bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of intra- and inter-organizational global careers
Authors: H. Näsholm Malin
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Although research has shown differences between self-initiated experiences and expatriation, this differentiation has rarely been made when it comes to more long-term global careers. The purpose of this paper is to identify similarities and differences between repeat expatriates and international itinerants in their career paths, subjective experiences, and narratives of how they relate to their context.

Design/methodology/approach

– A narrative approach was used and interviews were conducted with ten repeat expatriates and ten international itinerants. The career paths of the 20 Swedish global careerists and how they narrate their careers are analyzed, and the two types of global careerists are compared.

Findings

– Results show that the repeat expatriates and international itinerants differ in their subjective experiences of global careers, and how they narrate them. Three broad domains are identified that integrate a range of issues that are important for global careerists. These domains are the organization and career domain, the country and culture domain, and the family, communities, and networks domain. The repeat expatriates and international itinerants differ in how they relate to these and what is important to them.

Practical implications

– The differences found have implications for organizations in terms of recruitment, management, and retention of a global talent pool.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the understanding of subjective experiences of global careers and integrates a range of aspects in the context of global careerists that are important to them. Moreover, it contributes to the understanding of global careers by differentiating between those with intra- and inter-organizational global careers.
Can vague brand slogans promote desirable consumer responses?
Authors: Strutton David , Roswinanto Widyarso
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the effects associated with the strategic use of vague, as opposed to precise, advertised brand slogans on various consumer responses.

Design/methodology/approach

– A content analysis study was conducted to explore the pattern of vagueness in advertising slogans from 1,441 consumer-oriented brands. Based on the resultant delineation/definition of vagueness, two experimental studies followed. Vignette advertising slogans were manipulated to achieve different level of vagueness. The initial 2 × 2 factorial between subjects design engaged vagueness level of brand slogans and consumers’ need for cognition as factors. Brand recall functioned as the dependent variable. The second experiment featured another 2 × 2 factorial design that used vagueness level and length of brand slogan as factors. Brand attitude, persuasiveness and purchase intention functioned as dependent variables.

Findings

– Vagueness level of advertising/branding slogans did not significantly affect brand recall. Interactions between vagueness level and length of advertisement slogans exercised significant effects on evoked thought, brand attitude and persuasiveness but not on purchase intention. At net, this study generated original theoretical and managerial insights about how and why desirable branding outcomes can be generated by managing the vagueness and word count of brand slogans, and a platform from which future research on this topic could be based.

Research limitations/implications

– First, the sample was limited to the southwestern USA. Second, in the slogan vignettes that were used, other cues were deliberately eliminated. A brand slogan essentially devoid of other cues may have been perceived as less realistic by respondents, thus reducing the relevance of their responses. However, a similar tradeoff always exists between more realistic states and controlled conditions.

Practical implications

– This study produces original theoretical and managerial insights about how and why several desirable branding outcomes are likely to result when vague, rather than precise, advertising slogans are deployed under certain manageable conditions. Each insight just referenced ensues from a study that itself was grounded in an extensive content analysis of contemporary print advertising slogans. This content analysis generated a substantial amount of practical and actionable insight about the treatment and use and management of slogans. This study demonstrates that the vagueness, precision and/or word count of slogans can be manipulated in ways that yield three communication outcomes that redound directly to the marketing interests of brand and advertising managers.

Originality/value

– The findings provide unique insight into how vagueness level of advertising slogans can be managed and how such a level can affect consumers’ perceptions.
Who pays the price for loyalty? The role of self-consciousness
Authors: Tolbert Sylvia Long , Kohli Chiranjeev , Suri Rajneesh
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to study the role of self-consciousness from the point of view of firm loyalty. Firms increasingly vie to gain, and then maintain, loyal consumers. A firm’s assumption that such consumers will be willing to pay premium prices, however, contradicts consumers’ rational motivations to seek low prices. This research suggests that consumers’ self-consciousness and the nature of their loyalty toward a firm help resolve this apparent contradiction. The results show that when past purchases reflect an exclusive relationship with a retailer, participants with high public self-consciousness valued relatively low-price offers, whereas those with high private self-consciousness expressed high-value perceptions for higher priced offers. However, when past purchases were divided between retail partners, self-consciousness showed no impact on value perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Firms increasingly vie to gain, and then maintain, loyal consumers. A firm’s assumption that such consumers will be willing to pay premium prices, however, contradicts consumers’ rational motivations to seek low prices. This research suggests that consumers’ self-consciousness and the nature of their loyalty toward a firm help resolve this apparent contradiction. The results show that when past purchases reflect an exclusive relationship with a retailer, participants with high public self-consciousness valued relatively low-price offers, whereas those with high private self-consciousness expressed high-value perceptions for higher priced offers. However, when past purchases were divided between retail partners, self-consciousness showed no impact on value perceptions.

