bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
J. Walter Thompson: the origin and development of account planning
Authors: Sánchez-Blanco Cristina
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify whether J. Walter Thompson (JWT)’s planning and research tradition gave rise to the concept of Account Planning. In addition, it seeks to analyse the different planning methodologies that preceded Account Planning to highlight how it emerged at JWT London. A further goal is to understand the impact of Account Planning, which sought to achieve effective advertising through detailed consumer insight and has transformed the multinational JWT as a whole and the advertising sector in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based mainly on the analysis of primary research conducted on original files donated to Duke University Library (North Carolina, USA) by the multinational J. Walter Thompson.

Findings

Account Planning emerged in 1968 in London as a consequence of the research and planning tradition that already existed at JWT. JWT’s corporate culture established the importance of the Account Planning approach that was valued by advertisers and spread to all offices. The planning tools used by the multinational today are updated versions of those that were designed from 1960 onwards.

Research limitations/implications

The historical approach taken here precludes an analysis of the current reality of Account Planning. In future research, it would be useful to carry out in-depth interviews with professionals to explore how they apply planning tools that represent updated versions of those that were developed 50 years ago.

Originality/value

This paper’s main interest lies in the fact that it is based on original, unpublished sources, an approach that makes it possible to reassess previous findings.
A systematic mapping study on gamification applied to e-marketing
Authors: Noorbehbahani Fakhroddin , Salehi Fereshteh , Jafar Zadeh Reza
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Today, marketing has evolved due to the emergence of new electronic technologies and has shifted to e-marketing. Meanwhile, the gamification and gamified systems is an up-to-date research topic that has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. As one of the main goals of marketing is to increase customer engagement and loyalty by persuading and motivating them to participate, the gamification has a great potential for e-marketing. Although much research has been done on the gamification subject in e-marketing, there has not yet been a comprehensive review of these studies. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific and practical research on gamification applied to e-marketing using the systematic mapping study methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Because considerable research has been devoted to gamification since 2011, and the number of papers published in this area has grown steadily from 2011, the paper reviews the publications over the period 2011-2018. The research method includes developing research questions, designing the research process and filtering the findings based on the specified criteria.

Findings

The findings of this study show the main applications of gamification in e-marketing, the technologies used and the proven benefits of applying this technique in e-marketing. It also provides a classification of the studies in this area.

Practical implications

This paper helps other researchers to understand the main areas of research in gamification within the marketing discipline and enables them to find the fields needed for future studies.

Originality/value

The proposed classification can give a comprehensive overview of the scientific and practical actions taken on gamification applied to e-marketing for academics and practitioners. It also enables the readers to find main areas of research and motivates them to apply gamification in e-marketing.
Selection of technology standardization mode for libraries based on game theory
Authors: Jiang Hong , Xu Hongtao , Zhao Shukuan , Chen Yong
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Internet of Things (IoT), a strategic emerging industry, has brought a new driving force to the global economic growth, as well as an effective solution to break the barrier of economic development. However, standards system of IoT is not yet mature, existing obvious overlapping and even conflicting standards, and enterprises lack mature technology standardization model, which severely restricts the structural upgrading and development of IoT. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this regard, this study combs the research context of the IoT, technology standardization and competition behavior, and analyze technology standardization models of IoT by combining theory with practice. Using game theory and profit function, this paper analyzes the selection mechanism of standardization model of IoT enterprises, and explores practical application of these models using competitive behavior theory.

Findings

First, in the process of standardization, technology standardization model n enterprises is not single, nor is it immutable. Second, the trend of internationalization of technical standards is becoming more and more obvious. Third, if LoT enterprises want to achieve their own technology standardization, the corresponding competitive behavior is essential. Fourth, with the change of innovation capability and market forces, the competitive behavior of enterprises should be improved accordingly to better adapt to the changes of internal and external environment and ensure the realization of the standardization of enterprises. Fifth, if IoT attempts to achieve the same globalization as the internet, there must be a set of support systems.

Originality/value

Finally, some suggestions are given for the future development in the field of IoT. This study will provide some theoretical support for promoting the development of standards and enhancing the competitiveness of IoT enterprises.
A leader’s approaches to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing in an information organization
Authors: Yi Zhixian
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at organizational culture and knowledge sharing, and to explore how a leader fosters a culture of knowledge sharing in an information organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature survey is used. It indicates that little is known about how to foster a culture of knowledge sharing from a leadership perspective in an information organization.

Findings

This study finds that the main approaches that a leader need to use to foster a culture of knowledge sharing are to set the mission, short-term, middle-term and long-term goals and objectives of fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, master as many leadership styles as possible, adjust and choose a leadership style that is appropriate to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing in a given situation, lead by example, develop messaging, make a communication plan, reward and recognize knowledge-sharing behaviors and make knowledge management fun.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that this study is solely focused on the literature survey and opinions.

