bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating effect of personal features on the consequences of an enjoyable co-creation experience
Authors: Füller Johann , Bilgram Volker
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to draw a more nuanced picture of the impact of co-creation experience shedding light on the moderating role of consumers’ personal features. Virtual co-creation is considered a viable strategy to develop consumer-centered products in the digital era. As an additional effect, this research highlighted that co-creation experiences may establish beneficial consumer–brand relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data stemming from 727 consumers who virtually engaged in new product development projects, the authors test the hypotheses, applying structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of this study show that consumers’ personal features such as novelty seeking and dissatisfaction with existing products moderate the impact of an enjoyable experience on aspects of the consumer–company relationship. Consumers’ dissatisfaction with current product solutions is also found to moderate the relationship between an enjoyable co-creation experience and evoked product interest as well as between product involvement and evoked product interest. The study further substantiates previous findings on the relationship-effects of co-creation and particularly highlight the potential of co-creation experiences for nurturing “imaginary” relationships with the product being co-created significantly prior to market launch.

Originality/value

Participants in virtual co-creation approaches are widely heterogeneous individuals ranging from customers and Facebook fans to brand community members and innovative users. The study contributes to a better understanding of how the diversity of the crowd can be handled in virtual co-creation and advances the theory of value co-creation as a new marketing paradigm.
Self-presentation, privacy and electronic word-of-mouth in social media
Authors: Pasternak Oleksandra , Veloutsou Cleopatra , Morgan-Thomas Anna
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nature of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) and the key drivers of this consumer-generated brand communication, focusing on eWOM in the context of social media communications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses inductive qualitative design, and the data have been collected via 22 semi-structured interviews with individuals who follow brands on Facebook.

Findings

Building on interview data, the paper advances a conception of eWOM in the social media context and highlights that eWOM consists of a broad range of brand-related communications, which include such activities as consuming, commenting, posting and forwarding information. The study also uncovers two major antecedents of eWOM, which are one’s concern for self-presentation and privacy.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could examine additional drivers of brand-related eWOM in the context of Facebook brand pages, and investigate eWOM in other social media platforms.

Practical implications

The findings have two important implications for brand management. Firstly, considering the importance of self-presentation, brands are advised to develop an in-depth understanding of the types of self-image pursued by their target audience. Secondly, given the concerns about privacy on social media, brands may carefully consider and manage the levels of privacy that should apply when communicating with their followers.

Originality/value

The novel insights centre on the individual differences in eWOM activity, and the importance of one’s perceptions of self-image and privacy in explaining these differences. It seems that the propensity to engage in eWOM and the form that this communication takes are the reflections of one’s self-presentation and privacy preferences.
Is it about task conflict or relationship conflict?
Authors: Chen Jianxun , liu Songbo , Wang Yue , Wang Tao , Zheng Xueqiang
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Based on the team conflict theory and organizational learning theory, this study aims to discuss the two different types of conflicts of the top management team (TMT) on the different mechanisms of exploratory learning behavior of firms, and, based on the perspective of CEO-TMT (CEO – chief executive officer) interface, the different moderating effects caused by different CEO leadership styles are clarified.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the sample of 193 firms’ samples with multi-source data, the authors take an empirical test of the theoretical framework.

Findings

The effect of task conflict on exploratory learning behavior was insignificant, and relationship conflict had a positive effect on exploratory learning behavior. However, when CEO’s transformational leadership level was high, or transactional leadership level was low, there existed “bathtub curve” relationship between task conflict and exploratory learning behavior, and the relationship conflict under these conditions strengthened exploratory learning behavior. When CEO’s transactional leadership level was high, or transformational leadership level was low, there existed the inverted U-shaped relationship between task conflict and exploratory learning behavior, and the relationship conflict under such conditions weakened exploratory learning behavior.

Originality/value

First, the authors challenge the assumption of linear mechanism of task conflict, trying to build the mechanism of curve hypothesis, and the nonlinear explanation might be able to integrate the inconsistent results in the existing literature. Second, according to the inconsistent results of relationship conflict in existing literature, this study takes perspective of the CEO-TMT and introduces CEO leadership behavior as a moderating variable to test the moderating effect of CEO leadership and clarifies the boundary conditions of TMT conflicts.
Constructing a process model for low-carbon supply chain cooperation practices based on the DEMATEL and the NK model
Authors: Bai Chunguang , Sarkis Joseph , Dou Yijie
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a joint DEMATEL and NK methodology to develop a process model for introducing and implementing relational supply chain practices for low-carbon supply chains. Using this process model as a guide, insights into specific practices and how to implement these relational practices to achieve competitive advantage across organizations are introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

Low-carbon cooperation practices framework based on the relational view is developed. A methodology based on DEMATEL and the NK model is used to construct a sequential process model for introducing and implementing these relational practices. Empirical data from three manufacturing organizations in China are utilized to validate the model.

