bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of corporate governance mechanisms on EU banks’ income smoothing behavior
Authors: Vasilakopoulos Konstantinos , Tzovas Christos , Ballas Apostolos
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact that governance mechanisms have on European Union ‘banks income smoothing behavior.

Design methodology/approach

The authors examine the impact that corporate governance mechanisms included in European Commissions’ proposals regarding the improvement of corporate governance mechanisms (Green Paper) have upon European Union banks’ accounting policy decisions regarding the level of loan loss provisions (LLPs). In addition, the authors examine whether banks’ capital structure operates as an effective internal corporate governance practice. The authors investigate the association between certain corporate governance characteristics and the level of LLPs for a sample of 98 banks from 23 European Union countries for the period of 2010-2013, in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. To test the hypotheses, a multivariate regression model is run. Similar to previous research, the authors use ordinary least squares analysis to test the results.

Findings

Empirical findings provide evidence that there is a positive association between LLPs and accounting income, implying the existence of an income-smoothing pattern of provisions. In addition, the results suggest that banks managers’ decision to smooth income may differ with regard to the board structure, the level of leverage and the provision of disclosure for remuneration for chief executive officer.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature concerning banks’ income smoothing behavior. These findings can be useful to regulators, as the authors provide some evidence regarding the effectiveness of the European Union corporate governance framework.
Improvement of plating uniformity for copper patterns of IC substrate with multi-physics coupling simulation
Authors: Xiang Jing , Chen Yuanming , Wang Shouxu , Wang Chong , He Wei , Zhang Huaiwu , Jin Xiaofeng , Chen Qingguo , Su Xinhong
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Optimized plating conditions, included proper designs of insulating shield (IS), auxiliary cathode (AC) and different patterns, contribute to the uniformity enhancement of copper deposition.

Design/methodology/approach

Plating experiments were implemented in vertical continuous plating (VCP) line for manufacturing in different conditions. Multiphysics coupling simulation was brought to investigate and predict the plating uniformity improvement of copper pattern. In addition, the numerical model was based on VCP to approach the practical application.

Findings

With disproportionate current distribution, different plating pattern design formed diverse copper thickness distribution (CTD). IS and AC improved plating uniformity of copper pattern because of current redistribution. Moreover, optimized plating condition for effectively depositing more uniformed plating copper layer in varied pattern designs were derived by simulation and verified by plating experiment.

Originality/value

The comparison between experiment and simulation revealed that multiphysics coupling is an efficient, reliable and of course environment-friendly tool to perform research on the uniformity of pattern plating in manufacturing.
Effects of inlet cavitation on swirling flow in draft-tube cone
Authors: Yang Jing , Hu Qingjuan , Wang Zhengwei , Ding Jinghuan , Jiang Xianyu
Published: July 2018

Purpose

For Francis turbine, the vortex flow in the draft tube plays an important role in the safe and efficient operating of hydraulic turbine. The swirling flow produced at the blade trailing edge at off-design conditions has been proved to be the fundamental reason of the vortex flow. Exploring the swirling flow variations in the non-cavitation flow and cavitation flow field is an effective way to explain the mechanism of the complex unsteady flow in the draft tube.

Design/methodology/approach

The swirling flow in different cavitation evolution stages of varying flow rates was studied. The swirl number, which denotes the strength of the swirling flow, was chosen to systematically analyze the swirling flow changes with the cavitation evolutions. The Zwart–Gerber–Blemari cavitation model and SST turbulence model were used to simulate the two-phase cavitating flow. The finite volume method was used to discrete the equations in the unsteady flow field simulation. The Frozen Rotor Stator scheme was used to transfer the data between the rotor-stator interfaces. The inlet total pressure was set to inlet boundary condition and static pressure was set to outlet boundary condition.

Findings

The results prove that the mutual influences exist between the swirling flow and cavitation. The swirling flow was not only affected by the load but also significantly changed with the cavitation development, because the circumferential velocity decrease and axial velocity increase presented with the cavitation evolution. At the high load conditions, the system stability may improve with the decreasing swirling flow strength.

Research limitations/implications

Further experimental and simulation studies still need to verify and estimate the reasonability of the swirling flow seen as the cavitation inception signal.

Originality/value

One interesting finding is that the swirl number began to change as the inception cavitation appeared. This is meaningful for the cavitation controlling in the Francis turbine.
Pricing strategy for renewable energy source electricity in the competitive hybrid electricity market
Authors: Xie Jiaping , Xia Yu , Liang Ling , Zhang Weisi , Shi Minghong
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To promote the development of renewable energy, the Chinese Government adopts the policy of Feed-in Tariff and subsidy. However, the high purchase price and the intermittence limit the development of renewable energy source electricity (RES-E). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pricing strategy for system operators to stimulate the development of the RES-E industry under the scenario of uncertain supply and demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors establish a two-echelon supply chain investment model led by a power grid operator considering the uncertainties in both demand and supply, and study the impact of the power purchase price designed by a system operator using Stackelberg’s model.

