bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulses of melanopsin-directed contrast produce highly reproducible pupilresponses that are insensitive to a change in background radiance
Authors: McAdams Harrison , Igdalova Aleksandra Sasha , Spitschan Manuel , Brainard David H. , Aguirre Geoffrey K.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To measure the pupil response to pulses of melanopsin-directed contrast, and compare this response to those evoked by cone-directed contrast and spectrally-narrowband stimuli.

Methods

3-second unipolar pulses were used to elicit pupil responses in human subjects across 3 sessions. Thirty subjects were studied in Session 1, and most returned for Sessions 2 and 3. The stimuli of primary interest were “silent substitution” cone‐ and melanopsin-directed modulations. Red and blue narrowband pulses delivered using the post-illumination pupil response (PIPR) paradigm were also studied. Sessions 1 and 2 were identical, while Session 3 involved modulations around higher radiance backgrounds. The pupil responses were fit by a model whose parameters described response amplitude and temporal shape.

Results

Group average pupil responses for all stimuli overlapped extensively across Sessions 1 and 2, indicating high reproducibility. Model fits indicate that the response to melanopsin-directed contrast is prolonged relative to that elicited by cone-directed contrast. The group average cone‐ and melanopsin-directed pupil responses from Session 3 were highly similar to those from Sessions 1 and 2, suggesting that these responses are insensitive to background radiance over the range studied. The increase in radiance enhanced persistent pupil constriction to blue light.

Conclusions

The group average pupil response to stimuli designed through silent substitution provides a reliable probe of the function of a melanopsin-mediated system in humans. As disruption of the melanopsin system may relate to clinical pathology, the reproducibility of response suggests that silent substitution pupillometry can test if melanopsin signals differ between clinical groups.
Rumors in organizational communication: a nightmare for HR managers
Authors: Sudhir Subin
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Employees often engage in informal interpersonal communication within organizations. Such communication is essential for creating a better work environment. While there are documented advantages of such communication, often, such communication is plagued by rumors. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the menace posed by rumors, the motivations for employees to engage in rumormongering, and possible ways to manage the spread of these rumors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from published literature on rumor research to illustrate the menace of rumors within organizational contexts, motivation to engage in rumormongering, and possible management strategies.

Findings

The paper identifies the menace of rumors in organizations, illustrates the reasons why employees share rumors, and discusses the possible methods to manage the spread of rumors.

Originality/value

Rumor propagation in organizations is an extremely dynamic process. The key element in rumor management is the swiftness and agility in intervention and management of rumors using strategies described in this paper. HR managers can monitor conversations to identify potentially harmful rumors and tackle this menace.
Determinants of consumption intention of Chinese cuisines for foreigners: the mediating role of variety seeking behavior
Authors: Xuhui Wang , Muhammad Asif , Ayyub Samia
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors affecting the consumption intention of Chinese cuisines for the foreigners living in China. The study also explains the role of variety seeking behavior of consumers in the consumption intention of Chinese cuisines.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative data were obtained using a structured questionnaire that is based on Dalian, Liaoning province, of People’s Republic of China. A total of 305 responses were collected, and out of which, 282 were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that food novelty and utilitarian value are better predictors of consumption intention of Chinese cuisines. The food quality is also found to be significant with consumption of Chinese cuisines. The variety seeking behavior of consumers found to mediate the relationship of food quality, food novelty and utilitarian value with consumption intention toward Chinese cuisines.

Originality/value

The contribution made by the current study is twofold. First, the value of study lies in identifying the factors that are responsible for food consumption intention of foreigners in China, which is an overlooked area in the previous literature. Second, the study also establishes the role of variety seeking behavior of consumers in consumption intention. The authoritative construct of variety seeking behavior matches well with the context of the current study, as the Chinese cuisine is well renowned in the world for its wide variety. Further, the findings are valuable to the stakeholders of restaurant industry in guiding them on how best they can attract foreign consumers toward local Chinese cuisines.
Periodic oscillation of memristor-based recurrent neural networks with time-varying delays and leakage delays
Authors: Xu Changjin , Li Peiluan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence and global exponential stability of periodic solution of memristor-based recurrent neural networks with time-varying delays and leakage delays.

Design/methodology/approach

The differential inequality theory and some novel mathematical analysis techniques are applied.

Findings

A set of sufficient conditions which guarantee the existence and global exponential stability of periodic solution of involved model is derived.

Practical implications

It plays an important role in designing the neural networks.

