bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrate modulates stem cell dynamics in
Arabidopsis
shoot meristems through cytokinins
Authors: Landrein Benoit , Formosa-Jordan Pau , Malivert Alice , Schuster Christoph , Melnyk Charles W. , Yang Weibing , Turnbull Colin , Meyerowitz Elliot M. , Locke James C. W. , Jönsson Henrik
Published: January 2018

Significance

Plants generate organs throughout their life as a consequence of the maintenance of postembryonic stem cell niches in meristems. The molecular mechanisms controlling stem cell homeostasis and organ emergence in shoot meristems have been well described, but the manner in which environmental signals influence them to generate plasticity is largely unknown. Using the shoot apical meristem of
Arabidopsis
as a model system, we show that plants can adapt their organogenesis rate to changes in the availability of nitrate in the soil within a few days, thanks to long-range signaling by cytokinin hormone precursors that travel through the plant, are converted to active hormones at the shoot meristem, and modulate the expression of
WUSCHEL
, a key regulator of stem cell homeostasis.
Breast Cancer Treatment and Survival Among Department of Defense Beneficiaries: An Analysis by Benefit Type and Care Source
Authors: Manjelievskaia Janna , Brown Derek , Shao Stephanie , Hofmann Keith , Shriver Craig D , Zhu Kangmin
Published: January 2018

Background

Use of treatment for breast cancer is dependent on the patient’s cancer characteristics and willingness to undergo treatment and provider treatment recommendations. Receipt of breast cancer treatment varies by insurance status and type. It is not clear whether different benefit types and care sources differ in breast cancer treatment and outcomes among Department of Defense beneficiaries.

Methods

The objectives of this study are to assess whether receipt of breast cancer treatment varied by benefit type (TRICARE Prime vs non-Prime) or care source (direct care, purchased care, and both) and to examine whether survival and recurrence differed by benefit type and/or care source among female Department of Defense beneficiaries with the disease. Study subjects were women aged 40–64 yr, diagnosed with malignant breast cancer between 2003 and 2007. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the likelihood of receiving treatment by benefit type or care source. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate differences in survival and recurrence by benefit type or care source.

Findings

A total of 2,668 women were included in this study. Those with Prime were more likely to have chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, breast-conserving surgery, surveillance mammography, and recurrence than women with non-Prime. Survival was high, with 94.86% of those with Prime and 92.58% with non-Prime alive at the end of the study period. Women aged 50–59 yr with non-Prime benefit type had better survival than women with Prime of the same age. No survival differences were seen by care source. In regard to recurrence, women aged 60–64 yr with TRICARE Prime were more likely to have recurrent breast cancer than women with non-Prime. Additionally, women aged 50–59 yr who used purchased care were less likely to have a recurrence than women who used direct care only.

Discussion/Impact/Recommendations

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine breast cancer treatment and survival by care source and benefit type in the Military Health System. In this equal access health care system, no differences in treatment, except mastectomy, by benefit type, were observed. There were no overall differences in survival, although patients with non-Prime tended to have better survival in the age group of 50–59 yr. In regard to care source, women who utilized mostly purchased care or utilized both direct and purchased care were more likely to receive certain types of treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, as compared with women who used direct care only. However, survival did not differ between different care sources. Future research is warranted to further investigate variations in breast cancer treatment and its survival gains by benefit type and care source among Department of Defense beneficiaries.
Use of new technologies to evaluate the environmental footprint of feedlot systems
Authors: Cole N Andy , Parker David B , Todd Richard W , Leytem April B , Dungan Robert S , Hales Kristen E , Ivey Shanna L , Jennings Jenny
Published: January 2018

With increased concern over the effects of livestock production on the environment, a number of new technologies have evolved to help scientists evaluate the environmental footprint of beef cattle. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of some of those techniques. These techniques include methods to measure individual feed intake, enteric methane emissions, ground-level greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, feedlot and pasture emissions, and identify potential pathogens. The appropriate method to use for measuring emissions will vary depending upon the type of emission, the emission source, and the goals of the research. These methods should also be validated to assure they produce accurate results and achieve the goals of the research project. In addition, we must not forget to properly use existing technologies and methods such as proper feed mixing, feeding management, feed/ingredient sampling, and nutrient analysis.
Professionals' Use of a Multidisciplinary Communication Tool for Patients With Dementia in Primary Care
Authors: de Jong Catharina C. , Ros Wynand J.G. , van Leeuwen Mia , Witkamp Leonard , Schrijvers Guus
Published: January 2018

