bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study of automatically performing the concrete delivery dispatching through machine learning techniques
Authors: Maghrebi Mojtaba , Sammut Claude , Waller S. Travis
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of machine learning (ML) techniques in order to automatically measure the feasibility of performing ready mixed concrete (RMC) dispatching jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Six ML techniques were selected and tested on data that was extracted from a developed simulation model and answered by a human expert.

Findings

– The results show that the performance of most of selected algorithms were the same and achieved an accuracy of around 80 per cent in terms of accuracy for the examined cases.

Practical implications

– This approach can be applied in practice to match experts’ decisions.

Originality/value

– In this paper the feasibility of handling complex concrete delivery problems by ML techniques is studied. Currently, most of the concrete mixing process is done by machines. However, RMC dispatching still relies on human resources to complete many tasks. In this paper the authors are addressing to reconstruct experts’ decisions as only practical solution.
Obesity, obesity health risks, resilience, and acculturation in black African immigrants
Authors: Frisillo Vander Veen Dana
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Obesity and obesity-related health problems are a growing concern for many immigrants in the USA. The literature that examines the linkages between acculturation, resilience, obesity health risks, and obesity outcomes among Black African immigrants is sparse. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether the predictor variable of acculturation showed a significant association with two criterion variables, obesity health risk symptoms, and obesity; and whether resilience acted as a moderator between acculturation, obesity health risk symptoms, and obesity among Black African immigrants living in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study consisted of a quantitative correlational survey research design. Participants of the study were 55 Black African immigrants residing in three metropolitan areas of the USA.

Findings

– Higher levels of acculturation were associated with fewer obesity health risks. Higher levels of resilience were associated with the fewest obesity health risks when the participant also had high-acculturation levels. Resilience moderated between acculturation and obesity health risk symptoms. Neither acculturation nor resilience significantly predicted obesity. Furthermore, resilience did not moderate between acculturation and obesity.

Research limitations/implications

– A primary limitation was the very small sample size of the study. Future research would be needed to examine the overall determinants of obesity among immigrant populations. Furthermore, one limitation is that some of the questions on the Weight-Related Symptom Measure (Patrick et al., 2004) were sensitive in nature, and participants might have felt uncomfortable providing information about their weight. As a result, while self-reporting, they could have underestimated their body mass index status. For example, individuals who were already overweight or obese might have reported their body weights with lower accuracy than those who were of normal weight, thereby creating error in the dependent variable.

Practical implications

– Results from this study will help to promote health initiatives in Black African immigrant communities to link individuals to needed healthcare services.

Originality/value

– The literature that examines the linkages between acculturation, resilience, obesity health risks, and obesity outcomes among Black African immigrants is sparse. This study is the first to use the Reserve Capacity Model for a sample of Black African immigrants.
Non-linear modelling of market cycles in South Africa
Authors: Seetharam Yudhvir , Britten James
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to expand on the sparse literature on non-linear modelling in South Africa and test for non-linearity of the market cycle on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with specific focus on a particular non-linear model – a Smooth Transition Auto-Regressive (STAR) model.

Design/methodology/approach

– Non-linear estimation methods are used to describe the market cycle, as defined by equity prices, for the period 1998-2010.

Findings

– In applying the STAR model to daily, weekly and monthly returns data, it was found that the fit of this family of models differs heavily based on the frequency of data used. The daily Logarithmic STAR (LSTAR) model was found to be the best fit relative to other data frequencies. Indeed, the weekly LSTAR model, while still appropriate to use, was less apt at forecasting than its daily counterpart. Monthly return data indicated that a linear AR model was more appropriate than a non-linear one.

Practical implications

– The results assist in understanding the cyclical nature of emerging markets as well contributing to the understanding of creating a portfolio consisting of international securities. If one can show that equity returns in a particular emerging market follow non-linear behaviour, expanding this hypothesis to other emerging markets enables a minimum variance portfolio to be constructed that is informed by returns changing over time.

Originality/value

– The findings can be used for further research into share price modelling, portfolio management and perhaps as an avenue into the reasoning behind the formation of market cycles.
Relevance of fair value of Brazilian banks securities in the financial crisis
Authors: Chiqueto Fernando , Silva Ricardo Luiz Menezes , Colossal Guilherme , Carvalho L. Nelson G.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to seek to clarify whether the fair value (FV) of Brazilian banks securities is relevant for investors in times of crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The information gathered for 14 quarters, 2007-2010, of a cross-sectional sample of banks was used for the purpose of explaining the value of shares based on amortized cost and the FV of securities, the book value of equity and the financial crisis. The return on shares was regressed based on the realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, adjusted income and the crisis.

