bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing area of VLSI power distribution networks using river formation dynamics
Authors: Dash Satyabrata , Dey Sukanta , Joshi Deepak , Trivedi Gaurav
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of river formation dynamics to size the widths of power distribution network for very large-scale integration designs so that the wire area required by power rails is minimized. The area minimization problem is transformed into a single objective optimization problem subject to various design constraints, such as IR drop and electromigration constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimization process is carried out using river formation dynamics heuristic. The random probabilistic search strategy of river formation dynamics heuristic is used to advance through stringent design requirements to minimize the wire area of an over-designed power distribution network.

Findings

A number of experiments are performed on several power distribution benchmarks to demonstrate the effectiveness of river formation dynamics heuristic. It is observed that the river formation dynamics heuristic outperforms other standard optimization techniques in most cases, and a power distribution network having 16 million nodes is successfully designed for optimal wire area using river formation dynamics.

Originality/value

Although many research works are presented in the literature to minimize wire area of power distribution network, these research works convey little idea on optimizing very large-scale power distribution networks (i.e. networks having more than four million nodes) using an automated environment. The originality in this research is the illustration of an automated environment equipped with an efficient optimization technique based on random probabilistic movement of water drops in solving very large-scale power distribution networks without sacrificing accuracy and additional computational cost. Based on the computation of river formation dynamics, the knowledge of minimum area bounded by optimum IR drop value can be of significant advantage in reduction of routable space and in system performance improvement.
Swarm hybrid optimization for a piecewise model fitting applied to a glucose model
Authors: Acedo Luis , Botella Marta , Cortés Juan Carlos , Hidalgo J. Ignacio , Maqueda Esther , Villanueva Rafael Jacinto
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study insulin pump therapy and accurate monitoring of glucose levels in diabetic patients, which are current research trends in diabetology. Both problems have a wide margin for improvement and promising applications in the control of parameters and levels involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have registered data for the levels of glucose in diabetic patients throughout a day with a temporal resolution of 5 minutes, the amount and time of insulin administered and time of ingestion. The estimated quantity of carbohydrates is also monitored. A mathematical model for Type 1 patients was fitted piecewise to these data and the evolution of the parameters was analyzed.

Findings

They have found that the parameters for the model change abruptly throughout a day for the same patient, but this set of parameters account with precision for the evolution of the glucose levels in the test patients. This fitting technique could be used to personalize treatments for specific patients and predict the glucose-level variations in terms of hours or even shorter periods of time. This way more effective insulin pump therapies could be developed.

Originality/value

The proposed model could allow for the development of improved schedules on insulin pump therapies.
A designerly way of analyzing the customer experience
Authors: Trischler Jakob , Zehrer Anita , Westman Jessica
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usability of different design methods in understanding the customer experience from a contextual and systemic standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

Three design methods (i.e. personas, observations and collaborative service mapping) were applied to analyze customer experiences in two service settings. These methods’ usability was compared across the two settings.

Findings

Personas, as informed by phenomenological interviews, provide insights into the customer’s broader lifeworld context. These insights assist in connecting with and understanding the customer experience from a dyadic customer-firm perspective. The involvement of the customer in service mapping activities supports the validation of findings and gives access to experience dimensions beyond the immediate service setting.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited to three design methods and is based on small samples. Future research should systematically review design methods to provide a basis for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Practical implications

To successfully capture the contextual and systemic nature of the customer experience, managers should apply interpretive approaches and actively involve selected customers as “experts of their experiences”. The study provides guidelines on how design methods can be combined and applied to a more holistic customer experience analysis.

Originality/value

The paper shows that design methods, when applied in a combined form, can support an analysis that captures both in-depth insights into the customer’s lifeworld and the complexity of value constellations.
The complexity continuum, Part 1: hard and soft theories
Authors: Yolles Maurice
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Complex systems adapt to survive, but little comparative literature exists on various approaches. Adaptive complex systems are generic, this referring to propositions concerning their bounded instability, adaptability and viability. Two classes of adaptive complex system theories exist: hard and soft. Hard complexity theories include Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and Viability Theory, and softer theories, which we refer to as Viable Systems Theories (VSTs), that include Management Cybernetics at one extreme and Humanism at the other. This paper has a dual purpose distributed across two parts. In Part 1, the purpose of this paper is to identify the conditions for the complementarity of the two classes of theory. In Part 2, the purpose is to explore (in part using Agency Theory) the two classes of theory and their proposed complexity continuum.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed analysis of the literature permits a distinction between hard and softer approaches towards modelling complex social systems. Hard theories are human-incommensurable, while soft ones are human-commensurable, therefore more closely related to the human condition. The characteristics that differentiate between hard and soft approaches are identified.

