bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loschmidt echo in many-spin systems: contrasting time scales of local and global measurements
Authors: Zangara Pablo R. , Bendersky Denise , Levstein Patricia R. , Pastawski Horacio M.
Published: May 2016

A local excitation in a quantum many-spin system evolves deterministically. A time-reversal procedure, involving the inversion of the signs of every energy and interaction, should produce the excitation revival. This idea, experimentally coined in nuclear magnetic resonance, embodies the concept of the Loschmidt echo (LE). While such an implementation involves a single spin autocorrelation
M
1,1
, i.e. a local LE, theoretical efforts have focused on the study of the recovery probability of a complete many-body state, referred to here as global or many-body LE
M
MB
. Here, we analyse the relation between these magnitudes, with regard to their characteristic time scales and their dependence on the number of spins
N
. We show that the global LE can be understood, to some extent, as the simultaneous occurrence of
N
independent local LEs, i.e.
M
MB
∼(
M
1,1
)

N
/4

. This extensive hypothesis is exact for very short times and confirmed numerically beyond such a regime. Furthermore, we discuss a general picture of the decay of
M
1,1
as a consequence of the interplay between the time scale that characterizes the reversible interactions (
T
2
) and that of the perturbation (
τ

Σ

). Our analysis suggests that the short-time decay, characterized by the time scale
τ

Σ

, is greatly enhanced by the complex processes that occur beyond
T
2
. This would ultimately lead to the experimentally observed
T
3
, which was found to be roughly independent of
τ

Σ

but closely tied to
T
2
.
Path integral approach to the quantum fidelity amplitude
Authors: Vaníček Jiří , Cohen Doron
Published: May 2016

The Loschmidt echo is a measure of quantum irreversibility and is determined by the fidelity amplitude of an imperfect time-reversal protocol. Fidelity amplitude plays an important role both in the foundations of quantum mechanics and in its applications, such as time-resolved electronic spectroscopy. We derive an exact path integral formula for the fidelity amplitude and use it to obtain a series of increasingly accurate semiclassical approximations by truncating an exact expansion of the path integral exponent. While the zeroth-order expansion results in a remarkably simple, yet non-trivial approximation for the fidelity amplitude, the first-order expansion yields an alternative derivation of the so-called ‘dephasing representation,’ circumventing the use of a semiclassical propagator as in the original derivation. We also obtain an approximate expression for fidelity based on the second-order expansion, which resolves several shortcomings of the dephasing representation. The rigorous derivation from the path integral permits the identification of sufficient conditions under which various approximations obtained become exact.
Loschmidt echo and time reversal in complex systems
Authors: Goussev Arseni , Jalabert Rodolfo A. , Pastawski Horacio M. , Wisniacki Diego A.
Published: May 2016

Echoes are ubiquitous phenomena in several branches of physics, ranging from acoustics, optics, condensed matter and cold atoms to geophysics. They are at the base of a number of very useful experimental techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, photon echo and time-reversal mirrors. Particularly interesting physical effects are obtained when the echo studies are performed on complex systems, either classically chaotic, disordered or many-body. Consequently, the term Loschmidt echo has been coined to designate and quantify the revival occurring when an imperfect time-reversal procedure is applied to a complex quantum system, or equivalently to characterize the stability of quantum evolution in the presence of perturbations. Here, we present the articles which discuss the work that has shaped the field in the past few years.
A scalable method for automatically measuring pharyngeal pumping inC. elegans
Authors: Scholz Monika , Lynch Dylan J. , Lee Kyung Suk , Levine Erel , Biron David
Published: May 2016

We describe a scalable automated method for measuring the pharyngeal pumping ofCaenorhabditis elegansin controlled environments. Our approach enables unbiased measurements for prolonged periods, a high throughput, and measurements in controlled yet dynamically changing feeding environments. The automated analysis compares well with scoring pumping by visual inspection, a common practice in the field. In addition, we observed overall low rates of pharyngeal pumping and long correlation times when food availability was oscillated.
P2Y2 purinergic receptor is induced following human cytomegalovirus infection and its activity is required for efficient viral replication
Authors: Chen Saisai , Shenk Thomas , Nogalski Maciej T.
Published: May 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) manipulates many aspects of host cell biology to create an intracellular milieu optimally supportive of its replication and spread. The current study reveals a role for purinergic signaling in HCMV infection. The levels of several components of the purinergic signaling system, including the P2Y2 receptor, were altered in HCMV-infected fibroblasts. P2Y2 receptor RNA and protein are strongly induced following infection. Pharmacological inhibition of receptor activity or knockdown of receptor expression markedly reduced the production of infectious HCMV progeny. When P2Y2 activity was inhibited, the accumulation of most viral RNAs tested and viral DNA was reduced. In addition, the level of cytosolic calcium within infected cells was reduced when P2Y2 signaling was blocked. The HCMV-coded UL37x1 protein was previously shown to induce calcium flux from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol, and the present study demonstrates that P2Y2 function is required for this mobilization. We conclude that P2Y2 supports the production of HCMV progeny, possibly at multiple points within the viral replication cycle that interface with signaling pathways induced by the purinergic receptor.