Findings

– Analysis reveals that consumers’ evaluations and search behaviors are influenced by characteristics of the medium (retail vs e-tail), but this effect is moderated by both gender and price knowledge. Females prefer a brick and mortar environment and are likely to seek information at such retailers even when similar products are available online. However, males evaluate online offers better than identical store offers and are less inclined to engage in channel transition. Finally, evaluations of online offers are positively related to price knowledge, whereas a reverse pattern of results is obtained for retail offers.

Originality/value

– The findings shed light on how consumers evaluate identical online vs retail price offers, and their associated search intentions. These findings have practical implications for merchants who adopt a dual presence.
Brand switching of high-technology capital products: how product features dictate the switching decision
Authors: Al-Kwifi Sam , Ahmed Zafar U. , Yammout Dina
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that underpin brand switching of medical imaging products by mass-market users. Most of the literature on brand switching is focused on competitive market products, for which switching costs are manageable. However, little consideration is given to brand switching of high-technology capital products.

Design/methodology/approach

– The conceptual model is developed based on the existing literature on B2B brand switching. An online survey was developed and distributed to decision makers involved in purchasing medical imaging technology.

Findings

– The results confirm the expectation that product features is the most influential factor underpinning brand switching. Product features are critical for medical organizations who want to maintain their competitive advantage. The findings suggest that the set of factors that influence the decision to switch is unique for users of different market segments in the same industry (e.g. lead users and mass-market users). This difference stems from technology utilization of each market segment.

Research limitations/implications

– In high-technology markets, managers should develop a reliable strategy to evaluate the antecedents behind brand switching that are specific to their industry. Knowledge of the major factors that cause users to switch is essential to allow firms to determine the strategy needed to prevent the erosion of their market share.

Originality/value

– Although the literature reports considerable research on brand switching, this study is a first-of-its-kind in that it demonstrates that the factors underpinning brand switching vary within the same industry, based on the characteristics of each market segment. This paper develops new knowledge on the factors that influence the decision of users of high-technology capital products to switch between brands to renew or improve their internal capabilities.
How energy efficient office buildings challenge and contribute to usability
Authors: Meistad Torill
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This is an analysis of modern office buildings with high energy efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to focus on how such buildings affects usability for the organizations occupying the buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis combine results from studies of two case projects with a literature review. Case studies include qualitative interviews with key informants, internal post-occupancy evaluations and annual reports from the user organizations. The two buildings are Norwegian pioneers regarding energy efficiency.

Findings

– The new buildings provide a high degree of usability for the user organizations, including user satisfaction, efficiency and effectiveness. The case projects illustrate the potential in combining improvements for energy efficiency and the usability of buildings. There are synergistic effects in a mutual process of development for the buildings and organizations based upon strategic business goals. Management of the process is crucial in order to succeed.

Research limitations/implications

– The study applies the approach of usability to an analysis of energy efficient buildings. Two case projects exemplify potentials and challenges.

Practical implications

– Office buildings can be developed to a high degree of energy efficiency by considering the many aspects of usability for the user organizations. Integrating constructing projects into organizational development processes is crucial for the result.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the emerging field, analyzing effects on usability for the organizations occupying energy efficient office buildings. The study also adds to the young field of analyzing the integration of the development of buildings into processes of organizational development by enlightening the potential regarding buildings with high energy ambitions.
Evaluation framework for green procurement in road construction
Authors: X. Sanchez Adriana , Lehtiranta Liisa , D. Hampson Keith , Kenley Russell
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Most barriers and enablers of sustainable projects are related to procurement. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for evaluating green procurement practices throughout the lifecycle of road construction projects and demonstrates its application through an Australian case study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on linking the phases of road construction with incentive mechanisms for proactively motivating behavioural change. A holistic view on utilised and potential incentives is attempted with a literature review and a state-of-practice review. The latter is based on interviews and 90 policy and procurement documents across five Australian states.

Findings

– An evaluation framework with seven procurement stages is suggested to describe current state green procurement incentives throughout the delivery lifecycle of road construction projects. The Australian case study was found to provide useful data to identify gaps and strong points of the different states regarding their level of integration of sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction elements in their procurement practices. This understanding was used to draw recommendations on future advancement of green procurement.

