bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the location of sensors for seismic damage detection in steel girder bridges with elastomeric bearings
Authors: Mustafa Samim , Sekiya Hidehiko , Miki Chitoshi
Published: February 2020

In planning a bridge health monitoring with minimum sensors for long-term monitoring, it is necessary to accurately predict the bridge behavior including its nonlinearity and identify the damaged bridge components when a strong earthquake strikes. This article presents a methodology for the selection of sensors and their arrangement for detecting seismic damage in an in-service steel plate girder bridge system. In this study, a detailed span-based model was developed for the finite element simulation including the effect of the rubber bearing and piers, and the damage control by the side blocks. The finite element dynamic simulation was carried out with input earthquake acceleration to investigate the seismic behavior and grasp the damageable parts during an earthquake. Based on the results of finite element dynamic simulation, a fault tree analysis was carried out to reveal more about the bridge behavior, the failure modes, and the occurrence of damage. It was found that the side block, the bearing stiffener, and the horizontal bracing on the fixed side of the bridge are most important to be monitored for the evaluation of soundness of a plate girder bridge immediately after an earthquake. Finally, a sensor arrangement for the bridge was proposed based on the analysis results.
Customer Advocacy: A Distinctive Form of Word of Mouth
Authors: Sweeney Jillian , Payne Adrian , Frow Pennie , Liu Dan
Published: February 2020

Enthusiastic customer endorsements can significantly influence buying decisions and drive sales. In service contexts, advocates are especially important because the specific and complex characteristics of services make personal recommendations very effective. Customer advocacy communications differ from other positive word of mouth (PWOM), though literature on advocacy is surprisingly sparse and inconsistent. Notably, advocacy is strong, passionate, explicit, and ongoing, with an explicit goal of positively influencing others’ views. As its central theoretical contributions, this article defines advocacy; identifies advocacy as a distinctive form of PWOM; conceptualizes advocacy according to a hierarchy of behaviors, which increase in intensity and effort; and develops a robust, reliable advocacy scale. By investigating positive behavioral outcomes of different levels of advocacy, this study also reveals the importance of identifying strong advocates, rather than just those who give PWOM, as well as salient drivers of advocacy. Accordingly, this article establishes a platform for further investigations of the importance of advocates, as well as recommendations to help managers identify these potentially valuable advocates.
Ranibizumab and aflibercept intravitreal injection for treatment naïve and refractory macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Hogg HD Jeffry , Di Simplicio Sandro , Pearce Mark S
Published: February 2020

Background:

Branch retinal vein occlusion complicated by macular oedema is a common disease treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Controversy exists surrounding anti-vascular endothelial growth factor selection for both treatment naïve and refractory cases.

Methods:

A retrospective electronic medical record review at a single UK centre generated a cohort of 259 treatment naïve eyes from 258 patients receiving ranibizumab, aflibercept or a combination ( n = 83, 97 and 79, respectively) from 2013 to 2018 with ⩾6 months follow-up. Number of intravitreal injections, visual acuity and macular oedema presence were noted at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. A subgroup analysis examined refractory cases switched from ranibizumab to aflibercept ( n = 77) or maintained on ranibizumab ( n = 35).

Results:

Eyes receiving ranibizumab or aflibercept had equivocal vision gain at 1 year, 8.0 (95% CI 5.0−11.0) and 9.6 (7.2−12.1) Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, respectively. About 35.6% had no macular oedema at 12 months with ranibizumab compared with 50.0% with aflibercept ( p = 0.07) following 5.1 (4.7–5.6) and 6.0 (5.6–6.4) intravitreal injections, respectively. Visual prognosis declined significantly as treatment delay extended ( p = 0.003) which was only apparent with ⩾3 months delay. Eyes with refractory macular oedema also had equivocal functional and anatomical outcomes whether they were maintained on ranibizumab or switched to aflibercept.

Conclusion:

These real world data demonstrate more modest clinical improvements from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment than reported in clinical trials. The functional outcomes of ranibizumab and aflibercept in both treatment naïve and refractory cases were equivocal while the anatomical outcomes of aflibercept may be superior.
Effective interventions targeting the mental health of children and young adults: A scoping review
Authors: Bjerre Natasja , Lillefjell Monica , Magnus Eva , Anthun Kirsti S.
Published: February 2020