Findings

Initial results provide a sequence of relational practices for guiding those organizations and their suppliers for healthy and low-carbon development. Interdependencies between relational practices are analyzed and evaluated from four aspects. Insights into the broader application of the methodology and initial results from both a research and managerial perspective are presented, especially with consideration of the China, an emerging economy, context.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology remains relatively abstract in nature, yet the tool can provide very useful interpretations and information for both researchers and practitioners.

Practical implications

This paper stipulates that in addition to internal operational practices, the relational practices between buyer and supplier may be equally important to achieve a low-carbon outcome, especially in supply chain setting. This paper also shows that not only the relational practice itself but also the implementation sequence of the relational practices can relate to performance. According to the authors’ initial results, organizations in this study should first develop product development cooperation, then exchange carbon knowledge and implement effective governance and last build a trust relationship with its suppliers for low-carbon cooperation.

Originality/value

This is one of the few approaches that directly evaluates and identifies the interdependencies among relational practices and to construct a process model for introducing and implementing low-carbon supply chain cooperation. It is also the first time that the NK model has been integrated with DEMATEL. Focusing on Chinese supply chain carbon emissions concerns is also a unique perspective.
Co-creating customization: collaborating with customers to deliver individualized value
Authors: Loef Jordi , Pine II B. Joseph , Robben Henry
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The article introduces practitioners to the concept and process of co-creating customization with buyers.

Design/methodology/approach

This article offers a process and a model that mass market companies can use to take a scalable approach to involving customers in offering development, delivery and use.

Findings

Companies that co-create customization in a truly collaborative process enjoy significantly more sustainable competitive advantages.

Practical implications

For the company, co-creating leads to better offerings – including new capabilities that can be used with different customers in differing combinations – and also a more complete and clear picture of what its customers want.

Originality/value

The article introduces the co-creation customization model and nine strategies practitioners can use to provide individualized customer value.
How David Cooke implemented corporate social responsibility at Konica Minolta Australia
Authors: Avery Gayle , Hooper Narelle
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This interview demonstrates how CEOs can focus on CSR to engage the workforce and change the culture and performance of an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reports on an interview with Dr David Cooke, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia.

Findings

By introducing CSR to the firm, and in particular pursuing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #8 against human trafficking, the MD not only changed the management style and culture in the organization, but also enhanced commercial results. Performance improved across many measures: revenue, profit, market share in a declining marketplace, highest number of units placed into the Australian market, increasing prestige associated with the company’s brand, and becoming an employer of choice.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are consistent with the literature on corporate sustainable investment, but further studies are needed to fully understand the processes involved in changing culture and improving performance via CSR.

Practical implications

This interview clearly shows the steps that the new CEO took in radically changing the culture of his organization by adopting CSR extensively.

Social implications

The power of business is vital to pursuing societal goals, and the case of Konica Minolta Australia demonstrates that doing so also benefits the company.

Originality/value

This study clearly explains how a corporate culture was changed and performance enhanced through a strategy based on investment in social issues.
Urine is an important nitrogen source for plants irrespective of vegetation composition in an Arctic tundra: Insights from a 15N‐enriched urea tracer experiment
Authors: Barthelemy Hélène , Stark Sari , Michelsen Anders , Olofsson Johan
Published: June 2017

Mammalian herbivores can strongly influence nitrogen (N) cycling and herbivore urine could be a central component of the N cycle in grazed ecosystems. Despite its potential role for ecosystem productivity and functioning, the fate of N derived from urine has rarely been investigated in grazed ecosystems.

This study explored the fate of 15N‐enriched urea in tundra sites that have been either lightly or intensively grazed by reindeer for more than 50 years. We followed the fate of the 15N applied to the plant canopy, at 2 weeks and 1 year after tracer addition, in the different ecosystem N pools.

15N‐urea was rapidly incorporated in cryptogams and in above‐ground parts of vascular plants, while the soil microbial pool and plant roots sequestered only a marginal proportion. Furthermore, the litter layer constituted a large sink for the 15N‐urea, at least in the short term, indicating a high biological activity in the litter layer and high immobilization in the first phases of organic matter decomposition.

Mosses and lichens still constituted the largest sink for the 15N‐urea 1 year after tracer addition at both levels of grazing intensity demonstrating their large ability to capture and retain N from urine. Despite large fundamental differences in their traits, deciduous and evergreen shrubs were just as efficient as graminoids in taking up the 15N‐urea. The total recovery of 15N‐urea was lower in the intensively grazed sites, suggesting that reindeer reduce ecosystem N retention.

