bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Johari Window to explore patient and provider perspectives
Authors: Berland Alex
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the “Johari Window” as a tool to illustrate how providers and patients differ in their understanding of healthcare quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The four quadrants of the Johari Window depict information known by both parties, by providers only, by patients only and by neither party.

Findings

By understanding these differing perceptions, clinicians and planners can improve the patient’s experience of service delivery.

Research limitations/implications

There has been no formal evaluation of this tool’s performance. It is presented as a heuristic teaching model to stimulate inquiry and discussion.

Originality/value

The author has used the Johari Window in various cultural contexts, where its clarity and simplicity help introduce a potentially sensitive subject. Because it has face validity as an easy-to-understand tool, it can be used with students and junior care providers as well as non-clinician governors.
Do travel decision-making styles and gender of generation Y have any association with travel information share on social networking sites?
Authors: Choudhary Pooja , Gangotia Amit
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association of gender and travel decision-making style of generation Y (Gen Y) – recreational, price conscious, impulsive, perfectionist, high quality, novelty seeker, habitual, confused by over-choice – to the use of social networking sites (SNS) for travel information share. The study focuses on purchase decision pattern of young travelers by examining the travel decision-making styles.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has adopted the quantitative approach for the fulfillment of the objectives of the study. The exploratory method is used to get a better understanding of different concepts used in the study, Social Networking Sites and Decision-Making Style and Gen Y, and the primary information is collected from the structured questionnaire. Using travel decision-making style and gender as grouping variables, different tests were performed to test the hypothesis and to understand the influence of different travel decision-making style and gender on travel information share on SNS.

Findings

The present study identifies the existing seven travel decision-making styles of Gen Y, which are Confused by over-choice, Habitual, Novelty seeker, Price conscious, Perfectionist high-quality conscious, Recreational and Impulsive. The results of the study reflect that confused by over-choice, habitual, perfectionist, price conscious travel dimensions have an association with SNS for travel information share. In addition, gender also has an association with usages of SNS for travel information share.

Research limitations/implications

This study has only used consumer typology approach to study decision-making styles, whereas other variables like personality and attitude can be further studied. Second, the study is limited by the spatiotemporal limitation, as the study is just restricted to one geographical area and time, and generalizations can vary with the change in spatiotemporal features in the study.

Practical implications

The findings of the study imply that Gen Y is an important travel market segment, and to cater this segment, SNS can be used as an effective marketing tool. The study of various segments in different groups will help in understanding the market more clearly and using SNS more effectively. In addition, finding association of travel decision-making style with SNS helps in forming effective and innovative marketing strategies.

Originality/value

India is a developing country where many market segments are still unexplored and Gen Y is being one of them. The study was conducted, keeping in mind the need of tourism industry. The study explores the tourism market segment of Gen Y by identifying the decision-making style and also identifies the association of different decision-making style with Gen Y information-sharing behavior on social networking site.
The impact of engaged users on eWOM of hotel Facebook page
Authors: Wang Chuhan (Renee) , Kubickova Marketa
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine factors affecting the engagement metrics of the hotel Facebook page. Such factors include time-of-day, day-of-week, age, gender and distance between the hotel and users’ origin of residence. Another purpose is to assess the impact of Facebook engagement on electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), to better understand the importance of the engagement metrics within the hotel Facebook context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses secondary data from the Facebook page of a 147-room hotel in Northeast America. A total of 181 observations reflecting primary Facebook metrics are adopted via Facebook Insights between January 2014 and June 2014.

Findings

The number of daily-engaged users positively affects the number of daily people talking about the page (eWOM). Moreover, the number of engaged users differs significantly by the external factors (time-of-day, day-of-week, age, gender and distance).

Practical implications

Hotel Facebook developers should post the most important promotions on Monday afternoon, targeting females aged between 25 and 34 years living within 50 miles of the hotel. Posting on hotel Facebook a few hours before “traffic” to avoid competition and gain visibility is important. Marketers should focus on giving feedback during peak times.

Originality/value

This empirical study extends prior studies on social media metrics to the effects of external factors on the engagement metrics within the hotel Facebook context. Increasing the number of engaged users improves the effectiveness of eWOM for a hotel, which lacks empirical evidence.
Internet of Things: understanding trust in techno-service systems
Authors: Harwood Tracy , Garry Tony
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The characteristics of the Internet of Things (IoT) are such that traditional models of trust developed within interpersonal, organizational, virtual and information systems contexts may be inappropriate for use within an IoT context. The purpose of this paper is to offer empirically generated understandings of trust within potential IoT applications.

Design/methodology/approach

In an attempt to capture and communicate the complex and all-pervading but frequently inconspicuous nature of ubiquitous technologies within potential IoT techno-systems, propositions developed are investigated using a novel mixed methods research design combining a videographic projective technique with a quantitative survey, sampling 1,200 respondents.

