bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acidic pH is a Metabolic Switch for 2-Hydroxyglutarate Generation and Signaling
Authors: Nadtochiy Sergiy M. , Schafer Xenia , Fu Dragony , Nehrke Keith , Munger Joshua , Brookes Paul S.
Published: May 2016

2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) is an important epigenetic regulator, with potential roles in cancer and stem cell biology. The D (R) enantiomer (D-2-HG) is anoncometabolitegenerated from αketoglutarate (α-KG) by mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), while L (S) 2-HG is generated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in response to hypoxia. Since acidic pH is a common feature of hypoxia, as well as tumor and stem cell microenvironments, we hypothesized that pH may regulate cellular 2-HG levels. Herein we report that cytosolic acidification under normoxia moderately elevated 2-HG in cells, and boosting endogenous substrate α-KG levels further stimulated this elevation. Studies with isolated LDH-1 and MDH-2 revealed that generation of 2-HG by both enzymes was stimulated several-fold at acidic pH, relative to normal physiologic pH. In addition, acidic pH was found to inhibit the activity of the mitochondrial L-2-HG removal enzyme L-2-HG dehydrogenase, and to stimulate the reverse reaction of ICDH (carboxylation of αKG to isocitrate). Furthermore, since acidic pH is known to stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and 2-HG is a known inhibitor of HIF prolyl hydroxylases, we hypothesized that 2-HG may be required for acid-induced HIF stabilization. Accordingly, cells stably over-expressing L-2HGDH exhibited a blunted HIF response to acid. Together these results suggest that acidosis is an important and previously overlooked regulator of 2-HG accumulation and other oncometabolic events, with implications for HIF signaling.
Basset: learning the regulatory code of the accessible genome with deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Kelley David R. , Snoek Jasper , Rinn John L.
Published: May 2016

The complex language of eukaryotic gene expression remains incompletely understood. Despite the importance suggested by many noncoding variants statistically associated with human disease, nearly all such variants have unknown mechanisms. Here, we address this challenge using an approach based on a recent machine learning advance—deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs). We introduce the open source package Basset to apply CNNs to learn the functional activity of DNA sequences from genomics data. We trained Basset on a compendium of accessible genomic sites mapped in 164 cell types by DNase-seq, and demonstrate greater predictive accuracy than previous methods. Basset predictions for the change in accessibility between variant alleles were far greater for Genome-wide association study (GWAS) SNPs that are likely to be causal relative to nearby SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with them. With Basset, a researcher can perform a single sequencing assay in their cell type of interest and simultaneously learn that cell's chromatin accessibility code and annotate every mutation in the genome with its influence on present accessibility and latent potential for accessibility. Thus, Basset offers a powerful computational approach to annotate and interpret the noncoding genome.
4,6-Dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione
Authors: Mastrolia Ronald J. , Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: May 2016

The title compound, C8H3Cl2NO2, has a single, almost planar, molecule in the asymmetric unit, with the non-H atoms having a mean deviation from planarity of 0.027 Å. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds form infiniteC(4) chains along [100]. No π–π interactions were observed in the structure.
Bis(pentafluorobenzenethiolato-κS){(pentafluorophenyl)phenyl[3,4,5,6-tetrafluoro-2-(pentafluorophenylsulfanyl)phenyl]phosphane-κ2P,S}platinum(II) dichloromethane hemisolvate
Authors: Bernès Sylvain , Torrens Hugo
Published: May 2016

In the title compound, [Pt(C6F5S)2(C24H5F14PS)]·0.5CH2Cl2, the complex features a square-planar PtIIatom coordinated by two thiolate ligands and one chelating bidentate P/S ligand, forming a five-membered metallacycle. The monodentate SC6F5ligands give a weak parallel displaced π–π interaction. In the chelating ligand, the geometry for both S and P donor atoms is consistent withsp3hybridization. The complex conformation is identical to that previously described for the compound bearing 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylthiolate in place of pentafluorophenylthiolate groups. The lattice solvent, CH2Cl2, is disordered over inversion centers inP-1, affording a hemisolvate.
Critical success factors for Ghanaian contractors
Authors: Ofori-Kuragu Joseph Kwame , Baiden Bernard , Badu Edward
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a set of critical success factors (CSFs) for Ghanaian contractors. The factors collectively define a set of best practices which Ghanaian contractors should focus on improving if they are to attain internationally competitive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic review of previous research, literature on existing programmes, models and frameworks commonly used for improving performance was undertaken to identify the most important success factors. The identified factors were scored and ranked with 16 of the most frequently occurring success factors selected. A questionnaire-based survey of Ghanaian contractors explored their perceptions of the most important success factors. Using factor analysis, the most important success factors were extracted.

