bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology research of competitiveness and sample application for Turkey’s defense industry
Authors: Bilgen Hakki Ismail , Varoglu Abdulkadir
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to analyze the competitiveness based on the diamond model and constructing a composite index; the secondary aim is to apply this methodology to the national index of Turkey’s defense industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of providing the results based only on diamond, a composite index study was carried out. The collected variables were distributed using subject-groups under determinants via an expert opinion survey. The variables were analyzed with alternative methods of imputation, normalization and aggregation. Factor analysis (FA) was performed with the aggregated values of each subject to find the years’ clusters.

Findings

Turkey’s diamond model indicated an improvement in defense industry between 1998-2010. And, FA revealed the clusters as 1998-2000, 2001-2007, 2008-2010. It was found that Turkey had an advantage in demand conditions but needs to give higher importance to factor conditions. In addition, the key provisions were catered to the issues related to government and the defense industry.

Research limitations/implications

Turkey’s competitiveness structure between 1998-2010 were researched.

Originality/value

This study provides a qualitative approach of the composite index to the quantitative side of the diamond model.
PLS FAC-SEM: an illustrated step-by-step guideline to obtain a unique insight in factorial data
Authors: Streukens Sandra , Leroi-Werelds Sara
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an illustrated step-by-step guideline of the partial least squares factorial structural equation modeling (PLS FAC-SEM) approach. This approach allows researchers to assess whether and how model relationships vary as a function of an underlying factorial design, both in terms of the design factors in isolation (i.e. main effects) as well as their joint impact (i.e. interaction effects).

Design/methodology/approach

After an introduction of its building blocks as well as a comparison with related methods (i.e. n-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multi-group analysis (MGA)), a step-by-step guideline of the PLS FAC-SEM approach is presented. Each of the steps involved in the PLS FAC-SEM approach is illustrated using data from a customer value study.

Findings

On a methodological level, the key result of this research is the presentation of a generally applicable step-by-step guideline of the PLS FAC-SEM approach. On a context-specific level, the findings demonstrate how the predictive ability of several key customer value measurement methods depends on the type of offering (feel-think), the level of customer involvement (low-high), and their interaction (feel-think offerings×low-high involvement).

Originality/value

This is a first attempt to apply the factorial structural equation models (FAC-SEM) approach in a PLS-SEM context. Consistent with the general differences between PLS-SEM and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), the FAC-SEM approach, which was originally developed for CB-SEM, therefore becomes available for a larger amount of and different types of research situations.
The effect of perceived brand leadership on luxury service WOM
Authors: Chang Yonghwan , Ko Yong Jae , Leite Walter L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Despite the remarkable growth of the luxury industry, a phenomenon referred to as luxury fever, as well as the growing interest in word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing in the industry at hand, little is known about how consumers’ perceived leadership of luxury brands dynamically influences their WOM behavior. This paper aims to examine the moderating role of a type of luxuries (accessible vs inaccessible) in the relationship between the four dimensions of perceived brand leadership – quality, value, innovativeness and popularity – and consumers’ WOM recommendation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research is based on survey data gathered from 333 actual customers who attend five golf clubs located in North Florida. An innovative data analysis procedure that combines structural equation modeling with propensity score analysis to estimate the moderating effects, controlling for selection bias, is presented.

Findings

Quality was the significant predictor of WOM among consumers of inaccessible luxuries (private club). In contrast, financial value and popularity were key factors in predicting WOM of individuals who chose accessible luxuries (public club).

Originality/value

This paper attempts to shed new light on the field of strategic luxury marketing by addressing differential consumption decision-making processes corresponding to hierarchically constructed luxury services. In addition, an innovative way is suggested to achieve covariates’ balance in the examinations of latent variables and multisampling models for observational research.
Change is hard: overcoming barriers to service innovation
Authors: Parris Denise Linda , Bouchet Adrien , Welty Peachey Jon , Arnold Danny
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Creating value through service innovation requires new processes and ways of communicating to multiple stakeholders. Institutions and stakeholders within the service ecosystem, however, often resist change. Adopting a new service strategy entails two distinct costs – monetary and psychological. The tensions between an organization’s need to generate incremental revenue and the challenges of balancing business as usual and the costs associated with service innovation are explored. Specifically, this paper aims to explore the adoption of a customer relationship management (CRM) technology solution in a bureaucratic setting, and the sequence of events needed for successful implementation, with emphasis on overcoming various barriers and hurdles.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology is used to gather and analyze data on how the Arizona State University (ASU) athletic department responded to the changing competitive environment via adopting a CRM technology solution. Data collection consisted of ten semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The experience of ASU illustrates that the primary benefits of a CRM technology solution include the generation of incremental revenue, capturing data and personalized marketing. The main challenges are coordinating adoption, obtaining commitment, developing competency, estimating costs and creating content.