Findings

Research findings suggest the dimensionality of trust may vary according to the IoT techno-service context being assessed.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, and from a theoretical perspective, it offers a conceptual foundation for trust dimensions within potential IoT applications based upon empirical evaluation. Second, and from a pragmatic perspective, the paper offers insights into how findings may guide practitioners in developing appropriate trust management systems dependent upon the characteristics of particular techno-service contexts.
Effect of different additives on high temperatures of concrete
Authors: A.M. Mhamoud Hassan , Yanmin Jia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of different additives (individual effects) in improving the strength of concrete to resist temperatures of up to 60ºC.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 13 different mixtures with a constant water/binder ratio of 0.36 and grade M40 were prepared by using ordinary Portland concrete alone, or with partial replacement by fly ash (FA), blast-furnace slag, silica fume (SF) and a combination of all three. After 7 and 28 days under water, their strength and residual strength were measured.

Findings

The results of testing revealed that the addition of 10 per cent SF was found to result in the greatest increase in compressive strength and flexural strength along with decreased the residual strengths. The addition of FA increased the compressive strength and enhanced the residual compressive strength. However, it also decreased the residual flexural strength.

Originality/value

The addition of slag achieved better flexural strength and the best residual compressive strength. The combination of additives also enhanced the compressive strength but was not found to be better than using SF alone.
Customer perception measures driving financial performance: theoretical and empirical work for a large decentralized banking group
Authors: Eklof Jan , Hellstrom Katerina , Malova Aleksandra , Parmler Johan , Podkorytova Olga
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the usefulness and efficiency of customer-based measures such as customer satisfaction (CSI) and perceived loyalty for monitoring and enhancing the financial performance in corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

General financial data for the empirical modeling is compiled from national and international databases (Alla Bolag, IMF/IFS, Bloomberg, Eurostat, etc.) and company-specific data from the studied corporation. Customer perception data (like CSI and loyalty) are taken from the Extended Performance Satisfaction Index-initiative database (annual observations for the period 2001-2014 and quarterly for 2008-2014). A hierarchy of structural models is devised on a combined time-series and cross-section (panel and multi-level) approach. The results are based on models estimated by Arellano–Bond procedures (Arellano and Bond, 1991).

Findings

The core findings are two. First, there is a strong positive relationship between customer-based measures and financial performance. Second, it is effective to regularly monitor CSI as a forward- looking indicator for understanding future financial performance.

Practical implications

Customer-based measures are highly useful as leading indicators of companies’ future performance and should be incorporated even more into corporate decisions.

Originality/value

According to this survey of contemporary research, very little is academically documented for the full-circle from corporate to branch level. Thus, the prevailing study should be of potential value for companies in general.
Key issues in the process of implementing shared decision making (DM) in mental health practice
Authors: Ramon Shulamit , Brooks Helen , Rae Sarah , O’Sullivan Mary-Jane
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This review paper will look at internationally existing publications in the English language on mental health shared decision making (SDM) implementation of a variety of interventions, including different methodologies and research methods, age groups and countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of: process, degree and outcomes of implementation; barriers and facilitators; perspectives on implementation by different stakeholders; analysis of the process of implementation in mental health services through the lenses of the normalisation process theory (NPT).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a targeted literature search the data were analysed in order to provide an overview of methodologies and methods applied in the articles, as well as of the variables listed above. Three different types of information were included: a content analysis of key issues, reflective understanding coming out of participating in implementation of an SDM project in the form of two narratives written by two key participants in an SDM pilot project and an NPT analysis of the process of implementation.

Findings

Only a minority of mental health SDM research focuses on implementation in everyday practice. It is possible and often desirable to achieve SDM in mental health services; it requires a low level of technology, it can save time once routinized, and it is based on enhancing therapeutic alliance, as well as service users’ motivation. Implementation requires an explicit policy decision, a clear procedure, and regular adherence to the aims and methods of implementation by all participants. These necessary and sufficient conditions are rarely met, due to the different levels of commitment to SDM and its process by the different key stakeholders, as well as due to competing providers’ objectives and the time allocated to achieving them.

Originality/value

The review indicates both the need to take into account the complexity of SDM, as well as future strategies for enhancing its implementation in everyday mental health practice. Perhaps because applying SDM reflects a major cultural change in mental health practice, current value attached to SDM among clinicians and service managers would need to be more positive, prominent and enduring to enable a greater degree of implementation.
Park24’s market creation and game-changing strategy: leveraging its strategic resources and capabilities
Authors: Suzuki Kazunori , Tochimoto Katsuyuki , Isomura Kazuhito
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify how to start up and establish a new business by developing, combining and utilizing strategic resources and capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper studies the case of Park24 by examining how it created a market, changed the way to compete in the market and utilized its business model effectively to enter a new business.

