bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the capabilities of family development centre staff regarding promotion of pre-school language learning amongst parents in Thailand
Authors: Supprasert Warunsicha , Khajornchaikul Piyatida , Harncharoen Kitiphong , Taechaboonsermsak Pimsurang , Pitikultang Supachai , Kulapichitr Udomluck
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors contributing to the competencies and capabilities of Family Development Center (FDC) staff in order to promote pre-school language developmental support amongst parents.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 260 FDC staff under the supervision of Thai local authorities in the rural province of Suphanburi in Thailand from July to September 2016. Self-administered questionnaires were used. Eligible participants with at least a year’s experience on the FDC committee were purposively selected. Analyses were performed by descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s correlation, χ2 test and stepwise multiple regression.

Findings

Only 23.5 percent of staff had a high level of capability. The respondents’ perceptions of their self-capability were inﬂuenced by motivation, attitudes toward promoting language learning amongst parents, self-efficacy, sufficient budget and receiving constructive appraisal support (r=0.387, 0.328, 0.366, 0.106 and 0.104, respectively). Marital status was negatively associated with FDC staff capability (r=−0.172). The multivariate analysis showed that 23.9 percent of the variability of FDC staff’s self-capability could be explained by their motivation for working, attitude, self-efficacy and marital status (p<0.001).

Originality/value

Research findings could be used to improve motivation for working, positive attitudes and self-efficacy regarding parenting promotion for pre-school language development to achieve standardized quality performance. Results of this study could also form the basis for designing effective training programs for FDC staff in the context of the specific organization and community.
The relationship between price and quality in durable product categories with private label brands
Authors: Boyle Peter J. , Kim Hyoshin , Lathrop E. Scott
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate price and objective-quality in durable product categories containing national and private-label (PL) brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from consumer reports objective-test results of 14,476 durable products available in the US the authors identified product categories containing both national and PL brands; constructed relative price- and quality-indices for each category; calculated price and quality differentials for each category then modeled the relationship between them; estimated the price premium associated with national brands (NBs); and computed price–quality (PQ) correlations for each category. The authors also analyzed the same relationships using subjective brand-perception data collected from 240 consumers.

Findings

Overall the price of NBs in durable products was substantially higher than the price of PL brands despite there being little to no difference in quality levels overall, with the proportion of categories having higher PL quality nearly equaling that of categories having superior NB quality. Correlation between price and quality was moderate. Accuracy of consumer perceptions varied depending on the importance of brand in the purchase decisions for particular product categories.

Originality/value

This paper uses a large objective dataset spanning a period of more than eight years to assess price and quality for durable goods in categories offering PL brands. It addresses an under-studied area, that of PL brands for higher-priced, longer-lasting products. The findings contribute to an existing understanding of PLs, especially in the domain of durable-goods, as well as to the body of research in the area of PQ relationships. It also adds to our understanding of consumers’ perceptions of brand as a factor in durable product decisions and how the market aligns with those perceptions.
Identification of barriers to co-create on-line: the perspectives of customers and companies
Authors: Chepurna Maryna , Rialp Criado Josep
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Value co-creation is an important topic of interest in marketing domain for the past decade. Co-creation via the internet has received a particular attention in the literature (O’Hern and Rindfleisch, 2010). Although there have been substantive number of studies of what motivates customers to participate in value co-creation in the internet-based platforms, there is a lack of research of what the deterrents are that may prevent customers from contributing their ideas online. This research was undertaken to define the deterrents from the customers and companies’ point of view. Furthermore, the difference, if exists, between the users’ and marketing professionals’ ranking of the inhibitors to co-creation online is also studied.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory qualitative research is based on 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with customers and 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with marketing specialists from different companies. Spearman’s rank correlation is applied to explore the relationship between the internet users’ and marketers’ responses.

Findings

There are nine constraining factors. The results show that although there is a repetition of the mentioned constraining factors indicated by the both groups of the interviewees, the ranking of the barriers is distinctive.

Research Implications

New conceptual information is received on what restrains customers from co-creation from both customers’ and companies’ point of view.

Practical Implications

This paper explains the potential problems to be confronted when launching a co-creation project in the internet-based platforms and offers managers a preliminary guide to comprehension of the users’ deterrents rating.

Originality

The paper that defines deterrents to co-creation online.
Family ownership and R&D investment: the moderating role of banks and private equity
Authors: Cirillo Alessandro , Ossorio Mario , Pennacchio Luca
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to innovation and family business literature by establishing whether institutional involvement of private equity (PE) and banks in family firms moderates the relationship between family ownership and research and development (R&D) investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used the socio-emotional wealth lens to carry out an econometric analysis on a large sample of Italian non-listed family firms. Using the sample selection model meant it was possible to account for potential selection bias arising from firms’ discretionary disclosure of R&D expenditure.

Findings

Family involvement in ownership reduced firms’ R&D intensity. When PE investors also held shares, the negative relationship was diverted. Bank involvement, however, did not have a significant effect on the relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enriches the innovation management literature by increasing the understanding of the determinants of R&D investments in family firms. The results support the view that non-financial priorities in family firms are contingent upon non-family shareholders. This enriches the debate about the heterogeneity of family businesses and is consistent with the socio-emotional wealth framework, which has shown that risk preferences may vary if desired and actual performances are different. This may be a fruitful area for future research.

