bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design on improving piezoelectric strain and temperature stability of KNN‐based ceramics
Authors: Cen Zhenyong , Feng Wei , Zhao Peiyao , Chen Lingling , Zhu Chaoqiong , Yu Yan , Li Longtu , Wang Xiaohui
Published: October 2018

Lead‐free 0.99(0.96K0.46Na0.54Nb1‐xTaxO3‐0.04Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3)‐0.01CaZrO3 (0.99(0.96KNNTax‐0.04BNZ)‐0.01CZ) ceramics were prepared by a solid‐state sintering method. Ta2O5 doped in the 0.99(0.96KNNTax‐0.04BNZ)‐0.01CZ ceramics results in a phase structure transition from the orthorhombic (O)/tetragonal (T) phase to the rhombohedral (R)/T phase. The Ta2O5 dopant induces a decrease in the average grain size from ~1.70 to ~0.69 μm. At x = 0.02 and 0.04, the ceramics have a high reverse piezoelectric coefficient (~500 pm/V under 25 kV/cm). The ceramics with x = 0.04 show an optimal level of unipolar strain, reaching 0.17% under 35 kV/cm at room temperature, and their field‐induced strain varies <10% in the temperature range from 25 to 135°C. The presence of the O phase in the polymorphic phase boundary (PPB) improves the temperature stability the reverse piezoelectric coefficient (). Obtaining KNN‐based ceramics with good piezoelectric properties and weak temperature sensitivity by designing a R/O/T phase boundary and controlling the average grain size to the submicrometer level is highly feasible.
Improved ZT in ball‐milled and spark plasma sintered Cu15As30Te55 glass‐ceramics
Authors: Morin Cédric , Monnier Judith , Vaney Jean‐Baptiste , Delaizir Gaëlle , Piarristeguy Andrea , Candolfi Christophe , Pradel Annie , Lenoir Bertrand , Alleno Eric
Published: October 2018

The influence of ball milling followed by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) on the thermoelectric properties of the Cu15As30Te55 glass composition has been investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructure, composition, and thermal stability of the ball‐milled samples before and after SPS have been correlated with the electrical and thermal transport properties. Upon ball milling, a glass‐to‐glass transformation is evidenced for short ball‐milling times, followed by crystallization of the metastable β‐As2Te3 phase within the glassy matrix. This glass‐to‐glass transformation favors the occurrence of the β‐As2Te3 phase during the SPS process. A maximum figure of merit ZT of 0.29 at 400 K is obtained in the sample exhibiting the largest β‐As2Te3 crystalline fraction. This ZT value is twice as high as the value obtained for the glass‐ceramic sintered from non‐ball‐milled powder.
Hospital admissions and place of death of residents of care homes receiving specialist healthcare services: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Tucker Sue , Buck Deborah , Roe Brenda , Hughes Jane , Challis David
Published: October 2018

Aim

To synthesize the evidence relating to the ability of specialist care home support services to prevent the hospital admission of older care home residents, including hospital admission at the end‐of‐life.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Methods

Ten electronic databases will be searched from 2010 – 31 December 2018 using predetermined search terms. All studies of specialist healthcare services to meet care home residents’ physical healthcare needs which provide outcome data on hospital admission or place of death compared with usual care will be included. Two reviewers will independently assess studies’ eligibility and methodological quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Data will be extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second according to predetermined categories. Data will be synthesized in evidence tables and narrative. Funder: National Institute for Health Research School for Social Care Research, November 2016.

Discussion

Care of older people in care home settings is a key aspect of nursing nationally and internationally. This review will increase understanding of the extent to which different models of specialist healthcare support for care homes are associated with key resident outcomes.

Impact

Standard healthcare support for care home residents is often inadequate, resulting in avoidable hospital admissions and lack of resident choice as to place of death. Although a range of specialist healthcare services are emerging, little is known about their relative effectiveness. This paper marshalls evidence of relevance to commissioners investing in healthcare provision to care homes to meet NHS targets.
Dissecting the politics of “Obamacare”: The role of distributive justice, deservingness, and affect
Authors: Choma Becky L. , Barnes Andrew J. , Braun Robert T. , Hanoch Yaniv
Published: October 2018

Political conservatives (vs. liberals) are commonly thought to oppose government‐based policies that promote equal distribution of resources, preferring that resources be distributed based on merit. In a sample of American adults (n = 436), distributive fairness perceptions, deservingness, and affective reactions related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were examined to better understand the ideological differences in ACA attitudes. Participants completed measures of political orientation, ACA knowledge and attitudes, deservingness, distributive justice principles (i.e., need, equality, merit), anger, and sympathy. Identifying as politically liberal (vs. conservative) and greater knowledge on the ACA predicted greater ACA support. Preferences for the distributive justice principles of equality and need (but not equity) mediated the relation between political orientation and ACA attitudes. Further, conservatives perceived less deservingness and in turn experienced greater anger and opposition to the ACA. Additional exploratory analyses also suggest that the positive path between deservingness and ACA support is moderated by political orientation such that it is stronger among political liberals than conservatives. Implications of the ideological chasm in relation to the ACA are considered.
Determinants of color polymorphism in the Eurasian scops owl Otus scops
Authors: Parejo Deseada , Cruz‐Miralles Ángel , Rodríguez‐Ruiz Juan , Expósito‐Granados Mónica , Avilés Jesús M.
Published: October 2018

