bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the strong Allee effect with fuzzy parameters for its application in economics
Authors: Corominas Coll Dolors , Ferrer-Comalat Joan Carles , Linares-Mustarós Salvador , Bertran Xavier
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a detailed quantitative and qualitative fuzzy approach to the Allee effect that permits dealing with uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The Allee effect is related to those aspects of population dynamics that are connected with a decrease in individual fitness when the population size diminishes to very low levels. It allows to model the evolution of certain sectors or clusters which, due to their low population density, may have problems of survival. In uncertain environments, an estimate of the effect’s parameters can be performed in the form of fuzzy numbers, which means that this study is using the methodology of fuzzy arithmetic.

Findings

This study reveals that fuzziness changes the behavior of the set of solutions when the strong Allee effect is studied under uncertainty from the point of view of standard difference or generalization of the Hukuhara difference.

Originality/value

The value and originality of the work consists in offering a set of tools for studying the evolution of a group of firms subject to an Allee effect in uncertain environments.
The impact of dividend policy on price-earnings ratio
Authors: Jitmaneeroj Boonlert
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the conditional and nonlinear relationship between price-earnings (P/E) ratio and payout ratio. A common finding of previous studies using linear regression model is that the P/E ratio is positively related to the dividend payout ratio. However, none of them investigates the condition under which the positive relationship holds.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the fixed effects model to investigate the conditional and nonlinear relationship between P/E ratio and payout ratio. With the inclusion of fundamental factors and investor sentiment, this model allows for nonlinear relationship to be conditioned on the return on equity and the required rate of return.

Findings

Based on the annual data of industries in the USA over the period of 1998-2014, this paper produces new evidence indicating that when the return on equity is greater (less) than the required rate of return, the P/E ratio and dividend payout ratio exhibit a negative (positive) relationship and positive (negative) convexity.

Practical implications

Due to the curvature relationship between P/E ratio and payout ratio, the corporate managers and stock investors should pay more attention to the reduction in payout ratio than the rising payout ratio and the companies with low payout ratios than the companies with high payout ratios.

Originality/value

No previous study has tackled the issue of conditional and nonlinear relationship between P/E ratio and payout ratio. This paper attempts to fill the gap by allowing for nonlinear relationship conditional on the relative values of the return on equity and the required rate of return.
Bold perch live life in the fast lane
Authors: Adriaenssens Bart
Published: February 2017

A schematic summary showing the links between behaviour and life‐history observed by Nakayama, Rapp & Arlinghaus in wild Eurasion perch (Perca fluviatilis). [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com].

image

A schematic summary showing the links between behaviour and life‐history observed by Nakayama, Rapp & Arlinghaus in wild Eurasion perch (Perca fluviatilis). [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com].

In Focus: Nakayama, S., Rapp, T. & Arlinghaus, R. (2017) . Journal of Animal Ecology, 86, 192–201.

The pace‐of‐life syndrome hypothesis (POLS) suggests that individual behavioural variation co‐evolves with life‐history variation, causing individuals on a fast life‐history trajectory to display more active or bold personalities than individuals following a slow trajectory. In the present study, Nakayama, Rapp & Arlinghaus () followed the detailed movement patterns of wild Eurasian perch using acoustic telemetry and studied their relationships with life‐history traits inferred from scale samples. Consistent with POLS, individuals with greater reproductive effort changed more often between active and passive behavioural modes. Moreover, individuals growing fast as a juvenile stayed active longer and moved over greater distances when adult. This study shows compelling evidence for covariance between personality and pace‐of‐life in a natural population.
Postmortem Serum Tryptase Levels with Special Regard to Acute Cardiac Deaths
Authors: Xiao Ning , Li Dong‐Ri , Wang Qi , Zhang Fu , Yu Yan‐Geng , Wang Hui‐Jun
Published: February 2017

An elevated serum tryptase concentration is considered a specific marker for systemic mast cell activation, a central feature of anaphylaxis. However, in some cases of acute cardiovascular death, high concentrations of serum tryptase are also observed. We compared the postmortem serum tryptase concentrations in 74 cases assigned to the following four groups: anaphylactic deaths (Group A, n = 20), acute cardiac deaths (Group ACD, n = 30), acute dissecting aneurysm ruptures (Group ADA, n = 10), and controls (Group C, n = 14). Additionally, the cutoff between Group A and the other groups was calculated using receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Tryptase concentrations were markedly elevated in Group A (p < 0.001), Group ACD (p = 0.015), and Group ADA (p = 0.005). The optimal cutoff was 43 ng/mL, the sensitivity was 90%, and the specificity was 98%. While elevated concentrations of tryptase were noted in practical autopsy cases, due attention should be paid to the differential diagnosis between anaphylactic and acute cardiovascular deaths.
Pre‐oncall key conditions training for first‐year radiology registrars
Authors: Brown Nicholas I , Leschke Paul , Way Mandy , Smith David D , Cleland Perry
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (RANZCR) recognised the importance of experience in on‐call and emergency radiology for first‐year registrars by introducing ‘Key conditions in Year 1 training’. This list of common radiological pathologies can help to focus preparations for new registrars as they prepare for after‐hours duties.

