bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of key genes and pathways associated with Crohn’s disease by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhu Jie , Ma Lixian
Published: February 2019

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease posing a significant threat to human health all over the world. Genome-wide gene expression profiles of mucosal colonic biopsies have provided some insight into the molecular mechanisms of Crohn’s disease. However, the exact pathogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to identify key genes and significant signaling pathways associated with Crohn’s disease by bioinformatics analysis. To identify key genes, an integrated analysis of gene expression signature was conducted using a robust rank aggregation approach. A total of 179 Crohn’s disease patients and 94 healthy controls from nine public microarray datasets were included. MMP1 and CLDN8 were two key genes screened from the differentially expressed genes. Connectivity Map predicted several small molecules as possible adjuvant drugs to treat CD. Besides, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to explore the co-expression modules associated with Crohn’s disease pathogenesis. Seven main functional modules were identified, of which black module showed the highest correlation with Crohn’s disease. The genes in black module mainly enriched in Interferon Signaling and defense response to virus. Blue module was another important module and enriched in several signaling pathways, including extracellular matrix organization, inflammatory response and blood vessel development. There were also several other meaningful functional modules which enriched in many biological processes. The present study identified a number of key genes and pathways correlated with Crohn’s disease and potential drugs to combat it, which might offer insights into Crohn’s disease pathogenesis and provide a clue to potential treatments.
First operation of the SASE1 undulator system of the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Abeghyan S. , Bagha-Shanjani M. , Chen G. , Englisch U. , Karabekyan S. , Li Y. , Preisskorn F. , Wolff-Fabris F. , Wuenschel M. , Yakopov M. , Pflueger J.
Published: February 2019

The European XFEL comprises three undulator systems. All of the systems use standardized mechanical, magnetic and control components. The key elements such as undulators, phase shifters and quadrupole movers as well as their controls are described, with special emphasis on the SASE1 undulator system, which was the first to become operational and has been lasing since May 2017. The role of these systems for the commissioning is outlined with special emphasis on beam-based alignment, which was important to achieve first lasing. Radiation damage was observed. The exposure doses were measured with the online radiation dosimetry system. Countermeasures and latest results are reported, which are important for a high-duty-cycle machine such as the European XFEL.
M-banking barriers in Pakistan: a customer perspective of adoption and continuity intention
Authors: Siyal Abdul Waheed , Ding Donghong , Siyal Saeed
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine barriers jeopardizing the adoption and usage intention of mobile banking (M-banking) in Pakistan and provide deeper insights to fix such deteriorating factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected in countrywide regional headquarters to mark the utmost generalizability of the results, which included seven largest cities of Pakistan. SEM path analysis was used to analyze data collected from Pakistan’s top 5 bank customers incorporating both users and non-users.

Findings

Results revealed that lack of awareness, initial trust and compatibility and perceived risk were the core barriers that stood out as obstacles to the adoption and usage of M-banking in Pakistan. It was also approved that having fixed these core barriers would outcome in existing users’ continuity intent besides raising new users’ inclination toward M-banking.

Originality/value

The study has unveiled the core barriers that have so far impeded the adoption and usage of M-banking. There is not a unified position concerning adoption and usage blockades. Factors differ with contexts, markets, time and kinds of innovations. However, this study is unlike past studies that merely studied students within a specified institute in a restricted jurisdiction. This is the first study to have nationally explored adoption and usage issues; thus, it is anticipated to potentially contribute to the prevailing literature especially in Pakistani context where a few studies prevail, addressing M-banking adoption and usage barriers.
Understanding the UK’s productivity problems
Authors: Lewis Paul , Bell Kate
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature, causes and consequences of the UK’s productivity problems and whether these may be addressed through the new technologies of artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature on productivity to explain how it relates to earnings within different theoretical frameworks, advocating a “power over rents” framework as most realistic. It explains the UK’s twin productivity problems and reviews their potential causes, critically assessing the capacity for new technologies of AI to address them. It highlights the enduring importance of distribution and the design of work to improving the UK’s productivity.

Findings

The authors find that the UK’s productivity problems will not be solved by AI technologies due to technical and socio-technical challenges which will require the significant re-design of work. The authors highlight the importance of aggregate demand, which has been inhibited by the shifting distribution of income towards capital and rising inequality of earnings. These issues suggest an important role for trade unions and a renewal of the institutions of employment regulation and collective bargaining. While reversing recent trends raises considerable challenges, the authors observe renewed interest in trade unions from previously hostile thinktanks and international institutions including the IMF and OECD.

