bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective job crafting and team service recovery performance: a moderated mediation mechanism
Authors: Luu Tuan Trong
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The clinical team’s recovery performance for the failures in the patient care processes plays a crucial role in leveraging the healthcare service quality. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between collective job crafting and team service recovery performance via the mediation mechanism of team work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Clinicians including physicians and nurses from hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam were recruited as sources of data for the current study. Structural equation modeling was utilized to conduct the data analysis.

Findings

The data analysis demonstrated the role of team work engagement as a mediator for the positive link between collective job crafting and team service recovery performance. Serving culture was also found to have an interaction effect with collective job crafting in predicting team work engagement.

Originality/value

The current research extends service recovery research by examining service recovery performance at the team level as well as collective job crafting as its team-level antecedent.
Use and users of the Minrva mobile app
Authors: Hahn Jim
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate new undergraduate student library engagement in the Minrva mobile app during the months of May 2015 through December 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigated what parts of a mobile app new students were using in their first semester after downloading the app. The quantitative study used application programming interface log analysis to better understand what parts of the app new students use in the mobile app.

Findings

By undertaking this study, the author has a better understanding about what students are finding useful within the app and what tools are not being used by this cohort in their first semester.

Originality/value

The value of this research is in helping system designers and first-year experience planners know what mobile support tools students are finding useful in their first semester. Implication for mobile interface design based on module popularity are discussed.
Through three lenses: transfer students and the library
Authors: Sandelli Anna
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine literature related to transfer students and students in transition through three interrelated lenses: student demographics and experiences, considerations encountered by institutions of higher education working to support these students and academic libraries’ interactions with this growing population.

Design/methodology/approach

Library and information science and education databases were searched for articles related to transfer student experiences and initiatives. Educational research and policy centers were also investigated for supplemental data and definitions.

Findings

Several key considerations for academic libraries interested in supporting transfer students emerged, including the growth and diversity of this population; academic, social and procedural experiences encountered during and after students’ transition; commonalities and differences with native first-year students; and the value of partnerships in fostering student success.

Practical implications

This review contextualizes conversations regarding transfer student experiences, providing a resource for librarians to understand this population from multiple perspectives and to use these perspectives to develop and enhance initiatives, resources and services.

Originality/value

Despite an increased emphasis on transfer students across higher education, there is little literature regarding libraries’ involvement with this population. This literature review also seeks to expand upon existing conversations by examining transfer student experiences beyond the library that could inform both their interactions with the library and the ways in which libraries connect and communicate with these students.
Tacit knowledge sharing among library colleagues: a pilot study
Authors: Burnette Margaret
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nature of tacit knowledge (TK) sharing among library colleagues, with a focus on the characteristics of TK and contextual factors such as organizational culture or the mentor/mentee relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a critical incident approach, participants self-selected based on pre-established criteria to report knowledge sharing incidents between colleagues at either an in-person or virtual reference desk. Subsequent semi-structured interviews were transcribed from recordings and coded for thematic elements.

Findings

Three thematic areas emerged. First are the influence of organizational culture and the importance of trust on knowledge sharing behavior. Second, the value of teamwork and the significance of mentor/mentee roles surface as significant drivers of TK exchange. Last but not least is a better understanding of the nature of TK, as it relates to types of knowledge and characterizations of experience and expertise.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively small sample size nevertheless revealed some important findings that contribute to the understanding of the role of TK sharing in libraries.

Originality/value

The value of knowledge sharing in libraries is not well understood. This study demonstrates the value on several levels, including the influence of culture and trust, and the power of mentoring to harness TK held by experts. The proposed Tacit Knowledge Alignment Framework contributes to the understanding of the nature of TK in libraries. These findings begin to fill a research gap by furthering our understanding of TK and informing future retention efforts that are lacking in many libraries.
Statistical and judgmental criteria for scale purification
Authors: Wieland Andreas , Durach Christian F. , Kembro Joakim , Treiblmaier Horst
Published: June 2017

Purpose

“Scale purification” – the process of eliminating items from multi-item scales – is widespread in empirical research, but studies that critically examine the implications of this process are scarce. The goals of this research are threefold: to discuss the methodological underpinning of scale purification, to critically analyze the current state of scale purification in supply chain management (SCM) research and to provide suggestions for advancing the scale-purification process.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework for making scale-purification decisions is developed and used to analyze and critically reflect on the application of scale purification in leading SCM journals.

Findings

This research highlights the need for rigorous scale-purification decisions based on both statistical and judgmental criteria. By applying the proposed framework to the SCM discipline, a lack of methodological rigor and coherence is identified when it comes to current purification practices in empirical SCM research. Suggestions for methodological improvements are provided.

