bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial and detrimental effects of schema incongruence on memory for contextual events
Authors: Frank Darya , Montaldi Daniela , Wittmann Bianca , Talmi Deborah
Published: July 2018

Mental schemas provide a framework into which new information can easily be integrated. In a series of experiments, we examined how incongruence that stems from a prediction error modulates memory for multicomponent events that instantiated preexisting schemas as noted in a previous study. Each event consisted of four stimulus pairs with overlapping components, presented in four blocks (A–B, B–C, C–D, D–A). A–B pairs elicited contextual expectations (A: Farm, B: Tractor) that were either met by a congruent C component (C: Farmer) or violated by an incongruent one (C: Lawyer). The baseline condition included unrelated pairs, where the C component was neither congruent nor incongruent. In experiment 2, events were presented in successive trials instead of blocks, and eye movements were recorded to analyze allocation of attention. Memory was tested through old–new item recognition followed by cued recall. Across experiments, recognition and recall performance for incongruent components was reduced compared to congruent components. Incongruent items were in some cases more accurately retrieved compared to unrelated ones, depending on task demands. Additionally, better recall was observed in the incongruent D–A pairs, compared to congruent and unrelated ones, because of reduced interference from C components. Eye-tracking revealed an increased number of fixations on C components in the incongruent and unrelated conditions. These results suggest that the integration of incongruent items into an episode is impaired, compared to congruent items, despite the contextual surprise and increased attention they elicited at encoding. However, there was a beneficial effect of prediction error on memory performance, compared to a baseline, depending on the task used.
The shadow price of nitrogen
Authors: Yang Ziyan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The most recent and prestigious scientific research shows that nitrogen leaching caused by over-used nitrogen fertilizer rapidly acidifies all soil types in China, revolutionizing the basic understanding of the mechanism of soil acidification. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of nitrogen on soil acidity over the long run, which is the shadow price of nitrogen.

Design/methodology/approach

In a discrete dynamic programming model, this paper compares the nitrogen application and soil pH between optimal nitrogen control that takes the shadow price of nitrogen into consideration and myopic nitrogen control that ignores that shadow price. Using a five-year panel experimental data on a rapeseed-rice rotation, this paper simulates and numerically solves the dynamic model.

Findings

Both theoretically and empirically, this paper shows that the over-use of nitrogen and the decline in soil pH are explained by ignorance of the shadow price of nitrogen. Compared with optimal nitrogen control, myopic nitrogen control applies more nitrogen in total, resulting in lower soil pH. In addition, over-use in the first season contributes to soil acidification and the carry-over effects mitigate that problem.

Originality/value

This paper enriches the literature by extending the study of the environmental impact of nitrogen leaching to its impact on the long-term loss in agricultural production, providing a new theoretical framework in which to study soil acidification rather than conventionally treating soil acidification as a secondary consequence of acid rain, and showing the possibility of using nitrogen control to mitigate soil acidification when lime applications are not feasible due to socio-economic constraints.
Understanding public opinion change of HPV vaccination controversy
Authors: Kim Sojung Claire , Namkoong Kang , Fung Timothy , Heo Kwangjun , Gunther Albert
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Although Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the USA, much controversy exists with respect to HPV vaccination, especially among parents of adolescents. Previous research has shown that exemplars in the media influence public opinion estimates about controversial social issues. However, little is known about the underlying psychological processes of how exemplars influence public opinion formation. The purpose of this paper is to systematically explore such psychological processes based on the projection theory. To this end, the important yet controversial public health issue, the mandatory HPV vaccination, was chosen.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-factor (exemplar vs proportion), between-subject experiment was conducted using online newspaper articles as main stimuli. A total of 138 participants completed the study. The analytical framework comprised the Sobel test with the Bootstrap method and a series of Ordinary Least Square hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

The higher the proportion of exemplars against the HPV vaccination in a news article was, the greater the number of individuals who became opposed to it was. And the high personal opposition translated into negative public opinion change estimation.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that news exemplars may influence individuals’ personal opinion formation, and, in turn, contribute to their estimations of future public opinion climate, as suggested by the projection theory. Theoretical, methodological and practical implications for journalists, health educators and policy makers are discussed.
Critical review and analysis of measuring the success of Six Sigma implementation in manufacturing sector
Authors: Patel Mihir , Desai Darshak Arunbhai
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to capture the status of implementation of Six Sigma in various manufacturing industries and also examine the success of the Six Sigma by using different performance indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of critical review involves the selection and classification of 112 research articles on the implementation of Six Sigma in different manufacturing industries. The selected articles are categorized by the following: articles distribution based on the year of publication, publication database, various journals, contribution of authors, continent, scale of industry, implemented approaches, focused industry, tools and techniques used in phases of Six Sigma methodology, and performance indicators used in Six Sigma implementation. Then after, future scopes of research opportunities are derived based on significant findings.

