bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halogen bonding in hypervalent iodine and bromine derivatives: halonium salts
Authors: Cavallo Gabriella , Murray Jane S. , Politzer Peter , Pilati Tullio , Ursini Maurizio , Resnati Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

Halogen bonds have been identified in a series of ionic compounds involving bromonium and iodonium cations and several different anions, some also containing hypervalent atoms. The hypervalent bromine and iodine atoms in the examined compounds are found to have positive σ-holes on the extensions of their covalent bonds, while the hypervalent atoms in the anions have negative σ-holes. The positive σ-holes on the halogens of the studied halonium salts determine the linearity of the short contacts between the halogen and neutral or anionic electron donors, as usual in halogen bonds.
XFELs for structure and dynamics in biology
Authors: Spence J. C. H.
Published: May 2017

The development and application of the free-electron X-ray laser (XFEL) to structure and dynamics in biology since its inception in 2009 are reviewed. The research opportunities which result from the ability to outrun most radiation-damage effects are outlined, and some grand challenges are suggested. By avoiding the need to cool samples to minimize damage, the XFEL has permitted atomic resolution imaging of molecular processes on the 100 fs timescale under near-physiological conditions and in the correct thermal bath in which molecular machines operate. Radiation damage, comparisons of XFEL and synchrotron work, single-particle diffraction, fast solution scattering, pump–probe studies on photosensitive proteins, mix-and-inject experiments, caged molecules, pH jump and other reaction-initiation methods, and the study of molecular machines are all discussed. Sample-delivery methods and data-analysis algorithms for the various modes, from serial femtosecond crystallography to fast solution scattering, fluctuation X-ray scattering, mixing jet experiments and single-particle diffraction, are also reviewed.
Factors that impact the success of an organizational change: a case study analysis
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Cameron Aleksey , Ensink Floris , Hazarika Jahnabi , Attir Raid , Ezzedine Rouba , Shekhar Varsha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that impact the success of an organizational change within an organization under study.

Design/methodology/approach

Five hypotheses were developed to investigate independent variables as possible factors affecting employees’ commitment to change. The research is based on a three-step process consisting of a literature review and field research through survey and interviews. The literature review served to establish an important foundation for understanding the problem. The field research involved employees taking part in the change completing a survey. Individual interviews were also conducted with management level employees actively involved in the change process. The paper is an empirical-based case analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrate that employees’ commitment to change, in this organization, can be improved through increasing formal and informal communication, creating adaptive organizational systems and enhancing the role of transformational leaders during the change.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size was affected due to the limited availability of employees during a specific organizational cycle. Increased sample size would allow further investigation about employees’ commitment to change. Additional research could be done on how the company’s systems and practices can be adapted to change.

Practical implications

The success of a change project is critical for its future strategy and major project implementation. It is crucial that a systematic process be followed to implement this change. It is suggested that the John Kotter’s “eight” step change management model be adopted as a framework to the implementation plan.

Social implications

New behaviors are subject to degradation if they are not ingrained in social norms and shared values, i.e. if they do not become part of the culture. Managers emphasized that, even though they are creating a new team, they recognize the importance not to create a “Monster” or a new alien culture. Leaders must make sure that all new behaviors required for the integration become part of the existing culture.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight in some of the factors that lead to a successful organizational change and team integration. The paper recommends four steps to address communication, organizational systems and culture to improve employees’ commitment to change.
CSR perception: a global opportunity in management education
Authors: Saxena Manisha , Mishra Dharmesh K.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the perceived relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate effectiveness (CE) amongst undergraduate and post-graduate students in India and Mauritius. The paper explores the differences in perception of CSR and CE w.r.t profitability, long-term success and short-term success between the different student groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores past studies done by researchers and practitioners and uses a survey method for data collection amongst students in India and Mauritius.

Findings

Set in the context of current ethical and business challenges facing business leaders, the paper provides insights and recommendations on the perceived relationship between CSR and CE. Recommendations have been provided for leveraging the perception of CSR amongst students as they aspire to become future business leaders.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to explore and test the proposals further in different contexts and countries.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the research reinforces the relationship between CSR and CE in the context of business and current student perception globally.

Social implications

Management students are future managers and the study of their perception towards social responsibility has a lot of bearing on their future decision making with respect to these issues.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the different student views on CSR and CE in India and Mauritius and will encourage future researchers and organizations to further expand on this perception.
Performance of SOEs: evidence on Botswana Telecommunications Corporation
Authors: Mbo Mbako , Adjasi Charles
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fundamental performance drivers in a state-owned enterprise (SOE) in the context of organizational theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a case analysis investigating how several factors, considered in the context of organizational theories, have combined to influence sustained performance at the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC). The study analyses both quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to an 18-year period from 1995 to 2012.

