bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying cis-mediators for trans-eQTLs across many human tissues using genomic mediation analysis
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Jiebiao ,   The GTEx Consortium, Pierce Brandon L. , Chen Lin S.
Published: October 2017

The impact of inherited genetic variation on gene expression in humans is well-established. The majority of known expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) impact expression of local genes (cis-eQTLs). More research is needed to identify effects of genetic variation on distant genes (trans-eQTLs) and understand their biological mechanisms. One common trans-eQTLs mechanism is “mediation” by a local (cis) transcript. Thus, mediation analysis can be applied to genome-wide SNP and expression data in order to identify transcripts that are “cis-mediators” of trans-eQTLs, including those “cis-hubs” involved in regulation of many trans-genes. Identifying such mediators helps us understand regulatory networks and suggests biological mechanisms underlying trans-eQTLs, both of which are relevant for understanding susceptibility to complex diseases. The multitissue expression data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) program provides a unique opportunity to study cis-mediation across human tissue types. However, the presence of complex hidden confounding effects in biological systems can make mediation analyses challenging and prone to confounding bias, particularly when conducted among diverse samples. To address this problem, we propose a new method: Genomic Mediation analysis with Adaptive Confounding adjustment (GMAC). It enables the search of a very large pool of variables, and adaptively selects potential confounding variables for each mediation test. Analyses of simulated data and GTEx data demonstrate that the adaptive selection of confounders by GMAC improves the power and precision of mediation analysis. Application of GMAC to GTEx data provides new insights into the observed patterns of cis-hubs and trans-eQTL regulation across tissue types.
A genome-wide interactome of DNA-associated proteins in the human liver
Authors: Ramaker Ryne C. , Savic Daniel , Hardigan Andrew A. , Newberry Kimberly , Cooper Gregory M. , Myers Richard M. , Cooper Sara J.
Published: October 2017

Large-scale efforts like the ENCODE Project have made tremendous progress in cataloging the genomic binding patterns of DNA-associated proteins (DAPs), such as transcription factors (TFs). However, most chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses have focused on a few immortalized cell lines whose activities and physiology differ in important ways from endogenous cells and tissues. Consequently, binding data from primary human tissue are essential to improving our understanding of in vivo gene regulation. Here, we identify and analyze more than 440,000 binding sites using ChIP-seq data for 20 DAPs in two human liver tissue samples. We integrated binding data with transcriptome and phased WGS data to investigate allelic DAP interactions and the impact of heterozygous sequence variation on the expression of neighboring genes. Our tissue-based data set exhibits binding patterns more consistent with liver biology than cell lines, and we describe uses of these data to better prioritize impactful noncoding variation. Collectively, our rich data set offers novel insights into genome function in human liver tissue and provides a valuable resource for assessing disease-related disruptions.
Ethyl 4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate
Authors: R Shashi , Begum Noor Shahina
Published: October 2017

The title compound, C16H20N2O2S, crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit, one of which shows positional disorder of the ethyl side chain over two orientations in a 0.555 (7):0.445 (7) ratio. The hydropyrimidine ring adopts a shallowboatconformation and the 2,5-dimethylphenyl ring is positioned axially. The crystal structure features N—H...S, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which link the molecules into (10-1) sheets.
Allocation of responsibility among pork supply chain players
Authors: Wu Linhai , Qiu Guangqian , Lu Jiao , Zhang Minghua , Wen Xiaowei
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the responsibility that should be taken by different pork supply chain participants to ensure pork quality and safety, with the aim of providing some guidance for strengthening the supervision of pork quality and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The pig farmer survey and the pork consumer survey were conducted in Funing County, Jiangsu Province, using the best-worst scaling (BWS) and a mixed logit model.

Findings

The results showed that the designation of responsibility for ensuring pork quality and safety was of, in descending order, feed producers and suppliers, backyard farmers and farms of designated size, pork processing workshops and companies of and above designated size, slaughterhouses, supermarkets, farmer’s markets, pig transporters, and consumers. Both pig farmers and pork consumers believed that those involved in the initial pork supply chain should take greater responsibility for pork quality and safety.

Originality/value

Allocation of responsibilities across the entire pork industry chain was investigated from the perspective of pig farmers and pork consumers using the BWS and a mixed logit model. The results of this study might explain the unique problems that occur in pork supply chain management in large developing countries like China.
Food professionals’ opinions of the Food Studies curriculum in Australia
Authors: Nanayakkara Janandani , Margerison Claire , Worsley Anthony
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the food system professionals’ opinions of a new senior secondary school food literacy curriculum named Victorian Certificate of Education Food Studies in Victoria, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sample of 34 food system professionals from different sub-sectors within the Australian food system was interviewed individually in late 2015 and early 2016. Interviews were analysed using the template analysis technique.