Methods

The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) implemented a 12‐week formal training programme, based on this curriculum, for new registrars prior to commencing after‐hours work. Its impact was assessed by an image recognition and interpretation examination that was administered to registrars before and after training.

Results

Examination results revealed that the prescribed training programme significantly increased both the rate and accuracy of reporting, and that improvements in speed were not at the expense of accuracy. Furthermore, it showed that a 12‐week training programme was able to improve novice radiology registrars’ ability to detect radiological abnormalities above that of experienced emergency department clinicians. Performances of consultant radiologists were used as a ‘gold standard’ control.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates the value of a formal training programme in preparing registrars for extended after‐hours reporting duties and contributing to important departmental service provision.
Resale price maintenance and manufacturer competition for retail services
Authors: Hunold Matthias , Muthers Johannes
Published: February 2017

We investigate the incentives of two manufacturers with common retailers to use resale price maintenance (RPM). Retailers provide product‐specific services that increase demand and manufacturers use minimum RPM to compete for favorable retail services for their products. Minimum RPM increases consumer prices and can create a prisoner's dilemma for manufacturers without increasing, and possibly even reducing, the overall level of retail services. If manufacturer market power is asymmetric, minimum RPM may distort the allocation of services toward the high‐priced products of the manufacturer with more market power. These results challenge the service argument as an efficiency defense for minimum RPM.
Mediated audits
Authors: Pollrich Martin
Published: February 2017

I study optimal contracting where the principal can verify the agent's private information via auditing but cannot contractually commit to audit frequency. Optimal contracting requires sophisticated communication: the agent reports his information to a mediator, who randomly selects a contract. Mediation allows for fine‐tuning the information flow, because the principal observes the selected contract but not the agent's report. Simply offering a menu of contracts is, in general, not optimal. I characterize optimal mediated contracts, determine conditions for when auditing is profitable, and analyze contractual distortions. Mediated contracts can be implemented via negotiated rulemaking procedures, and potentially via sequential communication.
Optimal contracts for research agents
Authors: Shan Yaping
Published: February 2017

We study the agency problem between a firm and its research employees under several scenarios characterized by different Research and Development (R&D) unit setups. In a multiagent dynamic contracting setting, we describe the precise pattern of the optimal contract. We illustrate that the optimal incentive regime is a function of how agents' efforts interact with one another: relative performance evaluation is used when their efforts are substitutes, whereas joint performance evaluation is used when their efforts are complements. The optimal contract pattern provides a theoretical justification for the compensation policies used by firms that rely on R&D.
Can mergers increase output? Evidence from the lodging industry
Authors: Kalnins Arturs , Froeb Luke , Tschantz Steven
Published: February 2017

We find that hotel mergers increase occupancy. In some specifications, price also rises. Because these effects occur only in markets with high capacity utilization and high uncertainty, we reject simple models of price or quantity competition in favor of models of “revenue management,” where firms price to fill available capacity in the face of uncertain demand.
Provider performance reports and consumer welfare
Authors: Mak Henry Y.
Published: February 2017

A provider's performance report consists of his service average outcome and volume. The two variables depend on the provider's private quality type and current demand, but he can raise his average outcome by dumping vulnerable consumers. Prospective consumers infer providers' qualities from their reports. Performance reporting drives some providers to dump consumers when competition is intense, but it may not reveal providers' qualities when their average quality is high. Statistical adjustment aiming at making reports independent of consumer characteristics can lead to more dumping, less informative reports, or both. There is more dumping when volume information is withheld and less dumping when ratings information is coarse.
A Novel Emergency Department‐based Community Notification Method for Clinical Research Without Consent
Authors: O'Malley Gerald F. , Giraldo Patricia , Deitch Kenneth , Aguilera Elizabeth Andrea , Cadar Sorin , Lares Claudia , O'Malley Rika Nagakuni , Oqroshidze Nino , Verma Manisha , Chudnofsky Carl
Published: February 2017

Objective

We used an emergency department (ED)‐based method to provide targeted, individualized consultation; community notification; and public disclosure and collect data regarding willingness to participate in prospective resuscitation research requiring waiver of consent.

Methods

We conducted a prospective survey of convenience cohort in an urban ED. We targeted the community of ED patients with pulmonary disease for individualized notification and public disclosure using a 1) large poster, 2) scripted oral presentation describing an emergency intubation clinical trial, and 3) video demonstration.

