bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating customers’ behavioral intentions in less significant financial institutions
Authors: Pauluzzo Rubens , Geretto Enrico Fioravante
Published: April 2017

Purpose

External and internal pressures are undermining the traditional bond between less significant financial institutions (LSFIs) and their local markets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of service quality (SQ), motivation, satisfaction, and perceived value on customers’ behavioral intentions (BI) in LSFIs.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework of the relationship, either direct or indirect, between SQ, basic motivational determinants in consumers’ bank selection, satisfaction, and repurchase intentions of the customers is developed. The framework is tested with data from a sample of 600 customers of LSFIs in Italy. The hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

Consumers’ decision-making process is a complex path and a more holistic view of its determinants should be considered to face those weaknesses that negatively affect a balanced management of LSFIs in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The study is focused on a specific context, the Italian LSFIs’ sector, and the results from other countries or other banking sectors should be added before a generalization of the findings can be made.

Practical implications

The findings will be useful to policy makers and banks to improve strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction and purchase intentions in LSFIs. Adopting a simultaneous, holistic, and multivariate approach can also help LSFIs to better understand the main factors which are able to increase consumers’ purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine customers’ BI in LSFIs even if they represent about 96 percent of the European banking industry.
An ontology to support the classification of learning material in an organizational learning environment
Authors: Valaski Joselaine , Reinehr Sheila , Malucelli Andreia
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether ontology integrated in an organizational learning environment may support the automatic learning material classification in a specific knowledge area.

Design/methodology/approach

An ontology for recommending learning material was integrated in the organizational learning environment based on ontology. An experiment was performed with 15 experts and 84 learners. Experts and learners were asked to classify 30 learning material related to Software Engineering area. The results obtained from experts and learners were compared with the ontology results.

Findings

Among 30 learning materials evaluated, 24 learning materials got closer to the expert classification using the ontology than using the learners’ manual classification. The learners had difficulties in correctly classifying the learning materials according to the knowledge area applied.

Originality/value

In an autonomous collaborative environment without a tutor responsible for organizing the learning materials shared by collaborators, an ontology may be an auxiliary mechanism to support automatic learning material classification. The proposed ontology uses recommendations given by the collaborators to get the correct knowledge area classification. The correct classification may support retrieval of appropriate learning materials according to the learners’ needs.
Optimization of design parameters in a cylindrical heat sink with branched fins under natural convection
Authors: Singh Krishna Kumar , Sinha Mrityunjay K.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a way to determine the optimum values of design parameters in a cylindrical heat sink with branched fins. Investigations into the effect of design parameters, such as the number of fins, length of fin, height of fin and outer diameter of the heat sink on heat transfer are reported here. In this analysis, branch angle (α = 10°) is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The Taguchi method, a powerful tool to design optimization, is applied for the tests and standard L9 orthogonal array with three factors, and three levels for each factor are selected. Nine test samples are analyzed in which the total heat transfer rate for each test sample is found. Contribution ratios for each parameter are also found. The results obtained from this analysis are used to find the optimum design parameter values relating to the heat sink performance.

Findings

The optimum design parameters are analyzed in this paper. The reliability of the optimum test samples is verified. Also, the variation of the average heat transfer rate of optimum sample is reported when it is compared with the reference sample.

Practical implications

Effective design of a cylindrical heat sink has been reported for cooling light-emitting diode (LED) lights, which have recently attracted the attention of the illumination industry. In this analysis, the contribution ratios have an important role to set out the performance characteristics of a heat sink.

Originality/value

The reliability of the optimum test samples is verified. Also, the variation of the average heat transfer rate of optimum sample is reported when it is compared with the reference sample.
Major causes of construction time and cost overruns
Authors: Famiyeh Samuel , Amoatey Charles Teye , Adaku Ebenezer , Agbenohevi Collins Sena
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In Ghana, the duration of construction projects from inception to completion is becoming a great concern, recently, especially among clients and beneficiaries, because of the rising interest rates, inflation, development plan targets, among other factors. Hence the need to understand the causes of delays and cost overrun in the construction sector has become more important than ever. This study therefore aims to identify the major factors underlying time and cost overruns in projects related to the education sector in Ghana to proffer practical solutions in addressing them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a survey among clients’ consultants and representatives of the contractors working on about 60 government school projects. A relative importance index was used to determine the relative effects of the factors causing construction time and cost overruns.

Findings

The key factors causing construction time overrun were: financial problems, unrealistic contract durations imposed by clients, poorly defined project scope, client-initiated variations, under-estimation of project cost by consultants, poor inspection/supervision of projects by consultants. Other factors were underestimation of project complexity by contractors, poor site management, inappropriate construction methods used by contractors and delays in the issuance of permits by government agencies. Factors affecting cost overruns were financial difficulty by client, delays in payments of completed works, variations in designs, lack of communications plans, poor feasibility and project analysis, poor financial management on site and material price fluctuations.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to only the educational sector projects.