Findings

– The results indicated that the FV is relevant. The results also corroborated the hypothesis that, during the crisis, there was a decrease in the relevance of the FV of securities since the accounting practices adopted in Brazil did not specify how to estimate FV, as required by SFAS 157, neither did they require disclosure of the FV hierarchy, as established International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 7. It was concluded that FV has incremental explanatory power over equity, but not over amortized cost. Furthermore it possible to conclude that quarterly unrealized gains and losses on securities are not relevant, which could be explained by possible tax planning practices, since, in Brazil, the mark-to-market adjustment of securities is only deductible, or taxable, when settled. However, the realized and unrealized gains and losses are value-relevant during the period of financial crisis.

Originality/value

– This study provides empirical evidence about the relevance of FV during the financial crisis in Brazil.
Should youth disclose their mental health challenges? Perspectives from students, parents, and school professionals
Authors: Buchholz Blythe , Aylward Stephanie , McKenzie Sue , Corrigan Patrick
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Disclosure seems to be a useful strategy for adults to deal with both the public and self-stigma of mental illness. However, youth may face a different set of risks when coming out with their experiences. The purpose of this paper is to examine youth, parent, and teacher perspectives on the costs and benefits of disclosure by middle- and high school-aged youth to better understand these risks.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focus groups were conducted with questions framed to elicit the different ways mental health challenges are discussed in schools and families.

Findings

– Surprisingly, the benefits of disclosure seemed to far outweigh the costs across groups. Benefits included ways to deal with stigma, reducing isolation, and “differentness,” as well as the pursuit of mental health services if needed. Costs included harsh responses to disclosure by peers and family members. Participants shared strategies used to minimize risk, including where and with whom youth might share their stories.

Social implications

– The results suggest many youth have disclosed their experiences with mental health challenges and have received mixed responses; these reactions often serve as the barometer for future disclosure decisions. Other youth are considering disclosure in a variety of settings, but are unsure how to go about it safely. Implications for addressing stigma are discussed.

Originality/value

– To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative research study conducted with youth about disclosure of mental illness experiences. These results will help guide modification of programming that could be beneficial in aiding disclosure decisions and reducing disclosure-related risks for youth who come out.
I’ve 500 friends, but who are my mates? Investigating the influence of online friend networks on adolescent wellbeing
Authors: Best Paul , Taylor Brian , Manktelow Roger
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between online friend networks and the mental well-being (MWB) of adolescent males.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used a mixed methods approach: first, questionnaire involving a validated MWB scale and questions regarding online friendship to 14-15 year old males (n=521); and second, focus group interviews (n=8) of between six and eight members three months later.

Findings

– Positive and negative associations were recorded between online friends and well-being. A positive relationship (p< 0.05) was found between the number of online friends and well-being scores. However, higher numbers of online friends were also associated with increases in negative online experiences namely, receiving embarrassing posts online or risky activities such as, chatting frequently with strangers. Online friends may influence perceptions of social support, status and belonging, each of which may contribute positively or negatively to well-being. However, by increasing these perceptions, online friends may cause additional distress when their presence does not provide tangible support during a crisis period.

Originality/value

– Online friends provide the context to which young males explore and negotiate the online world. To date, little mixed methods research has focused exclusively on the MWB of online friends. Policy makers could do well to consider the growing prominence of online social networking and produce targeted programmes to educate young people on the benefits and pitfalls of building large online “friend” networks.
“Saluting” perceived sense of coherence in people with dementia by nurses
Authors: Lillekroken Daniela , Hauge Solveig , Slettebø Åshild
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Nurses employed in nursing homes have a unique insight into the lives of people with dementia (PwD) and into the factors that may support and possibly enhance their sense of coherence (SOC). It is currently not known precisely which factors contribute to supporting the SOC in PwD; therefore, in order to address the paucity of research in this area, the purpose of this paper is to identify and present these factors as they were perceived by nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employed a qualitative explorative design. Participant observation and focus group interviews were the data collection methods. The participants were nurses employed in special dementia units from two Norwegian nursing homes. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