Findings

The literature revealed that: Very few work was undertaken on the implementation of Six Sigma in various manufacturing industries like ceramic, paper, gems and jewelry, cement, furniture, stone, fertilizer, forging, paper and surface treatment industries. Most of the researchers have considered very few performance indicators to identify the improvement after Six Sigma implementation. But, there is no clue regarding overall improvement in different perspectives after the implementation of Six Sigma. The financial indicators, personnel indicators, process indicators and customer indicators are useful to measure the overall improvement after the implementation of Six Sigma in the manufacturing sector.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out on the implementation of Six Sigma methodology in various manufacturing industries, and various performance indicators were identified while implementing the Six Sigma methodology. Case studies pertaining to service industries were not covered here.

Originality/value

Very little research has been carried out to measure the overall success of implementing Six Sigma methodology in manufacturing industries. This paper will provide value to students, researchers and practitioners of Six Sigma by providing insight into the implementation of Six Sigma in manufacturing industries.
Assessing relationship between quality management systems and business performance and its mediators
Authors: Bhatia Manjot Singh , Awasthi Anjali
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between implementation of quality management systems (QMS) and business performance, through mediating factors (operating performance, information quality, product quality, design performance, environmental performance and competitive priorities). Most of the published literature examines the direct impact of implementation of QMS on business performance, and on some of the above stated factors. However, the impact of implementation of QMS on business performance, through these mediating factors has not received much attention. Accordingly, the authors develop a theoretical framework depicting impact of implementation of QMS on business performance through the above stated factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes several hypotheses linking implementation of QMS, mediating factors and business performance. The hypothesized model is empirically tested using data collected from 120 professionals working in quality engineering/management in India and North America. The collected data are analyzed with the aid of structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

Information quality and design performance have emerged as the important factors in the research. Information quality directly effects design performance, operating performance and environmental performance. The model indicates that besides a well-designed product, managers need to focus on the operating performance to improve overall product quality. Empirical evidence is found regarding direct and indirect effect of implementation of QMS on above stated mediating factors and on business performance.

Originality/value

The research fills a gap in the literature by considering several mediating factors that aid in improving business performance with implementation of QMS.
An empirical investigation of the Baldrige framework using applicant scoring data
Authors: Mai Feng , Ford Matthew W. , Evans James R.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome evaluative limitations of previous studies to provide a more decisive test of the causal relationships implied in the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (CPE) using a unique data source.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ partial least squares path modeling on blinded scoring data from Baldrige Award applicants. In addition, the authors conduct multi-group analysis to examine whether the hypothesized causal model is universal across different industry sectors.

Findings

The path analysis provided strong support for the CPE framework in its entirety. However, analysis of sector-specific subsets of the data did not confirm all relationships, suggesting the possibility of industry-dependent performance excellence frameworks and raising new research questions to be explored.

Practical implications

This research offers several pertinent implications for managers who seek to translate the theoretical CPE framework to actionable quality-improvement efforts.

Originality/value

CPE operationalizes many total quality management (TQM) concepts and provides guidelines to TQM programs. This study validates the CPE framework using the most relevant data set to date – the applicant scoring data. The authors are also the first to investigate the cross-industry differences in the relationships between the CPE constructs.
The transformation of work in digitized public sector organizations
Authors: Plesner Ursula , Justesen Lise , Glerup Cecilie
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what the authors can learn from organization studies of digital technologies and changes in public organizations, and to develop a research agenda that allows us to produce systematic knowledge about how work practices in the public sector change with digitization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an analysis of the organizational studies literature on how digital technologies lead to changes in public sector organization. The literature comprises a wide range of different case studies, and they are analyzed with a specific focus on the insights they offer regarding bureaucracy, accountability and professionals.

Findings

The paper identifies various examples of how digital technologies change important aspects of public sector organizations relating to bureaucracy, accountability and professionals. It is a main finding that no systematic account exists in the organization literature of changes due to digitization specific to the public sector.

Practical implications

The knowledge produced by current and future research in this area is directly applicable for change management. To react productively on the digitization imperative, public managers need to deepen their knowledge of the organizational dimension of digitization.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an agenda for future research, which has the potential to produce both systematic and useful knowledge of how digitization changes central aspects of public sector organizations.
Negative‐pressure closure was superior to tie‐over technique for stabilization of split‐thickness skin graft in large or muscle‐exposing defects: A retrospective study
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Ishitsuka Yosuke , Tanaka Ryota , Maruyama Hiroshi , Okiyama Naoko , Watanabe Rei , Fujimoto Manabu
Published: July 2018

