bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major city evacuation planning using simulation modeling
Authors: Kirby Adam M. , Dietz J. Eric , Matson Eric T. , Pekny Joseph F. , Wojtalewicz Cliff
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to provide data on the optimal staff, materials, space and time resources required to operate a regional hub reception center, a “short-term facility with the goal to process and transport displaced survivors (evacuees) to temporary or permanent shelters following a catastrophic incident” (Bonabeau, 2002). The facility will process approximately 20,000 evacuees over its entire seven-day duration following a disaster to assist in community resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was performed using a model created using the computer simulation software, AnyLogic. The software allowed for simulations to be performed on each of the three criteria: minimizing the space needed to run the hub, minimizing individual throughput time and minimizing total operation time.

Findings

– The results of the study demonstrated that the goals set forth by the Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin Regional Catastrophic Planning Team could be improved upon and that the largest contributing factor to optimizing the regional hub reception center (RHRC) is finding the optimal number of total staff members to operate the facility.

Originality/value

– The value of the study lies in creating a life-saving environment for evacuees who could otherwise not evacuate themselves. The assistance provided by the RHRC gives displaced survivors a safe and organized method for evacuating a large city after a disaster. The study shows how computer models can help improve resilience in an urban area by planning the most efficient methods for evacuating it should it be necessary.
Productivity in Indian manufacturing: evidence from the textile industry
Authors: Gambhir Dhwani , Sharma Seema
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Productivity gain in the manufacturing sector draws immense significance for all developing countries, particularly due to its contribution in enhancing competitiveness and promoting economic growth in the long run. The purpose of this paper is to study the sources of productivity gain for large and small-scale manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper studies productivity performance of Indian textile manufacturing industry using firm-level panel data of 160 companies for the period 2007-2008 to 2012-2013. The output-oriented Malmquist productivity index has been computed through data envelopment analysis. Further, the sources of productivity gain are identified for the entire textile industry as well as for the small and large-scale sector companies separately.

Findings

– Regarding the sources of productivity gain, technology change and scale efficiency seem to be the major drivers. Pure efficiency change is a concern for all firms irrespective of scale. The results suggest that moderately large companies are exhibiting better productivity performance during the study period.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited to a single industry, reference database and methodology. There is scope for further research at the micro-level to analyse the drivers of productivity for enterprises operating at different scales.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to existing literature by identifying the core action area for improving productivity performance in Indian textile manufacturing as the pure efficiency component. It also adds to research on the most productive scale of operation in manufacturing.
A computing metaphor approach to customer experience based alliance partner recommendation
Authors: Yuan Soe Tsyr , Hsieh Pei Hung , Yeh Yu-Chen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– In the service economy era, service value is created from the evaluation of customer experience and it is important to study alliance partner selection for improving service provision. Nevertheless, most of the existing alliance partner selection approaches concentrate on the functional aspects. The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel approach that is customer-centric and emphasizes the emotional aspect of service value.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a metaphor-based alliance partner recommendation mechanism (MAPRM) that employs the computing metaphor approach to recommend alliance partners for companies in an innovative way. The main ideas of metaphors are the comparison made between two unlike things that actually have something in common so as to attain innovative thinking.

Findings

– This study uses the scenario of regional tourism innovation to demonstrate the attempted contributions of MAPRM. The simulation evaluation results show that MAPRM can utilize knowledge and resources from companies to achieve specific alliance goals of satisfying desired customer experiences represented by images that can be analyzed and created based on customers’ feedback and their interactions with companies.

Originality/value

– MAPRM aims to assist companies to find appropriate alliance partners which offer potential innovation opportunities for service value provision. It is capable of facilitating the alliance partner selection process and assessing customers’ needs at the same time.
Attitudinal ranking and correlated aggregating methods for multiple attribute group decision making with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy Choquet integral
Authors: Liu Yujia , Wu Jian , Liang Changyong
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose novel attitudinal prioritization and correlated aggregating methods for multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy Choquet integral.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the continuous ordered weighted average (COWA) operator, the triangular fuzzy COWA (TF-COWA) operator is defined, and then a novel attitudinal expected score function for triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TIFNs) is investigated. The novelty of this function is that it allows the prioritization of TIFNs by taking account of the expert’s attitudinal character. When the ranking order of TIFNs is determined, the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy correlated geometric (TIFCG) operator and the induced TIFCG (I-TIFCG) operator are developed.

Findings

– Their use is twofold: first, the TIFCG operator is used to aggregate the correlative attribute value; and second, the I-TIFCG operator is designed to aggregate the preferences of experts with some degree of inter-dependent. Then, a TIFCG and I-TIFCG operators-based approach is presented for correlative MAGDM problems. Finally, the propose method is applied to select investment projects.