– Data analysis highlighted a main category, with additional three generic categories. The main category, “creating order out of chaos” concerns the nurses’ explanations about how they could create order in the lives of PwD lives. This main category is subdivided into three generic categories; “establishing continuity”, “ensuring predictability” and “building confidence”. These categories were assessed as “salutary” factors that may contribute to supporting the SOC in PwD.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights the importance of continuity, predictability and confidence as factors that may contribute to counterbalancing the state of chaos and to supporting the SOC in PwD. The findings add a salutogenic perspective to dementia care and research.
Corporate social responsibility and its impact in consumer decision-making
Authors: Rodrigues Paula , Borges Ana Pinto
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to explore the relationship between the consumer perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the buying behaviour in the brand clothing Salsa. This paper intends to analyse if the consumer knows about the meaning of social responsibility in the economic, social and environmental contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper used a survey to assess the perception of the consumer of the social responsibility practices of the Salsa brand. The questionnaires were administered to consumers in the north of Portugal. The survey questions were tested through an exploratory factor analysis. A least squares estimation was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The consumers revealed that they have four dimensions of perceptions of CSR: ecological reasons, no discrimination reasons, recycling reasons and communication reasons. The results suggest that the consumers consider that there are four aspects of CSR: economic, social, ecological and recycling. When it was verified that the personal concerns, regarding environment and recycling, play an important role in consumer decision, the seven stages of the consumer decision process developed by Blackwell et al. (2006) were evaluated. In this sense, it was observed that the knowledge of social responsibility practices and the dimensions of perceptions of CSR revealed by the consumers influence the purchase of the company’s products.

Originality/value

– This paper obtained an interesting result in the sense that the consumers distinguish the environmental aspects on ecological and recycling. It is also observed that this distinction, allied to the knowledge of social responsibility practices carried out by the company, leads to the affirmation that the final disinvestment stage of the consumer decision process plays an important role in consumer decision.
ISO 26000 in the assessment of CSR communication quality: CEO letters and social media in the global pulp and paper industry
Authors: Toppinen Anne , Hänninen Vasylysa , Lähtinen Katja
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the content and determinants of voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures within chief executive officer (CEO) letters and social media tools.

Design/methodology/approach

– Published CEO letters and the presence of global pulp and paper manufacturing companies in the social media in 2012 are analysed in this study using content analysis. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis is used to investigate the impact played by headquarter location, firm size and lagged profitability as a measure of slack resources on the quality of CSR disclosure.

Findings

– Company size and slack resources were found to increase the quality of traditional sustainability communication, whereas company size was the only significant factor explaining communication quality in social media usage. Environmental issues were the most common disclosure topic, accompanied by community issues. A curvilinear association was interestingly found between slack resources and communication quality.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample frame was selected from the 100 largest pulp and paper companies globally, and for better generalization, future research should aim at also analyzing data from small and medium enterprises and from other industries.

Practical implications

– Findings of the paper are useful for firm self-evaluation and benchmarking of disclosure activities by other businesses across the pulp and paper industry.

Social implications

– Slack company resources improve communication quality and the effective utilization of multiple channels.

Originality/value

– This paper incorporates the framework of the new ISO 26000 standard in CSR implementation and illustrates the growing importance of social media in communicating CSR.
Going it Alone? The Choice of Political Union in British Politics
Authors: Glencross Andrew
Published: September 2015

This article explores the inter‐related debates over Britain's relationship with the EU and that over the future of the UK. It argues that euroscepticism and Scottish independence are based on exceptionalist identities that now revolve around economic policy. Elite euroscepticism cleaves to a neoliberal vision of minimalist regulation, while advocates of Scottish independence claim Westminster's austerity policies make the British Union incompatible with social democracy. However, this presentation of the choice facing British voters ignores the serious contradictions that overhauling the current order entails. Both forms of exceptionalism fail to recognize the significant limitations of self‐government outside and within the EU. If Conservatives can contain their neoliberal flirtation with EU withdrawal they are very well placed to prosper electorally. The dilemma of which union(s) to choose might thus constitute the prelude to the entrenchment of the economic and political order that gave rise to such contestation in the first place.
Participatory Model Calibration for Improving Resource Management Systems: Case Study of Rainwater Harvesting in an Indian Village
Authors: Kolagani Nagesh , Ramu Palaniappan , Varghese Koshy
Published: September 2015