Originality/value

Contradicting the assumption that institutional owners all share the same perspective, this study is the first to assess the impact of different institutional shareholders on R&D intensity of private family firms.
The adoption of ISO standards in Brazil, Iberian Peninsula and United Kingdom in information and documentation
Authors: Nascimento Natália Marinho do , Moro Cabero María Manuela , Valentim Marta Lígia Pomim
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The use of standards is currently characterized by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as essential for the efficient development of products, processes, services and systems in organizations; that is the norm-profit-measuring methodology Toolkit. From an impact-analysis perspective, the purpose of this paper is to compare the existing published standards in the area of archival science and documentation in Brazil, by the hand of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT); Portugal (NP), by the Portuguese Institution of Quality (IPQ); and in Spain (UNE), by the Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification (AENOR). Finally, this paper aims to observe the convergences and divergences among these countries with respect to the first country standards organization, United Kingdom (UK), by the British Standards Institution (BSI). This paper is an extract of a deeper investigation about behaviors, uses and impact of ISO’s standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists in a qualitative and quantitative comparative study, carried out through the analysis of the technical contents of the standards present in the catalogs available on the ABNT, IPQ, AENOR and BSI websites. It compares the main existing divergences in adoption, collaboration, elaboration, volume, working-group dynamism, editing schedules, costs and groups of standards.

Findings

The analysis allowed to observe the relevance of the technical standards in the studied countries and the advantages of the adoption of ISO for the dissemination of contents. For instance, the use and application of these standards for the development of archival and records management activities is considered to benefit the professionals to decrease the time of implementation and execution of the archival activities and allow continuous assessment. Besides ensuring quality in the archival processes, standardization evidences the complexity within organizational environments inherent to the metamorphosis of each’s functional context.

Originality/value

This paper contributes with an original analysis of how the technical standards of the Archival and Records Management area are published and used in Brazil, Iberian Peninsula and the UK.
Denitrifying haloarchaea within the genus Haloferax display divergent respiratory phenotypes, with implications for their release of nitrogenous gases
Authors: Torregrosa‐Crespo Javier , Pire Carmen , Martínez‐Espinosa Rosa María , Bergaust Linda
Published: November 2018

Haloarchaea are extremophiles, generally thriving at high temperatures and salt concentrations, thus, with limited access to oxygen. As a strategy to maintain a respiratory metabolism, many halophilic archaea are capable of denitrification. Among them are members of the genus Haloferax, which are abundant in saline/hypersaline environments. Three reported haloarchaeal denitrifiers, Haloferax mediterranei, Haloferax denitrificans and Haloferax volcanii, were characterized with respect to their denitrification phenotype. A semi‐automatic incubation system was used to monitor the depletion of electron acceptors and accumulation of gaseous intermediates in batch cultures under a range of conditions. Out of the species tested, only H. mediterranei was able to consistently reduce all available N‐oxyanions to N2, while the other two released significant amounts of NO and N2O, which affect tropospheric and stratospheric chemistries respectively. The prevalence and magnitude of hypersaline ecosystems are on the rise due to climate change and anthropogenic activity. Thus, the biology of halophilic denitrifiers is inherently interesting, due to their contribution to the global nitrogen cycle, and potential application in bioremediation. This work is the first detailed physiological study of denitrification in haloarchaea, and as such a seed for our understanding of the drivers of nitrogen turnover in hypersaline systems.
Effect of Hemodialysis on the Red Blood Cell Life Span in Patients with End‐Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Luo Jun‐Feng , Li Jiu‐Hong , Nie Jun‐Jie , Li Ping‐Ping , Zhang Hou‐De , Ma Yong‐Jian
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to use a CO breath test to investigate hemodialysis effects on red blood cell lifespan in patients with chronic kidney disease. A cohort of 17 non‐smoking men with end‐stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis via a polysulfone dialysis membrane (as opposed to a traditional cellulose acetate membrane) were subjected to a repeated Levitt's CO breath test to compare red blood cell lifespan before vs. after dialysis. None of the patients showed significant fluctuations in endogenous CO concentration during the dialysis procedure. The mean red blood cell lifespan was 66.0 ± 31.0 days before dialysis and 72.0 ± 26.0 days after dialysis, with no significant difference between the assessment time points (P > 0.05). In conclusion, dialysis using a polysulfone membrane did not appear to disrupt red blood cells or reduce their lifespan in patients with end‐stage kidney disease.
Cannabinoid dependence induces sustained changes in GABA release in the globus pallidus without affecting dopamine release in the dorsal striatum: A dual microdialysis probe study
Authors: Moreno Margarita , Decara Juan , Pavon Francisco Javier , Stouffer David G. , Edwards Scott , Serrano Antonia , Suárez Juan , Parsons Loren H. , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando
Published: November 2018

