bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Effects of Combined High-Intensity Strength and Sprint Interval Training on Anthropometric Characteristics and Physical Performance of Elite Team Handball Players
Authors: Hermassi Souhail , Chelly Mohamed , Fieseler Georg , Bartels Thomas , Schulze Stephan , Delank Karl-Stefan , Shepard Roy , Schwesig René
Published: December 2017

Muscular strength and speed are critical physical factors in determining the technical and tactical skills of elite team handball players. This study thus investigated the effect of high-intensity muscular strength and sprint interval training (SIT) on lower limb explosive performance and anthropometric characteristics in 22 male handball athletes aged 20.2 ± 0.1 years. A training group (TG, n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 10) were followed over 8 weeks parallel to regular handball training. The TG received combined additional high-intensity muscular strength and interval training twice per week during this period. The muscular training was comprised of 3 – 4 sets of 70 – 85 % of 1-RM (repetition maximum) of dynamic back half squat exercise; followed immediately by a short sprint program with 4, 5, and 6 maximal intensity repetitions of 30 m runs. Strength (1-RM of the half back-squat and bench press), first step (V1S), first 5 m (V5 m), squat jumps (SJ), counter movement jumps (CMJ) and the Modified Agility Test (MAT) were tested at the beginning and end of the study. Significant interaction effects (group × time) were observed for all parameters (η² range: 0.531 (MAT) to 0.829 (First 5 m)). All 10 parameters showed relevant intervention effects (d> 0.5) in the TG (highest intervention effect: CMJ: d = 4.05), the mean effect size being d = 1.85. In contrast, scores for the CG either remained unchanged or decreased (d = –0.24). We conclude that combined high-intensity strength and sprint interval training during the competitive season should be recommended to elite male handball players as a means of improving handball-related performance characteristics without compromising other critical aspects of the individual's performance.
Pressure dependence of resistivity and magnetic properties in a Mn1.9Cr0.1Sb alloy
Authors: Repaka D. V. Maheswar , Sharma Vinay , Chanda Amit , Mahendiran R. , Ramanujan R. V.
Published: December 2017

We report magnetic-field and hydrostatic pressure dependent electrical resistivity and magnetic properties of a Mn1.9Cr0.1Sb alloy. Upon cooling, the magnetization of Mn1.9Cr0.1Sb exhibits a first-order ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition at the exchange inversion temperature, TS = 261 K under a 0.1 T magnetic field. Our experimental results show that TS decreases with increasing magnetic field but increase with increasing hydrostatic pressure. The pressure induced transition is accompanied by a large positive baro-resistance of 30.5% for a hydrostatic pressure change of 0.69 GPa. These results show that the lattice parameters as well as the bond distance between Mn-Mn atoms play a crucial role in the magnetic and electronic transport properties of Mn1.9Cr0.1Sb. This sample also exhibits a large inverse magnetocaloric effect with a magnetic entropy change of ΔSm = +6.75 J/kg.K and negative magnetoresistance (44.5%) for a field change of 5 T at TS in ambient pressure which may be useful for magnetic cooling and spintronics applications.
Disorder induced gap states as a cause of threshold voltage instabilities in Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors
Authors: Matys M. , Kaneki S. , Nishiguchi K. , Adamowicz B. , Hashizume T.
Published: December 2017

We proposed that the disorder induced gap states (DIGS) can be responsible for the threshold voltage (Vth) instability in Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors. In order to verify this hypothesis, we performed the theoretical calculations of the capacitance voltage (C-V) curves for the Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN structures using the DIGS model and compared them with measured ones. We found that the experimental C-V curves with a complex hysteresis behavior varied with the maximum forward bias and the sweeping rate can be well reproduced theoretically by assuming a particular distribution in energy and space of the DIGS continuum near the Al2O3/AlGaN interface, i.e., a U-shaped energy density distribution and exponential depth decay from the interface into Al2O3 layer (up to 4 nm), as well as suitable DIGS capture cross sections (the order of magnitude of 10−15 cm2). Finally, we showed that the DIGS model can also explain the negative bias induced threshold voltage instability. We believe that these results should be critical for the successful development of the passivation techniques, which allows to minimize the Vth instability related effects.
Improvement of perpendicular anisotropy of columnar FePt-ZrO2-C films with FePt insert layer
Authors: Dong Kaifeng , Mo Wenqin , Jin Fang , Song Junlei , Cheng Weimin , Wang Haiwei
Published: December 2017