Originality/value

– Based on the TIFCG and I-TIFCG operators, this paper proposes a novel correlated aggregating methods for MAGDM with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy Choquet integral. This method helps to solve the correlated attribute (criteria) relationship. Furthermore, by the attitudinal expected score functions of TIFNs, the propose method can reflect decision maker’s risk attitude in the final decision result.
An integrated dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy MADM approach for personnel promotion problem
Authors: Bali Ozkan , Dagdeviren Metin , Gumus Serkan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– One of the key success factors for an organization is the promotion of qualified personnel for vacant positions. Especially, the promotion of middle and senior managers play an important role in terms of organization’s success. In personnel promotion problem in which the candidates are nominated within the organization and they have been working for a specific period of time and are known in their organization, the candidates should be evaluated based on their recent as well as past performances to make right selection for the vacant position. For this reason, the purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated dynamic multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model based on intuitionistic fuzzy set for solving personnel promotion problem.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed model integrates analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique and the dynamic evaluation by intuitionistic fuzzy operator for personnel promotion. AHP is employed to determine the weight of attributes based on decision maker’s opinions, and the dynamic operator is utilized to aggregate evaluations of candidates for different years. Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy set theory is utilized to represent uncertainty and vagueness in MADM process.

Findings

– A numerical example is presented to show the applicability of the proposed method for personnel promotion problem and a sensitivity analysis is conducted to demonstrate efficiency of dynamic evaluation. The findings indicate that the varying weights of years employed determined the best candidate for promotion.

Originality/value

– The novelty of this study is defining personnel promotion as a MADM problem in the literature for the first time and proposing an integrated dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy MADM approach for the solution, in which the candidates are evaluated at different years.
A framework for workplace information literacy in academic contexts
Authors: Molopyane Jeannet , Fourie Ina
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for workplace information literacy based on a case study at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State (South Africa).

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework is based on a literature survey covering case studies from the private, public and academic sector and a case study conducted at the CUT, Free State (South Africa). A mixed methods approach was followed using questionnaires, individual interviews and focus group interviews. Descriptive statistics and qualitative data were collected.

Findings

– The data analysis reveals a need as well as support for workplace information literacy. It addresses institutional buy-in, the need for alignment to the institutional strategy, inclusion of workplace information literacy in job descriptions, whether workplace information literacy should be optional or mandatory, whether it should address the needs of all staff members, the responsibility for a workplace information literacy programme, perceived benefits, etc.

Practical implications

– The proposed framework can be used at the CUT, Free State. As a general framework it can also be used in other academic contexts as well as in the public and private sector.

Originality/value

– Although several studies on workplace information literacy have been reported, the literature survey did not trace a suitable framework that can guide the design and implementation of workplace information literacy in academic contexts. This paper intends to contribute towards filling this gap.
How do we inspire children to learn with e-readers?
Authors: Hsiao Kuo-Lun , Chen Chia-Chen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Mobile handheld e-readers, such as the iPad and Kindle, have gained increased attention in schools and are becoming useful as a tool to attract students to learn and read. Although the benefits of mobile learning are clear, few studies have delved into the specific factors impacting the adoption and use of e-readers among elementary students. Moreover, the question of whether learning with e-readers can enhance reading comprehension remains unanswered. Given these facts, the study has a dual purpose. In order to explore the above-mentioned factors, the authors base the proposed research model on the task-technology fit (TTF) and self-efficacy theories, along with the technology acceptance model. Second, the authors examine the relationship between reading with e-readers and reading comprehension. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 60 third grade children participated in the study. The reading material used in this research was an e-book edition of the Chinese printed storybook Missing Grandmother. The causal model was validated using SmartPLS 2.0. In addition, this research used the SPSS statistical software package (SPSS for Windows, 17.0) to conduct a t-test and analysis of variance with a confidence level of 95 percent.

Findings

– All eight study hypotheses were supported. The results indicate that TTF and mobile learning self-efficacy have the most significant influence on intention to learn with e-readers. The authors also found that children’s reading comprehension is enhanced in an e-book reading group. The analysis revealed no gender differences in reading comprehension.

Originality/value

– This study explored factors which increase children’s intention to learn with e-readers. The proposed model helps the authors to understand the influence of mobile learning self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and TTF on this intention. The authors also compared e-books and p-books in regards to usability and found that e-book reading can improve third grade children’s reading comprehension. The authors found no gender differences in either the p-book reading group or the e-book reading group.
Developing and implementing 3D printing services in an academic library
Authors: Nowlan Gillian Andrea
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a 3D printing pilot project and 3D printing library service. Policy development, instruction, and best practices will be shared and explored.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper describes the implementation of 3D printing at the University of Regina Library and details successes, failures, and modifications made to better provide 3D printing services. This paper outlines one academic library’s experience and solutions to offering 3D printing for university patrons.