Practical implications

This paper provides a useful overview of the approaches used to foster a culture of knowledge sharing in an information organization.

Originality/value

The views, approaches and suggestions will be useful and valuable to improve the success of knowledge sharing in information organizations in the digital age.
Nonlinear effect of FDI, economic growth, and industrialization on environmental quality
Authors: Munir Kashif , Ameer Ayesha
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the long-run as well as short-run nonlinear effect of foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth (EG) and industrialization on environmental degradation (carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag methodology to examine the long-run and short-run relationship among the variables. FDI, EG and industrialization are decomposed into positive and negative variations to examine the nonlinear relationship with CO2emissions. Granger causality test is used to examine the direction of causality among the variables. The study uses annual time-series data of Pakistan from 1975 to 2016.

Findings

An increase in FDI has a positive and significant effect on CO2emissions in the long run, while a decrease in FDI has a negative and insignificant effect on CO2emissions. An increase in EG has a positive and significant effect, while a decrease in EG has a negative and insignificant effect on CO2emissions in the long run. An increase in industrialization has a positive and significant effect on CO2emissions, while a decrease in industrialization has a negative and insignificant effect on CO2emissions. Unidirectional causality flows from CO2emissions to a positive partial sum of FDI, EG, industrialization and a negative partial sum of EG in the short run.

Practical implications

The government has to establish the environmental regulation for industrial sectors. Research and development centers are required at government and private levels to control pollution through new technologies. Regulations and restrictions are required on the foreign investor to adopt friendly environmental policies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by analyzing the nonlinear effects of FDI, industrialization and EG on environmental pollution in Pakistan. The main significance of this investigation is to provide the essential evidence, information and better understanding to key stakeholders of the environment.
Phenomenography’s contribution to organizational studies based on a practice perspective
Authors: Rocha-Pinto Sandra Regina da , Jardim Leandro Schoemer , Broman Samantha Luiza De Souza , Guimaraes Maria Isabel Peixoto , Trevia Carlos Frederico
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the phenomenography as an approach that may contribute to the organizational studies based on the practice perspective, considering that it analyzes the phenomenon through the practitioner’s view and experience.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a theoretical essay about phenomenography as a theoretical-methodological perspective, considering its concept, its relation with practice theories and how its theoretical-methodological approach is capable of bringing a new perspective over the organizations, in the practice perspective.

Findings

The phenomenographic method, together with the practice perspective, enables mapping, identifying, describing and relating all the different ways by which an organization, in each one of its structuring dimensions, is effectively experienced. It argues that aspects such as the phenomenographic interview, the second-order perspective, the collective conceptions stated in the outcome space and their relations, the complexity of hierarchy and the abductive theorization about the emerging concepts of collective perceptions form, all together, an alternative and promising theoretical approach to analyze the entanglement between action and the material dimension that constitutes the organizational practices.

Practical implications

The phenomenographic outcome space may become a catalyst of a theorization about practices, which is capable to modify them or modify the way they are understood.

Originality/value

It discusses the possibility of phenomenography to theorize from the agents’ collective consciousness.
Habitat selection in transformed landscapes and the role of forest remnants and shade coffee in the conservation of resident birds
Authors: Sánchez‐Clavijo Lina María , Bayly Nicholas James , Quintana‐Ascencio Pedro Francisco
Published: September 2019

Biodiversity conservation in transformed landscapes is becoming increasingly important. However, most assessments of the value of modified habitats rely heavily on species presence and/or abundance, masking ecological processes such as habitat selection and phenomena like ecological traps, which may render species persistence uncertain. High species richness has been documented in tropical agroforestry systems, but comparisons with native habitat remnants generally lack detailed information on species demography and habitat use.

We generated a multi‐species, multi‐measure framework to evaluate the role of habitat selection in the adaptation of species to transformed landscapes, and demonstrate that its use could affect how we value the contribution different land uses make to biodiversity conservation.

We analysed 7 years of capture–mark–recapture and observation data for twelve species of resident birds present in native forest remnants and shade coffee plantations in a mega‐diverse region. We assessed whether species behaved adaptively by evaluating the correlation between measures of habitat preference (occurrence, abundance, fidelity, inter‐seasonal variance and age) and performance (body condition, muscle, primary moult, breeding and juveniles) in forest and coffee, and generated hypotheses about their role in species persistence.

We documented adaptive habitat selection for seven species, non‐ideal selection for four and maladaptive selection for one. While many species showed equal preference and/or equal performance in many traits, in general we found more evidence for birds preferring and/or performing better in forest than coffee, although relationships between our indicators and population adaptation need to be studied further before our proposed framework can be applied to more species and landscapes.