Findings

The paper finds that Park24 has become a leading company in its core business by developing its new development staff, its parking sites nationwide, its brand and its IT system, and that it has built a profitable business model and successfully entered the car sharing business by making good use of that business model.

Originality/value

The case study suggests that Park24 started and developed its core business by accumulating strategic resources and capabilities and establishing a profitable business model, and that it utilized this business model effectively to dominate the market shortly after entering.
Secondary syphilis primarily presenting with multiple nodules on the scalp: Case report and published work review
Authors: Li Fan , Wang Tingting , Wang Lin
Published: July 2017

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, manifests with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations that usually involves skin. Nodular secondary syphilis occurs rarely, and mostly manifests as disseminated papulonodules or plaques over the trunk and limbs. We report an extremely rare case of nodular secondary syphilis that primarily presented with multiple nodules on the scalp, resembling Rosai–Dorfman disease or cutaneous malignant metastasis. Immunohistochemistry confirmed T. pallidum spirochetes microscopically.
Increased endocan expression in lesional skin and decreased endocan expression in sera in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Suzuki Hideko , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Otobe Sayaka , Nakajima Rina , Oka Tomonori , Takahashi Naomi , Kabasawa Miyoko , Suga Hiraku , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Asano Yoshihide , Sato Shinichi , Sugaya Makoto
Published: July 2017

Endocan is a novel human endothelial cell‐specific molecule and is mainly expressed in endothelial cells in various tissues. Endocan has the capacity to inhibit leukocytes binding to the vascular endothelium. It also can promote the angiogenesis alongside vascular endothelial growth factor A. Through these functions, endocan has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. To investigate the possible roles of endocan in atopic dermatitis (AD), we examined endocan expression in lesional skin and sera in patients with AD. Endocan mRNA and protein levels were increased in lesional skin of AD compared with healthy skin and endocan was expressed on epidermal keratinocytes and dermal endothelial cells. On the other hand, serum endocan levels in patients with AD were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. Our results suggest that elevated endocan expression in lesional skin may be associated with development of AD through angiogenesis and that decreased endocan expression in sera may be associated with increased leukocyte recruitment in AD.
The electromagnetic response of a horizontal electric dipole buried in a multi‐layered earth
Authors: Swidinsky Andrei , Kohnke Colton , Edwards R. Nigel
Published: July 2017

The electromagnetic response of a horizontal electric dipole transmitter in the presence of a conductive, layered earth is important in a number of geophysical applications, ranging from controlled‐source audio‐frequency magnetotellurics to borehole geophysics to marine electromagnetics. The problem has been thoroughly studied for more than a century, starting from a dipole resting on the surface of a half‐space and subsequently advancing all the way to a transmitter buried within a stack of anisotropic layers. The solution is still relevant today. For example, it is useful for one‐dimensional modelling and interpretation, as well as to provide background fields for two‐ and three‐dimensional modelling methods such as integral equation or primary–secondary field formulations. This tutorial borrows elements from the many texts and papers on the topic and combines them into what we believe is a helpful guide to performing layered earth electromagnetic field calculations. It is not intended to replace any of the existing work on the subject. However, we have found that this combination of elements is particularly effective in teaching electromagnetic theory and providing a basis for algorithmic development. Readers will be able to calculate electric and magnetic fields at any point in or above the earth, produced by a transmitter at any location. As an illustrative example, we calculate the fields of a dipole buried in a multi‐layered anisotropic earth to demonstrate how the theory that developed in this tutorial can be implemented in practice; we then use the example to examine the diffusion of volume charge density within anisotropic media—a rarely visualised process. The algorithm is internally validated by comparing the response of many thin layers with alternating high and low conductivity values to the theoretically equivalent (yet algorithmically simpler) anisotropic solution, as well as externally validated against an independent algorithm.
Magnetic nanoparticle‐based fluorescent immunoassay for determination of progesterone in milk
Authors: Ivanova Tsvetomira , Godjevargova Tzonka , Dimova Nedyalka
Published: July 2017

A sensitive and rapid magnetic nanoparticle‐based fluorescent immunoassay (MNPs‐FIA) for determination of progesterone in raw milk was developed. The PG‐3‐CMO‐BSA and PG‐3‐CMO‐BSA‐FITC conjugates were obtained. The optimal amount of immobilised antibody on MNPs (0.375 mg) and optimal concentration of PG‐3‐CMO‐BSA‐FITC conjugate (7.5 μg/mL) for MNPs‐FIA were determined. The optimal time and temperature for progesterone MNPs‐FIA were found to be – 12 min and 37 °C. The analytical parameters of immunoassay in cow milk were in the concentration range 0.25‐25 ng/mL and detection limit of 0.065 ng/mL for progesterone. The MNPs‐FIA was applied to evaluate progesterone in three types of milk (UHT, pasteurised and raw cow's milk).
Hunger and microbiology: is a low gastric acid‐induced bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine a contributor to malnutrition in developing countries?
Authors: Sarker Shafiqul A. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Brüssow Harald
Published: July 2017

