bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed biological control in the Greater Mekong Subregion: status and opportunities for the future.
Authors: Day M. D. , ShiCai Shen , GaoFeng Xu , FuDou Zhang , Winston R. L.
Published: August 2018

The status of weed biological control in the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries was assessed, and opportunities to develop biological control in the region are proposed. Twenty biological control agents targeting nine weed species have been introduced into GMS countries, with 13 agents establishing on seven weed species. Another nine biological control agents have spread unintentionally into the region. These agents are having a slight to high impact on their target weeds. However, the number of weeds in the region that have been targeted for biological control is only a fraction of the number of weeds (45) in the region that have been targeted for biological control elsewhere. This presents a tremendous opportunity to expand weed biological control in the region and reduce the dependency on herbicides while increasing productivity. There are numerous highly effective biological control agents present elsewhere that could be introduced to assist with the management of the region's most important weeds, such as
Pistia stratiotes
,
Salvinia molesta
,
Chromolaena odorata
and
Mikania micrantha
. Along with the introduction of biological control agents, there is also a scope to increase the capacity and training in biological control within GMS countries to develop effective weed control and management.
Constructing a Second Language Sociolinguistic Repertoire: A Sociocultural Usage-based Perspective
Authors: Van Compernolle Rémi A
Published: August 2018

This article discusses a sociocultural usage-based perspective on the development of sociolinguistic competence. Previous research has focused on learners’ acquisition and use of alternative ways of ‘saying the same thing’ (i.e. native-like variation) in relation to study abroad, contact with native speakers, and pedagogy. Missing from the literature are studies examining the developmental trajectories of individual learners from a qualitative perspective. This article takes a first step in this direction by documenting the specific lexicogrammatical constructions deployed by one learner of French, Leon, over the course of a 6-week stylistic variation intervention. The findings show that his sociolinguistic repertoire emerged from a single multiword expression, which in combination with Leon’s application of new metalinguistic knowledge and mediation from a teacher expanded to become a more productive schematic template. The research suggests that future work on L2 sociolinguistic development would do well to focus on qualitative accounts of individual developmental trajectories, emphasizing the specific lexicogrammatical constructions learners appropriate, to understand how L2 sociolinguistic repertoires are constructed across time.
Increased sensitivity with automated validation of XL-MS cleavable peptide crosslinks
Authors: Keller Andrew , Chavez Juan D , Bruce James E
Published: August 2018

Motivation

Peptides crosslinked with cleavable chemical crosslinkers are identified with mass spectrometry by independent database search of spectra associated with the two linked peptides. A major challenge is to combine together the evidence of the two peptides into an overall assessment of the two-peptide crosslink.

Results

Here, we describe software that models crosslink specific information to automatically validate XL-MS cleavable peptide crosslinks. Using a dataset of crosslinked protein mixtures, we demonstrate that it computes accurate and highly discriminating probabilities, enabling as many as 75% more identifications than was previously possible using only search scores and a predictable false discovery rate.

Availability and implementation

XLinkProphet software is freely available on the web at http://brucelab.gs.washington.edu.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Costs and Their Predictors in Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Asemota Anthony O , Ishii Masaru , Brem Henry , Gallia Gary L
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Contemporary surgical approaches to pituitary pathologies include transsphenoidal microsurgical and, more recently, endoscopic techniques. Data reporting direct costs in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To examine direct costs (including overall total, hospital/facility, and physician payments) of microscopic and endoscopic pituitary surgery and evaluate predictors of differential costs in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery using a national database.

METHODS

The Truven MarketScan® database 2010-2014 (IBM, Armonk, New York) was queried and patients undergoing microscopic and/or endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery identified. Mean costs and predictors of differential costs were analyzed using analysis of variance and generalized linear models. Beta-coefficients (β) assessed relative contributions of independent predictors.

RESULTS

Mean overall total ($34 943.13 [SD ± 19 074.54]) and hospital/facility ($26 505.93 [SD ± 16 819.52]) payments were higher in endoscopic compared to microscopic surgeries (both P < .001). Lengths of hospital stay (LOS) were similar between groups. Predictors of overall total and hospital/facility payments were similar including surgical technique, age, geographical region, comorbidity index, postoperative surgical and medical complications, and LOS with LOS being the most significant predictor (β = 0.27 and β = 0.29, respectively). Mean physician payments ($4549.24 [SD ± 3956.27]) were similar in microscopic and endoscopic cohorts (P = .26). Predictors of physician payments included age, health plan, geographical region, postoperative surgical complications, and LOS with health plan being the most significant predictor (β = –0.21).