Skin grafts are frequently used for the reconstruction of skin defects, and optimal stabilization of the graft is essential for successful reconstruction. Although the tie‐over technique has been widely used as a standard method in Japan, we sometimes encounter cases with significant graft loss due to suboptimal stabilization of the graft. Reported risk factors for increased graft loss include the following: defects of a large size, with muscle exposure, and located in the trunk and extremities. Recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of negative‐pressure closure (NPC) for the stabilization of skin grafts due to the uniform pressure it provides across the graft. Therefore, since March 2017, we have used NPC for skin graft stabilization in patients with defects in the trunk and extremities of more than 10 cm in size or with muscle exposure. We carried out a retrospective comparative study of the outcome of the conventional tie‐over technique versus NPC. Mann–Whitney U‐test revealed that NPC showed significantly higher graft survival rate than tie‐over method (P = 0.0012). In addition, NPC showed a tendency toward shorter operative times (from skin graft harvest to the completion of the graft stabilization) than the tie‐over method (P = 0.0931). These results suggest that NPC may be superior to the tie‐over method for stabilization of skin grafts especially in large or muscle‐exposing defects in the trunk or extremities.
Lions and leopards coexist without spatial, temporal or demographic effects of interspecific competition
Authors: Miller Jennifer R. B. , Pitman Ross T. , Mann Gareth K. H. , Fuller Angela K. , Balme Guy A.
Published: July 2018

Although interspecific competition plays a principal role in shaping species behaviour and demography, little is known about the population‐level outcomes of competition between large carnivores, and the mechanisms that facilitate coexistence.

We conducted a multilandscape analysis of two widely distributed, threatened large carnivore competitors to offer insight into coexistence strategies and assist with species‐level conservation.

We evaluated how interference competition affects occupancy, temporal activity and population density of a dominant competitor, the lion (Panthera leo), and its subordinate competitor, the leopard (Panthera pardus). We collected camera‐trap data over 3 years in 10 study sites covering 5,070 km2. We used multispecies occupancy modelling to assess spatial responses in varying environmental and prey conditions and competitor presence, and examined temporal overlap and the relationship between lion and leopard densities across sites and years.

Results showed that both lion and leopard occupancy was independent of—rather than conditional on—their competitor's presence across all environmental covariates. Marginal occupancy probability for leopard was higher in areas with more bushy, “hideable” habitat, human (tourist) activity
and topographic ruggedness, whereas lion occupancy decreased with increasing hideable habitat and increased with higher abundance of very large prey. Temporal overlap was high between carnivores, and there was no detectable relationship between species densities.

Lions pose a threat to the survival of individual leopards, but they exerted no tractable influence on leopard spatial or temporal dynamics. Furthermore, lions did not appear to suppress leopard populations, suggesting that intraguild competitors can coexist in the same areas without population decline. Aligned conservation strategies that promote functioning ecosystems, rather than target individual species, are therefore advised to achieve cost‐ and space‐effective conservation.
‘Strangers in their own Country’: Epideictic Rhetoric and Communal Definition in Enoch Powell's ‘Rivers of Blood’ Speech
Authors: Atkins Judi
Published: July 2018

This article treats Enoch Powell's ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech as an example of the epideictic rhetoric of blame and exclusion. Drawing on a framework proposed by Celeste Michelle Condit, the analysis explores the functions of the address for the speaker and for the audience. Of particular concern are Powell's self‐presentation as a statesman and prophet; his account of the impact and consequences of unrestricted immigration; and his portrayal of a community where ordinary, decent English people were being displaced and victimised by Commonwealth immigrants—a process in which he claimed the authorities were complicit. For the audience, the speech gave public expression to their concerns about immigration, though Powell's predictions of a dystopian future also aroused sentiments of anger and foreboding. Despite the controversy that ensued, the impact of ‘Rivers of Blood’ was far‐reaching, and its influence is still apparent in contemporary debates over immigration.
Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Who Attended an Educational Program in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Akihito , Inaguma Daijo , Watanabe Yu , Mizukawa Takahiro , Shinjo Hibiki , Koike Kiyomi , Otsuka Yasuhiro , Takeda Asami
Published: July 2018

The rate of hepatitis B infection among hemodialysis patients is high. However, it is not clear if this rate reflects the infection rate among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we evaluated the rate of hepatitis B infection among patients with CKD. This is an important clinical issue when considering the risk of infection to medical staff when performing invasive procedures in this clinical population. A retrospective, observational study was conducted among stable, non‐dialysis patients with CKD who attended a CKD educational program at our hospital, between August 2012 and October 2017. We collected patients’ background and markers of hepatitis infection (HBsAg, HBcAb and HBsAb, as well as HBV‐DNA when available) from medical records. The data from 496 patients (373 men and 123 women, with a mean age of 69.3 ± 13.0 years and mean level of creatinine of 3.15 ± 1.72 mg/dL, AST of 21.6 ± 10.5 IU/L, and ALT of 17.3 ± 12.5 IU/L), were included in the analysis. The rate of positive testing for hepatitis B virus infection was as follows: HBsAg, 1.6%; HBsAb, 16.5%; and HBcAb, 21.4%. Of the patients with a negative HBsAg test, 20.1% tested positive for HBcAb. Of the 66 patients in whom HBV‐DNA testing was performed, 10.6% tested positive. The rate of hepatitis B virus infection was specifically higher among patients ≥71‐years‐old. In patients with CKD, the rate of HBsAg positivity is high. Rate of HBcAb positivity is higher particularly in older individuals.
Survey of nutritional practices in total gastrectomy and oesophagectomy procedures
Authors: Lahoud John , Bazzi Khalil , Yeo David , Carey Sharon
Published: July 2018

