bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Authors: Lev Baruch
Published: July 2017

The author argues that, for companies to play a significant role in addressing environmental or social problems, they must first achieve sustained competitive advantage in the marketplace. And thus the source of a company's competitive advantage—and its ability to maintain that advantage over time—should be matters of great interest and concern for sustainability advocates as well as more traditional corporate investors and directors. But identifying and assessing the durability of corporate competitive advantage are difficult tasks, in part because conventional accounting‐based information like reported sales and GAAP earnings often fails to provide a timely ref lection of fundamental changes in the competitive position of enterprises.

Competitive advantage is created and sustained by companies that develop and make effective use of “strategic” valuecreating assets—assets that tend to be intangible, rare, and hard for others to replicate. Using examples such as the R&D pipelines of big pharma companies, and the customer franchises of producers of subscription‐based products and services—and the underlying corporate capabilities responsible for generating such pipelines and franchises—the author emphasizes that the value of such corporate capabilities and assets does not show up on corporate balance sheets or income statements—or not at least without a significant lag.

To help overcome this limitation of financial statements, the author recommends that corporate managements view their quarterly earnings conference calls with analysts and investors, as well as the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section of the annual financial report, as opportunities to provide more information about their strategic assets. Such information should be designed to help investors understand the firm's competitive strengths (and vulnerabilities) by aiming to provide the following:

an inventory of the company's strategic assets—for example, in the case of a biotech or pharma company, a detailed account and estimates of the projected value of its current product pipeline;

a statement of the amounts of ongoing corporate investment in strategic assets, as reflected in R&D spending, or customer acquisition costs, or purchases of exploration rights by oil and gas companies;

a description of the company's efforts to protect the value of its strategic assets from possible infringement and imitation by competitors, from the disruption of such assets by innovation, or from the threat of new regulation; and

a description of management's plan to use its strategic assets to create economic value.
Women's attitudes to safe‐induced abortion in Iran: Findings from a pilot survey
Authors: Aghakhani Nader , Cleary Michelle , Zarei Abbas , Lopez Violeta
Published: July 2017

Aim

To explore attitudes to safe‐induced abortion among pregnant women in Iran.

Background

In Islamic teachings, abortion is generally forbidden. However in specific circumstances, abortion may be permitted and currently, in Iran, the law allows termination of pregnancy only if three specialist physicians confirm that the pregnancy outcome may be harmful for the mother during pregnancy or after birth.

Design

Pilot, descriptive survey.

Methods

A 15‐item structured questionnaire focusing on attitudes to safe‐induced abortion was developed and pilot tested. Participants were pregnant women who were referred to the Legal Medical Centre (July–December 2015) to obtain permission for abortion. On obtaining their informed consent, the women were asked to respond to each item if they agreed (Yes) or disagreed (No). Only their age, education, employment, marital status and religion were obtained.

Results

Of the 80 survey participants referred for a safe‐induced abortion, 90% were carrying foetuses with a diagnosed congenital malformation and 10% were experiencing complications of pregnancy that endangered their health. The majority of women (85%) perceived abortion to be dangerous to health; 86% indicated that partners should be involved in decision‐making about abortion, while 83% believed that public health officials should have complete control of abortion law.

Conclusions

There is a need to improve women's and couples’ awareness and practice of effective contraceptive methods. Further research is needed to better understand the complex issues that lead to unintended pregnancies and abortions considering religious beliefs and cultural and legal contexts.
Generalized convulsive seizures are associated with ketamine anesthesia in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) undergoing urodynamic studies and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Gad Parag N. , Salyards Gregory W. , Garzel Laura M. , Christe Kari L. , Edgerton V. Reggie , Havton Leif A.
Published: July 2017

A female rhesus macaque developed two episodes of generalized convulsions during transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) and urodynamic studies under ketamine anesthesia. The seizures took place in the absence of active TSCS and bladder pressure elevation. Ketamine anesthesia remains the primary risk factor for the convulsions during these experimental procedures.
Thermal imaging and dermoscopy for detecting inflammation in frontal fibrosing alopecia
Authors: Lis‐Święty Anna , Miziołek Bartosz , Ranosz‐Janicka Irmina , Bierzyńska‐Macyszyn Grażyna , Brzezińska‐Wcisło Ligia
Published: July 2017

Background

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an inflammatory condition of the scalp, which leads to scarring and slowly progressive recession of frontotemporal and/or frontoparietal hairline. Choice of FFA treatment is highly dependent on accurate assessment of disease phase, as medical treatments are effective only during the initial inflammatory stage.

Methods

To objectively quantify the activity of the inflammatory process in FFA, 22 female patients were examined by both infrared thermography and optical dermoscopy before tissue sampling. The presence of perifollicular erythema or scaling was considered to be strongly suggestive for appropriate scalp biopsy site. Skin temperature differences in dermoscopy‐selected area >0.5°C for temperature of the reference area (lower area of forehead) were considered abnormal. For evaluation of the inflammatory infiltrate, a grading scale was used.