Findings

Most participants appreciated the extensive coverage of food literacy aspects in this new curriculum. However, many suggested amendments to the curriculum including pay less emphasis on food history-related topics and pay more focus on primary food production, nutrition awareness and promotion, and food security, food sovereignty, social justice, and food politics.

Practical implications

A well-structured, comprehensive secondary school food literacy curriculum could play a crucial role in providing food literacy education for adolescents. This will help them to establish healthy food patterns and become responsible food citizens. The findings of this study can be used to modify the new curriculum to make it a more comprehensive, logical, and feasible curriculum. Moreover, these findings could be used to inform the design of new secondary school food literacy curricula in Australia and other countries.

Originality/value

The exploration of perspectives of professionals from a broad range of food- and nutrition-related areas about school food literacy education makes this study unique. This study highlights the importance of food professionals’ opinions in secondary school food-related curricula development.
Quality parameters of freeze-dried peach snack
Authors: Pieniazek Facundo , Messina Valeria
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The causes of food waste or loss are numerous and occur at the stages of production, processing, retailing and consumption. Peaches must be processed quickly to maintain their quality because they are seasonal and their shelf life is short. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of freeze drying on quality parameters of stored peaches in order to increase shelf life, consumption and to decrease waste of fruit.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were ripped on maturity time, stored for 16 days and sampled out and freeze-dried at every four-day interval. Microstructure was carried out by applying scanning electron microscopy, texture and colour parameters by image analysis techniques and physicochemical parameters by conventional analysis.

Findings

Statistical differences (p<0.05) were obtained of colour and texture (stored and freeze-dried rehydrated samples) and for water activity and porosity (freeze-dried samples). Results revealed that after 12 days of storage/freeze, dried peach snacks showed lower pore size with higher amounts of pore, which affected rehydration process leading to a harder sample. Colour was also affected leading to a darkener fruit.

Originality/value

This research incorporates a quick approach to quality applying image analysis techniques and it will benefit to increase shelf life and consumption of fat-free snack peach and to decrease waste of fruit.
A profile of older green tea consumers in the USA
Authors: Berhaupt-Glickstein Amanda , Hallman William
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the demographic and psychographic characteristics of older green tea consumers in the USA. By understanding this segment’s background, perceptions, and behaviors, health and marketing professionals can tailor messages to reach clients and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was completed in January 2014 with 1,335 older adult consumers (=55 years old). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression.

Findings

More than half (n=682, 51.2 percent) of respondents drank green tea. Most green tea consumers in this sample are college-educated and employed female home owners. The odds for green tea consumption are greater if a respondent is in good health, was informed about diet and health, or made a health-related dietary change in the past year. There are greater odds of consumption if the respondent is familiar with the relationship between drinking green tea and the reduced risk of cancer however, the importance of health statements on product labels are not predictive of consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in the USA and with older adults. Future research should explore characteristics of younger consumers, i.e. 18-54 years old.

Practical implications

Health educators, regulators, and marketing professionals may use this profile to tailor messages that speak to consumers and client’s values and motivations.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first profile of older adult green tea consumers in the USA.
What is the pattern of self-harm and prison rule-breaking behaviour in personality disordered offenders in a high secure prison?
Authors: de Motte Claire , Bailey Di , Hunter Melanie , Bennett Alice L.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the pattern of self-harm (SH) and proven prison rule-breaking (PRB) behaviour in prisoners receiving treatment for personality disorders (PDs) within a high security prison.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative quantitative case study design supported the understanding of the frequency and pattern of SH and PRB behaviour across two stages of a PD treatment programme for 74 male prisoners. Data obtained from the prison’s records were analysed using dependent t-tests, χ2 test of independence and time-frequency analyses.