Aims: Children and young adults are in general characterised by good health, but evidence shows increasing mental-health problems. Numerous interventions have been developed to target their mental health, but the effectiveness of these interventions remains varied. In this scoping review, we investigated factors associated with the effectiveness of interventions. Methods: A scoping review based on a three-block search strategy was performed to review the current literature of effective interventions. Each block (interventions, mental health and children and young adults) were operationalised to search terms. Systematic searches were conducted in three electronic databases and supplemented with citation searches, resulting in 51 studies in total. All studies were critically analysed, and a standardised extraction chart was used to systemise the data. Results: Our scoping review revealed a range of factors influencing the effectiveness of interventions. These factors were (a) characteristics of the target group (age, sex and level of baseline symptoms), (b) factors linked to implementation (use of manuals, training of implementers and context) and (c) characteristics of the interventions (universal versus indicated delivery, multiple-domain approaches, level of theory and adjustment to age and socio-economic status). Elements are discussed for each factor. Conclusions: Based on this review, it can be concluded that the use of stepwise, multi-domain approaches incorporating the social networks of the target group, adjusting activities to specific age groups and the social context, training implementers well and using stringent implementation manuals will improve the effectiveness of interventions targeting the mental health of children and young adults.
Poor family relationships in adolescence as a risk factor of in-patient psychiatric care across the life course: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Alm Susanne , Låftman Sara Brolin , Sivertsson Fredrik , Bohman Hannes
Published: February 2020

Background: Previous research has shown that poor family relations in childhood are associated with adverse mental health in adulthood. Yet, few studies have followed the offspring until late adulthood, and very few have had access to register-based data on hospitalisation due to psychiatric illness. The aim of this study was to examine the association between poor family relations in adolescence and the likelihood of in-patient psychiatric care across the life course up until age 55. Methods: Data were derived from the Stockholm Birth Cohort study, with information on 2638 individuals born in 1953. Information on family relations was based on interviews with the participants’ mothers in 1968. Information on in-patient psychiatric treatment was derived from administrative registers from 1969 to 2008. Binary logistic regression was used. Results: Poor family relations in adolescence were associated with an increased risk of later in-patient treatment for a psychiatric diagnosis, even when adjusting for other adverse conditions in childhood. Further analyses showed that poor family relations in adolescence were a statistically significant predictor of in-patient psychiatric care up until age 36–45, but that the strength of the association attenuated over time. Conclusions: Poor family relationships during upbringing can have serious negative mental-health consequences that persist into mid-adulthood. However, the effect of poor family relations seems to abate with age. The findings point to the importance of effective interventions in families experiencing poor relationships.
‘They help us realise what we’re actually gaining’: The impact on undergraduates and teaching staff of displaying transferable skills badges
Authors: Hill Michelle A , Overton Tina , Kitson Russell RA , Thompson Christopher D , Brookes Rowan H , Coppo Paolo , Bayley Lynne
Published: February 2020

Attaining transferable skills is increasingly important for undergraduates and, while such skill development may be embedded within the curriculum, it is often not well recognised by students. This mixed methods study explores the use of skills badges as icons displayed on curriculum materials in several disciplines at two universities. The badges are designed to draw students’ attention to skill development opportunities; an approach that is easily scalable in any discipline. Results indicated that more than half of students found the badges helpful and their recognition of the development of some skills increased. Other benefits included understanding the wider purpose of learning tasks, increased motivation and satisfaction and identification of examples for use in the job application process. The badges prompted some staff to communicate with students about skills and to re-evaluate their teaching approach to maximise skill development opportunities. Communication between staff and students is key to ensuring students understand the purpose of the badges and how to use them.
Facilitators, barriers, and recommendations related to the informed consent of Marshallese in a randomized control trial
Authors: Purvis Rachel S , Eisenberg Leah R , Trudeau Christopher R , Long Christopher R , McElfish Pearl A
Published: February 2020

Background

The Pacific Islander population is the second fasting growing population in the United States and Arkansas is home to the largest Marshallese population in the continental US. The Marshallese community have significant health disparities with high prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity compared to the general US population. Using a community-based participatory research approach, researchers and Marshallese community stakeholders identified diabetes as the top health issue for research.

Methods

From 2014 to 2018, a randomized control trial was conducted comparing standard diabetes management education with a culturally adapted family model of standard diabetes management education delivered in participants’ homes by Marshallese community health workers and certified diabetes educators. Interviews were held with Marshallese participants to document their experiences with and perceptions of the informed consent process for this randomized control trial.

Results

Participants provided feedback on the process of enrolling in the study, describing barriers and facilitators to giving informed consent from their perspective, and offering recommendations for improving the informed consent process.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that informed consent with underserved communities, including immigrant and migrant populations who do not speak English or have limited English proficiency, is possible, and that using a community-based participatory research approach can help facilitate the informed consent process.
Experiential Features of Culinary Nutrition Education That Drive Behavior Change: Frameworks for Research and Practice
Authors: Fredericks Lynn , Koch Pamela A. , Liu Ao (Alicia) , Galitzdorfer Leah , Costa Alyssa , Utter Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Evidence of the benefits of culinary nutrition education is growing in the literature. Culinary nutrition education programs are naturally experiential, social, skills-based, and effective in improving nutrition-related beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors. In this article, we explore a set of motivational experiences in culinary nutrition education that have been identified as “drivers” of behavior change. These drivers emerged from 20 years of implementation and evaluation of hands-on cooking programs across the life span in more than 30 states within the United States. From these drivers, we developed a framework to guide both new and existing programs that can be best designed to motivate behavior change. These frameworks add value to the work of culinary nutrition educators and will inform and support future culinary nutrition education programs. In future research, health educators implementing skills-based health promotion programs in diverse settings can test the application of this framework to determine its relevance in broader areas.
Does Training Predict Second-Grade Teachers’ Use of Student Data for Decision-Making in Reading and Mathematics?
Authors: Filderman Marissa J. , Toste Jessica R. , Cooc North
Published: February 2020