CONCLUSION

Higher overall total and hospital/facility costs are associated with endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery compared to microsurgery. In contrast, physician reimbursements are similar between techniques. Whereas LOS was the strongest predictor of overall total and hospital/facility costs, health plan was the strongest predictor of differential physician reimbursements.
Near-Infrared Optical Contrast of Skull Base Tumors During Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Authors: Jeon Jun W , Cho Steve S , Nag Shayoni , Buch Love , Pierce John , Su YouRong S , Adappa Nithin D , Palmer James N , Newman Jason G , Singhal Sunil , Lee John Y K
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Near-infrared (NIR) tumor contrast is achieved through the “second-window ICG” technique, which relies on passive accumulation of high doses of indocyanine green (ICG) in neoplasms via the enhanced permeability and retention effect.

OBJECTIVE

To report early results and potential challenges associated with the application of second-window ICG technique in endonasal endoscopic, ventral skull-base surgery, and to determine potential predictors of NIR signal-to-background ratio (SBR) using endoscopic techniques.

METHODS

Pituitary adenoma (n = 8), craniopharyngioma (n = 3), and chordoma (n = 4) patients received systemic infusions of ICG (5 mg/kg) approximately 24 h before surgery. Dual-channel endoscopy with visible light and NIR overlay were photodocumented and analyzed post hoc.

RESULTS

All tumors (adenoma, craniopharyngioma, chordoma) demonstrated NIR positivity and fluoresced with an average SBR of 3.9 ± 0.8, 4.1 ± 1.7, and 2.1 ± 0.6, respectively. Contrast-enhanced T1 signal intensity proved to be the single best predictor of observed SBR (P = .0003). For pituitary adenomas, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of NIR-guided identification of tumor was 100%, 20%, 71%, and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this preliminary study of a small set of patients, we demonstrate that second-window ICG can provide NIR optical tumor contrast in 3 types of ventral skull-base tumors. Chordomas demonstrated the weakest NIR signal, suggesting limited utility in those patients. Both nonfunctional and functional pituitary adenomas appear to accumulate ICG, but utility for margin detection for the adenomas is limited by low specificity. Craniopharyngiomas with third ventricular extension appear to be a particularly promising target given the clean brain parenchyma background and strong SBR.
Up‐regulated miR‐192‐5p expression rescues cognitive impairment and restores neural function in mice with depression via the Fbln2‐mediated TGF‐β1 signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Chao-Zhi , Yang Jun‐Tang , Liu Qing-Hui , Wang Ya-Ru , Wang Wen-Sheng
Published: August 2018

Depression represents a condition characterized by cognitive deficits and neural dysfunction and has recently been correlated with microRNAs (miRs) and their respective target genes. The present study was conducted with the goal of investigating the expression of miR‐192‐5p and its target gene fibulin (Fbln)‐2 in an attempt to evaluate their roles in the occurrence and progression of cognitive impairment and neural function in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)–induced depression through regulation of the TGF‐β1 signal transduction pathway. Verification of the targeting relationship between miR‐192‐5p and Fbln2 was provided in the form of initial bioinformatics prediction, followed by a further verification in the form of a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Normal mice and models induced by CUMS were assigned into various groups, whereas mimics, inhibitors, and small interfering RNA were introduced to validate the regulatory mechanism by which miR‐192‐5p regulates Fbln2 depression. Novel object recognition, tail suspension testing, and Morris water maze were all employed 28 d after transfection. Hippocampal electrophysiological recordings, Golgi staining, HPLC mass spectrometry, and fluorescence immunohistochemistry were performed to further evaluate cognitive function and neuron regeneration. CUMS‐induced depression was determined to represent a predisposing factor for cognitive impairment and damage to neural function in mice, highlighted by novel object recognition, learning and memory abilities, population spike amplitude, synaptic transmission, cAMP levels, neuronal regeneration, and increased behavioral changes that resemble depression. Furthermore, increased Fbln2 expression, an activated TGF‐βl signaling pathway, and decreased expression of miR‐192‐5p, synaptophysin, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor subunit 2B, and calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II were noted. Up‐regulated miR‐192‐5p targeting Fbln2 acts to alleviate CUMS‐induced depression by inhibiting the TGF‐β1 signaling pathway, resulting in the enhanced cognitive function in novel object recognition, learning and memory ability, population spike amplitude, synaptic transmission, neuron regeneration, and alleviation of behavioral symptoms. The central findings of the present study indicate that up‐regulated levels of miR‐192‐5p expression act to suppress activation of the TGF‐β1 signaling pathway by means of binding to Fbln2, thereby ameliorating cognitive impairment and strengthening neural function in a mouse model of depression.—Tang, C.‐Z., Yang, J.‐T., Liu, Q.‐H., Wang, Y.‐R., Wang, W.‐S., Up‐regulated miR‐192‐5p expression rescues cognitive impairment and restores neural function in mice with depression via the Fbln2‐mediated TGF‐β1 signaling pathway. FASEB J. 33, 606–618 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Reconstructive considerations in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Cervenka Brian , Trudeau Stephen , Fagan Johan , Zender Chad
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

Surgical mission trips in head and neck surgery are common. There are an increasing number of surgical groups performing complex reconstructions in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Consideration of reconstructive options that are location and patient specific are critical for optimum patient care and local physician education.

