bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confining value from neural networks
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Rizeq Anas
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study provides valuable insights to managers aiming to increase the effectiveness of their diversification and growth portfolios. The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of utilizing a neural networks (NNs) approach using mergers and acquisition (M&A) data confined in the US technology domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Bloomberg for the period 2000–2016, the results confirm that an NN approach provides more explanation between financial variables in the model than a traditional regression model where the NN approach of this study is then compared with linear classifier, logistic regression. The empirical results show that NN is a promising method of evaluating M&A takeover targets in terms of their predictive accuracy and adaptability.

Findings

The findings emphasize the value alternative methodologies provide in high-technology industries in order to achieve the screening and explorative performance objectives, given the technological complexity, market uncertainty and the divergent skill sets required for breakthrough innovations in these sectors.

Research limitations/implications

NN methods do not provide for a fuller analysis of significance for each of the autonomous variables in the model as traditional regression methods do. The generalization breadth of this study is limited within a specific sector (technology) in a specific country (USA) covering a specific period (2000–2016).

Practical implications

Investors value firms before investing in them to identify their true stock price; yet, technology firms pose a great valuation challenge to investors and analysts alike as the latest information technology stock price bubbles, Silicon Valley and as the recent stratospheric rise of financial technology companies have also demonstrated.

Social implications

Numerous studies have shown that M&As are more often than not destroy value rather than create it. More than 50 percent of all M&As lead to a decline in relative total shareholder return after one year. Hence, effective target identification must be built on the foundation of a credible strategy that identifies the most promising market segments for growth, assesses whether organic or acquisitive growth is the best way forward and defines the commercial and financial hurdles for potential deals.

Originality/value

Technology firm value is directly dependent on growth, consequently most of the value will originate from future customers or products not from current assets that makes it challenging for investors to measure a firm’s beta (risk) where the value of a technology is only known after its commercialization to the market. A differentiated methodological approach used is the use of NNs, machine learning and data mining to predict bankruptcy or takeover targets.
A parametric and adaptive slicing (PAS) technique: general method and experimental validation
Authors: Rosa Francesco , Graziosi Serena
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an innovative Parametric and Adaptive Slicing (PAS) technique to be used for generating material addition paths along three-dimensional surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is grounded on the possibility to generate layers starting from multiple reference surfaces (already available in the model or created on purpose). These are used for mathematically deriving a family of parametric surfaces whose shape and spacing (the layer thickness) can be tuned to get the desired aesthetic, technical and functional characteristics. The adhesion among layers is obtained guaranteeing a smooth transition among these surfaces.

Findings

The examples described in the paper demonstrate that the PAS technique enables the addition of the material along non-planar paths and, hence, the elimination of the staircase effect. In addition, objects printed using this technique show improved mechanical properties with respect to those printed using standard planar layers.

Research limitations/implications

As the method allows a local control of the material addition/deposition, it can be used to design the mechanical behavior of the objects to be printed.

Originality/value

The technique proposed in this paper overcomes the limitations of currently available adaptive and curved layer slicing strategies, by introducing the possibility to generate layers with a non-constant thickness whose shape morphs smoothly from one layer to another.
Increased serum levels of progranulin (PGRN) in patients with haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Kotela Andrzej , Wojdasiewicz Piotr , Łęgosz Paweł , Sarzyńska Sylwia , Drela Katarzyna , Pulik Łukasz , Kaleta Beata , Kniotek Monika , Borysowski Jan , Poniatowski Łukasz A. , Kotela Ireneusz
Published: November 2018

Haemophilia A and B are rarely occurring X chromosome‐linked congenital coagulation disorders dominated by spontaneous joint bleedings and chronic synovitis, leading to development of haemophilic arthropathy (HA). Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor with anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. PGRN is an important molecule in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatological disorders. This study was aimed at investigating the potential role of PGRN in the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HA. The serum levels of PGRN were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients with end‐stage knee joint HA (n = 20) and end‐stage primary knee joint OA (n = 20) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical and radiological assessment of disease severity was evaluated by the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Kellgren‐Lawrence scale. Median PGRN levels in HA patients was 349.1 ng/mL (232.8–415.6 ng/mL) and in OA patients 148.3 ng/mL (112.1‐275.3 ng/mL) with statistically significant differences between both groups (P < 0.015). Further analysis revealed no correlation between PGRN levels and any of the patient demographics and clinical parameters. This study demonstrates increased PGRN serum levels in patients with HA and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HA indicating a new potential target for therapeutic intervention.
An empiric approach to identifying physician peer groups from claims data: An example from breast cancer care
Authors: Herrin Jeph , Soulos Pamela R. , Xu Xiao , Gross Cary P. , Pollack Craig Evan
Published: November 2018

Objective

To develop an empiric approach for evaluating the performance of physician peer groups based on patient‐sharing in administrative claims data.