Results

Approximately 10% of our annual ED census, 6,936 subjects, enrolled. Of that total, 29 were also subjects in a prospective coincident endotracheal resuscitation intubation study, which enrolled a total of 262 subjects. ED community notification was provided to 22 of the 29 (75.9%) subjects prior to the visit during which they were intubated (13 agreed to participate, six declined, and three undecided) and seven of the 29 subjects subsequent to enrollment in the intubation study (five agreed to participate and two undecided). Fourteen of the 29 patients who participated in both projects had undergone endotracheal intubation at least once prior to community notification: 10 agreed to participate in the study, two declined, and two were undecided.

Conclusions

Emergency department–based community notification and public disclosure is a viable way to provide information to a target population and collect data about the success of the notification. Feedback data collection is critical to an ethical understanding of the success of community notification for the institutional review board and investigators. Collection of feedback data should be required as a subject protection for exception from informed consent in emergency settings.
Platelet‐derived microparticles and soluble factors differentially regulate human endometrial epithelial cell movement
Authors: Suginami Koh , Sato Yukiyasu , Horie Akihito , Matsumoto Hisanori , Tani Hirohiko , Mizumoto Yasunari , Ono Masanori , Matsuoka Ayumi , Kyo Satoru , Araki Yoshihiko , Konishi Ikuo , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

Problem

We previously proposed that platelets promote re‐epithelialization during menstruation. As cell movement is one of the important cell behaviors in the process of tissue remodeling, we examined the effects of platelets on endometrial epithelial cell invasion.

Method of Study

The platelets were isolated from healthy women. Using a human endometrial epithelial cell‐derived immortalized cell line, EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells, we examined the effects of platelets and platelet‐derived condition media with or without microparticles on the morphological and invasive properties of EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells.

Results

Platelets and microparticle‐containing conditioned media inhibited Matrigel invasion by EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells along with an increase in cortical ring formation, whereas microparticle‐depleted conditioned media promoted their invasion without any significant changes of cortical ring formation.

Conclusion

These results support our previous proposal and newly suggest the dual roles of platelets: platelet‐derived soluble factors that promote cell movement in the distant area, and microparticles that induce re‐epithelialization by endometrial epithelial cells in the proximal area.
Efficacy, safety and tolerability of the CCR1 antagonist BAY 86‐5047 for the treatment of endometriosis‐associated pelvic pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trummer Dietmar , Walzer Anja , Groettrup‐Wolfers Esther , Schmitz Heinz
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Antagonism of CC chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) may provide a novel treatment approach for women with symptomatic endometriosis. Studies of CCR1 antagonists in these patients have not been reported.

Material and methods

Women (n = 110; 18–45 years) with symptomatic endometriosis were randomized to BAY 86‐5047 or placebo for 12 weeks. Pelvic pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and women recorded the intake of pain medication in a diary. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of the absolute change in VAS score and the cumulative change in consumption of analgesics between baseline and the end of treatment. Safety assessments included adverse events, blood and urine evaluation and electrocardiography.

Results

Mean VAS scores decreased from 64.8 mm at baseline to 49.2 mm at week 12 in the BAY 86‐5047 group and from 67.2 mm to 47.8 mm in the placebo group. The proportion of women using analgesics decreased from 33.9% to 11.5% or from 44.4% to 15.4% for patients who received BAY 86‐5047 or placebo, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two treatment groups in terms of change in VAS scores (p = 0.45) or intake of analgesics (p = 0.82). A three‐step sensitivity analysis failed to show superiority of BAY 86‐5047 over placebo (p = 0.67). BAY 86‐5047 was well tolerated and no significant safety concerns arose during the study.

Conclusions

Based on these results, BAY 86‐5047 is unlikely to be useful in the treatment of women with endometriosis‐associated pelvic pain.
Review suggests that the immunoregulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties of allergenic foods can provoke oral tolerance if introduced early to infants’ diets
Authors: Mermiri Despina‐Zoe T. , Lappa Theodora , Papadopoulou Athina L.
Published: February 2017

For years, the advice was to postpone introducing allergenic foods, in order to prevent food allergies. However, food allergies have escalated rather than declined and our review of the latest epidemiological, immunological and nutritional research suggests that early weaning practices may be beneficial. The most allergenic foods, such as fish, eggs and peanuts, have proved to be inherently rich in tolerogenic substances that can play a significant role in preventing allergies.

Conclusion

We found evidence that the immunoregulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties of allergenic foods can provoke oral tolerance if introduced early to both low‐risk and high‐risk infants.
Social and health‐related factors associated with refraining from seeking dental care: A cross‐sectional population study
Authors: Berglund Erik , Westerling Ragnar , Lytsy Per
Published: February 2017

Background

Social inequities are considered to affect healthcare utilization, whereas less is known about the factors associated with refraining from seeking dental care. This study aimed to investigate whether people with no social support, long‐term illness, caregiver burden and low socioeconomic status (SES) refrained from seeking dental care in higher proportion than the general Swedish population.