Results

The scale classified 14 (64%) subjects as being in the active disease phase of FFA and eight (36%) as in the inactive one. Using the thermography findings, 17 (77%) patients were considered to have the active FFA and five (23%) patients had the inactive one. The clinical assessment of active FFA was most accurate using thermal imaging combined with dermoscopy, with a sensitivity of 64%, a specificity of 88%, a positive predictive value of 90%, and an negative predictive value of 58%.

Conclusion

We believe that infrared thermography is a noninvasive and accessible imaging modality that may serve as a complementary tool in FFA diagnosis.
Firm Bosses or Helpful Neighbours? The Ambiguity and Co‐Construction of MNE Regional Management Mandates
Authors: Alfoldi Eva A. , McGaughey Sara L. , Clegg L. Jeremy
Published: July 2017

As multinational enterprises (MNEs) increasingly disaggregate and disperse corporate headquarters (CHQ) activities, the allocation of regional management mandates (RMMs) to local operating subsidiaries is becoming more common. RMMs explicitly break with the traditional assumption of a clear separation between centralised and local decision‐making. Yet we know little of how RMMs are enacted by the units involved, or how they evolve over time. Based on a case study of Unilever, we find that RMMs are inherently ambiguous, and identify circumstances under which ambiguity manifests and triggers cycles of sensemaking and sensegiving about the meaning of the mandate. These cycles result in the co‐construction of the mandate by multiple units, with changes in RMM scope and governance over time. We also find that sensemaking and sensegiving are most intense among boundary‐spanning middle managers. Our work challenges prevailing assumptions that mandates are largely unambiguous when assigned and are unilateral or dyadic accomplishments; demonstrates the importance of sub‐unit level analysis in MNEs; and highlights the potential of structuration theory to enrich our understanding of sensemaking and sensegiving in organisations.
Strategic Flexibility in New High‐Technology Ventures
Authors: Dai Ye , Goodale John C. , Byun Gukdo , Ding Fangsheng
Published: July 2017

Strategic flexibility is a vital capability for new ventures to update their strategies in a timely manner. However, the role of external knowledge sources in new ventures’ endeavours to develop strategic flexibility are unclear. Drawing on the knowledge‐based and relational views, we explore the effect of two sources of external knowledge: new product development (NPD) alliances, representing tightly coupled sources, and loosely coupled sources such as industry associations. Our field study of 148 high‐tech ventures found that the extent to which firms utilize knowledge from NPD alliances has a curvilinear relationship with strategic flexibility, whereas the extent to which firms utilize loosely coupled sources has a positive linear relationship with strategic flexibility. We also found that in new ventures, decentralization of decision‐making and institutional support enhance knowledge integration, positively moderating these relationships.
Immunohistochemical expression of MYB in salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinoma and basal cell adenoma
Authors: Rooney Sydney L. , Robinson Robert A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Basal cell predominant salivary gland neoplasms can be difficult to separate histologically. One of the most aggressive of basaloid salivary gland neoplasms is adenoid cystic carcinoma. MYB expression by immunohistochemistry has been documented in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Some investigators have suggested that using this expression can help in establishing the diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Utilizing tissue microarrays, we studied a group of basal cell adenocarcinomas and basal cell adenomas to determine: (i) whether either tumor expressed MYB and (ii) the frequency of any expression in either tumors.

Methods

Seventeen salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinomas and 30 salivary gland basal cell adenomas were used to construct microarrays. These tissue microarrays were used to assess for immunohistochemical MYB expression.

Results

Fifty‐three percent (nine of 17) of salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinomas and 57% (17 of 30) of salivary gland basal cell adenomas showed MYB overexpression. For comparison, we studied 11 adenoid cystic carcinomas for MYB expression and found that 64% (seven of 11) overexpressed MYB. We found no relation to clinical course for basal adenomas or basal cell adenocarcinomas that overexpressed MYB vs those that did not.

Conclusions

MYB expression does not help separate basal cell adenocarcinomas from basal cell adenomas, and our data suggest it does not differentiate between either of these neoplasms and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
Treatment of intrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: a systematic review
Authors: Tivers M. S. , Lipscomb V. J. , Brockman D. J.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to establish the evidence base for the treatment of intrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs through a systematic review of the pertinent literature. Studies were filtered for evidence to answer the question “Which of the treatment options for intrahepatic CPSS in dogs offers the best short‐ and long‐term outcome?” Studies were assigned a level of evidence based on a system published by the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine. Thirty‐two studies were included in the review. Twenty‐six provided level 4 evidence and six provided level 5 evidence. There were no level 1, 2 or 3 studies. One study compared surgical treatment with medical management and one study compared suture ligation with ameroid constrictor placement. The remaining studies were case series describing the outcome for one treatment method alone. Methods and timings of assessments of short‐ and long‐term outcomes were highly varied, making direct comparisons challenging. The evidence regarding the treatment of intrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs is weak, with only two studies directly comparing treatments. There is a lack of evidence regarding short‐ and long‐term outcomes on which to base clinical decisions.
Mapping ‘the ANT multiple’: A comparative, critical and reflexive analysis
Authors: Kanger Laur
Published: July 2017

