bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Positive CT Yield in Pediatric Patients With Nontraumatic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Hwang Bo Hyun , Kim Younglim , Chae Gi-Bong , Moon Suk-Bae
Published: October 2016

Objective

The use of abdominal computed tomography (ACT) for nontraumatic abdominal pain in the pediatric emergency department is increasing to a remarkable extent, and every effort should be made to select patients who would benefit from ACT. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and laboratory predictors of positive CT yield in pediatric patients with nontraumatic abdominal pain.

Methods

The medical records of 739 pediatric patients who, between January 2009 and February 2014, underwent ACT for nontraumatic abdominal pain at the emergency department were reviewed retrospectively. These patients were divided into 2 groups: a right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain group and a non-RLQ pain group. The radiology reports were reviewed to determine ACT diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to elicit independent predictors of positive ACT yield. Equations predicting the probability of positive ACT diagnosis were deduced from the regression equation in both groups.

Results

In the RLQ pain group, the most frequent ACT diagnosis was acute appendicitis, and in the non-RLQ pain group, enteritis was the most frequent diagnosis. In the RLQ pain group, sex, leukocytosis, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and elevated C-reactive protein were significant independent predictors for positive ACT diagnosis. The number of synchronous predictor was significantly related to the proportion of positive ACT diagnosis. In the non-RLQ pain group, leukocytosis was the only significant predictor in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Factors predicting positive CT yield were sex, leukocytosis, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and elevated C-reactive protein in the RLQ pain group and leukocytosis in the non-RLQ pain group.
A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Evaluate Switching to Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Plus Darunavir in Treatment-Experienced HIV-1-Infected Adults
Authors: Huhn Gregory D. , Tebas Pablo , Gallant Joel , Wilkin Timothy , Cheng Andrew , Yan Mingjin , Zhong Lijie , Callebaut Christian , Custodio Joseph M. , Fordyce Marshall W. , Das Moupali , McCallister Scott
Published: October 2016

Background:

HIV-infected, treatment-experienced adults with a history of prior resistance and regimen failure can be virologically suppressed but may require multitablet regimens associated with lower adherence and potential resistance development.

Methods:

We enrolled HIV-infected, virologically suppressed adults with 2-class to 3-class drug resistance and at least 2 prior regimen failures into this phase 3, open-label, randomized study. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per milliliter at week 24 [Food and Drug Administration (FDA) snapshot algorithm].

Results:

For 135 participants [elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF) plus darunavir (DRV), n = 89; baseline regimen, n = 46], most of whom were taking a median of 5 tablets/d, simplification to E/C/F/TAF plus DRV was noninferior to continuation of baseline regimens at week 24 (plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per milliliter: 96.6% vs. 91.3%, difference 5.3%, 95.001% CI: −3.4% to 17.4%). E/C/F/TAF plus DRV met prespecified criteria for noninferiority and superiority at week 48 for the same outcome. E/C/F/TAF plus DRV was well tolerated and had an improved renal safety profile compared with baseline regimens, with statistically significant differences between groups in quantitative total proteinuria and markers of proximal tubular proteinuria. Compared with baseline regimens, participants who switched to E/C/F/TAF plus DRV reported higher mean treatment satisfaction scale total scores and fewer days with missed doses.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that regimen simplification from a 5-tablet regimen to the 2-tablet, once-daily combination of E/C/F/TAF plus DRV has durable maintenance of virologic suppression and improvements in specific markers of renal safety. Such a strategy may lead to greater adherence and improved quality of life.
Bronchiectasis and other chronic lung diseases in adolescents living with HIV
Authors: Attia Engi F. , Miller Robert F. , Ferrand Rashida A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

The incidence of pulmonary infections has declined dramatically with improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, but chronic lung disease (CLD) is an increasingly recognized but poorly understood complication in adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.

Recent findings

There is a high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, abnormal spirometry and chest radiographic abnormalities among HIV-infected adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, wherein 90% of the world's HIV-infected children live. The incidence of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis, the most common cause of CLD in the pre-ART era, has declined with increased ART access. Small airways disease, particularly constrictive obliterative bronchiolitis and bronchiectasis, are emerging as leading causes of CLD among HIV-infected adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries. Asthma may be more common in high-income settings. Likely risk factors for CLD include recurrent pulmonary infections, air pollution, HIV-related immune dysfunction, and untreated HIV infection, particularly during critical stages of lung development.