Research limitations/implications

The framework and additional suggestions will help to advance the knowledge about scale purification.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the justification for scale purification needs to be driven by reliability, validity and parsimony considerations, and that this justification needs to be based on both statistical and judgmental criteria.
Conservation benefits of international Aichi protection and restoration targets for future epiphyte metapopulations
Authors: Ruete Alejandro , Jönsson Mari T. , Snäll Tord
Published: June 2017

More than half way towards the deadline for 2020 Aichi targets, a key question is whether the metapopulation dynamics of dispersal‐restricted habitat specialists can be sustained under current international targets of protection and restoration.

We present the first metapopulation projections under scenarios of multiple Aichi biodiversity targets of protecting high‐quality habitats and restoring suboptimal quality habitats under management. We simulate 200 years of metapopulation dynamics of nine old‐growth beech (Fagus sylvatica)‐associated epiphytic lichens, under a range of protection and restoration scenarios in a realistic landscape realm.

Protection was generally more efficient than restoration, where protection resulted in a constant increase in occupancy over time. However, projections showed that substantial increments in the number of occupied protected beech stands will most likely occur within the next 100–200 years. The time frame was dependent on species‐specific dispersal restriction, occupancy levels at onset and forest‐age requirements. Suboptimally restored beech stands increased lichen metapopulation sizes over a transient period and shortened the time for dispersal‐restricted species to reach higher occupancy levels inside protected areas of the landscape (c. 85–125 years).

Synthesis and applications. Based on projections of metapopulation dynamics of species associated with old‐growth forest, we argue that a combination of protection and restoration with the shortest possible time frame for increasing occupancy is the safest strategy. This is especially important under climatic and socio‐political changes that are unforeseeable over centuries. If choosing between conservation strategies, highest priority should be given to increased protection because it means larger metapopulation sizes of these species on the long term.
Lower muscle tissue is associated with higher pulse wave velocity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational study data
Authors: Rodríguez Alexander J. , Karim Md N. , Srikanth Velandai , Ebeling Peter R. , Scott David
Published: June 2017

Muscle loss and arterial stiffness share common risk factors and are commonly seen in the elderly. We aimed to synthesise the existing literature on studies that have examined this association. We searched electronic databases for studies reporting correlations or associations between a measure of muscle tissue and a measure of arterial stiffness. Meta‐analysis was conducted using Fisher's Z‐transformed r‐correlation (rZ) values. Pooled weighted rZ and 95% confidence intervals were calculated in an inverse‐variance, random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the inconsistency index (I2). Study quality was assessed on a checklist using items from validated quality appraisal guidelines. 1195 records identified, 21 satisfied our inclusion criteria totalling 8558 participants with mean age 52±4 years (range 23‐74). Most studies reported an inverse relationship between muscle tissue and arterial stiffness. Eight studies had data eligible for meta‐analysis. Muscle tissue was inversely associated with pulse wave velocity in healthy individuals [rZ=−.15 (95% CI −0.24, −0.07); P=.0006; I2=85%; n=3577] and in any population [rZ=−.18 (−0.26, −0.10); P<.0001; I2=81%; n=3930]. In a leave‐one‐out sensitivity analysis, the results remained unchanged. Lower muscle tissue was associated with arterial stiffness. Studies were limited by cross‐sectional design. Cardiovascular risk monitoring may be strengthened by screening for low muscle mass and maintaining muscle mass may be a primary prevention strategy.
Gender Differentials among Subsistence Rice Farmers and Willingness to undertake Agribusiness in Africa: Evidence and Issues from Nigeria
Authors: Coker Ayodeji Alexander Ajibola , Akogun Emmanuel Oladipo , Adebayo Cornelius Owoniyi , Mohammed Shaba , Nwojo Mercy , Sanusi Halimat , Jimoh Hamdalat Opeyemi
Published: June 2017

Gender disparities in resource access, utilization and competitiveness in agricultural production have been critical challenges to the achievement of food security and inclusive growth in Africa. Thus, this article determined rice farmers’ productivities and competitiveness, their willingness to undertake and factors influencing their participation in agribusiness across gender, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study employed a case study of rice farmers in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria, to reach its conclusion. The study concluded that in spite of the willingness to invest in agribusiness, gender imbalance in socioeconomic status, resource use and incomes were still recurring issues limiting productivity, competiveness in rice production and by extension, food security. To feed Africa, there is the need to close the gender gap in socio‐economic status, resource access, productivity and competitiveness, align national with regional agenda and the global sustainable development goals on hunger and equity, with the view to pooling resources towards tackling the food insecurity on an equitable and sustainable basis. It has also become imperative to support effective policy deployment, implement proven innovative and sustainable agri‐business models and embark on targeted gender support within country and regional settings.
Genetic analysis of ciliates living on the groundwater amphipod Crangonyx islandicus (Amphipoda: Crangonyctidae)
Authors: Gudmundsdóttir Ragnhildur , Kornobis Etienne , Kristjánsson Bjarni K. , Pálsson Snæbjörn
Published: June 2017

