bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining the measurement and evaluation stasis
Authors: Nothhaft Howard , Stensson Hanna
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the “evaluation deadlock” or “stasis” diagnosed by many authors. The explanation relies on a thought experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual and builds on a thought experiment inspired by qualitative research such as interviews with communication consultants in Sweden. It makes use of principal–agent theory and Akerlof’s theory of lemon markets.

Findings

A plausible explanation for the evaluation stasis requires consideration of practitioners’ self-interest as businesspeople. The deadlock is explained by an anomaly in practitioner populations and passive or active but covert resistance. If the long-time neglect of measurement and evaluation has led to expectation inflation and overpromising, even well-performing actors might shy away from rigorous measurement and evaluation practices in their own mandates, since they fear being measured against promotional, not realistic standards. At the same time, on the level of industry discourse, these practitioners would still advocate for measurement and evaluation in principle, so as to avoid the suspicion of underperformance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests an explanation for further empirical investigation. It does not attempt to demonstrate anything else than that the suggestion is plausible and that it warrants further investigation.

Practical implications

The scientific community engaged in the measurement and evaluation debate appears puzzled by the discrepancy between practitioners’ words and actions. The authors hope that the paper contributes to a more realistic and thus more constructive dialogue between practitioners and academics in the measurement and evaluation debate.

Originality/value

Inspired by Alvesson and Spicer’s concept of functional stupidity, the paper argues that attempts to explain the evaluation stasis have been marked by circumspection and narrowness. At present, explanations for the evaluation stasis tend to focus on lack of knowledge or inadequate systems or frameworks. The paper offers a more comprehensive explanation.
Innovation diffusion theory and customers’ behavioral intention for Islamic credit card
Authors: Jamshidi Dariyoush , Kazemi Fazlollah
Published: July 2019

Purpose

One of the main challenge when launching new banking services is to overcome resistance to change so as to accelerate market acceptance. This is the case of an Islamic credit card (ICC). Grounded in innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and theory of reasoned action (TRA), this paper aims to study the purposes and empirically tests an integrated model to explore, which factors influence of ICC.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares and structural equation modeling was used to assess the hypotheses. Accordingly, the empirical results, obtained in a sample of 762 bank customers.

Findings

Intentions to use of ICC are mostly determined by relative advantage, compatibility, customer awareness, satisfaction and attitude. The combination of IDT and TRA significantly explain the ICC adoption.

Originality/value

This research has provided a theoretical understanding of the ICC adoption determinants with the intent of promoting a more in-depth understanding of various elements influencing acceptance and usage of this Islamic banking service.
Measuring the service quality of BPJS health in Indonesia: a sharia perspective
Authors: Ratnawati Alifah , Kholis Noor
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that were considered important by Muslim BPJS participants of service quality received when using BPJS Health card for hospitalization services.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 250 respondents that came from five hospitals in Indonesia. The variables used in this study modify SERVQUAL, PAKSERV and CARTER models.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that there are ten factors that are considered very important by Muslim BPJS participants for hospitalization service, with the dominant variables of each factor being sincerity/sincerity of employees in serving BPJS participants, the amount of drugs cost borne by BPJS participants, cleanliness in the hospital building, tabligh attitude in serving BPJS participants (wise and right on target), reputation of BPJS doctors in the hospitals, affordability of the hospital location, compliance and accuracy of payment claim/treatment for BPJS patients, BPJS compliance with Islamic principles, the ability of BPJS to reliably deliver promised services and availability of mosque at BPJS referral hospital.

Originality/value

The new factors that have emerged are location access, information and availability of praying facilities. The sincerity and formality factors are considered very important by the Muslim community when using BPJS Health card for hospitalization service.
Social marketing interventions: insights from a system dynamics simulation model
Authors: Saunders Stephen Graham , Truong V. Dao
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic nature of behaviour change over time and to gain insights into the effectiveness of social marketing efforts at three different intervention points under three different delay time conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A system dynamics simulation modelling approach was used.

Findings

The findings showed that the effectiveness of social marketing interventions at different points of intervention and delay times is dependent on complex dynamic system interactions and feedback loops.

Research limitations/implications

As the dynamic simulation model was an abstraction or simplified representation, it was only useful to gain insights into generalised patterns of behaviour over time.

Practical implications

The paper provided practical guidance to social marketers’ intent on gaining insights into “where to do” and “when to do” social marketing rather than “how to do” social marketing.

Originality/value

The paper provided theoretical and practical insights into the temporal nature of behaviour change and the effectiveness of social marketing interventions in influencing behaviour over time.
Institutional investors’ investment preference and monitoring: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Tee Chwee Ming
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the investment preference of various types of institutional investors in Malaysia, and its influence on firm valuation, operating performance and capital expenditure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs ordinary least squares model to examine: investment preference according to different types of institutional investors; the association between various types of institutional investors and firm valuation; the association between various types of institutional investors and firm performance; and the association between various types of institutional investors and capital expenditure.