Recent findings

The pectoralis muscle regional flap is a versatile and reliable option and has been shown to reconstruct defects in nearly every head and neck subsite. Additional regional flap options described are the supraclavicular island flap and submental island flap. There are 15 published case series describing experience with performing microvascular reconstructions in LMIC. The average success rate was 87.1%. Both loupe and microscope magnification are used.

Complex reconstructions are successfully being performed in LMIC. Although microvascular reconstruction is being utilized by some groups, local and patient-specific factors should be carefully considered, as many regional and local flap options available provide the same reconstruction benefit while minimizing operating room time, resources, and postoperative care needs.
Cardiovascular disease in survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Bansal Neha , Amdani Shahnawaz M. , Hutchins Kelley K. , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

We review the cardiotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, the clinical and subclinical presentations and progression of their cardiotoxicity, and the management of the subsequent cardiovascular disease in survivors of childhood cancer. We discuss various preventive measures, especially the cardioprotectant, dexrazoxane, whose use with anthracycline chemotherapy, including doxorubicin, is based on strong evidence. Most treatment recommendations for this unique population are based on expert opinion, not on empirical evidence.

Recent findings

As patients with childhood cancers live longer, morbidity from the cardiac side effects of chemotherapy is increasing. Treatment-related cardiac damage is irreversible and often progressive. It is imperative that such damage be prevented with strategies such as limiting the cumulative anthracycline dose, the use of anthracycline structural analogues and the use of cardioprotective agents.

A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of their cardiotoxicity reveals that there is no ‘safe’ dose of anthracyclines. However, certain risk factors, such as higher lifetime anthracycline cumulative doses, higher anthracycline dose rates, female sex, longer follow-up, younger age at anthracycline treatment and cardiac irradiation, are associated with more severe cardiotoxicity. We advocate the use of dexrazoxane to limit the cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy.
Complete Restoration of Respiratory Muscle Function in Three Subjects With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: DiMarco Anthony F. , Geertman Robert T. , Tabbaa Kutaiba , Kowalski Krzysztof E.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of complete restoration of respiratory muscle function in subjects with spinal cord injury.

Methods

This was an interventional study investigating three subjects maintained on a diaphragm pacing system who were implanted with the spinal cord stimulation system to restore cough. Peak expiratory airflow and airway pressure generation were the primary physiologic outcome measures; an assessment of the degree of difficulty in raising secretions was the primary clinical outcome measure.

Results

Mean peak expiratory airflow and airway pressure generation during spontaneous efforts were 1.7 ± 0.2 L/s and 31 ± 7 cmH2O, respectively. When spinal cord stimulation was applied after pacing volume associated with the subject's maximum inspiratory effort and synchronized with the subject's maximum expiratory effort, peak expiratory airflow and airway pressure generation were 9.0 ± 1.9 L/s and 90 ± 6 cmH2O, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, each subject experienced much greater ease in raising secretions and marked improvement in the ease in raising secretions compared with other methods.

Conclusions

Complete restoration of respiratory muscle function can be safely and effectively achieved in the same individuals with spinal cord injury. Spinal cord stimulation results in peak expiratory airflow and airway pressure generation characteristic of a normal cough, whereas diaphragm pacing was successful in maintaining patients off mechanical ventilation.
Impact of Chronic Steroid Use on Plastic Surgery Outcomes: Analysis of 94,140 Cases
Authors: Barcha Carolina P. , Ranzer Matthew J.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Chronic steroid use suppresses inflammation, edema, and autoimmunity, and delays wound healing. Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, this study characterizes the risk of perioperative chronic steroid use for complications in plastic surgery cases.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed on 94,140 plastic surgery cases from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the years 2006 to 2015. CPT codes were used to categorize operations. Patients were separated into two cohorts based on chronic steroid use status. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between chronic steroid use and postoperative complications. Total hospital length of stay was compared. Odds ratios were computed at the 95 percent confidence interval.

Results:

Chronic steroid users were more likely to develop surgical complications (OR, 1.3; p = 0.0452) and medical complications (OR, 1.8; p = 0.0002) compared with nonusers. Among the 10 most frequent procedures performed on chronic steroid users, steroid use was a significant risk factor for postoperative complications after reduction mammaplasty (OR, 2.2; p = 0.001); delayed insertion of breast prosthesis following mastopexy or mastectomy or during reconstruction (OR, 2.2; p = 0.049); and in trunk muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flap surgery (OR, 7.2; p = 0.0029).