Research limitations/implications

A conceptual framework emerged from the data that describes the likelihood of a service technology’s successful implementation based upon the interaction of the strength of key actors, organizational situation perception and organizational commitment. The model extends the proposed duality of service innovation outcomes as either success or failure to acknowledge the likelihood of a partial implementation where marginal success is achieved.

Practical implications

The sequence of events needed for successful implementation of a service technology is highlighted, with emphasis on overcoming various barriers and hurdles. Implementation steps are provided, as well as a model to help pinpoint issues.

Originality/value

The case study provides insight for overcoming pitfalls and barriers to adopting a new service technology in a traditionally bureaucratic organization where resistance to change is the norm, and innovation is not.
A quantitative approach to segmentation for prescription drug safety programs
Authors: Lefebvre R. Craig , McCormack Lauren , Taylor Olivia , Bann Carla , Rausch Paula
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to enhance the effectiveness of pharmacovigilance programs that provide information about medical products to benefit consumers, aid health care professional’s decision-making and improve community health. This research sought to determine whether distinct segments of consumers can be identified for prescription drug safety social marketing and communication activities and if these segments would respond differently to information about prescription drug products.

Design/methodology/approach

Theories of risk information-seeking behavior were used to develop questions for respondents in an online survey panel. Latent class analyses identified clusters that were similar in their ability to accurately interpret risks and benefits, preferred sources of health information, medication use and other related factors. Multinomial logistic regression models identified demographic and psychographic differences across the segments. Logistic and linear regression models were then used to compare each segment’s responses to a specific drug safety information product.

Findings

The 1,244 respondents were clustered into four segments: not engaged (12 per cent), low-involvement users (29 per cent), careful users (50 per cent) and social information seekers (9 per cent). These segments were distinguished by perceived seeking control, self-appraisal of skill, information insufficiency, self-efficacy, information competency and health literacy. Sources of health information and health-seeking behaviors were also different across the four segments. Significant differences were found among the segments in their comprehension and perceived utility of the content and their intentions to take relevant actions.

Practical implications

From an array of potential behavioral influences, adults can be segmented by risk information-seeking constructs and related behaviors. These segments respond differently to drug safety information. Use of the personas developed in this work can help pharmacovigilance programs around the world develop more relevant and tailored social marketing products, services and content.

Originality/value

A social marketing approach using empirically tested theoretical constructs can be useful for drug safety or pharmacovigilance programs. The results were used to create personas that quickly convey relevant information to drug safety program managers and staff.
Increasing brand recall for naming rights sponsorships
Authors: Donovan Robert J. , Anwar-McHenry Julia , Hernandez Aguilera Yolexis , Nicholas Amberlee , Kerrigan Simone
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Maximising return on naming rights sponsorships is important for social marketing campaigns with limited funds. Naming rights allow the sponsor’s brand to be aligned with the event name in text and visual promotional materials. For visual displays, either the brand logo or the brand name in words can be aligned with the event name. As the Act–Belong–Commit mental health promotion campaign’s logo encapsulates the brand name, a study was conducted to assess the relative impact on recall of “Act–Belong–Commit” as part of a sponsored event name, when the logo was aligned with the event name versus when the brand name in only words was aligned with the event name.

Design/methodology/approach

An intercept survey was conducted with n = 112 adult university students. Participants were presented with one of the above two branding alignments for the sponsored event. The image was removed from view, a distracter question asked and participants were asked to recall the name of the event.

Findings

Recall of the Act–Belong–Commit brand in full as part of the name of the event was significantly and substantially greater for participants exposed to the words only alignment versus the logo alignment: 52 vs 7 per cent (p < 0.000).

Practical implications

Given these findings, the campaign has adopted the policy of using the words Act–Belong–Commit alongside the event name rather than the logo in future naming rights sponsorships.

Originality/value

It is recommended that other social marketing brands with similar brand/logo designs undertake research to ensure optimal return on naming rights sponsorships.
The participatory public library: the Nordic experience
Authors: Hvenegaard Rasmussen Casper
Published: October 2016

Purpose

From collection to connection has been a buzzword in the library world for more than a decade. This catchy phrase indicates that users are seen not only as borrowers, but as active participants. The aim of this paper is to investigate and analyse three questions in relation to user participation in public libraries in a Nordic perspective. How can participation in public libraries be characterised? Why should libraries deal with user participation? What kinds of different user participation can be identified in public libraries?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a selection of theoretical approaches and practical examples to obtain a varied understanding of user participation in public libraries. Research fields outside library and information science have developed a wide range of theoretical approaches on user participation. Examples from cultural policy, museum studies and participatory culture are selected to get a deeper understanding on participation in public libraries. The practical examples are chosen to illustrate the richness of different kinds of user participation in libraries.

Findings

There are six forms of active participation in libraries: volunteer programmes, interactive displays, workshops, co-creation, user-driven innovation and book clubs.