Two endemic subterranean freshwater amphipod species have been discovered in groundwater of the volcanic active zone in Iceland, Crangonyx islandicus and Crymostygius thingvallensis. At least five different ciliate sequences were isolated from C. islandicus and the analysis of variation at the 18S ribosomal DNA gene suggests that they present previously unsequenced species, from the orders Apostomatida and Philasterida. Apostome ciliates are well known to be exuviotrophic epibionts on crustaceans. Analyses of ciliate epibionts from different groundwater amphipod species from North America and mainland Europe revealed distinct groups of ciliates and higher diversity on the epigean amphipod Crangonyx pseudogracilis. Analysis of geographic patterns of the most common ciliate within Iceland revealed population differentiation supporting limited current connectivity between the different groundwater systems. Our study reports an occurrence of previously undescribed ciliate species in a groundwater ecosystem characterized by low species diversity.
The applications of PCA in QSAR studies: A case study on CCR5 antagonists
Authors: Yoo ChangKyoo , Shahlaei Mohsen
Published: June 2017

Principal component analysis (PCA), as a well‐known multivariate data analysis and data reduction technique, is an important and useful algebraic tool in drug design and discovery. PCA, in a typical quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) study, analyzes an original data matrix in which molecules are described by several intercorrelated quantitative dependent variables (molecular descriptors). Although extensively applied, there is disparity in the literature with respect to the applications of PCA in the QSAR studies. This study investigates the different applications of PCA in QSAR studies using a dataset including CCR5 inhibitors. The different types of preprocessing are used to compare the PCA performances. The use of PC plots in the exploratory investigation of matrix of descriptors is described. This work is also proved PCA analysis to be a powerful technique for exploring complex datasets in QSAR studies for identification of outliers. This study shows that PCA is able to easily apply to the pool of calculated structural descriptors and also the extracted information can be used to help decide upon an appropriate harder model for further analysis.
A clustering approach to identify and characterize the asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap phenotype
Authors: Hirai K. , Shirai T. , Suzuki M. , Akamatsu T. , Suzuki T. , Hayashi I. , Yamamoto A. , Akita T. , Morita S. , Asada K. , Tsuji D. , Inoue K. , Itoh K.
Published: June 2017

Background

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are heterogeneous diseases. The phenotypes that have clinical features of both asthma and COPD are still incompletely understood.

Objective

To clarify the best discriminators of the asthma‐COPD overlap phenotype from asthma and COPD subgroups using a clustering approach.

Methods

This study assessed pathophysiological parameters, including mRNA expression levels of T helper cell‐related transcription factors, namely TBX21 (Th1), GATA3 (Th2), RORC (Th17) and FOXP3 (Treg), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in asthma patients (n=152) and in COPD patients (n=50). Clusters were determined using k‐means clustering. Exacerbations of asthma and COPD were recorded during the 1‐year follow‐up period.

Results

The cluster analysis revealed four biological clusters: cluster 1, predominantly patients with COPD; cluster 2, patients with an asthma‐COPD overlap phenotype; cluster 3, patients with non‐atopic and late‐onset asthma; and cluster 4, patients with early‐onset atopic asthma. Hazard ratios for exacerbation were 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1‐5.6) in cluster 1 and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.0‐5.0) in cluster 2 compared with patients in other clusters. Cluster 2 was discriminated from other clusters by total serum IgE level ≥310 IU/mL, blood eosinophil counts ≥280 cells/μL, a higher ratio of TBX21/GATA3, FEV1/FVC ratio <0.67 and smoking ≥10 pack‐years with an area under the curve of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90‐0.98) in the receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The asthma‐COPD overlap phenotype was characterized by peripheral blood eosinophilia and higher levels of IgE despite the Th2‐low endotype.
Autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas and increased visceral fat accumulation during follow‐up
Authors: Yener Serkan , Baris Mustafa , Peker Ahmet , Demir Omer , Ozgen Basak , Secil Mustafa
Published: June 2017

Objective

Autonomous cortisol secretion of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) is associated with poor cardiovascular outcome. Because centripetal obesity is a cardiovascular risk factor, we aimed to investigate whether autonomous cortisol secretion is associated with increased visceral fat accumulation.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients

Patients with AIs who attended for follow‐up between January 2014 and December 2016 were evaluated. Autonomous cortisol secretion was diagnosed when 1 mg overnight dexamethasone (post‐DST) cortisol was >50 nmol/L at baseline and follow‐up. Follow‐up duration was 34 (12‐105) months. Thirty patients with nonfunctioning AIs and 44 patients with autonomous cortisol secretion were included. Adrenalectomy was performed in five patients. Six patients with Cushing's syndrome were also recruited.