The effects of various thicknesses of FePt insert layer on the microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt-ZrO2-C thin films have been investigated. It is found that with inserting 0.4 nm FePt films between the TiON intermediate layer and FePt-ZrO2-C layer, the perpendicular anisotropy indicated by Hc⊥/Hc//ratio would increase from 4 to 13.1, suggesting the perpendicular anisotropy could be improved a lot with using FePt insert layer. Simultaneously, the FePt grains of FePt-ZrO2-C thin films maintained columnar structure and the grain isolation could also be improved in a certain degree. With further increase of the FePt insert layer thickness, although the perpendicular anisotropy was still larger than that without FePt insert layer, the grain size of the FePt-ZrO2-C films would increase and the isolation would be deteriorated.
Effect of primary amines on magnetic properties of Fe-Ni films electroplated in a DES-based plating bath
Authors: Yanai T. , Akiyoshi T. , Yamaguchi T. , Takashima K. , Morimura T. , Nakano M. , Fukunaga H.
Published: December 2017

Fe-Ni alloy films were electroplated in DES-based plating baths with various primary amines, and we investigated the effect of the primary amines on the magnetic and the structural properties of the films. The primary amines of ammonium sulfamate, DL-α-alanine and L-glutamic acid reduced the coercivity and the surface roughness of the Fe-rich films (Fe > 70 at.%), and the reduction tendencies of the coercivity and the roughness show good agreement with the result of our previous study on another primary amine of glycine. From the results for the TEM observation, we found that the texture of the Fe-rich film is clearly different from that for the Fe-poor one (Fe < 30 at.%), and we concluded that the primary amines are effective additives for the Fe-rich films electroplated in the DES-based plating baths.
Excellent selector performance in engineered Ag/ZrO2:Ag/Pt structure for high-density bipolar RRAM applications
Authors: Wang Chao , Song Bing , Zeng Zhongming
Published: December 2017

A high-performance selector with bidirectional threshold switching (TS) characteristics of Ag/ZrO2/Pt structure was prepared by incorporating metallic Ag into the ZrO2 matrix. The bidirectional TS device exhibited excellent switching uniformity, forming-free behavior, ultra-low off current of <1 nA and adjustable selectivity (from 102 to 107). The experiment results confirmed that metallic Ag clusters were penetrated into the ZrO2 matrix during the annealing process, which would function as an effective active source responsible for the bidirectional TS. The volatile behavior could be explained by the self-dissolution of unstable filaments caused by minimization of the interfacial energy and thermal effect. Furthermore, a bipolar-type one selector-one resistor (1S-1R) memory device was successfully fabricated and exhibited significant suppression of the undesired sneak current, indicating the great potential as selector in a cross-point array.
Population is the main driver of war group size and conflict casualties
Authors: Oka Rahul C. , Kissel Marc , Golitko Mark , Sheridan Susan Guise , Kim Nam C. , Fuentes Agustín
Published: December 2017

Significance

Recent views on violence emphasize the decline in proportions of war groups and casualties to populations over time and conclude that past small-scale societies were more violent than contemporary states. In this paper, we argue that these trends are better explained through scaling relationships between population and war group size and between war group size and conflict casualties. We test these relationships and develop measures of conflict investment and lethality that are applicable to societies across space and time. When scaling is accounted for, we find no difference in conflict investment or lethality between small-scale and state societies. Given the lack of population data for past societies, we caution against using archaeological cases of episodic conflicts to measure past violence.
When Gist and Familiarity Collide: Evidence From False Recognition in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Anderson Nicole D , Martin Chris B , Czyzo Julia , Köhler Stefan
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Aging is associated with decreased recollection required to offset misleading effects of familiarity, as well as an increased mnemonic reliance on gist-based over detail-based information. We tested the novel hypothesis that age-related decrements in overriding familiarity can be eliminated under conditions in which gist-based information facilitates retrieval.

Method

Twenty-seven younger adults and 27 older adults viewed scenes from two categories in an incidental encoding phase. In a recognition phase, old scenes were intermixed with new scenes from the studied categories and an unstudied category, with each new scene reappearing after 4, 18, or 48 intervening scenes. Participants were to respond “yes” to old scenes, and “no” to new scenes, including their repetitions.

Results

Despite encoding the scenes similarly, older adults made more false endorsements of new and repeated new scenes from studied categories. Both groups, however, were equally unlikely to falsely recognize new and repeated new scenes from the unstudied category.

Discussion

When helpful gist and misleading familiarity collide, gist wins, and eliminates age-related increases in false recognition.
Antibiotic Resistance of Potential Otopathogens Isolated From Nasopharyngeal Flora of Children With Acute Otitis Media Before, During and After Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Implementation
Authors: Rybak Alexis , Levy Corinne , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Béchet Stéphane , Vié le Sage François , Elbez Annie , Varon Emmanuelle , Cohen Robert
Published: December 2017

Background:

To re-evaluate antibiotic strategies for acute otitis media (AOM) in young children, we analyzed the trends of nasopharyngeal carriage and antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp), Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mc) isolated from young children with AOM during a 16-year period.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study analyzed from 2001 to 2016 the nasopharyngeal carriage of Sp, Hi and Mc of young children with AOM. Medical history and physical findings were reported. Periods were defined by pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction. We separately analyzed the 13-valent PCV (PCV13) period, which started after 2013.

