bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on ultrasonic welding of nonwovens used for surgical gowns
Authors: Eryuruk Selin Hanife , Karagüzel Kayaoglu Burçak , Kalaoglu Fatma
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Surgical gowns should be designed and produced using special techniques to provide barrier properties against potential risks during surgery and healthcare procedures. Ultrasonic welding is one of these methods used to produce surgical gowns with determined barrier properties. The purpose of this paper is to analyse bond strength and permeability properties of ultrasonically welded nonwoven fabrics and compare them with traditional sewing techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, ultrasonic welding of nonwovens was performed to demonstrate its use as an assembly method. Performance requirements in the design of surgical gowns were determined. Fabric strengths and bond strengths of ultrasonic-welded and traditionally sewn fabrics were analysed. The performance properties, i.e., bond strength, air and water resistance of the fabrics and the joints obtained by ultrasonic and classical sewing methods were studied.

Findings

As a result, it was found that ultrasonic welding technique is a suitable method for joining layers in surgical gown production bringing the advantages of high water resistance together with acceptable bond strength.

Originality/value

The current study focuses on the use of ultrasonic welding of nonwovens used for disposable protective surgical gowns. Ultrasound welding technique was presented as an alternative to classic assembly methods and ultrasonic welding technology was applied to different fabric combinations simulating different layers in different joining sections of a surgical gown.
Green start-up finance – where do particular challenges lie?
Authors: Bergset Linda
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed some new light on the entrepreneurial finance of green start-ups, for which there has been little quantitative empirical evidence thus far. It explores what challenges green start-ups might experience when it comes to financial access.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes a survey of start-ups in Finland, Germany and Sweden and the separate evaluation of the “greenness” of participating companies’ product/service portfolios based on Eurostat’s Environmental Goods and Service Sector classification. A logistic regression is carried out for different company phases for two measures of challenges (“difficulty accessing finance” and “rejection by investor/funder”).

Findings

Green start-ups as an overall group cannot be said to have more challenges in access to finance. Particularly, a lack in business education and a high level of innovativeness, however, seem to be lead to more challenges for green start-ups in accessing finance compared to other start-ups.

Research limitations/implications

Further research might seek to identify which exact characteristics of innovative green start-ups lead to challenges in financial access, i.e. is it individual factors such as high risk levels, high investment sums, long development periods or a low return prospect – or is it rather a combination? It might, furthermore, be rewarding to investigate whether “interventions” of business-related training might reduce challenges.

Social implications

Suggestions are made for improved policy support to sustainable entrepreneurship in the case of green start-ups.

Originality/value

This research paper provides quantitative empirical analysis in a new research area, which has previously been predominantly theory based with some anecdotal observations as well as some early qualitative research.
Robust visual tracking via randomly projected instance learning
Authors: Cheng Fei , Liu Kai , Gong Mao-Guo , Fu Kaiyuan , Xi Jiangbo
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a robust tracking algorithm which is suitable for the real-time requirement and solves the mistake labeling issue in the appearance model of trackers with the spare features.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a tracker to select the most discriminative randomly projected ferns and integrates a coarse-to-fine search strategy in this framework. First, the authors exploit multiple instance boosting learning to maximize the bag likelihood and select randomly projected fern from feature pool to degrade the effect of mistake labeling. Second, a coarse-to-fine search approach is first integrated into the framework of multiple instance learning (MIL) for less detections.

Findings

The quantitative and qualitative experiments demonstrate that the tracker has shown favorable performance in efficiency and effective among the competitors of tracking algorithms.

Originality/value

The proposed method selects the feature from the compressive domain by MIL AnyBoost and integrates the coarse-to-fine search strategy first to reduce the burden of detection. This paper designs a tracker with high speed and favorable results which is more suitable for real-time scene.
Development of an intelligent e-healthcare system for the domestic care industry
Authors: Wong Bennie , Ho G.T.S. , Tsui Eric
Published: July 2017

Purpose

In view of the elderly caregiving service being in high demand nowadays, the purpose of this paper is to develop an intelligent e-healthcare system for the domestic care industry by using the Internet of Things (IoTs) and Fuzzy Association Rule Mining (FARM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The IoTs connected with the e-healthcare system collect real-time vital sign monitoring data for the e-healthcare system. The FARM approach helps to identify the hidden relationships between the data records in the e-healthcare system to support the elderly care management tasks.

Findings

To evaluate the proposed system and approach, a case study was carried out to identify the association between the specific collected demographic data, behavior data and the health measurements data in the e-healthcare system. It is found that the discovered rules are useful for the care management tasks in the elderly healthcare service.

