bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Technology in Assessment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized Trial of Electronic Versus Paper Voiding Diaries
Authors: Sussman Rachael D. , Richter Lee A. , Tefera Eshetu , Park Amy J. , Sokol Andrew I. , Gutman Robert E. , Iglesia Cheryl B. 
Published: April 2016

Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare a Web app developed by the American Urogynecologic Society, called “BladderTrakHer,” to the traditional paper voiding diary (PVD) for reliability and satisfaction.

Methods
Women presenting to our urogynecology practice with lower urinary tract symptom and access to an iPhone/iPad were randomized to a 3-day electronic voiding diary (EVD), using the BladderTrakHer Web app or PVD. Participants then completed a second voiding diary using the alternate format. Estimated fluid intake and output, number of voids, and episodes of incontinence were compared between formats. Patient and practitioner surveys assessed ease of use, ease of data interpretation, time to data entry, and overall satisfaction.

Results
Thirty-one of 122 patients completed both diary formats and the survey. The EVD and PVD showed good test-retest reliability. Patients recorded a higher number of entries for both voids and leaks while using the PVD (28.0 vs 25.5 [P = 0.03] and 4.5 vs 2.8 [P = 0.02], respectively). There was no significant difference in time to data entry among diary formats; 51.6% of patients preferred the EVD, and 78% of patients would prefer an electronic format if the app were improved. Four of 6 practitioners found the PVD easier to interpret, but all stated a preference for an EVD if the data were presented in a more organized fashion.

Conclusions
The use of an EVD is acceptable and reliable in our population of adult female patients with lower urinary tract symptom. Electronic voiding diary and PVD have good test-retest reliability, although the number of voids and leaks entered is slightly lower for the EVD.
A Large Retrospective Series of Pregnancy and Delivery After Midurethral Sling for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Adams-Piper Emily , Buono Kristen , Whitcomb Emily , Mallipeddi Padma , Castillo Peter , Guaderrama Noelani 
Published: April 2016

Objectives
The aim of this study was to review the complete medical course, including safety, efficacy, and medical decision making, of patients who delivered a pregnancy after the placement of midurethral sling (MUS) within a large health maintenance organization.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective case series of patients within the Northern and Southern California Permanente Medical Group who were identified based on procedural codes for placement of MUS for stress urinary incontinence. Electronic medical records with MUS code were referenced against records of live births within the health care system. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted through extensive, standardized physician review of the electronic medical records of all identified patients.

Results
Twenty-six patients were identified and included in analysis. Sixteen patients had a retropubic MUS, and 10 had a transobturator MUS. Twenty-one of 26 patients reported subjective resolution of urinary incontinence after MUS. Fourteen of the 25 first deliveries after MUS were cesarean section (CS). Of these, 5 CS were elective primary for the indication of previous MUS, 5 were elective repeat CS, and the remaining 4 were for fetal indications. Eleven patients had spontaneous vaginal deliveries. There were no MUS-related pregnancy complications. One patient developed recurrent stress urinary incontinence postpartum, for which she underwent repeat MUS within a year resulting in cure of incontinence.

Conclusions
This case series corroborates previous series demonstrating the safety and durability of MUS after subsequent pregnancy.
Discrete step sizes of molecular motors lead to bimodal non-Gaussian velocity distributions under force
Authors: Vu Huong T , Chakrabarti Shaon , Hinczewski Michael , Thirumalai D 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFluctuations in the physical properties of biological machines are inextricably linked to their functions. Distributions of run-lengths and velocities of processive molecular motors, like kinesin-1, are accessible through single molecule techniques, yet there is lack a rigorous theoretical model for these probabilities up to now. We derive exact analytic results for a kinetic model to predict the resistive force (F) dependent velocity (P(v)) and run-length (P(n)) distribution functions of generic finitely processive molecular motors that take forward and backward steps on a track. Our theory quantitatively explains the zero force kinesin-1 data for bothP(n) andP(v) using the detachment rate as the only parameter, thus allowing us to obtain the variations of these quantities under load. At non-zeroF,P(v) is non-Gaussian, and is bimodal with peaks at positive and negative values ofv. The prediction thatP(v) is bimodal is a consequence of the discrete step-size of kinesin-1, and remains even when the step-size distribution is taken into account. Although the predictions are based on analyses of kinesin-1 data, our results are general and should hold for any processive motor, which walks on a track by taking discrete steps.
Membrane binding by CHMP7 coordinates ESCRT-III dependent nuclear envelope reformation
Authors: Olmos Yolanda , Perdrix Anna , Carlton Jeremy G 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAmongst other cellular functions, the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport-III (ESCRT-III) machinery controls nuclear envelope (NE) reformation during mitotic exit by sealing holes in the reforming NE. ESCRT-III also acts to repair this organelle upon migration-induced rupture. The ESCRT-III component CHMP7 is responsible for recruitment of ESCRT-III to the NE. Here, we show that the N-terminus of CHMP7, comprising tandem Winged Helix (WH)-domains, is a membrane-binding module. This activity allows CHMP7 to bind to the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), an organelle continuous with the NE, and provides a platform to direct NE-recruitment of ESCRT-III during mitotic exit. Point mutations that disrupt membrane-binding prevent CHMP7 localising to the ER and its subsequent enrichment at the reforming NE. These mutations prevent both assembly of downstream ESCRT-III components at the reforming NE and proper establishment of post-mitotic nucleo-cytoplasmic compartmentalisation. These data identify a novel membrane-binding activity within an ESCRT-III subunit that is essential for post-mitotic nuclear regeneration.One Sentence SummaryCHMP7’s atypical N-terminus is a membrane-binding module that allows assembly and function of ESCRT-III at the nuclear envelope during mitotic exit.
Schumpeterian innovation patterns and firm-performance of global technology companies
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Sundarraj Rangaraja P 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to determine how different innovation patterns affect the financial performance of global technological firms.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors integrate the theories of innovation performance with those of Schumpeter’s innovation patterns, namely, creative destruction and creative accumulation. Data spread over 20 years is used to investigate the influence of innovation on the firm performance.