Understanding the evolutionary forces maintaining avian color polymorphisms is a major challenge in evolutionary ecology. Aiming to give new insights into the functional basis of color polymorphism, we studied plumage color variation and its associations with fitness proxies in an individually marked population of scops owls Otus scops during 8 yr. We found a repeatable method to assign individuals to three discrete morphs, using both photography and spectrophotometry. Individuals were either grey (33%), intermediate (37%) or brown (30%). Scops owl proved to be polymorphic as the three morphs were found in the two sexes and across ages. Frequency distribution of color within the population did not vary for the two sexes during the study period, and, within individuals, color was repeatable and not explained by plumage maturation. Females of the two extreme morphs seemed to mate at random while intermediate females seemed to mate assortatively. The color of females was not related to laying date, mean fledging mass or number of fledglings per nest. Finally, intermediate females survived slightly better than females of the other morphs. Hence, pairing seems to favor intermediate males, because all females include intermediate males among their mates, and survival seems to favor intermediate females. Despite this, the proportion of intermediate individuals did not increase during the study. This fact may allude to the importance, not analysed here, of larger scale temporal and/or spatial fluctuations in selection acting on different fitness‐affecting factors, which may help to explain the maintenance of color polymorphism in the species.
Aggregate insider trading and market returns: The role of transparency
Authors: Brochet Francois
Published: October 2018

Using a sample of countries that require timely disclosures of insider trades, I investigate the effect of country‐level institutions that promote transparency on the extent to which aggregate insider trades predict market returns. I find that financial information transparency mitigates the predictive content of aggregate insider trades when markets are more likely to deviate from fundamentals (i.e., during market fads), and when there is greater co‐movement in stock prices. In contrast, there is some evidence that governance and investor protection mitigate the association between aggregate insider trades and future earnings surprises. Hence, holding constant the timely disclosures of insider trades, other capital market institutions play complementary roles in mitigating the informational frictions that give rise to the predictive content of aggregate insider trades.
Procedural findings and clinical outcome of second‐generation cryoballoon ablation in patients with variant pulmonary vein anatomy
Authors: Wei Hui‐Qiang , Guo Xiao‐Gang , Zhou Gong‐Bu , Sun Qi , Yang Jian‐Du , Xie Hai‐Yang , Zhang Shu , Liang Jackson J. , Ma Jian
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The procedural findings and clinical outcome of second‐generation cryoballoon (CB2) ablation in patients with variant pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy have not been fully investigated.

Methods

A total of 424 consecutive patients who underwent PV isolation with CB2 were included. Computed tomographic (CT) scan was performed in all patients before the procedure. The study population was divided into common PV, accessory PV, and nonvariant PV groups according to the CT scan. Procedural findings and clinical outcome between the three groups were compared.

Results

Variant PV anatomy was observed in 118 of 424 (27.8%) patients. PV isolation was successfully achieved in all patients in three groups with low rates of need for touch‐up ablation (P = 0.974). Total procedure time was longer in the accessory PV group compared with nonvariant PV group (53.7 ± 12.9 vs 49.5 ± 8.8 minutes; P < 0.001). More number of applications per patient were required in accessory PV group compared with the nonvariant PV and common PV groups (7.5 ± 2.1 vs 6.5 ± 1.6, P < 0.001; 7.5 ± 2.1 vs 6.8 ± 1.4, P = 0.027, respectively). No significant difference in phrenic nerve (PN) injury was observed between the three groups (P = 0.693). During mean follow‐up duration of 16.1 ± 3.3 months, there was no significant difference in rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences in the three groups (13 of 43 common PV group, 21 of 75 accessory PV group, and 80 of 306 nonvariant PV group, P = 0.178).

Conclusion

Variant PV patterns are common in patients undergoing ablation for drug‐resistant AF. CB2 ablation appears to be a reasonable strategy in the setting of the variant PV anatomy with a small increase in procedure time and the number of cryoapplications.
Insights on β‐blockers for the treatment of hypertension: A survey of health care practitioners
Authors: Egan Brent , Flack John , Patel Mehul , Lombera Sofia
Published: October 2018