Originality/value

– Government entities across the globe can impact considerably the achievement of sustainability and GHG targets, by using their procurement practices and requirements to create incentives for contractors and suppliers to engage in more GHG conscious practices. The present study provides a systematic account of how green procurement practices can be underpinned using the Australian road construction industry as a case study, and distinguish between strong and weak links in the green procurement chain to draw recommendations for future initiatives.
Shc depletion stimulates brown fat activity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Tomilov Alexey , Bettaieb Ahmed , Kim Kyoungmi , Sahdeo Sunil , Tomilova Natalia , Lam Adam , Hagopian Kevork , Connell Michelle , Fong Jennifer , Rowland Douglas , Griffey Stephen , Ramsey Jon , Haj Fawaz , Cortopassi Gino
Published: September 2014

Adipose tissue is an important metabolic organ that integrates a wide array of homeostatic processes and is crucial for whole‐body insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a key thermogenic tissue with a well‐established role in energy expenditure. BAT dissipates energy and protects against both hypothermia and obesity. Thus, BAT stimulation therapy is a rational strategy for the looming pandemic of obesity, whose consequences and comorbidities have a huge impact on the aged. Shc‐deficient mice (ShcKO) were previously shown to be lean, insulin sensitive, and resistant to high‐fat diet and obesity. We investigated the contribution of BAT to this phenotype. Insulin‐dependent BAT glucose uptake was higher in ShcKO mice. Primary ShcKO BAT cells exhibited increased mitochondrial respiration; increased expression of several mitochondrial and lipid‐oxidative enzymes was observed in ShcKO BAT. Levels of brown fat‐specific markers of differentiation, UCP1, PRDM16, ELOVL3, and Cox8b, were higher in ShcKO BAT. In vitro, Shc knockdown in BAT cell line increased insulin sensitivity and metabolic activity. In vivo, pharmacological stimulation of ShcKO BAT resulted in higher energy expenditure. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of BAT abolished the improved metabolic parameters, that is the increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance of ShcKO mice. Similarly, in vitro Shc knockdown in BAT cell lines increased their expression of UCP1 and metabolic activity. These data suggest increased BAT activity significantly contributes to the improved metabolic phenotype of ShcKO mice.
Acute resistance exercise with blood flow restriction effects on heart rate, double product, oxygen saturation and perceived exertion
Authors: Neto Gabriel R. , Sousa Maria S. C. , Costa e Silva Gabriel V. , Gil Ana L. S. , Salles Belmiro F. , Novaes Jefferson S.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effect of resistance exercise (RE) with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on heart rate (HR), double product (DP), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Twenty‐four men (21·79 ± 3·21 years) performed three experimental protocols in a random order (crossover): (i) high‐intensity RE at 80% of 1RM (HI), (ii) low‐intensity RE at 20% of 1RM (LI) and (iii) low‐intensity RE at 20% of 1RM combined with partial blood flow restriction (LI+BFR). HR, blood pressure, SpO2 and RPE were assessed. The data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon test for RPE. The results indicated that all protocols significantly increased HR, both immediately postexercise and during the subsequent 60 min (P<0·05), and postexercise DP (P<0·05), but there were no differences between protocols. The protocols of LI and LI+BFR reduced postexercise SpO2 (P = 0·033, P = 0·007), and the LI+BFR protocol presented a perception of greater exertion in the lower limbs compared with HI (P = 0·022). We conclude that RE performed at low intensity combined with BFR seems to reduce the SpO2 after exercise and increase HR and DP while maintaining a perception of greater exertion on the lower limbs.
Mutated and amplified NRAS in a subset of cutaneous melanocytic lesions with dermal spitzoid morphology: report of two pediatric cases located on the ear
Authors: Dubruc Estelle , Balme Brigitte , Dijoud Frédérique , Disant Francois , Thomas Luc , Wang Qing , Pissaloux Daniel , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud
Published: September 2014

Extensive cytogenetic testing is slowly unveiling the complexity of the genomics of melanocytic tumors. NRAS mutations have been the first genetic abnormality described in malignant melanomas. We report the cases of two children, presenting a melanocytic lesion located on the ear. One appeared as a combined dermal clone inside a congenital nevus and the other as a centimetric purely dermal tumor. Both tumors were composed of spindled spitzoid melanocytes with atypical histologic features. aCGH and FISH revealed an amplification of the NRAS gene. Sequencing showed an exon 3 NRAS mutation. In the combined case, the amplification was limited to the spitzoid component, underscoring a possible phenotypic shift induced by the alteration. Similarly an overexpression of CyclinD1 and elevation of ki‐67 was found in the spitzoid component confirming a raise in proliferation.

Such combination of mutation and copy number increase has been previously reported for the HRAS gene in a subset of Spitz nevi. Further studies must evaluate if mutated NRAS is also amplified in melanomas arising in this clinical setting. These combined alterations could represent an early event ultimately leading to malignancy.
Positive association of free triiodothyronine with pancreatic β‐cell function in people with prediabetes
Authors: Oda T. , Taneichi H. , Takahashi K. , Togashi H. , Hangai M. , Nakagawa R. , Ono M. , Matsui M. , Sasai T. , Nagasawa K. , Honma H. , Kajiwara T. , Takahashi Y. , Takebe N. , Ishigaki Y. , Satoh J.
Published: September 2014

Aim

To analyse the effects of thyroid hormones on β‐cell function and glucose metabolism in people with prediabetes who are euthyroid.