In this descriptive study, the use of a professional e-communication tool, Congredi, is evaluated. Ninety-six Congredi records of patients with dementia could be divided into the subgroups low-complex care (n = 43) and high-complex care (n = 53). If Congredi is an adequate communication tool for professionals, the changing involvement of caregivers must also be reflected within the two subgroups. We hypothesized that use would be more intensive in the high-complex group in comparison with the low-complex group. Data were gathered during 42 weeks. Results showed that the mean number of care activities in the high-complex group was significantly higher than in the low-complex group (10.43 vs 5.61, P = .001). The number of professionals involved with the high-complex care group (3.58) was higher compared to the low-complex care group (2.51) (P = .000). The most frequent use was by case managers and nurses (43.4%) in the high-complex group and by several case managers (41.9%) in the low-complex group. It was concluded that professionals used Congredi adequately in the multidisciplinary care of patients with dementia because the changing involvement of caregivers and the level of care activities were reflected in the use of Congredi.
A Pilot Study of the Immunologic, Virologic, and Pathologic Consequences of Intra-anal 5% Imiquimod in HIV-1–Infected Men With High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions
Authors: Cranston Ross D. , Baker Jonathan R. , Siegel Aaron , Brand Rhonda M. , Janocko Laura , McGowan Ian
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Imiquimod can be used to treat internal anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. In HIV-1–infected individuals there is a theoretical concern for increased HIV replication in anorectal tissue secondary to imiquimod-induced mucosal inflammation.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to assess local virologic, immunologic, and pathologic effects of imiquimod treatment in HIV-infected individuals.

DESIGN:

This was a pilot study at a single academic center.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Anal Dysplasia Clinic.

PATIENTS:

HIV-1–infected individuals with biopsy-confirmed internal anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were included.

INTERVENTION:

Imiquimod cream was prescribed for intra-anal use 3 times per week for 9 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Anal human papillomavirus typing, anal and rectal tissue HIV-1 RNA and DNA quantification, cytokine gene expression, and anal histology were measured.

RESULTS:

Nine evaluable participants (1 participant was lost to follow-up) were all white men with a median age of 46 years (interquartile range = 12 y) and a median CD4 T-cell count of 480 cells per cubic millimeter (interquartile range = 835). All were taking antiretroviral therapy, and 7 of 9 had HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per milliliter. The median dose of imiquimod used was 27.0 (interquartile range = 3.5), and there was a median of 11 days (interquartile range = 10 d) from last dose to assessment. There was no progression to cancer, no significant change in the number of human papillomavirus types detected, and no significant change in quantifiable cytokines/HIV-1 RNA or DNA levels in anal or rectal tissue. Seven (35%) of 20 high-grade lesions resolved to low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

LIMITATIONS:

The study was limited by the small number of participants and variable time to final assessment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intra-anal imiquimod showed no evidence of immune activation or increase in HIV-1 viral replication in anal and rectal tissue and confirmed efficacy for intra-anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion treatment morbidity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A498.
Improving the Clinical Pharmacologic Assessment of Abuse Potential
Authors: Sellers Edward M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This article discusses the conduct of a human abuse potential study as outlined in the Food and Drug Administration Final Guidance to Industry on Assessment of Abuse Potential. In addition, areas where alternative approaches should be considered are proposed.

Procedures

The design, end points, conduct, and interpretation of the human abuse potential study were reviewed, analyzed, and placed in the context of current scientific knowledge and best practices to mitigate regulatory risk and expedite drug development.

Findings

The guidance is based on regulatory needs and current scientific practices. However, the reliability and utility of such studies can be improved with better subject selection, data collection, standardization of data collection and staff training, and a better understanding of the measurement properties of the dependent measures.

Conclusions

The guidance provides a useful framework for conduct of human abuse potential studies. However, design assumptions, poor choice of end points, failure to consider alternate approaches, and limited experience with interpretation can result in an inadequate study or one that does not fairly represent the abuse potential of a new chemical entity. Methodologic development is needed to strengthen the regulatory framework. The Food and Drug Administration or the National Institutes on Drug Abuse could take a targeted initiative to encourage this work.
Community Participatory Interventions to Improve Farmer Knowledge and Practices of Household Biogas Unit Operation in Ha Nam Province, Vietnam
Authors: Luu Quoc Toan , Nguyen Mai Huong , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Pham Giang , Dinh-Xuan Tung , MacDonald Lauren E. , Pham-Duc Phuc
Published: January 2018

Context:

The use of biogas systems to treat livestock waste is a common practice in Vietnam. However, farmers' knowledge and practices of the safe and appropriate use of household biogas units (HBUs) are still limited and could negatively impact human, animal, and environmental health.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of an intervention to improve knowledge and practices of biogas operation among farmers in 2 communes of Ha Nam Province, Vietnam.