Results:

During the study, 12,973 children with AOM were enrolled by 138 pediatricians. By comparing the first and last PCV periods, the proportion of children in day care centers and that of AOM with conjunctivitis significantly increased. The proportion of penicillin nonsusceptible Sp carriage significantly decreased during the study, with 0.8% of penicillin-resistant strains isolated in the PCV13 period, but that of β-lactamase–producing Hi continually increased to 23.6% in 2016. The level of Mc β-lactamase–producing strains remained high (>97%). In the PCV13 period, the main predictors of β-lactamase–producing Hi carriage were conjunctivitis (adjusted odds ratio = 6.0, 95% confidence interval [4.7–7.7]) and attending a day care center (2.4 [1.7–3.5]).

Conclusions:

In the PCV13 period, the proportion of penicillin-resistant Sp carriage was very low and that of β-lactamase–producing Hi carriage did not exceed 20% among children with AOM and without conjunctivitis. Our results suggest that amoxicillin may remain the first-line antibiotic treatment for AOM in young children except for those with conjunctivitis, for which amoxicillin-clavulanate is still the best antibiotic.
Psychopathology in borderline intellectual functioning: a narrative review
Authors: Peña-Salazar Carlos , Arrufat Francesc , Santos Josep Manel , Novell Ramón , Valdés-Stauber Juan
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Studies on psychiatric comorbidity in individuals with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) are scarce, particularly with respect to certain diseases frequently observed in clinical practice. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of epidemiological research to psychiatric comorbidity in people with BIF.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria: publications about BIF appearing between 1995 and 2017; epidemiological findings about comorbid mental disorders in individuals with BIF; and studies comparing BIF, mild intellectual disability (ID) and normal intellectual functioning. The discussion covers 24 of the 224 studies initially considered.

Findings

The most frequent psychiatric comorbidity reported was personality, post-traumatic as well as psychotic disorders, followed by psychosis, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, bipolar and sleep disorders. Individuals with BIF exhibit psychiatric comorbidity more frequently than individuals with normal intellectual functioning. Some psychiatric comorbidities were similarly prevalent in patients with BIF and those with mild or moderate ID; however, the prevalence was always higher in people with severe ID. Environmental factors, especially psychosocial adversity, seem to play an important mediating role. Pharmacotherapy is the most common treatment approach, including behavioural disorders.

Originality/value

This review of literature on mental disorders in people with BIF demonstrates the epidemiological relevance of psychiatric comorbidity, especially personality and post-traumatic disorders. Mental health professionals, general practitioners and other workers in outpatient settings have to be aware about the vulnerability and even fragility of people with BIF.
Process-related value propositions of enterprise social media use for the external communication with end consumers
Authors: Johannsen Florian Andreas
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify process-related value propositions in terms of process execution when using enterprise social media (ESM) for external communication purposes. Additionally, capabilities of ESM technologies to realize the value propositions are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of case studies, describing ESM usage for external communication purposes, is performed. Further, face-to-face interviews with employees from companies are conducted to complement the findings retrieved from the literature.

Findings

It is shown that manifold process-related value propositions for different business processes can be realized by ESM application for external communication purposes. However, certain value propositions and the corresponding capabilities of ESM technologies are particularly emphasized.

Research limitations/implications

This research is different from existing studies about ESM usage because an explicit perspective on business processes is taken. Therefore, the findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge of beneficial ESM usage. Analyzing the literature and interview transcripts underlies a certain amount of subjectivity, a circumstance addressed by engaging two researchers in the coding procedure.

Practical implications

Practitioners discussing potentials of ESM application are provided with concrete hints as to which business processes will most likely profit from the use of social technologies for the external communication with customers.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a better understanding of the beneficial impact of social technologies on business processes and thus prepares the ground for a better alignment of ESM and processes. An extensive overview of value propositions for a company’s business processes has so far not been compiled in this form.
What drives a salesperson’s goal achievement? An empirical examination
Authors: Kumar V. , Goreczny Ashley , Maurer Todd
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how a salesperson’s preset goals, customer satisfaction levels and past performance affect the extent of goal achievement, as well as how job-specific attitudes and emotions affect the relationship between preset goals and goal achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a modeling framework with both main, moderating and mediating effects, using transaction data and survey results from a telecommunications firm.