Findings

The paper supports the widely held view that agency and resource-based theories explain good performance, but challenges the popular view that political influence is always self-interest driven. A concept of positive public choice, under which such influence is driven by stakeholder interests and sustainability emerges. The case reveals that a selective approach to stakeholders defined how BTC crafted its good performance in a politically conducive environment.

Practical implications

Based on the research findings, a framework unifying political intervention with stakeholder interests needs to be developed and formalized with a link to SOE objectives. The framework would have clear performance measures linked to it, adequately monitored under a governance structure constituted from well-incentivized boards and managers with adequate strategic corporate resources under their control. The paper proposes such a framework.

Originality/value

The paper reveals an unexplored area of potential research, i.e. a positive public choice perspective under which societal interests are modeled with enterprise sustainability through political processes often blamed for poor performance.
Unmasking the factors behind income inequalities in Ghana
Authors: Danquah Michael , Ohemeng Williams
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the extent and trends of income inequality as well as the contribution of household and community-level factors in explaining inequality within north and south in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs both descriptive and regression methods. The study adopts the methodology by Fields (2002) to assess the importance of household and community attributes in explaining the level of inequality within the north and the south.

Findings

The findings of the study show that household characteristics such as urban location, no education, public and private formal economic activities, and not covered by National Health Insurance Scheme are major determinants of inequality within the north and the south. Specifically, within the north, the 20-34 year age group is the most prominent contributor to inequality. Within the south, the most important determinant of inequality is the completion of junior high school. The contribution of community-level features shows that, within the north, access to banks is the most vital factor to inequality, whereas within the south, access to electricity and public transport is the most important community factor.

Practical implications

The study provides an understanding of the underlying household and community factors driving the observed inequality patterns within the north and the south in Ghana. Policy options are identified for achieving the sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

The study uses the latest round of the Ghana Living Standards survey, GLSS 6, which covers new data on a nationally representative sample of 18,000 households in 1,200 enumeration areas.
Understanding usage of Internet of Things (IOT) systems in China
Authors: Dong Xuebing , Chang Yaping , Wang Yawei , Yan Jun
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer “Why do Chinese consumers use IOT systems?” and “Do consumers’ cognitive and affect experiences moderate the relationship between psychological perception factors and perceived usefulness?”

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interview with consumers and experts had been conducted and then the perceived psychological factors that influence perceived usefulness had been summarized. Based on a survey test of 337 smart home users, this study applies partial least squares technique analysis to test the research model.

Findings

The research results show that perceived psychological factors (perceived ease of use, perceived intelligence, perceived convenience and perceived privacy risk) have significant effect on the intention and behavior of IOT systems usage through perceived usefulness. Cognitive experience moderates the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, perceived privacy risk and perceived usefulness; affect experience moderates the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

The current study mainly tested the antecedents of consumers’ usage of IOT systems, and the outcome of using the system was not investigated. Future research can examine the outcome (e.g. satisfaction, perceived value) by using the expectation-confirmation theory.

Originality/value

This study provides a useful insight into the key driving factors in consumers’ intention and behavior of using IOT systems. The previous studies over IOT systems have not observed consumers’ perception of IOT systems, but in fact IOT systems are being applied to more and more personal users.
Entrepreneurial university: towards a better understanding of past trends and future directions
Authors: Mascarenhas Carla , Marques Carla Susana , Galvão Anderson Rei , Santos Gina
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore and analyse the literature, related to the Entrepreneurial University, published in the ISI Web of Science, from 1900 to present. The objectives of this paper are, first, to describe how this field of research is organised in terms of publications, authors and sources (i.e. documents), and, second, to identify the main references cited and ways in which they are grouped (i.e. clusters). In addition, this paper discusses how this literature presents challenges. Namely, from this bibliometric study, what has already been studied and the limits of these studies, as well as the research opportunities for this area, can be understood.

Design/methodology/approach

The documents obtained from a search of the ISI Web of Science were subjected to a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software.

Findings

A systematic literature review showed that universities are increasingly dedicated to the commercialisation of knowledge. The results include three clusters: Cluster one – “Entrepreneurial Universities” focuses on changes in the university paradigm; Cluster two – “Academic Entrepreneurship” refers to the commercialisation of knowledge; and Cluster three – “Creation of Technology-Based Companies” focuses on spin-off creation.