Although national legislation and policy call for the use of student assessment data to support instruction, evidence suggests that teachers lack the knowledge and skills required to effectively use data. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of training for increasing immediate teacher outcomes (i.e., knowledge, skills, and beliefs), yet research is still needed that investigates whether these immediate learning outcomes correspond to improved practices in reading and math instruction. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey: Kindergarten (2011), the present study sought to investigate whether data-focused training predicted teacher use of data for four prevalent decision-making outcomes: monitor progress on specific skills, identify skill deficits, monitor overall progress of students performing below benchmark, and determine placement in instructional tiers. Results indicate that professional development to use data to identify struggling learners and coursework focused on the use of assessment to select interventions and supports significantly predicted teachers’ frequent use of data across key decision-making dimensions in reading instruction. Results for math instruction differ in that more frequent data use was not consistent across outcomes, more training sessions were needed, and professional development to use data to guide instruction significantly predicted use of data to monitor students who performed below benchmark.
Transforming Practice Through Culture Change: Probation Staff Perspectives on Juvenile Justice Reform
Authors: Esthappan Sino , Lacoe Johanna , Zweig Janine M. , Young Douglas W.
Published: February 2020

Probation plays a central role in the juvenile justice system, and probation officers are often involved in numerous decisions made in juvenile courts. This study examines the views of probation staff from 23 jurisdictions, some of which participated in an Annie E. Casey Foundation–funded juvenile justice reform effort intended to safely and significantly reduce the use of out-of-home placements, especially for youth of color. We survey juvenile probation staff members at two waves and describe changes in reported practices and principles relating to individualized case planning, youth engagement, family and community engagement, and racial and ethnic equity and inclusion as well as beliefs about the purposes of out-of-home placement. Reform sites reported slightly more frequent use of practices and principles addressing community engagement and racial and ethnic equity and inclusion in the second wave than in the first wave.
A Day in the Life: A Long-Term Evaluation of a Day Service for People with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Collins G. J. , Toft S. L.
Published: February 2020

The evaluation of a health service day service for adults with learning disabilities is undertaken annually. This paper presents data charting this service over an 8-year period, 1990–1998. For the purpose of the evaluation a cohort of 12 clients have been followed over this period. The cohort represents 48% of the total clients under the health service. The study focuses on the data collected by two evaluation tools: staff completed activity-diaries and group engagement observations conducted by an independent observer. Using these tools the service is evaluated in terms of three service accomplishments (O'Brien 1986): opportunities, community presence and status. Each accomplishment is discussed with reference to the data collected over time and the progress made by the service in meeting these. Results over this period demonstrate an increase in the range of activities offered to clients, an increase in the percentage of community based activities, a decrease in the group size in community activities and increased engagement levels. These results suggest that the service has made considerable progress in meeting its goals. Conclusions are reached both on the services progress and on the worth of the evaluation process in day services.
A systematic review identifying outcomes and outcome measures in Dupuytren’s disease research
Authors: Karpinski Marta , Moltaji Syena , Baxter Charmaine , Murphy Jessica , Petropoulos Jo-Anne , Thoma Achilleas
Published: February 2020

This systematic review summarizes the outcome reporting standards in Dupuytren’s disease treatment research. A search of Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and CINAHL was conducted. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series published between 1997 and 2017, investigating treatment of Dupuytren’s disease with fasciectomy, fasciotomy, or collagenase, were eligible for inclusion. Range of motion was the most commonly reported outcome, appearing in 77% of included studies. Outcomes, such as range of motion, recurrence, and clinical success, were frequently defined, however many different definitions were used. We identified 37 unique measurement methods for range of motion, 28 for recurrence, and 25 for clinical success. Most outcomes were assessed at multiple time points, and only a few studies reported results according to established clinical significance thresholds. Development of a core outcome set will help standardize outcome reporting, and ensure future research in this field is relevant, interpretable, and amenable to systematic review and/or meta-analysis.
Proteinuria
Authors: Copeland Lauren , Gillis Keith
Published: February 2020

