludes by showing why the categories focus and mirativity are problematic for describing =ɕo. Existing definitions of mirativity by DeLancey (1997), Peterson (2013), Dickinson (2000), Hyslop (2011b), Hengeveld & Olbertz (2012) and Aikhenvald (2012) are shown to fail to accommodate the range of uses of =ɕo. The concept of attention, on the other hand, not only describes the Denjongke data more comprehensively but also helps understand the interface between mirative-like and focus-like phenomena. The last section illustrates the similarity of =ɕo to exclusively addressee-oriented morphemes in Nepali, Japanese (Davis 2011) and Ingush (Nichols 2011), suggesting that the concept of attention may prove useful for describing exclusively addressee-oriented phenomena, which have rarely been associated with “mirativity”.
The impact of urbanization and Han Chinese migration on the endangerment of languages and cultures in China
Authors: Yu Defen
Published: June 2016

Through a case study on the Zijun Samatao community of Kunming City in Yunnan Province of China, this paper discusses the impact of urbanization and mass Han Chinese migration on the endangerment of an ethnic minority language and culture. Samatao of Kunming is a subgroup of the minority Yi nationality of China. Historically, Kunming was the original homeland of many Yi communities including the Samatao. With the fast pace of urbanization and increasing Han Chinese migration, the Samatao community is losing their language and has lost their traditional culture and religion. Urbanization has brought mass migration into Zijun village, accelerating the endangerment of the Samatao language. Of nearly three thousand registered Samatao people, fewer than 100 (including semi-speakers) have any level of active knowledge of their language and culture. Since 1994, the endangerment of Samatao language has dramatically increased, especially since 2003. Based on data from fieldwork in the community over more than twenty years, this paper explores how the ideals of the Samatao community about preserving their language and culture are challenged by the contextual reality of urbanization and mass Han Chinese migration.
Avian Predation on Juvenile Salmonids: Spatial and Temporal Analysis Based on Acoustic and Passive Integrated Transponder Tags
Authors: Evans Allen F. , Payton Quinn , Turecek Aaron , Cramer Bradley , Collis Ken , Roby Daniel D. , Loschl Peter J. , Sullivan Leah , Skalski John , Weiland Mark , Dotson Curtis
Published: June 2016

We evaluated the impact of predation on juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss and yearling and subyearling Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha by piscivorous waterbirds from 11 different breeding colonies in the Columbia River basin during 2012 and 2014. Fish were tagged with both acoustic tags and PIT tags and were tracked via a network of hydrophone arrays to estimate total smolt mortality (1 – survival) at various spatial and temporal scales during out‐migration. Recoveries of PIT tags on bird colonies, coupled with the last known detections of live fish passing hydrophone arrays, were used to estimate the impact of avian predation relative to total smolt mortality. Results indicated that avian predation was a substantial source of steelhead mortality, with predation probability (proportion of available fish consumed by birds) ranging from 0.06 to 0.28 for fish traveling through the lower Snake River and the lower and middle Columbia River. Predation probability estimates ranged from 0.03 to 0.09 for available tagged yearling Chinook Salmon and from 0.01 to 0.05 for subyearlings. Smolt predation by gulls Larus spp. was concentrated near hydroelectric dams, while predation by Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia was concentrated within reservoirs. No concentrated areas of predation were identified for double‐crested cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus or American white pelicans Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. Comparisons of total smolt mortality relative to mortality from colonial waterbirds indicated that avian predation was one of the greatest sources of mortality for steelhead and yearling Chinook Salmon during out‐migration. In contrast, avian predation on subyearling Chinook Salmon was generally low and constituted a minor component of total mortality. Our results demonstrate that acoustic and PIT tag technologies can be combined to quantify where and when smolt mortality occurs and the fraction of mortality that is due to colonial waterbird predation relative to non‐avian mortality sources.

Received November 4, 2015; accepted February 1, 2016 Published online June 27, 2016
Evaluation of crystallographic changes and plastic strain ratio in Al alloys
Authors: Sidor J. J. , Petrov R. H. , Xie Q. , Van Houtte P. , Kestens L. A. I.
Published: June 2016

Over the past several decades, extensive research endeavours in the field of crystal plasticity (CP) have led to the development of various Taylor-type homogenisation models enabling simulation of texture evolution during plastic deformation. This contribution provides a brief summary on the quality of deformation texture modelling under various boundary conditions. The crystallographic evolutionary patterns are discussed on the basis of grain interaction phenomena incorporated in the CP calculations. The annealing textures are successfully simulated by considering strain heterogeneities in the particle affected zone and by employing orientation selection during both nucleation and growth stages of recrystallisation. It is shown that the Lankford value profiles can be accurately reproduced by CP calculations on condition of reliable grain statistics.