Originality/value

This paper is an overall synthesis of theoretical and practical aspects of user participation in public libraries. Furthermore, the paper challenges the deeply rooted assumption that participation in libraries takes place almost exclusively within digital contexts.
Evaluating fabrication feasibility and biomedical application potential of in situ 3D printing technology
Authors: Liu Yigong , Hamid Qudus , Snyder Jessica , Wang Chengyang , Sun Wei
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present a solid freeform fabrication-based in situ three-dimensional (3D) printing method. This method enables simultaneous cross-linking alginate at ambient environmental conditions (temperature and pressure) for 3D-laden construct fabrication. The fabrication feasibility and potentials in biomedical applications were evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Fabrication feasibility was evaluated as the investigation of fabrication parameters on strut formability (the capability to fabricate a cylindrical strut in the same diameter as dispensing tip) and structural stability (the capability to hold the fabricated 3D-laden construct against mechanical disturbance). Potentials in biomedical application was evaluated as the investigation on structural integrity (the capability to preserve the fabricated 3D-laden construct in cell culture condition).

Findings

Strut formability can be achieved when the flow rate of alginate suspension and nozzle travel speed are set according to the dispensing tip size, and extruded alginate was cross-linked sufficiently. A range of cross-linking-related fabrication parameters was determined for sufficient cross-link. The structural stability and structural integrity were found to be controlled by alginate composition. An optimized setting of the alginate composition and the fabrication parameters was determined for the fabrication of a desired stable scaffold with structural integrity for 14 days.

Originality/value

This paper reports that in situ 3D printing is an efficient method for 3D-laden construct fabrication and its potentials in biomedical application.
A study on revolute joints in 3D-printed non-assembly mechanisms
Authors: Wei Xiangzhi , Tian Yaobin , Joneja Ajay
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a new design for the journal of revolute joints that can improve the dynamic performance of 3D printed non-assembly mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The design improves upon previous proposed designs that use drum-shaped journals in place of cylindrical ones. The authors introduce an innovative new worm-shaped journal. The authors also propose a systematic and efficient procedure to identify the best parameter values for defining the exact shape of the journal. Using three different mechanisms for the experiments, the paper constructs 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models using the design as well as cylindrical and drum-shaped designs. The parameters for the optimum geometry for each type of design are determined by dynamic simulation using the CAD system. Actual prototypes of the ideal designs are constructed using a commercial fused deposition modeling (FDM) machine for physical comparisons.

Findings

This paper shows that in simulations as well in physical models, the proposed design outperforms the previous designs significantly.

Research limitations/implications

This study was mainly focused on the FDM process, and the authors have not yet explored other processes. One limitation of this approach is that it requires the mechanism to be printed along the axial direction of the revolute joint.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new design for the journal in 3D printed revolute joints. A clear advantage of the design is that it can easily be used to replace normal revolute joins in non-assembly models without affecting any other parts of the geometry. Therefore, with relatively little effort, the authors can print non-assembly mechanisms with improved dynamic performance.
International Business and Entrepreneurship Implications of Brexit
Authors: Cumming Douglas J. , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: October 2016

This paper provides an overview of the international business and entrepreneurship implications of Brexit. Our perspective is preliminary and based on a review of the practitioner, policy and academic literature over the first month following the Brexit vote. We highlight some of the potentially negative consequences for markets in the UK and around the world that result from barriers to trade and immigration associated with the uncertainty created by Brexit.
Circumferentially oversewn inverted stapled anastomosis
Authors: Karam Charbel , Lord Sally , Gett Rohan , Meagher Alan P.
Published: October 2016

Background

Leak rates of over 5% following anastomoses between the ileum and colon continue to be reported in large series and are associated with substantial morbidity and with mortality rates of 10–20%. In 1994, we began performing circumferentially oversewn inverted stapled anastomoses in patients undergoing ileo‐colic anastomoses or ileostomy closure. It has become increasingly apparent that this method is associated with a low risk of leakage, which we should report.

Methods

The anastomotic technique described was used in all patients undergoing ileo‐colic anastomosis or closure of ileostomy by surgeon 1 (1994–2015) and in all ileo‐colic anastomoses by surgeon 2 (2007–2015). All patients had a widely patent anastomosis constructed by two firings of a linear cutting stapler, as previously described. Additionally, the entire staple line was carefully oversewn with interrupted, inverting 4/0 polydioxanone sutures. Anastomotic leak was defined as a patient requiring re‐operation or radiological drainage.

Results

One thousand and twelve patients underwent ileo‐colic anastomosis and 685 patients underwent closure of ileostomy by surgeon 1, and 165 patients underwent ileo‐colic anastomosis by surgeon 2. None of the 1862 patients required re‐operation or radiological drainage for a leak (event rate 0%, 95% confidence interval 0–0.2%). However, there were three possible contained leaks treated successfully conservatively. The time taken to perform the actual anastomosis was measured in the last 30 ileo‐colic resections. The median time was 42 min.