Findings

– Although 3D printing has been around for a while, it still requires trial and error and experience in order to print successfully. Training and instruction is needed to run the 3D printer and understand how to develop 3D objects that will print successfully.

Originality/value

– There have been many publications on 3D printing, but few that discuss problem solving, best practices, and policy development. 3D printing provides a way for patrons to learn about new technology and use that technology to help support learning.
Social media optimization: making library content shareable and engaging
Authors: Rossmann Doralyn , Young Scott W.H.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Social Media Optimization (SMO) offers guidelines by which libraries can design content for social shareability through social networking services (SNSs). The purpose of this paper is to introduce SMO and discuss its effects and benefits for libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Researchers identified and applied five principles of SMO. Web analytics software provides data on web site traffic and user engagement before and after the application of SMO.

Findings

– By intentionally applying a program of SMO, the library increased content shareability, increased user engagement, and built community.

Research limitations/implications

– Increasing use of SNSs may influence the study results, independent of SMO application. Limitations inherent to web analytics software may affect results. Further study could expand analysis beyond web analytics to include comments on SNS posts, SNS shares from library pages, and a qualitative analysis of user behaviors and attitudes regarding library web content and SNSs.

Practical implications

– This research offers an intentional approach for libraries to optimize their online resources sharing through SNSs.

Originality/value

– Previous research has examined the role of community building and social connectedness for SNS users, but none have discussed using SMO to encourage user engagement and interactivity through increased SNS traffic into library web pages.
Mediating role of stress between work-family conflict and job satisfaction among the police officials
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of work-family conflicts (WFC) on job stress and its subsequent impact on job satisfaction among the police officials. It also examined the moderating effect of the social support from organisations between employees’ job stress and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a survey on 599 police officials associated with 20 police stations in New Delhi, India. The study involved a hierarchical regression analysis to examine the relationship between independent (WFC) and dependent (satisfaction) variable with the mediator (stress) as well as the moderator (social support).

Findings

– The findings revealed that stress mediated the relationship between WFC and satisfaction of the police officials. Further, social support acted as a moderator between their job stress and satisfaction.

Practical implications

– The study findings added a new chapter in the existing literature by developing a comprehensive framework that considers different dimensions, i.e. WFC and job stress in Indian context.

Originality/value

– The study has originality and offers value to police organisation as it focuses on police officials, and explores their WFC and job stress and its subsequent effect on their job satisfaction.
Patient‐reported outcomes as assessment tools and predictors of long‐term prognosis: a 7‐year follow‐up study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kojima Masayo , Kojima Toshihisa , Suzuki Sadao , Takahashi Nobunori , Funahashi Koji , Asai Shuji , Yoshioka Yutaka , Terabe Kenya , Asai Nobuyuki , Takemoto Toki , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: November 2015

Objective

Whether the Boolean‐based American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) for remission are strict for use in daily clinical practice is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the differences in the remission status defined by the criteria, including and excluding PROMs, and to identify the baseline predictors of long‐term prognosis using 7‐year follow‐up data.

Method

A total of 103 RA outpatients completed the baseline and 7‐year follow‐up questionnaire surveys. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) of ≤ 1/10 was used as a PROM criterion for remission.

Results

Only 10 patients achieved full‐remission, whereas 18 met the partial‐remission criteria excluding PROM at baseline. Although 70.0% of those who achieved full remission at baseline had full or partial remission status, 77.8% of those with partial remission were categorized as having no remission at 7 years. Significant baseline differences in the remission status at 7 years were observed with regard to disease duration, pain VAS, and physical function (Short Form 36 [SF‐36]). Stepwise logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex identified disease duration and general health perception (SF‐36) as independent predictors of full‐remission.

Conclusion

Remission criteria including PROMs are stringent but important to achieve sustained remission. Early intensive treatment and efforts to improve patients’ health perceptions may result in better prognosis for RA.
Adiponectin: is it a biomarker for assessing the disease severity in knee osteoarthritis patients?
Authors: Cuzdan Coskun Nihan , Ay Saime , Evcik Fatma Deniz , Oztuna Derya
Published: November 2015

Aim

The results of previous studies regarding the role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) are controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation of plasma adiponectin levels with clinical and radiological disease severity in knee OA patients.