While shade coffee can act as a biodiversity‐friendly matrix providing complementary or supplementary habitat to a wide range of resident bird species, protecting remnants of native vegetation is still of paramount importance for biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.
‘We were just kind of handed it and then it was smoke bombed by everyone’: How do external stakeholders contribute to parent rejection and the abandonment of AAC systems?
Authors: Moorcroft Alison , Scarinci Nerina , Meyer Carly
Published: September 2019

Background

There are multiple stakeholders involved in the introduction of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to children with complex communication needs. Stakeholders such as speech–language pathologists (SLPs) and teachers who are external to the family unit play a key role in planning and implementing interventions. If this intervention is unsuccessful, it can result in parent rejection or abandonment of the AAC system. However, no studies explore the contribution of external stakeholders to AAC rejection and abandonment from the perspective of parents who have experienced such unsuccessful interventions.

Aims

To explore parents’ perceptions of how external stakeholders may contribute to the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system.

Methods & Procedures

Data were collected as a part of a larger study that explored parent experiences of AAC rejection and abandonment. Within this study, semi‐structured interviews were completed with 12 parents who had rejected or abandoned an AAC system introduced to their child with complex communication needs. Data related to external stakeholder contributions were extracted from the interview transcripts, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

Outcomes & Results

Analysis revealed four themes that captured the role of external stakeholders in the rejection and abandonment of AAC systems: (1) parents were influenced by the attitudes and experience of professionals; (2) parents did not feel supported by SLPs; (3) communication between stakeholders was not effective; and (4) parents had difficulties using AAC without a supportive community.

Conclusions & Implications

This study highlights the importance of family‐centred service delivery when introducing an AAC system to the parent of a child with complex communication needs. SLPs may support parent acceptance of AAC systems by using family‐centred practices such as listening to parents, acknowledging their expertise and finding compromises.
Differentiation‐inducing factor‐1 suppresses cyclin D1‐induced cell proliferation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells by inhibiting S6K‐mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 synthesis
Authors: Tetsuo Fumi , Arioka Masaki , Miura Koichi , Kai Misato , Kubo Momoko , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Takahashi‐Yanaga Fumi , Nishimura Fusanori , Sasaguri Toshiyuki
Published: September 2019

Differentiation‐inducing factor‐1 (DIF‐1) has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of various mammalian cells by unknown means, although some possible mechanisms of its action have been proposed, including the activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3). Here, we report an alternative mechanism underlying the action of DIF‐1 in human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7, on which the effects of DIF‐1 have not been examined previously. Intragastric administration of DIF‐1 reduced the tumor growth from MCF‐7 cells injected into a mammary fat pad of nude mice, without causing adverse effects. In cultured MCF‐7, DIF‐1 arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and suppressed cyclin D1 expression, consistent with our previous results obtained in other cell species. However, DIF‐1 did not inhibit the phosphorylation of GSK‐3. Investigating an alternative mechanism for the reduction of cyclin D1, we found that DIF‐1 reduced the protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The STAT3 inhibitor S3I‐201 suppressed cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation and the overexpression of STAT3 enhanced cyclin D1 expression and accelerated proliferation. Differentiation‐inducing factor‐1 did not reduce STAT3 mRNA or reduce STAT3 protein in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that DIF‐1 inhibited STAT3 protein synthesis. Seeking its mechanism, we revealed that DIF‐1 inhibited the activation of 70 kDa and/or 85 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K/p85S6K). Inhibition of p70S6K/p85S6K by rapamycin also reduced the expressions of STAT3 and cyclin D1. Therefore, DIF‐1 suppresses MCF‐7 proliferation by inhibiting p70S6K/p85S6K activity and STAT3 protein synthesis followed by reduction of cyclin D1 expression.
Comparisons of ISO depth of cure for a resin composite in stainless‐steel and natural‐tooth molds
Authors: Erickson Robert L. , Barkmeier Wayne W.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the depth of cure (DOC) of a resin‐based composite (RBC) using the ISO DOC protocol with stainless‐steel and molar‐tooth molds (4 mm cylindrical cavity). The tooth mold included testing with and without the occlusal surface being covered with black tape around the cavity opening. The RBC was cured with either halogen (HAL) or light‐emitting diode (LED) light. The results showed that specimens made in the non‐taped tooth mold had DOCs that were significantly greater (28%–35%) than those in the stainless‐steel mold. The taped tooth mold also produced significantly greater DOCs, but only by 6%–8%. Knoop hardness (KNH) measurements along the central axis of the RBC specimens showed that depths for 80% of maximum hardness were substantially greater than those determined by the ISO DOC protocol but were limited to the center and quickly dropped below 80% in a lateral direction. The KHN mapping for each of the three molds found that the ISO DOCs could validate a KHN of ≥80% across the RBC to the periphery, only for the non‐taped tooth mold. This was due to light incident on the tooth surrounding the RBC being scattered into the RBC.
STAR mapping method to identify driving sites in persistent atrial fibrillation: Application through sequential mapping
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Schilling Richard J. , Finlay Malcolm , Keating Emily , Ullah Waqas , Hunter Ross J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The optimal way to map localized drivers in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The objective of the study was to apply a novel vector mapping approach called Stochastic Trajectory Analysis of Ranked signals (STAR) in AF.

