bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Current Trends of Christianity in Africa
Authors: Ngalula Josée
Published: December 2017

This article examines three trends in current African Christianity. Its denominational fragmentation is currently marked by the coexistence of three major groups: the “churches that emerged from the apostolic process of Christian antiquity”; the “churches born from Western missionary processes”; and the “African revivalists” (African initiated churches and African Pentecostal churches). The African revivalists are characterized by doctrinal and institutional creativity that largely draws on Africa's historical trajectory, with its challenges of a sociocultural, identity, and economic nature. This “fragmented African Christianity” inevitably has a diverse view of African cultures, ranging from a positive viewpoint on one end of the scale and radical rejection on the other, and including various patterns of taking over Christian heritage with the goal of giving new value to the formally scorned African identity. This diversity of attitudes in turn prompts overall judgments on Christianity in Africa, which range from praise to suspicion regarding the pertinence of this religion on the continent. This complex shape of current African Christianity is not an obstacle to the Ad Gentes mission, whose current dynamism is increasingly marked by the phenomenon of African emigration. All of this represents a great challenge for ecumenism, because a trend toward a “religion market” is taking the lead over collaboration and search for Christian unity. This is why it is important to recognize the quality of this African missionary Christianity, whose fragmentation is quite original.
Western Theology in Africa: Christian Mission in the Light of the Undermining of Scientific Hegemony
Authors: Harries Jim
Published: December 2017

Comprehension of the Old Testament in indigenous African Christianity can draw deeply on, confirm, and uphold tribal traditions designed to prevent death, calamity, and infertility. Deep spirituality demonstrated in such comprehension contrasts with “remnant spirituality” in the West. Western people's awareness of their own religious underpinnings has lapsed. As a result, how well are Western Christians able to engage with holistic African communities? Holistic or integral mission can fall short through being a holistic means of introducing dualism. This article questions the legitimacy of science's intrusion on the Christian faith, and draws practical implications for the Western mission enterprise, such as the fact that it generates dependency.
Discipleship Transforming the World: A Coptic Orthodox Perspective
Authors: Tawfik Wedad A.
Published: December 2017

Discipleship is the core of Christianity, based on the work of the Holy Spirit, in fulfilment of the Lord's command. True discipleship is capable of transforming the world, so that in the end all kingdoms and reign shall be to the Lord and his Christ. Therefore, discipleship is linked with evangelism, missionary, teaching, and social work. With the emerging hostile trends all over the world, faith is endangered. So it is important to remind ourselves of the aim of Christianity for humanity, for which so great a price was paid by our Lord (his precious blood) to bring the world into the knowledge of the truth. We have the privilege and honour to bear the precious name and to declare it to the whole world, even if we suffer for that. Even though this means that we have to bear his cross, to face the challenges, and to resist the powers of evil in the world. The church is aware of its mission, to reveal to the world Christ the lover of humanity, and for this end to serve them – to warn, teach, and guide them – through our behaviour, our acts, and our words. Copts are keen on serving their communities and everywhere they go, are always ready to teach others about the cause of our hope, that they also may enjoy the fruit and the deserts of the blood of Christ. This article honestly records the experience of the Coptic Orthodox Church regarding discipleship in practice throughout its history up to the present day.
Using structural technology acceptance models to segment intended users of a new technology: Propositions and an empirical illustration
Authors: Althuizen Niek
Published: December 2017

This article aims to offer an alternative method to analyse technology acceptance models, namely a segment‐wise analysis. The empirical illustration of this method involves data that were collected during a company‐wide implementation of a Sales Force Automation technology in Europe. The data comprise a variety of commonly used technology‐related, context‐related, and person‐related variables. The segmentation procedure, which involved a finite mixture partial least squares estimation, provides more insight into the different ways in which people come to accept new technologies. Unlike other segmentation studies published in IS journals, the resulting segments are based on similarities and differences in the structure of the underlying theoretical models rather than (a collection of) individual variables. Further research or a re‐analysis of existing data should help establish robust “technology acceptance model”‐based segments as well as comprehensive profiles of the individuals in each segment.
Overgrowth of Caribbean octocorals by milleporid hydrocorals
Authors: Wegener Chelsey , Martin Bradley , Didden Craig , Edmunds Peter J.
Published: December 2017