Aim

Total gastrectomy and Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy procedures are the mainstay of upper gastrointestinal cancer management. Maintenance of adequate nutritional intake is essential for positive patient outcomes. Although numerous nutritional support options exist, clear evidence‐based guidelines on the optimal means and duration of nutritional support are lacking. The aim of this study is to establish preliminary data on the current perioperative nutritional practices of upper gastrointestinal surgeons performing these procedures across Australia and New Zealand. It is hoped this will help provide the platform for future research towards establishing evidence‐based guidelines in upper gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

A questionnaire exploring the nutritional practices and considerations of surgeons was developed and emailed to the members of the Australia & New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association.

Results

A total of 27.4% of Australia & New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association members completed the questionnaire. Surgeons reported inserting a jejunostomy feeding tube intraoperatively in Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy procedures 80–100% of the time, compared to only 20–39% of the time in total gastrectomy procedures. For both procedures, surgeons often refer their patients to a dietitian preoperatively, and always postoperatively. Preoperative immune‐enhancing nutrition is rarely administered. Patient age and BMI are deemed to be of low importance when determining the means of nutritional support.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated the current nutritional practices employed in Australia and New Zealand for patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal surgery. Questions remain regarding the noted differences between procedures as well as the optimal means and duration of perioperative nutritional support.
D‐dimer in Adolescent Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Sharaf Nematullah , Sharaf Victoria B. , Mace Sharon E. , Nowacki Amy S. , Stoller James K. , Carl John C.
Published: July 2018

Background

D‐dimer is used to aid in diagnosing adult pulmonary embolism (PE). D‐dimer has not been validated in adolescents. Clinicians must balance the risk of overtesting with that of a missed PE. D‐dimer may be useful in this context. This study evaluates D‐dimer in PE‐positive and PE‐negative adolescents.

Methods

PE‐positive patients < 22 years were diagnosed with PE by computed tomography (CT) or high‐probability ventilation/perfusion, seen at emergency departments (EDs)/hospitals within a 16‐hospital system across two states, January 1998 through December 2016. Of the 189 PE‐positive patients, 88 (46.5%) had a D‐dimer and were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and race to patients suspected of PE but confirmed negative by CT angiogram.

Results

Ages of PE‐positive patients ranged from 13 to 21 years, 64 (73%) were female, and 52 (60%) were Caucasian. Mean D‐dimer was significantly higher (3,256 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2,505–4,006 ng/mL) in PE‐positive versus PE‐negative patients (1,244 ng/mL, 95% CI = 493–1,995 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Mean D‐dimer was higher in patients with massive or submassive PE (8,742 ng/mL, 95% CI = 5,994–11,491 ng/mL), followed by PE in central (4,795 ng/mL [95% CI = 3,465–6,125 ng/mL), lobar (3,758 ng/mL [95% CI = 1,841–5,676), and distal (2,327 ng/mL [95% CI = 1,273–3,381 ng/mL]) arteries. When comparing thresholds of positive D‐dimer (≥500, ≥750, and ≥1,000 ng/mL), D‐dimer had sensitivities of 90, 82, and 67% and specificities of 16, 53, and 67%, respectively. Negative predictive values were 61, 75, and 71% while positive likelihood ratios were 1.1, 1.8, and 2.2, respectively.

Conclusions

This study represents the largest available cohort of adolescent patients examining the diagnostic value of D‐dimer for PE. Our results indicate that depending on the threshold selected, D‐dimer can be a sensitive test for PE in adolescents and that discriminative value is higher for a cutoff of 750 ng/mL than that for 500 ng/mL. Prospective studies investigating the diagnostic value of D‐dimer and a clinical decision rule for PE in pediatrics are needed.
Association of CTLA‐4 polymorphisms with increased risks of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Li Fang , Yuan Wuzhou , Wu Xiushan
Published: July 2018