Underproduction of hydrochloric acid into the stomach is frequently encountered in subjects from developing countries. We explore the hypothesis that hypochlorhydria compromises the gastric barrier and favours bacterial overgrowth in the proximal parts of the small intestine where nutrient absorption takes place. Food calories are thus deviated into bacterial metabolism. In addition to an adequate caloric supply, correcting hypochlorhydria might be needed to decrease childhood malnutrition.
68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT: Analysis of costs and benefits in a public hospital setting
Authors: Segard Tatiana , Morandeau Laurence MJA , Geelhoed Elizabeth A , Francis Roslyn J
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Between 2009 and 2012, 68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT progressively replaced 111In‐octreotide scintigraphy for imaging neuroendocrine tumours in WA public hospitals due to published literature demonstrating improved diagnostic accuracy and increased availability. Despite significantly improved sensitivity and specificity, 68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET is currently unfunded in Australia. This study sought to undertake cost analysis of the two modalities in a public hospital setting and to compare them with regard to patient factors such as imaging time and radiation dose.

Methods

This analysis was based on retrospective clinical data from 95 111In‐octreotide scintigraphies performed in 2007 and 2008 at Sir Charles Gairdner (SCGH) and Royal Perth (RPH) hospitals and 219 68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT studies performed in 2013 at SCGH. Whole body effective radiation dose was derived from the radiopharmaceutical and low‐dose CT scan. The cost analysis included radiopharmaceutical and imaging costs.

Results

The median imaging time for an 111In‐octreotide scintigraphy was 152 min at SCGH, 100 min at RPH and 20 min for a 68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT scan. The mean effective radiation dose for 111In‐octreotide scintigraphy was 18.1 mSv at SCGH and 13.8 mSv at RPH. The effective dose for 68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT was 8.7–10.8 mSv. The average cost of 68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT was four times less than 111In‐octreotide scintigraphy.

Conclusion

68Ga‐somatostatin analogue PET‐CT is not only more accurate than 111In‐octreotide scintigraphy, this study has also shown that it is significantly less expensive, delivers a lower radiation dose to patients and requires less imaging time for patients and staff. 68Ga‐somatostatin PET‐CT provides an important combination of both reduced cost and improved clinical care for patients.
Association between rainfall seasonality and the flowering of epiphytic plants in a Neotropical montane forest
Authors: Cascante‐Marín Alfredo , Trejos Christian , Alvarado Ricardo
Published: July 2017

The association between the reproductive phenology of epiphytic communities with environmental and ecological factors remains largely unexplored. Because epiphytes depend on environmental moisture, seasonal changes in moisture conditions likely act as the primary determinants of their reproductive timing. We examined whether water limitation or pollinator competition structures the flowering phenologies of an epiphytic community in a seasonal mountain forest in Costa Rica. Additionally, we addressed the environmental factors that might trigger floral induction. Using a 24‐month dataset of bimonthly flowering records from 104 species, we found high seasonality of flowering at the species level but somewhat lower seasonality at the community level. The flowering mid‐dates of most epiphytes, particularly from monocotyledonous species, occurred during the wettest months, as predicted if water limitation structures flowering. The increased moisture and nutrient availability during the rainy season give epiphytes the resources needed to complete floral development and anthesis, and later fruit and seed maturation. The observed flowering pattern of epiphytes coincides with reproductive patterns of terrestrial herbs and shrubs from seasonal tropical ecosystems, and suggests shared constraints to sexual reproduction in both ecological guilds under similar climatic conditions. In contrast, flowering patterns of congeneric epiphytes in the same pollination guild mostly did not follow the expectations of a pollinator competition scenario. Finally, we discuss the possible combined effect of precipitation, temperature, and daily insolation on floral induction of epiphytic plants.
Exploring the challenges of meeting child mental health needs through community engagement in Kenya
Authors: Getanda Elijah Mironga , Vostanis Panos , O'Reilly Michelle
Published: July 2017

Background

Despite growing evidence on the extent of child mental health problems in low‐middle‐income countries, the gap between need and provision remains high. Previous research in high income countries has demonstrated that evidence‐based interventions can be scaled‐up through community consultation, particularly by engaging key stakeholders.

Aims

This study aimed to explore community stakeholders’ views on children's mental health needs and culturally acceptable interventions in Kenya, to ascertain how to integrate global service standards with culturally‐specific expectations.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted with community stakeholders (seven young people 14–17 years, seven parents, nine teachers and 11 other professionals). These participants were recruited from an urban community of internally displaced and disadvantaged families in Nakuru.

Results

Results indicated that Kenya faced similar challenges in meeting mental health needs as in other countries, including economic constraints, limited knowledge, stigma and systemic issues, but that these were manifested in culturally specific ways that were linked to societal and professional's attitudes and local context.