This paper is part of a Themed Issue on Aluminium-based materials: processing, microstructure, properties, and recycling.
Illicit livelihoods: drug crops and development in Africa
Authors: Carrier Neil , Klantschnig Gernot
Published: June 2016

This article assesses the impact of drugs on agricultural production, trade and livelihoods more broadly by focusing on cannabis and khat in Lesotho, Nigeria and Kenya. It actively engages with research that has recently begun to explore the links between drugs and development in Africa and challenges some of its key assumptions. It argues that based on the available empirical evidence, the causalities between drugs and underdevelopment are not apparent. It proposes a more nuanced understanding of the impact of cannabis and khat, showing how they have provided farmers and entrepreneurs with opportunities not readily available in difficult economic environments.
Military Kinship, Inc.: patronage, inter-ethnic marriages and social classes in South Sudan
Authors: Pinaud Clémence
Published: June 2016

This article analyses marital practices in South Sudan’s second civil war and its aftermath. It focuses on inter-ethnic kinship military ties sealed through the patronage of marriage and through inter-ethnic marriages. It argues that the marriage market became part of the broader circuit of predation by different armed groups. Inter-ethnic marriages varied between different ethnic groups and served different goals. They were symptomatic of changing and deteriorating ethnic dynamics within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and with the local population. Ordinary civilians attempted to resist increased inequalities on the marriage market, used by the military elite as a tool for class consolidation.
Production of dicarboxylic acids from novel unsaturated fatty acids by laccase-catalyzed oxidative cleavage
Authors: Takeuchi Michiki , Kishino Shigenobu , Park Si-Bum , Kitamura Nahoko , Watanabe Hiroko , Saika Azusa , Hibi Makoto , Yokozeki Kenzo , Ogawa Jun
Published: June 2016

The establishment of renewable biofuel and chemical production is desirable because of global warming and the exhaustion of petroleum reserves. Sebacic acid (decanedioic acid), the material of 6,10-nylon, is produced from ricinoleic acid, a carbon-neutral material, but the process is not eco-friendly because of its energy requirements. Laccase-catalyzing oxidative cleavage of fatty acid was applied to the production of dicarboxylic acids using hydroxy and oxo fatty acids involved in the saturation metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids in Lactobacillus plantarum as substrates. Hydroxy or oxo fatty acids with a functional group near the carbon–carbon double bond were cleaved at the carbon–carbon double bond, hydroxy group, or carbonyl group by laccase and transformed into dicarboxylic acids. After 8 h, 0.58 mM of sebacic acid was produced from 1.6 mM of 10-oxo-cis-12,cis-15-octadecadienoic acid (αKetoA) with a conversion rate of 35% (mol/mol). This laccase-catalyzed enzymatic process is a promising method to produce dicarboxylic acids from biomass-derived fatty acids.
Initiating running barefoot: Effects on muscle activation and impact accelerations in habitually rearfoot shod runners
Authors: Lucas‐Cuevas Angel Gabriel , Priego Quesada José Ignacio , Giménez José Vicente , Aparicio Inma , Jimenez‐Perez Irene , Pérez‐Soriano Pedro
Published: June 2016

Runners tend to shift from a rearfoot to a forefoot strike pattern when running barefoot. However, it is unclear how the first attempts at running barefoot affect habitually rearfoot shod runners. Due to the inconsistency of their recently adopted barefoot technique, a number of new barefoot‐related running injuries are emerging among novice barefoot runners. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the influence of three running conditions (natural barefoot [BF], barefoot with a forced rearfoot strike [BRS], and shod [SH]) on muscle activity and impact accelerations in habitually rearfoot shod runners. Twenty‐two participants ran at 60% of their maximal aerobic speed while foot strike, tibial and head impact accelerations, and tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscle activity were registered. Only 68% of the runners adopted a non‐rearfoot strike pattern during BF. Running BF led to a reduction of TA activity as well as to an increase of GL and GM activity compared to BRS and SH. Furthermore, BRS increased tibial peak acceleration, tibial magnitude and tibial acceleration rate compared to SH and BF. In conclusion, 32% of our runners showed a rearfoot strike pattern at the first attempts at running barefoot, which corresponds to a running style (BRS) that led to increased muscle activation and impact accelerations and thereby to a potentially higher risk of injury compared to running shod.
SEC16A is a RAB10 effector required for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 trafficking in adipocytes
Authors: Bruno Joanne , Brumfield Alexandria , Chaudhary Natasha , Iaea David , McGraw Timothy E.
Published: June 2016