Originality/value

Knowledge discovery in databases uses various data mining techniques and rule-based artificial intelligence algorithms. This paper demonstrates complete processes on how an e-healthcare system connected with IoTs can support the elderly care services via a data collection phase, data analysis phase and data reporting phase by using the FARM to evaluate the fuzzy sets of the data attributes. The caregivers can use the discovered rules for proactive decision support of healthcare services and to improve the overall service quality by enhancing the elderly healthcare service responsiveness.
Sensibility analysis of MCDA using prospective in Brazilian energy sector
Authors: Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , Costa Helder Gomes , de Barros Alexandre P.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a hybrid modelling that combines concepts and techniques for scenario building together with a Multi-criteria Decision Aid (MCDA) outranking approach. The paper presents a case to illustrate the proposed methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a qualitative and quantitative mixture and it is presented as a study case. Bibliographic research is used to construct the theoretical framework. There are a number of studies that develop a sensibility analysis in MCDA modelling; however, none of them explore the robustness of the MCDA solution with use of scenarios variation.

Findings

The methodology allows the criteria that must be taken into account, according to the decision makers’ values and preferences. It is interesting to note that, depending on the scenario, different weights were applied for each criterion, and the performances of alternatives under each criterion has changed as well.

Practical implications

This need arises in decision problems that are susceptible to the influence of scenario variation.

Originality/value

This proposal was applied to a real case that has taken into account six alternatives, with a prospective analysis of three scenarios, evaluated by four criteria. The authors use prospective scenarios to choose the criterion weights and alternatives evaluation.
Decision support systems in manufacturing: a survey and future trends
Authors: Kasie Fentahun Moges , Bright Glen , Walker Anthony
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a theoretical decision support framework, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI), discrete-event simulation (DES) and database management technologies so as to determine the steady state flow of items (e.g. fixtures, jigs, tools, etc.) in manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing literature was carefully reviewed to address the state of the arts in decision support systems (DSS), the shortcomings of pure simulation-based and pure AI-based DSS. A conceptual example is illustrated to show the integrated application of AI, simulation and database components of the proposed DSS framework.

Findings

Recent DSS studies have revealed the limitations of pure simulation-based and pure AI-based DSS. A new DSS framework is required in manufacturing to address these limitations, taking into account the problems of flowing items.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical DSS framework is proposed using simple rules and equations. This implies that it is not complex for software development and implementation. Practical data are not presented in this paper. A real DSS will be developed using the proposed theoretical framework and realistic results will be presented in the near future.

Originality/value

The proposed theoretical framework reveals how the integrated components of DSS can work together in manufacturing in order to determine the stable flow of items in a specific production period. Especially, the integrated performance of case-based reasoning (CBR) and DES is conceptually illustrated.
Rise in level of trust and trustworthiness with trust building measures
Authors: Rehman Saif Ur , Qingren Cao , Weiming Gao
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a model for presenting level of trust and analyzing the contribution of various trust-building measures undertaken by an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework for the model is based on previous research and the concept of trust and its implications in business environment. This model includes various stages of trust measured against time and trust building measures (TBM). This trust model relates the trustee’s position with the trustor at any point in time and describes its impact on trustee’s position in terms of trustworthiness (sum of “trust deficit” and “trust gain”). 10;Vectors and linear Algebra equations are used to construct the model supplemented with an example from real-life business environment for better understanding of the model. 10.

Findings

A trust framework, elaborating level of trust between two parties is explained with the help of a mathematical model. The model includes various stages of trust measured against time and TBM.

Research limitations/implications

In the practical application of the model, the authors adopted an existing scale to measure trust levels, which can have its limitations and shortcomings. It is however suggested to choose as specific scale for the industry as possible.

Practical implications

The model can be applied in any situation, person or environment specially to determine the current situation of organizational trust in business which can be helpful in making decisions.

Originality/value

The concept of making trust a part of strategy and a tool for decision-making is novel and applicable in all sectors and situations. By providing a real-time view of the level of trust and impact of TBM will help predict future levels of trust and make it an essential part of decision-making process.
Media visibility and place reputation: does sport make a difference?
Authors: Gammelsæter Hallgeir
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to the research field on the reputation effects of hosting sport entities. It asks if sport by boosting the visibility of places increases the attention of other domains of activity at the place, such as culture, politics and business.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a full text database, the study compares media coverage across cities of similar size that host/do not host a premier professional football club. Qualitative screening is used to compare coverage of diverse domains related to the place.