Findings

The results indicate that preset goals and customer satisfaction, interestingly, have an inverted-U relationships with goal achievement. Further, attitudes and emotions regarding workplace conduciveness and workplace ethics and diversity, reduce the effect preset goals have on goal achievement. However, attitudes and emotions regarding workplace philosophy strengthens the effect preset goals have on goal achievement, whereas with disagreement, this relationship diminishes.

Research limitations/implications

Two of the primary limitations of this study are: one, because of the cross-sectional nature of the study, there is limited opportunity to control for unobserved heterogeneity; and two, performance goal achievement, though is important for the firm, is one of many potential goals that affect a salesperson. For example, customer satisfaction goals or a one-time special event goals could play a role. Therefore, only using performance goal achievement could be a limitation of this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to academic literature in three ways. First, it demonstrates the diminishing effect of customer satisfaction on goal achievement. Second, it identifies an inverse U-shaped relationship between preset goals and goal achievement. Finally, it examines how attitudes and emotions regarding workplace culture (conduciveness, ethics and diversity and philosophy) affect the relationship between preset goals and goal achievement.
Three generational issues in organizational learning
Authors: Sprinkle Therese A. , Urick Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Methods for facilitating learning and knowledge transfer in multigenerational workplaces are of importance to organizations. Yet, intergenerational learning is vastly understudied in academic organizational literature. This conceptual paper aims to recommend future directions for studying intergenerational learning by examining three interrelated considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

General knowledge management concepts, various generationally based perspectives on training and low-stakes development initiatives, are examined by integrating the existing literature.

Findings

The authors suggest that improved learning will occur in organizations that facilitate targeted socialization, respond to new preferences and trends in development programs while leveraging multiple approaches including informal/individualized initiatives (such as on-the-job education, mentorship programs) and embrace multiple types of volunteering activities.

Originality value

Although other work has reviewed intergenerational learning, this is the first research to focus on multigenerational learning while considering tacit and practical learning transference from inside and outside the organization.
CoPs facing rationalization: the politics of community reproduction
Authors: Kilskar Stine Skaufel , Ingvaldsen Jonas A. , Valle Nina
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between the contemporary forms of manufacturing rationalization and the reproduction of communities of practice (CoPs) centred on tasks and craft. Building on critical literature highlighting the tensions between CoPs and rationalization, this paper aims to develop a nuanced account of how CoPs are reproduced in the context of rationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study of a CoP involved in the production of automotive components was conducted. Following a change in ownership, the company was instructed to rationalize production according to the principles of lean production. Data were collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The CoP of the case study reinterpreted, resisted and redefined the lean production practices according to the established norms and values. In collusion with local management, workers protected the integrity of the community by engaging in hypocritical reporting. While lower-level managers buffered the rationalization pressures, workers would “get the work done” without further interference.

Research limitations/implications

The critical research approach may be applied to a wide range of cases in which informal or professional work organization collides with change programmes driven by management. Future research is encouraged to investigate more closely how CoPs gain access to formal and informal power by enrolling lower-level managers in their joint enterprise and world view.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware that attempts to rationalize community-based work forms may lead to dysfunctional patterns of organizational decoupling.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically examine the relationship between CoPs and manufacturing rationalization.
The effects of spatial scale and isoscape on consumer isotopic niche width
Authors: Reddin Carl J. , Bothwell John H. , O'Connor Nessa E. , Harrod Chris
Published: December 2017

The mean and variance of ecological variables are dependent on sampling attributes such as the coverage of environmental heterogeneity (sampling extent) and spatial scale. Trophic niche width is often approximated by bulk tissue stable isotopes of C and N, that is, the population isotopic niche. However, recent studies suggest that environmental heterogeneity (experienced by individuals) may be more important in defining the isotopic niche width than trophic variability. We hypothesised that isotopic niche width will increase monotonically with spatial scale, largely produced by environmental variation, for example, nutrient source.

To refine this hypothesis, by describing the shapes of isotope scaling curves, we explored a previously published dataset describing three Chilean intertidal species representing different feeding guilds (grazing snails, suspension‐feeding mussel). We tested these hypotheses on a new, larger dataset describing three functionally analogous intertidal species from Northern Ireland. We generated isotopic variance–area curves from a spatially explicit bootstrap and investigated the scale dependency of environment–isotope relationships, including wave exposure and sub‐habitat heterogeneity.

Spatial scale explained 50% of the variance in population isotopic niche widths (bivariate C‐N ellipse area) by simple, nonlinear relationships. Finer scales (<1–10 km lag) accounted for most variance. Scale dependence was strong for δ15N variance, of which >40% was explained by modelling linear coefficients. A δ15N baseline gradient, or isoscape, dominated δ15N variance scaling patterns, from sheltered, terrestrially influenced embayments to exposed, pelagic‐dominated coastline. Consumer δ13C variance had a weaker scale dependence, plateauing at mesoscales (>20 km lag).