Conclusion:

With this information in hand, plastic surgeons will be better equipped to counsel patients and adequately design perioperative protocols for chronic steroid users.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Introducing Knowledge Translation to Plastic Surgery: Turning Evidence into Practice
Authors: Moltaji Syena , Alkhatib Ahmad H. , Liu Henry , Murphy Jessica , Gallo Lucas , Karpinski Marta , Mowakket Sadek , Thoma Achilleas
Published: August 2018

Best evidence has no bearing on quality of life if it is not implemented in clinical practice. The authors introduce knowledge translation as a theoretical framework for closing the gap between evidence and practice in plastic surgery. The current state of published evidence in plastic surgery is reviewed and evaluated, with the recommendation to use the EQUATOR Network’s guidelines for reporting clinical research findings. Tools and strategies are offered for the reader to understand and integrate evidence at the bedside. Systemic solutions are also proposed for the dissemination of best evidence to facilitate its translation into practice.
Comparison of Navigator Triggering Reduced Field of View and Large Field of View Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Pancreas
Authors: Mannelli Lorenzo , Monti Serena , Corrias Giuseppe , Fung Maggie M. , Nyman Charles , Golia Pernicka Jennifer S. , Do Richard K.G.
Published: August 2018

Rationale and Objectives

The purpose of this study is to compare image quality, presence and grade of artifacts, signal-to-noise ratio, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in pancreatic tissue between high-resolution navigator-triggered (NT) restricted field of view (rFOV) FOCUS single-shot (SS) echo-planar imaging (EPI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and NT large FOV SS-EPI DWI.

Materials and Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed with GE 3-T systems using a 32-channel body array coil. Seventeen consecutive patients were imaged. A 5-point scale semiquantitative grading system was used to evaluate image quality and general artifacts. Signal-to-noise ratio and ADC were measured in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test, with differences considered significant for P value less than 0.05.

Results

More artifacts were present on large FOV compared with rFOV FOCUS SS-EPI DW images (P < 0.01). Restricted field of view image quality was subjectively better (P < 0.01). No difference in the signal-to-noise ratio was demonstrated between the 2 image datasets. Apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly lower (P < 0.01) when calculated from rFOV images than large FOV images.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate better image quality and reduced artifacts in rFOV images compared with large FOV DWI. Measurements from ADC maps derived from rFOV DWI show significantly lower ADC values when compared with ADC maps derived from large FOV DWI.
Deciphering regulatory DNA sequences and noncoding genetic variants using neural network models of massively parallel reporter assays
Authors: Movva Rajiv , Greenside Peyton , Marinov Georgi K. , Nair Surag , Shrikumar Avanti , Kundaje Anshul
Published: August 2018

The relationship between noncoding DNA sequence and gene expression is not well-understood. Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs), which quantify the regulatory activity of large libraries of DNA sequences in parallel, are a powerful approach to characterize this relationship. We present MPRA-DragoNN, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based framework to predict and interpret the regulatory activity of DNA sequences as measured by MPRAs. While our method is generally applicable to a variety of MPRA designs, here we trained our model on the Sharpr-MPRA dataset that measures the activity of ~500,000 constructs tiling 15,720 regulatory regions in human K562 and HepG2 cell lines. MPRA-DragoNN predictions were moderately correlated (Spearmanρ= 0.28) with measured activity and were within range of replicate concordance of the assay. State-of-the-art model interpretation methods revealed high-resolution predictive regulatory sequence features that overlapped transcription factor (TF) binding motifs. We used the model to investigate the cell type and chromatin state preferences of predictive TF motifs. We explored the ability of our model to predict the allelic effects of regulatory variants in an independent MPRA experiment and fine map putative functional SNPs in loci associated with lipid traits. Our results suggest that interpretable deep learning models trained on MPRA data have the potential to reveal meaningful patterns in regulatory DNA sequences and prioritize regulatory genetic variants, especially as larger, higher-quality datasets are produced.
Mechanism of Microbicidal Action of E-101 Solution, a Myeloperoxidase-Mediated Antimicrobial, and its Oxidative Products
Authors: Denys G. A. , Devoe Neil C. , Gudis P. , May M. , Allen R.C. , Stephens J. T.
Published: August 2018