Importance

HCMV infection is ubiquitous and can cause life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients, debilitating birth defects in newborns, and has been increasingly associated with a wide range of chronic conditions. Such broad clinical implications result from the modulation of multiple host cell processes. This study documents that cellular purinergic signaling is usurped in HCMV-infected cells and that the function of this signaling axis is critical for efficient HCMV infection. Therefore, we speculate that blocking P2Y2 receptor activity has the potential to become an attractive novel treatment option for HCMV infection.
A Graph Extension of the Positional Burrows-Wheeler Transform and its Applications
Authors: Novak Adam M. , Garrison Erik , Paten Benedict
Published: May 2016

1

We present a generalization of the Positional Burrows-Wheeler Transform (PBWT) to genome graphs, which we call the gPBWT. A genome graph is a collapsed representation of a set of genomes described as a graph. In a genome graph, a haplotype corresponds to a restricted form of walk. The gPBWT is a compressible representation of a set of these graph-encoded haplotypes that allows for efficient subhaplotype match queries. We give efficient algorithms for gPBWT construction and query operations. We describe our implementation, showing the compression and search of 1000 Genomes data. As a demonstration, we use the gPBWT to quickly count the number of haplotypes consistent with random walks in a genome graph, and with the paths taken by mapped reads; results suggest that haplotype consistency information can be practically incorporated into graph-based read mappers.
Distinct transcription factor complexes act on a permissive chromatin landscape to establish regionalized gene expression in CNS stem cells
Authors: Hagey Daniel W. , Zaouter Cécile , Combeau Gaëlle , Lendahl Monika Andersson , Andersson Olov , Huss Mikael , Muhr Jonas
Published: May 2016

Spatially distinct gene expression profiles in neural stem cells (NSCs) are a prerequisite to the formation of neuronal diversity, but how these arise from the regulatory interactions between chromatin accessibility and transcription factor activity has remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate that, despite their distinct gene expression profiles, NSCs of the mouse cortex and spinal cord share the majority of their DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs). Regardless of this similarity, domain-specific gene expression is highly correlated with the relative accessibility of associated DHSs, as determined by sequence read density. Notably, the binding pattern of the general NSC transcription factor SOX2 is also largely cell type specific and coincides with an enrichment of LHX2 motifs in the cortex and HOXA9 motifs in the spinal cord. Interestingly, in a zebrafish reporter gene system, these motifs were critical determinants of patterned gene expression along the rostral-caudal axis. Our findings establish a predictive model for patterned NSC gene expression, whereby domain-specific expression of LHX2 and HOX proteins act on their target motifs within commonly accessible cis-regulatory regions to specify SOX2 binding. In turn, this binding correlates strongly with these DHSs relative accessibility—a robust predictor of neighboring gene expression.
Business strategy and performance in Indonesia’s service sector
Authors: Yuliansyah Yuliansyah , Rammal Hussain G. , Rose Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The relationship between strategic choices and performance in service firms in emerging markets has remained largely under-researched. This study aims to address this issue by studying the performance of financial institutions in the context of Indonesia’s political, institutional and socio-cultural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using institutional theory, the authors analyzed data collected using surveys and interviews with senior managers in Indonesian financial institutions.

Findings

The authors find that the regulative and normative elements have forced organizations to incorporate the values set by the external institutional bodies. The organizations have undertaken structural isomorphism in response to culture-cognitive elements, and differentiate themselves by focusing on the provision of quality customer service and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The authors provide new insights by studying how the political and institutional environment and choice of strategy influences performance of the services sector in emerging economies.
Two decades of sustainable supply chain management in the fashion business, an appraisal
Authors: Khurana Karan , Ricchetti Marco
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to trace developments in the fashion business commitment to sustainability over two decades and identify the drivers that progressively changed fashion brands’ perspective on sustainable supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research methodology is in the lines of Donald Schon reflective practice. Reflection-on-action is based on one of the authors practice in consultancy to fashion companies and in dialog with NGOs. The professional experience has been reconsidered through the analysis of the literature on sustainability initiatives and review of case histories.

Findings

– The time span considered captures fashion brands sustainability awareness in itsstatu nascenti(nascent state) revealing a trial and error process that led to progressive refinements of both means and ends. Change drivers identified are: go beyond monitoring, adopt a comprehensive approach, look beyond first tier of suppliers, integrate sustainability to core business practices and bring transparency to the supply chain.