Methods

A total of 111 people who were euthyroid underwent 75‐g oral glucose tolerance tests, of whom 52 were assigned to the normal glucose tolerance and 59 to the prediabetes groups. Homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function, insulinogenic index and areas under the curve for insulin and glucose were evaluated as indices of pancreatic β‐cell function.

Results

In both groups, BMI, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment ratio and HDL cholesterol correlated significantly with all indices of pancreatic β‐cell function. Free triiodothyronine correlated positively with all insulin secretion indices in the prediabetes group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that free triiodothyronine was an independent variable that had a positive correlation with all indices of β‐cell function in the prediabetes group. By contrast, no such correlation was found in the normal glucose tolerance group.

Conclusions

Free triiodothyronine is associated with both basal and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in people with prediabetes who are euthyroid; therefore, the regulation of insulin secretion by thyroid hormones is a potentially novel therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes.
Horse‐chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed extract for venous leg ulceration: a comparative multiple case study of healers and non‐healers
Authors: Leach Matthew J
Published: September 2014

Background

Venous leg ulceration (VLU) is a chronic and recurrent condition that affects around 0.12–1.1% of the Western population. One intervention that is showing promise as a treatment for VLU is horse‐chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed extract (HCSE), with evidence suggesting that HCSE treatment may reduce wound slough, the frequency of dressing changes and the overall cost of VLU management. However, it remains unclear as to the types of patients that HCSE is likely to benefit.

Objective

To illustrate the types of patients that may benefit from the use of HCSE for the treatment of VLU, and the typical response patterns that may be observed.

Methods

Comparative multiple‐case study of VLU healers and non‐healers treated with HCSE.

Results

When comparing the HCSE‐healed cases with the HCSE non‐healed cases, what emerges is that HCSE treatment may be most effective when the following elements are present: mild to moderate venous insufficiency, a small wound of short duration, a short history of ulceration, and no signs of wound infection.

Conclusions

A number of variables were identified as having an influence on the trajectory of venous ulcer healing among patients treated with HCSE. Further investigation is needed to validate these findings.
Difference in adherence to and influencing factors of a healthy lifestyle between middle‐aged and elderly people in Korea: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Son Ki Young , Park Sang Min , Lee Juhyun , Kim Chang Yup
Published: September 2014

Aim

Comprehensive research for factors related to healthy lifestyles of the elderly is limited. The present study aimed to elucidate the factors associated with adherence to a healthy lifestyle by age groups.

Method

The present study was based on data from the 2005 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated crude proportions and adjusted proportions of cigarette smokers, problem alcohol drinkers, and physically inactive people in two age groups (40−59 years and ≥60 years). We carried out multilevel analysis to elucidate factors associated with healthy lifestyles.

Results

Of 3194 respondents included in the analysis, 1154 (36.13%) were aged 60 years or older. Older participants smoked less (23.0% vs 17.4%) and exercised less frequently (52.4% vs 66.9%; all P < 0.001) than their middle‐aged counterparts. After adjustment, the proportion of regular exercisers was inversed (adjusted proportion 0.468, 95% CI 0.436–0.501 vs 0.377, 95% CI 0.337–0.419, P = 0.004). In multilevel analysis, contextual factors, such as local tax per capita, was associated significantly with cigarette smoking only in the elderly (OR 1.037, 95% CI 1.005–1.070).

Conclusions

Different factors were associated with healthy lifestyles of elderly people when compared with middle‐aged people. In addition, local tax per capita, an area level variable, was more likely to be associated with smoking in the elderly than the middle‐aged group. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 778–788.
Prevalence, associated factors and impact on mortality of chronic kidney disease in nursing home residents: A single‐center experience
Authors: Eren Zehra , Küçükardalı Yaşar , Öztürk Mehmet Akif , Küçükardalı Betül , Kaspar Elif Çiğdem , Kantarcı Gülçin
Published: September 2014

Aim

We carried out the present study to determine the prevalence, associated comorbidities and impact on mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in nursing home residents.

Methods

This was an 8‐year prospective single‐center, longitudinal cohort study consisting of 612 patients living in a nursing home from 2005–2013. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from a prediction equation, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation, based on the serum creatinine concentration, age, race, sex and body size. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the residents were collected.