Synthesis. The rapid incorporation of the applied 15N‐urea indicates that arctic plants can take advantage of a pulse of incoming N from urine. In addition, δ15N values of all taxa in the heavily grazed sites converged towards the δ15N values for urine, bringing further evidence that urine is an important N source for plants in grazed tundra ecosystems.
Effect of iloprost on biomarkers in patients with congenital heart disease‐pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Li Xiao‐ye , Zheng Yu , Long Yuliang , Zhang Xiaochun , Zhang Lei , Tian Dan , Zhou Daxin , Lv Qian‐zhou
Published: June 2017

Some biomarkers play important roles in the endothelial dysfunction of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), including nitric oxide (NO), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and uric acid (UA). However, studies on these biomarkers in pulmonary artery blood in congenital heart disease‐PAH (CHD‐PAH) and the effect of iloprost on the regulation of biomarkers are lacking. This study investigated potential CHD‐PAH biomarkers and their association with the severity of disease. The effect of iloprost on the regulation of these biomarkers was also studied. A total of 31 patients with CHD‐PAH were enrolled. Seven with positive effects of iloprost (the average reduction in mPAP 11.13±1.73 mm Hg) and 19 with negative effects of iloprost (the average reduction in mPAP 4.21±4.87 mm Hg; iloprost positive group [IPG] vs iloprost negative group [ING], P<.01) and five age‐matched controls were studied. The pulmonary artery blood sample was collected before and after inhaling iloprost, and the plasma concentrations of Gal‐3, ADMA, ET‐1, and NO were measured. A significant positive linear relationship was observed between mPAP and plasma ET‐1, BNP, ADMA, and UA levels in all patients with CHD‐PAH. ET‐1, ADMA, BNP, and UA levels had a significant linear relationship with mean pulmonary arterial pressure, which could be used to predict the severity of CHD‐PAH. ET‐1 might be a potential biomarker to pre‐evaluate the effect of iloprost on CHD‐PAH. Iloprost could affect the expression of Gal‐3 and, therefore, the process of fibrosis could be influenced by iloprost.
Hypoxia/IL‐1α axis promotes gastric cancer progression and drug resistance
Authors: Xuan Yi , Wang Ya Nong
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

The microenvironment of tumors constitutes a unique niche that promotes cancer metastasis and resistance. Two remarkable characteristics of this microenvironment are hypoxia and inflammation. Interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), an important inflammatory factor, is frequently upregulated in a variety of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL‐1α in gastric cancer (GC) and explore the relationship between IL‐1α and hypoxia.

METHODS

Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to characterize IL‐1α expression in different GC cell lines under normoxia or hypoxia. IL‐1α expression was characterized in relation to tumor stage and lymph node metastasis of GC and the survival of patients. The effect of IL‐1α knockdown under normoxia or hypoxia on cell proliferation, migration and sensitivity to cisplatin was also evaluated. Additionally, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) expression in KATO‐III cells was either upregulated by ectopic HIF‐1α expression or downregulated through shHIF‐1α transfection, the effects of which on IL‐1α expression was subsequently evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between IL‐1α, which was upregulated during hypoxia, and tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and resistance to cisplatin in GC. IL‐1α was regulated by HIF1α, and a change in HIF1α expression altered the tumor‐promoting effect of IL‐1α.

CONCLUSION

The IL‐1α/hypoxia axis may be a valuable target for diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Acute radiation oesophagitis associated with 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoro‐d‐glucose uptake on positron emission tomography/CT during chemo‐radiation therapy in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Everitt Sarah , Callahan Jason , Obeid Eman , Hicks Rodney J , Mac Manus Michael , Ball David
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Acute radiation oesophagitis (ARO) is frequently experienced by patients receiving concurrent chemo‐radiation therapy (cCRT) for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated ARO symptoms (CTCAE v3.0), radiation dose and oesophageal FDG PET/CT uptake.

Method

Candidates received cCRT (60 Gy, 2 Gy/fx) and sequential FDG PET/CT (baseline FDG0, FDGwk2 and FDGwk4). Mean and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmean and SUVmax) and radiation dose (Omean and Omax) were calculated within the whole oesophagus and seven sub‐regions (5–60 Gy).

Results

Forty‐four patients underwent FDG0 and FDGwk2, and 41 (93%) received FDGwk4, resulting in 129 PET/CT scans for analysis. Of 29 (66%) patients with ≥ grade 2 ARO, SUVmax (mean ± SD) increased from FDG0 to FDGwk4 (3.06 ± 0.69 to 3.83 ± 1.27, P = 0.0019) and FDGwk2 to FDGwk4 (3.10 ± 0.75 to 3.83 ± 1.27, P = 0.0046). Radiation dose (mean ± SD) was higher in grade ≥2 patients; Omean (47.5 ± 20 vs 53.9 ± 10.2, P = 0.0061), Omax (13.7 ± 9.6 vs 20.1 ± 10.6, P = 0.0009) and V40 Gy (8.0 ± 8.2 vs 11.9 ± 7.3, P = 0.0185).