Methods

This study used cross‐sectional questionnaire data from repeated nationwide health surveys during 2004‐2013 of a total of 90 845 people. The questionnaire included questions on demographic characteristics, social support, long‐term illness, caregiving burden, SES and dental care‐seeking behaviour. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, correlation analyses and logistic regressions were used to investigate associations between independent variables and dental care‐seeking behaviour.

Results

In the total sample, 15.1% of respondents reported refraining from seeking dental care. Having no emotional social support or having no instrumental social support was separately associated with reporting refraining from seeking dental care in adjusted multivariate models (odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18‐1.34 and OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.67‐2.13, respectively). Having a long‐term illness was associated with refraining from seeking dental care in adjusted models (adjusted OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.35‐1.51). Furthermore, being an informal caregiver was associated with refraining from seeking dental care (adjusted OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.23). Low SES was associated with higher refraining from seeking dental care; the strongest association was with having financial problems (adjusted OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 3.19‐4.00). Interaction effects were found between education level and SES, and between social support and long‐term illness, and the outcome.

Conclusions

The findings in this study imply that having no social support, having long‐term illness, being informal caregiver or having financial problems are factors associated with reporting refraining from seeking dental care, on a population basis.
Relationship between epigenetic regulation, dietary habits, and the developmental origins of health and disease theory
Authors: Mochizuki Kazuki , Hariya Natsuyo , Honma Kazue , Goda Toshinao
Published: February 2017

Environmental stressors during developmental stages are hypothesized to increase the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric diseases during later life. This theory is known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Recent studies suggest that accumulation of environmental stress, including those during developmental stages, is internalized as acquired information designated as “epigenetic memory.” This epigenetic memory is generally indicated as DNA methylation and histone modifications in the chromatin. In general, the demethylation of CpG islands induces histone acetylation and associated changes from heterochromatin to euchromatin, and enhances transcriptional activation. These changes are induced by the binding of transcriptional factors to cis‐elements located on promoter and enhancer regions and the associated binding of histone acetyl‐transferase and the transcription initiation complex. Recent studies have demonstrated novel epigenetic modifications that regulate transcription elongation steps by activating histone acetylation and bromodomain‐containing protein 4, which contains two bromodomains to bind acetylated histones, on the gene body (transcribed region). Gene expression alterations induced by carbohydrate signals and by changes in energy balance in the body are regulated by this model. In addition, induction of many metabolic genes, which are induced or reduced in adulthood by malnutrition during developmental stages, by intake of major nutrients, or development of lifestyle diseases in adulthood, are targeted by these novel epigenetic changes. In the present review, we introduce epigenetic regulations and the relationship with nutrient intake, and discuss links between epigenetic regulation and the development of metabolic diseases according to DOHaD.
Clinical application of ACMG‐AMP guidelines in HNF1A and GCK variants in a cohort of MODY families
Authors: Santana L.S. , Caetano L.A. , Costa‐Riquetto A.D. , Quedas E.P.S. , Nery M. , Collett‐Solberg P. , Boguszewski M.C.S. , Vendramini M.F. , Crisostomo L.G. , Floh F.O. , Zarabia Z.I. , Kohara S.K. , Guastapaglia L. , Passone C.G.B. , Sewaybricker L.E. , Jorge A.A.L. , Teles M.G.
Published: February 2017

Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a form of monogenic diabetes with autosomal dominant inheritance.
GCK
‐MODY and
HNF1A
‐MODY are the prevalent subtypes. Currently, there is growing concern regarding the correct interpretation of molecular genetic findings. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) updated guidelines to interpret and classify molecular variants. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MODY (
GCK
/
HNF1A
) in a large cohort of Brazilian families, to report variants related to phenotype, and to classify them according to ACMG guidelines. One hundred and nine probands were investigated, 45% with clinical suspicion of
GCK
‐MODY and 55% with suspicion of
HNF1A
‐MODY. Twenty‐five different variants were identified in
GCK
gene (30 probands—61% of positivity), and 7 variants in
HNF1A
(10 probands—17% of positivity). Fourteen of them were novel (12—
GCK
/2—
HNF1A
). ACMG guidelines were able to classify a large portion of variants as pathogenic (36%—
GCK
/86%—
HNF1A
) and likely pathogenic (44%—
GCK
/14%—
HNF1A
), with 16% (5/32) as uncertain significance. This allows us to determine the pathogenicity classification more efficiently, and also reinforces the suspected associations with the phenotype among novel variants.
Plasma biomarker levels and non‐obstructive coronary artery disease determined by coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Brolin Elin B. , Agewall Stefan , Cederlund Kerstin , Ekenbäck Christina , Henareh Loghman , Malmqvist Karin , Rück Andreas , Svensson Anders , Tornvall Per
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and several circulating biomarkers have prognostic value regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, but their association is incompletely studied. We aimed to investigate whether markers of lipid metabolism, inflammation and kidney function could predict non‐obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) determined by coronary CTA, in a low‐to‐intermediate‐risk group.