Originality/value

The obtained results of this paper are new and complement some previous studies. The innovation of this paper concludes two aspects: the analysis on the existence and global exponential stability of periodic solution of memristor-based recurrent neural networks with time-varying delays and leakage delays is first proposed; and it is first time to establish the sufficient criterion which ensures the existence and global exponential stability of periodic solution of memristor-based recurrent neural networks with time-varying delays and leakage delays.
Selecting Six Sigma project: a comparative study of DEA and LDA techniques
Authors: Hadi-Vencheh A. , Yousefi A.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Nowadays, most of the organizations have focused through the world on Six Sigma to reduce the costs, improve the productivity and enhance concerned individuals’ satisfaction, especially customers’ satisfaction. Annually, these organizations define and execute thousands of Six Sigma projects which involve a great deal of investments. But are all of these projects successful and do the organizations benefit from the above advantages? The purpose of this study is to proposing a methodology to to answer this question that: How can we reduce the risk of failure in Six Sigma projects? The first step to reduce the risk of failure in Six Sigma projects is selecting optimal ones which have the most profits and the least expected risks.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the effective criteria are recognized and defined in selecting Six Sigma projects. Then, a new data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is proposed for project selection process. A real example is resolved by the presented model. Finally, the authors use linear discriminate analysis (LDA) to examine the validity of obtained results from the proposed model.

Findings

The results show that the proposed model is a suitable tool for selecting Six Sigma Projects. The findings demonstrate that the selected projects by suggested integrated DEA model are those confirmed by LDA.

Originality/value

The paper, using a real case study, provides a mathematical model to enhance decision quality in Six Sigma project selection. Applying the specific DEA model is remarkable itself, which joined to a pioneering procedure to use LDA to validity evaluation of the results.
Adoption of homesharing platforms: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Muñoz-Leiva Francisco , Mayo-Muñoz Xavier , De la Hoz-Correa Andrea
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors that affect consumer adoption of new ways of sharing accommodation services. Moreover, the authors study the influence of culture, more specifically the uncertainty avoidance (UA) dimension, on relationships between variables in a proposed adoption model.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation analysis method is used to verify the proposed model. The data were collected from a panel of Spanish and Vietnamese internet users. The survey yielded a total of 418 responses for the data analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that subjective norms and ease of use exert an effect on perceived usefulness and that intention to use affects actual use in all the groups analyzed. Furthermore, UA has a moderating effect on the adoption of homesharing platforms (HSPs).

Research limitations/implications

A larger sample and a random sampling would facilitate a more accurate generalization of the results obtained for each country. The practical implications identified in this research, along with its limitations and future research opportunities, are interesting both for scholars, service providers and designers of HSPs.

Originality/value

This study bridges a gap in the current research by increasing understanding of the role of the cultural dimensions in a technological innovation adoption model for an HSP. It also takes into account the effect of perceived risk, a dimension that has not been included in previous studies.
Anticipation of organizational change
Authors: Krogh Simon
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Existing research on the organizational implications of the introduction of new information technology (IT) has neglected to focus on the anticipation of organizational change. In this paper, the author examines the extended pre-implementation phase prior to the introduction of the largest-ever health IT (HIT) implementation in Denmark. The purpose of this paper is to expand the conceptualization of organizational change to include the neglected pre-implementation phase preceding large-scale organizational change projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on qualitative data consisting of interviews, documents and observations gathered during a three-year research project in the Danish health sector. An important source of methodical inspiration has been grounded theory, which has allowed the pertinent interview themes to evolve and allowed for the gradual development of a theoretical framework.

Findings

The main finding of this paper is that the anticipatory pre-implementation phase is not simply passive waiting time for organizational members. Evidence from a three-year research project demonstrates how organizational members engage in recurring patterns of sensemaking, positioning and scripting of possible futures in preparation for the organizational changes that next generation HIT imposes. The study argues that resistance to organizational change may be better understood as resistance to having to give up institutionalized rights and responsibilities.

Originality/value

The paper offers a conceptual model—the anticipation cycle—that enables the systematic analysis of the relational mechanisms at work when organizational members are preparing for pending organizational change. Early analysis based on the anticipation cycle enables organizations and scholars to bring previously black-boxed anticipatory patterns into the equation of organizational change.
Applying an organisational agility maturity model
Authors: Gunsberg David , Callow Bruce , Ryan Brett , Suthers Jolyon , Baker Penny Anne , Richardson Joanna
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the baseline model required to measure whole-of-organisation agility within a university information services division. The paper seeks to analyse the process of identifying and applying such a model.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative methodology applied is that of a single case study. The organisation analysed was an Australian university’s information services division. A structured survey, based on Wendler (2014), was administered to all staff as part of a multi-phased approach, thus facilitating a triangulation process.

Findings

The current research has confirmed the applicability of Wendler’s model to the higher education information technology sector. Application of the model establishes not only a baseline agility maturity score across the whole-of-organisation but also provides granular scores based on organisational units. Triangulation of survey results is recommended to achieve a more in-depth perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Further research comparing similarly and differently sized universities could provide valuable insights. More research is needed to extend the applicability of Wendler’s model to a wider range of domains and industries.

Practical implications

The grouping of survey questions under particular broad themes reflected the strategic focus of the division being surveyed. Organisations implementing the proposed model will need to select themes that correspond with their respective strategic goals and culture.

Originality/value

The paper has extended the research and resultant model developed by Wendler by applying them not only to both managers and staff but also to a different domain, specifically higher education.
SHRM and context: why firms want to be as different as legitimately possible
Authors: Farndale Elaine , Paauwe Jaap
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness that despite many calls for attention to a firm’s context in considering consequences for human resource management (HRM) and performance, research progress to date has been limited at best, although promising signs of change are emerging. Moreover, what has been defined as “performance” is coming under increasing scrutiny, with a more holistic concept emerging that balances both a firm’s financial performance and employee well-being. The question remains whether this is a mutual gains or conflicting outcomes situation for the firmvis-á-visthe employee.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a framework that facilitates a broader context-centric analysis of the HRM and performance relationship. In so doing, the authors posit that context should no longer merely be an obligatory control variable in a research design, but instead should be explicitly incorporated in both theory development and empirical model testing.

Findings

The Contextual SHRM Framework demonstrates how key organizational actors can balance competitive, heritage and institutional mechanisms to create an appropriate strategic HRM (SHRM) system capable of delivering organizational outcomes that balance financial and employee well-being outcomes, which in the long run impact societal well-being that, in turn, recreates the firm’s operating context. At the heart of the framework is an iterative process between context and the SHRM system, achieving an appropriate level of dynamic fit across the various components.

Practical implications

In addition to empirical research, the framework has to date been widely used in executive development training, serving as a force field analysis tool allowing simultaneous consideration of the external and internal elements of a firm’s context, key organizational actors and SHRM system outcomes. HR professionals applying the framework to their organization can add value by demonstrating the clear linkage between the business strategy, the HRM system and the firm’s operating context.

Originality/value

This paper is designed to encourage new directions in future research and practice. The Contextual SHRM Framework is presented as a novel tool to facilitate advancement of the HRM and performance field of study.
Gold for now and the golden years
Authors: Lewellyn Krista
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw from regulatory focus theory, to examine the effects of the “gain/no gain” nature of stock options and retirement pay on the decision to engage in cross-border acquisitions. The moderating effects of managerial discretion arising from the external industry context and internal organizational leadership structure are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ random effects negative binomial regression analysis with a longitudinal (2006–2016) data set of US public companies operating in four industries with differing levels of industry discretion: the oil and gas, paper and packaging, aerospace and defense, and telecommunications.

Findings

The findings indicate that both CEO in-the-money stock options and retirement pay are positively related to cross-border acquisition activity. The results also demonstrate that managerial discretion, arising from the firm’s external industry context, accentuates the positive relationship between both the value of CEO in-the-money stock options and retirement pay with cross-border acquisition activity.

Practical implications

The findings provide implication for practice as understanding how retirement pay and stock options, both of which make up a substantial portion of overall CEO pay in the USA, motivate cross-border acquisition activity, may improve decisions by executives. The evidence also provides guidance to boards of directors who are charged with the responsibility of creating CEO compensation contracts.

Originality/value

The paper fills important gaps in the existing research on the influence of compensation elements on firm outcomes, by offering a novel explanation for how in-the-money stock options and retirement pay affect CEOs’ motivations to engage in cross-border acquisitions.
Service ecosystems: insights from a wedding
Authors: Damacena Claudio , Schmidt Serje , Gauze Ioná Plein Bolzan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the context of experience within a service ecosystem to understand how the different actors at a specific event, namely, a wedding, interact and contribute to co-create value.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was used as a research strategy. Content analysis was used to analyze the data with the aid of NVIVO software.

Findings

The results indicate the importance of interaction between different actors for co-creation to occur as it does not occur in isolation and is generated for and with all the audiences of an event. In addition, during the exchange encounter, the presence of guests and the network of suppliers influenced social interaction and the perception of value.

Originality/value

Studies indicate a need for empirical research based on different contexts of service ecosystems. This study addresses the co-creation of events in an area different from those investigated to date: a wedding. In this rite of passage, the experience is highly involving and interactive, contains different audiences and potential value generation for all those involved.
l‐Rhamnosylation of wall teichoic acids promotes efficient surface association of Listeria monocytogenes virulence factors InlB and Ami through interaction with GW domains
Authors: Carvalho Filipe , Sousa Sandra , Cabanes Didier
Published: July 2018

Wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are important surface glycopolymers involved in various physiological processes occurring in the Gram‐positive cell envelope. We previously showed that the decoration of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) WTAs with l‐rhamnose conferred resistance against antimicrobial peptides. Here, we show that WTA l‐rhamnosylation also contributes to physiological levels of autolysis in Lm through a mechanism that requires efficient association of Ami, a virulence‐promoting autolysin belonging to the GW protein family, to the bacterial cell surface. Importantly, WTA l‐rhamnosylation also controls the surface association of another GW protein, the invasin internalin B (InlB), that promotes Lm invasion of host cells. Whereas WTA N‐acetylglucosaminylation is not a prerequisite for GW protein surface association, lipoteichoic acids appear to also play a role in the surface anchoring of InlB. Strikingly, while the GW domains of Ami, InlB and Auto (another autolysin contributing to cell invasion and virulence) are sufficient to mediate surface association, this is not the case for the GW domains of the remaining six uncharacterized Lm GW proteins. Overall, we reveal WTA l‐rhamnosylation as a bacterial surface modification mechanism that contributes to Lm physiology and pathogenesis by controlling the surface association of GW proteins involved in autolysis and infection.
Stepwise modifications of genetic parts reinforce the secretory production of nattokinase in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Cui Wenjing , Suo Feiya , Cheng Jintao , Han Laichuang , Hao Wenliang , Guo Junling , Zhou Zhemin
Published: July 2018

Nattokinase (NK) is an important serine‐protease with direct fibrinolytic activity involving the prevention of cardiovascular disease as an antithrombotic agent. Dozens of studies have focused on the characterization of intrinsic novel promoters and signal peptides to the secretory production of recombinant proteins in Bacillus subtilis. However, intrinsic genetic elements have several drawbacks, which cannot mediate the production of NK to the desired level. In this study, the genetic elements, which were used to overproduce the recombinant secretory NK, were rationally modified in B. subtilis in a stepwise manner. The first step was to select a suitable signal peptide for the highly efficient secretion of NK. By comparison of the secretory levels mediated by two different signal peptides, which were encoded by the genes of a minor extracellular protease epr (SPepr) and cell‐wall associated protease wapA (SPwapA), respectively, SPwapA was verified as the superior secretory element. Second, P04, which was a synthetic promoter screened from an array of mutants based on the promoter cloned from the operon of a quorum‐sensing associated gene srfA (PsrfA), was paired to SPwapA. The secretory level of NK was obviously augmented by the combination of these two genetic elements. Third, the cis‐acting element CodY‐binding sequence positioned at the 5′UTR was deleted (yielding P08), and thus the secretory level was significantly elevated. The activity of NK, which was defined as fibrinolytic units (FU), reached to a level of 270 FU ml−1. Finally, the superior genetic element composed of P08 and SPwapA was utilized to overproduce NK in the host B. subtilis WB800, which was able to produce the secretory NK at 292 FU ml−1. The strategy established in this study can not only be used to overproduce NK in B. subtilis but also might be a promising pipeline to modify the genetic element for the synthetic secretory system.
Ghrelin modulates mesolimbic reactivity to alcohol cues in alcohol‐addicted subjects: a functional imaging study
Authors: Koopmann Anne , Bach Patrick , Schuster Rilana , Bumb Jan Malte , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Reinhard Iris , Rietschel Marcella , Witt Stephanie H. , Wiedemann Klaus , Kiefer Falk
Published: July 2018

Ghrelin has been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence, affecting alcohol self‐administration and craving. However, the mechanism of action in alcohol dependence still has to be determined. We thus investigated whether ghrelin is associated with mesolimbic cue reactivity to alcohol cues and alcohol craving in recently detoxified alcohol‐addicted subjects. We included 41 recently detoxified alcohol‐dependent individuals. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to study mesolimbic cue reactivity during the presentation of alcohol‐related pictures. Additionally, we assessed patients' alcohol craving using the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Plasma concentrations of total and acylated (activated) ghrelin were measured in parallel to the fMRI session. The association between ghrelin plasma concentrations, mesolimbic cue reactivity and alcohol craving was assessed by performing correlation and mediation analyses. Alcohol‐induced brain response in a network of brain clusters, including the right and left ventral striatum, showed a significant positive association with acylated ghrelin plasma concentration. Additionally, acylated ghrelin was significantly associated with craving. Mediation analyses showed that the association between acylated ghrelin plasma concentration and alcohol craving is mediated by a cue‐induced brain response in the ventral striatum. Based on the finding that ghrelin modulates mesolimbic reactivity to alcohol cues, the following should be considered: If alcohol craving and the appetitive status were interrelated, this has to be taken into account when implementing fMRI studies for addictive disorders. Moreover, appetite regulation seems to represent a valid treatment target for reducing cue reactivity in addictive disorders.
Associations between repeated ultrasound measures of fetal growth and biomarkers of maternal oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnancy
Authors: Ferguson Kelly K. , Kamai Elizabeth M. , Cantonwine David E. , Mukherjee Bhramar , Meeker John D. , McElrath Thomas F.
Published: July 2018

Problem

Perturbations in normal fetal growth during pregnancy are associated with poor child and adult health outcomes. Inflammation and oxidative stress are recognized as important mechanisms in preeclampsia and preterm birth but have been examined less in relation to fetal growth. We hypothesized that maternal inflammation and oxidative stress in pregnancy would be associated with reduced fetal growth and sought to identify windows of vulnerability.

Method of study

In a secondary analysis of 482 women from the LIFECODES birth cohort study, we measured inflammation (C‐reactive protein [CRP] and the cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α) and oxidative stress (8‐isoprostane and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8‐OHdG]) biomarkers in plasma and urine, respectively, at four time points during pregnancy. We examined associations between repeated measures of each marker and ultrasound (head and abdominal circumference, femur length, and a summary measure of estimated fetal weight) as well as delivery (birthweight) metrics of growth.

Results

In adjusted repeated‐measures models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in CRP was associated with a 0.12 standard deviation decrease in fetal weight z‐score (95% confidence interval, CI, −0.21, −0.02), which corresponds to approximately 50 g at 40‐week gestation. The association was greatest in magnitude (ie, most negative) with CRP measured later in pregnancy. Oxidative stress markers were not associated with fetal weight, although both were inversely associated with head circumference and femur length.

Conclusion

Inflammation and oxidative stress markers measured later in pregnancy were associated with reduced fetal growth as measured by repeated ultrasound scans.
Malignancy and mortality in paediatric‐onset inflammatory bowel disease: a 3‐year prospective, multinational study from the paediatric IBD Porto group of ESPGHAN
Authors: Joosse M. E. , Aardoom M. A. , Kemos P. , Turner D. , Wilson D. C. , Koletzko S. , Martin‐de‐Carpi J. , Fagerberg U. L. , Spray C. , Tzivinikos C. , Sladek M. , Shaoul R. , Roma‐Giannikou E. , Bronsky J. , Serban D. E. , Ruemmele F. M. , Garnier‐Lengline H. , Veres G. , Hojsak I. , Kolho K. L. , Davies I. H. , Aloi M. , Lionetti P. , Hussey S. , Veereman G. , Braegger C. P. , Trindade E. , Wewer A. V. , Hauer A. C. , de Vries A. C. H. , Sigall Boneh R. , Sarbagili Shabat C. , Levine A. , de Ridder L. ,   the Paediatric IBD Porto group of ESPGHAN
Published: July 2018

Background

Risk benefit strategies in managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are dependent upon understanding the risks of uncontrolled inflammation vs those of treatments. Malignancy and mortality in IBD have been associated with disease‐related inflammation and immune suppression, but data are limited due to their rare occurrence.

Aim

To identify and describe the most common causes of mortality, types of cancer and previous or current therapy among children and young adults with paediatric‐onset IBD.

Methods

Information on paediatric‐onset IBD patients diagnosed with malignancy or mortality was prospectively collected via a survey in 25 countries over a 42‐month period. Patients were included if death or malignancy occurred after IBD diagnosis but before the age of 26 years.

Results

In total, 60 patients were identified including 43 malignancies and 26 fatal cases (9 due to cancer). Main causes of fatality were malignancies (n = 9), IBD or IBD‐therapy related nonmalignant causes (n = 10; including 5 infections), and suicides (n = 3). Three cases, all fatal, of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma were identified, all were biologic‐naïve but thiopurine‐exposed. No other haematological malignancies were fatal. The 6 other fatal cancer cases included 3 colorectal adenocarcinomas and 3 cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs). Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was present in 5 (56%) fatal cancers (1 colorectal carcinoma, 3 CCAs and 1 hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma).

Conclusions

We report the largest number of paediatric‐onset IBD patients with cancer and/or fatal outcomes to date. Malignancies followed by infections were the major causes of mortality. We identified PSC as a significant risk factor for cancer‐associated mortality. Disease‐related adenocarcinomas were a commoner cause of death than lymphomas.
Impairment of bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells in acute graft‐versus‐host disease patients after allotransplant
Authors: Cao Xie‐Na , Kong Yuan , Song Yang , Shi Min‐Min , Zhao Hong‐Yan , Wen Qi , Lyu Zhong‐Shi , Duan Cai‐Wen , Wang Yu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: July 2018

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) that is frequently associated with bone marrow (BM) suppression, and clinical management is challenging. BM endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play crucial roles in the regulation of haematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. However, little is known regarding the functional roles of BM EPCs in acute GVHD (aGVHD) patients. In the current prospective case‐control study, reduced and dysfunctional BM EPCs, characterized by decreased migration and angiogenesis capacities and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, were found in aGVHD patients compared with those without aGVHD. Moreover, lower frequency and increased levels of ROS, apoptosis and DNA damage, but reduced colony‐forming unit‐plating efficiency were found in BM CD34+ cells of aGVHD patients compared with those without aGVHD. The severity of aGVHD and GVHD‐mediated cytopenia was associated with BM EPC impairment in aGVHD patients. In addition, the EPC impairment positively correlated with ROS level. Taken together, our results suggest that reduced and dysfunctional BM EPCs may be involved in the pathogenesis of aGVHD. Although these findings require validation, our data indicate that improvement of BM EPCs may represent a promising therapeutic approach for aGVHD patients.
Overall survival of children and adolescents with mature B cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma who had refractory or relapsed disease during or after treatment with FAB/LMB 96: A report from the FAB/LMB 96 study group
Authors: Cairo Mitchell , Auperin Anne , Perkins Sherrie L. , Pinkerton Ross , Harrison Lauren , Goldman Stanton , Patte Catherine
Published: July 2018

We determined the risk factors associated with poor survival in children and adolescents with de novo mature B cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) who had refractory or relapsed disease during or after the French‐American‐British mature lymphoma B (FAB/LMB) 96 multi‐agent chemotherapy. Among the 1 111 registered on study, 104 patients (9·4%) had refractory disease or disease relapse after first complete remission. Among these 104 patients, 28 (27%) patients had refractory disease and 76 (73%) had relapsed disease. The estimated 1‐ and 2‐year overall survival (OS) (95% confidence interval) was 31·5% (23·3–41·0%) and 22·3% (15·3–31·4%), respectively. Prognostic analysis of OS using a Cox multivariate model showed that factors independently associated with OS included lactate dehydrogenase ≥2 upper normal limit [hazard ratio (HR) = 2·86 (1·57–5·2), P = 0·0006]; time to failure (>6 months) [HR = 0·59 (0·36–0·97), P = 0·038]; and failure in bone marrow [HR = 2·78 (1·65–4·68), P = 0·0001]. New therapeutic strategies are required to significantly reduce refractory disease and disease relapse in patients with newly diagnosed mature B‐NHL and, more importantly, there is a critical need to develop novel retrieval approaches in patients with chemotherapy‐resistant disease.
Shareholders of the World United? Organized Labour's Preferences on Corporate Governance under Pension Fund Capitalism in the United States, United Kingdom and France
Authors: Bridgen Paul , Naczyk Marek
Published: July 2018

This article considers whether organized labour's engagement with shareholder activism represents a shift in unions’ traditional stakeholder preferences on corporate governance under pension fund capitalism. It does so in light of recent critiques of the class power thesis of corporate governance which suggest greater fluidity and fragmentation in labour's approach. Adopting a diverse case study strategy to compare organized labour's actions in the United States, United Kingdom and France, the article explains these activities as innovative strategies, similar to other revitalization initiatives, designed to advance traditional agendas by alternative means. The article thus concludes that, while organized labour's shareholder activism is unexpected under the class power thesis, its core preferences remain largely unchanged.
Nevertheless They Persisted: Gendered Frameworks and Socialization Advantages in Indian Professional Service Firms
Authors: Ballakrishnen Swethaa S.
Published: July 2018

This article uses the Indian case to offer nuance to narratives about the gendered experience of professional work. I find that while gendered constructs certainly infiltrate all workspaces, there remain occupational and organizational differences in the ways in which women experience their environments. Particularly, while Indian women lawyers overall are more disadvantaged than their international counterparts, the experience of women lawyers in very elite law firms is more favorable than both their local and global peers. A confluence of factors might be responsible for this unusual experience of professional work, but this article highlights the importance of one set of supply side dynamics: the variations in socializing experiences and expectations before entry into these firms. In doing so, it adds to the literature that suggests the importance of not just enrollment parity, but also early training and institutional socialization for gender egalitarian professional outcomes.
Some node ordering methods for the K2 algorithm
Authors: Aghdam Rosa , Rezaei Tabar Vahid , Pezeshk Hamid
Published: July 2018

Inferring Bayesian network structure from data is a challenging issue, and many researchers have been working on this problem. The K2 is a well‐known order‐dependent algorithm to learn Bayesian network. The result of the algorithm is not robust since it achieves different network structure if node orderings are permuted. Consequently, choosing suitable sequential node ordering for the input of the K2 algorithm is a challenging task. In this work, some deterministic methods for selecting a suitable sequential node ordering are introduced. The effectiveness of these methods benchmarked through the Asia, Alarm, Car, and Insurance networks. The results indicate that the methods based on the concept of mutual information and entropy are suitable for finding a sequential node ordering and considerably improves the precision of network inference. The source code and selected data sets are available onhttp://profiles.bs.ipm.ir/softwares/ordering/.
Developments in the chemistry and applications of phthalein dyes. Part 2: biological applications
Authors: Sabnis Ram W.
Published: July 2018

This review describes the huge impact of phthalein dyes on multiple industries. Although phthalein dyes demonstrate several vital applications, there appears to be no review in the literature. Part 2 of the review focuses on developments in the chemistry and biological applications of phthalein dyes. The biological applications of phthalein dyes are grouped into agrochemical, biochemical, food, personal care, pharmaceutical and sensors applications. The importance of these dyes in various commercial products is also revealed, and patent analysis is provided in the Appendix. The uses of phthalein dyes in various fields are important but their growing popularity with fascinating colour change features is particularly notable. Part 1 of the review focused on developments in the chemistry and industrial applications of phthalein dyes. The industrial applications of phthalein dyes are grouped into building/construction applications, coatings applications, electronic/electrical applications and miscellaneous applications.
Changes in bone microarchitecture following kidney transplantation—Beyond bone mineral density
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Toussaint Nigel D. , Elder Grahame J. , Rajapakse Chamith S. , Holt Stephen G. , Baldock Paul , Robertson Patricia L. , Ebeling Peter R. , Sorci Olivia R. , Masterson Rosemary
Published: July 2018

Bone disease in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is characterized by bone mineral density (BMD) loss but bone microarchitecture changes are poorly defined. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated bone microarchitecture using non‐invasive imaging modalities; high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the trabecular bone score (TBS) following kidney transplantation. Eleven KTRs (48.3 ± 11.2 years) underwent MRI (tibia), pQCT (radius) and DXA at baseline and 12 months post–transplantation. Transiliac bone biopsies, performed at transplantation, showed 70% of patients with high/normal bone turnover. Compared with baseline, 12‐month MRI showed deterioration in indices of trabecular network integrity—surface to curve ratio (S/C; −15%, P = 0.03) and erosion index (EI; +19%, P = 0.01). However, cortical area increased (+10.3%, P = 0.04), with a non‐significant increase in cortical thickness (CtTh; +7.8%, P = 0.06). At 12 months, parathyroid hormone values (median 10.7 pmol/L) correlated with improved S/C (r = 0.75, P = 0.009) and EI (r = −0.71, P = 0.01) while osteocalcin correlated with CtTh (r = 0.72, P = 0.02) and area (r = 0.70, P = 0.02). TBS decreased from baseline (−5.1%, P = 0.01) with no significant changes in BMD or pQCT. These findings highlight a post–transplant deterioration in trabecular bone quality detected by MRI and TBS, independent of changes in BMD, underlining the potential utility of these modalities in evaluating bone microarchitecture in KTRs.
Plant niche breadths along environmental gradients and their relationship to plant functional traits
Authors: Schellenberger Costa David , Gerschlauer Friederike , Kiese Ralf , Fischer Markus , Kleyer Michael , Hemp Andreas
Published: July 2018

Aims

We tested whether plant species niche breadths decrease with increasing species richness due to competition on temperature, precipitation and disturbance gradients. We assumed that niche optima, niche breadth and niche volume are related to plant functional traits, indicating competitive ability and adaptation to environmental stress. Finally, we wanted to identify habitats dominated by species with small niche breadths most prone to environmental change.

Location

Southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Methods

We calculated species distribution models for 1,492 plant species based on the presence/absence data on 969 plots using generalized linear models. We derived niche breadths, optima and volumes and investigated their relationship with plant functional traits with principal component regression to account for high trait correlations.

Results

Niche breadths of individual species increased with elevation, precipitation and disturbance. Averaged community elevation niche breadth and niche volume decreased with increasing species richness. Plant functional traits explained about 40% and 50% of the variation in niche optima and breadths, respectively. Size and growth traits were significant predictors of niche breadths on all gradients, whereas traits indicating reproductive strategy were not significant on the precipitation gradient.

Main conclusions

Our results support the notion of decreasing niche breadth with increasing temperature, possibly a result of competition due to increased diversification rates and hence species richness. However, the complexity of the niche breadth–species richness patterns on the other gradients shows that additional covariables shape species niche breadths apart from competition. Plant species with narrow niche breadths dominated natural savannas around Mount Kilimanjaro, indicating strong sensitivity to the ongoing conversion of savanna to fields and grasslands.
Effect of days postburning and calcium oxide on the fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritional characteristics of sugarcane silage for finishing Nellore steers
Authors: Roth Anna Paula T. P. , Siqueira Gustavo R. , Rabelo Carlos H. S. , Moretti Matheus H. , Härter Carla J. , Resende Flávio D. , Reis Ricardo A.
Published: July 2018

In this study, the effects of days postburning and calcium oxide (CaO) on the fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritional characteristics of sugarcane silages for finishing Nellore steers were investigated. Silages were prepared in minisilos from in natura and burned sugarcane that remained in the field 1 and 10 days postburning (1‐day burned and 10‐day burned, respectively). Next, forages were left untreated or treated with CaO (10 g/kg fresh forage). Compared to that in untreated silages, CaO application increased the dry‐matter (DM) recovery of in natura, 1‐day and 10‐day burned silages (p < 0.001) by 67, 179 and 209 g/kg DM respectively. The CaO treatment increased (p < 0.001) the aerobic stability of the in natura and 10‐day burned silages by 62.7 and 24.7 hr respectively. In a feedlot experiment, feeding 1‐day burned silage reduced DM intake of steers throughout the feedlot period (0–93 days; p < 0.05) compared with that of steers fed in natura silage diet, but the average daily gain (ADG) was lower (p = 0.006) only during the adaptation period (−0.16 kg/day; 0–28 days). The CaO application decreased DM intake (p = 0.007; −1.17 kg/day) and ADG (p < 0.001; −0.13 kg/day) of steers only during the adaptation period likely owing to low silage palatability caused by increased Ca and butyric acid concentrations (≥11.6 g/kg DM). We recommend feeding beef cattle with CaO‐treated burned sugarcane silages in low‐dietary concentration because of its high butyric acid concentration.
Factor VIII activity of BAY 94‐9027 is accurately measured with most commonly used assays: Results from an international laboratory study
Authors: Church N. , Leong L. , Katterle Y. , Ulbrich H.‐F. , Noerenberg I. , Kitchen S. , Michaels L. A.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Discrepancies in the measurement of modified factor VIII (FVIII) products have been recognized, highlighting the need for adjustments in clinical laboratory practices to ensure effective monitoring of patients treated with these products, particularly using the one‐stage (activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]) assay.

Aim

To assess the ability of clinical laboratories to measure the activity of BAY 94‐9027, a PEGylated extended half‐life FVIII product, using routine (predominantly one‐stage) assays in clinical laboratories

Methods

Blinded samples of FVIII‐deficient plasma spiked with defined levels of BAY 94‐9027 and a recombinant FVIII product comparator were provided to 52 clinical laboratories that routinely conduct FVIII testing. Samples were provided at 3 concentrations (low, medium and high), and laboratories analysed the samples using routine in‐house one‐stage and, when available, chromogenic assays. Acceptable spiked recovery (accuracy) of the local laboratory methods to measure BAY 94‐9027 was the primary endpoint of the study.

Results

Accurate FVIII measurements were obtained at all concentrations for both products using the chromogenic assay and most of the commonly used one‐stage reagents, both ellagic acid and silica based. Two specific silica‐based reagents, APTT‐SP and PTT‐A, underestimated BAY 94‐9027 levels at all concentrations, consistent with previous findings.

Conclusions

FVIII activity of BAY 94‐9027 was accurately measured with most commonly used one‐stage assays used in routine clinical practice. The chromogenic assay was also accurate. It is recommended that clinical laboratories identify and avoid specific inappropriate reagents, such as the APTT‐SP and PTT‐A, in their one‐stage assays for FVIII monitoring.
A theoretical and experimental study of the temporal reduction in UV protection provided by a facial day cream
Authors: Diffey B. L. , O'Connor C. , Marlow I. , Bell M. , O'Mahony M. M.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate how the UV protection provided by a facial day cream reduces over the course of a day.

Methods

We developed a theoretical model using a Monte Carlo random sampling approach to estimate the variation in local thickness, and hence local effective SPF, at several different sites over the face. The input variables, which are labelled SPF, average application thickness, homogeneity of the product on the skin and the ability of the product to bind to the skin, allow examination of how these different factors affect the delivered photoprotection. We compared the results of our modelling with experimental determination of the binding of an oil‐in‐water moisturizing day cream with a rated SPF of 15 at various times over the course of a day by means of UV photography and digital image analysis.

Results

We demonstrated good agreement between our theoretical predictions of the temporal reduction in product thickness and the experimental observations. We used our modelling approach to show that a substantial reduction in lifetime UV burden on the face could be achieved by a daycare product delivering 3‐fold (or greater) protection over the face.

Conclusion

Comparison with experimental data confirmed the robustness and validity of our model, which predicts that products intended for daily use need to be formulated carefully and applied uniformly, and to have a half‐life of binding to the skin of several hours. Products that bind less well to the skin, or are applied non‐uniformly, are likely to be providing inadequate protection with regards to influencing the rate of photoaging of the skin. Our data suggest that after a single, realistic application of a day cream rated SPF15, consumers’ faces remain protected to at least an average of 5‐fold around the middle of the day, especially pertinent to indoor workers who are likely to be exposed to maximum UV levels as they venture outside during their lunch break.
Teaching & Learning Tips 10: Interspecialty teaching through inpatient dermatology consults
Authors: Xue Yun , Rana Jasmine , Burgin Susan
Published: July 2018

Medical students and residents often have little experience in placing or responding to dermatologic consults in the inpatient setting when they first begin training. Trainees often learn what and how to communicate through observation or trial and error. We propose that dermatologists can play an active role in facilitating interspecialty education and improving patient outcomes by teaching in a systematic fashion.