Findings

Inferential statistics showed that the frequency of SH and PRB behaviour statistically increased across two phases of the PD treatment programme; however, the method of SH or type of PRB behaviour engaged in did not change. Mapping the frequencies of incidents using a time-frequency analysis shows the patterns of both behaviours to be erratic, peaking in the latter phase of treatment, yet the frequency of incidents tended to decline over time.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore SH and PRB behaviours in men across two phases of a PD treatment programme. This study highlights the need for continued psychological support alongside the PD treatment programme with a focus on supporting men in treatment to effectively manage their SH and PRB behaviour.
Researchers’ attitudes towards the use of social networking sites
Authors: Greifeneder Elke , Pontis Sheila , Blandford Ann , Attalla Hesham , Neal David , Schlebbe Kirsten
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand why many researchers do not have a profile on social networking sites (SNS), and whether this is the result of conscious decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis was conducted on a large qualitative data set from researchers across three levels of seniority, four countries and four disciplines to explore their attitudes toward and experiences with SNS.

Findings

The study found much greater scepticism toward adopting SNS than previously reported. Reasons behind researchers’ scepticism range from SNS being unimportant for their work to not belonging to their culture or habits. Some even felt that a profile presented people negatively and might harm their career. These concerns were mostly expressed by junior and midlevel researchers, showing that the largest opponents to SNS may unexpectedly be younger researchers.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study was that the authors did not conduct the interviews, and therefore reframing or adding questions to specifically unpack comments related to attitudes, feelings or the use of SNS in academia was not possible.

Originality/value

By studying implicit attitudes and experiences, this study shows that instead of being ignorant of SNS profiles, some researchers actively opt for a non-use of profiles on SNS.
Multilayer document model for semantic document management services
Authors: Sladić Goran , Cverdelj-Fogaraši Igor , Gostojić Stevan , Savić Goran , Segedinac Milan , Zarić Miroslav
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the benefits of an approach in which document management systems (DMSs) are based on a formal and explicit document model, primarily in terms of facilitating domain-specific customization.

Design/methodology/approach

Within this paper, a generic document model is proposed. The model consists of two layers. A general purpose layer, which represents common features of the documents, and a domain-specific layer, modeling properties particular to application domain. The general purpose layer is based on ISO 82045, providing high degree of interoperability with other systems developed with respect to this set of standard.

Findings

Splitting document model into the layers enables DMSs to be tailored for each particular domain of application, depending on the general purpose layer. The existence of domain-specific layer allows documents to be interpreted differently in different domains of application.

Practical implications

In order to enable customization of DMS for a particular domain, the implementation of domain-specific document layer is required. Also, the proposed model does not explicitly deal with document dynamics.

Originality/value

The proposed document ontology is general enough to provide the representation of documents not depending on a specific scope of application, yet flexible enough to enable extensions through which domain-specific document features can be expressed. The separation of document model enables development of core DMS offering services relying explicitly on the general purpose layer on one hand, as well as domain-specific customization of DMS on the other.
Exploring task-service fit and usefulness on branded applications continuance
Authors: Fang Yu-Hui
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Providing that branded applications (apps) became a new trend in mobile marketing, the purpose of this study, thus, is to explore how to promote app users’ continuance intention and purchase intention (i.e. “app continuance”) toward a specific branded app.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating both goods-dominant logic (GDL) and service-dominant logic (SDL), this study uses a unifying model to examine whether perceived usefulness and task-service fit (TSF) have different effects on the two parts of app continuance. This study identifies task characteristic and four service characteristics (interactivity, presence, localization and ubiquity) as antecedents of TSF. Furthermore, psychological barriers are examined as mediators of TSF and purchase intention within SDL. Data collected from 631 users of the targeted branded apps support all of the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that besides perceived usefulness, TSF is an essential determinant of both app continuance in the context of branded apps and a partial mediator of psychological barriers between TSF and purchase intention.

Originality/value

Unlike prior studies, which have focused on traditional GDL to examine continuance intention, this study incorporates SDL and the notion of psychological barriers to explore such matters. The evidence concerning the significantly higher explanatory power of the full model suggests that a deeper understanding of the antecedents of app continuance is possible when the alternative view is taken into consideration, thus providing a promising avenue for future research.
Internal market orientation determinants of employee brand enactment
Authors: Boukis Achilleas , Gounaris Spiros , Lings Ian
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the adoption of internal market orientation (IMO) can enhance front-line employee brand enactment within an interpersonal service setting. Insights from equity theory and the person – environment paradigm are drawn upon to develop a theoretical model describing the impact of IMO on employee – organization fit, employee – supervisor fit and employee – job fit and the consequences of IMO on employee brand knowledge and brand identification. Second, the role of various types of fit and brand knowledge/identification for front-line employee brand enactment is confirmed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws from service employees in a high-contact customer setting.

Findings

Results uncover two mechanisms for successful internal branding: increasing employee fit with the service environment and enhancing employee brand knowledge.