Findings

Hosting a top football club largely magnifies the media coverage of a city. There is no indication that sport media coverage enhances media exposure of other attributes connected to the place.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not measure the effects media coverage has on individuals. Further research should address this issue.

Practical implications

Place branding through sport media coverage does not automatically exhibit other qualities of a place. If places intend to expose its diversity through sport, a deliberate “branding through sport campaign” must be considered.

Originality/value

The study is unique in relating media coverage of sport teams to visibility of other activities of a city. It is the first to measure how sport media coverage impacts on place exposure.
Information sources and investing decisions – a path modeling approach
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam , Tan Siow-Hooi , Chong Lee-Lee
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Given the special feature of institutional investors in Malaysia, the purpose of this paper is to explore how these investors acquire and employ different information sources in their investing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses self-reported information sources collected via a survey of 66 institutional investors following convenience sampling, and estimates the relationship via Smart-PLS (Partial Least Squares) path modeling.

Findings

The results suggest that although investors place greater importance on fundamental and technical indicators, they do not implement these information sources in their decisions. Rather, gathering information from economic statistics and ratios, discussion with colleagues, historical returns of the Malaysian stock market, decisions of other market players, specialized press and stock exchange bulletins, and statements of opinion leaders are more closely related to trading, risk taking, and financial asset holding. This finding supports the limited information processing of bounded rationality, irrespective of the type of information source.

Practical implications

Institutional investors should critically assess the information sources upon which they rely to collect information as irrational information processing may adversely affect the stock market efficiency.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the unique features of institutional investors in Malaysia in conjunction with their sources of information, and to identify which sources matter when making investing decisions.
The dynamic linkage between exchange rate, stock price and interest rate in India
Authors: Jayashankar Malepati , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine linkage between exchange rate, stock return and interest rate for India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly data from January 2000 to December 2014, this study has scrutinized the linkage between exchange rate, stock return and interest rate using maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) which is very much appropriate when the variables are discrete in nature.

Findings

Our major findings indicate that the empirical relationship between these variables is not significant at lower scales. As we go on higher scales, there is a clear linkage between them, and three markets are associated with each other. Moreover, the direction and type of the relationship depends on the frequency bands, and finally with the help of Granger causality tests, we established a lead/lag relationship between stock price, exchange rate and interest rate.

Research limitations/implications

The linkage between stock market, foreign exchange market and money market in case of emerging countries like India is more relevant because negative or positive shocks affecting one market may be transmitted quickly to another through contagious effect.

Originality/value

Little attention has been given to examine the link between stock return, exchange rate and interest rate in India. This study adopts a more sophisticated MODWT approach for examining the cross-correlation and causality.
Output impacts of the interaction between foreign direct investment and domestic credit
Authors: Chen Hong , Singh Baljeet
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the link among foreign direct investment (FDI), domestic credit expansion and economic growth for six Pacific Island countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data over 1982-2011, the authors relate the interaction between domestic credit to private sector and FDI to its impacts on output. This study makes use of panel cointegration and the generalized method of moments estimators.

Findings

The empirical results generally show that FDI and domestic credit to private sector serve as substitutes to promote output in these small economies. Such findings are robust to a number of sensitivity tests.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the interaction between domestic credit to private sector and FDI and its impact on output in small Pacific Island economies.
Linking distinctive management competencies to SMEs’ growth decisions
Authors: Raza Bilal Ahmad , Naveed Muhammad , Anwar Farooq
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the short- and long-term financial strategies to augment SMEs’ performance in emerging markets. Using a resource-based theoretic perspective; the analysis has investigated the mediating role of distinctive management competencies (DMCs) between efficient financial strategies and SMEs’ business growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were drawn from a cross-industrial panel of 273 SMEs from Spain and 224 SMEs from Pakistan across all manufacturing sectors over the period of 2006-2013. Multivariate tests are conducted to estimate the impact of efficient financial strategies on SMEs’ performance. The advanced mediation version of Kenny and Judd (2013) is used to test mediation confirmation of DMCs; while Sobel test is applied to examine robustness of mediation results.