E-101 Solution is a first in class myeloperoxidase-mediated antimicrobial developed for topical application. It is composed of porcine myeloperoxidase (pMPO), glucose oxidase (GO), glucose, sodium chloride, and specific amino acids in an aqueous vehicle. Once activated, the reactive species hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid and singlet oxygen are generated. We evaluated the treatment effects of E-101 solution and its oxidative products on ultrastucture changes and microbicidal activity against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) andEscherichia coli. Time kill and transmission electron microscopy studies were performed using formulations with pMPO or GO omitted. The glutathione membrane protection assay was used to study the neutralization of reactive oxygen species. The potency of E-101 solution was also measured in the presence of serum and whole blood by MIC and MBC determinations. E-101 solution demonstrated rapid bactericidal activity and ultracellular changes in MRSA andE. colicells. When pMPO was omitted, high levels of H2O2generated from GO and glucose demonstrated slow microbicidal activity with minimal cellular damage. When GO was omitted from the formulation no antimicrobial activity or cellular damage was observed. Protection from exposure to E-101 solution reactive oxygen species in the glutathione protection assay was competitive and temporary. E-101 solution maintained its antimicrobial activity in the presence of inhibitory substances such as serum and whole blood. E-101 solution is a potent myeloperoxidase enzyme system with multiple oxidative mechanisms of action. Our findings suggest the primary site that E-101solution exerts microbicidal action is the cell membrane by inactivation of essential cell membrane components.
SiCloneFit: Bayesian inference of population structure, genotype,and phylogeny of tumor clones from single-cell genome sequencing data
Authors: Zafar Hamim , Navin Nicholas , Chen Ken , Nakhleh Luay
Published: August 2018

Accumulation and selection of somatic mutations in a Darwinian framework result in intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) that poses significant challenges to the diagnosis and clinical therapy of cancer. Identification of the tumor cell populations (clones) and reconstruction of their evolutionary relationship can elucidate this heterogeneity. Recently developed single-cell DNA sequencing (SCS) technologies promise to resolve ITH to a single-cell level. However, technical errors in SCS datasets, including false-positives (FP), false-negatives (FN) due to allelic dropout and cell doublets, significantly complicate these tasks. Here, we propose a non-parametric Bayesian method that reconstructs the clonal populations as clusters of single cells, genotypes of each clone and the evolutionary relationships between the clones. It employs a tree-structured Chinese restaurant process as the prior on the number and composition of clonal populations. The evolution of the clonal populations is modeled by a clonal phylogeny and a finite-site model of evolution to account for potential mutation recurrence and losses. We probabilistically account for FP and FN errors, and cell doublets are modeled by employing a Beta-binomial distribution. We develop a Gibbs sampling algorithm comprising of partial reversible-jump and partial Metropolis-Hastings updates to explore the joint posterior space of all parameters. The performance of our method on synthetic and experimental datasets suggests that joint reconstruction of tumor clones and clonal phylogeny under a finite-site model of evolution leads to more accurate inferences. Our method is the first to enable this joint reconstruction in a fully Bayesian framework, thus providing measures of support of the inferences it makes.
Geography, not food availability, reflects compositional differences in the bacterial communities associated with larval sea urchins
Authors: Carrier Tyler J. , Dupont Sam , Reitzel Adam M.
Published: August 2018

Determining the principles underlying the assembly, structure, and diversity of symbiont communities remains a focal point of animal-microbiome research. Much of these efforts focus on taxonomic variation within or between animal populations, but rarely test the proportional impacts of ecological components that may affect animal-associated microbiota. Using larvae from the sea urchinStrongylocentrotus droebachiensisfrom the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, we test the hypothesis that inter-population differences in the composition of animal-associated bacterial communities are more pronounced than intra-population variation due to a heterogeneous feeding environment. Despite significant differences in bacterial community structure within eachS. droebachiensislarval population (based on food availability, time, development, and phenotype), variation in OTU membership and community composition correlated more strongly with geography. Moreover, across these three locations, 20-30% of OTUs were specific to a single population while less than 10% were shared. Taken together, these results suggest that inter-populational variation in symbiont communities is more pronounced than intra-populational variation. This difference may suggest that ecological variables over broad geographic scales may mask smaller scale ecological variables; however, explicit testing of this potential principle requires common garden experiments as well as molecular and functional manipulations.
NaPi- II b as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ovarian cancers
Authors: Zhao Shoufeng , Wang Zhipeng
Published: August 2018

Ovarian cancer (OC) is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a lack of effective biomarkers and specificity required for accurate clinical diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the diagnosis and prognosis of the NaPi- II b in ovarian cancer. Herein, by performing data mining using the databases of Oncomine and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), we are for the first time to report that the expression level of NaPi- II b transcripts in a variety of tumor types compared with the normal controls. Based on Kaplan-Meier plotter, we investigated the prognostic values of NaPi- II b specifically high expressed in OC patients. The results of the Oncomine analysis showed that relative expression of NaPi- II b was distinctly high in OC tissues vs. normal tissues. CCLE analysis indicated that the expression of NaPi- II b in OC cell lines expressed the highest level in all cancer lines. In overall survival (OR) analysis, NaPi- II b mRNA high expressions were correlated to worse OR in OC patients. These results indicate that NaPi- II b may be a novel potential biomarker for determining the diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of OC.
Business volatility and employee performance
Authors: Chiang Wen-Chyuan , Sun Li , Walkup Brian R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of business volatility on employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use regression analysis to examine the authors’ research question.