On Caribbean reefs, colonies of the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis are capable of pursuing and overgrowing arborescent octocorals (Wahle ). Nearly four decades since these interactions were described, we quantified arborescent octocorals encrusted by Millepora spp. (Linnaeus 1758) on shallow reefs in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and evaluated encrusted colonies for evidence of an origin through pursuit. In 2014, 8% of octocorals (n=1684 colonies) were encrusted by Millepora spp., and in 2015, 12% were encrusted (n=847 colonies). Millepora spp. encrusted colonies of 10 octocoral genera, and in 2014, the most frequently encrusted were Eunicea spp. (40% of encrusted octocorals); in 2015, the most frequently encrusted were Gorgonia spp. (46% of encrusted colonies). In both years, ≥67% of encrusted octocorals were >21 cm from other colonies of Millepora spp.; 7% of octocorals were >1.3 m from colonies of Millepora spp. in 2014; and 16% of octocorals were >2.0 m from colonies of Millepora spp. in 2015. Relative to the ~5% of octocorals encrusted by Millepora spp. in Jamaica in the late 1970s, a high percentage (~9%) of octocorals were encrusted by Millepora spp. in St. John in 2014 and 2015. The large distances from most encrusted octocorals to the nearest colonies of Millepora spp. in St. John are inconsistent with a hypothesized origin through pursuit, contact, and overgrowth (sensu Wahle ).
Anti‐proliferation effect of blue light‐emitting diodes against antibiotic‐resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ma Jianwei , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Akada Junko , Fujishima Hajime , Shiraishi Norio , Yamaoka Yoshio , Inomata Masafumi
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

Infection by Helicobacter pylori is implicated in a wide range of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Owing to the rapid emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains of H. pylori, the development of novel treatment modalities for antibiotic‐resistant H. pylori infection is a key priority. Blue light‐emitting diodes (LED) may represent a unique option owing to their antimicrobial effect. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti‐proliferative effect of blue LED against antibiotic‐resistant H. pylori.

Methods

Ten antibiotic‐resistant strains and one sensitive H. pylori strain were used in this study. After irradiation by blue LED along time course, the viability of H. pylori was evaluated by enumerating colony forming units. Morphological changes in H. pylori were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Reductase activity was measured as an indicator of bacterial cellular activity. Total reactive oxygen species was monitored using fluorescence intensity and fluorescence microscope imaging.

Results

After irradiation by blue LED, the numbers of H. pylori in all the strains were significantly reduced compared with control group. The H. pylori exhibited a short rod‐shaped morphology after irradiation; no such change was observed in H. pylori not exposed to blue LED. Re‐irradiation of surviving strain after the initial irradiation also exhibited the same anti‐proliferation effect. After blue LED irradiation, bacterial cellular activity was lower, and total reactive oxygen species production was significantly higher in blue LED group, compared with that in control.

Conclusions

Blue LED could be a new treatment to eradicate infection with antibiotic‐resistant H. pylori.
A Social Scientific Approach toward Understanding Racial Disparities in Police Shooting: Data from the Department of Justice (1980–2000)
Authors: Scott Kendra , Ma Debbie S. , Sadler Melody S. , Correll Joshua
Published: December 2017

We analyze data from 213 metropolitan areas over a 21‐year period, and examine two possible reasons for the disproportionately high number of Black suspects killed in police officer‐involved shootings. One account suggests that such shootings reflect racial bias on the part of police. A second account suggests that Black suspects behave differently (perhaps more aggressively) than White suspects, and that police respond to suspects’ behavior (but not race). Our analysis statistically controls for racial differences in criminal activity (a proxy for behavior) and provides a statistical test of the effect of race on police shootings. Results suggest that officers are more likely to shoot Black suspects, even when race‐based differences in crime are held constant.
Progressive bull's‐eye lesions in the skin of a healthy child
Authors: Grasa Lozano Carlos D , Blázquez Gamero Daniel , Ruiz Contreras Jesús
Published: December 2017

See Answer
Genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of Ralstonia solanacearum strains from diverse origins in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: She Xiaoman , He Zifu , Li Huaping
Published: December 2017

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is a key yield‐limiting factor on crops in Guangdong province, China. The genetic diversity of 110 R. solanacearum strains collected from 16 host plants in different areas of Guangdong province was analysed using biovar and phylotype classification schemes. Of 110 strains, fifty‐five strains belong to biovar 3, fifty‐two strains belong to biovar 4, two strains belong to biovar 2 and one strain belonged to biovar 1. Phylotype‐specific multiplex PCR showed that 108 strains belonged to phylotype I (biovars 1, 3, 4) and two strains belonged to phylotype II (biovar 2). The result of phylogenetic relationships analysis based on egl gene sequences demonstrated that 108 strains of phylotype I were grouped into nine previously described sequevars and a new sequevar 57, and two strains of phylotype II were grouped into sequevar 1. Sequevars 15, 34 and 44 widely distributed in Guangdong were predominant sequevars. Sequevar 45 was first reported on potato and pumpkin in China. These results revealed the genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of R. solanacearum population in Guangdong and will be helpful in bacterial wilt‐resistance breeding.
The presence and distribution of cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors in the mandibular gland: The influence of different physical forms of diets on their expression in piglets
Authors: Pirino C. , Cappai M. G. , Maranesi M. , Tomassoni D. , Giontella A. , Pinna W. , Boiti C. , Kamphues J. , Dall'Aglio C.
Published: December 2017