Originality/value

By studying the citation profile of documents on the entrepreneurial university, this study has contributed to a better understanding of the flow of production and scientific practices since the beginning of the 21st century. This study also examined research tendencies to identify the emergent areas of this field.
Entrepreneurial universities: the role of communities, people and places
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue about entrepreneurial universities. The paper focuses on the reasons for their importance in global communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature about entrepreneurial universities is reviewed with a focus on the role of communities, people and places.

Findings

Entrepreneurial universities need to consider the people in society in terms of how they relate to learning, education and teaching about new ideas and business practices.

Research limitations/implications

It is important in the increasingly connected global economy that universities be seen as the drivers of the entrepreneurial society, which helps place people at the centre of educational communities.

Practical implications

This paper has suggestions for educational managers and business people interested in connecting with entrepreneurial universities and their place in the society.

Originality/value

This value of this paper is that it includes the main ideas from the special issue in terms of how entrepreneurial universities are fostering a connected society that places people, places and communities at the forefront of the change.
Organizational capital, intellectual capital and cost stickiness (evidence from Iran)
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Taherkhani Parastoo
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationship between organizational capital and the subsets of organizational capital (intellectual capital (IC)) cost and cost stickiness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is causal correlational research. The data related to the company’s financial statements were collected using the Rahavard Novin Software andwww.rdis.ir. In this study, panel data were run with the use of Eviews 8, in order to test the hypotheses. The ordinary least-squares method is used in this study to estimate the parameters of the model.

Findings

The results obtained from the study show that there is a significant relationship between organizational capital and cost stickiness. However, there is no significant difference between high and low rank in terms of organizational capital and cost stickiness. In addition, there is a significant difference between IC and cost stickiness. Moreover, there is no significant difference between the components of IC and cost stickiness. Also, IC has an effect on the intensity of the relationship between organizational capital and cost stickiness.

Originality/value

This study explores the relationship between organizational capital and the subsets of IC and cost stickiness. Independent variables used in this study include organizational capital, IC and its components in the Pulic model, i.e. the efficiency of capital employed, the efficiency of human capital and the efficiency of structural capital.
Performance measurement, intellectual capital and financial sustainability
Authors: Jordão Ricardo Vinícius Dias , Almeida Vander Ribeiro de
Published: May 2017

Purpose

One of the main contemporary challenges in organisations is finding ways of measuring their intellectual capital (IC), and its effects on competitiveness and financial sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of IC on the long-term financial performance of Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering that previous studies have not been able to explain the role of IC in financial sustainability (measured by long-term corporate performance), this paper attempts to fill this gap by means of a quantitative, descriptive and applied study. Based on the theories of knowledge management, accounting and finance, the authors have undertaken a study of the companies listed on the BM&FBovespa, based on secondary data, using a multi-industrial cut, over the period 2005 to 2014, using descriptive and multivariate statistics.

Findings

The analysis supports three major conclusions: IC influences positively the profitability and corporate return of these companies; the more intangible-intensive public companies listed on the BM&FBovespa demonstrate higher financial sustainability than the others, in terms of profitability and corporate return, either individually, globally or by industry; and that IC helps increase financial performance, systematically, over time.

Research limitations/implications

Contributions of the following types were sought: theoretical (increasing an understanding of the effects of IC on business performance from a long-term perspective – an understanding that is still only incipient in the management literature); and empirical (increasing an understanding of the role of IC in the differentiation of companies, in organisational profitability and on the return on applications of resources).

Practical implications

The original proposal for the measurement of financial performance presented in this paper proved to be valid and consistent, complementing what is known about the subject under examination, contributing to the improvement of management theory and practice and providing a competitive benchmarking process. This can make it possible for company analysts or managers to evaluate their company in relation to its industry or its market as a whole by means of such indicators, individually or combined with other quantitative or qualitative metrics.

Originality/value

The results of this research reduce a gap in the management and accounting literature, as they shed light on the performance measurement process. In addition to the range and depth of the statistical tests carried out, attention should be drawn to the originality of the proposal presented in this paper. This facilitates the measurement of the effects of IC on financial performance through the selection and application of specific indicators for the assessment of the contribution of IC to organisational results.
Knowledge management and intellectual capital in networks of small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Jordão Ricardo Vinícius Dias , Novas Jorge Casas
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical-conceptual model supporting the analysis of the effects of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) networks on knowledge management (KM) and intellectual capital (IC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on KM, IC and networks theories. The role of SMEs networks on KM and IC was discussed, analysing previous studies that supported the proposition of the model in question. In such model SMEs networks are seen as knowledge networks which are analysed in terms of the network formation process, the context, the strategy, the organisational culture and the stimuli for the sharing of knowledge. KM is observed in terms of knowledge creation, systematisation and sharing. Finally, IC encompasses human capital, structural capital and relational capital. It is noteworthy that KM and IC were considered deeply and closely related.