We show that isotopic niche width is strongly dependent on sampling spatial extent, which controls the environmental heterogeneity experienced by individual consumers. Environmental heterogeneity must be accounted for before isotopic niche width can be considered to accurately represent trophic niche width. Studies conducted at different spatial scales are likely to identify different environment–isotope relationships.

We recommend that spatial scale should be incorporated into sampling designs explicitly, easiest by maintaining a consistent lag distance or area within which populations are sampled. Identified isoscapes can be de‐trended, where necessary.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Cost‐reflective pricing: empirical insights into irrigators’ preferences for water tariffs
Authors: Cooper Bethany , Crase Lin , Rose John M.
Published: December 2017

Using prices to improve the efficiency with which water resources are allocated is now widely accepted in principle if somewhat difficult to achieve in practice. Whilst there are some technical difficulties associated with full‐cost recovery in irrigation, the lack of political will to tackle reform remains a significant impediment. This article reports the results of an empirical investigation into farmers’ preferences for changes to water prices and tariff structures. We conclude that some of the preferences of farmers are conducive to price reform. We also find evidence that public subsidy of infrastructure in irrigation is not always aligned with the preferences of farmers.
Editorial: thiopurine‐induced myelosuppression and infections in inflammatory bowel disease patients with a normal TPMT genotype—the perils of ageing
Authors: Willington A. J. , Gearry R. B.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Broekman et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14323 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14395.
Editorial: recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection—still the same after all these years…
Authors: Shah E. , Chey W. D.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Hu et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14319 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14386.
Letter: gastric atrophy assessment—merging serology, endoscopy and histology in clinical practice
Authors: Rugge M. , Dinis‐Ribeiro M.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Zagari et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14248.
Editorial: recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection—still the same after all these years… Authors’ reply
Authors: Hu Y. , Wan J.‐H. , Li X.‐Y. , Zhu Y. , Graham D. Y. , Lu N.‐H.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Hu et al and Shah and Chey papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14319 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14372.
Editorial: anti‐TNF therapy and myopenia in Crohn's disease—another step towards personalised medicine
Authors: Murray C. D.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article linked to Ding et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14293 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14409.
Editorial: avoiding corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Colizzo F. P. , Friedman L. S.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Selinger et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14334 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14403.
Letter: the neglected analgesic properties of red pepper in the clinical management of the irritable bowel syndrome pain—Authors’ reply
Authors: Beckers A. B. , Weerts Z. Z. R. M. , Masclee A. A. M. , Keszthelyi D.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Beckers et al and Bortolotti papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14294 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14417.
Anti‐infliximab antibody concentrations can guide treatment intensification in patients with Crohn's disease who lose clinical response
Authors: Dreesen E. , Van Stappen T. , Ballet V. , Peeters M. , Compernolle G. , Tops S. , Van Steen K. , Van Assche G. , Ferrante M. , Vermeire S. , Gils A.
Published: December 2017

Background

The presence of antibodies towards infliximab (ATI) is associated with lower infliximab (IFX) trough concentrations and loss of response. IFX treatment intensification is effective for restoring response in most, but not all patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To compare outcome, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of treatment intensification strategies in patients with CD who lost clinical response to IFX.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 103 patients with CD who lost clinical response during IFX maintenance therapy and therefore received a double dose IFX (10 mg/kg) and/or a next infusion after a shortened interval. IFX and ATI concentrations were measured in consecutive trough samples, just before (T0) and after (T+1) treatment intensification.

Results

Clinical response (physicians' global assessment) and biological response and remission (CRP) were restored in 63%, 42% and 24% of patients (evaluated at T+1). Treatment intensification increased IFX trough concentrations from 1.2 μg/mL [0.3‐3.6] at T0 to 3.6 μg/mL [0.5‐10.2] at T+1 (P < .0001). Using a drug tolerant assay, ATI were detected in the T0 sample of 47% of patients. ATI negatively impacted the achieved IFX trough concentration (Spearman r −0.57, P < .0001) and the probability of clinical response (P = 0.034) at T+1. When ATI were quantifiable but <282 ng/mL eq. at T0, combined interval shortening and dose doubling was more effective for restoring therapeutic IFX trough concentrations (≥3 μg/mL at T+1) than dose doubling alone, which in turn was more effective than interval shortening alone (P < .001).

Conclusion

Antibodies towards infliximab can guide clinical decision‐making on treatment intensification.
Effect of abutment height on interproximal implant bone level in the early healing: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Blanco Juan , Pico Alexandre , Caneiro Leticia , Nóvoa Lourdes , Batalla Pilar , Martín‐Lancharro Pablo
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the effect on the interproximal implant bone loss (IBL) of two different heights (1 and 3 mm) of definitive abutments placed at bone level implants with a platform switched design.