Findings

There is an optimal capacity for RES-E generators, that is, independent of the market demand. Besides, the optimal order of grid operators is independent of the uncertain RES-E supply and the purchase price of fossil fuel. By properly setting the purchase prices, the system operator can stimulate the capacity investment in renewable energy. Finally, increasing the punishment in power shortage can stimulate the capacity investment in RES-E under certain conditions.

Practical implications

The result of this paper can mitigate the phenomenon of power abandonment in the RES-E industry and promote the grid integration of RES-E.

Originality/value

Both uncertain demand and supply are considered in this paper. A heuristic algorithm is provided to compute the optimal purchase price combination.
Using put option contracts in supply chains to manage demand and supply uncertainty
Authors: Luo Jiarong , Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Chong
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to value put option contracts in hedging the risks in a supply chain consisting of a component supplier with random yield and a manufacturer facing stochastic demand for end products.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts stochastic inventory theory, game theory, optimization theory and algorithm and MATLAB numerical simulation to investigate the manufacturer’s ordering and the supplier’s production strategies, and to study the coordination and optimization strategies in the context of random yield and demand.

Findings

The authors find that put options can not only facilitate the manufacturer’s order but also the supplier’s production, that is, the manufacturer and the supplier can effectively manage their involved risks and earn more expected profits by adopting put options. Further, the authors find that the single put option contract fails to coordinate such a supply chain. However, when combined with a protocol, it is able to coordinate the supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper is the first effort to study the intersection of put option contracts and random yield in the presence of a spot market. From a new perspective, the authors explore the supply chain coordination. The authors propose a mechanism to coordinate the supply chain under put option contracts.
Understanding social enterprise, social entrepreneurship and the social economy in rural Cambodia
Authors: Lyne Isaac , Ngin Chanrith , Santoyo-Rio Emmanuel
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper critically assesses Western views on the social economy in contrast to everyday realities in a low-income country, and challenges ethnocentric epistemologies in the discourse of social enterprise and social entrepreneurship that is prevalent in international development. It charts the changing trajectory of the social economy and different influences.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data is used to explore views of members of social enterprises in Northern Cambodia. Three enterprises with different characteristics were selected. Semi-structured interviews and a group discussion took place in each case, exploring motivation, values, empowerment, participation, equity, innovation and risk appetite.

Findings

The important roles social enterprises play in rural community development are sometimes at odds with the reasoning of Western development agencies. The social economy in Cambodia is undergoing change with the advancement of capitalist market forces. This suits formal businesses but could exacerbate the exclusion of various community actors.

Research limitations/implications

Three case studies are in close proximity in Northern Cambodia, and the situated dynamics may not transfer well to other contexts. Some limitations are offset by the selection of different types of social enterprises.

Practical implications

The study gives insights of value to the designers of programmes or projects to support social enterprise who work within international development agencies and non-government organisations. For academics, it offers critical insight into assumptions about social enterprise that emanate from Western management literature.

Originality/value

This paper meets the need for close-up inter-disciplinary work on social enterprise development in under-represented contexts.
Delaying first pregnancy in reducing burden of unintended pregnancy among married adolescents in urban slums of Bangladesh
Authors: Huda Fauzia Akhter , Ahmed Anisuddin , Mahmood Hassan R. , Ahmmed Faisal , Panza Alessio , Somrongthong Ratana
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of delaying first pregnancy in reducing burden of unintended pregnancy (UP) among married adolescent girls in urban slums of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 783 married adolescents in five urban slums of Bangladesh during January 2013–January 2014.

Findings

Half of the respondents’ first pregnancy was reported as unintended. Of the respondents, 58 percent with no school education had experienced UP which was 38 percent among respondents with eight year’s education. Respondents who did not willingly agreed to their marriage experienced more UP (61 percent) than those who were agreed/got married by their own choice (51 percent). Respondents having five years of age difference with their husbands experienced more UP (58 percent) than those with ten years of age difference (46 percent). Respondents aged 14 years at first conception experienced 63 percent UP, while the respondents aged 18 years had 35 percent UP experience. Of the respondents, 66 percent who became pregnant within one year of marriage reported their pregnancy as unintended which was 29 percent among those who delayed their first pregnancy for three years.