While planning resource management systems in rural areas, it is important to consider criteria that are specific to the local social conditions. Such criteria might change from one region to another and are hence best identified using a participatory approach. In this work, we propose a participatory framework to identify such criteria and derive their weights. These identified criteria and their weights are used as parameters to develop a quantitative model for evaluating efficiency of each system. Such a model can serve as a support tool for stakeholders to simulate and analyze “what‐if” scenarios, evaluate alternatives, and select one which best satisfies their requirements. We use existing systems to test the model by comparing efficiencies evaluated by the model to efficiencies perceived by the stakeholders. The model is calibrated by repeating the process until statistically significant correlation is achieved between evaluated and perceived efficiencies. The novelty of the proposed framework lies in treating efficiencies perceived by the stakeholders as the ground truth since they know these systems well and are their ultimate users. The framework is successfully demonstrated using case study of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in an Indian village. The resulting calibrated model can be used to plan new RWH systems in this region and similar regions elsewhere. The framework can be used to plan other resource management systems in various regions.
New Organizational Leadership: Nonstate Actors in Global Economic Governance
Authors: Mattli Walter , Seddon Jack
Published: September 2015

States and international organizations have found irresistible cause in a globalizing world to coopt nonstate actors (NGOs, private standard setters and so forth) to manage the manifold problems arising under their stretched mandates and resources. The pooling of capacities in the pursuit of common goals seems perfectly sensible. Yet although the strategy of cooptation has become a policy of choice, policy makers often lack full knowledge of its implications. As Philip Selznick first showed, cooptation can have unintended consequences, shifting leadership from one organization to another. We place this fertile insight in a better specified analytical framework. That is, one capable of explaining when and how leadership shifts occur and where the status quo leaders will remain at the helm. Using original interview data and structured focused comparisons to test the framework, we reveal dramatic variation in leadership changes following the cooptation of outside actors in global financial and environmental governance.
Advance, retreat, resettle? Climate change could produce a zero‐sum game for invasive species
Authors: Stephens Andrea E A , Stringer Lloyd D , Suckling D Maxwell
Published: September 2015

Climate change will alter the threats presented by invasive species. Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation regimes will likely simultaneously improve the suitability of a region for some species while decreasing it for others. We demonstrate the zero‐sum game nature of these changes by modelling the changes to the projected distribution of 13 tropical and subtropical Tephritidae species in cities in Australia and New Zealand using published CLIMEX models. Under current climate conditions, tropical and warm temperate cities were suitable for more species than arid or cool temperate ones. All New Zealand cities increased in suitability, while Australian cities show more variable responses. The changes that occur under climate change are in line with the expectation of species ranges moving into higher latitudes but are also influenced by changes to the precipitation regime. With climate change, the nature of biosecurity threats will alter, the range of species able to survive in cool temperate regions is likely to increase with decreases in species ability to survive in tropical regions. Biosecurity agencies will need to respond to changing geography of threats.
Utilization of digital differential display to identify differentially expressed genes related to rumen development
Authors: Kato Daichi , Suzuki Yutaka , Haga Satoshi , So KyoungHa , Yamauchi Eri , Nakano Miwa , Ishizaki Hiroshi , Choi Kichoon , Katoh Kazuo , Roh Sang‐Gun
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to identify the genes associated with the development of the rumen epithelium by screening for candidate genes by digital differential display (DDD) in silico. Using DDD in NCBI's UniGene database, expressed sequence tag (EST)‐based gene expression profiles were analyzed in rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum and other tissues in cattle. One hundred and ten candidate genes with high expression in the rumen were derived from a library of all tissues. The expression levels of 11 genes in all candidate genes were analyzed in the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum of nine Japanese Black male calves (5‐week‐old pre‐weaning: n = 3; 15‐week‐old weaned calves: n = 6). Among the 11 genes, only 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), aldo‐keto reductase family 1, member C1‐like (AKR1C1), and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) showed significant changes in the levels of gene expression in the rumen between the pre‐ and post‐weaning of calves. These results indicate that DDD analysis in silico can be useful for screening candidate genes related to rumen development, and that the changes in expression levels of three genes in the rumen may have been caused by weaning, aging or both. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science
Immunogenic properties and mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lung lesions in Large White pigs selected for higher peripheral blood immune capacity
Authors: Borjigin Liushiqi , Shimazu Tomoyuki , Katayama Yuki , Li Meihua , Satoh Takumi , Watanabe Kouichi , Kitazawa Haruki , Roh Sang‐gun , Aso Hisashi , Katoh Kazuo , Uchida Takafumi , Suda Yoshihito , Sakuma Akiko , Nakajo Mituru , Suzuki Keiichi
Published: September 2015