Findings

Hard theories are more restrictive than the softer theories. The latter can embrace degrees of “softness” and it is explained how hard and soft approaches can be mixed, sometimes creating Harmony.

Originality/value

There are very few explorations of the relationship between hard and soft approaches to complexity theory, and even fewer that draw in the notion of harmony.
Audit negotiations
Authors: MacTavish Carolyn
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Audit negotiations are impacted by many factors. This study aims to investigate how two such factors, communication of the National Office Accounting Consultation Unit (ACU) and the auditor’s approach, affect chief financial officers’ (CFOs’) willingness to adjust the financial statements and satisfaction with the auditor.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a 2 × 3 between-subjects experimental design. Participants are 169 highly experienced CFOs and financial officers. The experimental design crosses the two multi-dimensional auditor approaches found in the literature with two influence tactics used to communicate ACU involvement, as well as a control condition, with no communication of the ACU involvement.

Findings

Communicating the ACU’s involvement as a higher authority (similar to a boss) results in greater willingness to record an adjustment to the financial statements when auditors use a hands-off “compliance-officer” auditor approach, but lower willingness by CFOs to adjust the financial statements when auditors use an expert-advisor auditor approach as compared to when coalition tactics are used. Results also show that communicating the ACU as a higher authority negatively impacts a CFO’s satisfaction with the audit partner. Overall, these results highlight the importance of the auditor’s approach and communication of ACU involvement within the auditor–client relationship. The outcomes of this study are limited to situations where unexpected audit adjustments are found during the year-end process and thus cannot be discussed pre-emptively with clients.

Research limitations/implications

This paper advances the understanding of how the multi-dimensional auditor’s approach can shape and limit the effectiveness of influence tactics. These factors are important, as auditors are tasked with maintaining not only quality audits but also client relationships. However, although rich in detail, factors other than auditor approach may have inadvertently been manipulated and are driving results.

Practical implications

The approach taken by the auditor with a client throughout the audit sets the stage during the auditor–client negotiations. Therefore, audit partners must consider their own approach with the client before communicating the ACU’s involvement as the auditor approach shapes and limits the tactics available for use. Using ill-suited tactics may undermine the client’s willingness to record an adjustment to the financial statements and cause undue harm to the auditor–client relationship.

Originality/value

This paper uses highly experienced CFOs and financial officers to examine how two common elements in the audit negotiation context can significantly affect the outcome to the financial statements and the relationship between the client and audit partner.
Tax avoidance, tax risk and the cost of debt in a bank-dominated economy
Authors: Kovermann Jost Hendrik
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether tax avoidance has a positive or negative effect on firms’ cost of debt. It further investigates whether the implications for the cost of debt are different for tax avoidance and tax risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 201 firms listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2014, three tests are performed using pooled OLS regression. Controlling for numerous variables that have been found to influence the cost of debt, a first model examines the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt. A second model examines the relationship between tax risk and the cost of debt and a third model interacts tax avoidance with tax risk.

Findings

The results show that tax avoidance has a negative effect on the cost of debt; however, tax risk increases the cost of debt. These results indicate that creditors generally view tax avoidance as positive and that tax avoidance is not regarded as inherently risky. Although tax avoidance is rewarded by capital markets with lower interest rates, tax risk contributes to higher interest rates. The effect of tax avoidance on the cost of debt depends therefore on the level of tax risk.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to two distinct strands of research: literature investigating the driving factors behind the cost of debt and literature investigating the consequences of firms’ tax avoidance activities.
The prosocial leadership development process as a means to prepare the next generation of organizational leaders
Authors: Ewest Timothy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the prosocial leadership development process for guiding pedagogical and social justice course goals as a means to foster prosocial leadership values within the millennial generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is guided by a social justice framework and proven classroom pedagogies as a means to align millennial characteristics within the four stages of the prosocial leadership development process.

Findings

An educational rubric is provided as a means to guide classroom pedagogies, course goals and millennial characteristics through a prosocial leadership development process.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual in nature, and therefore, theoretical correspondence remains speculative.

Practical implications

The research in this paper provided guidelines for educators to use pedagogical practices as a means to develop prosocial values as a basis for organizational leadership behaviors.

Social implications

This leadership development process when facilitated through proven pedagogical techniques (guided by established social justice curriculum goals) and is within the context of millennial characteristics (those born between the years 1982 and 2005) becomes catalytic in empowering leaders to be a remedy for the world’s environmental and social challenges.