We explored the expression and cell type distribution of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) in the mandibular glands of pigs in relation to different physical forms of the diet. Thirty‐two crossbred growing pigs (ages 5–6 weeks) were randomly allotted to four experimental groups (eight pigs/group) and fed four different physical types of the same diet for 4 weeks: finely ground pellet (FP), coarsely ground meal (CM), coarsely ground pellet (CP) and coarsely ground extruded (CE) with dMEAN of 0.46, 0.88, 0.84 and 0.66 mm respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the pigs were euthanized and the mandibular gland was collected after dissection. By immunohistochemistry, positive signals for CB1 were found in the cytoplasm of duct epithelial cells of pigs fed CP, FP and CE diets and in the serous cells of mixed acini in pigs fed the coarser CM diet. Positive signals for CB2 were detected in duct epithelial cells and in neurons of ganglia close to major secretory ducts of all pigs. The differential expression and localization of these receptors in response to variable chewing activity due to the type of diet suggest that endocannabinoids may influence the functional activity of the mandibular gland by modifying qualitative and/or quantitative aspects of salivary secretion.
Signals for identifying cows at risk of subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy veterinary practice
Authors: Humer E. , Aschenbach J. R. , Neubauer V. , Kröger I. , Khiaosa‐ard R. , Baumgartner W. , Zebeli Q.
Published: December 2017

Controlling rumen disorders is critical to ensure successful dairy herd health management. Lactation diets of dairy cows are commonly rich in concentrates and low in physically effective fibre. Feeding of these diets increases the risk of rumen disorders with far‐reaching consequences for cattle health, welfare and sustainability of dairy production. The term subacute ruminal acidosis or SARA is often used as a synonym for poor rumen health. Being subclinical, SARA lacks of clear symptoms and is therefore difficult to diagnose and to control in the practice. This review article summarises common and identifies new direct and indirect cow signals related to SARA. We have performed a scientific evaluation and interpretation of each of these cow signals by highlighting their advantages and disadvantages from the practitioner's point of view. The gold standard of SARA cow signals still remains direct measurement of ruminal pH. However, continuous pH monitoring is cost‐intensive and often biased by sensor drift. Single‐point ruminal pH measurements by oral stomach tubing or rumenocentesis have strong limitations. Therefore, there is a need for reliable and robust markers of SARA that are easily accessible and inexpensive. Such indirect parameters are the observation of chewing and feeding activities, as well as the monitoring of milk, faecal, urine and blood variables. Also, novel technologies that allow rapid and non‐invasive measurement of the rumen mucosa thickness and ruminal motility patterns might provide advantages in SARA diagnosis. Due to several constraints of these indirect diagnostic tools, such as limited specificity and sensitivity, we strongly recommend using a combination of the signals to reliably identify cows at risk of SARA in a dairy herd.
Negative Binomial Quasi‐Likelihood Inference for General Integer‐Valued Time Series Models
Authors: Aknouche Abdelhakim , Bendjeddou Sara , Touche Nassim
Published: December 2017

Two negative binomial quasi‐maximum likelihood estimates (NB‐QMLEs) for a general class of count time series models are proposed. The first one is the profile NB‐QMLE calculated while arbitrarily fixing the dispersion parameter of the negative binomial likelihood. The second one, termed two‐stage NB‐QMLE, consists of four stages estimating both conditional mean and dispersion parameters. It is shown that the two estimates are consistent and asymptotically Gaussian under mild conditions. Moreover, the two‐stage NB‐QMLE enjoys a certain asymptotic efficiency property provided that a negative binomial link function relating the conditional mean and conditional variance is specified. The proposed NB‐QMLEs are compared with the Poisson QMLE asymptotically and in finite samples for various well‐known particular classes of count time series models such as the Poisson and negative binomial integer‐valued GARCH model and the INAR(1) model. Application to a real dataset is given.
Population structure and migration of the Tobacco Blue Mold Pathogen, Peronospora tabacina, into North America and Europe
Authors: Blanco‐Meneses Monica , Carbone Ignazio , Ristaino Jean B.
Published: December 2017