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is considered to be a kind of autoimmune disorder resulting from dysfunction of neuromuscular transmission caused by autoantibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A number of studies have identified Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) as a candidate gene for MG. Several recent reports have indicated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CTLA‐4, including rs733618, rs4553808, rs5742909, rs231775, and rs3087243 were associated with the risks of MG; however, the results were not consistent. To assess the correlations between CTLA‐4 SNPs and MG susceptibility, a meta‐analysis was performed following a series of database searching. A total of 1460 cases and 1652 controls from 12 studies were enrolled in the analysis. Our results indicated that rs231775 and rs733618 were associated with higher risks of MG, providing potential references for future case–control studies.
Polymorphisms of dopamine receptor genes DRD2 and DRD4 in African populations of Hadza and Datoga differing in the level of culturally permitted aggression
Authors: Sukhodolskaya Evgeniya M. , Fehretdinova Daniya I. , Shibalev Dmitry V. , Lazebny Oleg E. , Mabulla Audax Z. P. , Butovskaya Marina L. , Ryskov Alexey P. , Vasilyev Vasily V.
Published: July 2018

The key regulator in the control of aggressive behavior is dopamine receptors. Association of variants in these genes with aggression has been shown in modern populations. However, these studies have not been conducted in traditional cultures. The aim of our study was to investigate population features in distributions of allele and genotype frequencies of DRD2 rs1800497, DRD4 120 bp Ins, and DRD4 exon III polymorphisms and their associations with aggressive behavior in the traditional African populations of Hadza and Datoga, which display a contrast in their culturally permitted aggression. Overall, 820 healthy unrelated Hadza and Datoga individuals were studied. Self‐rated scores of aggression were collected using Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire. Polymerase chain reaction‐Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) was used to determine the genotype of each individual. We show that the Hadza and the Datoga differed significantly in allele and genotype frequencies of all studied loci. Our association analysis detected that only ethnicity and sex of individuals significantly influenced their aggression rank, but we failed to identify any associations of DRD2 rs1800497, DRD4 120 bp Ins, or DRD4 exon III polymorphisms with aggression. Thus, our data have no strong evidence to support the involvement of polymorphisms of DRD2 and DRD4 in controlling aggressive behavior.
“Narratives of our past:” Taking a journey through history for collective well‐being
Authors: Ho Elaine Qiao‐Ying , Leong Chan‐Hoong , Lim Varian
Published: July 2018

Past research on life satisfaction is examined mostly at the individual level and with attention to the influence of demographics, personality, and intergroup factors. There has been little, if any, research on how historical narratives affect subjective satisfaction. The current study interviewed a national sample of 1,516 Singapore citizens on how they perceive the history of Singapore. The results identified three distinct narratives that can be broadly themed as Nation‐Building, Conflicts and Contestations, and National Resilience events. Further analyses using hierarchical linear regression models showed that these events vary in their relationships to present and future life satisfaction, after controlling for past/current satisfaction and demographics. Interestingly, the Nation‐Building narrative positively predicted present life satisfaction and negatively predicted future satisfaction. The narrative measuring National Resilience was positively linked to perceived current and future life satisfaction. The Conflicts and Contestations narrative, however, inversely predicted current life satisfaction only. The findings suggest that social constructions of history and shared memories provide a roadmap to understanding psychological well‐being, sense of nationhood, and social resilience at the national level.
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells exert therapeutic effect in a rat model of cavernous nerves injury
Authors: Li M. , Lei H. , Xu Y. , Li H. , Yang B. , Yu C. , Yuan Y. , Fang D. , Xin Z. , Guan R.
Published: July 2018

Postradical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pRP‐ED) is a major health issue. There has been a shortage of an effective treatment method until now. In this study, a total of 48 adult male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were randomly equally divided into four groups, including group 1—sham surgery with cavernous nerve exposure plus vehicle, group 2—bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) plus vehicle, group 3—BCNI plus adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs)‐derived exosomes (ADSC‐Exo), and group 4—BCNI plus bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs)‐derived exosomes (BMSC‐Exo). Twenty‐one days following surgery, erectile function was measured before tissue harvest. Histologic and Western blot analyses were then performed. Exosomes were capable of internalization into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and could be detected in the corpus cavernosum in vivo. The nNOS expression in the penile dorsal nerves (DN) and major pelvic ganglion (MPG), protein level of neurofilament in the DN, endothelial markers vWF, alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen content were obviously lower in BCNI group compared with the sham group, while ADSC‐Exo and BMSC‐Exo groups resulted in significant restoration of the above histopathological changes. Moreover, BCNI treated with ADSC‐Exo or BMSC‐Exo had significantly higher mean intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio compared with BCNI group. The results demonstrated that both ADSC‐Exo and BMSC‐Exo treatment could significantly alleviate pathological changes and improve the erectile function in BCNI‐related rats. Exosomes derived from ADSCs and BMSCs may be a potential agent for pRP‐ED treatment.
Sexual dimorphism in the gammaridean amphipod, Urothoe carda Imbach, 1967, from an intertidal sandflat in southern Japan
Authors: Tamaki Akio , Kagesawa Takumi , Takeuchi Seiji , Sassa Shinji
Published: July 2018