Originality/value

This paper connects characteristics of millennials to a prosocial leadership development model.
The next wave of workforce engagement: technology becomes smarter, and your people do, too
Authors: Snedeker Brad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to convey why the contact center has become critical to businesses’ success with customer experience at the heart of driving growth and retention. As a company’s central hub for customer interactions coming in from all touchpoints, the contact center holds the key for businesses in turning those interactions into insights. It is the contact center that knows and understands customers’ pain points and how to best course correct, and agents have the power to create a positive experience that fosters loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using insights from Calabrio’s own “Health of the Contact Center” report, as well as other industry studies, this paper reveals why driving a positive customer experience starts from within. Customer demands have become increasingly complex and people now communicate with more channels than before – all of this is impacting agents, the experience they provide and the success of the business. And it shows no signs of slowing down.

Findings

Thirty-two per cent of contact center employees believe that customer queries and demands will become more complex over time. But they do not feel prepared with the right tools: 60 per cent agree that their company does not always provide the technology needed to address the challenges they face when helping customers.

Originality/value

Unlocking a great customer experience starts with a top-notch employee experience. And that requires a fresh approach to workforce management solutions. As an established product category and a topic often discussed among industry experts, today’s contact center leaders use workforce optimization. However, the rising importance of employee engagement calls for a new offering – workforce engagement management.
Prognostic Accuracy of the HEART Score for Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Presenting With Chest Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Fernando Shannon M. , Tran Alexandre , Cheng Wei , Rochwerg Bram , Taljaard Monica , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo , Perry Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The HEART score has been proposed for emergency department (ED) prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We sought to summarize all studies assessing the prognostic accuracy of the HEART score for prediction of MACE in adult ED patients presenting with chest pain.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception through May 2018 and included studies using the HEART score for the prediction of short‐term MACE in adult patients presenting to the ED with chest pain. The main outcome was short‐term (i.e., 30‐day or 6‐week) incidence of MACE. We secondarily evaluated the prognostic accuracy of the HEART score for prediction of mortality and myocardial infarction (MI). Where available, accuracy of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score was determined.

Results

We included 30 studies (n = 44,202) in analysis. A HEART score above the low‐risk threshold (≥4) had a sensitivity of 95.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 93.3%–97.5%) and specificity of 44.6% (95% CI = 38.8%–50.5%) for MACE. A high‐risk HEART score (≥7) had a sensitivity of 39.5% (95% CI = 31.6%–48.1%) and specificity of 95.0% (95% CI = 92.6%–96.6%) for MACE, whereas a TIMI score above the low‐risk threshold (≥2) had a sensitivity of 87.8% (95% CI = 80.2%–92.8%) and specificity of 48.1% (95% CI = 38.9%–57.5%) for MACE. A high‐risk TIMI score (≥6) was 2.8% sensitive (95% CI = 0.8%–9.6%), but 99.6% (95% CI = 98.5%–99.9%) specific for MACE. A HEART score ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 95.0% (95% CI = 87.2%–98.2%) for prediction of mortality and 97.5% (95% CI = 93.7%–99.0%) for prediction of MI.

Conclusions

The HEART score has excellent performance for prediction of MACE (particularly mortality and MI) in chest pain patients and should be the primary clinical decision instrument used for the risk stratification of this patient population.
CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells recruited and activated by CCR9/CCL25 are crucial for the pathogenic progression of endometriosis
Authors: Sun Ya , Shao Jun , Jiang Feizhou , Wang Yanqiu , Yan Qin , Yu Na , Zhang Jin , Zhang Jie , Li Mingqing , He Yinyan
Published: October 2018

Problem

Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease associated with an abnormal immunotolerant microenvironment. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that play a major role in immunosuppression in cancer, inflammation and other diseases. This paper aims to elucidate whether or not MDSCs are involved in regulating this microenvironment in EM and how this regulation occurs.

Method of Study

Immunochemistry (IHC) and qPCR were conducted to measure CD11b and ARG1 expression in the ectopic endometrium samples from EM patients. CCL25 levels in EM PF and the expression of CCR9 on M‐MDSCs were measured by ELISA. M‐MDSC migration was determined towards rhCCL25, α‐CCR9, α‐CCL25 and EM PF through in vitro chemotaxis assay. CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR‐ M‐MDSCs isolated from EM PBMCs were added to CD8+ T cells stimulated with α‐CD3/α‐CD28 antibody. After 72 hours of co‐culture, proliferation was measured to rate the immunosuppressive function of M‐MDSCs. Finally, levels of IL‐10, GM‐CSF and arginase activity in the cultured supernatants were detected.