A quantitative survey was completed by 103 primary care physicians (PCPs) and 59 cardiologists who regularly prescribed β‐blockers to assess knowledge and use of this heterogeneous drug class for hypertension. More cardiologists than PCPs chose β‐blockers as initial antihypertensive therapy (30% vs 17%, P < 0.01). Metoprolol and carvedilol were the most commonly prescribed β‐blockers. Cardiologists rated “impact on energy” and “arterial vasodilation” as more important than PCPs (P < 0.05/<0.01, respectively). Awareness of vasodilation was greater for carvedilol (52%) than nebivolol (31%). Association between β‐blockers and clinical variables included nebivolol with β1‐selectivity, nebivolol and carvedilol with vasodilation and efficacy in older patients and African Americans, metoprolol with heart rate reduction, and atenolol and metoprolol with weight gain and hyperglycemia. Physicians preferred prescribing β‐blockers with lower risk of incident diabetes. Clinical practice guidelines influenced physician prescribing more than formularies or performance metrics. This survey captures physicians’ perceptions/use of various β‐blockers and clinically relevant knowledge gaps.
Adenosine deaminase inhibition suppresses progression of 4T1 murine breast cancer by adenosine receptor‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Kutryb‐Zajac Barbara , Koszalka Patrycja , Mierzejewska Paulina , Bulinska Alicja , Zabielska Magdalena A. , Brodzik Karolina , Skrzypkowska Aleksandra , Zelazek Lukasz , Pelikant‐Malecka Iwona , Slominska Ewa M. , Smolenski Ryszard T.
Published: October 2018

The activity of a cell‐surface ecto‐adenosine deaminase (eADA) is markedly increased in the endothelial activation and vascular inflammation leading to decreased adenosine concentration and alterations in adenosine signalling. Depending on the specific pathway activated, extracellular purines mediate host cell response or regulate growth and cytotoxicity on tumour cells. The aim of this study was to test the effects of adenosine deaminase inhibition by 2′deoxycoformycin (dCF) on the breast cancer development. dCF treatment decreased a tumour growth and a final tumour mass in female BALB/c mice injected orthotopically with 4T1 cancer cells. dCF also counteracted cancer‐induced endothelial dysfunction in orthotopic and intravenous 4T1 mouse breast cancer models. In turn, this low dCF dose had a minor effect on immune stimulation exerted by 4T1 cell implantation. In vitro studies revealed that dCF suppressed migration and invasion of 4T1 cells via A2a and A3 adenosine receptor activation as well as 4T1 cell adhesion and transmigration through the endothelial cell layer via A2a receptor stimulation. Similar effects of dCF were observed in human breast cancer cells. Moreover, dCF improved a barrier function of endothelial cells decreasing its permeability. This study highlights beneficial effects of adenosine deaminase inhibition on breast cancer development. The inhibition of adenosine deaminase activity by dCF reduced tumour size that was closely related to the decreased aggressiveness of tumour cells by adenosine receptor‐dependent mechanisms and endothelial protection.
Early administration of dapagliflozin preserves pancreatic β‐cell mass through a legacy effect in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kanno Ayumi , Asahara Shun‐ichiro , Kawamura Mao , Furubayashi Ayuko , Tsuchiya Shoko , Suzuki Emi , Takai Tomoko , Koyanagi‐Kimura Maki , Matsuda Tomokazu , Okada Yuko , Ogawa Wataru , Kido Yoshiaki
Published: October 2018

Aims/Introduction

The preservation of pancreatic β‐cell mass is an essential factor in the onset and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been launched as antihyperglycemic agents, and their organ‐protective effects are attracting attention. They are also reported to have favorable effects on the preservation of pancreatic β‐cell mass, but the appropriate timing for the administration of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors is obscure.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, we administered a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, to an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, db/db mice, and investigated the adequate timing and duration for its administration. We also carried out microarray analysis using pancreatic islets from db/db mice.

Results

We found that dapagliflozin preserved pancreatic β‐cell mass depending on the duration of administration and markedly improved blood glucose levels. If the duration was the same, the earlier administration of dapagliflozin was more effective in preserving pancreatic β‐cell mass, increasing serum insulin levels and improving blood glucose levels. From microarray analysis, we discovered that the expression of Agr2, Tff2 and Gkn3 was significantly upregulated after the early administration of dapagliflozin. This upregulated gene expression might provide a legacy effect for the preservation of pancreatic β‐cell mass.

Conclusions

We expect that the early administration of dapagliflozin would provide a long‐lasting effect in preserving pancreatic β‐cell mass.
Being underweight in adolescence is independently associated with adult‐onset diabetes among women: The Japan Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Katanoda Kota , Noda Mitsuhiko , Goto Atsushi , Mizunuma Hideki , Lee Jung Su , Hayashi Kunihiko
Published: October 2018

Aims/Introduction

To examine the association between adult‐onset diabetes and life‐course bodyweight changes.

Materials and Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 17,398 Japanese female nurses aged ≥30 years completed a self‐administered questionnaire in 2001–2007. Bodyweight indices were calculated for three life stages: birthweight (adjusted for gestational age), body mass index (BMI) at age 18 years and current BMI. Odds ratios for being diagnosed with adult‐onset diabetes were calculated according to the combined bodyweight categories of two life stages: at birth and age 18 years; and at age 18 years and the survey (current). Path analysis was carried out to decompose the effect of each bodyweight index into direct and mediating effects.