Conclusions

Stakeholders’ views are important in informing the planning, delivery and evaluation of interventions. However, for such interventions to be sustained, a clear therapeutic framework, evidence‐base and sociocultural adaptation are likely to be important factors.
Send for the cavalry: Political incentives in the provision of agricultural advisory services
Authors: Kjær Anne Mette , Joughin James
Published: July 2017

This article examines how political incentives shape the implementation of agricultural advisory service reforms. Using the Uganda experience as a typical case we find that elections incentivized the Government to add a subsidized input component to the existing service. Growing pressures from local politicians, the Ministry of Agriculture and increasingly disgruntled army factions then constituted a strong and interlocking set of further incentives to revert to a recentralized, top‐down model dominated by the new, subsidized input component. Our findings point to how well designed implementation processes can be disrupted by the changing incentive structure, an insight which calls for more patient and much more pragmatic approaches to adopting “trial and error” models rather than more ambitious, but perhaps unrealistic, options.
Sibiriline, a new small chemical inhibitor of receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1, prevents immune‐dependent hepatitis
Authors: Le Cann Fabienne , Delehouzé Claire , Leverrier‐Penna Sabrina , Filliol Aveline , Comte Arnaud , Delalande Olivier , Desban Nathalie , Baratte Blandine , Gallais Isabelle , Piquet‐Pellorce Claire , Faurez Florence , Bonnet Marion , Mettey Yvette , Goekjian Peter , Samson Michel , Vandenabeele Peter , Bach Stéphane , Dimanche‐Boitrel Marie‐Thérèse
Published: July 2017

Necroptosis is a regulated form of cell death involved in several disease models including in particular liver diseases. Receptor‐interacting protein kinases, RIPK1 and RIPK3, are the main serine/threonine kinases driving this cell death pathway. We screened a noncommercial, kinase‐focused chemical library which allowed us to identify Sibiriline as a new inhibitor of necroptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in Fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD)‐deficient Jurkat cells. Moreover, Sib inhibits necroptotic cell death induced by various death ligands in human or mouse cells while not protecting from caspase‐dependent apoptosis. By using competition binding assay and recombinant kinase assays, we demonstrated that Sib is a rather specific competitive RIPK1 inhibitor. Molecular docking analysis shows that Sib is trapped closed to human RIPK1 adenosine triphosphate‐binding site in a relatively hydrophobic pocket locking RIPK1 in an inactive conformation. In agreement with its RIPK1 inhibitory property, Sib inhibits both TNF‐induced RIPK1‐dependent necroptosis and RIPK1‐dependent apoptosis. Finally, Sib protects mice from concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis. These results reveal the small‐molecule Sib as a new RIPK1 inhibitor potentially of interest for the treatment of immune‐dependent hepatitis.
Analyst Optimism and Incentives under Market Uncertainty
Authors: Chang Jin Woo , Choi Hae Mi
Published: July 2017

We examine how analysts’ changing incentives driven by changes in market uncertainty affect their forecast optimism. Analysts issue more optimistically biased earnings forecasts and buy recommendations under high market uncertainty (VIX). The lower reputational costs and larger benefits of optimistic output explain the increased optimistic output: Analysts are less likely to be penalized for inaccuracy and can stimulate more trading activity from optimistically biased output when market uncertainty is high. We find that the likelihood of analysts’ turnover decreases, while the trading volume associated with optimistic output increases, with VIX. No evidence suggests that analysts’ self‐selection affects our findings on optimism and market uncertainty.
Defensible Model Complexity: A Call for Data‐Based and Goal‐Oriented Model Choice
Authors: Guthke Anneli
Published: July 2017

Article impact statement: This article provides a structured discussion of defensible model complexity in view of modeling goals and available data.
GSK‐3β activation index is a potential indicator for recurrent inflammation of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps
Authors: Hong Haiyu , Chen Fenghong , Qiao Yongkang , Yan Yan , Zhang Rongkai , Zhu Zhe , Li Huabin , Fan Yunping , Xu Geng
Published: July 2017

Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is one of the most common otorhinolaryngologic diseases worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3) was quantitatively evaluated in patients with CRSsNP (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20). The mRNA levels of GSK‐3α and GSK‐3β were examined by qPCR, the immunoreactivities of GSK‐3β and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and the protein levels of GSK‐3β, phospho‐GSK‐3β (p‐GSK‐3β, s9) and NF‐κB were examined using Western blot analysis. We found that GSK‐3 was highly expressed in both CRSsNP and control groups without significant difference in both GSK‐3β mRNA and protein levels. However, when compared with healthy control group, the GSK‐3β activation index, defined as the ratio of GSK‐3β over p‐GSK‐3β, was significantly decreased, whereas the NF‐κB protein abundance was significantly increased in CRSsNP group (P < 0.05). Strikingly, the GSK‐3β activation index, was highly correlated with NF‐κB protein level, as well as CT scores in CRSsNP group (P < 0.05). It was also highly correlated with the mRNA expressions of inflammation‐related genes, including T‐bet, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in CRSsNP group (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that GSK‐3β activation index, reflecting the inhibitory levels of GSK‐3β through phosphorylation, may be a potential indicator for recurrent inflammation of CRSsNP, and that the insufficient inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK‐3β may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CRSsNP.
Commentary: An exciting evolutionary framework for new bridges between social‐emotional and cognitive development – a reflection on Suor et al. (2017)
Authors: Kochanska Grazyna , Goffin Kathryn C.
Published: July 2017