Findings

– Eight CSFs were identified for Ghanaian contractors. These were: quality and zero defects culture, organisational design, work culture and work environment, client satisfaction, strategy, leadership, measurement, analysis of information and knowledge management and implementation of lean principles.

Practical implications

– The CSFs developed provides a ready set of criteria which can be used by contractors with little or no experience of benchmarking to compare their performance in best practices or to implement improvement programmes.

Originality/value

– The first formal set of CSFs for Ghanaian contractors is presented. Not much research work has been done on organisational CSFs that are focused by this research.
Transportation price benchmarking: implications for firm performance
Authors: Swanson David
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand how transportation price benchmarking impacts firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, firm transportation costs and other financial variables are examined with regression analysis. This study extends empirical research on benchmarking by using current data, taking a longitudinal approach, using additional research methods, and by taking a contingency theory approach to examine firm performance contingent on the relative size of benchmarking information.

Findings

– Firms can reduce prices paid for transportation (thereby improving firm performance) by participating in benchmarking consortiums, and the amount of price reduction is contingent on the size of firm transportation spending relative to that of the benchmarked firms. Furthermore, the contingent relationship is concave, which indicates that participation in benchmarking consortiums can be optimized.

Research limitations/implications

– Despite the wide range of companies in this sample and the longitudinal approach of this research, this study examined benchmarking performance in just one marketplace (truckload transportation).

Practical implications

– The findings help managers to lower transportation costs and optimize the benefits that can be obtained from benchmarking.

Originality/value

– Transportation prices paid by firms are difficult to obtain because firms are not required to isolate and disclose this information on financial statements. Therefore, the transparency of transportation pricing data in this study which include a wide cross-section of firms provides a unique examination of actual transportation prices and how they can be used for benchmarking.
Extension of PROMETHEE for robot selection decision making
Authors: Sen Dilip Kumar , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Robot selection is basically a task of choosing appropriate robot among available alternatives with respect to some evaluation criteria. The task becomes much more complicated since apart from objective criteria a number of subjective criteria need to be evaluated simultaneously. Plenty of decision support systems have been well documented in existing literature which considers either objective or subjective data set; however, decision support module with simultaneous consideration of objective as well as subjective data has rarely been attempted before. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Motivated by this, present work exhibits application potential of preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (extended to operate under fuzzy environment) to solve decision-making problems which encounter both objective as well as subjective evaluation data.

Findings

– An empirical case study has been demonstrated in the context of robot selection problem. Finally, a sensitivity analysis has been performed to make the robot selection process more robust. A trade-off between objective criteria measure and subjective criteria measure has been shown using sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

– Robot selection has long been viewed as an important decision-making scenario in the industrial context. Appropriate robot selection helps in enhancing value of the product and thereby, results in increased profitability for the manufacturing industries. The proposed decision support system considering simultaneous exploration of subjective as well as objective database is rarely attempted before.
Benchmarking of health technologies distribution models
Authors: Creazza Alessandro , Restelli Umberto , Porazzi Emanuele , Garagiola Elisabetta Rachele , Croce Davide , Arpesella Marisa , Dallari Fabrizio , Noè Carlo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a benchmarking framework for assessing the performance of the distribution models adopted by the local branches of National Health Services (NHSs) for delivering health technologies to patients at a local level, and to derive prescriptions for enhancing design and optimal management of the distribution models.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors focussed the study on the distribution of absorbent devices for incontinence, adopting the analytic hierarchy process as a tool for developing the benchmarking framework. The authors applied the framework to the context of the Italian NHS with respect to the Lombard Local Health Authorities, assessing their performance in terms of operational efficiency and service quality.

Findings

– The developed framework constitutes a novel contribution, and it allows for generating prescriptions. Through its application to the context studied the authors found that a “one-size-fits-all” distribution model cannot be proposed, as regards both efficiency and effectiveness, since process standardization does not provide benefits or savings in all contexts. Rather, a total landed cost approach in the evaluation of the distribution practices must be adopted.

Practical implications

– This paper offers to managers and decision makers an innovative approach to the design of distribution models for health technologies. It provides policy makers with prescriptions to develop regulations fostering a comprehensive view of the factors for an optimal health technologies distribution at a local level.

Originality/value

– Given the dearth of scientific publications focussed on the distribution at the local level of health technologies, this paper significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge and it offers an innovative framework which can be proficiently replicated in manifold contexts.
Spillover effect in Asian financial markets: A VAR-structural GARCH analysis
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Lei
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a method for computing the spillover index first proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2009), with empirical application on Asian stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is based on a VAR-structural-GARCH model.