Conclusion

While this method may well be too slow to gain widespread adoption, we hope this report encourages increased research into finding techniques with similar low leak rates.
Human Rights Performance Disclosure by Companies with Operations in High Risk Countries: Evidence from the Australian Minerals Sector
Authors: Islam Muhammad Azizul , Haque Shamima , Roberts Robin
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study is to explore whether Australian mineral companies operating in high human rights risk countries provide more human rights disclosures than companies operating in low risk countries. A content analysis instrument containing 88 specific human rights performance items derived from a number of international human rights guidelines has been developed to investigate the annual reports, social responsibility reports and corporate websites of the top 50 Australian mineral companies (2010/2011). The findings show that human rights performance disclosures by companies with operations in high human rights risk countries are significantly higher than companies with operations in low risk countries. By disclosing extended human rights performance information, companies operating in high risk countries appear to ease community concerns about human rights violations. The finding is consistent with legitimacy theory, which posits that organisations respond to community concerns in relation to particular social issues.
Restoring species‐rich meadow by means of turf transplantation: long‐term colonization of ex‐arable land
Authors: Mudrák Ondřej , Fajmon Karel , Jongepierová Ivana , Doležal Jiří
Published: October 2016

Question

Do transplanted turfs of preserved meadow vegetation enrich ex‐arable land with species and promote meadow restoration? If so, can this ecologically non‐random process be predicted by plant functional traits? Are transplanted turfs stable over time while preserving their high species richness or do they change in composition, for instance, due to weeds expanding from the surrounding ex‐arable land?

Methods

In the experiment, 25 meadow turfs 40 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm in size were transplanted to ex‐arable land. Species composition and cover were monitored in the transferred turfs and their surroundings in three 40 cm × 40 cm plots positioned in a row (transplant, adjacent and distant surrounding area) for a period of 12 yrs.

Location

Bílé Karpaty Mts., SE Czech Republic.

Results

With the turfs, 80 species were transferred, 53 of which were recorded in the turf surrounding ex‐arable land. After 9 yrs, the number of species (on average 16 per plot) did not differ between the turf and its surroundings. Most of these species had been transferred and are typical of the local meadow vegetation, making up most of the plant cover. Weedy species, originally abundant on the ex‐arable land, did not penetrate the turf and retreated with time. The species composition converged between the turf and its surroundings, but it also changed from that of the turf source meadow. This was mainly due to the expansion of the strongly competitive grass Brachypodium pinnatum at the expense of Bromus erectus. The species that spread best to the arable land had a high leaf dry matter content. Species with the best performance in the turf had high ability for lateral clonal spread.

Conclusion

Turf transplantation promoted the establishment of target meadow species on ex‐arable land and supported restoration of meadow vegetation, but plant species composition changed from the turf source meadow, and expansion of target species from the turf into the surrounding area required a long time period.
Wnt5b‐associated exosomes promote cancer cell migration and proliferation
Authors: Harada Takeshi , Yamamoto Hideki , Kishida Shosei , Kishida Michiko , Awada Chihiro , Takao Toshifumi , Kikuchi Akira
Published: October 2016

Wnt5b is a member of the same family of proteins as Wnt5a, the overexpression of which is associated with cancer aggressiveness. Wnt5b is also suggested to be involved in cancer progression, however, details remain unclarified. We analyzed the biochemical properties of purified Wnt5b and the mode of secretion of Wnt5b by cancer cells. Wnt5b was glycosylated at three asparagine residues and lipidated at one serine residue, and these post‐translational modifications of Wnt5b were essential for secretion. Purified Wnt5b showed Dvl2 phosphorylation and Rac activation abilities to a similar extent as Wnt5a. In cultured‐cell conditioned medium, Wnt5b was detected in supernatant or precipitation fractions that were separated by centrifugation at 100 000 g. In PANC‐1 pancreatic cancer cells, 55% of secreted endogenous Wnt5b was associated with exosomes. Exosomes from wild‐type PANC‐1 cells, but not those from Wnt5b‐knockout PANC‐1 cells, activated Wnt5b signaling in CHO cells and stimulated migration and proliferation of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, suggesting that endogenous, Wnt5b‐associated exosomes are active. The exosomes were taken up by CHO cells and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that Wnt5b is indeed associated with exosomes. In Caco‐2 colon cancer cells, most Wnt5b was recovered in precipitation fractions when Wnt5b was ectopically expressed (Caco‐2/Wnt5b cells). Knockdown of TSG101, an exosome marker, decreased the secretion of Wnt5b‐associated exosomes from Caco‐2/Wnt5b cells and inhibited Wnt5b‐dependent cell proliferation. Exosomes secreted from Caco‐2/Wnt5b cells stimulated migration and proliferation of A549 cells. These results suggest that Wnt5b‐associated exosomes promote cancer cell migration and proliferation in a paracrine manner.
32 years of experience with CO2‐LASER‐assisted treatment for Zenker's Diverticulum – an update of 227 patients treated in Kiel
Authors: Hoffmann M. , Fazel A. , Mews K.‐G. , Ambrosch P.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To underline the value of the microendoscopic CO2‐LASER‐assisted treatment (MEDCO2) for Zenker's diverticulum by investigating a large patient cohort treated in a single medical centre.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients.