Results

CKD, defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for >3 months, with implications for health, was present in 197 (39.9%) residents. Specifically, 109 (21.5%) residents had an estimated GFR of 45–59 mL/min, and 64 (12.6%) had an estimated GFR of 30–44 mL/min. Multivariate logistic regression identified older age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99), female sex (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.99–4.49) and hypertension (OR 1.55, 95%, CI 1.00–2.40) as the only independent predictors of CKD. After a follow up of 8 years, 208 (41.1%) of the 506 residents died. Of these residents, 104 (52.8%) had CKD and 104 (33.4%) did not have CKD. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that residents with CKD had a significantly higher mortality than those without CKD.

Conclusion

CKD is prevalent in nursing home residents. A decline in renal function is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. Early recognition of CKD might improve drug dosage, renal management and outcomes in this particular group of patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 715–720.
Sense of coherence as a key to improve homebound status among older adults with urinary incontinence
Authors: Takahashi Kyo , Kato Atsushi , Igari Tomoyuki , Sase Eriko , Shibanuma Akira , Kikuchi Kimiyo , Nanishi Keiko , Jimba Masamine , Yasuoka Junko
Published: September 2014

Aim

Being homebound is regarded as a negative condition for social participation in Japan. However, little is known about the possibility of psychological resilience to prevent being homebound among older adults with urinary incontinence. The present study aimed to examine the association between sense of coherence as a measure of psychological resilience and being homebound among older adults with urinary incontinence.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out in Chiba, Japan. We trained 95 care managers as interviewers, and they collected the data from 411 community‐dwelling frail older adults using a pretested structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was run to identify factors associated with being homebound among the participants with urinary incontinence.

Results

Of the participants, 158 (38.4%) had urinary incontinence. Among the participants with urinary incontinence, 52 (32.9%) were homebound. As a result of logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, living status, hobby, types of prevalent diseases, walking ability, perceived social support and subjective social capital, lower meaningfulness in their lives, which is a component of a sense of coherence, remained positively associated with being homebound (adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.96).

Conclusions

Being homebound is less prevalent among those who feel challenges, or worthy of investment or engagement in daily life. By improving a sense of meaningfulness, homebound status might be improved among older adults with urinary incontinence. To encourage active social participation of the target population, their psychological resilience (particularly meaningfulness) should be addressed more. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 910–917.
Estimating the effect of incident delirium on short‐term outcomes in aged hip fracture patients through propensity score analysis
Authors: Radinovic Kristina , Markovic‐Denic Ljiljana , Dubljanin‐Raspopovic Emilija , Marinkovic Jelena , Milan Zoka , Bumbasirevic Vesna
Published: September 2014

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the factors contributing to delirium after hip fracture and assess the effect of incident delirium on short‐term clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 270 non‐delirious, consecutive hip fracture patients 60 years and older were included in a prospective cohort study. The patients were assessed with respect to physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, medical comorbidities with the Charlson Comorbidity Index, cognitive function with the Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and depression with the Geriatric Depressive Scale. Incident delirium was evaluated daily. Clinical outcomes and 1‐month mortality were recorded.

Results

Incident delirium was present in 53.0% of patients. Patients with delirium were older (P = 0.046), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (P < 0.001), lower Portable Mental Status Questionnaire scores and higher Geriatric Depressive Scale scores (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively). After adjusting for age, multivariate regression analysis in the first model showed that patients with delirium were at higher risk of reintervention plus death (P < 0.05), complications P < 0.001), a higher severity complication score (P < 0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (P < 0.001). In the second model, after adjusting for propensity score, patients with delirium were at higher risk of reintervention plus death (P < 0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients who are older, with worse physical status, worse cognitive function and depression are more likely to develop delirium after hip fracture. Incident delirium has negative independent effects on short‐term outcomes in elderly patients after hip fracture. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 848–855.
Visualizing financial success: planning is key
Authors: Bird Carolyn L. , Şener Arzu , Coşkuner Selda
Published: September 2014

Recent economic troubles in the US and abroad highlight the importance of family financial capability, including an understanding of financial markets. Financial capability is the foundation for desired financial behaviours, such as saving, budgeting, using credit wisely and planning. Study participants, a subsample of respondents to a Turkish university financial literacy survey (n = 374), who reported uninterrupted income for a 3‐year period were grouped as ‘planners’ and ‘non‐planners’. These groupings allowed examination of the relationships between planning, financial management decisions, and differential outcomes in daily household financial well‐being. The practice of preferred financial management behaviours was predictive of debt. This research makes a unique contribution to the literature, demonstrating the importance of uninterrupted income over income amount in support of the planning process. Findings of this study have implications for professionals in the family and consumer sciences field and other practitioners assisting consumers with improving financial management outcomes.
Refractory urinary fistula with infundibular stenosis after partial nephrectomy
Authors: Yamamoto Teppei , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Ikeda Junichi , Sugi Motohiko , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: September 2014