Globally, the importance of HIV-associated CLD as a cause of morbidity and mortality is increasing, especially as survival has improved dramatically with ART and growing numbers of children living with HIV enter adolescence. Further research is urgently needed to elucidate the natural history and pathogenesis of CLD, and to determine optimal screening, diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Antiepileptic Drugs Under Investigation for Treatment of Focal Epilepsy
Authors: Striano Pasquale , Belcastro Vincenzo , Coppola Antonietta , Minetti Carlo , Striano Salvatore
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Despite optimal medical treatment, up to 30% of patients with epilepsy continue to experience recurrent seizures, and the challenge for new more efficacious and better-tolerated drugs is continuing. New antiepileptic drugs include the evolution of preexisting drugs and new compounds identified through the investigation of additional molecular targets, such as SV2A synaptic vesicle protein, voltage-gated potassium channels, ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, and gap junctions.

Areas covered

We report the available data about different classes of molecules that are in the pipeline for treatment of focal epilepsy. We will present data available on drugs derived from the evolution of preexisting anticonvulsants. We will then report the results on clinical trials performed with new compounds identified through the investigation of additional molecular targets.

Discussion

The challenge for new, more efficacious, more specific, and better-tolerated drugs is continuing and a better knowledge of mechanisms underlying epilepsy should represent the guide for future research. The ultimate goal of treatment should be not only to render the patients seizure free but also to improve the quality of life and reduce costs of medical care.
Control of inflorescence architecture in tomato by BTB/POZ transcriptional regulators
Authors: Xu Cao , Park Soon Ju , Van Eck Joyce , Lippman Zachary B.
Published: October 2016

Plant productivity depends on inflorescences, flower-bearing shoots that originate from the stem cell populations of shoot meristems. Inflorescence architecture determines flower production, which can vary dramatically both between and within species. In tomato plants, formation of multiflowered inflorescences depends on a precisely timed process of meristem maturation mediated by the transcription factor geneTERMINATING FLOWER(TMF), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We show that TMF protein acts together with homologs of theArabidopsisBLADE-ON-PETIOLE (BOP) transcriptional cofactors, defined by the conserved BTB (Broad complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-a-brac)/POZ (POX virus and zinc finger) domain. TMF and three tomato BOPs (SlBOPs) interact with themselves and each other, and TMF recruits SlBOPs to the nucleus, suggesting formation of a transcriptional complex. LikeTMF,SlBOPgene expression is highest during vegetative and transitional stages of meristem maturation, and CRISPR/Cas9 elimination ofSlBOPfunction causes pleiotropic defects, most notably simplification of inflorescences into single flowers, resemblingtmfmutants. Flowering defects are enhanced in higher-orderslbop tmfmutants, suggesting that SlBOPs function with additional factors. In support of this, SlBOPs interact with TMF homologs, mutations in which cause phenotypes likeslbopmutants. Our findings reveal a new flowering module defined by SlBOP–TMF family interactions that ensures a progressive meristem maturation to promote inflorescence complexity.
Design and performance of BOREAS, the beamline for resonant X-ray absorption and scattering experiments at the ALBA synchrotron light source
Authors: Barla Alessandro , Nicolás Josep , Cocco Daniele , Valvidares Secundino Manuel , Herrero-Martín Javier , Gargiani Pierluigi , Moldes Jairo , Ruget Claude , Pellegrin Eric , Ferrer Salvador
Published: October 2016

The optical design of the BOREAS beamline operating at the ALBA synchrotron radiation facility is described. BOREAS is dedicated to resonant X-ray absorption and scattering experiments using soft X-rays, in an unusually extended photon energy range from 80 to above 4000 eV, and with full polarization control. Its optical scheme includes a fixed-included-angle, variable-line-spacing grating monochromator and a pair of refocusing mirrors, equipped with benders, in a Kirkpatrick–Baez arrangement. It is equipped with two end-stations, one for X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and the other for resonant magnetic scattering. The commissioning results show that the expected beamline performance is achieved both in terms of energy resolution and of photon flux at the sample position.
KB scanning of X-ray beam for Laue microdiffraction on accelero-phobic samples: application toin situmechanically loaded nanowires
Authors: Leclere C. , Cornelius T. W. , Ren Z. , Robach O. , Micha J.-S. , Davydok A. , Ulrich O. , Richter G. , Thomas O.
Published: October 2016

A mapping technique has been developed where a sub-micrometer focused polychromatic X-ray beam is scanned across a stationary sample instead of scanning the sample in front of the X-ray microbeam. This method is applied to a gold nanowire during its mechanical loading using the tip of an atomic force microscope. During the loading process, such a sample is `accelero-phobic',i.e.the sample scanning stages must not to be moved to avoid parasitic additional load. Without beam scanning, only one single position within the sample can be probed during the test. The probed material point may even change because of drifts or movements induced by the test itself. The new scanning approach facilitates thein situmapping of the entire wire giving access to the evolution of the wire shape as well as to the boundary conditions. This novel scanning technique opens promising perspectives for studies where sample motion is forbidden because of the sample environment.
A synchrotron study of [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-cyanophenyl)porphyrinato-κ4N5,N10,N15,N20]copper(II) nitrobenzene trisolvate at 80 K
Authors: Seidel Rüdiger W. , Goddard Richard , Mayer-Gall Thomas , Oppel Iris M.
Published: October 2016