Immunogenic properties and mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lung lesions were compared between the immunity‐selected Large White line and the non‐selected Large White line. The selected Large White line showed a higher level of pulmonary MPS lesions compared with the non‐selected Large White line. Subsequent to vaccination, the percentage of natural killer cells and T cells (CD3+CD4+CD8‐ and CD3+CD4−CD8+ T cells) were significantly increased in the non‐selected line but remained unchanged in the immunity‐selected Large White line. Secretion of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccine‐specific immunoblogulin G and phagocyte activity in peripheral blood were significantly higher in the immunity‐selected Large White line than in the non‐selected line. Expression of interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐6 messenger RNA in hilar lymph nodes was significantly lower in the immunity‐selected Large White line than in the non‐selected line. However, expression of IL‐10 in all immune tissues was significantly higher in the immunity‐selected Large White line. These results suggest that the selection for high immunity was not effective in increasing resistance to MPS lung lesions.
The ectopic compound ommatidium‐like pallial eyes of three species of Mediterranean (Adriatic Sea)Glycymeris(Bivalvia: Arcoida). Decreasing visual acuity with increasing depth?
Authors: Morton Brian , Puljas Sanja
Published: September 2015

The undescribed ommatidium‐like ectopic pallial eyes of three Mediterranean species ofGlycymerishave been studied and compared with those of the eastern AtlanticG. glycymeris. Wide interspecific variation in eye size between the taxa is recorded with those ofG. bimaculatabeing the largest,G. nummariathe smallest andG. pilosaandG. glycymerisof intermediate and similar dimensions. Such differences result primarily from interspecific variations in the numbers and sizes of the ommatidium‐like rhabdomes. The consequences of this will be the differences in abilities to create a summed image and thereby reduce visual acuity. Other bivalves, such as the Pectinoidea, have shown eye size differences in relation to depth.Glycymeris bimaculata, with the largest eyes, occupies the shallowest depths;G. nummariabears the smallest eyes and occupies the deepest depths. The genetically sister clusters ofG. pilosaandG. glycymerisoccupy intermediate depths. Accurate depth records for the four taxa blur this hypothesised trend, but comparative eye dimensions suggest it to be valid.
Symptom burden and information needs in prostate cancer survivors: a case for tailored long‐term survivorship care
Authors: Bernat Jennifer K. , Wittman Daniela A. , Hawley Sarah T. , Hamstra Daniel A. , Helfand Alexander M. , Haggstrom David A. , Darwish‐Yassine May , Skolarus Ted A.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To determine the relationship between long‐term prostate cancer survivors’ symptom burden and information needs.

Patients and Methods

We used population‐based data from the Michigan Prostate Cancer Survivor Study (2499 men). We examined unadjusted differences in long‐term information needs according to symptom burden and performed multivariable logistic regression to examine symptom burden and information needs adjusting for patient characteristics.

Results

High symptom burden was reported across all domains (sexual 44.4%, urinary 14.4%, vitality 12.7%, bowel 8.4%, emotional 7.6%) with over half of respondents (56%) reporting they needed more information. Top information needs involved recurrence, relationships, and long‐term effects. Prostate cancer survivors with high symptom burden more often searched for information regardless of domain (P < 0.05). High sexual burden was associated with greater need for information about relationships [odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–2.72] and long‐term effects (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.23–2.07). High bowel burden was associated with greater information need for long‐term effects (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.43–3.63).

Conclusions

Long‐term prostate cancer survivors with high symptom burden need more supportive information. Tailoring information to these needs may be an efficient approach to support the growing population of long‐term prostate cancer survivors.
Export performance of the Asian miracle economies: The role of innovation and product variety
Authors: Ang James B. , Madsen Jakob B. , Robertson Peter E.
Published: September 2015

Traditional export models fall short of explaining the marked increase in exports of the Asian miracle economies in the post‐WWII period. A model showing that exports are driven by innovations, innovative competitiveness, demand and price competitiveness is estimated for China, India, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan over the period 1953–2010. The results demonstrate that innovation stocks and competitiveness are important determinants behind their success. Furthermore, innovation stocks and innovative competitiveness are shown to be less influential for export growth in China and India and their export booms have been fuelled by process rather than product innovation.
Mild deficits in attentional control in patients with the IGSF1 deficiency syndrome
Authors: Joustra S.D. , Andela C.D. , Oostdijk W. , van Trotsenburg A.S.P. , Fliers E. , Wit J.M. , Pereira A.M. , Middelkoop H.A.M. , Biermasz N.R.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Male patients with the X‐linked IGSF1 deficiency syndrome are characterized by central hypothyroidism, delayed pubertal testosterone rise, adult macroorchidism, variable prolactin deficiency and occasionally transient partial growth hormone deficiency. Thyroid hormone plays a vital role in brain development and functioning, and while most patients receive adequate replacement therapy starting shortly after birth, it is unknown whether this syndrome is accompanied by long‐term impaired cognitive functioning. We therefore assessed cognitive functioning in male patients with IGSF1 deficiency.