Findings

The conclusions obtained help to fill an important gap in the management, accounting, KM and IC literature, showing that the processes of creating, acquiring, maintaining, systematising and sharing information and knowledge and IC generation in SMEs networks can be influenced by the network formation process, by the organisational context, as well as by the strategy, organisational culture and stimuli to sharing knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a theoretical contribution by increasing understanding of the effect of SMEs networks on KM and IC practices – an understanding still at the early stages in the literature. Moreover, the originality of the model proposed extends the relevance of this research, as the literature does not contain a sufficiently established and tested approach that simultaneously provides a clear view of the relations between SMEs, networks, KM and IC, highlighting how SMEs can use networks as a strategy to achieve a more effective management of the knowledge assets forming IC. So, the paper offers several avenues for future research.

Practical implications

Based on previous empirical research, it was perceived that the original model presented in this paper is consistent, collaborating to improve management practice, providing a competitive benchmarking process. This can allow analysts, managers and other decision makers, by using SMEs networks to improve organisational performance, innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and value.

Originality/value

The paper presents an innovative theoretical-conceptual model focussed on the role of SMEs networks on KM and IC, indicating a strong link between the former and the latter in such enterprises in terms of performance, innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and value, an issue whose understanding, although quite relevant, is still incipient in the literature.
Mobilising intellectual capital to improve European universities’ competitiveness
Authors: Secundo Giustina , De Beer Christle , Schutte Cornelius S.L. , Passiante Giuseppina
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Universities concerned with third mission activities are engines that increase regional competitiveness since their primary role in the knowledge-based economy is to stimulate innovation by transferring new knowledge and technologies to industry and society. The purpose of this paper is to show how IC can be mobilized by university technology transfer offices (TTOs) due to the correlation between efficient university technology transfer and intellectual capital (IC), thus contributing to the third stage of IC research.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of the Maturity Model developed by Secundo et al. (2016) is expanded by collecting data from 18 universities in the European countries to illustrate how IC can be used as a strategy and solution to the barriers faced by TTOs.

Findings

TTOs with increased access to and utilization of IC tend to have higher maturity levels. This new application of the Maturity Model, proves that IC can be utilized to manage and improve the efficiency of TTOs.

Research limitations/implications

An indication of the level of access that TTOs have to university IC is given leading to recommendations to improve university technology transfer. Future research should include a wider sample of universities to increase the validation of the Maturity Model and to prove it as a suitable and strategic approach for IC management at TTOs.

Practical implications

Knowing which IC components are essential for the efficiency of TTOs, and which IC needs greater utilization, will provide insights into policy and practical interventions to improve their efficiency, resulting in increasing universities’ competitiveness.

Originality/value

A new approach and perspective on utilizing IC to improve university technology transfer to contribute to the third stage of IC research calling for more practice-oriented research.
Personality disorder service provision: a review of the recent literature
Authors: Evans Sacha , Sethi Faisil , Dale Oliver , Stanton Clive , Sedgwick Rosemary , Doran Monica , Shoolbred Lucinda , Goldsack Steve , Haigh Rex
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of the field of personality disorder since the publication of “Personality disorder: no longer a diagnosis of exclusion” in 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of both the academic literature contained within relevant databases alongside manual searches of policy literature and guidance from the key stakeholders was undertaken.

Findings

The academic and policy literature concentrates on treating borderline and antisocial personality disorders. It seems unlikely that evidence will resolutely support any one treatment modality over another. Criticism has arisen that comparison between modalities misses inter and intra patient heterogeneity and the measurement of intervention has become conflated with overall service design and the need for robust care pathways. Apparent inconsistency in service availability remains, despite a wealth of evidence demonstrating the availability of cost-effective interventions and the significant inequality of social and health outcomes for this population.

Research limitations/implications

The inclusion of heterogeneous sources required pragmatic compromises in methodological rigour.