Findings

– The results clearly show that the main driver of fluctuations in Asian financial markets is the USA, with China having little connection with other markets. Further, evidence of financial contagion is found during both the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis.

Originality/value

– The method has two advantages: it is both uniquely determined and dynamic.
Calculation of flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) global and local defect detection based on computer vision
Authors: Wang Liya , Zhao Yang , Zhou Yaoming , Hao Jingbin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a detection method based on computer vision for automatic flexible printed circuit (FPC) defect detection.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a new method of watershed segmentation based on morphology. A dimensional increment matrix calculation method and an image segmentation method combined with a fuzzy clustering algorithm are provided. The visibility of the segmented image and the segmentation accuracy of a defective image are guaranteed.

Findings

Compared with the traditional one, the segmentation result obtained in this study is superior in aspects of noise control and defect segmentation. It completely proves that the segmentation method proposed in this study is better matches the requirements of FPC defect extraction and can more effectively provide the segmentation result. Compared with traditional human operators, this system ensures greater accuracy and more objective detection results.

Research limitations/implications

The extraction of FPC defect characteristics contains some obvious characteristics as well as many implied characteristics. These characteristics can be extracted through specific space conversion and arithmetical operation. Therefore, more images are required for analysis and foresight to establish a more widely used FPC defect detection sorting algorithm.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new method of watershed segmentation based on morphology. It combines a traditional edge detection algorithm and mathematical morphology. The FPC surface defect detection system can meet the requirements of online detection through constant design and improvement. Therefore, human operators will be replaced by machine vision, which can preferably reduce the production costs and improve the efficiency of FPC production.
Effects of organic medium on rheological properties of silver pastes for crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Qin Jun , Bai Shuxin , Zhang Weijun , Liu Zhuofeng , Wang Hailiang
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize and understand the effects of polymer binder, thixotropic agent, solvent and organic medium content on the rheological properties of silver pastes for screen printing front electrode films of solar cells.

Design/methodology/approach

Dispersions of silver particles (surface modified with oleic acid) in ethyl cellulose (EC) polymer solutions with and without thixotropic agent were prepared, and yield stress values were measured by setting shear stress to characterize the inter-particle interaction strength of pastes. Steady-state flow, three interval thixotropy shear test and oscillatory measurements were conducted to study the effect of EC polymer and thixotropic agent on viscosity, structure rebuilding and viscoelastic properties of electrode pastes. The effect of solvent was studied by investigating the steady viscosity of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) polymer solutions and Ag dispersions.

Findings

Weak flocculation network of silver particles was produced because of depletion flocculation. Besides the interaction between thixotropic agent micelles, EC polymer also has a significant interaction with thixotropic agent. Merely increasing EC polymer or thixotropic agent content is not the best way to prevent the layer printed from laying down. The effect of solvent on the viscosity of paste is mainly attributed to the difference of hydromechanics radius and configuration of CAB polymer in solvents. With the increase of organic medium content, the properties of electrode pastes were converted from rigidity to flexibility.

Originality/value

It is still a challenge to obtain high-quality front electrode films for crystalline silicon solar cells by screen printing, because of the difficulty in reducing shadowing losses while ensuring a low series resistance and high filling factor. The paste rheological properties are the key properties related to the paste’s passing ability through the meshes and resistance of paste spreading on the substrate. Organic medium as an important component of the paste is acknowledged to be used to tailor the paste’s rheological properties and have a great role in screen printing.
Parametric optimization of metal conductors in flexible electronics design
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Hou Yingrui , Wang Guoqing , Hao Mudong , Li Hao
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the dependence of flexible-electronics properties on the metal conductor parameters, such as the width, thickness, connection length and inner meander radius of the conductor.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the finite element method to simulate flexible electronics with a copper conductor attached to polyimide substrate under tension, by using different parameters of the conductor.

Findings

By careful variation of copper conductor parameters, the authors obtain an optimized structure that can undergo large deformations with small stress concentrations, lending convenience for packaging.

Originality/value

The authors have developed an optimization method for selecting metal conductor parameters in flexible electronics.
Food and meals in caring institutions – a small dive into research
Authors: Hansen Kai Victor
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– With the growing older population, the increasing interest in the elderly’s eating habits and the meal situation go hand in hand and are challenges in many countries, including Norway. The purpose of this paper is to investigate, part of an ongoing project in Norway, address four categories of elderly people: healthy elderly (HE), old people with home care, elderly living in institutions, and critical ill elderly.

Design/methodology/approach

– The aim of this study was to investigate related articles concerning food and the elderly in the four identified categories, defining six different meal experience categories to disclose possible gaps in the research in terms of core product, room, personal service, company, atmosphere, and management control systems (MCS). Database searches, conducted through JSTOR and Web of Science, started with words in combination with “elderly and meal experiences” and were narrowed down to the most relevant papers with words from the six meal experience categories. Ultimately, 21 of 51 downloaded papers from international journals were reviewed.

Findings

– A comparison of the four elderly groups was made across the six different meal experience categories, which disclosed several gaps. Among the 21 papers, five focused on HE, 12 on older people living with home care, 16 on elderly living in institutions, and one on critical ill elderly. The specific under-researched gaps include room, company, atmosphere, and MCS.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research will need to investigate these groups more thoroughly, and the research should concentrate on the HE and critical ill in connection with the six meal experience aspects.

Originality/value

– The combination of meal experience aspects towards different elderly categories is an original perspective on the aim of the literature review.
Telephone follow-up for cataract surgery: feasibility and patient satisfaction study
Authors: Hoffman Jeremy J.S.L. , Pelosini Lucia
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of telephone follow-up (TFU) after uncomplicated cataract surgery in low-risk patients and patient satisfaction with this alternative clinical pathway.

Design/methodology/approach

– Prospective, non-randomised cohort study. A ten-point subjective ophthalmic assessment questionnaire and a six-point patient satisfaction questionnaire were administered to patients following routine cataract surgery at two to three weeks post-procedure. All patients were offered a further clinic review if required. Exclusion criteria comprised ophthalmic co-morbidities, hearing/language impairment and high risk of post-operative complications. Patient notes were retrospectively reviewed over the study period to ensure no additional emergency attendances took place.

Findings

– Over three months, 50 eyes of 50 patients (mean age: 80; age range 60-91; 66 per cent second eye surgery) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery received a TFU at 12-24 days (mean: 16 days) post-operatively. Subjective visual acuity was graded as good by 92 per cent of patients; 72 per cent patients reported no pain and 20 per cent reported mild occasional grittiness. Patient satisfaction was graded 8.9 out of 10; 81.6 per cent defined TFU as convenient and 75.5 per cent of patients preferred TFU to routine outpatient review. No additional visits were required.

Research limitations/implications

– Non-randomised with no control group; small sample size. One patient was unable to be contacted.

Practical implications

– Post-operative TFU can be suitably targeted to low-risk patients following uncomplicated cataract surgery. This study demonstrated a high patient satisfaction. A larger, randomised study is in progress to assess this further.

Originality/value

– This is the first study reporting TFU results and patient satisfaction to the usual alternative two-week outpatient review.
Surgeons’ efficiency change is a major determinant of their productivity change
Authors: Nakata Yoshinori , Watanabe Yuichi , Narimatsu Hiroto , Yoshimura Tatsuya , Otake Hiroshi , Sawa Tomohiro
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The sustainability of the Japanese healthcare system is in question because the government has had a huge fiscal debt. Despite an enormous effort to cut the deficit, our healthcare expenditure is increasing every year because of the rapidly aging population. One of the solutions for this problem is to improve the productivity of healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that change surgeons’ productivity in one year.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors collected data of all surgical procedures performed at Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September 30 in 2014 and 2015, and computed the surgeons’ Malmquist index (MI), efficiency change (EC) and technical change (TC) using non-radial and non-oriented Malmquist model under the constant returns-to-scale assumptions. The authors then divided the surgeons into two groups; one whose productivity progressed and the other whose productivity regressed. These two groups were compared to identify factors that may influence their MI.

Findings

– The only significant difference between the two groups was ECs (p< 0.0001). The other factors, such as TC, experience, surgical volume, emergency cases, surgical specialty, academic ranks, medical schools and gender, were not significantly different between the two groups.

Originality/value

– EC is a major determinant of surgeons’ productivity change. The best way to improve surgeons’ productivity may be to enhance their efficiency regardless of their surgical volume and personal backgrounds.
Competitive profits and the annual report: measuring the sustainable business
Authors: Strebel Paul , Cording Margaret , Shan Jialu
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Getting rid of the contradictions between financial and sustainability reports is not straightforward, owing to their disparate financial-, environmental- and people-related data. The purpose of this paper is to show how a big step toward integrating the reports can be made by focusing on extracted value and subtracting it from reported profits. Value extraction is defined as value captured from stakeholders by distorting the competitive market process.

Design/methodology/approach

Value extracted is identified by looking at three ways in which it is done: manipulating markets to enhance profits, exploiting market distortions to socialize costs and privatizing benefits. These categories are related to one consolidated bottom-line using the data from JPMorgan’s 2012 reports. Application to the Western oil majors shows how one bottom-line can be used to assess the risks posed by value extraction to the economic sustainability of a firm.

Findings

Conservatively estimated, JPMorgan’s value extracted in 2012 was 25 per cent of reported profits. From 2007-2009, the average annual value extracted by Exxon and Chevron was 17 and 16 per cent of reported profits, respectively, whereas for BP and Eni, it was 23 and 30 per cent, respectively. Higher value extraction by BP preceded the Deepwater Horizon explosion and, in Eni’s case, the political disruption of its activities.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to get precise numbers on the value extracted because sustainability costing and related data are often neither available nor standardized.

Social implications

Reported profits minus value extracted, defined as competitive profits, provide a proxy for one bottom line that integrates the financial and sustainability reports.
Successful multi-channel strategy: mixing marketing and logistical issues
Authors: Jeanpert Sophie , Paché Gilles
Published: May 2016

Purpose

When a company simultaneously manages several distribution channels, there are important issues regarding the sharing of marketing and logistical resources. This paper aims to discuss the integration of sales staff, communication and logistical operations to improve service delivery to multi-channel consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review regarding multi-channel strategy to build a conceptual framework. This framework is discussed using three illustrations from the French multi-channel distribution field (King Jouet, Fnac and Darty).

Findings

The exploratory research underlines the importance of information about how consumers order in different channels. This makes the global management of different channels difficult and threatens marketing and logistical sharing.

Practical implications

The integration process is becoming increasingly important in service recovery. Companies must therefore facilitate total access to logistical information. This requires an organisational interaction between marketing and the supply chain activities.

Originality/value

The paper underlines the importance of the integration process in service recovery management, particularly when a defective product must be replaced and a new product be made available to consumers.
Studying customers’ resource integration by service employees in interactional value co-creation
Authors: Plé Loïc
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Noting that resource integration is a pivotal dimension of value co-creation in Service-Dominant logic, this paper aims to explore how service employees engaged in co-creation processes with customers integrate the latter’s resources.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the limitations of previous research on customer resources and their integration by service employees, this study turns to the concept of customer participation to identify the nature of customers’ resources. A conceptual framework of their integration by service employees underpins nine key propositions. This foundation leads to the development of theoretical contributions, managerial implications and avenues for research.

Findings

Customers can use 12 types of resources in value co-creation. Contrasting with earlier findings, the conceptual framework reveals that service employees may not only integrate these customers’ resources but also either misintegrate or not integrate them. Non-integration and misintegration may be intentional or accidental. Accordingly, value co-creation or co-destruction may result from interactions.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual and exploratory text requires complementary theoretical and empirical investigations. It also does not adopt an ecosystems view of co-creation.

Practical implications

Knowing the different steps of resource integration and what influences them should increase the chances of value co-creation and limit the risks of value co-destruction.

Originality/value

Scant research has examined the nature of customer resources and how service employees integrate them. This paper also is the first to distinguish among resource integration, misintegration and non-integration.
Intrinsic value dimensions and the value-satisfaction-loyalty chain: a causal model for services
Authors: Gallarza Martina G. , Arteaga-Moreno Francisco , Del Chiappa Giacomo , Gil-Saura Irene
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Within the abundant and not always unanimous body or research on conceptual and methodological approaches to consumer value in services, there are two areas of relative consensus: the multidimensional nature of value (intra-variable approach) and the existence of causal relations with other constructs (inter-variable approach). This work aims to contribute additional knowledge in both areas, with a joint approach in a structural model tested for hospitality services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes four scales of intrinsic values (entertainment, aesthetics, ethics and spirituality as relaxation), based on Holbrook’s (1999) value typology, and a casual model to be used to measure the relationships between these four values and overall perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty. The model is tested with PLS on a sample of 585 hotel guests on the island of Sardinia (Italy).

Findings

The psychometric properties of all four value scales, created ad hoc, are tested and approved. Results on the causal model show contrasted links on the intra-variable approach, entertainment, aesthetics and spirituality (measured as relaxation), are positive antecedents of perceived value, while the path ethics-overall value is not confirmed. The value–satisfaction–loyalty chain is fully confirmed, with strong linkages.

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge the use of a convenience sample, of mainly leisure tourists.

Practical implications

The implications for managers are derived on the need of considering extra drivers (intrinsic and therefore fully experiential) of satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

Research on value has been qualified as not univocal and controversial. This study adds knowledge on the use of four less common value types (intrinsic ones) and sheds light on their nature as antecedents of the well-known value–satisfaction–loyalty chain.
Litter microbial and soil faunal communities stimulated in the wake of a volcanic eruption in a semi‐arid woodland in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Berenstecher Paula , Gangi Daniela , González‐Arzac Adelia , Martínez María Laura , Chaves Eliseo J. , Mondino Eduardo A. , Austin Amy T.
Published: May 2016

Large‐scale disturbances can be important components of the temporal landscape of natural ecosystems, but generalities regarding ecosystem impacts are difficult due to their infrequent and unpredictable nature. Volcanic eruptions figure as one of the most prominent of these natural disturbances, but the effects on microbes and ground‐dwelling arthropods, which modulate carbon and nutrient turnover, are relatively unknown.