Measurements

Hormonal evaluation and assessment of total (T), visceral (V) and subcutaneous (S) fat area by computed tomography and calculation of V:S and V:T ratios at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

V, V:S and V:T increased (P<.001 for each comparison, Wilcoxon signed rank test for repeated measures) in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion while did not change significantly in patients with nonfunctioning adenomas. Linear regression models including post‐DST cortisol, gender, concomitant treatments and follow‐up duration showed that both baseline and follow‐up DST significantly predicted Δ(V:S) and Δ(V:T) (P<.01 for all models).

Conclusions

In patients with AIs, a post‐DST cortisol >50 nmol/L at both baseline and follow‐up, was associated with a significant increase in visceral fat after a follow‐up duration of ~3 years. This may be of importance to explain the link between autonomous cortisol secretion and poor cardiovascular outcome.
Recent advances in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage
Authors: Minaga Kosuke , Kitano Masayuki
Published: June 2017

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) is increasingly used as an alternative in patients with biliary obstruction who fail standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The two major endoscopic approach routes for EUS‐BD are the transgastric intrahepatic and the transduodenal extrahepatic approaches. Biliary drainage can be achieved by three different methods, transluminal biliary stenting, transpapillary rendezvous technique, and antegrade biliary stenting. Choice of approach route and drainage method depends on individual anatomy, underlying disease, and location of the biliary stricture. Recent meta‐analyses have revealed that cumulative technical success and adverse event rates were 90–94% and 16–23%, respectively. Development of new dedicated devices for EUS‐BD would help refine the technical aspects and minimize the possibility of complications, making it a more promising procedure.
Validation of US cerebral palsy growth charts using a UK cohort
Authors: Wright Charlotte M , Reynolds Lucy , Ingram Emily , Cole Tim J , Brooks Jordan
Published: June 2017

Aim

Growth charts for cerebral palsy (CP) have been constructed using data for 24 920 Californian patients, covering ages 2 to 20 years, with separate charts for the five severity levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Our aim was to test how the data for British children with CP fit these charts, compared with conventional local charts.

Method

US CP growth reference was reanalysed using the lambda‐mu‐sigma (LMS) method to allow calculation of standard deviation z‐scores. Growth data for 195 children with CP in Glasgow, UK, were retrieved and converted to z‐scores using the CP reference as well as the combined World Health Organization and UK 1990 growth reference (UK‐WHO).

Results

Compared to the UK‐WHO reference, measurements diverged progressively with increasing severity, with mean height for GMFCS level V being close to the second UK‐WHO centile. Compared with the CP reference, mean height and weight z‐scores were between the 50th and 75th centiles for all severity levels, while body mass index was just below the 50th centile.

Interpretation

British children with severe CP seem relatively very small when their growth data are plotted on non‐CP charts, but their data for weight and body mass index fit well to US CP charts and reasonably well for height. The LMS look‐up tables will make it possible to calculate z‐scores and produce charts in local formats.
Efficacy and safety of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors as monotherapy or add‐on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhiying , Sun Jiahui , Han Ruobing , Fan Dongzhu , Dong Xinyi , Luan Zenghui , Xiang Rongwu , Zhao Mingyi , Yang Jingyu
Published: June 2017

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4is) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) as monotherapy or add‐on to metformin (Met) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov sites were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of DPP‐4is and SGLT‐2is in patients with T2DM. Risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were used to evaluate outcomes.

Results

In the analysis of 25 randomized trials, which involved 14 619 patients, SGLT‐2is were associated with a significantly stronger reduction in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD 0.13%, 95% credible interval [CI], 0.04%‐0.22%, P = .005) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD 0.80 mmol/L, 95% CI, 0.58‐1.01 mmol/L, P < .00001) than were DPP‐4is. However, no significant difference between the 2 drug categories was found in the risk of hypoglycaemic events (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.78‐1.26, P = .92). SGLT‐2is plus Met was associated with a more significant decrease in FPG (WMD 0.71 mmol/L, 95% CI, 0.43‐1.00 mmol/L, P < .00001) than was DPP‐4is plus Met. However, no differences were found in the reduction of HbA1c (WMD 0.11%, 95% CI, −0.03%‐0.25%, P = .12) or the risk of hypoglycaemic events (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80‐1.31, P = .86).

