bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The older entrepreneurial self: intersecting identities of older women entrepreneurs
Authors: Stirzaker Rebecca , Sitko Rafal
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the developing literature on entrepreneurship and identity by exploring the multidimensionality of older (50+) British women entrepreneurs’ identity. By using positionality as a lens, greater insight into the complexity of the lived multiple identities of older women entrepreneurs is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 12 in-depth qualitative interviews took place throughout the UK seeking to capture the various experiences of how older women engage with intersecting discourses surrounding enterprise culture and ageing whilst constructing their identities.

Findings

Overall, findings evidence the outcomes of these intersecting dimensions are largely positive and demonstrate the life enhancing benefits of these overlaps. Whilst tension was evidenced between age and how these women entrepreneurs perceive their entrepreneurial identities, as well as some constraints between identity as “mother” and “entrepreneur”, overall synergy was found between the intersection of older women entrepreneurs’ social identities and their entrepreneurial identity. It must be noted, however, that this synergy was heavily reliant on context and stage of life for these women.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the traditional discourse of entrepreneurship, which produces a homogenous view of entrepreneurs and omits key historical and social variables in the process of identity formation. The current paper adds to increasing calls to develop more sophisticated ways of measuring and understanding entrepreneurship and its impacts. The authors echo calls throughout the most recent literature to move away from the agency agenda and pursue lines of enquiry that examine entrepreneurship as a process in contexts that are underpinned by both agency and external factors.
Consumer behavior regarding wearable technologies: Google Glass
Authors: Nunes Gibran Sales , Arruda Filho Emílio José Montero
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This purpose of this study is to analyze consumer behavior in relation to Google Glass. The study considers the adoption and diffusion of the innovation, aspects related to technological convergence and the theories of utilitarian, hedonic and social value.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative, exploratory study uses the methodological approach of netnography via passive observation. Data collection was conducted using the social network Reddit over a period of about four months.

Findings

Three categories and two subcategories of consumers were found, namely, socially satisfied; socially constrained; and early adopters, divided into enthusiasts and visionaries.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this research pertains to the data collected regarding consumption preferences of users and potential adopters. No questions were created, but rather, discussions were selected, from the social network Reddit, that focused on factors pertaining to the theories studied.

Practical implications

The research brings an important insight regarding the launch of new products: to obtain a good market position for new devices, failures or inadequate perceptions that will negatively impact the technology’s dissemination must be minimized.

Social implications

This study presents social value of technological consumption as a function of the conspicuousness, status and position of users who own devices that differ from those commonly available on the market.

Originality/value

This study reveals which elements exert the greatest influence on intention to consume so-called wearable technology. In particular, it analyzes consumer behavior in relation to Google Glass, evaluating the reasons that were perceived as positive and negative for consumers which blocked the technology launch in the market.
The moderating effect of technology optimism
Authors: Chao Cheng-Min , Yu Tai-Kuei
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine task-technology fit, theory of planned behaviour and individual technology optimism, and propose a better hybrid technology behavioural intention model to explain Taiwanese students’ usage behaviour for weblog learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A 31-item questionnaire with eight constructs was administered to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in three universities in Taiwan. A total of 380 voluntary, usable responses were received, and a research model estimated using Smart PLS was used to interpret the structural relation results.

Findings

The results of the research model were analysed using a structural equation modelling approach to test six hypotheses and three moderating hypotheses; significant support were found for seven of them. Accordingly, this study considered the level of technology optimism as a moderator to explore whether it impacts perceived behavioural control, attitudes and social influences on behavioural intention related to weblog learning.

Originality/value

This research provides a better understanding of individual and system characteristics, as well as social factors regarding weblog learning system acceptance and intention.
Socially conscious investing: do good deeds get punished?
Authors: Qiu Judy , Movassaghi Hormoz , Bramhandkar Alka
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the performance of select “socially conscious” (SC) mutual funds and a control group of conventional funds during recent bullish and bearish financial markets. It aims at exploring the interface of these funds’ historical returns and selectivity of their investment screening.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ data come from Morningstar Direct and focuses on “equity” funds/class A shares only. The authors controlled for age, expense ratio, size and management turnover in comparing SC and mutual funds’ returns.

Findings

SC funds underperformed conventional funds in both expansionary and recessionary periods and in short and long term. Paradoxically, SC funds’ return generally improved with the number of social screens adopted. The gap in returns between SC, conventional funds and indices of market return narrowed as investment horizon became longer and also during boom market conditions, suggesting that doing good need not come at the expense of doing well.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ study focused on class A shares only.

Practical implications

In choosing SC funds, investors need to focus on expense ratio and management turnover which seem to influence returns more. Neither age nor size of SC funds seem to have affected returns in systematic and statistically significant way.