Results

IHC and qPCR results revealed higher CD11b and ARG1 expression in EM endometrium than normal endometrium. MDSCs accumulated in the EM microenvironment, in which M‐MDSCs were the predominant type. CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− M‐MDSCs expressed high CCR9 levels and were recruited through CCL25. M‐MDSCs from EM PBMCs inhibited proliferation and activity in autologous T cells. rhCCL25 promoted IL‐10 and GM‐CSF secretion and arginase enzymatic activity in CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− M‐MDSCs.

Conclusion

CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− M‐MDSCs recruited and activated by CCR9/CCL25 play a crucial role in the pathogenic progression of endometriosis, thus providing a potential target for EM treatment.
Seasonal and gestational variation in perinatal depression in a prospective cohort in New Zealand
Authors: Chan Johanna E. , Samaranayaka Ari , Paterson Helen
Published: October 2018

Background

Perinatal depression has wide‐ranging impacts on the health of mothers, babies and their families. Previously published data suggest seasonal variation in the prevalence of perinatal depression, as well as possible variation with gestation.

Aims

To describe the prevalence of perinatal depression in a New Zealand population; to describe the trend in depression over gestational age; and to assess the influence of season on perinatal depression.

Materials and Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort of 260 women in Dunedin, New Zealand. Edinburgh Depression Scores were collected at four antenatal time points and at six months postpartum.

Results

Prevalence of depression decreased from 8.1% to 4.6% antenatally, and to 6.6% postnatally, but the variation was non‐significant. Prevalence was significantly higher in winter and spring antenatally (odds ratio (OR) 3.15, 95% CI 1.01–9.82 and OR 3.16, CI 1.05–9.55), and in spring postnatally (OR 8.40, 95% CI 1.01–69.52) compared to autumn. Antenatal depression was associated with poor sleep quality (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.22–14.93), while postnatal depression was associated with caesarean delivery (OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.29–19.64).

Conclusions

This is the first NZ cohort to assess depression over multiple antenatal and postnatal time points. A significantly higher rate of depression was identified in winter and spring antenatally and in spring postnatally, corresponding to a higher risk of postnatal depression with autumn deliveries. These findings should prompt greater awareness at these higher risk time periods.
PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (SANGUINATE) ameliorates myocardial infarction in a rat model
Authors: Kawaguchi Akira T. , Salybekov Amankeldi A. , Yamano Mariko , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Sekine Kaori , Tamaki Tetsuro
Published: October 2018

Artificial oxygen (O2) carriers were reported to be protective in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in various organs including the heart. In the current study, 20 rats underwent ligation (MI) of the left anterior descending artery, were treated with 10 mL/kg of PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (SANGUINATE, S+, n = 10) or saline (S−, n = 10) 10 minutes after MI and daily thereafter for 3 days, and were followed by weekly echocardiography for 4 weeks, when they had left ventricular pressure volume relationship (PVR) analyses followed by necropsy. Echocardiography showed an increase in end‐systolic dimension rather than end‐diastolic dimension, preserved fractional shortening (36 vs. 26%, P < .01), and milder mitral regurgitation in S+ compared with S‐ rats. PVR revealed a milder increase in end‐systolic volume, larger stroke volume (101 vs. 74 μL, P < .005) and cardiac output (33.4 vs. 23.8 mL/min, P = .004) in S+ rats in actual determination and under a wide range of standardized loading conditions 4 weeks after MI. Excised heart showed significantly limited area of MI (8.9 vs. 13.3%, P = .028). The results suggest that SANGUINATE in short‐term repeated doses may accelerate weight recovery, preserving the myocardium, mitral competence, and cardiac function after MI. The mechanism of action and optimal treatment for MI remain to be studied.
Increased surfactant protein‐D levels in the airways of preterm neonates with sepsis indicated responses to infectious challenges
Authors: Mackay Rose‐Marie A. , Townsend J. Paul , Calvert Jennifer , Anthony Mark , Wilkinson Andrew R. , Postle Anthony D. , Clark Howard W. , Todd David A.
Published: October 2018

Aim

Sepsis is multifactorial and potentially devastating for preterm neonates. Changes in surfactant protein‐D (SP‐D), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and PC molecular species during infection may indicate innate immunity or inflammation during sepsis. We aimed to compare these important pulmonary molecules in ventilated neonates without or with sepsis.

Methods

Endotracheal aspirates were collected from preterm neonates born at 23–35 weeks and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK, from October 2000 to March 2002. Samples were collected at one day to 30 days and analysed for SP‐D, total PC and PC molecular species concentrations using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and mass spectrometry.