Originality/value

Significant association was observed between pregnancy intention with respondents’ educational status (p=0.03), age difference with husbands (p=0.02), age at first conception (p<0.01) and delaying first pregnancy (p<0.001).
Factors related to methamphetamine relapse risk among clients in the substance rehabilitation center of National Narcotics Board in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Hendianti Gian Nurmaindah , Uthis Penpaktr
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to describe methamphetamine relapse risk, examine the relationship between factors in the dynamic model of relapse and methamphetamine relapse risk.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 165 clients from the Substance Rehabilitation Center of National Narcotics Board in West Java, Indonesia were recruited. The research instruments included a demographic characteristic questionnaire and eight different tests: Drug Taking Confidence Questionnaire; Stimulant Effect Expectancy Questionnaire; Stage of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale version 8.0 for Drug; Coping Strategies Inventory Short Form; Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule; Desire for Speed Questionnaire; Social Support Questionnaire; and the Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Pearson’s product moment correlation was used to test the relationship among variables.

Findings

Clients (63 percent) were at a moderate level of methamphetamine relapse risk (mean=56.33, SD=10.54). Outcome expectancy, positive emotional state, negative emotional state and craving were positive and had a significant correlation with relapse risk (r=0.261, r=0.380, r=0.370, r=0.509, p<0.01, respectively). Self-efficacy was negative and had a significant correlation with relapse risk (r=−0.316, p<0.01). Motivation, coping and social support had no correlation with relapse risk.

Originality/value

Two-thirds of the clients in a rehabilitation center have a tendency to relapse following treatment. Nursing intervention for early detection of methamphetamine relapse risk during treatment by using standardized instruments should be implemented.
Development of menu board media for information on sugar, salt and fat related health messages at a senior high school cafeteria in Depok City, Indonesia
Authors: Ramayulis Rita , Achadi Anhari
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to produce informative menu board media to show sugar, salt and fat (SSF) related health messages in a Senior High School canteen.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model included stages of needs analysis, design, product development and product evaluation. The data were collected from material experts, media experts and 186 high school students. Data were analyzed by descriptive qualitative and statistical analysis.

Findings

The C and D menu boards were selected for their content information and health messages that received higher scores.

Originality/value

There are four stages required in the development of menu board media: needs analysis, menu board design, product development and product evaluation. Further research would be needed to develop the menu boards into a simpler model.
Modeling the barriers of green supply chain management in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Majumdar Abhijit , Sinha Sanjib
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Indian clothing industry have become one of the most important cogs of global fashion supply chain. However, the implementation of green practices is still in the nascent stage. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the important barriers of green supply chain management in Indian clothing SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 36 barriers related to green supply chain management (GSCM) practices were identified through exhaustive literature review. Then ten important barriers were shortlisted through questionnaire survey among supply chain practitioners using five-point Likert scale. Finally, interpretive structural modeling technique was used to decipher the contextual relationships among these barriers.

Findings

Complexity of green process and system design and lack of support from regulatory authorities were found to be the barriers having the maximum driving power. Lack of consumer support and high investment and low economic benefits were also found to be important barriers in the way of green practices implementation in clothing SMEs. In contrast, lack of reward systems for suppliers, uncertainty of green outcome, lack of green materials, process and technology and lack of flexibility to switch over to green system were the dependent barriers.

Originality/value

The important barriers of GSCM practices in Indian clothing SMEs have been identified and analyzed. The finding will be helpful in making the Indian clothing SMEs environmentally sustainable by eliminating the important barriers.
A research note on the article of “Quality framework in education through application of interpretive structural modeling”
Authors: Roshani Kosar , Owlia Mohammad S. , Abooie Mohammad H.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper is a research note on “Quality framework in education through application of Interpretive Structural Modeling” (Sahney, S., Banwet, D.K. and Karunes, S. (2010), Quality framework in education through the application of Interpretive Structural Modeling: an administrative staff perspective in the Indian context, The TQM Journal, 22(1)). Sahney et al. applied Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to prioritize, sequence and categorize elements critical to quality management in education; however, it seems that the final reachability matrix, and consequently the results, may not be true as some transitivity was not incorporated. So, the purpose of this paper is to apply a method to develop a transitive and compatible reachability matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

A counter-example was used to show that the final reachability matrix was incorrect, and then, based on Warfield’s studies, a transitive and compatible reachability matrix was developed directly.

Findings

As high priority should be placed on tackling the design characteristics which have a high driving power and thus possessing the capability to inﬂuence other elements, the correct analysis of ISM and its consequences is important to the priorities. The results from this study differed from the results of the Sahney et al. to a large extent. According to their analysis, all attributes were in the linkage area which has high driving power and high dependence. However, the authors reached different values for the relative importance and the interdependencies among the elements resulting in three different clusters.