Findings

The result shows that different types of institutional investors exhibit different investment preference. From the domiciles perspective, local institutional investors (LII) are found to be associated with higher Tobin’s Q, ROA and net profit margin. When viewed from business relationship perspective, “pressure-resistant” institutional investors (PRII) are positively associated with Tobin’s Q, ROA and net profit margin. Both LII and PRII are also associated with higher capital expenditure.

Originality/value

This study reveals the investment preferences of various types of institutional investors in an emerging market economy. The results show that institutional monitoring is associated with higher firm valuation, higher firm performance and higher capital expenditure. However, the effect is largely driven by local and PRII, particularly government-controlled institutional funds. These evidence suggest that different firm outcomes between emerging and advanced economy can be explained by variation in institutional setting.
Intelligent tutoring systems and learning performance
Authors: Yuce Ali , Abubakar A. Mohammed , Ilkan Mustafa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are a supplemental educational tool that offers great benefits to students and teachers. The systems are designed to focus on an individual’s characteristics, needs and preferences in an effort to improve student outcomes. Despite the potential benefits of such systems, little work has been done to investigate the impact of ITS on users. To provide a more nuanced understanding of the effectiveness of ITS, the purpose of this paper is to explore the role of several ITS parameters (i.e. knowledge, system, service quality and task–technology fit (TTF)) in motivating, satisfying and helping students to improve their learning performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from students who used ITS, and a structural equation modeling was deployed to analyze the data.

Findings

Data analysis revealed that the quality of knowledge, system and service directly impacted satisfaction and improved TTF for ITS. It was found that TTF and student satisfaction with ITS did not generate higher learning performance. However, student satisfaction with ITS did improve learning motivation and resulted in superior learning performance. Data suggest this is due to students receiving constant and constructive feedback while simultaneously collaborating with their peers and teachers.

Originality/value

This study verifies that there was a need to assess the benefits of ITS. Based on the study’s findings, theoretical and practical implications are proposed.
Roles of secretory glycoproteins in particle formation of Flaviviridae viruses
Authors: Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: July 2019

The family Flaviviridae comprises four genera, namely, Flavivirus, Pestivirus, Pegivirus, and Hepacivirus. These viruses have similar genome structures, but the genomes of Pestivirus and Flavivirus encode the secretory glycoproteins Erns and NS1, respectively. Erns plays an important role in virus particle formation and cell entry, whereas NS1 participates in the formation of replication complexes and virus particles. Conversely, apolipoproteins are known to participate in the formation of infectious particles of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and various secretory glycoproteins play a similar role in HCV particles formation, suggesting that there is no strong specificity for the function of secretory glycoproteins in infectious‐particle formation. In addition, recent studies have shown that host‐derived apolipoproteins and virus‐derived Erns and NS1 play comparable roles in infectious‐particle formation of both HCV and pestiviruses. In this review, we summarize the roles of secretory glycoproteins in the formation of Flaviviridae virus particles.
In situ meta‐omic insights into the community compositions and ecological roles of hadal microbes in the Mariana Trench
Authors: Gao Zhao‐Ming , Huang Jiao‐Mei , Cui Guo‐Jie , Li Wen‐Li , Li Jun , Wei Zhan‐Fei , Chen Jun , Xin Yong‐Zhi , Cai Du‐Si , Zhang Ai‐Qun , Wang Yong
Published: July 2019

The low temperature and elevated hydrostatic pressure in hadal trenches at water depths below 6000 m render sample collection difficult. Here, in situ hadal water microbial samples were collected from the Mariana Trench and analysed. The hadal microbial communities at different depths were revealed to be consistent and were dominated by heterotrophic Marinimicrobia. Thirty high‐quality metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) were retrieved to represent the major hadal microbes affiliated with 12 prokaryotic phyla. Most of the MAGs were newly reported and probably derived from novel hadal inhabitants as exemplified by a potentially new candidate archaeal phylum in the DPANN superphylum. Metabolic reconstruction indicated that a great number of the MAGs participated in nitrogen and sulfur cycling, in which the nitrification process was driven sequentially by Thaumarchaeota and Nitrospirae and sulfur oxidization by Rhodospirillales in the Alphaproteobacteria class. Moreover, several groups of hadal microbes were revealed to be potential carbon monoxide oxidizers. Metatranscriptomic result highlighted the contribution of Chloroflexi in degrading recalcitrant dissolved organic matter and Marinimicrobia in extracellular protein decomposition. The present work provides an in‐depth view on the hadal microbial communities regarding their endemism and element cycles.
Analysis of Frontal Sinuses for Personal Identification in a Chinese Sample Using a New Code Number
Authors: Cameriere Roberto , Scendoni Roberto , Lin Zitong , Milani Chantal , Palacio Luz Andrea Velandia , Turiello Marika , Ferrante Luigi
Published: July 2019