Results

After adjustment for age at survey and parental diabetes history, “low” birthweight (<25th percentile), when combined with either “low” or “high” BMI (≥75th percentile) at age 18 years, had significant odds ratios (2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–4.44; 3.69, 95% CI 2.12–6.42, respectively) compared with the group of “middle” category (25th–74th percentile) at both life stages. The combination of “low” BMI at age 18 years and “high” current BMIs showed the highest odds ratio (7.97, 95% CI 3.97–16.00). Among women without parental diabetes history, “low” BMI at age 18 years showed a significantly high odds ratio (2.25, 95% CI 1.01–4.99), even when combined with the “middle” category of current BMI. Path analysis showed that both birthweight and BMI at age 18 years had a negative direct effect on adult‐onset diabetes.

Conclusions

Underweight at adolescence, as well as overweight, is a potential risk factor for adult‐onset diabetes among Japanese women.
Evaluation of the treatment costs and duration of topical treatments for multiple actinic keratosis based on the area of the cancerization field and not on the number of lesions
Authors: Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Tanova N. , Hamon P.
Published: October 2018

Background

The cost of topical treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) has historically been evaluated in relation to the number of lesions requiring treatment or simply by the price of a single tube/sachet of the drug used.

Objective

To demonstrate a new method of costing topical treatments in AK, which takes into account the actual cancerization area treated.

Methods

In order to evaluate the actual cost of each treatment, the official approval status of the drug was used to estimate the amount of cream needed per one cm2. This value was then applied to the hypothetical cancerization area sizes to demonstrate the impact of the size treated on the actual cost of treatment. The price considered was the ex‐factory price in Italy.

Results

Areas which could be treated with a single tube/sachet of Metvix®, Picato®, Aldara®, Solaraze® and Zyclara® were 200, 25, 25, 33.3 and 200 cm2, respectively. For the treatment of smaller areas (<100 cm2), treatment with Metvix® was the most costly topical option in Italy. However, for the treatment of cancerization areas larger than 100 cm2, Metvix® was the least expensive treatment option. Treatment with Metvix® was least long, requiring a single day of treatment for an area of up to 200 cm2, compared with up to 224 days of treatment with Aldara® for the treatment of a similar size.

Conclusion

Changing treatment costing strategy in the management of multiple AKs towards costing per cancerization area instead of costing per lesion is a much more accurate representation of the ‘real world cost’ for AK.
Insulin resistance, mTOR and hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Marasca C. , Balato A. , Annunziata M.C. , Cacciapuoti S. , Fabbrocini G.
Published: October 2018

Linked article: This article is commented on by J.L. Hernández et al., p. e109 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15273
Author's response to Drs. Marasca et al. and Drs. De Vita and Melnik: hidradenitis suppurativa, insulin resistance and mTOR
Authors: Hernández J.L. , Blanco R. , Vilanova I. , González‐Gay M.A. , González‐López M.A.
Published: October 2018

Linked articles: This article is commented on by C. Marasca et al., pp. e106–e107 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15271.

This article is commented on by V. De Vita et al., pp. e107–e109 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15270.
A melanin‐based trait is more strongly related to body size in the tropics than in temperate regions in the globally distributed barn owl family
Authors: Roulin Alexandre , Uva Vera , Romano Andrea
Published: October 2018

Life history traits differ between organisms living in the tropics, Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and sexual selection is thought to be stronger close to the equator than in temperate regions. Although birds are often supposed to be more brightly coloured in the tropics, the current evidence of geographic variation in the intensity of sexual selection and sex‐specific natural selection is equivocal. Whether sex‐specific traits signal aspects of individual quality better in the tropics than in the temperate regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres therefore remains an open question. We examined predictions of this hypothesis in the Tytonidae family (barn owls and their relatives) because females, on average, display larger black spots on the tip of their ventral body feathers than males, and this trait is associated with aspects of individual quality. We measured the size of melanic spots and the wing length of 7893 Tytonidae skins collected worldwide and preserved in natural history museums. The covariation between spot size and wing length was stronger in females than in males, in large‐ than small‐spotted Tyto taxa and close to the equator than in temperate regions. This suggests that selection for spot size, which can be used by owls as an additional cue to assess individual body size and other aspects of phenotypic quality, is stronger in females than in males, particularly near the equator.
Repeated interaction in standard setting
Authors: Larouche Pierre , Schuett Florian
Published: October 2018

Standardization may allow the owners of standard‐essential patents to charge higher royalties than would have been negotiated ex ante. In practice, however, standard‐setting efforts are often characterized by repeated interaction and complementarities among technologies. These features give firms that contribute technology to standards both the ability and the incentive to avoid excessive royalties by threatening to exclude other technology contributors from future rounds of standardization if they charge royalties exceeding ‘fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory’ (FRAND) levels. We show that such an outcome can be sustained as a subgame‐perfect equilibrium of a repeated standard‐setting game and examine how the decision‐making rules of standard‐setting organizations (SSOs) affect the sustainability of FRAND royalties. Our analysis provides a novel justification for super‐majority requirements and other rules frequently adopted by SSOs.
Mild‐thermal and high pressure processing inactivation kinetics of polyphenol oxidase from peach puree
Authors: Bleoanca Iulia , Neagu Corina , Turtoi Maria , Borda Daniela
Published: October 2018