Conclusions

FDGwk4 SUVmax and radiation dose were associated with ≥ grade 2 ARO. Compared to subjective assessments, future interim FDG PET/CT acquired for disease response assessment may also be utilized to objectively characterize ARO severity and image‐guided oesophageal dose constraints.
Sevoflurane vs. propofol in post‐operative catheter‐related bladder discomfort: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Kim H.‐C. , Park H.‐P. , Lee J. , Jeong M.‐H. , Lee K.‐H.
Published: June 2017

Background

Post‐operative catheter‐related bladder discomfort (CRBD) causes increased emergence agitation. Muscarinic receptor activation is a major mechanism in CRBD development. Experimental studies showed that sevoflurane has anti‐muscarinic effects whereas propofol does not. Our hypothesis was that sevoflurane anaesthesia would reduce the incidence of CRBD following bladder surgery.

Methods

In total, 82 patients undergoing transurethral bladder tumour excision (TURBT) were assigned randomly to two groups according to the maintenance anaesthetic agent received: sevoflurane (n = 41) or propofol (n = 41). The incidence of CRBD was evaluated at 0, 1, 6 and 24 h post‐operatively. The number of patients treated with a rescue medication (tramadol) for CRBD was noted.

Results

The incidence of CRBD at post‐operative 1 h was lower in the sevoflurane group than that in the propofol group (59% vs. 85%; P = 0.007). The differences in CRBD were 27% and 22% at 0 and 6 h post‐operatively (P = 0.008 and 0.047, respectively). CRBD occurred in 27 (66%) patients in the sevoflurane group vs. 38 (93%) in the propofol group from 0 to 24 h post‐operatively (P = 0.005). The number of patients treated with tramadol was lower in the sevoflurane group (13 [22%] vs. 22 [54%]; P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Sevoflurane, as a maintenance in general anaesthesia, decreased the incidence of early post‐operative CRBD and tramadol requirements in patients undergoing TURBT, compared with propofol.
Validation of international consensus equation for acute serum total tryptase in mast cell activation: A perioperative perspective
Authors: Baretto R. L. , Beck S. , Heslegrave J. , Melchior C. , Mohamed O. , Ekbote A. , Huissoon A. P. , Krishna M. T.
Published: June 2017

There is no standardized method for assessing serum total mast cell tryptase (MCT) in anaphylaxis. The consensus equation (peak MCT should be>1.2× baseline tryptase+2 mg/L) has been proposed to interpret acute MCT in mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). To validate consensus equation in a perioperative setting analyses of cases of suspected perioperative anaphylaxis during general anaesthesia (GA) were performed. Anaphylaxis was defined as per World Allergy Organisation (WAO) criteria. Timed serial MCT measurements were mapped against the consensus equation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves produced. A total of 82 patients (60 females, mean age 56.5 years±SD17.2) underwent investigation. Sixty (73%) patients fulfilled WAO criteria for anaphylaxis, and 22 patients did not. Aetiology included 59% IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis, 2% non‐IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis, 12% anaphylaxis of unknown cause and 27% deemed non‐anaphylaxis. IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis included the following: NMBA (35%), antibiotics (46%), chlorhexidine (8%), patent blue dye (8%) and others (8%). An acute MCT with a comparable baseline was available in 71 of 82 (87%) patients (60 anaphylaxis and 11 controls). The median interquartile range (IQR) time from reaction to peak MCT was 1.34 (0.82‐2.51) hours. Analyses confirmed that a rise in acute MCT greater than that defined by the equation had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (N) PV of 78%, 91%, 98% and 44%, respectively. The magnitude of increase in acute MCT above the threshold predicted by consensus equation was higher in the anaphylaxis group compared to controls (P=.0001). This equation has a high specificity, PPV with a moderate NPV and sensitivity in perioperative anaphylaxis.
Systematic differences between ultrasound and pathological evaluation of thyroid nodules: a method comparison study
Authors: Chew Carolyn R. , Lam Tracey , Chan Steven T. F. , Chin‐Lenn Laura
Published: June 2017

Background

The size of thyroid nodules as measured by ultrasound (ultrasound size, USS) is routinely used in clinical decision‐making. Reports of discrepancy between USS and pathological size (PS) evaluation have not analysed their systematic differences. The objective of this study was to uncover the lack of agreement (bias) between USS and PS measurements.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 121 patients who had a total or hemi‐thyroidectomy for a solitary nodule. Ordinary least product regression was used to detect and distinguish constant and proportional bias in unidimensional size measurements between USS and PS evaluation. Three‐dimensional volume measurements were compared in a subgroup of 31 patients. Pre‐specified acceptable limits of interchange were defined as 20% difference.