Findings
– Panel regression results indicate that, as compared to creative-destruction innovation, creative-accumulation patterns have a better firm performance, have a moderating effect on innovation-performance relationships, and have a better propensity to deal with difficult economic periods.

Research limitations/implications
– There is a scarcity of research that considers the effects of Schumpeterian patterns on innovation performance, especially ones dealing with the technology sector. Future work could consider other innovation variables (besides innovation patterns), as well as whether the results hold in other sectors.

Practical implications
– The findings indicate that in the tech-sector firms must continue to innovate.

Originality/value
– From the research perspective, the work integrates two streams of literature into a comprehensive model, and provides a holistic test for it. For tech-sector managers, the research provides one point of motivation for carrying out innovation even during a troubled economy.
The combined effect of technological relatedness and knowledge utilization on explorative and exploitative invention performance post-M & A
Authors: Ganzaroli Andrea , De Noni Ivan , Orsi Luigi , Belussi Fiorenza 
Published: April 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the combined effect of Mergers and Acquisitions (M & A) partners’ technological relatedness and the acquirer’s effective utilization of the target’s knowledge on explorative and exploitative invention performance post-M & A.Design/methodology/approach– Based on the knowledge perspective of an M & A, this study measures how much of the target’s knowledge acquired in an M & A has been effectively transformed into new knowledge. A negative binomial regression on a cross-sectional data set of 152 bio-pharmaceutical firms (59 European firms and 93 North American firms) completing at least one M & A in the period between 2001 and 2005 is conducted. The effect of knowledge utilization is assessed by comparing performance six years before the M & A and six years after.Findings– The effective assimilation and utilization of acquired knowledge positively affects both acquirers’ explorative and exploitative performance post-M & As. The combined effect with technological relatedness, measured as similarity and complementarity, further enhances the acquirer’s technological performance. However, while the utilization of similar knowledge significantly affects only exploitative invention performance, the utilization of complementary knowledge influences both, although explorative more than exploitative performance.Originality/value– The acquirer’s ability to effectively use the target’s knowledge is crucial in order to support the transformation of the inventive potential, such as is embodied in the interaction between an internal and an external base of knowledge, into new explorative and exploitative performance.
Environmental attitudes and behaviors among secondary students in Hong Kong
Authors: Jackson Liz , Pang Ming Fai , Brown Emma , Cain Sean , Dingle Caroline , Bonebrake Timothy 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– Although researchers have identified correlations between specific attitudes and particular behaviors in the pro-environmental domain, the general relationship between young people’s development of environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is not well understood. Past research indicates that geographic context can play a role, while social factors such as age and gender can have a more significant impact on predicting attitudes and behaviors than formal education. Few studies have systematically examined the relationships between education and environmental attitudes and behaviors among youth in Hong Kong. The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study comparing secondary school students’ environmental attitudes and behaviors with age and related factors in two international schools and two government schools in Hong Kong. Students’ attitudes and behaviors were compared based on school type (curriculum), while the authors additionally compared the significance of social factors and attitudes on students’ behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach
– Attitudes were measured using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) and the NEP for Children (NEPC), the most commonly used, internationally standardized tools for investigating environmental attitudes and values of adults and young people for comparative purposes. The authors compared NEP/NEPC scores and student self-reported environmental behaviors using a short questionnaire.