Measurement of urinary protein is an essential part of the evaluation of chronic kidney disease; it has both diagnostic and prognostic significance. Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for progression of renal disease, but is also independently associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Despite its far-reaching implications, the definition, diagnosis and treatment of proteinuria can cause confusion in primary care. Early detection of proteinuria in the context of diabetes or otherwise is vital given the potential for intervention to reduce urinary protein losses and improve renal and cardiovascular outcomes. This article will focus on the definition, potential causes and management of proteinuria, including which individuals should be referred to secondary care.
Use of stable isotopes (δ2H, δ13C and δ15N) to infer the migratory connectivity of Terek Sandpipers (Xenus cinereus) at stopover sites in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway
Authors: Moon Young-Min , Kim Kwanmok , Kim Jinhan , Kim Hwajung , Yoo Jeong-Chil
Published: February 2020

Stable isotopes are well documented as effective intrinsic markers to infer migratory connectivity which provides key information for establishing an effective conservation strategy in migratory birds. However, there are few studies using stable isotopes that have been applied to long-distance migratory shorebirds globally and such studies are especially scarce along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. We used stable isotope analysis (δ2H, δ13C and δ15N) to infer breeding and wintering areas and examine the differences in those values among populations of Terek Sandpipers ( Xenus cinereus) at stopover sites in South Korea. The range of δ2H in feathers sampled from birds caught in the Korean peninsula at spring and autumn migration stopover sites was consistent with them being grown at sites throughout their flyway as confirmed by leg flag resightings of birds on this flyway. The eastern Siberia region from Yakutsk to Norilsk and Chukotka in Russia was inferred as the most probable breeding area of the population. Papua New Guinea in the Melanesia region, Malaysia and Indonesia were identified as the most probable wintering areas. Isotope values of populations at different stopover sites and different seasons were consistent. These results suggest that stable isotopes can be effectively used alongside other existing methods (e.g. ringing, coloured leg flags, light level geolocation, satellite tag telemetry) to infer the migratory connectivity for long-distance migratory shorebird species that occur over many countries and continents.
Baricitinib exposure during pregnancy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Costanzo Giulia , Firinu Davide , Losa Francesca , Deidda Margherita , Barca Maria P. , Del Giacco Stefano
Published: February 2020

We here describe the case of a 43-year-old White woman who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs that caused an adverse drug reaction. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of a pregnancy under baricitinib, a JAK-inhibitor drug, in a woman affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Scant data are available about the safety of JAK inhibitors during pregnancy. A case report and review of literature about JAK-inhibitor exposure during pregnancy were conducted. After the failure of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs due to a loss of efficacy and adverse drug reaction, the patient was started on baricitinib when it was marketed. During the fifth month of this treatment, she reported missing her period and a pregnancy was confirmed, despite a previous recommendation of adequate contraception. Thus, she had been exposed to baricitinib for several weeks before conception and during the whole first-trimester until the 17th week of gestation. The treatment with baricitinib was promptly discontinued and she was regularly examined. Foetal growth was normal throughout pregnancy and ultrasound examination did not detect any macroscopic abnormality. This is the first report of exposure to baricitinib during pregnancy outside the drug registration study program. We report the positive pregnancy outcome of a continuous exposure to baricitinib during the first 17 weeks of pregnancy. Small molecules, such as JAK inhibitors, are increasingly being used in clinical practice in rheumatoid arthritis and in other diseases. Hence, more broad and focused studies are required to have an insight of safety for this drug class in the case of accidental exposure before or during pregnancy.
Trichloroethylene increases pulmonary endothelial permeability: implication for pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease
Authors: Caliez Julien , Riou Marianne , Manaud Grégoire , Nakhleh Morad K. , Quatredeniers Marceau , Rucker‐Martin Catherine , Dorfmüller Peter , Lecerf Florence , Vinhas Maria C. , Khatib Salam , Haick Hossam , Cohen‐Kaminsky Sylvia , Humbert Marc , Montani David , Perros Frédéric
Published: February 2020

Trichloroethylene exposure is a major risk factor for pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease. We demonstrated that trichloroethylene alters the endothelial barrier integrity, at least in part, through vascular endothelial (VE)‐Cadherin internalisation, and suggested that this mechanism may play a role in the development of pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease.
Doctor or drug dealer? International legal provisions for the legitimate handling of drugs of abuse
Authors: Gallagher Cathal T , Atik Sanaa K , Isse Libin , Mann Sanpreet K
Published: February 2020