Originality/value

This note clarifies and corrects the way the ISM methodology can be applied.
Correlation‐based reflection waveform inversion by one‐way wave equations
Authors: Dong Liangguo , Fan Zhongyi , Wang Hongzhi , Chi Benxin , Liu Yuzhu
Published: July 2018

Reflection full waveform inversion can update subsurface velocity structure of the deeper part, but tends to get stuck in the local minima associated with the waveform misfit function. These local minima cause cycle skipping if the initial background velocity model is far from the true model. Since conventional reflection full waveform inversion using two‐way wave equation in time domain is computationally expensive and consumes a large amount of memory, we implement a correlation‐based reflection waveform inversion using one‐way wave equations to retrieve the background velocity. In this method, one‐way wave equations are used for the seismic wave forward modelling, migration/de‐migration and the gradient computation of objective function in frequency domain. Compared with the method using two‐way wave equation, the proposed method benefits from the lower computational cost of one‐way wave equations without significant accuracy reduction in the cases without steep dips. It also largely reduces the memory requirement by an order of magnitude than implementation using two‐way wave equation both for two‐ and three‐dimensional situations. Through numerical analysis, we also find that one‐way wave equations can better construct the low wavenumber reflection wavepath without producing high‐amplitude short‐wavelength components near the image points in the reflection full waveform inversion gradient. Synthetic test and real data application show that the proposed method efficiently updates the background velocity model.
Phosphate Binders Derived from Natural Ores Contain Many Kinds of Metallic Elements Besides Their Active Ingredient Metals
Authors: Nagano Nobuo , Minegishi Ayako , Ito Kyoko , Ando Tetsuo , Tsutsui Takaaki , Ogawa Tetsuya
Published: July 2018

Most patients undergoing dialysis are required to take many phosphate binder pills to control hyperphosphatemia. Phosphate binders prescribed in Japan are classified into two types: metal‐based binders (Ca carbonate, lanthanum carbonate, ferric citrate hydrate, and sucroferric oxyhydroxide) and chemically synthesized polymers (sevelamer hydrochloride and bixalomer). The raw materials of metal‐based phosphate binders are natural ores; thus, such binders may contain several other metallic elements. We measured the elemental contents in six metal‐based phosphate binders using an inductively coupled plasma mass – spectrometry (ICP‐MS) method. As a result, despite being in small amounts, ore‐derived phosphate binders contained various elements besides their active ingredient metals: Na, Mg, P, Mn, Fe, Sr, Y, Ba, La, Nd, and Pb in three Ca‐based products; Mg, P, Se, Ce, and Gd in one La‐based product; and Na, Mg, Al, P, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Ge, Ba, and La in two Fe‐based products. These elements are considered to have originated from pharmaceutical bulk and from pharmaceutical additives. It is unlikely these elements are immediately harmful to patients. However, it should be emphasized that patients undergoing dialysis do not have a urinary excretion route and are administered many phosphate binder pills every day over a long period of time. In the future, pharmaceutical companies may have to disclose standard amounts and/or analytical values regarding the type and quantity of metallic elements in the final formulation or pharmaceutical bulk derived from natural ores.
Risk of depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Geiss Thomas , Schaefert Rainer M , Berens Sabrina , Hoffmann Peter , Gauss Annika
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Depression is more prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. This study evaluated disease‐related risk factors for depression in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

Altogether 348 patients with IBD (228 with CD, 120 with UC) were included at our Outpatient IBD Clinic. Their characteristics, laboratory results and scores of depression, quality of life and clinical disease activity were retrospectively retrieved from questionnaires and medical records. The patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9) was used as an algorithm for a probable diagnosis of major depression employing a cut‐off point ≥10. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for depression.

RESULTS

Among these patients, 163 (46.8%) had no or minimal depression (PHQ‐9 score 0–4), 108 (31.0%) had mild depression (PHQ‐9 score 5–9) and 77 (22.1%) were at risk of major depression (PHQ‐9 score ≥10). Patients with CD had a higher risk of major depression than those with UC (25.4% vs 15.8%, P = 0.040). PHQ‐9 scores correlated strongly with clinical disease activity and quality of life scores in both groups but only weakly and solely in the CD group with biochemical disease activity. Clinical disease activity was identified as the only independent risk factor for depression in CD (odds ratio 7.814, 95% CI 2.688–22.717, P < 0.001), while no independent risk factor for depression was detected in UC.

CONCLUSION

Achieving clinical remission in patients with IBD seems to be the most important factor to reduce the risk of depression.
Post‐marketing studies of pharmaceutical opioid abuse‐deterrent formulations: a framework for research design and reporting
Authors: Peacock Amy , Larance Briony , Bruno Raimondo , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Buckley Nicholas A. , Farrell Michael , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: July 2018

Background and aims

Opioid formulations with properties to deter abuse (abuse‐deterrent formulations; ADFs) have been developed as one response to the prescription opioid ‘epidemic’. As for all medicines, ADFs undergo evaluation of safety and efficacy prior to registration for marketing. However, reduced extra‐medical use (the primary intended outcome of ADFs and reason for their introduction) can only be established in post‐marketing observational studies, comparing them to opioid formulations without abuse‐deterrent properties. This has implications for various features of study design and analysis. We discuss proposals for the design, conduct, governance and reporting of post‐marketing studies on the effectiveness of pharmaceutical and opioid ADFs.