Method

Sixty patients with knee OA and 25 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were divided into two subgroups: lean (Group 1, n = 30) and obese (Group 2, n = 30). Healthy controls were accepted as Group 3 (n = 25). Pain intensity was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS), functional disability with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Quality of Life (QoL) with Short Form‐36 (SF‐36). Also all patients were radiologically evaluated and graded according to Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) scale. Plasma concentrations of adiponectin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Serum adiponectin levels were higher in OA patient subgroups than those in the control group but the difference did not reach a significant level after adjustments for age, gender and body mass index (P = 0.078). There was a positive correlation between adiponectin concentration and KL grading scores. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between adiponectin levels and clinical variables (VAS and WOMAC total scores) in patient subgroups (r = 0.326 P = 0.012, r = 0.583 P < 0.001, respectively). SF‐36 scores were inversely associated with adiponectin levels.

Conclusion

Plasma adiponectin concentrations were associated with both clinical and radiological disease severity in knee OA patients. Thus, adiponectin hormone might be a potential clinically useful biomarker while assessing disease severity in the future.
An integrated occupancy and space‐use model to predict abundance of imperfectly detected, territorial vertebrates
Authors: Tingley Morgan W. , Wilkerson Robert L. , Howell Christine A. , Siegel Rodney B.
Published: November 2015

It is often highly desirable to know not only where species are likely to occur (i.e. occupancy) but also how many individuals are supported by a given habitat (i.e. density). For many animals, occupancy and density may be determined by distinct ecological processes.

Here we develop a novel abundance model as the product of landscape‐scale occupancy probability and habitat‐scale density given occupancy. One can conceptualize our model as fully packing a landscape with home ranges or territories based on habitat quality, and then subtracting territories based on a probabilistic process that accounts for the fact that species rarely exhibit full occupancy across heterogeneous landscapes. The model is designed to predict abundance at fine spatial scales, using resolutions equal to or smaller than a single home range or territory.

We demonstrate this model on the Black‐backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), a species of management concern linked to post‐fire forests. Occupancy is derived from a regional monitoring effort, while density given occupancy comes from a telemetry study of variation in territory size. A Bayesian framework is used to combine independent occupancy and home‐range size models and predict abundance of Black‐backed Woodpeckers at 4 fires that burned in 2012 or 2013. Predictions are evaluated with independently collected survey data, showing that the model is successful at predicting both absolute abundance at fires as well as relative abundance within and among fires.

The conceptual model presents a promising new framework for fine‐scale modelling of density and abundance for other territorial yet elusive species. Telemetry and occupancy data are widely collected for many species, but rarely utilized in combination, and the ecological exploration of the factors that determine occurrence versus home‐range size may provide useful biological insight. As applied to the Black‐backed Woodpecker, the model provides a tool for resource managers to explore trade‐offs in retaining burned forest habitat versus managing for other post‐fire goals, such as salvage logging or reforestation efforts that require snag removal.
Risk of gastric cancer, gastrointestinal cancers and other cancers: a comparison of treatment with pantoprazole and other proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Schneider J. L. , Kolitsopoulos F. , Corley D. A.
Published: November 2015

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been shown to be carcinogenic in rodent studies.

Aim

As part of a long‐term post‐marketing surveillance study requested by the US Food and Drug Administration, to compare incidence rates of gastric and other cancers after sustained exposures to pantoprazole, a long‐acting PPI, compared with other shorter acting PPIs.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study within the membership of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California healthcare system and compared rates of gastric and other cancers among pantoprazole users and users of other PPI medications. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust for potential confounders such as sex, age, receipt of treatment for Helicobacter pylori, cumulative PPI dose, total years PPI treatment and year of index date. The study was developed in consultation with, and approved by, the FDA.

Results

A total of 61 684 persons with at least a 240‐day supply of medication (34 178 pantoprazole and 27 686 other PPIs) were followed up for a total of 547 020 person‐years (274 700 vs. 272 321 person‐years, respectively). The primary analyses demonstrated comparable risks between the pantoprazole and other PPI groups for gastric cancer [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.68, 95% CI 0.24–1.93); colorectal, liver, pancreatic, or small bowel cancers (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.65–1.40) or any cancer (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.93–1.21).

Conclusions

We found no evidence that pantoprazole, a longer acting PPI, compared with shorter‐acting agents, conferred an excess risk of gastric cancer, other gastrointestinal cancers or all cancers for pantoprazole compared with other shorter‐acting PPIs.
Both exhaled nitric oxide and blood eosinophil count were associated with mild allergic asthma only in non‐smokers
Authors: Giovannelli J. , Chérot‐Kornobis N. , Hulo S. , Ciuchete A. , Clément G. , Amouyel P. , Matran R. , Dauchet L.
Published: November 2015

Background

The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and the blood eosinophil count (B‐eos) are markers of eosinophilic inflammation used in the diagnosis and management of asthma. The relationships between smoking cigarette and both FENO and B‐eos are complex and raise questions about the association between these markers and asthma in smokers.