In this article, we compare how five jurisdictions (the USA; UK; Canada; New Zealand; and Australia) balance the disparate objectives of preventing the misuse of drugs and allowing their legal use for medical purposes. The statutory law underpinning each country’s method of categorising drugs depicts distinctive outlooks from the different jurisdictions, as each works towards these same goals. In examining how each country’s legislation deals with controlled substances, initial consideration will be given to whether drugs are categorised once only, or twice: once for dealing with their criminal misuse; and again for ensuring their safe medicinal use. In effectively dealing with criminal activities associated with drugs of abuse, Australia’s system of imposing penalties based on the quantity of a drug possessed, rather than on its grouping with other drugs of a broadly similar type offers the most flexibility. In terms of managing the legitimate use of such drugs, however, it is perhaps the least flexible of the four jurisdictions operating parallel systems of categorisation. The greatest level of flexibility is offered by Canada and the UK, which have functionally very similar protocols in this respect.
A Maussian bargain: Accumulation by gift in the digital economy
Authors: Fourcade Marion , Kluttz Daniel N
Published: February 2020

The harvesting of data about people, organizations, and things and their transformation into a form of capital is often described as a process of “accumulation by dispossession,” a pervasive loss of rights buttressed by predatory practices and legal violence. Yet this argument does not square well with the fact that enrollment into digital systems is often experienced (and presented by companies) as a much more benign process: signing up for a “free” service, responding to a “friend’s” invitation, or being encouraged to “share” content. In this paper, we focus on the centrality of gifting and reciprocity to the business model and cultural imagination of digital capitalism. Relying on historical narratives and in-depth interviews with the designers and critics of digital systems, we explain the cultural genesis of these “give-to-get” relationships and analyze the socio-technical channels that structure them in practice. We suggest that the economic relation that develops as a result of a digital gift offering not only masks the structural asymmetry between giver and gifted but also permits the creation of the new commodity of personal data, obfuscates its true value, and naturalizes its private appropriation. We call this unique regime “accumulation by gift.”
Risk Management in Global CRM IT Projects
Authors: Deshmukh G. K. , Mukerjee Hory Sankar , Prasad U. Devi
Published: February 2020

Global information technology projects are risky with failure rates for customer relationship management information technology (CRM IT) projects estimated to 70 percent. These failures are often due to multiplicity of factors including poor risk management. The project management literature points out four broad types of risks: technical, external, organizational, and other risk factors. Project manager’s basic job, therefore, becomes to manage the risks and ensure that an IT project is steered to completion while meeting the objectives. Unmanaged risks run into chances of failure and ultimately impacting the CRM project and the reputation of the consultant. Payne and Frow’s (2005) advocates the need for a structured study on the information technology implementations of these projects. The objectives of the study are to investigate: how project risks in CRM- IT implementations impact the final outcome and how the risk management process adopted by the IT project manager impacts the final outcome of the project. The research was conducted administering questionnaire to 135 project managers. It was found that project risk impact cost, time, and technical performance and risk management process impacts planning, support of customers as well as top management.
Informal Sources of Microfinance and Profitability of Micro and Small Enterprises Clusters in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Amakom Uzochukwu , Amagwu Francis Ibeawuchi
Published: February 2020

Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have been found to be engines of growth, drivers of production, income generation, job creation, and tools for poverty reduction. The source of microfinance is important because at the center of every enterprise objective is profitability. MSEs in South-East Nigeria have not played these important roles effectively due to the challenges of access to finance and a host of other factors. The main thrust of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of informal microfinance sources on the profitability of MSEs in Southeast Nigeria. The study employed a multistage sampling technique in cluster selection from three industrial cities and generated relevant data through questionnaires. A sample of 540 enterprises out of 1994 enterprises was selected across different clusters comprising enterprises under production, trade, and services in the three cities. Employing a regression technique, the study found that informal microfinance sources have impact on the profitability of MSEs. The study further found that enterprises patronized the informal source because of quick responses and personal relationship (social capital). The study recommends that microfinance policy framework and interventions should encourage official microfinance providers to have their location closer to the enterprise clusters with the appropriate regulatory guarantee for operators.
Role of Sub-constructs of Psychological Capital and Transformational Leadership in Engaging Employees in Service Sector
Authors: Agrawal Swati
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and employee engagement through the mediating role of the sub constructs of psychological capital. The article has used a single cross-sectional descriptive design. The sample consisted of 450 full-time employees working in the service sector in India. The data were mainly analyzed through structural and measurement model. The result of the study revealed that TL has an influence on employee engagement. The relationship between TL and employee engagement is mediated by sub-construct hope of psychological capital. Implication of this study is of high importance for organizations continuously working to increase the level of employee engagement to further enhance competitiveness. Prior research has examined the antecedents of employee work engagement, but little is known about the role of TL and a positive psychological state, in shaping employee work engagement. Imparting TL training and style can help to generate psychological capital which will positively drive employee engagement. Organizations with transformational leaders will be able to make employees feel valued and happy by igniting feeling of hope. The engaged workforce will result in the positive social outcome. This study is original as earlier studies have not explored the important role of hope and also optimism as dimensions of psychological capital. The article supports the critical role of leadership and psychological capital in creating highly engaged employees which have not been studied in an Indian context with specific focus to the service sector.
Old Monk: The Resurrection of a Heritage Brand
Authors: Shetty A. Shivakanth , Anand Kerena , Chandra Dilip
Published: February 2020