Porphyrin assemblies display interesting photophysical properties and a relatively high thermal stability. Moreover,meso-functionalized porphyrins with virtually fourfold symmetry can be relatively readily synthesized from pyrrole and the appropriate aldehyde. A number of metallo derivatives of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-cyanophenyl)porphyrin, where the N atom of the linear cyano group can act both as a donor for coordination bonds or as an acceptor for hydrogen bonds, have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The supramolecular and structural chemistry of the corresponding 2- and 3-cyanophenyl isomers of the parent porphyrin, however, has remained largely unexplored. The crystal structure of [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-cyanophenyl)porphyrinato]copper(II) (CuTCNPP) nitrobenzene trisolvate, [Cu(C48H24N8)]·3C6H5NO2, has been determined at 80 K by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction. CuTCNPP exhibits aC2h-symmetric ααββ conformation, despite an unsymmetrical crystal environment, and is situated on a crystallographic centre of symmetry. The CuIIion adopts a genuine square-planar coordination by the four pyrrole N atoms. The 24-membered porphyrin ring system shows no marked deviation from planarity. In the crystal, the CuTCNPP molecules and two nitrobenzene molecules are face-to-face stacked in an alternating fashion, resulting in corrugated layers. The remaining nitrobenzene guest molecule per CuTCNPP resides in the region between four neighbouring columnar stacks of CuTCNPP and sandwiched nitrobenzene molecules, and is disordered over four positions about a centre of symmetry.
(E)-3-(2,3-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Koh Dongsoo
Published: October 2016

In the title chalcone derivative, C18H18O5, the dihedral angle formed by the planes of the benzene rings is 29.6 (2)° and an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond closes an S(6) ring. In the crystal, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules into chains propagating along [001].
(S)-2-Azaniumyl-2-methyl-3-phenylpropanoate monohydrate
Authors: Fujii Isao
Published: October 2016

The title compound, C10H13NO2·H2O, crystallizes in a zwitterionic form as a monohydrate, involving the propylbenzene group with a trans conformation. It is a non-natural amino acid, and has attracted attention as an inhibitor of phenylalanine hydroxylase. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming C(5) chains along the c-axis direction. Two chains are linked by another N—H...O hydrogen bond, forming an R
3
3(11) ring motif. Further O—H...O hydrogen bonds link these motifs via the water molecules, to form a three-dimensional framework.
1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-({4-phenyl-5-[(p-tolyloxy)methyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl}sulfanyl)acetamide
Authors: Al-Taifi Elham A. , Kaur Manpreet , Akkurt Mehmet , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: October 2016

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C24H21N5O4S, centrosymmetric dimers with an R
2
2(16) ring motif, lying in the (010) plane, are formed as a result of pairwise N—H...N hydrogen bonds. These dimers further interact through C—H...O and C—H...π interactions to construct a complex extended three-dimensional structure.
Diisopropylammonium 4-aminobenzenesulfonate
Authors: Sarr Bougar , Diop Cheikh Abdoul Khadir , Diop Libasse , Blanchard Florent , Michaud Francois
Published: October 2016

The title molecular salt, C6H16N+·C6H6NO3S−, was synthesized from a neutralization reaction between sulfanilic acid and diisopropylamine. The crystal structure consists of diisopropylammonium cations and 4-aminobenzenesulfonate (sulfanilate) anions interacting through a series of N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional network structure.
Ambidextrous design and public organizations: a comparative case study
Authors: Cannaerts Nele , Segers Jesse , Henderickx Erik
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how public cultural organizations use ambidextrous design to balance exploitation and exploration given their organizational structure that mainly stimulates exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an abductive methodology and, perform an in-depth comparative case study. The data sample consists of two Belgian public cultural centers located in the Flemish area. In all, 21 semi-structured interviews where analyzed using Nvivo.

Findings

Results show, first, that although both cases have the same formal organization chart, their informal structure differs. Second, both cases have a different point of view toward exploitation and exploration. Third, no “pure” ambidextrous designs were found. Finally, the paper formulates theoretical propositions for ambidexterity and public sector research.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this paper are threefold. First, the authors only compared two cases, so generalization of the findings is limited. Second, although the authors managed to make contributions to ambidexterity and public sector research, theory building is not finished. Finally, researchers have to improve empirical evidence focusing on which design elements lead toward ambidextrous public organizations.