Results

Ordinary least product regression demonstrated no constant or proportional bias between the two methods; regression equation: USS = (0.863) + (1.040) × PS. When nodules were grouped by size, discrepancies between the two methods were observed in nodules <10 mm (P = 0.004). However, potential overtreatment of patients with USS >10 mm but PS <10 mm only accounted for 4.1% of total patients. Subgroup analysis of volume measurements showed no bias between USS and PS evaluation.

Conclusions

USS and PS measurements were interchangeable, as there was no evidence of constant or proportional bias between the two measurements. However, USS may misclassify the size for smaller nodules and potentially lead to unnecessary workup and treatment. Discrepancy in size measurements between USS and PS should be taken into account in clinical practice, particularly in smaller nodules.
Critical appraisal of the application of propensity score methods in the urology literature
Authors: Nayan Madhur , Hamilton Robert J. , Juurlink David N. , Finelli Antonio , Kulkarni Girish S. , Austin Peter C.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To determine whether studies that used propensity score (PS) methods in the urology literature provide sufficient detail to allow scientific reproducibility and whether appropriate statistical tests were used to obtain valid measures of effect.

Materials and Methods

We searched OVID Medline and the Science Citation Index from inception to November 2016 to identify studies that used PS methods in five general urology journals. From each included article, we extracted pertinent information related to the PS methodology, such as estimation of the PS, whether balance diagnostics were performed, and the statistical analysis performed.

Results

We identified 114 articles for inclusion. Matching on the PS was the most common method used (62 studies, 54.4%). Of all studies, 103 (90.4%) described which covariates were used to estimate the PS; however, only 24 provided justification for the selected covariates. Although the majority of studies (70.2%) performed some sort of diagnostic evaluation to assess balance, few studies (24.6%) used appropriate methods for balance assessment. Only four (6.4%) studies that used PS matching provided sufficient detail to replicate the matching strategy. Finally, the majority (77.4%) of studies that used PS matching explicitly used inappropriate statistical methods to estimate the effect of an exposure on an outcome.

Conclusions

In the urology literature PS methods were poorly described and implemented. We provide recommendations for improvement to allow scientific reproducibility and obtain valid measures of effect from their use.
Classroom and School Predictors of Civic Engagement Among Black and Latino Middle School Youth
Authors: Jagers Robert J. , Lozada Fantasy T. , Rivas‐Drake Deborah , Guillaume Casta
Published: June 2017

This study used short‐term longitudinal data to examine the contributions of democratic teaching practices (e.g., the Developmental Designs approach) and equitable school climate to civic engagement attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among 515 Black and Latino middle school students (47.9% male). Concurrent experiences of democratic homeroom and classroom practices, and equitable school climate were associated with higher scores on each civic engagement component. The relation between classroom practices and civic attitudes was more robust when school climate was seen as more equitable. Longitudinally, homeroom practices and equitable school climate predicted higher civic attitudes 1 year later. Discussion focuses on civic attitudes and future research on school experiences that support civic engagement among youth of color.
Commentary: Studying and Testing the Positive Youth Development Model: A Tale of Two Approaches
Authors: Lerner Richard M.
Published: June 2017

Interest in promoting positive development among children and adolescents has always been a focus of developmental science. Historically, many researchers framed this interest using a deficit model that sought to optimize positive development by reducing problems. In the context of the articles in this special section, the author discuss a different conception of positive youth development that has emerged across the past 25 years, one that capitalizes on human plasticity and tests a strength‐based model (instead of a deficit one). This model seeks to identify the process that could enhance the attributes of young people that are valued by them and others (e.g., parents, peers, teachers, mentors, coaches, and faith leaders), as compared to processes that reduce or prevent undesirable characteristics.
Thyrotrophin levels and coronary artery calcification: Cross‐sectional results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil)
Authors: Peixoto de Miranda Érique José F. , Bittencourt Márcio Sommer , Staniak Henrique Lane , Pereira Alexandre C. , Foppa Murilo , Santos Itamar S. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Benseñor Isabela M.
Published: June 2017

Objective

There is little information about the association between thyrotrophin (TSH) levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC). Our aim was to analyse the association between TSH quintiles and subclinical atherosclerosis measured by CAC, using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Patients

We excluded individuals using medications that affect thyroid function and who self‐reported cardiovascular disease. We included euthyroid subjects and individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHypo) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCHyper). Logistic regression models evaluated CAC >100 Agatston units as the dependent variable, and increasing quintiles of TSH as the independent variable, adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Our sample included 3836 subjects, mean age 49 years (interquartile range 44‐56); 1999 (52.1%) were female, 3551 (92.6%) were euthyroid, 239 (6.2%) had SCHypo and 46 (1.2%) had SCHyper. The frequency of women, White people and never smokers as well as body mass index and insulin resistance increased according to quintiles. The 1st quintile for TSH (0‐0.99 mIU/L) was associated with CAC >100, using the 3rd quintile (1.39‐1.85 mIU/L) as reference (adjusted OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.35, P=.027), but no association was shown for the 5th quintile (2.68‐35.5 mIU/L) compared to the 3rd. Restricting the analysis to euthyroid subjects did not change the results. For women, but not for men, we observed a U‐shaped curve with 1st and 5th TSH quintiles associated with CAC>100.