Setting

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Christian‐Albrechts‐University Kiel, Germany.

Participants

A total of 227 patients with Zenker's diverticulum were treated by MEDCO2, and the results were compared with those reported in the literature for the open transcervical approach (OTA) and the endoscopic staple‐assisted oesophagodiverticulostomy (ESED).

Outcome measurements

Data assessment regarding preoperative symptoms, perioperative management, morbidity, mortality and longtime results. Comparison of results with data from the literature regarding MEDCO2, ESED and OTA.

Results

Operation duration: 25 min median; morbidity: 4.7%; mortality: 0%; mediastinitis: 0.9%; hospitalisation: 7 days; feeding tube dependency: 4 days; recurrence rate: 6.1%. Rise of body temperature above 38°C and 39°C in 36.7% and 12.2% of cases on first postoperative day, respectively.

Conclusions

The results identify MEDCO2 as superior in comparison with ESED and OTA concerning the treatment for Zenker's diverticulum especially in terms of excellent long‐term functional results and a low morbidity and mortality. The short operation time qualifies MEDCO2 as specifically suitable for the treatment of the characteristic patient cohort with Zenker's diverticulum, namely the elderly, whereas OTA should be reserved for cases with sophisticated or impossible endoscopic exposure of the pouch. The occurrence of perioperative fever can be managed with a systemic antibiotic and antipyretic medication. Although a mediastinitis as major complication is a rare event, the early introduction of its diagnosis with CT scans and consecutive therapy including thoracotomies can be lifesaving.
Long‐term effect of exercise on improving fatty liver and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adults: A 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Jie , Pan Ling‐Ling , Ma Zhi‐Min , Chen Zheng , Huang Zhu‐Feng , Sun Qian , Lu Yan , Han Cheng‐Kun , Lin Ming‐Zhu , Li Xue‐Jun , Yang Shu‐Yu , Li Xiao‐Ying
Published: October 2016

Exercise training can reduce hepatic fat accumulation and cardiovascular risk among patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but how long these benefits extend beyond the period of active intervention is unclear. Intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content, measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and metabolic risk factors among 220 obese people with NAFLD, who were randomly assigned to vigorous/moderate exercise, moderate exercise or no exercise (control), were assessed at 1 year after the 12‐month exercise intervention. IHTG content was significantly reduced in the 2 exercise groups compared with the control group over the 12‐month active intervention. It was significantly lower (by −2.39%) in the vigorous/moderate exercise group compared with the control group at the 1‐year follow‐up (95% confidence interval −4.72 to −0.05%;
P
= .045). Waist circumference and blood pressure remained significantly lower in the vigorous/moderate exercise group and the moderate exercise group compared with the control group at the 1‐year follow‐up. Visceral adipose fat remained significantly reduced, but with no differences among 3 groups. These findings suggest 12‐month exercise intervention induced reductions in hepatic fat accumulation, abdominal obesity and blood pressure for up to 1 year after the active intervention, with some attenuation of the benefits.
Pilot study on 18F‐FDG PET/CT for detection of inflammatory changes in blood‐induced knee arthropathy in a rabbit model
Authors: Shammas A. , Doria A. S. , Amirabadi A. , Gahunia H. , Jong R. , Charron M. , Moineddin R. , Metser U.
Published: October 2016

Rationale

18F‐FDG‐PET/CT has a potential role in the early detection of haemophilic arthritis, at a time when treatment may still avoid further joint degeneration. The purposes of this pilot study were to determine the ability of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT to detect inflammatory changes associated with blood‐induced arthropathy in knees of a rabbit model.

Methods

Ten juvenile rabbits were imaged at baseline and weeks 5 and 17 post intraarticular autologous blood injections (ABI). Five rabbits in group 1 (G1) had ABI into the same knee joint every 2 weeks (total, eight injections). Five rabbits in group 2 (G2) had only two injections into the same knee, at weeks 5 and 17. Images were assessed visually and semi‐quantitatively by measuring maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and standardized uptake ratio (SUR = SUVmax in affected knee/SUVmax in non‐affected knee).