Objective

To determine the relationships between both FENO and B‐eos on one hand and asthma and atopy on the other, according to smoking status.

Methods

FENO and B‐eos were measured in, respectively, 1579 and 1496 of the 1607 middle‐aged adults randomly selected from the general population in the cross‐sectional ELISABET survey. Allergic asthma was defined as asthma (a self‐report of physician‐diagnosed asthma, and wheezing in the previous 12 months or the use of asthma medications) with atopy (allergic rhinitis or hayfever in the previous 12 months, or a previous positive prick test or allergen desensitization therapy). Non‐allergic asthma was defined as asthma without atopy.

Results

The analysis included 812 (51.4%) never, 473 (30%) former and 294 (18.6%) current smokers. A total of 490 (32%) participants were atopic, 80 (5.1%) had allergic asthma, and 31 (2%) had non‐allergic asthma. Only 16.2% (18/111) of asthmatics were treated with glucocorticoid inhalants, suggesting that among them a majority of participants had mild asthma. A positive interaction between smoking status and allergic asthma was observed in multivariate models explaining FENO (P = 0.003) and B‐eos (P = 0.001). Thus, compared to those without allergic asthma, participants with allergic asthma had higher FENO values (+ 63.4%, 95% CI = [39; 92]) and higher B‐eos (+ 63.2% [38.2; 92.7]) in never and former smokers, but not in current smokers. Lastly, an analysis of receiver‐operating characteristic curves showed that each of the two markers was able to discriminate moderately allergic asthma but only in non‐smokers.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

FENO and B‐eos were associated with the presence of mild allergic asthma only in non‐smokers, not in current smokers. These findings raise questions about the clinical value of FENO and B‐eos in smokers.
Serum dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 is associated with multiple vertebral fractures in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Notsu Masakazu , Kanazawa Ippei , Tanaka Sayuri , Yamaguchi Toru , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: November 2015

Objective

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a high risk of fracture although they have slightly higher bone mineral density (BMD). There is no evidence that dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) is involved in the bone fragility of the patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum DPP‐4 levels and vertebral fractures (VFs) in men with T2DM.

Design

We conducted a cross‐sectional study and investigated the relationships between serum DPP‐4 levels vs BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and radius, bone turnover markers and presence of VFs in 204 Japanese male patients.

Results

Multiple regression analyses adjusted for confounders such as age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, serum creatinine, HbA1c, serum albumin, log(alanine transaminase), and log(C‐reactive protein) showed that serum DPP‐4 was positively associated with bone formation markers (bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) as well as a bone resorption marker [tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP‐5b)] (β = 0·25, P < 0·01; β = 0·17, P < 0·05; and β = 0·30, P < 0·01, respectively), but not BMD at each site. Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for the confounders described above revealed that serum DPP‐4 levels were associated with the presence of multiple VFs (odds ratio 1·61, 95% confidential interval 1·05–2·49 per SD increase, P < 0·05). This association was still significant after additional adjustment for any sites of BMD or bone turnover markers except for TRACP‐5b.

Conclusions

We firstly showed that high level of serum DPP‐4 is associated with prevalent multiple VFs independently of BMD and bone formation in men with T2DM.
Parachute‐Like Mitral Valve with Symptomatic Stenosis—Imaging with Transthoracic and Transesophageal Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography and Treatment Implications
Authors: Wierzbowska‐Drabik Karina , Kasprzak Jarosław Damian
Published: November 2015

Mini‐Abstract

Parachute and parachute‐like mitral valve are rarely encountered in adults congenital abnormalities in which diagnosis usually relies on detailed echocardiographic examination with special focus on three‐dimensional imaging. In children, these valves often coexist with other congenital anomalies such as aortic stenosis, atrial septal defect, hypoplastic left heart syndrome or form Shone complex together with supravalvular mitral ring, subaortic stenosis, and aortic coarctation. We described a woman with moderate stenosis and mild regurgitation of mitral valve diagnosed as congenital parachute‐like anomaly during transthoracic and transesophageal examination. Precise recognition of morphology disqualified the patient from percutaneous balloon angioplasty.
Difference in vacuum‐formed mouthguard thickness according to timing of vacuum application
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi
Published: November 2015

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences of the vacuum‐formed mouthguard thickness by the timing of vacuum application.

Materials and methods

The material used in this study was a mouthguard sheet of 3.8‐mm ethylene vinyl acetate. Three conditions of the timing of vacuum application were examined: the vacuum was applied immediately, 5 s after, and 10 s after the sheet holder was lowered over the vacuum‐forming stand. We measured mouthguard thickness at the labial surface of the central incisor, buccal surface of the first molar, and occlusal surface of the first molar. Differences in thickness in different regions of mouthguards formed under different timing of vacuum application were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni method.