Material and methods

Twenty‐two patients received forty‐four implants (6.5–10 mm length and 3.5–4 mm diameter) to replace at least two adjacent missing teeth, one bridge set to each patient—two implants per bridge. Patients were randomly allocated, and two different abutment heights, 1 and 3 mm using only one abutment height per bridge, were used. Clinical and radiological measurements were performed at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Interproximal bone level changes were compared between treatment groups. The association between IBL and categorical variables (history of periodontitis, smoking, implant location, implant diameter, implant length, insertion torque, width of keratinized mucosa, bone density, gingival biotype and antagonist) was also performed.

Results

At 3 months, implants with a 1‐mm abutment had significantly greater IBL (0.83 ± 0.19 mm) compared to implants with a 3‐mm abutment (0.14 ± 0.08 mm). At 6 months, a greater IBL was observed at implants with 1‐mm abutments compared to implants with 3‐mm abutments (0.91 ± 0.19 vs. 0.11 ± 0.09 mm). The analysis of the relation between patient characteristics and clinical variables with IBL revealed no significant differences at any moment except for smoking.

Conclusions

Abutment height is an important factor to maintain interproximal implant bone level in early healing. Short abutments led to a greater interproximal bone loss in comparison with long abutments after 6 months. Other variables except smoking showed no relation with interproximal bone loss in early healing.
Hochdosierte intravenöse Immunglobuline bei dermatologischen Autoimmunerkrankungen
Authors: Hoffmann Jochen H.O. , Enk Alexander H.
Published: December 2017

Hochdosierte intravenöse Immunglobuline (IVIg) werden aufgrund ihrer immunmodulatorischen Eigenschaften erfolgreich zur Behandlung dermatologischer Autoimmunkrankheiten eingesetzt. Hierbei stellen der Pemphigus vulgaris und die Dermatomyositis klassische Indikationen dar. Bei den bullösen Autoimmundermatosen kann der adjuvante Einsatz von IVIg als Zweit‐ oder Drittlinientherapie nach Versagen einer kombinierten immunsuppressiven Therapie erfolgen, während in der Behandlung der Dermatomyositis IVIg bereits als adjuvante Zweitlinientherapie nach Versagen einer Steroidmonotherapie eingesetzt werden können. Aufgrund mangelnder Therapiealternativen können IVIg bei schweren Verläufen des Skleromyxödems als Erstlinientherapie eingesetzt werden. In therapierefraktären Fällen einer schweren systemischen Vaskulitis kann die Anwendung von IVIg erwogen werden. Ebenso stellen schwere Fälle eines systemischen Lupus erythematodes eine mögliche Indikation zum Einsatz von IVIg dar. Auch zur Behandlung der toxischen epidermalen Nekrolyse können IVIg bei frühzeitigem und hochdosiertem Einsatz indiziert sein. Häufigere, gut zu behandelnde Nebenwirkungen stellen Kopfschmerzen, Übelkeit, Fatigue und eine febrile Infusionsreaktion dar. Sehr selten kommt es zum Auftreten schwerer Nebenwirkungen wie thromboembolischen Ereignissen, anaphylaktischem Schock oder akutem Nierenversagen. Das Risiko einer viralen Transmission ist sehr gering. Hypothesen zur Wirkweise sind die Hochregulation inhibitorischer Fc‐Rezeptoren, eine reduzierte Halbwertszeit von körpereigenen Immunglobulinen durch Verdrängung aus protektiven Rezeptorbindungen, die direkte Neutralisierung körpereigener Antikörper durch antiidiotypische Antikörper, sowie die Inhibierung der Komplementkaskade.
Atrial deformation correlated with functional capacity in mitral stenosis patients
Authors: Chien Chen‐Yu , Chen Chih‐Wei , Lin Tin‐Kwang , Lin Yu , Lin Jnnu‐Wen , Li Yi‐Da , Chen Chi‐Hsien , Tsai Wei‐Chuan
Published: December 2017

Background

Left atrial (LA) dysfunction, expressed as impaired LA deformation using two‐dimensional (2D) strain imaging, has been observed in association with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). However, the clinical role of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)‐derived LA strain has rarely been studied in MS.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the determinants of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class in patients with mitral stenosis and to investigate the relationship between left atrial deformation as measured by two‐dimensional STE‐derived LA strain and heart failure symptoms.

Methods

Sixty‐nine consecutive patients (20 males and 49 females; mean age: 61 ± 14 years) with rheumatic MS were evaluated using comprehensive 2D and color Doppler echocardiography including STE‐derived LA strain (LAS) and peak positive filling strain rate (LASRr) during the LA reservoir phase. Those results were then correlated with NYHA functional class.

Results

There were 15 (22%) patients in functional class I, 42 (61%) in functional class II, and 12 (17%) in functional class III. There were no significant differences in mitral valve area, pressure gradient, pulmonary artery pressure, LA emptying fraction, or left ventricular ejection fraction between functional classes. Upon multivariate analysis (controlling for diuretics usage), LAS (ß = −0.233, P = .045) and LASRr (ß = −0.277, P = .014) were independent factors in determining NYHA functional class.

Conclusions

In stable patients with MS, NYHA functional class independently correlated with LAS and LASRr. Left atrial (LA) deformation correlated with heart failure symptoms in patients with MS.
Two‐ and three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of superior vena cava, crista terminalis, and right atrial appendage using the right parasternal approach
Authors: Arisha Mohammed J. , Hsiung Ming C. , Nanda Navin C. , Gupta Ankur , George David C. , Elkaryoni Ahmed , Barssoum Kirolos , Mohamed Ahmed H. , Srialluri Swetha
Published: December 2017

Background

The noninvasive assessment of superior vena cava (SVC), crista terminalis (CT), and the right atrial appendage (RAA) has clinical implications in determining the right atrium (RA) pressure in adult patients in whom the inferior vena cava cannot be imaged, in planning electrophysiological procedures and for evaluation of thrombi in RA/RAA. It is difficult to image these structures using standard two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE), but the right parasternal approach has shown promise in the very few studies published so far.

Aim

The aim of this study was to show the feasibility of this approach and its usefulness in qualitative and quantitative assessments of these structures by both 2D and three (3D) TTE in patients with and without known cardiac pathologies.

Material and Methods

The study consisted of 38 adult patients, 17 of whom had cardiac pathologies (Group 1) while the remainder (Group 2) had no evidence of heart disease clinically or by echocardiography.

Results and Conclusion

Both SVC and RAA could be imaged by 2DTTE and 3DTTE in 53% of 40 patients (two separate groups of 20 consecutive patients) studied demonstrating the technical feasibility of this approach. SVC size and collapsibility, CT and RAA size, and RAA fractional shortening were evaluated in both groups by both 2D and 3DTTE. 3DTTE provided incremental value over 2DTTE by its ability to view en face the SVC in short axis and the base of RAA and RAA volumes resulting in more comprehensive assessment of their size and function.
The effect of dialysis type on left atrial functions in patients with end‐stage renal failure: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Aksu Uğur , Aksu Derya , Gulcu Oktay , Kalkan Kamuran , Topcu Selim , Aksakal Enbiya , Aksakal Emrah , Sevimli Serdar , Tanboga Ibrahim Halil
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Despite the widespread use of both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), there is no study comparing the effects of these dialysis methods on the left atrial (LA) volume and functions. In this study, we investigated the impact of different dialysis methods on the LA volume and function in the patients exposed to chronic pressure overload and volume overload.

Method

This study was carried out on the patients who received dialysis treatment at our healthcare center between March, 2015 and January, 2016. Twenty‐eight patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment and 24 patients under PD treatment were enrolled into the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the dialysis therapy, and the atrial volumetric and mechanical functions were investigated.

Results

As the basal demographical characteristics of patients in the PD and HD groups were significantly different, 44 patients matched on a 1:1 basis were taken for final analysis (22 HD, 22 PD, and the average age of 42.4 ± 4.8; 73% was male). After propensity score matching analysis, it was determined that left atrial volume index (LAVi) was higher in the HD group while peak LA strain and LA contraction strain were higher in the PD group. Additionally, both strain parameters showed a good negative correlation with LAVi.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the left atrial structure and functions were better in the PD group suggesting that PD may be a relatively better option for the preservation and maintenance of the left atrial functions as compared to HD.
The information content of the implied volatility term structure on future returns
Authors: Wang Yaw‐Huei , Yen Kuang‐Chieh
Published: December 2017

We derive the theoretical relation between the term structure of implied variance and the expected excess returns of the underlying asset. Adopting three alternative approaches to compile the variables representing the information on the implied volatility index level and term structure, we show the important role of the term structure in determining future excess returns of the S&P 500 index. Both the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample analyses suggest that the information content of the term structure variable is significant and a strong complement to that of the level variable, especially for shorter‐term excess returns.
Legal Counseling and the Marriage Decision: The Impact of Same‐Sex Marriage on Family Law Practice
Authors: Baumle Amanda K.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To examine the role of family law attorneys in providing counsel regarding the legal rights, vulnerabilities, and implications of marriage for their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients.