A 71‐year‐old male patient who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (cT1aN0M0) underwent a laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy. Because the bleeding could not be controlled, conversion to laparotomy was instigated. A ureteral stent was placed on confirmation of postoperative urine leakage from the drain, but the volume of drainage did not decrease. The findings of retrograde pyelography and computed tomography showed a urinary fistula resulting from isolated calyces caused by infundibular stenosis, for which transurethral dilatation for the stenosis was carried out. However, owing to the severity of stenosis, the guidewire was unable to achieve passage, and endoscopic dilatation was abandoned. Selective embolization of the left renal artery was then carried out. No drainage fluid was observed after embolization, and residual renal function of the left kidney was confirmed.
White Si–O–C Ceramic: Structure and Thermodynamic Stability
Authors: Tavakoli Amir H. , Armentrout Matthew M. , Narisawa Masaki , Sen Sabyasachi , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: September 2014

While pyrolysis of a polysiloxane precursor in argon typically produces a black amorphous Si–O–C ceramic containing “free” carbon (sp2 carbon), pyrolyzing the same precursor in hydrogen leads to a white amorphous ceramic with a negligible amount of sp2 carbon and a considerable hydrogen content. 29Si magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy confirms the existence of very similar bonding environments of Si atoms in the Si–O–C network for both samples. In addition, 1H NMR spectroscopic measurements on both samples reveal that the hydrogen atoms are bonded mainly to carbon. For the thermodynamic analysis, the enthalpies of formation with respect to the most stable components (SiO2, SiC, C) of the black‐and‐white Si–O–C samples obtained after the pyrolysis at 1100°C are determined using high‐temperature oxidative drop‐solution calorimetry in a molten oxide solvent. The white ceramic is 6 kJ/g‐atom more stable in enthalpy than the black one. Although the role of hydrogen in the thermodynamic stability of the white sample remains ambiguous, the thermodynamic findings and structural analysis suggest that the existence of sp2‐bonded carbon in the amorphous network of polymer derived Si–O–C ceramics does not provide additional thermodynamic stability to the ceramic.
Stability of Rotors and Focal Sources for Human Atrial Fibrillation: Focal Impulse and Rotor Mapping (FIRM) of AF Sources and Fibrillatory Conduction
Authors: SWARUP VIJAY , BAYKANER TINA , ROSTAMIAN ARMAND , DAUBERT JAMES P. , HUMMEL JOHN , KRUMMEN DAVID E. , TRIKHA RISHI , MILLER JOHN M. , TOMASSONI GERY F. , NARAYAN SANJIV M.
Published: September 2014

Stable Human AF Rotors

Introduction

Several groups report electrical rotors or focal sources that sustain atrial fibrillation (AF) after it has been triggered. However, it is difficult to separate stable from unstable activity in prior studies that examined only seconds of AF. We applied phase‐based focal impulse and rotor mapping (FIRM) to study the dynamics of rotors/sources in human AF over prolonged periods of time.

Methods

We prospectively mapped AF in 260 patients (169 persistent, 61 ± 12 years) at 6 centers in the FIRM registry, using baskets with 64 contact electrodes per atrium. AF was phase mapped (RhythmView, Topera, Menlo Park, CA, USA). AF propagation movies were interpreted by each operator to assess the source stability/dynamics over tens of minutes before ablation.

Results

Sources were identified in 258 of 260 of patients (99%), for 2.8 ± 1.4 sources/patient (1.8 ± 1.1 in left, 1.1 ± 0.8 in right atria). While AF sources precessed in stable regions, emanating activity including spiral waves varied from collision/fusion (fibrillatory conduction). Each source lay in stable atrial regions for 4,196 ± 6,360 cycles, with no differences between paroxysmal versus persistent AF (4,290 ± 5,847 vs. 4,150 ± 6,604; P = 0.78), or right versus left atrial sources (P = 0.26).

Conclusions

Rotors and focal sources for human AF mapped by FIRM over prolonged time periods precess (“wobble”) but remain within stable regions for thousands of cycles. Conversely, emanating activity such as spiral waves disorganize and collide with the fibrillatory milieu, explaining difficulties in using activation mapping or signal processing analyses at fixed electrodes to detect AF rotors. These results provide a rationale for targeted ablation at AF sources rather than fibrillatory spiral waves.
Omalizumab may not inhibit mast cell and basophil activation in vitro
Authors: Gericke J. , Ohanyan T. , Church M.K. , Maurer M. , Metz M.
Published: September 2014

Background

In March 2014, omalizumab, a monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody, was approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The primary mode of action of omalizumab is considered to be the reduction in free IgE serum levels and the subsequent down‐regulation of FcεRI, the high affinity receptor for IgE, on mast cells and basophils. Recently, it has been suggested that most CSU patients have an autoimmune aetiology which may lead to chronic activation of mast cells and basophils.