Originality/value

This paper charts the recent developments in the field with a wealth of wide-ranging evidence and robust guidance from institutions such as NICE. The policy literature has supported the findings of this evidence but current clinical practice and what patients and carers can expect from services remains at odds. This paper lays bare the disparity between what we know and what is being delivered. The authors argue for the need for greater research into current practice to inform the setting of minimum standards for the treatment of personality disorder.
Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF amongst wounded, injured, and ill members of the United States military
Authors: Lindsay Keston , Ferrer Michelle , Davis Ronald , Nichols David
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Advances in military medical care have facilitated a reduction of fatalities in the global war on terror, relative to previous conflicts. The physical and psychological trauma of returning personnel remain a challenge, and poor physical and psychological health have been shown to affect quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this paper is to validate the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire amongst wounded, injured and ill military personnel, and to determine the characteristics of distinct groups found in this sample.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 52 male and female military personnel (34.69+7.63 years, n=51) completed 24 items of the WHOQOL-BREF. Principal component analysis using the direct oblimin rotation was used to determine the factor structure of the WHOQOL-BREF and k-means cluster analysis was used to determine QOL characteristics of the separate groups.

Findings

The WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable tool for measuring QOL for American military personnel. However, the psychometric structure of the WHOQOL-BREF in this sample differed from the original domains. The first cluster analysis based on the original domains produced two clusters: a group of 12 that had poor QOL, and a group of 40 that had relatively good QOL except for the physical domain. The second cluster analysis differed in independence and access/social support only.

Research limitations/implications

Although the sample was small for principal component analysis, the investigators chose to proceed with this procedure, because objective indicators such as measures of sampling adequacy and communalities met or exceeded acceptable thresholds.

Originality/value

Rehabilitation programs for military ill, injured and wounded should contain components that promote independence and self-actualization.
Dermoscopic features of digital mucous cysts: A study of 23 cases
Authors: Chae Je Byeong , Ohn Jungyoon , Mun Je‐Ho
Published: May 2017

Digital mucous cysts (DMC) are common benign myxoid cysts typically located on the fingers and toes. Recently, dermoscopic patterns of DMC were reported. However, only a small number of cases were described in the published work; therefore, information on this topic is scarce in the published work. We investigated dermoscopic patterns of histopathologically diagnosed DMC. In total, 23 cases were enrolled in this study. Polarized dermoscopy revealed vascular patterns in 13 cases (56.5%), with arborizing vascular patterns, dotted vessels, linear vessels and polymorphous vessels in eight (34.8%), three (13.0%), one (4.3%) and one (4.3%) case, respectively. Red‐purple lacunas, ulceration, nail dystrophy and white shiny structures were detected in five (21.7%), two (8.7%), seven (30.4%) and six cases (26.1%), respectively. We report the largest case series regarding dermoscopic features of DMC to date. Dermoscopy can be used as a helpful adjuvant and non‐invasive tool in the diagnosis of DMC.
Unveiling microbial interactions in stratified mat communities from a warm saline shallow pond
Authors: Saghaï Aurélien , Gutiérrez‐Preciado Ana , Deschamps Philippe , Moreira David , Bertolino Paola , Ragon Marie , López‐García Purificación
Published: May 2017

Modern phototrophic microbial mats are complex communities often used as analogs of major Precambrian ecosystems. Characterizing biotic, notably metabolic, interactions among different microbial mat members is essential to gain insights into the ecology and biogeochemistry of these systems. We applied 16S/18S rRNA metabarcoding approaches to characterize the structure of archaea, bacteria and protist communities from microbial mats collected along strong physicochemical (oxygen, salinity, temperature, depth) gradients in a shallow pond at the salar de Llamara (Chile). All mats were highly diverse, including members of virtually all known high‐rank eukaryotic and prokaryotic taxa but also many novel lineages. Bacterial candidate divisions accounted for almost 50% of sequences in deeper mats, while Archaea represented up to 40% of sequences in some mat layers. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed six novel deeply divergent archaeal groups, along abundant and diverse Pacearchaeota and Woesearchaeota. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that local environmental conditions strongly influenced community composition. Co‐occurrence network structure was markedly different between surface mats located in the oxygenated zone and mats located in transition and anoxic water layers. We identified potential biotic interactions between various high‐ and low‐rank taxa. Notably, a strong positive correlation was observed between Lokiarchaeota and the poorly known candidate bacterial division TA06.
Functional structure of the bromeliad tank microbiome is strongly shaped by local geochemical conditions
Authors: Louca Stilianos , Jacques Saulo M. S. , Pires Aliny P. F. , Leal Juliana S. , González Angélica L. , Doebeli Michael , Farjalla Vinicius F.
Published: May 2017