RAB10 is a regulator of insulin-stimulated translocation of the GLUT4 glucose transporter to the plasma membrane (PM) of adipocytes, which is essential for whole-body glucose homeostasis. We establish SEC16A as a novel RAB10 effector in this process. Colocalization of SEC16A with RAB10 is augmented by insulin stimulation, and SEC16A knockdown attenuates insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation, phenocopying RAB10 knockdown. We show that SEC16A and RAB10 promote insulin-stimulated mobilization of GLUT4 from a perinuclear recycling endosome/TGN compartment. We propose RAB10–SEC16A functions to accelerate formation of the vesicles that ferry GLUT4 to the PM during insulin stimulation. Because GLUT4 continually cycles between the PM and intracellular compartments, the maintenance of elevated cell-surface GLUT4 in the presence of insulin requires accelerated biogenesis of the specialized GLUT4 transport vesicles. The function of SEC16A in GLUT4 trafficking is independent of its previously characterized activity in ER exit site formation and therefore independent of canonical COPII-coated vesicle function. However, our data support a role for SEC23A, but not the other COPII components SEC13, SEC23B, and SEC31, in the insulin stimulation of GLUT4 trafficking, suggesting that vesicles derived from subcomplexes of COPII coat proteins have a role in the specialized trafficking of GLUT4.
Phosphatidylserine transport by Ups2–Mdm35 in respiration-active mitochondria
Authors: Miyata Non , Watanabe Yasunori , Tamura Yasushi , Endo Toshiya , Kuge Osamu
Published: June 2016

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is an essential phospholipid for mitochondrial functions and is synthesized mainly by phosphatidylserine (PS) decarboxylase at the mitochondrial inner membrane. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, PS is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), such that mitochondrial PE synthesis requires PS transport from the ER to the mitochondrial inner membrane. Here, we provide evidence that Ups2–Mdm35, a protein complex localized at the mitochondrial intermembrane space, mediates PS transport for PE synthesis in respiration-active mitochondria. UPS2- and MDM35-null mutations greatly attenuated conversion of PS to PE in yeast cells growing logarithmically under nonfermentable conditions, but not fermentable conditions. A recombinant Ups2–Mdm35 fusion protein exhibited phospholipid-transfer activity between liposomes in vitro. Furthermore, UPS2 expression was elevated under nonfermentable conditions and at the diauxic shift, the metabolic transition from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that Ups2–Mdm35 functions as a PS transfer protein and enhances mitochondrial PE synthesis in response to the cellular metabolic state.
Syndromic deafness mutations at Asn 14 differentially alter the open stability of Cx26 hemichannels
Authors: Sanchez Helmuth A. , Slavi Nefeli , Srinivas Miduturu , Verselis Vytas K.
Published: June 2016

Connexin 26 (Cx26) is a transmembrane protein that forms hexameric hemichannels that can function when unopposed or dock to form intercellular gap junction channels. Aberrantly functioning unopposed hemichannels are a common feature of syndromic deafness associated with mutations in Cx26. In this study, we examine two different mutations at the same position in the N-terminal domain of Cx26, N14K and N14Y, which have been reported to produce different phenotypes in patients. We find that both N14K and N14Y, when expressed alone or together with wild-type (WT) Cx26, result in functional hemichannels with widely disparate functional properties. N14K currents are robust, whereas N14Y currents are small. The two mutants also exhibit opposite shifts in voltage-dependent loop gating, such that activation of N14K and N14Y is shifted in the hyperpolarizing and depolarizing directions, respectively. Deactivation kinetics suggests that N14K stabilizes and N14Y destabilizes the open state. Single N14K hemichannel recordings in low extracellular Ca2+ show no evidence of stable closing transitions associated with loop gating, and N14K hemichannels are insensitive to pH. Together, these properties cause N14K hemichannels to be particularly refractory to closing. Although we find that the unitary conductance of N14K is indistinguishable from WT Cx26, mutagenesis and substituted cysteine accessibility studies suggest that the N14 residue is exposed to the pore and that the differential properties of N14K and N14Y hemichannels likely result from altered electrostatic interactions between the N terminus and the cytoplasmic extension of TM2 in the adjacent subunit. The combined effects that we observe on loop gating and pH regulation may explain the unusual buccal cutaneous manifestations in patients carrying the N14K mutation. Our work also provides new considerations regarding the underlying molecular mechanism of loop gating, which controls hemichannel opening in the plasma membrane.
Quantum quenches in 1  +  1 dimensional conformal field theories
Authors: Calabrese Pasquale , Cardy John
Published: June 2016