Design:

A community-based intervention approach.

Setting:

This study was conducted from 2015 to 2016 in 2 communes of Ha Nam Province, Vietnam.

Participants:

Only farmers with HBUs (N = 399) participated in this research. Farmers were assigned to either an intervention group or a control group at a ratio of 1:2.

Intervention:

Two intervention steps were implemented over a 6-month period as follows: (i) the core farmer group trained in 6 steps of HBU safe handling practice; and (ii) the core farmer group conducted peer-to-peer communication with its neighbors in the commune using the provided material.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Farmers' knowledge and practices in biogas operation were assessed by a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered before (baseline) and after the intervention (follow-up) to both the control and intervention groups.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the knowledge and practices of biogas operation between the 2 groups, in which farmers in the intervention group demonstrated better understanding of the related topic than the control group (P < .05, t test). A linear regression model indicated that baseline and follow-up scores in both knowledge and practices of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group. After the intervention, the mean difference score in knowledge and practices between the intervention and control groups was 5.0 and 2.0 points, respectively (P < .01).

Conclusion:

A community-based intervention approach could be applied to improve knowledge and practices among farmers in using biogas systems. However, further studies should be conducted to assess the sustainability and effectiveness of this model.
The Association Between Gender Inequalities and Women's Utilization of Maternal Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Eight South Central Coast Provinces, Vietnam
Authors: Bui Ha Thi Thu , Le Thi Minh , Van Pham Tac , Doan Duong Thi Thuy , Nguyen Duy Anh , Nguyen Canh Chuong , Duong Duc Minh
Published: January 2018

Background:

Gender inequalities influence the utilization of maternal health services in Vietnam, but little research has been published. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the association between gender inequalities and women's utilization of maternal health services in Vietnam.

Methods:

The study was conducted in 8 provinces in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam during August 2013 to May 2014. A total of 907 women who delivered a year prior to the date of interview participated in the study. A multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the association between gender inequalities (including sociodemographic determinants of health) and utilization of 4 or more antenatal care (ANC4+) services, institutional delivery, and ever used contraceptive methods.

Results:

The utilization rate of maternal health services was varied, from 53.9% for ANC4+ to 87.7% for ever used a contraceptive method and 97% for institutional delivery. Ethnicity was identified as the most influential variable out of all sociodemographic determinants of health. Regarding gender inequalities, couple communication was the only variable having significant association with women's utilization of maternal health services.

Conclusion:

Women's equal role within context of their daily life and relations with their husbands (discussing maternal care with husband and having equal income to husband) supported their use of maternal health services. Therefore, there should be concerted efforts from all relevant stakeholders including the health system to focus on disadvantaged women in planning and delivery of maternal health services, especially to ethnic minority women. Male involvement strategy should be implemented to promote maternal health care, especially during the prenatal and postpartum period. To provide more culturally sensitive and right-based approaches in delivery of maternal health services to disadvantaged women in Vietnam, interventions are recommended that promote male involvement, that is, to engage men in service delivery to adapt and ensure the most appropriate and effective maternal health care.
Validation of a Falls Risk Screening Tool Derived From InterRAI Acute Care Assessment
Authors: Peel Nancye May , Jones Lee Vanessa , Berg Katherine , Gray Leonard Charles
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and validate a falls risk screening tool derived from interRAI Acute Care (AC) Assessment.

Methods

For derivation and validation, two prospective cohorts were recruited from AC hospitals in Australia. The derivation cohort comprised 1418 patients from 11 hospitals. In the validation cohort, 393 patients were recruited from four hospitals. The interRAI AC tool was used to collect comprehensive geriatric assessment data at admission. In-hospital falls were documented from medical records. A falls risk score was calculated using logistic regression. Predictive ability was compared with St. Thomas Risk Assessment Tool In Falling elderlY (STRATIFY), using area under curve (AUC). The validation cohort provided external validity.

Results

Complete data in the derivation cohort were available for 1288 patients (91%), with 75 (5.8%) having an in-hospital fall. The derived interRAI AC falls risk score (range = 0–6) had significantly better predictive ability (AUC = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.76) compared with St. Thomas Risk Assessment Tool In Falling elderlY (AUC = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.58–0.70) (P = 0.033). At a cut point of three, 54 of 75 falls were correctly predicted by the falls risk score derived from interRAI AC (sensitivity = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.60–0.82] and specificity = 0.60 [95% CI = 0.57–0.62]). The falls risk score performed similarly in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The falls risk tool developed from interRAI AC is a valid measure to screen for in-hospital falls. Reduction in assessment burden without loss of fidelity can be achieved through integrating the risk screener within the interRAI hospital system, which automatically triggers protocols for falls prevention based on identified risk.
Renormalization group flow of the Higgs potential
Authors: Gies Holger , Sondenheimer René
Published: January 2018