Methods

A review of current guidance documents, public work‐shops and forums and our own experience with post‐marketing studies of ADFs.

Results and conclusions

Research questions for post‐marketing studies on ADFs of opioids should reasonably be framed around detecting any probable intended or unintended clinical and/or meaningful changes in specific aspects of extra‐medical use (e.g. injection use) and harms. Outcomes reported by prevalence and frequency of occurrence and disaggregated by specific product and route of administration can illustrate the magnitude of ADF impact. We argue that a multi‐faceted approach is required, using data from both general population and sentinel high‐risk cohorts and from primary and secondary data sources. The comparator (historical non‐ADF formulation of that opioid, equivalent current generic or similar opioid product), duration of monitoring and analytical approach require justification and should be sufficient to add weight to conclusions of causality. To maximize transparency, we recommend explicit declarations of funding and conflict of interest, establishment of an advisory committee, publication of study protocol and access to study results.
Cyclophosphamide‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis in young patients with solid tumors: A single institution study
Authors: Saito Yoshimasa , Kumamoto Tadashi , Shiraiwa Miki , Sonoda Tomoko , Arakawa Ayumu , Hashimoto Hironobu , Tamai Ikumi , Ogawa Chitose , Terakado Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

Aim

Although hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a significant complication in young patients who undergo chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (CPA), risk factors and supportive care to prevent HC are unclear. This study attempted to identify optimal supportive care to prevent CPA‐induced HC.

Methods

Patients (< 30‐year‐old) with malignant solid tumors who had been treated with CPA‐containing chemotherapy in inpatient treatment were eligible. Vigorous hydration to increase urine output and intravenous 2‐mercaptethane sulfonate (mesna) were used for prophylaxis of CPA‐induced HC. We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients who had been treated with CPA‐containing chemotherapy over (collectively) 486 cycles, and examined relationships between HC and various factors, especially CPA dosage, use of mesna, and fluid infusion volume/rate.

Results

HC occurred in four patients (4.9%) and five cycles (1%). When stratifying by doses and methods of administration of CPA, HC occurred in 3/323 low‐ and intermediate‐dose (< 1500 mg/m2/day) cycles and mesna was used in all three cycles with HC. Patients who were given mesna had a lower flow rate than those given hydration alone in the low‐ and intermediate‐dose CPA (126 ± 25 vs 106 ± 16 mL/m2/h; P < 0.01). All patients who received high‐dose CPA (≥1500 mg/m2/day) were also given mesna and vigorous hydration (115 ± 16 mL/m2/h).

Conclusions

Our supportive care measures may be effective in preventing CPA‐induced HC. Patients who receive CPA doses < 1500 mg/m2/day should get ≥125 mL/m2/h of infused fluid, regardless of mesna usage; those who receive of CPA ≥1500 mg/m2/day should also receive mesna and vigorous hydration.
Healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with incremental systemic corticosteroid exposure in asthma
Authors: Voorham Jaco , Xu Xiao , Price David B. , Golam Sarowar , Davis Jill , Zhi Jie Ling Joanna , Kerkhof Marjan , Ow Mandy , Tran Trung N.
Published: July 2018

Background

Although systemic corticosteroid (SCS) treatment, irrespective of duration or dosage, is associated with adverse outcomes for patients with asthma, the longitudinal effects of this treatment on adverse outcomes, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and healthcare costs are unknown.

Methods

We identified patients initiating intermittent or long‐term SCS who were diagnosed with active asthma from UK general practice with linked secondary care data. Control (non‐SCS) patients were matched by sex and index date with those initiating SCS. Minimum baseline period was 1 year prior to index date; minimum follow‐up duration was 2 years post–index date. Cumulative incidence of SCS‐associated adverse outcomes and associated HCRU and costs were compared between SCS and non‐SCS patient groups and among average SCS daily exposure categories. Associations between exposure and annualized HCRU and costs were assessed, adjusted for confounders.

Results

Analyses included 9413 matched pairs. Median (interquartile range) follow up was as follows: SCS group: 7.1 (4.1‐11.8) years; control group: 6.4 (3.8‐10.0) years. Greater SCS dosages were correlated with greater cumulative incidence. For example, patients with type 2 diabetes receiving an average daily dosage of ≥7.5 mg had a 15‐year cumulative incidence (37.5%) that was 1.5‐5 times greater than those receiving lower dosages. HCRU and costs increased annually for SCS patients but not for non‐SCS patients. Increases in all‐cause adverse outcome (excluding asthma)–associated HCRU and costs were dose‐dependent.