Originality/value

This paper provides the most recent scorecard of SC funds’ performance, compared to similar conventional funds and market return, since the 2007 global financial crisis.
Postoperative insulin secretion is decreased in patients with preoperative insulin resistance
Authors: Donatelli Francesco , Nafi Matteo , Pietropaoli Lina , Nicola Marta Di , Piva Ilaria R. , Gillis Chelsia , Selladurai Sashika , Fumagalli Roberto , Marinangeli Franco , Carli Francesco
Published: August 2018

Background

Postoperative hyperglycemia is associated with increased rate of surgical site infection, renal failure, and cardiovascular events. The study of insulin sensitivity state before surgery could help in treating postoperative hyperglycemia and preventing iatrogenic hypoglycemia. We studied the postoperative insulin secretion in patients who have a low insulin sensitivity (IR) before surgery compared to patients with normal preoperative insulin sensitivity (IS).

Materials and methods

Forty‐two consecutive patients, undergoing abdominal surgery, underwent preoperative sequential hyperglycemic‐euglycemic clamp (SHEC) in order to measure insulin secretion and to screen patients with low insulin sensitivity (IR) or with normal insulin sensitivity (IS). Patients had been randomized to receive either general anesthesia with epidural or PCA.

Results

Postoperative insulin secretion in IR patients is decreased compared to IS (P = 0.059) and to IR before surgery regardless to the type of analgesia (P < 0.001). In the IS group, postoperative insulin secretion depends on type of analgesia. It is increased when using PCA and decreased when using epidural (P < 0.05). Blood glucose increased after surgery in both IS an IR (P < 0.001). Patients with preoperative insulin resistance had a higher glycemia before and after surgery (P < 0.001). Blood glucose levels were comparable between PCA and epidural patients (P = 0.450).

Conclusion

Insulin secretion is reduced in IR regardless the type of anesthesia. PCA increases insulin secretion, whereas epidural decreases it in patients with normal insulin sensitivity. These findings implicate that after surgery insulin administration is advisable in patients with preoperative insulin resistance while it should be given cautiously in those with normal preoperative insulin sensitivity.
Themyostatingene: an overview of mechanisms of action and its relevance to livestock animals
Authors: Aiello D. , Patel K. , Lasagna E.
Published: August 2018

Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor 8, a member of the transforming growth factor‐beta super‐family, is a negative regulator of muscle development. Myostatin acts at key points during pre‐ and post‐natal life of amniotes that ultimately determine the overall muscle mass of an animal. Mutations have already demonstrated the impact of attenuating myostatin activity on muscle development. A number of large animals, including cattle, sheep, dogs and humans, display the ‘double muscled’ phenotype due to mutations in themyostatingene. Here, we firstly give an overview of the molecular pathways regulated bymyostatinthat control muscle development. Then we describe the natural mutations and their associated phenotypes as well as the physiological influence of alteringmyostatinexpression in livestock animals (cattle, sheep, goat, horse, pig, rabbit and chicken). Knowledge of null alleles and polymorphisms in themyostatingene are of great interest in the animal breeding field, and it could be utilized to improve meat production in livestock animals.
SCN5A mutation status increases the risk of major arrhythmic events in Asian populations with Brugada syndrome: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Chenbhanich Jirat , Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat , Limpruttidham Nath , Prasitlumkum Narut , Chung Eugene H.
Published: August 2018

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited arrhythmic disease linked to SCN5A mutations. It is controversial whether SCN5A mutation carriers possess a greater risk of major arrhythmic events (MAE). We examined the association of SCN5A mutations and MAE in BrS patients.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to September 2017. Included studies were published cohort and case–control studies that compared MAE in BrS patients with and without SCN5A mutations. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects model. Generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird was employed to calculate the risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Seven studies from March 2002 to October 2017 were included (1,049 BrS subjects). SCN5A mutations were associated with MAE in Asian populations (RR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.37–3.00, p = 0.0004, I2 = 0.0%), patients who were symptomatic (RR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.62–4.36, p = 0.0001, I2 = 23.0%), and individuals with spontaneous type‐1 Brugada pattern (RR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.05–3.23, p = 0.03, I2 = 0.0%).

Conclusions

SCN5A mutations in BrS increase the risk of MAE in Asian populations, symptomatic BrS patients, and individuals with spontaneous type‐1 Brugada pattern. Our study suggests that SCN5A mutation status should be an important tool for risk assessment in BrS patients.
Sexual well‐being after first trimester termination of pregnancy: Secondary analysis of a randomized contraceptive trial
Authors: Pohjoranta Elina , Mentula Maarit , Hurskainen Ritva , Suhonen Satu , Heikinheimo Oskari
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Although termination of pregnancy is one of the most common procedures conducted worldwide, little is known about sexual well‐being after termination of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess sexual well‐being after termination of pregnancy, and factors affecting it during a 1‐year follow up.

Material and methods

In total, 748 women requesting first trimester termination of pregnancy and participating in a randomized controlled trial on early provision of intrauterine contraception were provided with questionnaires regarding their sexual life, anxiety, quality of life and contraceptive method used at the time of termination of pregnancy, 3 and 12 months after termination of pregnancy. Sexual well‐being was measured by the 9‐item McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire. Anxiety and quality of life were assessed by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Scale and EuroQoL questionnaire (EQoL).