This study has investigated the inactivation of polyphenoloxidase (PPO) in peach puree during thermal (50–60 °C, 2–30 min) and combined high pressure‐mild thermal treatment (HPMT) (200–600 MPa, 25–45 °C, and 2–23 min). HPMT resulted immediately after treatment in an increase in PPO activity up to 66.50% at 200 MPa and 45 °C compared with the untreated samples. The reaction order (nth) of PPO thermal inactivation was 1.951 (0.1 MPa, 50–60 °C) and 0.953 for the HPMT treatment (200–600 MPa, 25–45 °C). Fractional kinetic models were applied in PPO thermal (~89% labile fraction, 11% stabile fraction) and HPMT inactivation (up to ~67% stabile fraction at 200 MPa, 25 °C). The activation energy estimated for the thermal inactivation in 50–60 °C range at 0.1 MPa was 148.26 kJ/mol, while for the HPMT inactivation varied from 82.31 kJ/mol at 300 MPa to 226.16 kJ/mol at 500 MPa. A third order polynomial model described the PPO inactivation by HPMT.

Practical application

Inactivation of polyphenoloxidase (PPO), enzyme responsible for browning is a mandatory condition for maintaining quality of the processed fruits. As this enzyme is generally known to display variable thermal and/or barostability, depending on the type of food matrix, kinetic data are required to optimize the processing parameters. The data on peach puree PPO and the models provided in the current study could help producers to identify the optimum peach processing condition necessary for the inactivation of PPO by high pressure‐mild thermal treatment, leading to the extension of puree shelf life. However, methods for limitation of the oxygen presence in the peach puree mixtures should also be employed during processing and storage.
Serum Cholesterol and Incident Alzheimer's Disease: Findings from the Adult Changes in Thought Study
Authors: Marcum Zachary A. , Walker Rod , Bobb Jennifer F. , Sin Mo‐Kyung , Gray Shelly L. , Bowen James D. , McCormick Wayne , McCurry Susan M. , Crane Paul K. , Larson Eric B.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate associations between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and non‐HDL‐C levels at specific ages and subsequent Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.

Design

Prospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Study.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with no dementia at ACT Study entry. We identified separate, partially overlapping subcohorts of ACT participants who were eligible for each age band–specific analysis (50–59, n = 1,088; 60–69, n = 2,852; 70–79, n = 2,344; 80–89, n = 537).

Measurements

Exposure consisted of clinical measures of total cholesterol (TC) and HDL‐C from laboratory data during a given age band. Outcomes of incident AD were assessed post‐age band using standard research diagnostic criteria. Statistical analyses used adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models for each exposure and outcome pair within an age band. Cholesterol exposures were modeled using cubic splines.

Results

For non‐HDL‐C, we found a statistically significant association with AD risk in the 60 to 69 (omnibus p = .005) and 70 to 79 (omnibus p = .04) age bands, suggesting a potential U‐shaped relationship (greater risk at low and high levels). For example, in people aged 60 to 69, those with an average non‐HDL‐C level of 120 mg/DL had a 29% greater AD hazard (hazard ratio (HR)=1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04–1.61) than those with an average non‐HDL‐C level of 160 mg/dL, whereas those with an average non‐HDL‐C level of 210 mg/dL had a 16% greater hazard (HR=1.16, 95% CI=1.01–1.33). We did not find a statistically significant association between HDL‐C and AD risk.

Conclusion

People with low (120 mg/dL) and high (210 mg/dL) non‐HDL‐C levels during their 60s and 70s had modestly higher risk of AD than those with intermediate (160 mg/dL) levels. The extreme age bands (50s and 80s) had small sample sizes. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2344–2352, 2018.
Mass Incarceration in an Aging America: Implications for Geriatric Care and Aging Research
Authors: Barry Lisa C.
Published: October 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Ahalt et al.
Transferability of Material Composition Indicators for Residential Buildings: A Conceptual Approach Based on a German‐Japanese Comparison
Authors: Schiller Georg , Miatto Alessio , Gruhler Karin , Ortlepp Regine , Deilmann Clemens , Tanikawa Hiroki
Published: October 2018

Most anthropogenic material stocks and flows are associated with the building sector. Several recent studies have developed material composition indicators (MCIs) suitable for calculating material stocks and flows of the building sector using bottom‐up approaches, which hold great potential to provide information to support resource efficiency policies. A major limitation is the lack of country‐specific MCIs. This study aims to introduce a concept for a better transferability of MCI across different contexts by proposing requirements for defining MCIs and to discuss options and limits of the transferability. We take existing MCIs for residential buildings in Germany and Japan as case studies and make them comparable by applying harmonization methods. Based on that, similarities and differences are systematically identified and discussed, considering their socioeconomic, cultural, technical, and environmental factors. Our results indicate significant limitations to the transferability of MCIs for detached houses, while bigger apartment complexes show greater homogeneity despite the very different environments in which they are constructed. This indicates that while it is possible to assume foreign MCIs as plausible for large constructions, local coefficients need to be estimated for smaller single‐family homes.
Efficacy and safety of motherwort injection add‐on therapy to carboprost tromethamine for prevention of post‐partum blood loss: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Meng Wenbin , Li Rui , Zha Nashunbayaer , E Lihua
Published: October 2018