Results

More rabbits in G1 than G2 presented with positive chronic inflammatory synovial scores at week 17. Mean iron staining scores in injected knees were greater for G1 than for G2 (P = 0.049). No increased uptake was identified in the injected knees in any of the rabbits at baseline or at week 5. At week 17, all G1 rabbits demonstrated increased uptake in their affected knees with higher mean SUVmax (1.5) than normal knees (1.0) (P < 0.02). None of the G2 rabbits showed asymmetric increased uptake. The SUR of G1 was higher at week 17 compared to baseline (P < 0.01) and week 5 (P < 0.01). The SUR at week 17 was higher for G1 than for G2 (1.13) rabbits (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

18F‐FDG‐PET is able to detect the inflammatory changes associated with haemophilic arthropathy in this experimental model.
Cytoplasmic MSH2 immunoreactivity in a patient with Lynch syndrome with an EPCAM–MSH2 fusion
Authors: Sekine Shigeki , Ogawa Reiko , Saito Shinya , Ushiama Mineko , Shida Dai , Nakajima Takeshi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sugano Kokichi
Published: October 2016

Aims

Immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins is being increasingly used to examine MMR status in tumours. The aim of the present article was to report the case of a colon cancer patient with Lynch syndrome who showed unusual cytoplasmic MMR protein localization.

Methods and results

Histologically, the colon cancer was diagnosed as medullary carcinoma associated with prominent tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and a Crohn's‐like reaction. Immunohistochemistry revealed cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of MSH2 in non‐neoplastic cells, and exclusively cytoplasmic expression in tumour cells. MSH6 expression was nuclear in non‐neoplastic cells, but was lost in tumour cells. Nuclear expression of MLH1 and PMS2 was retained in both non‐neoplastic and tumour cells. The tumour was microsatellite instability‐high, which is indicative of defective MMR function. A subsequent germline mutation analysis identified a genomic deletion spanning the 3′ region of EPCAM and the 5′ region of MSH2, resulting in an in‐frame fusion of EPCAM and MSH2.

Conclusions

The unusual cytoplasmic immunoreactivity of MSH2 was considered to be attributable to the non‐functional EPCAM–MSH2 fusion product. The present case illustrates that not only loss of expression, but also abnormal localization, of MMR proteins is indicative of a defective MMR system.
Association between plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and severity of liver injury and cardiovascular risk in children with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jin R. , Krasinskas A. , Le N‐A. , Konomi J. V. , Holzberg J. , Romero R. , Vos M. B.
Published: October 2016

Background

Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is the primary inhibitor of the endogenous fibrinolytic system and is known to be increased in obesity, insulin resistance and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We previously demonstrated that PAI‐1 levels were closely related to the amount of hepatic steatosis in children.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterize plasma PAI‐1 in relationship to severity of inflammation and fibrosis, as well as to plasma lipids in children with NAFLD.

Methods

In 44 children with NAFLD, plasma PAI‐1 levels and lipids were measured at the time of a liver biopsy. Hepatic histological features were systematically scored. Trend analysis was applied to determine the correlation of plasma PAI‐1 levels with lipid markers for cardiovascular disease and with the staging of histological features in the liver.

Results

We found that plasma PAI‐1 levels were significantly increased in children with increased severity of steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis. Furthermore, PAI‐1 was strongly correlated with plasma lipids and insulin resistance indices.

Conclusions

PAI‐1 appears to be tightly related to both histologic severity of NAFLD as well as systemic features of the disease including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. PAI‐1 may be a mediator of disease progression and future cardiovascular complications in children with NAFLD.
A local search algorithm for finding optimal transit routes configuration with elastic demand
Authors: Zarrinmehr Amirali , Saffarzadeh Mahmoud , Seyedabrishami Seyedehsan
Published: October 2016

This paper proposes a new local search algorithm for finding the optimal configuration of subroutes from a set of candidate transit routes in a transportation network. It is intended to maximize the transit ridership while holding the budget constraint. In each iteration of the algorithm, route segments that are likely to absorb more transit passengers are added to the configuration and less‐contributing segments are removed, instead. A path‐based model with elastic demand is applied for traffic assignment problem. The algorithm takes advantage of the equilibrium paths information to speed up the calculations for emerging configurations. A numerical experiment on Sioux‐Falls network indicates that the proposed algorithm can achieve high‐quality solutions at different levels of budget. Also, the run‐time and performance of the algorithm are reported over a large problem instance of the Chicago sketch network with 55 artificial candidate routes.
Accuracy of Voltage Signal Measurement During Radiofrequency Delivery Through the SMARTTOUCH Catheter
Authors: SAFAVI‐NAEINI PAYAM , ZAFAR‐AWAN DREEMA , ZHU HONGJIAN , ZABLAH GERARDO , GANAPATHY ANAND V. , RASEKH ABDI , SAEED MOHAMMAD , RAZAVI JOANNA ESTHER MOLINA , RAZAVI MEHDI
Published: October 2016

Voltage Measurement During Radiofrequency Delivery

Introduction

Current methods for measuring voltage during radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RFA) necessitate turning off the ablation catheter. If voltage could be accurately read without signal attenuation during RFA, turning off the catheter would be unnecessary, allowing continuous ablation. We evaluated the accuracy of the Thermocool SMARTTOUCH catheter for measuring voltage while RF traverses the catheter.