Findings

The robustness check of 497 privately held SMEs confirmed that practicing efficient financial strategies has significant influence on SMEs’ performance. Stimulatingly, mediating effect of DMCs, that are used for executives’ prudent financial decisions have been traced in both respondent countries. Based on the findings, it is argued that efficient financial strategies realistically translate into DMCs, which taken together are likely to lead more effective and significant to improve SMEs’ performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that power of distinctive managerial decisions is a crucial factor in the employment process besides efficient financial strategies identified in previous studies. The results of this study are of great importance to managers and major stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, financial analysts and policymakers, to inflate their efforts to reduce the incidence of business failure and for survival and growth of SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper raises a new theoretic explanation by determining the intervening role of DMCs in translating EFS into improved SMEs’ performance, thereby supplementing the extant theories.
Partnerships between special and mainstream schools
Authors: Avissar Gilada
Published: July 2017

Mainstreaming and inclusion of students with special educational needs in regular education, challenge traditional concepts and common practices. Traditionally, special education has been a parallel yet separate educational system. Even though there is almost universal agreement on the goals of inclusion and mainstreaming, special education schools have proved to be resilient and still exist in many countries. One approach to promoting the goal of inclusion is the establishment of collaborative partnerships between special and mainstream schools. This paper will discuss models of such partnerships based on a literature review and visits to partner special and mainstream schools in Israel. Positive elements of these partnerships as well as challenges involved are presented.
Comparison of mediastinal lymph node status and relapse pattern in clinical stage IIIA non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus upfront surgery: A single center experience
Authors: Savic Milan , Kontic Milica , Ercegovac Maja , Stojsic Jelena , Bascarevic Slavisa , Moskovljevic Dejan , Kostic Marko , Vesovic Radomir , Popevic Spasoje , Laban Marija , Markovic Jelena , Jovanovic Dragana
Published: July 2017

Background

In spite of the progress made in neoadjuvant therapy for operable non small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many issues remain unsolved, especially in locally advanced stage IIIA.

Methods

Retrospective data of 163 patients diagnosed with stage IIIA NSCLC after surgery was analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: a preoperative chemotherapy group including 59 patients who received platinum‐etoposide doublet treatment before surgery, and an upfront surgery group including 104 patients for whom surgical resection was the first treatment step. Adjuvant chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy was administered to 139 patients (85.3%), while 24 patients (14.7%) were followed‐up only.

Results

The rate of N2 disease was significantly higher in the upfront surgery group (
P
 < 0.001). The one‐year relapse rate was 49.5% in the preoperative chemotherapy group compared to 65.4% in the upfront surgery group. There was a significant difference in relapse rate in relation to adjuvant chemotheraphy treatment (
P
 = 0.007). The probability of relapse was equal whether radiotherapy was applied or not (
P
 = 0.142). There was no statistically significant difference in two‐year mortality (
P
 = 0.577). The median survival duration after two years of follow‐up was 19.6 months in the preoperative chemotherapy group versus 18.8 months in the upfront surgery group (
P
 = 0.608 > 0.05).

Conclusion

There was significant difference in preoperative chemotherapy group regarding relapse rate and treatment outcomes related to the lymph node status comparing to the upfront surgery group. Neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemo‐therapy is a part of treatment for patients with stage IIIA NSCLC, but further investigation is required to determine optimal treatment.
Effects of comorbid substance use disorders on outcomes in a Housing First intervention for homeless people with mental illness
Authors: Urbanoski Karen , Veldhuizen Scott , Krausz Michael , Schutz Christian , Somers Julian M. , Kirst Maritt , Fleury Marie‐Josée , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Patterson Michelle , Strehlau Verena , Goering Paula
Published: July 2017

Background and Aims

Evidence supports the effectiveness of Housing First (HF) programmes for people who are experiencing homelessness and mental illness; however, questions remain about its use in people with comorbid substance use disorders (SUD). The aim of this project was to test whether SUD modifies the effectiveness of an HF intervention.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of HF versus treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) with 24‐month follow‐up, comparing those with and without SUD at trial entry.

Setting

Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Moncton and Montreal, Canada.

Participants

A total of 2154 participants recruited from 2009 to 2013 and randomized to HF versus TAU (67% male, mean age 40.8 ± 11.2, 25% ethno‐cultural minority). All were homeless and had a mental disorder at baseline; 35% reported symptoms consistent with SUD.

Intervention

Housing paired with Intensive Case Management or Assertive Community Treatment.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were days housed and community functioning. Secondary outcomes were general and health‐related quality of life and mental health symptoms. Predictors were SUD status crossed with intervention group (HF versus TAU).

Findings

People with SUD in both the HF and TAU groups spent less time in stable housing, but the effect of HF did not vary by SUD status [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.77, 1.76]. Similarly, there was no difference between those with and without SUD in the effect of HF (over TAU) on community functioning (b = 0.75, 95% CI = −0.36, 1.87), quality of life (b = −1.27, 95% CI = −4.17, 1.63), health‐related quality of life (b = −0.01, 95% CI = −0.03, 0.02) or mental health symptoms (b = 0.43, 95% CI = −0.99, 1.86).

Conclusions

Housing First programs in Canada are equally effective in people with and without comorbid substance use disorder (SUD). Overall, the intervention appears to be able to engage people with SUD and is reasonably successful at housing them, without housing being contingent upon abstinence or treatment.
Factors influencing the production of pygidial secretions in the dung roller beetle Canthon smaragdulus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: Carvalho Raquel , Ferreira Ronara S , Audino Lívia D , Châline Nicolas , Braga Paula , Louzada Julio
Published: July 2017

The dung roller beetle Canthon smaragdulus (Scarabaeinae) has a pair of pygidial glands whose secretions have different functions. However, the factors influencing the production of pygidial secretions in these dung beetles are not known. This study is the first to evaluate differences in the amount of pygidial secretions produced by C. smaragdulus individuals in relation to body mass, sex and social status (mature males and females alone or in couple). We also evaluated whether the production of pygidial secretions is stable over time in individual beetles. To achieve this, we collected pygidial secretions from 120 C. smaragdulus individuals and measured their body mass and body size. Secretions were collected twice more, for a total of three samples per specimen, which were obtained every seven days. Our results suggest that alone males produce higher amounts of pygidial secretions than females alone, couple males and couple females. Only the body mass of couple males was positively correlated with the amount of pygidial secretions. This was probably due to couple males remaining in the nest for a few days. Our results confirm that the production of pygidial secretions in dung roller beetles can be influenced by body mass, sex and social status. Thus, further experiments should assess the production of pygidial secretions throughout the dung beetle life cycle under different behavioural contexts such as defence, protection of the nest and reproduction.
Physical activity and myopia in Danish children—The CHAMPS Eye Study
Authors: Lundberg Kristian , Suhr Thykjær Anne , Søgaard Hansen Rasmus , Vestergaard Anders Højslet , Jacobsen Nina , Goldschmidt Ernst , Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Peto Tunde , Wedderkopp Niels , Grauslund Jakob
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To determine associations between physical activity (PA) and myopia in Danish school children and investigate the prevalence of myopia.

Methods

This is a prospective study with longitudinal data on PA in a Danish child cohort. Physical activity (PA) was measured objectively by repeated ActiGraph accelerometer measurement four times with different intervals (1–2.5 years) at the mean ages 9.7, 11.0, 12.9 and 15.4 years. Mean intensity of PA was estimated as counts/minutes, and time spent in sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous PA was summed using defined cut‐off points. The ophthalmologic examination was conducted at the mean age of 15.4 ± 0.7 years and included cycloplegic autorefraction and biometry.

Results

A total of 307 children participated in the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School (CHAMPS) Eye Study. The cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) was 0.30 ± 1.46 dioptres. The prevalence of myopia was 17.9% (SE ≤−0.5 dioptres). Mean axial length (AL) was 23.5 ± 0.9 mm. For all participants, the overall mean daily distribution of PA was 67.2% in sedentary, 25.6% in light, 4.4% in moderate and 2.9% in vigorous PA. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted linear regression showed no association between PA and SE or AL. In a prospective slope analysis, there was no association between accumulated PA during the 7 years and AL or SE.

Conclusion

The prevalence of myopia among Danish children was 17.9%. By logistic regression and slope analysis, we found no association between PA and myopia, in this first of its kind study based on objective and repeated PA data.
Low weight gain at the start of a family‐based intervention for adolescent girls with restrictive eating disorders predicted emergency hospital admission
Authors: Swenne Ingemar , Ros Helena Salonen
Published: July 2017

Aim

This study examined predictors of emergency hospitalisation of adolescent girls with restrictive eating disorders and weight loss treated by a family‐based intervention programme.

Methods

We studied 339 girls aged 10–17 years treated in a specialist unit at Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Sweden, from August 2010 to December 2015. Historical weight data were obtained from school health services, and other weight data were determined at presentation. Weight controlling behaviour was recorded, and patients were evaluated using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. A family‐based intervention started after assessment and the early weight gain after one week, one month and three months was assessed.

Results

There were 17 emergency admissions of 15 patients for refusing food, progressive weight loss and medical instability. Logistic regression analysis showed that emergency admissions were predicted by a low body mass index standard deviation score at presentation (odds ratio 2.57), a high rate of weight loss before presentation (odds ratio 4.38) and a low rate of weight gain at the start of treatment (odds ratio 4.59).

Conclusion

Poor weight gain at the start of a family‐based intervention for adolescent girls with restrictive eating disorders predicted emergency hospital admission.
Mixture model analysis identifies irritable bowel syndrome subgroups characterised by specific profiles of gastrointestinal, extraintestinal somatic and psychological symptoms
Authors: Polster A. , Van Oudenhove L. , Jones M. , Öhman L. , Törnblom H. , Simrén M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Current subgrouping of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is exclusively based on stool consistency without considering other relevant gastrointestinal (GI), extraintestinal somatic or psychological features.

Aim

To identify subgroups based on a comprehensive set of IBS‐related parameters.

Methods

Mixture model analysis was used, with the following input variables: 13 single‐item scores from the IBS‐specific Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, average stool consistency and frequency from a 7‐day Bristol Stool Form diary, 12 single‐item extraintestinal symptom scores from the Patient Health Questionnaire‐12, and anxiety and depression subscale scores from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. The resulting latent subgroups were compared regarding symptom profiles using analysis of variance followed by pair‐wise comparisons.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐two IBS patients (Rome III; 69% female; mean age 33.7 [range 18‐60] years) were included. The optimal subgrouping showed six latent groups, characterised by: (I) constipation with low comorbidities, (II) constipation with high comorbidities, (III) diarrhoea with low comorbidities, (IV) diarrhoea and pain with high comorbidities, (V) mixed GI symptoms with high comorbidities, (VI) a mix of symptoms with overall mild severity. The subgroups showed differences in the distribution of Rome III‐subtypes, IBS severity, presence of anxiety and depression, and gender, but not regarding age, IBS duration or reported post‐infectious onset of IBS.

Conclusions

This model‐based subgrouping of IBS partly supports the distinction of subgroups based on bowel habits, but additionally distinguishes subgroups with or without co‐morbid extraintestinal somatic and psychological symptoms. The resulting groups show specific profiles of symptom combinations.
No Evidence That Sleep Deprivation Effects and the Vigilance Decrement Are Functionally Equivalent: Comment on Veksler and Gunzelmann (2017)
Authors: Altmann Erik M.
Published: July 2017

Veksler and Gunzelmann (2017) make an extraordinary claim, which is that sleep deprivation effects and the vigilance decrement are functionally equivalent. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, which is missing from Veksler and Gunzelmann's study. Their behavioral data offer only weak theoretical constraint, and to the extent their modeling exercise supports any position, it is that these two performance impairments involve functionally distinct underlying mechanisms.
Epicardial fat thickness is associated with aortic intima‐media thickness in patients without clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Acele Armağan , Baykan Ahmet O. , Yüksel Kalkan Gülhan , Çeliker Emel , Gür Mustafa
Published: July 2017

Background

Although the relationship between epicardial fat thickness (EFTh) and coronary atherosclerosis is well established, this relation in the early periods of atherosclerosis has not been fully demonstrated. On the other hand, thoracic aortic intima‐media thickness (IMT) rather than carotid IMT was reported as an earlier marker of preclinical atherosclerosis.

Objective

We aimed to assess the relationship between thoracic aortic IMT and EFTh in patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination for different indications.

Methods

We included 104 patients (mean age 38±11.4 years), who underwent TEE for various indications. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median thoracic aortic IMT values (IMT normal group<10 mm and IMT abnormal group≥10 mm). EFTh was obtained using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography on the right ventricular free wall during systole and diastole.

Results

The highest EFTh values (3.3±0.96 mm vs. 4.51±0.66 mm, P<.001) were observed in the abnormal aortic IMT group. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that aortic IMT was independently correlate with EFTh (β=0.423, P<.001). Moreover, EFTh was found to be associated with history of transient ischemic attack (r=.403, P<.001) and abnormal IMT (r=.643, P<.001) in bivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Epicardial fat thickness is independently related to the extent of subclinical thoracic aortic atherosclerosis. Increase in EFTh may be crucial marker for initial atherosclerosis.
Communal pair spawning behaviour of vendace (Coregonus albula) in the dark
Authors: Karjalainen Juha , Marjomäki Timo J.
Published: July 2017

Mating in nature is rarely random, and most fish species have refined mating systems. The vendace (Coregonus albula) is a short‐lived, small‐sized, cold‐water‐adapted pelagic schooling species that is known to spawn in groups, but the actual mating system of this species, like many other group‐spawning fishes, has not been described in detail. Vendace typically spawn in the littoral or sublittoral zones of lakes in late autumn, and the hatching of larvae occurs close to icebreak in the following spring. In our large study lake, vendace larvae were caught in 93% of 1,149 random sampling locations lake‐wide. We examined the courtship and mating of vendace under experimental conditions by nonintrusive observation of the natural behaviour, to clarify whether spawning activity is associated with illumination and to assess the postspawning mortality of vendace. Here, we describe and document in detail for the first time the spawning behaviour of vendace: they spawn in the dark, and females release a small portion of their eggs (on average 1% of mean total individual fecundity) when the female and male, side by side, dart from near the bottom up towards the surface, that is perform a spawning rise. Males and females had several spawning rises (on average 1,200). Our results showed high postspawning mortality (56%). The spawning stress seems to be a potential component of mortality regulating the lifespan duration of vendace.
Modern local history in Spanish American historiography
Authors: Murillo Dana Velasco
Published: July 2017

This article considers the role of modern local history on the Anglophone Spanish American scholarship (1492‐1825). Modern local history developed in the mid‐twentieth century as a type of historical inquiry focused on the study of specific peoples, institutions, or processes in a defined locality. This essay identifies the topics, methodologies, and sources, employed by scholars of Spanish America, highlighting some recent examples from the viceroyalty of New Spain, specifically contemporary Mexico and Guatemala. It analyzes the appeal of this approach to ethnohistorians, scholars of indigenous peoples, as a means to reveal indigenous responses to colonial rule obscured by other approaches. It argues that modern local histories of Spanish America are a particularly important genre of the field because they complement the current movement towards global and transnational studies as they illustrate the local variations on the ground that support or complicate regional, viceregal, and transatlantic trends.
Micro‐CT assessment of the shaping ability of four root canal instrumentation systems in oval‐shaped canals
Authors: Zuolo M. L. , Zaia A. A. , Belladonna F. G. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Souza E. M. , Versiani M. A. , Lopes R. T. , De‐Deus G.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To compare the shaping ability of four root canal instrumentation systems in oval‐shaped canals using micro‐computed tomographic analysis.

Methodology

Forty anatomically matched mandibular incisors were scanned and assigned to four groups (n = 10), according to the canal preparation protocol: BioRace, Reciproc, Self‐Adjusting File (SAF) and TRUShape systems. After canal instrumentation, the specimens were rescanned, and the registered pre‐ and postoperative datasets were examined to evaluate the percentages of accumulated hard‐tissue debris, untouched canal walls and dentine removed. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests with Bonferroni correction were used to compare the variables in the groups (α = 5%).

Results

The preparation techniques did not affect the percentage of accumulated hard‐tissue debris (P = 0.126). The percentage of untouched canal areas was significantly higher for BioRace (32.38%)compared to Reciproc (18.95%) and SAF (16.08%) systems (P < 0.05). Reciproc removed significantly more dentine (4.18%) than BioRace (2.21%) and SAF (2.56%) (P < 0.05). The TRUShape system had intermediate results for both untouched canal walls (19.20%) and dentine removed (3.77%), with no significant difference compared to BioRace, Reciproc and SAF systems.

Conclusions

The preparation techniques resulted in the same level of accumulated hard‐tissue debris. Compared to the other tested systems, BioRace was associated with more untouched canal walls and Reciproc produced the greatest amount of removed dentine. Although it touched more of the root canal walls, the SAF system removed less dentine, whereas TRUShape had intermediate results for these same parameters. None of the systems tested were able to provide optimal shaping ability in oval‐shaped canals.
Controlling phase separation of TaxHf1−xC solid solution nanopowders during carbothermal reduction synthesis
Authors: Foroughi Paniz , Zhang Cheng , Agarwal Arvind , Cheng Zhe
Published: July 2017

Synthesis of single‐phase tantalum hafnium carbide (TaxHf1−xC, 0<x<1) solid solution nanopowders via carbothermal reduction (CTR) reaction is complicated due to the difference in reactivity of parent oxides with carbon and presence of a miscibility gap in TaC‐HfC phase diagram below ~887°C. These can lead to phase separation, ie, formation of two distinct carbides instead of a single‐phase solid solution. In this study, nanocrystalline TaxHf1−xC powders were synthesized via CTR of finely mixed amorphous tantalum‐hafnium oxide(s) and carbon obtained from a low‐cost aqueous solution processing of tantalum pentachloride, hafnium tetrachloride, and sucrose. Particular emphasis was given to investigate the influences of starting compositions and processing conditions on phase separation during the formation of carbide phase(s). It was found that due to the immiscibility of Ta‐Hf oxides and relatively fast CTR reaction, individual nano‐HfC and TaC phases form quickly (within minutes at 1600°C), then go through interdiffusion forming carbide solid solution phase. Moreover, the presence of excess carbon in the CTR product slows down the interdiffusion of Ta and Hf dramatically and delays the solid solution formation, whereas DC electrical field (applied through the use of a spark plasma sintering system) accelerates interdiffusion significantly but leads to more grain growth.
Sudden cardiac death in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: Refining risk assessment
Authors: Zipse Matthew M. , Tzou Wendy S.
Published: July 2017

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk assessment among patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) has been has been less straightforward than for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The common surrogate that has been associated with highest SCD risk for all cardiomyopathies, and which has been universally used to guide implantation of primary‐prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), is left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. However, this practice has been called into question, especially in light of recent trials suggesting that ICD treatment may not be of additional survival benefit among those with NICM treated with optimal medical therapy. This Clinical Review attempts to offer refinements to the current practice of SCD risk assessment among patients with NICM, with specific focus on importance of NICM etiology and efforts to identify myocardial scarring and arrhythmogenic substrate, both of which may provide greater information about SCD risk than the LVEF alone. These concepts are illustrated further as they apply to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and cardiac sarcoidosis, all of which are increasingly recognized NICM substrates associated with SCD and for which refinements for assessing risk are lacking in conventional guidelines.
Gingival bleeding, a possible “serious” adverse drug reaction: An observational study in the French PharmacoVigilance Database
Authors: Bondon‐Guitton Emmanuelle , Mourgues Thibaut , Rousseau Vanessa , Cousty Sarah , Cottin Judith , Drablier Guillaume , Micallef Joëlle , Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Antithrombotic drugs are known to increase the risk of gingival bleeding because they affect coagulation. However, other drugs could also be involved in gingival bleeding.

Aim

We performed a pharmacoepidemiological study to identify the drugs most frequently “suspected” in the occurrence of gingival bleeding.

Material and methods

We selected reports of “gingival bleeding” from 1 January 1985 to 30 September 2014 in the French PharmacoVigilance Database.

Results

Among 523,808 reports of adverse drug reactions, we identified 454 reports of gingival bleeding (0.09%). Most of them were “serious” (58.4%) and occurred in females (54.6%). The frequency of gingival bleeding increased with age. The most frequently “suspected” drugs were antithrombotics (67.8%), particularly fluindione. Other drugs frequently involved were furosemide followed by paracetamol, amiodarone, amoxicillin, paroxetine, ketoprofen, zolpidem, enalapril and ramipril. Thirty‐nine reports involved a drug–drug interaction with antithrombotics, mainly with anti‐infectives.

Conclusion

Gingival bleeding can be an adverse drug reaction, often “serious” and rarely fatal. Patients older than 50 years and women are particularly at risk. Among drugs known to increase the risk of gingival bleeding, the most frequently involved were fluindione, furosemide, paracetamol, amiodarone, amoxicillin, paroxetine or ketoprofen. We also identified signal for drugs not usually known to be involved in bleeding, like zolpidem, enalapril or ramipril.
Translocator protein (18 kDa): an update on its function in steroidogenesis
Authors: Papadopoulos V. , Fan J. , Zirkin B.
Published: July 2017

Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) is a ubiquitous mitochondrial protein. Studies of its responses to drug and endogenous ligands have shown TSPO to be involved either directly or indirectly in numerous biological functions, including mitochondrial cholesterol transport and steroid hormone biosynthesis, porphyrin transport and heme synthesis, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and anion transport. Localised to the outer mitochondrial membrane of steroidogenic cells, TSPO has been shown to associate with cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins as part of a large multiprotein complex involved in mitochondrial cholesterol transport, the rate‐limiting step in steroidogenesis. There is general agreement as to the structure and pharmacology of TSPO. Stimulation of TSPO has been shown to have therapeutic use as anxiolytics by inducing allopregnanolone production in the brain, and also potentially for re‐establishing androgen levels in hypogonadal ageing animals. Until recently, there has been general agreement regarding the role of TSPO in steroidogenesis. However, recent studies involving genetic depletion of TSPO in mice have created controversy about the role of this protein in steroid and heme synthesis. We review the data on the structure and function of TSPO, as well as the recent results obtained using various genetic animal models. Taken together, these studies suggest that TSPO is a unique mitochondrial pharmacological target for diseases that involve increased mitochondrial activity, including steroidogenesis. Although there is no known mammalian species that lacks TSPO, it is likely that, because of the importance of this ancient protein in evolution and mitochondrial function, redundant mechanisms may exist to replace it under circumstances when it is removed.