This case is developed to discuss options related to strategy in general and marketing strategy in particular that were implemented by an iconic brand—Old Monk—in the compelling attempt to revive the its brand value and relevance. The protagonist in the case is Mr Hemanth Mohan, the Director of this brand who is faced with serious challenges in resurrecting the brand in a hypercompetitive, ever-changing lifestyle alcoholic beverages market in India. The most significant of the challenges faced by Mr Mohan are changing tastes and preferences of the consumer, new foreign brands entering into the market, strong regulation, close monitoring from the government, and the monopoly of state-managed liquor retail chains. This case addresses and provides for the evaluation of various strategic options available for the brand in terms of repositioning itself in the relevant markets. The case presents questions related to how effectively a traditional brand can carry forward the legacy to redeem its brand value in the light of changing tastes and customer preferences. The case proposes to bring to light the importance of strategic decisions to be made around managing brand extensions in addressing the dilemma of brand value being spread too thin versus capitalizing on the past glory of the brand in finding life for the newly launched products under the known umbrella. This case is developed with an intent to be discussed among students pursuing undergraduate and/or graduate education in management discipline. The case is well aligned to be relevant for discussing concepts related to brand management, marketing strategy, strategic management, and consumer behavior. The content of this case is designed to be discussed and delivered in a typical 90-min class session, allowing students 120 min of pre-reading time and 120 min of post-discussion report preparation.
Yes SIRS or No SIRS? A Complication Following Cosmetic Medical Tourism
Authors: Lineberry Kyle , Punjabi Ayesha , Becker Devra B.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Fat transfer for buttock augmentation has become popular in the last quarter century. Increasingly, patients obtain the surgery internationally and return home in the early post-operative period. Complications after procedures performed internationally can be difficult to manage due to a paucity of medical and surgical history as well as challenges in obtaining salient records such as operative reports or communicating with the initial surgical team. In the case of fat grafting, complications including infection, hematoma, and injury to critical structures can occur at both the recipient and donor sites.

Case:

A 28-year-old female underwent large volume buttock fat grafting in the Dominican Republic and received a post-operative course of oral levofloxacin and clindamycin. After her return home, she presented to our institution on post-operative day 9 with buttock pain, tachycardia, and leukocytosis. Imaging of her buttocks showed questionable fluid collections, with no drainable abscess. Drainage of the fat grafted areas by Interventional Radiology recovered a small amount of fluid with negative initial bacterial cultures. Despite antibiotic therapy with vancomycin and meropenem and fluid resuscitation, she did not experience clinical improvement and definitive treatment required bilateral debridement of buttocks with intraoperative findings of large volume fat necrosis. Cultures from the wound grew Peptostreptococcus after a week of incubation, and the patient recovered without further surgical intervention. The case suggests that immediate post-operative antibiotics can select for slow-growing organisms, and diagnosis of large volume fat graft necrosis may be delayed given the absence of a clear abscess cavity on imaging.
Geochemical fingerprints of brannerite (UTi2O6): an integrated study
Authors: Turuani Marion , Choulet Flavien , Eglinger Aurélien , Goncalves Philippe , Machault Julie , Mercadier Julien , Seydoux-Guillaume Anne-Magali , Reynaud Stephanie , Baron Fabien , Beaufort Daniel , Batonneau Yann , Gouy Sophie , Mesbah Adel , Szenknect Stéphanie , Dacheux Nicolas , Chapon Virginie , Pagel Maurice
Published: February 2020

Brannerite (UTi2O6) is among the major uranium-bearing minerals found in ore deposits, however as it has been long considered as a refractory mineral for leaching it is currently disregarded in ore deposits. Brannerite is found in a variety of geological environments with the most common occurrences being hydrothermal and pegmatitic. On the basis of scanning electron microscopy observations coupled with electron probe micro-analyses and laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer analyses, this study describes the morphological features and the major- and trace-element abundances of brannerite samples from five hydrothermal and five pegmatitic localities across the world. Mineral compositions are also compared with observations from transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectrometry showing that brannerite is amorphous. Significant results include the definition of substitution trends and REE patterns, which are characteristics of either an occurrence or genetic type (hydrothermal and pegmatitic). Hence, in combination, it is possible to obtain reliable constraints for establishing a geochemical classification of brannerite. Inferred fingerprints have direct implications for forensic science and the exploration industry; they also contribute to a better understanding of metallogenic processes and to optimising the extraction of uranium.
ERS International Congress, Madrid, 2019: highlights from the Epidemiology and Environment Assembly
Authors: Jankowski Mateusz , Amaral André F.S.
Published: February 2020