Species of the gammaridean amphipod genus, Urothoe, commonly occur on intertidal and shallow subtidal sandy bottoms. Sexual dimorphism is reported for some species of Urothoe, but the descriptions are semi‐quantitative, lacking allometric growth models. A distinct sexual dimorphism was detected in Urothoe carda Imbach, 1967 collected from an intertidal sandflat in western Kyushu, Japan, in March, June, August, and October, 2015. The analysis for the total length–frequency distribution and maturity in each sex showed a female‐biased sex ratio (3.6 for mature individuals). Mature males had the larger eye and longer antenna 2 versus total length, expressed as generalized linear models (gamma distribution; logarithmic link‐function). Based on other studies on Urothoe spp. and peracarids, the above differences may suggest higher mate searching activity in male U. carda, with its larger eye functioning during the nocturnal excursion into the water column and its longer antenna 2 equipped with calceoli effective in detecting receptive females in the sediment.
Individual differences in the effectiveness of self‐distancing for young children's emotion regulation
Authors: Grenell Amanda , Prager Emily O. , Schaefer Catherine , Kross Ethan , Duckworth Angela L. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: July 2018

Self‐distancing has been shown to improve children's self‐regulation in a variety of tasks. However, it is unknown whether this strategy is more effective for some children than others. This study investigated self‐distancing in relation to individual differences in executive function (EF) and effortful control (EC). Typically developing 4‐ (n = 72) and 6‐year‐olds (n = 67) were randomly assigned to think about the self from one of four perspectives: self‐immersed, control, third‐person, or competent media character. Children participated in a frustrating task for up to 10 min and overt expressions of frustration were coded. Conceptually replicating prior research with adults, younger children, and children with lower EF and lower EC (independent of age) benefitted the most from self‐distancing. This suggests self‐distancing is especially effective during a frustrating task for children with less developed self‐control, adding to a growing body of research showing self‐distancing is especially effective for vulnerable individuals.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Using third‐person speech and pretending to be a media character improve children's self‐regulation.

Age and theory of mind skills are related to the effectiveness of self‐distancing.

What does this study add?

Self‐distancing can help children regulate their emotions during an emotionally charged task.

Individual differences in executive function and effortful control are related to the efficacy of self‐distancing.
Ruxolitinib in elderly patients with myelofibrosis: impact of age and genotype. A multicentre study on 291 elderly patients
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Catani Lucia , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Benevolo Giulia , Heidel Florian , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Crugnola Monica , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bartoletti Daniela , Polverelli Nicola , Bergamaschi Micaela , Tiribelli Mario , Iurlo Alessandra , Breccia Massimo , Cavazzini Francesco , Tieghi Alessia , Binotto Gianni , Isidori Alessandro , Martino Bruno , D'Adda Mariella , Bosi Costanza , Sabattini Elena , Vitolo Umberto , Aversa Franco , Ibatici Adalberto , Lemoli Roberto M. , Sgherza Nicola , Cuneo Antonio , Martinelli Giovanni , Semenzato Giampietro , Cavo Michele , Vianelli Nicola , Sapienza Maria R. , Latagliata Roberto
Published: July 2018

Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/2 inhibitor that may control myelofibrosis (MF)‐related splenomegaly and symptoms and can be prescribed regardless of age. While aging is known to correlate with worse prognosis, no specific analysis is available to confirm that ruxolitinib is suitable for use in older populations. A clinical database was created in 23 European Haematology Centres and retrospective data on 291 MF patients treated with ruxolitinib when aged ≥65 years were analysed in order to assess the impact of age and molecular genotype on responses, toxicities and survival. Additional mutations were evaluated by a next generation sequencing (NGS) approach in 69 patients with available peripheral blood samples at the start of ruxolitinib treatment. Compared to older (age 65–74 years) patients, elderly (≥75 years) showed comparable responses to ruxolitinib, but higher rates of drug‐induced anaemia and thrombocytopenia and worse survival. Nonetheless, the ruxolitinib discontinuation rate was comparable in the two age groups. Number and types of molecular abnormalities were comparable across age groups. However, the presence of high molecular risk (HMR) mutations significantly affected survival, counterbalancing the effect of aging. Indeed, elderly patients with <2 HMR mutated genes had a comparable survival to older patients with ≥2 HMR mutations. Given that responses were not influenced by age, older age per se should not be a limitation for ruxolitinib administration. NGS analysis of HMR mutations also confirmed a strong predictive value in elderly patients.
Dendritic cells cross-talk with tumour antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, Vγ9γδT cells and Vα24NKT cells in patients with glioblastoma multiforme and in healthy donors
Authors: Eiraku Y , Terunuma H , Yagi M , Deng X , Nicol A J , Nieda M
Published: July 2018