Findings

The results suggest that business volatility has a significant and positive impact on employee performance. Furthermore, the authors find that the relationship between business volatility and employee performance is stronger for larger firms and firms with higher labor intensity.

Originality/value

The study links and contributes to two streams of literature: employee/labor cost management from the accounting literature and business volatility from the management literature. Whether business volatility affects employee performance remains an interesting question that has not been definitively answered empirically. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that directly examines the relationship between business volatility and employee performance at the firm level.
Stakeholder management in PPP projects: external stakeholders’ perspective
Authors: Amadi Chika , Carrillo Patricia , Tuuli Martin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper focusses on external stakeholders’ perspective of stakeholder management in public–private partnerships (PPP) projects within the context of developing countries where public opposition to PPP projects is prevalent. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key enablers to PPP projects’ success from the perspective of external stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from two case studies via semi-structured interviews in two PPP project locations in Nigeria. In total, 14 external stakeholders comprising community leaders, trade unionists and human right activist participated in the research.

Findings

Five key enablers of external stakeholder management were identified. These are as follows: the choice of project location; transparency of the internal stakeholders; timing of stakeholder engagement; knowledge of PPP; and relationship with internal stakeholders.

Originality/value

External stakeholders’ perspective of stakeholder management in PPP projects within the context of developing countries new to PPP has been established. The practical implications of the five enablers can be used by policy makers and industry professionals to ensure effective stakeholder management of PPP projects.
The new age of customer impatience
Authors: Daugherty Patricia J. , Bolumole Yemisi , Grawe Scott J.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the body of logistics customer service (LCS) research published in leading logistics journals from 1990 to 2017. Specifically, the paper presents a call to arms for logistics and supply chain researchers to address new and emerging issues impacting customer service in the age of omnichannel and e-commerce retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed academic journals to identify articles focusing on LCS from 1990 through 2017. The authors noted trends in academic research activity/focus and supplemented the findings by examining more recent trends covered in trade publication articles.

Findings

The authors observed a large amount of LCS research in the early 1990s and 2000s, but noticed a substantial decline in coverage within academic journals since the late 2000s while industry continues to give customer service issues even greater attention. The difference between the level of coverage within academic journals and the increased importance firms place on customer service represents a critical gap and opportunity for scholars. This research represents a “call to arms” to address this gap. With particular emphasis on observed customer impatience and escalating requests, within omni- and e-commerce channels of distribution, we suggest greater theoretical insights into customer service strategies and their role in successfully navigating today’s changing logistics service environment are needed.

Originality/value

The review serves as a call for more attention to customer service issues within leading logistics journals. Suggestions for research into new and emerging topics are offered.
The effect of fiber orientation on wear behavior of glass fiber-epoxy filled with particles
Authors: Abdel-Magied Ragab K. , Aly Mohamed F. , Elkhouly Heba I.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The fiber orientation is considered one of the important parameters that have an effect on the characteristics of composites. This paper aims to investigate the effect of fiber orientation on the abrasive wear of the glass-epoxy (G-E) composites with different silicon carbide (SiC) filler weights (Wt.%).

Design/methodology/approach

The wear rate of glass fiber reinforced with angle-ply 0º, ±45º and 90º is discussed. The G-E composites with different weights of SiC filler at angle ±45º are considered. Hand lay-up technique was adopted for specimen preparation. The influence of effective parameters such as filler Wt. %, normal load, abrasive size and abrading distance on the wear rate was presented and discussed.

Findings

Experimental tests including pin on disk, micro-hardness and scanning electron microscope were carried out to investigate the composite characteristics.

Originality/value

The experimental results showed that the resistance wear was superior in case of ±45º fiber orientations. A validation of the experimental results using Taguchi approach to verify the optimal wear rate parameters was presented.
Numerical and experimental study on dynamic characteristics of cavitation bubbles
Authors: Cheng Feng , Ji Weixi
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Cavitation bubbles cannot be avoided in the hydraulic system. Because of instability of flow and variation of water pressure, the jet often occurs in a bubble collapse. This study aims to accurately predict the shape, velocity and time of the resulting jet, so as to inhibit cavitation erosion.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, a theoretical model of cavitation bubbles in the water has been developed by applying a periodic water film pressure into the Rayleigh–Plesset equation. A fourth-order in time Runge–Kutta scheme is used to obtain an accurate computation of the bubble dynamic characteristics. The behavior of the proposed theory is further simulated in a high-speed photography experiment by using a cavitation bubble test rig. The evolution with time of cavitation bubbles is further obtained.