Originality/value

– Existing literature surveys show that authors used to focus on specific issues and concentrate on individual case studies, under-representing the complex set of factors that companies, institutions and NGOs address, including the effect of past decisions, successes and mistakes. The paper is a first step to fill the gap and provides an up-to-date overview of current developments aimed at both scholars and practitioners, especially CSR and marketing managers and NGOs campaigners.
Magazine online advertising in France and the United States
Authors: Lascu Dana-Nicoleta , Marcheva Marta , Thieringer Kendree
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the online fashion sponsorship, shedding light on the content and appeal of online fashion magazine advertising. Heeding the call of researchers for cross-cultural advertising investigations, this research offers a comparison of online fashion magazine advertisements in France and the USA in terms of needs appeals, emotional appeals, and sex appeals.

Design/methodology/approach

– Elle and Vogue were identified as prominent fashion magazines with an online presence in France and the USA After pretesting to identify appeals that appeared most frequently in online fashion advertisements, a content analysis of website advertisements was conducted with the full population of online advertisements in the US and French Elle and Vogue at the time of the study.

Findings

– The research found that need appeals conform primarily to national character and that emotional advertising is more preponderant in French advertisements, whereas sexual advertising is more preponderant in US advertisements. For needs appeals, the need for affiliation was higher for US advertisements, whereas online French magazines advertisements were more likely to use guidance and safety appeals. The need for prominence, attention, and autonomy were higher for online US magazine advertisements, whereas French advertisements were more likely to use escape and aggression appeals.

Originality/value

– As fashion magazines develop an online presence that is well coordinated with their print fashion pages, it is important to understand how advertising sponsors on the magazines’ webpages target consumers. This study is a first step in providing cross-cultural comparative insights into advertising appeals in relation to national character and preferences.
Understand attitude-behavior gaps and benefit-behavior connections in Eco-Apparel
Authors: Perry Anna , Chung Telin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand Eco-Apparel consumption behavior in consumers who care about the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit 16 participants for in-depth interviews.

Findings

– Two attitude-behavior gaps existed: the gap between environmental attitude and Eco-Apparel purchasing behavior; and the gap between Eco-Apparel attitude and Eco-Apparel purchasing behavior. There were two connections: product and emotional benefits leaded to Eco-Apparel purchasing behavior; and personal cost benefits, emotional benefits, and economic considerations leaded to Eco-Apparel using and disposing behavior. These gaps and connections suggested participants have certain standards regarding Eco-Apparel consumption. First, the standard of purchasing Eco-Apparel was the same as regular apparel. Second, participants did not want to expend much effort. Third, for some participants, emotional benefits (e.g. fun, good feeling, satisfaction) were important.

Research limitations/implications

– The small sample size and the snowball sampling technique limit generalization of the study’s findings.

Practical implications

– These findings might be of interest to apparel manufacturers and retailers who want to re-enforce consumers’ positive attitudes leading to actual purchase and consumption behaviors.

Originality/value

– The current study for the first time examines the attitude-behavior gaps, proposes reasons behind these gaps, as well as connections between benefits and Eco-Apparel usage and disposal behaviors. In addition, the proposed framework is the first attempt to illustrate the relationships among gaps, connections, and consumption standards.
Evaluating citizen vs. professional data for modelling distributions of a rare squirrel
Authors: Tye Courtney A. , McCleery Robert A. , Fletcher Robert J. , Greene Daniel U. , Butryn Ryan S.
Published: May 2016

To realize the potential of citizens to contribute to conservation efforts through the acquisition of data for broad‐scale species distribution models, scientists need to understand and minimize the influences of commonly observed sample selection bias on model performance. Yet evaluating these data with independent, planned surveys is rare, even though such evaluation is necessary for understanding and applying data to conservation decisions.

We used the state‐listed fox squirrel Sciurus niger in Florida, USA, to interpret the performance of models created with opportunistic observations from citizens and professionals by validating models with independent, planned surveys.

Data from both citizens and professionals showed sample selection bias with more observations within 50 m of a road. While these groups showed similar sample selection bias in reference to roads, there were clear differences in the spatial coverage of the groups, with citizens observing fox squirrels more frequently in developed areas.

Based on predictions at planned field surveys sites, models developed from citizens generally performed similarly to those developed with data collected by professionals. Accounting for potential sample selection bias in models, either through the use of covariates or via aggregating data into home range size grids, provided only slight increases in model performance.

Synthesis and applications. Despite sample selection biases, over a broad spatial scale opportunistic citizen data provided reliable predictions and estimates of habitat relationships needed to advance conservation efforts. Our results suggest that the use of professionals may not be needed in volunteer programmes used to determine the distribution of species of conservation interest across broad spatial scales.
Guidelines for Measuring Disease Episodes: An Analysis of the Effects on the Components of Expenditure Growth
Authors: Dunn Abe , Liebman Eli , Rittmueller Lindsey , Shapiro Adam Hale
Published: May 2016

Objective

To provide guidelines to researchers measuring health expenditures by disease and compare these methodologies' implied inflation estimates.