Conclusions

Over the long term, adverse outcomes associated with SCS initiation were relatively frequent and costly, with a positive dosage–response relationship with SCS exposure.
Type 2/Th2‐driven inflammation impairs olfactory sensory neurogenesis in mouse chronic rhinosinusitis model
Authors: Rouyar Angela , Classe Marion , Gorski Raphael , Bock Marie‐Dominique , Le‐Guern Joelle , Roche Sandrine , Fourgous Valerie , Remaury Anne , Paul Pascal , Ponsolles Clara , Françon Dominique , Rocheteau‐Beaujouan Laurence , Clément Margerie , Haddad El‐Bdaoui , Guillemot Jean‐Claude , Didier Michel , Biton Bruno , Orsini Cecile , Mikol Vincent , Leonetti Maud
Published: July 2018

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease often accompanied by impairment of sense of smell. This symptom has been somewhat overlooked, and its relationship to inflammatory cytokines, tissue compression, neuronal loss, and neurogenesis is still unclear.

Methods

In order to elucidate potential mechanisms leading to CRS in humans, we have established a type 2/T helper type 2 cell (Th2)‐mediated allergic CRS mouse model, based on house dust mite (HDM) and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) sensitization. The inflammatory status of the olfactory epithelium (OE) was assessed using histology, biochemistry, and transcriptomics. The sense of smell was evaluated by studying olfactory behavior and recording electro‐olfactograms (EOGs).

Results

After 22 weeks, a typical type 2/Th2‐mediated inflammatory profile was obtained, as demonstrated by increased interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in the OE. The number of mast cells and eosinophils was increased, and infiltration of these cells into the olfactory mucosa was also observed. In parallel, transcriptomic and histology analyses indicated a decreased number of immature olfactory neurons, possibly due to decreased renewal. However, the number of mature sensory neurons was not affected and neither the EOG nor olfactory behavior was impaired.

Conclusion

Our mouse model of CRS displayed an allergic response to HDM + SEB administration, including the type 2/Th2 inflammatory profile characteristic of human eosinophilic CRSwNP. Although the sense of smell did not appear to be altered in these conditions, the data reveal the influence of chronic inflammation on olfactory neurogenesis, suggesting that factors unique to humans may be involved in CRSwNP‐associated anosmia.
The Value of Being Discrete: The Differential and Causal Effects of Positive Affect and Discrete Positive Emotions on Organ Donor Registration Outcomes
Authors: Blazek Danielle R. , Siegel Jason T.
Published: July 2018

Background

The current studies examined how positive affect (i.e. the blend of several positive feelings over time) and discrete positive emotions (i.e. a specific set of momentary thoughts and feelings) influence organ donor registration outcomes.

Methods

In Study 1, participants were randomly assigned to a writing task intended to elicit positive or negative affect. In Study 2, participants received a discrete positively valenced emotion induction (i.e. elevation, humor, hubristic pride), or were in a control condition.

Results

Study 1 (N = 503) indicated a causal relationship between general positive affect and registration attitudes. An indirect effect beginning with general positive affect, going through attitudes, and then intentions, to influence behavior was also indicated. Study 2a (N = 394) demonstrated that elevation, humor, and hubristic pride can be influenced using an online platform. Study 2b (N = 1,046) indicated a causal relationship between elevation and increased registration intentions and behavior. The humor recall task caused marginally significant greater registration intentions, but no significant behavioral differences. The hubristic pride task did not influence registration outcomes.

Conclusion

Organ donor practitioners and scholars could benefit from increased focus on the emotional states likely to be experienced at different venues when considering intervention contexts.
Impact of patient education on plasma concentrations and effectiveness of posaconazole oral suspension under clinical conditions
Authors: Geist Marcus J. P. , Egerer Gerlinde , Mikus Gerd , Blank Antje , Hohmann Nicolas , Heinz Werner J. , Carls Alexandra
Published: July 2018