Background

Although the acquisition of state and federal marital rights could result in a convergence of practice experiences for family lawyers representing LGBT and heterosexual clients, the contentious legal history surrounding LGBT individuals could continue to produce different client demands surrounding marriage.

Method

This study draws on in‐depth interviews with 21 family law attorneys with LGBT clients.

Results

Participants attributed the demand for legal counseling about the marriage decision to a lack of socialization into marriage and uncertainty and skepticism regarding the permanence of legal changes. They indicated requests for legal counseling varied by age cohort and by the legal and sociopolitical context in which clients were nested.

Conclusion

The practice of family lawyers has been responsive to rapid legal and cultural shifts for LGBT individuals and their families, resulting in the emergence of new foci of legal counseling surrounding the marriage decision.

Implications

Family lawyers might consider a more concerted effort to offer legal counseling about the marriage decision, particularly for older LGBT clients, those living in negative sociopolitical environments, and different‐sex couples.
Sneezing in Primary Headaches With Cranial Autonomic Symptoms: Pathophysiological Considerations. A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Redon Sylvain , Donnet Anne
Published: December 2017

Objective

To report a case series of sneezing systematically occurring in two cases with migraine and cranial autonomic symptoms and two with cluster headache.

Background

Sneezing occurring systematically during cluster headache or migraine is a rare condition. Sneezing has been described as a specific trigger for migraine.

Methods

Case reports.

Case series

We describe four patients with primary headaches, presenting systematic sneezing at a definite time of premonitory, postdromal, or headache phase. All of these headaches were associated with cranial autonomic symptoms.

Conclusion

Sneezing is a symptom associated with primary headaches. The definite place of sneezing in these patients suggests a particular implication of hypothalamus in the pathophysiology of these cases.
Usefulness of virtual touch quantification for staging liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C, and factors affecting liver stiffness measurement failure compared with liver biopsy
Authors: Tsukano Natsumi , Miyase Shiho , Saeki Tatsuhiko , Mizobe Keiko , Iwashita Hirofumi , Arima Nobuyuki , Fujiyama Shigetoshi
Published: December 2017

Aim

The assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C is important to predict carcinogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of virtual touch quantification (VTQ) for staging liver fibrosis, and investigated factors causing discrepancies between the estimated fibrosis stage using VTQ and the pathological fibrosis stage.

Methods

Patients with hepatitis C (n = 302) were assessed using VTQ and underwent pathological liver investigation within 1 week before and after VTQ. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained for VTQ, fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, and aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), and each area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was compared to predict fibrosis stage. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate the factors related to the discrepancy between the estimated fibrosis stage using VTQ and the pathological fibrosis stage.

Results

At any stage, VTQ was the most accurate for staging liver fibrosis. The VTQ cut‐off values were 1.33 m/s (AUROC = 0.822) for ≥F2, 1.51 m/s (AUROC = 0.836) for ≥F3, and 1.92 m/s (AUROC = 0.890) for F4. Skin liver capsule distance (SCD) was the most relevant factor for the discrepancy between the estimated fibrosis stage using VTQ and the pathological fibrosis stage. The SCD cut‐off value was 17.5 mm.

Conclusions

Virtual touch quantification is a non‐invasive, simple method that is more accurate for staging liver fibrosis than the FIB‐4 index and APRI. However, when the SCD is longer than 17.5 mm, there may be measurement failures.
Effects of a music‐creation programme on the anxiety, self‐esteem, and quality of life of people with severe mental illness: A quasi‐experimental design
Authors: Chang Beh‐Huan , Chen Bo‐Wei , Beckstead Jason W. , Yang Chiu‐Yueh
Published: December 2017

Many studies have shown that music therapy improves patients' symptoms. However, interventions using music creation as their core await further development for patients with severe mental illness (SMI). The current study investigated the effect of a music‐creation programme on the anxiety, self‐esteem, and quality of life of patients with SMI. A quasi‐experimental design using convenience sampling was adopted to recruit patients with SMI from a psychiatric day care centre. Participants were grouped based on their willingness to undergo an intervention (26 patients in the experimental group and 23 patients in the control group). The control groups participated in conventional mental rehabilitation therapy activities. The experimental group participated in a music‐creation session for 90 min every week over a 32‐week period. The outcome indicators before and after the intervention were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A), Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES), and World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF). Finally, the intervention effect was determined using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). After 32 weeks of intervention activities, the experimental group showed significant improvements in their HAM‐A total scores (P < 0.001) and RSES total scores (P = 0.005). Regarding quality of life, the improvements of the experimental group in terms of the psychological (P = 0.016) and social relationship domains (P = 0.033) were superior to those of the control group. Music‐creation programmes are recommended for inclusion in the routine rehabilitation activities of patients with SMI.