Despite decades of development, Actor‐Network Theory (ANT) continues to be characterized by a good deal of ambiguities and internal tensions. This situation has led to a suggestion that instead of one ANT it may be meaningful to speak of ‘the ANT multiple’. Following this line of reasoning, this article aims to create a map of the variety of positions riding under the ANT banner. Based on an in‐depth reading of ANT literature, seven different interpretations of ANT are identified and subjected to critical analysis while accommodating for the concerns of ANT proponents about the way ANT has been previously criticized. The results of the analysis serve to increase the reflexivity of both sides of the debate about their underlying assumptions, and provide suggestions how ANT could be employed, developed and criticized more productively in the future.
The work process setting and situational contexts based on socially distributed cognition: an interactive, cognitive and social proposal of analysis
Authors: Barranco Oriol , Lozares Carlos , Moreno Sara
Published: July 2017

To carry out an ethnographic study on the work process in the sterilization unit of a hospital in Catalonia (Spain), we found the socially distributed cognition approaches of Hutchins and Kirsh useful. However, these approaches lack sufficient explanation on three important issues: (a) the pragmatic criteria for identifying and delimiting a relevant unit of analysis and therefore the setting and contexts of the work process; (b) the mechanisms and results of reciprocal influences between these levels of analysis; and (c) the relation between these levels. Therefore, we added several new elements to these approaches, in addition to Layder's model of contexts with some important modifications, with the aim of offering an interactive, cognitive and social proposal of analysis that clarifies these three issues, allowing a more exhaustive and broader empirical analysis that captures better the ‘social’ dimension embedded in the work processes.
Decisive coalitions and positive responsiveness
Authors: Cato Susumu
Published: July 2017

This paper addresses the Arrovian social choice problem. Our focus is the role of positive responsiveness, which requires social judgments to be strongly monotonic with respect to individual judgments. We clarify the structure of decisive coalitions associated with collective choice rules that satisfy positive responsiveness and Arrow's axioms. Transitivity of social preferences is relaxed to quasi‐transitivity or acyclicity.
Appropriate cyclic tensile strain promotes biological changes of cranial base synchondrosis chondrocytes
Authors: Chu F. , Feng Q. , Hu Z. , Shen G.
Published: July 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

This study was designed to clarify biological changes of cranial base synchondrosis chondrocytes (CBSCs) upon cyclic tensile strain (CTS) loading which simulated orthopaedic mechanical protraction on cranial base synchondroses (CBS).

Material and Methods

A two‐step digestion method was used to isolate CBSCs obtained from 1‐week‐old Sprague Dawley rats. Immunohistochemical staining of type II collagen and Sox9 was conducted to identify chondrocytes. A CTS of 1 Hz and 10% elongation was applied to the second passage of CBSCs by FX‐5000™ Tension System for 24 hours. The control group kept static at the same time. The expression levels of extracellular matrix (Acan, Col1a1, Col2a1 and Col10a1) and key regulatory factors (Sox9, Ihh and PTHrP) were detected by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results

Positive staining of type II collagen and Sox9 was detected in the isolated CBSCs. The relative expression level of Acan, Col2a1, Col10a1, Sox9 and Ihh in the CTS‐loading group was 1.85‐fold, 2.19‐fold, 1.53‐fold, 6.62‐fold, and 1.39‐fold, respectively, as much as that in the control group, which had statistical significance (P<.05). There was no statistical difference (P>.05) in the expression of Col1a1 and PTHrP.

Conclusions

A CTS of 1 Hz and 10% elongation for 24 hours had positive effects on chondrocyte proliferation, phenotype maintenance and cartilage matrix synthesis.
Identification of QTLs associated with spring vegetative budbreak time after dormancy release in pear (Pyrus communis L.)
Authors: Gabay Gilad , Dahan Yardena , Izhaki Yacov , Isaacson ‎Tal , Elkind Yonatan , Ben‐Ari Giora , Flaishman Moshe A.
Published: July 2017

Dormancy release is greatly affected by chilling unit (CU) accumulation. Lack of CU has a major impact on spring vegetative budbreak (VB). To understand the genetic mechanism governing the chilling requirement (CR), we conducted a QTL analysis of VB date in F1 population, derived from a cross between ‘Spadona’ (low CR) and ‘Harrow Sweet’ (high CR). Using a unique methodology of tree mobility, replicates of the same genotypes were exposed during the winter, over two consecutive years, to climates that differ greatly in their CU and to the same heat conditions to induce VB, in order to evaluate CR genetic impact and to distinguish it from the heat factor. Broad‐sense heritability within locations ranged from 0.62 to 0.66. Due to a strong impact of GxE interaction, it was reduced to 0.46 for the overall mean. We examined the previously discovered apple QTLs detected in linkage groups (LG) 9 and 8, based on the synteny between the species. Our analysis confirms significant QTLs in LG8 (R2 = 12%–24%) and LG9 (R2 = 20%–38%) for all locations and years
Combining the remote microphone technique with head-tracking for local active sound control
Authors: Jung Woomin , Elliott Stephen J. , Cheer Jordan
Published: July 2017