Conclusions

This review revealed that, compared to DPP‐4is, SGLT‐2is significantly reduced HbA1c, FPG and body weight without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia in diabetes treatment.
Millennium Development Goals: Impact on national strategies and spending
Authors: Seyedsayamdost Elham
Published: June 2017

This study reviews the post‐2005 national development strategies of 50 countries from diverse income groups, geographical locations, human development tiers and official development assistance (ODA) levels to assess Millennium Development Goal (MDG) absorption into development planning. Reviewing Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and non‐PRSP national strategies, the majority of the development plans have either adopted the MDGs as planning tools or ‘localized’ them in a meaningful way, using diverse adaptation strategies. A high correlation is detected between the income group, PRSP status and ODA reliance of countries, and their propensity to incorporate MDGs in their planning instruments. However, MDG alignment is not coterminous with greater pro‐poor or MDG‐oriented policies. Countries that have not integrated MDGs into their national plans were as likely to allocate government funds to social sectors as MDG aligners.
Predictive factors of long‐term outcomes of surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Mathon Bertrand , Bielle Franck , Samson Séverine , Plaisant Odile , Dupont Sophie , Bertrand Anne , Miles Richard , Nguyen‐Michel Vi‐Huong , Lambrecq Virginie , Calderon‐Garcidueñas Ana Laura , Duyckaerts Charles , Carpentier Alexandre , Baulac Michel , Cornu Philippe , Adam Claude , Clemenceau Stéphane , Navarro Vincent
Published: June 2017

Objective

The reasons for failure of surgical treatment for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) remain unclear. This retrospective study analyzed seizure, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes, searching for factors associated with seizure relapse or cognitive and psychiatric deterioration after MTLE‐HS surgery.

Methods

Seizure, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes were reviewed after 389 surgeries performed between 1990 and 2015 on patients aged 15–67 years at a tertiary center. Three surgical approaches were used: anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL; n = 209), transcortical selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH; n = 144), and transsylvian SAH (n = 36).

Results

With an average follow‐up of 8.7 years (range = 1.0–25.2), seizure outcome was classified as Engel I in 83.7% and Engel Ia in 57.1% of patients. The histological classification of HS was type 1 for 75.3% of patients, type 2 for 18.7%, and type 3 for 1.2%. Two factors were significantly associated with seizure recurrence: past history of status epilepticus and preoperative intracranial electroencephalographic recording. In contrast, neither HS type, the presence of a dual pathology, nor surgical approach was associated with seizure outcome. Risk of cognitive impairment was 3.12 (95% confidence interval = 1.27–7.70), greater in patients after ATL than in patients after transcortical SAH. A presurgical psychiatric history and postoperative cognitive impairment were associated with poor psychiatric outcome.

Significance

The SAH and ATL approaches have similar beneficial effects on seizure control, whereas transcortical SAH tends to minimize cognitive deterioration after surgery. Variation in postsurgical outcome with the class of HS should be investigated further.
Study of electromechanical impedance changes caused by modifications of CFRP adhesive bonds
Authors: Malinowski Paweł H. , Ostachowicz Wiesław M. , Brune Kai , Schlag Mareike
Published: June 2017

Numerous techniques of nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring of CFRP structural parts are studied. In this research, we focus on electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique. This technique is based on a piezoelectric sensor that is surface mounted on or embedded in the inspected structure. Because of direct and converse piezoelectric effects, the electrical response of the sensor is related to mechanical characteristic of the structure. In the reported research, adhesively bonded CFRP samples were investigated. The EMI characteristics of samples with modified bonds were compared with properly bonded referential samples. The following modifications were considered: prebond thermal treatment, prebond contamination with de‐icing fluid, and precuring of the adhesive. The EMI spectra were investigated searching for anomalies and changes caused by modification of the adhesive bonds. Numerical indexes were used for the comparison of EMI characteristics. The sensitivity of the EMI method to modified bonds was observed.
Obesity and the prevalence of nocturia in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Dogo study
Authors: Furukawa Shinya , Sakai Takenori , Niiya Tetsuji , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Miyake Teruki , Yamamoto Shin , Maruyama Koutatsu , Tanaka Keiko , Ueda Teruhisa , Senba Hidenori , Torisu Masamoto , Minami Hisaka , Tanigawa Takeshi , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: June 2017

Aim

Nocturia is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but limited evidence regarding the association between body mass index (BMI) and nocturia exists among such patients. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate the association between BMI and nocturia among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Study participants were 809 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study participants were considered to have nocturia if they answered “two or more” to the question: “How many times do you typically wake up to urinate from sleeping at night until waking in the morning?” We used the following two outcomes: (i) moderate nocturia was defined as ≥2 voids per night; and (ii) severe nocturia was defined as ≥3 voids per night. Participants were categorized into four groups according to their BMI: (i) BMI <18.5; (ii) 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25; (iii) 25 ≤ BMI < 30; and (iv) BMI ≥30. Multiple logistical regression analysis for nocturia in relation to BMI was used, with the category of 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 as the reference.