Data Source

A convenience sample of commercially insured individuals over the 2003 to 2007 period from Truven Health. Population weights are applied, based on age, sex, and region, to make the sample of over 4 million enrollees representative of the entire commercially insured population.

Study Design

Different methods are used to allocate medical‐care expenditures to distinct condition categories. We compare the estimates of disease‐price inflation by method.

Principal Findings

Across a variety of methods, the compound annual growth rate stays within the range 3.1 to 3.9 percentage points. Disease‐specific inflation measures are more sensitive to the selected methodology.

Conclusion

The selected allocation method impacts aggregate inflation rates, but considering the variety of methods applied, the differences appear small. Future research is necessary to better understand these differences in other population samples and to connect disease expenditures to measures of quality.
Industrial Injury Hospitalizations Billed to Payers Other Than Workers' Compensation: Characteristics and Trends by State
Authors: Sears Jeanne M. , Bowman Stephen M. , Blanar Laura , Hogg‐Johnson Sheilah
Published: May 2016

Objective

To describe characteristics of industrial injury hospitalizations, and to test the hypothesis that industrial injuries were increasingly billed to non‐workers' compensation (WC) payers over time.

Data Sources

Hospitalization data for 1998–2009 from State Inpatient Databases, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Study Design

Retrospective secondary analyses described the distribution of payer, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and injury severity for injuries identified using industrial place of occurrence codes. Logistic regression models estimated trends in expected payer.

Principal Findings

There was a significant increase over time in the odds of an industrial injury not being billed to WC in California and Colorado, but a significant decrease in New York. These states had markedly different WC policy histories. Industrial injuries among older workers were more often billed to a non‐WC payer, primarily Medicare.

Conclusions

Findings suggest potentially dramatic cost shifting from WC to Medicare. This study adds to limited, but mounting evidence that, in at least some states, the burden on non‐WC payers to cover health care for industrial injuries is growing, even while WC‐related employer costs are decreasing—an area that warrants further research.
More inclusive bipolar mixed depression definition by permitting overlapping and non‐overlapping mood elevation symptoms
Authors: Kim H. , Kim W. , Citrome L. , Akiskal H. S. , Goffin K. C. , Miller S. , Holtzman J. N. , Hooshmand F. , Wang P. W. , Hill S. J. , Ketter T. A.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the strengths and limitations of a mixed bipolar depression definition made more inclusive than that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) by counting not only ‘non‐overlapping’ mood elevation symptoms (NOMES) as in DSM‐5, but also ‘overlapping’ mood elevation symptoms (OMES, psychomotor agitation, distractibility, and irritability).

Methods

Among bipolar disorder (BD) out‐patients assessed with the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for BD (STEP‐BD) Affective Disorders Evaluation, we assessed prevalence, demographics, and clinical correlates of mixed vs. pure depression, using more inclusive (≥3 NOMES/OMES) and less inclusive DSM‐5 (≥3 NOMES) definitions.

Results

Among 153 depressed BD, counting not only NOMES but also OMES yielded a three‐fold higher mixed depression rate (22.9% vs. 7.2%) and important statistically significant clinical correlates for mixed compared to pure depression (more lifetime anxiety disorder comorbidity, more current irritability, and less current antidepressant use), which were not significant using the DSM‐5 threshold.

Conclusion

To conclude, further studies with larger numbers of patients with DSM‐5 bipolar mixed depression assessing strengths and limitations of more inclusive mixed depression definitions are warranted, including efforts to ascertain whether or not OMES should count toward mixed depression.
Incidence of Sperm Surface Autoantibodies and Relationship with Routine Semen Parameters and Sperm Kinematics
Authors: Verón Gustavo Luis , Molina Rosa Isabel , Tissera Andrea Daniela , Estofan Gustavo Martín , Marín‐Briggiler Clara Isabel , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica Hebe
Published: May 2016

Problem

Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are associated with male subfertility. However, results on sperm surface autoantibodies are controversial, the relationship between ASA and semen parameters (WHO, 2010) is unknown, and data on ASA and sperm kinematics are scarce.

Method of study

A retrospective study carried out in men undergoing routine semen analysis (WHO 2010), ASA evaluation (direct SpermMAR™ (IgG) test), and computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA).

Results

A 2.6% and a 5.9% incidence of ASA‐positive cases were found (cut‐off 50% and 10%, respectively; n = 7492). ASA‐positive samples had lower (P < 0.0001) sperm concentration, count, motility, and hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test score. HOS results did not correlate with sperm vitality in normozoospermic samples with high ASA levels. In unselected samples, ASA‐positive samples (cut‐off 50%) showed decreased sperm kinematics (VSL, VAP, LIN, ALH, STR, BCF, WOB), but in normozoospermic samples, ASA‐positive and ASA‐negative subgroups had similar CASA results.

