bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessibility and transparency: impact on social economy
Authors: López-Arceiz Francisco José , Bellostas Pérezgrueso Ana José , Rivera Torres María Pilar
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Social economy organizations (SEOs) are a hybrid model where relations with stakeholders are managed using transparency mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role that online accessibility (which is understood to be a tool to implement transparency) has in raising financial resources and to assess its impact on economic and social achievements. Moreover, the authors study the interaction between online accessibility and external verification.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the behavior of 1,400 SEOs between 2009 and 2012 using a structural equation model and the MPLUS 7.4 software, which is based on covariance analysis.

Findings

The results show that transparency, which is understood as online accessibility, assists in raising financial resources and enhances SEO economic and social achievements. The authors also note that external verifications favor the economic achievements of SEOs but do not improve their social achievements.

Research limitations/implications

This research has two limitations: this study refers only to Spanish SEOs and no consensus exists on how to measure economic and social performance. Therefore, the conclusions should be considered with caution in other regulatory and cultural fields. The main implications of this work are the criteria the authors provide to help decision makers decide on the transparency model that SEOs should develop according to their management needs.

Originality/value

This study bridges a gap in the current research by increasing understanding of the role of accessibility as being the most important tool for an organization that strives to embody transparent behavior.
Who survives a recession? Specialization against diversification in the digital publishing industry
Authors: Mangani Andrea , Tarrini Elisa
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the empirical relationship between specialization, diversification and rate of survival in the digital publishing industry. The sample includes all publishing companies in Italy that produce electronic content and distribute it through internet platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper discusses the pros and cons of specialization against diversification, and applies the related economic theories to the digital publishing industry. The empirical work regarding the factors that affect firm survival is reviewed. The second part is empirical and analyzes the diversification strategies of 2,838 Italian digital editors between 1995 and 2014, and the impact of diversification on the probability of survival.

Findings

On the whole, digital publishing companies that are also active in traditional print activities have been constantly declining. However, those who combine print and digital activities or operate other mass media businesses have a higher probability of surviving in the market. These findings hold controlling for firm size and market structure, before and after the economic crisis exploded in 2009, in different geographical areas and by different legal forms of publishing companies.

Research limitations/implications

As the industry often presents country-specific characteristics, the econometric analysis should also be integrated with case studies that highlight particular survival conditions.

Practical implications

The study provides mass media scholars as well as practitioners with detailed information on the digital publishing trends in the medium term.

Originality/value

This research is significant because, in the period under review, many digital native entrepreneurs with scarce experience entered the industry, targeted digital native consumers/readers and challenged traditional and established media conglomerates.
Why not comply with information security? An empirical approach for the causes of non-compliance
Authors: Hwang Inho , Kim Daejin , Kim Taeha , Kim Sanghyun
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the negative casual relationships between organizational security factors (security systems, security education, and security visibility) and individual non-compliance causes (work impediment, security system anxiety, and non-compliance behaviors of peers), which have negative influences on compliance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature review, the authors propose a research model together with hypotheses. The survey questionnaires were developed to collect data, which then validated the measurement model. The authors collected 415 responses from employees at manufacturing and service firms that had already implemented security policies. The hypothesized relationships were tested using the structural equation model approach with AMOS 18.0.

Findings

Survey results validate that work impediment, security system anxiety, and non-compliance peer behaviors are the causes of employee non-compliance. In addition, the authors found that security systems, security education, and security visibility decrease instances of non-compliance.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations should establish a mixture of security investment in their systems, education, and visibility in order to effectively reduce employees’ non-compliance. In addition, organizations should recognize the importance of minimizing the particular causes of employees’ non-compliance to positively increase intentions to comply with information security.

Originality/value

An important issue in information security management is employee compliance. Understanding the reasons behind employees’ non-compliance is a critical issue. This paper investigates empirically why employees do not comply, and how organizations can induce employees to comply by a mixture of investments in security systems, education, and visibility.
The dependence of reliability and mechanical strength of the solder joints in 3D PoP structures from sizes of solder powders applied in soldering materials
Authors: Sitek Janusz , Koscielski Marek , Borecki Janusz , Serzysko Tomasz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of solder powders sizes applied in soldering materials used for Package-on-Package (PoP) system manufacture as well as other factors on reliability and mechanical strength of created solder joints in three-dimensional (3D) PoP structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of experiments based on the Genichi Taguchi method were used in the investigation. The main factors covered different printed circuit board (PCB) coatings, soldering materials with solder powders sizes from Types 3 to 7 and soldering profiles. The reliability of 3D PoP structures was determined by measurements of resistance of daisy-chain solder joints systems during thermal shocks (TS) cycles. The mechanical strength of solder joints in 3D PoP structures was determined by measurements of a shear force of “Top” layer of 3D structures at T0 and after 1,500 TS. The ANOVA was used for results assessment.