The study of frontal sinuses for personal identification is a considered approach in the forensic field. In Yoshino's system, the frontal sinus patterns of a given person were formulated as a code number (codY) obtained by arranging the class numbers in each classification item. The aim of this work was to use a new code number (codC) with eight digits that includes other two continuous variables obtained as ratios SOR1 (left frontal sinus area/left orbit area) and SOR2 (right frontal sinus area/right orbit area), comparing the results with that of Yoshino. Digital radiographic images of the skulls of 150 Chinese people were analyzed. Spearman's partial correlation coefficients were evaluated between variables characterizing frontal sinus patterns. We used a maximum‐weight dependence tree for statistical analysis. Results demonstrated that codC significantly reduced the probability of having the same personal code number compared with codY. Our scientific approach results valid for personal identification purposes.
The Barber of Enlightened Spain: On the Politics and Practice of Grooming a Modern Nation
Authors: del Campo Tejedor Alberto
Published: July 2019

From as early as the late sixteenth century, the barber in Spain was stereotyped as a lowly, idle chatterer, more concerned with the guitar than with his job. The anti‐French movement in eighteenth‐century Spain took up the figure of the barber as a symbol of majismo, a compendium of values and lifestyle resistant to foreign acculturation, meant to signify the Spanish national character. Analysing representations of the barber through an interdisciplinary lens, I seek to elucidate how this archetype allowed the construction of a Spanish, castizo narrative, in opposition to new fashions, and to the civilising and modernising spirit of France.
Role of genetic background in the effects of adolescent nicotine exposure on mesolimbic dopamine transmission
Authors: Cadoni Cristina , De Felice Marta , Corongiu Silvia , Dessì Christian , Espa Elena , Melis Miriam , Fenu Sandro
Published: July 2019

Smoking during adolescence may increase the likelihood to develop nicotine dependence and to abuse other drugs such as cocaine. Despite great efforts to understand underlying neurobiological mechanisms of this progression, less attention has been paid to the role of genetic factors. Here, we investigated the influence of both genetic background and age at first nicotine exposure in the long‐lasting effects on mesolimbic dopamine transmission including the increased cocaine‐rewarding effect. Mid‐adolescent and adult rats of inbred strains Lewis (addiction prone) and Fischer 344 (addiction resistant) were administered nicotine (0.4 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 5 days. Changes in dopamine transmission were investigated by in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiology after 30 days of withdrawal, whereas changes in cocaine‐rewarding effect were assessed via conditioned place preference paradigm. Nicotine pre‐exposure differentially changed mesolimbic dopamine transmission depending on strain and age of pre‐exposure. A potentiation of dopamine response to nicotine was observed in nucleus accumbens (NAc) core of both strains and age groups, whereas dopamine response in NAc shell was enhanced exclusively in Lewis rats exposed to nicotine during adolescence. A similar response was observed following cocaine challenge at adulthood. Changes in VTA dopamine cell population and activity were observed only in adolescent nicotine‐pretreated Lewis rats, which also showed an increased cocaine‐rewarding effect at adulthood. These results highlight the influence of genetic background in the long‐lasting effects of nicotine exposure and suggest that exposure during adolescence might increase nicotine and cocaine‐rewarding properties in genetically vulnerable individuals, thereby facilitating progression toward dependence.
Transient high‐degree right bundle branch block masking the type 1 Brugada ECG pattern associated with possible transient early repolarization syndrome
Authors: Pérez‐Riera Andrés Ricardo , Barbosa Barros Raimundo , Daminello‐Raimundo Rodrigo , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Nikus Kjell
Published: July 2019

The Brugada syndrome (BrS) was the last electrocardiographic syndrome described in the 20th century. The initial description included right bundle branch block (RBBB), persistent ST‐segment elevation in the right precordial leads, absence of structural heart disease, and propensity to unexplained syncope and/or sudden death mainly during nocturnal rest. Currently, we know that the first three components are not constant or true since RBBB is present in only 28% of cases, the ST‐segment elevation is dynamic, at times absent, and there are discrete structural changes in the right ventricular outflow tract. Additionally, the presence of RBBB can hide the typical type 1 Brugada ECG pattern. We present a very unusual case of spontaneous transient RBBB that revealed a hidden type 1 Brugada ECG pattern that could be seen in the beat with normal ventricular conduction.
Diagnostic and theranostic microRNAs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Authors: Shoeibi Sara
Published: July 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small single strand and noncoding RNAs that regulate several physiological and molecular signalling pathways. Alterations of miRNA expression profiles may be involved with pathophysiological processes underlying the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, including changes in the functions of the endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, such as cell proliferation, migration and inflammation, which are involved in angiogenesis, macrophage function and foam cell formation. Thus, miRNAs can be considered to have a crucial role in the progression, modulation and regulation of every stage of atherosclerosis. Such potential biomarkers will enable us to predict therapeutic response and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases and adopt effective preclinical and clinical treatment strategies. In the present review article, the current data regarding the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis were summarized and the potential miRNAs as prognostic, diagnostic and theranostic biomarkers in preclinical and clinical studies were further discussed. The highlights of this review are expected to present opportunities for future research of clinical therapeutic approaches in vascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis with an emphasis on miRNAs.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: risk factors for thiopurine‐induced leukopenia in IBD
Authors: van Gennep Sara , Konté Kadère , Meijer Berrie , Heymans Martijn W. , D’Haens Geert R. , Löwenberg Mark , de Boer Nanne K. H.
Published: July 2019

Background

Thiopurine‐induced leukopenia, a frequently observed and potentially life‐threatening adverse event, complicates the clinical management of IBD patients.