Practical implications

The study contributes to practice in that the findings outline a realistic understanding of how managerial actions facilitate employees’ alignment with the firm’s brand promise within the realm of the broader organizational context in which service delivery takes place.

Originality/value

The present study contributes in the extant literature as it enables a more holistic view of the drivers of brand-congruent behaviors among front-line employees. Moreover, it has a significant contribution for future researchers as it lays the ground to further examine how employees’ perceptions of internal marketing strategies shape their fit levels with different aspects of their working environment which also affect the internal branding efforts of service organizations.
Power versus trust – what matters more in collaborative consumption?
Authors: Hofmann Eva , Hartl Barbara , Penz Elfriede
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Collaborative consumption, such as car sharing, specifically implicates customer-to-customer interaction, which must be regulated by service providers (companies, peers and self-regulating communities), comprising different challenges for business organizations. While in conventional business relations, consumers are protected from undesirable customer behavior by laws, regulations (power) in the context of collaborative consumption are rare, so that trust becomes more relevant. It is the purpose of the study to investigate possible mechanisms to prevent undesirable customers in collaborative consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

In between subject designs, samples of 186 and 328 consumers filled in experimental online questionnaires with vignettes. Analyses were made of differences among car sharing companies, private persons and car sharing communities in terms of the power of providers, trust in providers and trust in other users of the shared goods, undesirable customer behavior and consumer–provider relations.

Findings

Companies, private persons and self-regulating communities differ in terms of perceived power and trust. Participants specifically perceive mainly coercive power with the car sharing company, but with the private person and the community, reason-based trust in other users is perceived as prevalent. Nevertheless, undesirable customer behavior varies only marginally over the models.

Originality/value

The present study is the first to investigate measures to prevent undesirable customer behavior over different collaborative consumption models. This enables appropriate identification of market segments and tailoring of services. The study identifies opportunities for companies in contrast to private persons and self-regulating communities and, in doing so, provides important stimulation for marketing strategy and theory development.
Peer-to-peer shadowing as a technique for the development of nurse middle managers clinical leadership
Authors: Lalleman Pieterbas , Bouma Joanne , Smid Gerhard , Rasiah Jananee , Schuurmans Marieke
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and impact of peer-to-peer shadowing as a technique to develop nurse middle managers’ clinical leadership practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to gain insight into the experiences of nurse middle managers using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed into codes using constant comparison and similar codes were grouped under sub-themes and then into four broader themes.

Findings

Peer-to-peer shadowing facilitates collective reflection-in-action and enhances an “investigate stance” while acting. Nurse middle managers begin to curb the caring disposition that unreflectively urges them to act, to answer the call for help in the here and now, focus on ad hoc “doings”, and make quick judgements. Seeing a shadowee act produces, via a process of social comparison, a behavioural repertoire of postponing reactions and refraining from judging. Balancing the act of stepping in and doing something or just observing as well as giving or withholding feedback are important practices that are difficult to develop.

Originality/value

Peer-to-peer shadowing facilitates curbing the caring disposition, which is essential for clinical leadership development through unlocking a behavioural repertoire that is not easy to reveal because it is, unreflectively, closely knit to the professional background of the nurse managers. Unlike most leadership development programmes, that are quite introspective and detached from context, peer-to-peer shadowing does have the potential to promote collective learning while acting, which is an important process.
Managerial skills shortages and the impending effects of organizational characteristics
Authors: Bhanugopan Ramudu , Wang Ying , Lockhart Pamela , Farrell Mark
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perception of skills shortages, namely, skills scarcity and skills deficiencies among managers, and its relationship with organizational characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative approach and data were collected from 243 managers working in China. Multivariate analysis of variance and box plots were employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that organizational characteristics were found to have a significant positive impact on managers’ skill levels, and hard-to-fill vacancies caused by skills shortages were found in all types of organizations. Existing and deficient skills were also identified as affecting all organizations.

Practical implications

The results suggest that organizations would benefit from the adoption of a system supporting internal retention, training and development and external recruitment to close the skills gaps.

Originality/value

This is an empirical study that provides an insight into the skills shortages from a multi-organizational context. It highlights the effects of organizational characteristics in relation to skills shortages and provides a foundation to support the skills needed in the context of national and global organizations.
High performance work system and organisational performance: role of knowledge management
Authors: Jyoti Jeevan , Rani Asha
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the high performance work system through ability, motivation and opportunity model (Jianget al., 2013) and its impact on organisational performance. Further, the mediating role of knowledge management between high performance work system and organisational performance has also been evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire technique has been used to collect the data from managers (n=58) and employees (n=246) working in telecommunication organisations in Jammu and Kashmir (North India). Data collected have been validated using the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Hypotheses have been tested through structural equation modelling with the help of AMOS and SmartPLS3 softwares. Further, theoretical, managerial and socio-economic implications have also been discussed.