Findings

The size of solder powders applied in soldering materials had small (10 per cent) influence on mechanical strength of solder joints in 3D PoP structures. Small size of solder powder had positive effect on solder joints reliability in 3D PoP structures. Especially important was the selection of solder paste for “Bottom” layer of 3D PoP system (influence 17 per cent). Incorrect soldering profile (influence 46 per cent) or wrong selected PCB coating (influence 35 per cent) can very easily reduce the positive impact of soldering materials on solder joints reliability. It was stated that as low as possible soldering profile and organic solderability preservative (OSP) coating in the case of single-sided PCB are the best for 3D PoP structures due to their reliability.

Originality/value

This paper explains how different sizes of solder powders used nowadays in solder pastes influence on reliability and mechanical strength of the solder joints in 3D PoP structures. The contribution, in numerical values, of soldering materials, soldering profile and PCB coating on 3D PoP structures solder joints reliability as well as recommendations improving reliability of 3D PoP structures solder joints were presented.
Neutral – Neither Trustees nor Hired Guns: The Experiences and Preferences of Local Government Councillors of NSW Australia
Authors: Haidar Ali , Spooner Keri
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on the preferences and experiences of the councillor level of New South Wales (NSW, Australia) local government, concerning the public service values that guide the council staff working under a politicised employment relationship. The results of the study show that councillors perceive council staff to be as largely neutral in their behaviour as they expect them to be. The paper further reports that the council staff (in the view of councillors) do not politically respond to any unreasonable demands made by elected officials or act as the trustee of the public interest in competition with them. Data for this study were collected through interviews, a survey, and from secondary sources.
Oxidation During Digestion of Meat: Interactions with the Diet andHelicobacter pyloriGastritis, and Implications on Human Health
Authors: Van Hecke Thomas , Van Camp John , De Smet Stefaan
Published: January 2017

The last decade has seen epidemiological evidence of a positive association between high consumption of red meat and processed meat and the risk of developing a range of chronic diseases, such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Oxidative stress is potentially involved in this association; however, oxidative stress is likely limited if red meat and processed meat are consumed in moderation, and combined with high intake of fruits and vegetables and low intake of refined sugars. In addition, it appears that some subgroups of the population are more prone to developing oxidative stress‐related diseases as a consequence of high red and processed meat consumption. For example, the gastric juice in the inflamed stomach of individuals infected withHelicobacter pylorimay be an excellent site for enhanced oxidation following meat consumption. Similarly, patients with inflammatory bowel disease may be at increased risk. Oxidative stress resulting from red or processed meat consumption may mediate the onset and/or progression of a wide range of diseases through various mechanisms, which are discussed in this review.
Predictors and outcomes of acute pancreatitis in critically ill patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary referral centre in Australia
Authors: Sundararajan Krishnaswamy , Schoeman Tom , Hughes Lara , Edwards Suzanne , Reddi Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Objective

To provide a current review of the clinical characteristics, predictors and outcomes in critically ill patients presenting to the ED with acute pancreatitis and subsequently admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral centre in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective single‐centre study of adult patients admitted with pancreatitis. Severe acute pancreatitis defined by Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score ≥2.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients fulfilled criteria for inclusion during the study period, representing 0.9% of all ICU admissions. The median age of patients was 54. Survival was independent of patients’ age, sex, aetiology and comorbidities. Mortality was 30.8% for both inpatient referrals to the ICU and for direct referrals via the ED. Higher mortality was identified among patients requiring mechanical ventilation (74.2 vs 24.6% in survivors; P < 0.0001), vasopressor support (85.7 vs 33.8% in survivors; P < 0.0001) or renal replacement therapy (60 vs 16.9% in survivors; P < 0.002). BISAP score surpasses Ranson's and Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Examination (APACHE) II scores in discriminating between survivors and non‐survivors among unselected patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to ICU, whereas APACHE II discriminates better in the cohort admitted from ED.

Conclusion

Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with high mortality. Aetiology and comorbidity did not predict adverse outcomes in this population. BISAP score is non‐inferior to APACHE II score as a prognostic tool in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis and could be used to triage admission. Evidence of persistent organ dysfunction and requirements for organ support reliably identify patients at high‐risk of death.
Comparison of volatile organic compounds from uninfested and Monochamus alternatus Hope infested Pinus massoniana Lamb.
Authors: Li Xiao‐Juan , Dong Guang‐Ping , Fang Jian‐Min , Liu Hong‐Jian , Guo Wan‐Lin
Published: January 2017