Aim

To assess risk factors for thiopurine‐induced leukopenia in IBD.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS and Cochrane library were searched for studies reporting at least one risk factor for thiopurine‐induced leukopenia. Pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated for each potential risk factor using a random effects model. Studies that were not eligible for meta‐analysis were described qualitatively.

Results

Seventy articles were included, 34 (11 229 patients) were included in meta‐analyses. A significantly higher thiopurine‐induced leukopenia risk was found for TPMT (OR 3.9, 95% [CI] 2.5‐6.1) and for NUDT15 R139C (OR 6.9, 95% CI 5.2‐9.1), G52A (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3‐7.9) and 36_37ins/delGGAGTC variant carriers (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.8‐11.4). A potential association between high 6‐thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN) or 6‐methylmercaptopurine (6‐MMP) levels and leukopenia was observed, since most studies reported higher metabolite levels in leukopenic patients (6‐TGN: 204‐308 (Lennard method) and 397 (Dervieux method), 6‐MMP: 4020‐10 450 pmol/8 x 108 RBC) compared to controls (6‐TGN: 170‐212 (Lennard method) and 269 (Dervieux method), 6‐MMP: 1025‐4550 pmol/8 x 108 RBC).

Conclusions

TPMT and NUDT15 variants predict thiopurine‐induced leukopenia. High 6‐TGN and 6‐MMP levels might induce leukopenia, although exact cut‐off values remain unclear. Potential preventive measures to reduce the risk of thiopurine‐induced leukopenia include pre‐treatment TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping. Routine thiopurine metabolite measurement might be efficient, yet cut‐off levels must be validated in advance.
Improvement of non‐invasive markers of NAFLD from an individualised, web‐based exercise program
Authors: Huber Yvonne , Pfirrmann Daniel , Gebhardt Ines , Labenz Christian , Gehrke Nadine , Straub Beate K. , Ruckes Christian , Bantel Heike , Belda Eugenio , Clément Karine , Leeming Diana J. , Karsdal Morten A. , Galle Peter R. , Simon Perikles , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone of treatment in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, they requently fail related to the inability of patients to implement lasting changes.

Aims

To evaluate the effects of a short, web‐based, individualised exercise program on non‐invasive markers of hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods

Patients with histologically confirmed NAFLD underwent an 8‐week, web‐based, individualised exercise program that contained bidirectional feedback.

Results

Forty‐four patients entered the study and 41 completed the assigned training goal (93.2%). In the completer population, 8 weeks of individualised exercise increased the VO2peak by 12.2% compared to baseline (P < .001). ALT and AST decreased by 14.3% (P = .002) and 18.2% (P < .001) and remained at this level until follow‐up 12 weeks after the intervention. Markers of inflammation including hsCRP, ferritin, and M30 decreased. In parallel, gut microbiota exhibited increased metagenomic richness (P < .05) and at the taxonomic levels Bacteroidetes and Euryarchaeota increased whereas Actinobacteria phylum decreased. Surrogate scores of steatosis and fibrosis including the fatty liver index (FLI), FiB‐4, APRI and transient elastography showed significant reductions. In parallel, a marker of procollagen‐3 turnover (PRO‐C3) decreased while C4M2, reflecting type IV collagen, degradation increased suggesting beneficial hepatic fibrosis remodelling from exercise. Also, an enhancement in health‐related quality of life was reported.

Conclusion

The current study underlines the plausibility and potential of an 8 week individualised web‐based exercise program in NAFLD.

Clinical trial number: NCT02526732
The First Supper: The Role of the Digestive System in Mental Life and the Evolution of Eating Disorders
Authors: Schein Michael
Published: July 2019

The following work explores the significance of the digestive system in mental life and in the evolution of eating disorders. Utilizing Bion's model of the mind, as well as the work of Bick and Meltzer, it is proposed that underlying the overt symptoms of this disorder is a mental structure that lies at the core of eating disorders and which is referred to here as the metabolic mind. The constitution of the metabolic mind, it is argued, is rooted in the transformation of the digestive system into a second skin formation, intended to defend against anxieties of disintegration and to enable a rudimentary level of mental functioning. This type of mental functioning is often characterized by the use of adhesive identification, and is manifested in the presentation of eating disorders in a variety of mental features, which have been less associated with this ailment and merit a close examination. A provisional sketch of some of the potential implications of this mental construct is discussed, with the aim of further expanding the clinical understanding of this disorder.
A novel pan‐cancer biomarker plasma heat shock protein 90alpha and its diagnosis determinants in clinic
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Jie , Zhang Ping , Hou Qiaoyun , Feng Shi , Liu Lisheng , Cui Dawei , Shi Hubing , Fu Yan , Luo Yongzhang
Published: July 2019