Tobacco blue mold, caused by Peronospora tabacina, is an oomycete plant pathogen that causes yearly epidemics in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in the United States and Europe. The genetic structure of P. tabacina was examined to understand genetic diversity, population structure and patterns of migration. Two nuclear loci, Igs2 and Ypt1, and one mitochondrial locus, cox2, were amplified, cloned and sequenced from fifty‐four isolates of P. tabacina from the United States, Central America–Caribbean–Mexico (CCAM), Europe and the Middle East (EULE). Cloned sequences from the three genes showed high genetic variability across all populations. Nucleotide diversity and the population mean mutation parameter per site (Watterson's theta) were higher in EULE and CCAM and lower in U.S. populations. Neutrality tests were significant and the equilibrium model of neutral evolution was rejected, indicating an excess of recent mutations or rare alleles. Hudson's Snn tests were performed to examine population subdivision and gene flow among populations. An isolation‐with‐migration analysis (IM) supported the hypothesis of long‐distance migration of P. tabacina from the Caribbean region, Florida and Texas into other states in the United States. Within the European populations, the model documented migration from North Central Europe into western Europe and Lebanon, and migration from western Europe into Lebanon. The migration patterns observed support historical observations about the first disease introductions and movement in Europe. The models developed are applicable to other aerial dispersed emerging pathogens and document that high‐evolutionary‐risk plant pathogens can move over long distances to cause disease due to their large effective population size, population expansion and dispersal.
Complex selection on a regulator of social cognition: Evidence of balancing selection, regulatory interactions and population differentiation in the prairie vole Avpr1a locus
Authors: Berrio Alejandro , Guerrero Rafael F. , Aglyamova Galina V. , Okhovat Mariam , Matz Mikhail V. , Phelps Steven M.
Published: December 2017

Adaptive variation in social behaviour depends upon standing genetic variation, but we know little about how evolutionary forces shape genetic diversity relevant to brain and behaviour. In prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), variants at the Avpr1a locus predict expression of the vasopressin 1a receptor in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), a brain region that mediates spatial and contextual memory; cortical V1aR abundance in turn predicts diversity in space use and sexual fidelity in the field. To examine the potential contributions of adaptive and neutral forces to variation at the Avpr1a locus, we explore sequence diversity at the Avpr1a locus and throughout the genome in two populations of wild prairie voles. First, we refine results demonstrating balancing selection at the locus by comparing the frequency spectrum of variants at the locus to a random sample of the genome. Next, we find that the four single nucleotide polymorphisms that predict high V1aR expression in the RSC are in stronger linkage disequilibrium than expected by chance despite high recombination among intervening variants, suggesting that epistatic selection maintains their association. Analysis of population structure and a haplotype network for two populations revealed that this excessive LD was unlikely to be due to admixture alone. Furthermore, the two populations differed considerably in the region shown to be a regulator of V1aR expression despite the extremely low levels of genomewide genetic differentiation. Together, our data suggest that complex selection on Avpr1a locus favours specific combinations of regulatory polymorphisms, maintains the resulting alleles at population‐specific frequencies, and may contribute to unique patterns of spatial cognition and sexual fidelity among populations.
Getting there and around: Host range oscillations during colonization of the Canary Islands by the parasitic nematode Spauligodon
Authors: Jorge Fátima , Perera Ana , Poulin Robert , Roca Vicente , Carretero Miguel A.
Published: December 2017

Episodes of expansion and isolation in geographic range over space and time, during which parasites have the opportunity to expand their host range, are linked to the development of host–parasite mosaic assemblages and parasite diversification. In this study, we investigated whether island colonization events lead to host range oscillations in a taxon of host‐specific parasitic nematodes of the genus Spauligodon in the Canary Islands. We further investigated whether range oscillations also resulted in shifts in host breadth (i.e., specialization), as expected for parasites on islands. Parasite phylogeny and divergence time estimates were inferred from molecular data with Bayesian methods. Host divergence times were set as calibration priors after a priori evaluation with a global‐fit method of which individual host–parasite associations likely represent cospeciation links. Parasite colonization history was reconstructed, followed by an estimation of oscillation events and specificity level. The results indicate the presence of four Spauligodon clades in the Canary Islands, which originated from at least three different colonization events. We found evidence of host range oscillations to truly novel hosts, which in one case led to higher diversification. Contemporary host–parasite associations show strong host specificity, suggesting that changes in host breadth were limited to the shift period. Lineages with more frequent and wider taxonomic host range oscillations prior to the initial colonization event showed wider range oscillations during colonization and diversification within the archipelago. Our results suggest that a lineage's evolutionary past may be the best indicator of a parasite's potential for future range expansions.
Deregulation of autophagy in postmortem brains of Machado‐Joseph disease patients
Authors: Sittler Annie , Muriel Marie‐Paule , Marinello Martina , Brice Alexis , den Dunnen Wilfred , Alves Sandro
Published: December 2017