Practical implications

Practically, this study highlights for the construction sector the critical factors causing project time and cost overruns in Ghana. Identification of these factors provides the basis for pragmatic solutions to enhance the chances of project success.

Social implications

The identification and solutions to project time and cost overruns, especially for educational sector projects, contribute toward making public goods more affordable and accessible to most citizens, particularly in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on factors causing project time and cost overruns in the construction sector especially from a developing country’s perspective.
The librarian’s guide to the consumer electronics show
Authors: Hess M Ryan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) offers an opportunity for librarians to add their important perspective to the broader technology conversation. This paper aims to give librarians tips for preparing and strategizing for a successful experience. It also provides newcomers to the show with ideas on how they can gain access and who should go.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a conference report.

Findings

The CES is a worthwhile event for librarians.

Originality/value

CES is unknown to many librarians. There are many misunderstandings about the ability to gain access. There is much uncertainty about what goes on at the show. This paper explains CES and how librarians can put their experience to good use for the profession and their organizations.
Estimating the surface runoff from natural environment data
Authors: dos Santos Franciane Mendonça , de Lollo José Augusto , Mauad Frederico Fabio
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate quick and low-cost processes for surface runoff potential on the basis of natural environmental attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

An approach based on the natural environmental attributes and on the Cook’s method was used for maximal peak flows of surface runoff, as well as for assigning weights to the considered attributes. Used attributes are as follow: steepness, bedrock (lithology), soil (texture, genesis, thickness, and permeability coefficient), drainage density, and favorable features to surface storage.

Findings

Using natural environmental attributes from previous available studies, adapted from different scales, the authors obtain a low-cost potential surface runoff chart, which can be useful for planning, impact and hazard analysis, and decision purposes in an area without large financial resources, like small communities in developing countries. Despite the common scarcity of data in these communities, often regional basic studies of soil and bedrock are available, making this kind of analysis possible.

Originality/value

The highlights are quick and low-cost procedures in characterizing the natural environment for planning activities, providing the basis for further detailing, which focus on solving local problems. This approach to runoff estimation allows for the definition of the criteria, considering the potential geodynamic processes. Thus, this kind of study may be very useful for land use planning in developing countries.
A comparative analysis on water quality in an urban micro watershed
Authors: Zambrano Karen Tavares , Poleto Cristiano , Oliveira Jefferson Nascimento
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study presents a comparative analysis of water quality data in an urban micro watershed to study the magnitude of impacts on the water quality parameters over the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the degree of deterioration using the water quality index.

Design/methodology/approach

Rapid urban growth without proper land use and occupation planning results in the overload of urban water resources. Therefore, a literature review was conducted on the research subject published in the dissertation databases of the Engineering Faculty of Ilha Solteira, which resulted in the selection of two dissertations on water quality in the Ipê Stream, Ilha Solteira – SP, Brazil. The results will be evaluated according to the Brazilian laws and regulations in force.

Findings

This study shows that pollution and degradation in the stream intensified during the study period, with the most impacted areas within the urban perimeter.

Practical implications

The increasing impacts underscore the need for efficient measures such as implementation of retention reservoirs, elimination of clandestine sewage connections and restoration of riparian forests.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need to monitor the water quality of streams in order to establish preventive and mitigating measures to avert the growing environmental impacts and to ensure quality water for future generations.
A tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings
Authors: Botman Roy , Schijndel Jos van
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on a building simulation model, HAMBase, in combination with an analytical programming code using MatLab.

Findings

The tool provides a quick insight in possibilities for district heat sharing. It is able to operate without using too many parameters. From the results, it can be derived that storage tanks provide a great advantage in performance over the direct heat demand and supply method.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations are as follows: the used models are based on assumptions plus values derived from literature and a verification that is based on energy balance rules; and the MatLab code is verified by checking for possible errors, but is not completely validated.

Originality/value

The main value of the work is that the presented methodology behind the tool is generally applicable and implementable in other models.
The fate of nitrogen inputs in a warmer alpine treeline ecosystem: a 15N labelling study
Authors: Dawes Melissa A. , Schleppi Patrick , Hagedorn Frank
Published: April 2017

Global warming may accelerate nitrogen (N) transformations in the soil, with potentially large effects in N‐poor high‐elevation ecosystems. To gain insight into the partitioning of inorganic and organic N inputs within the plant–soil system and how warming influences these patterns, we applied a 15N label (15NH4Cl or 15N‐glycine) shortly after snowmelt during the sixth year of experimental soil warming (+4 °C) at treeline in the Swiss Alps.