We evaluated the effects of the 2011 Puyehue‐Cordón Caulle eruption in Patagonia, Argentina, on the litter and soil microbial and faunal communities in natural and afforested semi‐arid ecosystems located 70 km west of the epicentre of the eruption. We hypothesized that volcanic ash deposition would strongly reduce soil faunal and microbial communities due to insecticidal effects of ash on arthropods, with a concomitant reduction in ecosystem processes.

Our objective was to quantify the impact of the volcanic eruption by comparing pre‐ and post‐eruption time points in the same study site, with nearly identical field methodology. We measured environmental variables of soil and litter moisture, pH, microbial biomass, and soil and litter microbial enzymatic activity. We evaluated ground‐dwelling arthropods and nematodes using pitfall traps and soil extraction, respectively. Additionally, a parallel, controlled‐condition experiment of simulated ash deposition was conducted to evaluate ash effects on litter decomposition and enzymatic activity.

In the field, post‐eruption soils had lower soil water content, pH and soil organic matter. Additionally, nematode abundance and soil microbial enzyme activity were significantly reduced. In contrast, ground‐dwelling arthropods and litter enzymatic activity increased significantly. Finally, with simulated ash deposition, litter decomposition increased fourfold for native litter decomposition.

Large‐scale disturbances may play a key role in biogeochemical cycling in affected natural ecosystems, but not necessarily due to their catastrophic effects. In contrast to our original predictions, we observed a marked stimulation of biotic activity and carbon turnover in the aftermath of the Puyehue volcanic eruption, which demonstrates that the biotic component of these ecosystems has a substantial capacity to respond to these disturbances in short time frames. These results can contribute to placing the role of these large‐scale infrequent disturbances in a more robust ecological context.

ALay Summaryis available for this article.
Platelet hyperaggregability in obesity: is there a role for nitric oxide impairment and oxidative stress?
Authors: Leite Natália Rodrigues Pereira , Siqueira de Medeiros Mariana , Mury Wanda Vianna , Matsuura Cristiane , Perszel Monique Bandeira Moss , Noronha Filho Gerson , Brunini Tatiana MC , Mendes‐Ribeiro Antônio Claúdio
Published: May 2016

Epidemiological evidence has shown that platelet activation markers are consistently elevated in obesity, contributing to its prothrombotic state. In order to improve the understanding of the regulation of platelet function in obesity, the aim of this study was to investigate the l‐arginine‐nitric oxide (NO) pathway in obese adults without other cardiovascular risk factor. Seventeen obese (body mass index [BMI] 35.9±1.0 kg/m2) and eighteen age‐matched normal weight subjects (BMI 22.0±0.6 kg/m2) were included in this study. l‐arginine influx was measured with incubation of l‐[3H]‐arginine. NO synthase (NOS) and arginase activities were determined by the citrulline assay and the conversion of l‐[14C]‐arginine to [14C]‐urea, respectively. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) content was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the study analyzed: platelet aggregation; intraplatelet antioxidant enzymes, via superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities; and systemic levels of l‐arginine, fibrinogen, and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Obese patients presented a significant decrease of platelet l‐arginine influx, NOS activity, and cGMP levels, along with platelet hyperaggregability. On the presence of NO donor, platelet aggregation was similar between the groups. The fibrinogen and CRP systemic levels were significantly higher and SOD activity was reduced in obesity. No significant differences were observed in plasma levels of l‐arginine and intraplatelet arginase and catalase activities between groups. The diminished NO bioavailability associated with inflammatory status and impaired enzymatic antioxidant defence may contribute to future cardiovascular complications in obesity.
Towards a ‘Post‐Neoliberal’ Mode of Housing Regulation? The Israeli Social Protest of Summer 2011
Authors: Schipper Sebastian
Published: May 2016

In the summer of 2011, after decades of virtually uncontested neoliberalization, Israel was swept by unprecedented protests against the rising cost of living, social inequality and, most particularly, escalating housing prices. Within two weeks, a small protest camp established on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv had grown into a mass movement involving hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Given an ambivalent sense of the significance of urban movements in bringing about social change, the aim of this article is to analyze whether the Israeli social protest was able to push forward a post‐neoliberal mode of housing regulation. Building on a framework developed by Brenner, Peck and Theodore to grasp transformations in the landscape of regulatory restructuring, this article argues that the movement has indeed achieved a far‐reaching hegemonic shift in public discourse and also become an important driver in promoting regulatory experiments. Despite its achievements, however, the movement was unable to challenge the Israeli ‘rule regime' of neoliberalization, on account of two structural constraints that were shielded by the most powerful state apparatuses: the commodity character of housing; and a neoliberalized land regime, where state‐owned land is treated as a profit machine for public finance.
Effects of gravity on positive phototaxis in fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kwon Soon‐Hwan , Bae Ji‐Eun , Lee Sang‐Hyup , Lee Sang‐Dae , Chae Kwon‐Seok
Published: May 2016