This paper describes practical integration of the remote microphone technique with a head-tracking device in a local active noise control system. The formulation is first reviewed for the optimized observation filter and nearfield pressure estimation. The attenuation performance and stability of an adaptive active headrest system combined with the remote microphone technique are then studied. The accuracy of the nearfield estimation and the effect of the head-tracking on the control performance are investigated in real-time experiments. The regularization factor of the observation filter is selected as a trade-off between its accuracy and its robustness. The integrated active headrest system is used to estimate and attenuate disturbance signals at a listener's ears from a single tonal primary source, while a commercial head-tracking device detects and provides the real-time head position to the active headrest system whose responses are updated accordingly.
Inclusion of Children With Disabilities in Physical Education: A Systematic Review of Literature From 2009 to 2015
Authors: Wilhelmsen Terese , Sørensen Marit
Published: July 2017

This systematic review examines research published from 2009 to 2015 on inclusion of children with disabilities in physical education according to the PRISMA guidelines. We have used a stakeholder approach as a framework for organizing and discussing the results. The searches yielded 535 studies, of which 112 were included. The systematic review outlines which stakeholder perspectives received the most attention, the main themes and findings, the methodological trends that governed the research contribution, and the country of data collection. The main findings indicated that perspectives of pre- and in-service teachers and studies of attitudes still dominate the research contributions. The strengths and limitations of the research conducted to date highlight that several other perspectives need to be discussed. Especially important is seeking information from children with disabilities themselves. Other barriers and facilitators perceived by those actively involved in the inclusion process need to be sought.
The first Australians arrived early
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: July 2017

65,000-year-old tools suggest very ancient migration out of Africa
An organic-inorganic perovskite ferroelectric with large piezoelectric response
Authors: You Yu-Meng , Liao Wei-Qiang , Zhao Dewei , Ye Heng-Yun , Zhang Yi , Zhou Qionghua , Niu Xianghong , Wang Jinlan , Li Peng-Fei , Fu Da-Wei , Wang Zheming , Gao Song , Yang Kunlun , Liu Jun-Ming , Li Jiangyu , Yan Yanfa , Xiong Ren-Gen
Published: July 2017

Finding a more flexible mechanical sensor

Piezoelectric materials allow conversion between electricity and mechanical stresses. The most efficient piezoelectric materials are ceramics such as BaTiO
3
or PbZrO
3
, which are also extremely stiff. You
et al.
identified an organic perovskite structured piezoelectric material that is far more pliable yet has a piezoelectric response similar to that of traditional ceramics. This material may be a better option to use as a mechanical sensor for flexible devices, soft robotics, biomedical devices, and other micromechanical applications that benefit from a less stiff piezoelectric material.

Science
, this issue p.
306
Highly elastic binders integrating polyrotaxanes for silicon microparticle anodes in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Choi Sunghun , Kwon Tae-woo , Coskun Ali , Choi Jang Wook
Published: July 2017

A stretchy binder protects the silicon

A challenge in using silicon particles for lithium batteries is that the large volume changes during charge-discharge cycling cause the particles to fracture, which builds up an insulating interface layer. Choi
et al.
show that traditional binder materials used to cushion the silicon particles can be improved by adding small amounts of polyrotaxanes (see the Perspective by Ryu and Park). The molecules consist of multiple rings that are strung along a linear segment and stoppered at each end. Some of the rings are anchored to the polymer binder, whereas others float freely, yielding a highly mobile but connected network that anchors the binder, and thus the silicon particles, together.

Science
, this issue p.
279
; see also p.
250
Response to Comments on “The [4Fe4S] cluster of human DNA primase functions as a redox switch using DNA charge transport”
Authors: O’Brien Elizabeth , Holt Marilyn E. , Thompson Matthew K. , Salay Lauren E. , Ehlinger Aaron C. , Chazin Walter J. , Barton Jacqueline K.
Published: July 2017

Baranovskiy
et al
. and Pellegrini argue that, based on structural data, the path for charge transfer through the [4Fe4S] domain of primase is not feasible. Our manuscript presents electrochemical data directly showing charge transport through DNA to the [4Fe4S] cluster of a primase p58C construct and a reversible switch in the DNA-bound signal with oxidation/reduction, which is inhibited by mutation of three tyrosine residues. Although the dispositions of tyrosines differ in different constructs, all are within range for microsecond electron transfer.
Performance Assessment of a Trypanosoma cruzi Chimeric Antigen in Multiplex Liquid Microarray Assays
Authors: Santos Fred Luciano Neves , Celedon Paola Alejandra Fiorani , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin , Leitolis Amanda , Crestani Sandra , Foti Leonardo , de Souza Wayner Vieira , Gomes Yara de Miranda , Krieger Marco Aurélio
Published: July 2017