Originality/value

This paper makes a threefold contribution to ambidexterity literature and public sector research. First, the focus on public sector organizations is a rarely taken approach in ambidexterity research. Second, the specific use of ambidextrous design attributes to the limited public sector research that has focused on ambidexterity. Third, the focus on small organizations with limited resources is a rarely taken focus in ambidexterity and public sector research.
Portfolio dynamics under illiquidity
Authors: Buchner Axel
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of illiquidity on portfolio weight and return dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a novel continuous-time framework, the paper makes two key contributions to the literature on asset pricing and illiquidity. The first is to study the effects of illiquidity on portfolio weight dynamics. The second contribution is to analyze how illiquidity affects the risk/return dynamics of a portfolio.

Findings

The numerical results highlight that investors should be prepared for potentially large and skewed variations in portfolio weights and can be away from optimal diversification for a long time when adding illiquid assets to a portfolio. Additionally, the paper shows that illiquidity increases portfolio risk. Interestingly, this effect gets more pronounced when the return correlation between the illiquid and liquid asset is low. Thus, there is a correlation effect in the sense that illiquidity costs, as measured by the increase in overall portfolio risk, are inversely related to the return correlation of the assets.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that highlights that the increase in portfolio risk caused by illiquidity is inversely related to the return correlation between the liquid and illiquid assets. This important economic result contrasts with the widely used argument that the benefit of adding illiquid (alternative) assets to a portfolio is their low correlation with (traditional) traded assets. The results imply that the benefits of adding illiquid assets to a portfolio can be much lower than typically perceived.
Time variation paths of risk sensitivities of bank stocks in the past two decades
Authors: Chen Kaiyi , He Ling T. , Lenin R.B.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to trace time variation paths in risk sensitivities of bank stock returns over the period of 1990-2014, which covers one of most serious financial crises in the history of the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study programs the flexible least squares (FLS) approach (Kalaba and Testfatsion, 1988, 1989 and 1990) with R, a free statistical computing and graphics software, to estimate the three-factor model developed by He and Reichert (2003) to examine changes in risk sensitivities of bank stocks to the stock market, bond market and real estate market.

Findings

Both FLS and ordinary least squares (OLS) results indicate that the bond market (interest rate) sensitivity of bank stock returns experiences dramatic changes. It is significantly positive before the 2006 subprime mortgage crisis (11/1990 to 5/2006), reduces to insignificant in a short period of 11/2006 to 10/2008 and turns into significantly negative during the period of 11/2008-11/2014. Further, results of this study indicate that bank stocks negatively respond to changes in housing prices in the period of 11/1990-1/1994 and after that the sensitivity turns into significantly positive. The significant shifts in risk sensitivities of banks stock returns coincide with alterations in long-term interest rates and monetary policy, especially the enormously stimulative monetary policy after the financial crisis in 2008.

Originality/value

This study programs the FLS approach with R and uses the FLS approach to demonstrate the time variation paths of risk sensitivities of bank stocks over a period that covers the 2008 financial crisis. The OLS results verify the significant shifts in risk sensitivities suggested by the FLS estimates.
How mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-book?
Authors: Letchumanan Malathi , Muniandy Balakrishnan
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This pilot study aims to understand how mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books for learning activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses qualitative methodology. It uses interview and document review methods to collect data relevant to the study.

Findings

The mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books mostly to find information for their research activities. Both the participants have different reading patterns. However, they use the mobile e-book to obtain the same benefit.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study could not be generalized, as it used qualitative methodology.

Originality/value

This pilot study explains how mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books for their learning activities. This is a qualitative study. Hence, it is able to add value to the mobile e-book studies that are lacking qualitative viewpoints.
Library automation with cloud based ILMS Librarika: case study of Central University of South Bihar
Authors: Yuvaraj Mayank
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to carry out an evaluative study of the cloud-based integrated library management solution (ILMS): Librarika.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation checklist was designed from the review of existing ILMSs as well as literature review. The checklist was distributed to the library staff of the Central University of South Bihar.

Findings

Librarika was found to be comparable with existing open-source ILMSs but lacked transparency of data. Librarika had all the features of the commonly available open-source ILMSs, like KOHA. However, respondents pointed out that Librarika had a better circulation module and online public access catalogue (OPAC) features compared to other ILMSs. Concerns over data ownership, migration and portability in the cloud were considered as the major bottlenecks in its adoption.

Practical implications

The study will help other libraries in decision-making who are considering Librarika for their ILMSs.

Originality/value

Till date, no evaluative study has been carried out on any cloud-based ILMS.
Using transaction cost economics to explain open innovation in start-ups
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Tang , Huang Hao-Chen , Lee Wei-Long
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The basic concept of transaction cost theory is that firms like to conduct transactions in a channel with lower transaction costs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to use the transaction cost perspective to identify which conditions cause companies to choose between outbound open innovation (hierarchy governance) and inbound open innovation (market governance).