Originality/value

This paper advocates adopting a “power over rents” theoretical framework to understanding productivity and the distribution of gains. This provides a clear rationale for the role of trade unions, employment regulation and collective bargaining in improving distributional outcomes, raising firm-level productivity and achieving real productivity growth at an aggregate level.
Supportive campuses and first-generations-student learning outcomes
Authors: Wright Brian
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between supportive campus measures and student learning outcomes for first-generation students and non-first generation students to determine if variances are present. A lack of social capital of first generation when compare to non-first-generation students is theorized to be a contributing factor driving differences between the two groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Research survey design using penalized regression methods to quantify differences between groups. The analysis used 10 years of student engagement data.

Findings

Final analysis showed that first-generation student outcomes had little to no significant connection with the administrative focused aspects of the campus environment as compared to non-first-generation that represented highly significant relationships. This results supports the theory that first-generation students may simply be unaware of how to leverage these resources do to social capital disadvantages.

Practical Implications

The result suggests that universities should reconsider first-generation programs to ensure that they have the capability to address first-generation students’ lack of social capital. The primary method by which social capital is generated is through networking or peer groups expansion. Consequently, first-generation students might benefit greatly from student mentors that are not first-generation students to help aid in the transition to college as compared to participating in programs that group and isolate first-generation students together.

Originality/value

Very few studies have attempted to use social capital as a theoretical framework to explain differences in how first-generation and non-first-generation student learning outcomes relate to campus engagement variables. Moreover, no studies have used both penalized regression and bootstrap validation in addressing this issue, making the study original in design and analysis.
Gender diversity and firm value: evidence from UK financial institutions
Authors: Agyemang-Mintah Peter , Schadewitz Hannu
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, first, to empirically examine whether the appointment of females (board gender diversity) to the corporate boards of UK financial institutions can improve firm value, and second, to examine whether having females on the boards of UK financial institutions can impact firm value during the pre-/post-global financial crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses secondary data obtained from DataStream covering 63 financial institutions over a period of 12 years. A number of additional statistical estimations, including random effects and fixed effects, are conducted to test the robustness of the findings.

Findings

The outcome of this empirical research shows that the presence of females on the corporate boards of UK financial institutions has a positive and statistically significant relationship with firm value. The authors’ evidence reveals a positive and statistically significant impact on the firm’s value prior to the financial crisis, that is, during the pre-crisis period (2000-2006), meaning that women contributed significantly to the firm’s value. However, after the financial crisis, the presence of females on the board had no significant effect on the firm’s value. A reasonable explanation may be that, whilst the financial crisis was over in the period 2009-2011, the entire UK economy was still experiencing an economic downturn, and financial firms were no exception, irrespective of whether there was female representation on any corporate board. Overall, the findings are consistent with the prior studies.

Practical implications

The results have practical implications for governments, policy-makers and regulatory authorities, by indicating the importance of women to corporate success.

Originality/value

Despite several research projects on board gender diversity (BGD), this research is unique compared to the previous empirical studies, primarily because it is the first-time research of this nature is empirically ascertaining BGD and firm value in UK financial institutions, also during the pre-/post-financial crisis era. This paper contributes to the corporate governance literature by offering new insights on board diversity and firms’ value relationship. Overall, the results help fill any gaps on gender diversity and firm value in UK financial institutions.
Does XBRL disclosure management solution influence earnings release efficiency and earnings management?
Authors: Hsieh Tien-Shih , Wang Zhihong , Abdolmohammadi Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) disclosure management solution improves public companies’ earnings release efficiency and mitigates earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a unique survey data set from the Financial Executives Research Foundation 2013 to identify companies’ XBRL implementation strategies. Earnings release efficiency is measured by earnings announcement time lag. Multiple indicators of both accruals- and real activities-based earnings management are adopted to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that the disclosure management solution (DMS) XBRL implementation is positively associated with earnings release efficiency for companies with good news. The authors also find that DMS implementation strategy is negatively related to accruals-based earnings management, but positively related to real activities-based earnings management measured by abnormal cash flows.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study can inform regulators, investors and corporate management on how XBRL adoption is associated with corporate financial reporting.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the XBRL literature by providing empirical evidence on how the strategies adopted by companies to implement XBRL may affect the results of XBRL mandatory adoption.
The use of chicken feather fibers as filling material in Winter clothes for heat insulation purposes
Authors: Pasayev Nazim , Tekoglu Onur
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate if the fibers obtained from chicken feathers have a possibility to be used or not used in Winter outerwears as a filling material in terms of thermal insulation parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, thermal properties of the heat-resistant interlining samples produced from the chicken feathers fibers were analyzed in comparison with the samples produced from the industrial filling materials.

Findings

In the study, it was revealed that the use of chicken feathers fibers as filling material in Winter outerwears was possible.

Practical implications

The use of chicken feather fibers in Winter outerwears as a filling material will be an extremely low-cost alternative to pile flies of water birds which are sufficiently expensive filling materials.

Social implications

A significant portion of the chicken feather, which is released as a by-product in the production of chicken meat, is destroyed as industrial waste by digging or burning. Some of this product is used in the production of such cheap products as poultry feed. In the case of the production of fibers from the chicken feather, the use of these fibers as a filler in Winter clothing along with environmental protection will allow the use of this product for the production of products of higher cost.

Originality/value

The use of feathers’ material as a filling material in Winter outerwears has been known since ancient times. Due to the rough structure and low elasticity of chicken feathers, chicken feathers are not the best raw material for this purpose. This study revealed that it is possible to use chicken feathers as a filling material in terms of heat protection. The study is original in this respect.
“I like computers. I hate coding”: a portrait of two teens’ experiences
Authors: Haduong Paulina
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Some empirical evidence suggests that historically marginalized young people may enter introductory programming experiences with skepticism or reluctance, because of negative perceptions of the computing field. This paper aims to explore how learner identity and motivation can affect their experiences in an introductory computer science (CS) experience, particularly for young people who have some prior experience with computing. In this program, learners were asked to develop digital media artifacts about civic issues using Scratch, a block-based programming language.

Design/methodology/approach

Through participant observation as a teacher and designer of the course, artifact analysis of student-generated computer programs and design journals, as well as with two follow-up 1-h interviews, the author used the qualitative method of portraiture to examine how two reluctant learners experienced a six-week introductory CS program.

Findings

These learners’ experiences illuminate the ways in which identity, community and competence can play a role in supporting learner motivation in CS education experiences.

Research limitations/implications

As more students have multiple introductory computing encounters, educators need to take into account not only their perceptions of the computing field more broadly but also specific prior encounters with programming. Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Researchers are encouraged to explore other contexts and examples further.

Practical implications

This portrait highlights the need for researchers and educators to take into account student motivation in the design of learning environments.

Originality/value

This portrait offers a novel examination of novice programmer experiences through the choice in method, as well as new examples of how learner identity can affect student motivation.
The evolution of Industrial Management & Data Systems over the past 25 years
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhao Longfeng , Vilela André L.M. , Lim Ming K.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine publication characteristics and dynamic evolution of the Industrial Management & Data Systems (IMDS) over the past 25 years from volume 94, issue 1, in 1994 through volume 118, issue 9, in 2018, using a bibliometric analysis, and identify the leading trends that have affected the journal during this time frame.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric approach was used to provide a basic overview of the IMDS, including distribution of publication and citations, articles citing the IMDS, top-cited papers and publication patterns. Then, a complex network analysis was employed to present the most productive, influential and active authors, institutes and countries/regions. In addition, cluster analysis and alluvial diagram were used to analyze author keywords.

Findings

This study presents the basic bibliometric results for the IMDS and focuses on exploring its performance over the last 25 years. And it reveals the most productive, influential and active authors, institutes and countries/regions in IMDS. Moreover, this study detects the existence of at least five different keywords clusters and discovers how themes have evolved through the intricate citation relationships in IMDS.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the use of multiple analysis techniques from a complex network paradigm to emphasize the time evolving nature of the co-occurrence networks and to explore the variation of the collaboration networks in the IMDS. For the first time, the evolution of research themes is revealed with a purely data-driven approach.
Measuring the integration of primary care and behavioral health services
Authors: Mullin Daniel J. , Hargreaves Lee , Auxier Andrea , Brennhofer Stephanie A. , Hitt Juvena R. , Kessler Rodger S. , Littenberg Benjamin , Macchi C. R. , Martin Matthew , Rose Gail , Trembath Felicia , van Eeghen Constance
Published: February 2019

Objective

To perform a factor analysis of the Practice Integration Profile (PIP), a 30‐item practice‐level measure of primary care and behavioral health integration derived from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Lexicon for Behavioral Health and Primary Care Integration.

Data Sources

The PIP was completed by 735 individuals, representing 357 practices across the United States.

Study Design

The study design was a cross‐sectional survey. An exploratory factor analysis and assessment of internal consistency reliability via Cronbach's alpha were performed.

Data Collection Methods

Participant responses were collected using REDCap, a secure, web‐based data capture tool.

Principal Findings

Five of the PIP's six domains had factor loadings for most items related to each factor representing the PIP of 0.50 or greater. However, one factor had items from two PIP domains that had loadings >0.50. A five‐factor model with redistributed items resulted in improved factor loadings for all domains along with greater internal consistency reliability (>0.80).

Conclusions

Five of the PIP's six domains demonstrated excellent internal consistency for measures of health care resources. Although minor improvements to strengthen the PIP are possible, it is a valid and reliable measure of the integration of primary care and behavioral health.
A Preliminary Investigation of Naturally Occurring Aluminum in Grains, Vegetables, and Fruits from Some Areas of China and Dietary Intake Assessment
Authors: Liang Jiang , Liang Xuxia , Cao Pei , Wang Xiaodan , Gao Peng , Ma Ning , Li Ning , Xu Haibin
Published: February 2019

An investigation of the naturally occurring aluminum contents in grains, fruits and vegetables locally planted in some areas of China was conducted, and the aluminum dietary intake from the investigated food was estimated. A total of 2,469 samples were collected during 2013 to 2014 and tested for aluminum content using ICP‐MS method. The results showed that although 77.6% of the samples contained aluminum less than 5 mg/kg, significant variations of aluminum contents were observed in different food groups. Generally, the aluminum contents were found to be relatively high in dried grains and fresh vegetables, and low in fresh fruits. The mean value of aluminum contents in grains was 6.3 mg/kg, with wheat being the highest, followed by soybean and corn. The fresh vegetables had an average aluminum content of 4.7 mg/kg, with leafy vegetables being the highest, followed by bulb and stem vegetables. Most varieties of fresh fruits were low in aluminum, with the mean of 1.3 mg/kg. Based on the food consumption data from the China National Nutrient and Health Survey, the average weekly dietary intake of naturally occurring aluminum from the investigated foods was estimated to be 0.62 mg/kg bw for the general population and 0.55 to 1.00 mg/kg bw for different age groups. Grains and vegetables were the main contributors to the overall intake. Evaluated against the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 2 mg/kg bw, the dietary naturally occurring aluminum intake from the investigated foods was considered to be no safety concern.
Response to Acid Adaptation in Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis
Authors: Ye Beining , He Shoukui , Zhou Xiujuan , Cui Yan , Zhou Min , Shi Xianming
Published: February 2019

Acid adaptation in Salmonella Enteritidis was characterized by phenotypic and gene‐expression analyses. S. Enteritidis cells at log‐phase and stationary‐phase were kept at pH 4.5 to 6.0 for 1 to 4 hours. All treatments induced various levels of acid tolerance response that were dependent on pH, exposure time and growth phase. This acid adaptation resulted in tolerance to 50 °C and 8% NaCl regardless of the growth phase. However, the tolerance of log‐phase and stationary‐phase cells to low temperatures (4 and –20 °C) was increased and decreased, respectively. RT‐qPCR analysis revealed that genes involved in tolerance to acid (SEN1564A and cfa), heat (rpoH, uspB, and htrA), salt (proP, proV, and osmW), and cold (cspA, cspC, and csdA) stress were generally upregulated after acid adaptation. These results provide an initial insight into mechanisms of acid adaptation and induced cross protection in S. Enteritidis.

Practical Application

Stress tolerance acquisition resulting from acid adaptation in foodborne pathogens poses a great threat to food safety. The current work showed that acid adaptation induced direct tolerance and cross‐tolerance to high temperature, low temperature, and salt in Salmonella Enteritidis, possibly due to the upregulation of stress tolerance‐related genes. These results provide key insights into acid adaptation mechanisms and efficient control of S. Enteritidis.
Effects of vitamin D on disease activity and serum interleukin‐6 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gopal Kumutha , Thevarajah Malathi , Ng Choung Min , Raja Jasmin
Published: February 2019

Aim

Vitamin D3 or 25(OH)D3 may have a potential role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis by inhibiting the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). The aim of this study is to determine the clinical factors of vitamin D deficiency in multi‐ethnic Malaysian RA patients and its association with disease activity, functional disability and serum IL‐6 levels.

Method

One hundred RA patients and 50 healthy controls, sex‐ and age‐matched, were recruited. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were assessed. Baseline serum 25(OH)D3 and IL‐6 were measured in all subjects. RA patients who were vitamin D deficient were given loading doses of vitamin D3 and repeated assessments were done.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was found in 63% of RA patients and 76% of healthy controls. Chinese RA patients and healthy controls had significantly more sufficient 25(OH)D3 levels compared to Malays and Indians (P < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D3 level was still negatively associated with body mass index in RA patients (P = 0.002) after adjustment for potential confounding variables. No significant association was seen between 25(OH)D3 levels and disease activity or serum IL‐6 levels in both pre‐ and post‐treatment groups. A negative association was observed between serum 25(OH)D3 and functional disability, including a 33% improvement post‐treatment (mean ± SD: 0.30 ± 0.46 to 0.20 ± 0.18).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Malaysian RA patients. This study suggests that vitamin D is not associated with disease activity or serum IL‐6 levels but it may have a role in functional disability in RA patients.
Characterization and expression analysis of KIT and MITF‐M genes in llamas and their relation to white coat color
Authors: Anello M. , Daverio M. S. , Silbestro M. B. , Vidal‐Rioja L. , Di Rocco F.
Published: February 2019

The llama (Lama glama) is a fiber‐producing species that presents a wide range of coat colors, among which white is one of the most important for the textile industry. However, there is little information about the molecular mechanisms that control the white phenotype in this species. In domestic mammals, a white coat is usually produced by mutations in the KIT proto‐oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) genes. In this work we have sequenced and described the coding regions of KIT and MITF‐M, the melanocyte‐specific isoform, and the two transcriptional variants MITF‐M(−) and MITF‐M(+). Moreover, we studied the expression of these genes in the skin of white and colored llamas. Although no variants were revealed to be associated with white coat color, significant differences between phenotypes were observed in the expression levels of KIT and MITF‐M. Interestingly, white llamas expressed less MITF‐M(+) than did colored ones, which is consistent with a consequent reduction in the synthesis of melanin. Even though our results indicate that downregulation of KIT and MITF‐M expression is involved in white phenotype production in llamas, the causative gene of white coat color remains unknown.
The role of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease: A case‐control study in Turkish population
Authors: Dal Nazli Ecem , Cerci Pamir , Olmez Umit , Keskin Goksal
Published: February 2019

Background

Behçet's
disease (BD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by oral aphthous lesions, uveitis, and genital ulcerations. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this disease because it mediates the functions of vitamin D in the immune system. Alterations of VDR expression related to polymorphic alleles of the VDR gene may play a pathogenic role in BD and BD's clinical presentations.

Methods

150 BD patients and 150 healthy controls were included and genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

Significant differences between patients and controls in rs1544410, rs2228570, and rs731236 genotypes were observed (respectively, p = 0.04, p = 0.007, p = 0.012). The clinical characteristics of BD patients were evaluated and patients with ocular lesions had a higher percentage of rs1544410 A alleles (p = 0.004), and patients with oral aphthous lesions, a positive pathergy tests, and arthritis had more rs2228570 C alleles than patients without these clinical findings (respectively, p < 0.001, p = 0.021, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

VDR gene polymorphisms may possibly have a role in the pathogenesis of BD through their effects on VDR expression and may be associated with the increased risk of several clinical findings.
Impact of a diagnostic workshop on undergraduate teaching‐learning process for the diagnosis and management of tooth restorations—A randomised controlled study
Authors: Signori Cácia , de Oliveira Elenara F. , Mendes Fausto M. , Braga Mariana M. , Opdam Niek J.M. , Cenci Maximiliano S.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a diagnostic workshop on undergraduate teaching‐learning process for the diagnosis and management of tooth restorations.

Methods

The first stage of the study was a randomised controlled study with two parallel groups: lecture (L) and lecture coupled with a diagnostic workshop (LW). A pool of cases of tooth restorations including secondary caries and marginal defects was used for training. Theoretical knowledge, perception about the activity and practical abilities were evaluated. The second stage of the study assessed students’ theoretical knowledge retention six months following intervention. All students included in the first stage of the study were exposed to LW. Hence, a new control group of students not exposed to LW was selected. One‐way analysis of variance, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal‐Wallis test and multilevel regression analysis were used as part of statistical analysis.

Results

The LW group had greater scores for the assignment of lesion severity and activity, presence of marginal defect and treatment indication than the L group (P < 0.05). Multilevel regression analysis showed a positive impact of the workshop diagnosis in the correct assessment of lesion activity (P = 0.03). There was no statistical difference between the LW and L groups in students’ perception of the activity. The LW group showed greater knowledge retention after six months than the L group (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Lecture coupled with diagnostic workshop improved students’ practical skills of diagnosis restorations and knowledge retention in the six months following intervention.
Weight‐based victimization among sexual and gender minority adolescents: Findings from a diverse national sample
Authors: Puhl Rebecca M. , Himmelstein Mary S. , Watson Ryan J.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Children and adolescents with overweight and obesity are vulnerable to weight‐based victimization. Research on weight‐based victimization and sexual identity have been largely isolated from one another; little is known about the nature of weight‐based victimization in sexual and gender minority (SGM: eg, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth. Our study is the first to examine the nature, extent, and sources of weight‐based victimization in a large sample of SGM adolescents.

Methods

This study utilized data from the LGBTQ National Teen Survey, a comprehensive online survey assessing victimization, school experiences, health behaviors, and sexuality‐specific experiences of SGM adolescents across the United States. The sample was composed of 9838 SGM adolescents (Mage = 15.6 years).

Results

Across diverse sexual orientation and gender identity groups, 44% to 70% of adolescents reported weight‐based teasing from family members, and 42% to 57% reported weight‐based teasing from peers. Approximately one‐third of adolescents reported these experiences from both family and peers. Weight‐based victimization was prevalent across body weight categories, particularly at highest (obesity) and lowest (underweight) extremes. Moreover, weight‐based victimization was prevalent across adolescents who endorsed established sexual identity labels (eg, gay, lesbian, bisexual) and emerging labels (eg, pansexual, asexual).

Conclusions

Weight‐based victimization, from family members and peers, is prevalent among SGM adolescents, across diverse body sizes and sexual and gender identities. Pediatric providers should be aware that SGM youth may be vulnerable to weight‐based victimization, across diverse body sizes.
A new DEA approach to fully rank DMUs with an application to MBA programs
Authors: Ekiz Melike Kübra , Tuncer Şakar Ceren
Published: February 2019

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be used to evaluate the efficiencies of decision‐making units (DMUs) in various areas like education, healthcare, and energy. Several DEA methods are proposed for this purpose; however, some of these methods cannot provide a full ranking and others often overlook some considerations that arise with special characteristics of DMUs. We propose a new DEA‐based approach to achieve a full ranking of DMUs. Our approach takes various issues into account such as the initial efficiency score of the DMU, the DMUs that should be removed from the set for it to become efficient (if any) and its effects on the efficiency scores of other DMUs. We demonstrate the shortcomings of several other DEA methods and discuss how our approach overcomes these. We apply our approach to evaluate 50 MBA programs from Financial Times 2018 rankings and compare the results with the evaluations of other methods. As opposed to some methods, our approach has the advantage of differentiating between all efficient DMUs as well as inefficient ones. In addition, the results demonstrate that we can achieve a consistent ranking that considers different aspects of the problem setting. The generated scores are also used to sort DMUs in classes of preference.
Electroreception, electrogenesis and electric signal evolution
Authors: Crampton William G. R.
Published: February 2019

Electroreception, the capacity to detect external underwater electric fields with specialised receptors, is a phylogenetically widespread sensory modality in fishes and amphibians. In passive electroreception, a capacity possessed byc. 16% of fish species, an animal uses low‐frequency‐tuned ampullary electroreceptors to detect microvolt‐range bioelectric fields from prey, without the need to generate its own electric field. In active electroreception (electrolocation), which occurs only in the teleost lineages Mormyroidea and Gymnotiformes, an animal senses its surroundings by generating a weak (< 1 V) electric‐organ discharge (EOD) and detecting distortions in the EOD‐associated field using high‐frequency‐tuned tuberous electroreceptors. Tuberous electroreceptors also detect the EODs of neighbouring fishes, facilitating electrocommunication. Several other groups of elasmobranchs and teleosts generate weak (< 10 V) or strong (> 50 V) EODs that facilitate communication or predation, but not electrolocation. Approximately 1.5% of fish species possess electric organs. This review has two aims. First, to synthesise our knowledge of the functional biology and phylogenetic distribution of electroreception and electrogenesis in fishes, with a focus on freshwater taxa and with emphasis on the proximate (morphological, physiological and genetic) bases of EOD and electroreceptor diversity. Second, to describe the diversity, biogeography, ecology and electric signal diversity of the mormyroids and gymnotiforms and to explore the ultimate (evolutionary) bases of signal and receptor diversity in their convergent electrogenic–electrosensory systems. Four sets of potential drivers or moderators of signal diversity are discussed. First, selective forces of an abiotic (environmental) nature for optimal electrolocation and communication performance of the EOD. Second, selective forces of a biotic nature targeting the communication function of the EOD, including sexual selection, reproductive interference from syntopic heterospecifics and selection from eavesdropping predators. Third, non‐adaptive drift and, finally, phylogenetic inertia, which may arise from stabilising selection for optimal signal‐receptor matching.
Pediatric elective therapeutic procedure complications: A multicenter cohort analysis
Authors: Attard Thomas M , Miller Mikaela , Walker A Adjowa , Lee Brian , McGuire Stephanie R , Thomson Mike
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

Current understanding of specific, therapeutic procedure‐associated complications in pediatric patients remains limited. This study aims to determine the frequency of significant complications in pediatric age‐range subjects following the principal therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

Methods

This study used retrospective multi‐institutional, ICD‐9‐CM, Clinical Transaction Classification, and Current Procedural Terminology based database (Pediatric Hospital Information System) analysis. This study included demographic, chronic comorbidity, procedure type, and post‐procedure outcomes defined through mortality, unplanned direct admission, emergency room, and inpatient admission and inpatient therapeutic events.

Results

During the study period, 18 018 patients underwent therapeutic endoscopy; 132 required direct (0.16%) or emergency room/inpatient (0.58%) admission within 5 days following the procedure; mortality was 0.01%. Most (50.75%) complications presented on the day of or 1 day post‐procedure. Hispanic race and coexisting chronic comorbidities, especially gastrointestinal conditions, were identified risk factors for significant complications. Endoscopic dilatation and variceal ablation were most frequently associated with complications. Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and esophageal stricture were the most common diagnoses: 9.0% required intravenous antibiotics, 36.63% underwent chest imaging, 27.27% abdominal imaging, and 0.75% required blood transfusion. Readmission following esophageal dilatation was most likely to result in prolonged admission.

Conclusion

In the pediatric population undergoing therapeutic endoscopy in the ambulatory setting, significant postoperative complications resulting in unplanned admission are rare. Complications can be anticipated in medically frail patients especially with gastrointestinal chronic illness. Procedures involving variceal ablation and esophageal dilatation entail the highest risk.
Monetary Policy Transmission with Interbank Market Fragmentation
Authors: VARI MIKLOS
Published: February 2019

This paper shows how interbank market fragmentation disrupts the transmission of monetary policy. Fragmentation is the fact that banks, depending on their country of location, have different probabilities of default on their interbank borrowings. Once fragmentation is introduced into standard theoretical models of monetary policy implementation, excess liquidity arises endogenously. This leads short‐term interest rates to depart from the central bank policy rates. Using data on monetary policy operations, I show that this mechanism has been at work in the euro area since 2008. The model is used to analyze conventional and unconventional monetary policy measures.
Early molecular biomarkers predicting the evolution of allergic rhinitis and its comorbidities: A longitudinal multicenter study of a patient cohort
Authors: Cipriani Francesca , Tripodi Salvatore , Panetta Valentina , Perna Serena , Potapova Ekaterina , Dondi Arianna , Bernardini Roberto , Caffarelli Carlo , Casani Antonella , Cervone Rosa , Chini Loredana , Comberiati Pasquale , De Castro Giovanna , Miraglia Del Giudice Michele , Dello Iacono Iride , Di Rienzo Businco Andrea , Gallucci Marcella , Giannetti Arianna , Mastrorilli Carla , Moschese Viviana , Pelosi Simone , Sfika Ifigenia , Varin Elena , Villella Valeria , Zicari Anna Maria , Brindisi Giulia , Ricci Giampaolo , Matricardi Paolo Maria ,   for the Italian Pediatric Allergy Network (I‐PAN)
Published: February 2019

Background

Pollen‐related seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) is a very frequent pediatric disease in Westernized countries. Risk factors and disease phenotypes have been thoroughly examined in several cross‐sectional studies. By contrast, only a few studies have examined disease evolution in patient cohorts. We investigated predictive biomarkers of disease evolution in a large cohort of children with SAR.

Methods

During 2015‐2017 (follow‐up), we re‐examined 401 patients from those enrolled in 2009‐2011 (baseline) by the “Panallergens in Pediatrics” study, a large multicenter survey of Italian children with SAR. Information on clinical history (standard questionnaire, AllergyCARD®; TPS, Italy) and skin prick tests for inhalant and foods extracts (ALK‐Abelló, Hørsholm, Denmark) was acquired as at baseline visit. Evolution in clinical and sensitization data of patients was analyzed over time, as well as their association with the main baseline characteristics and atopy risk factors.

Results

The average age of participants was 10.4 ± 3.4 years at baseline and 16.2 ± 3.6 years at follow‐up. SAR persisted in 93.3% of patients at follow‐up and became more frequently associated with asthma (from 36.7% at baseline to 48.6% at follow‐up) and oral allergy syndrome (OAS, from 23.4% to 37.7%). Compared to baseline, the prevalence of skin sensitization to some pollens (Phleum pratense, Corylus avellana, Platanus acerifolia, Artemisia vulgaris) and vegetables (hazelnut, wheat, and apple) significantly decreased at follow‐up. Earlier onset of SAR and polysensitization at baseline were associated with incident asthma at follow‐up. The presence at baseline of serum IgE to the following allergen molecules was identified as biomarkers of clinical evolution: (a) Phl p 1, for persistence of SAR; (b) Phl p 5, for persistence of both rhinitis and asthma; (c) Pru p 3, for new onset of asthma; (d) Bet v 1, for persistence of OAS.

Conclusions

Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is clinically heterogeneous in its evolution from childhood to adolescence. The detection of serum IgE to specific molecules (Phl p 1, Phl p 5, Bet v 1, Pru p 3) may be useful as biomarkers to predict SAR persistence and future onset of comorbidities, such as asthma and/or OAS.
Serious airway‐related adverse events with sevoflurane anesthesia via facemask for magnetic resonance imaging in 7129 pediatric patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Lei Huang , Chao Li , Miao Tan , Shen Ling Liu , Yan Ying Pu , Xiao Han Peng , Yun Bo Xu
Published: February 2019

Objective

This retrospective study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of sevoflurane anesthesia by facemask for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning among pediatric patients in a high‐volume MRI department.

Methods

The medical records of 7129 pediatric patients (median age 12 months, range 4.0‐36.0 months) who were administered anesthesia during MRI scanning were reviewed. Anesthesia via 8% and 1.5%‐2% sevoflurane was used for induction and maintenance, respectively. All the patients were monitored by anesthetists in the postanesthesia care unit. Vital signs were recorded every 5 minutes. Airway‐related adverse events, sevoflurane induction time, MRI scanning time, and recovery time were recorded. Patients were discharged when no complications were found for 10‐15 minutes, with Aldrete's score ≥9.

Results

After sevoflurane anesthesia, there were 28 severe airway‐related adverse events (0.4%, 95% CI: 0.2%‐0.5%), and 12 patients had severe respiratory apnea (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.1%‐0.2%). The percentage of patients with respiratory apnea was significantly higher in preterm infants compared with term infants (2.4% cf. 0.5%, P = 0.012). Sixteen patients had severe airway obstruction (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.1%‐0.3%).

Conclusion

The major severe airway‐related adverse events among pediatric patients associated with sevoflurane anesthesia were respiratory apnea and airway obstruction. The respiratory condition of preterm infants should be monitored carefully when under sevoflurane anesthesia. Overall, sevoflurane is safe and can be used efficiently for pediatric anesthesia in high‐volume MRI departments.
Home mechanical ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: What next after the HOT‐HMV trial?
Authors: Suh Eui‐Sik , Murphy Patrick B. , Hart Nicholas
Published: February 2019

The benefits of acute non‐invasive ventilation to treat acidotic exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well‐established. Until recently, the evidence for home mechanical ventilation (HMV) to treat patients with stable COPD had been lacking. This has subsequently been addressed by the application of higher levels of pressure support combined with targeted management of chronic respiratory failure, which demonstrated a reduction in all‐cause mortality. Similarly, the previous trial of home oxygen therapy (HOT) and HMV delivered following an acute exacerbation failed to demonstrate an improvement in outcome. With the focus on patients with persistent hypercapnic respiratory failure in the recovery phase following a life‐threatening exacerbation combined with targeted reduction in carbon dioxide, HOT and HMV (HOT‐HMV) was shown to be clinically effective in reducing the time to readmission or death and cost effective in both the United Kingdom and United States healthcare systems. Future work will need to focus on promoting adherence to home ventilation and novel auto‐titrating ventilator modes to facilitate and optimize the set‐up of overnight ventilatory support in different target population such as COPD patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and COPD patients with episodic nocturnal hypoventilation.
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome ‘endotypes’ in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chambers Daniel C.
Published: February 2019

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Wild adaptive trimming for robust estimation and cluster analysis
Authors: Cerioli Andrea , Farcomeni Alessio , Riani Marco
Published: February 2019

Trimming principles play an important role in robust statistics. However, their use for clustering typically requires some preliminary information about the contamination rate and the number of groups. We suggest a fresh approach to trimming that does not rely on this knowledge and that proves to be particularly suited for solving problems in robust cluster analysis. Our approach replaces the original K‐population (robust) estimation problem with K distinct one‐population steps, which take advantage of the good breakdown properties of trimmed estimators when the trimming level exceeds the usual bound of 0.5. In this setting, we prove that exact affine equivariance is lost on one hand but, on the other hand, an arbitrarily high breakdown point can be achieved by “anchoring” the robust estimator. We also support the use of adaptive trimming schemes, in order to infer the contamination rate from the data. A further bonus of our methodology is its ability to provide a reliable choice of the usually unknown number of groups.
Assessing Longitudinal Relationships among Thwarted Belongingness, Perceived Burdensomeness, and Eating Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Trujillo Alejandro , Forrest Lauren N. , Claypool Heather M. , Smith April R.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Past work has documented a cross‐sectional relationship between eating disorders (ED) and suicidality, but few studies have examined the directionality of this relationship. Informed by the interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide (IPTS), this study examines the bidirectional, longitudinal relationship between ED symptoms and two determinants of suicide ideation—thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB).

Method

Ninety‐two treatment‐seeking individuals with ED (94.5% White, 95.6% female) completed baseline (T1) measures of ED symptoms along with TB and PB. Of those, 75 (81.5%) completed a follow‐up assessment eight weeks later (T2).

Results

Separate linear regression models revealed that T1 ED symptoms did not predict T2 TB (b = .03, p = .42) or T2 PB (b = −.01, p = .68). Similarly, T1 TB did not predict T2 ED symptoms (b = .25, p = .37). T1 PB did significantly predict T2 ED symptoms (b = 0.52, p = .04). Further, among participants with AN/sub‐AN, T1 TB and PB predicted T2 ED symptoms (p's ≤ .03).

Conclusion

Our results reveal the need for a nuanced understanding of the relationship between ED and suicidality. This study found that PB predicts greater ED symptoms and, among the AN/sub‐AN sample, TB does as well.