Conclusion

Low and low‐normal (1st quintile) TSH levels were associated with CAC>100 Agatston units in a sample with subclinical thyroid disorders and euthyroid subjects.
CAD/CAM‐fabricated ceramic implant‐supported single crowns made from lithium disilicate: Final results of a 5‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Spies Benedikt Christopher , Pieralli Stefano , Vach Kirstin , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim
Published: June 2017

Background

All‐ceramic bilayer systems suffer from technique‐sensitivity, resulting in increased technical complication rates. This might be overcome by monolithic reconstructions, facilitating digital workflows.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical and patient‐reported outcome of CAD/CAM‐fabricated implant‐supported single crowns (ISCs) made of lithium disilicate (LS2) cemented on ceramic implants 5 years after implant installation.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four patients were included in the study. All participants received a one‐piece ceramic implant in anterior (4 incisors) and posterior regions (10 premolars, 10 molars). LS2 crowns were computer‐aided designed (CAD), manufactured (CAM) and adhesively luted onto the implants. Follow‐ups were performed yearly up to 60 months after implant installation. The survival/success rates of the restorations were calculated according to modified US Public Health Service criteria as follows: Clinically relevant defects that could be repaired intraorally were accepted for survival, whereas small‐area chippings, roughness (ø < 2 mm), slightly soundable marginal gaps, minimal undercontours/overcontours, and tolerable color deviations were accepted for success. Kaplan‐Meier plots were used for the success/survival analyses. Furthermore, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed by applying visual analog scales (VAS). Linear (PROMs) and logistic (USPHS criteria) mixed models were fitted to evaluate time effects on response variables.

Results

Twenty‐two ISCs could be evaluated 55.2 ± 4.2 months after prosthetic delivery. Two patients were reported as drop‐outs (1 died, 1 moved abroad). No failures were observed, resulting in 100% survival. At two ISCs, a major‐roughness had to be treated. This resulted in a Kaplan‐Meier success estimate of 91.7% (95%CI: 70.6%‐97.9%). Compared with pretreatment, all surveys at prosthetic delivery except for self‐esteem (P = .375) showed significantly improved VAS scores. No decrease in satisfaction could be observed over time until the end of follow‐up (P ≥ .056).

Conclusion

Concerning survival/success rates and PROMs, the evaluated crown‐implant system showed favorable mid‐term results. To date, there are no comparable data available for implant‐supported ISCs made of LS2.
On stress/strain shielding and the material stiffness paradigm for dental implants
Authors: Korabi Raoof , Shemtov‐Yona Keren , Rittel Daniel
Published: June 2017

Background

Stress shielding considerations suggest that the dental implant material's compliance should be matched to that of the host bone. However, this belief has not been confirmed from a general perspective, either clinically or numerically.

Purpose

To characterize the influence of the implant stiffness on its functionality using the failure envelope concept that examines all possible combinations of mechanical load and application angle for selected stress, strain and displacement‐based bone failure criteria. Those criteria represent bone yielding, remodeling, and implant primary stability, respectively

Materials and methods

We performed numerical simulations to generate failure envelopes for all possible loading configurations of dental implants, with stiffness ranging from very low (polymer) to extremely high, through that of bone, titanium, and ceramics.

Results

Irrespective of the failure criterion, stiffer implants allow for improved implant functionality. The latter reduces with increasing compliance, while the trabecular bone experiences higher strains, albeit of an overall small level. Micromotions remain quite small irrespective of the implant's stiffness.

Conclusion

The current paradigm favoring reduced implant material's stiffness out of concern for stress or strain shielding, or even excessive micromotions, is not supported by the present calculations, that point exactly to the opposite.
Mordant dye application on cotton: optimisation and combination with natural dyes
Authors: Ding Yi , Freeman Harold S.
Published: June 2017

It is well known that cotton fibres can be dyed through the formation of coordinate bonds involving cellulose chains, mordants such as alum, and natural dyes such as alizarin. Similarly, synthetic dyes known as mordant acid dyes can be used to dye wool fibres. Unlike mordant dyes on wool, the fastnesses of natural dyes on cotton are often low. Although concerns surrounding textile sustainability have sparked renewed interest in the use of natural dyes, extensive replacement of synthetic dyes with natural dyes is neither practical nor fundamentally possible. However, similarities in dyeing methods using mordant and natural dyes raise the possibility of using mordant dyes as alternatives to natural dyes in the dyeing of cotton. Further, the potential for combining suitable dyes from these two classes to expand the colour gamut currently available from natural dyes on cotton seem worthy of exploration. The results of this study indicate that shades comparable with those produced by natural dyes can be obtained on cotton using select mordant dyes following Fe2+ and Al3+ pretreatments. The best results were obtained using a two‐step/two‐bath process and dyes such as CI Mordant Blue 13 and CI Mordant Orange 6. In evaluations of mordant and natural dye combinations using the two mordant dyes logwood and Osage orange as prototypes, interesting fabric shades were obtained. However, the fastness properties of these dyes must be improved in order to produce commercially viable dyeings.
Trajectories of self‐care agency and associated factors in lung transplant recipients over the first 12 months following transplantation
Authors: Hu L. , Lingler J. H. , DeVito Dabbs A. , Dew M. A. , Sereika S. M.
Published: June 2017