Methods and Results

We studied 26 patients undergoing RFA for arrhythmias. A 7.5F SMARTTOUCH catheter was used for sensing voltage and performing RFA. Data were collected from the Carto‐3 3‐dimensional mapping system. Voltages were measured during ablation (RF‐ON) and immediately before or after ablation (RF‐OFF). In evaluating the accuracy of RF‐ON measurements, we utilized the RF‐OFF measure as the gold standard.

We measured 465 voltage signals. The median values were 0.2900 and 0.3100 for RF‐ON and RF‐OFF, respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank testing showed no significant difference in these values (P = 0.608). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.96, indicating that voltage measurements were similarly accurate during RF‐OFF versus RF‐ON. Five patients had baseline atrial fibrillation (AF), for whom 82 ablation points were measured; 383 additional ablation points were measured for the remaining patients. The voltages measured during RF‐ON versus RF‐OFF were similar in the presence of AF (P = 0.800) versus non‐AF rhythm (P = 0.456) (ICC, 0.96 for both).

Conclusion

Voltage signal measurement was similarly accurate during RF‐ON versus RF‐OFF independent of baseline rhythm. Physicians should consider not turning off the SMARTTOUCH ablation catheter when measuring voltage during RFA.
Commentary: Development of a new, much‐needed, cognitive‐behavioral intervention for adolescents with ADHD – a reflection on Sprich et al. (2016)
Authors: Solanto Mary V.
Published: October 2016

Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging to treat. often, they are resistant to taking medication. Furthermore, the behavioral and cognitive‐behavioral interventions developed for children and adults with ADHD, are not appropriate or are not effective for adolescents. Thus, this study, showing the effectiveness of a cognitive‐behavioral treatment (CBT) program specifically designed for adolescents, represents an important step forward. Methodological strengths include a wait‐list control group and outcome ratings by a blind evaluator. We look forward to further development of this treatment, particularly a trial in adolescents not concomitantly medicated for ADHD and comparison to an active control group.
Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy and safety of combined oral tranexamic acid and topical hydroquinone 4% treatment vs. topical hydroquinone 4% alone in melasma: a parallel‐group, assessor‐ and analyst‐blinded, randomized controlled trial with a short‐term follow‐up
Authors: Lajevardi Vahideh , Ghayoumi Afsaneh , Abedini Robabeh , Hosseini Hamed , Goodarzi Azadeh , Akbari Zahra , Hedayat Kosar
Published: October 2016

Background

Melasma's high prevalence and profound psychological impact on patients necessitate efficacious, economical, and safe therapeutic interventions. Adjunctive therapies such as tranexamic acid (TA) can enhance the therapeutic effect of standard treatments like hydroquinone 4% cream (HQ).

Objective

To conduct an assessor‐ and analyst‐blinded, parallel, superiority, randomized controlled trial to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of oral TA plus HQ vs. HQ alone in melasma treatment.

Materials and Methods

A total of 100 eligible patients with symmetric facial melasma were assigned to the intervention (250 mg thrice daily oral TA plus HQ 4% cream nightly) or the control group (HQ 4% cream only). Following 3 months of treatment, MASI (melasma area and severity index) score reduction was calculated as the primary outcome measure. After a 3‐month follow‐up, relapse was also assessed.

Results

A total of 88 patients completed the study. At the end of the 6‐month period, the overall mean of the MASI score in the intervention group was 1.8 points lower than in the controls (95% confidence interval, 0.36–3.24, P = 0.015) but the relapse rate was not significantly different (30% vs. 26% in the treatment vs. control group, respectively). Side effect occurrence was also similar, but treatment satisfaction was higher in the intervention group than the controls, with 82.2% vs. 34.95 of patients reporting moderate‐to‐complete satisfaction, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Oral TA can enhance the efficacy of hydroquinone 4% cream in melasma treatment, but the high incidence of relapse suggests that treatment effects may be temporary, warranting more investigation.
AGGLOMERATION, URBAN WAGE PREMIUMS, AND COLLEGE MAJORS
Authors: Liu Shimeng
Published: October 2016