Posaconazole prophylaxis is recommended for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia during induction chemotherapy. Although a tablet formulation with better oral bioavailability is available, some patients have to rely on the oral suspension in clinical routine. Therefore, effectiveness of posaconazole oral suspension under real‐life clinical conditions and impact of patient education about the correct intake on its plasma concentrations were assessed in this study. Altogether 96 patients receiving 160 cycles of induction chemotherapy were retrospectively (40 patients) and prospectively (56 patients) analysed. Patients were assigned into two groups for each chemotherapy cycle according to the application of antifungal prophylaxis (A: posaconazole oral suspension, 200 mg three times a day ≥7 days; B: intake <7 days, fluconazole or no prophylaxis). Antifungal prophylaxis and therapy were analysed for each cycle. Additionally, plasma concentrations were determined from prospectively included subjects of group A who were intensively educated to perform a correct drug intake. Systemic antifungal therapy was statistically started less often in group A (26% vs 53%; P = 0.002). Posaconazole prophylaxis was associated with a lower risk of proven invasive fungal infection (P = 0.003). Median plasma concentration apparently increased between the first and second time of determination effected by an initial intensive on‐site patient education. The clinical effectiveness of posaconazole oral suspension was confirmed. A detailed patient education at the beginning of the treatment with posaconazole oral suspensions seems to be of primary importance for efficient plasma concentrations.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress and kidney dysfunction
Authors: Gallazzini Morgan , Pallet Nicolas
Published: July 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of persons worldwide and constitutes a major public health problem. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of CKD is a key challenge for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies. A major contributor to chronic histological damage associated with CKD is acute kidney injury (AKI). At the cellular level, kidney injuries are associated with microenvironmental alterations, forcing cells to activate adaptive biological processes that eliminate the stressor and generate alarm signals. These signalling pathways actively participate in tissue remodelling by promoting inflammation and fibrogenesis, ultimately leading to CKD. Many stresses that are encountered upon kidney injury are prone to trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In the kidney, ER stress both participates in acute and chronic histological damages, but also promotes cellular adaptation and nephroprotection. In this review, we will discuss the implication of ER stress in the pathophysiology of AKI and CKD progression, and we will give a critical analysis of the current experimental and clinical evidence that support ER stress as a mediator of kidney damage.
Ommochromes in invertebrates: biochemistry and cell biology
Authors: Figon Florent , Casas Jérôme
Published: July 2018

Ommochromes are widely occurring coloured molecules of invertebrates, arising from tryptophan catabolism through the so‐called Tryptophan → Ommochrome pathway. They are mainly known to mediate compound eye vision, as well as reversible and irreversible colour patterning. Ommochromes might also be involved in cell homeostasis by detoxifying free tryptophan and buffering oxidative stress. These biological functions are directly linked to their unique chromophore, the phenoxazine/phenothiazine system. The most recent reviews on ommochrome biochemistry were published more than 30 years ago, since when new results on the enzymes of the ommochrome pathway, on ommochrome photochemistry as well as on their antiradical capacities have been obtained. Ommochromasomes are the organelles where ommochromes are synthesised and stored. Hence, they play an important role in mediating ommochrome functions. Ommochromasomes are part of the lysosome‐related organelles (LROs) family, which includes other pigmented organelles such as vertebrate melanosomes. Ommochromasomes are unique because they are the only LRO for which a recycling process during reversible colour change has been described. Herein, we provide an update on ommochrome biochemistry, photoreactivity and antiradical capacities to explain their diversity and behaviour both in vivo and in vitro. We also highlight new biochemical techniques, such as quantum chemistry, metabolomics and crystallography, which could lead to major advances in their chemical and functional characterisation. We then focus on ommochromasome structure and formation by drawing parallels with the well‐characterised melanosomes of vertebrates. The biochemical, genetic, cellular and microscopic tools that have been applied to melanosomes should provide important information on the ommochromasome life cycle. We propose LRO‐based models for ommochromasome biogenesis and recycling that could be tested in the future. Using the context of insect compound eyes, we finally emphasise the importance of an integrated approach in understanding the biological functions of ommochromes.
Dysregulated growth hormone‐insulin‐like growth factor‐1 axis in adult type 1 diabetes with long duration
Authors: Gutefeldt Kerstin , Hedman Christina A. , Thyberg Ingrid S.M. , Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Spångeus Anna , Arnqvist Hans J.
Published: July 2018

Context

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), dysregulation of the GH‐IGF‐1 axis has been reported. Whether this is related to upper extremity impairments (UEI) is unknown.

Objective

Examine differences in GH‐IGF‐1 axis between T1D on subcutaneous insulin treatment and matched controls without diabetes and possible associations between GH‐IGF‐1 axis and UEI.

Design

Cross‐sectional population‐based study. Patients with T1D, onset <35 years, duration ≥ 20 years, <67 years old and controls were invited to answer questionnaires and take blood samples.

Subjects

A total of 605 patients with T1D and 533 controls accepted to participate.

Outcomes

Fasting levels of IGF‐1, IGF‐1 Z‐score, IGFBP‐1, IGFBP‐3, C‐peptide, GH and UEI.

Results

Patients with T1D had lower IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 and higher IGFBP‐1 and GH than controls. The difference in IGF‐1 persisted with age. Insulin dose was associated with increasing IGF‐1 Z‐score but even at a very high insulin dose (>1U/kg) IGF‐1 Z‐score was subnormal compared to controls. IGF‐1 Z‐score was unaffected by glycaemic control (HbA1c) but increased with residual insulin secretion, (C‐peptide 1‐99 pmol/L). IGFBP‐1 was associated with fasting blood glucose, negatively in controls and positively in patients with T1D probably reflecting insulin resistance and insulin deficiency, respectively. There was no association between lower IGF‐1 Z‐score and UEI in T1D.