Methods

Fifteen adult male patients with IGSF1 deficiency participated in neuropsychological assessment of executive functioning and memory, and completed validated questionnaires on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), mood and fatigue. Results were compared to data from previous studies by our department: 54 healthy controls (76 for the attention task) for the test battery and 191 healthy controls for the questionnaires.

Results

All patients had central hypothyroidism, and twelve were treated with levothyroxine. Patients performed worse than controls in tasks that required attentional control (Trail Making Test, Letter‐Digit Substitution Test, and Sustained Attention to Response Task) (all P < 0·001). Memory was unaffected. In addition, patients reported more mental fatigue and reduction of activity (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) (both P < 0·01), while HRQoL and mood reports were not different from controls. Age at the start of replacement therapy and current thyroxine levels were not related to outcome.

Conclusions

Adult male patients with IGSF1 deficiency exhibit mild deficits in attentional control on formal testing. This finding was not related to the age at start of replacement therapy, or current levothyroxine treatment.
Treatment and management of thyroid storm: analysis of the nationwide surveys
Authors: Isozaki Osamu , Satoh Tetsurou , Wakino Shu , Suzuki Atsushi , Iburi Tadao , Tsuboi Kumiko , Kanamoto Naotetsu , Otani Hajime , Furukawa Yasushi , Teramukai Satoshi , Akamizu Takashi
Published: September 2015

Objective

Thyroid storm (TS) is a life‐threatening endocrine emergency. This study aimed to achieve a better understanding of the management of TS by analyzing therapeutic modalities and prognoses reported by nationwide surveys performed in Japan.

Design, patients and measurements

Retrospective analyses were performed on clinical parameters, outcomes, and treatments in 356 TS patients.

Results

Patient disease severities assessed via Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores significantly correlated with mortality. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) and the FT3/free thyroxine (FT4) ratio inversely correlated with disease severity. Methimazole (MMI) was used in the majority of patients (78·1%), and there were no significant differences in mortality or disease severity between those treated with MMI and those receiving propylthiouracil (PTU). Patients who received inorganic iodide (KI) demonstrated higher disease severity but no change in mortality compared to those who did not. Patients treated with corticosteroids (CSs) demonstrated significantly higher disease severity and mortality than those who were not. Disease severity in patients treated with intravenous administration of beta‐adrenergic antagonists (AAs) was significantly higher than those treated with oral preparations, although no significant difference in mortality was observed between these groups. In addition, mortality was significantly higher in patients treated with non‐selective beta‐AAs as compared with other types of beta‐AAs.

Conclusion

In Japan, MMI was preferentially used in TS and showed no disadvantages compared to PTU. In severe TS, multimodal treatment, including administration of antithyroid drugs, KI, CSs and selective beta1‐AAs may be preferable to improve outcomes.
Concomitant opsoclonus ataxia and limbic encephalitis as a result of dual anti‐Ri and anti‐Yo antibodies in uterine carcinosarcoma: A case report
Authors: Kim Jennifer A. , Pinto Andre , Nucci Marisa R. , Lyons Jennifer L.
Published: September 2015

Background

Paraneoplastic syndromes have become increasingly recognized as causing a number of neurological symptoms that can herald the presence of malignancy. A number of these antibodies have been identified. Few cases report paraneoplastic syndromes resulting from the presence of multiple antibodies in a single tumor source.

Case presentation

Here, we describe a case of simultaneous opsoclonus ataxia and limbic encephalitis from two concurrent paraneoplastic antibodies, anti‐Ri and anti‐Yo, in the presence of diagnosed uterine carcinosarcoma. Anti‐Ri (anti‐neuronal nuclear antibody type 2 or ANNA‐2) and anti‐Yo (anti‐Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody type 1) antibodies are known to be associated with opsoclonus myoclonus and cerebellar degeneration syndromes, respectively. Anti‐Ri has also been associated with limbic encephalitis.