Findings
– No significant differences were found in attitudes or behaviors based on school type. However the authors did observe a significant effect of gender and age on students’ attitudes, and a significant correlation of student attitudes in the NEP with students’ self-reports regarding air conditioning consumption.

Originality/value
– This study builds a foundation for cross-national studies and for evaluating the impact of curricula over time.
Small town centre attractiveness: evidence from Sweden
Authors: Wahlberg Olof 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the qualities of a small town centre and how such centres can enhance their attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
– A convenience sampling procedure was used to administer a web survey to visitors of a small Swedish town. Importance-performance analysis and statistical methods were used to analyse quality attributes and quality dimensions. Correlation analysis was run to measure the relationship between centre attractiveness and shopping loyalty.

Findings
– The variety of retail outlets is what is most valued by visitors to a small town centre, followed by the provision of events and non-commercial activities and the design and maintenance of the physical environment in the centre. Surprisingly, the interpersonal behaviour has less impact on the perceived attractiveness than the aforementioned quality dimensions. Visitors’ shopping loyalty is significantly related to the perceived attractiveness.

Research limitations/implications
– The study is a one-off study based upon a small Swedish town, but it is indicative of global shopping trends.

Practical implications
– Implications for town centre management to enhance the attractiveness of the business district of a small town.

Social implications
– Traditional town centres have been props for the surrounding societies, providing anscillary services beside retailing. When retail moves to out-of-town retail locations, this could lead to the erosion of interpersonal communications and central services for citizens.

Originality/value
– Pioneering research on small Swedish town shopping.
Preparedness of the entities for the IFRS for SMEs: an emerging country case
Authors: Kiliç Merve , Uyar Ali , Ataman Başak 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to determine the preparedness of the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for SMEs in Turkey; and to analyze the effect of several firm characteristics on such preparedness.

Design/methodology/approach
– The preparedness of the SMEs was determined via a questionnaire survey. The effect of several characteristics of the SMEs (i.e. size, age, independent auditing, internationality, and the existence of an accounting department) on their preparedness was examined by employing non-parametric tests and logistic regression.

Findings
– This study found that the preparedness of the SMEs for IFRS for SMEs is low in Turkey. Several firm characteristics including, size, independent auditing, and internationality have a significant impact on the preparedness of the SMEs.

Research limitations/implications
– This study has some implications for several parties, including national and international standard setting authorities, entities, managers, and accounting professionals. SMEs are one of the most important actors in the adoption process of the IFRS for SMEs. Their preparedness level for IFRS for SMEs will present important clues to sustain an effective and successful adoption process. The results of this study show the profile of entities which are prepared for IFRS for SMEs that will be useful for standard authorities and regulatory bodies. The findings of this study will also be useful for other emerging countries’ standard authorities because they will face similar problems in their adoption process.