A sensitive and specific diagnosis biomarker, in principle scalable to most cancer types, is needed to reduce the prevalent cancer mortality. Meanwhile, the investigation of diagnosis determinants of a biomarker will facilitate the interpretation of its screening results in clinic. Here we design a large‐scale (1558 enrollments), multicenter (multiple hospitals), and cross‐validation (two datasets) clinic study to validate plasma Hsp90α quantified by ELISA as a pan‐cancer biomarker. ROC curve shows the optimum diagnostic cutoff is 69.19 ng/mL in discriminating various cancer patients from all controls (AUC 0.895, sensitivity 81.33% and specificity 81.65% in test cohort; AUC 0.893, sensitivity 81.72% and specificity 81.03% in validation cohort). Similar results are noted in detecting early‐stage cancer patients. Plasma Hsp90α maintains also broad‐spectrum for cancer subtypes, especially with 91.78% sensitivity and 91.96% specificity in patients with AFP‐limited liver cancer. In addition, we demonstrate levels of plasma Hsp90α are determined by ADAM10 expression, which will affect Hsp90α content in exosomes. Furthermore, Western blotting and PRM‐based quantitative proteomics identify that partial false ELISA‐negative patients secret high levels of plasma Hsp90α. Mechanism analysis reveal that TGFβ‐PKCγ gene signature defines a distinct pool of hyperphosphorylated Hsp90α at Theronine residue. In clinic, a mechanistically relevant population of false ELISA‐negative patients express also higher levels of PKCγ. In sum, plasma Hsp90α is a novel pan‐cancer diagnosis biomarker, and cancer diagnosis with plasma Hsp90α is particularly effective in those patients with high expression of ADAM10, but may be insufficient to detect the patients with low ADAM10 and those with hyperphosphorylated Hsp90α.
Inhibition activity prediction for a dataset of candidates’ drug by combining fuzzy logic withMLR/ANN QSARmodels
Authors: Abdolmaleki Azizeh , Ghasemi Jahan B.
Published: July 2019

A hybrid of artificial intelligence simple and low computational costQSARwas used. Approximately 90 pyridinylimidazole‐based drug candidates with a range of potencies against p38RMAPkinase were investigated. To obtain more flexibility and effective capability of handling and processing information about the real world, in this case, the fuzzy set theory was introduced into theQSAR. An integration of multiple linear regression and artificial neural network with adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) was developed to predict the inhibition activity. The algorithm ofANFISwas applied to identify the suitable variables and then to find the optimal descriptors. The gradient descent with momentum backpropagationANNwas used to establish the nonlinear multivariate relationships between the chemical structural parameters and biological response. A comparison between the result of the proposed linear and nonlinear regression showed the superiority ofQSARmodeling byANFIS‐ANNmethod over theMLR. The results demonstrated that theANFIScould be applied successfully as a feature selection. The appearance ofDiam,Homo, andLogPdescriptors in the model showed the importance of the steric, electronic, and thermodynamic interactions between a drug and its target site in the distribution of a compound within a biosystem and its interaction with competing for binding sites.
The low anterior resection syndrome in a reference population: prevalence and predictive factors in the Netherlands
Authors: van Heinsbergen M. , Van der Heijden J. A. G. , Stassen L. P. , Melenhorst J. , de Witte E. , Belgers E. H. , Maaskant‐Braat A. J. G. , Bloemen J. G. , Bouvy N. D. , Janssen‐Heijnen M. L. , Konsten J. L.
Published: July 2019

Aim

The low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) severely affects quality of life (QoL) after colorectal cancer surgery. There are no data about these complaints and the association with QoL in a reference population. The aim of this study was to assess LARS and the association with QoL in a reference population.

Methods

Six hundred patients who visited the outpatient clinic because of general or trauma surgical indications were asked to participate in this study. They received an invitation letter containing three validated questionnaires to assess LARS (assessed with the LARS score) and both general [European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30] and colorectal‐specific (EORTC QLQ‐CR29) QoL.

Results

Five hundred and one respondents could be included for the analyses. The median age at inclusion was 68 years and 47.3% were men. Major LARS was observed in 15% of patients (11.4% in men and 18.9% in women, P = 0.021). Women reported more urgency (P = 0.070) and incontinence for both flatus (P < 0.001) and stool (P = 0.063) compared to men. In univariate analyses, women reported major LARS significantly more often than men (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.10–3.01). Patients with major LARS scored significantly worse in most QoL domains compared to patients with no/minor LARS.