Methods

Coronary CTA and laboratory testing were performed for 115 subjects (45–70 years), with low prevalence of CVD risk factors, predominantly low‐to‐intermediate Framingham risk and normal or mildly reduced kidney function.

Results

Forty‐nine (43%) had no CAD at coronary CTA, and 66 (57%) had CAD in ≥1 segment (stenosis < 50%). Adiponectin was inversely associated with CAD, and lipoprotein(a) and cystatin C were associated with CAD at coronary CTA. In multivariable logistic regression, cystatin C remained an independent predictor of CAD (OR: 2·50, 95% CI: 1·12–5·59). Cystatin C also correlated to the number of diseased segments (rs = 0·25, P<0·01).

Conclusion

Higher plasma levels of cystatin C were associated with non‐obstructive CAD at coronary CTA in subjects with low‐to‐intermediate CVD risk and normal to mildly reduced kidney function.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided tumor ablation
Authors: Lakhtakia Sundeep , Seo Dong‐Wan
Published: February 2017

Real‐time guidance of needle advancement has transformed endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) from a diagnostic to an interventional procedure. EUS‐guided fine‐needle puncture has application in various interventional procedures (drainage of pseudocyst, biliary intervention, and injection of drugs). Celiac plexus or ganglion neurolysis for pain control is the major current EUS‐guided fine‐needle injection procedure. Feasibility and safety to accurately position needle devices and/or inject under real‐time EUS imaging with precise delivery of interventional agent have expanded the use of EUS to ablate tumors. These include radiofrequency ablation, or delivery of fiducial markers, potential antitumor agents, or radioactive seeds, in the cancer mass. Minimally invasive EUS‐guided antitumor therapy is primarily used for pancreatic cancer because of better anatomic access (vs other imaging modality) and the dismal prognosis (despite improvements in surgery and chemoradiation). Also, the response to parenteral chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer is poor because of suboptimal drug delivery resulting from hypovascularity and abundant desmoplasia. Other targets for EUS‐guided tumor ablation are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pancreatic cyst lesion, which are less aggressive and curable by resection. However, patients non‐eligible for surgery may benefit from local EUS‐guided ablation.
“Coerced Loss and Ambivalent Preservation”: Racial Melancholia in American Born Chinese
Authors: Sarigianides Sophia Tatiana
Published: February 2017

Recent applications of Freud's theory examine the social value of the lost love object as a way of understanding the suffering of non‐majority groups. Rather than pathologizing the individual suffering the loss, the lens of racial melancholia pathologizes the discourse that constitutes racially marked others as alien to the majority. Through a close reading of image and text, Sophia Tatiana Sarigianides applies David Eng and Shinhee Han's theory of racial melancholia to Gene Luen Yang's graphic novel American Born Chinese. Sarigianides argues that texts such as American Born Chinese provide grounds for a public language for examining the suffering that ensues from the failure of assimilation as a desired outcome for immigrants in the United States.
Death by Numbers: A Response to Backer, Sarigianides, and Stillwaggon
Authors: Taubman Peter
Published: February 2017

In this response essay, Peter Taubman considers the relationship between melancholia and Freud's notion of a death drive. Taubman explores how audit culture sustains melancholia and intensifies the death drive, ultimately deadening our psyches by erasing memory, disparaging feelings, shutting down thought, and ignoring history. Taubman concludes with a suggestion that educators once again integrate discussions of Eros, or love, in their approaches to curriculum and teaching.
Damage by Neonectria neomacrospora and Adelges piceae in provenance trials of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in Denmark
Authors: Skulason B. , Hansen O. K. , Thomsen I. M. , Talgø V. , Nielsen U. B.
Published: February 2017

Field trials of Abies lasiocarpa were undertaken with the aim of assessing the potential for Christmas tree production in Denmark. Twenty‐six provenances originating from Alaska to New Mexico were tested. Damage by the insect Adelges piceae and the fungus Neonectria neomacrospora was recorded for the first time 8 and 12 years after the initial planting. Damage from N. neomacrospora increased rapidly in the period 12–15 years after planting. Trees from the northern provenances and humid climates exhibited less damage than those from southern ones. Previous attack by A. piceae had a minor effect on N. neomacrospora infection. Greenhouse tests showed that detached shoots from healthy Abies lasiocarpa can be used to rank provenances for resistance to N. neomacrospora, but results varied according to host subspecies.
Models projecting the fate of fish populations under climate change need to be based on valid physiological mechanisms
Authors: Lefevre Sjannie , McKenzie David J. , Nilsson Göran E.
Published: February 2017