The finding that dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate innate and adaptive immune responses has stimulated research on harnessing DCs for developing more effective vaccines for DC therapy. The expression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) presents a unique opportunity to target these viral proteins for tumour immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that Vγ9γδT cells, innate immune cells activated by zoledronate (Z) and Vα24 natural killer (Vα24NK) cells, innate/adaptive immune cells activated by α-galactosylceramide (G) can link innate and adaptive immunities through cross-talk with interferon (IFN) DCs from patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and healthy donors in a manner that can amplify the activation and proliferation of CMVpp65-specific CD8+ T cells. The IFN DCs derived from patients with GBM used in this study express lower levels of programmed cell death ligand (PD)-L1 and PD-L2 and higher levels of C-C receptor 7 (CCR7) than the most commonly used mature interleukin (IL)-4 DCs. The expression level of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) on CD8+ T cells, including CMVpp65-specific CD8+ T cells, expanded by IFN DCs pulsed with the CMVpp65-peptide and Z plus G (IFN DCs/P+Z+G), was lower than that expanded by IFN DCs pulsed with the peptide alone (IFN DCs/P). Multi-functional T cells, including human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201-restricted CMVpp65-specific CD8+ T cells, Vγ9γδT cells and Vα24NKT cells, efficiently kill the HLA-A*0201-positive GBM cell line expressing CMVpp65 protein (T98G). These findings indicate that DC therapy using IFN DCs/P+Z+G and/or CTL therapy using CMVpp65-specific CD8+ T cells expanded by IFN DCs/P+Z+G may lead to a good clinical outcome for patients with GBM.
Using conservation science to advance corporate biodiversity accountability
Authors: Addison Prue F. E. , Bull Joseph W. , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: July 2018

Biodiversity declines threaten the sustainability of global economies and societies. Acknowledging this, businesses are beginning to make commitments to account for and mitigate their influence on biodiversity and report this in sustainability reports. We assessed the top 100 of the 2016 Fortune 500 Global companies' (the Fortune 100) sustainability reports to gauge the current state of corporate biodiversity accountability. Almost half (49) of the Fortune 100 mentioned biodiversity in reports, and 31 made clear biodiversity commitments, of which only 5 were specific, measureable, and time bound. A variety of biodiversity‐related activities were disclosed (e.g., managing impacts, restoring biodiversity, and investing in biodiversity), but only 9 companies provided quantitative indicators to verify the magnitude of their activities (e.g., area of habitat restored). No companies reported quantitative biodiversity outcomes, making it difficult to determine whether business actions were of sufficient magnitude to address impacts and were achieving positive outcomes for nature. Conservation science can advance approaches to corporate biodiversity accountability by helping businesses make science‐based biodiversity commitments, develop meaningful indicators, and select more targeted activities to address business impacts. With the biodiversity policy super year of 2020 rapidly approaching, now is the time for conservation scientists to engage with and support businesses in playing a critical role in setting the new agenda for a sustainable future for the planet with biodiversity at its heart.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN MEXICO, CRIME, AND ECONOMIC FORCES
Authors: Cabral René , Mollick André Varella , Saucedo Eduardo
Published: July 2018

This paper re‐examines inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the 32 subnational Mexican states based on quarterly data from 2005 to 2015, which includes rising drug‐related crimes. We estimate our models using panel data methods by type of crime, state‐level indicators (real wages and electricity consumption), macroeconomic forces (the real exchange rate and interest rate), and a dummy variable for the financial crisis of 2008–2009. We employ a flexible lag‐length method and find that homicides and thefts have negative and statistically significant effects on FDI, while other crimes have no effects. Subsample work suggests higher negative effects in the most violent states. (JEL F15, F21, F23, F36)
Cosmovisions and Farming Praxis: An Investigation of Conventional and Alternative Farmers along the Willamette River
Authors: Parks Melissa M. , Brekken Christine Anderson
Published: July 2018

Governments and environmental groups seeking to solve agri‐environmental issues, many of which are localized, must understand how farmers choose production practices. In recent decades, agri‐environmental discourse in the United States has identified two seemingly distinct styles of agriculture—“conventional” and “alternative.” However, this dichotomy is not reliably observed nor predictive of a farm's local environmental impacts. Using a unique framework combining practice theory and cosmovision, we analyzed interviews with 23 farmers along Oregon's Willamette River to explore how production decisions arise from social, economic, and structural factors and farmer environmental values. Results echo conclusions from previous studies to show that self‐identified “conventional” and “alternative” farmers have distinct characteristics, challenges, and rely on different institutions for support. However, we find nuanced within‐group variability and between‐group similarities in their cosmovisions, which often involve conflicting ethics and worldviews and combine with practical constraints to navigate farming decisions. This understanding informs approaches to working with farmers to improve environmental outcomes along the Willamette River in Oregon, while a similar nuanced approach to influencing local farm decisions can be adopted elsewhere.
Hepatitis C viral infection and imprisonment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non‐Indigenous people who inject drugs
Authors: Smirnov Andrew , Kemp Robert , Ward James , Henderson Suzanna , Williams Sidney , Dev Abhilash , Najman Jake M.
Published: July 2018

Introduction and Aims

An understanding of the relationship between hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection and contextual factors such as imprisonment may contribute to the development of targeted treatment and prevention programs. We examine the associations of imprisonment and drug dependence with lifetime exposure to HCV, and whether these associations differ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non‐Indigenous people who inject drugs.

Design and Methods

Respondent‐driven sampling was used in major cities and ‘peer recruitment’ in regional towns of Queensland to obtain a community sample of people who injected drugs, which comprised 243 Indigenous and 227 non‐Indigenous participants who had ever been tested for HCV. Data are cross‐sectional. Two binary Poisson models were developed to examine associations for variables relating to imprisonment, Indigeneity and drug use history.

Results

Sharing needles and syringes in prison (adjusted risk ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.53) remained significantly associated with HCV infection after adjustment for Indigeneity, injecting drug use history and drug dependence. Opioid dependence and concurrent dependence on opioids and methamphetamine was also independently associated with HCV infection.

Discussion and Conclusions

Sharing needles and syringes in prison is linked with HCV infection, for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non‐Indigenous people who inject drugs. Further development of treatment and prevention programs in prisons is required, with consideration of the role of opioid and methamphetamine dependence in HCV exposure.
Unilateral temporal interictal epileptiform discharges correctly predict the epileptogenic zone in lesional temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Vollmar Christian , Stredl Iris , Heinig Matthias , Noachtar Soheyl , Rémi Jan
Published: July 2018

Objective

To evaluate the necessity of recording ictal electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) considered for resective surgery who have unilateral temporal interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and concordant ipsitemporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pathology. To calculate the necessary number of recorded EEG seizure patterns (ESPs) to achieve adequate lateralization probability.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, the localization and lateralization of interictal and ictal EEG of 304 patients with lesional TLE were analyzed. The probability of further contralateral ESPs was calculated based on a total of 1967 recorded ESPs, using Bayes’ theorem.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐one patients had unilateral TLE, and in 98% of them (265 of 271), IEDs were recorded during video‐EEG monitoring. Purely unilateral temporal IEDs were present in 61% (166 of 271 patients). Ipsilateral temporal MRI pathology was found in 83% (138 of 166). Ictal EEG was concordant with the clinical side of TLE in 99% (136 of 138) of these patients. Two patients had discordant ictal EEG with both ipsilateral and contralateral ESPs. Epilepsy surgery with resection in the lesioned temporal lobe was still performed, and both patients remain seizure‐free. Probability calculations demonstrate that at least 6 recorded unilateral ESPs result in a >95% probability for a concordance of >0.9 of any further ESPs.

Significance

The combination of purely unilateral temporal IED with ipsitemporal MRI pathology is sufficient to identify the epileptogenic zone, and the recording of ictal ESP did not add any surgically relevant information in these 138 patients. Rarely, discordant ESPs might be recorded, but the surgical outcome remains excellent after surgery on the lesioned side.
Seizure duration and latency of hypermotor manifestations distinguish frontal from extrafrontal onset in sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy
Authors: Gibbs Steve A. , Proserpio Paola , Francione Stefano , Mai Roberto , Cossu Massimo , Tassi Laura , Nobili Lino
Published: July 2018

Sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is an epilepsy syndrome that is characterized by the occurrence of sleep‐related hypermotor seizures of variable complexity and duration. Seizures usually arise in the frontal lobe, but extrafrontal seizure onset zones are well described. To identify clinically relevant ictal features of SHE that could distinguish a frontal from an extrafrontal onset zone, we conducted a retrospective analysis of seizure characteristics in 58 patients with drug‐resistant SHE (43 frontal and 15 extrafrontal) who underwent video‐stereo‐electroencephalographic recordings and became seizure‐free after epilepsy surgery. We found that the mean duration of electrographic seizures and clinically observable ictal manifestations were significantly shorter in frontal SHE compared to extrafrontal SHE. The mean latency between electrographic seizure onset and the onset of hypermotor manifestations was also shorter in frontal SHE. Accordingly, a latency > 5 seconds between the first video‐detectable movement (eg, eye opening or a minor motor event) and the onset of hypermotor manifestations yielded a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 90% for an extrafrontal onset, thereby indicating that specific ictal features in SHE can provide clinically useful clues to increase diagnostic accuracy in this syndrome.
National Culture and Takeover Contest Outcomes
Authors: Blomkvist Magnus , Felixson Karl , Korkeamäki Timo
Published: July 2018

We examine the effects of cultural differences on the outcome of takeover contests. Our main focus is on individuality, which we posit to have an effect on firm behavior in international takeover contests. In a sample of international acquisitions with bidders from multiple countries, we find that individuality positively relates to the probability of placing the winning bid. We further find that takeover contest winners with high individuality scores experience lower announcement returns. Our results are consistent with the literature that links individuality to overconfidence. Our evidence suggests that firms should control culture‐related behavioral biases in their mergers and acquisitions activity.