Findings

The study indicates that high performance work system positively affects organisational performance. Further, knowledge management act as a mediator between high performance work system and organisational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been conducted only in the private telecommunication sector (Airtel, Aircel, Tata Indicom, Idea, Reliance, Vodafone). Further, the study being limited to telecommunication sector can be extended in other sectors also.

Practical implications

In order to create superior work system, management should focus on ability-enhancing initiatives such as extensive job training, computer-based training, etc. on regular basis. Employees should be rewarded extrinsically as well as intrinsically to keep them motivated to achieve higher levels of performance. Further, management should empower the employees through decentralisation of authority, participative decision making, etc. Besides this, management should also instil the knowledge culture in the organisation in order to enhance the knowledge capability of the employees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying the black box using knowledge management to understand the relationship between high performance work system and organisational performance in the telecommunication sector.
Supply chain resilience in a developing country context: a case study on the interconnectedness of threats, strategies and outcomes
Authors: Tukamuhabwa Benjamin , Stevenson Mark , Busby Jerry
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In few prior empirical studies on supply chain resilience (SCRES), the focus has been on the developed world. Yet, organisations in developing countries constitute a significant part of global supply chains and have also experienced the disastrous effects of supply chain failures. The purpose of this paper is therefore to empirically investigate SCRES in a developing country context and to show that this also provides theoretical insights into the nature of what is meant by resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach, a supply network of 20 manufacturing firms in Uganda is analysed based on a total of 45 interviews.

Findings

The perceived threats to SCRES in this context are mainly small-scale, chronic disruptive events rather than discrete, large-scale catastrophic events typically emphasised in the literature. The data reveal how threats of disruption, resilience strategies and outcomes are inter-related in complex, coupled and non-linear ways. These interrelationships are explained by the political, cultural and territorial embeddedness of the supply network in a developing country. Further, this embeddedness contributes to the phenomenon of supply chain risk migration, whereby an attempt to mitigate one threat produces another threat and/or shifts the threat to another point in the supply network.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware, for example, of potential risk migration from one threat to another when crafting strategies to build SCRES. Equally, the potential for risk migration across the supply network means managers should look at the supply chain holistically because actors along the chain are so interconnected.

Originality/value

The paper goes beyond the extant literature by highlighting how SCRES is not only about responding to specific, isolated threats but about the continuous management of risk migration. It demonstrates that resilience requires both an understanding of the interconnectedness of threats, strategies and outcomes and an understanding of the embeddedness of the supply network. Finally, this study’s focus on the context of a developing country reveals that resilience should be equally concerned both with smaller in scale, chronic disruptions and with occasional, large-scale catastrophic events.
Listening to teachers: Views on delivery of a classroom based sensory intervention for students with autism
Authors: Mills Caroline , Chapparo Christine
Published: October 2017

Background/aim

Occupational therapists consider the impact of autism spectrum disorder on occupational performance at school. Occupational therapists work with teachers to support student participation. Atypical sensory processing is common in children with autism. Therefore, collaborating with teachers to enable students with autism to appropriately process sensory information within classrooms may be necessary. This qualitative pilot study aimed to capture teachers' perceptions of using a Sensory Activity Schedule, a sensory based intervention, in the classroom.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to analyse semi‐structured interview responses from 19 qualified teachers who taught children with autism from seven different autism specific special schools in NSW. Teachers were asked about their motivation to complete the intervention as well as helpful and difficult aspects of the intervention.

Findings

Three main categories and eight sub‐categories were identified from the 19 respondents who reported that helping their students was an important motivation for using a Sensory Activity Schedule as well as the opportunity to evaluate whether sensory based intervention was beneficial. Teachers reported that learning new ideas, working with an occupational therapist and seeing an increase in concentration and a reduction in undesired behaviours were positive aspects of utilising the intervention. Timing, staffing and fidelity of the intervention were areas of concern.