Self‐care agency (SCA), defined as one's ability and willingness to engage in self‐care behaviors, can influence actual performance of self‐care behaviors in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). Understanding patterns of SCA over time may inform the design of interventions to promote self‐care in LTRs. Using group‐based trajectory modeling, we sought to identify patterns and correlates of SCA among 94 LTRs over the first 12 months post‐transplant. Baseline measures of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors, and longitudinally assessed psychological distress were examined for their associations with predicted trajectory group membership. Three distinct stable (ie, zero slope) SCA trajectories were identified as follows: persistently low, persistently moderate, and persistently high. Based on the final multivariate model, requiring a re‐intubation after transplant (P=.043), discharged to a facility rather than home (P=.048), and reporting a higher level of baseline anxiety (P=.001) were significantly associated with lower SCA. Linear mixed models revealed that higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with lower SCA in the persistently moderate and low SCA groups over the 12‐month time period (Ps<.05). LTRs who require a re‐intubation after transplant and are discharged to a facility other than home, and report high psychological distress, may need additional assistance to engage in post‐transplant self‐care behaviors.
Introduction of biosimilar insulins in Europe
Authors: Davies M. , Dahl D. , Heise T. , Kiljanski J. , Mathieu C.
Published: June 2017

Regulatory approval of the first biosimilar insulin in Europe, LY2963016 insulin glargine (Abasaglar®), in 2014 expanded the treatment options available to people with diabetes. As biosimilar insulin products come to market, it is important to recognize that insulin products are biologicals manufactured through complex biotechnology processes, and thus biosimilar insulins cannot be considered identical to their reference products. Strict regulatory guidelines adopted by authorities in Europe, the USA and some other countries help to ensure that efficacy and safety profiles of biosimilar insulins are not meaningfully different from those of the reference products, preventing entry of biological compounds not meeting quality standards and potentially affecting people's glycaemic outcomes. This review explains the concept of biosimilar medicines and outlines regulatory requirements for registration of biosimilar insulins in Europe, which is illustrated by the successful development of LY2963016 insulin glargine and MK‐1293 insulin glargine (Lusduna®). Preclinical and clinical comparative studies of the biosimilar insulin glargine programmes include in vitro bioassays for insulin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor binding, assessment of in vitro biological activity, evaluation of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles in phase I studies and assessment of long‐term safety and efficacy in phase III studies. The emergence of biosimilar insulins may help broaden access to modern insulins, increase individualized treatment options and reduce costs of insulin therapy.
The effect of baseline characteristics on clinical efficacy of liraglutide in patients treated with high‐dose insulin
Authors: Pokala Nagendra , Adams‐Huet Beverley , Li Xilong , Harrison Lindsay B. , Vanderheiden Anna , Lingvay Ildiko
Published: June 2017

In patients requiring high‐dose insulin treatment, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study showed that liraglutide improved glycaemic control and treatment satisfaction while promoting weight loss. We performed a post hoc analysis to evaluate if patients’ baseline characteristics impact the efficacy of liraglutide, and which outcomes correlate with treatment satisfaction. We used regression analysis to model the change in HbA1c and weight, with treatment assignment and baseline characteristics [HbA1c, age, body mass index (BMI), total daily dose (TDD) of insulin, duration of insulin treatment, and type of insulin regimen] as independent variables. Improvement in HbA1c was best predicted by treatment with liraglutide, followed by higher baseline HbA1c, BMI and age. Changes in weight were only associated with liraglutide treatment, independent of all baseline characteristics. Improvement in HbA1c was the only significant predictor of improvement in treatment satisfaction, while weight loss, change in TDD of insulin and rate of hypoglycaemia did not influence treatment satisfaction. In patients treated with high‐dose insulin, liraglutide significantly improved glycaemic control and led to weight loss regardless of patients’ baseline characteristics. Improvement in HbA1c was the most important predictor of patients’ treatment satisfaction.
How Oil Twists the Hegemon's Arm: The Case of the United States and Saudi Arabia and Their Ambivalent Partnership
Authors: Grey Felicia
Published: June 2017

The U.S.–Saudi relationship is often seen as an oxymoron. These allies have differed in their foreign policy interests — varied in the need, one for the other — but never severed ties. When the 9/11 attacks are added to the mix, questions are raised about why these ambivalent allies continue to tolerate each other. This study argues that although the United States is the preponderant power, Saudi Arabia has primacy in the energy market. This has caused both countries to remain allies through the different oil crises, the 9/11 attacks, and in spite of the Arab‐Israeli conflict. This contravenes the hegemonic stability theory about alliance formation and duration.

Saudi Arabia's roles in the 1973, 1979, 2008, and 2012–2015 oil crises all demonstrate its ability and willingness to act independently of the United States. The fact that it can do this and still maintain its strategic partnership with the United States is incredulous. This invites a revision of the hegemonic stability theory since strong and persistent defection from the hegemon's wishes should catalyze some comparable form of punishment or a severance of the relationship.
FORWARD GUIDANCE AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Authors: Keen Benjamin D. , Richter Alexander W. , Throckmorton Nathaniel A.
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes forward guidance in a nonlinear model with a zero lower bound (ZLB) on the nominal interest rate. Forward guidance is modeled with news shocks to the monetary policy rule, which capture innovations in expectations from central bank communication about future policy rates. Whereas most studies use quasi‐linear models that disregard the expectational effects of hitting the ZLB, we show how the effectiveness of forward guidance nonlinearly depends on the state of the economy, the speed of the recovery, the degree of uncertainty, the policy shock size, and the forward guidance horizon when households account for the ZLB. (JEL E43, E58, E61)
Bank Market Power and Loan Contracts: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Hasan Iftekhar , Liu Liuling , Wang Haizhi , Zhen Xinting
Published: June 2017

Using a sample of syndicated loan facilities granted to US corporate borrowers from 1987 to 2013, we directly gauge the lead banks’ market power, and test its effects on both price and non‐price terms in loan contracts. We find that bank market power is positively correlated with loan spreads, and the positive relation holds for both non‐relationship loans and relationship loans. In particular, we report that, for relationship loans, lending banks charge lower loan price for borrowing firms with lower switching cost. We further employ a framework accommodating the joint determination of loan contractual terms, and document that the lead banks’ market power is positively correlated with collateral and negatively correlated with loan maturity. In addition, we report a significant and negative relationship between banking power and the number of covenants in loan contracts, and the negative relationship is stronger for relationship loans.
Distribution of the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis Walker 1859) in the north‐eastern part of the Carpathian Basin with a new Ukrainian record and Hungarian data
Authors: Nagy A. , Szarukán I. , Csabai J. , Molnár A. , Molnár B. P. , Kárpáti Z. , Szanyi S. , Tóth M.
Published: June 2017

After it was recorded in South‐West Germany and the Netherlands in 2007, the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) spread rapidly in Europe and appeared in West Hungary in 2011. In the eastern part of the country the first specimen was caught in 2015 with a blacklight trap. On the basis of specimens of C. perspectalis caught in blacklight, pheromone or feeding attractant traps, the authors summarize its distribution and publish four new records from Hungary and the first data from West Ukraine (Transcarpathia). The flight dynamics of three generations of this pest are also described for 2015 and 2016.
Personality effects on spatial learning: Comparisons between visual conditions in a weakly electric fish
Authors: Kareklas Kyriacos , Elwood Robert W. , Holland Richard A.
Published: June 2017

Recent research has explored links between cognition and personality, with prominent hypotheses proposing that personality drives consistent individual differences in cognitive function. These hypotheses particularly expect bolder individuals to be faster, but less accurate, as a trade‐off in cognitive function. However, cognitive processes are typically interconnected and defined in more complex terms than simply speed and accuracy. Here, we present evidence that personality‐based differences in learning rates are a result of differences in decision‐making during training in a two‐alternative forced‐choice spatial memory task. This was examined in the mormyrid fish Gnathonemus petersii in the presence of light, where both vision and the electric sense are available, and in the dark, where visibility is limited and fish rely mostly on electrosensing. The species is adapted for the dark to avoid visual predators; thus, the presence of light can induce high‐risk and the dark low‐risk. We show that light conditions had little effect on learning, with bolder fish learning faster both in the light and in the dark conditions. Yet the relationship between learning rates and error rates indicates that the effect on learning is indirectly influenced by accuracy during training. Speed‐accuracy trade‐offs were not found in decision‐making, with bolder individuals deciding faster and more accurately both in the light and in the dark. Only learning strategy was affected by light conditions, with significantly more fish preferring response to place learning in the dark than in the light, where distal cues were not visible. We conclude that other than effects from the integration of visual information, bolder individuals show a consistently greater tendency to explore and find food rewards during training. This affects their decision‐making and in turn their learning performance. We highlight the complexity by which personality‐based effects are exhibited in spatial associative learning.