Phytotelmata in tank‐forming Bromeliaceae plants are regarded as potential miniature models for aquatic ecology, but detailed investigations of their microbial communities are rare. Hence, the biogeochemistry in bromeliad tanks remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the structure of bacterial and archaeal communities inhabiting the detritus within the tanks of two bromeliad species, Aechmea nudicaulis and Neoregelia cruenta, from a Brazilian sand dune forest. We used metagenomic sequencing for functional community profiling and 16S sequencing for taxonomic profiling. We estimated the correlation between functional groups and various environmental variables, and compared communities between bromeliad species. In all bromeliads, microbial communities spanned a metabolic network adapted to oxygen‐limited conditions, including all denitrification steps, ammonification, sulfate respiration, methanogenesis, reductive acetogenesis and anoxygenic phototrophy. Overall,
reducers dominated in abundance over sulfate reducers, and anoxygenic phototrophs largely outnumbered oxygenic photoautotrophs. Functional community structure correlated strongly with environmental variables, between and within a single bromeliad species. Methanogens and reductive acetogens correlated with detrital volume and canopy coverage, and exhibited higher relative abundances in N. cruenta. A comparison of bromeliads to freshwater lake sediments and soil from around the world, revealed stark differences in terms of taxonomic as well as functional microbial community structure.
Membrane vesicle secretion and prophage induction in multidrug‐resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in response to ciprofloxacin stress
Authors: Devos Simon , Van Putte Wouter , Vitse Jolien , Van Driessche Gonzalez , Stremersch Stephan , Van Den Broek Wim , Raemdonck Koen , Braeckmans Kevin , Stahlberg Henning , Kudryashev Misha , Savvides Savvas N. , Devreese Bart
Published: May 2017

Several bacterial species produce membrane vesicles (MVs) in response to antibiotic stress. However, the biogenesis and role of MVs in bacterial antibiotic resistance mechanisms have remained unclear. Here, we studied the effect of the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin on MV secretion by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia using a combination of electron microscopy and proteomic approaches. We found that in addition to the classical outer membrane vesicles (OMV), ciprofloxacin‐stimulated cultures produced larger vesicles containing both outer and inner membranes termed outer‐inner membrane vesicles (OIMV), and that such MVs are enriched with cytosolic proteins. Remarkably, OIMV were found to be decorated with filamentous structures identified as fimbriae. In addition, ciprofloxacin stress leads to the release of bacteriophages and phage tail‐like particles. Prophage induction by ciprofloxacin has been linked to pathogenesis and horizontal gene transfer in several bacterial species. Together, our findings show that ciprofloxacin treatment of S. maltophilia leads to the secretion of a heterogeneous pool of MVs and the induction of prophages that are potentially involved in adverse side‐effects during antibiotic treatment.
Effect of Nanoemulsified and Microencapsulated Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) Essential Oil Coatings on Quality of Fresh Pork Meat
Authors: Hernández‐Hernández Elvia , Lira‐Moreno César Y. , Guerrero‐Legarreta Isabel , Wild‐Padua Graciela , Di Pierro Prospero , García‐Almendárez Blanca E. , Regalado‐González Carlos
Published: May 2017

Fresh meat is a highly perishable food. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) incorporated into active coatings (ACs) spread on fresh pork meat as free (FEO), nanoemulsified (NEO), and microencapsulated (MEO) essential oil (EO), on its microbiological, physicochemical and sensory properties during 15 d at 4 ± 1 °C. Thymol and γ‐terpinene were identified in the EO. In vitro effect of 2.85 mg EO/cm2 was tested against Brochothrix thermosphacta, Micrococcus luteus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pseudomonas fragi, and Salmonella Infantis. FEO antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay) was significantly higher than that of thymol, NEO and MEO (93.53%, 89.92%, 77.79%, and 78.50% inhibition, respectively), and similar to BHA (96.03%) and gallic acid (95.57%). FEO, NEO, and MEO ACs on meat caused growth inhibition of lactic acid bacteria (5 log population reduction) and Pseudomonas spp. (4 log reduction), whereas ≤1.5 log population reduction was observed for B. thermosphacta and Salmonella Infantis. Meat microbiota was more efficiently controlled by MEO than by FEO or NEO. ACs delayed lipid and oxymyoglobin oxidation of fresh pork meat. After 15 d of cold storage meat added with EO coatings was desirable for panelists, whereas untreated (UT) samples were undesirable. Active coatings are a significant alternative method for fresh meat preservation.
Apoptotic Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum DGK‐17‐Fermented Soybean Seed Extract in Human Colon Cancer Cells via ROS–JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Khan Imran , Kang Sun Chul
Published: May 2017