Motherwort (YiMuCao), a traditional Chinese herb, has been shown beneficial effects for women's diseases. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of motherwort injection add‐on therapy to carboprost tromethamine for prevention of post‐partum blood loss. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang from their inception to December 2017. Randomized controlled trials that determined the add‐on effects of motherwort injection to carboprost for prevention of post‐partum blood loss were eligible. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to summarize the effect sizes. Eight trials including 1276 pregnant women fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Prophylactic use of motherwort injection add‐on therapy significantly reduced the post‐partum 2 h (MD −127.5 mL; 95% CI −149.13 to −105.88) and 24 h (MD −146.85 mL; 95% CI −179.77 to −113.94) blood loss and incidence of post‐partum hemorrhage (RR 0.28; 95% CI 0.17–0.45) than carboprost. Moreover, adjunctive treatment with motherwort injection significantly decreased the length of the third stage of labor (MD −3.41 min; 95% CI −4.33 to −2.49) and duration of lochia (MD −7.13 days; 95% CI −8.49 to −5.76). There was no statistical significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.50–1.16). Prophylactic use of motherwort injection add‐on therapy to carboprost tromethamine could reduce post‐partum blood loss. However, more well‐designed trials are necessary to confirm the findings of this study due to the methodological flaws of the included trials.
Herniation of the amniotic sac through congenital uterine defect confirmed during operation: A case report
Authors: Sun Xiwen , Xu Jingwei , Liu Yuanyuan , Teng Xinyuan , Wang Liquan
Published: October 2018

Herniation of the amniotic sac into the peritoneal cavity or bladder is a rare but serious condition during pregnancy, which has not been reported in pored congenital uterine anomaly. Here, we report a rare case to draw obstetricians’ attention to the atypical uterine rupture. A primigravida at 35 weeks of gestation was admitted for upper abdominal pain. A primary diagnosis of uterine rupture was made after finding the amniotic sac herniation through obstetric ultrasound. Exploration during emergent cesarean section revealed symmetrical pored defect on the uterine horn. The diagnosis of uterine anomaly was eventually made. The educational meaning of this rare case is that it is advisable to rule out uterine anomalies when signs of uterine rupture are suspected during pregnancy while contributory risk factors have not been identified. Besides, it is of vital importance to make a full assessment of both the mother and the fetus so to determine the appropriate time of termination.
Mom, Dad, or Somewhere In Between: Role‐Relational Ambiguity and Children of Transgender Parents
Authors: Tabor Jaclyn
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study introduces the concept of role‐relational ambiguity to explain the challenges some individuals face in adjusting to a parent's gender transition.

Background

When a parent undergoes a gender transition, our society lacks both the language and social scripts to describe how parent‐child relationships and roles should look afterward. Yet little is understood about how children of transgender parents experience a parent's transition.

Method

Drawing from in‐depth interviews with 30 adult children of transgender parents, this article documents the occurrence of role‐relational ambiguity and how individuals manage this ambiguity in the long term.

Results

Results indicate repeated discussions of role‐relational ambiguity in a majority of participants. In the long term, participants developed a number of strategies for coping with role‐relational ambiguity.

Conclusion

Role‐relational ambiguity is a common occurrence for the children of transgender people interviewed in this study. Yet, it is evident that most of these participants were actively engaged in attempts to restructure and redefine relationships with their transgender parents despite the obstacles presented by role‐relational ambiguity.

Implications

Role‐relational ambiguity is an understandable response to unexpected family changes, and one that can be worked through with time, understanding, and the proper resources.
Authentication as Institutional Maintenance Work
Authors: Colombero Sylvain , Boxenbaum Eva
Published: October 2018

Institutional maintenance work refers to actors’ deliberate effort to maintain an institution. This paper examines how actors use authentication, i.e., the relational constitution of an artefact as original or as a genuine expression of a particular type, style or person, to accomplish institutional maintenance work. We investigated contemporary adjustments to six listed buildings. These works were undertaken to keep these buildings functional while at the same time protecting their listing; by doing so they contributed to maintain the institution of Architectural Heritage. Our analysis identifies three forms of authentication: material consolidation, crafts mobilization and character enhancement. We elaborate on each of them and explain their institutional underpinnings and outcomes. The paper concludes with an articulation of authentication as a potent form of institutional maintenance work. Taking its starting point in materiality, authentication is a relational practice that helps maintain institutions relying on irreplaceable artefacts for their maintenance.
Increased risk of morbidities and health‐care utilisation in children born following preterm labour compared with full‐term labour: A population‐based study
Authors: Houben Eline , Smits Elisabeth , Pimenta Jeanne M , Black Libby K , Bezemer Irene D , Penning‐van Beest Fernie JA
Published: October 2018

Aim

Recent evidence is emerging indicating long‐term effects in infants born after an episode of preterm labour (PTL), even if birth is at term. This population‐based study compared long‐term rates of outcomes and health‐care utilisation (HCU) in children born following spontaneous preterm labour, irrespective of gestational age at delivery or of an uncomplicated pregnancy (SPTLu), with children born following full‐term labour (FTL), overall stratified by comorbidity status and assessed using a composite morbidity measure (CM).