Conclusions

ASA evaluation is highly relevant in full semen assessment.
Can we identify patients at risk of life‐threatening allergic reactions to food?
Authors: Turner P. J. , Baumert J. L. , Beyer K. , Boyle R. J. , Chan C.‐H. , Clark A. T. , Crevel R. W. R. , DunnGalvin A. , Fernández‐Rivas M. , Gowland M. H. , Grabenhenrich L. , Hardy S. , Houben G. F. , O'B Hourihane J. , Muraro A. , Poulsen L. K. , Pyrz K. , Remington B. C. , Schnadt S. , van Ree R. , Venter C. , Worm M. , Mills E. N. C. , Roberts G. , Ballmer‐Weber B. K.
Published: May 2016

Anaphylaxis has been defined as a ‘severe, life‐threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction’. However, data indicate that the vast majority of food‐triggered anaphylactic reactions are not life‐threatening. Nonetheless, severe life‐threatening reactions do occur and are unpredictable. We discuss the concepts surrounding perceptions of severe, life‐threatening allergic reactions to food by different stakeholders, with particular reference to the inclusion of clinical severity as a factor in allergy and allergen risk management. We review the evidence regarding factors that might be used to identify those at most risk of severe allergic reactions to food, and the consequences of misinformation in this regard. For example, a significant proportion of food‐allergic children also have asthma, yet almost none will experience a fatal food‐allergic reaction; asthma is not, in itself, a strong predictor for fatal anaphylaxis. The relationship between dose of allergen exposure and symptom severity is unclear. While dose appears to be a risk factor in at least a subgroup of patients, studies report that individuals with prior anaphylaxis do not have a lower eliciting dose than those reporting previous mild reactions. It is therefore important to consider severity and sensitivity as separate factors, as a highly sensitive individual will not necessarily experience severe symptoms during an allergic reaction. We identify the knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to improve our ability to better identify those most at risk of severe food‐induced allergic reactions.
Hydrogen Gas Ameliorates Hepatic Reperfusion Injury After Prolonged Cold Preservation in Isolated Perfused Rat Liver
Authors: Shimada Shingo , Wakayama Kenji , Fukai Moto , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Takahisa , Fukumori Daisuke , Shibata Maki , Yamashita Kenichiro , Kimura Taichi , Todo Satoru , Ohsawa Ikuroh , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: May 2016

Hydrogen gas reduces ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) in the liver and other organs. However, the precise mechanism remains elusive. We investigated whether hydrogen gas ameliorated hepatic I/R injury after cold preservation. Rat liver was subjected to 48‐h cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution. The graft was reperfused with oxygenated buffer with or without hydrogen at 37° for 90 min on an isolated perfusion apparatus, comprising the H2(+) and H2(−) groups, respectively. In the control group (CT), grafts were reperfused immediately without preservation. Graft function, injury, and circulatory status were assessed throughout the perfusion. Tissue samples at the end of perfusion were collected to determine histopathology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In the H2(−) group, IRI was indicated by a higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) leakage, portal resistance, 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine‐positive cell rate, apoptotic index, and endothelial endothelin‐1 expression, together with reduced bile production, oxygen consumption, and GSH/GSSG ratio (vs. CT). In the H2(+) group, these harmful changes were significantly suppressed [vs. H2(−)]. Hydrogen gas reduced hepatic reperfusion injury after prolonged cold preservation via the maintenance of portal flow, by protecting mitochondrial function during the early phase of reperfusion, and via the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades thereafter.
Medical and non‐medical predictors of initiating long‐term use of proton pump inhibitors: a nationwide cohort study of first‐time users during a 10‐year period
Authors: Haastrup P. F. , Paulsen M. S. , Christensen R. D. , Søndergaard J. , Hansen J. M. , Jarbøl D. E.
Published: May 2016

Background

Studies of the increasing use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have mainly focused on prevalent long‐term use and associations with gastrointestinal morbidity and comedication. Little is known about non‐medical characteristics of first‐time users of PPI, and predictors of initiating long‐term use of PPIs.

Aims

To describe medical and non‐medical characteristics of first‐time PPI users during a 10‐year period and to analyse predictors of initiation of long‐term use (>60 defined daily doses (DDDs) within 6 months) of PPIs.

Methods

A nationwide cohort study of first‐time users of PPI. Data were collected from Danish national registers. Individuals redeeming their first prescription for a PPI (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole) in 2001 and 2011 were identified. Redemption of more than 60 DDDs of PPI within 6 months defined long‐term use. Logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between previous diagnoses, comedication and socio‐economic characteristics and initiation of long‐term use of PPIs in 2011.

Results

From 2001 to 2011 incidence of first‐time users increased with an incidence rate ratio of 1.53 and mean quantity of PPI redeemed at first prescription increased by 44.6%. In 2011 a total of 37.6% redeemed >60 DDDs within 6 months, and 96% of the long‐term users did not have a diagnosis registered which indicated treatment. New onset long‐term use was significantly associated with low income and low educational level when adjusting for other predisposing variables.