Geotaxis and phototaxis are movements in response to gravity and light, respectively, and are commonly observed in nature. The interactions between these two types of movement have been shown to confer ecological advantages to many taxa. Although several studies have been conducted on phototaxis and geotaxis in various organisms, reports on the interactions between positive phototaxis and negative geotaxis are lacking. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, any direct interactions that exist between positive phototaxis and negative geotaxis are yet to be determined and the ecological significance of such interactions remains unclear. In the present study, the effects of gravity on positive phototaxis in a Y‐maze were investigated using the Canton‐S wild type and gravity‐sensing‐deficient pyx3 mutant fruit flies. Gravity sensing was not necessary for horizontal positive phototaxis, but was required for vertical positive phototaxis. These results suggest that gravitoreception may selectively modulate positive phototaxis depending on the vertical and horizontal movements of the fruit flies.
Viability, Acid and Bile Tolerance of Spray Dried Probiotic Bacteria and Some Commercial Probiotic Supplement Products Kept at Room Temperature
Authors: Dianawati Dianawati , Mishra Vijay , Shah Nagendra P
Published: May 2016

Production of probiotic food supplements that are shelf‐stable at room temperature has been developed for consumer's convenience, but information on the stability in acid and bile environment is still scarce. Viability and acid and bile tolerance of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus acidophilus and 4 commercial probiotic supplements were evaluated. Bifidobacterium and L. acidophilus were encapsulated with casein‐based emulsion using spray drying. Water activity (aw) of the microspheres containing Bifidobacterium or L. acidophilus (SD GM product) was adjusted to 0.07 followed by storage at 25 °C for 10 wk. Encapsulated Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus acidophilus and 4 commercial probiotic supplement products (AL, GH, RE, and BM) were tested. Since commercial probiotic products contained mixed bacteria, selective media MRS‐LP (containing L‐cysteine and Na‐propionate) and MRS‐clindamycin agar were used to grow Bifidobacterium spp. or L. acidophilus, respectively, and to inhibit the growth of other strains. The results showed that aw had a strong negative correlation with the viability of dehydrated probiotics of the 6 products. Viable counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. acidophilus of SD GM, AL, and GH were between 8.3 and 9.2 log CFU/g, whereas that of BM and RE were between 6.7 and 7.3 log CFU/g. Bifidobacterium in SD GM, in AL, and in GH products and L. acidophilus in SD GM, in AL, and in BM products demonstrated high tolerance to acid. Most of dehydrated probiotic bacteria were able to survive in bile environment except L. acidophilus in RE product. Exposure to gastric juice influenced bacterial survivability in subsequent bile environment.
Whole cell biocatalysts: essential workers from Nature to the industry
Authors: de Carvalho Carla C. C. R.
Published: May 2016

Microorganisms have been exposed to a myriad of substrates and environmental conditions throughout evolution resulting in countless metabolites and enzymatic activities. Although mankind have been using these properties for centuries, we have only recently learned to control their production, to develop new biocatalysts with high stability and productivity and to improve their yields under new operational conditions. However, microbial cells still provide the best known environment for enzymes, preventing conformational changes in the protein structure in non‐conventional medium and under harsh reaction conditions, while being able to efficiently regenerate necessary cofactors and to carry out cascades of reactions. Besides, a still unknown microbe is probably already producing a compound that will cure cancer, Alzeihmer's disease or kill the most resistant pathogen. In this review, the latest developments in screening desirable activities and improving production yields are discussed.
The commercial focus of US cannabis regulation models should not close our eyes to other options
Authors: Rolles Steve , Murkin George
Published: May 2016

Commentary to: Considering marijuana legalization carefully: insights for other jurisdictions from analysis for Vermont
Fasting target for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy
Authors: Moses Robert G. , Wong Veronica C.K. , Lambert Kelly , Morris Gary J.
Published: May 2016

Knowledge of the fasting plasma glucose of healthy women may assist in the setting of treatment targets for women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP). This study examines the pregnancy glucose tolerance test results of 3344 women without HIP collected over a three‐year period. The median fasting plasma glucose was 4.4 mmol/L with an interquartile range of 4.2–4.6 mmol/L and a 5th to 95th centile of 3.8–4.9 mmol/L. As the diagnostic fasting glucose level for HIP is ≥5.1 mmol/L, these data support a treatment target of ≤5.0 mmol/L.
Somatic health of 2500 women examined at a sexual assault center over 10 years
Authors: Larsen Mie‐Louise , Hilden Malene , Skovlund Charlotte W. , Lidegaard Øjvind
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Sexual assault is a public health issue with many potential short‐ and long‐term consequences for the victims. We aimed to investigate somatic health of women before and after sexual assault.