Results

Obesity (BMI ≥30) was independently positively associated with severe nocturia among elderly patients (age ≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but not among young and middle‐aged patients: the adjusted OR was 2.96 (95% CI 1.10–7.83). BMI was not associated with moderate nocturia in all patients.

Conclusions

In Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity was independently positively associated with severe nocturia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2460–2465.
Uterine tumour resembling ovarian sex cord tumour: first report of a large series with follow‐up
Authors: Moore Michelle , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: June 2017

Aims

Uterine tumour resembling ovarian sex cord tumour (UTROSCT) is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis. While it is considered a neoplasm of uncertain but low malignant potential, there is limited evidence for this as there are no large studies with follow‐up. We aimed to determine the clinical behaviour of this uncommon neoplasm and investigate clinicopathological parameters which predict behaviour.

Methods and results

From a series of 34 cases of UTROSCT, mainly from consultation practice, we obtained follow‐up information which was obtained by contacting referring pathologists and clinicians. The follow‐up periods ranged from 6 to 135 months (mean 39 months). Eight of 34 patients (23.5%) developed extrauterine metastasis to a variety of sites, including pelvic and abdominal peritoneum, ovary, lymph nodes, bone, liver and lung, and three patients (8.8%) died of tumour. Those neoplasms which exhibited malignant behaviour occurred on average in older patients, and were larger and more likely to exhibit necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, cervical involvement, significant nuclear atypia and significant mitotic activity. However, only the presence of necrosis and significant mitotic activity was statistically significant.

Conclusions

While our figure of 23.5% of cases exhibiting malignant behaviour may reflect some bias related to consultation practice our results show that, not uncommonly, these neoplasms have an aggressive clinical course with extrauterine metastasis. Given the overlap in pathological parameters between clinically benign and malignant neoplasms, UTROSCTs are all best regarded as potentially malignant.
The Early Cretaceous coal‐forming plants of southern part of East Siberia and Russian Far East
Authors: Bugdaeva Eugenia V. , Markevich Valentina S.
Published: June 2017

For the first time the plants that gave rise to the Early Cretaceous coals of Transbaikalia (Khilok, Chita‐Ingoda, Bukachacha, and Turga‐Kharanor basins), Amur River region (Bureya Basin), and Primorye region (Razdolnaya River and Partizansk River basins) have been obtained. The plants that produced coals mainly belong to the ginkgoaleans (Pseudotorellia, Sphenobaiera, and Baierella), bennettites, and conifers having pinaceous, taxodiaceous, araucariaceous affinity, as well as extinct cheirolepidiaceous and miroviaceous plants. A parallel palynological study has identified a number of the same elements in addition to the cyatheaceous, gleicheniaceous, osmundaceous, and schizaeaceous ferns.
Additive manufacturing of periodic ceramic substrates for automotive catalyst supports
Authors: Santoliquido Oscar , Bianchi Giovanni , Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler Panayotis , Ortona Alberto
Published: June 2017

Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to revolutionize engineering because of its advantages in the product development phase. The revolution consists in the new approach of components’ design by function and no longer by manufacturability. This is the motivation driving authors to design and realize by additive manufacturing a new catalyst support for automotive exhausts which is no longer constrained by the industrial manufacturing methods and thus allows an optimized flow of the exhaust gasses. This work presents a new class of periodic cellular ceramic substrates. To authors’ knowledge this is the first time such kind of structures are employed in the automotive field. After a review the different ceramic AM techniques which are currently utilized in the production of highly complex ceramic architectures, the most suited one was selected and several samples were produced by AM. They were finally characterized via microscopic analysis (SEM, CT) compression tests revealing the best printing configuration for their mechanical behavior.
IL‐25 in allergic inflammation
Authors: Xu Miao , Dong Chen
Published: June 2017

IL‐25, also known as IL‐17E, is a member of the IL‐17 cytokine family mostly produced by epithelial cells and innate immune cells. After binding to the IL‐17RB/IL‐17RA complex, IL‐25 induces downstream signaling responses in epithelial cells and type 2 lymphocytes, which initiates, propagates, and sustains type 2 immunity. The function of IL‐25 in allergic diseases such as asthma has been well established, and now also is extended to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This review summarizes the literature on IL‐25 and discusses the unsolved questions. Our knowledge on IL‐25 will pave the pathway for targeting this cytokine in inflammatory diseases.
Accuracy of food photographs for quantifying food servings in a lunch meal setting among Danish children and adults
Authors: Biltoft‐Jensen A. , Holmgaard Nielsen T. , Hess Ygil K. , Christensen T. , Fagt S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Visual aids, such as food photographs, are widely used in estimating food quantities in dietary surveys. The present study aimed to assess how accurately Danish adults and children can estimate food portion sizes using 37 series of photographs illustrating four to six different portion sizes under real‐life conditions; determine whether adults were more accurate than children; and estimate the error caused by using portion size photographs to estimate weights of foods consumed in macronutrient calculation.