We review the imaginary time path integral approach to the quench dynamics of conformal field theories. We show how this technique can be applied to the determination of the time dependence of correlation functions and entanglement entropy for both global and local quenches. We also briefly review other quench protocols. We carefully discuss the limits of applicability of these results to realistic models of condensed matter and cold atoms.
Genomic Analyses of Dominant U.S. Clonal Lineages ofPhytophthora infestansReveals a Shared Common Ancestry for Clonal Lineages US11 and US18 and a Lack of Recently Shared Ancestry Among All Other U.S. Lineages
Authors: Knaus B. J. , Tabima J. F. , Davis C. E. , Judelson H. S. , Grünwald N. J.
Published: June 2016

Populations of the potato and tomato late-blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans are well known for emerging as novel clonal lineages. These successions of dominant clones have historically been named US1 through US24, in order of appearance, since their first characterization using molecular markers. Hypothetically, these lineages can emerge through divergence from other U.S. lineages, recombination among lineages, or as novel, independent lineages originating outside the United States. We tested for the presence of phylogenetic relationships among U.S. lineages using a population of 31 whole-genome sequences, including dominant U.S. clonal lineages as well as available samples from global populations. We analyzed ancestry of the whole mitochondrial genome and samples of nuclear loci, including supercontigs 1.1 and 1.5 as well as several previously characterized coding regions. We found support for a shared ancestry among lineages US11 and US18 from the mitochondrial genome as well as from one nuclear haplotype on each supercontig analyzed. The other nuclear haplotype from each sample assorted independently, indicating an independent ancestry. We found no support for emergence of any other of the U.S. lineages from a common ancestor shared with the other U.S. lineages. Each of the U.S. clonal lineages fit a model where populations of new clonal lineages emerge via migration from a source population that is sexual in nature and potentially located in central Mexico or elsewhere. This work provides novel insights into patterns of emergence of clonal lineages in plant pathogen genomes.
Linear Correlation Analysis of Zymoseptoria tritici Aggressiveness with In Vitro Growth Rate
Authors: Zhan Fangfang , Xie Yiekun , Zhu Wen , Sun Danli , McDonald Bruce A. , Zhan Jiasui
Published: June 2016

Zymoseptoria tritici is a globally distributed plant-pathogenic fungus causing Septoria tritici blotch of wheat. In this study, the in vitro growth rates and aggressiveness of 141 genetically distinct isolates sampled from four wheat fields on three continents were assessed to determine the association of these two ecological parameters. Aggressiveness was assessed on two spring wheat cultivars (‘Toronit’ and ‘Greina’) in a greenhouse using percentages of leaf area covered by lesions and pycnidia. We found a positive correlation between aggressiveness of pathogen strains on the two cultivars, consistent with a quantitative and host-nonspecific interaction in this pathosystem. We also found a positive correlation between aggressiveness and average growth rate at two temperatures, suggesting that in vitro pathogen growth rate may make a significant contribution to pathogen aggressiveness.
Pavlik Harness Disease Revisited: Does Prolonged Treatment of a Dislocated Hip in a Harness Adversely Affect the α Angle?
Authors: Gornitzky Alex L. , Schaeffer Emily K. , Price Charles T. , Sankar Wudbhav N.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Current dogma contends that prolonged treatment of a dislocated hip in Pavlik harness beyond 3 weeks will cause “Pavlik harness disease.” To our knowledge, however, no previous studies have documented objective morphologic changes to the acetabulum from continued treatment of a persistently dislocated hip.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, below 6 months old, who failed Pavlik treatment from a single, tertiary-care pediatric hospital and a multicenter, international study group. Inclusion criteria were dislocated hips confirmed by ultrasound (both initially and at Pavlik termination) and a minimum of 2 ultrasounds during harness treatment at least 3 weeks apart. As a global measure of acetabular morphology, α angle (AA) was compared between initial and final ultrasound. The final means of obtaining successful hip reduction was recorded from the medical records.

Results:

Forty-nine hips in 38 patients were identified. Median age at Pavlik initiation was 4 weeks (range, 0 to 18 wk); median time in harness was 6 weeks (range, 3 to 14 wk). Surprisingly, a mean of 4 degrees improvement in AA (95% CI, 2-6 degrees; P=0.001) was observed between first and final ultrasound. We found no difference in AA change between those in harness 3 to 5 weeks and those with prolonged wear >5 weeks (P=0.817). There was no significant association between change in AA and time in harness (P=0.545), age at Pavlik initiation (P=0.199), clinical reducibility of the hip (P=0.202), or initial percent femoral head coverage (P=0.956). Following harness failure, 22/49 hips (45%) were successfully treated with rigid abduction bracing, 16 (33%) by closed reduction/spica casting, and 10 (20%) by open reduction; 1 hip (2%) spontaneously reduced and required no further treatment.