Design/methodology/approach

Accordingly, transaction cost economics was used to relate the choice and implementation of open innovation using a sample of 250 electronics and information start-ups in China. Structural equation modeling was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate measurement model, while logistic regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

As expected, the dedicated asset specificity, human asset specificity, behavioral uncertainty, transaction frequency, and small number exchange were positively associated with outbound open innovation.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper lies in explaining the role played by transaction cost economics in the process of open innovation for start-ups through empirical analysis.
Concentration of rivals’ actions and competitive reaction
Authors: Hsieh Kai-Yu , Hyun Eunjung
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how managers’ evaluation of and reaction to multiple rivals’ actions will be affected by the distributional characteristics of these actions, including the extent to which rivals’ actions are centered on certain firms (actor concentration), concentrated in certain time periods (temporal concentration), and clustered in certain geographic locations (spatial concentration).

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses are based on panel data on Taiwanese producers of personal computers and peripherals and the investments they made in mainland China after the Asian financial crisis. The authors employ fixed-effect logit regression to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Rivals’ recent actions in China increase a focal firm’s inclination to act especially when these rivals’ actions are characterized by a high level of actor, temporal, and/or spatial concentration.

Originality/value

The analytical approach goes beyond a dyad-level conceptualization of interfirm rivalry. Incorporating insights from behavioral decision making, the paper shows how a firm with limited attentive capacity reacts to the aggregate impact of multiple rivals’ actions.
Managerial ties and open innovation: examining the role of absorptive capacity
Authors: Naqshbandi M. Muzamil
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an integrated model to examine the relationship between managerial ties and two types of open innovation (OI). It takes into account the mediating role of realized absorptive capacity and explains how a firm’s ability to recognize the value of new information, assimilate it and apply it to commercial ends can facilitate OI.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 259 middle and top managers working across different sectors in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings

Results obtained using structural equation modeling show that managerial ties facilitate both in-bound and out-bound OI. Results also establish the mediating role of realized absorptive capacity in these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Use of cross-sectional data as was done in this study has been criticized for being inappropriate to test causal models. Besides the findings may not be generalizable to different industries/cultures/regions.

Practical implications

This study suggests that managerial ties act to support OI in firms thus giving the insight that managers should be appreciated to build ties with managers of other firms, universities and government officials. Doing so can help firms achieve better OI outcomes. Firms should arrange means of interaction of their managers with these external knowledge sources such as events and occasions where managers of different firms can interact with each other to foster strong ties among them.

Originality/value

The above findings contribute theoretically to OI and managerial ties literature while providing insights for practitioners on how to succeed or avoid failure in their OI initiatives. These insights are novel and are new to the OI and managerial ties theory.
Social media’s impact on organizational performance and entrepreneurial orientation in organizations
Authors: Parveen Farzana , Jaafar Noor Ismawati , Ainin Sulaiman
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Based on the system of value chain theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of social media usage on the performance and the entrepreneurial orientation of the organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 174 organizations responded to the survey.

Findings

The result of the study showed that social media usage has a very strong positive impact on organizations’ performance, in terms of cost reduction, improved customer relations, and enhanced information accessibility.

Research limitations/implications

In the study, social media usage was categorized into three sub-constructs such as social media usage for marketing, social media usage for building customer relations, and social media usage for information search. This study investigated the usage of social media and its impact as a whole, considering all social media tools together. Finally, this study used a cross-sectional sample to collect data.

Practical implications

The result of the study benefits the managers to understand the various areas of organizational performance that can be improved by social media usage.

Social implications

The study also provided evidence that social media usage has strong positive influences on enhancing the entrepreneurial orientation of the organizations.

Originality/value

This study provides a clearer idea on the real importance of social media and its benefits. This study demonstrated the various areas of organizational performance that can be improved through social media usage.
A problem of thick circular plate in modified couple stress thermoelastic diffusion with phase-lags
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Devi Shaloo , Sharma Veena
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the two-dimensional axisymmetric problem in a homogeneous, isotropic modified couple stress thermoelastic diffusion (TD) medium in the context of dual-phase-lag model.

Design/methodology/approach

The Laplace and Hankel transforms have been applied to find the general solution to the field equations. The components of displacement, stresses, temperature change and chemical potential are obtained in the transformed domain. The resulting quantities are obtained in the physical domain by using numerical inversion technique.

Findings

The components of normal stress, tangential stress, tangential couple stress, temperature change and chemical potential are obtained numerically and depicted graphically to see the effect of dual-phase-lag diffusion (DLD), dual-phase-lag heat transfer (DLT) and TD models in the absence and presence of couple stress parameter.

