bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of temporal focus and self-congruence on consumer preference and willingness to pay
Authors: Tan Teck Ming , Salo Jari , Juntunen Jouni , Kumar Ashish
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the psychological mechanism that motivates consumers to pay more for a preferred brand that reflects their actual or ideal self-concept, by examining the shift in attention between consumer’s present, future, and past moments.

Design/methodology/approach

First, in a survey setting, the study identifies the relationship between temporal focus and self-congruence. Subsequently, we conduct three experiments to capture the effects of temporal focus on brand preference and willingness to pay (WTP). In these experiments, we manipulate consumers’ self-congruence and temporal focus.

Findings

The findings show that consumers with a present focus (distant future and distant past foci) tend to evaluate a brand more preferably when the brand serves to reflect their actual (ideal) selves. However, in the absence of present focus consumers’ WTP is more for a brand that reflects their ideal selves.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not have an actual measure on consumers’ WTP; instead we use single-item measure.

Practical implications

This study sheds new light on branding strategy. The results suggest that authentic and aspirational branding strategies are relevant to publicly consumed products. Brand managers could incorporate consumers’ temporal focus into branding strategy that could significantly influence consumer preference and WTP for their brands.

Originality/value

This study expands our understanding of brand usage imagery congruity by showing that temporal focus is an important determinant of self-congruence. In this regard, this study empirically investigates the relationship of temporal focus, self-congruence, brand preference, and WTP. It further reveals that mere brand preference does not necessarily lead consumers to pay more for symbolic brands.
Non-linear stability analysis of micropolar fluid lubricated journal bearings with turbulent effect
Authors: Das Subrata , Guha Sisir Kumar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of turbulence on the stability characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-dimensional transient Reynolds equation has been solved to obtain the non-dimensional pressure field which in turn used to obtain the load carrying capacity of the bearing. The second-order equations of motion applicable for journal bearing system have been solved using fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to obtain the stability characteristics.

Findings

It has been observed that turbulence has adverse effect on stability and the whirl ratio at laminar flow condition has the lowest value.

Practical implications

The paper provides the stability characteristics of the finite journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid operating in turbulent regime which is very common in practical applications.

Originality/value

Non-linear stability analysis of micropolar fluid lubricated journal bearing operating in turbulent regime has not been reported in literatures so far. This paper is an effort to address the problem of non-linear stability of journal bearings under micropolar lubrication with turbulent effect. The results obtained provide useful information for designing the journal bearing system for high speed applications.
Co-producing digitally-enabled courses that promote desistance in prison and probation settings
Authors: Morris Jason , Knight Victoria
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out an approach to innovation in criminal justice settings that gives service users a “voice” through the co-production of digital content designed for services that promote desistance. The authors describe the benefits and challenges of involving service users in co-creating mediated digital content within a co-production framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a new methodology for developing desistance-oriented programmes. The authors draw on a distinctive co-production exemplar within a prison setting that captures the perspectives of people who have shared their voices and the authors begin to explore the impact that co-production has had for them and for the service.

Findings

The testimonies of service users involved in this exemplar provide insights into the benefits and challenges of co-production in the criminal justice system more broadly.

Practical implications

Co-production is a credible service design strategy for developing digital services in prisons and probation; Complementary Digital Media (CDM) provides a promising pedagogical approach to promoting desistance; CDM enables service users to share their voice and stories to assist their peers. Digitally enabled courses to promote desistance can be well suited to peer support delivery models.

Originality/value

CDM is a novel approach that uses co-production to create highly tailored content to promote desistance in discrete target groups. CDM can be used to digitalise processes within traditional offending behaviour programmes (OBPs). It can also enable the development of innovative toolkit approaches for flexible use within day-to-day therapeutic conversations between service users and criminal justice staff or peer supporters. CDM thereby offers practitioners in criminal justice settings an entirely new set of evidence-informed resources to engage service users.
Organizational social capital, resilience and innovation validation of a theoretical model for specialized workers
Authors: Fandiño Antonio Martinez , Formiga Nilton Soares , de Menezes Rui Manuel
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the interactions and their cause/effect consequences of three aspects present inside organizational realities, namely, organizational social capital (OSC), worker resilience and innovation derived from the workers.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study for analyzing the subjects was chosen. As a quantitative research approach, after the theoretical review, two possibilities were hypothesized for how they act as a system. In order to verify the hypotheses, the authors chose the structural equation model, a suitable instrument for this analysis, as a mathematical tool.

Findings

The results show that OSC is a mediator between resilience and innovation in the organizational dynamics. This suggests that workers’ resilience need OSC, acting as the mediator, to improve their level of innovation capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The study gives information at a specific point in time. Follow-up studies are needed to understand the phenomena’s transformation, and no distinction was made between exploratory and exploitative innovation. More empirical studies should be carried out to enhance its understanding.

Practical implications

These findings can help organizations deal better with these resources to reach their goals because the first, as stated in the purpose, is the amalgamated goodwill necessary for individuals to work together; the second is workers’ capacity to bounce back; and the last is the creativity inherent in people. All of which are significant for an enterprise thrive in its market.

Originality/value

The cited dynamic has few studies, and this work provides evidence about its existence and magnitude, shedding light on a critical factors’ relationship net, especially for enterprises based on the creativity of their workers.
Antecedents of co-development and its effect on innovation performance
Authors: Tsou Hung-Tai , Chen Ja-Shen , Yu Ya-Wen (Diana)
Published: November 2018

Purpose

In the contemporary business environment, companies must constantly consider methods to enhance their competitive advantage and create value for their customers. The purpose of this paper is to develop a research model based on a business ecosystem view. Within a business ecosystem, the authors identified the key factors of co-development and the manner in which these factors affect a company’s innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical hypotheses are confirmed by partial least squares analysis of survey responses collected from information and communication technology (ICT) and hotel industries in Taiwan.

Findings

In both industries, the results suggest that a firm’s co-development within its own ecosystem has positive effects on innovation performance. For companies in the ICT industry, collaborative networks and partner selection have significant impacts on the firms’ co-development, but their information technology (IT) capability does not; in contrast, in the hotel industry, partner selection and IT capability have significant impacts on firm co-development, but their collaborative network does not.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature of business ecosystem and co-development by offering a co-development model. As both conceptual and empirical research on this topic is still underdeveloped, this study provides fresh insights into collaboration management and offers significant theoretical and managerial implications from a business ecosystem perspective.
Developing a model for supply chain agility and innovativeness to enhance firms’ competitive advantage
Authors: Chen Chih-Jou
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Developing agility and innovativeness as dynamic capabilities are important for firms to sustain their competitive advantage in today’s global economy. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a framework to investigate how the supply chain agility and innovativeness are achieved through IT integration and trust in members of supply chain and how these, in turn, can enhance firms’ competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a survey method and data are collected from senior managers working in the supply chain or IT area. The model and hypotheses are tested utilizing data from 204 usable Taiwan manufacturing firms via structural equations modeling methodology.

Findings

The study demonstrates that both IT integration and trust in supply chain members significantly enhance supply chain agility and innovativeness, which in turn positively affect firm’s competitive advantage. The results indicate that IT integration and trust are antecedents and major joint partnership resources for improving supply chain agility and innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

Data are collected from manufacturing industry in Taiwan and single respondent from each firm, the generalizability of current findings to other industries or countries should require additional investigation.

Practical implications

The study suggests that a firm should focus on IT integration and trust in supply chain members to achieve supply chain agility and innovativeness. To take advantage of supply chain agility and innovativeness, through maximizing firm’s competitive advantage, firms should continually adapt to the fast changing business environment and search for creative ways to satisfy new market needs.

Originality/value

Given the attention paid to supply chain agility and innovativeness in terms of importance to responding to business uncertainty and competitiveness, and more recently, as important capabilities in managing supply chain management, this paper investigates how IT integration and trust can contribute to supply chain agility and innovativeness. Provide evidence regarding the impact of IT integration and trust on agility of supply chains, innovativeness and competitive advantage.
Information asymmetry and equity issue decision of low-leverage firms
Authors: Sony Bipin , Bhaduri Saumitra
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of information asymmetry in the equity issue decision of two categories of Indian firms with distinct levels of information asymmetry – levered firms and unlevered firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel empirical approach to compare these two categories of firms. Levered firms exposed to the debt markets are under the scrutiny of lenders, reducing their information asymmetry problems. On the other hand, unlevered firms, which are smaller firms with fewer tangible assets and no credit history suffers more information problems. The authors use a propensity score matching method to identify firms that share similar firm-specific characteristics in these groups and compare equity issues to analyze the impact of information asymmetry.

Findings

The results show that information asymmetry plays a key role in the equity issue decision of Indian firms. Additionally, the authors find that the trends and characteristics of low-leverage (LL) firms in India are comparable to the LL from developed economies, which is consistent with the findings that they face more information problems.

Originality/value

Unlike the conventional approach of using proxy variables to capture information asymmetry, this study uses a novel framework where the authors compare the equity issue decision of similar firms in two categories with different degrees of information asymmetry.
Stakeholder input into the implementation of a new music therapy program in a mental health service
Authors: Bibb Jennifer , Castle David , McFerran Katrina Skewes
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Music therapy programs are increasingly common and necessary in mental health services. However, there is little knowledge of the key factors which influence the successful implementation of new therapeutic programs. The purpose of this paper is to explore how stakeholder input influenced the implementation and sustainability of a new music therapy program in four services within a large government funded mental health department in Melbourne, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

For a period of 12 months, two cycles of assessment, action and evaluation were conducted where data were collected through interviews with staff members, feedback from consumers and attendance in sessions.

Findings

A number of influential factors were identified as important in the successful implementation and future sustainability of the music therapy program. These included: the degree of staff support received; how the program was structured and facilitated; promotion of the program within the service; evaluation of the program; and congruence with the existing therapeutic program.

Research limitations/implications

Results suggest that successful implementation and future sustainability of a music therapy program is dependent on the flexibility of the program to the context and culture of the existing setting.

Originality/value

This is the first study to incorporate contributions from stakeholders in the implementation of a new music therapy program in a mental health service.
Test for volatility spillover effects in Japan’s oil futures markets by a realized variance approach
Authors: Nakajima Tadahiro
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the paper examines the risk transmission between crude oil and petroleum product prices of Japan’s oil futures market. Second, it compares the performance of two tests for Granger causality using realized variance (RV) and the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (EGARCH) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The author measures the daily RV of crude oil, kerosene and gasoline futures listed on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange using high-frequency data, and he examines the Granger causality in variance between these variables using the vector autoregression model. Further, the author estimates the EGARCH model based on daily data and test for Granger causality in variance between commodity futures using Hong’s (2001) approach.

Findings

The results of the RV approach reveal that the hypothesis on the existence of a mutual volatility spillover between crude oil and petroleum product markets is accepted. However, the results of the conventional approach indicate that all the hypotheses on Granger causalities in variance are rejected. The methodology based on intraday high-frequency data exhibits higher power than the conventional approach based on daily data.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate Japan’s oil market using RV. The authors conclude that the approach based on RV is universally adoptable when testing for Granger causality in variance.
Associations between early maternal behaviours and child language at 36 months in a cohort experiencing adversity
Authors: Smith Jodie , Levickis Penny , Eadie Tricia , Bretherton Lesley , Conway Laura , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: November 2018

Background

Variations in parenting, more specifically less responsive and more directive parenting, contribute to language difficulties for children experiencing adversity. Further investigation of associations between specific responsive and directive behaviours and child language is required to understand how behaviours shape language over time within different populations. As language is dyadic, further exploration of how mother–child interactions moderate associations is also important.

Aims

To investigate associations between specific responsive and directive maternal behaviours, the quality of mother–child interaction (fluency and connectedness) and child language in a cohort experiencing adversity.

Methods & Procedures

Pregnant women experiencing adversity were recruited from maternity hospitals in Australia. At 12 months, videos of mother–infant free play were collected. Videos were coded for maternal behaviours and fluency and connectedness (n = 249). At 36 months, child language was measured using a standardized language test. Linear regression models were used to examine associations and the moderating role of fluency and connectedness was explored.

Outcomes & Results

Responsive yes/no questions were positively associated with language scores. Unsuccessful redirectives were negatively associated with language scores. The moderation effect of fluency and connectedness was equivocal in the current data.

Conclusions & Implications

Findings reproduce and extend previous research highlighting key features of mother–child interactions associated with child language trajectories. Findings also augment knowledge of risk and protective factors related to language for children experiencing adversity and highlight where targeted interventions might be successful.
Performance of an atrial fibrillation detection algorithm using continuous pulse wave monitoring
Authors: Kashiwa Asami , Koyama Fumio , Miyamoto Koji , Kamakura Tsukasa , Wada Mitsuru , Yamagata Kenichiro , Ishibashi Kohei , Inoue Yuko , Okamura Hideo , Nagase Satoshi , Noda Takashi , Aiba Takeshi , Watanabe Shinichiro , Goto Akihiro , Yasuda Satoshi , Kusano Kengo
Published: November 2018

Background

Detecting asymptomatic and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly important. Recently, we developed a wristwatch‐based pulse wave monitor (PWM; Seiko Epson, Japan) capable of long‐term recording, with an automatic diagnosis algorithm that uses frequency‐based pulse wave analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of continuous pulse wave monitoring for detection of AF.

Methods

During the electrophysiological study (EPS) in patients with AF, simultaneous pulse wave monitoring and Holter electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded (n = 136, mean age 62.7 ± 10.9 years). The diagnostic accuracy of the PWM for AF was compared to the Holter ECG diagnosis. Standard performance metrics (sensitivity [Se], specificity [Sp], positive predictive value [PPV], and negative predictive value [NPV]) were calculated. The duration‐based measurements were based on the diagnosis concordance ratios for the duration of time between diagnosis detected by the PWM and true diagnosis by the Holter ECG (AF or not AF). The episode‐based performance metrics were based on the proportion of episodes appropriately detected with the PWM relative to episodes determined by the Holter ECG.

Results

The total recording time was 1,542,770 s (AF: 270,945 s). A high diagnostic Sp (patient average: 96.4%, cumulative: 97.7%) and NPV (patient average: 95.1%, cumulative: 96.8%) were obtained in the duration‐based results. In the episode‐based metrics, all indices significantly improved with longer AF episode durations.

Conclusions

Continuous pulse wave monitoring can provide accurate and dependable information to aid in AF diagnosis. A high validity in confirming freedom from AF was shown by a high NPV.
Prevalence of penile curvature: a population‐based cross‐sectional study in metropolitan and rural cities in Australia
Authors: Chung Eric , Gillman Michael , Rushton Derren , Love Chris , Katz Darren
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of penile curvature and health‐seeking behaviour in Australian men.

Patients and Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional anonymous web‐based survey was designed, and men aged between 35 and 75 years in major and rural metropolitan cities across Australia were invited to participate. Respondents were screened for self‐reported symptoms of penile curvature and their impact on various psychosexual domains.

Results

Of a total of 1782 men who responded, 333 men (19%) reported a bend or curve in their penis and completed the main section of the questionnaire to address the impact of penile curvature on various psychosexual domains. A third of men with penile curvature (32%) reported penile curvature of ≥ 30°, with approximately equal proportions among the three age groups (33% in those aged 35–49 years, 37% in those aged 50–64 years, and 30% in those aged 65–75 years) and with no significant difference detected in the penile curvature characteristics between men in major metropolitan and those in rural cities across Australia. One in six men reported an adverse impact of penile curvature in their lives, complaining of penile pain or discomfort when they had an erection, while 26% of men were bothered by the appearance of their penis and 20% were bothered when they tried to have sexual intercourse. Men aged 35–49 years were more likely than those aged 65–75 years to be bothered by the penile curvature (31% vs 18%; P < 0.05) and men in the age group 65–75 years were twice as likely to have trouble with sexual intercourse compared with other age groups (39% vs 18%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This first population‐based study to estimate the prevalence of penile curvature in Australia highlighted that penile curvature is common and has a significant adverse impact on psychosexual functions.
NOTCH1 pathway activating mutations and clonal evolution in pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kimura Shunsuke , Seki Masafumi , Yoshida Kenichi , Shiraishi Yuichi , Akiyama Masaharu , Koh Katsuyoshi , Imamura Toshihiko , Manabe Atsushi , Hayashi Yasuhide , Kobayashi Masao , Oka Akira , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Takita Junko
Published: November 2018

Molecular mechanisms involved in the relapse of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) are not fully understood, although activating NOTCH1 signaling due to NOTCH1/FBXW7 alterations is a major oncogenic driver. To unravel the relevance of NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations associated with relapse, we performed whole–exome sequencing in 30 pediatric T‐ALL cases, among which 11 diagnosis‐relapse paired cases were further investigated to track the clonal evolution of relapse using amplicon–based deep sequencing. NOTCH1/FBXW7 alterations were detected in 73.3% (diagnosis) and 72.7% (relapse) of cases. Single nucleotide variations in the heterodimerization domain were the most frequent (40.0%) at diagnosis, whereas proline, glutamic acid, serine, threonine–rich (PEST) domain alterations were the most frequent at relapse (54.5%). Comparison between non–relapsed and relapsed cases at diagnosis showed a predominance of PEST alterations in relapsed cases (P = .045), although we failed to validate this in the TARGET cohort. Based on the clonal analysis of diagnosis‐relapse samples, we identified NOTCH1 “switching” characterized by different NOTCH1 mutations in a major clone between diagnosis and relapse samples in 2 out of 11 diagnosis‐relapse paired cases analyzed. We found another NOTCH1 “switching” case in a previously reported Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster cohort (n = 13), indicating NOTCH1 importance in both the development and progression of T‐ALL. Despite the limitations of having a small sample size and a non–minimal residual disease–based protocol, our results suggest that the presence of NOTCH1 mutations might contribute to the disease relapse of T‐ALL.
High‐dose preoperative cholecalciferol to prevent post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: A randomized, double‐blinded placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Rowe Christopher W. , Arthurs Sam , O’Neill Christine J. , Hawthorne Jacqueline , Carroll Rosemary , Wynne Katie , Bendinelli Cino
Published: November 2018

Objective

Post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia is a significant cause of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization, usually due to transient parathyroid gland damage, treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. We present a randomized, double‐blinded placebo‐controlled trial of preoperative loading with high‐dose cholecalciferol (300 000 IU) to reduce post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia.

Patients and Measurements

Patients (n = 160) presenting for thyroidectomy at tertiary hospitals were randomized 1:1 to cholecalciferol (300 000 IU) or placebo 7 days prior to thyroidectomy. Ten patients withdrew prior to surgery. The primary outcome was post‐operative hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium <2.1 mmol/L in first 180 days).

Results

The study included 150 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease (31%), malignancy (20%) and goitre (49%). Mean pre‐enrolment vitamin D was 72 ± 26 nmol/L. Postoperative hypocalcaemia occurred in 21/72 (29%) assigned to cholecalciferol and 30/78 (38%) participants assigned to placebo (P = 0.23). There were no differences in secondary end‐points between groups. In pre‐specified stratification, baseline vitamin D status did not predict hypocalcaemia, although most individuals were vitamin D replete at baseline. Post‐hoc stratification by day 1 parathyroid hormone (PTH) (<10 pg/mL, low vs ≥10 pg/mL, normal) was explored due to highly divergent rates of hypocalcaemia in these groups. Using a Cox regression model, the hazard ratio for hypocalcaemia in the cholecalciferol group was 0.56 (95%CI 0.32‐0.98, P = 0.04) after stratification for Day 1 PTH. Further clinical benefits were observed in these subgroups.

Conclusions

Pre‐thyroidectomy treatment with high‐dose cholecalciferol did not reduce the overall rate of hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy. In subgroups stratified by day 1 PTH status, improved clinical outcomes were noted.
Assessment of peri‐implant defects at titanium and zirconium dioxide implants by means of periapical radiographs and cone beam computed tomography: An in‐vitro examination
Authors: Steiger‐Ronay Valerie , Krcmaric Zvonimir , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Sahrmann Philipp , Wiedemeier Daniel B. , Benic Goran I.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To test the accuracy of measurement of interproximal peri‐implant bone defects at titanium (Ti) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) implants by digital periapical radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and methods

A total of 18 models, each containing one Ti and one ZrO2 implant, were cast in dental stone. Six models each were allocated to following defect groups: A—no peri‐implant defect, B—1 mm width defect, C—1.5 mm width defect. The defect width was measured with a digital sliding caliper. Subsequently, the models were scanned by means of PR and CBCT. Three examiners assessed the defect width on PR and CBCT. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied to detect differences between imaging techniques and implant types.

Results

For PR, the deviation of the defect width measurement (mm) for groups A, B, and C amounted to 0.01 ± 0.03, −0.02 ± 0.06, and −0.00 ± 0.04 at Ti and 0.05 ± 0.02, 0.01 ± 0.03, and 0.09 ± 0.03 at ZrO2 implants. The corresponding values (mm) for CBCT reached 0.10 ± 0.11, 0.26 ± 0.05, and 0.24 ± 0.08 at Ti and 1.07 ± 0.06, 0.64 ± 0.37, and 0.54 ± 0.17 at ZrO2 implants. Except for Ti with defect A, measurements in PR were significantly more accurate in comparison to CBCT (p ≤ 0.05). Both methods generally yielded more accurate measurements for Ti than for ZrO2.

Conclusions

The assessment of interproximal peri‐implant defect width at Ti and ZrO2 implants was more accurate in PR in comparison to CBCT. Measurements in CBCT always led to an overestimation of the defect width, reaching clinical relevance for ZrO2 implants.
Reliability of deceased‐donor procurement kidney biopsy images uploaded in United Network for Organ Sharing
Authors: Mansour Sherry G. , Hall Isaac E. , Reese Peter P. , Jia Yaqi , Thiessen‐Philbrook Heather , Moeckel Gilbert , Weng Francis L. , Revelo Monica P. , Khalighi Mazdak A. , Trivedi Anshu , Doshi Mona D. , Schröppel Bernd , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: November 2018

Prior studies demonstrate poor agreement among pathologists’ interpretation of kidney biopsy slides. Reliability of representative images of these slides uploaded to the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) web portal for clinician review has not been studied. We hypothesized high agreement among pathologists’ image interpretation, since static images eliminate variation induced by viewing different areas of movable slides. To test our hypothesis, we compared the assessments of UNOS‐uploaded images recorded in standardized forms by three pathologists. We selected 100 image sets, each having at least two images from kidneys of deceased donors. Weighted Cohen's kappa was used for inter‐rater agreement. Mean (SD) donor age was 50 (13). Acute tubular injury had kappas of 0.12, 0.14, and 0.19; arteriolar hyalinosis 0.16, 0.27, and 0.38; interstitial inflammation 0.30, 0.33, and 0.49; interstitial fibrosis 0.28, 0.32, and 0.67; arterial intimal fibrosis 0.34, 0.42, and 0.59; tubular atrophy 0.35, 0.41, and 0.52; glomeruli thrombi 0.32, 0.53, and 0.85; and global glomerulosclerosis 0.68, 0.70, and 0.77. Pathologists’ agreement demonstrated kappas of 0.12 to 0.77. The lower values raise concern about the reliability of using images. Although further research is needed to understand how uploaded images are used clinically, the field may consider higher‐quality standards for biopsy photomicrographs.
Renal dysfunction in Takotsubo syndrome—role of segmental left ventricle strain analysis
Authors: Dias Andre , Franco Emiliana , Agrawal Akanksha , Hebert Kathy , Ladron de Guevara Felix , Rangaswami Janina , Figueredo Vincent M.
Published: November 2018

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a peculiar clinical condition often resembling an acute coronary syndrome and mostly affecting postmenopausal women. We sought to describe the prevalence of acute kidney injury and acute renal failure in TTS patients during index event and assess the usefulness of speckle tracking echocardiography in predicting subjects at risk of developing acute kidney insult.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study reviewing study with the discharge diagnosis of TTS between 2003‐2016 at our Institution. One hundred and two patients met the Modified Mayo Clinic. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined as an increment of serum creatinine 2 times greater than baseline and/or at least 50% reduction in baseline eGFR. Acute renal failure (ARF) was defined as an increment of serum creatinine 3 times greater than baseline and/or at least 75% reduction in baseline eGFR as per RIFLE Classification.

Results

AKI/ARF patients had longer length of stay (24 vs 10 days, P = 0.02), had higher mean peak troponin (16.7 ng/mL vs 3.2, P < 0.05) and later peak creatinine day (10 vs 3, P < 0.05). LV Longitudinal strain in the basal segment and apex upon admission was significantly worse in the AKI/ARF group (−4.7 and −6.5, respectively, vs −8.6 and −9.1 in the non‐AKI/ARF group, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

One in every 10 TTS patients may develop AKI/ARF during the acute episode. Segmental longitudinal strain by speckle tracking may have important prognostic value in identifying TTS patients at risk of developing AKI/ARF.
Soil microbial moisture dependences and responses to drying–rewetting: The legacy of 18 years drought
Authors: de Nijs Evy A. , Hicks Lettice C. , Leizeaga Ainara , Tietema Albert , Rousk Johannes
Published: November 2018

Climate change will alter precipitation patterns with consequences for soil C cycling. An understanding of how fluctuating soil moisture affects microbial processes is therefore critical to predict responses to future global change. We investigated how long‐term experimental field drought influences microbial tolerance to lower moisture levels (“resistance”) and ability to recover when rewetted after drought (“resilience”), using soils from a heathland which had been subjected to experimental precipitation reduction during the summer for 18 years. We tested whether drought could induce increased resistance, resilience, and changes in the balance between respiration and bacterial growth during perturbation events, by following a two‐tiered approach. We first evaluated the effects of the long‐term summer drought on microbial community functioning to drought and drying–rewetting (D/RW), and second tested the ability to alter resistance and resilience through additional perturbation cycles. A history of summer drought in the field selected for increased resilience but not resistance, suggesting that rewetting after drought, rather than low moisture levels during drought, was the selective pressure shaping the microbial community functions. Laboratory D/RW cycles also selected for communities with a higher resilience rather than increased resistance. The ratio of respiration to bacterial growth during D/RW perturbation was lower for the field drought‐exposed communities and decreased for both field treatments during the D/RW cycles. This suggests that cycles of D/RW also structure microbial communities to respond quickly and efficiently to rewetting after drought. Our findings imply that microbial communities can adapt to changing climatic conditions and that this might slow the rate of soil C loss predicted to be induced by future cyclic drought.
GHR1 Zircon – A New Eocene Natural Reference Material for Microbeam U‐Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopic Analysis of Zircon
Authors: Eddy Michael P. , Ibañez‐Mejia Mauricio , Burgess Seth D. , Coble Matthew A. , Cordani Umberto G. , DesOrmeau Joel , Gehrels George E. , Li Xianhua , MacLennan Scott , Pecha Mark , Sato Kei , Schoene Blair , Valencia Victor A. , Vervoort Jeffrey D. , Wang Tiantian
Published: November 2018

We present multitechnique U‐Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic data from zircon separated from rapakivi biotite granite within the Eocene Golden Horn batholith in Washington, USA. A weighted mean of twenty‐five Th‐corrected 206Pb/238U zircon dates produced at two independent laboratories using chemical abrasion‐isotope dilution‐thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (CA‐ID‐TIMS) is 48.106 ± 0.023 Ma (2s analytical including tracer uncertainties, MSWD = 1.53) and is our recommended date for GHR1 zircon. Microbeam 206Pb/238U dates from laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) laboratories are reproducible and in agreement with the CA‐ID‐TIMS date to within < 1.5%. Solution multi‐collector ICP‐MS (MC‐ICP‐MS) measurements of Hf isotopes from chemically purified aliquots of GHR1 yield a mean 176Hf/177Hf of 0.283050 ± 17 (2s, n = 10), corresponding to a εHf0 of +9.3. Hafnium isotopic measurements from two LA‐ICP‐MS laboratories are in agreement with the solution MC‐ICP‐MS value. The reproducibility of 206Pb/238U and 176Hf/177Hf ratios from GHR1 zircon across a variety of measurement techniques demonstrates their homogeneity in most grains. Additionally, the effectively limitless reserves of GHR1 material from an accessible exposure suggest that GHR1 can provide a useful reference material for U‐Pb geochronology of Cenozoic zircon and Hf isotopic measurements of zircon with radiogenic 176Hf/177Hf.
Current and future directions in Belgian medical and health sciences librarianship: a user‐tailored approach
Authors: De Meulemeester Ann , Schietse Bérengère , Vermeeren Bruno , Ghesquière Elke , Declève Ghislaine , Buysse Heidi , Discart Inge , Alewaeters Katrien , Durieux Nancy , Peleman Renaat , Pauwels Nele
Published: November 2018

This article is part of a new series in this regular feature. The series intend to serve as a road map by sharing expertise and drawing together trends that are relevant to both health science librarians and health informatics professionals. The present article is a collaboration of six medical and health sciences libraries in Belgium and the Flemish library and archive association (VVBAD, n.d., https://www.vvbad.be/). It aims to elucidate the extended, user‐tailored approach provided by medical and health sciences libraries in Belgium motivated by the recent changes in user expectations and behaviour.
On terminal crack velocities in glasses
Authors: Quinn George D.
Published: November 2018

A review of the literature shows that terminal crack velocity, vct, should be correlated with the longitudinal elastic wave velocity, and the structure and density of glasses. Theoretical predictions of vct by the Mott‐Roberts‐Wells model match experimental measurements for some key glasses, including fused silica and low‐density borosilicates. It is suggested that the slower vct results obtained for many other glasses are due to structural variations that cause crack front perturbations. The conclusions of this paper are most likely applicable to ceramics as well.
Evaluation of various salt contents on quality characteristics with or without curdlan of pork myofibrillar protein gels and the development of low‐salt pork sausages
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Chin Koo Bok
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gelling properties of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) gels at various salt concentrations with or without curdlan, and its application to model sausages with reduced salt levels. When curdlan was incorporated into MP mixtures, cooking yield (CY) at 0.15 m salt was similar to that of 0.45 m salt (P > 0.05). Gel strength of MPs at 0.45 m salt was highest among other salt concentrations. Increased salt concentration tended to be high shear stress values, regardless of the presence of curdlan (P < 0.05). MP gels with increasing salt concentration showed fewer pores and swollen structures. Addition of curdlan improved CY and expressible moisture of low‐fat model sausage with increased salt levels. The addition of curdlan at 1.0% salt reduced the hardness and gumminess, and similar to those at 1.5% without curdlan. These results indicated that curdlan improved the water‐holding capacity and textural properties of low‐fat and low‐salt sausage.
Endogenous rice endosperm hemicellulose slows in vitro starch digestibility
Authors: Sun Jian , Fu Ji , Wang Yin , Ye Hongxia , Wu Dianxing , Shu Xiaoli
Published: November 2018

Hemicellulose, the primary non‐starch polysaccharide originating from cell walls of rice endosperm, greatly influences the digestibility of starch in food matrix. Three rice varieties differing in total dietary fibre content were treated with hemicellulose and in vitro starch digestion with α‐amylase was conducted. Removing the hemicellulase significantly promoted starch digestion, and the magnitude of the impact was dependent on rice variety. The impact was more pronounced in variety cw high in apparent amylose and total dietary fibre content, while was negligible on the japonica rice Nipponbare. Endogenous hemicellulose slowed in vitro starch digestibility in rice by interacting with amylose and amylopectin, particularly with the long chain amylopectins, inherent existing and during the cooking process. Non‐starch polysaccharides, including hemicellulose, can be tailored in rice to modify the digestible carbohydrate content; however, more research is required to fully understand the interactions between non‐starch polysaccharides and starch and their influences on grain quality.
Appearance of Do‐It‐Yourself closed‐loop systems to manage type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hng Tien‐Ming , Burren David
Published: November 2018

Access to proprietary closed‐loop insulin pump systems is limited. The use of Do‐It‐Yourself closed‐loop systems in Australia is growing. A 2017 Facebook group survey indicated that 20 individuals were actively looping with another 38 yet to commence despite the lack of regulatory body approval. Improved glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia and better sleep were the main benefits. Local health professionals need to be aware of this technology.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase in regulatory T‐cell development, immunity and cancer
Authors: Bazewicz Christopher G. , Dinavahi Saketh S. , Schell Todd D. , Robertson Gavin P.
Published: November 2018

The role of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in carcinogenesis and resistance to cancer therapies is well known. Mounting evidence also suggests a potentially important role for ALDH in the induction and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Treg cells are important cells of the immune system involved in promoting immune tolerance and preventing aberrant immune responses to beneficial or non‐harmful antigens. However, Treg cells also impair tumor immunity, leading to the progression of various carcinomas. ALDH expression and the subsequent production of retinoic acid by numerous cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, eosinophils and epithelial cells, seems important in Treg induction and function in multiple organ systems. This is particularly evident in the gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary tract and skin, which are exposed to a myriad of environmental antigens and represent interfaces between the human body and the outside world. Expression of ALDH in Treg cells themselves may also be involved in the proliferation of these cells and resistance to certain cytotoxic therapies. Hence, inhibition of ALDH expression may be useful to treat cancer. Besides the direct effect of ALDH inhibition on carcinogenesis and resistance to cancer therapies, inhibition of ALDH could potentially augment the immune response to tumor antigens by inhibiting Treg induction, function and ability to promote immune tolerance to tumor cells in multiple cancer types.
Emergency department nurse's attitudes towards patients who self‐harm: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Rayner Gillian , Blackburn Joanna , Edward Karen‐leigh , Stephenson John , Ousey Karen
Published: November 2018

Self‐harm is a major challenge to public health. Emergency department (ED) nurses treat significant proportions of patients with self‐harm injuries, and positive therapeutic patient–nurse interactions are imperative to the physical and psychological outcome of this vulnerable patient group. Research, both nationally and internationally, suggests that treating those with self‐harm injuries is emotionally challenging, and ambivalence, powerlessness, and ineffectiveness are commonly manifested in negative attitudes towards these patients. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review with meta‐analyses examined the attitudes of ED nurses towards patients who self‐harm, based on currently available evidence. The following databases were searched: CINAHL complete; Medline complete; PsycARTICLES; PsycINFO; The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database; Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition; PsycEXTRA; and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection. Clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant reports to identify additional studies, were also searched. Five studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The Self‐Harm Antipathy Scale (SHAS) was used as an outcome in two studies appropriate for meta‐analysis. The Attitudes Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ) scale was used as an outcome in three studies appropriate for meta‐analysis. Results demonstrated limited empathy and negativity towards patients who self‐harm, indicating a requirement for education and supervision of ED staff, where the SHAS or the ADSHQ can be used to monitor attitude change. Self‐harm educational content for ED staff should include areas of knowledge building including explanations and causes of self‐harm; range, forms, and functions of self‐harm; staff responses to self‐harm; assessment, management, and interventions; professional practice issues.
Histologic validation of ICDAS‐II and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography to detect smooth surface early carious lesions
Authors: Vaswani Sneha , Sharma Divya S , Mishra Shikha , Sharma Sanjay
Published: November 2018

Aim

This in vitro study aimed to histologically validate and compare the methods for detection of smooth surface early carious lesions (ECLs) that is, International caries detection and assessment system for the smooth surface (ICDAS‐II‐SSC), Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT), and radiography.

Methodology

PS‐OCT images for scores 0‐3 of ICDAS‐II‐SSC were standardized according to ECLs’ depth. Preliminary PS‐OCT images for ICDAS‐II‐SSC score‐2 of pigmented ECLs showed reduced lesion depth and therefore were dichotomized into scores 2 and 2p for white and pigmented lesions (ICDAS‐II‐SSCm). ECLs on one hundred freshly extracted teeth were scored by three examiners for ICDAS‐II‐SSCm, PS‐OCT, radiography, and histology.

Results

Compared to histology, ICDAS‐II‐SSCm showed a strong positive correlation followed by PS‐OCT and radiographic evaluation. ICDAS‐II‐SSCm had a strong positive correlation with PS‐OCT, while both variables had a weak positive correlation with radiography. PS‐OCT detected the activity of ECLs by directly relating the image depth of ECLs to their mineral volume content.

Conclusion

The current scope of ICDAS‐II should be reviewed since the pigmentation can be misinterpreted as an active lesion. Till then, ICDAS‐II‐SSC is an effective visual method for early caries detection. PS‐OCT has the potential to become a probe with the proper algorithm for diagnostic purposes.
Toward temperature‐dependent Bi3+‐related tunable emission in the YVO4:Bi3+ phosphor
Authors: Xie Wei , Tian Canxin , Lyu Fucong , Wang Zesong , Zou Changwei , Kang Fengwen , Dong Huafeng , Sun Guohuan
Published: November 2018

Up until now, many previous works have indicated us that the photoluminescence (PL) properties of phosphors sometimes can be changed with the change in the external temperature, resulting in the anomalous PL phenomena and correlated new applications that are difficult to achieve at room temperature. In this work, we report the temperature‐dependent Bi3+‐related PL properties in the YVO4:Bi3+ phosphor. Our findings show that increasing the temperature from 10 to 300 K enables manipulating the energy interaction from groups to Bi3+, thereby leading to the temperature‐induced color tuning from blue (0.183, 0.212) to yellow (0.418, 0.490). Upon this heating process, we further reveal that the dynamic Bi3+ luminescence has experienced a regular transition from double‐exponential to single‐exponential decay, which results in the decrease in the average Bi3+ lifetime from 122.606 to 0.376 μs. Discussions on the PL results imply that the tunable PL observations are due to the interplay of temperature‐dependent energy transfer from groups to Bi3+ and redistribution of the excited 3P0 and 3P1 states of Bi3+ upon the thermal stimulation. This work not only presents the temperature‐triggered Bi3+ tunable properties in the well‐studied YVO4 host lattice but also can provide new insights into revealing Bi3+‐related PL mechanism in other Bi3+‐doped photonic materials in the future and, in the meanwhile, gives some directive ideas for us to explore previously unnoticed applications for rare‐earth (RE; eg, Eu3+, Pr3+, Tb3+, Eu2+, Er3+, etc) and other non‐RE (eg, Bi3+, Mn4+, Mn2+, Cr3+, etc) doped phosphors.