Results

We found that mouthguard thickness differed in different regions of the central incisors and the first molars (P < 0.01). The mouthguard thickness at the labial surface of the central incisor and buccal surface of the first molar became thinner when the vacuum was applied immediately after the sheet holder was lowered over the forming stand. The thickness at the occlusal surface of the first molar did not vary with the timing of vacuum application.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the thicknesses of the labial surface of the central incisor and buccal surface of the first molar became larger when the vacuum was applied several seconds after the sheet holder was lowered over the forming stand. This finding is necessary knowledge when forming a mouthguard sheet.
Dental trauma in showjumping – A trinational study between Switzerland, France and Germany
Authors: Gass Mathieu , Kühl Sebastian , Connert Thomas , Filippi Andreas
Published: November 2015

Aim

Showjumping is one of the sporting activities with a high injury risk. Unpredictable behaviour of the horse, considerable speed and the height of the rider in the saddle make this sport to one of the most dangerous, with the highest risk of injury and the highest mortality rate per competitor. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of dental trauma, the wearing of protective gear such as helmet, back protector and mouthguard as well as the knowledge of primary care after dental trauma.

Material and methods

Within the framework of this study, 608 female and male showjumpers from Switzerland, France and Germany were questioned in a personal interview consisting of 14 questions about general injuries, dental injuries and the usage of protective gear. The competitors were subdivided into different categories according to amateur or professional level, gender and age.

Results

Of the 608 competitors, 189 (31.1%) had witnessed an accident involving tooth injury and 91 (15.0%) had suffered one themselves. The prevalence of dental trauma rose with increasing age and more riding experience. A total of 436 (71.1%) of the competitors were familiar with mouthguards, of which only three owned one. The main reasons for not wearing a mouthguard were both doubtful necessity (22.5%) and a generally low acceptance among the riders (26.3%). Less than half of the competitors (44.4%) knew that an avulsed tooth can be replanted and only 4.1% had knowledge about the existence of a tooth rescue box.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that in equestrian sports still little is known about dental trauma and protective measures.
Proximity to the SEC and Stock Price Crash Risk
Authors: Kubick Thomas R. , Lockhart G. Brandon
Published: November 2015

We explore the possibility that Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight influences disclosure practices in a manner that reduces the likelihood of individual stock price crashes. Firms located farther from the SEC have greater stock price crash risk and this result is more pronounced for firms with financial statements that are less readable (those with larger 10‐K filings) and more pronounced when SEC budgets are relatively smaller. Similar results are obtained in response to SEC regional office location changes that are more likely to be exogenous. Our results suggest that SEC oversight induces disclosure practices that reduce the likelihood of large negative disclosures.
Using replicated evolution in extremophile fish to understand diversification in elemental composition and nutrient excretion
Authors: Tobler Michael , Alba Danielle M. , Arias‐Rodríguez Lenin , Jeyasingh Punidan D.
Published: November 2015

Ecological sources of selection are key drivers of evolutionary change in populations. Information on the ecological relevance of such evolutionary shifts is comparatively sparse and has received renewed interest. The framework of ecological stoichiometry is useful to investigate the reciprocal effects between ecology and evolution, because data on somatic stoichiometry of ancestral and descendent populations can be used to predict ecological functions, such as nutrient recycling, using mass balance‐based models.

Here, we investigated whether divergent populations of livebearing fishes (genusPoecilia) have diverged in elemental composition. We tested whether adaptation to local environmental conditions is manifested in changes of somatic stoichiometry by measuring carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) contents of wild‐caught individuals inhabiting sulphidic (extreme) and non‐sulphidic (benign) habitats. We also attempted to isolate the sources (i.e. genetic, environmental and their interaction) of intraspecific variation in stoichiometry. Finally, we tested whether shifts in somatic stoichiometry impinge on the rates at which key nutrients (N and P) are excreted.

We found significant differentiation in somatic stoichiometry between fish from the two different habitat types in two of three river drainages, with fish from sulphidic habitats having lower C but higher P and S contents. Even though there was evidence for temporal variation and plasticity in elemental composition, differences between sulphidic and non‐sulphidic populations in P and S contents were maintained in laboratory populations over multiple generations. Finally, some sulphidic and non‐sulphidic population pairs differed in the rates of N and P excretions, although excretion rates were not related to somatic stoichiometry.