Originality/value

Comparisons are made in the absence and presence of couple stress DLD, DLT and TD models.
Response surface modelling of the pharmacodynamic interaction between propofol and remifentanil in patients undergoing anaesthesia
Authors: Choe SangMin , Choi Byung‐Moon , Lee Yong‐Hun , Lee Soo‐Han , Lee Eun‐Kyung , Kim Ki‐Seong , Noh Gyu‐Jeong
Published: October 2016

This study describes the pharmacodynamic interaction between propofol and remifentanil. Sixty patients who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia (30 males/30 females) were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to receive one of 15 combinations of drug levels. Baseline electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded for 5 minutes prior to administering the drugs. Patients received a target‐controlled infusion at one of four predefined doses of propofol (high, 3 μg/mL; medium, 1.5 μg/mL; low, 0.5 μg/mL; or no drug) and of remifentanil (high, 6 or 8 ng/mL; medium, 4 ng/mL; low, 2 ng/mL; or no drug). The occurrence of muscle rigidity, apnoea, and loss of consciousness (LOC) was monitored, and EEGs were recorded during the drug administration phase. Electroencephalographic approximate entropy (ApEn) and temporal linear mode complexity (TLMC) parameters at baseline and under steady state conditions were calculated off‐line. Response surfaces were developed to map the interaction between propofol and remifentanil to the probability of occurrence for quantal responses (muscle rigidity, apnoea, LOC) and ApEn and TLMC measurements. Model parameters were estimated using non‐linear mixed effects modelling. The response surface revealed infra‐additive and synergistic effects for muscle rigidity and apnoea, respectively. The effects of the combined drugs on LOC and EEG parameters (eg, ApEn and TLMC) were additive. The C50 estimates of remifentanil (ng/mL) and propofol (μg/mL) were 9.11 and 130 000 for muscle rigidity, 8.99 and 6.26 for apnoea, 13.9 and 3.04 for LOC, 23.4 and 10.4 for ApEn, and 14.8 and 6.51 for TLMC, respectively. The probability of occurrence for muscle rigidity declined when propofol was combined with remifentanil.
Acidification and warming affect prominent bacteria in two seasonal phytoplankton bloom mesocosms
Authors: Bergen Benjamin , Endres Sonja , Engel Anja , Zark Maren , Dittmar Thorsten , Sommer Ulrich , Jürgens Klaus
Published: October 2016

In contrast to clear stimulatory effects of rising temperature, recent studies of the effects of CO2 on planktonic bacteria have reported conflicting results. To better understand the potential impact of predicted climate scenarios on the development and performance of bacterial communities, we performed bifactorial mesocosm experiments (pCO2 and temperature) with Baltic Sea water, during a diatom dominated bloom in autumn and a mixed phytoplankton bloom in summer. The development of bacterial community composition (BCC) followed well‐known algal bloom dynamics. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) of bacterial OTUs (operational taxonomic units) revealed that phytoplankton succession and temperature were the major variables structuring the bacterial community whereas the impact of pCO2 was weak. Prokaryotic abundance and carbon production, and organic matter concentration and composition were partly affected by temperature but not by increased pCO2. However, pCO2 did have significant and potentially direct effects on the relative abundance of several dominant OTUs; in some cases, these effects were accompanied by an antagonistic impact of temperature. Our results suggest the necessity of high‐resolution BCC analyses and statistical analyses at the OTU level to detect the strong impact of CO2 on specific bacterial groups, which in turn might also influence specific organic matter degradation processes.
Persistence of a dominant bovine lineage of group BStreptococcus reveals genomic signatures of host adaptation
Authors: Almeida Alexandre , Alves‐Barroco Cinthia , Sauvage Elisabeth , Bexiga Ricardo , Albuquerque Pedro , Tavares Fernando , Santos‐Sanches Ilda , Glaser Philippe
Published: October 2016

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a host‐generalist species, most notably causing disease in humans and cattle. However, the differential adaptation of GBS to its two main hosts, and the risk of animal to human infection remain poorly understood. Despite improvements in control measures across Europe, GBS is still one of the main causative agents of bovine mastitis in Portugal. Here, by whole‐genome analysis of 150 bovine GBS isolates we discovered that a single CC61 clone is spreading throughout Portuguese herds since at least the early 1990s, having virtually replaced the previous GBS population. Mutations within an iron/manganese transporter were independently acquired by all of the CC61 isolates, underlining a key adaptive strategy to persist in the bovine host. Lateral transfer of bacteriocin production and antibiotic resistance genes also underscored the contribution of the microbial ecology and genetic pool within the bovine udder environment to the success of this clone. Compared to strains of human origin, GBS evolves twice as fast in bovines and undergoes recurrent pseudogenizations of human‐adapted traits. Our work provides new insights into the potentially irreversible adaptation of GBS to the bovine environment.
Functional analysis of Escherichia coliYad fimbriae reveals their potential role in environmental persistence
Authors: Larsonneur Fanny , Martin Fernando A. , Mallet Adeline , Martinez‐Gil Marta , Semetey Vincent , Ghigo Jean‐Marc , Beloin Christophe
Published: October 2016