Data Sources

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare linked dataset.

Study Design

Applying social network theory, we constructed physician peer groups for patients with breast cancer. Under different assumptions of key parameter values—minimum patient volume for physician inclusion and minimum number of patients shared between physicians for a connection—we compared agreement in group membership between split samples during 2004‐2006 (T1) (reliability) and agreement in group membership between T1 and 2007‐2009 (T2) (stability). We also compared the results with those derived from randomly generated groups and to hospital affiliation‐based groups.

Principal Findings

The sample included 142 098 patients treated by 43 174 physicians in T1 and 136 680 patients treated by 51 515 physicians in T2. We identified parameter values that resulted in a median peer group reliability of 85.2 percent (Interquartile range (IQR) [0 percent, 96.2 percent]) and median stability of 73.7 percent (IQR [0 percent, 91.0 percent]). In contrast, stability of randomly assigned peer groups was 6.2 percent (IQR [0 percent, 21.0 percent]). Median overlap of empirical groups with hospital groups was 32.2 percent (IQR [12.1 percent, 59.2 percent]).

Conclusions

It is feasible to construct physician peer groups that are reliable, stable, and distinct from both randomly generated and hospital‐based groups.
Spatial‐temporal variations of water poverty in rural China considered through the KDE and ESDA models
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Zhao Minjuan , Hu Wei , Cai Yu
Published: November 2018

Water shortage is a common problem around the world, especially in rural areas of developing countries. Water shortage is closely linked to natural and social conditions, and the linkages between these natural and social conditions and their underlying spatial and temporal variations are less well explored in rural areas. The water poverty index (WPI) is a holistic tool for resource planning and management and is an effective tool in solving water shortage problems in developing countries through water resources managements. This study defines five components and 19 indicators using the WPI and assigns integrated weights to measure water poverty in rural China from 1997 to 2016. The results show that the level of water poverty has been gradually declining over time, and the improvements in the coastal and inland water poverty situation are not harmonious. This study also analyzes spatial and temporal variations of water poverty in rural China by the kernel estimation (KDE) and the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) models. Hence, specific areas require special policy interventions. The research findings are intended to provide a new insight for the evaluation of water poverty in the context of sustainable development and to provide a strategy for regional water resource management to relieve rural water poverty in developing countries.
Rapid Separation of Organophosphate Pesticides using Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography and Short‐end Injection,
Authors: Cao Xi , Hogan Anna , Moore Eric
Published: November 2018

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are highly toxic substances and are frequently represented as poisons. In order to qualify and quantify the selected OP pesticides (methyl paraoxon, ethyl paraoxon, methyl parathion, fenitrothion, and ethyl parathion), micellar electrokinetic chromatography and short‐end injection were investigated. This is the first time that this combination has been used to separate OP pesticides. A capillary with 8.5 cm effective length was used, and the analytes were separated within 2.1 min. Separation conditions including buffer (type, pH, and concentration), sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration, and separation voltage were optimized. The limit of detection (LOD) was estimated in the range of 10–20 μM. The OP pesticides spiked in artificial saliva and drinking water gave superior peak profiles, and good average recoveries 95.6% and 62.3%, respectively. Overall, a rapid method with excellent resolution and efficiency was developed and successfully applied in the analysis of potential sample matrixes.
Development of an Earthen Dam Break Database
Authors: Hood K. , Perez R.A. , Cieplinski H.E. , Hromadka T.V. , Moglen G.E. , McInvale H.D.
Published: November 2018

Earthen embankment dams comprise 85% of all major operational dams in the United States. Assessment of peak flow rates for these earthen dams and the impacts on dam failure are of high interest to engineers and planners. Regression analysis is a frequently used risk assessment approach for earthen dams. In this paper, we present a decision support tool for assessing the applicability of nine regression equations commonly used by practitioners. Using data from 108 case studies, six parameters were observed to be significant factors predicting for peak flow as a metric for risk analysis. We present our work on an expanded earthen dam break database that relates the regression equations and underlying data. A web application, regression selection tool, is also presented to assess the appropriateness of a given model for a given test point. This graphical display allows users to visualize how their data point compares with the data used for the regression equation. These contributions improve estimates and better inform decision makers regarding operational and safety decisions.
Diets of animal origin and their influence on the development of the immatures of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae): implications for forensic entomology
Authors: Salazar‐Souza Mônica , de Alcantara Azevedo Wellington Thadeu , Couri Márcia Souto , Aguiar Valéria Magalhães
Published: November 2018

In forensic entomology, the minimum and maximum post‐mortem interval (PMI) is estimated on the basis of the developmental stages of necrophagous Diptera larvae on a corpse. The nutritional composition of the decomposing tissue, which can influence larval development rates, may impact the precision of this estimate. We compared the post‐embryonic development of Chrysomya albiceps reared on bovine muscle and swine lung. Forty newly hatched fly larvae, per treatment, were placed on 60 g of the following tissues: bovine muscle (control) and swine lung (T1). Each treatment had three replicates. The experiments were maintained under controlled conditions (28°C day/26°C night, 70 ± 10% RH and 12 h photophase). Flies reared on bovine muscle took significantly longer to complete their larval phase (8.1 days) than did larvae reared on swine lung (6.8 days). The total duration of development in bovine muscle was significantly slower (12.3 days) than in swine lung. Larvae that were reared on swine lungs were significantly heavier than larvae reared on bovine muscle. Total larval viability was high on pig lung (over 49%). The sex ratio was closer to the 1:1 ratio in bovine muscle (rs = 0.55), with a slightly greater proportion of female larvae. The percentage of abnormality remained within the predicted range. The results show that the different tissues influenced larval development. This underlines the importance of considering the type of cadaveric tissue when larval development is used to calculate the minimum PMI in forensic investigations.
An appropriately sized soft polyester external stent prevents enlargement and neointimal hyperplasia of a saphenous vein graft in a canine model
Authors: Yasuda Shota , Goda Motohiko , Shibuya Taisuke , Uchida Keiji , Suzuki Shinichi , Noishiki Yasuharu , Yokoyama Utako , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Masuda Munetaka
Published: November 2018

Although the efficacy of external stents for vein grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting has been recognized, the ideal diameter and material of the stent remain controversial. We created a new external stent made of soft polyester mesh and performed an animal experiment using canines. Bilateral saphenous vein grafts were interposed in the bilateral common carotid artery of 10 beagles. The grafts in the left carotid artery were designated as the control group, and those in the right rolled by a soft polyester mesh external stent were designated as mesh group. Two of the 10 animals were sacrificed due to severe wound infection. The other eight were observed by echography for 6 months, and then grafts were extracted and thickness of the neointima of the grafts was measured. The control group showed 146% ± 26% postoperative enlargement of the internal diameter of the vein grafts after 6 months, whereas the mesh group showed only 115% ± 15% after the same duration (P = 0.0003). The median thickness of the neointima in the mesh group (170 µm [range: 150–190]) was significantly thinner than that in the control group (260 µm [range: 220–310], P < 0.0001). Some degree of correlation between the thickness of neointima and proportion of enlargement was noted (r = 0.518, P = 0.0024). A soft polyester mesh external stent for vein grafts successfully suppressed the enlargement of the vein grafts and thickness of the neointima after 6 months.
Editorial: anxiety and depression associated with mucosal healing in coeliac disease
Authors: Knowles Simon R. , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina
Published: November 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Halmos et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14791.
Letter: is microwave ablation superior to radiofrequency ablation for early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Liao Ying‐Yang , Ge De‐Xiang , Zhang Xiao‐Ying
Published: November 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Zheng et al and Liu et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14929 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15048.
Editorial: treating strictures in inflammatory bowel disease—authors’ reply
Authors: Rieder Florian , Feagan Brian G. , Jairath Vipul ,   the CONSTRICT study group
Published: November 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Morar et al and Kamm papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13388 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14987.
Editorial: FibroTest to predict liver‐related mortality in NAFLD. Should this change the diagnostic algorithm in NAFLD?
Authors: Bush Allison M. , Torres Dawn M.
Published: November 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Munteanu et al paper. To view this article
visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14990.
Letter: the effect of sirolimus on recurrence and survival in liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma—authors’ reply
Authors: Menon Krishna V. , Hakeem Abdul R. , Heaton Nigel D.
Published: November 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Menon et al and Grigg et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.12185 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14963.
Letter: is microwave ablation superior to radiofrequency ablation for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma? Authors' reply
Authors: Liu Wenwu , Li Binkui , Yuan Yunfei
Published: November 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Zheng et al and Liao et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15025 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15048.
Pulmonary transit time from contrast echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison between modalities and the impact of region of interest characteristics
Authors: Monahan Ken , Coffin Samuel , Lawson Mark , Saliba Linda , Rutherford Ray , Brittain Evan
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The degree of correlation of pulmonary transit time (PTT) between contrast echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across the spectrum of cardiac disease has not been quantified. In addition, the degree to which PTT estimates are affected by variation in location and size of regions of interest (ROI) is unknown.

Methods

Pulmonary transit time was obtained using an inflection point technique from individuals that underwent contrast echocardiography and cardiac MRI. Right ventricular, left atrial, and left ventricular ROIs were evaluated, and two sizes for each ROI were used. The Spearman correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman analysis were used for comparisons between modalities. Bland–Altman plots were also used to measure the impact of ROI size and location on transit times.

Results

Fourteen participants (age: 27–64 years; LV ejection fraction: 30%–60%) underwent both studies a median of 1 week apart. The correlation between modalities was significant for PTT (r = 0.65; P = 0.01) and normalized PTT (r = 0.80; P = 0.001). Cardiac MRI yielded transit times consistently higher than contrast echocardiography (bias ~ 1.4 seconds), but the discordance was not dependent on transit time magnitude. Low bias was observed for comparisons of ROI size and location (<0.5 seconds).

Conclusions

Contrast echocardiography underestimates transit time measurements obtained by cardiac MRI, although the discrepancy was systematic and may have been contributed to by the interval between imaging studies. ROI location and size did not impact transit time values, suggesting that ROIs could be placed without intensive training, a step toward incorporation of real‐time PTT measurement into echocardiographic laboratory workflow.
Prevalence and short‐term changes of cognitive dysfunction in young ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Pinter D. , Enzinger C. , Gattringer T. , Eppinger S. , Niederkorn K. , Horner S. , Fandler S. , Kneihsl M. , Krenn K. , Bachmaier G. , Fazekas F.
Published: November 2018

Background and purpose

Information on the prevalence and course of post‐stroke cognitive impairment in young stroke patients is limited. The aim was to assess a consecutive sample of acute young ischaemic stroke patients (18–55 years) for the presence and development of neuropsychological deficits.

Methods

Patients prospectively underwent a comprehensive clinical and cognitive assessment, examining general cognitive function, processing speed, attention, flexibility/executive function and word fluency within the first 3 weeks after hospital admission (median assessment at day 6) and at a 3 months’ follow‐up (FU). Cognitive dysfunction was defined in comparison to age‐standardized published norms.

Results

At baseline (N = 114), deficits were highly prevalent in processing speed (56.0%), flexibility/executive function (49.5%), attention (46.4%) and general cognitive function (42.1%). These frequencies were comparable for those with FU assessment (N = 87). In most domains, cognitive performance improved within 3 months, except for word fluency. However, in about one‐third of patients, cognitive deficits (as defined by 1.5 standard deviations below the standardized mean) were still present 3 months after stroke. At FU, 44.0% were impaired in the domain flexibility/executive function, 35.0% in processing speed and 30.0% in attention.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of cognitive deficits in acute young patients with ischaemic stroke highlights the importance of early post‐stroke cognitive assessment to capture a patient's dysfunction in a comprehensive manner and to offer adequate rehabilitation. The role of factors which promote neuropsychological deficits needs further exploration.
Too big to be audited? The new world of auditing in international organizations
Authors: Monfardini Patrizio , von Maravic Patrick
Published: November 2018

Within the NPM debate, audit reforms have been largely investigated at the national level. The best‐known theoretical approach to approach audit reforms is provided by Michael Power, who suggested the idea of an “audit explosion” and then of an “audit society.” Power draws his insights from cases situated at the national level without explicitly considering international organizations (IOs) as both subject and object of audit reforms, despite their increasing relevance in economy and society. It, therefore, makes sense to consider Power's hypotheses as a starting point for the analysis of audit reforms in IOs to investigate whether the framework has value in studying audit reforms in such organizations. This research adds to the existing body of literature by providing a comparative analysis of audit reforms in six IOs over the course of the past 20 years to shed light on a fundamentally changing method of auditing them.
Presence of an invasive species reverses latitudinal clines of multiple traits in a native species
Authors: Thawley Christopher J. , Goldy‐Brown Mark , McCormick Gail L. , Graham Sean P. , Langkilde Tracy
Published: November 2018

Understanding the processes driving formation and maintenance of latitudinal clines has become increasingly important in light of accelerating global change. Many studies have focused on the role of abiotic factors, especially temperature, in generating clines, but biotic factors, including the introduction of non‐native species, may also drive clinal variation. We assessed the impact of invasion by predatory fire ants on latitudinal clines in multiple fitness‐relevant traits—morphology, physiological stress responsiveness, and antipredator behavior—in a native fence lizard. In areas invaded by fire ants, a latitudinal cline in morphology is opposite both the cline found in museum specimens from historical populations across the species’ full latitudinal range and that found in current populations uninvaded by fire ants. Similarly, clines in stress‐relevant hormone response to a stressor and in antipredator behavior differ significantly between the portions of the fence lizard range invaded and uninvaded by fire ants. Changes in these traits within fire ant‐invaded areas are adaptive and together support increased and more effective antipredator behavior that allows escape from attacks by this invasive predator. However, these changes may mismatch lizards to the environments under which they historically evolved. This research shows that novel biotic pressures can alter latitudinal clines in multiple traits within a single species on ecological timescales. As global change intensifies, a greater understanding of novel abiotic and biotic pressures and how affected organisms adapt to them across space and time will be central to predicting and managing our changing environment.
Design as a Mode of Inquiry in Design Pedagogy and Design Thinking
Authors: Ejsing‐Duun Stine , Skovbjerg Helle Marie
Published: November 2018

The aim of this article is to provide a theoretical framework to strengthen design thinking and practice in the context of teaching through productive processes and using it to generate knowledge. The article explores three modes of inquiry inspired by Dewey and based on Schön, Barab & Squire and DiSalvo to investigate academic inquiry in design pedagogy and design thinking. These three modes are aimed at generating knowledge in three different areas: the design practice (in order to be a good designer and create good designs), a given research area, and societal issues. Based on empirical study from a design course at Aalborg University, Copenhagen, where these three modes were taught, we show the potential in using design processes as modes of academic inquiry directed toward different subjects. By teaching the implication of these modes of inquiry, students are provided with more opportunities for action as design approaches include exploring the subject through visualisation and materialisation, and the methods for knowledge production are expanded.
Hippocampal expression of cell‐adhesion glycoprotein neuroplastin is altered in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ilic Katarina , Mlinac‐Jerkovic Kristina , Jovanov‐Milosevic Natasa , Simic Goran , Habek Nikola , Bogdanovic Nenad , Kalanj‐Bognar Svjetlana
Published: November 2018

Cell‐adhesion glycoprotein neuroplastin (Np) is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and balancing hippocampal excitatory/inhibitory inputs which aids in the process of associative memory formation and learning. Our recent findings show that neuroplastin expression in the adult human hippocampus is specifically associated with major hippocampal excitatory pathways and is related to neuronal calcium regulation. Here, we investigated the hippocampal expression of brain‐specific neuroplastin isoform (Np65), its relationship with amyloid and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and potential involvement of neuroplastin in tissue response during the disease progression. Np65 expression and localization was analysed in six human hippocampi with confirmed AD neuropathology, and six age‐/gender‐matched control hippocampi by imunohistochemistry. In AD cases with shorter disease duration, the Np65 immunoreactivity was significantly increased in the dentate gyrus (DG), Cornu Ammonis 2/3 (CA2/3), and subiculum, with the highest level of Np expression being located on the dendrites of granule cells and subicular pyramidal neurons. Changes in the expression of neuroplastin in AD hippocampal areas seem to be related to the progression of disease. Our study suggests that cell‐adhesion protein neuroplastin is involved in tissue reorganization and is a potential molecular marker of plasticity response in the early neurodegeneration process of AD.
Four Models of Protecting Citizenship and Social Rights in Europe: Conclusions to the Special Issue ‘Rethinking the European Social Market Economy’
Authors: Claassen Rutger , Gerbrandy Anna , Princen Sebastiaan , Segers Mathieu
Published: November 2018

This article offers a synthesis of and conclusion to the contributions included in the Special Issue ‘Rethinking the European Social Market Economy’. Based on different understandings of citizenship in the European Union and the roles of the EU and its member states in providing social protection arrangements, it develops a typology of four models of the EU's role in social protection. It then discusses the contributions to this Special Issue in light of this typology and draws a number of overarching conclusions.
Biased recommendations from biased and unbiased experts
Authors: Chung Wonsuk , Harbaugh Rick
Published: November 2018

When can you trust an expert to provide honest advice? We develop and test a recommendation game where an expert helps a decision maker choose among two actions that benefit the expert and an outside option that does not. For instance, a salesperson recommends one of two products to a customer who may instead purchase nothing. Subject behavior in a laboratory experiment is largely consistent with predictions from the cheap talk literature. For sufficient symmetry in payoffs, recommendations are persuasive in that they raise the chance that the decision maker takes one of the actions rather than the outside option. If the expert is known to have a payoff bias toward an action, such as a salesperson receiving a higher commission on one product, the decision maker partially
discounts a recommendation for it and is more likely to take the outside option. If the bias is uncertain, then biased experts lie even more, whereas unbiased experts follow a
political correctness strategy of pushing the opposite action so as to be more persuasive. Even when the expert is known to be unbiased, if the decision maker already favors an action the expert
panders toward it, and the decision maker partially discounts the recommendation. The comparative static predictions hold with any degree of lying aversion up to pure cheap talk, and most subjects exhibit some limited lying aversion. The results highlight that the transparency of expert incentives can improve communication, but need not ensure unbiased advice.
MRI features of presumed normal palatine tonsils in dogs
Authors: Ruiz‐Drebing M. , Dennis R. , Sparkes A. , Dominguez E.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To describe the MRI characteristics of normal palatine tonsils in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study of 95 dogs with presumed normal tonsils. Tonsillar margination, shape and signal intensity in pre‐ and postcontrast studies were assessed and the cross‐sectional area was measured at the point of maximal size on transverse images.

Results

In all cases the tonsils were located with their largest transverse cross‐section at the level of the temporomandibular joints. Their margins were well‐defined in all dogs; in 57 (60%) the borders were smooth and in 38 (40%) slightly irregular. The majority (96%) of the tonsils were rounded to oval in cross‐section and the remainder were elongated. All tonsils were hyperintense to the medial pterygoid muscles in T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, FLAIR and T2* gradient echo images and they showed either homogeneous (53%) or heterogeneous (47%) signal intensity. Contrast enhancement was marked (65%) or moderate (33%) in the majority of animals. Median tonsillar cross‐sectional area was approximately 29 mm2 (90% confidence interval: 10.0 to 64.4 mm2). There was significant positive correlation between bodyweight and tonsillar cross‐sectional area and a weak negative correlation between age and tonsillar cross‐sectional area.

Clinical Significance

MRI is of value in assessing normal palatine tonsils in dogs. This study could be used as a baseline for the investigation of the value of MRI in assessment of tonsillar disease in dogs.
On Two‐Stage Estimation of the Spectral Density with Assigned Risk in Presence of Missing Data
Authors: Efromovich Sam
Published: November 2018

Estimation with assigned risk is a classical statistical problem, and the theory is well developed for the case of directly observed (no missing) data. In this article a more complicated problem of estimation of the spectral density in presence of missing data is considered. First, the corresponding theory of sequential estimation with minimal expected stopping time is developed. Then it is shown that a two‐stage estimator may be used and it yields the minimal stopping time. Sample size of the first stage may be deterministic and in order smaller than a minimal stopping time, and then the first stage defines the size of the second stage. Furthermore, the estimator adapts to unknown smoothness of an underlying spectral density and to an underlying missing mechanism.
A swing arm device for the acoustic measurement of food texture
Authors: Akimoto Hidemi , Sakurai Naoki , Blahovec Jiri
Published: November 2018

We developed a swing arm device for acoustic measurement of food texture, which resolved difficulties of food texture evaluation. The device has a structure of balance‐style and a probe in the device is moved downward along with motion of swing arm according to the balance of weights at both ends of the swing arm. The probe was inserted into a food sample. The device measured displacement and acceleration of the probe on food fracture by probe insertion with high precision until the probe stops inserting into a food sample. Using the displacement and acceleration of the probe on fracture, we calculated three parameters to determine food texture. Energy texture index (ETI) which is probe kinetic energy of acoustic vibration was evaluated by the vibration on food fracture. Audible energy texture index (aETI) could be introduced as food texture perceived by human sense of hearing, which was obtained by multiplying ETI by human hearing sensitivity. It was found that the ETI and aETI can be used for measurement of characteristic food texture detected at a tooth and perceived in brain, respectively. Food friction index (FFI) to explain the friction strength of a probe against a food sample was theoretically formulated under the condition of probe motion in the device. FFI was found to be useful not only for crispy food like biscuit but for soft food. The measured FFI indicated characteristic of smoothness of probe insertion into food sample.

Practical applications

The swing arm device can be used to estimate food texture by measuring probe vibration energy on food fracture. Energy texture index (ETI) and Audible energy texture index (aETI) are introduced into measurements of food with crispness which emits sounds on fracture by probe insertion. ETI is an index to estimate probe vibration energy, while aETI is one to estimate food texture by human sense of hearing that was corrected by human hearing sensitivity as human hearing sensitivity is highest around sound frequency ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 Hz. Food friction index (FFI) was also obtained by the device to evaluate smoothness of probe insertion into a food sample. ETI, aETI, and FFI can be useful parameters for food texture of water melon, pear, persimmon, apple, cookie, potato chips, and biscuit. FFI is especially suitable for evaluation of soft food such as banana, avocado, mango, melon, peach, pudding, or bread.
Self‐esteem fully mediates positive life events and depressive symptoms in a sample of 173 patients with affective disorders
Authors: Sarubin Nina , Goerigk Stephan , Padberg Frank , Übleis Aline , Jobst Andrea , Erfurt Lena , Schumann Christin , Nadjiri Annekatrin , Dewald‐Kaufmann Julia , Falkai Peter , Bühner Markus , Naumann Felix , Hilbert Sven
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Previous research showed that positive and negative life events influence the development of depression. However, it is less clear how life events interact with depressive symptoms and self‐esteem.

Design and methods

The present study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of self‐esteem on the relationship between life events and depressive symptoms in adulthood. The Traumatic Antecedent Questionnaire, Multidimensional Self‐esteem Scale (MSWS), and Becks Depression Inventory were administered in 173 psychiatric inpatients (mean age 39.69 ± 14.56 years, ranging from 18 to 76 years). At the time of assessment, all patients suffered from depressive symptoms caused by an affective disorder (major depression, bipolar I, dysthymia).

Results

Path analyses showed that the individual level of self‐esteem (measured by MSWS) fully mediated the association between positive life events and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The current study indicates that future therapy programmes for patients with depressive symptoms could include interventions focusing on the improvement of self‐esteem, as increasing self‐esteem may be beneficial for recovery.

Practitioner points

To date, this is the first study exploring the pathways from positive/negative life events to depressive symptoms.

The relationship between positive life experiences and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by self‐esteem.

Strengthening self‐esteem in therapy might lower the vulnerability for depression.
Longitudinal association between low self‐esteem and depression in early adolescents: The role of rejection sensitivity and loneliness
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Li Xiaoyu , Tian Lili , Huebner E. Scott
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Although the relation between low self‐esteem and depression has been well established, little is known about the possible psychological mechanisms that account for the relation between them. Based on Beck's cognitive theory of depression, the main aim of this study was to explore the notion that rejection sensitivity and loneliness serve as mediators of the relation between low self‐esteem and depression among early adolescents.

Design

Using a longitudinal design, we evaluated the hypothesized model with a sample of 866 Chinese early adolescents (51% females) between 11 and 15 years old who completed questionnaires on three occasions at 1‐year intervals.

Results

Structural equation modelling showed that: (1) low self‐esteem at Time 1 positively predicted depression at Time 3; (2) rejection sensitivity at Time 2 partially mediated the relation between low self‐esteem at Time 1 and depression at Time 3; (3) low self‐esteem at Time 1 demonstrated partial indirect effects on depression at Time 3 successively via rejection sensitivity and loneliness at Time 2; and (4) rejection sensitivity predicted an increase in loneliness but not vice versa, and depression accounted for later loneliness, but not for rejection sensitivity.

Conclusions

The associations between low self‐esteem and depression among early adolescents may be explained by rejection sensitivity and loneliness. These results suggest implications for effective interventions for depression in early adolescents.

Practitioner points

Low self‐esteem is a risk factor for depression in early adolescents, and rejection sensitivity and loneliness help explain the vulnerability model.

Implementing empirically based intervention plans to overcome low self‐esteem may be helpful in efforts to reduce depression in early adolescents.

Effective interventions should likely include efforts to decrease rejection sensitivity and loneliness and their effects, such as training to interpret verbal and behavioural cues in social interactions more accurately and to develop more effective social skills to enhance social confidence.
Cytokinin action in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in plants
Authors: Cortleven Anne , Leuendorf Jan Erik , Frank Manuel , Pezzetta Daniela , Bolt Sylvia , Schmülling Thomas
Published: November 2018

The phytohormone cytokinin was originally discovered as a regulator of cell division. Later, it was described to be involved in regulating numerous processes in plant growth and development including meristem activity, tissue patterning, and organ size. More recently, diverse functions for cytokinin in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses have been reported. Cytokinin is required for the defence against high light stress and to protect plants from a novel type of abiotic stress caused by an altered photoperiod. Additionally, cytokinin has a role in the response to temperature, drought, osmotic, salt, and nutrient stress. Similarly, the full response to certain plant pathogens and herbivores requires a functional cytokinin signalling pathway. Conversely, different types of stress impact cytokinin homeostasis. The diverse functions of cytokinin in responses to stress and crosstalk with other hormones are described. Its emerging roles as a priming agent and as a regulator of growth‐defence trade‐offs are discussed.
Metabolomics and fish nutrition: a review in the context of sustainable feed development
Authors: Roques Simon , Deborde Catherine , Richard Nadège , Skiba‐Cassy Sandrine , Moing Annick , Fauconneau Benoit
Published: November 2018

Aquaculture is facing a strategic challenge to improve feed suitability and support the global increase in fish production. Improvements in diet formulation for sustainable nutritional strategies have focused to date on the partial substitution of marine resources by plant resources but will now include other alternative feedstuffs. Growth trials and body composition data provide valuable indicators of fish nutritional status, while omics technologies may contribute to a better understanding of fish nutrition and help to demonstrate how feed and nutrients act in fish metabolism. Metabolomic approaches give an insight into fish metabolism through a non‐targeted analysis of metabolites in tissues or biofluids that involve multiple factors affecting fish, such as nutrition. In this review, we highlight the outcomes of publications in metabolomics applied to fish nutrition. We explain the concept of metabolomics and discuss specific technical considerations related to sample type, sampling and sample preparation. We show how metabolomic studies help to elucidate the impact of nutrition on fish fillet composition and fish metabolism. Finally, we describe the potential applications of metabolomic approaches for the non‐invasive monitoring of fish nutritional status.
The comparison of two different extenders for the improvement of large‐scale sperm cryopreservation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Várkonyi Levente , Bokor Zoltán , Molnár József , Fodor Ferenc , Szári Zsolt , Ferincz Árpád , Staszny Ádám , Láng Levente Zete , Csorbai Balázs , Urbányi Béla , Bernáth Gergely
Published: November 2018

Contents

In our study, a traditionally used (Grayling, already used in cyprinid species) and a newly tested (Pike) extender was tested to avoid sperm agglutination phenomenon following thawing during carp sperm cryopreservation. A large‐scale (elevated volume of sperm) freezing method in a controlled‐rate freezer using 5 ml straw and 10 ml cryotube was also systematically established. In all experiments, the sperm cryopreserved in using Grayling extender (except only one sample) showed an agglutination phenomenon (damaged and intact cells adhered to each other) after thawing where Pike extender resulted the regular cell suspension. No significant difference was observed between the two cryopreserved groups (Pike and Grayling extender) in all motility parameters using the 0.5 ml straw and the polystyrene box. Similarly, motility parameters did not show a significant difference in the two frozen groups with the 5 ml straw, also in the polystyrene box. A significantly higher progressive motility (pMOT, Grayling: 54% ± 8%, Pike: 37% ± 5%), straight line velocity (VSL, Grayling: 50 ± 5 µm/s, Pike: 39 ± 4 µm/s) and beat cross frequency (BCF, Grayling: 20 ± 1 Hz, Pike: 17 ± 1 Hz) was observed in the case of the grayling extender by the 5 ml straw cryopreserved in a controlled‐rate freezer (CRF) compare to the pike extender. A significantly higher VSL (Grayling: 45 ± 3 µm/s, Pike: 38 ± 4 µm/s) was observed by the grayling extender using the 10 ml cryotube than with the pike extender. Despite the randomly occurring differences in a few parameters, our new controlled freezing method using the newly tested Pike extender, the 5 ml straw or the 10 ml cryotube can be a good solution for the preservation of elevated volume of carp sperm.
Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography to asses maternal and foetal structures in pregnant ewes
Authors: da Silva Priscila D. A. , Uscategui Ricardo Andrés R. , Santos Victor J. C. , Taira Augusto R. , Mariano Renata S. G. , Rodrigues Mariana G. K. , Simões Ana Paula R. , Maronezi Marjury C. , Avante Michelle L. , Monteiro Frederico O. B. , Vicente Wilter R. R. , Feliciano Marcus A. R.
Published: November 2018

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of foetal lungs, liver, kidneys and placentomes by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in ovine and to correlate obtained findings with foetal development. Twenty‐four ewes were included, and tissue stiffness of foetal lung, liver, kidney and placentome was measured beginning with 10th gestational week by qualitative–quantitative ARFI elastography. A total of 33 healthy lambs were born. Qualitative elastographic analysis permitted to classify maternal and foetal tissues elasticity in decreasing order as follows: placentome, kidney, liver and lung. Regarding quantitative ARFI elastography data, shear wave velocity (SWV) of foetal lung and liver varied. The lung SWV decreased gradually from the 16th to the 21st gestational week (R2 = 0.80; p < 0.001), while liver SWV increased gradually from the 14th to 21st gestational week (R2 = 0.80; p < 0.001). In contrast, the kidneys and placentomes SWV's remained constant through gestation (p = 0.076; and 0.34). ARFI elastography was shown feasible for evaluation of maternal and foetal tissues stiffness in the ovine model. It can be used to demonstrate pulmonary and hepatic stiffness modifications during foetal development.
Improving outgroup attitudes in schools: First steps toward a teacher‐led vicarious contact intervention
Authors: Liebkind Karmela , Mäkinen Viivi , Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga , Renvik Tuuli Anna , Solheim Erling F.
Published: November 2018

Despite the urgent need for promoting positive intergroup relations in schools, research on intergroup relations is not systematically translated into prejudice‐reduction interventions. Although prejudice‐reduction interventions in schools based on indirect contact have been conducted for decades, they have all been carried out by researchers themselves. In a field experiment in Finland in autumn 2015, we tested for the first time a vicarious contact prejudice‐reduction intervention for its effectiveness among adolescents (N = 639) when implemented independently by school teachers instead of researchers. In addition, we tested the extent to which the intervention's effect depends on initial outgroup attitudes, previous direct outgroup contact experiences, and gender, hypothesizing that the intervention improves outgroup attitudes particularly among adolescents with more negative prior attitudes and less positive prior direct contact, and more among girls than among boys. We found an unanticipated overall deterioration in the outgroup attitudes during intervention in both the experimental and control groups. However, attitudes seemed to deteriorate somewhat less in the experimental than in the control group, and the intervention had a significant positive effect on outgroup attitudes in one experimental subgroup that needed it most: girls who had negative rather than positive outgroup attitudes at the outset. We discuss our results in light of previous research and contextual particularities.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*55 allele, HLA‐B*55:57, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Yang Jianhao , Jiang Yueqin , Sun Ying , Xie Junhua , Xiang Dong
Published: November 2018

The HLA‐B*55:57 allele differs from HLA‐B*55:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 535.