Conclusions

Proton pump inhibitor treatment is increasingly initiated with larger quantities prescribed for indications that are unidentifiable from the registers. Morbidity and comedication seem to be the strongest predictors of new onset long‐term use of PPIs. However, there is also an independent social gradient.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodeno‐jejunal bypass for morbid obesity in a patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Watanabe Atsushi , Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori
Published: May 2016

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodeno‐jejunal bypass (LSG/DJB) has been adopted in our center for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with both severe type 2 diabetes mellitus and existing risks factors for gastric cancer. We have successfully performed over 200 LSG/DJB procedures in our institution. Here we report the techniques used to perform LSG/DJB in a morbidly obese patient with situs inversus totalis. The only significant difference in executing LSG/DJB between normal anatomy and situs inversus totalis is changing the surgeon's position and switching the trocar placements during the intraoperative phase. Consequently, there were no significant difference in operative time between normal anatomy cases and the situs inversus totalis case.
How Toddlers Acquire and Transfer Tool Knowledge: Developmental Changes and the Role of Executive Functions
Authors: Pauen Sabina , Bechtel‐Kuehne Sabrina
Published: May 2016

This report investigates tool learning and its relations to executive functions (EFs) in toddlers. In Study 1 (N = 93), 18‐, 20‐, 22‐, and 24‐month‐old children learned equally well to choose a correct tool from observation, whereas performance based on feedback improved with age. Knowledge transfer showed significant progress after 22 months of age: Older children ignored irrelevant features more easily and adjusted their behavior more flexibly. Study 2 (N = 62) revealed that spontaneous transfer in 22‐ to 24‐month‐olds was related to set‐shifting skills and response inhibition. Flexible adaptation to feedback correlated with working‐memory capacity. These findings suggest that toddlerhood is a highly dynamic phase of tool learning and that EFs are related to transfer performance at this age.
Entrepreneurial Team Composition Characteristics and New Venture Performance: A Meta–Analysis
Authors: Jin Linlin , Madison Kristen , Kraiczy Nils D. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Crook T. Russell , Xi Jing
Published: May 2016

Upper echelon theory highlights the importance of top management teams in large and established firms; however, effects are not always clear outside of this context. Due to the unique nature of new ventures, the composition of entrepreneurial teams and its effects on performance is worthy of investigation. Accordingly, we meta–analyze the effect of three characteristics of entrepreneurial team composition (i.e., aggregated, heterogeneity, team size) on new venture performance. Our meta–analysis, which includes 55 empirical samples and 8,892 observations, finds significant and unique effects of entrepreneurial team characteristics on new ventures. Based on our findings, we derive avenues for future research.
Extrapyramidal side effects following subcutaneous metoclopramide injection for the treatment of post operative ileus
Authors: Agass R. F. , Brennan M. , Rendle D. I.
Published: May 2016

Metoclopramide is used for the management of post operative ileus in horses for its gastrointestinal prokinetic effects. Adverse extrapyramidal signs have been reported following its use in horses as well as in man. This report describes the clinical signs exhibited during an adverse reaction suspected to be associated with subcutaneous administration of 0.25 mg/kg bwt metoclopramide at 6 h intervals.
Reference intervals of β‐C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly Chinese men
Authors: Shou Zhangxuan , Jin Xue , Bian Pingda , Li Xiuyang , Chen Jinping
Published: May 2016

Aim

The present study was intended to establish the reference intervals of β‐C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly (aged 80 years or more) Chinese men.

Methods

A total of 1316 very elderly Chinese men were recruited into the study, and subjected to a survey of clinical characteristics, measurements of bone mineral density and assays of bone turnover markers. The relationships between underlying diseases and bone turnover markers were investigated, and the reference intervals of β‐C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly Chinese men were established through defining the central 95% range of all observations.

Results

We found that type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and abnormal bone mass were associated with serum bone turnover markers (P < 0.01), and thereby identified 208 men without type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or abnormal bone mass as healthy participants from 1316 very elderly Chinese men. The reference intervals for very elderly Chinese men were 0.13–0.63 ng/mL for β‐C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, 18–94 ng/mL for procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide and 9–28 ng/mL for osteocalcin, respectively. The three turnover markers were moderately correlated to each other (P < 0.001), and all negatively associated with the bone mineral density of three sites (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We have established the reference intervals of β‐C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly Chinese men. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 773–778.
Neuroimaging for diagnosing dementia with Lewy bodies: What is the best neuroimaging technique in discriminating dementia with Lewy bodies from Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Shimizu Soichiro , Kanetaka Hidekazu , Hirao Kentaro , Fukasawa Raita , Namioka Nayuta , Hatanaka Hirokuni , Hirose Daisuke , Umahara Takahiko , Sakurai Hirofumi , Hanyu Haruo
Published: May 2016