Initial adhesion of bacterial cells to surfaces or host tissues is a key step in colonisation and biofilm formation processes, and is mediated by cell surface appendages. It was previously demonstrated that Escherichia coli K‐12 possesses an arsenal of silenced chaperone‐usher fimbriae that were functional when constitutively expressed. Among them, production of prevalent Yad fimbriae induces adhesion to abiotic surfaces. Functional characterisation of Yad fimbriae were undertook, and YadN was identified as the most abundant and potential major pilin, and YadC as the potential tip‐protein of Yad fimbriae. It was showed that Yad production participates to binding of E. coli K‐12 to human eukaryotic cells (Caco‐2) and inhibits macrophage phagocytosis, but also enhances E. coli K‐12 binding to xylose, a major component of the plant cell wall, through its tip‐lectin YadC. Consistently, it was demonstrated that Yad production provides E. coli with a competitive advantage in colonising corn seed rhizospheres. The latter phenotype is correlated with induction of Yad expression at temperatures below 37°C, and under anaerobic conditions, through a complex regulatory network. Taken together, these results suggest that Yad fimbriae are versatile adhesins that beyond potential capacities to modulate host–pathogen interactions might contribute to E. coli environmental persistence.
On the difficulties of speaking out against security
Authors: Kirsch Thomas G.
Published: October 2016

Abstract: This article outlines an approach to security that explains its phenomenal growth by examining a peculiarity of its semantic field. In contrast to notions like ‘war’ and ‘violence’, whose antonyms, ‘peace’ and ‘non‐violence’, have positive connotations and are therefore well suited to discursively opposing ‘war’ and ‘violence’, the antonym of ‘security’ ‘ namely ‘insecurity’ ‘ does not achieve the same effect. I suggest that this peculiarity leads to situations in which those in the political field who oppose ‘security’ find themselves in the predicament of having to come up with alternative antonymic constructions such as ‘security vs freedom’ or ‘security vs human rights’ to argue their case. Yet, this produces an asymmetric constellation: while ‘security’ tends to be presented as a self‐evident category, most of its opposites require more explication and substantiation when they are used to denaturalize security. Thus, my argument is that it is difficult to speak out against security without becoming enmeshed in complex questions of what a desirable social life should look like.
Wake up, Russia! Political activism and the reanimation of agency
Authors: Mason Jessica
Published: October 2016

When protest movements do not achieve policy outcomes, they are often considered failures. But as I learned while working with feminist and pro‐LGBT activists in Moscow's radical left, becoming a political activist may in itself be an important form of resistance to overwhelming and demoralizing power structures. During the mass anti‐Putin protests of 2011–2012, which were widely experienced as an awakening of political subjectivities, to talk with activists about what constituted “politics” was to talk about the possibility of agency in the face of what often appears to be overwhelming constraint. Activism can thus be as much a form of subjectivity work as a means of changing public policy.
Growth of Pseudomonas taiwanensisVLB120∆C biofilms in the presence of n‐butanol
Authors: Halan Babu , Vassilev Igor , Lang Karsten , Schmid Andreas , Buehler Katja
Published: October 2016

Biocatalytic processes often encounter problems due to toxic reactants and products, which reduce biocatalyst viability. Thus, robust organisms capable of tolerating or adapting towards such compounds are of high importance. This study systematically investigated the physiological response of Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120∆C biofilms when exposed to n‐butanol, one of the potential next generation biofuels as well as a toxic substance using microscopic and biochemical methods. Initially P. taiwanensis VLB120∆C biofilms did not show any observable growth in the presence of 3% butanol. Prolonged cultivation of 10 days led to biofilm adaptation, glucose and oxygen uptake doubled and consequently it was possible to quantify biomass. Complementing the medium with yeast extract and presumably reducing the metabolic burden caused by butanol exposure further increased the biomass yield. In course of cultivation cells reduced their size in the presence of n‐butanol which results in an enlarged surface‐to‐volume ratio and thus increased nutrient uptake. Finally, biofilm enhanced its extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production when exposed to n‐butanol. The predominant response of these biofilms under n‐butanol stress are higher energy demand, increased biomass yield upon medium complements, larger surface‐to‐volume ratio and enhanced EPS production. Although we observed a distinct increase in biomass in the presence of 3% butanol it was not possible to cultivate P. taiwanensis VLB120∆C biofilms at higher n‐butanol concentrations. Thereby this study shows that biofilms are not per se tolerant against solvents, and need to adapt to toxic n‐butanol concentrations.
Laccase: a multi‐purpose biocatalyst at the forefront of biotechnology
Authors: Mate Diana M. , Alcalde Miguel
Published: October 2016