Conclusion

In adult T1D with fair glycaemic control, the GH‐IGF‐1 axis is dysregulated exhibiting GH resistance, low IGF‐1 and elevated IGFBP‐1. Subcutaneous insulin cannot normalize these changes while endogenous insulin secretion has marked effects on IGF‐1 pointing to a role of portal insulin.
Report of second case and clinical and molecular characterization of Eiken syndrome
Authors: Moirangthem A. , Narayanan D.L. , Jacob P. , Nishimura G. , Mortier G. , Girisha K.M.
Published: July 2018

We report a boy with Eiken syndrome caused by a homozygous missense variant in Parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) c.103G > A [p.(Glu35Lys)]. Eiken syndrome is a very rare skeletal dysplasia due to bi‐allelic variants in PTH1R. Only one affected family has been known to‐date. The hallmarks include delayed ossification of bone including the epiphyses, pubic symphysis, and primary ossification centers of the short tubular bones, coarse bone trabeculae, and modeling abnormalities. The phenotype being described here recapitulates the delayed ossification and modeling abnormalities of Eiken syndrome. In addition, supernumerary epiphyses of the tubular bones of the hands and primary failure of eruption of teeth were observed in our proband. This report characterizes Eiken syndrome and confirms that bi‐allelic hypomorphic variants in PTH1R are probably to cause this condition.
Representative Consensus from Limited‐Size Ensembles
Authors: Mirzargar Mahsa , Whitaker Ross T.
Published: July 2018

Characterizing the uncertainty and extracting reliable visual information from ensemble data have been persistent challenges in various disciplines, specifically in simulation sciences. Many ensemble analysis and visualization techniques take a probabilistic approach to this problem with the assumption that the ensemble size is large enough to extract reliable statistical or probabilistic summaries. However, many real‐life ensembles are rather limited in size, with only a handful of members, due to various restrictions such as storage, computational power, or sampling limitations. As a result, probabilistic inference is subject to imprecision and can potentially result in untrustworthy information in the presence of a limited sample‐size ensemble. In this case, a more reliable approach is to fuse the information present in an ensemble with a limited number of members with minimal assumptions. In this paper, we propose a technique to construct a representative consensus that is particularly suited for ensembles of a relatively small size. The proposed technique casts the problem as an ordering problem in which at each point in the domain, the ensemble members are ranked based on the local neighborhood. This local approach allows us to provide shape and irregularity sensitivity. The local order statistics will then be fused to construct a global consensus using a Bayesian approach to ensure spatial coherency of the local information. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed technique using a synthetic and two real‐life examples.
Key Time Steps Selection for Large‐Scale Time‐Varying Volume Datasets Using an Information‐Theoretic Storyboard
Authors: Zhou Bo , Chiang Yi‐Jen
Published: July 2018

Key time steps selection is essential for effective and efficient scientific visualization of large‐scale time‐varying datasets. We present a novel approach that can decide the number of most representative time steps while selecting them to minimize the difference in the amount of information from the original data. We use linear interpolation to reconstruct the data of intermediate time steps between selected time steps. We propose an evaluation of selected time steps by computing the difference in the amount of information (called information difference) using variation of information (VI) from information theory, which compares the interpolated time steps against the original data. In the one‐time preprocessing phase, a dynamic programming is applied to extract the subset of time steps that minimize the information difference. In the run‐time phase, a novel chart is used to present the dynamic programming results, which serves as a storyboard of the data to guide the user to select the best time steps very efficiently. We extend our preprocessing approach to a novel out‐of‐core approximate algorithm to achieve optimal I/O cost, which also greatly reduces the in‐core computing time and exhibits a nice trade‐off between computing speed and accuracy. As shown in the experiments, our approximate method outperforms the previous globally optimal DTW approach [TLS12] on out‐of‐core data by significantly improving the running time while keeping similar qualities, and is our major contribution.
Chart Constellations: Effective Chart Summarization for Collaborative and Multi‐User Analyses
Authors: Xu Shenyu , Bryan Chris , Li Jianping Kelvin , Zhao Jian , Ma Kwan‐Liu
Published: July 2018

Many data problems in the real world are complex and require multiple analysts working together to uncover embedded insights by creating chart‐driven data stories. How, as a subsequent analysis step, do we interpret and learn from these collections of charts? We present Chart Constellations, a system to interactively support a single analyst in the review and analysis of data stories created by other collaborative analysts. Instead of iterating through the individual charts for each data story, the analyst can project, cluster, filter, and connect results from all users in a meta‐visualization approach. Constellations supports deriving summary insights about prior investigations and supports the exploration of new, unexplored regions in the dataset. To evaluate our system, we conduct a user study comparing it against data science notebooks. Results suggest that Constellations promotes the discovery of both broad and high‐level insights, including theme and trend analysis, subjective evaluation, and hypothesis generation.