Conclusion

Collaboration with classroom teachers is an essential part of school‐based occupational therapy. Insights from teachers who implemented a sensory based intervention in the classroom assist occupational therapists to better support students with autism spectrum disorder in schools.
Feasibility and efficiency of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine and cisplatin versus radiotherapy alone for elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Experience of two centers
Authors: Chen Fangjie , Luo Hui , Xing Ligang , Liang Ning , Xie Jian , Zhang Jiandong
Published: October 2017

Background

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with capecitabine and cisplatin for elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 90 patients were included from two different centers. Forty‐nine patients were treated with CCRT consisting of capecitabine (850 mg/m2, oral, twice a day for 1–14 days) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) weekly during radiotherapy (RT). The remaining 41 patients were treated with RT alone. The overall response, overall survival, progression‐free survival, and toxicity rates were recorded.

Results

Compared to the RT group (51.2%; P = 0.029), the overall response rate in the CCRT group (73.5%) was obviously higher. A complete response was achieved in 34.7% and 14.6% of patients in the CCRT and RT groups, respectively (P = 0.030). Median progression‐free and median overall survival rates were significantly higher in the CCRT group (24.7 and 30.6 months; P < 0.05) compared to the RT group (16.6 and 18.7 months). Acute toxic effects were more severe in the CCRT group, but no significant difference in grade 3 or 4 acute toxicities was observed between the groups.

Conclusion

Both CCRT with capecitabine and cisplatin and RT alone are feasible to treat elderly patients and yield a good performance status with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. CCRT improved the tumor response without increasing the side effects compared to RT alone. CCRT is recommended for patients over 65 with good performance status.
Heart failure following blood cancer therapy in pediatric and adult populations
Authors: Franzon Julie , Berry Narelle M. , Ullah Shahid , Versace Vincent L. , McCarthy Alexandra L. , Atherton John , Roder David , Koczwara Bogda , Coghlan Douglas , Clark Robyn A.
Published: October 2017

Aim

The link between chemotherapy treatment and cardiotoxicity is well established, particularly for adults with blood cancers. However, it is less clear for children. This analysis aimed to compare the trajectory and mortality of children and adults who received chemotherapy for blood cancers and were subsequently hospitalized for heart failure.

Methods

Linked data from the Queensland Cancer Registry, Death Registry and Hospital Administration records for initial chemotherapy and later heart failure were reviewed (1996–2009). Of all identified blood cancer patients (N = 23 434), 8339 received chemotherapy, including 817 children (aged ≤18 years at time of cancer diagnosis) and 7522 adults. Time‐varying Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare the characteristics and survival between the two groups.

Results

Of those who were subsequently hospitalized for heart failure, 70% of children and 46% of adults had the index admission within 12 months of their cancer diagnosis. Of these, 53% of the pediatric heart failure population and 71% of the adult heart failure population died within the study period. Following adjustment for age, sex and chemotherapy admissions, children with heart failure had an increased mortality risk compared to their non‐heart failure counterparts, a difference which was much greater than that between the adult groups.

Conclusion

The impact of heart failure on children previously treated for blood cancer is more severe than for adults, with earlier morbidity and greater mortality. Improved strategies are needed for the prevention and management of cardiotoxicity in this population.
Dietary patterns and semen quality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Arab A. , Rafie N. , Mansourian M. , Miraghajani M. , Hajianfar H.
Published: October 2017

A number of studies have examined the association between dietary patterns and semen quality, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies to assess the association between dietary patterns and semen quality. PubMed, Cochrane library, Science direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI web of science databases were searched up to August 2016 for observational studies assessing the association between common dietary patterns and sperm quality markers. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method with random effects and expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed (Cochrane Q‐statistic) and quantified (I2‐statistic). The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. Six eligible studies, involving 8207 participants, were included in our systematic review and meta‐analysis. The pooled mean difference of sperm concentration for the healthy dietary pattern versus unhealthy dietary pattern intake was mean difference: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.305–1.016; p < 0.001. In comparison with those who had the highest adherence to healthy dietary pattern, individuals in the lowest adherence had significantly lower level of sperm concentration. However, no significant association was seen between eating patterns and other semen quality. Healthy dietary pattern seems to be associated with elevated sperm concentration level. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify this relationship.
Real‐Time ECG Simulation for Hybrid Mock Circulatory Loops
Authors: Korn Leonie , Rüschen Daniel , Zander Niklas , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian
Published: October 2017