Together, these results show that the elemental composition of organisms appears to have the characteristics typically observed in the evolution of biochemical, physiological and morphological traits. Studying taxa that have undergone replicated evolution illuminate some of the evolutionary mechanisms that drive variation in somatic elemental composition. Applying stoichiometric principles to such variation, as we have performed here, is a useful, yet underutilised approach to understand the ecological relevance of evolutionary change.
An equilibrium theory signature in the island biogeography of human parasites and pathogens
Authors: Jean Kévin , Burnside William R. , Carlson Lynn , Smith Katherine , Guégan Jean‐François
Published: November 2015

Aim

Our understanding of the ecology and biogeography of microbes, including those that cause human disease, lags behind that for larger species. Despite recent focus on the geographical distribution of viruses and bacteria, the overall environmental distribution of human pathogens and parasites on Earth remains incompletely understood. As islands have long inspired basic ecological insights, we aimed to assess whether the microorganisms that cause human disease in modern times follow patterns common to insular plants and animals.

Location

Global and regional.

Methods

Relying on the publically accessible GIDEON database, we use the spatial distribution of nearly 300 human parasites and pathogens across 66 island countries and territories to assess the current predictive value of the ‘equilibrium theory’ of island biogeography. The relationships between species richness and (1) island surface area and (2) distance to the nearest mainland were investigated with linear regression, and ANCOVAs were used to test for differences in these relationships with respect to pathogen ecology and taxonomy.

Results

Pathogen species richness increases with island surface area and decreases with distance to the nearest mainland. The effect of area is more than 10 times lower than that usually reported for macroorganisms, but is greater than the effect of distance. The strongest relationships are for pathogens that are vector‐borne, zoonotic (with humans as dead‐end hosts) or protozoan.

Main conclusion

Our results support the basic predictions of the theory: disease diversity is a positive function of island area and a negative function of island isolation. However, differences in the effects of area, distance and pathogen ecology suggest that globalization, probably through human travel and the animal trade, has softened these relationships. Parasites that primarily target non‐human species, whose distributions are more constrained by island life than are those restricted to human hosts, drive the island biogeography of human disease.
Liposarcomatous differentiation in malignant phyllodes tumours is unassociated with MDM2 or CDK4 amplification
Authors: Lyle Pamela L , Bridge Julia A , Simpson Jean F , Cates Justin M , Sanders Melinda E
Published: November 2015

Aims

Breast sarcomas are rare, usually occurring in the setting of malignant phyllodes tumour (MPT). Heterologous differentiation commonly resembles well‐differentiated or pleomorphic liposarcoma. In extramammary sites, these subtypes have different biological behaviours and distinct genetic alterations: MDM2 and CDK4 amplification in well‐differentiated liposarcoma, and polyploidy with complex structural rearrangements in pleomorphic liposarcoma. The aim of this study was to investigate foci resembling well‐differentiated liposarcoma in MPT for MDM2 and CDK4 amplification.

Methods and results

We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of MPTs received by the Vanderbilt Breast Consultation Service containing components resembling well‐differentiated or pleomorphic liposarcoma. Cases with available tissue blocks were subjected to fluorescence in‐situ hybridization with MDM2 and CDK4 probes. Thirty‐eight MPTs with liposarcomatous components were available for review. The mean patient age was 49.8 years (range 26–84 years). In addition to well‐differentiated liposarcoma, the following components were also present: high‐grade undifferentiated sarcoma (n = 9; 23.7%), pleomorphic liposarcoma (n = 4; 10.5%), non‐high‐grade sarcoma not otherwise specified (n = 22; 57.9%), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour‐like (n = 2; 5.2%). Among 10 cases tested, none showed amplification of MDM2 or CDK4.

Conclusions

This study examined molecular changes in the well‐differentiated liposarcomatous components of MPT. Despite histological similarity to well‐differentiated liposarcoma of soft tissues, liposarcomatous differentiation in MPT lacks the molecular phenotype characteristic of extramammary well‐differentiated liposarcoma.
Immunohistochemical characterization of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and the value of special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 2 in their distinction from primary ovarian mucinous tumours
Authors: Strickland Sarah , Parra‐Herran Carlos
Published: November 2015

Aims

The distinction between primary ovarian mucinous tumours and appendiceal mucinous neoplasms metastatic to the ovary can be challenging, given the overlap of morphological features and immunohistochemical expression of traditional markers. Special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 2 (SATB2) has recently been described as a sensitive and specific marker of colorectal epithelium. This study was to determine its expression in appendiceal mucinous tumours and its role in their distinction from ovarian neoplasms.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry was performed in tissue microarrays from 32 primary appendiceal mucinous tumours (25 low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and seven adenocarcinomas) and 40 ovarian mucinous neoplasms (20 borderline tumours and 20 adenocarcinomas). Stains were interpreted as positive or negative by scoring intensity and distribution. SATB2 was positive in 93.8% of appendiceal tumours and in only one ovarian tumour; SATB2 was 97.5% specific for appendiceal origin. CK20, CDX2 and MUC2 were strongly and diffusely positive in appendiceal tumours; ovarian tumours were also positive, but with a patchy distribution and mild intensity. CK7 was expressed in 97.5% of ovarian tumours and in 31.2% of appendiceal tumours. PAX8 was positive in 70% of ovarian tumours, and negative in all appendiceal lesions.