Disruption of motor behavior is a common symptom found in cannabinoid‐dependent animals. It is probably derived from dysregulation of basal ganglia circuits, especially the strio‐pallidal efferent pathway as suggested by previous reports. In the present study, we analyzed the functional consequences of the chronic administration of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55 212 (2 mg/kg, twice a day for 14 days) on GABA and dopamine release in the basal ganglia of dependent animals by means of dual microdialysis monitoring. GABA release was measured in the globus pallidus externus, whereas dopamine release was monitored in the dorsal striatum. Chronic administration of WIN 55 212‐2 resulted in almost a twofold tonic increase in GABA release in the globus pallidus, whereas it did not affect dopamine release. The systemic administration of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg) resulted in a decrease of both, dopamine release in the striatum and GABA release in the globus pallidus that was equal in magnitude in both control and cannabinoid‐dependent animals. However, the biphasic behavioral responses to quinpirole of cannabinoid‐dependent animals were clearly more intense than those observed in control animals. Cannabinoid‐dependent animals exhibited greater immobility in the first phase and more stereotypies in the second phase, indicating the presence of a dysregulated behavioral response. This enhanced sensitivity to dopamine D2 agonists is probably associated to the altered GABA transmission in the efferent pathway of the basal ganglia, reflected in the tonic enhanced release of this inhibitory transmitter in the globus pallidus.
Ethanol‐induced alterations in endocannabinoids and relevant neurotransmitters in the nucleus accumbens of fatty acid amide hydrolase knockout mice
Authors: Pavón Francisco J. , Serrano Antonia , Stouffer David G. , Polis Ilham , Roberto Marisa , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Parsons Loren H.
Published: November 2018

Deletion of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), enzyme responsible for degrading endocannabinoids, increases alcohol consumption and preference. However, there is a lack of data on neurochemical events in mice exposed to alcohol in the absence of FAAH. Extracellular levels of endocannabinoids and relevant neurotransmitters were measured by in vivo microdialysis in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of FAAH knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice during an ethanol (EtOH; 2 g/kg, ip) challenge in EtOH‐naive and repeated (r) EtOH–treated mice. In both genotypes, EtOH treatment caused no changes in baseline endocannabinoid levels, although FAAH KO mice displayed higher baseline N‐arachidonoylethanolamine levels than WT mice. EtOH challenge caused a sustained increase in 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) levels in EtOH‐naive WT mice but not in FAAH KO mice. In contrast, 2‐AG levels were decreased following EtOH challenge in (r)EtOH‐treated mice in both genotypes. Whereas (r)EtOH‐treated mice showed higher baseline dopamine and serotonin levels than EtOH‐naive mice in WT mice, these differences were attenuated in FAAH KO mice. Significant differences in baseline γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate levels by EtOH history were observed in WT mice but not in FAAH KO mice. Moreover, opposed effects on glutamate response were observed after EtOH challenge in EtOH‐naive and (r)EtOH‐treated FAAH KO mice. Finally, FAAH deletion failed to show EtOH‐induced locomotion sensitivity. These data provide evidence of a potential influence of 2‐AG in the neurochemical response to EtOH exposure in the NAc.
Could prenatal food insecurity influence neonatal abstinence syndrome severity?
Authors: Rose‐Jacobs Ruth , Trevino‐Talbot Michelle , Lloyd‐Travaglini Christine , Cabral Howard J. , Vibbert Martha , Saia Kelley , Wachman Elisha M.
Published: November 2018

Background and Aims

In general populations, prenatal food insecurity negatively affects maternal and infant health. Our aim was to estimate and test the association between prenatal food insecurity and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) severity.

Design/Setting

Single‐site prospective cohort design. Women receiving opioid agonist treatment with methadone or buprenorphine were interviewed (including demographics and food insecurity) during the third trimester at the combined obstetric/opioid use disorder treatment clinic at Boston Medical Center (BMC) in Boston, MA, USA, a large urban safety‐net hospital. During postnatal hospitalization, infants were assessed and treated per hospital NAS protocol. Maternal clinic and infant hospitalization data were abstracted from medical records.

Participants

Women (n = 75; aged ≥ 18 years; fluent English; singleton pregnancy; intending to deliver at BMC and maintain parental custody) receiving care in the specialized clinic were study eligible (2013–15). Women who delivered infants < 36 weeks gestational age or required prolonged newborn intensive care unit stay were excluded from analyses.

Primary measurements

Predictors: validated two‐question Hunger Vital Sign™ food insecurity screener; outcomes: extent of NAS pharmacological treatment and length of hospital stay (LOS) for NAS.

Findings

Of the mother–infant dyads, 61 (81%) infants were treated pharmacologically for NAS. Mean hospital LOS was 19.9 (standard deviation = 9.4) days. Maternal food insecurity (n = 43, 57.3%) was associated with infant NAS pharmacological treatment in logistic regression analyses individually adjusted for prenatal: maternal depression [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 3.69 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.02–13.43, P = 0.05)] and methadone agonist treatment [aOR = 4.17 (95% CI = 1.05–16.50, P = 0.04)]. Associations of food insecurity and LOS were inconclusive regardless of covariate control (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Among women receiving opioid agonist treatment, prenatal food insecurity appears to be associated with increased risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome pharmacological treatment.
IgG4‐related disease in patients with idiopathic orbital inflammation syndrome: data from the French SIOI prospective cohort
Authors: Abad Sébastien , Martin Antoine , Héran Francoise , Cucherousset Nahla , Mouriaux Frédéric , Héron Emmanuel , Sédira Neila , Zmuda Mathieu , Groh Matthieu , Abbas Aïcha , Saadoun David , Aucouturier Pierre , Vicaut Eric , Dhote Robin ,   the French Orbital Inflammation Study Group and Collaborators
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To better characterize IgG4‐related disease (RD) in the setting of idiopathic orbital inflammation syndrome (IOIS).

Methods

National, multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study. Among the patients consecutively included in the French multicentre SIOI cohort, we selected those who underwent orbital and/or adnexal biopsy. Clinical, morphological and pathological findings at diagnosis were blindly analysed. Serum IgG4 levels at inclusion were measured and all available biopsy specimens were immunostained for IgG4 and IgG. Biopsy samples with more than 10 IgG4‐positive plasma cells per high‐power field and a IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cell ratio above 40% were scored as positive. IgG4‐positive patients were then screened for comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4‐RD.

Results

Of the 87 patients included, 35 had histologically documented IOIS. Thirteen patients (37%) with a mean age at onset of 27 years (range 21–78) had IgG4‐positive biopsies, among which 10 patients (77%) and 3 (23%, with IgG4 serum levels >1.35 g/L) were considered as having probable and definite IgG4‐RD, respectively. The latter 13 patients more frequently fulfilled histological criteria for IgG4‐RD (including plasmacytic infiltrate (p = 0.006), fibrosis (p = 0.0025) and periphlebitis (p = 0.075)) than IgG4‐negative patients. Storiform fibrosis was exclusively found in orbital tissues from IgG4‐positive patients (n = 3, 23%). Eosinophilia associated with recurrent sinusitis or asthma was a prominent feature in patients with definite IgG4‐RD.

Conclusions

More than one‐third of patients with biopsy‐proven IOIS satisfied criteria for IgG4‐RD, but only a few had a definite type.
Lithium monotherapy associated longitudinal effects on resting state brain networks in clinical treatment of bipolar disorder
Authors: Spielberg Jeffrey M , Matyi Melanie A , Karne Harish , Anand Amit
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Lithium is one of the most effective and specific treatments for bipolar disorder (BP), but the neural mechanisms by which lithium impacts symptoms remain unclear. Past research has been limited by a reliance on cross‐sectional designs, which does not allow for identification of within‐person changes due to lithium and has not examined communication between brain regions (ie, networks). In the present study, we prospectively investigated the lithium monotherapy associated effects in vivo on the brain connectome in medication‐free BP patients. In particular, we examined the within‐person impact of lithium treatment on connectome indices previously linked to mania and depression in bipolar disorder.

Methods

Thirty‐nine medication‐free subjects – 26 BP (13 (hypo)manic and 13 depressed) and 13 closely matched healthy controls (HC) – were included. fMRI data were obtained at 3 timepoints: baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 8 weeks (total of 117 scans: 78 BP and 39 HC scans). BP subjects were clinically treated with lithium for 8 weeks while HC were scanned at the same time points but not treated. Graph theory metrics and repeated measures GLM were used to analyze lithium treatment associated effects.

Results

Consistent with hypotheses, lithium treatment was associated with a normalizing effect on mania‐related connectome indices. Furthermore, shifts in both mania‐ and depression‐related connectome indices were proportional to symptom change. Finally, lithium treatment‐associated impact on amygdala function differed depending on baseline mood.

Conclusions

Present findings provide deeper insight into the therapeutic neural mechanisms associated with lithium treatment.
Daily and weekly mood ratings using a remote capture method in high‐risk offspring of bipolar parents: Compliance and symptom monitoring
Authors: Duffy Anne , Keown‐Stoneman Charles DG , Goodday Sarah M , Saunders Katharine , Horrocks Julie , Grof Paul , Weir Arielle , Hinds Chris , Geddes John
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To determine the compliance and clinical utility of weekly and daily electronic mood symptom monitoring in adolescents and young adults at risk for mood disorder.

Methods

Fifty emerging adult offspring of bipolar parents were recruited from the Flourish Canadian high‐risk offspring cohort study along with 108 university student controls. Participants were assessed by KSADS/SADS‐L semi‐structured interviews and used a remote capture method to complete weekly and daily mood symptom ratings using validated scales for 90 consecutive days. Hazard models and generalized estimating equations were used to determine differences in summary scores and regularity of ratings.