Classically, mock circulatory loops only simulate mechanical properties of the circulation. To connect the hydraulic world with electrophysiology, we present a real‐time electrical activity model of the heart and show how to integrate this model into a real‐time mock loop simulation. The model incorporates a predefined conduction pathway and a simplified volume conductor to solve the bidomain equations and the forward problem of electrocardiography, resulting in a physiological simulation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) at arbitrary electrode positions. A complete physiological simulation of the heart's excitation would be too CPU intensive. Thus, in our model, complexity was reduced to allow real‐time simulation of ECG‐triggered medical systems in vitro; this decreases time and cost in the development process. Conversely, the presented model can still be adapted to various pathologies by locally changing the properties of the heart's conduction pathway. To simulate the ECG, the heart is divided into suitable areas, which are innervated by the hierarchically structured conduction system. To distinguish different cardiac regions, a segmentation of the heart was performed. In these regions, Prim's algorithm was applied to identify the directed minimal spanning trees for conduction orientation. Each node of the tree was assigned to a cardiac action potential generated by its hybrid automaton to represent the heart's conduction system by the spatial distribution of action potentials. To generate the ECG output, the bidomain equations were implemented and a simple model of the volume conductor of the body was used to solve the forward problem of electrocardiography. As a result, the model simulates potentials at arbitrary electrode positions in real‐time. To verify the developed real‐time ECG model, measurements were made within a hybrid mock circulatory loop, including a simple ECG‐triggered ventricular assist device control. The model's potential value is to simulate physiological and pathological behavior for hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing of medical devices in an ECG‐triggered scenario.
Hyperthyroidism in patients with ischaemic heart disease after iodine load induced by coronary angiography: Long‐term follow‐up and influence of baseline thyroid functional status
Authors: Bonelli Nadia , Rossetto Ruth , Castagno Davide , Anselmino Matteo , Vignolo Francesca , Parasiliti Caprino Mirko , Gaita Fiorenzo , Ghigo Ezio , Garberoglio Roberto , Grimaldi Roberto , Maccario Mauro
Published: October 2017

Objective

To study the effect of a iodine load on thyroid function of patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and the long‐term influence of unknown subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Context

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is considered an independent risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity of patients with IHD. They routinely undergo coronary angiography with iodine contrast media (ICM) which may induce or even worsen hyperthyroidism.

Design

A cross‐sectional study followed by a longitudinal study on patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Patients

810 consecutive IHD outpatients without known thyroid diseases or treatment with drugs influencing thyroid activity undergoing elective coronary angiography.

Measurements

We evaluated thyroid function either before and 1 month after ICM; patients with thyrotoxicosis at baseline or after ICM were then followed up for 1 year.

Results

58 patients had hyperthyroidism at baseline (HB, 7.2%), independently associated to FT4 levels, thyroid nodules and family history of thyroid diseases. After ICM, the prevalence of hyperthyroidism was 81 (10%). Hyperthyroidism after ICM was positively predicted by baseline fT4 levels, thyroid nodules, age over 60, male gender, family history of thyroid diseases. Three months after ICM, 34 patients (4.2%) still showed hyperthyroidism (22 from HB, 13 treated with methimazole). One year after ICM, hyperthyroidism was still present in 20 patients (2.5%, all from HB, 13 treated).

Conclusions

The prevalence of spontaneous subclinical hyperthyroidism in IHD is surprisingly elevated and is further increased by iodine load, particularly in patients with thyroid nodules and familial history of thyroid diseases, persisting in a not negligible number of them even after one year.
Experimental Evidence From Newborn Chicks Enriches Our Knowledge on Human Spatial–Numerical Associations
Authors: Rugani Rosa , Vallortigara Giorgio , Priftis Konstantinos , Regolin Lucia
Published: October 2017

Núñez and Fias raised concerns on whether our results demonstrate a linear number‐space mapping. Patro and Nuerk urge caution on the use of animal models to understand the origin (cultural vs. biological) of the orientation of spatial–numerical association. Here, we discuss why both objections are unfounded.
The impact of adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation on transplant center outcomes reporting
Authors: Renz John F. , Diaz Geraldine C.
Published: October 2017

Background

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) has released a 5‐tier performance ranking system based upon results of deceased‐donor and living‐donor liver transplantation.

Materials and Methods

An analysis of Spring 2017 SRTR Program Specific Reports for outcomes of adult living‐donor and deceased‐donor liver transplantation.

Results

Utilizing the current SRTR performance algorithm, living‐donor liver transplant results may disproportionately affect transplant center performance ranking.