Autophagy, the major pathway for protein turnover, is critical to maintain cellular homeostasis and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this research was to analyze the expression of autophagy markers in postmortem brains from Machado‐Joseph disease (MJD) patients. The expression of autophagy markers in the cerebellum and the oculomotor nucleus from MJD patients and age‐matched controls with no signs of neuropathology was inspected postmortem by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. Furthermore, autophagy was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blot and IHC revealed nuclear accumulation of misfolded ataxin‐3 (ATXN3) and the presence of ubiquitin‐ and p62‐positive aggregates in MJD patients as compared to controls. Moreover, the autophagic proteins, autophagy‐related gene (Atg) protein (ATG)‐7, ATG‐12, ATG16L2 and autophagosomal microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were significantly increased in MJD brains relative to controls, while beclin‐1 levels were reduced in MJD patients. Increase in the levels of lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP‐2) and of the endosomal markers (Rab7 and Rab1A) were observed in MJD patients relatively to controls. In addition, these findings were further confirmed by TEM in brain tissue where large vesicles accumulating electron‐dense materials were highly enriched in MJD patients. Postmortem brains with MJD exhibit increased markers of autophagy relative to age‐matched control brains, therefore suggesting strong dysregulation of autophagy that may have an important role in the course of MJD pathogenesis.
To Pool or Not to Pool: Revisited
Authors: Pesaran M. Hashem , Zhou Qiankun
Published: December 2017

This paper provides a new comparative analysis of pooled least squares and fixed effects (FE) estimators of the slope coefficients in the case of panel data models when the time dimension (T) is fixed while the cross section dimension (N) is allowed to increase without bounds. The individual effects are allowed to be correlated with the regressors, and the comparison is carried out in terms of an exponent coefficient, δ, which measures the degree of pervasiveness of the FE in the panel. The use of δ allows us to distinguish between poolability of small N dimensional panels with large T from large N dimensional panels with small T. It is shown that the pooled estimator remains consistent so long as δ<1, and is asymptotically normally distributed if δ<1/2, for a fixed T and as N→∞. It is further shown that when δ<1/2, the pooled estimator is more efficient than the FE estimator. We also propose a Hausman type diagnostic test of δ<1/2 as a simple test of poolability, and propose a pretest estimator that could be used in practice. Monte Carlo evidence supports the main theoretical findings and gives some indications of gains to be made from pooling when δ<1/2.
Domestic Politics, Cultural Conflict, and Global Exposure: Perceptions of Intergovernmental Organizations Across Asia
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chang
Published: December 2017

This study examines how Asian people conceive of the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund, from three major arguments that have highlighted distinct sources of acceptance of, or distrust for, intergovernmental organizations (IOs). First, the outcome from multilevel analysis across eight Asian societies is supportive of the domestic proxies hypothesis, because the attitudes in favor of IOs parallel those developed from the evaluation of domestic politics with regard to democracy deficit, trust in government, and involvement in formal organizations. Second, in testing a cultural conflict hypothesis, religion produces a notable impact: Muslims, compared to Christians and Buddhists, are more reluctant to accept IOs. Third, an individual's transnational experiences do not generate impact, casting doubt on whether global exposure necessarily operates to form a preference toward the current global order. National economic and political conditions and foreign aid are also inspected for their “elevator effects.”
Can South Korea Embrace Japan's Expanding Security Role? Sources and the Manifestation of the Conflicting Identities
Authors: Nam Chang‐hee
Published: December 2017

Amid the soured bilateral relations with South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken swift steps toward transforming Japan into a more active player in East Asian power politics. This is in response to North Korea's military threat and China's maritime expansionism. These intensifying security challenges prompted Tokyo to promote military readiness and introduce a force development plan in 2013. On 1 July 2014, Japan's Cabinet passed the decision on exercising collective self‐defense, signaling a shift from the old self‐imposed restriction on the use of force as a means of dispute settlement. The reinterpretation of Article 9 heralded a more proactive engagement of Japan's military in the regional power balance. Accordingly, Japan revised the US–Japan Defense Guidelines in April 2015, strengthening ties with the United States. South Koreans expressed sharply divided attitudes toward Japan's military empowerment. Marked differences ranged between the watchful eyes of the public on the one hand, and conditional acceptance by the government and security specialists on the other. Referring to regional geopolitics and historical bilateral relations, this paper presents conditions and rationales reconciling these conflicting positions.
Discourses of Collaboration Between the Republic of Korea and Russia in the Post‐Soviet Era: A Cultural Outlook
Authors: Kuropjatnik Alexandr I. , Yang Mina
Published: December 2017

At present, culture is one of the most important factors in the scientific, technological, and, subsequently, economic development of national economies. Culture encompasses more than just extensive opportunities for exchanges and collaboration between countries – it catalyzes the formation of new opportunities for cultural synthesis that can change its creative potential and forms of engagement in regional and transnational collaboration. The attitude towards national culture as a phenomenon of which aspects can be reconceived and reformulated in terms of international collaboration as aspects of politics, economy and culture opens up both new potential for its mobility, and also its transformative creative power. In this context, discourses of collaboration between agents serve not only as factors for the organization of a collaborative sociocultural environment, but also as prerequisites for a cultural and creative hybridity, which is actively formed in environments where cultural boundaries are less pronounced. Through a new public diplomacy, studying the cultural prospects of relations between the Republic of Korea and Russia allows us to discuss the concept that forms of cultural synthesis that arise in the course of development of long‐term humanitarian exchanges (educational, scientific, and others) provide the foundation for us to address the prospects of South Korean–Russian relations from the new angle of cultural hybridity in the 21st century. The buildup of culture at the hands of representatives of Russian and Korean culture produces a uniquely creative experiment in cultural collaboration.
Nonresponsiveness and Susceptibility of Opioid Side Effects Related to Cancer Patients’ Clinical Characteristics: A Post‐Hoc Analysis
Authors: Corli Oscar , Roberto Anna , Bennett Michael I. , Galli Francesca , Corsi Nicole , Rulli Eliana , Antonione Raffaella
Published: December 2017