Conclusions:

On the basis of the lengths of harness treatment in our series, most hips did not exhibit negative changes in the acetabular AA in response to prolonged treatment of a dislocated hip in harness. Furthermore, 80% of hips failing Pavlik treatment were successfully reduced through closed means, indicating that subsequent treatment was not compromised.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—retrospective case series.
Bone mass improved effect of icariin for postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomy-induced rats: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Xu Jin-hai , Yao Min , Ye Jie , Wang Guo-dong , Wang Jing , Cui Xue-jun , Mo Wen
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Ovariectomy (OVX)-induced rats are the most frequently used animal model to research postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our objective was to summarize and critically assess the bone mass improved effect of icariin (ICA) for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in an OVX-induced rat model.

Methods:

The PUBMED, EMBASE, and Chinese databases were searched from their inception date to February 2015. Two reviewers independently selected animal studies that evaluated the bone mass improved effect of ICA compared with control in OVX-induced rats. Extracted data were analyzed by RevMan statistical software, and the methodological quality of each study was assessed.

Results:

Seven studies with adequate randomization were included in the systematic review. Overall, ICA seemed to significantly improve bone mass as assessed using the bone mineral density (seven studies, n = 169; weighted mean difference, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.02, I2 = 77%, P < 0.00001) using a random-effects model. There is no significant difference between ICA and estrogen (E) (six studies, n = 128; weighted mean difference, 0.00; 95% CI, −0.00 to 0.01, I2 = 54%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

Bone mass improved effect of ICA for postmenopausal osteoporosis was observed in OVX-induced rats. Assessment of the methodological quality of studies involving OVX-induced animal models is required, and good methodological quality should be valued in systematic reviews of animal studies.
Retrobulbar Injections for Blind Painful Eyes: A Comparative Study of Retrobulbar Alcohol Versus Chlorpromazine
Authors: Galindo-Ferreiro Alicia , Akaishi Patricia , Cruz Augusto , Khandekar Rajiv , Al Dosairi Saif , Dufaileej Mohammed , Al Salem Ahmed , Galvez-Ruiz Alberto , Craven E. Randy
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate 2 agents used during retrobular injections to relieve pain in blind eyes.

Methods:

This masked prospective randomized study compared retrobulbar injections for blind painful eyes that were divided into 2 groups: eyes in group 1 (G-I) received 1.5 mL of absolute alcohol (ethanol) and those in group 2 (G-II) received 1.5 mL of chlorpromazine (25 mg/mL). The pain was graded before, during, and after intervention using a verbal numeric visual analog scale. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events were also recorded. Complete success was defined as no pain after injection. Treatment failures were classified as further intervention (evisceration-enucleation) or no change in visual analog scale pain scores.

Results:

Both groups included 16 patients each. Complete success was achieved in 7 of 16 (43.7%) patients in G-I and in 6 of 16 (37.5%) in G-II. The failure rate was 5 of 16 (31.3%) in G-I and 6 of 16 (37.5%) in G-II. Postoperative adverse events occurred in 33.3% of patients in G-I and 56% of patients in G-II. Transient eyelid edema was more prominent in G-II. Reduction in IOP occurred after injection in both groups. In G-I, IOP decreased from a mean of 24.3 to 14 mm Hg. In G-II, IOP decreased from 27 to 15 mm Hg. Five of the 7 (71.4%) patients with initial IOP>45 mm Hg suffered from severe pain. After injection, only 1 patient with an IOP>27 mm Hg had moderate pain.

Conclusions:

Retrobulbar alcohol or chlorpromazine decreased IOP and reduced pain in approximately two-thirds of blind painful eyes with few postoperative complications. However, 33% of patients required further intervention to manage pain.
A Longitudinal Study of Growth and Relation With Anemia and Iron Overload in Pediatric Patients With Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia
Authors: Nokeaingtong Kwannapas , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Silvilairat Suchaya , Saekho Suwit , Pongprot Yupada , Dejkhamron Prapai
Published: June 2016