We summarize results for local and global properties of the effective potential for the Higgs boson obtained from the functional renormalization group, which allows one to describe the effective potential as a function of both scalar field amplitude and renormalization group scale. This sheds light onto the limitations of standard estimates which rely on the identification of the two scales and helps in clarifying the origin of a possible property of meta-stability of the Higgs potential. We demonstrate that the inclusion of higher-dimensional operators induced by an underlying theory at a high scale (GUT or Planck scale) can relax the conventional lower bound on the Higgs mass derived from the criterion of absolute stability.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Higgs cosmology’.
Gravitational waves from a first-order electroweak phase transition: a brief review
Authors: Weir David J.
Published: January 2018

We review the production of gravitational waves by an electroweak first-order phase transition. The resulting signal is a good candidate for detection at next-generation gravitational wave detectors, such as LISA. Detection of such a source of gravitational waves could yield information about physics beyond the Standard Model that is complementary to that accessible to current and near-future collider experiments. We summarize efforts to simulate and model the phase transition and the resulting production of gravitational waves.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Higgs cosmology’.
From prior information to saccade selection: evolution of frontal eye field activity during natural scene search
Authors: Glaser Joshua I. , Wood Daniel K. , Lawlor Patrick N. , Segraves Mark A. , Kording Konrad P.
Published: January 2018

Prior knowledge about our environment influences our actions. How does this knowledge evolve into a final action plan and how does the brain represent this? Here, we investigated this question in the monkey oculomotor system during self-guided search of natural scenes. In the frontal eye field (FEF), we found a subset of neurons, “early neurons,” that contain information about the upcoming saccade long before it is executed, often before the previous saccade had even ended. Crucially, much of this early information did not relate to the actual saccade that would eventually be selected. Rather, it related to prior information about the probabilities of possible upcoming saccades based on the pre-saccade fixation location. Nearer to the time of saccade onset, a greater proportion of these neurons’ activities related to the saccade selection, although prior information continued to influence activity throughout. A separate subset of FEF neurons, “late neurons”, only represented the final action plan near saccade onset and not prior information. Our results demonstrate how, across the population of FEF neurons, prior information evolves into definitive saccade plans.
Overview of thermal arcjet thruster development
Authors: Wollenhaupt Birk , Le Quang Hoa , Herdrich Georg
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of current and historical arcjet development. The reviewed arcjets are considered with respect to both design and thruster relevant parameters. Correspondingly, the paper enables the identification of adequate design criteria and of the probable thruster parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consists of a database for thruster relevant parameters in conjunction with relevant operational requirements (such as type of propellant) and specific design criteria (such as e.g. propellant injection systems).

Findings

The synopsis of both operational parameter and respectively assigned design allows for the derivation of development approaches for arcjets under given high level requirements such as power regime.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a general review. However, its strength is in the synthesis of the arcjet classification, the functional evidence of design criteria and the application scenario.

Practical implications

Not only basic but also specific design criteria are analyzed and evaluated leading to a recommendation feature of the paper with respect to the overall design of adequate arcjets.

Social implications

Within the scope of the Clean Space initiative, new applications and scenarios from the operation of arcjets arise enabling EOL phases of spacecraft that fulfill respective levels of debris mitigation and, in addition, the requirements concerning the adequately adapted re-entry of spacecrafts that are at end of life.

Originality/value

The paper is a general review. However, its strength is in the synthesis of the arcjet classification, the functional evidence of design criteria and the application scenario.
An approach to configuration management in the aero-engine overhaul process
Authors: Sun Huibin , Chang Zhiyong
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The functionality and reliability of an overhauled aero-engine is determined by all configuration changes in the overhaul process. Identifying, recording, auditing, tracking and tracing of configuration modifications are significant and meaningful. Considering the barriers to these goals, this paper aims to put forward an approach to configuration management in the aero-engine overhaul process.

Design/methodology/approach

The overhaul configuration management model is proposed to describe an aero-engine’s configuration evolution trajectory in the overhaul process. The controlling and auditing procedures are put forward to control and audit parts’ return-to-zero statuses and overproof statuses. And some searching algorithms are also designed to enable tracking and tracing of the configuration status along the time coordinate, or get a snapshot of an aero-engine’s configuration at a certain time. The above model, procedures and algorithms have been implemented and adopted to fulfill the configuration management requirements in the aero-engine overhaul process.

Findings

The approach is effective in identifying, recording, controlling, auditing, tracking and tracing configuration changes in the overhaul process.

Practical implications

The approach’s implementation and adoption present a practical example for aero-engines’ configuration management issue in the overhaul process.

Originality/value

The work proposes an original aero-engine configuration management solution for the overhaul process and enables a reliable and accurate configuration management mode.
Mixed fault diagnosis scheme for satellite formation
Authors: Lian Xiaobin , Liu Jiafu , Yuan Laohu , Cui Naigang
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a solution for the uncertain fault with the propulsion subsystem of satellite formation, using the Lur’e differential inclusion linear state observers (DILSOs) and fuzzy wavelet neural network (FWNN) to perform fault detection and diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

The uncertain fault system cannot be described based on the accurate differential equations. The set-value mapping is introduced into the state equations to solve the problem of uncertainty, but it will cause output uncertainty. The problem can be solved by linearization of Lur’e differential inclusion state observers. The Lur’e DILSOs can be used to detect uncertain fault. The fault isolation and estimation can be performed using the FWNN.

Findings

The mixed approach from fault detection and diagnosis has featured fast and correct to found the uncertain fault. The simulation results to indicate that the methods of design are not only effective but also have the advantages of good approximation effect, fast detection speed, relatively simple structure and prior knowledge and realization of adaptive learning.

Research limitations/implications

The hybrid algorithm can be extensively applied to engineering practice and find uncertain faults of the propulsion subsystem of satellite formation promptly.

Originality/value

This paper provides a fast, effective and simple mixed fault detection and diagnosis scheme for satellite formation.
Household acquisition of healthy food away from home
Authors: Leschewski Andrea M. , Weatherspoon Dave D. , Kuhns Annemarie
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze households’ acquisition of healthy food away from home (FAFH) from restaurants. Specifically, determinants of households’ decision to purchase healthy FAFH, the share of households’ FAFH expenditures allocated to healthy FAFH and the share of households’ FAFH calories obtained from healthy items are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey, the UK Food Standards Agency’s Nutrient Profiling Model is used to classify the healthfulness of households’ FAFH purchases. A double-hurdle model is estimated to identify determinants of households’ decision to purchase healthy FAFH and the share of their FAFH expenditures and calories allocated to healthy items.

Findings

Households’ acquisition of healthy FAFH varies with income, food assistance, FAFH purchase frequency, dieting, restaurant type, household composition, region and season. There is little difference in the impact of these factors on healthy FAFH expenditure shares vs calorie shares, suggesting that healthy FAFH expenditures proxy the contribution of healthy FAFH to a households’ diet.

Practical implications

Results suggest that increased availability of healthy FAFH may need to be supplemented by targeted advertising and promotions, revisions to nutrition education programs, improved nutrition information transparency and value pricing in order to improve the dietary quality of households’ FAFH acquisitions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyze household acquisition of healthy FAFH.
Comparison of three space mapping techniques on electromagnetic design optimization
Authors: Gong Jinlin , Gillon Frédéric , Bracikowski Nicolas
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate three low-evaluation-budget optimization techniques: output space mapping (OSM), manifold mapping (MM) and Kriging-OSM. Kriging-OSM is an original approach having high-order mapping.

Design/methodology/approach

The electromagnetic device to be optimally sized is a five-phase linear induction motor, represented through two levels of modeling: coarse (Kriging model) and fine.The optimization comparison of the three techniques on the five-phase linear induction motor is discussed.

Findings

The optimization results show that the OSM takes more time and iteration to converge the optimal solution compared to MM and Kriging-OSM. This is mainly because of the poor quality of the initial Kriging model. In the case of a high-quality coarse model, the OSM technique would show its domination over the other two techniques. In the case of poor quality of coarse model, MM and Kriging-OSM techniques are more efficient to converge to the accurate optimum.

Originality/value

Kriging-OSM is an original approach having high-order mapping. An advantage of this new technique consists in its capability of providing a sufficiently accurate model for each objective and constraint function and makes the coarse model converge toward the fine model more effectively.
Application of PSO and TLBO algorithms with neural network for optimal design of electrical machines
Authors: Kheireddine Bourahla , Zoubida Belli , Tarik Hacib , Imed Achoui
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the application of the stochastic algorithms for optimal design of electrical machines. Among them, the authors are interested in particle swarm optimization and teaching–learning-based optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization process is realized by the coupling of the above methods to finite element analysis of the electromagnetic field.

Findings

To improve the performance of these algorithms and reduce their computation time, a coupling with the artificial neuron network has been realized.

Originality/value

The proposed strategy is applied to solve two optimization problems: Team workshop problem 25 and switched reluctance motor with flux barriers.
Brand elongation effect
Authors: Zhong Ke , Wang Haizhong , Zhang Caiyun
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the brand elongation effect which is defined as the impacts of the aspect ratio of logo on consumers’ temporal property assessment and brand evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a theory with experiments.

Findings

The brand elongation effect that strip-shaped logos can make consumers perceive temporal property longer than square-shaped logos has been testified with three pairs fictional logos and one pair real-life one. The valence of temporal property moderates the effect on evaluation of temporal property. The perceived temporal length mediated the shape effect on brand evaluation only when the temporal property is important (vs unimportant) for the product.

Research limitations/implications

This study only deals with the elongation effect of logos’ aspect ratio, without discussing the impact of color, angle/roundness or other graphic properties of logos on consumer attitudes.

Practical implications

This study not only provides empirical supports to update brand logos but also further illustrates that some subtle properties of logos can result in influences that are both significant and substantial.

Originality/value

This research enriches the literature of branding and metaphorical cognition. The findings of this study provide direct implications for brand managers to design logos and manage multi-shape brand logos.
Misfit or xenophillia
Authors: Wu Jie , Ma Zhenzhong
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Overseas work experiences have played a critical role in venture creation and success, yet the impact of overseas work experience on returnee entrepreneurs’ venture capital funding in the Chinese market remains understudied. This paper aims to explore the impact of returnee entrepreneurs’ overseas experiences on their opportunities of venture capital funding in China to help better understand the potential benefits that overseas work experiences bring to emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have conducted a two-year inductive field study to explore the impact of overseas experiences on Chinese returnee entrepreneurs’ funding in the Chinese market with in-depth interviews with returnee capital seekers (or the venture founders) and capital providers.

Findings

The results show that returnee entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed in acquiring financial resources for their new ventures if they skillfully present their overseas work experiences and international networks to manage the impression constructed by capital providers.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on how returnee entrepreneurs use impression management in external resource acquisition. It is clear that overseas experience has been regarded a symbol of personal capability closely associated with advanced knowledge and valuable human and social capital in the Chinese context. Resource holders appreciate such an association. The authors suggest that returnee entrepreneurs concerned about how to effectively acquire external resources should reflect upon the ways of presenting themselves to potential investors and fostering a positive image that encourages investors to commit to their ventures.
Do voluntary positive earnings forecasts of Chinese listed companies benefit publicly or privately?
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lu Guihua , Liu Baoliang
Published: January 2018

Purpose

According to the Chinese Stock Exchange rules, the listed companies’ management earnings forecasts (MEFs) are divided into mandatory and voluntary earnings forecasts. Different information disclosure mechanisms may bring different economic consequences. Compared with the former, when, how frequently and what kind of voluntary earnings forecasts are disclosed almost entirely depends on the discretion of managers and the major shareholders[1]. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether listed companies’ voluntary earnings forecasts have self-benefited motives before the major shareholders’ selling of original non-tradable shares and how the capital market reacts in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses multiple regression analyses to examine the influence of the major shareholders’ non-tradable shares selling motives on MEFs’ type and frequency of A-share listed companies and makes robust tests using the difference in difference model (DID).

Findings

In the paper, it is found that before the major shareholders’ selling of original non-tradable shares, managers of listed companies are prone to release positive voluntary MEFs; during the shares reduction year of the major shareholders, the disclosure frequency of MEFs is much higher; these forecasts before the major stockholders’ selling have significant higher excess market returns. The evidence suggests that voluntary positive MEFs are for the major shareholders’ self-interested motive rather than for the open, fair and just disclosure purpose that damages the allocation efficiency of the capital market.

Originality/value

This paper enriches the understanding of voluntary MEFs’ incentives literature and provides scientific evidence to improve the supervision of information disclosure and insider trading in Chinese security market.
Mechanoelectrical transduction in chondrocytes
Authors: Servin‐Vences Martha Rocio , Richardson Jessica , Lewin Gary R , Poole Kate
Published: January 2018

Cartilage tissue lines the joints of mammals, helping to lubricate joint movement and distribute mechanical loads. This tissue is comprised of isolated cells known as chondrocytes which are embedded in an extracellular matrix. Chondrocytes produce and maintain the cartilage by sensing and responding to changing mechanical loads. Mechanosensitive ion channels have been implicated in chondrocyte mechanotransduction and recent studies have shown that both PIEZO1 and TRPV4 can be activated by mechanical stimuli in these cells. The 2 channels mediate separate but overlapping mechanoelectrical transduction pathways, PIEZO1 in response to stretch and substrate deflections and TRPV4 in response to substrate deflections alone. These distinct pathways of mechanoelectrical transduction suggest a mechanism by which chondrocytes can distinguish between different stimuli that arise in their complex mechanical environment.
Evolution of bias and sample size in postoperative pain management trials after hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Karlsen A. P. H. , Dahl J. B. , Mathiesen O.
Published: January 2018

Background

Bias (systematic error) and small trial sample size (random error) may induce imprecise and exaggerated treatment effects in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). To avoid this,SPIRIT‐ andCONSORT‐guidelines, and Cochrane Collaboration bias recommendations were developed. We investigated risk of bias and trial sample size development over time in postoperative pain trials.

Methods

This study was based on data from two systematic reviews regarding pain management after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).RCTs of analgesic interventions with a comparator control group were included. Primary outcomes were risk of bias and trial sample size developments over time. We calculated cumulated bias scores ranging from 0 to 14 based on Cochrane's seven bias domains (0 = low; 1 = unclear, 2 = high). Developments were evaluated with run and control charts. Further, we compared data from trials published between 1990–1999 and 2010–2016.

Results

We included 171 trials published between 1989 and 2016. Overall, the summarised risk of bias decreased, mainly due to better randomization and allocation concealment. Visual inspection suggested an on‐going improvement that started around 2007. Trial sample size did not change significantly. For trials published between 1990–1999 and 2010–2016 adequate reporting increased from 36% to 75% for random sequence generation, from 9% to 38% for allocation concealment and from 27% to 52% for blinding of participants/personnel.

Conclusion

Risk of bias forRCTs regarding postoperative pain management afterTHAandTKAhas decreased from 2007 to 2016, mainly due to better randomization and allocation concealment. Deficiencies remain. Thus, reporting according to validated guidelines is essential. Sample sizes did not change significantly.
Maternal‐choice caesarean section versus planned vaginal birth in low‐risk primigravid women
Authors: Robson Stephen J. , de Costa Caroline , Woods Cindy , Ding Pauline , Rane Ajay
Published: January 2018

Rising rates of caesarean section (CS) have been attributed, in part, to maternal‐choice CS (MCCS). There are few published data regarding maternal and perinatal risks comparing MCCS with planned vaginal birth (VB) in uncomplicated first pregnancies to inform choice. We report the results of a pragmatic patient‐preference cohort study of private patients in Australia: 64 women planning MCCS and 113 women planning VB. There were few differences in outcome between the two groups. The study highlighted the well‐recognised difficulties in undertaking prospective research into MCCS.
Laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage: Outcomes of 121 pregnancies
Authors: Ades Alex , Parghi Sneha , Aref‐Adib Mehrnoosh
Published: January 2018

Background

Cervical insufficiency is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Cervical cerclage is one option in the management of cervical insufficiency.

Aim

To evaluate obstetric outcomes following insertion of a pre‐pregnancy laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage in women at high risk for pre‐term labour and/or mid‐trimester pregnancy loss.

Methods

A prospective observational study of consecutive women who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage from 2007 to 2017. Eligible women had a diagnosis of cervical insufficiency based on previous obstetric history and/or a short or absent cervix and were considered not suitable for a transvaginal cerclage. The primary outcome was neonatal survival and the secondary outcome was delivery of an infant at ≥34 weeks gestation. Surgical morbidity and complications were also evaluated.

Results

During the study period, 225 women underwent laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage. We present the outcomes of 121 pregnancies resulting in 125 babies. The perinatal survival rate of viable pregnancies was 98.5% with a mean gestational age at delivery of 35.2 weeks; 79.7% of babies were delivered at ≥34.0 weeks gestation.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage is a safe and effective procedure resulting in favourable obstetric outcomes in women with a poor obstetric history. For optimal success the procedure requires the correct surgical expertise, equipment and appropriate patient selection.
Determining the Provenance of Cayo Pottery from Grenada, Lesser Antilles, Using Portable X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Scott R. B. , Neyt B. , Hofman C. , Degryse P.
Published: January 2018

Portable XRF was used to analyse the chemical composition of 52 indigenous Cayo ceramics from excavations and from private collections on Grenada, Lesser Antilles. Initially, a comparative baseline of data representing three different islands (Grenada, St Vincent and Trinidad) was created by analysing with pXRF ceramic material that had previously been analysed both chemically and petrographically. The field data, when compared to the laboratory baseline data, indicated that the majority of the ceramics were made with clay local to Grenada. Four samples were potentially made with clay from another, as yet unidentified, source.
Spatial cognition and science achievement: The contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic spatial skills from 7 to 11 years
Authors: Hodgkiss Alex , Gilligan Katie A. , Tolmie Andrew K. , Thomas Michael S. C. , Farran Emily K.
Published: January 2018

Background

Prior longitudinal and correlational research with adults and adolescents indicates that spatial ability is a predictor of science learning and achievement. However, there is little research to date with primary‐school aged children that addresses this relationship. Understanding this association has the potential to inform curriculum design and support the development of early interventions.