Aim

We compared the diagnostic value of four neuroimaging techniques, namely, 123I‐2β‐Carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl) nortropane (123I‐FP‐CIT) dopamine transporter single‐photon emission computed tomography (DAT‐SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging, perfusion SPECT and 123I‐metaiodobenzyl‐guanidine myocardial scintigraphy in differentiating dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

A total of 32 patients with probable AD and 32 patients with probable DLB were enrolled in the present study. For the comparison study, we used the specific binding ratio for DAT‐SPECT, the heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio in the delay phase for 123I‐metaiodobenzyl‐guanidine myocardial scintigraphy, z‐scores in the medial occipital lobe for perfusion SPECT and z‐scores of hippocampal atrophy using a voxel‐based specific regional analysis system for AD for magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

DAT‐SPECT enabled more accurate differentiation of DLB from AD than other methods. 123I‐metaiodobenzyl‐guanidine myocardial scintigraphy enabled more accurate differentiation of DLB from AD than magnetic resonance imaging and perfusion SPECT.

Conclusions

In agreement with the recent consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for DLB, we confirmed that the diagnostic accuracy of DAT‐SPECT imaging is significantly higher than other neuroimaging techniques. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 819‐824.
MetastamiRs: A promising choice for antihepatocellular carcinoma nucleic acid drug development
Authors: Wu Liangcai , Bai Xue , Xie Yuan , Yang Zhen , Yang Xiaobo , Lin Jianzhen , Zhu Chengpei , Wang Anqiang , Zhang Haohai , Miao Ruoyu , Wu Yan , Robson Simon C. , Zhao Yi , Sang Xinting , Zhao Haitao
Published: May 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, which can be explained at least in part by its propensity towards metastasis and the limited efficacy of adjuvant therapy. MetastamiRs are miRNAs that promote or suppress migration and metastasis of cancer cells, and their functional status is significantly correlated with HCC prognosis. Unlike targeted therapy, metastamiRs have the potential to target multiple genes and signaling pathways and dramatically suppress cancer metastasis. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of metastamiRs in the HCC invasion–metastasis cascade. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis has shown that many extensively studied metastamiRs target several critical signaling pathways and these have remarkable therapeutic potential in HCC. The information reviewed here may assist in further anti‐HCC miRNA drug screening and development.
Microbiological risk assessment for personal care products
Authors: Stewart S. E. , Parker M. D. , Amézquita A. , Pitt T. L.
Published: May 2016

Regulatory decisions regarding microbiological safety of cosmetics and personal care products are primarily hazard‐based, where the presence of a potential pathogen determines decision‐making. This contrasts with the Food industry where it is a commonplace to use a risk‐based approach for ensuring microbiological safety. A risk‐based approach allows consideration of the degree of exposure to assess unacceptable health risks. As there can be a number of advantages in using a risk‐based approach to safety, this study explores the Codex Alimentarius (Codex) four‐step Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA) framework frequently used in the Food industry and examines how it can be applied to the safety assessment of personal care products.

The hazard identification and hazard characterization steps (one and two) of the Codex MRA framework consider the main microorganisms of concern. These are addressed by reviewing the current industry guidelines for objectionable organisms and analysing reports of contaminated products notified by government agencies over a recent 5‐year period, together with examples of reported outbreaks. Data related to estimation of exposure (step three) are discussed, and examples of possible calculations and references are included. The fourth step, performed by the risk assessor (risk characterization), is specific to each assessment and brings together the information from the first three steps to assess the risk.

Although there are very few documented uses of the MRA approach for personal care products, this study illustrates that it is a practicable and sound approach for producing products that are safe by design. It can be helpful in the context of designing products and processes going to market and with setting of microbiological specifications. Additionally, it can be applied reactively to facilitate decision‐making when contaminated products are released on to the marketplace. Currently, the knowledge available may only allow a qualitative or semi‐quantitative rather than fully quantitative risk assessment, but an added benefit is that the disciplined structuring of available knowledge enables clear identification of gaps to target resources and if appropriate, instigate data generation.
Voices of Nigerian Women Survivors of Trafficking Held in Italian Centres for Identification and Expulsion
Authors: Esposito Francesca , Quinto Carla R. , De Masi Francesca , Gargano Oria , Costa Pedro Alexandre
Published: May 2016

This article examines the vicissitudes that affect the migration trajectories of many Nigerian women who experienced trafficking before arriving in Italy, and end up in Centers for Identification and Expulsion (CIE) for undocumented migrants. Their life stories, collected within the CIE of Ponte Galeria (Rome), revealed violence as “a rule of action” with which these women are obliged to cope with at different levels. Moreover, they highlighted the failure of traditional security approaches to human trafficking, and the necessity to rethink the measures adopted to ensure survivors' protection and rights. As it is conceived, the system of immigration control prevents the full guarantee of survivors' rights, often labelling them as “illegal migrants”. Finally, there is the need to extend protection to all survivors of human trafficking even if the crime against them has not happened in Italy.
Ethanol‐Water‐Derived Sucrose‐Coated‐Al2O3 for Submicrometer AlON Powder Synthesis
Authors: Xie Xiumin , Wang Ying , Qi Jianqi , Wang Shanshan , Feng Zhao , Hou Gu , Liu Wei , Zhang Wei , Xu Qiang , Lu Tiecheng
Published: May 2016