Methods and Results

Patients having persistent AF ablation were included. Early sites of activation (ESA) identified on global STAR maps created with basket catheters were used to guide AF ablation post‐pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). All patients also had sequential STAR maps created with ≥10 PentaRay recordings of 30 seconds. These were validated offline in their ability to identify the ESA targeted with a study‐defined ablation response (AF termination or cycle length [CL] slowing of ≥30 ms).

Thirty‐two patients were included in whom 92 ESA were identified on the global STAR maps, with 73 of 83 targeted sites demonstrating an ablation response (24 AF termination and 49 CL slowing). Sixty‐one out of 73 (83.6%) ESA were also identified on the sequential STAR maps. These showed greater consistency (P < .001), were seen pre‐ and post‐PVI (P < .001) and were more likely to be associated with AF termination on ablation (P = .007). The sensitivity and specificity of sequential mapping for the detection of ESA with an ablation response was 84.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 74.6‐92.2) and 90.0% (95% CI = 55.5‐99.8), respectively. During a follow‐up of 19.4 ± 3.7 months, 28 (80%) patients were free from AF/atrial tachycardia.

Conclusions

STAR mapping consistently identified ESA in all patients and the ablation response was compatible with ESA being driver sites. Mechanistically important ESA were successfully identified using sequential recordings.
Blood pressure variability in the management of hypertensive emergency: A narrative review
Authors: Cucci Michaelia D. , Benken Scott T.
Published: September 2019

Hypertensive emergencies (HTNe) primarily focus on decreasing the blood pressure to specific targets. However, there are emerging data surrounding the potential clinical effects of blood pressure variability (BPV) in patients with HTNe. This narrative review highlights the various definitions of BPV, the emerging role of BPV, and the clinical data surrounding BPV in the HTNe setting. Clinical studies were obtained from a PubMed search through October 2018 utilizing PICO methodology. Original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses were considered for inclusion. Articles were selected for inclusion based on the relevancy of the article investigating BPV in the HTNe setting. There is currently no accepted standard to express BPV in the acute care setting of HTNe, and various parameters have been reported. There are very limited data regarding BPV outside of the neurologic HTNe setting. In the acute treatment phase of neurologic HTNe, BPV is consistently associated with increased risk of unfavorable outcomes. In the HTNe setting, continuous infusion of calcium channel blockers may optimize BPV compared to other agents. Based on current data, BPV should be investigated in a prospective systemic fashion. Efforts should be taken to ensure that BPV is minimized in the acute phase of HTNe, especially for those patients with intracranial hemorrhage. This reduced BPV is associated with improved favorable outcomes, but further study investigating specific pharmacologic agents is needed.
SOFT INFORMATION PRODUCTION IN SME LENDING
Authors: Del Gaudio Belinda L. , Griffiths Mark D. , Sampagnaro Gabriele
Published: September 2019

We analyze the determinants of soft information production on bank clients assuming that this information is collected through close contact with borrowers. After classifying contacts based on the initiator and the location of the lender–borrower meetings, we find that banks have more direct contact with firms characterized by low risk and low use of their banking products, indicating that there may also be commercial reasons for such contact. Our findings suggest that the production of soft information may follow a quality selection process in which banks prefer to strengthen relationships with clients characterized by low risk and low use of their products. We provide additional evidence of the role of soft information in ongoing interactions between banks and borrowers. Banks that initiate contacts at the firm location result in future lower risk, lower spreads, and increased product sales.
Spillover feedback loops and strategic complements in R&D
Authors: Chalioti Evangelia
Published: September 2019

This paper studies, in a two‐period model, the effects of knowledge spillovers among product market competitors on R&D levels. It argues that when firms' R&D decisions are strategic complements, in industries in which spillovers increase the marginal productivity of a firm's R&D, both incomingandoutgoing spillovers spur R&D in equilibrium. Outgoing spillovers can foster innovation even in a homogeneous‐product industry. In these industries, the intellectual property law should be such that facilitates knowledge diffusion. If firms have power in deciding the level of knowledge spillovers, we show that a firm will choose to disclose its knowledge to its product market competitors.
A phylogenomic resolution for the taxonomy of Aegean green lizards
Authors: Kornilios Panagiotis , Thanou Evanthia , Lymberakis Petros , Ilgaz Çetin , Kumlutaş Yusuf , Leaché Adam
Published: September 2019