Methods

Retrospective data on mother–neonate pairs were collected from a patient‐linked dataset from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry and the PHARMO Database Network. Children born between 2000 and 2010 were followed until 2012.

Results

Of pregnancies in 134 006 mother–neonate pairs, 122 894 (92%) pregnancies resulted in FTL, and 11 112 (8%) resulted in PTL. Of the PTL pregnancies, 6599 (59%) were SPTLu. Mean follow‐up after birth was 6.6–6.7 years. Children from SPTLu pregnancies were at increased risk of neurodevelopmental and respiratory conditions compared with those from FTL pregnancies. In children from SPTLu pregnancies, the presence of the CM was associated with an increased risk of respiratory conditions and failure to thrive. Post‐natal hospitalisations (incidence rate (IR) per 100 patient‐years: 18.1 vs. 11.7) and specialist referrals (IR per 1000 patient‐years: 290.6 vs. 184.5) occurred significantly more frequently in children from SPTLu versus FTL pregnancies.

Conclusion

The increased risk of morbidities and HCU in children born following SPTLu pregnancy in this population‐based setting reinforces the need for safe interventions that can effectively halt labour and lead to an improvement in childhood outcomes.
The Baby Moves smartphone app for General Movements Assessment: Engagement amongst extremely preterm and term‐born infants in a state‐wide geographical study
Authors: Kwong Amanda KL , Eeles Abbey L , Olsen Joy E , Cheong Jeanie LY , Doyle Lex W , Spittle Alicia J
Published: October 2018

Aim

The Baby Moves smartphone application is designed for parents to video their infants' spontaneous movement for remote General Movements Assessment (GMA). We aimed to assess the engagement with Baby Moves amongst high‐ and low‐risk infants' families and the socio‐demographic variables related to engagement.

Methods

Families of extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks' gestational age) or extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants and term‐born controls from a state‐wide geographical cohort study were asked to download Baby Moves. Baby Moves provided reminders and instructions to capture videos of their infants' general movements. Parents were surveyed about Baby Moves' usability.

Results

The parents of 451 infants (226 EP/ELBW; 225 control) were recruited; 416 (204 EP/ELBW; 212 control) downloaded Baby Moves, and 346 (158 EP/ELBW; 188 control) returned at least one scorable video for remote GMA. Fewer EP/ELBW families submitted a scorable video than controls (70 vs. 83%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3–0.79, P = 0.003), but the difference diminished when adjusted for socio‐demographic variables (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.59–2.0, P = 0.79). Families who received government financial support (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.1–0.78, P = 0.015), who spoke limited English at home (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.22–0.69, P = 0.001) or with lower maternal education (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21–0.68, P = 0.001) were less likely to return a scorable video. Surveyed parents responded mostly positively to Baby Moves' usability.

Conclusions

Most parents in this study successfully used Baby Moves to capture infant movements for remote GMA. Families of lower socio‐demographic status used Baby Moves less.
Needs of parents in a surgical neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Govindaswamy Priya , Laing Sharon , Waters Donna , Walker Karen , Spence Kaye , Badawi Nadia
Published: October 2018

Aim

While there is evidence of parental needs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), parents of newborns admitted for general surgery are an under‐researched population. This study aimed to identify needs in parents of newborns admitted to the NICU for general surgery and whether health‐care professionals meet these needs.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 111 parents (57% mothers) of newborns admitted to a surgical NICU for general surgery in Australia from January 2014 to September 2015. Parents completed the Neonatal Family Needs Inventory (NFNI), comprising 56 items in five subscales (Support, Comfort, Information, Proximity, Assurance) at admission and discharge, as well as the Social Desirability Scale (SDS). Data were analysed using parametric and non‐parametric techniques.

Results

At both admission and discharge, parents rated Assurance (M = 3.8, standard deviation (SD) = 0.24) needs as the most important, followed by Proximity (M = 3.6, SD = 0.32) and Information (M = 3.5, SD = 0.38). Mothers rated Assurance significantly more important than fathers (P < 0.02). Overall, parents' most important needs were having questions answered honestly (M = 3.96, SD = 0.19), seeing their infant frequently and knowing about the medical treatment (both M = 3.95, SD = 0.23). The 10 most important needs were met for more than 96% of parents, with no evidence of response bias.