Fluffy and homogenous sucrose‐coated‐γ‐Al2O3 structured precursor was prepared by drying ethanol‐water sucrose/Al2O3 suspension, in which the ethanol content of 85 vol% was optimized. Using the C/Al2O3 mixture pyrolyzed from such precursor with 23.2 wt% sucrose, single‐phase AlON powder was synthesized by two‐step carbothermal reduction and nitridation method at 1550°C for 2 h and 1700°C for another 1.5 h. The particle size of the AlON powder was around 0.6–1.0 μm. Compared with those synthesized by the traditional approaches with mechanical C/Al2O3, Al/Al2O3, or AlN/Al2O3 mixtures, the synthesis temperature was reduced about 50°C, and the AlON powder was fine and exhibited good dispersity. Such superiority of this method was attributed to that the pyrolyzed carbon film on Al2O3 particle greatly restrained Al2O3 coalescence during the thermal treatment.
Breastfeeding preterm infants – a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of an Internet‐based peer‐support group
Authors: Niela‐Vilén Hannakaisa , Axelin Anna , Melender Hanna‐Leena , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Salanterä Sanna
Published: May 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine whether an Internet‐based peer‐support intervention has an effect on the duration of breastfeeding or breast milk expression or maternal breastfeeding attitude compared with routine care in the mothers of preterm infants. In addition, the feasibility of the intervention was examined.

Background

A few peer‐support interventions conducted face‐to‐face or by telephone have given promising results in promoting breastfeeding in preterm infants.

Design

A randomized controlled trial with a 1‐year follow‐up was conducted in one hospital in Finland in 2011–2015.

Methods

Altogether 124 mothers of preterm (<35 weeks) infants were recruited; 60 in an experimental and 64 in a control group. The intervention was a closed peer‐support group in social media. Data were collected by structured questionnaires. Neonatal and breastfeeding data were collected from patient records.

Results

The duration of overall breastfeeding was on average 3·0 and 4·3 months, in the experimental and control groups respectively. The intervention had no effect on breastfeeding or expressing the breast milk or maternal breastfeeding attitude. A breastfeeding‐favourable attitude and at least two previous children predicted longer duration of breastfeeding. Attitude‐score decreased during the follow‐up. The mothers in the experimental group enjoyed peer support, but only a few reported it as having some impact on breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Although the Internet‐based peer‐support intervention had no effect, the importance of breastfeeding attitude for the duration of breastfeeding in mothers of preterm infants was shown. In future, interventions in social media should be studied more and attitude‐focused interventions be developed.
Imaging of Pericardiophrenic Bundles Using Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography for Phrenic Nerve Anatomy
Authors: WANG YAN‐JING , LIU LIN , ZHANG MENG‐CHAO , SUN HUAN , ZENG HONG , YANG PING
Published: May 2016

CT Imaging for Phrenic Nerve Anatomy

Introduction

Phrenic nerve injury and diaphragmatic stimulation are common complications following arrhythmia ablation and pacing therapies. Preoperative comprehension of phrenic nerve anatomy via non‐invasive CT imaging may help to minimize the electrophysiological procedure‐related complications.

Methods

Coronary CT angiography data of 121 consecutive patients were collected. Imaging of left and right pericardiophrenic bundles was performed with volume rendering and multi‐planar reformation techniques. The shortest spatial distances between phrenic nerves and key electrophysiology‐related structures were determined. The frequencies of the shortest distances ≤5 mm, >5 mm and direct contact between phrenic nerves and adjacent structures were calculated.

Results

Left and right pericardiophrenic bundles were identified in 86.8% and 51.2% of the patients, respectively. The right phrenic nerve was <5 mm from right superior and inferior pulmonary veins in 92.0% and 3.2% of the patients, respectively. The percentage of right phrenic nerve, <5 mm from right atrium, superior caval vein, and superior caval vein‐right atrium junction was 87.1%, 100%, and 62.9%, respectively. Left phrenic nerve was <5 mm from left atrial appendage, great cardiac vein, anterior and posterior interventricular veins, and left ventricular posterior veins in 81.9%, 1.0%, 39.1%, 28.6%, and 91.4% of the patients, respectively. Merely 0.06% left phrenic nerve had a distance <5 mm with left superior pulmonary vein, and none left phrenic nerve showed a distance <5 mm with left inferior pulmonary vein.

Conclusion

One‐stop enhanced CT scanning enabled detection of phrenic nerve anatomy, which might facilitate avoidance of the phrenic nerve‐related complications in interventional electrophysiology.