Results

Seventy‐eight and 77% of high‐risk offspring and 97% and 93% of controls completed the first 30 days of weekly and daily ratings, respectively. There were no differences in drop‐out rates between groups over 90 days (weekly P = 0.2149; daily P = 0.9792). There were no differences in mean summary scores or regularity of weekly anxiety, depressive or hypomanic symptom ratings between high‐risk offspring and control groups. However, high‐risk offspring compared to controls had daily ratings indicating lower positive affect, higher negative affect and lower self‐esteem (P = 0.0317). High‐risk offspring with remitted mood disorder compared to those without had more irregularity in weekly anxiety and depressive symptom ratings and daily ratings of lower positive affect, higher negative affect, and higher shame and self‐doubt (P = 0.0365).

Conclusions

Findings support that high‐resolution electronic mood tracking may be a feasible and clinically useful approach in monitoring emerging psychopathology in young people at high‐risk offspring of mood disorder onset or recurrence.
Characteristics of metabolic stability and the cell permeability of 2‐pyrimidinyl‐piperazinyl‐alkyl derivatives of 1H‐imidazo[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4(3H,8H)‐dione with antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like activities
Authors: Zagórska Agnieszka , Partyka Anna , Bucki Adam , Kołaczkowski Marcin , Jastrzębska‐Więsek Magdalena , Czopek Anna , Siwek Agata , Głuch‐Lutwin Monika , Bednarski Marek , Bajda Marek , Jończyk Jakub , Piska Kamil , Koczurkiewicz Paulina , Wesołowska Anna , Pawłowski Maciej
Published: November 2018

A series of 2‐pyrimidinyl‐piperazinyl‐alkyl derivatives of 1H‐imidazo[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4(3H,8H)‐dione has been synthesized in an attempt to discover a new class of psychotropic agents. Compounds were evaluated for their in vitro affinity for serotonin 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT7, and phosphodiesterases PDE4 and PDE10. The most potent compound 2‐pyrimidinyl‐1‐piperazinyl‐butyl‐imidazo[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4‐dione (4b) behaved as strong and selective antagonist of 5‐HT1A. Molecular modeling studies revealed differences in binding mode between compound 4b and buspirone, which might reflect variation of the ligands’ affinity and potency in the 5‐HT1A receptor. Compound 4b in silico models demonstrated drug‐likeness properties and, contrary to buspirone, showed a metabolic stability in mouse liver microsomes system. Experimentally obtained value of apparent permeability coefficient Papp for 4b in parallel artificial permeability assay indicates the possibility of binding weakly to plasma proteins and high intestinal absorption fraction. Evaluation of the antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like activities of 4b revealed both activities at the same dose of 1.25 mg/kg and seemed to be specific. The antidepressant and/or anxiolytic properties of 4b may be related to its first‐pass effect.
Sex‐specific effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on bone mineral density and body composition: A pooled analysis of four clinical trials
Authors: Jankowski Catherine M. , Wolfe Pamela , Schmiege Sarah J. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Khosla Sundeep , Jensen Michael , von Muhlen Denise , Laughlin Gail A. , Kritz‐Silverstein Donna , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Bettencourt Richele , Weiss Edward P. , Villareal Dennis T. , Kohrt Wendy M.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Studies of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) therapy in older adults suggest sex‐specific effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition, but the ability of a single study to reach this conclusion was limited. We evaluated the effects of DHEA on sex hormones, BMD, fat mass and fat‐free mass in older women and men enrolled in four similar clinical trials.

Design

Pooled analyses of data from four double‐blinded, randomized controlled trials.

Participants

Women (n = 295) and men (n = 290) aged 55 years or older who took DHEA or placebo tablet daily for 12 months.

Measurements

Twelve‐month changes in BMD, fat mass, fat‐free mass and serum DHEA sulphate (DHEAS), (17)estradiol, testosterone and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1).

Results

Women on DHEA had increases (mean ± SD; all P < 0.001 vs placebo) in DHEAS (231 ± 164 µg/dL), testosterone (18.6 ± 20.9 µg/dL), (17)estradiol (8.7 ± 11.0 pg/mL) and IGF‐1 (25.1 ± 52.3 ng/mL), and men had increases in DHEAS (269.0 ± 177 µg/dL; P < 0.01), (17)estradiol (4.8 ± 12.2 pg/m; P < 0.01) and IGF‐1 (6.3 ± 41.4 ng/mL; P < 0.05). Women on DHEA had increases in lumbar spine (1.0% ± 3.4%) and trochanter (0.5% ± 3.8%) BMD and maintained total hip BMD (0.0% ± 2.8%); men had no BMD benefit and a decrease in fat mass (−0.4 ± 2.6 kg; all P < 0.01 vs placebo).

Conclusions

Dehydroepiandrosterone therapy may be an effective approach for preserving bone and muscle mass in women. Key questions are (a) the extent to which longer duration DHEA can attenuate the loss of bone and muscle in women, and (b) whether DHEA has a more favourable benefit‐to‐risk profile for women than oestrogen therapy.
Use of Twitter in communicating living solid organ donation information to the public: An exploratory study of living donors and transplant professionals
Authors: Ruck Jessica M. , Henderson Macey L. , Eno Ann K. , Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , DiBrito Sandra R. , Thomas Alvin G. , Li Rebecca , Singer Lauren , Massie Indraneel , Waldram Madeleine M. , Konel Jonathan M. , Helfer David R. , Garonzik Wang Jacqueline M. , Purnell Tanjala S. , Mogul Douglas B. , Lentine Krista L. , Waterman Amy D. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: November 2018

Background

As transplant centers start leveraging Twitter for information dissemination and public engagement, it is important to understand current living solid organ donation‐related Twitter use.