Methods

Six hundred and twenty‐two adults and 109 children were recruited in three workplace canteens and in two schools, respectively, to estimate their lunchtime portions based on photographs. Participants were instructed to keep the foods separated on their plate when taking lunch. Participants thereafter estimated their own portions by looking at the relevant series of photographs. The actual food portions were then weighed.

Results

The proportion of correct estimations was 42% overall (range 19–77%). The mean difference (%) between estimated and actual weight was 17% (range 1–111%). Small portion size photographs were more often used correctly compared to larger portion photographs. Children had as many correct estimations as adults, although they overestimated portions more. Participants using fractions of (or more than) one photograph to estimate the portion of a food had significantly larger errors. When calculating the macronutrient content of a weekly menu using the estimated portion sizes, protein had the largest error (29%).

Conclusions

When used in a real‐life situation, the portion size photographs validated in the present study showed a certain inaccuracy compared to the actual weights.
The Effects of Briefly Interrupting Marital Conflict
Authors: Gottman John M. , Tabares Amber
Published: June 2017

This study examined couples’ (N = 94) behavior resulting from two proximal change interventions. One was a spousal “compliments intervention” to increase positivity, and the other was a “criticize intervention” to increase negativity. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention conditions or a control group. There was no main effect in affect from the pretest conflict discussion to the posttest conflict discussion between the interventions or control group. However, a manipulation check on how couples acted during either intervention produced a significant interaction effect. Pretest affect during conflict and marital satisfaction significantly predicted couples’ construal of the intervention. Professionals may need to monitor how couples use specific interventions and direct the processes how the intervention is construed by the couple.
Beyond Orphanhood: Parental Nonresidence and Child Well‐being in Tanzania
Authors: Gaydosh Lauren
Published: June 2017

This article used data from the Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Tanzania to examine the influence of parental nonresidence on child survival and school entry. Using survival analysis methods, the article tested variations by parent and by cause, examining parental death, nonresidence because of parental relationship status, and migration. In general, maternal nonresidence was more consequential for child survival, whereas paternal nonresidence influences school entry. This is consistent with gendered parenting patterns in the setting. There was important variation by cause and by outcome, particularly for paternal nonresidence. Paternal nonresidence because of nonmarital birth was associated with increased risk of child death, whereas paternal migration was associated with improved survival. Paternal death and migration were associated with lower odds of school entry. This article moves beyond orphanhood to consider multiple causes of parental nonresidence simultaneously, demonstrating that parental nonresidence is not uniformly deleterious for children.
Expectations and policies in deflationary recessions
Authors: Colombo Luca , Weinrich Gerd
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we use a non‐tâtonnement dynamic macroeconomic model to study the role of inventories, expectations and wages in the business cycle. Following a restrictive monetary shock, by amplifying spillover effects inventories may imply that the economy converges to a deflationary locally stable Keynesian underemployment state. The model is applied to evaluate economic policies like quantitative easing as well as the effectiveness of holding inflationary expectations to recover to full employment. If inflationary expectations are not sufficient, imposing downward rigidity of nominal wages helps to exit from the recession.
Drilling into the functional significance of stereopsis: the impact of stereoscopic information on surgical performance
Authors: Al‐Saud Loulwa M. , Mushtaq Faisal , Mirghani Isra'a , Balkhoyor Ahmed , Keeling Andrew , Manogue Michael , Mon‐Williams Mark A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

One suggested advantage of human binocular vision is the facilitation of sophisticated motor control behaviours via stereopsis – but little empirical evidence exists to support this suggestion. We examined the functional significance of stereopsis by exploring whether stereopsis is used to perform a highly skilled real‐world motor task essential for the occupational practice of dentistry.

Methods

We used a high fidelity virtual reality simulator to study how dentists’ performance is affected by the removal of horizontal retinal image disparities under direct and indirect (mirror) observation. Thirteen qualified dentists performed a total of four different dental tasks under non‐stereoscopic and stereoscopic vision conditions, with two levels of task complexity (direct and indirect observation) using a virtual reality dental simulator.