Diagnosing chronic Chagas disease (CD) requires antibody–antigen detection methods, which are traditionally based on enzymatic assay techniques whose performance depend on the type and quality of antigen used. Previously, 4 recombinant chimeric proteins from the Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP-8.1 to 8.4) comprising immuno-dominant regions of diverse
Trypanosoma cruzi
antigens showed excellent diagnostic performance in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Considering that next-generation platforms offer improved CD diagnostic accuracy with different
T. cruzi
-specific recombinant antigens, we assessed the performance of these chimeras in liquid microarrays (LMAs). The chimeric proteins were expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified by chromatography. Sera from 653 chagasic and 680 healthy individuals were used to assess the performance of these chimeras in detecting specific anti-
T. cruzi
antibodies. Accuracies ranged from 98.1 to 99.3%, and diagnostic odds ratio values were 3,548 for IBMP-8.3, 4,826 for IBMP-8.1, 7,882 for IBMP-8.2, and 25,000 for IBMP-8.4. A separate sera bank (851 samples) was employed to assess cross-reactivity with other tropical diseases.
Leishmania
, a pathogen with high similarity to
T. cruzi
, showed cross-reactivity rates ranging from 0 to 2.17%. Inconclusive results were negligible (0 to 0.71%). Bland–Altman and Deming regression analysis based on 200 randomly selected CD-positive and negative samples demonstrated interchangeability with respect to CD diagnostic performance in both singleplex and multiplex assays. Our results suggested that these chimeras can potentially replace antigens currently used in commercially available assay kits. Moreover, the use of multiplex platforms, such as LMA assays employing 2 or more IBMP antigens, would abrogate the need for 2 different testing techniques when diagnosing CD.
Cholesterol 25-Hydroxylase Inhibits Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication through Enzyme Activity-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Ke Wenting , Fang Liurong , Jing Huiyuan , Tao Ran , Wang Ting , Li Yang , Long Siwen , Wang Dang , Xiao Shaobo
Published: July 2017

Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H) has recently been identified as a host restriction factor that exerts antiviral effects by catalyzing the production of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC). CH25H can be rapidly induced upon infection with some viruses. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), an arterivirus, has ranked among the most important swine pathogens since it was discovered in the late 1980s. In this study, we found that PRRSV infection significantly downregulated the expression of CH25H in cells by a so-far unknown mechanism, suggesting that CH25H exerts antiviral activity against PRRSV. Indeed, overexpression of CH25H inhibited PRRSV replication, whereas knockdown of CH25H by short interfering RNA (siRNA) promoted PRRSV infection. The anti-PRRSV effect of 25HC operates via inhibition of viral penetration. Interestingly, a CH25H mutant (CH25H-M) lacking hydroxylase activity still inhibited PRRSV infection. Screening using a yeast two-hybrid system followed by coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence colocalization analyses confirmed that both CH25H and CH25H-M interact with the nonstructural protein 1 alpha (nsp1α) of PRRSV. Unexpectedly, the expression of nsp1α decreased following coexpression with CH25H or CH25H-M. Detailed analyses demonstrated that CH25H/CH25H-M could degrade nsp1α through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and that site K169 in the nsp1α protein is the key site of ubiquitination. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that CH25H restricts PRRSV replication by targeting viral penetration as well as degrading nsp1α, revealing a novel antiviral mechanism used by CH25H.

IMPORTANCEPRRSV has been a continuous threat to the global swine industry, and current vaccines are insufficient to provide sustainable control. CH25H has been found to exert a broad antiviral effect; thus, it is an attractive target for the development of anti-PRRSV drugs. Here, we demonstrate that CH25H is an interferon-stimulated gene that is highly expressed in porcine alveolar macrophages. CH25H exerts its anti-PRRSV effect not only via the production of 25HC to inhibit viral penetration but also by degrading viral protein through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, suggesting that CH25H is a candidate for the development of antiviral therapeutics. However, PRRSV infection appears to actively decrease CH25H expression to promote viral replication, highlighting the complex game between PRRSV and its host.
Visualizing Antimicrobials in Bacterial Biofilms: Three-Dimensional Biochemical Imaging Using TOF-SIMS
Authors: Davies Sarah K. , Fearn Sarah , Allsopp Luke P. , Harrison Freya , Ware Ecaterina , Diggle Stephen P. , Filloux Alain , McPhail David S. , Bundy Jacob G.
Published: July 2017