Results

The McCoy index remained unchanged during the follow up. At all three time‐points measured, higher (ie, better) McCoy scores were associated with a lower STAI index (mean difference −2.26 [95% CI −3.23 to −1.29], P < 0.001; −3.76 [95% CI −4.79 to −2.74], P < 0.001; −4.50 [95% CI −5.88 to −3.12], P < 0.001) and being in a relationship (1.16 [95% CI 0.08‐2.25], P = 0.023; 1.67 [95% CI 0.43‐2.89], P < 0.001; 2.81 [95% CI 1.28‐4.34], P < 0.001), and correlated positively with a higher EQoL index (r = 0.20, r = 0.20, r = .27, P < 0.001) and higher frequency of intercourse (r = 0.50, r = 0.46, r = 0.42, P < 0.001). Women using intrauterine contraception had higher McCoy index measurements at 3 months compared with others. There were no significant differences between users of hormonal vs non‐hormonal contraceptive methods.

Conclusions

Sexual well‐being does not change significantly after termination of pregnancy. Instead, it is strongly and positively associated with quality of life, relationship status and frequency of intercourse. Anxiety is negatively associated with sexual well‐being.
Treatment with lecinoxoids attenuates focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis development in nephrectomized rats
Authors: Yacov Niva , Feldman Boris , Volkov Alexander , Ishai Eti , Breitbart Eyal , Mendel Itzhak
Published: August 2018

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a scarring process associated with chronic low‐grade inflammation ascribed to toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation and monocyte migration. We developed synthetic, small‐molecule lecinoxoids, VB‐201 and VB‐703, that differentially inhibit TLR‐2‐ and TLR‐4‐mediated activation and monocyte migration. The efficacy of anti‐inflammatory lecinoxoid treatment on FSGS development was explored using a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model. Five‐sixths of nephrectomized rats were treated with lecinoxoids VB‐201, VB‐703 or PBS, for 7 weeks. Upon sacrifice, albumin/creatinine ratio, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis‐related gene expression and the number of glomerular and interstitial monocyte were evaluated. Treatment of nephrectomized rats with lecinoxoids ameliorated glomerulosclerosis. The percentage of damaged glomeruli, glomerular sclerosis and glomeruli fibrotic score was significantly reduced following VB‐201 and VB‐703 treatment. VB‐703 attenuated the expression of fibrosis hallmark genes collagen, fibronectin (FN) and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) in kidneys and improved albumin/creatinine ratio with higher efficacy than did VB‐201, but only VB‐201 significantly reduced the number of glomerular and interstitial monocytes. These results indicate that treatment with TLR‐2, and more prominently, TLR‐4 antagonizing lecinoxioids, is sufficient to significantly inhibit FSGS. Moreover, inhibiting monocyte migration can also contribute to treatment of FSGS. Our data demonstrate that targeting TLR‐2‐TLR‐4 and/or monocyte migration directly affects the priming phase of fibrosis and may consequently perturb disease parthogenesis.
The role of intelligence in decision‐making in early adolescence
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Moulton Vanessa , Ploubidis George B.
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the role of intelligence and its development across childhood in decision‐making in adolescence (age 11 years). The sample was 12,514 children from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study, followed at ages 3, 5, 7, and 11 years. Decision‐making (risk‐taking, quality of decision‐making, risk adjustment, deliberation time, and delay aversion) was measured with the Cambridge Gambling Task. Even after adjustment for confounding, intelligence was positively associated with risk adjustment and quality of decision‐making in both boys and girls. Furthermore, in girls risk adjustment was related positively to IQ gains. Our findings suggest that there are important, substantively, associations between intelligence and adapting behaviour to risk at the cusp of adolescence, the period when the response to risk can shape life trajectories.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject

In children, intelligence and decision‐making, measured with gambling tasks, are inconsistently linked.

This could be due to gambling tasks not separating risk‐taking from contingency‐learning.

What the present study adds

This study measured 11‐year‐olds’ decision‐making using a gambling task in which probabilities of different outcomes are presented explicitly.

IQ was positively associated with risk adjustment and quality of decision‐making.

Also significant were IQ gains (for risk adjustment, only in girls).

There are links between intelligence and adapting behaviour to statistical risk in children.
Predictive value of venous thromboembolism (VTE)‐BLEED to predict major bleeding and other adverse events in a practice‐based cohort of patients with VTE: results of the XALIA study
Authors: Klok Frederikus A. , Barco Stefano , Turpie Alexander G. G. , Haas Sylvia , Kreutz Reinhold , Mantovani Lorenzo G. , Gebel Martin , Herpers Matthias , Bugge Joerg‐Peter , Kostantinides Stavros V. , Ageno Walter
Published: August 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)‐BLEED, a decision tool for predicting major bleeding during chronic anticoagulation for VTE has not yet been validated in practice‐based conditions. We calculated the prognostic indices of VTE‐BLEED for major bleeding after day 30 and day 90, as well as for recurrent VTE and all‐cause mortality, in 4457 patients enrolled in the international, prospective XALIA study. The median at‐risk time was 190 days (interquartile range 106–360). The crude hazard ratio (HR) for major bleeding after day 30 was 2·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·3–5·2] and the treatment‐adjusted HR was 2·3 (95% CI 1·1–4·5) for VTE‐BLEED high (versus low) risk patients: the corresponding values for major bleeding after day 90 were 3·8 (95% CI 1·6–9·3) and 3·2 (95% CI 1·3–7·7), respectively. The predictive value of VTE‐BLEED was similar in selected patients with unprovoked VTE or those treated with rivaroxaban. High VTE‐BLEED score was associated with higher incidence of all‐cause mortality (treatment‐adjusted HR 11, 95% CI 4·8–23), but not evidently with recurrent VTE (treatment‐adjusted HR 1·5; 95% CI 0·85–2·7). These results confirm the predictive value of VTE‐BLEED in practice‐based data in patients treated with rivaroxaban or conventional anticoagulation, supporting the hypothesis that VTE‐BLEED may be useful for making management decisions on the duration of anticoagulant therapy.
Specifying the boundary conditions of the multimedia effect: The influence of content and its distribution between text and pictures
Authors: Schüler Anne , Pazzaglia Francesca , Scheiter Katharina
Published: August 2018

It was investigated whether the beneficial effect of picture presentation might be influenced by the content conveyed through text and pictures and the way information is distributed between them. Ninety‐nine students learnt in five between‐subjects learning conditions (i.e., text with spatial contents plus pictures, text with visual contents plus pictures, only text with spatial contents, only text with visual contents, only picture) about a tourist centre and a holiday farm. Results showed that pictures (i.e., maps) were beneficial for learning if spatial knowledge had to be acquired, but did not support learning when non‐spatial, visual knowledge had to be acquired. Furthermore, a high overlap of spatial information in text and picture was helpful, which can be explained by the assumption that learning is a text‐guided process. On the other hand, regarding non‐spatial visual information, a high text‐picture overlap did not influence learning, probably because text alone was sufficient for acquiring visual knowledge. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Continuity in the face of change: Identifying three strategies for constructing stable masculinity in liminality
Authors: Firnhaber Joseph , Greenwood Ronni Michelle , Quayle Michael
Published: August 2018

We examined how men tell stories of masculinity, continuity, and change in the liminal context of moving between hometown and university. In nine in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with male students at an Irish university, participants were asked to describe their experiences moving between the places of home and university. We examined the functions of men's stories using a narrative approach to discourse analysis. We identified three strategies that university men use to construct and position the self in a narrative of transition: continuity through stability, continuity through resistance, and continuity through growth. We conclude that participants use all three strategies to construct ‘authentic’ masculinity. Therefore, a primary discursive goal in these men's talk about life transitions was to construct a stable and authentic masculine identity. Our findings foreground men's use of masculinity to maintain a coherent identity in response to liminal contexts. We highlight the importance of examining identity performance across liminal contexts and among other more disadvantaged groups to analyse different self and identity construction in stories of change. Findings are discussed in relation to stability and continuity as important discursive accomplishment for masculinity and other identities in liminality.
Reanalysis of exome sequencing data of intellectual disability samples: Yields and benefits
Authors: Al‐Nabhani Maryam , Al‐Rashdi Samiya , Al‐Murshedi Fathiya , Al‐Kindi Adila , Al‐Thihli Khalid , Al‐Saegh Abeer , Al‐Futaisi Amna , Al‐Mamari Watfa , Zadjali Fahad , Al‐Maawali Almundher
Published: August 2018

Recently, with the advancement in next generation sequencing (NGS) along with the improvement of bioinformatics tools, whole exome sequencing (WES) has become the most efficient diagnostic test for patients with intellectual disability (ID). This study aims to estimate the yield of a reanalysis of ID negative exome cases after data reannotation.

Total of 50 data files of exome sequencing, representing 50 samples were collected. The inclusion criteria include ID phenotype, and previous analysis indicated a negative result (no abnormality detected). These files were pre‐processed and reannotated using ANNOVAR tool. Prioritized variants in the 50 cases studied were classified into three groups, (1) disease‐causative variants (2) possible disease‐causing variants and (3) variants in novel genes.

Reanalysis resulted in the identification of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in six cases (12%). Thirteen cases (26%) were classified as having possible disease‐causing variants. Candidate genes requiring future functional studies were detected in seven cases (14%). Improvement in bioinformatics tools, update in the genetic databases and literature, and patients' clinical phenotype update were the main reasons for identification of these variants in this study.
Common Object Representations for Visual Production and Recognition
Authors: Fan Judith E. , Yamins Daniel L. K. , Turk‐Browne Nicholas B.
Published: August 2018

Production and comprehension have long been viewed as inseparable components of language. The study of vision, by contrast, has centered almost exclusively on comprehension. Here we investigate drawing—the most basic form of visual production. How do we convey concepts in visual form, and how does refining this skill, in turn, affect recognition? We developed an online platform for collecting large amounts of drawing and recognition data, and applied a deep convolutional neural network model of visual cortex trained only on natural images to explore the hypothesis that drawing recruits the same abstract feature representations that support natural visual object recognition. Consistent with this hypothesis, higher layers of this model captured the abstract features of both drawings and natural images most important for recognition, and people learning to produce more recognizable drawings of objects exhibited enhanced recognition of those objects. These findings could explain why drawing is so effective for communicating visual concepts, they suggest novel approaches for evaluating and refining conceptual knowledge, and they highlight the potential of deep networks for understanding human learning.
Endosomal vacuoles of the prepupal salivary glands of Drosophila play an essential role in the metabolic reallocation of iron
Authors: Farkaš Robert , Beňová‐Liszeková Denisa , Mentelová Lucia , Beňo Milan , Babišová Klaudia , Trusinová‐Pečeňová Ludmila , Raška Otakar , Chase Bruce A. , Raška Ivan
Published: August 2018

In the recent past, we demonstrated that a great deal is going on in the salivary glands of Drosophila in the interval after they release their glycoprotein‐rich secretory glue during pupariation. The early‐to‐mid prepupal salivary glands undergo extensive endocytosis with widespread vacuolation of the cytoplasm followed by massive apocrine secretion. Here, we describe additional novel properties of these endosomes. The use of vital pH‐sensitive probes provided confirmatory evidence that these endosomes have acidic contents and that there are two types of endocytosis seen in the prepupal glands. The salivary glands simultaneously generate mildly acidic, small, basally‐derived endosomes and strongly acidic, large and apical endosomes. Staining of the large vacuoles with vital acidic probes is possible only after there is ambipolar fusion of both basal and apical endosomes, since only basally‐derived endosomes can bring fluorescent probes into the vesicular system. We obtained multiple lines of evidence that the small basally‐derived endosomes are chiefly involved in the uptake of dietary Fe3+ iron. The fusion of basal endosomes with the larger and strongly acidic apical endosomes appears to facilitate optimal conditions for ferrireductase activity inside the vacuoles to release metabolic Fe2+ iron. While iron was not detectable directly due to limited staining sensitivity, we found increasing fluorescence of the glutathione‐sensitive probe CellTracker Blue CMAC in large vacuoles, which appeared to depend on the amount of iron released by ferrireductase. Moreover, heterologous fluorescently‐labeled mammalian iron‐bound transferrin is actively taken up, providing direct evidence for active iron uptake by basal endocytosis. In addition, we serendipitously found that small (basal) endosomes were uniquely recognized by PNA lectin, whereas large (apical) vacuoles bound DBA lectin.
Multiple metrics provide context for the distribution of a highly mobile fish predator, the blue catfish
Authors: Gerber Kayla M. , Mather Martha E. , Smith Joseph M. , Peterson Zachary J.
Published: August 2018

Data sets with increased spatial and temporal resolution can help researchers and resource managers quantify representative distributional patterns of mobile sportfish. In this research, first, we illustrate patterns of sportfish distribution using individual (percent of population, residence time, number of movements) and combined distributional metrics. Second, we apply these metrics to one highly mobile fish species, the blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), across a range of spatial (whole reservoir, region, site) and temporal (year, month, diel period) scales. Specifically, we tracked 123 acoustically tagged blue catfish with a 20‐receiver array in Milford Reservoir,KS,USA. When we integrated metrics, four site‐specific distributional patterns emerged: (a) a large, active multi‐site fish aggregation, (b) localised site fidelity, (c) transitional sites and (d) rarely used locations. These patterns would not have been detected using a single metric as each measurement revealed a different piece of the distribution story. For example, if we had only quantifiedpercent of population,we could identify fish location, but not whether individual fish spent time at a location or were just passing through. Our examination of multiple scales also provided a novel context for interpreting site‐specific patterns. As an illustration of this insight, using conventional approaches, we would have observed heterogeneity, but we would not have detected fish aggregations, in which individual fish either remained or repeatedly returned to a site. In summary, our results show the advantage of setting the entire ecosystem as the study boundary to integrate multiple responses using a spatially and temporally extensive data set.
Stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) affect space use by Warpaint Shiners (Luxilus coccogenis)
Authors: Elkins Duncan , Nibbelink Nathan P. , Grossman Gary D.
Published: August 2018

Due to widespread stocking, Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) are perhaps the most widely distributed invasive species in the world. Nonetheless, little is known about the effects of stocked Rainbow Trout on native non‐game species. We conducted experiments in an artificial stream to assess the effects of hatchery Rainbow Trout on home range and behaviour of Warpaint Shiners (Luxilus coccogenis Cope), a common minnow frequently found in stocked Southern Appalachian streams. We used the LoCoH algorithm to generate polygons describing the home ranges used by Warpaint Shiners. When a stocked trout was present Warpaint Shiners: (a) increased home range size by 57%, (b) were displaced into higher velocity mesohabitats, and (c) reduced mean overlap between the home ranges of individual warpaint shiners. Rainbow Trout did not significantly affect the edge/area ratio of Warpaint Shiner home ranges. Warpaint Shiner density (two and five fish treatments) did not significantly affect any response variable. Displacement from preferred microhabitats and increases in home range size likely result in increased energy expenditure and exposure to potential predators (i.e., decreased individual fitness) of Warpaint Shiners when stocked trout are present.
Age at onset prediction in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 changes according to population of origin
Authors: de Mattos E. P. , Leotti V. B. , Soong B.‐W. , Raposo M. , Lima M. , Vasconcelos J. , Fussiger H. , Souza G. N. , Kersting N. , Furtado G. V. , Saute J. A. M. , Camey S. A. , Saraiva‐Pereira M. L. , Jardim L. B.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado–Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), the length of CAG repeat expansions in ATXN3 shows an inverse correlation with age at onset (AO). Recently, a formula for predicting AO based on CAG expansion was developed for European carriers. We tested this formula in SCA3/MJD carriers from distinct origins and developed population‐specific models to predict AO.

Methods

This was a parametric survival modelling study.

Results

The European formula (EF) was tested in 739 independent SCA3/MJD carriers from South Brazil, Taiwan and the Portuguese Azorean islands, and it largely underestimated AO in South Brazilian and Taiwanese test cohorts. This finding challenged the universal use of the EF, leading us to develop and validate population‐specific models for AO prediction. Using validation cohorts, we showed that Brazilian and Taiwanese formulas largely outperformed the EF in a population‐specific manner. Inversely, the EF was more accurate at predicting AO among Portuguese Azorean patients. Hence, specific prediction models were required for each SCA3/MJD ethnic group.

Conclusions

Our data strongly support the existence of as yet unknown factors that modulate AO in SCA3/MJD in a population‐dependent manner, independent of CAG expansion length. The generated models are made available to the scientific community as they can be useful for future studies on SCA3/MJD carriers from distinct geographical origins.
A project‐level analysis of value creation in firms
Authors: Cohn Jonathan B. , Gurun Umit G. , Moussawi Rabih
Published: August 2018

This paper analyzes value creation in firms at the project level. We present evidence that managers facing short‐termist incentives set a lower threshold for accepting projects. Using novel data on new client and product announcements in both the U.S. and international markets, we find that the market responds less positively to a new project announcement when the firm's managers have incentives to focus on short‐term stock price performance. Furthermore, textual analysis of project announcements shows that firms with short‐termist chief executive officers use vaguer and generically positive language when introducing new projects to the marketplace.
Preparation and characterisation of a novel agar oligosaccharide–iron (III) complex
Authors: He Hong , An Fengping , Teng Hui , Huang Qun , Song Hongbo
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to synthesise a complex of agar oligosaccharides (AOS) with ferric iron and to evaluate its physicochemical and structural characteristics. Based on single factor, Plackett–Burman and response surface optimal experiments of three factors at three levels, the optimised chelate conditions of the AOS‐iron (III) complex were mass ratio of AOS to iron ions of 4.5:1 g:g, reaction temperature of 74 °C and reaction time of 60 min. Under these conditions, the iron content and total sugar content were 14.03 ± 0.42% and 66.07 ± 0.96%, respectively. The physicochemical analysis showed that AOS–iron (III) was soluble and steady at physiological pH, and it was easily reduced to iron (II). The structural characteristics of AOS and AOS–iron (III) were analysed by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Nuclear magnetic resonance, and results showed that the iron (III) ions were chelated to AOS by –OH groups and –COOH groups and widely dispersed on the AOS backbone. Therefore, AOS–iron (III) could be a candidate for iron supplementation to treat iron deficiency anaemia.
Convergence of family policy across welfare regimes (1990 to 2010): Different connotations of family policy expansion
Authors: Kang Ji Young
Published: August 2018

Using multiple indices of family policy efforts – work/family reconciliation, gender equality and income protection, this study offers a nuanced understanding of family policy expansion in 14 OECD countries across three welfare regimes from 1990 to 2010. Findings suggest an overall convergence of family policies, particularly in gender equality and work/family reconciliation. Convergence has occurred simultaneously with distinctive family policy changes across welfare regimes. Conservative welfare states have experienced the most profound family policy alterations, shifting from a traditional gender model to one that encourages women's employment, but have, nevertheless, maintained policy efforts that sustain the traditional gender role. Despite an increase in their family policy efforts, liberal welfare states have continued to maintain minimal state action regarding family policy. Changes in social democratic welfare states have been less substantial, as they seem to continue to pursue a dual‐earner model with high degree of gender equality and work/family reconciliation.
Longitudinal Trends and Variation in Antipsychotic Use in Older Adults After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kim Dae Hyun , Mahesri Mufaddal , Bateman Brian T. , Huybrechts Krista F. , Inouye Sharon K. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Herzig Shoshana J. , Ely E. Wesley , Pisani Margaret A. , Levin Raisa , Avorn Jerry
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate temporal trends and between‐hospital variation in off‐label antipsychotic medication (APM) use in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National administrative database including 465 U.S. hospitals.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older without known indications for APMs who underwent cardiac surgery from 2004 to 2014 (N=293,212).

Measurements

Postoperative exposure to any APMs and potentially excessive dosing were examined. Hospital‐level APM prescribing intensity was defined as the proportion of individuals newly treated with APMs in the postoperative period.

Results

The rate of APM use declined from 8.8% in 2004 to 6.2% in 2014 (p<.001). Use of haloperidol (parenteral 7.0% to 4.5%, p<.001; oral: 1.9% to 0.5%, p<.001), and risperidone (1.1% to 0.3%, p<.001) declined, whereas quetiapine use tripled (0.6% to 1.9%, p=.03). Hospital APM prescribing intensity varied widely, from 0.3% to 35.6%, across 465 hospitals. Treated individuals at higher‐prescribing hospitals were more likely to receive APMs on the day of discharge (highest vs lowest quintile: 15.1% vs 9.6%; p<.001) and for a longer duration (4.8 vs 3.7 days; p<.001) than those at lower‐prescribing hospitals. Delirium was the strongest risk factor for APM exposure (odds ratio=9.73, 95% confidence interval=9.02–10.5), whereas none of the hospital characteristics were significantly associated. The rate of potentially excessive dosing declined (60.7% to 44.9%, p<.001), and risk factors for potentially excessive dosing were similar to those for any APM exposure.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest highly variable prescribing cultures and raise concerns about inappropriate use, highlighting the need for better evidence to guide APM prescribing in hospitalized older adults after cardiac surgery.
Facial angiofibromas treated by rapamycin 0.05% ointment and a combined laser therapy
Authors: Negosanti Francesca , Tengattini Vera , Gurioli Carlotta , Neri Iria
Published: August 2018

Background

Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by nonmalignant hamartomas in multiple organs. Facial angiofibromas are most commonly located on the face and have the potential to cause disfigurement. Facial disfigurement negatively affects the quality of life of patients and their families, often leading to negative psychosocial outcomes. Nowadays there are no treatment guidelines for facial angiofibromas but due to the progressive nature of facial angiofibromas a safe technique offering good results is needed.

Objective and Results

We report the case of a 40‐year‐old female affected by tuberous sclerosis, whose facial angiofibromas were satisfactorily treated by rapamycin 0.05% ointment, and a combined laser therapy.
Pathomorphological criteria of use efficiency of resorbable and permanent implants in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology
Authors: Turkevych Marta , Turkevych Alexander , Kadjaya Albina , Gold Michael H. , Lotti Torello , Sulamanidze George
Published: August 2018

Background

The use of threads in aesthetic medicine is based on its ability to stimulate collagen production, which is claimed by the manufacturers, but this information has no basis at all, as no research has been carried out that would confirm the claimed information.

Aims

To determine effectiveness of collagenogenesis as a result of setting of resorbing and permanent implants on the basis of study pathomorphological changes in the skin.

Methods

The studies were performed on 30 mature white male rats which were divided into two groups depending on the type of implanted threads.

Results

Dependence between type of implantation thread (structure) and stimulation of collagenogenesis has been established.

Conclusions

While studying morphological changes in the peri‐implant zone, it was found that in all groups of experimental rats, collagen with different term of biodegradation and in different quantities on various chronological stages is formed. It was established that collagenogenesis is stimulated unevenly, depending on the type of implantation thread (chemical composition and structure). On the 90th day of the experiment, the resorbing thread did not completely degrade, which does not contradict the information provided by the manufacturer about the period of disintegration (365 days), and the expediency of using these cosmetic threads in aesthetic dermatology for the purpose of prolonged lifting skin correction. The specificity of the structure of implant threads, namely, the form of a spring (AS), as a provocative factor for long‐term alteration, causes long‐term inflammatory response in tissues (90th day of the experiment).
Serum levels of human epididymis protein 4 are more stable than cancer antigen 125 in early and mid‐term pregnancy
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Zhou Fangfang , Xiao Xirong , Ying Chunmei
Published: August 2018

Aim

Previous studies have shown serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels could serve as predictive markers in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. However, HE4 levels have been less well studied during pregnancy, especially in threatened abortion, while CA125 levels were fluctuated. Our study aimed to assess the stability of HE4 and CA125 levels through trimesters and in cases of threatened abortion.

Methods

Forty‐six nonpregnant women (control), 167 healthy pregnant women and 46 pregnant threatened abortion (TA; 8–12 weeks pregnancy) women who visited the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from September to December 2017 were recruited. The healthy pregnant women group included 57 women in the first trimester (T1), 55 in the second (T2) and 55 in the third (T3). Serum levels of HE4 and CA125 were measured by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay.

Results

Both HE4 and CA125 levels in the T3 group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). There was no difference in HE4 between the control, T1 and T2 groups, while levels of CA125 in T1 group were elevated (P < 0.001). There was no difference in HE4 levels between the TA, control and T1 groups. However, the levels of CA125 in the TA group were much higher (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The level of HE4 was found to be more stable than that of CA125 in early and mid‐pregnancy and in cases of threatened abortion.
A nationwide survey on gynecologic endoscopic surgery in Japan, 2014–2016
Authors: Taniguchi Fuminori , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Hirata Tetsuya , Tajima Hiroto , Masuda Hirotaka , Kitade Mari , Kumakiri Jun , Uchiide Ichiro , Saito Juichiro , Kurose Keisuke , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Harada Tasuku ,   on behalf of the Surgical Outcome Research Committee in Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (JSGOE)
Published: August 2018

Aim

Since 2014, Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and minimally invasive therapy (JSGOE) conducted a nationwide survey on gynecologic endoscopic surgery. We aimed to evaluate the current status and complications associated with endoscopic surgery by Japan gynecologic and obstetric endoscopy‐database registry system (JOE‐D).

Methods

Electrical medical records concerning the endoscopic surgery were generated from the daily use of reporting system. The subjects were all patients who underwent gynecologic endoscopic surgery. In addition to assessment of actual numbers, diagnosis, and operative methods, adverse events were registered.

Results

Total 203 970 patients performed laparoscopic, hysteroscopic and falloposcopic surgery for 3 years, 2014–2016. The numbers of endoscopic surgeries conducted in 2016 were increased more than 67 000, 13 000 or 450 cases, respectively. Incidence rates of complications involving these three types of surgeries in each year were approximately 3.1%. Incidences of intraoperative complications were relatively high in malignant diseases, laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and myomectomy (LAM). In total laparoscopic hysterectomy/laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH/LH) performed from 2014 to 2016, ureteral injury as intra and postoperative complication occurred in 0.35%. In the past 3 years, the rates of vascular injury, urinary tract, and bowel injury as intraoperative complications caused by laparoscopic surgery were approximately 0.1%. In the hysteroscopic surgery, the rates of total intra‐ and postoperative complications were 0.78%.

Conclusion

We exhibited the current status by the nationwide survey of gynecologic endoscopic surgery all over Japan. Severe intra or postoperative complications were identified over the 3 years at a rate of 0.04%.
Primary breast cancer of the vulva: A case report and literature review
Authors: Al‐Mansouri Loma , Poursoltan Pirooz , Simons Mary , Muljono Anita , Boyages John
Published: August 2018

An elderly lady presented with a 2‐year history of intermittent vaginal bleeding and later the development of a vulvovaginal mass. A core biopsy histology specimen from the mass and the left inguinal lymph node was suggestive of metastatic adenocarcinoma of breast origin. No breast lesion was detected on mammography, and axillary nodes were negative. The histopathologic features and the expression of GATA3, cytokeratin (CK)7, mammaglobin staining and estrogen and progesterone receptors led to a diagnosis of breast cancer originating from the ectopic mammary tissue in the vulva. Given the rarity of these lesions, and the lack of standard treatment guidelines, the management of the patient was extrapolated from the established breast cancer treatment guidelines. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by hormone therapy with aromatase inhibitor were administered to this patient in the metastatic setting with good palliation.
Adnexal torsion with normal ovary in the third trimester of a twin pregnancy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Ferrari Federico , Tisi Giancarlo , Forte Sara , Sartori Enrico , Odicino Franco
Published: August 2018

Management of adnexal torsion in a dichorionic diamniotic pregnancy at 32 weeks is presented. Adnexal torsion is a rare condition in pregnancy, particularly during late third trimester and with normal ovary and tube. The size of a twin uterus at late third trimester prevented a laparoscopic approach. A longitudinal laparotomic incision below the umbilicus permitted detorsion and fixation of the adnexa. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in a late twin pregnancy.
Association between temporomandibular disorders and pubertal development: A systematic review
Authors: Song Yi Lin , Yap Adrian U. , Türp Jens C.
Published: August 2018

The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to determine the association between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and pubertal development. Due to the inadequacy of the conventional PICO (Population, Interventions, Comparisons and Outcome) format used for intervention‐based SRs, the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines for synthesising evidence related to associations with a focus on aetiology were adopted. A search of the PubMed and LIVIVO databases covering the period from January 1980 to May 2018 yielded four publications, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Analysis of articles based on the Pubertal Development Scale showed that TMD prevalence increases with pubertal development. Although no sex difference in TMD prevalence and diagnosis was observed, more females reported TMD anamnestic variables, including accounts of temporomandibular pain during pubertal maturity. The higher prevalence of depression and somatisation during pubertal development may contribute to more TMD symptom reporting in females. More prospective studies incorporating standardised methods for diagnosing TMDs and detecting comorbid psychosocial and somatic problems are desired to further elucidate the relationship between TMDs and pubertal development.