Short stature is one of the most common endocrinopathies in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). This study aimed to determine the longitudinal pattern of growth in pediatric patients with TDT and study the relationship between growth and hemoglobin level, serum ferritin level/iron overload parameters, and other clinical factors. The interval height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) of 50 patients with TDT, of a mean age of 13.3±2.8 years, were analyzed using linear mixed model analysis. Nineteen patients (38%) had short stature with HAZ≤−2.0. The prevalence of short stature increased with age. The estimated mean HAZ decreased by 0.19 SD per year from the age of 5 years until approximately 14 years (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.22 to −0.16, P<0.001). Male sex (estimate, −0.28; 95% CI, −0.43 to −0.14; P<0.001), mean 3-year hemoglobin level ≤8 g/dL (estimate, −0.36; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.19; P<0.001), mean 3-year ferritin level ≥1800 ng/mL (estimate, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.59 to −0.29; P<0.001), and cardiac T2* ≤20 ms (estimate, −1.05; 95% CI, −1.34 to −0.77; P<0.001) were significantly associated with short stature. In conclusion, short stature in patients with TDT is common and relates significantly with increasing age, male sex, hemoglobin level, and iron overload status.
An Unusual Case of LCHAD Deficiency Presenting With a Clinical Picture of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Secondary HLH or Coincidence?
Authors: Erdol Sahin , Ture Mehmet , Baytan Birol , Yakut Tahsin , Saglam Halil
Published: June 2016

There are published reports stating that some of the congenital metabolic diseases, such as lysinuric protein intolerance, multiple sulphatase deficiency, galactosemia, Gaucher disease, Pearson syndrome, and galactosialidosis, might lead to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). However, to date, to our knowledge, the long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency has never been investigated among patients with HLH. Here, we report on a patient who was referred to our institution for a differential diagnosis of pancytopenia, liver failure, and rhabdomyolysis. The patient was diagnosed with HLH. Further investigation revealed an underlying diagnosis of the LCHAD deficiency. Our case was reported to contribute to the literature, as well as the HLH clinic, emphasizing the consideration of LCHAD deficiency, especially in 1 to 6 months’ old infants with laboratory findings of hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and elevated creatine kinase.
First Counseling Revealing the Diagnosis of Childhood Cancer: Parent Preferences From an Indian Perspective
Authors: Mohan Gem , Scott Julius X. , Nasrin Rizwana , Sneha Latha , Manohar Rakesh , Subramanian Lalitha , Narayani Sowmiya , Rajendran Aruna
Published: June 2016

Background:

The first counseling or the exchange between the physician and the parent(s) of children with cancer is of vital importance as it sets the tone for the rest of the treatment. The goal of our study was to find out the preferences among parents of Indian children with cancer regarding communication and breaking of bad news when fully informed about the diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

A sample of 60 parents who had been counseled within 3 months from diagnosis were interviewed with a prepared questionnaire directed at eliciting their experiences with the physicians who broke the bad news to them and also suggestions to improve the exchange.

Results:

Sixty parents of children diagnosed with cancer participated in the study. All parents agreed on the importance of first counseling and asked for a second round of counseling to reinforce concepts learned during the first counseling. An overall 83% of parents wanted a comparison with another child having the same diagnosis, 57% wanted immediate or extended family to be present, and 92% did not want support staff to be present during counseling. In all, 68% of parents did not want to reveal the diagnosis to the child, 77% wanted as much information about the disease as possible, including estimated cost of treatment, and 90% wanted access to other information services and information about other centers where treatment was available.

Conclusions:

Parents have preferences about the ways in which information is presented to them during the first counseling. Knowing these preferences will help physicians to better their ability to interact with parents in the future during first counseling and help them decide a culturally appropriate course of action.
Life dissatisfaction is associated with depression and poorer surgical outcomes among lumbar spinal stenosis patients: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Pakarinen Maarit , Tuomainen Iina , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli , Sinikallio Sanna , Lehto Soili M. , Airaksinen Olavi , Viinamäki Heimo , Aalto Timo
Published: June 2016

Life satisfaction is associated with overall somatic health and the short-term surgical outcome in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients. In this study, the long-term relationship between life satisfaction and the surgical outcome in LSS patients was investigated in a 10-year follow-up. This prospective clinical study included 102 LSS patients who underwent decompressive surgery. They completed a set of questionnaires first preoperatively and then 6 times postoperatively (at 3 and 6 months, and at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years). The final study population at the 10-year follow-up comprised 72 patients. A four-item life satisfaction scale was used to measure global life satisfaction. The sum of all seven life satisfaction scores provided a measure of the life dissatisfaction burden over the entire 10-year follow-up. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory. The surgical outcome was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index, pain evaluation (visual analogue scale), self-reported walking capacity and overall satisfaction with the surgery. Both preoperative life dissatisfaction and the long-term life dissatisfaction burden were associated with poorer 10-year surgical outcomes (i.e. Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale) in logistic regression analyses. Life dissatisfaction was also associated with symptoms of depression. Monitoring subjective well-being, especially life satisfaction and mood, in LSS patients before and after surgery may help in detecting those at risk of a poorer long-term surgical outcome.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR MEASURING TEXTURE USING A FOOD PROCESSOR
Authors: Kanamori Jiro
Published: June 2016