Conclusion

This is the first study demonstrating major LARS and the association with QoL in a reference population of patients without colorectal cancer. Our data can assist in the interpretation of LARS in past and future research about abdominal complaints after colorectal cancer surgery.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Effects of OralCXA‐10, a Nitro Fatty Acid, After Single and Multiple Ascending Doses in Healthy and Obese Subjects
Authors: Garner Rachel M. , Mould Diane R. , Chieffo Carla , Jorkasky Diane K.
Published: July 2019

10‐nitro‐9(E)‐octadec‐9‐enoic acid (CXA‐10), a novel nitro fatty acid compound, demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent in multiple disease indications in which oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and/or direct tissue toxicity play significant roles. Phase I studies were conducted in healthy and obese subjects to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), safety, and tolerability of oralCXA‐10 after single and multiple doses in the fed and fasted states that would confirm the mechanisms of action ofCXA‐10. After single and multiple ascending doses,CXA‐10 demonstrated dose‐proportional increases in plasma exposure.CXA‐10 decreased levels of biomarkers associated with altered inflammation and metabolic stress observed from nonclinical studies. InCXA‐10‐202, a consistent decrease from baseline was observed withCXA‐10 150 mg dose, but not 25 or 450 mg doses, for biomarkers of altered inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, including leptin, triglycerides, cholesterol,MCP‐1, andIL‐6. InCXA‐10‐203, after coadministration withCXA‐10, geometric mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time point 0 to the end of the dosing interval (AUC0−t) decreased 20% and 25% for pravastatin, increased 10% and 25% for simvastatin, and decreased 20% and 5% for ezetimibe. These findings are consistent with the pharmacological effects ofCXA‐10. Adverse events (AEs) were dose‐related, and the most frequently reportedAEs (>10% of subjects) were diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.CXA‐10 was safe and well‐tolerated with no clinically significant abnormalities reported on physical examination, vital signs, clinical laboratory evaluations, or electrocardiographic evaluation. Phase II studies are underway in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension to investigate the efficacy and tolerability ofCXA‐10 75–300 mg once daily.
The role of coalitions in disaster policymaking
Authors: Crow Deserai A. , Albright Elizabeth A. , Koebele Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Disasters have the potential to act as focusing events, which can increase the amount of attention on disaster‐related problems and encourage policy action. Understanding of the political characteristics of disaster policymaking is underdeveloped, yet it is known that these features may be dissimilar to those of non‐disaster policy areas, especially concerning the coalitions of policy actors engaged in the disaster policy process. Coalitions in the realm of disaster policy processes may be less likely to form, may look very different, and may have different goals than those in non‐disaster domains. Knowledge of the emergence, composition, and purpose of coalitions in disaster policy is lacking. This paper draws on prior theory and case observations to define and describe the characteristics of a disaster policy subsystem and to build a typology of coalitions that may appear within such a subsystem, providing a foundation upon which scholars can work to study coalition dynamics in disaster policy subsystems.
High‐powered Contracts, Self‐selection and Welfare in Settings with Externalities
Authors: Feess Eberhard , Levati M. Vittoria , Rieser Marcel , Soraperra Ivan
Published: July 2019

We extend the experimental analysis of sorting and effort effects of high‐powered contracts on welfare to situations with negative externalities. Participants solve brainteasers from Raven's matrices. The difference between right and wrong answers represents our measure of welfare per capita. We compare two contract schemes: fixed‐wage and bonus contracts that reward subjects for the number of correct answers, regardless of the number of wrong answers. With fixed wages, selfish individuals have no effort incentive. With bonuses, they have incentives to answer as many questions as possible. The two contract schemes are further separated depending on whether participants self‐select or are randomly assigned to a contract. The self‐selection treatments correspond to cases where countries do not regulate contracts. The random assignment treatments mimic situations where countries either offer only bonuses or ban them. We find that bonuses generate lower welfare per capita than fixed wages as the higher effort incentives are outweighed by the detrimental effect of answering too many questions. However, due to productivity sorting, a general ban on bonuses does not increase welfare per capita compared to offering both contract schemes.
Temporal variation in abundance of male and female spruce budworms at combinatory associations of light traps and pheromone traps
Authors: Rhainds Marc , Lavigne Dan , Rideout Troy , Candau Jean‐Noël
Published: July 2019