Findings

A comparison with the available experimental results reveals that the bubble evolution with time has a duration of about 0.3T0, that well predicts the expanding and compressing process of cavitation bubbles. The results also show that the initial bubble radius in the water influences the moving velocity of the bubble wall, whereas the perturbation frequency of the water pressure has less effect on the velocity of the bubble wall.

Originality/value

A theoretical model well predicts dynamic characteristics of cavitation bubbles. The bubble evolution with time has a duration of about 0.3T0, Initial bubble radius influences the velocity of bubble wall. Perturbation frequency has less effect on the velocity of bubble wall.
Tribological behaviour of graphene oxide sheets as lubricating additives in bio-oil
Authors: Wu Daoyi , Xu Yufu , Yao Lulu , You Tao , Hu Xianguo
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the upgradation of the lubricating performance of the renewable base oil , and to study the tribological behavior of graphene oxide (GO) sheets used as lubricating additives in bio-oil for iron/steel contact.

Design/methodology/approach

A multifunctional end-face tribometer was used to characterize the friction coefficient and wear loss of the tribosystem under different lubricants.

Findings

The experimental results show that GO sheets with small size benefit lubricating effects and the optimal concentration of GO sheets in bio-oil is 0.4-0.6 per cent, which can form a complete lubricating film on the frictional interfaces and obtain a low friction coefficient and wear loss. Higher concentration of GO sheets can result in a significant aggregation of the sheets, reducing the content of the lubricating components in the bio-oil, which results in the increase in friction and wear; at this stage, the main wear pattern was ascribed to adhesive wear.

Practical implications

These results show a promising prospect of improving the tribological performance of renewable base oil with the introduction of GO sheets as additives.

Originality/value

No literature has covered the tribological behaviour of GO sheets in bio-oil. This study contributes to accelerating the application of bio-oil.
Exploring player behavior and motivations to continue playing Pokémon GO
Authors: Ghazali Ezlika , Mutum Dilip S. , Woon Mei-Yuen
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of players’ continuance intentions to play Pokémon GO (PG) and ultimately make in-app purchases, mainly from the perspectives of psychological, social and gaming motivational factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was empirically assessed based on 362 validated responses from current players of PG in Malaysia. Analysis was carried out using the partial least squares path modeling method.

Findings

The results indicated that enjoyment, network externalities, community involvement and the need-to-collect significantly influence players’ continuance intention. Furthermore, the findings reveal that flow and nostalgia have indirect effects on players’ continuance intention, which in turn significantly influences their purchase intention.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical support for an integrated model for understanding the antecedents of the players’ behavioral intentions that incorporates psychological, social and gaming motivational factors in the context of an augmented reality mobile game.
Improving continuing professional development compliance among construction professionals through integrated strategies in South Africa
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Mpambela Johannes Siabatho
Published: August 2018

Purpose

A high level of low compliance with continuing professional development (CPD) among construction professionals in developing countries is well acknowledged in existing literature. In spite of several interventions in CPD implementation, reforms and approaches in recent times, there does not seem to be an immediate improvement. This development calls for a re-think among stakeholders to adopt strategies that can yield the best results in uptake. Though several strategies have been proposed to potentially result in CPD uptake and compliance among construction professionals, these possible strategies have not been considered in an integrated manner. This study aims at identifying CPD delivery and implementation strategies that can significantly contribute to compliance and uptake among construction professionals in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research design and a questionnaire survey, this study sought to identify effective CPD implementation strategies for construction professionals from a plethora of suggested ones that can engender increased uptake and compliance.

Findings

By using multiple regression analysis, the results revealed “flexible e-learning platforms”, “standardisation of CPD model and formats by professional institutions”, “inclusion of CPD in tertiary curriculum to easily understand its importance” and “encouraging practices to have frequent in-house training sessions sharing experiences” as the most significant strategies that are likely to improve CPD uptake and compliance.

Originality/value

Against the backdrop of the need to increase CPD uptake and compliance among professionals through flexible integrated approach comes to the fore the understanding and knowledge of the strategies that can engender CPD uptake and compliance among construction professionals in the construction industry in South Africa.
Library marketing via social media
Authors: Joo Soohyung , Choi Namjoo , Baek Tae Hyun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to explore what kinds of social media content public libraries create to communicate with users online, and to examine the relationships between social media content types and corresponding levels of user engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises 4,637 Facebook posts collected from 151 public libraries across the USA. The authors identified ten types of Facebook posts based on the open coding, and calculated the degrees of user engagement for each type of Facebook post, represented by the numbers of likes, shares and comments. Also, The authors examined the effects of the inclusions of images or video clips on user engagement.