Some recent modelling papers projecting smaller fish sizes and catches in a warmer future are based on erroneous assumptions regarding (i) the scaling of gills with body mass and (ii) the energetic cost of ‘maintenance’. Assumption (i) posits that insurmountable geometric constraints prevent respiratory surface areas from growing as fast as body volume. It is argued that these constraints explain allometric scaling of energy metabolism, whereby larger fishes have relatively lower mass‐specific metabolic rates. Assumption (ii) concludes that when fishes reach a certain size, basal oxygen demands will not be met, because of assumption (i). We here demonstrate unequivocally, by applying accepted physiological principles with reference to the existing literature, that these assumptions are not valid. Gills are folded surfaces, where the scaling of surface area to volume is not constrained by spherical geometry. The gill surface area can, in fact, increase linearly in proportion to gill volume and body mass. We cite the large body of evidence demonstrating that respiratory surface areas in fishes reflect metabolic needs, not vice versa, which explains the large interspecific variation in scaling of gill surface areas. Finally, we point out that future studies basing their predictions on models should incorporate factors for scaling of metabolic rate and for temperature effects on metabolism, which agree with measured values, and should account for interspecific variation in scaling and temperature effects. It is possible that some fishes will become smaller in the future, but to make reliable predictions the underlying mechanisms need to be identified and sought elsewhere than in geometric constraints on gill surface area. Furthermore, to ensure that useful information is conveyed to the public and policymakers about the possible effects of climate change, it is necessary to improve communication and congruity between fish physiologists and fisheries scientists.
Cultural influences in acquiescent response: A study of trainer evaluation biases
Authors: Chen Hsien‐Chun , Chen I‐Heng , Lin Szu‐Yin , Chen Yichieh
Published: February 2017

The current study is developed to identify factors that affect trainees’ acquiescent tendency in organizational trainer evaluations. We posit that conflict‐handling style affects ones tendency to acquiesce in trainer evaluations, and this relationship is regulated by cultural influence. Surveys were sent to employees with training experience in Taiwan and North America, 395 valid responses were collected. Results showed that the two individual conflict‐handling styles: non‐confrontation style and dominating style, are positively related to acquiescent tendency; and their relationship is found moderated by the influence of Confucian work dynamism, thus confirming the influence of cultural norms. Our findings contribute to HRD practitioners by highlighting the different conflict‐handling style and culture influence will result in different level of acquiescent propensity, trainer evaluations results should be interpreted more carefully and cautiously.
Contextualized personality measures in employee selection: Extending frame‐of‐reference research with job applicant samples
Authors: Fisher David M. , Cunningham Sydnie , Kerr Alison J. , Allscheid Steven P.
Published: February 2017

This study compared contextualized and non‐contextualized personality measures in operational hiring situations, unlike previous research which has largely relied on student or job incumbent samples. Comparisons were made with regard to (A) the frames‐of‐reference adopted by applicants when responding to the measures, (B) relations with subsequent employment interview scores, (C) applicant reactions, and (D) mean scores for the personality scales. The findings highlight potential concerns with using non‐contextualized personality measures for employee selection, as job applicants will likely adopt various frames‐of‐reference unrelated to the intended focus of measurement (i.e., work). Results also indicated that it may be premature to assume contextualized measures elicit improved applicant reactions despite their apparent job‐relatedness. The discussion concludes with suggested directions for future research.
The role of put option contracts in supply chain management under inflation
Authors: Wan Nana , Chen Xu
Published: February 2017

This paper considers a supply chain consisting of a supplier who manufactures one type of perishable products characterized by a long lead time and a retailer who purchases the products from the supplier and sells them to end consumers. In order to hedge against the risks of price and demand caused by inflation, portfolio contracts with put options, namely, a combination of wholesale price contracts and put option contracts, are adopted by the retailer to obtain the products from the supplier. We characterize the optimal ordering and production policies for the retailer and the supplier in the presence of put option contracts under inflation. By comparing with the case without put option contracts, we discuss the effect of put option contracts on the supply chain and prove that the usage of put option contracts benefits these two members under inflation. Through several numerical examples, we illustrate the effect of inflation on the supply chain with and without put option contracts. On this basis, we design a feasible supply chain coordination strategy based on put option contracts under inflation.
Exactness of the absolute value penalty function method for nonsmooth ‐invex optimization problems
Authors: Antczak Tadeusz
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the classical exact absolute value penalty function method is used for solving a new class of nonconvex nonsmooth optimization problems. Nonconvex nondifferentiable optimization problems with both inequality and equality constraints are considered here, in which not all functions constituting them have the fundamental property of convex functions and most classes of generalized convex functions—namely, a stationary point of such a function is its global minimum. It is proved for such nonconvex optimization problems that there exists a finite threshold of penalty parameters equal to the largest absolute value of a Lagrange multiplier such that, for every penalty parameter exceeding this lower bound, there is the equivalence between an optimal solution in the original constrained minimization problem with ‐invex functions and a minimizer in its associated penalized optimization problem with the exact l1 penalty function. Further, under nondifferentiable ‐invexity assumptions, a characterization of a saddle point of the Lagrange function, defined for the considered constrained optimization problem in terms of minimizers of its associated exact penalized optimization problem with the exact l1 penalty function, is presented.
Differential Gene Expression in Five Isolates of the Clam Pathogen, Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX)
Authors: Rubin Ewelina , Tanguy Arnaud , Pales Espinosa Emmanuelle , Allam Bassem
Published: February 2017