Monochamus alternatus is a destructive stem‐boring herbivore of Pinus massoniana, and the principal vector of pine wood nematode. To investigate the impacts of boring by M. alternatus larvae on the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from their host trees, the VOCs from uninfested and M. alternatus larvae infested P. massoniana trees were observed using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer. We detected 12, 9, 18 and 14 volatile organic compounds from infested xylem, infested phloem, uninfested xylem and uninfested phloem, respectively. In P. massoniana xylem, the boring of M. alternatus larvae induced cyclosativene, and inhibited 4‐carene, humulene, styrene, α‐phellandrene, β‐myrcene, β‐phellandrene and γ‐terpinene. The relative amounts of camphene, copacamphene, longicyclene, longifolene, tricyclene and α‐longipinene were significantly increased, and the relative amounts of α‐pinene and β‐pinene were significantly decreased by the boring behaviors of M. alternatus larvae. In P. massoniana phloem, the boring of M. alternatus larvae induced 2‐bornanone, copacamphene, longicyclene and α‐longipinene, and inhibited 2‐carene, 4‐carene, styrene, α‐phellandrene, β‐myrcene, β‐phellandrene, β‐pinene, γ‐terpinene and ο‐cymene. The relative amounts of camphene, caryophyllene and longifolene were significantly increased by the boring behaviors of M. alternatus larvae. The results indicate that the boring behaviors of M. alternatus larvae changed both the sorts and contents of the VOCs from P. massoniana trees.
Is spinal surgery safe in octogenarians?
Authors: Mihailidis Harrison G. , Manners Simon , Churilov Leonid , Quan Gerald M. Y.
Published: January 2017

Background

An ageing population and advances in medical management often requires spinal surgeons to increasingly operate on patients older than 80 years. The ability to predict complications and mortality rates would allow discrimination of which octogenarians are able to safely undergo spinal surgery. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine whether comorbidities and extent of surgery were associated with complications in this age group, in addition to which comorbidity and physical status assessment scales were best associated with the development of complications following spinal surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. Comorbidities and physical health status were analysed using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical illness rating, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS‐G) score. Complications and extent of operation were sourced from patient records. The association between comorbidities/extent of operation and complications was analysed using negative binomial regression analysis.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included in our study (22 elective and 32 emergency); 38 patients suffered at least one complication (14 elective and 24 emergency, including six deaths). Increased CIRS‐G and CCI scores were associated with increased incidence of total complications in the elective cohort. Increased number of operated spinal levels was also associated with complications.

Conclusion

Elective spinal surgery can be safely performed in well selected patients over 80 years of age. However, extent of surgery, CIRS‐G and CCI scores were associated with increased complications from spinal surgery in octogenarians.
Technology Innovation Small Business Policy in South Korea: Path Dependency and Policy Idea
Authors: Jang Jiho , Lee Changyul
Published: January 2017

The South Korean government has a program, Technology Innovation Small Business (TISB), which is classified into three segments: venture business, innovative business, and green business. The TISBs are required to obtain government certification to be eligible to receive subsidies from different programs. This study examines how much the Korean presidents' policies for small businesses were reflected in institutional changes, by tracking changes of the certification institutions under three different administrations. The introduction of a new TISB policy coincided with a change in administration and it was found that each new administration supplemented existing policies to achieve policy goals and then introduced new policies by setting policy targets. From a path dependency perspective of historical institutionalism, this study shows that TISB policies can actually be differentiated from one another because they have been implemented with varying focuses on different ideas, according to the economic policy paradigms of the administration.
How do pregnant women use quality measures when choosing their obstetric provider?
Authors: Gourevitch Rebecca A. , Mehrotra Ateev , Galvin Grace , Karp Melinda , Plough Avery , Shah Neel T.
Published: January 2017

Background

Given increased public reporting of the wide variation in hospital obstetric quality, we sought to understand how women incorporate quality measures into their selection of an obstetric hospital.

Methods

We surveyed 6141 women through Ovia Pregnancy, an application used by women to track their pregnancy. We used t tests and chi‐square tests to compare response patterns by age, parity, and risk status.

Results

Most respondents (73.2%) emphasized their choice of obstetrician/midwife over their choice of hospital. Over half of respondents (55.1%) did not believe that their choice of hospital would affect their likelihood of having a cesarean delivery. While most respondents (74.9%) understood that quality of care varied across hospitals, few prioritized reported hospital quality metrics. Younger women and nulliparous women were more likely to be unfamiliar with quality metrics. When offered a choice, only 43.6% of respondents reported that they would be willing to travel 20 additional miles farther from their home to deliver at a hospital with a 20 percentage point lower cesarean delivery rate.

Discussion

Women's lack of interest in available quality metrics is driven by differences in how women and clinicians/researchers conceptualize obstetric quality. Quality metrics are reported at the hospital level, but women care more about their choice of obstetrician and the quality of their outpatient prenatal care. Additionally, many women do not believe that a hospital's quality score influences the care they will receive. Presentations of hospital quality data should more clearly convey how hospital‐level characteristics can affect women's experiences, including the fact that their chosen obstetrician/midwife may not deliver their baby.
Heterogeneous impact of alcohol consumption according to treatment method on survival in head and neck cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Sawabe Michi , Ito Hidemi , Oze Isao , Hosono Satoyo , Kawakita Daisuke , Tanaka Hideo , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Murakami Shingo , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: January 2017

Alcohol consumption is an established risk factor, and also a potential prognostic factor, for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). However, little is known about whether the prognostic impact of alcohol consumption differs by treatment method. We evaluated the association between alcohol drinking and survival by treatment method to the primary site in 427 patients with HNSCC treated between 2005 and 2013 at Aichi Cancer Center Central Hospital (Nagoya, Japan). The impact of alcohol on prognosis was measured by multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for established prognostic factors. Among all HNSCC patients, the overall survival rate was significantly poorer with increased levels of alcohol consumption in multivariable analysis (trend P = 0.038). Stratification by treatment method and primary site revealed that the impact of drinking was heterogeneous. Among laryngopharyngeal cancer (laryngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer) patients receiving radiotherapy (n = 141), a significant dose–response relationship was observed (trend P = 0.034). In contrast, among laryngopharyngeal cancer patients treated with surgery (n = 80), no obvious impact of alcohol was observed. This heterogeneity in the impact of alcohol between surgery and radiotherapy was significant (for interaction, P = 0.048). Furthermore, among patients with oral cavity cancer treated by surgery, a significant impact of drinking on survival was seen with tongue cancer, but not with non‐tongue oral cancer. We observed a significant inverse association between alcohol drinking and prognosis among HNSCC patients, and its impact was heterogeneous by treatment method and primary site.
The Role of Auditory and Visual Speech in Word Learning at 18 Months and in Adulthood
Authors: Havy Mélanie , Foroud Afra , Fais Laurel , Werker Janet F.
Published: January 2017

Visual information influences speech perception in both infants and adults. It is still unknown whether lexical representations are multisensory. To address this question, we exposed 18‐month‐old infants (n = 32) and adults (n = 32) to new word–object pairings: Participants either heard the acoustic form of the words or saw the talking face in silence. They were then tested on recognition in the same or the other modality. Both 18‐month‐old infants and adults learned the lexical mappings when the words were presented auditorily and recognized the mapping at test when the word was presented in either modality, but only adults learned new words in a visual‐only presentation. These results suggest developmental changes in the sensory format of lexical representations.
849. PLATYSTELE OVATILABIA
Authors: Dodsworth Steven
Published: January 2017

Platystele ovatilabia (Ames & C. Schweinf.) Garay is illustrated, as the second of two Platystele species. The history, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of Platystele are discussed further.
851. MYRCEUGENIA LANCEOLATA
Authors: Gardner Martin F. , O'Brien Seamus D.
Published: January 2017

The rarely cultivated South American myrtle, Myrceugenia lanceolata (Juss. ex J. St.‐Hil.) Kausel, is illustrated, and its cultivation is discussed. The career of its discoverer, Joseph Dombey (1742–1794) is reviewed.
Contract Design with Information Asymmetry in a Supply Chain under an Emissions Trading Mechanism
Authors: Ma Xin , Ho William , Ji Ping , Talluri Srinivas
Published: January 2017

We aim to design an appropriate sourcing mechanism with information asymmetry in a supply chain with one manufacturer and multiple suppliers subject to an emissions trading scheme. The manufacturer purchases raw materials from suppliers, who hold private information regarding the green degree—that is, the unit emission rates—of their raw materials. An appropriate strategy must be adopted by the manufacturer for the contract design, including a series of payments and the order quantities; the suppliers are subsequently invited to bid for the contracts. The basic model is formulated to assist the manufacturer in designing a reasonable contract for a single supplier. The characteristics of the optimal order quantity and payoff functions of both the manufacturer and supplier are analyzed. A competitive procurement scenario with multiple suppliers is also discussed. With respect to the diversity of auctions, three different auction types are analyzed, including a green degree auction, a price auction with emissions targets, and a performance‐based auction. In addition, an efficient emissions trading policy is established to guide manufacturers regarding how to balance their emission allowances based on the optimal order quantities. Our approach provides an effective decision support system for both the manufacturer and suppliers.
Liraglutide effects on beta‐cell, insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness in patients with stable coronary artery disease and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Anholm Christian , Kumarathurai Preman , Pedersen Lene R. , Nielsen Olav W. , Kristiansen Ole P. , Fenger Mogens , Madsbad Sten , Sajadieh Ahmad , Haugaard Steen B.
Published: January 2017

Aims

The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of the GLP‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide as add‐on to metformin on insulin sensitivity (Si) and glucose effectiveness (Sg) in addition to its positive effects on beta‐cell function in overweight/obese patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The design of the study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial in patients with stable CAD and newly diagnosed well‐controlled T2DM. Patients were treated with liraglutide/metformin vs placebo/metformin for a 12 + 12‐week period with ≥2‐week wash‐out. First phase insulin secretion (AIRg), Si and Sg were estimated by the Bergman Minimal Model, enabling calculation of beta‐cell function; Disposition Index (DI) = AIRg × Si. A total of 30 patients from among 41 randomized were available for paired analysis.

Results

Baseline characteristics were: HbA1c 47 mmol/mol (SD 6), BMI 31.6 kg/m2 (SD 4.8), fasting plasma‐glucose 6.9 mmol/L (IQR 6.1; 7.4) and HOMA‐IR 4.9 (IQR 3.0; 7.5). Liraglutide treatment improved AIRg by 3‐fold, 497 mU × L−1 × min (IQR 342; 626,
P
 < .0001) and DI by 1‐fold, 766 (SD 824,
P
 < .0001). Despite a significant weight loss of −2.7 kg (−6.7; −0.6) during liraglutide treatment, we found no improvement in HOMA‐IR, Si or Sg. Weight loss during liraglutide therapy did not result in a carry‐over effect.

Conclusion

Liraglutide as add‐on to metformin induces a clinically significant improvement in beta‐cell function in overweight/obese, high cardiovascular risk patients with newly diagnosed well‐controlled T2DM and CAD. The effect of liraglutide on DI is mediated entirely by improved AIRg whereas the effects on Si and Sg are neutral.
Individually mark–mass release–resight study elucidates effects of patch characteristics and distance on host patch location by an insect herbivore
Authors: SEZEN ZEYNEP , JOHNSON DEREK M. , SHEA KATRIONA
Published: January 2017

1. How organisms locate their hosts is of fundamental importance in a variety of basic and applied ecological fields, including population dynamics, invasive species management and biological control. However, tracking movement of small organisms, such as insects, poses significant logistical challenges.

2. Mass‐release and individual–mark–recapture techniques were combined in an individually mark–mass release–resight (IMMRR) approach to track the movement of over 2000 adult insects in an economically important plant–herbivore system. Despite its widespread use for the biological control of the invasive thistle Carduus nutans, the host‐finding behaviour of the thistle head weevil Rhinocyllus conicus has not previously been studied. Insects were released at different distances from a mosaic of artificially created host patches with different areas and number of plants to assess the ecological determinants of patch finding.

3. The study was able to characterize the within‐season dispersal abilities and between‐patch movement patterns of R. conicus. Weevils found host plant patches over 900 m away. Large patches, with tall plants, situated close to the nearest release point had the highest first R. conicus resights. Patch area and plant density had no effect on the number of weevils resighted per plant; however, R. conicus individuals were more likely to disperse out of small patches and into large patches.

4. By understanding how R. conicus locates host patches of C. nutans, management activities for the control of this invasive thistle can be better informed. A deeper mechanistic understanding of host location will also improve prediction of coupled plant–herbivore spatial dynamics in general.
Trophic Ecology ofArapaimasp. in a ria lake—river–floodplain transition zone of the Amazon
Authors: Carvalho Felipe , Power Michael , Forsberg Bruce R. , Castello Leandro , Martins Eduardo G. , Freitas Carlos E. C.
Published: January 2017

Neotropical floodplains are usually productive systems that are maintained by the nutrient, detritus and sediment inputs provided by the main river channel flood pulse. Ria lakes represent a special feature and habitat in the Amazonian floodplains, being characterised by a dendritic morphology and dependence on terrestrial inputs provided by an intricate stream network. Our objective was to evaluate the trophic ecology of the arapaima (Arapaimasp.). We combined stomach content analysis with measurements of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values from dorsal muscle to infer the ontogenetic changes in trophic level and isotopic niche width in floodplain and ria lakes. Arapaima diet was dominated by fish from low trophic positions. While most of the stomachs sampled in the study ria lake were full, empty stomachs predominated in samples taken in the floodplain lakes. These differences indicate that ria lakes may provide better feeding grounds for arapaima during the dry season, presumably because ria lakes are interconnected with a large stream network and the main river channel year round. Nitrogen stable isotope results further indicated an ontogenetic dietary shift in arapaima, with piscivory increasing as a function of length in both environments. Carbon stable isotope analysis indicated that energy sources used by arapaima varied by environment, with arapaima using a greater diversity of food sources in ria lakes than in floodplain lakes. Information about the main carbon sources is useful for fishery management because stakeholders may choose to conserve key vegetal groups to ensure the productivity and diversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Who needs AESOP? Predicting long‐term readmission rates from routine Early Intervention team discharge information
Authors: Taylor Matthew J. , Pena Tania Blanco , Perez‐Iglesias Rocio
Published: January 2017

Aim

Prognosis following early psychosis is highly variable. Long‐term prognostic information from research studies is available in only a few areas. We sought to understand how well routine discharge information allows prediction of long‐term readmission prognosis.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 239 people leaving Early Intervention services, after an average of 2.5 years, and counted the number of relapses. The distribution was modelled and extrapolated to a predicted 10 year outcome. Model predictions were compared with published data.

Results

Numbers of relapses varied substantially, with 59% having no relapses before discharge, and 5% having 4 or more. Model predictions for 10‐year outcome were close to the observed data.

Conclusions

A simple model can describe the distribution of numbers of relapses among people discharged from EI services, and predict long‐term outcomes matching those observed in formal research. This low‐cost approach could allow EI services to develop locale‐specific prognostic information.
Psychological, social and role functioning as predictors of psychosis in an adolescent psychiatric sample
Authors: Ärmänen Anna , Lahti Marius , Therman Sebastian , Suvisaari Jaana , Lindgren Maija
Published: January 2017

Aim

Recent evidence from psychosis risk studies of preselected samples suggests that early functional impairment may be a vulnerability marker for psychosis. We investigated whether functional impairment predicted later risk of psychotic disorder and psychiatric hospitalizations in adolescents at entry to general psychiatric services.

Methods

A total of 154 adolescents, aged 15 to 18 years, were recruited to the study at entry to general adolescent psychiatric services in Helsinki, Finland. Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndrome and Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder for DSM‐IV, Clinical version interviews were used to assess psychotic‐like symptoms, psychosis risk and psychiatric diagnoses. Of the adolescents, 46 met the criteria for clinical high risk status. The level of functioning was assessed with Global Functioning Social, Role and Psychological scales. The adolescents were followed for 3 to 9 (median = 5) years via a hospital discharge register. Cox regression analyses were used to examine whether baseline functioning predicted psychotic disorders and psychiatric hospitalizations when controlling for the effect of psychosis risk symptoms.

Results

Impairments in social, role or psychological functioning did not predict psychotic disorders beyond risk symptoms. Impairment in psychological functioning was the only significant predictor of any psychiatric hospitalization after adjusting for positive psychosis risk symptom severity and level of social and role functioning.

Conclusions

Psychosis was predicted by psychotic‐like experiences at entry to psychiatric services. No aspect of functioning predicted psychosis in adolescents, which is likely to be explained by the low incidence of psychosis transitions. Severe mental disorders as assessed by psychiatric hospitalizations were predicted by more severe symptomatology as assessed by the psychological functioning scale.
Preliminary study of effects on paranoia ideation and jumping to conclusions in the context of group treatment of anxiety disorders in young people
Authors: Giusti Laura , Ussorio Donatella , Salza Anna , Malavolta Maurizio , Aggio Annalisa , Bianchini Valeria , Casacchia Massimo , Roncone Rita
Published: January 2017

Background

People with anxiety disorders tend to focus on unpleasant and threatening stimuli. Our aims were to evaluate: (1) the presence of paranoid ideation, and the jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias in young suffering from an anxiety disorder and (2) the effectiveness of a cognitive‐behavioural intervention (CBT) to manage anxiety combined with 2 modules to reduce the JTC bias.

Methods

Psychopathology, social functioning, metacognition and the JTC bias were investigated in 60 subjects, randomly assigned to the experimental CBT group + treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) (n = 35) or to a wait‐list group (n = 25) receiving only TAU. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups based on the score of the SCL‐90 subscale paranoid ideation (high paranoid ideation, HP; low paranoid ideation, LP). The experimental group received a weekly session of a CBT for a 3‐month period.

Results

At baseline, 46.7% of our sample showed a HP and 38% showed a JTC biasAt the end of the intervention, greater effectiveness in improving anxious symptoms, paranoid ideation, interpersonal sensitivity and interpersonal relationship was reported in the experimental CBT + TAU group, with a statistically significant reduction of the JTC bias, displayed by 14.3% of the experimental group versus the 36% of the TAU group. In the same variables, greater benefits were reported for the HP experimental subgroup.

Conclusions

Our study suggests the gains to integrate an anxiety CBT with modules to reduce the JTC bias in subjects with paranoid ideation, which may negatively impact the course of the disease.
Interdecadal decrease in potential fishing areas for Pacific saury off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kuroda Hiroshi , Yokouchi Katsumi
Published: January 2017

We examined interdecadal variations in potential fishing grounds for the Pacific saury, Cololabis saira, off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, for the early fishing season of August–September. We applied linear trend analysis to a time series of several oceanographic variables for 1993–2014. Trends in the appearance frequency of sea surface temperatures (SST) of 12–18 °C during August–September indicated an interdecadal reduction in the potential fishing area off the Hokkaido coast. There were localized significant increases of both SST and the sea level anomaly along the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench off the Hokkaido coast. The localized trends coincided with decadal decreases of satellite‐based chlorophyll concentrations after 2002. Analysis of mesoscale eddies revealed that the localized trends were related to clockwise (counterclockwise) eddies that appeared more frequently (less frequently) near the trench in recent years. Moreover, the Oyashio transport on the slope between the coast and the trench decreased significantly and completely disappeared in some recent summers. Interactions between the Oyashio and mesoscale eddies resulted in an interdecadal shift in the cold‐water intrusion along the main stream of the Oyashio from the along‐slope direction to the offshore direction in the upstream region of the Hokkaido coast, and large areas of favorable potential fishing grounds near the Hokkaido coast have disappeared in recent years.
Does the strength of cross‐ecosystem trophic cascades vary with ecosystem size? A test using a natural microcosm
Authors: de Omena Paula M. , Srivastava Diane S. , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: January 2017

The cascading effect of predators on the functioning of adjacent ecosystems can occur when the life cycles of their prey include two ecosystems. However, there has been little consideration of which habitat attributes can modify the strength of these cross‐ecosystem trophic cascades. Habitat size can mediate the strength of predator–prey interactions, and thus affect within‐ecosystem trophic cascades. We hypothesise that similar effects of habitat size might affect cross‐ecosystem trophic cascades.

It has been shown that terrestrial predators (e.g. spiders) can capture terrestrial adult insects as they attempt to oviposit in the waters of bromeliads. Such terrestrial predators could therefore alter the trophic structure and functioning of the aquatic food web. If spiders affect an aquatic trophic level that is influenced by bromeliad size, then the strength of the cross‐ecosystem trophic cascade will also depend on bromeliad size.

To test this general hypothesis, we manipulated the presence of a funnel‐web spider (Aglaoctenus castaneus, Lycosidae), which builds a single web over water‐filled bromeliads, in bromeliads differing in size and examined effects on the aquatic invertebrate community and on ecosystem functions (decomposition, detrital nitrogen flux).

The effects of spiders were largely independent of bromeliad size. Spiders did initiate changes in the trophic structure of aquatic food webs, reducing the biomass of predators, especially damselflies and dytiscid beetles. Spiders also increased decomposition despite having no effect on detritivore biomass or composition.

These results are most parsimoniously explained by (i) a behaviourally mediated trophic cascade, whereby damselfly adults avoid bromeliads with spiders, and aquatic detritivores increase rates of detrital processing in the absence of damselfly larvae, and (ii) stimulation of decomposition through nutrients added from spider faeces and prey carcasses. We believe that this is the first study to show that terrestrial predators can affect decomposition by reducing the flux of keystone aquatic predators with complex life cycles.
Effects of life review interventions on psychosocial outcomes among older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lan Xiuyan , Xiao Huimin , Chen Ying
Published: January 2017

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of life review interventions on psychosocial outcomes among older adults.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Ovid, CINHAL, Cochrane library, PsycINFO, Springer Link, Oxford Journals Collection, FRMS, CBM, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang to identify randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials that evaluate the effects of life review among older adults. The quality of studies included was evaluated and the relevant information was extracted. Then, a meta‐analysis was carried out with RevMan software.

Results

We identified 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and 11 studies were allowed for meta‐analysis. The combined results of the meta‐analysis showed that life review significantly reduced depression (standardized mean difference 0.57, 95% CI 0.73 to –0.42) and hopelessness (mean difference [MD] 4.01, 95% CI 6.13 to –1.89). There was a significant improvement in well‐being (standardized mean difference 0.54, 95% CI 0.01–1.06) and specific memory (MD 1.05, 95% CI 0.07–2.03). However, other study findings did not support its effect in life satisfaction (MD 2.15, 95% CI 0.69– 5.00), self‐esteem (MD 0.21, 95% CI 2.09–2.50), the quality of life (standardized mean difference 0.15, 95% CI 0.96–0.66), extended memory (MD 0.03, 95% CI 0.61–0.55), categorical memory (MD 0.48, 95% CI 1.08– 0.12) and no recall (MD 0.30, 95% CI 1.12– 0.52).