Seven weeks after labelling, approximately 60% of the applied label remained in the soil organic layer to 10 cm depth, whereas label recovery summed over all measured plant pools was <10% of the added label. Soil warming led to a weaker Δ15N signal in plants and no change in the amount of added label recovered in plants. This 15N dilution resulted from a greater N pool size of some plant species in warmed plots as well as enhanced availability of (unlabelled) N under warming. Temporal dynamics of foliar Δ15N in dominant dwarf shrub species suggested that these plants primarily take up N early in the season. In a subset of plots labelled with 13C‐enriched glycine (U‐13C2‐15N‐glycine), the labelled glycine was mineralized rapidly, with approximately 50% of the applied 13C respired as CO2 during the first 99 h, suggesting that effects of warmer soils on N dynamics in this treeline system are only slightly modulated by the preferences of different plant species for inorganic and organic N forms.

Synthesis. Plants growing in warmer soils acquired more unlabelled, soil‐derived N in the sixth year of treatment, implying a sustained increase in N mineralization and availability in alpine treeline ecosystems with higher soil temperatures predicted for the future. Wide variation in the ability of plant species and functional groups to compete for early‐summer N inputs means that there is a feedback between plant community shifts and N dynamics under environmental change at the treeline.
Enchanting Technology
Authors: de Waal Malefyt Timothy
Published: April 2017

Technology enchants our lives by appropriating subjective gaps in human uncertainty and desire with objective results, thus incorporating a sense of wonder and closeness in much of what we do. It does this because technology is no longer cold and rational, but warm and aesthetically pleasing in the many devices we use; it performs magically by engaging us sensorially, creating new realities, and bridges objective facts with subjective assumptions in data analysis. As such, it unites and empowers the uncertainties of our social world.
Fashion magazines and fashion as a system of magic
Authors: Moeran Brian
Published: April 2017

This article is about international women's fashion magazines – specificallyElle,Harper's Bazaar,Marie ClaireandVogue– and the part they play in creating and sustaining the fashion industry as a system of magic. As an integral part of the fashion industry, they perform numerous textual and visual forms of magic to enchant their readers into desiring, if not buying, fashionable clothing and accessories of all sorts, as well as the beauty products advertised in their pages. As such, fashion magazine practices parallel those found in magical and religious rites in general: they are designed to overcome the uncertainties of cultural production and aesthetic taste.
Microbiological and enzymatic activity of bovine whole milk treated by pulsed electric fields
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Oey Indrawati , Bremer Phil , Everett David W
Published: April 2017

Pulsed electric field (PEF)‐treated milk (25.7 kV/cm for 34 μs after preheating to 55 °C and holding for 24 s) was microbiologically stable for 21 days at 4 °C, and similar to thermally treated milk (63 °C for 30 min or 73 °C for 15 s). Alkaline phosphatase inactivation was comparable after PEF (preheating followed by PEF) and both thermal treatments. PEF treatment initially reduced xanthine oxidase (30%) and plasmin (7%) activities, but after 21 days of refrigerated storage these activities were similar to the initial untreated milk. During refrigerated storage of PEF (preheating followed by PEF) and thermally treated milk, lipolytic activity increased and pH levels decreased.
Effect of pullulan on the physicochemical properties of yoghurt
Authors: Kycia Katarzyna , Chlebowska‐Śmigiel Anna , Gniewosz Małgorzata , Sokół Ewa
Published: April 2017

The effects of pullulan (PUL) addition (0, 1.0 and 2.0% w/ v) on the physicochemical properties of yoghurts stored at 4 °C for 28 days were investigated. Fortification of the yoghurt with 1% PUL had a weakening effect on the gel network structure, leading to a decrease in initial viscosity and an extreme increase in syneresis, when compared to control. The addition of 2% PUL largely improved product stability by increasing gel firmness and adhesiveness, showing higher viscosity and consistency index values as well as displaying the lowest syneresis. Storage time increased yoghurt gel firmness and susceptibility to serum separation.
The time inconsistency of long constitutions: Evidence from the world
Authors: TSEBELIS GEORGE
Published: April 2017

This article analyses the mechanisms establishing time consistency of constitutions. It explains why shorter and more locked constitutions are more likely to be time consistent (change less) and that long constitutions are more time inconsistent (change more, despite locking). Empirical evidence from all of the democratic countries in the world indicates that the length and locking of constitutions are not independent criteria, and that their combination leads to less time consistency. To address this inter‐relationship, a measure of time inconsistency (a combination of locking and amendment rate) is developed and it is demonstrated that it is connected with the length of constitutions. The article shows how time inconsistency is incompatible with theories of ‘constitutional amendment culture’ not only at the theoretical level, but also empirically. Finally, the article proves that the empirical finding that the length of constitutions is related to lower per capita income and higher corruption are not only in agreement with time inconsistency arguments, but this also extends beyond OECD countries to all democracies.
To eat or get heat: Behavioral trade‐offs between thermoregulation and feeding in gregarious necrophagous larvae
Authors: Podhorna Jana , Aubernon Cindy , Borkovcova Marie , Boulay Julien , Hedouin Valery , Charabidze Damien
Published: April 2017