Conclusions

Reassurance is a priority need for parents in the surgical NICU. Mothers' and fathers' needs may be best met by practices based on family‐centred, individualised care principles.
Steering the Sales Force for New Product Selling: Why Is it Different, and How Can Firms Motivate Different Sales Reps?
Authors: Homburg Christian , Hohenberg Sebastian , Hahn Alexander
Published: October 2018

This study investigates how to direct and assemble the sales force for new product selling. In a first step, the authors draw on self‐determination theory to explore and empirically test a threefold conceptualization of motivation. Results provide insights into why sales force steering works differently in the new product selling context. Specifically, results show that for new products’ financial performance, internalized new product selling motivation is more important than intrinsic and controlled motivation. In a second step, the authors show how firms can motivate different sales reps to achieve higher financial performance of new products. In doing so, they examine the interaction effects of sales reps’ predispositions and widespread firm‐steering instruments on new products’ financial performance. Results reveal that the new product sales orientation of the bonus strengthens the positive relationship between sales reps’ performance predisposition and new product financial performance but weakens the relationship between sales reps’ learning predisposition and financial new product performance. Moreover, results reveal that the new product sales orientation of the periodic review strengthens the positive relationship between sales reps’ learning predisposition and financial new product performance. A post hoc analysis shows that a differentiated steering approach that matches appropriate steering instruments with sales reps’ varying predispositions substantially enhances reps’ financial new product performance.
Pyrexia in juvenile dogs: a review of 140 referred cases
Authors: Black V. L. , Whitworth F. J. S. , Adamantos S.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To describe the presentation, influence of previous treatment and diagnosis in juvenile dogs presenting with pyrexia to a UK referral centre.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records of dogs aged 1 to 18 months presenting with a problem list including pyrexia (≥⃒39∙2°C) that was reproducible during referral hospitalisation were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, history ‐ including previous treatment, clinical examination findings and diagnosis were recorded. Diagnoses were categorised as non‐infectious inflammatory, infectious, congenital, neoplastic and miscellaneous. The influence of previous treatment on the ability to reach a final diagnosis was analysed.

Results

A total of 140 cases was identified. Diagnosis was reached in 115 cases. Non‐infectious inflammatory disease was identified in 91 cases (79%), infectious disease in 19 cases (17%), a congenital disorder in four dogs (3%) and neoplasia in one dog (1%). Breeds most commonly identified were Border collies (17/140; 12%), beagles (16/140; 11%), Labrador retrievers (11/140; 8%), springer spaniels (9/140; 6%) and cocker spaniels (8/140; 6%). Before presentation, most dogs had received antibiotics (83/140; 59%), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (84/140; 60%) or steroids (9/140; 6%), either alone or in combination. Neither antibiotics nor non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs influenced the ability to reach a diagnosis. Steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis comprised 55 of 91 (60%) individuals of the non‐infectious inflammatory cohort. All four dogs diagnosed with congenital disorders were Border collies.

Clinical significance

Non‐infectious inflammatory disease, particularly steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis, immune‐mediated polyarthritis and metaphyseal osteopathy, was commonly diagnosed in this population of pyrexic juvenile dogs.
Epiphytic lichen responses to environmental change due to clear‐cutting differ among tree taxa
Authors: Ranlund Åsa , Hylander Kristoffer , Johansson Victor , Jonsson Fredrik , Nordin Ulrika , Gustafsson Lena
Published: October 2018

Question

Many species‐rich communities are associated with a foundation species. While we often have detailed information about the foundation species, we know less about its associated species. We explore such a situation, comparing the responses of lichen species associated with different tree taxa, which differ in successional strategy, to the environmental change that takes place when the surrounding trees are clear‐cut.

Location

Boreal forests in Sweden.

Methods

We illustrated general differences in lichen species composition among four tree taxa and three stand categories using ordination of species occurrences. To analyse responses to clear‐cutting we modelled the occurrence probability individually for 144 epiphytic lichen species from the lower 2 m of 2,400 tree trunks of four tree taxa in 130 stands, and compared trees in closed‐canopy forests with those retained in logged stands, using Bayesian hierarchical models.

Results

The composition of lichens on aspen trees deviated clearly from that on the other tree species. Also lichen responses to logging differed among main host tree taxa, where lichen species associated with birches, European aspen, and Scots pine increased in probability of occurrence on trees in logged areas compared to intact forest, while lichen species associated with Norway spruce decreased. We found that time lags for changes in occupancy existed primarily in the increase, but not in the decline, of the groups of lichens associated with different tree taxa.

Conclusions

Lichens associated with different tree taxa vary in their response to the environmental change brought about by logging, but in a way that differs from the differences in species composition among host trees. Our results highlight the importance of considering the taxa of trees in forest management for the conservation of their associated lichen species. The extent to which the ecology of foundation species influences their associated species merits further inquiry, since such knowledge may facilitate predictions of responses of associated species also in other species‐rich communities.
A review of counterfeiting research on demand side: Analyzing prior progress and identifying future directions
Authors: Baruönü Latif Özge , Kaytaz Yiğit Melis , Kirezli Özge
Published: October 2018

Though its recent popularity on consumer preferences and academic environment, history of counterfeiting dates back to Romans. Such an ancient term has led researchers of this study to illuminate the existing body of research on counterfeiting through a content analysis; and identify theoretical gaps and opportunities for further research from marketing perspective. Based on these objectives, the structure of the study is as follows. The first section of the article provides some background information on counterfeiting and following sections present the research methodology as well as report the main findings of 65 articles published through last 37 years. The present study provides a valuable systematic review and suggestions for further research to the researchers interested in the motivations of counterfeit consumption.