Conclusions

This is a unique description of both anti‐Ri and anti‐Yo paraneoplastic antibodies with correlating syndromes in uterine carcinosarcoma. Although paraneoplastic syndromes are widely recognized and described, they are rare; but, as evidenced by this case, it is possible to have multiple concomitant syndromes and antibodies.
Na+–Ca2+ Exchanger, Leak K+ Channel and Hyperpolarization‐Activated Cyclic Nucleotide‐Gated Channel Comediate the Histamine‐Induced Excitation on Rat Inferior Vestibular Nucleus Neurons
Authors: Yu Lei , Zhang Xiao‐Yang , Cao Shu‐Liang , Peng Shi‐Yu , Ji Deng‐Yu , Zhu Jing‐Ning , Wang Jian‐Jun
Published: September 2015

Aims

Antihistaminergic drugs have traditionally been used to treat vestibular disorders in the clinic. As a potential central target for antihistaminergic drugs, the inferior vestibular nucleus (IVN) is the largest subnucleus of the central vestibular nuclear complex and is considered responsible for vestibular‐autonomic responses and integration of vestibular, cerebellar, and multisensory signals. However, the role of histamine on the IVN, particularly the underlying mechanisms, is still not clear.

Methods

Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings on rat brain slices, histamine‐induced effect on IVN neurons and the underlying receptor and ionic mechanisms were investigated.

Results

We found that histamine remarkably depolarized both spontaneous firing neurons and silent neurons in IVN via both histamine H1 and histamine H2 receptors. Furthermore, Na+–Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) and background leak K+ channels linked to H1 receptors and hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels coupled to H2 receptors comediate the histamine‐induced depolarization on IVN neurons.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the multiple ionic mechanisms underlying the excitatory modulation of histamine/central histaminergic system on IVN neurons and the related vestibular reflexes and functions. The findings also suggest potential targets for the treatment of vestibular disorders in the clinic, at the level of ionic channels in central vestibular nuclei.
Different Patterns of Spontaneous Brain Activity between Tremor‐Dominant and Postural Instability/Gait Difficulty Subtypes of Parkinson's Disease: A Resting‐State fMRI Study
Authors: Chen Hui‐Min , Wang Zhi‐Jiang , Fang Jin‐Ping , Gao Li‐Yan , Ma Ling‐Yan , Wu Tao , Hou Ya‐Nan , Zhang Jia‐Rong , Feng Tao
Published: September 2015

Aims

Postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) and tremor‐dominant (TD) subtypes of Parkinson's disease (PD) show different clinical manifestations; however, their underlying neural substrates remain incompletely understood. This study aimed at investigating the subtype‐specific patterns of spontaneous brain activity in PD.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with PD (12 TD/19 PIGD) and 22 healthy gender‐ and age‐matched controls were recruited. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected, and amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was measured. Voxelwise one‐way analysis of covariance and post hoc analyses of ALFF were performed among the three groups, with age and gender as covariates (levodopa daily dosage and gray matter volume as additional covariates for validation analysis). Correlations of clinical variables (e.g., disease duration and PIGD/tremor subscale score) with ALFF values were examined.

Results

Compared with controls, patients with TD exhibited higher ALFF in the right cerebellar posterior lobe and patients with PIGD exhibited lower ALFF in the bilateral putamen and cerebellar posterior lobe, and higher values primarily in several cortical areas including the inferior and superior temporal gyrus, superior frontal, and parietal gyrus. Compared with patients with PIGD, patients with TD had higher ALFF in the bilateral putamen and the cerebellar posterior lobe, as well as lower ALFF in the bilateral temporal gyrus and the left superior parietal lobule. In all patients, ALFF in the bilateral cerebellar posterior lobe positively correlated with tremor score and ALFF in the bilateral putamen negatively correlated with PIGD score.

Conclusion

Different patterns of spontaneous neural activity in the cerebellum and putamen may underlie the neural substrate of PD motor subtypes.
A typology of time‐scale mismatches and behavioral interventions to diagnose and solve conservation problems
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , Hardisty David J. , Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca S. , Runge Michael C. , Cottingham Kathryn L. , Urban Dean L. , Maguire Lynn A. , Hastings Alan , Mumby Peter J. , Peters Debra P.C.
Published: September 2015