At the European Respiratory Society's International Congress of 2019, which was held in Madrid, Spain, there were several sessions with exciting poster and oral presentations within the fields of epidemiology and tobacco control. This article is the summary of two of these sessions. One was on the use of Big Data in epidemiology and the other, on the global burden of respiratory disease and tobacco.
Deficiency of αII-spectrin affects endothelial cell–matrix contact and migration leading to impairment of angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Machnicka Beata , Ponceau Aurélie , Picot Julien , Colin Yves , Lecomte Marie-Christine
Published: February 2020

Background

Precise coordination of cytoskeletal components and dynamic control of cell adhesion and migration are required for crucial cell processes such as differentiation and morphogenesis. We investigated the potential involvement of αII-spectrin, a ubiquitous scaffolding element of the membrane skeleton, in the adhesion and angiogenesis mechanism.

Methods

The cell models were primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1). After siRNA- and shRNA-mediated knockdown of αII-spectrin, we assessed its expression and that of its partners and adhesion proteins using western blotting. The phenotypes of the control and spectrin-depleted cells were examined using immunofluorescence and video microscopy. Capillary tube formation was assessed using the thick gel Matrigel matrix-based method and a microscope equipped with a thermostatic chamber and a Nikon Biostation System camera.

Results

Knockdown of αII-spectrin leads to: modified cell shape; actin cytoskeleton organization with the presence of peripheral actin patches; and decreased formation of stress fibers. Spectrin deficiency affects cell adhesion on laminin and fibronectin and cell motility. This included modification of the localization of adhesion molecules, such as αVβ3- and α5-integrins, and organization of adhesion structures, such as focal points. Deficiency of αII-spectrin can also affect the complex mechanism of in vitro capillary tube formation, as demonstrated in a model of angiogenesis. Live imaging revealed that impairment of capillary tube assembly was mainly associated with a significant decrease in cell projection length and stability. αII-spectrin depletion is also associated with significantly decreased expression of three proteins involved in capillary tube formation and assembly: VE-cadherin, MCAM and β3-integrin.

Conclusion

Our data confirm the role of αII-spectrin in the control of cell adhesion and spreading. Moreover, our findings further support the participation of αII-spectrin in capillary tube formation in vitro through control of adhesion molecules, such as integrins. This indicates a new function of αII-spectrin in angiogenesis.
Nanodetection of Head and Neck Cancer on Titanium Oxide Sensing Surface
Authors: Wang Yu , Guo Yan , Lu Jianguang , Sun Yanan , Yu Xiaoguang , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Wu Yuan Seng , Wang Chao
Published: February 2020

Head and neck cancer is a heterogeneous disease, originating in the squamous cells lining the larynx (voice box), mouth, pharynx (throat), nasal cavity and salivary glands. Head and neck cancer diagnosis at the later stage is greatly influencing the survival rate of the patient. It makes a mandatory situation to identify this cancer at the earlier stages of development with a suitable biomarker. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) is a circulating serum tumour biomarker, and the elevated level has been found in the head and neck cancer patients and highly correlated with the tumour volume. The present research was carried out to detect and quantify the level of SCC-Ag on titanium oxide (TiO2)-modified interdigitated electrode sensor (IDE) by SCC-Ag antibody. The detection of SCC-Ag was found at the level of 100 fM, while it was improved to 10 fM when the antibody was conjugated with gold nanostar, representing a 10-fold improvement. Interestingly, this enhancement in sensitivity is 1000-folds higher than other substrates. Moreover, the specificity analysis was carried out using two different control proteins and noticed that the antibody only recognised SCC-Ag, indicating the specific detection on IDE-TiO2 sensing surface.
Triptolide ameliorates fine particulate matter-induced podocytes injury via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wan Qiang , Liu Zhongyong , Yang Ming , Deng Peng , Tang Nana , Liu Yanwei
Published: February 2020

Background

PM2.5 is associated closely with an increased risk of membranous nephropathy (MN), however, whether PM2.5 could induce podocytes injury, the underlying pathology for MN, has not be thoroughly studied. Triptolide, an active component in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, is frequently used to treat MN in China, but its effects on PM2.5-induced podocytes injury is still largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of PM2.5 on podocytes, and explored whether triptolide could improve PM2.5-induced podocytes injury and the possible underlying mechanisms.