Suor et al. () present a compelling new evolutionary framework that offers an alternative interpretation of the well‐established findings of cognitive deficits in children raised in harsh early environments. They argue that such findings do not convey a complete picture of those children's cognitive development, because children's cognition becomes specialized to solve problems in fitness‐enhancing ways, and traditional abstract problem‐solving tasks do not fully capture their abilities. The authors demonstrate that children exposed to early harshness, particularly children with Hawk temperaments, preferentially shift cognition to salient fitness‐enhancing stimuli, and thus develop better skills for solving reward‐oriented tasks. This intriguing and heuristically generative study inspires multiple new research avenues, of which we outline three: (a) Further examination of the concept of harsh environments, (b) addressing questions about the conceptualization and the role of child temperament, and (c) further advances in the measurement of children's distinct skills.
Research Review: What have we learned about adolescent substance use?
Authors: Gray Kevin M. , Squeglia Lindsay M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Adolescence is a critical biological, psychological, and social developmental stage involving heightened risk for substance use and associated adverse consequences. This review, synthesizing emerging findings on this complex topic, is intended to inform research and clinical care focused on adolescents.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, yielding a cross‐section of observational and interventional studies focused on adolescent substance use. Findings were organized and categorized to cover key areas of epidemiology, neurobiology, prevention, and treatment.

Findings

Adolescent substance‐related attitudes and use patterns have evolved over time, informed by adult and peer behaviors, public policy, media messaging, substance availability, and other variables. A number of risk and resiliency factors contribute to individual differences in substance use and related consequences. Advances in observational techniques have provided enhanced understanding of adolescent brain development and its implications for substance use. Prevention efforts have yielded mixed results, and while a number of adolescent‐targeted evidence‐based treatments for substance use disorders have been developed, effect sizes are generally modest, indicating the need for further research to enhance prevention and treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Substance use in adolescence is heterogeneous, ranging from normative to pathological, and can lead to significant acute and long‐term morbidity and mortality. Understanding risk and resiliency factors, underlying neurobiology, and optimal developmentally sensitive interventions is critical in addressing substance‐associated problems in adolescence.
Climate‐related environmental variation in a visual signalling device: the male and female dewlap inAnolis sagreilizards
Authors: Driessens T. , Baeckens S. , Balzarolo M. , Vanhooydonck B. , Huyghe K. , Van Damme R.
Published: July 2017

Animals communicate using a variety of signals that differ dramatically among and within species. The astonishing dewlap diversity in anoles has attracted considerable attention in this respect. Yet, the evolutionary processes behind it remain elusive and have mostly been explored for males only. Here, we consideredAnolis sagreimales and females to study signal divergence among populations. First, we assessed the degree of variation in dewlap design (size, pattern and colour) and displays by comparing 17 populations distributed across the Caribbean. Second, we assessed whether the observed dewlap diversity is associated with variation in climate‐related environmental conditions. Results showed that populations differed in all dewlap characteristics, with the exception of display rate in females. We further found that males and females occurring in ‘xeric’ environments had a higher proportion of solid dewlaps with higherUVreflectance. In addition, lizards inhabiting ‘mesic’ environments had primarily marginal dewlaps showing high reflectance in red. For dewlap display, a correlation with environment was only observed in males. Our study provides evidence for a strong relationship between signal design and prevailing environmental conditions, which may result from differential selection on signal efficacy. Moreover, our study highlights the importance of including females when studying dewlaps in an evolutionary context.
Membrane fouling mechanisms and permeate flux decline model in soy sauce microfiltration
Authors: Sun Ye , Qin Zhen , Zhao Liming , Chen Qiming , Hou Qingyun , Lin Hua , Jiang Lihua , Liu Jinchang , Du Zheng
Published: July 2017

Microfiltration (MF) is a promising technology in soy sauce clarification. However, serious membrane fouling always lead to high operation costs, which restrict the application of the microfiltration technology. In this study, a spiral wound polyvinylidene fluoride membrane was used to explore the influences of processing conditions on membrane fouling mechanisms under total recycle mode in pilot scale. Results showed that the permeate soy sauce nearly preserved the whole nutrition and flavor substances, and the turbidity values remained below 2 NTU during 6 months' room temperature storage. Cake layer and concentration polarization resistance dominated the fouling resistances, which were influenced by operating conditions significantly. A semi‐empirical mathematical model was further proposed to quantitatively describe these influences. The predicted values of the model were consistent with the experimental data with a deviation about 10%. This is helpful for the application of membrane technology in soy sauce clarification process.