Measurement of food texture is becoming increasingly important to help prevent mis-swallowing in elderly individuals. However, it is difficult to estimate food texture for mastication and swallowing. In this study, a mixing-recording method was applied to measure food texture. A commercial food processor was used to homogenize food gels, and the torque was monitored as an electric current value, which was correlated with the viscosity of Newtonian fluid. Agar and gelatin gels at several concentrations were applied to the mixing-recording system, and individual mixing curves were obtained. The current values had a different tendency at each mixing stage. At the beginning of the mixing, when lumps of the original gel were present, current values of gelatin were higher than those of agar. From the middle of mixing, the fractured pastes of high-concentration agar gels had little mobility, and current values decreased, indicating that gelatin was more cohesive than agar. The current values of low-concentration agar and gelatin were correlated with the hardness of the gels and were aligned on the same correlation curve, indicating that the viscosity of the fractured paste was correlated with the original gel hardness under certain conditions. Moreover, measurements of agar gels of different sizes revealed that the texture was size dependent. Thus, the mixing-recording method had several advantages over conventional methods, including time- and size-dependent fracturing and bolus properties, and could be useful for the measurement of food texture in terms of mastication and swallowing.
Norovirus-mediated modification of the translational landscape via virus and host-induced cleavage of translation initiation factors
Authors: Emmott Edward , Sorgeloos Frederic , Caddy Sarah L. , Vashist Surender , Sosnovtsev Stanislav , Lloyd Richard , Heesom Kate , Goodfellow Ian
Published: June 2016

Noroviruses produce viral RNAs lacking a 5’ cap structure and instead use a virus-encoded VPg protein covalently linked to viral RNA to interact with translation initiation factors and drive viral protein synthesis. Norovirus infection results in the induction of the innate response leading to interferon stimulated gene (ISG) transcription. However the translation of the induced ISG mRNAs is suppressed. Using a novel mass spectrometry approach we demonstrate that diminished host mRNA translation correlates with changes to the composition of the eukaryotic initiation factor complex. The suppression of host ISG translation correlates with the activity of the viral protease (NS6) and the activation of cellular caspases leading to the establishment of an apoptotic environment. These results indicate that noroviruses exploit the differences between viral VPg-dependent and cellular cap-dependent translation in order to diminish the host response to infection.
Service facility relocation decision: a case study
Authors: Srivastava Samir K. , Amula Abhilash , Ghagare Prakash
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present issues and challenges faced during a firm’s facility relocation decision aimed at improving both cost and service performance in an innovative service context.

Design/methodology/approach

The reader is given background of the decision-making process behind single service facility relocation decision using a detailed case study. Key financial, operational and business data of the firm are collected, compiled and analysed. The solution methodology uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses to choose the best among the three possible discrete location choices. For propriety reasons, some information has been disguised, and some data have been sanitized.

Findings

The factors that significantly influence relocation decision are proximity to high transaction customers, infrastructure and other input costs, customer service level requirements and extant regulations. Transportation has a direct impact on cost as well as service level. Most of the findings are in line with literature, but some of them differ too.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is focused on a single case study of a pooling container firm in the Indian context and thereby limits the ability to generalize the findings. Nevertheless, this study may serve as a significant starting point for future research.

Practical implications

Firms can create a rational, efficient and even-handed approach for relocation of facilities applying a mix of qualitative and quantitative models judiciously. It provides managers better understanding and insights and actions needed for single service facility relocation.

Originality/value

This work is perhaps the first on facility relocation in emerging economies covering actual interventions and experiences. It gives new insights to a limited literature of relocating single service facility reflecting both theoretical imperatives and practitioner requirements.
Assessing the Basel II internal ratings-based approach
Authors: Tarca Silvio , Rutkowski Marek
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This study aims to render a fundamental assessment of the Basel II internal ratings-based (IRB) approach by taking readings of the Australian banking sector since the implementation of Basel II and comparing them with signals from macroeconomic indicators, financial statistics and external credit ratings. The IRB approach to capital adequacy for credit risk, which implements an asymptotic single risk factor (ASRF) model, plays an important role in protecting the Australian banking sector against insolvency.