The aim of this paper is to examine the manner and extent to which worker skill type affects agglomeration economies that contribute to productivity in cities. I use college majors to proxy for skill types among workers with a bachelor's degree. Workers with college training in information‐oriented and technical fields (e.g., STEM areas such as engineering, physical sciences, and economics) are associated with economically important within‐field agglomeration economies and also generate sizeable spillovers for workers in other fields. In contrast, within‐field and across‐field spillovers for workers with college training in the arts and humanities are much smaller and often nonexistent. While previous research suggests proximity to college‐educated workers enhances productivity, these findings suggest that not all college‐educated workers are alike. Instead, positive spillover effects appear to derive mostly from proximity to workers with college training in information‐oriented and technical fields.
Warming and nitrogen addition effects on bryophytes are species‐ and plant community‐specific on the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Sun Shou‐Qin , Wang Gen‐Xu , Chang Scott X. , Bhatti Jagtar S. , Tian Wei‐Li , Luo Ji
Published: October 2016

Question

Global change is likely to strongly affect alpine and sub‐alpine regions, in which bryophytes are important components. Global change effects on sub‐alpine vegetation, bryophytes in particular, however, have been addressed in few studies. We ask if global warming and increased nitrogen (N) deposition, two of the most important components of global change, will have different effects on bryophyte communities and species in sub‐alpine coniferous and shrubland ecosystems.

Location

Eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau.

Methods

We established a warming by N deposition experiment, using a 2 × 2 factorial design, replicated three times, in each of two sub‐alpine ecosystems. Effects on bryophytes at the community and species levels were evaluated after 4 (shrubland) and 5 (coniferous forest) years of warming and N deposition treatments.

Results

Bryophyte cover increased in the first two growing seasons and thereafter decreased until the end of the experiment in all treatments, most strongly in warming plots in both ecosystems and in N deposition plots in the coniferous forest. At the species level, the pleurocarpous bryophyte Pleurozium schreberi was resilient to warming but sensitive to N deposition, while the acrocarpous bryophytes Rhizomnium tuomikoskii and Racomitrium japonicum were resilient to N addition but sensitive to warming.

Conclusions

Effects of warming and increased N deposition on bryophytes were species‐ and to some extent also ecosystem‐specific in the experiment in the sub‐alpine region, indicating that bryophytes do not respond to global change as one single functional group. The observed species replacements in response to warming and N deposition may affect ecosystem processes.
Left in the dust: differential effectiveness of the two alternative adhesive pad configurations in geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota)
Authors: Russell A. P. , Delaugerre M.‐J.
Published: October 2016

Two distinctive patterns of adhesive toepad are found in the Gekkota – terminal leaf‐like pads situated at the distal ends of the digits, and basal pads that encroach more proximally along the digits, are proportionally larger and are associated with more than just the ungual and distal portion of the penultimate phalanges. Although these two configurations have long been recognized, there has been no explanation of whether or not they are functionally different. A small offshore island provided a potential arena for testing the possibility of differential functionality of these two patterns. Euleptes europaea, a leaf‐padded taxon, is widespread on Giraglia Island (Corsica), whereas Tarentola mauritanica, a basally padded recent colonizer, has remained restricted to its one concrete building. Challenges to adhesion occur on dusty surfaces, and the self‐cleaning mechanism of gecko setal fields can be rendered ineffective if the dust is ubiquitous. Giraglia is composed of prasinite, an inherently friable and dusty schist. The leaf‐like terminal pads of E. europaea can be withdrawn from close contact with dusty surfaces, leaving the claws alone to provide traction. The digits of T. mauritanica more fully integrate the claws and adhesive pad, with full‐digit hyperextension rendering the claws alone incapable of gripping the surface. Colonization of Giraglia by T. mauritanica has failed because its adhesive system is incompatible with the island's rocky terrain. This has permitted the relictual E. europaea to persist in the face of potentially intense competition. Our findings shed light on the previously noted association of leaf‐like pads with rupicolous habits, and indicate that an enhanced understanding of particular surfaces that leaf‐padded geckos exploit may further clarify how definitive these associations are.
Selective IgA Deficiency: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Phenotype, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management
Authors: Yazdani R. , Azizi G. , Abolhassani H. , Aghamohammadi A.
Published: October 2016

Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) is the most common primary antibody deficiency. Although more patients with SIgAD are asymptomatic, selected patients suffer from different clinical complications such as pulmonary infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and malignancy. Pathogenesis of SIgAD is still unknown; however, a defective terminal differentiation of B cells and defect in switching to IgA‐producing plasma cells are presumed to be responsible. Furthermore, some cytogenic defects and monogenic mutations are associated with SIgAD. There is no specific treatment for patients with symptomatic IgA deficiency, although prophylactic antibiotic therapy along with circumstantial immunoglobulin replacement with justification and supportive care (using a product that contains minimal IgA) could be helpful for patients with a severe phenotype. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical phenotype, diagnosis, prognosis, management and treatment in patients with SIgAD have been reviewed.
Genomic full‐length sequence of two HLA‐A alleles, A*33:01:01 and A*33:03:01, identified by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Xu Y. P. , Shan B. F. , Wang S. X.
Published: October 2016

Genomic full‐length sequences of HLA‐A*33:01:01 and A*33:03:01, were identified by cloning and sequencing.