Fermented food has been always possesses upper hand compared to normal food due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Soybeans, which have high nutritional value, are widely consumed in Korea. In this study, soybean seed powder fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum DGK‐17, which was previously isolated from kimchi, showed anticancer potential. Fermented soybean extract (FSE) resulted in morphological changes, reduction of cancer cell colony formation and apoptotic cell death of HCT‐116 colon cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and IC50 value of 111 μg. FSE treatment caused reduction of cell growth in a dose‐dependent manner via release of lactate dehydrogenase. FSE treatment induced HCT‐116 apoptotic cell death as confirmed by the presence of fragmented nuclei, oxidative burst, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Further, FSE treatment sensitized cells to ER stress via IRE1‐α induction. FSE treatment also resulted in JNK activation, subsequently causing activation of Bax and downregulation of BCl2. Weakened mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) also caused release of Cyto C, further activating caspase‐mediated cell death. Therefore, this study reveals the apoptotic role of DGK‐17‐fermented soybean seed extract in human colon cancer HCT‐116 cells.
Halting the isolation of jaguars: where to act locally to sustain connectivity in their southernmost population
Authors: Martinez Pardo J. , Paviolo A. , Saura S. , De Angelo C.
Published: May 2017

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the major threats to the conservation of biodiversity. Improvement of landscape connectivity becomes one of the main strategies for alleviating these threats and is an increasingly used target in management policies worldwide. However, implementation of connectivity principles in local management actions often implies great difficulties derived from the different criteria used by connectivity analysts and policy makers. We generated a management tool to incorporate connectivity criteria for large carnivores in landscape conservation planning at a local scale. Focusing on the southernmost population of jaguars Panthera onca, we use a graph‐based connectivity approach to (1) analyze habitat connectivity and availability in five areas previously identified as main corridors; (2) detect priority forest patches for maintaining connectivity, and (3) propose specific management strategies for each area matching the relative importance and role of the forest patches in it. For this purpose, we defined the patches as the local land management units (properties) and used information on land cover and jaguar movement for determining the probabilities of connectivity metric. We identified the key patches that represent 90% of the total contribution to connectivity in the study areas; these patches were less than half of the total number of patches in each corridor. Based on this forest patch prioritization, we identified the most critical areas and specific patches where urgent conservation measures need to be implemented. The percentage of patches and the total area they covered varied among the five analyzed corridors showing contrasting situations for connectivity management and highlighting the importance of the proposed approach to understand the impact of patch‐level actions in a broader connectivity context. This approach might serve as a model to account for habitat connectivity for large carnivores in the design of landscape management and land‐use plans at a local scale.
Landscape context influences leafhopper and predatory Orius spp. abundances in maize fields
Authors: Ardanuy Agnès , Lee Marina S. , Albajes Ramon
Published: May 2017

Biological control relies on the periodical colonization of crops by natural enemies from surrounding habitats. In North‐East Spain, predatory Orius spp. disperse among cereal, maize and alfalfa according to crop phenology and management.

In the present study, we examined (i) the variation of Orius spp. and its leafhopper prey Zyginidia scutellaris populations in co‐occurring habitats (maize, alfalfa and semi‐natural) for 2 years in three regions and (ii) the effects of agricultural landscape context on their abundance in maize.

Variance partitioning revealed that inter‐annual variation accounted for the largest proportion of variation for Orius spp. and its prey. Maize leafhopper abundance was positively related to winter cereal cover in the landscape and negatively related to semi‐natural habitat across the three regions. Orius spp. were unresponsive to shifts in habitat composition despite being present in maize and associated habitats; however, they were positively related to edge density. Larger‐scale variation in Orius spp. abundance was best explained by changes in Z. scutellaris abundance in maize.

Leafhopper colonization is responsible for the recruitment of Orius spp. in maize. Orius spp. conservation in intensive agricultural landscapes might require permanent field margins and complementary crops (e.g. alfalfa) that ensure resource continuity in time.
Addition of oxaliplatin to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in MRI‐defined T3, T4 or N+ rectal cancer: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Haddad Peiman , Miraie Monir , Farhan Farshid , Fazeli Mohammad‐Sadegh , Alikhassi Afsaneh , Maddah‐Safaei Afsaneh , Aghili Mahdi , Kalaghchi Bita , Babaei Mohammad
Published: May 2017

Background

Clinical trials investigating the effects of addition of oxaliplatin to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs) have brought controversial results for pathologic complete response as an endpoint. This randomized clinical trial investigated downstaging as a short‐term surrogate for progression‐free survival (PFS).