Results

Depth related errors were significantly higher under non‐stereoscopic viewing but lateral errors did not differ between conditions. Indirect observation led to participants drilling less of the target area compared to direct viewing, but this did not interact with the stereopsis manipulation.

Conclusions

The data confirm that dental practitioners use stereopsis and its presence results in improved dental performance. It remains to be determined whether individuals with stereo‐deficits can compensate adequately. Nevertheless, these findings suggest an important role for stereopsis within at least one occupation and justify the design of simulators with 3D displays.
Rare PDCD11 variations are not associated with risk of schizophrenia in Japan
Authors: Hoya Satoshi , Watanabe Yuichiro , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Nunokawa Ayako , Kaneko Naoshi , Muratake Tatsuyuki , Shinmyo Naofumi , Otsuka Ikuo , Okuda Shujiro , Inoue Emiko , Igeta Hirofumi , Shibuya Masako , Egawa Jun , Orime Naoki , Sora Ichiro , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: June 2017

Aim

Rare gene variations are thought to confer substantial risk for schizophrenia. We performed a three‐stage study to identify rare variations that have a strong impact on the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Methods

In the first stage, we prioritized rare missense variations using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) data from three families, consisting of a proband, an affected sibling, and parents. In the second stage, we performed targeted resequencing of the PDCD11 coding region in 96 patients. In the third stage, we conducted an association study of rare PDCD11 variations with schizophrenia in a total of 1357 patients and 1394 controls.

Results

Via WES, we identified two rare missense PDCD11 variations, p.(Asp961Asn) and p.(Val1240Leu), shared by two affected siblings within families. Targeted resequencing of the PDCD11 coding region identified three rare non‐synonymous variations: p.(Asp961Asn), p.(Phe1835del), and p.(Arg1837His). The case–control study demonstrated no significant associations between schizophrenia and four rare PDCD11 variations: p.(Asp961Asn), p.(Val1240Leu), p.(Phe1835del), and p.(Arg1837His).

Conclusion

Our data do not support the role of rare PDCD11 variations in conferring substantial risk for schizophrenia in the Japanese population.
Flood Risk Management: Exploring the Impacts of the Community Rating System Program on Poverty and Income Inequality
Authors: Noonan Douglas S. , Sadiq Abdul‐Akeem A.
Published: June 2017

Flooding remains a major problem for the United States, causing numerous deaths and damaging countless properties. To reduce the impact of flooding on communities, the U.S. government established the Community Rating System (CRS) in 1990 to reduce flood damages by incentivizing communities to engage in flood risk management initiatives that surpass those required by the National Flood Insurance Program. In return, communities enjoy discounted flood insurance premiums. Despite the fact that the CRS raises concerns about the potential for unevenly distributed impacts across different income groups, no study has examined the equity implications of the CRS. This study thus investigates the possibility of unintended consequences of the CRS by answering the question: What is the effect of the CRS on poverty and income inequality? Understanding the impacts of the CRS on poverty and income inequality is useful in fully assessing the unintended consequences of the CRS. The study estimates four fixed‐effects regression models using a panel data set of neighborhood‐level observations from 1970 to 2010. The results indicate that median incomes are lower in CRS communities, but rise in floodplains. Also, the CRS attracts poor residents, but relocates them away from floodplains. Additionally, the CRS attracts top earners, including in floodplains. Finally, the CRS encourages income inequality, but discourages income inequality in floodplains. A better understanding of these unintended consequences of the CRS on poverty and income inequality can help to improve the design and performance of the CRS and, ultimately, increase community resilience to flood disasters.
Testing for HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 among blood donors in Western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and cost considerations
Authors: Hindawi S. , Badawi M. , Fouda F. , Mallah B. , Mallah B. , Rajab H. , Madani T. A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Screening all blood donors for human T‐cell lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV 1 and HTLV 2) is mandatory in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results and costs associated with the current testing policy for HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 in blood donors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah.

Study designs and methods

Donor‐testing results from Blood Transfusion Services at KAUH were reviewed over a 10‐year period, from January 2006 through December 2015. All donors were screened using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Reactive samples were then tested by Western blot for confirmation. Costs associated with testing were calculated.

Results

Data of 107 419 donations in the study period were reviewed. Saudi nationals constituted 51 168 donors (47·6%). Of 107 419 blood donors tested for HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 antibody, and 95 (0·088%) donors were reactive to screening tests. None of the samples found to be reactive to screening tests was positive by Western blot. The average cost of testing was US$ 171 870 per year.

Conclusion

No donors were confirmed to have HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 in this cohort exceeding 100 000 donors. We propose changes to the policy mandating universal testing by replacing it with universal leukodepletion coupled with targeted screening to donors coming from endemic area or donors at risk. Such changes are expected to lead to a reduction of testing cost without affecting safety.