Background

The response to opioids is not always positive in cancer patients. A considerable proportion of patients do not respond (nonresponders [NRs]) or experience severe toxicity. The aim of this analysis was to assess the role of demographic characteristics, pain features, comorbidities, and ongoing therapy on the lack of efficacy and on the occurrence of severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Methods

This is a post‐hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial that involved 520 patients and aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4 strong opioids. Patients who presented with unchanged or worsened pain compared to the first visit were considered to be NRs. As for toxicity, severe ADRs with an incidence of greater than 10% were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were used.

Results

498 patients were analyzed. Liver metastases and breakthrough pain (BTP) were found to increase the risk for nonresponse. Conversely, a high basal pain intensity significantly decreased the same risk. Constipation risk was worsened by previous weak opioid therapy but decreased with aging and with the use of transdermal opioids. Risk for drowsiness was aggravated by bone metastases and concomitant treatment with anticoagulant, antidiabetic, and central nervous system drugs. Risk for confusion increased with antidiabetics, antibiotics, and previous weak opioid therapy but decreased when fentanyl was used. Occurrence of nausea increased in patients with a high rating on the Karnofsky Performance Status Index. Risk for xerostomia was higher in women and in patients treated with antidiabetic or long‐term opioids.

Conclusions

Several clinical variables are correlated with opioid response in cancer patients. In particular, the presence of BTP is associated with nonresponse. Additionally, patients who receive polypharmacological therapy are more likely to experience opioid adverse events.
Big Data and Service Operations
Authors: Cohen Maxime C.
Published: December 2017

This study discusses how the tremendous volume of available data collected by firms has been transforming the service industry. The focus is primarily on services in the following sectors: finance/banking, transportation and hospitality, and online platforms (e.g., subscription services, online advertising, and online dating). We report anecdotal evidence borrowed from various collaborations and discussions with executives and data analysts who work in management consulting or finance, or for technology/startup companies. Our main goals are (i) to present an overview of how big data is shaping the service industry, (ii) to describe several mechanisms used in the service industry that leverage the potential information hidden in big data, and (iii) to point out some of the pitfalls and risks incurred. On one hand, collecting and storing large amounts of data on customers and on past transactions can help firms improve the quality of their services. For example, firms can now customize their services to unprecedented levels of granularity, which enables the firms to offer targeted personalized offers (sometimes, even in real‐time). On the other hand, collecting this data may allow some firms to utilize the data against their customers by charging them higher prices. Furthermore, data‐driven algorithms may often be biased toward illicit discrimination. The availability of data on sensitive personal information may also attract hackers and gives rise to important cybersecurity concerns (e.g., information leakage, fraud, and identity theft).
High salinity impacts germination of the halophyte Cakile maritima but primes seeds for rapid germination upon stress release
Authors: Debez Ahmed , Belghith Ikram , Pich Andreas , Taamalli Wael , Abdelly Chedly , Braun Hans‐Peter
Published: December 2017