Methods

We identified public Twitter profiles available in 01/2017 that referenced living organ donation and analyzed the use of donation‐related Twitter handles, names, or profile information. Tweets were manually abstracted and qualitatively analyzed for common themes. Social media influence of those tweeting about living donation was evaluated using Klout score.

Results

We identified 93 donors, 61 professionals, 12 hospitals, and 19 organizations that met eligibility criteria. Social media influence was similar across these groups (P = 0.4). Donors (16%) and organizations (23%) were more likely than professionals (7%) or hospitals (0%) to include transplant‐related educational information in their profiles (P = 0.007). Living donation‐related tweets were most commonly donation stories (33%), news reports (20%), reports about new transplant research (15%), and sharing transplant candidates’ searches for donors (14%).

Conclusions

This exploratory study of living donors and transplant professionals, hospitals, and organizations on Twitter provides insight into how the social media platform may be used to communicate about and disseminate information about living donation.
Early invasive squamous cell carcinoma recurrence rates: A study examining surgical margins, tumor surface diameter, invasion depth, and grade of differentiation in 1296 cases over 9 years
Authors: Pyne John H. , Myint Esther , Clark Simon P. , Barr Elizabeth M. , Hou Ruihang
Published: November 2018

Background

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is typically treated by surgical excision.

Methods

Consecutive SCC excisions were reviewed prospectively in a single Australian center from 2009 to 2017. Cases were examined for recurrence by histopathologic margins, microscopic tumor surface diameter, invasion depth, grade of differentiation, and anatomic site.

Results

Over 9 years, 1296 cases were collected. By grade of differentiation maximum average microscopic surface diameters ranged from 8.0 to 9.6 mm and maximum average depths from 1.3 to 2.5 mm. Minimum average histopathologic margins for well, moderate, and poorly differentiated SCC, respectively, were 1.4, 1.1, and 1.3 mm. Recurrence occurred in 1.7% of well (n = 18/1084), 1.8% moderate (n = 3/165) and 6.4% in poorly differentiated (n = 3/47) SCC. No recurrence occurred beyond a histopathologic margin of 3.5 mm for well and 2.5 mm for moderately differentiated SCC. Highest recurrence for well‐differentiated SCC by anatomic site was the lip (7.0%) then ear (4.6%).

Conclusion

We found a recurrence rate of 1.0% for histopathologic margins of 1.5 mm with early well‐differentiated SCC. The grade of differentiation and anatomic site had a larger influence on recurrence rates compared to the histopathologic margins. Poorly differentiated SCC and ear or lip sites require wider surgical margins.
Pulse wave velocity to global longitudinal strain ratio in hypertension
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Katsanos Spyridon , Triantafyllidi Hellen , Parissis John , Tzortzis Stavros , Pavlidis George , Trivilou Paraskevi , Makavos Georgios , Varoudi Maria , Frogoudaki Alexandra , Vrettou Agathi‐Rosa , Vlastos Dimitrios , Lekakis John , Iliodromitis Efstathios
Published: November 2018

Background

Arterial elastance to left ventricular elastance ratio assessed by echocardiography is widely used as a marker of ventricular‐arterial coupling.

Materials and methods

We investigated whether the ratio of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, as a marker of arterial stiffness, to global longitudinal strain, as a marker of left ventricular performance, could be better associated with vascular and cardiac damage than the established arterial elastance/left ventricular elastance index. In 299 newly‐diagnosed untreated hypertensives we measured, carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima‐media thickness, coronary‐flow reserve, arterial elastance/left ventricular elastance, global longitudinal strain, and markers of left ventricular diastolic function (E/A and E’) by echocardiography.

Results

Pulse wave velocity‐to‐global longitudinal strain ratio (PWV/GLS) was lower in hypertensives than controls (−0.61 ± 0.21 vs −0.45 ± 0.11 m/sec%, P < 0.001). Low PWV/GLS values were associated with carotid‐intima media thickness > 0.9 mm (P = 0.003), E/A ≤ 0.8 (P = 0.019) and E’ ≤ 9 cm/sec (P = 0.002) and coronary‐flow reserve < 2.5 (P = 0.017), after adjustment for age, sex and mean arterial pressure. Low PWV/GLS was also associated with increased left ventricular mass and left atrial volume in the univariate (P = 0.003 and 0.038) but not in the multivariate model. In hypertensives, there was no significant association of arterial elastance‐to‐left ventricular elastance index with carotid intima media thickness, coronary flow reserve, E/A, E’, or left atrial volume with the exception of an inverse association with left ventricular mass (P = 0.027).

Conclusions

Pulse wave velocity‐to‐global longitudinal strain ratio but not the echocardiography‐derived arterial elastance‐to left ventricular elastance index is related to impaired carotid‐intima media thickness, coronary‐flow reserve and diastolic function in hypertensives.
FACE facts hold for multiple generations; Evidence from natural CO2 springs
Authors: Saban Jasmine M. , Chapman Mark A. , Taylor Gail
Published: November 2018

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration is a key driver of enhanced global greening, thought to account for up to 70% of increased global vegetation in recent decades. CO2 fertilization effects have further profound implications for ecosystems, food security and biosphere‐atmosphere feedbacks. However, it is also possible that current trends will not continue, due to ecosystem level constraints and as plants acclimate to future CO2 concentrations. Future predictions of plant response to rising [CO2] are often validated using single‐generation short‐term FACE (Free Air CO2 Enrichment) experiments but whether this accurately represents vegetation response over decades is unclear. The role of transgenerational plasticity and adaptation in the multigenerational response has yet to be elucidated. Here, we propose that naturally occurring high CO2 springs provide a proxy to quantify the multigenerational and long‐term impacts of rising [CO2] in herbaceous and woody species respectively, such that plasticity, transgenerational effects and genetic adaptation can be quantified together in these systems. In this first meta‐analysis of responses to elevated [CO2] at natural CO2 springs, we show that the magnitude and direction of change in eight of nine functional plant traits are consistent between spring and FACE experiments. We found increased photosynthesis (49.8% in spring experiments, comparable to 32.1% in FACE experiments) and leaf starch (58.6% spring, 84.3% FACE), decreased stomatal conductance (gs, 27.2% spring, 21.1% FACE), leaf nitrogen content (6.3% spring, 13.3% FACE) and Specific Leaf Area (SLA, 9.7% spring, 6.0% FACE). These findings not only validate the use of these sites for studying multigenerational plant response to elevated [CO2], but additionally suggest that long‐term positive photosynthetic response to rising [CO2] are likely to continue as predicted by single‐generation exposure FACE experiments.
Comprehensive and cell‐type‐based characterization of the dorsal midbrain during development
Authors: Arimura Nariko , Dewa Ken‐ichi , Okada Mako , Yanagawa Yuchio , Taya Shin‐ichiro , Hoshino Mikio
Published: November 2018

The layer structure has been intensively characterized in the developing neocortex and cerebellum based on the various molecular markers. However, as to the developing dorsal midbrain, comprehensive analyses have not been intensely carried out, and thus, the name as well as the definition of each layer is not commonly shared. Here, we redefined the three layers, such as the ventricular zone, intermediate zone and marginal zone, based on various markers for proliferation and differentiation in embryonic dorsal midbrain. Biphasic Ki67 expression defines the classical VZ, in which there is clear separation of the mitotic and interphase zones. Next, we mapped the distribution of immature neurons to the defined layers, based on markers for glutamatergic and GABAergic lineage. Interestingly, Tbr2 and Neurog2 were expressed in the postmitotic neurons. We also report that active (phosphorylated) JNK is a useful marker to demarcate layers during the embryonic stage. Finally, we validated the final arrival layers of the migratory glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. These results form a foundation for analyses of brain development, especially in the proliferation and migration of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the dorsal midbrain.
Effect of weather conditions on the spring migration of Eurasian Woodcock and consequences for breeding
Authors: Le Rest Kévin , Hoodless Andrew , Heward Christopher , Cazenave Jean‐Louis , Ferrand Yves
Published: November 2018

Migration is a critical period of time with fitness consequences for birds. The development of tracking technologies now allows researchers to examine how different aspects of bird migration affect population dynamics. Weather conditions experienced during migration are expected to influence movements and, subsequently, the timing of arrival and the energetic costs involved. We analysed satellite‐tracking data from 68 Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola fitted with Argos satellite tags in the British Isles and France (2012–17). First, we evaluated the effect of weather conditions (temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric stability and visibility) on migration movements of individuals. Then we investigated the consequences for breeding success (age ratio) and brood precocity (early‐brood ratio) population‐level indices while accounting for climatic variables on the breeding grounds. Air temperature, wind and relative humidity were the main variables related to migration movements, with high temperatures and northward winds greatly increasing the probability of onward flights, whereas a trend towards greater humidity over 4 days decreased the probability of movement. Breeding success was mostly affected by climatic variables on the breeding grounds. The proportion of juveniles in autumn was negatively correlated with temperature in May, but positively correlated with precipitation in June and July. Brood precocity was poorly explained by the covariates used in this study. Our data for the Eurasian Woodcock indicate that, although weather conditions during spring migration affect migration movements, they do not have a major influence on subsequent breeding success.
Introduction to Special Section on: Precarity, Illegality and Temporariness: Implications and Consequences of Canadian Migration Management
Authors: Hari Amrita , Liew Jamie Chai Yun
Published: November 2018