Modern analytical techniques are becoming increasingly important in the life sciences; imaging mass spectrometry offers the opportunity to gain unprecedented amounts of information on the distribution of chemicals in samples—both xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. In particular, simultaneous imaging of antibiotics (and other antimicrobial compounds) and bacterium-derived metabolites in complex biological samples could be very important in the future for helping to understand how sample matrices impact the survival of bacteria under antibiotic challenge. We have shown that an imaging mass spectrometric technique, TOF-SIMS, will be potentially extremely valuable for this kind of research in the future.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in preterm infants: association with neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Hyodo Reina , Sato Yoshiaki , Ito Miharu , Sugiyama Yuichiro , Ogawa Chikako , Kawai Hisashi , Nakane Toshiki , Saito Akiko , Hirakawa Akihiro , Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Natsume Jun , Hayakawa Masahiro
Published: July 2017

Objective

To compare magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) metabolite ratios in preterm infants at term-equivalent age with those in term infants and to evaluate the association between MRS metabolites and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months corrected age in preterm infants.

Design

We studied infants born at a gestational age <37 weeks and weighing <1500 g during 2009–2013 using MRS at term-equivalent age. Infants with major brain abnormalities were excluded. The ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) to creatine (Cre), NAA to choline-containing compounds (Cho) and Cho to Cre in the frontal white matter and thalamus were measured using multivoxel point-resolved proton spectroscopy sequence. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 18 months corrected age.

Results

Thirty-three preterm infants and 16 term infants were enrolled in this study. Preterm infants with normal development at 18 months showed significantly lower NAA/Cho ratios in the frontal white matter than term infants. There were no differences in the Cre/Cho ratios between preterm and term infants. At 18 months corrected age, 9 preterm infants with a mild developmental delay showed significantly lower NAA/Cho ratios in the thalamus than 24 preterm infants with normal development.

Conclusions

Preterm infants at term-equivalent age showed reduced MRS metabolites (NAA/Cho) compared with term infants. Decreased NAA/Cho ratios in the thalamus were associated with neurodevelopmental delay at 18 months corrected age in preterm infants.
Cost of injury care in India: cross-sectional analysis of National Sample Survey 2014
Authors: Tripathy JP , Jagnoor J , Prasad BM , Ivers R
Published: July 2017

Background

Injuries account for nearly 10% of total deaths in India and this burden is likely to rise. We aimed to estimate the out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure and catastrophic expenditure due to hospitalisation or outpatient care as a result of any injury and factors associated with incurring catastrophic expenditure.

Methods

Secondary analysis of nationally representative data for India collected by National Sample Survey Organization in 2014, reporting on health service utilisation and healthcare-related OOP expenditure by income quintiles and by type of health facility (public or private).

Results

The median expenditure per episode of hospitalisation due to any injury was US$156, and it was three times higher among the richest quintile compared with the poorest quintile (p<0.001). There was a significantly higher prevalence (p<0.001) of catastrophic expenditure among the poorest quintile (32%) compared with the richest (21%). Mean private sector OOP hospitalisation expenditure was five times higher than in the public sector (p<0.001). Medicines accounted for 37% and 58% of public sector hospitalisation and outpatient care, respectively. Patients treated in a private facility, hospitalised for over 7 days, in the poorest wealth quintiles and of general caste had higher odds of incurring catastrophic expenditure.

Conclusion

People who sustain an injury have a high risk of catastrophic household expenditure, particularly for those in lowest income quartiles. There is a clear need for publicly funded risk protection mechanisms targeting the poor. Promotion of generic medicines and subsidisation for the poorest wealth quintile may also reduce OOP expenditure in public sector facilities.
Improving the healthcare response to domestic violence and abuse in sexual health clinics: feasibility study of a training, support and referral intervention
Authors: Sohal Alex Hardip , Pathak Neha , Blake Sarah , Apea Vanessa , Berry Judith , Bailey Jayne , Griffiths Chris , Feder Gene
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Sexual health and gynaecological problems are the most consistent and largest physical health differences between abused and non-abused female populations. Sexual health services are well placed to identify and support patients experiencing domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Most sexual health professionals have had minimal DVA training despite English National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations. We sought to determine the feasibility of an evidence-based complex DVA training intervention in female sexual health walk-in services (IRIS ADViSE: Identification and Referral to Improve Safety whilst Assessing Domestic Violence in Sexual Health Environments).

Methods

An adaptive mixed method pilot study in the female walk-in service of two sexual health clinics. Following implementation and evaluation at site 1, the intervention was refined before implementation at site 2. The intervention comprised electronic prompts, multidisciplinary training sessions, clinic materials and simple referral pathways to IRIS ADViSE advocate-educators (AEs). The pilot lasted 7 weeks at site 1 and 12 weeks at site 2. Feasibility outcomes were to assign a supportive DVA clinical lead, an IRIS ADViSE AE employed by a local DVA service provider, adapt electronic records, develop local referral pathways, assess whether enquiry, identification and referral rates were measurable.