Conclusions

Life review is a worthwhile intervention for reducing depression and hopelessness, and improving quality of life, well‐being and specific memory in older adults. More well‐designed trials with a large sample and long‐term follow up are necessary to confirm the effects of life review on other psychosocial outcomes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1344–1357.
Characteristics of care management agencies affect expenditure on home help and day care services: A population‐based cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Feng Mei , Igarashi Ayumi , Noguchi‐Watanabe Maiko , Yoshie Satoru , Iijima Katsuya , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: January 2017

Aim

The financial interests of care management agencies can affect how care managers assist clients' use of long‐term care insurance services. The present study examined the relationship between clients' service expenditures, and whether the home help and day care service agencies belonged to the same organization as the care management agency.

Methods

Population‐based data were obtained from a suburban municipality in Japan. We investigated 4331 persons with care needs certificates (levels 1–5), including those using home help (n = 1780) or day care (n = 2141) services. Data on the service expenditures, and clients' and agencies' characteristics were analyzed using multiple linear regression analyses controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Home help service users spent an average of US$558.1 ± 590.1 for home help service, and day care service users spent US$665.0 ± 415.9 for day care service. Living alone, living in a condominium/apartment, higher care needs, more severe cognitive impairment and lower use of other services were associated with higher home help service expenditure. Day care service expenditure increased with older age, female sex, higher care needs, more severe cognitive impairment and higher physical function. Clients whose service agencies and care management agencies belonged to the same organization had higher expenditures, even after adjusting for confounders (home help: β = 0.126, P = 0.007; day care: β = 0.085, P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

Financial interests of care management agencies might significantly influence clients' service expenditure. We should develop an effective system to minimize this influence. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2224–2231.
Knock‐in strategy at 3′‐end of Crx gene by CRISPR/Cas9 system shows the gene expression profiles during human photoreceptor differentiation
Authors: Homma Kohei , Usui Sumiko , Kaneda Makoto
Published: January 2017

Fluorescent reporter gene knock‐in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines have been used to evaluate the efficiency of differentiation into specific cell lineages. Here, we report a knock‐in strategy for the generation of human iPSC reporter lines in which a 2A peptide sequence and a red fluorescent protein (E2‐Crimson) gene were inserted at the termination codon of the cone–rod homeobox (Crx) gene, a photoreceptor‐specific transcriptional factor gene. The knock‐in iPSC lines were differentiated into fluorescence‐expressing cells in 3D retinal differentiation culture, and the fluorescent cells also expressed Crx specifically in the nucleus. We found that the fluorescence intensity was positively correlated with the expression levels of Crx mRNA and that fluorescent cells expressed rod photoreceptor‐specific genes in the later stage of differentiation. Finally, we treated the fluorescent cells with DAPT, a Notch inhibitor, and found that DAPT‐enhanced retinal differentiation was associated with up‐regulation of Crx, Otx2 and NeuroD1, and down‐regulation of Hes5 and Ngn2. These suggest that this knock‐in strategy at the 3′‐end of the target gene, combined with the 2A peptide linked to fluorescent proteins, offers a useful tool for labeling specific cell lineages or monitoring expression of any marker genes without affecting the function of the target gene.
Measurement of B‐domain‐deleted ReFacto AF activity with a product‐specific standard is affected by choice of reagent and patient‐specific factors
Authors: Jacquemin M. , Vodolazkaia A. , Toelen J. , Schoeters J. , Van Horenbeeck I. , Vanlinthout I. , Debasse M. , Peerlinck K.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Postinfusion ReFacto AF levels can be difficult to measure accurately due to discrepancies between one‐stage and chromogenic FVIII assays. To overcome this, the use of the ReFacto AF laboratory standard (RAFLS) is recommended, but there are discordant reports regarding its usefulness.

Aim

We investigated whether calibration with RAFLS and measurement of ReFacto AF levels are influenced by the choice of reagents and patient‐specific factors in one‐stage FVIII assays.

Methods

Calibration curves were generated with both the RAFLS and a plasma standard using different F8DPs and one‐stage FVIII assay reagents. This selection of reagents was then used to determine FVIII levels in the plasma of patients repeatedly treated with ReFacto AF. Results were compared with those obtained with a chromogenic assay.

Results

F8DP devoid of von Willebrand factor (VWF) falsely increased the values of RAFLS pro‐coagulant activity generated using the APTT reagent. The resulting RAFLS calibration curve underestimated ReFacto AF levels to be half of their true concentration. The use of RAFLS with F8DP containing VWF reduced the discrepancy observed between the one‐stage and chromogenic FVIII assays. However, the mean difference between the two assays still varied up to 50% depending on the patient.

Conclusions

The RAFLS is a suitable calibrator for one‐stage FVIII assays carried out with F8DP containing VWF. However, calibration with the RAFLS does not avoid the effect of patient‐specific variables that contribute to discrepancies between the measurements of ReFacto AF levels with one‐stage and chromogenic FVIII assays.