Seed germination recovery aptitude is an adaptive trait of overriding significance for the successful establishment and dispersal of extremophile plants in their native ecosystems. Cakile maritima is an annual halophyte frequent on Mediterranean coasts, which produces transiently dormant seeds under high salinity, that germinate fast when soil salinity is lowered by rainfall. Here, we report ecophysiological and proteomic data about (1) the effect of high salt (200 mM NaCl) on the early developmental stages (germination and seedling) and (2) the seed germination recovery capacity of this species. Upon salt exposure, seed germination was severely inhibited and delayed and seedling length was restricted. Interestingly, non‐germinated seeds remained viable, showing high germination percentage and faster germination than the control seeds after their transfer onto distilled water. The plant phenotypic plasticity during germination was better highlighted by the proteomic data. Salt exposure triggered (1) a marked slower degradation of seed storage reserves and (2) a significant lower abundance of proteins involved in several biological processes (primary metabolism, energy, stress‐response, folding and stability). Yet, these proteins showed strong increased abundance early after stress release, thereby sustaining the faster seed storage proteins mobilization under recovery conditions compared to the control. Overall, as part of the plant survival strategy, C. maritima seems to avoid germination and establishment under high salinity. However, this harsh condition may have a priming‐like effect, boosting seed germination and vigor under post‐stress conditions, sustained by active metabolic machinery.
Financing behaviour of R&D investment in the emerging markets: the role of alliance and financial system
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Uddin Moshfique , Yazdifar Hassan
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the financing behaviour of research and development (R&D) investments in emerging markets. Drawing on institutional theory and using panel data of generalized methods of moment estimation for a sample of 302 firms from 20 countries during the period 2003–2015, we find that emerging market firms tend to use internal funds for financing R&D investments. Interesting results emerged when the sample was divided as alliance and non‐alliance firms, and bank‐based and market‐based financial systems. The results show that R&D financing behaves differently for alliance and non‐alliance firms. Alliance firms use both internal and external funds for R&D investments, while non‐alliance firms do not use external funds. We also document that a country's financial system influences the choice of available sources of finance. Firms from countries that follow a bank‐based financial system tend to rely on external funds while firms from countries that follow a market‐based financial system depend more on internal funds for financing R&D investments. This study is important as it provides new evidence on financing R&D investments in emerging countries taking into account the institutional arguments of financing choices, and so should guide stakeholders about appropriate sources of R&D financing.
Efavirenz is related to neuropsychiatric symptoms among adults, but not among adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Sumari‐de Boer Marion , Schellekens Arnt , Duinmaijer Ashanti , Lalashowi Julieth M. , Swai Happiness J. , de Mast Quirijn , van der Ven Andre , Kinabo Grace
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To explore the relationship between Efavirenz (EFV) and neuropsychiatric symptoms among adults and adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study among HIV‐infected adults (age 18–65) and adolescents (age 12–17) on antiretroviral treatment attending Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) and the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). manova and chi‐squared tests were used to test differences between EFV and non‐EFV‐treated participants.

Results

A total of 215 adults and 150 adolescents participated. About 52% of adults and 37% of adolescents used EFV. Among adults, depression scores were higher for those on EFV (HADS (Cohen's D: 0.38; P = 0.02) and SCL‐90 (Cohen's D: 0.24; P = 0.03). Among adolescents, those on EFV had lower scores on depression (HADS (Cohen's D: 0.3; P = 0.02) and SCL‐90 (Cohen's D: 0.1; P = 0.02). About 10% of adults reported suicidal thoughts, but there was no difference between those on EFV and those without. Lastly, adults on EFV reported higher levels of problematic alcohol use (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

In line with the previous studies, EFV is associated with depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use among HIV‐infected adults in Tanzania. In contrast, EFV was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms in adolescents in Tanzania. Particularly among adults, close monitoring of depressive symptoms and alcohol use is indicated.
Disposable skin staplers for closure of linear gastrointestinal incisions in dogs
Authors: Schwartz Zeev , Coolman Bradley R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To report the clinical features and outcomes of linear gastrointestinal incisions closed with skin staples in dogs.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Animals

333 client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records from 1 private referral hospital were searched for dogs that underwent gastrointestinal surgery between November 1999 and October 2015. Cases were included if skin staplers were used to close linear gastrointestinal incisions. Information regarding preoperative, surgical, and postoperative factors was collected.

Results

Complications were diagnosed in 8 of 245 (3.27%) dogs, including 3 of 245 (1.22%) dogs that died or were euthanized, 3 of 245 (1.22%) dogs with incisional dehiscence, and 2 of 245 (0.81%) dogs with attachment of a linear foreign body to the staples at the intestinal lumen. Dehiscence was noted at the enterotomy sites in 3 dogs at a mean time of 44 hours after surgery (SD ± 6.93). Two dogs presented with another linear foreign body that was attached to the staples in the intestinal lumen at postoperative days 24 and 42. The risk factors associated with incisional dehiscence included multiple gastrointestinal incisions performed in 1 surgery (χ2, P < .001) and the presence of a linear foreign body (χ2, P = .02253). No associations were detected between dogs' age, sex, weight, surgery time, indication for surgical intervention, surgery location in the gastrointestinal tract, or surgeon experience and incisional dehiscence.

Conclusion

Skin staplers provide safe and effective closure of gastrotomies, enterotomies, and colonotomies in dogs. This method is reliable, efficient, and affordable in the hands of veterinary surgeons with varying skill levels.
Wound healing activity of Streptocaulon juventas root ethanolic extract
Authors: Nguyen Minh Can , Le Dinh To , Kamei Kaeko , Dang Thi Phuong Thao
Published: December 2017