Conclusions

SATB2 is frequently expressed in appendiceal mucinous neoplasms. In the context of a mucinous neoplasm involving the ovary, any SATB2 positivity should raise the possibility of appendiceal origin. Expression of CK20, CDX2 and MUC2 supports appendiceal origin only when diffuse and strong. These and other markers, such as CK7 and PAX8, are recommended in the work‐up of ovarian mucinous tumours with any clinical or pathological features suggestive of secondary origin.
Effects of the Anger Coping Programme based on cognitive behavioural techniques on adolescents' anger, aggression and psychological symptoms
Authors: Avci Dilek , Kelleci Meral
Published: November 2015

This study aimed to determine the effects of an Anger Coping Programme based on cognitive behavioural techniques on adolescents' anger, aggression and psychological symptoms.

In this randomized controlled experimental study, 385 ninth‐year high school students in Turkey were administered the State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory, the Aggression Scale and the Brief Symptom Inventory in 2011–2012. Of the 385 students, 62 who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups by gender and the scores they obtained from the scales. The students in the experimental group met 1 day a week for 1.5 h, and the study lasted 10 weeks. The scales were administered three times: before the programme was started, immediately after the programme was completed and 6 weeks later.

The Anger Coping Programme was effective at reducing students' anger and aggression levels, and a range of psychological symptoms except for somatization.
Nuclear receptor ecdysone‐induced protein 75 is required for larval–pupal metamorphosis in the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)
Authors: Guo W.‐C. , Liu X.‐P. , Fu K.‐Y. , Shi J.‐F. , Lü F.‐G. , Li G.‐Q.
Published: November 2015

20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) are key regulators of insect development. In this study, three Leptinotarsa decemlineata Ecdysone‐induced protein 75 (LdE75) cDNAs (LdE75A, B and C) were cloned from L. decemlineata. The three LdE75 isoforms were highly expressed just before or right after each moult. Within the fourth larval instar, they showed a small rise and a big peak 40 and 80 h after ecdysis. The expression peaks of the three LdE75s coincided with the peaks of circulating 20E levels. In vitro midgut culture and in vivo bioassay revealed that 20E and an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide (Hal) enhanced LdE75 expression in the day 1 final larval instars. Conversely, a decrease in 20E by feeding a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) against an ecdysteroidogenesis gene, Shade (LdSHD), repressed the expression of LdE75. Moreover, Hal upregulated the expression of the three LdE75s in LdSHD‐silenced larvae. Thus, 20E pulses activate the transcription of LdE75s. Furthermore, ingesting dsE75‐1 and dsE75‐2 from a common fragment of the three isoforms successfully knocked down these LdE75s, and caused developmental arrest. Finally, knocking down LdE75s significantly repressed the transcription of three ecdysteroidogenesis genes, lowered the 20E titre and affected the expression of two 20E‐response genes. Silencing LdE75s also induced the expression of a JH biosynthesis gene, increased JH titre and activated the transcription of a JH early‐inducible gene. Thus, Ld E75s are required for larval–pupal metamorphosis and act mainly by modulating 20E and JH titres and mediating their signalling pathways.
An Assessment of the Applicability of Particle Light Scattering Theories to Birefringent Polycrystalline Ceramics
Authors: Wen Tzu‐Chien , Shetty Dinesh K.
Published: November 2015

The applicability of particle light scattering theories to light attenuation in birefringent polycrystalline ceramics was investigated by measuring light transmittance in a model two‐phase system. The system consisted of microspheres of silica dispersed in a solution of glycerol in water. The composition of the liquid medium was chosen to produce a mismatch between the refractive index of the particles (np) and of the medium (nm) equal to the root mean square of the refractive index variation in polycrystalline magnesium fluoride. The variations of the scattering coefficients (γ) with volume fraction of silica microspheres for three different particle diameters (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 μm) were compared with theoretical predictions based on scattering efficiency of single particles (K) and linear extrapolation to multiparticle dispersed systems. The measured scattering coefficients were significantly greater than the theoretical values for particle volume fractions greater than 0.2. These results suggest that application of particle scattering theories to a birefringent polycrystalline ceramic, an intrinsically high volume fraction system, is tenuous at best.