Results

Both sites achieved all feasibility outcomes: appointing a supportive DVA clinical lead and IRIS ADViSE AE, establishing links with a local DVA provider, adapting electronic records, developing local referral pathways and rates of enquiry, identification and referral were found to be measurable. Site 1: 10% enquiry rate (n=267), 4% identification rate (n=16) and eight AE referrals. Site 2: 61% enquiry rate (n=1090), a 7% identification rate (n=79) and eight AE referrals.

Conclusions

IRIS ADViSE can be successfully developed and implemented in sexual health clinics. It fulfils the unmet need for DVA training. Longer-term evaluation is recommended.
Smoking, telomere length and lung function decline: a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Andujar Pascal , Courbon Dominique , Bizard Emilie , Marcos Elisabeth , Adnot Serge , Boyer Laurent , Demoly Pascal , Jarvis Debbie , Neukirch Catherine , Pin Isabelle , Thabut Gabriel , Boczkowski Jorge , Leynaert Bénédicte
Published: July 2017

Telomere shortening is associated with COPD and impaired lung function in cross-sectional studies, but there is no longitudinal study. We used data from 448 participants recruited as part of the French follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. We found no relationship between telomere length at baseline and FEV1 decline after 11 years of follow-up. However, heavy smoking was associated with an accelerated FEV1 decline in individuals with short telomeres, but not in subjects with longer telomeres (p for interaction p=0.08). Our findings suggest that short telomere length in peripheral leucocytes might be a marker for increased susceptibility to the effect of smoking.
Effect of lysophosphatidylglycerol on intracellular free Ca2+concentration in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Jing-Dian , Zhu Ming-Qin , Zhang Ming , Xu Yan-Jun , Cui Li , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: July 2017

Although plasma levels of lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG) are increased in hypertension, its role in the pathogenesis of vascular defects is not clear. In view of the importance of Ca2+overload in causing vascular smooth muscle (VSM) dysfunction, the action of LPG on [Ca2+]iin cultured A10 VSM cell line was examined by using Fura 2-AM acetoxymethyl ester technique. LPG was found to induce a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]iin VSM cells. This change was dependent both on the extracellular and intracellular Ca2+sources, as it was reduced by 30% by EGTA, an extracellular Ca2+chelator, and 70% by thapsigargin, a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-pump inhibitor. However the increase in [Ca2+]idue to LPG was not altered by caffeine or ryanodine, which affect Ca2+-release through the ryanodine receptors in the SR. On the other hand, LPG-induced change in [Ca2+]iwas suppressed by 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl N,N-diphenylcarbamate, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, as well as by xestospongin and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, two inositol trisphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitors in the SR. These observations support the view that LPG-induced increase in [Ca2+]iin VSM cells is mainly a result of Ca2+release from Ca2+pool in the SR through PLC/IP3-sensitive signal transduction mechanism. Furthermore, it is suggested that the elevated level of LPG may induce intracellular Ca2+overload and thus play a critical role in the development of vascular abnormalities.
Oxidative stress and partial migration in brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Birnie-Gauvin Kim , Peiman Kathryn S. , Larsen Martin H. , Baktoft Henrik , Aarestrup Kim , Willmore William G. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: July 2017

During migration, animals are typically limited by their endogenous energetic resources that must be allocated to the physiological costs associated with locomotion, as well as avoiding and (or) compensating for oxidative stress. To date, there have been few attempts to understand the role of oxidative status in migration biology, particularly in fish. Semi-anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta L., 1758) exhibit partial migration, where some individuals smoltify and migrate to sea, and others become stream residents, providing us with an excellent model to investigate the link between oxidative stress and migration. Using the brown trout, we obtained blood samples from juveniles from a coastal stream in Denmark in the fall prior to peak seaward migration that occurs in the spring, and assayed for antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and oxidative stress levels (ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione). We found that individuals that migrated had higher antioxidant capacity than residents and that future migration date was negatively correlated with both antioxidant capacity and body length in the fall. This study provides the first evidence that oxidative status is associated with migration strategy and timing, months in advance of the actual migration, and provides insight into the role of oxidative status in animal migration.
Implications of hydrodynamical simulations for the interpretation of direct dark matter searches
Authors: Bozorgnia Nassim , Bertone Gianfranco
Published: July 2017

In recent years, realistic hydrodynamical simulations of galaxies like the Milky Way have become available, enabling a reliable estimate of the dark matter density and velocity distribution in the Solar neighborhood. We review here the status of hydrodynamical simulations and their implications for the interpretation of direct dark matter searches. We focus in particular on: the criteria to identify Milky Way-like galaxies; the impact of baryonic physics on the dark matter velocity distribution; the possible presence of substructures like clumps, streams, or dark disks; and on the implications for the direct detection of dark matter with standard and nonstandard interactions.
The production of the f1(1285)γ and a1(1260)γ in colliding e+e−-beams in threshold domain
Authors: Volkov M. K. , Pivovarov A. A. , Osipov A. A.
Published: July 2017