Objective

To understand more of the mechanisms by which omalizumab may exert its effects in CSU, its efficacy was tested on human mast cells and basophils.

Methods

Omalizumab, which was or was not preincubated with serum from healthy donors or CSU patients, was coincubated with isolated healthy donor skin mast cells or peripheral blood‐derived monocytes containing 1–2% basophils. Degranulation was induced using anti‐human IgE, C5a, or substance P and histamine release determined.

Results

Anti‐human IgE‐induced histamine release from mast cells or basophils was not altered in the presence or absence of omalizumab. In contrast, preincubation of mast cells with DARPin Fc fusion protein, a positive control for negative signalling via FcεRI‐FcγRIIb cross activation, significantly diminished histamine release. Moreover, omalizumab, that was preincubated with healthy donor serum, CSU patient serum or auto‐reactive CSU serum to allow for the formation of potential immune complexes, did not alter induced histamine release in a coincubation setup with mast cells or basophils as compared to the absence of omalizumab. In vivo, blood basophil numbers and basophil histamine content increase under omalizumab therapy.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the rapid response to omalizumab therapy is more likely to result from the elimination of an activating signal rather than the generation of a negative, inhibitory signal.
Effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early maturation and smolt development in hatchery‐reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Norrgård J. R. , Bergman E. , Greenberg L. A. , Schmitz M.
Published: September 2014

The effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early male parr maturation and development of smolt characteristics were studied in hatchery‐reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. The fish were subjected to two levels of feed rations and two levels of lipid content from first feeding until release in May of their second year. Salmo salar fed high rations, regardless of lipid content, grew the most and those fed low lipid feed with low rations grew the least. In addition, fish fed low lipid feed had lower body lipid levels than fish fed high lipid feed. Salmo salar from all treatments showed some reduction in condition factor (K) and lipid levels during their second spring. Smolt status was evaluated using both physiological and morphological variables. These results, based on gill Na+, K+‐ATPase (NKA) enzyme activity, saltwater tolerance challenges and visual assessments, were consistent with each other, showing that S. salar from all treatments, except the treatment in which the fish were fed low rations with low lipid content, exhibited characteristics associated with smolting at 2 years of age. Sexually mature male parr from the high ration, high lipid content treatment were also subjected to saltwater challenge tests, and were found to be unable to regulate plasma sodium levels. The proportion of sexually mature male parr was reduced when the fish were fed low feed rations, but was not affected by the lipid content of the feed. Salmo salar fed low rations with low lipid content exhibited the highest degree of severe fin erosion.
Effects of short‐day treatment on long‐term growth performance and maturation of farmed Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus reared in brackish water
Authors: Gunnarsson S. , Johansson M. , Gústavsson A. , Árnason T. , Árnason J. , Smáradóttir H. , Björnsson B. Th. , Thorarensen H. , Imsland A. K.
Published: September 2014

The effects of a 6 week short‐day photoperiod followed by continuous light, applied during the juvenile phase of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus in fresh water on smoltification and on the long‐term growth and maturity following transfer to brackish water (BW) (constant salinity of either 17 and 27 or increasing salinity in steps from 17 to 27) were investigated. Prior to salinity transfer, the juveniles were either reared at continuous light (C group) or reared for 6 weeks on a short day (8L:16D, S group) followed by continuous light (24L:0D). Increased salinity had negative effect on growth, with female fish reared at 17 salinity weighing 19 and 27% more than the salinity‐step group (17–27) and the 27 salinity group, respectively. The stepwise acclimation to salinity had limited advantage in terms of growth rate. Short photoperiod for 6 weeks (November to January) followed by continuous light improved growth, but not seawater (SW) tolerance. Gill Na+, K+‐ATPase activity and plasma Na+ levels changed with time, indicating some variation in osmoregulatory capacity during the experimental period. Overall, there appear to be interactive effects on maturation from applying short‐day photoperiod followed by rearing at higher salinities. Plasma leptin varied with time and may be linked to stress caused by the observed variations in osmoregulatory ability. It is concluded that changes in growth rates observed in this study are mainly related to rearing salinity with higher growth rates at lower salinities. Short‐day photoperiod has some growth‐inducing effects but did not improve SW tolerance. Farmers of S. alpinus using BW for land‐based rearing should keep salinity at moderate and stable levels according to these results to obtain best growth.
Youth Sports & Public Health: Framing Risks of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in American Football and Ice Hockey
Authors: Bachynski Kathleen E. , Goldberg Daniel S.
Published: September 2014

Children in North America, some as young as eleven or twelve, routinely don helmets and pads and are trained to move at high-speed for the purpose of engaging in repeated full-body collisions with each other. The evidence suggests that the forces generated by such impacts are sufficient to cause traumatic brain injury (TBI) among children. Moreover, there is only limited evidence supporting the efficacy of interventions typically used to reduce the risks of such hazards. What kind of risk assessment enables such activities to be a relatively common feature of childhood in Canadian and American society?