The thermoregulation behavior of Lucilia sericata larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a necrophagous species that feeds on vertebrate cadavers, was investigated. These larvae require high heat incomes to develop, and can elevate temperatures by forming large aggregates. We hypothesized that L. sericata larvae should continue to feed at temperatures up to 38 °C, which can be reached inside larval masses. Thermal regulation behavior such as movement between a hot food spot and colder areas was also postulated. The hypotheses were tested by tracking for 1 h the activity of single, starved third instar larvae in a Petri dish containing 1 food spot (FS) that was heated to a constant temperature of 25 °C, 34 °C or 38 °C with an ambient temperature of 25 °C. The influence of previous conspecific activity in the food on larval behavior was also tested. The crops of larvae were dissected to monitor food content in the digestive systems. Based on relative crop measurements, larvae fed at all food temperatures, but temperature strongly affected larval behavior and kinematics. The total time spent by larvae in FS and the duration of each stay decreased at high FS temperature. Previous activity of conspecifics in the food slightly increased the time spent by larvae in FS and also decreased the average distance to FS. Therefore, necrophagous L. sericata larvae likely thermoregulate during normal feeding activities by adjusting to local fluctuations in temperature, particularly inside maggot masses. By maintaining a steady internal body temperature, larvae likely reduce their development time.
Coarse‐graining bacteria colonies for modelling critical solute distributions in picolitre bioreactors for bacterial studies on single‐cell level
Authors: Westerwalbesloh Christoph , Grünberger Alexander , Wiechert Wolfgang , Kohlheyer Dietrich , von Lieres Eric
Published: April 2017

Microfluidic single‐cell bioreactors have found widespread application to investigate growth and gene expression of microbial model organisms, but yet there are few attempts to systematically characterize different design and cultivation concepts. Quantitative measurements of critical solute concentrations, e.g. limiting nutrients, are not yet feasible within the typical volumes in the range of picolitres. A way to gain new insights about the mass transport within those volumes is by simulation, but the complex geometry resulting from the multitude of cells within a colony leads to time and resource consuming computational challenges. In this work, six different concepts for the model representation of cellular microcolonies within microfluidic monolayer growth chamber devices are compared. The Gini coefficient is proposed as new measure for inhomogeneity within cellular colonies. An example cell colony is represented by a single point source, a cylindrical volume with homogeneous reaction rates with and without adjusted diffusion coefficient, as point sources for each single cell and as rod‐shaped, diffusion blocking, three‐dimensional cells with varying shapes. Simulated concentration profiles across the chambers depended strongly on the chosen cell representation. The representation with the lowest degree of abstraction, three‐dimensional cells, leads to complex geometries and high computational effort, but also gives a conservative and therefore preferable estimate for the cultivation conditions within a given cultivation chamber geometry. Interestingly, the cylindrical volume with adjusted diffusion coefficient gives similar results but requires far less computational effort. Therefore, it is proposed to use the three‐dimensional cells for detailed studies and to determine parameters for the cylindrical volume with adjusted diffusion coefficient, which can then be used for experimental design, screening of parameter spaces, and similar applications.
Presentation of missed childhood Kawasaki disease in adults: Experience from a tertiary care center in north India
Authors: Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Bhattad Sagar , Varma Subhash , Singhal Manphool , Gordon John , Singh Surjit
Published: April 2017

Aim

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in Japan, North America and Europe. Undiagnosed and untreated KD can have clinically significant consequences later in life. The clinical spectrum of missed childhood KD is frequently being recognized during adulthood. We report four adult cases of acute coronary events, in which coronary angiography was suggestive of sequelae of KD.

Methods

Four adults who presented with acute coronary events, had coronary angiography for evaluation. Indoor‐admission files were analyzed for the clinical details of individual cases.

Results

Two cases were below 40 years of age. None of the patients had any known conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis. Case 4 had a clinical history of childhood KD. Coronary angiography revealed ectasia of multiple coronary arteries and stenosis in distal segments in the first three cases and large thrombosed aneurysm with calcified walls in the fourth case.

Conclusion

We hereby report four adult cases with acute coronary events, who had markedly dilated coronary artery segments suggestive of possible sequelae of childhood KD.
Association between medial meniscus extrusion and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee
Authors: Yasuda Tadashi , Ota Satoshi , Fujita Satoshi , Onishi Eijiro , Iwaki Koichi , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

Aim

Medial meniscus tear has been proposed as a potential etiology of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK). Disruption of collagen fibers within the meniscus causes meniscal extrusion, which results in alteration in load distribution in the knee. Our purpose was to determine whether the extent of medial meniscus extrusion correlates with the severity of SONK in the medial femoral condyle.

Methods

Radiological stage of SONK and femorotibial angle (FTA) were determined on knee radiographs. Ellipsoid volume of SONK lesion and meniscal pathology (degeneration, tear and extrusion) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

All the 18 knees with SONK in the present study showed substantial extrusion (≥ 3 mm) and degeneration of the medial meniscus. The extent of meniscal extrusion and FTA were strongly associated with the stage and volume of the SONK lesion. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that medial meniscus extrusion and FTA were useful predictors of the volume of the SONK lesion.

Conclusion

There was high association of medial meniscus extrusion and FTA with the radiological stage and volume of the SONK lesion. Increased loading in the medial femoral condyle with greater extrusion of medial meniscus and varus alignment may contribute to expansion and secondary osteoarthritic changes of a SONK lesion.
How Disclosure Features of Corporate Social Responsibility Reports Interact with Investor Numeracy to Influence Investor Judgments
Authors: Elliott W. Brooke , Grant Stephanie M. , Rennekamp Kristina M.
Published: April 2017

Firms’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports typically frame their strategies in terms of either community or global efforts (i.e., “strategy frame”). Further, the style used to depict CSR performance in reports often highlights either pictures or words (i.e., “presentation style”). These two prominent disclosure features of CSR reports promote a natural fit or misfit in the focus (relatively low‐level or high‐level focus) investors adopt when thinking about the firm and its CSR efforts. Further, these disclosure features likely have different effects on investors depending on their numeracy or, in other words, the way that they naturally process numerical information. In this study, we predict and find that a fit between the strategy frame and the presentation style of a firm's CSR report causes less numerate investors to be more willing to invest than when a fit is not present. Specifically, we find that a fit leads less numerate investors to experience subjective feelings of processing fluency and, in turn, positive affect that serves as a cue that the positive CSR performance information can be relied upon, which positively influences willingness to invest. Our results have implications for both CSR reports as well as other types of firm disclosures that increasingly vary along similar disclosure characteristics. Our results also contribute to both the growing literature on presentation effects in accounting, as well as the broader business literature on CSR reporting.
Post‐operative nausea and vomiting in bariatric surgery patients: an observational study
Authors: Halliday T. A. , Sundqvist J. , Hultin M. , Walldén J.
Published: April 2017

Background

The risk of post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the risk of PONV and the use and effectiveness of PONV prophylaxis.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 74 patients undergoing bariatric surgery with total intravenous anaesthesia. Patients were given PONV prophylaxis based on published guidelines and a simplified PONV risk score. Perioperative data were collected and a questionnaire was used at 2, 4, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after the operation to evaluate PONV. Data are presented as risk (%) with the 95% confidence interval.

Results

Sixty five per cent (54–75) of the patients experienced PONV in the first 24 post‐operative hours and the risk increased with the number of risk factors for PONV. PONV occurred in 78% (66–87) of women and 26% (12–49) of men during the first 24 h. In relation to the guidelines, one patient received suboptimal PONV prophylaxis, 23% received optimal prophylaxis and 76% supra‐optimal prophylaxis. The risk of PONV was 82% (59–94) with optimal prophylaxis and 59% (46–71) with supra‐optimal prophylaxis. Of all patients, 34% (24–45) experienced severe PONV in the first 24 h that limited their activity.

Conclusions

The incidence of PONV in bariatric surgery patients was high despite a PONV prophylaxis regime following current guidelines. These results cast doubt as to the effectiveness of the usual PONV prophylaxis in this patient group and point to the need for further investigation of PONV prophylaxis and treatment in bariatric surgery patients.
Variation in the recall of socially rewarding information and depressive symptom severity: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lewis G. , Kounali D.‐Z. , Button K. S. , Duffy L. , Wiles N. J. , Munafò M. R. , Harmer C. J. , Lewis G.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To test the association between recall for socially rewarding (positive) and/or socially critical (negative) information and depressive symptoms.

Method

Cohort study of people who had visited UK primary care in the past year reporting depressive symptoms (N = 558, 69% female). Positive and negative recall was assessed at three time‐points, 2 weeks apart, using a computerised task. Depressive symptoms were assessed at four time‐points using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Analyses were conducted using multilevel models.

Results

Concurrently we found evidence that, for every increase in two positive words recalled, depressive symptoms reduced by 0.6 (95% CI −1.0 to −0.2) BDI points. This association was not affected by adjustment for confounders. There was no evidence of an association between negative recall and depressive symptoms (−0.1, 95% CI −0.5 to 0.3). Longitudinally, we found more evidence that positive recall was associated with reduced depressive symptoms than vice versa.

Conclusion

People with more severe depressive symptoms recall less positive information, even if their recall of negative information is unaltered. Clinicians could put more emphasis on encouraging patients to recall positive, socially rewarding information, rather than trying to change negative interpretations of events that have already occurred.
Sex‐dependent thermal history influences cold tolerance, longevity and fecundity in false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Boersma Nevill , Boardman Leigh , Gilbert Martin , Terblanche John S.
Published: April 2017

Environmental temperature plays a critical role in the field performance of mass‐reared insects. For sterile insect technique programmes, the influence of larval (developmental) temperature variation on subsequent adult field performance is generally poorly understood but may be a significant avenue for increasing efficacy.

In the present study, we investigated the influence of larval thermal acclimation on several traits of adult performance in the false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick).

After larvae were reared at 15, 20 or 25 °C for their full larval developmental period, we determined the effect of different acute (2 h) temperature treatments (10, 15 or 20 °C) during the adult stage on traits of (i) cold tolerance; (ii) fecundity; and (iii) longevity.

Cold tolerance of adults was not influenced by larval acclimation temperature but was affected by sex and adult treatment temperature. Adult fecundity and longevity were affected by larval acclimation temperature, adult treatment temperature and the interaction of these factors with sex.

These results suggest a complex, sex‐dependent interplay of short‐ and longer‐ term temperature history across developmental stages for these traits. Exploring the field impacts of this trait variation is essential, coupled with information on how these traits might respond to artificial manipulation.
Genotyping by sequencing reveals a new locus for pig teat number
Authors: Wang L. , Zhang Y. , Zhang T. , Zhang L. , Yan H. , Liu X. , Wang L.
Published: April 2017

Teat number is an extremely valuable trait for sow reproduction performance and piglet survival. Here, we used genotyping‐by‐sequencing and a general liner model to carry out genome‐wide analysis of sow total teat number in an Erhualian population. The results indicated that eight SNPs on chromosomes 4, 5, 9 and 10 were significant genome wide (Bonferroni method, P < 2.85E‐7) for sow total teat number. Validation analyses were performed in 298 Erhualian and 904 Large White sows using these significant SNPs and the general liner model procedure in sas. Finally, only the SNP on chromosome 5 was found to be significantly associated with sow teat number in both populations. The GG genotype individuals had 2.23 and 0.82 more teat numbers respectively than did the AA genotype individuals in these two populations (P < 0.05). According to the expression and annotation analyses, we inferred the presence of a gene or lincRNA that could affect teat number by regulating other genes and ultimately affecting the mammogenesis of pigs. Further studies using methods such as Cas9 editing and gene silencing analysis are necessary for additional function analysis.
Detection of invariant natural killer T cells in ejaculates from infertile patients with chronic inflammation of genital tract
Authors: Duan Yong‐Gang , Chen Shujian , Haidl Gerhard , Allam Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2017

Chronic inflammation of genital tract is thought to play a major role in male fertility disorder. Natural killer (NK) T cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties of both T cells and NK cells which display immunoregulatory properties. However, little is known regarding the presence and function of NK T cells in ejaculates from patients with chronic inflammation of genital tract. Invariant NK T (iNK T) cells were detected by invariant (Vα24‐JαQ) TCR chain in ejaculates from patients suffering from chronic inflammation of genital tract (CIGT) using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence of double staining (n=40). Inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐17, and IFN‐γ were detected in cell‐free seminal plasma using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between the percentage of iNK T cells and spermatozoa count, motility, vitality, seminal IL‐6, IL‐17, and IFN‐γ was investigated. Significant percentages of iNK T cells above 10% were detected in 50% (CIGT‐NKT+ group). A negative correlation was detected between the percentage of iNK T cells and spermatozoa count (r=−.5957, P=.0056), motility (r=−.6163, P=.0038), and vitality (r=−.8032, P=.0019) in CIGT‐NKT+ group (n=20). Interestingly, a significant correlation of iNK T cells to seminal IL‐6 (r=.7083, P=.0005), IFN‐γ (r=.9578, P<.0001) was detected whereas lack of correlation between iNK T cells and IL‐17 (r=−.1557, P=.5122) in CIGT‐NKT+ group. The proliferative response of iNK T cells could accompany an inflammatory response to spermatozoa and consequently influence sperm quality through secretion of IFN‐γ but not IL‐17 under chronic inflammatory condition.
Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin sensitization is associated with allergic poly‐sensitization and allergic multimorbidity in adolescents
Authors: Sørensen M. , Klingenberg C. , Wickman M. , Sollid J. U. E. , Furberg A‐S. , Bachert C. , Bousquet J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) carriage and sensitization to S. aureus enterotoxins (SEs) have been associated with allergic diseases. From the Tromsø Study Fit Futures 2, we have previously shown an association between S. aureus carriage and severe allergic disease and allergic multimorbidity. However, the role of S. aureus carriage and SE sensitization on allergic multimorbidity and allergic sensitization is unclear.

Objective

To study associations of both nasal S. aureus carriage and SE sensitization to allergic disease and allergic sensitization.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of a school‐based cohort in late adolescence (aged 18‐19 years: The Tromsø Study Fit Futures 2). Self‐reported allergic diseases were assessed using the Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy questionnaire (MeDALL). Participants were tested for nasal S. aureus carriage, serum total IgE and specific IgE to SEs, and food and inhalant allergens.

Results

A total of 868 participants were studied. Sensitization to at least one food or inhalant allergen was found in 319 of 765 (41.7%), and to at least one SE in 173 of 656 (26.2%) participants. SE sensitization, but not S. aureus carriage, was associated with poly‐sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. SE‐sensitized participants had higher median specific IgE to inhalant allergens (41.4 kUA/L, IQR 10.1‐118.4) compared to non‐SE‐sensitized participants (18.0 kUA/L, IQR 5.5‐48.6, P=.004), but not to food allergens. SE sensitization was associated with allergic multimorbidity.

Conclusion

Sensitization to SEs may play a role in the development of allergen poly‐sensitization and allergic multimorbidity.
Live birth outcome, spontaneous pregnancy and adoption up to five years after undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment
Authors: Volgsten Helena , Schmidt Lone
Published: April 2017

Introduction

This study is part of a longitudinal cohort undertaken in both women and men to describe live birth outcome after undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in a clinical setting. Another objective was to follow women and men living with children from other alternatives after ART, such as adoption.

Material and methods

A total of 439 (80.5%) women and 423 (77.6%) men were included in the baseline cohort (2005–2007). Live birth rate after ART was 24.8% at baseline. Up to 5 years later (2010–2011) the same participants were sent individual postal questionnaires (n = 439).

Results

Overall, 278 (63.3%) women and 183 (41.7%) men filled in and returned the questionnaire at follow up. The majority of women (91.7%) and men (93.4%) were living with children. A total of 225 (80.9%) women had a live birth at follow up. Of these, almost three of four (71.6%) had a live birth after ART and more than one of four (28.0%) after spontaneous pregnancies or both. Of these, 52 (26.1%) women had a subsequent live birth after successful ART and 26 (32.9%) women after unsuccessful ART. Nineteen (6.8%) women and 13 (7.1%) men had a child after adoption. Almost one of five (19.1%) women had no live birth at follow up.

Conclusion

The majority of women and men were living with children, resulting from a live birth after ART, spontaneous pregnancy and/or adoption up to 5 years later. However, almost one of five had no live birth at follow up.
Patient selection for later delivery timing with suspected previa‐accreta
Authors: Perlman Nicola C. , Little Sarah E. , Thomas Ann , Cantonwine David E. , Carusi Daniela A.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

We identified patients with previa and suspected accreta who are at lowest risk of unscheduled delivery or major morbidity with planned delivery beyond 34 weeks’ gestation.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who had reached 34.0 weeks’ gestational age with a suspected previa‐accreta. We evaluated rates of unscheduled and emergent delivery based on known risk factors for premature birth. In a second analysis, we stratified patients based on level of preoperative morbidity concern and evaluated rates of major transfusion and Intensive Care Unit admission by delivery week (34 weeks, 35 weeks or 36 weeks and beyond).

Results

Of 84 available patients, we classified 31 patients as low risk for unscheduled delivery and 52 as high risk. The low risk group was scheduled later (36.6 vs. 36.0 weeks; p < 0.01), but demonstrated lower rates of unscheduled delivery prior to 36 weeks (3% vs. 19%, p = 0.05). Of the patients with no prior cesarean section, only one (7%) experienced massive blood loss even though 36% had unscheduled deliveries. We observed no significant increase in major transfusion or massive blood loss with advancing gestational age, likely due to selection of the most concerning patients for early, scheduled delivery.

Conclusion

Patients with suspected previa‐accreta and no risk factors for preterm birth are at low risk for an unscheduled delivery prior to 36 weeks. Those with no concern for percreta or increta or no prior cesarean section may also be candidates for later delivery.
Predictive value of plasma human chorionic gonadotropin measured 14 days after Day‐2 single embryo transfer
Authors: Løssl Kristine , Oldenburg Anna , Toftager Mette , Bogstad Jeanette , Prætorius Lisbeth , Zedeler Anne , Yding andersen Claus , Grøndahl Marie L. , Pinborg Anja
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Prediction of pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization is important for patients and clinicians. Early plasma human chorionic gonadotropin (p‐hCG) levels are the best known predictor of pregnancy outcome, but no studies have been restricted to single embryo transfer (SET) of Day‐2 embryos. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of p‐hCG measured exactly 14 days after the most commonly used Day‐2 SET on pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal outcome.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 466 women who had p‐hCG measured exactly 14 days after Day‐2 SET during a randomized trial including 1050 unselected women (aged 18–40 years) undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.

Results

The p‐hCG predicted clinical pregnancy [area under the curve (AUC) 0.953; 95% CI 0.915–0.992] significantly better than ongoing pregnancy (AUC 0.803, 95% CI 0.717–0.890) and delivery (AUC 0.772, 95% CI 0.691–0.854). Women with p‐hCG levels in the lowest quartile had significantly lower clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and delivery rates (p < 0.001), whereas the pregnancy outcome and post‐clinical pregnancy loss remained similar throughout the three highest p‐hCG quartiles. The p‐hCG level was related to neither birthweight nor gestational age at delivery.

Conclusions

Clinical pregnancy is significantly better predicted by p‐hCG compared with ongoing pregnancy and delivery. Clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates, and delivery rates remained similar throughout the three highest p‐hCG quartiles with no trend towards “the higher the better”.
Biventricular function on early echocardiograms in neonatal hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Aggarwal Sanjeev , Natarajan Girija
Published: April 2017

Aim

To compare early (<24 hours) echocardiograms (ECHOs) in infants with perinatal hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing (i) therapeutic hypothermia (TH), (ii) normothermia and (iii) normal controls.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective review of clinical early ECHOs of term infants with moderate or severe HIE and controls (with a normal ECHO <72 hours of age). Right (RVO) and left ventricular output (LVO), RV and LV myocardial performance index (MPI), systolic to diastolic duration ratio (S/D) and eccentricity indices (EI) in systole and diastole were compared using ANOVA.

Results

Among infants with HIE (n = 56, 38 in the TH and 18 in normothermia groups), 14 (25%) infants died and 42 survived. Significantly elevated biventricular MPI, lower RVO and LVO and pulmonary hypertension (abnormal EI, higher RV S/D and bidirectional or right‐to‐left ductal shunt) were found in groups with HIE, compared to controls (n = 35). LV MPI was lower in HIE‐TH, compared to the HIE‐normothermia group. Infants with HIE who died (n = 14) had a significantly lower EId [0.77 (0.09) vs. 0.83 (0.08), p = 0.021] compared to survivors (n = 42).

Conclusion

Infants with perinatal HIE have ventricular dysfunction; those who died had significantly lower EId than survivors; this association needs to be further validated.
Editorial: is surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma really required for all British cirrhotics?
Authors: Brennan P. , Bathgate A.
Published: April 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to West et al papers. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13961.
Randomised clinical trial: yoga vs written self‐care advice for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Cramer H. , Schäfer M. , Schöls M. , Köcke J. , Elsenbruch S. , Lauche R. , Engler H. , Dobos G. , Langhorst J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Perceived stress seems to be a risk factor for exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Yoga has been shown to reduce perceived stress.

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of yoga for improving quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Methods

A total of 77 patients (75% women; 45.5 ± 11.9 years) with ulcerative colitis in clinical remission but impaired quality of life were randomly assigned to yoga (12 supervised weekly sessions of 90 min; n = 39) or written self‐care advice (n = 38). Primary outcome was disease‐specific quality of life (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included disease activity (Rachmilewitz clinical activity index) and safety. Outcomes were assessed at weeks 12 and 24 by blinded outcome assessors.

Results

The yoga group had significantly higher disease‐specific quality of life compared to the self‐care group after 12 weeks (Δ = 14.6; 95% confidence interval=2.6–26.7; P = 0.018) and after 24 weeks (Δ = 16.4; 95% confidence interval=2.5–30.3; P = 0.022). Twenty‐one and 12 patients in the yoga group and in the self‐care group, respectively, reached a clinical relevant increase in quality of life at week 12 (P = 0.048); and 27 and 17 patients at week 24 (P = 0.030). Disease activity was lower in the yoga group compared to the self‐care group after 24 weeks (Δ = −1.2; 95% confidence interval=−0.1−[−2.3]; P = 0.029). Three and one patient in the yoga group and in the self‐care group, respectively, experienced serious adverse events (P = 0.317); and seven and eight patients experienced nonserious adverse events (P = 0.731).

Conclusions

Yoga can be considered as a safe and effective ancillary intervention for patients with ulcerative colitis and impaired quality of life. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02043600.