Canada's current immigration, refugee, citizenship and temporary migration polices facilitate the production and maintenance of multitude forms of temporariness. The designation of temporary and precarious status means limited rights, conditionality and increased risk of abuse and exploitation. It also shapes persons’ access to rights and services and their sense of belonging. The special section includes four original articles that employ a range of qualitative methods to delve into the issue of temporariness and its implications for migrants, Canadians, and the future of migration management in Canada. The authors call for repeals, amendments and the creation of innovative programmes that leads to pathways to permanent status. The contributions are intended to provide active, pointed, and practical recommendations that would eventually lead to an immigration programme that is efficient, secure, and complies with international human rights standards while eliminating instances of abuse and exploitation.
Oral hygiene of children with cleft lip and palate: Efficacy of the cleft toothbrush ‐ A designed add‐on to regular toothbrushes
Authors: Rodrigues Rita , Fernandes Maria Helena , Monteiro Antonio Bessa , Furfuro Rowney , Silva Cátia Carvalho , Mendes Joaquim , Manso Maria Conceição
Published: November 2018

Background

The anatomical and morphological alterations associated with cleft lip and palate (CLP) favour the buildup of dental plaque.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of a new add‐on to regular toothbrush—the Cleft Toothbrush, in removing the dental plaque of CLP patients, compared to a regular toothbrush.

Design

Forty‐five children with CLP were randomly organized into two groups: A (n = 26, 2‐6 years old) and B (n = 19, 7‐12 years old). They were evaluated at days 0, 15, 30, and 60. After brushing their teeth with a regular toothbrush or with the Cleft Toothbrush, the dental plaque was recorded using an adapted Plaque Index (aPI). Data analyses were performed in IBM SPSS(c), and all statistic inference comparisons were made using non‐parametric tests.

Results

In the first 15 days, children used a new regular toothbrush and aPI‐C (teeth adjacent to the cleft) was recorded. The Cleft Toothbrush, used by all children from day 15 to day 30, showed high efficacy in removing dental plaque in the cleft area, evidenced by significantly lower aPI‐C values, compared to those observed with the regular toothbrush (P < 0.001). When given free option of brushing technique, from day 30 to day 60, most of the children (38 out of 45) chose the Cleft Toothbrush.

Conclusions

The Cleft Toothbrush showed high efficacy in removing dental plaque in the cleft area, and presented high level of acceptance by parents and children, compared to a regular toothbrush. This is expected to improve the health status of the local adjacent tissues, a requirement for their rehabilitation.
Maxing Out in China: Optimism or Attention?
Authors: Cheema Muhammad A. , Nartea Gilbert V. , Man Yimei
Published: November 2018

Bali et al. (2011) document a maximum daily returns (MAX) premium in the US where stocks with the highest MAX underperform stocks with the lowest MAX in the subsequent month. However, the source of this MAX premium is contentious. Fong and Toh (2014) find that the MAX premium exclusively follows high sentiment periods suggesting that it is driven by investor optimism during high sentiment periods. In contrast Cheon and Lee (2017) find that the MAX premium is stronger following low sentiment periods suggesting that it is driven by the attention‐grabbing characteristic of high MAX stocks in low sentiment periods. We present evidence from China consistent with the MAX premium being driven by investor optimism during high sentiment periods.
Synergetic tuning of electrical/thermal transport via dual‐doping in Bi0.96−xMgxPb0.06CuSeO
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhu Yingcai , Liu Wei‐Shu , Marcelli Augusto , Xu Wei
Published: November 2018

The layered oxyselenides BiCuSeO was recently discovered as potential thermoelectric. Our result reveals that the substitute for atom Bi3+ by Pb2+ & Mg2+ in (Bi2O2)2− play an important role in electrical transport properties. The maximum electrical conductivity obtained is 460 Scm−1 for Bi0.84Mg0.10Pb0.06CuSeO at RT, highly above the 15 Sm−1 for BiCuSeO. In synergy with low thermal conductivity (0.6‐0.4 Wm−1 K−1) and large thermopower (300‐500 μVK−1), the highest ZT is achieved about 0.80 at 873 K for Bi0.88Mg0.06Pb0.06CuSeO.
Effect of interphase on mechanical properties and microstructures of 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ding Qi , Ni Dewei , Wang Zhen , Kan Yanmei , He Ping , Zhang Xiangyu , Ding Yusheng , Dong Shaoming
Published: November 2018

Interphase between the fibers and matrix plays a key role on the properties of fiber reinforced composites. In this work, the effect of interphase on mechanical properties and microstructures of 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures was investigated. When PyC interphase is used, flexural strength and elastic modulus of the Cf/SiBCN composites decrease seriously at 1600°C (92 ± 15 MPa, 12 ± 2 GPa), compared with the properties at room temperature (371 ± 31 MPa, 31 ± 2 GPa). While, the flexural strength and elastic modulus of Cf/SiBCN composites with PyC/SiC multilayered interphase at 1600°C are as high as 330 ± 7 MPa and 30 ± 2 GPa, respectively, which are 97% and 73% of the values at room temperature (341 ± 20 MPa, 41 ± 2 GPa). To clarify the effect mechanism of the interphase on mechanical properties of the Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperature, interfacial bonding strength (IFBS) and microstructures of the composites were investigated in detail. It reveals that the PyC/SiC multilayered interphase can retard the SiBCN matrix degradation at elevated temperature, leading to the high strength retention of the composites at 1600°C.