In order to understand this state of affairs, we must examine the particular risk frame under which such hazards are commonly assumed. Risk assessments are embedded in the cultures in which they are situated and must be evaluated in their social contexts.
Laying the Foundation for an Interprofessional, Comparative Health Law Clinic: Teaching Health Law
Authors: Hoffmann Diane E. , Banda Chikosa , Amuli Kassim
Published: September 2014

In June 2013, faculty from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, along with students from the law school and several health professional schools at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, visited Malawi, in southeast Africa. While there, they met with faculty and students at the University of Malawi Chancellor College to discuss the possibility of establishing an ongoing collaboration between the two universities’ law schools. The starting point for our discussion was the potential establishment of a multi-professional, comparative health law clinic that would focus on serving individuals living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). This goal would serve two objectives of the Law & Health Care Program (L&HCP) at Maryland: to increase interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities and to expose law students to more global health law issues. Establishing this clinic would also be consistent with two strategic objectives of the University of Malawi Faculty of Law: to establish links with other law schools providing clinical legal education, and to contribute to Malawi’s efforts to solve HIV/AIDS-related problems.
What Shapes Assessment of Ability to Pay for Children's College Education?
Authors: KIM YOUNGMI , HUANG JIN , SHERRADEN MICHAEL
Published: September 2014

Many parents have concerns about the cost of their child's college and lack information about preparing for those expenses. Parents' assessment of ability to pay for college are likely to influence their investments in a child's education, and may in turn affect the child's educational commitment and attainment. These potential outcomes lead us to investigate what accounts for parents' assessment. We use logistic regression to analyze data collected from mothers with newborn children (N = 2,566). The findings demonstrate that the mother's assessment of ability to pay for the child's education are significantly associated with material hardship experiences, financial management skills, educational expectations, and her education level. We discuss research and policy implications of promoting positive financial assessment for college early.
Diabetes self‐management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life over time in Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Guo Jia , Whittemore Robin , Jeon Sangchoon , Grey Margaret , Zhou Zhi‐Guang , He Guo‐Ping , Luo Zi‐Qiang
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

To describe the patterns of diabetes self‐management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life over time in a cohort of Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes and to determine the relationships between these variables over time.

Background

Nurses have an important role in facilitating optimal self‐management and health outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes. Only a few studies have focused on patterns of diabetes adaptation over time in youth with type 1 diabetes, especially in China. Understanding changes in diabetes self‐management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life can facilitate assessment and intervention.

Design

This is a multi‐site longitudinal descriptive study. Data for this report were collected at baseline with 136 eligible Chinese youth and 86 of them were followed up for the second time, 6–12 months after baseline data collection.

Methods

Instruments to measure diabetes self‐management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life were collected at two time points. The data were collected from July 2009–October 2010. Linear mixed model analysis was used to analyse the longitudinal data.

Results

Self‐management decreased over time; however, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life did not change from baseline to 6–12 months in this sample of Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes. A decrease in diabetes self‐management over time was associated with worse metabolic control, while an increase in depressive symptoms over time was associated with poorer quality of life satisfaction in this sample.

Conclusions

Chinese youth faced difficulties with diabetes adaptation, especially with the deterioration of diabetes self‐management. Improving self‐management and decreasing depressive symptoms may enhance diabetes adaptation with respect to metabolic control and quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice

The deterioration of diabetes self‐management over time in youth with type 1 diabetes in China deserves nurses' careful surveillance. Clinical interventions appropriate to the Chinese culture and health care system are needed to improve self‐management and depressive symptoms in Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes.
Spontaneous post‐partum rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm: A case report of successful embolization and a review of the published work
Authors: Wakimoto Shoko , Hidaka Nobuhiro , Fukushima Kotaro , Kato Kiyoko
Published: September 2014

It is rare for an ovarian artery aneurysm to rupture during the peripartum period, but the outcome can be catastrophic. Between 1980 and 2013, only nine cases have been reported in the English‐language medical published work. We describe a patient with a left ovarian artery aneurysm that ruptured 4 days after an uneventful vaginal delivery. The rupture was immediately identified, using emergent computed tomography and angiography. The hemorrhage was managed using arterial embolization and blood transfusion, allowing for a successful outcome. The possibility of ruptured ovarian artery aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis for women with excessive or localized abdominal pain after childbirth.