The processes [Formula: see text] in the threshold domain are considered in the framework of the extended Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. The channels with the ground [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and radially excited [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] intermediate meson states are taken into account. It is shown that in the process [Formula: see text], the probability of the subprocesses with [Formula: see text]-mesons significantly exceeds the probability of the subprocesses with [Formula: see text]-mesons, whereas, in the process [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-channels give approximately equal contributions. The mechanism of this effect is discussed. The radiative decay widths of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are calculated.
2-qubit quantum state transfer in spin chains and cold atoms with weak links
Authors: Lorenzo Salvatore , Apollaro Tony J. G. , Trombettoni Andrea , Paganelli Simone
Published: July 2017

In this paper we discuss the implementation of 2-qubit quantum state transfer (QST) in inhomogeneous spin chains where the sender and the receiver blocks are coupled through the bulk channel via weak links. The fidelity and the typical timescale of the QST are discussed as a function of the parameters of the weak links. Given the possibility of implementing with cold atoms in optical lattices a variety of condensed matter systems, including spin systems, we also discuss the possible implementation of the discussed 2-qubit QST with cold gases with weak links, together with a discussion of the applications and limitations of the presented results.
The Quality on Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports in Thailand
Authors: Suwanteep Kultip , Murayama Takehiko , Nishikizawa Shigeo
Published: July 2017

This study evaluates the public participation section of environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports in Thailand by using a grading system and the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The aim is to identify the key factors that influence quality in the topic of public participation in EIA reports. Of the EIA reports, 82 were analysed according to date and project type in the transportation sector in Thailand. The results indicated that 84.6% of total EIA reports in the period between 1992 and 2005 are of low quality with respect to the topic of public participation. In contrast, in the period after 2005 the quality of this topic received grades of A and B, which accounted for 76.7% of the total EIA reports in this period. The PCA method demonstrates the process of development in public participation in Thailand. Key factors are shown to be the methods of public participation and public information accessibility.
Evaluating Integration of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Policy in Swedish Structure Plans: The Performance Approach
Authors: Dovlén Sylvia , Khakee Abdul
Published: July 2017

Integration of national climate change and energy efficiency goals into conventional local structure planning requires a shift in focus from conventional concerns about urban growth to local sustainable development in which climate change and energy efficiency are key components. Local government responses in integrating these goals show structural limitations, despite widespread awareness of the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt more climate-smart and energy-efficient policies. This paper assesses the integration of national climate change and energy efficiency goals in Swedish local structure plans and presents an in-depth study of one plan, that of Värmdö municipality in Sweden. The evaluation comprised plan content analysis using a few selected criteria for three concepts, namely, ‘visions’, ‘comprehensive strategies’ and ‘measures’, and use of the Dutch performance approach to examine implementation aspects of climate change and energy efficiency strategies in the plans.
High-protein diet improves sensitivity to cholecystokinin and shifts the cecal microbiome without altering brain inflammation in diet-induced obesity in rats
Authors: Wang Lixin , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Lagishetty Venu , Yuan Pu-Qing , Wu Shuping V. , Million Mulugeta , Reeve Joseph R. , Pisegna Joseph R. , Taché Yvette
Published: July 2017

High-protein diet (HPD) curtails obesity and/or fat mass, but it is unknown whether it reverses neuroinflammation or alters glucose levels, CCK sensitivity, and gut microbiome in rats fed a Western diet (WD)-induced obesity (DIO). Male rats fed a WD (high fat and sugar) for 12 wk were switched to a HPD for 6 wk. Body composition, food intake, meal pattern, sensitivity to intraperitoneal CCK-8S, blood glucose, brain signaling, and cecal microbiota were assessed. When compared with a normal diet, WD increased body weight (9.3%) and fat mass (73.4%). CCK-8S (1.8 or 5.2 nmol/kg) did not alter food intake and meal pattern in DIO rats. Switching to a HPD for 6 wk reduced fat mass (15.7%) with a nonsignificantly reduced body weight gain, normalized blood glucose, and decreased feeding after CCK-8S. DIO rats on the WD or switched to a HPD showed comparable microbial diversity. However, in HPD versus WD rats, there was enrichment of 114 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and depletion of 188 OTUs. Of those, Akkermansia muciniphila (enriched on a HPD), an unclassified Clostridiales, a member of the RF39 order, and a Phascolarctobacterium were significantly associated with fat mass. The WD increased cytokine expression in the hypothalamus and dorsal medulla that was unchanged by switching to HPD. These data indicate that HPD reduces body fat and restores glucose homeostasis and CCK sensitivity, while not modifying brain inflammation. In addition, expansion of cecal Akkermansia muciniphila correlated to fat mass loss may represent a potential peripheral mechanism of HPD beneficial effects.