Streptocaulon juventas is a well‐known plant that has antimicrobial activity, in vitro antiplasmodial activity, anti‐proliferative activity, and antioxidant activity. In this study, we showed experimental evidence that proved that S. juventas root ethanolic extract has wound healing activities. First, in a mouse excision wound model, S. juventas root ethanolic extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the wound closure time. After 7 days, the wound granulation tissue in mice treated with the extract exhibited a 2.3‐fold decrease in inflammatory cells, a 1.7‐fold increase in fibroblasts and enhanced angiogenesis. Molecular analysis also revealed that after wounds were treated with S. juventas root ethanolic extract, TNF‐α and NF‐κB1 gene expression were down‐regulated by 4.7 and 3.7 times, respectively. In contrast, TGF‐β1 and VEGF gene expression were up‐regulated by 1.9 and 6.5 times, respectively. Taken together, our experimental data strongly show that the ethanolic extract from S. juventas root displays remarkable wound healing activity.
A Dynamic Modeling Approach for Spindle Bearing System Supported by Both Angular Contact Ball Bearing and Floating Displacement Bearing
Authors: Xi Songtao , Cao Hongrui , Chen Xuefeng , Niu Linkai
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a new dynamic modeling approach for spindle bearing system supported by both angular contact ball bearing (ACBB) and floating displacement bearing (FDB). First, a dynamic model of FDB is developed based on the discrete element method with each bearing component having six degrees-of-freedom (DOFs). Based on the developed FDB dynamic model and Gupta ACBB dynamic model, a fully coupled dynamic model of the spindle bearing system combined both ACBBs, and FDB is developed. In the proposed spindle bearing system model, the spindle shaft is modeled using finite element (FE) method based on the Timoshenko beam theory with the consideration of centrifugal force and gyroscopic moment. The coupling restriction between the dynamic bearing models and the FE spindle shaft model are the restoring forces and moments that are transmitted to the shaft by the bearings and the dynamic vibration response shared by both the bearing inner races and the corresponding nodes of the shaft where bearings are installed. A Fortran language-based program has been developed for the spindle bearing system with the dynamic bearing models solved using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg integration method and FE shaft model solved by Newmark-β method. Based on the developed model, the effect of the FDB radial clearance, system preload, and spindle rotating speed on the system dynamics, and the effect of the FDB radial clearance on the system unbalanced response have been investigated.
Grazing-incidence small angle x-ray scattering, x-ray reflectivity, and atomic force microscopy: A combined approach to assess atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 dielectric films
Authors: Li Chao , Shahriarian Firouz , Goorsky Mark S.
Published: December 2017

Al2O3 dielectric films deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were characterized using grazing-incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS). Unique to this method, the diffuse scattering from surface and interface roughnesses was calculated with surface parameters (root mean square roughness σ, lateral correlation length ξ, and Hurst parameter h) obtained from atomic force microscopy and layer densities, surface grading, and interface roughness/grading obtained from specular x-ray reflectivity (XRR) simulation. Pore scattering was determined with the measured total diffuse scattering intensity subtracted by the simulated diffuse scattering from roughnesses, from which the pore size distribution was obtained. This GISAXS method was validated with the scanning electron microscopy result of a porous indium phosphide single layer and was applied to two Al2O3 dielectric single layers deposited with different ALD parameters. Both porous and nonporous Al2O3 layers were revealed. The pore size in the porous Al2O3 single layer was determined to disperse in a range of several nanometers with an uncertainty of ∼1 nm. The GISAXS results are correlated with other techniques including specular XRR measurements, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and broadband optical reflectance measurements. Pore size distribution, along with layer thicknesses, densities, and refractive indices, is key to understanding the role of deposition conditions in the optical and electrical properties of Al2O3 dielectric films.
Atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced spatial atomic layer deposition of SnOx as conductive gas diffusion barrier
Authors: Hoffmann Lukas , Theirich Detlef , Schlamm Daniel , Hasselmann Tim , Pack Sven , Brinkmann Kai Oliver , Rogalla Detlef , Peters Sven , Räupke André , Gargouri Hassan , Riedl Thomas
Published: December 2017

The authors report the preparation of transparent conductive gas permeation barriers based on thin films of tin oxide (SnOx) grown by spatial atomic layer deposition (ALD) at atmospheric pressure. They present a comparative study using tetrakis(dimethylamino)tin(IV) and various oxidants (atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma, ozone, and water) at process temperatures in the range of 80–165 °C. Specifically, for oxygen plasma or ozone as oxidant, the authors confirm self-limited ALD growth with a growth per cycle (GPC) of 0.16 and 0.11 nm for 80 and 150 °C, respectively, comparable to the classical vacuum-based ALD of SnOx. On the contrary, for water-based processes the GPC is significantly lower. Very notably, while SnOx grown with water as oxidant shows only a very limited electrical conductivity [10−3 (Ω cm)−1], atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma affords SnOx layers with an electrical conductivity up to 102 (Ω cm)−1. At the same time, these layers are excellent gas permeation barriers with a water vapor transmission rate as low as 7 × 10−4 g m−2 day−1 (at 60 °C and 60% rH). ALD growth will be demonstrated at substrate velocities up to 75 mm/s (i.e., 4.5 m/min), which renders spatial plasma assisted ALD an excellent candidate for the continuous manufacturing of transparent and conductive gas permeation barriers based on SnOx.