Results

We found that 8/54 (14.8%) neonates developed sepsis. SP‐D (p < 0.0001), mono‐ and di‐unsaturated PC were significantly increased (p = 0.05), and polyunsaturated PC was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) during sepsis compared to controls. SP‐D:PC ratios were significantly increased during sepsis (p < 0.001), and SP‐D concentrations were directly related to gestational age in neonates with sepsis (r2 = 0.389, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Increased SP‐D levels and changes in PC molecular species during sepsis were consistent with direct or indirect pulmonary inflammatory processes. Very preterm neonates we able to mount an acute inflammatory innate immune response to infectious challenges, despite low levels of surfactant proteins at birth.
Editorial: which inflammatory bowel disease patients should be screened for Epstein‐Barr virus infection?
Authors: Hans Amneet K. , Scott Frank I.
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to de Francisco et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14933 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14502.
Editorial: hepatitis B, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome—interaction or co‐existence?
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Tan Chee‐Kiat
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kuo et al and Kuo and Lu papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14960 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14509.
Editorial: predicting recurrence of Crohn's disease after surgical resection—Close to a crystal ball. Authors’ reply
Authors: Allez Matthieu , Auzolle Claire , Le Bourhis Lionel , Seksik Philippe
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Auzolle et al and Allez and Auzolle papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14944 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14978.
Editorial: which inflammatory bowel disease patients should be screened for Epstein‐Barr virus infection? Authors’ reply
Authors: de Francisco Ruth , Castaño‐García Andrés , Riestra Sabino
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to de Francisco et al and Hans and Scott papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14933 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14988.
Editorial: hepatitis B, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome—Interaction or co‐existence? Authors’ reply
Authors: Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kuo et al and Kumar and Tan papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14960 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14992.
Letter: association between proton pump inhibitors and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma—authors’ reply
Authors: Shao Yu‐Hsuan Joni , Wu Szu‐Yuan
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Shao et al and Ponzetto and Figura papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14835 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14970.
Comparative economic evaluation of quetiapine plus lamotrigine combination vs quetiapine monotherapy (and folic acid vs placebo) in patients with bipolar depression (CEQUEL)
Authors: Simon Judit , Geddes John R. , Gardiner Alexandra , Rendell Jennifer , Goodwin Guy M. , Mayer Susanne
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Although not licensed for acute bipolar depression, lamotrigine has evidence for efficacy in trials and its use is recommended in guidelines. So far there had been no prospective health economic evaluation of its use.

Methods

Cost‐utility analysis of the CEQUEL trial comparing quetiapine plus lamotrigine vs quetiapine monotherapy (and folic acid vs placebo in an add‐on factorial design) for patients with bipolar depression (n = 201) from the health and social care perspective. Differences in costs together with quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) between the groups were assessed over 52 weeks using a regression‐based approach.

Results

Health‐related quality of life improved substantially for all randomization groups during follow‐up with no significant difference in QALYs between any of the comparisons (mean adjusted QALY difference: lamotrigine vs placebo −0.001 (95% CI: −0.05 to 0.05), folic acid vs placebo 0.002 (95% CI: −0.05 to 0.05)). While medication costs in the lamotrigine group were higher than in the placebo group (£647, P < 0.001), mental health community/outpatient costs were significantly lower (−£670, P < 0.001). Mean total costs were similar in the groups (−£180, P = 0.913).

Conclusions

Lamotrigine improved clinical ratings in bipolar depression compared with placebo. This differential effect was not detected using the EQ‐5D‐3L. The additional cost of lamotrigine was balanced by significant savings in some other medical costs which made its use cost neutral to the health service. Compared to placebo, folic acid produced neither clinical nor significant health economic benefits. The study supports the use of lamotrigine in combination with other drugs to treat bipolar depression.
Delphi survey of maintenance lithium treatment in older adults with bipolar disorder: An ISBD task force report
Authors: Shulman Kenneth I. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Herrmann Nathan , Schaffer Ayal , Strejilevich Sergio A. , Paternoster Christina , Amodeo Sean , Dols Annemiek , Sajatovic Martha
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Despite the growing numbers and proportion of older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD), there are very limited guidelines for the use of lithium with its double‐edged potential for effectiveness and toxicity in this population. The primary aims of this Delphi survey were: (a) To determine the place of lithium among the preferred choices for maintenance treatment of OABD. (b) To provide detailed clinical guidelines for the safe and effective use of lithium in OABD.

Methods

In the face of limited evidence, the Delphi survey method was used to achieve consensus by a group of 25 experts in OABD from nine countries. An oversight committee monitored and analyzed the results of each survey and formulated more focused questions with each subsequent iteration.