Practical applications

Microfiltration provides soy sauce products with superior clarity. Meanwhile, it keeps most of the flavor and nutrition substances. The aim of this study is to clarify the membrane fouling mechanisms and reducing the membrane fouling in soy sauce clarification. The fouling resistance was analyzed to investigate the influences on membrane fouling under different operating parameters. The novel proposed mathematical model could be used to predict the permeate flux and describe the filtration status under different operating parameters. This study provides a theoretical basis in reducing the membrane fouling for process optimization in soy sauce microfiltration clarification. Moreover, it helps to improve the product quality and production efficiency in soy sauce microfiltration industrial application.
Policy and evidence: a critical analysis of the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in England
Authors: Grundin Hans U.
Published: July 2017

“This paper aims to present a critical analysis of the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check (PSC), with special focus on the relationship between the UK Department for Education's policy‐making and the evidence considered in the process of developing and evaluating the PSC. The reports from the in‐house Standards and Testing Agency and from commissioned external organisations with limited remits have been analysed, with emphasis on how the screening check findings have been used in DfE decision‐making. My conclusion is that the department has overestimated both the validity and the reliability of the check: partly because important sources of measurement error have not been explored, and partly because the available evidence has not been analysed in sufficient depth — or perhaps simply been ignored by the department. The whole phonics screening check seems to be the product of policy‐based evidence, rather than evidence‐based policy‐making. This has, in my view, seriously undermined the value of the PSC as a screening instrument, and one must wonder whether it is ‘fit for purpose’.
Room for improvement in breast milk feeding after very preterm birth in Europe: Results from the EPICE cohort
Authors: Wilson Emilija , Edstedt Bonamy Anna‐Karin , Bonet Mercedes , Toome Liis , Rodrigues Carina , Howell Elizabeth A. , Cuttini Marina , Zeitlin Jennifer ,   the EPICE Research Group
Published: July 2017

Breast milk feeding (BMF) is associated with lower neonatal morbidity in the very preterm infant (<32 weeks gestation) and breastfeeding is beneficial for maternal health. Previous studies show large variations in BMF after very preterm birth and recognize the need for targeted breastfeeding support in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). In a European collaboration project about evidence‐based practices after very preterm birth, we examined the association between maternal, obstetric, and infant clinical factors; neonatal and maternal care unit policies; and BMF at discharge from the NICU. In multivariable analyses, covariates associated with feeding at discharge were first investigated as predictors of any BMF and in further analysis as predictors of exclusive or partial BMF. Overall, 58% (3,826/6,592) of the infants received any BMF at discharge, but there were large variations between regions (range 36–80%). Primiparity, administration of antenatal corticosteroids, first enteral feed <24 hr after birth, and mother's own milk at first enteral feed were predictors positively associated with any BMF at discharge. Vaginal delivery, singleton birth, and receiving mother's own milk at first enteral feed were associated with exclusive BMF at discharge. Units with a Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation improved any BMF at discharge; units with protocols for BMF and units using donor milk had higher rates of exclusive BMF at discharge. This study suggests that there is a high potential for improving BMF through policies and support in the NICU.
Habitual diet and diet quality in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A case‐control study
Authors: Tigchelaar E. F. , Mujagic Z. , Zhernakova A. , Hesselink M. A. M. , Meijboom S. , Perenboom C. W. M. , Masclee A. A. M. , Wijmenga C. , Feskens E. J. M. , Jonkers D. M. A. E.
Published: July 2017

Background

Diet is considered to be a key factor in symptom generation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and patients tend to exclude food products from their diet in pursue of symptom relief, which may impair diet quality.

Methods

We evaluated habitual dietary intake in IBS patients with regard to nutrients and food products using an extensive food frequency questionnaire. One hundred ninety‐four IBS patients were compared to 186 healthy controls using multiple logistic regression analysis. An overall diet quality score was calculated for each participant based on the criteria of the Dutch Healthy Diet (DHD) index.

Key Results

A lower DHD‐score was found for IBS (mean [SD]: 52.9 [9.6]) vs controls (55.1 [9.2], P=.02). The diet of patients was lower in fibers (21 g vs 25 g per day, P=.002) and fructose (14 g vs 16 g, P=.033), while higher in total fat (37% vs 36% of total energy intake, P=.010) and added sugars (46 g vs 44 g, P=.029). Differences in daily intake of food products included lower consumption of apples (40 g vs 69 g, P<.001), pasta (28 vs 37 g, P=.029) and alcoholic beverages (130 g vs 193 g, P=.024) and higher consumption of processed meat (38 g vs 29 g, P<.001). Some of these findings correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms, showing differences between IBS subtypes.