Material and methods

We included 2501 women who attended the Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault in Copenhagen, and 10004 women without a known assault experience (controls). Somatic diagnoses were retrieved from the National Health Registry and number of visits to general practitioners from the Danish Health Insurance Registry. Somatic data were assessed during the five‐year period before and after the assault.

Results

The incidence of several somatic disorders was found to be significantly higher for the exposed women than for controls, both before and after the assault. Rate ratios of main disorders before and after the assault were respectively: disease of circulatory and respiratory system: 3.2 (2.6–4.1) and 2.6 (2.1–3.2); epilepsy: 2.9 (2.2–3.8) and 4.1 (3.0–5.6) and disease of the liver: 3.5 (1.9–6.3) and 7.0 (4.4–11.1), respectively. The rate ratios of laparoscopic surgery: 1.5 (0.9–2.5) and 3.4 (2.3–5.0) and of cervical cancer: 0.8 (0.4–1.7) and 2.0 (1.4–3.0) increased significantly after sexual assault. Likewise, the number of visits to a general practitioner was significantly higher in exposed women both before and after the assault (16 vs. 10/year). Complications associated with childbirth were not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a higher somatic morbidity in women seen at a sexual assault center before as well as after the assault compared with controls.
R‐ and S‐citalopram concentrations have differential effects on neuropsychiatric scores in elders with dementia and agitation
Authors: Ho Thang , Pollock Bruce G. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Schantz Oliver , Devanand Devangere P. , Mintzer Jacobo E. , Porsteinsson Anton P. , Schneider Lon S. , Weintraub Daniel , Yesavage Jerome , Drye Lea T. , Munro Cynthia A. , Shade David M. , Lyketsos Constantine , Bies Robert
Published: May 2016

Aims

The aim was to determine the relationship between (R) and (S)‐citalopram enantiomer exposure (AUC(0,24 h)) and therapeutic response in agitated individuals greater than 60 years old with Alzheimer's dementia (AD).

Methods

Citalopram enantiomer exposures (AUC(0,24 h)) derived from an established population pharmacokinetic analysis were utilized to explore the relationship between (R)‐ and (S)‐citalopram area under the curve (AUC(0,24 )) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neurobehavioural Rating Scale‐Agitation Subscale (NBRS‐A), modified Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study‐Clinical Global Impression of Change (mADCS‐CGIC) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Agitation subscale (NPIA) scores. Time dependent changes in these scores (disease progression) were accounted for prior to exploring the exposure effect relationship for each enantiomer. These relationships were evaluated using a non‐linear‐mixed effects modelling approach as implemented in nonmem v7.3.

Results

(S)‐AUC(0,24 h) and (R)‐AUC(0,24 h) each contributed to improvement in NBRS‐A scores (k3(R) −0.502; k4(S) −0.712) as did time in treatment. However, increasing (R)‐AUC(0,24 h) decreased the probability of patient response (maximum Δ −0.182%/AUC(0,24 h)) based on the CGIC while (S)‐AUC(0,24 h) improved the probability of response (maximum Δ 0.112%/AUC(0,24 h)). (R)‐AUC(0,24 h) was also associated with worsening in MMSE scores (−0.5 points).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that citalopram enantiomers contributed differentially to treatment outcomes. (R)‐citalopram accounted for a greater proportion of the adverse consequences associated with racemic citalopram treatment in patients with AD including a decreased probability of treatment response as measured by the CGIC and a reduction in MMSE scores. The S‐enantiomer was associated with increased probability of response based on the CGIC.
MONOPOLISTIC LOCATION CHOICE IN A TWO‐SIDED HOTELLING MODEL
Authors: Böhme Enrico , Müller Christopher
Published: May 2016

We analyse the optimal location choice of a monopolistic firm that operates two arbitrarily located platforms on a two‐sided market. By extending the traditional Hotelling framework, we show that the optimal platform locations are equivalent to the one‐sided benchmark if both sides are either restricted to single‐ or multi‐homing. In the mixed case (one side single‐homes, the other one multi‐homes), the optimal platform locations are in line with the respective symmetric case. If the monopolist is restricted to choosing the same location on either side of the market, the optimal locations are determined by the relative profitability of the market sides.