Originality/value
– This research makes a significant contribution to the existing literature because there are only a few studies that analyze the preparedness for IFRS for SMEs, especially in emerging countries.
Earnings management and macroeconomic crises
Authors: Flores Eduardo , Weffort Elionor Farah Jreige , Silva Aldy Fernandes da , Carvalho L. Nelson G. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether macroeconomic crises are a motivational factor for earnings management practices by the companies listed in the capital markets of Brazil and the USA.Design/methodology/approach– The sample consisted of 7,932 firm-quarter observations from listed Brazilian companies and 99,931 from listed US companies, covering a 13-year period (1998-2010). The authors developed regression models for the panel data, taking into account discretionary accruals as an earnings management proxy (dependent variable), while crises were regarded as a macroeconomic factor (dummy variable of interest). Also considered were return on assets, market-to-book ratio, size, leverage, foreign direct investment, income taxes, quarters, and sectors, which were treated as control variables.Findings– The results corroborate the conceptual issues involved in undertaking this study, and they demonstrate that in periods of macroeconomic crises, companies are more motivated to employ earnings management practices both in Brazil and in the USA.Originality/value– Unlike previous studies, the model developed in our research includes multiple macroeconomic crises simultaneously. Furthermore, it was applied in two markets at different stages of development and operating in distinct institutional contexts, which indicates its viability for replication for a large number of countries.
Why some small businesses ignore austere working capital management routines
Authors: Orobia Laura Aseru , Padachi Kesseven , Munene John C. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors explaining take-up rate of working capital management routines in small-scale businesses.Design/methodology/approach– A cross-sectional survey research was employed using a sample of 450 small-scale businesses in the central business district of Kampala, Uganda. Common working capital management routines and activity rates were analyzed using descriptive statistics. While binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to discriminate between businesses that engage in working capital management frequently and those that do so less frequently.Findings– The results show that on average, the most frequently performed routines relate to safeguarding cash and inventory, and credit risk assessment. Payment management routines are least performed. Second, business size, perceived usefulness and attitude explain high take-up rate of working capital management routines in small-scale businesses. Business age, level of education and financial management training are inconsequential in determining the likelihood to undertake working capital management frequently.Research limitations/implications– Paucity of studies world over on the input perspective of working capital management limited comparison of the findings with previous research. Future studies should be conducted to confirm the results.Practical implications– The study findings imply that policy makers should develop work-based training programs that take into account the business size effect.Originality/value– This study contributes to existing working capital management literature by explaining activity rate in a developing country perspective.
Inter‐Rater Reliability of Total Body Score—A Scale for Quantification of Corpse Decomposition
Authors: Nawrocka Marta , Frątczak Katarzyna , Matuszewski Szymon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe degree of body decomposition can be quantified using Total Body Score (TBS), a scale frequently used in taphonomic or entomological studies of decomposition. Here, the inter‐rater reliability of the scale is analyzed. The study was made on 120 laymen, which were trained in the use of the scale. Participants scored decomposition of pig carcasses from photographs. It was found that the scale, when used by different people, gives homogeneous results irrespective of the user qualifications (the Krippendorff's alfa for all participants was 0.818). The study also indicated that carcasses in advanced decomposition receive significantly less accurate scores. Moreover, it was found that scores for cadavers in mosaic decomposition (i.e., representing signs of at least two stages of decomposition) are less accurate. These results demonstrate that the scale may be regarded as inter‐rater reliable. Some propositions for refinement of the scale were also discussed.
Neutrophilic superoxide production can assess pharmacological and pharmacogenetic β‐adrenoreceptor effects
Authors: Reinartz M. T. , Wetzke M. , Happle C. , Kälble S. , Scherer R. , Kabesch M. , Seifert R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAsthma can be controlled well in most patients by inhaled β‐adrenoreceptor (β2AR) agonists and steroids. Poor response to β2AR agonists is difficult to predict, especially in young children and by lung function testing, which may be affected by multiple influences. As an alternative approach, we analyzed ex vivo neutrophilic superoxide inhibition in response to β2AR stimulation. In 60 healthy volunteers, this assay was unaffected by sex, age, smoking, atopy or asthma status. Furthermore, we assessed effects of genetic variants in β2AR by sequencing the ADRB2 gene in our cohort and relating genotypes to β2AR‐mediated neutrophilic superoxide inhibition. Gly16Arg genotypes correlated with minor decrease in overall adrenoresponse in this small study population. Taken together, ex vivo testing of the β2AR response in human neutrophils represents a robust tool with good signal‐to‐noise ratio at physiological β2AR agonist concentrations, and this assay may be useful to complement future pharmacogenetic studies in asthma.
Daunorubicin Down‐Regulates the Expression of Stem Cell Markers and Factors Involved in Stem Cell Migration and Homing in Rat Heart in Subchronic but not Acute Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Srankova Jasna , Doka Gabriel , Pivackova Lenka , Mesarosova Lucia , Kyselovic Jan , Klimas Jan , Krenek Peter 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that daunorubicin (DAU) cardiotoxicity alters expression of cytokines involved in stem cell migration and homing. Male Wistar rats were treated with daunorubicin to induce acute DAU cardiomyopathy (6 × 3 mg/kg, i.p., every 48 hr, DAU‐A) or subchronic DAU cardiomyopathy (15 mg/kg, i.v., DAU‐C). The left ventricle was catheterized. The animals were killed 48 hr (DAU‐A) and 8 weeks (DAU‐C) after the last dose of DAU. Expression of foetal genes (Nppa, Nppb), isomyosins (Myh6, Myh7), sources of oxidative stress (Abcb8, gp91phox), cytokines (Sdf‐1, Cxcr4, Scf, Vegf, Hgf, Igf‐1), markers of cardiac progenitor (c‐kit, Atnx‐1), endothelial progenitor (CD34, CD133) and mesenchymal (CD44, CD105) stem cells were determined by qRT‐PCR in left ventricular tissue. Reduced body‐weight, decreased left ventricular weight and function, and elevated Nppa, Nppb, Myh7 were observed in both models. Myh6 decreased only in DAU‐C, which had a 35% mortality. Up‐regulated gp91phox and down‐regulated Abcb8 in DAU were present only in DAU‐C where we observed markedly decreased expressions of Scf and Vegf as well as expressions of stem cell markers. Down‐regulation of cytokines and stem cell markers may reflect impaired chemotaxis, migration and homing of stem cells and tissue repair in the heart in subchronic but not acute model of DAU cardiomyopathy.