Lacerta pamphylica and Lacerta trilineata are two currently recognized green lizard species with a historically problematic taxonomy. In cases of tangled phylogenies, next‐generation sequencing and double‐digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA protocols can provide a wealth of genomic data and resolve difficult taxonomic issues. Here, we generated genome‐wide SNPs and mitochondrial sequences, and applied molecular species delimitation approaches to provide a stable taxonomy for the Aegean green lizards. Mitochondrial gene trees, genetic cluster delimitation and population structure analyses converged into recognizing the populations of (a) L. pamphylica, (b) east Aegean islands, Anatolia and Thrace (diplochondrodes lineage), (c) central Aegean islands (citrovittata), and (d) remaining Balkan populations and islands (trilineata), as separate clusters. Phylogenomic analyses revealed a split into two major clades, east and west of the Aegean Barrier, unambiguously showing a sister–clade relationship between pamphylica and diplochondrodes, rendering L. trilineata paraphyletic. Species delimitation models were tested in a Bayesian framework using the genomic SNPs: lumping all populations into a single ‘species’ had the lowest likelihood but the current taxonomy was also outperformed by all other models. All lines of evidence support the Pamphylian green lizard as a valid species; thus, east Aegean L. trilineata should also be considered a distinct species under the name Lacerta diplochondrodes. Finally, evidence from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes is overwhelmingly in favour of recognizing the morphologically distinct Cycladian green lizards as a distinct species. We propose their elevation to full species under the name Lacerta citrovittata. All remaining insular and continental populations of the Balkan Peninsula represent the species L. trilineata.
Thermodynamic Performance Study of the SOFC–GT–RC System Fueled by LNG With CO2 Recovery
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Zhao Hongbin , Hou Qinlong
Published: September 2019

Distributed energy technology is an important developing direction of the future energy technology. This paper puts forward a distributed energy system named SOFC–GT–RC (solid oxide fuel cell–gas turbine–recovering carbon dioxide) with liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel and recovering carbon dioxide. In the system, the cold energy of LNG can not only cool the compressor inlet air to reduce the consumption of compressor work, but also to supply cold energy and to recover CO2. Based on the mathematical model of each part, the thermodynamic calculation model of the whole system is built by fortran, which is embedded in aspen plus. The results of calculation indicate the thermal efficiency and total power efficiency are 74.5% and 56.7% while the exergy efficiency is 61.8%. In addition, some operating parameters such as fuel utilization factor and fuel flow rate are selected. Based on these operating parameters, the new system thermodynamic performance is studied. The results point that this SOFC–GT–RC system fueled by LNG increases the total power and decreases waste of cold energy and the pollution of the environment, which would be an effective utilization style of energy in China's LNG satellite stations.
Geometric Design, Meshing Simulation, and Stress Analysis of Pure Rolling Rack and Pinion Mechanisms
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zeng Ming , Fuentes-Aznar Alfonso
Published: September 2019

The geometric design, meshing simulation, and stress analysis of pure rolling rack and pinion mechanisms are presented. Both the pinion and the rack are based on the active design of the meshing line to provide pure rolling for the whole cycle of meshing. The parametric equations of the contact curves on the rack and pinion tooth surfaces are determined by coordinate transformation of the meshing line equations. Three types of meshing are derived according to the motion of the generatrices along the calculated contact curves: convex-to-concave meshing, convex-to-plane meshing, and convex-to-convex meshing. Then, the basic design parameters are analyzed and formulas for calculation of the geometric size are given. Four different cases of design are considered to compare the meshing performance and mechanical behavior of the proposed gear mechanisms. The results include contact patterns, the unloaded function of transmission errors, and the evaluation of stresses along two cycles of meshing. The analysis of the results shows that the proposed method of design of pure rolling meshing reduces the relative sliding between tooth surfaces, whereas it decreases the contact strength of the tooth surfaces. However, if the design parameters are properly evaluated as a result of simulation and applied as proposed here, the mechanical behavior of the proposed rack and pinion mechanisms can be more favorable than that of the standard geometry of involute rack and pinion sets.
Speckle coherence of piecewise-stationary stochastic targets
Authors: Morgan Matthew R. , Trahey Gregg E. , Walker William F.
Published: September 2019

The van Cittert-Zernike (VCZ) theorem describes the propagation of spatial covariance from an incoherent source distribution, such as backscatter from stochastic targets in pulse-echo imaging. These stochastic targets are typically assumed statistically stationary and spatially incoherent with uniform scattering strength. In this work, the VCZ theorem is applied to a piecewise-stationary scattering model. Under this framework, the spatial covariance of the received echo data is demonstrated as the linear superposition of covariances from distinct spatial regions. This theory is analytically derived from fundamental physical principles, and validated through simulation studies demonstrating superposition and scaling. Simulations show that linearity is preserved over various depths and transmit apodizations, and in the presence of noise. These results provide a general framework to decompose spatial covariance into contributions from distinct regions of interest, which may be applied to advanced imaging methods. While the simulation tools used for validation are specific to ultrasound, this analysis is generally applicable to other coherent imaging applications involving stochastic targets. This covariance decomposition provides the physical basis for a recently described imaging method, Multi-covariate Imaging of Sub-resolution Targets.
Accuracy of Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure Estimations of Wrist-Worn and Arm-Worn Apple Watches
Authors: Nuss Kayla J. , Sanford Joseph L. , Archambault Lucas J. , Schlemer Ethan J. , Blake Sophie , Courtney Jimikaye Beck , Hulett Nicholas A. , Li Kaigang
Published: September 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) estimated by the Apple Watch Series 1 worn both on the wrist and the upper arm. Methods: Thirty healthy, young adults (15 females) wore the two monitors while participating in a maximal exercise test. Criterion measures were obtained from the Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 Metabolic Cart and an electrocardiograph. Results: The HR estimations of the arm-worn (AW) Apple Watch had the highest agreement with the electrocardiogram, with mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of <2.5% for the entire sample, for males, and for females, at all exercise intensities. The HR estimations of the wrist-worn Apple Watch had MAPEs ranging from 3.61% (females at very light intensity) to 14.97% (males at very vigorous intensity). When estimating EE for total exercise bout in the entire sample, the arm-worn Apple Watch overestimated EE, with a MAPE of 39.63%, whereas the wrist-worn underestimated EE, with a MAPE of 32.28%. Both the arm- and wrist-worn overestimated EE for females and underestimated EE for males. Conclusion: Wearing the Apple Watch Series 1 on the upper arm versus the wrist improves the MAPE for HR estimations, but does not improve MAPE for the EE calculations when compared to a criterion measure.
The Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Ideal Cardiovascular Health in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ross Leanna M. , Barber Jacob L. , McLain Alexander C. , Weaver R. Glenn , Sui Xuemei , Blair Steven N. , Sarzynski Mark A.
Published: September 2019

Background: This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and ideal cardiovascular health (CVH). Methods: CRF and the 7 CVH components were measured in 11,590 (8865 males; 2725 females) adults at baseline and in 2532 (2160 males; 372 females) adults with at least one follow-up examination from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. Ideal CVH score was calculated as a composite of 7 measures, each scored 0 to 2. CVH groups were based on participant point score: ≤7 (poor), 8 to 11 (intermediate), and 12 to 14 (ideal). Analyses included general linear, logistic regression, and linear mixed models. Results: At baseline, participants in the high CRF category had 21% and 45% higher mean CVH scores than those in the moderate and poor CRF categories (P < .001). The adjusted odds (95% confidence interval) of being in the poor CVH group at baseline were 4.9 (4.4–5.4) and 16.9 (14.3–19.9) times greater for individuals with moderate and low CRF, respectively, compared with those with high CRF (P < .001). Longitudinal analysis found that for every 1-minute increase in treadmill time, CVH score increased by 0.23 units (P < .001) independent of age, sex, exam number, and exam year. Conclusions: Higher CRF is associated with better CVH profiles, and improving CRF over time is independently associated with greater improvements in CVH.
The Perceived Tightness Scale Does Not Provide Reliable Estimates of Blood Flow Restriction Pressure
Authors: Bell Zachary W. , Dankel Scott J. , Spitz Robert W. , Chatakondi Raksha N. , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: September 2019

Context: The perceived tightness scale is suggested to be an effective method for setting subocclusive pressures with practical blood flow restriction. However, the reliability of this scale is unknown and is important as the reliability will ultimately dictate the usefulness of this method. Objective: To determine the reliability of the perceived tightness scale and investigate if the reliability differs by sex. Design: Within-participant, repeated-measures. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Twenty-four participants (12 men and 12 women) were tested over 3 days. Main Outcome Measures: Arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and the pressure at which the participants rated a 7 out of 10 on the perceived tightness scale in the upper arm and upper leg. Results: The percentage coefficient of variation for the measurement was approximately 12%, with no effect of sex in the upper (median δ [95% credible interval]: 0.016 [−0.741, 0.752]) or lower body (median δ [95% credible interval]: 0.266 [−0.396, 0.999]). This would produce an overestimation/underestimation of ∼25% from the mean perceived pressure in the upper body and ∼20% in the lower body. Participants rated pressures above their AOP for the upper body and below for the lower body. At the group level, there were differences in participants’ ratings for their relative AOP (7 out of 10) between day 1 and days 2 and 3 for the lower body, but no differences between sexes for the upper or lower body. Conclusions: The use of the perceived tightness scale does not provide reliable estimates of relative pressures over multiple visits. This method resulted in a wide range of relative AOPs within the same individual across days. This may preclude the use of this scale to set the pressure for those implementing practical blood flow restriction in the laboratory, gym, or clinic.
Bacillus anthracis Virulence Regulator AtxA Binds Specifically to the
pagA
Promoter Region
Authors: McCall Rita M. , Sievers Mary E. , Fattah Rasem , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Pomerantsev Andrei P. , Leppla Stephen H.
Published: September 2019

Anthrax toxin activator (AtxA) regulates the major virulence genes in
Bacillus anthracis
. The bacterium produces the anthrax toxins, and understanding the mechanism of toxin production may facilitate the development of therapeutics for
B. anthracis
infection. Since the discovery of AtxA 25 years ago, the mechanism by which it regulates its targets has largely remained a mystery. Here, we provide evidence that AtxA binds to the promoter region of the
pagA
gene encoding the main central protective antigen (PA) component of the anthrax toxin. These data suggest that AtxA binding plays a direct role in gene regulation. Our work also assists in clarifying the role of CO
2
in AtxA’s gene regulation and provides more evidence for the role of AtxA phosphorylation in virulence gene regulation.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus futsaii Y97, a Potential Probiotic Strain Isolated from Futsai of Taiwan
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Yao Fang , Gou Qiufeng , Dai Fuying , Pan Qu
Published: September 2019

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Lactobacillus futsaii
Y97, a potential probiotic strain isolated from futsai of Taiwan. The genome consists of one chromosome of 2.56 Mb and three plasmids. The genome contains 2,622 genes, which make up 87.06% of the genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus canis Clinical Strain OT1, Isolated from a Dog Owner with Invasive Infection without a Dog Bite in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Haruno , Katayama Yukie , Fukushima Yasuto , Ohtaki Hirofumi , Ohkusu Kiyofumi , Mizutani Tetsuya , Takahashi Takashi
Published: September 2019

Streptococcus canis
is a β-hemolytic bacterium that can cause invasive infections in animals and humans. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
S. canis
strain OT1, isolated from a female dog owner with bacteremia without a dog bite. The draft genome comprises 2,030,366 bp in 48 contigs.
Complete Genome Sequencing of Thermus thermophilus Strain HC11, Isolated from Mine Geyser in Japan
Authors: Miyazaki Kentaro
Published: September 2019

Thermus thermophilus
strain HC11 was isolated from Mine Geyser in Japan, where type strain HB8 was isolated 50 years ago. In this article, the complete genome sequence of HC11 is presented. HC11 shares the highest average nucleotide identity with HB8 among known
T. thermophilus
genomes (93.1%) with no genetic rearrangements.
Draft Genome Sequence of Comamonas testosteroni TA441, a Bacterium That Has a Cryptic Phenol Degradation Gene Cluster
Authors: Arai Hiroyuki , Ishii Masaharu
Published: September 2019

Comamonas testosteroni
TA441 has a complete phenol degradation gene cluster but does not degrade phenol because the cluster is tightly repressed. However, mutant strains that can degrade phenol arise by spontaneous mutations of a repressor gene during incubation with phenol. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain TA441.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Podophage Ponderosa
Authors: Marquez Alejandra , Newkirk Heather , Moreland Russell , Gonzalez Carlos F. , Liu Mei , Ramsey Jolene
Published: September 2019

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is a Gram-negative bacterium that is emerging as a multidrug-resistant global opportunistic pathogen. Here, we describe the genome of the T7-like
S. maltophilia
podophage Ponderosa, with 54 predicted protein-coding genes and a 493-bp terminal repeat.
Nano−porous pyrite and organic matter in 3.5-billion-year-old stromatolites record primordial life
Authors: Baumgartner Raphael J. , Van Kranendonk Martin J. , Wacey David , Fiorentini Marco L. , Saunders Martin , Caruso Stefano , Pages Anais , Homann Martin , Guagliardo Paul
Published: September 2019

Stromatolites of the ∼3.5 billion-year-old Dresser Formation (Pilbara Craton, Western Australia) are considered to be some of Earth’s earliest convincing evidence of life. However, uniquely biogenic interpretations based on surface outcrops are precluded by weathering, which has altered primary mineralogy and inhibited the preservation of microbial remains. Here, we report on exceptionally preserved, strongly sulfidized stromatolites obtained by diamond drilling from below the weathering profile. These stromatolites lie within undeformed hydrothermal-sedimentary strata and show textural features that are indicative of biogenic origins, including upward-broadening and/or upward-branching digitate forms, wavy to wrinkly laminae, and finely laminated columns that show a thickening of laminae over flexure crests. High-resolution textural, mineralogical, and chemical analysis reveals that the stromatolites are dominated by petrographically earliest, nano-porous pyrite that contains thermally mature, N-bearing organic matter (OM). This nano-porous pyrite is consistent with a formation via sulfidization of an originally OM-dominated matrix. Evidence for its relationship with microbial communities are entombed OM strands and filaments, whose microtexture and chemistry are consistent with an origin as mineralized biofilm remains, and carbon isotope data of extracted OM (δ13COM = −29.6‰ ± 0.3‰ VPDB [Vienna Peedee belemnite]), which lie within the range of biological matter. Collectively, our findings provide exceptional evidence for the biogenicity of some of Earth’s oldest stromatolites through preservation of OM, including microbial remains, by sulfidization.
The isolated caecal patch lesion: a clinical, endoscopic and histopathological study
Authors: Ekanayaka Anju , Anderson John T , Lucarotti Michele E , Valori Roland M , Shepherd Neil A
Published: September 2019

Objective

To describe and investigate the potential causes of the isolated caecal patch lesion, a previously undescribed endoscopic phenomenon of a lesion fulfilling endoscopic and histopathological criteria for chronic inflammatory bowel disease but without evidence of similar inflammatory pathology elsewhere at colonoscopy.

Methods

Cases were collected prospectively by one specialist gastrointestinal pathologist over a 10-year period. Full endoscopic and histopathological analysis was undertaken and follow-up sought to understand the likely cause(s) of the lesions.

Results

Six cases are described. Two had very close links with ulcerative colitis, one predating the onset of classical distal disease and the other occurring after previous demonstration of classical distal ulcerative colitis. Two occurred in younger patients and we postulate that these lesions may predict the subsequent onset of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Finally two can be reasonably attributed to the effects of non-steroidal inflammatory agent therapy.

Conclusions

Caecal patch lesions can be demonstrated in isolation. Despite the strong association of caecal patch lesions with ulcerative colitis, solitary lesions may well have disparate causes but nevertheless possess a close relationship with chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Right-wing populism and self-rated health in Europe: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Backhaus Insa , Kino Shiho , La Torre Giuseppe , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: September 2019

Background

Individuals who identify as politically conservative have been previously shown to report better self-rated health compared with liberals. We tested whether this association still holds for right-wing populists, which are gaining strength as a political force in Europe in recent decades.

Methods

We analysed data from 24 617 respondents nested within 18 European countries included in the 2016 European Social Survey. Multilevel analyses were conducted to assess the association between political ideology and self-rated health, adjusting for other individual covariates (happiness and social capital).

Results

Individuals who voted for right-wing populist parties were 43% more likely to report fair/poor health compared with traditional conservatives (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.67). The association was attenuated (OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.42) after controlling for additional individual-level variables, including happiness and access to social capital. Higher levels of social capital (informal networks, OR=0.40, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.56; trust, OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.92) and happiness (OR=0.18, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.22) were protectively correlated with fair/poor self-rated health.

Conclusions

Individuals voting for right-wing populist parties report worse health compared with conservatives. It remains unclear whether ideology is just a marker for health-related practices, or whether the values and beliefs associated with a particular brand of ideology lead to worse health.
Outcomes of the short Synacthen test: what is the role of the 60 min sample in clinical practice?
Authors: Dineen Rosemary , Mohamed Ahmed , Gunness Anjuli , Rakovac Ana , Cullen Emer , Barnwell Niamh , Neary Catherine , Behan Lucy-Ann , Boran Gerard , Gibney James , Sherlock Mark
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the short Synacthen test (SS) has become the most widely used test to assess adrenal reserve. Despite its frequent use, there are still several areas related to the short Synacthen test (SST), which have no consensus including the optimum sampling times, that is, whether a 60 min post-Synacthen administration cortisol is necessary or not.

Methodology

We performed a retrospective data analysis of 492 SSTs performed on adult patients in a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Ireland. The SSTs were performed in the inpatient and outpatient setting and included patients across all medical disciplines and not exclusively to the endocrinology department.

Results

313 patients had 0, 30 and 60 min samples available for analysis. A total of 270/313 (82%) were deemed to pass the test, that is, cortisol ≥500 nmol/L at both 30 and 60 min. Of the 313 patients, 19 (6%) patients had an indeterminate response, cortisol <500 nmol/L at 30 min, but rising to ≥500 nmol/L on the 60 min sample. Of these 19 patients, only 9/19 patients had a serum cortisol level at 30 min <450 nmol/L, requiring clinical treatment with glucocorticoid replacement. All 24/313 (8%) patients who had insufficient responses at 60 min were also insufficient at 30 min sampling. No individuals passed (≥500 nmol/L) at 30 min and then failed (<500 nmol/L) at 60 min.

Conclusion

Using the 30 min cortisol sample post-Synacthen administration alone identifies clinically relevant adrenal insufficiency in the majority of cases. A small subset of patients have a suboptimal response at 30 min but have a 60 min cortisol concentration above the threshold for a pass. Data regarding the long-term outcomes and management of such patients are lacking and require further study.