Results

Podocytes were incubated with PM2.5 after being pre-treated with triptolide, viability, apoptosis rate and migratory capacity of podocytes were determined by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay, respectively. Additionally, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in podocytes, the cytoskeleton of podocytes, the protein expressions of nephrin, podocin, Bcl-2, Bax, nuclear factor kappa-B/p65 (NF-κB/p65) and phospho-inhibitor of NF-κB (p-IκBα) were measured. Our data showed that PM2.5 treatment significantly increased the disorganization of F-actin stress fibers, the damaged structural integrity of nucleus, the deranged and dissociated cytoskeleton in podocytes, increased the podocytes apoptosis rate, the levels of MDA and LDH, markedly up-regulated the protein expression of Bax, NF-κB/p65 and p-IκBα, down-regulated the protein expression of nephrin, podocin and Bcl-2, and significantly decreased the level of SOD, the migration rate and the viability of podocytes, compared with those of the untreated podocytes. These effects of PM2.5 on podocytes, however, were reversed by triptolide administration.

Conclusion

These results suggest that triptolide could prevent against PM2.5-induced podocytes injury via suppressing NF-κB signaling pathway.
Identification of QTL TGW12 responsible for grain weight in rice based on recombinant inbred line population crossed by wild rice (Oryza minuta) introgression line K1561 and indica rice G1025
Authors: Li Xiaoqiong , Wei Yu , Li Jun , Yang Fangwen , Chen Ying , Chen Yinhua , Guo Sibin , Sha Aihua
Published: February 2020

Background

Limited genetic resource in the cultivated rice may hinder further yield improvement. Some valuable genes that contribute to rice yield may be lost or lacked in the cultivated rice. Identification of the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for yield-related traits such as thousand-grain weight (TGW) from wild rice speices is desired for rice yield improvement.

Results

In this study, sixteenTGWQTL were identified from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross between the introgression line K1561 ofOryza minutaand the rice cultivar G1025.TGW12, One of most effective QTL was mapped to the region of 204.12 kb between the marker 2,768,345 and marker 2,853,491 of the specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF). The origin ofTGW12was tested using three markers nearby or within theTGW12region, but not clarified yet. Our data indicated thirty-two open reading fragments (ORFs) were present in the region. RT-PCR analysis and sequence alignment showed that the coding domain sequences ofORF12, one MADS-box gene, in G1025 and K1561 were different due to alternative slicing, which caused premature transcription termination. The MADS-box gene was considered as a candidate ofTGW12.

Conclusion

The effective QTL,TGW12, was mapped to a segment of 204.12 kb using RILs population and a MADS-box gene was identified among several candidate genes in the segment. The region ofTGW12should be further narrowed and creation of transgenic lines will reveal the gene function.TGW12could be applied for improvement of TGW in breeding program.
Genetic architecture of quantitative traits in beef cattle revealed by genome wide association studies of imputed whole genome sequence variants: II: carcass merit traits
Authors: Wang Yining , Zhang Feng , Mukiibi Robert , Chen Liuhong , Vinsky Michael , Plastow Graham , Basarab John , Stothard Paul , Li Changxi
Published: February 2020

Background

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted on 7,853,211 imputed whole genome sequence variants in a population of 3354 to 3984 animals from multiple beef cattle breeds for five carcass merit traits including hot carcass weight (HCW), average backfat thickness (AFAT), rib eye area (REA), lean meat yield (LMY) and carcass marbling score (CMAR). Based on the GWAS results, genetic architectures of the carcass merit traits in beef cattle were elucidated.

Results

The distributions of DNA variant allele substitution effects approximated a bell-shaped distribution for all the traits while the distribution of additive genetic variances explained by single DNA variants conformed to a scaled inverse chi-squared distribution to a greater extent. At a threshold ofP-value < 10–5, 51, 33, 46, 40, and 38 lead DNA variants on multiple chromosomes were significantly associated with HCW, AFAT, REA, LMY, and CMAR, respectively. In addition, lead DNA variants with potentially large pleiotropic effects on HCW, AFAT, REA, and LMY were found on chromosome 6. On average, missense variants, 3’UTR variants, 5’UTR variants, and other regulatory region variants exhibited larger allele substitution effects on the traits in comparison to other functional classes. The amounts of additive genetic variance explained per DNA variant were smaller for intergenic and intron variants on all the traits whereas synonymous variants, missense variants, 3’UTR variants, 5’UTR variants, downstream and upstream gene variants, and other regulatory region variants captured a greater amount of additive genetic variance per sequence variant for one or more carcass merit traits investigated. In total, 26 enriched cellular and molecular functions were identified with lipid metabolisms, small molecular biochemistry, and carbohydrate metabolism being the most significant for the carcass merit traits.

Conclusions

The GWAS results have shown that the carcass merit traits are controlled by a few DNA variants with large effects and many DNA variants with small effects. Nucleotide polymorphisms in regulatory, synonymous, and missense functional classes have relatively larger impacts per sequence variant on the variation of carcass merit traits. The genetic architecture as revealed by the GWAS will improve our understanding on genetic controls of carcass merit traits in beef cattle.