Quahog parasite unknown (QPX) is a thraustochytrid protist that infects the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, causing significant economic losses along the northeastern coast of North America. Previous investigations noted differences in growth dynamics and virulence in QPX cells from different geographic locations. In order to probe the molecular determinants for these variations, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of five geographically distinct QPX isolates using custom 15k 60‐mer oligonucleotide arrays. A total of 1,263 transcripts were differentially expressed (DE) among the five QPX isolates. The hierarchical clustering of gene expression profiles showed that the QPX isolates from Raritan Bay (RB, NY) and from Provincetown Harbor (MA) were more similar to each other and diverged from QPX isolates from Peconic Bay (PB, NY) and Old Plantation Creek (VA), which had more similar gene expression profiles. The most prominent difference was based on 78 transcripts coding for heat shock proteins DE between the five QPX isolates. The study generated contrasting transcriptomic profiles for QPX isolated from northern (MA) and deeper (RB, NY) locations as compared to southern (VA) and shallower (PB, NY) areas, suggesting the adaptation of the parasite to local environmental, in particular temperature, conditions.
Effect of meat aging on survival of MS2 bacteriophage as a surrogate of enteric viruses on lamb meat
Authors: Pezeshki P. , Yavarmanesh M. , Habibi Najafi M. B. , Abbaszadegan M. , Mohebbi M.
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the role of meat aging process on survival of male specific bacteriophage MS2 on meat. MS2 was used as a viral surrogate to study the impact of aging on enteric viruses on lamb meat. They were spiked at concentration of 10, 103, and 105 pfu on lamb chops sliced into cuts of meats at 10 × 10 × 1.5 cm3, and were stored at 4 °C for 14 days. Physicochemical characteristics such as pH, oxidation‐reduction potential, water holding capacity and total count of mesophilic bacteria as well as MS2 were measured during the aging. The results indicated that the aging were not sufficient to completely inactivate all spiked MS2 on the lamb meat. However, physicochemical changes during muscle convert to meat significantly reduced MS2 survival (p < .05). The results also indicated that by increasing the spiked concentration of MS2, the survival rate of virus was significantly increased (p < .05).

Practical applications

Meat is one of the most consumed foods around the world that can be considered as a source of food borne illnesses. There are increasing concerns regarding zoonotic transmission of some animal enteric viruses which are closely related to human‐pathogenic strains via meat and other animal products. However, little research has been conducted on the survival of enteric viruses in meat. Given the novel results of this study, it can be concluded that although physicochemical changes during muscle conversion to meat reduced virus survival, aging process is not sufficient for complete inactivation of viruses. So, the safety of food depends on proper treatment processes and level of contamination of food products.
Effect of Physical Activity on Self‐Reported Disability in Older Adults: Results from the LIFE Study
Authors: Manini Todd M. , Beavers Daniel P. , Pahor Marco , Guralnik Jack M. , Spring Bonnie , Church Timothy S. , King Abby C. , Folta Sara C. , Glynn Nancy W. , Marsh Anthony P. , Gill Thomas M. ,   the LIFE study investigators
Published: February 2017

Background/Objectives

To test the hypothesis that a long‐term structured, moderate intensity physical activity (PA) program is more effective than a health education (HE) program in reducing the risk of s elf‐reported dependency and disability in basic activities of daily living (BADLs), disability in instrumental ADLs (IADL), and mobility disability.

Design

The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) study was a multicenter, single‐blinded randomized trial.

Setting

University‐based research clinic.

Participants

Thousand six hundred and thirty five sedentary men and women aged 70–89 years, who had functional limitations, defined as a score ≤9 on the Short Physical Performance Battery.

Intervention

Participants were randomized to a structured, moderate intensity PA program (n = 818) that included aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises or to a HE program (n = 817).

Measurements

All outcomes were derived by self‐report using periodic interviews that asked about the degree of difficulty and receipt of help during the past month. Dependency was defined as “receiving assistance” or “unable” to do ≥1 activities. Disability was defined as having “a lot of difficulty” or “unable” doing ≥1 activities. Severe disability was defined as reporting difficulty or being unable to perform ≥3 activities.

Results

Over an average follow‐up of 2.6 years, the cumulative incidence of BADL dependency was 15.2% among PA and 15.1% among HE participants (HR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.78–0.1.3). Intervention groups had similar rates of incident BADL disability, IADL disability and reported mobility disability. Reporting severe mobility disability (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64–0.96) and ratings of difficulty on mobility tasks were reduced in the PA group.

Conclusion

A structured physical activity intervention reduces reported severe mobility disability and difficulty on mobility tasks, but not BADL and IADL disability in older adults with functional limitations.
C‐reactive protein in the detection of post‐stroke infections: systematic review and individual participant data analysis
Authors: Bustamante Alejandro , Vilar‐Bergua Andrea , Guettier Sophie , Sánchez‐Poblet Josep , García‐Berrocoso Teresa , Giralt Dolors , Fluri Felix , Topakian Raffi , Worthmann Hans , Hug Andreas , Molnar Tihamer , Waje‐Andreassen Ulrike , Katan Mira , Smith Craig J. , Montaner Joan
Published: February 2017

We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis to explore the role of C‐reactive protein (CRP) in early detection or prediction of post‐stroke infections. CRP, an acute‐phase reactant binds to the phosphocholine expressed on the surface of dead or dying cells and some bacteria, thereby activating complement and promoting phagocytosis by macrophages. We searched PubMed up to May‐2015 for studies measuring CRP in stroke and evaluating post‐stroke infections. Individual participants’ data were merged into a single database. CRP levels were standardized and divided into quartiles. Factors independently associated with post‐stroke infections were determined by logistic regression analysis and the additional predictive value of CRP was assessed by comparing areas under receiver operating characteristic curves and integrated discrimination improvement index. Data from seven studies including 699 patients were obtained. Standardized CRP levels were higher in patients with post‐stroke infections beyond 24 h. Standardized CRP levels in the fourth quartile were independently associated with infection in two different logistic regression models, model 1 [stroke severity and dysphagia, odds ratio = 9.70 (3.10–30.41)] and model 2 [age, sex, and stroke severity, odds ratio = 3.21 (1.93–5.32)]. Addition of CRP improved discrimination in both models [integrated discrimination improvement = 9.83% (0.89–18.77) and 5.31% (2.83–7.79), respectively], but accuracy was only improved for model 1 (area under the curve 0.806–0.874, p = 0.036). In this study, CRP was independently associated with development of post‐stroke infections, with the optimal time‐window for measurement at 24–48 h. However, its additional predictive value is moderate over clinical information. Combination with other biomarkers in a panel seems a promising strategy for future studies.

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Tissue oxygen saturation levels from fetus to neonate
Authors: Mukai Mari , Uchida Toshiyuki , Itoh Hiroaki , Suzuki Hikaru , Niwayama Masatsugu , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: February 2017

Aim

Oxygen saturation during the term of delivery to the first cry, when fetal circulation dynamically changes, has not yet been examined. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether the continuous measurement of regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) from crowning until 5 min after delivery is possible using fetal tissue oximetry with a sensor attached to the examiner's finger.

Methods

Oxygen saturation levels in fetal cranial tissue between the second stage of delivery to crowning and up to 5 min after delivery were measured using fetal tissue oximetry with a sensor attached to the examiner's finger. Thirty‐five deliveries were examined, and oxygen saturation was measured in seven infants from delivery of the head until 5 min after birth. Umbilical cord blood gas was measured in all cases. This clinical test was performed under the permission of the Ethics Committee of Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.

Results

Average tissue oxygen saturation in the second stage of delivery and at 5 min after delivery were 50.3 ± 16.3% and 56.8 ± 8.46%, respectively. In cases of continuous measurement, average rSO2 for crowning, immediately after delivery, and the first cry was 32.7 ± 9.5%, 30.0 ± 6.6%, and 31.6 ± 5.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

We herein successfully measured oxygen saturation levels in fetal cranial tissue during crowning, delivery of the head, the first cry, and 5 min after delivery using fetal tissue oximetry with a sensor attached to the examiner's finger.
Toward a Framework for Designing Person–Centered Mental Health Interiors for Veterans
Authors: Platt Lisa Sundahl , Bosch Sheila J. , Kim Daejin
Published: February 2017

The Veteran's Administration (VA), recognizing the potential influence that nurturing interior environments may have on patient well–being, has been designing and constructing mental health settings intended to calm, restore, and revive. Unfortunately, limited research investigates the links between the interior environment and mental health outcomes that can be used for guiding the design for these facilities. This paper seeks to provide a framework for designing person–centered mental health interiors that would be supportive of human factors for a healthcare organization's clinical and operational staff as well as Veterans. The framework is intended to assist healthcare providers in achieving mental health aims through thoughtful, evidence–based, person–centered design. Based on a review of the literature and case study investigations of three VA acute inpatient mental health units in the United States, the framework is comprised of six domains: Involve, Protect, Engage, Comfort, Personalize, and Sustain. These domains, informed by existing credible research and best practices, were vetted through post–hoc analysis of qualitative data gathered from interviews, focus groups, and/or listening sessions conducted with the three sites. The resultant Framework for Designing Person–Centered Mental Health Interiors for Veterans, developed based on the data and methodologies used in conducting this study, is meant as a complementary resource for informing future research, planning, design, and operation of acute inpatient mental health spaces. The research team's aim was to develop an accessible set of evidence–based environmental planning considerations to aid in the prioritization and development of person–centered mental health environments.