Aims

This study examined the relationship between primary‐school children's spatial skills and their science achievement.

Method

Children aged 7–11 years (N = 123) completed a battery of five spatial tasks, based on a model of spatial ability in which skills fall along two dimensions: intrinsic–extrinsic; static–dynamic. Participants also completed a curriculum‐based science assessment.

Results

Controlling for verbal ability and age, mental folding (intrinsic–dynamic spatial ability), and spatial scaling (extrinsic–static spatial ability) each emerged as unique predictors of overall science scores, with mental folding a stronger predictor than spatial scaling. These spatial skills combined accounted for 8% of the variance in science scores. When considered by scientific discipline, mental folding uniquely predicted both physics and biology scores, and spatial scaling accounted for additional variance in biology and variance in chemistry scores. The children's embedded figures task (intrinsic–static spatial ability) only accounted for variance in chemistry scores. The patterns of association were consistent across the age range.

Conclusion

Spatial skills, particularly mental folding, spatial scaling, and disembedding, are predictive of 7‐ to 11‐year‐olds’ science achievement. These skills make a similar contribution to performance for each age group.
The (Body‐) ‘Thing’ Phenomenon and Primitive States of Being: ‘The Words to Say It’
Authors: Barnes Leila
Published: January 2018

Using Marie Cardinal's autobiographical novel The Words to Say It (1975), I explore how a somatic disturbance mysteriously located in utero represents an ‘après‐coup’, a second time experience of ‘what is already there’. The titles of both the book and this paper suggest that words hold a transformative power – an emotional re‐education for the fragmented subject. The ‘Thing’ refers on the one hand to the author's distressing illness: her continuous menstrual bleeding, for which there is no medical explanation. In order not to succumb to her ‘madness’, Marie decides to start psychoanalysis. From being utterly prostrated in darkness, Marie painfully remembers, repeats and reconstructs a piece of her early history (a ‘truth’) she had forgotten. Eventually, as the flow of words replaces the flow of blood, Marie ‘learns to name her ghost’ and is rewarded with a new sense of ‘self’. On the other hand, the ‘thing’ refers to the Freudian concept of thing‐presentation and word‐presentation. It concerns the processes by which an unconscious ‘thing’ which couldn't be symbolized becomes conscious once represented in words. The paper is inspired by French psychoanalysis.
Management of paediatric high‐grade blunt renal trauma: a 10‐year single‐centre UK experience
Authors: Wong Kee Y. , Jeeneea Ram , Healey Andrew , Abernethy Laurence , Corbett Harriet J. , McAndrew Helen F. , Losty Paul D.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To report the management and outcome of paediatric patients sustaining high‐grade blunt renal trauma.

Patients and Methods

Medical records were examined for all American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade III–V blunt renal trauma cases admitted to a paediatric trauma centre from 2005 to 2015. Data collected and analysed included: demographics, imaging modalities, management, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, and follow‐up outcomes.

Results

In all, 18 children (12 boys, six girls) with mean (range) age 11 (4–15) years were included. According to the AAST grading criteria, 39% (seven of 18) of the patients had grade III, 50% (nine of 18) grade IV, and 11% (two of 18) grade V injuries; 44% (eight of 18) had concomitant injuries. Most of the patients were managed conservatively (89%, 16 of 18), although two of the 16 subsequently needed JJ‐stent insertion during inpatient stay for symptomatic urinoma(s). In all, 11% (two of 18) of the patients required interventional radiology service(s), involving selective embolisation for life‐threatening renal tract haemorrhage. Blood transfusion for renal injury exclusively was required in 11% (two of 18) of the patients. In all, 89% (16 of 18) of the patients had at least one follow‐up imaging study before hospital discharge; most (13 of 16) had ultrasonography and three required computed tomography. The median (range) LOS was 11 (4–31) days. In all, 17% (three of 18) of the patients required hospital re‐admission within 30 days for complications and all required interventional procedures: JJ stent for urinoma (one), embolisation of renal arterio‐venous fistula (one), and embolisation for a post‐traumatic pseudoaneurysm (one). Overall, the median (range) follow‐up was 6 (2–60) months. In all, 78% (14 of 18) of the patients had dimercaptosuccinic acid studies, with 11 showing reductions in renal function (range 3–44%).

Conclusions

This study supports a care pathway strategy advocating conservative management of high‐grade renal injuries in children. However, patients may experience a relative decline in renal function with higher grade injuries indicating the need for monitoring and follow‐up.