A 3‐year study (2014–2016) was conducted at Rocky Harbour near the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada, to record the abundance and phenology of adult spruce budworms captured at traps, using a factorial design (light traps and pheromone traps deployed contiguously or segregated spatially). Budworms were most abundant and occurred seasonally earlier in 2014 than in 2015 and 2016; these findings held generally true for males and females. The geographic setting of Newfoundland (large island isolated from the mainland by an oceanic barrier of >100 km across) provides an ideal location to discriminate local flight from long‐range immigrations; in our study, however, immigrations cannot be ruled out for any single day of trapping due to broad overlap in emergence patterns at Rocky Harbour relative to forest stands with known populations of budworms on the mainland. Based on moderate daily variation in adult abundance, however, major immigration events (defined as external deposition of budworms with large numerical amplitude) likely did not take place at Rocky Harbor between 2014 and 2016. Males were more abundant at light traps coupled with pheromone traps, whereas abundance of males at pheromone traps was similar with or without contiguous light traps. This outcome may be mediated by lower range of attraction for light traps (usually <100 m) and (generally assumed to be several hundreds of meters). Females were equally abundant at light traps with or without pheromone traps. As expected, males were captured earlier in the season at pheromone traps than at light traps, and females occurred later in the season due to protandry. The onset of flight observed at light traps or pheromone traps in 2015 and 2016 occurred 10–15 days later than simulated predictions; caution is thus warranted as to conclusions derived on computer modeling of adult emergence.
Plants for nitrogen management in riparian zones: A proposed trait‐based framework to select effective species
Authors: Franklin Hannah M. , Robinson Brett H. , Dickinson Nicholas M.
Published: July 2019

Restoring plants to the riparian zone is regarded as management best practice in river restoration and has the potential to reduce the impact of nitrogen (N) pollution on aquatic organisms and improve water quality for human use. Plant characteristics and the interplay of hydrology and biogeochemistry control N retention in the riparian zone. The balance between processes such as denitrification and plant assimilation determines riparian N retention. Plant traits are likely to mediate these N removal processes through variations in root form, growth character, foliage production (quantity, quality and rate of return to the soil) and by altering conditions in the rhizosphere soil. Vegetation can slow N transfer via direct plant uptake of N (during periods of rapid vegetation growth) and changes induced to soil hydrology, nutrient cycling and microbial activity, principally denitrification. Few studies have focused on species‐dependent effects on N movement through soil and across boundaries. We propose a new framework, based on a literature review of plant traits with respect to N cycling, which can be used to select plant species with traits likely to maximise N removal during transport through the riparian zone. In the proposed framework, inter‐specific differences in traits known to influence N mobility: root form, growth rate, foliar characteristics and rhizosphere processes, are used to describe species’ potential impact on N removal. Plant trait data may be drawn from studies outside the riparian zone; for example forest ecology, horticulture or forestry research, and candidate species are scored to predict N removal efficiency. We apply the framework to New Zealand's native riparian plant assemblages to demonstrate the trait‐based approach. This framework can guide restoration management decisions and investment in riparian revegetation in a manner that is not restricted to geographically specific or well‐studied species.
Surgical treatment of a second metacarpal bone exostosis with associated desmitis of the body of the suspensory ligament in a horse
Authors: Owen K. R. , Hinnigan G. J. , Smith C. E. , Smith M.
Published: July 2019

This report outlines the diagnosis, surgical treatment and successful outcome following treatment of second metacarpal bone exostosis with concurrent suspensory ligament desmitis, and lameness in a horse. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in determining the extent of pathology within the suspensory ligament and site of proposed surgical resection. MRI was also utilised as a post‐operative tool in determining the timescale for satisfactory healing to enable the horse to return to athletic work.
Effects of temperature and a piscivorous fish on diel winter behaviour of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Filipsson Karl , Bergman Eva , Österling Martin , Erlandsson Ann , Greenberg Larry , Watz Johan
Published: July 2019

Low winter temperatures constrain predator‐detection and escape capabilities, making poikilotherms vulnerable to predation. Investigations of temperature effects on predator–prey interactions can therefore be of special importance in light of ongoing climate change, where winter temperatures are predicted to increase substantially at northern latitudes.

Behavioral responses of stream fishes to terrestrial predators in winter are well recognised, whereas responses to predatory fish have received little attention. Using stream flumes, we examined the anti‐predator behaviour of one‐summer‐old brown trout (Salmo trutta) at 3 and 8°C in the presence and absence of burbot (Lota lota) under night, dawn, and daylight conditions. Burbot was placed upstream of the trout, separated by net screens.

Lower temperature and the presence of burbot reduced trout activity. Light increased trout shelter use, and trout sheltered more in the presence of burbot. An interaction between the presence of burbot and light conditions affected trout position in the flumes: at night and dawn, trout positioned themselves further downstream when burbot were present than when absent, whereas during the day, trout maintained the same position in the presence or absence of the predator.

Our results suggest that piscivorous fish, in addition to terrestrial predators, shape the behaviour of prey fishes in streams during winter. We show how predator avoidance results in altered diel patterns of juvenile brown trout under winter conditions, and that temperature has additional effects on trout behaviour.
Network parameters quantify loss of assemblage structure in human‐impacted lake ecosystems
Authors: Wang Rong , Dearing John A. , Doncaster C. Patrick , Yang Xiangdong , Zhang Enlou , Langdon Peter G. , Yang Hui , Dong Xuhui , Hu Zhujun , Xu Min , Zhao Yanjie , Shen Ji
Published: July 2019