Conclusion

Improvements in SRTR performance ranking including transparency in outcomes calculation, a calculating tool for transplant centers, and the potential reporting of living‐donor outcomes as a separate report are necessary.
Towards an Edible Museum: Exploring Foodways as Sociomuseological Practice in a South African Township
Authors: Vogts Elsa , Costandius Elmarie
Published: October 2017

Museum institutions are rarely recognised for their gastronomic potential, particularly in their efforts to draw culturally diverse audiences. This article unpacks the possibility of exploring foodways through a sociomuseological practice, with the aim to facilitate cross‐cultural interaction and tolerance. Following an action research methodology, this study explored the possibility of transforming a township restaurant in a marginalised community in South Africa, into an “edible museum” – a restaurant with sociomuseological aims. The results, however, indicated that the formalisation of the restaurant space in this context further exaggerated cultural difference rather than attempting its engagement towards tolerance through museological means. It is proposed that the “edible museum” concept lends itself to be envisioned as a process, rather than a physical space, through which museum professionals and educators may network with existing food communities and sites towards a sensory interpretation of cross‐cultural tolerance both inside their galleries and within broader communities.
Using 3D Printing to Enhance Understanding and Engagement with Young Audiences: Lessons from Workshops in a Museum
Authors: Turner Hannah , Resch Gabby , Southwick Daniel , McEwen Rhonda , Dubé Adam K. , Record Isaac
Published: October 2017

This paper details findings from a collaborative research project that studied children learning to 3D print in a museum, and provides an overview of the study design to improve related future programs. We assessed young visitors’ capacity to grasp the technical specificities of 3D printing, as well as their engagement with the cultural history of shoemaking through the museum's collection. Combining the museum's existing pedagogical resources with hands‐on technology experiences designed by Semaphore researchers, this study enabled both researchers and museum education staff to evaluate the use of 3D‐driven curriculum and engagement materials designed for children visiting cultural heritage museums. This study raises critical questions regarding the practicality of deploying 3D media to engage young learners in museums, and this paper illuminates the challenges in developing models for children to put historical and contextual information into practice.
Comparison of subjective wellbeing in substance users and the parents or partners of substance users
Authors: Tait Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Introduction and Aims

There is growing interest in the impact of substance use on both the individual consumer's subjective wellbeing (SWB) and the reduced SWB of those closely connected to him or her. The study aimed to compare SWB among substance users (‘consumers’) and the parents or partners affected by another's substance use, and to evaluate the effect of counselling on changed SWB to 6 months.

Design and Methods

The study used longitudinal data from a not‐for‐profit treatment service based in Perth, Australia. Subjective wellbeing was assessed with the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) at baseline and 6 months. Data were compared to national norms (mean 75.97) with one sample t tests. Change in PWI scores was assessed with generalised linear mixed models, controlling for age, gender, group (consumers versus parents or partners), psychological distress (Kessler‐10) and social connectedness (Lubben).

Results

Of 220 participants, 136 (62%) were consumers and 84 (38%) were parents or partners. At 6 months 123 (56%) were re‐interviewed. At baseline, both consumers (mean 53.7) and parents or partners (mean 66.1) had significantly lower PWI scores than national norms. At 6 months, only the substance users’ PWI scores remained significantly lower (mean 67.8). Subjective wellbeing significantly increased with time (β = 5.52; 95% confidence interval 3.15, 7.90), with no significant time by group interaction.

Discussion and Conclusions

Both groups showed significant decrements in SWB compared with the general population but with improvements over the study period. However, the lack of a control group prevents definitive assertions on causality for improved SWB.
The development of morphological representations in young readers: a cross‐modal priming study
Authors: Quémart Pauline , Gonnerman Laura M. , Downing Jennifer , Deacon S. Hélène
Published: October 2017

The way children organize words in their memory has intrigued many researchers in the past 20 years. Given the large number of morphologically complex words in many languages, the influence of morphemes on this organization is being increasingly examined. The aim of this study was to understand how morphemic information influences English‐speaking children's word recognition. Children in grades 3 and 5 were asked to complete a lexical decision priming task. Prime‐target pairs varied in semantic similarity, with low (e.g.,belly‐bell), moderate (e.g.,lately‐late), and high similarity relations (e.g.,boldly‐bold). There were also word pairs similar in form only (e.g.,spinach‐spin) and in semantics only (e.g.,garbage‐trash). Primes were auditory and targets were presented visually. Analyses of children's lexical decision times revealed graded priming effects as a function of the convergence of form and meaning. These results indicate that developing readers do not necessarily need to lexicalize morphological units to facilitate word recognition. Their ability to process the morphological structure of words depends on their ability to develop connections between form and meaning.