Results

A 100% response rate was achieved for all three iterations of the survey. Lithium was the preferred choice for maintenance monotherapy in OABD. Serum levels of 0.4‐0.8 mmol/L were recommended for ages 60‐79 and serum levels of 0.4‐0.7 mmol/L were recommended for ages 80 and over. Specific recommendations achieved consensus for second line monotherapy as well as for other drugs to be used in combination with lithium if necessary. Guidelines for routine monitoring of lithium in OABD were provided for laboratory investigations and clinical assessments.

Conclusions

Lithium remains the preferred choice for maintenance monotherapy in OABD. Laboratories should report the therapeutic range for serum levels of lithium separately for older adults.
Significant predictors of mathematical literacy for top‐tiered countries/economies, Canada, and the United States on PISA 2012: Case for the sparse regression model
Authors: Brow Mark V.
Published: October 2018

Background

National ranking from the triennial Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) often serves as a barometer of national performance and human capital. Though excessive student‐ and school‐level covariates (n > 700) may prove intractable for traditional least‐squares estimate procedures, shrinkage methods may be more suitable for subset selection.

Aims

With a focus on the United States, this paper proposes sparse regression for PISA 2012 to discover salient student‐ and school‐level predictor variables for mathematical literacy achievement.

Sample

The sparse regression analysis was conducted on 10 top‐tiered OECD countries/economies, Canada, and the United States in mathematical literacy on the 2012 PISA. Two‐ and three‐level hierarchical regression analyses were performed on Canadian and US students (N = 26,522) along with five of the ten top‐tiered countries/economies (N = 58,385).

Methods

Using the ‘least absolute shrinkage and selection operator’ (LASSO) technique, the study (1) identified salient predictor variables of mathematical literacy performance for the top‐tiered countries/economies, Canada, and the United States and (2) used these salient variables to perform two‐ and three‐level hierarchical regression on data from Canada and the United States along with five top‐tiered countries/economies. Weights and replicates were used to account for complex sample design. A weighted, two‐level confirmatory factor analysis was performed to identify latent constructs. Missing data were handled through multiple imputation.

Results

Separate two‐level hierarchical models accounted for 32–35% student‐level and 58–70% school‐level variance in Canada and the United States, respectively; three‐level models accounted for 33% of level‐one variance, 62–65% level‐two variance, and 13–44% of level‐three variance for the US/Canada and US/Canada/top‐tiered students, respectively. Following top‐tiered countries/economies, Canadian students had high levels of self‐efficacy, were more likely to encounter advanced concepts in class, were less activity/small group‐centred, and were more likely to consider truancy a learning hindrance. Factor analyses revealed a positive relation with rigour and class organization (teacher‐centred) for top‐tiered countries and Canada, though not for the United States. For all countries, there was a strong relation between rigour and self‐beliefs.

Conclusion

Compared to top performers, a less rigorous curriculum, coupled with class and school factors, may explain lag in US performance.
Trait interpersonal vulnerability attenuates beneficial effects of constructive criticism on failure responses
Authors: Tortoriello Gregory K. , Hart William
Published: October 2018

The extant literature on interpersonal criticism suggests that relative to destructive criticism, constructive criticism significantly minimizes the injurious psychological aftermath people experience after failure. However, we propose the possibility that for some people, these psychological benefits of constructive criticism are less apparent. Specifically, we hypothesized that for people high in trait interpersonal vulnerability, a construct marked by maladaptive cognitive‐emotional responses in interpersonal contexts and/or by dysfunctional relational concerns, effects of constructive (vs. destructive) criticism on reduced maladaptive appraisals will diminish, and this diminution of reduced maladaptive appraisals will predict downstream effects on worsened post‐failure mood. An experiment had a college sample (N = 349) complete four instruments represented under an interpersonal vulnerability construct (IVC). Next, participants imagined failing in various domains and receiving subsequent feedback from emotionally important others. Feedback type was manipulated to typify either destructive criticism or constructive criticism. Finally, participants provided ratings of maladaptive appraisals and post‐failure mood. Latent variable path modelling supported hypotheses. Effects of constructive (vs. destructive) criticism on reduced maladaptive appraisals (namely, shame proneness) diminished as IVC increased, which predicted worsened post‐failure mood. Findings have implications for multidisciplinary theoretical perspectives relevant to interpersonal vulnerability and offer practical considerations for clinicians working with vulnerable clients.
All‐trans retinoic acid reverses epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in paclitaxel‐resistant cells by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B and upregulating gap junctions
Authors: Shi Guiling , Zheng Xiaoli , Wu Xiaojing , Wang Siqi , Wang Yijia , Xing Fei
Published: October 2018

Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapy drug, but development of resistance leads to treatment failure. Tumor cells that are treated with a sublethal dose of paclitaxel for a long period of time show the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, which leads to metastasis and resistance. All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is always used in combination with paclitaxel and can reverse EMT in many types of cancer cells. The ability of ATRA to reverse EMT in chemoresistant cells is still unknown. In the present study, the ability of ATRA to reverse EMT in paclitaxel‐resistant cells was investigated. Three colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116, LoVo and CT26, were treated with sublethal doses of paclitaxel to create resistant cell lines. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and “parachute” dye‐coupling assays showed that ATRA reverses EMT, inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κΒ), and upregulates gap junctions in paclitaxel‐resistant cells. Scratch wound‐healing and Transwell assays showed that ATRA decreases the migration and invasion abilities of paclitaxel‐resistant cells. In addition, the CT26 cell line was used in the Balb/c pulmonary metastasis model to show that ATRA reduces metastasis of paclitaxel‐resistant cells in vivo. Given these data, ATRA may reverse EMT by inhibiting NF‐κΒ and upregulating gap junctions in paclitaxel‐resistant cells.
The Reciprocal Relations Between Female and Male Play Partners and Aggression in Early Childhood
Authors: Perry Kristin J. , Ostrov Jamie M.
Published: October 2018

This study examined the relations between male and female play partners (PP) and relational (RA) and physical (PA) aggression in an early childhood short‐term longitudinal study (N = 164, Mage = 47.11 months, SD = 7.37 months). A cross‐lagged path analysis was used to examine these relations from Time 1 (T1) to Time 2 (T2), 4 months after T1, and a multiple group analysis was tested across gender. Results showed that T1 male PP predicted an increase in PA, T1 RA predicted an increase in female PP, and T1 PA predicted a decrease in female PP. One path was not equivalent across gender. A post hoc interaction between male and female PP at T1 on future RA was evaluated.
Quality measures for dental care: A systematic review
Authors: Righolt Amy Joyce , Sidorenkov Grigory , Faggion Clovis Mariano , Listl Stefan , Duijster Denise
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to (a) provide an overview of existing quality measures in the field of oral health care, and to (b) evaluate the scientific soundness and applicability of these quality measures.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via OVID) and LILACS (via BIREME). The search was restricted to articles published between 2002 and 2018. Publications reporting on the development process or clinimetric properties of oral health care quality measures for outpatient oral health care in dental practices were included. The identified publications reporting on oral health care quality measures were critically appraised with the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation 2.0 (AIRE 2.0) instrument to evaluate the soundness and applicability of the measures.

Results

The search strategy resulted in 2541 unique and potentially relevant articles. In total, 24 publications were included yielding 215 quality measures. The critical appraisal showed a large variation in the quality of the included publications (AIRE scores ranging from 38 to 78 out of 80 possible points). The majority of measures (n = 71) referred to treatment and preventive services. Comparably, few measures referred to the domain patient safety (n = 3). The development process of measures often exhibited a lack of involvement of patients and dental professionals. Few projects reported on the validity (n = 2) and reliability (n = 3) of the measures. Four projects piloted the measures for implementation in practice.

Conclusions

This systematic review provides an overview of the status quo with respect to existing quality measures in oral health care. Potential opportunities include the piloting and testing of quality measures and the establishment of suitable information systems that allow the provision of transparent routine feedback on the quality of oral health care.
Identification of significant coronary artery disease in patients with non‐ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome by myocardial strain analyses using three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Biswas Asim Kumar , Haque Tuhin , Banik Dhiman , Choudhury Sohel Reza , Khan Sayeedur Rahman , Malik Fazila‐Tun‐Nesa
Published: October 2018

Background

Speckle‐tracking imaging is a novel method for assessing left ventricular function and ischemic changes. This study aimed to predict the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) by 3D strain analysis using speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) at rest.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included a total 60 patients with NSTE‐ACS who underwent 3DSTE immediately prior to coronary angiography. Subsequently, patients undergone coronary angiogram (CAG) and divided into two groups; group‐ I: significant stenosis (n = 36), group‐II: non‐significant stenosis (n = 24).

Results

Global peak systolic longitudinal strain (GPSLS), circumferential strain (CS), area strain (AS), and radial strain (RS) were obtained successfully in 60 patients. All strain parameters were significantly reduced in patient group of significant stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that GPSLS could effectively detect patients with significant stenosis (area under ROC curve = 0.840, 95% CI = 0.735–0.945). GPSLS with a cutoff value of −13.50% showed good sensitivity and specificity for predicting significant stenosis (sensitivity 88.9% and specificity 70.8%).

Conclusion

Global peak systolic longitudinal strain using 3D speckle tracking echocardiography at rest was significantly lower in patients with significant stenosis and might be useful for identifying patients with a significant stenosis with good degree of sensitivity and specificity.
Unintended effects of the language policy on the transition of immigrant students to upper secondary education in Catalonia
Authors: Reyes Charo , Carrasco Silvia
Published: October 2018

This article analyses the effects of the language policy in Catalonia on the transition of immigrant students to upper secondary education in Barcelona by focusing on the language learning experiences and academic trajectories of two case‐studies of Pakistani students whose communicative resources remain invisible despite the official celebration of linguistic diversity and which are not properly fostered to ensure their successful incorporation into post‐compulsory education, despite their initial success and high aspirations. Although indicators of educational inequality show how young people born outside the EU experience an alarming disadvantage in comparison to their Spanish‐born peers, little attention has been paid to factors related to the complex bilingual context of Catalonia. This article aims to shed light on the factors involved in the early school leaving of students from immigrant backgrounds, especially critical in the periods of transition, and the role played by the language policies, beliefs and ideology that they are exposed to.
Forcing materialism upon metaphysics: Three approaches to Adorno's method
Authors: Whyman Tom
Published: October 2018

Recent Adorno scholarship has been shaped by the idea that his critical theory cannot account coherently for its own method. Call this the Problem of Adornian Critical Theory (PACT). In this paper, I examine three recent approaches to Adorno—the “ethics of resistance” (associated with Gordon Finlayson and Brian O'Connor), “negative naturalism” (associated with Fabian Freyenhagen), and “inverse theology” (associated with Peter E. Gordon). Individually, I argue, all three approaches are subject to a key limitation that prevents them from being able to solve the PACT. But, by synthesising them, we can see how the scholarship already—effectively—possesses a solution to it. The synthesis that results is characterised in terms of “materialist metaphysics”—a position Adorno can clearly be read as articulating in the “Meditations on Metaphysics” chapter of Negative Dialectics.
Subcentimeter epilepsy surgery targets by resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging can improve outcomes in hypothalamic hamartoma
Authors: Boerwinkle Varina L. , Foldes Stephen T. , Torrisi Salvatore J. , Temkit Hamy , Gaillard William D. , Kerrigan John F. , Desai Virendra R. , Raskin Jeffrey S. , Vedantam Aditya , Jarrar Randa , Williams Korwyn , Lam Sandi , Ranjan Manish , Broderson Janna S. , Adelson David , Wilfong Angus A. , Curry Daniel J.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of epilepsy surgery targeting the subcentimeter‐sized resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) epileptogenic onset zone (EZ) in hypothalamic hamartoma (HH).

Methods

Fifty‐one children with HH‐related intractable epilepsy received anatomical MRI‐guided stereotactic laser ablation (SLA) procedures. Fifteen of these children were control subjects (CS) not guided by rs‐fMRI. Thirty‐six had been preoperatively guided by rs‐fMRI (RS) to determine EZs, which were subsequently targeted by SLA. The primary outcome measure for the study was a predetermined goal of 30% reduction in seizure frequency and improvement in class I Engel outcomes 1 year postoperatively. Quantitative and qualitative volumetric analyses of total HH and ablated tissue were also assessed.

Results

In the RS group, the EZ target within the HH was ablated with high accuracy (>87.5% of target ablated in 83% of subjects). There was no difference between the groups in percentage of ablated hamartoma volume (P = 0.137). Overall seizure reduction was higher in the rs‐fMRI group: 85% RS versus 49% CS (P = 0.0006, adjusted). The Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale demonstrated significant differences in those with freedom from disabling seizures (class I), 92% RS versus 47% CS, a 45% improvement (P = 0.001). Compared to prior studies, there was improvement in class I outcomes (92% vs 76%‐81%). No postoperative morbidity or mortality occurred.

Significance

For the first time, surgical SLA targeting of subcentimeter‐sized EZs, located by rs‐fMRI, guided surgery for intractable epilepsy. Our outcomes demonstrated the highest seizure freedom rate without surgical complications and are a significant improvement over prior reports. The approach improved freedom from seizures by 45% compared to conventional ablation, regardless of hamartoma size or anatomical classification. This technique showed the same or reduced morbidity (0%) compared to recent non–rs‐fMRI‐guided SLA studies with as high as 20% permanent significant morbidity.