Lake biodiversity is an incomplete indicator of exogenous forcing insofar as it ignores underlying deformations of community structure. Here, we seek a proxy for deformation in a network of diatom assemblages comprising 452 species in 273 lakes across China. We test predictions from network theory that nodes of similar type will tend to self‐organize in an unstressed system to a positively skewed frequency distribution of nodal degree. The empirical data reveal shifts in the frequency distributions of species associations across regions, from positive skew in lakes in west China with a history of low human impacts, to predominantly negative skew amongst lakes in highly disturbed regions in east China. Skew values relate strongly to nutrient loading from agricultural activity and urbanization, as measured by total phosphorus in lake water. Reconstructions through time show that positive skew reduces with temporal intensification of human impacts in the lake and surrounding catchments, and rises as lakes recover from disturbance. Our study illustrates how network parameters can track the loss of aquatic assemblage structure in lakes associated with human pressures.
Benthic habitats do show a significant latitudinal diversity gradient: A comment on Kinlock et al. (2018)
Authors: Menegotto André , Kurtz Márcia Neunschwander , Lana Paulo da Cunha
Published: July 2019

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) has been investigated for decades, with hundreds of studies focusing on different organisms, regions and habitat types. Meta‐analysis may be considered, therefore, a useful tool to explore the generality and limitations of this remarkable macroecological pattern. The first meta‐analysis exploring variations in the LDG, published by Hillebrand in 2004, revealed that the latitudinal decline in species richness seems to be indeed a general phenomenon. However, Kinlock et al. (2018, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27, 125–141) revisited recently the challenge of synthesizing individual LDGs and indicated that the phenomenon is not ubiquitous among habitats of the marine realm. More precisely, they indicated that the phenomenon is non‐significant in the benthic habitat. Here, we suggest that the marine habitat categories used by them (i.e., benthic, coral reefs, coastal, open ocean) are not independent and that reclassifying the studies significantly alters one of their main results. By assigning the studies into benthic and pelagic categories, and additionally into coastal or oceanic zones, we show that non‐ambiguous, evolutionarily meaningful marine habitats display a significant latitudinal decline in species richness.
Increasing temperature within thermal limits compensates negative ultraviolet‐B radiation effects in terrestrial and aquatic organisms
Authors: Jin Peng , Overmans Sebastian , Duarte Carlos M. , Agustí Susana
Published: July 2019

Aim

The interactive effects of increased temperature and ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation on terrestrial and aquatic biota remain poorly understood. Our goal is to increase knowledge by providing a comprehensive assessment of the combined effects of warming and increased UV‐B on organisms across these domains.

Location

Global.

Time period

1995–2016.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial plants and animals, and marine and freshwater microalgae, macroalgae and animals.

Methods

We examined, using a meta‐analysis based on 1,139 published experimental assessments, the combined effects of temperature and UV‐B across terrestrial, freshwater and marine biota. We characterized the prevailing mode of combined effects (additive, synergistic or antagonistic), and assessed whether these were dose‐dependent or differed between terrestrial, freshwater and marine species, or between organisms growing in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Results

Our results show that the two stressors generally acted opposingly, with a significant positive effect of increased temperature and a significant adverse effect of elevated UV‐B radiation. Regarding their interactive impact, additive interactions (84%) appeared to be much more common compared with multiplicative (16%) effects. The frequencies of interaction types differed significantly among the three habitats and different plant functional groups. The proportion of both synergistic and antagonistic effects increased with increasing magnitude of temperature and UV‐B changes, suggesting that additivity is constrained by an organism's thermal and physiological limits.

Main conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates that due to their mostly opposing nature, elevated temperature, within the thermal limits of organisms, tends to compensate for the negative impact of UV‐B radiation when acting together, while their additive interaction is likely to assist impact prognosis. Our study, therefore, provides new insights into the predictions of the interactive effects of global change drivers across different habitats.
Older adults’ choices of first‐contact care and related factors in Zhejiang and Qinghai Province, China
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Zhang Hao , Sun Xueshan , Gu Yuxuan , Zhen Xuemei , Gu Shuyan , Li Yuanyuan , Huang Minzhuo , Wei Jingming , Dong Hengjin
Published: July 2019

Aim

This study aimed to investigate older adults’ choices of first‐contact care when they felt ill in Zhejiang and Qinghai province, and the related potential pathways.

Methods

Data were from a cross‐sectional survey in Zhejiang and Qinghai. We firstly compared older adults’ choices of first‐contact care in two provinces. Then, we applied structural equation modeling to explore pathways from socioeconomic status, accessibility and health status to older adults’ choices of first‐contact care.

Results

The proportion of older adults who selected primary healthcare institutions as first‐contact care in Qinghai was higher than that in Zhejiang. Socioeconomic status played an important role in the Zhejiang model through direct and indirect pathways. In the Qinghai model, accessibility to primary healthcare institutions was the leading cause for choosing preferred first‐contact care.

Conclusions

A better understanding of complex pathways from factors to older adults’ choices of first‐contact care was essential, which might inform priorities for further maximizing the utilization of primary care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 938–944.