Findings

The authors observed that the most frequent type of post was related to announcing upcoming events held in libraries. This study also found that posts about community news or emotionally inspiring messages elicited much engagement from users. Posts having an image or images tend to receive more user engagement.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this study, the authors discussed practical strategies for public libraries to effectively use social media to better facilitate user engagement.

Originality/value

This study is one of a few attempts that examine the relationships between the types of social media content and the degrees of user engagement in public library environments. Also, the authors have proposed a coding scheme useful to analyze social media content in the context of public libraries.
Corporate governance practices: global convergence and Indian perspective
Authors: Uzma Shigufta Hena
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study from three perspectives: the developed countries corporate governance (CG) practices, the role of OECD in the global convergence of CG standards and India as an emerging country.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the various CG codes and regulations enacted in the Indian paradigm with special reference to the Indian Companies Act 2013 (cited as Act 2013).

Findings

The Act 2013 endeavours to provide a governance landscape in India with reforms. The new CG codes comprehensively introduce more accountability, transparency and stringent disclosure requirements. However, these changes are affected by the ownership structure, the level of enforcement and regulatory compliance of CG disclosure practices imposed on companies.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can be carried out in three domains in emerging countries: ownership structure, the effect of legal and regulatory environment and impact of mandatory compliance.

Practical implications

Legal and regulatory environment are notable extent that can effectively govern the CG codes. An increase in the board size, investor protection and gender diversity, with strong governance structure, can enhance the transparency of companies.

Originality/value

The paper examines the prominence of CG norms with the ratification of the Indian Companies Act 2013, which is analogous with global CG policies and regulations.
Simultaneous adoption of integrated soil fertility management technologies in the Chinyanja Triangle, Southern Africa
Authors: Mponela Powell , Kassie Girma T. , Tamene Lulseged D.
Published: August 2018

Empirical scientific evidence indicates that there is still room for increasing food production by improving land productivity. This study aimed at identifying the key determinants that govern farmers’ decisions to adopt multiple components of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) in a maize mixed cropping system of the Chinyanja Triangle, Southern Africa. Revealed preferences of ISFM components were collected from 320 randomly selected households and multivariate probit (MVP) model was used to analyse the simultaneous effects on adoption based on biophysical plot and household‐level socioeconomic attributes. The results show that farmers’ choices of a set of ISFM components are determined by a mix of factors that address the trade‐offs and synergies among them. Non‐farm income, moderate land quality perception, and education influence simultaneous technology adoption, while gender and crop loss increase the likelihood of farmers’ decisions to adopt independent options. Having other sources of income supports co‐adoption of inorganic fertilizer, residue incorporation, and crop rotation. Input/output market access, access to information, financial sources, and climate variability also play pivotal role in technology adoption. These results indicate that resource availability, learning costs, finances, and risk aversion need to be considered when designing and promoting ISFM technologies as a package.
Modeling Starch Digestograms: Computational Characteristics of Kinetic Models for in vitro Starch Digestion in Food Research
Authors: Nguyen Giang T. , Sopade Peter A.
Published: August 2018

Starch digestion is mostly investigated with in vitro techniques, and time‐course measurements are common. These yield digestograms that are modeled by theoretical, semitheoretical, and empirical kinetic equations, many of which are reviewed here. The Duggleby model has Michaelis–Menten functions, and its dependent variable is on both sides of the equation with no apparent parameter for maximum digestible starch (D∞). The Gaouar and Peleg models are equivalent. They predict both the initial digestible starch (D0) and D∞, and an average digestion rate, but they can reveal "biratial" digestions. The first‐order kinetic model exhibits diverse predictabilities and, when linearized, D∞ is sometimes equated to 100 g/100 g dry starch (100%), it yields an average rate of digestion and can predict negative D0. The log of slope (LOS) model is unique in revealing the rapid‐to‐slow digestion rate phenomenon, but without guidelines to identify such. The LOS model does not sometimes use all the digestogram data, can predict D∞ greater than 100%, and returns zero digestion rate for some digestograms. However, some starchy materials exhibit a slow‐to‐rapid digestion rate phenomenon, as demonstrated with an example. The modified first‐order kinetic model uses all the digestogram data with practical constraints (D0 ≥ 0 g/100 g dry starch; D∞ ≤ 100 g/100 g dry starch), describes all digestograms, and yields an average digestion rate, but it can also be used for "biratial" digestions. In addition, the logistic and Weibull models are discussed. Using some published data, the computational characteristics of these commonly used models are presented with objective parameters to guide choices.