Ecological systems often operate on time scales significantly longer or shorter than the time scales typical of human decision making, which causes substantial difficulty for conservation and management in socioecological systems. For example, invasive species may move faster than humans can diagnose problems and initiate solutions, and climate systems may exhibit long‐term inertia and short‐term fluctuations that obscure learning about the efficacy of management efforts in many ecological systems. We adopted a management‐decision framework that distinguishes decision makers within public institutions from individual actors within the social system, calls attention to the ways socioecological systems respond to decision makers’ actions, and notes institutional learning that accrues from observing these responses. We used this framework, along with insights from bedeviling conservation problems, to create a typology that identifies problematic time‐scale mismatches occurring between individual decision makers in public institutions and between individual actors in the social or ecological system. We also considered solutions that involve modifying human perception and behavior at the individual level as a means of resolving these problematic mismatches. The potential solutions are derived from the behavioral economics and psychology literature on temporal challenges in decision making, such as the human tendency to discount future outcomes at irrationally high rates. These solutions range from framing environmental decisions to enhance the salience of long‐term consequences, to using structured decision processes that make time scales of actions and consequences more explicit, to structural solutions aimed at altering the consequences of short‐sighted behavior to make it less appealing. Additional application of these tools and long‐term evaluation measures that assess not just behavioral changes but also associated changes in ecological systems are needed.
Push or Pull? Design of Content Delivery Systems
Authors: Guo Hong , Marston Sean , Chen Yuwen
Published: September 2015

Advances in information technology, especially the expansion of cellular and WiFi networks, are dramatically changing how people consume digital content. These changes in user access behavior present a challenge of delivering content to a diversified consumer base. This article addresses this challenge by identifying the key factors for the design of content delivery systems (gross value of content, delivery delay, sensitivity to delivery delay, accessing cost, and processing cost) and explicitly modeling their interactions. We investigate two content delivery systems—push and pull systems, and solve for the content provider's optimal push frequency decision and consumers’ push versus pull decisions. We show that the content provider's selection of push frequency plays a critical role determining the segmentation of the consumer market into the push group and the pull group. Our findings suggest that firms should set a relatively high push frequency to cater to high‐type consumers, which leads to two consumer groups with low‐type consumers belonging to the pull group and high‐type consumers belonging to the push group.
Smartphones and dental trauma: the current availability of apps for managing traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Djemal Serpil , Singh Parmjit
Published: September 2015

Background/Aim

There is a general consensus regarding the lack of awareness regarding the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries amongst laypersons and dental professionals. This article aims to provide an overview of the apps available for traumatic dental injuries using smartphones. These apps may serve as a gateway for raising awareness of traumatic dental injuries.

Materials and method

Three smartphone devices were used to access their respective app stores (Nokia Lumia 635 with Windows Phone OS 8.1; iPhone 5 with iOS 8.1; Samsung Galaxy Ace II with Android OS v2.3.6 Gingerbread). Nine phrases were searched: broken tooth/teeth; chipped tooth/teeth; dental emergency; dental injury; dental trauma; fractured tooth/teeth; knocked‐out tooth/teeth; tooth/teeth injury; and tooth/teeth trauma.

Results

Seven apps for the Android and one app for the Apple operating system were relevant. The only Apple iOS app retrieved (Dental Trauma) was also found for the Android OS (Dental Trauma First Aid) and had the endorsement of the International Association of Dental Traumatology. AcciDent was the only app dedicated to traumatic dental injuries targeted solely towards dental professionals. Five other apps (Chipped Tooth Solution, Dental Crown Repair, Fixing Cracked Tooth, Repairing the Front Tooth and Solution to Broken Tooth) appeared to come from the same source (KBES). No traumatic dental injury apps were found for the Windows Phone OS.

Conclusion

There are apps available for both patients and dentists that range in quality and on the whole lack real‐life photographs. Future apps should continue to provide good quality, evidence‐based and validated material.
Psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior in neurotypical young adults with childhood‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Baldin Elisa , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Caplan Rochelle , Berg Anne T.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

We examined the associations of lifetime and current histories of psychiatric disorders and of suicidal thoughts and behaviors with childhood‐onset epilepsies in a community‐based cohort of young adults.

Methods

Cases were neurotypical (normal neurologic, cognitive, and imaging examinations and no evidence of a brain insult responsible for the epilepsy) young adults with childhood‐onset epilepsy followed since the onset of their epilepsy approximately 15 years earlier and recruited as part of a community‐based study. They were compared to two different control groups: siblings and external controls from the National Comorbidity Survey‐Replication (NCS‐R). The Diagnostic Interview Survey assessed lifetime and current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) diagnoses of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Survey for Children‐IV and the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS‐IV).

Results

Two hundred fifty‐seven cases and 134 sibling controls participated in the DIS‐IV portion of the young adult assessment. Comparing cases both to their sibling controls and to the controls drawn from the NCS‐R, we did not find any evidence to suggest a higher prevalence of lifetime and current mood or anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempt in young adults with childhood‐onset epilepsies.

Significance

Our findings from a community‐based sample of neurotypical young adults do not suggest a substantial or lasting association between childhood epilepsy and psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior.