bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring quality variations in e-service
Authors: Chen Yen-Chun , Shen Yung-Cheng , Lee Crystal Tzu-Ying , Yu Fu-Kai
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a multidimensional hierarchical scale for measuring “e-service quality variation.”

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the psychometric scale-development approach, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to develop the e-SERVAR scale. A multidimensional hierarchical factor structure of e-SERVAR is proposed, along with a set of preliminary items derived from literature and the qualitative study. Furthermore, the Yahoo website in Taiwan was chosen to be the target e-service website for data collection to develop the e-SERVAR scale. A series of statistical methods (i.e. item-to-total correlations, exploratory factor analyses, CFAs and structural equation modeling) were adopted to verify construct reliability and validity as well as nomological validity of the scale.

Findings

A 41-item e-SERVAR scale based on the structure of a hierarchical factor model was developed that contains three primary dimensions (i.e. information, system and fulfillment) and nine subdimensions (information accuracy, information quantity, information timeliness, information usefulness, system reliability, system security, merchandise quality, merchandise delivery timeliness and merchandise security).

Practical implications

The results of this study help managers identify sources of quality variability and design efficacious strategies to reduce such variability in order to improve the overall e-service quality.

Originality/value

Prior research of e-service quality has paid less attention to the role of e-service quality variability. Discussion of e-service quality variability was mainly conceptual in nature. This research presents the e-SERVAR scale as a measurement tool that provides a new avenue for researchers to study how to improve e-service quality by measuring service variability.
Branded marketing events: engaging Australian and French wine consumers
Authors: Altschwager Teagan , Conduit Jodie , Bouzdine-Chameeva Tatiana , Goodman Steve
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the term branded marketing events (BMEs), and examine the role of its experiential components as a strategic tool for the facilitation of customer brand engagement. This study examines five experiential components of BMEs at events held in Australia and France to determine their respective impact on customer brand engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were distributed to attendees of ten events by six wine brands in South Australia, and six events in five sub-regions of Bordeaux.

Findings

Findings suggest that BMEs influence customers’ brand engagement and brand purchase intention in both Australia and France. However, the experiential components within the events had differing effects. Australian customers were influenced by cognitive, sensorial, and relational experiences and their increased customer brand engagement strongly influenced brand purchase intention. French customers, however, required pragmatic event experiences to build brand engagement.

Originality/value

Recognizing their mutual experiential and interactive foundations, this study integrates the research domains of marketing events, customer experiences and customer brand engagement, and contributes to the strategic understanding of how branded event experiences facilitate customer brand engagement.
A multilevel consideration of service design conditions
Authors: Karpen Ingo Oswald , Gemser Gerda , Calabretta Giulia
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance the current understanding of organisational conditions that facilitate service design. Specifically, the focus is on organisational capabilities, interactive practices and individual abilities as units of analysis across service system levels. Grounded in design principles, the paper conceptualises and delineates illustrative service design conditions and introduces a respective service design capability-practice-ability (CPA) portfolio. In doing so, an emerging microfoundations perspective in the context of service design is advanced.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual paper.

Findings

This paper identifies and delineates a CPA that contributes to service design and ultimately customer experiences. The service design CPA consists of six illustrative constellations of service design capabilities, practices and abilities, which operate on different organisational levels. The service design CPA builds the foundation for in-depth research implications and future research opportunities.

Practical implications

The CPA framework suggests that if an organisation seeks to optimise service design and subsequent customer experiences, then individual- and organisational-level (cap)abilities and interactive practices should be optimised and synchronised across specific CPA constellations.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first microfoundations perspective for service design. It advances marketing theory through multilevel theorising around service design capabilities, practices and abilities and overcomes extant limitations of insular theorising in this context.
Deploying a WordPress-based learning object repository to scale up instruction and effect a culture of sharing
Authors: O’Neill J. Lindsay
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an academic library’s successful implementation of a WordPress-based learning object repository (LOR) that facilitates widespread sharing of learning objects, allowing librarians to save prep time and to scale up the library instruction program. Both practical and technical implications of using WordPress software as a repository platform are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

WordPress is free, open-source software that may be used as a platform for an LOR. By using WordPress software to create a public index of content hosted on a server, the library created an LOR that features a record for each learning object which contains metadata about the object’s format, content and accessibility. The WordPress platform/repository is also expandable, through additional free and paid plug-ins, to function as a simple learning management system that may also issue badges.

Findings

As a result of implementing an LOR, librarians save time prepping for classes by reusing or adapting their colleagues’ work, librarians are able to offer tutorials to online students and the repository also serves as a showcase for the library instruction program.

Originality/value

Many academic libraries are feeling increased pressure to scale up library instruction and serve more online students. This paper illustrates a case study of how one library uses an easy-to-implement and low-budget LOR to make progress toward these goals.
Developing third-party purchase (3PP) services: New Zealand third-party logistics providers’ perspectives
Authors: Shi Yangyan , Arthanari Tiru , Wood Lincoln
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the opportunity for third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to develop further value-added services for their clients, focused on purchasing. The provider perspectives on third-party purchase (3PP) services are examined in conjunction with their business environment, with a survey informed by transaction cost economics.

Design/methodology/approach

New Zealand 3PL providers were surveyed, and 166 responses were received. Structural equation modeling was used to test the conceptual model.

Findings

From the perspective of 3PL providers, uncertainty, frequency and transaction size, but not asset specificity, are significantly associated with client value from a 3PP service. While asset specificity in investments is not required by 3PLs, they need a high frequency of orders, sufficient order size and low levels of uncertainty as supporting conditions for the development of 3PP services.

Research limitations/implications

The sample focuses on 3PL providers and therefore does not address the behavioral characteristics of users or customers of the services.

Originality/value

This study shows that 3PP services may be further developed by 3PL providers to improve the value offered to their clients.
On green market segmentation under subsidy regulation
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Yongjian
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study aims to provide a better understanding of the market balance between regular (high-carbon) and green (low-carbon) products. Further, this study analyses the role of government subsidy policy, based on the results of the government’s optimal green subsidy decision and its implication for green market segmentation and social welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a Stackelberg game framework to study the interaction between the government’s subsidy regulations and the firms’ marketing regimes. When considering government subsidy decision, we use multi-objective programming theory and turn the problem into weighted single-objective optimisation programming.

Findings

This study explores three marketing regimes and identifies the conditions under which each regime should be adopted by a firm. Further, investigating the optimal subsidy decision problem for the government reveals three subsidy regimes corresponding to the three marketing regimes. The government may be stuck in a regime of useless subsidy and the reason for this phenomenon is analysed as well.

Research limitations/implications

Developing the model into a more complex supply chain situation will enhance the applicability of the framework. Incorporating other environmental regulations, such as carbon tax, can be interesting research extensions of this study.

Practical implications

This study provides a quantitative framework, which can help the regulator gain a deeper understanding of green subsidy policies and assist focal companies in acquiring a better appreciation of green marketing segmentation.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first few works to explore the optimal design of green subsidy regulation for the government and its impact on market segmentations of high- and low-carbon products by using quantitative modelling approaches and deriving vital managerial insights.
Impact of polymorphisms in angiogenesis‐related genes on clinical outcomes of radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ma Wan‐Le , Liu Rong , Huang Li‐Hua , Zou Chan , Huang Jie , Wang Jing , Chen Shao‐Jun , Meng Xiang‐Guang , Yang Jing‐Ke , Li Han , Yang Guo‐Ping , Guo Cheng‐Xian
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between gene polymorphism in angiogenesis‐related genes and radiation responses in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The genotypes of 180 NPC patients were analyzed by Sequenom MassARRAY. The response evaluation criteria in solid tumours were used for assessing efficacies, and the criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group or European Organization for Research & Treatment of Cancer were utilized for evaluating acute toxic reactions in response to radiation. Statistical methods included chi‐square test, uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Genotypic carriers of rs1800541 GT were at an elevated risk of developing grade 3+ oral mucositis, and a genetic variant of rs5333 was a predictor for a lower occurring risk of grade 2+ radiation‐induced xerostomia. EDN1 rs1800541, rs2071942 and rs5370 variants were associated with a significantly higher risk of severe myelosuppression. SNPs in such angiogenesis‐related genes as EDN1 rs1800541, rs2071942 & rs5370 and EDNRA rs5333 may serve as useful biomarkers for predicting the outcomes of NPC patients.
The alternative sigma factor σB plays a crucial role in adaptive strategies of Clostridium difficile during gut infection
Authors: Kint Nicolas , Janoir Claire , Monot Marc , Hoys Sandra , Soutourina Olga , Dupuy Bruno , Martin‐Verstraete Isabelle
Published: February 2017

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of diarrhoea associated with antibiotherapy. Exposed to stresses in the gut, C. difficile can survive by inducing protection, detoxification and repair systems. In several firmicutes, most of these systems are controlled by the general stress response involving σB. In this work, we studied the role of σB in the physiopathology of C. difficile. We showed that the survival of the sigB mutant during the stationary phase was reduced. Using a transcriptome analysis, we showed that σB controls the expression of ∼25% of genes including genes involved in sporulation, metabolism, cell surface biogenesis and the management of stresses. By contrast, σB does not control toxin gene expression. In agreement with the up‐regulation of sporulation genes, the sporulation efficiency is higher in the sigB mutant than in the wild‐type strain. sigB inactivation also led to increased sensitivity to acidification, cationic antimicrobial peptides, nitric oxide and ROS. In addition, we showed for the first time that σB also plays a crucial role in oxygen tolerance in this strict anaerobe. Finally, we demonstrated that the fitness of colonisation by the sigB mutant is greatly affected in a dixenic mouse model of colonisation when compared to the wild‐type strain.
Succession and dynamics of Pristionchus nematodes and their microbiome during decomposition of Oryctes borbonicus on La Réunion Island
Authors: Meyer Jan M. , Baskaran Praveen , Quast Christian , Susoy Vladislav , Rödelsperger Christian , Glöckner Frank O. , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: February 2017

Insects and nematodes represent the most species‐rich animal taxa and they occur together in a variety of associations. Necromenic nematodes of the genus Pristionchus are found on scarab beetles with more than 30 species known from worldwide samplings. However, little is known about the dynamics and succession of nematodes and bacteria during the decomposition of beetle carcasses. Here, we study nematode and bacterial succession of the decomposing rhinoceros beetle Oryctes borbonicus on La Réunion Island. We show that Pristionchus pacificus exits the arrested dauer stage seven days after the beetles´ deaths. Surprisingly, new dauers are seen after 11 days, suggesting that some worms return to the dauer stage after one reproductive cycle. We used high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of decaying beetles, beetle guts and nematodes to study bacterial communities in comparison to soil. We find that soil environments have the most diverse bacterial communities. The bacterial community of living and decaying beetles are more stable but one single bacterial family dominates the microbiome of decaying beetles. In contrast, the microbiome of nematodes is relatively similar even across different families. This study represents the first characterization of the dynamics of nematode‐bacterial interactions during the decomposition of insects.
The clock is ticking: Temporal dynamics of campus emergency notifications
Authors: Madden Stephanie
Published: February 2017

As first responders to incidents, public safety officials must quickly converge on meaning of what occurred, the threat to the university and what information is pertinent to the campus community. Utilizing in‐depth interviews with current campus public safety officials in the Washington, D.C. metro area, this study explored how emergency communicators interpret the concept of timely in campus emergency notification decision‐making and what factors impact their ability to enact this interpretation. Findings from this suggested that the temporal ambiguity of the law creates differing expectations of timely, with prealert processes impacting how quickly notifications can be sent. Further findings indicate that universities with the more sophisticated emergency management roles also had the more robust emergency notification functions.
Innovation and University‐Firm R&D Collaboration in the European Food and Drink Industry
Authors: Maietta Ornella W. , Barra Cristian , Zotti Roberto
Published: February 2017

In the National Innovation System (NIS), knowledge is produced and accumulated through interactive innovation processes that are embedded in a national context, which in turn may help determine innovation. This paper investigates how product and process innovations in the European food and drink industry are affected by: (i)NISstructure; (ii)NISoutput in terms of scientific publications and the supply of graduates; (iii)NIScohesion and coordination; (iv)NISscientific impact and specialisation. The main source of data on innovation by firms is theEU‐EFIGE/Bruegel‐UniCredit dataset. This is supplemented by information from the International Handbook of Universities, Eurostat and a bibliometric analysis of academic research output. Our results suggest that large research institutions in the public sector may well be detrimental to interaction between university and industry and to process innovation. The indicators used for public research assessment are not necessarily the most appropriate proxies of local knowledge spillovers.
A systematic review of novel technology for monitoring infant and newborn heart rate
Authors: Kevat Ajay C. , Bullen Denise V. R. , Davis Peter G. , Kamlin C. Omar F.
Published: February 2017

Heart rate (HR) is a vital sign for assessing the need for resuscitation. We performed a systematic review of studies assessing novel methods of measuring HR in newborns and infants in the neonatal unit. Two investigators completed independent literature searches. Identified papers were independently evaluated, and relevant data were extracted and analysed.

Conclusion

This systematic review identified seven new technologies, including camera‐based photoplethysmography, reflectance pulse oximetry, laser Doppler methods, capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, electromyography and a digital stethoscope. Clinicians should be aware of several of these, which may become available for clinical use in the near future.
Sleep disruption and duration in late pregnancy is associated with excess gestational weight gain among overweight and obese women
Authors: Gay Caryl L. , Richoux Sarah E. , Beebe Kathleen R. , Lee Kathryn A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Poor sleep during pregnancy has been associated with poorer birth outcomes. High body mass index (BMI) is often associated with poor sleep, but little is known about the relationship between gestational weight gain and sleep in late pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships of both gestational weight gain and pre‐pregnancy BMI to objective and subjective measures of sleep during late pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant women (n=128) were recruited from prenatal clinics and childbirth classes primarily serving low‐income women. Their sleep (disruption and duration) was objectively assessed in their last month of pregnancy with 72 hours of wrist actigraphy monitoring. Their perceived sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Pre‐pregnancy and late pregnancy height and weight were assessed by self‐report and used to calculate BMI and gestational weight gain, which were then grouped into standardized categories.

Results

Mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 6.8 ± 3.1 (range 2–16). Sixty percent had excess gestational weight gain and it was associated with poorer perceived sleep quality, but was unrelated to objective measures of sleep duration and disruption. Pre‐pregnancy BMI was unrelated to all sleep parameters. However, analyses of the interaction of pre‐pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain indicated that excess weight gain was associated with shorter sleep duration and more sleep disruption, but only among women who were overweight before pregnancy.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is an opportunity to promote long‐term women's health with a better understanding of the relationship between weight management and healthy sleep habits.
Hospital routines promote parent–infant closeness and cause separation in the birthing unit in the first 2 hours after birth: A pilot study
Authors: Niela‐Vilén Hannakaisa , Feeley Nancy , Axelin Anna
Published: February 2017

Background

Despite the evidence of multiple benefits of early skin‐to‐skin contact, it does not always happen and infants are separated from their parents because of different hospital practices. The aim of this study was to explore parent–infant closeness and separation, and which factors promote closeness or result in separation in the birthing unit in the first 2 hours after birth from the point of view of staff members.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive pilot study was conducted in one university hospital in Finland in December 2014. Midwives and auxiliary nurses working in the birthing unit were eligible for the study. The data were collected with a new application downloaded on a smartphone. The participants were asked to record all the closeness and separation events they observed between the infants and parents using the application.

Results

The application was used during 20 work shifts by 14 midwives or auxiliary nurses. The participants described more closeness than separation events. Our findings indicated that the staff of the birthing unit aimed for mother–infant closeness, and father–infant closeness was a secondary goal. Closeness was mostly skin‐to‐skin contact and justified as a normal routine care practice. Infants were separated from their parents for routine measurements and because of infants’ compromised health.

Conclusion

Routines and normal care practices both promoted parent–infant closeness and caused separation. Parent–infant closeness and separation were controlled by staff members of the birthing unit.
Explaining academic‐track boys’ underachievement in language grades: Not a lack of aptitude but students’ motivational beliefs and parents’ perceptions?
Authors: Heyder Anke , Kessels Ursula , Steinmayr Ricarda
Published: February 2017

Background

Boys earn lower grades in languages than girls. The expectancy‐value model by Eccles et al. (, A series of books in psychology. Achievement and achievement motives. Psychological and sociological approaches, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco, CA, 76) is a comprehensive theoretical model for explaining gender differences in educational outcomes. In the past, most studies have focused on girls’ disadvantage in math and science and on the role of the students’ motivational beliefs.

Aim

We aimed to explain boys’ lower language grades by applying the expectancy‐value model while taking into account students’ motivational beliefs as well as their aptitude, prior achievement, and socializers’ beliefs. In addition, we aimed at exploring the incremental contribution of each potential mediator.

Samples

Five hundred and twenty German students (age M = 17 years; 58% female) and 374 parents (age M = 47 years).

Methods

Student‐reported ability self‐concept (ASC) and task values, parents’ perceptions of students’ ability, students’ prior achievement as reported by schools, and students’ verbal intelligence test scores were all tested as mediators of the effect of gender on grades in German while controlling for parents’ socioeconomic status. Single‐mediator models and a multiple‐mediator model were estimated using structural equation modelling.

Results

All variables proved to be relevant for explaining boys’ underachievement in language grades. Whereas students’ ASC, task values, prior achievement, and parents’ perceptions mediated the gender effect, verbal intelligence was identified as a suppressor variable increasing the gender effect.

Conclusions

Our results challenge the stereotypic belief that boys’ lower grades are due to lower verbal aptitude. Rather, students’ motivational beliefs and parents’ perceptions seem critical factors. Implications for both future research and practice are discussed.
Treatment burden, haemostatic strategies and real world inhibitor screening practice in non‐severe haemophilia A
Authors: Batty Paul , Austin Steve K. , Khair Kate , Millar Carolyn M. , Palmer Ben , Rangarajan Savita , Stümpel Jan‐Phillip , Thanigaikumar Murugaiyan , Yee Thynn T. , Hart Daniel P.
Published: February 2017

Inhibitor formation in non‐severe haemophilia A is a life‐long risk and associated with morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of data to understand real‐world inhibitor screening practice. We evaluated the treatment burden, haemostatic strategies, F8 genotyping and inhibitor screening practices in non‐severe haemophilia A in seven London haemophilia centres. In the 2‐year study period, 44% (377/853) patients received at least one haemostatic treatment. Seventy‐nine percent of those treated (296/377) received factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate. F8 genotype was known in 88% (331/377) of individuals. Eighteen per cent (58/331) had ‘high‐risk’ F8 genotypes. In patients with ‘standard‐risk’ F8 genotypes treated on‐demand with FVIII concentrate, 51·3% episodes (243/474) were screened within 1 year. However, poor screening compliance was observed after ‘high‐risk’ treatment episodes. In patients with ‘standard‐risk’ F8 genotypes, 12·3% (28/227) of treatment episodes were screened in the subsequent 6 weeks after surgery or a bleed requiring ≥5 exposure days. Similarly, in the context of ‘high‐risk’ F8 genotypes after any FVIII exposure, only 13·6% (12/88) of episodes were screened within 6 weeks. Further study is required to assess optimal practice of inhibitor screening in non‐severe haemophilia A to inform subsequent clinical decisions and provide more robust prevalence data to further understand the underlying immunological mechanism.
Vegetation and climate changes over the last 30 000 years on the Leizhou Peninsula, southern China, inferred from the pollen record of Huguangyan Maar Lake
Authors: Meng Yuting , Wang Weiming , Hu Jianfang , Zhang Jixiao , Lai Yangjun
Published: February 2017

A pollen record from Huguangyan Maar Lake documents regional palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate changes in southern China over the last 30 000 years. Huguangyan Maar Lake is located close to the South China Sea (SCS) coastline and is influenced by the East Asian Monsoon (EAM). The pollen assemblages show a succession of vegetation and climate changes. During the Last Glaciation, 30–15.8 cal. ka BP, the Huguangyan area was dominated by subtropical evergreen‐deciduous forest with grassland surrounding the lake, indicating a colder and drier climate than today. During 15.8–11 cal. ka BP, the study area experienced several climatic fluctuations. From 11 to 2 cal. ka BP, the climate shifted to warmer and wetter conditions. After the Holocene Optimum in the early Holocene, the temperature and precipitation decreased. The sediment record of the last 2000 years cannot be used to interpret natural palaeoclimate changes due to the intense anthropogenic influences. Overall, however, the Huguangyan pollen archive highlights the rapid responses of subtropical vegetation to insolation changes in southern China.
Paleo‐fluid expulsion and contouritic drift formation on the Chatham Rise, New Zealand
Authors: Waghorn Kate Alyse , Pecher Ingo , Strachan Lorna J. , Crutchley Gareth , Bialas Jörg , Coffin Richard , Davy Bryan , Koch Stephanie , Kroeger Karsten F. , Papenberg Cord , Sarkar Sudipta ,   SO.226 Scientific Party
Published: February 2017

The Chatham Rise is located offshore of New Zealand's South Island. Vast areas of the Chatham Rise are covered in circular to elliptical seafloor depressions that appear to be forming through a bathymetrically controlled mechanism, as seafloor depressions 2–5 km in diameter are found in water depths of 800–1100 m. High‐resolution P‐Cable 3D seismic data were acquired in 2013 across one of these depressions. The seafloor depression is interpreted as a mounded contourite. Our data reveal several smaller buried depressions (<20–650 m diameter) beneath the mounded contourite that we interpret as paleo‐pockmarks. These pockmarks are underlain by a complex polygonal fault system that deforms the strata and an unusual conical feature results. We interpret the conical feature as a sediment remobilization structure based on the presence of stratified reflections within the feature, RMS amplitude values and lack of velocity anomaly that would indicate a nonsedimentary origin. The sediment remobilization structure, polygonal faults and paleo‐depressions are the indicators of the past subsurface fluid flow. We hypothesize that the pockmarks provided the necessary topographic roughness for the formation of the mounded contourites thus linking fluid expulsion and the deposition of contouritic drifts.
Associations of Early Developmental Milestones With Adult Intelligence
Authors: Flensborg‐Madsen Trine , Mortensen Erik L.
Published: February 2017

The study investigated whether age at attainment of 20 developmental milestones within the areas of language, walking, eating, dressing, social interaction, and toilet training was associated with adult intelligence. Mothers of 821 children of the Copenhagen Perinatal Cohort recorded 20 developmental milestones at a 3‐year examination, and all children were administered the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale when they were 20–34 years old. Later attainment of a number of milestones was associated with lower adult IQ with the strongest associations found for those related to language and social interaction. The adjusted full‐scale IQ means were 107.0, 101.8, and 100.6 for being able to form a sentence at less than 24 months, at 24 months, and later than 24 months.
Impact of hormonal contraception and weight loss on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux and lipoprotein particles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Dokras Anuja , Playford Martin , Kris‐Etherton Penny M. , Kunselman Allen R. , Stetter Christy M. , Williams Nancy I. , Gnatuk Carol L. , Estes Stephanie J. , Sarwer David B. , Allison Kelly C. , Coutifaris Christos , Mehta Nehal , Legro Richard S.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To study the effects of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), the first‐line treatment for PCOS, on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) function (reverse cholesterol efflux capacity) and lipoprotein particles measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in obese women.

Design

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (OWL‐PCOS) of OCP or Lifestyle (intensive Lifestyle modification) or Combined (OCP + Lifestyle) treatment groups for 16 weeks.

Patients

Eighty‐seven overweight/obese women with PCOS at two academic centres.

Measurements

Change in HDL‐C efflux capacity and lipoprotein particles.

Results

High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux capacity increased significantly at 16 weeks in the OCP group [0·11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·03, 0·18, P = 0·008] but not in the Lifestyle (P = 0·39) or Combined group (P = 0·18). After adjusting for HDL‐C and TG levels, there was significant mean change in efflux in the Combined group (0·09; 95% CI 0·01, 0·15; P = 0·01). Change in HDL‐C efflux correlated inversely with change in serum testosterone (rs = −0·21; P = 0·05). In contrast, OCP use induced an atherogenic low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) profile with increase in small (P = 0·006) and large LDL‐particles (P = 0·002). Change in small LDL‐particles correlated with change in serum testosterone (rs = −0·31, P = 0·009) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI; rs = −0·31, P = 0·02). Both Lifestyle and Combined groups did not show significant changes in the atherogenic LDL particles.

Conclusions

Oral contraceptive pills use is associated with improved HDL‐C function and a concomitant atherogenic LDL‐C profile. Combination of a Lifestyle program with OCP use improved HDL‐C function and mitigated adverse effects of OCP on lipoproteins. Our study provides evidence for use of OCP in overweight/obese women with PCOS when combined with Lifestyle changes.
Spectrum of disease associated with partial lipodystrophy: lessons from a trial cohort
Authors: Ajluni Nevin , Meral Rasimcan , Neidert Adam H. , Brady Graham F. , Buras Eric , McKenna Barbara , DiPaola Frank , Chenevert Thomas L. , Horowitz Jeffrey F. , Buggs‐Saxton Colleen , Rupani Amit R. , Thomas Peedikayil E. , Tayeh Marwan K. , Innis Jeffrey W. , Omary M. Bishr , Conjeevaram Hari , Oral Elif A.
Published: February 2017

Context

Partial lipodystrophy (PL) is associated with metabolic co‐morbidities but may go undiagnosed as the disease spectrum is not fully described.

Objective

The objective of the study was to define disease spectrum in PL using genetic, clinical (historical, morphometric) and laboratory characteristics.

Design

Cross‐sectional evaluation.

Participants

Twenty‐three patients (22 with familial, one acquired, 78·3% female, aged 12–64 years) with PL and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Measurements

Genetic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, body composition indices, liver fat content by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathological and immunofluorescence examinations of liver biopsies.

Results

Seven patients displayed heterozygous pathogenic variants in LMNA. Two related patients had a heterozygous, likely pathogenic novel variant of POLD1 (NM002691·3: c.3199 G>A; p.E1067K). Most patients had high ratios (>1·5) of percentage fat trunk to percentage fat legs (FMR) when compared to reference normals. Liver fat quantified using MR Dixon method was high (11·3 ± 6·3%) and correlated positively with haemoglobin A1c and triglycerides while leg fat by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) correlated negatively with triglycerides. In addition to known metabolic comorbidities; chronic pain (78·3%), hypertension (56·5%) and mood disorders (52·2%) were highly prevalent. Mean NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) was 5 ± 1 and 78·3% had fibrosis. LMNA‐immunofluorescence staining from select patients (including one with the novel POLD1 variant) showed a high degree of nuclear atypia and disorganization.

Conclusions

Partial lipodystrophy is a complex multi‐system disorder. Metabolic parameters correlate negatively with extremity fat and positively with liver fat. DEXA‐based FMR may prove useful as a diagnostic tool. Nuclear disorganization and atypia may be a common biomarker even in the absence of pathogenic variants in LMNA.
Incidence of abnormal liver biochemical tests in hyperthyroidism
Authors: Lin Tiffany Y. , Shekar Anshula O. , Li Ning , Yeh Michael W. , Saab Sammy , Wilson Mark , Leung Angela M.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Abnormal serum liver function tests are common in patients with untreated thyrotoxicosis, even prior to the initiation of antithyroidal medications that may worsen the severity of the abnormal serum liver biochemistries. There is a wide range of the incidence of these abnormalities in the published literature. The aim of this study was to assess the risks factors and threshold of thyrotoxicosis severity for developing an abnormal liver biochemical test upon the diagnosis of new thyrotoxicosis.

Design

Single‐institution retrospective cohort study.

Patients

Patients of ≥18 years old receiving medical care at a large, academic, urban US medical centre between 2002–2016.

Measurements

Inclusion criteria were a serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration of <0·3 mIU/l or ICD‐9 code for thyrotoxicosis, with thyrotoxicosis confirmed by either a concurrent elevated serum triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4) concentration ([total or free] within 3 months), and an available liver biochemical test(s) within 6 months of thyrotoxicosis. The biochemical liver tests assessed were serum aspartate transaminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin concentrations.

Results

In this cohort of 1514 subjects, the overall incidence of any biochemical liver test abnormality within 6 months of thyrotoxicosis was 39%. An initial serum TSH concentration <0·02 mIU/l, male gender, and African‐American race were significant predictors of an abnormal serum liver biochemical test within 6 months of the diagnosis of new‐onset untreated thyrotoxicosis.

Conclusions

This study identifies risk factors for patients who develop an abnormal serum liver biochemical test result within 6 months of a diagnosis of untreated thyrotoxicosis.
How do immigrant parents of children with complex health needs manage to cope in their daily lives?
Authors: Kvarme Lisbeth Gravdal , Alebertini Früh Elena , Lidèn Hilde
Published: February 2017

Daily life with children who have complex health needs can be stressful for parents. Immigrant parents are vulnerable to stress because they may lack language skills and knowledge about the health care system and have limited social networks. In this study, we focus on how immigrant parents of children with complex health needs use emotion‐focused and problem‐focused coping strategies to manage their daily life, and how their self‐efficacy and the immigration process may affect their coping. This qualitative study had an exploratory design with individual and focus group interviews. The sample comprised 27 parents—18 mothers and 9 fathers—from Pakistan, Poland, and Vietnam. The findings indicated that the parents' love for their child helps them to cope in their daily life. Newly arrived migrants, single mothers with a severely ill child who lacked support and migrant parents with language difficulties struggle to cope. Some of the stress is related to personal, social and structural problems, and to the insufficient resources available to meet the child's needs. The parents used both emotion‐focused and problem‐focused coping strategies. The parents noted that access to both universal and selective welfare services is an important factor that contributed to their self‐efficacy and coping.
Emergency out‐of‐home placements in Norway: Parents' experiences
Authors: Storhaug Anita Skårstad , Kojan Bente Heggem
Published: February 2017

The number of emergency placements of children has increased rapidly in Norway over the recent years. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about how parents experience the processes involved in emergency placements. We conducted 64 survey interviews with parents who have experienced this kind of placement of their children. One third of the participants' children had received interventions prior to the emergency placement. Another third were known by Child Welfare Services (CWS) through reports of concern, which were dismissed without interventions and, in some cases, without investigation. The final third had no prehistory from CWS ahead of the emergency placement. A large proportion of the participants emphasized that they had experienced problems for a long time and had earlier requests for help unmet. Another large group of parents notified CWS themselves, and some of them wanted their child emergency placed. On the basis of parents' experiences, we suggest different implications for practice: (a) CWS should be more thorough in their investigation and assessment of the families, both when it comes to reports of concern and evaluation of initiated interventions. (b) Planned placement should be promoted to a greater degree, wherever possible. (c) A greater emphasis on follow‐up of parents after emergency placements is needed.
Signal Peptide Peptidase, Encoded by HM13, Contributes to Tumor Progression by Affecting EGFRvIII Secretion Profiles in Glioblastoma
Authors: Wei Jian‐Wei , Cai Jin‐Quan , Fang Chuan , Tan Yan‐Li , Huang Kai , Yang Chao , Chen Qun , Jiang Chuan‐Lu , Kang Chun‐Sheng
Published: February 2017

Background and Aims

EGFRvIII is the most prevalent glioblastoma mutation, occurring in more than 25% of glioblastomas. EGFRvIII cells release microvesicles that contain proteins, miRNAs, and mRNAs that enhance the growth and survival of surrounding tumor cells. However, little is known about the maturation process and regulatory mechanisms of secreted vesicles in EGFRvIII cells.

Methods

Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) provides a fascinating mechanism for protein cleavage and subsequent dislocation in the endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane domain.

Results

In this study, we reported that SPP facilitates the secretion of cytokines in vitro and promotes tumor progression in mice. Human cytokine antibody arrays revealed that EGFRvIII secreted higher levels of cytokines, but these levels were significantly reduced following SPP knockdown, suggesting that cytokines in EGFRvIII secretion profiles play important roles in GBM development. Identical results were confirmed in intracellular maturation tracking of TGF‐β1 in mouse serum. Clinically, analyses of GBM patient data from the database revealed that HM13 expression was closely related to patient prognosis and survival, suggesting an influence by the secreted vesicles of EGFRvIII tumor cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, our study identifies that SPP affects EGFRvIII secretion profiles and thus promotes tumor progression, providing further understanding of the formation of secreted vesicles and driving role of EGFRvIII in GBM.
Behavioural treatment strategies improve adherence to lifestyle intervention programmes in adults with obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Burgess E. , Hassmén P. , Welvaert M. , Pumpa K.L.
Published: February 2017

Poor adherence to lifestyle intervention remains a key factor hindering treatment effectiveness and health outcomes for adults with obesity. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to determine if behavioural treatment strategies (e.g. goal setting, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, cognitive restructuring etc.) improve adherence to lifestyle intervention programmes in adults with obesity. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the use of behavioural treatment strategies in obesity management were identified by systematically reviewing the literature within Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science from their inception to August 2016. This meta‐analysis shows that behavioural treatment interventions have a significant positive effect on session attendance (percentage) and physical activity (total min/week) in adults with obesity (M = 17.63 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.77, 24.50), z =5.0337, P < 0.0001 and M = 105.98 (95% CI = 58.64, 153.32), z =4.3878, P < 0.0001, respectively). This meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials provides evidence that behavioural treatment strategies improve adherence to lifestyle intervention programmes in adults with obesity. These strategies should be routinely incorporated into lifestyle intervention, obesity management and weight loss programmes with the aim of improving engagement and adherence. If adherence were improved, treatment effectiveness, health outcomes and the ultimate burden of chronic disease could also be improved.
Verbal–spatial IQ discrepancies impact brain activation associated with the resolution of cognitive conflict in children and adolescents
Authors: Margolis Amy E. , Davis Katie S. , Pao Lisa S. , Lewis Amy , Yang Xiao , Tau Gregory , Zhao Guihu , Wang Zhishun , Marsh Rachel
Published: February 2017

Verbal–spatial discrepancies are common in healthy individuals and in those with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with cognitive control deficits including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Non‐Verbal Learning Disability, Fragile X, 22q11 deletion, and Turner Syndrome. Previous data from healthy individuals suggest that the magnitude of the difference between verbal IQ (VIQ) and performance IQ (PIQ) scores (the VIQ>PIQ discrepancy) is associated with reduced thickness in frontal and parietal cortices (inferior frontal, anterior cingulate, inferior parietal lobule, and supramarginal gyrus) that support cognitive control. Unknown is whether the VIQ>PIQ discrepancy is associated with functional deficits in these areas in healthy or ill children and adolescents. We assessed the effects of the VIQ>PIQ discrepancy on fMRI BOLD response during the resolution of cognitive conflict in 55 healthy children and adolescents during performance of a Simon Spatial Incompatibility task. As the magnitude of the VIQ>PIQ discrepancy increased, activation of fronto‐striatal, limbic, and temporal regions decreased during conflict resolution (p < .05, corrected). In exploratory analyses, the VIQ>PIQ discrepancy was associated with reduced functional connectivity from right inferior frontal gyrus to right thalamus and increased functional connectivity to right supramarginal gyrus (ps < .03, uncorrected). The VIQ>PIQ discrepancy may be an important aspect of an individual's cognitive profile and likely contributes to, or is associated with, deficient cognitive control processes characteristic of many childhood disorders.
MONETARY POLICY RULES UNDER HETEROGENEOUS INFLATION EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Brissimis Sophocles N. , Magginas Nicholas S.
Published: February 2017

This paper evaluates the role of inflation‐forecast heterogeneity in U.S. monetary policymaking. The deviation between private and central bank inflation forecasts is identified as a significant explanatory factor behind the Fed's monetary policy decisions. A discretionary policy rule that includes the forecast deviation as an additional argument is estimated empirically for the period 1975–2009, covering the chairmanships of Arthur Burns, George Miller, Paul Volcker, Alan Greenspan, and the beginning of Ben Bernanke's term, by using inflation forecasts obtained from the Federal Open Market Committee's Greenbook and the Survey of Professional Forecasters and real‐time estimates of the output gap. The estimated rule appears to provide a consistent description of the Fed's policy during the sample period presenting an alternative perspective regarding the key drivers of the high‐inflation phase in the 1970s as well as of the successful Volcker disinflation in the early 1980s and the gradual transition to a regime of lower inflation and high policy credibility that has increasingly characterized monetary policy over the past two decades. (JEL E50, E52, E58)
The anatomical and compositional basis of leaf mass per area
Authors: John Grace P. , Scoffoni Christine , Buckley Thomas N. , Villar Rafael , Poorter Hendrik , Sack Lawren
Published: February 2017

Leaf dry mass per unit leaf area (LMA) is a central trait in ecology, but its anatomical and compositional basis has been unclear. An explicit mathematical and physical framework for quantifying the cell and tissue determinants of LMA will enable tests of their influence on species, communities and ecosystems. We present an approach to explaining LMA from the numbers, dimensions and mass densities of leaf cells and tissues, which provided unprecedented explanatory power for 11 broadleaved woody angiosperm species diverse in LMA (33–262 g m−2; R2 = 0.94; P < 0.001). Across these diverse species, and in a larger comparison of evergreen vs. deciduous angiosperms, high LMA resulted principally from larger cell sizes, greater major vein allocation, greater numbers of mesophyll cell layers and higher cell mass densities. This explicit approach enables relating leaf anatomy and composition to a wide range of processes in physiological, evolutionary, community and macroecology.