Conclusions and Inferences

Differences in habitual diet were described, showing lower diet quality in IBS patients compared to controls, with increased consumption of fat and lower intake of fibers and fructose. Our data support the importance of personalized and professional nutritional guidance of IBS patients.
How to select a nanosimilar
Authors: Astier Alain , Barton Pai Amy , Bissig Marco , Crommelin Daan J.A. , Flühmann Beat , Hecq Jean‐Daniel , Knoeff Josefien , Lipp Hans‐Peter , Morell‐Baladrón Alberto , Mühlebach Stefan
Published: July 2017

Nanomedicines in the class of nonbiological complex drugs (NBCDs) are becoming increasingly available. Up to 23 nanomedicines have been approved, and approximately 50 are in clinical development. Meanwhile, the first nanosimilars have entered the market through the generic approval pathway, but clinical differences have been observed. Many healthcare professionals may be unaware of this issue and must be informed of these clinically relevant variances. This article provides a tool for rational decision making for the inclusion of nanomedicines into the hospital formulary, including defined criteria for evaluation of substitutability or interchangeability. The tool was generated by conducting a roundtable with an international panel of experts and follows the same thought process that was developed and published earlier for the selection of biologicals/biosimilars. In addition to the existing criteria for biosimilars, a set of seven criteria was identified that specifically apply to nanosimilars. These include (1) particle size and size distribution, (2) particle surface characteristics, (3) fraction of uncaptured bioactive moiety, (4) stability on storage, (5) bioactive moiety uptake and (6) distribution, and (7) stability for ready‐to‐use preparation. Pharmacists should utilize their pharmaceutical expertise to use the appropriate criteria to evaluate the comparability of the drug to decide on interchangeability or substitutability.
Ramesses III and the ‘Sea‐peoples’: Towards a New Philistine Paradigm
Authors: Ben‐Dor Evian Shirly
Published: July 2017

The Philistine paradigm attempts to answer fundamental questions in Philistine history, namely the how and when of Philistine settlement in the southern Levant. According to the traditional paradigm, the Philistines, among other ‘Sea‐Peoples’, came from the Aegean islands and were settled in Egyptian strongholds in the south Canaanite Coastal Plain in the eighth year of Ramesses III. Formulated on the basis of Egyptian texts and Philistine archaeological remains, the paradigm has been criticized over the reliability of both source materials. Therefore, it is the aim of the present study to conduct a methodological analysis of the pillars on which the paradigm rests and to offer a new reconstruction of the events that took place in the Levant in the twelfth century BCE.
Crusader Diet in Times of War and Peace: Arsur (Israel) as a Case Study
Authors: Pines Miriam , Sapir‐Hen Lidar , Tal Oren
Published: July 2017

This paper puts forward an archaeozoological analysis of two sizeable animal bone assemblages from the thirteenth‐century Crusader town of Arsur (Israel). Each represents a distinct behavioural practice, one of meat eaten in peaceful times and the other of meat consumed under stressful conditions while preparing for and undergoing a siege, when consideration was given to factors of benefits and space. Our results show that the faunal remains from before and during the Mamluk siege enunciate differences of subsistence and identity at the site at two different times and under diverse conditions.
The Autophagy Receptor Adaptor p62 is Up‐regulated by UVA Radiation in Melanocytes and in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Sample Ashley , Zhao Baozhong , Wu Chunli , Qian Steven , Shi Xianglin , Aplin Andrew , He Yu‐Ying
Published: July 2017

UVA (315–400 nm) is the most abundant form of UV radiation in sunlight and indoor tanning beds. However, much remains to be understood about the regulation of the UVA damage response in melanocytes and melanoma. Here, we show that UVA, but not the shorter waveband UVB (280–315 nm), up‐regulates adaptor protein p62 in an Nrf2‐ and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐dependent manner, suggesting a UVA‐specific effect on p62 regulation. UVA‐induced p62 up‐regulation was inhibited by a mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant or Nrf2 knockdown. In addition, p62 knockdown inhibited UVA‐induced ROS production and Nrf2 up‐regulation. We also report here a novel regulatory feedback loop between p62 and PTEN in melanoma cells. PTEN overexpression reduced p62 protein levels, and p62 knockdown increased PTEN protein levels. As compared with normal human skin, p62 was up‐regulated in human nevus, malignant melanoma and metastatic melanoma. Furthermore, p62 was up‐regulated in melanoma cells relative to normal human epidermal melanocytes, independent of their BRAF or NRAS mutation status. Our results demonstrated that UVA up‐regulates p62 and induces a p62‐Nrf2 positive feedback loop to counteract oxidative stress. Additionally, p62 forms a feedback loop with PTEN in melanoma cells, suggesting p62 functions as an oncogene in UVA‐associated melanoma development and progression.