Laccases are multicopper containing enzymes capable of performing one electron oxidation of a broad range of substrates. Using molecular oxygen as the final electron acceptor, they release only water as a by‐product, and as such, laccases are eco‐friendly, versatile biocatalysts that have generated an enormous biotechnological interest. Indeed, this group of enzymes has been used in different industrial fields for very diverse purposes, from food additive and beverage processing to biomedical diagnosis, and as cross‐linking agents for furniture construction or in the production of biofuels. Laccases have also been studied intensely in nanobiotechnology for the development of implantable biosensors and biofuel cells. Moreover, their capacity to transform complex xenobiotics makes them useful biocatalysts in enzymatic bioremediation. This review summarizes the most significant recent advances in the use of laccases and their future perspectives in biotechnology.
A preliminary test of catabolic nutrients in explanation of the puzzling treelessness of grassland in mesic Australia
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , Milewski Antoni V. , Sirami Clélia
Published: October 2016

The puzzling exclusion of native trees from grassland under mesic climates can hypothetically be explained by nutritional regimes that make grasses competitively superior to trees. One hypothesis holds that where nutrient concentrations in soils allow catabolism to be as rapid as anabolism at the scale of the whole plant, photosynthates are respired instead of being allocated to stems, resulting in dominance of herbaceous over woody growth‐forms. This matching of catabolic and anabolic rates would depend on the ratios of catabolic to anabolic nutrient elements in soils at a particular site. We consequently investigated elemental concentrations of soils near boundaries between treeless grassland and eucalypt woodland in New South Wales, Australia. Soils were analysed for Be, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba and Pb. Based on our preliminary classification of nutrients as mainly catabolic (e.g. Cu) or mainly anabolic (e.g. Mn), the results showed that, relative to adjacent woodland, the soils under treeless grassland were naturally enriched in anabolic nutrients, but even more so in catabolic nutrients. Furthermore, the greater concentration of Mo – which can induce deficiency of the catabolic nutrient Cu – in soils under woodland than in soils under treeless grassland suggests that catabolic dystrophy allows eucalypt seedlings to prevail in competition with grasses. The results support the theory that where ratios of catabolic to anabolic nutrients are sufficient grasses will achieve competitive superiority over woody seedlings. Our study indicates that soil nutrient concentrations may partly explain the incidence of natural patches of treeless grassland in Australian landscapes otherwise dominated by woody plants.
An early innate response underlies severe influenza‐induced exacerbations of asthma in a novel steroid‐insensitive and anti‐IL‐5‐responsive mouse model
Authors: Ravanetti L. , Dijkhuis A. , Sabogal Pineros Y. S. , Bal S. M. , Dierdorp B. S. , Dekker T. , Logiantara A. , Adcock I. M. , Rao N. L. , Boon L. , Villetti G. , Sterk P. J. , Facchinetti F. , Lutter R. ,   for the U‐BIOPRED Study Group
Published: October 2016

Background

Acute worsening of asthma symptoms (exacerbation) is predominantly triggered by respiratory viruses, with influenza causing the most severe exacerbations. The lack of an adequate animal model hampers mechanistic insight and the development of new therapeutics.

Aim

We developed and characterized a robust, consistent, and reproducible mouse model of severe exacerbation of chronic allergic asthma.

Methods

Chronic allergic airway inflammation was induced following a house dust mite (HDM) sensitization protocol. HDM‐sensitized mice and controls were infected with influenza virus A/X31 H3N2 and either or not treated with inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP), systemic corticosteroids (Pred), or anti‐IL‐5. Mice were killed at different time points after infection: Cellular accumulation and cytokines levels in the airways, PenH as a measure of airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), and lung histology and viral replication were assessed.

Results

Infection with low‐dose A/X31 H3N2 led to prolonged deterioration of lung function, aggravated mucus production, peri‐vascular, peri‐bronchial, and allergic inflammation that was unresponsive to inhaled corticosteroids, but responsive to systemic corticosteroids. The exacerbation was preceded at 14 h after virus exposure by a marked innate, but no Th2 and Th1 response subsequently followed by enhanced numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, dendritic, and T cells into the lung lumen, parenchyma, and draining lymph nodes in HDM‐sensitized mice. Anti‐IL‐5 treatment attenuated eosinophils and prevented the X31‐induced exacerbation.

Conclusions

Together, these findings indicate that an early innate response that involves eosinophils underlies the exacerbation. This model recapitulates all major features of severe asthma exacerbations and can serve to discern driving mechanisms and promote the development of novel therapeutics.