Methods

Patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined T3, T4 or N+ histologically proven adenocarcinoma of rectum within 15 cm from anal verge were randomly assigned to receive 50–50.4 Gy external beam radiation in 25–28 fractions and concurrent capecitabine 825 mg/m2 twice daily 5 days a week with or without oxaliplatin 60 mg/m2 weekly as neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (Capox and Cap group, respectively). T downstage was defined as at least one stage regression in pathologic report after surgery comparing to MRI image before the preoperative treatment. Adverse effects of treatment were recorded on a weekly basis according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 4.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were randomly assigned to Cap (n = 31) and Capox (n = 32) groups. There was no grade 4 toxicity. The only grade 3 toxicity that occurred more in Capox group was diarrhea (22% vs 0%; P = 0.006). Histopathologic stage of 52 patients (27 patients in Cap and 25 patients in Capox groups) was compared to their preoperative stage defined by MRI. There was a greater rate of T downstage in Capox group (59% vs 42%; P = 0.037). Eleven patients in Capox group (34%) achieved pathologic complete response, comparing to four in Cap group (13%); P = 0.072.

Conclusion

The addition of oxalipatin to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in LARC led to higher rate of tumor downstaging. Longer follow‐up is needed to evaluate PFS.
Patients with cirrhosis who have coronary artery disease treated with cardiac stents have high rates of gastrointestinal bleeding, but no increased mortality
Authors: Krill T. , Brown G. , Weideman R. A. , Cipher D. J. , Spechler S. J. , Brilakis E. , Feagins L. A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with stents require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). For cirrhotics, who often have varices and coagulopathy, it is not clear if the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) should preclude use of DAPT.

Aim

To compare GIB and mortality rates in cirrhotics with CAD treated medically or with stents.

Methods

Using institutional databases, we identified patients with cirrhosis and CAD treated with stents or medical therapy between January 2000‐September 2015. Primary outcomes were GIB and mortality.

Results

We identified 148 cirrhotics with CAD; 68 received stents (cases), 80 were treated with medical therapy (controls). Cases and controls had similar demographics, comorbidities, MELD scores and clinical presentation; DAPT was used in 98.5% of cases vs 5% of controls. The incidence of GIB was significantly higher in cases than controls (22.1% vs 5% at 1 year, P=.003; 27.9% vs 5% at 2 years, P=.0002), whereas all‐cause mortality was similar (20.6% vs 21.3%). No patient required surgery or angiography for GIB, and no known patients died due to GIB. Multivariate analysis revealed use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was highly protective against GIB (OR=0.26, 95%CI=0.08‐0.79).

Conclusions

CAD treatment with stents in our cirrhotics was associated with a significantly increased risk of GIB, but no adverse effects on survival. Although it remains unclear whether the cardiovascular benefits of stents outweigh the GIB risk, our findings suggest that DAPT should not be withheld from stented cirrhotics for fear of GIB. Moreover, the use of a PPI should be strongly considered.
QT interval prolongation in opioid agonist treatment: analysis of continuous 12‐lead electrocardiogram recordings
Authors: Isbister Geoffrey K. , Brown Amanda L. , Gill Anthony , Scott Alexander J. , Calver Leonie , Dunlop Adrian J.
Published: May 2017

Aims

Methadone is a widely used opioid agonist treatment associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. We investigated the QT interval in patients treated with methadone or buprenorphine using continuous 12‐lead Holter recordings.

Methods

We prospectively made 24‐h Holter recordings in patients prescribed methadone or buprenorphine, compared to controls. After their normal dose a continuous 12‐lead Holter recorder was attached for 24 h. Digital electrocardiograms were extracted hourly from the Holter recordings. The QT interval was measured automatically (H‐scribe software, Mortara Pty Ltd) and checked manually. The QT interval was plotted against heart rate (HR) on the QT nomogram to determine abnormality. Demographics, dosing, medical history and laboratory investigations were recorded.

Results

There were 58 patients (19 methadone, 20 buprenorphine and 19 control); median age 35 years (20–56 years); 33 males. Baseline characteristics were similar. Median dose of methadone was 110 mg day–1 (70–170 mg day–1) and buprenorphine was 16 mg day–1 (12–32 mg day–1). Seven participants had abnormal QT intervals. There was a significant difference in the proportion of prescribed methadone with abnormal QT intervals, 7/19 (37%; 95% confidence interval: 17–61%), compared to controls 0/19 (0%; 95% confidence interval: 0–21%; P = 0.008), but no difference between buprenorphine and controls (0/20). QT vs. HR plots showed patients prescribed methadone had higher QT‐HR pairs over 24 h compared to controls. There was no difference in dose for patients prescribed methadone with abnormal QT intervals and those without.

Conclusions

Methadone is associated with prolonged QT intervals, but there was no association with dose. Buprenorphine did not prolong the QT interval. Twenty four‐hour Holter recordings using the QT nomogram is a feasible method to assess the QT interval in patients prescribed methadone.