Design/methodology/approach

Realisations of the single systematic risk factor, interpreted as describing the prevailing state of the Australian economy, are recovered from the ASRF model and compared with macroeconomic indicators. Similarly, estimates of distance-to-default, reflecting the capacity of the Australian banking sector to absorb credit losses, are recovered from the ASRF model and compared with financial statistics and external credit ratings. With the implementation of Basel II preceding the time when the effect of the financial crisis of 2007-2009 was most acutely felt, the authors measure the impact of the crisis on the Australian banking sector.

Findings

Measurements from the ASRF model find general agreement with signals from macroeconomic indicators, financial statistics and external credit ratings. This leads to a favourable assessment of the ASRF model for the purposes of capital allocation, performance attribution and risk monitoring. The empirical analysis used in this paper reveals that the recent crisis imparted a mild stress on the Australian banking sector.

Research limitations/implications

Given the range of economic conditions, from mild contraction to moderate expansion, experienced in Australia since the implementation of Basel II, the authors cannot attest to the validity of the model specification of the IRB approach for its intended purpose of solvency assessment.

Originality/value

Access to internal bank data collected by the prudential regulator distinguishes this paper from other empirical studies on the IRB approach and financial crisis of 2007-2009. The authors are not the first to attempt to measure the effects of the recent crisis, but they believe that they are the first to do so using regulatory data.
The effectiveness of board of directors’ characteristics in mandatory disclosure compliance
Authors: Alfraih Mishari M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the characteristics of the board of directors and mandatory disclosure compliance (measured by International Financial Reporting Standards requirements) in firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

Several characteristics are used to assess the effectiveness of the board of directors: number of members, gender diversity, CEO duality, multiple directorships, the proportion of family members on the board and the presence of a member of the ruling family of Kuwait. Mandatory disclosure compliance is measured using a self-constructed, item-based index. A regression model tested the paper’s hypotheses.

Findings

After controlling for firm-specific characteristics, it was found that board size, gender diversity and multiple directorships were positively correlated with compliance, while CEO duality and the proportion of family members on the board were negatively correlated with compliance.

Research limitations/implications

Potential limitations stem from both the nature of the sample and the dataset. The small sample reflects the size of the KSE and the limited timeframe (a one-year period). Nevertheless, this paper provides some interesting insights. A longitudinal study would provide more comprehensive insights into the relationship between the characteristics of the board of directors and mandatory disclosure compliance over time.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the effectiveness of board of directors’ characteristics in promoting mandatory accounting compliance. As disclosure is fundamental for the effective functioning of capital markets and sound investments, a direct implication is that the quality of financial reporting can be improved by taking these characteristics into account.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on the determinants of mandatory accounting compliance. The findings highlight the importance of the board of directors’ role in enhancing transparency and ensuring the quality of financial reporting. The findings will be particularly valuable to those involved in the appointment of directors, who should be aware of the influence of the configuration and characteristics of the board on compliance.
Managing transitions, building bridges
Authors: Johnson Jennifer Michelle
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the potential of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) summer bridge programs to promote college persistence by fostering a positive science identity among participants that is culturally consistent with the values and experiences of African American students.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study included demographic data, journals, a focus-group interview and program evaluation reports. Carlone and Johnson’s (2007) grounded model of science identity provided a culturally sensitive framework for examining science experiences of minority students.

Findings

In a program that emphasized the academic readiness of students pursing bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering programs, the salience of students’ science identity was intricately related to their commitment to STEM.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding the program’s cultural components was not a specific objective of the study, but emerged as an important feature of students’ experiences and commitment to degree completion.

Practical implications

The program could assist students’ development of a science identity through the deliberate inclusion of activities and experiences that are culturally congruent with the students’ racial/ethnic identity.

Originality/value

Little empirical research is available to assess bridge programs for African Americans pursuing STEM degrees. Analyzing students’ transition from high school to college, within the context of a summer bridge program, affords a better understanding of how students navigate the early social and academic aspects of college and how participation in bridge helps plug the leaky pipeline to careers in STEM.
Minority engineering programs at a crossroads
Authors: Newman Christopher B.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Underrepresented groups have fought for equal access to higher education, which spurred the development of “minority” initiatives. However, the assault on affirmative action and race-based initiatives have led many universities to retreat toward more all-encompassing “diversity” initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the author examines two historically white public research universities. The data include 70 participants with voices of faculty, key administrators, students and recent alumni (within the past three-five years).

Findings

Analyzed through a pattern matching technique, the findings from this study suggest important financial benefits for the “multicultural” engineering program and a sense of communal support for both the “multicultural” and “minority” engineering program.

Originality/value

Given the international attention of raced-based initiatives, this study provides forward-looking insights based on the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders.