bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development, evidence, and current use of ATX‐101 for the treatment of submental fat
Authors: Georgesen Corey , Lipner Shari R.
Published: April 2017

ATX‐101 (deoxycholic acid) is the first pharmaceutical therapy approved by the FDA for the reduction in submental fat. Deoxycholic acid is an endogenous secondary bile acid that normally solubilizes dietary fat, contributing to its breakdown and absorption within the gut. This article reviews the identification of deoxycholic acid as a lipolytic agent, and the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ATX‐101. In addition to phase I/II trials, four Phase III clinical trials have evaluated safety and efficacy of ATX‐101. These studies helped establish the appropriate dosage, administration techniques, warnings, and side effects of ATX‐101. ATX‐101 is effective in treating submental fat. Adverse events, although common, are mild and transient.
Ibn Khaldun and Philosophy: Causality in History
Authors: Çaksu Ali
Published: April 2017

Ibn Khaldun was a statesman, diplomat, scholar and judge. His masterpiece Muqaddimah bears testimony to his skills in some other fields like economy and poetry too. As an intellectual of his time, he was naturally interested in philosophy as well. He had an education in philosophy and had a considerable knowledge in both Greek and Islamic philosophy. In fact, he is considered a philosopher of history and even the first one. This article will display an aspect of Ibn Khaldun's interest and relation to philosophy. It will discuss his conception of causation and analyze how it works in his history.
Khaldunian studies today: The contributions of Syed Farid Alatas
Authors: Ardıç Nurullah
Published: April 2017

The growing interest in the 14th‐century Muslim scholar Ibn Khaldun's ideas and his essentially historical‐sociological perspective implies a promise of a critical appraisal of the Eurocentric nature of the classical and contemporary social theory. An important role is played in this endeavor by Syed Farid Alatas whose work has been important not only in terms of further introducing Ibn Khaldun's theory to the Western audience but also making it more relevant to the contemporary theoretical debates and historical sociology. This article reviews Alatas' work on Ibn Khaldun with a view to demonstrate that his contributions to the Khaldunian studies today take at least five different forms: a critical examination of Ibn Khaldun's theory in general, and reconstruction of it as a theory of the state, and of religious revival in particular; demonstrating its significance for the modern social sciences; its application to a number of premodern and modern empirical cases; and a theoretical integration of his model with some modern Western theories, which is a rare occurrence in both Khaldunian studies and sociology in general.
Long Hours and Longings: Australian Children's Views of Fathers' Work and Family Time
Authors: Strazdins Lyndall , Baxter Jennifer A. , Li Jianghong
Published: April 2017

Using two waves of paired data from a population sample of 10‐ to 13‐year‐old Australian children (5,711 father–child observations), the authors consider how the hours, schedules, intensity, and flexibility of fathers' jobs are associated with children's views about fathers' work and family time. A third of the children studied considered that their father works too much, one eighth wished that he did not work at all, and one third wanted more time with him or did not enjoy time together. Logistic regression modeling revealed that working on weekends, being time pressured, being unable to vary start and stop times, and working long hours generated negative views in children about fathers' jobs and time together. The time dilemmas generated by fathers' work devotions and demands are salient to and subjectively shared by their children.
Assessment of disease‐specific knowledge in Australian children with inflammatory bowel disease and their parents
Authors: Day Andrew S , Mylvaganam Gaithri , Shalloo Nollaig , Clarkson Cathy , Leach Steven T , Lemberg Daniel A
Published: April 2017

Aims

Disease‐specific knowledge may influence disease outcome and quality of life in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This prospective study aimed to define IBD‐related knowledge in a group of Australian children with IBD and their parents using a validated measure of disease‐specific knowledge, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Knowledge Inventory Device (IBD‐KID).

Methods

Children (less than 18 years) diagnosed with IBD who were members of the Australian patient support organisation were identified. Each family was sent copies of the IBD‐KID. Children aged 10–18 years and all parents were asked to complete the IBD‐KID and to also provide demographic details and disease characteristics.

Results

Replies were received from 196 families: 262 parents and 128 children completed questionnaires. Most children had a diagnosis of Crohn disease (65%) and 51% were male. Children diagnosed in the preceding 6 years scored higher than those with longer time since diagnosis. Parents had better scores in the IBD‐KID than the children (P < 0.0001). Overall, parents and children had poor understanding of key management issues for IBD (such as side effects of steroids), important outcomes (e.g. growth) and the use of complementary therapies.

Conclusions

Consistent patterns of IBD‐related knowledge were noted in this large group of Australian children with IBD and their parents. Measurement of disease‐related knowledge with the IBD‐KID can identify gaps in understanding, thereby permitting focused educational activities. Although these knowledge gaps may impact upon outcomes, further prospective studies are now required to elucidate the relationships between enhanced knowledge and specific outcomes.
The Role of Managers in Enacting Two‐Step Institutional Work for Radical Innovation in Professional Organizations
Authors: Radaelli Giovanni , Currie Graeme , Frattini Federico , Lettieri Emanuele
Published: April 2017

Radical innovation in professional settings faces an institutional challenge. Professionals enjoy autonomy predicated on jurisdictional knowledge and can resist radical innovation if their interests are threatened. Our study examines if and how managers mediate professional resistance and ensure that radical innovation can take hold. A comparative case study of 12 Italian hospitals introducing integrated service configurations shows that managers may hold back from introducing radical innovation where they judge professional resistance as insurmountable. Executives reinforce, rather than challenge, the status quo, and discourage middle managers from further actions. Where the professional context is more receptive because of micro‐institutional affordances, then, managers enact different tactics. Managers may centralize decision‐making through political work, which, however, increases professional resistance and hinders radical innovation. Managers may adopt project management approaches, which facilitate local experiments, but struggle to scale‐up the radical innovation. Most successful cases are characterized by executive and middle managers enacting a two‐step institutional work, which reconfigures the regulative, normative, and cognitive foundations of professional boundaries and practice. The comparative study shows how managers can support radical innovation in collaboration with professionals. In the two‐step institutional work, executive and middle managers develop stable alliances with local professional groups to provide cognitive/normative foundations of radical innovation; second, they allow professionals to inhabit nascent institutional arrangements to make sense of how these fit with their prevailing interests, norms, and beliefs; third, they co‐develop new structures/rules that encourage professionals to pursue radical innovation; finally, they perform maintenance work to preserve professionals' attachment to new institutions.
Increased levels of soluble HLA‐G molecules in Tunisian patients with chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Laaribi A. B. , Bortolotti D. , Hannachi N. , Mehri A. , Hazgui O. , Ben Yahia H. , Babay W. , Belhadj M. , Chaouech H. , Yacoub S. , Letaief A. , Ouzari H. I. , Boudabous A. , Di Luca D. , Boukadida J. , Rizzo R. , Zidi I.
Published: April 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. The mechanisms of immune tolerance in HBV infection are still unclear. The host immune response plays a critical role in determining the outcome of HBV infection. Human leucocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is involved in immunotolerogenic process and infectious diseases. This study aimed to explore the implication of soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) and its isoforms in HBV infection. Total sHLA‐G (including shedding HLA‐G1 and HLA‐G5) was analysed by ELISA in 95 chronic HBV patients, 83 spontaneously resolvers and 100 healthy controls (HC). To explore the presence of sHLA‐G dimers, we performed an immunoprecipitation and a Western blot analysis on positive samples for sHLA‐G in ELISA. The serum levels of sHLA‐G were significantly increased in patients with chronic HBV patients compared to spontaneously resolvers and HC (P<.0001). Interestingly, we found an increased level of sHLA‐G1 in chronic HBV patients than in spontaneously resolvers and HC (P<.001). In addition, the expression of HLA‐G5 seems to be higher in the sera of chronic HBV patients than spontaneously resolvers (P=.026). The analysis of HLA‐G dimers showed the presence of homodimers in 93% of chronic HBV patients, 67% in spontaneously resolvers and 60% in HC. These results provide evidence that sHLA‐G may have a crucial role in the outcome of HBV infection and could be proposed as a biomarker for infection outcome. Based on its tolerogenic function, HLA‐G might be considered as a new promising immunotherapeutic approach to treat the chronic infection with HBV.
Staphylococcus aureus nitric oxide synthase (saNOS) modulates aerobic respiratory metabolism and cell physiology
Authors: Mogen Austin B. , Carroll Ronan K. , James Kimberly L. , Lima Genevy , Silva Dona , Culver Jeffrey A. , Petucci Christopher , Shaw Lindsey N. , Rice Kelly C.
Published: April 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) is generated from arginine and oxygen via NO synthase (NOS). Staphylococcus aureus NOS (saNOS) has previously been shown to affect virulence and resistance to exogenous oxidative stress, yet the exact mechanism is unknown. Herein, a previously undescribed role of saNOS in S. aureus aerobic physiology was reported. Specifically, aerobic S. aureus nos mutant cultures presented with elevated endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide levels, as well as increased membrane potential, increased respiratory dehydrogenase activity and slightly elevated oxygen consumption. Elevated ROS levels in the nos mutant likely resulted from altered respiratory function, as inhibition of NADH dehydrogenase brought ROS levels back to wild‐type levels. These results indicate that, in addition to its recently reported role in regulating the switch to nitrate‐based respiration during low‐oxygen growth, saNOS also plays a modulatory role during aerobic respiration. Multiple transcriptional changes were also observed in the nos mutant, including elevated expression of genes associated with oxidative/nitrosative stress, anaerobic respiration and lactate metabolism. Targeted metabolomics revealed decreased cellular lactate levels, and altered levels of TCA cycle intermediates, the latter of which may be related to decreased aconitase activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a key contribution of saNOS to S. aureus aerobic respiratory metabolism.
Non‐response to fluconazole maintenance treatment (ReCiDiF regimen) for recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis is not related to impaired glucose metabolism
Authors: Grinceviciene Svitrigaile , Bellen Gert , Ruban Kateryna , Donders Gilbert
Published: April 2017

Is non‐response to maintenance treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RCVV) related to the impaired glucose metabolism? In the ReCiDiF trial, women with RCVV were given a degressive regimen with fluconazole according to their clinical, microscopic and mycologic response. Data obtained from optimal, suboptimal and non‐reponding patients were used for secondary analysis of medical history, physical status and family history for potential glucose impairment. Results were presented in means and percentages. Pearson chi‐square, Fisher exact, Mann‐Whitney U, Kruskal‐Wallis and Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated. P<.05 were interpreted as statistically significant. Sociodemographic characteristics and family and personal history of diabetes were not different between optimal, suboptimal and non‐responders. The average HbA1c concentration was 5.1±0.3% in optimal, 5.0±0.4% in sub‐optimal, and 5.1±0.3% in non‐responding patients (P=1.0). There are no statistical differences between optimal, sub‐optimal and non‐respondents to treatment in all deciles of HbA1c among patients with recurrent candidosis (P=1.0). There was no difference among groups in fasting glucose concentration, nor after 30 min, 60 min or 120 min during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (P=.6). Area under the OGTT curve did not differ within groups (P=.8), nor was the deviation from the normal cut‐off value any different (P=.8). Glucose concentration in vaginal rinsing fluid showed no correlation with responsiveness to treatment (P=.7). Glucose metabolism, BMI, personal or family history of diabetes are not related to non‐response to maintenance treatment with fluconazole for patients with RVVC.
The incidence and costs of bacteremia due to lack of gentamicin lock solutions for dialysis catheters
Authors: Goh Tze Liang , Wei Jason , Semple David , Collins John
Published: April 2017

The use of antibiotic lock solutions as prophylaxis for catheter‐associated blood stream infection (CRBSI) has been shown to be effective in previous randomized controlled trials. However, the cost‐effectiveness of this approach had not been studied. In 2012, the routine gentamicin‐heparin lock solution used in Auckland City Hospital was withdrawn from the market, leading to a change to heparin‐only lock. This was then replaced with gentamicin‐citrate lock in 2014. This situation allowed review of the CRBSI rate and financial impact of different catheter lock solutions. A retrospective audit was performed from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015 to investigate the rate of culture‐proven CRBSI in patients with tunneled cuffed dialysis catheters. There were 89 cases of CRBSI involving 64 patients in the 5‐year period. In comparison with the heparin‐only lock, both gentamicin‐heparin and gentamicin‐citrate locks had a significantly lower rate of bacteremia, with rate ratios of 0.46 (confidence interval 0.30‐0.72) and 0.11 (confidence interval 0.05‐0.22), respectively. The inpatient costs as a consequence of the CRBSI were NZ$27 792 per 1000 catheter days for heparin‐only lock, NZ$10 608.56 per 1000 catheter days for gentamicin‐heparin lock, and NZ$ 1898.45 per 1000 catheter days for gentamicin‐citrate lock. The lack of antibiotic lock solutions led to an increase in bacteremia rates and higher financial cost for inpatient management of bacteremia. Our findings highlight the importance of consistent supply of pharmaceuticals.
Is there a role for newer biomarkers in chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder management?
Authors: Tan Sven‐Jean , Cai Michael MX
Published: April 2017

The current management of Chronic Kidney Disease‐Mineral Bone Disorder (CKD‐MBD) relies largely on clinical judgement and assessment of biochemical parameters including serum calcium, phosphate and intact parathyroid hormone concentrations. In the past two decades, there has been a leap in the understanding of the pathophysiology of CKD‐MBD, leading to the discovery of novel biomarkers. The potential utility of these markers in this clinical setting is an area of intense investigation. In the absence of any guidelines aiding the clinician's understanding and application of these markers, we summarise the current available literature surrounding fibroblast growth factor‐23, α‐Klotho, sclerostin and serum calcification propensity testing and their respective assays in the context of CKD‐MBD management.
Is serum phosphate a useful target in patients with chronic kidney disease and what is the role for dietary phosphate restriction?
Authors: Toussaint Nigel D , Holt Stephen G
Published: April 2017

A complex system of endocrine and paracrine signals exists to control phosphate balance. Dysregulation of these systems in patients with chronic kidney disease has serious clinical consequences. Whilst observational studies have shown associations between higher serum phosphate levels and poor clinical outcomes, the direction of causality has not been demonstrated. Whether there is a target level of serum phosphate remains controversial and no randomized trials to date have proved that strategies to lower extracellular phosphate actually improve clinical outcomes. Serum phosphate provides only a partial measure of overall phosphate balance and, importantly, calcification risk. Changes in dietary phosphate may be a modifiable source of phosphate in humans, although better methods for assessment of dietary phosphate intake are required. Individuals consume large amounts of phosphate in processed foods, rich in phosphate additives, and there is interest in restricting dietary phosphate as a matter of public health, although the association between dietary phosphate and serum phosphate is modest at best. Interventional studies are needed to provide supportive evidence of any potential advantages of dietary phosphate restriction before such measures can be recommended.
Is there a role or target value for nutritional vitamin D in chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Lim Wai H , Duncan Emma L
Published: April 2017

Vitamin D is important for bone health in the general population but the value of vitamin D supplementation, and the role of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D independently of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitmain D, in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in those who require dialysis, remains uncertain. Supplementation may improve some biochemical parameters, such as reducing PTH levels in patients to CKD‐stage 4 who have vitamin D deficiency; but it remains to be established whether the role of nutritional vitamin D in maintaining bone health in the general population can be extrapolated to the CKD population. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend conclusively that nutritional vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed to individuals with CKD who have 25‐hydroxyvitamin D deficiency, either for skeletal or non‐skeletal health outcomes.
Obesity and addiction: can a complication of surgery help us understand the connection?
Authors: Ivezaj V. , Stoeckel L. E. , Avena N. M. , Benoit S. C. , Conason A. , Davis J. F. , Gearhardt A. N. , Goldman R. , Mitchell J. E. , Ochner C. N. , Saules K. K. , Steffen K. J. , Stice E. , Sogg S.
Published: April 2017

Obesity is a multifactorial, chronic disease that has proven difficult to treat. An increased understanding of aetiological mechanisms is critical to the development of more effective obesity prevention and treatment strategies. A growing body of empirical evidence has demonstrated parallels between obesity, overeating and substance abuse, including shared behavioural, psychological and neurophysiological factors implicated in the excessive intake of both food and substances of abuse. Several different lines of research have recently emerged that hold the potential to shed light on the connection between obesity, food reward and addiction, with studies examining changes in alcohol use/misuse after weight loss surgery providing a particularly interesting perspective on these interrelationships. However, these lines of investigation have proceeded in relative isolation, and relevant research findings have yet to be integrated in a synthesized, comprehensive manner. To provide an opportunity to achieve such a synthesis, a scientific symposium was convened at the Radcliffe Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Invited participants were researchers working in diverse domains related to the intersection between obesity and addiction. Extensive discussion was generated suggesting novel research directions. In this article, we summarize and synthesize the symposium participants' ongoing research in this area, incorporating additional relevant research holding potential clues regarding the connections between obesity, weight loss surgery and addiction.
The role of hypnotherapy in evidence‐based clinical practice
Authors: Griffiths MJ
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this review was to discuss the place of hypnotherapy in a modern medical world dominated by so‐called evidence‐based clinical practice. Hypnosis is an easily learned technique that is a valuable adjuvant to many medical, dental and psychological interventions.
Flower colour polymorphism in the Mediterranean Basin: occurrence, maintenance and implications for speciation
Authors: Narbona E. , Wang H. , Ortiz P. L. , Arista M. , Imbert E.
Published: April 2017

Flower colour polymorphism (FCP) is the occurrence of at least two discrete flower colour variants in the same population. Despite a vast body of research concerning the maintenance and evolutionary consequences ofFCP, only recently has the spatial variation in morph frequencies among populations been explored. Here we summarise the biochemical and genetic basis ofFCP, the factors that have been proposed to explain their maintenance, and the importance ofFCPand its geographic variation in the speciation process. We also review the incidence ofFCPin the environmentally heterogeneous Mediterranean Basin. Nearly 88% of MediterraneanFCPspecies showed anthocyanin‐based polymorphisms. Concerning the evolutionary mechanisms that contribute to maintainFCP, selection by pollinators is suggested in some species, but in others, selection by non‐pollinator agents, genetic drift or gene flow are also found; in some cases different processes interact in the maintenance ofFCP. We emphasise the role of both autonomous selfing and clonal reproduction inFCPmaintenance. Mediterranean polymorphic species show mainly monomorphic populations with only a few polymorphic ones, which generate clinal or mosaic patterns of variation inFCP. No cases of species with only polymorphic populations were found. We posit that different evolutionary processes maintaining polymorphism the Mediterranean Basin will result in a continuum of geographic patterns in morph compositions and relative frequencies ofFCPspecies.
A Long Time Coming: Delays in Collective Apologies and Their Effects on Sincerity and Forgiveness
Authors: Wenzel Michael , Lawrence‐Wood Ellie , Okimoto Tyler G. , Hornsey Matthew J.
Published: April 2017

Political apologies by one group to another often occur a significant period of time after the original transgression. What effect does such a delay have on perceptions of sincerity and forgiveness? A delayed apology could reflect the offender group's reluctance to apologize, or, alternatively, it could represent time and consideration spent on developing an appropriate response. In the latter case, the delayed apology would represent a sincere acknowledgment of the harm done, whereas in the former case it would not. In two studies, we found that a verbal collective apology, when delayed, was perceived to be less sincere than when offered more immediately following a transgression, and this translated to less forgiveness. However, in Study 2, the negative effects of time delay on sincerity and forgiveness were mitigated or reversed when the apology was in the form of commemoration. The commemorative apology, in particular when delayed, gave rise to favorable attributions (including representativeness of apologizing group, commitment to remember, and giving voice to victims), which mediated the effects on sincerity. The results suggest that collective apologies that are offered with considerable delay appear less meaningful and less deserving of a forgiving response, unless the apologizing group is able to express consideration and thoughtfulness through the apology process.
Chronic periodontitis and implant dentistry
Authors: Smith Michael M. , Knight Ellie T. , Al‐Harthi Latfiya , Leichter Jonathan W.
Published: April 2017

Dental implants are regularly placed in patients with a history of periodontitis, even though peri‐implant tissues are susceptible to the same host‐modulated plaque‐induced factors that initiate and sustain periodontitis. This article endeavors to clarify the evidence regarding the history of periodontitis as a risk factor for implant success and survival, and the role of supportive periodontal therapy in maintaining implants for individuals with a history of periodontitis.
Effect of orthodontic treatment on the periodontal tissues
Authors: Antoun Joseph S. , Mei Li , Gibbs Kelsi , Farella Mauro
Published: April 2017

Reduced periodontal support is a challenge that clinicians often face during rehabilitation of compromised dentition. The close and intricate relationship between the periodontal tissues and the processes of tooth movement suggest that adjunct orthodontic therapy may play an important role in overcoming these problems. On the other hand, excessive movement of teeth beyond the anatomic boundaries of the alveolar process is commonly believed to contribute to further destruction of the periodontal tissues. This review evaluates the clinical effects of various orthodontic tooth movements on the surrounding periodontal soft tissues and alveolar bone. Another objective was to identify possible patient and treatment‐related factors that may influence the response of periodontal tissue to specific orthodontic treatments. Particular emphasis is placed on specific tooth movements, such as extrusion, intrusion, space closure and arch expansion. Limitations of current research are also highlighted and discussed.
Surgical management in dentistry: the interdisciplinary relationship between periodontology and oral and maxillofacial surgery
Authors: Tong Darryl C.
Published: April 2017

Surgical procedures of the oral cavity can be performed by a number of dental specialists and clinicians. Because of the limited number of surgical procedures that can be performed inside the oral cavity, the boundaries between specialties may become indistinct and lead to confusion for general dentists in terms of patient referrals. In this article, what the two surgical specialties of dentistry (i.e. periodontology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) have to offer is highlighted, together with clinical examples to illustrate the interdisciplinary relationship between them.
A comparison of clinical characteristics of older adults treated with antidepressants in general and psychiatric hospitals in Asia
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Yuan , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Ungvari Gabor S. , Ng Chee H. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Yim Larina C.L. , Si Tian‐Mei , Chee Kok‐Yoon , Avasthi Ajit , Grover Sandeep , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Sim Kang , Kanba Shigenobu , He Yan‐Ling , Lee Min‐Soo , Yang Shu‐Yu , Udomratn Pichet , Kallivayalil Roy A. , Tanra Andi J. , Maramis Margarita M. , Shen Winston W. , Sartorius Norman , Mahendran Rathi , Teng Jia‐Ying , Tan Chay‐Hoon , Shinfuku Naotaka
Published: April 2017

Aim

This study compared the demographics, clinical characteristics, and antidepressant prescription patterns between Asian patients aged 50 years and older attending psychiatric hospitals and those attending general hospitals.

Methods

In total, 955 patients (604 in general hospitals, 351 in psychiatric hospitals) aged 50 years or older treated with antidepressants in 10 Asian countries and territories were examined. Patients’ demographics, clinical features, and prescriptions of psychotropic drugs were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure.

Results

Binary logistic regression revealed that high income and diagnosis of schizophrenia were independently associated with psychiatric hospital treatment, whereas outpatient care, diagnosis of anxiety disorders, and multiple major medical conditions were independently associated with general hospital treatment. In addition, tetracyclic and noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants were more likely to be prescribed in general hospitals.

Conclusion

Older adults treated with antidepressants showed different demographic and clinical features between general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals in Asia.
Intellectual capital drivers of product and managerial innovation in high‐tech and low‐tech firms
Authors: Buenechea‐Elberdin Marta , Kianto Aino , Sáenz Josune
Published: April 2017

There is widespread understanding that intellectual capital (IC), consisting of the valuable knowledge resources of an organization, is a key enabler of innovation activities; however, little is known about the more specific contingencies impacting the relationship between IC and innovation. Thus, this article examines firm technology level and innovation type as contingency variables. It was argued that because high‐tech and low‐tech firms differ in terms of several knowledge characteristics (complexity, tacitness and pace of renovation), it is likely that their innovation performance is supported by different combinations of IC components. Furthermore, differences between product/service and managerial innovation could also lead to changes in the degree of relevance of various IC components. To test these contingency hypotheses, a survey dataset collected from 180 Spanish companies is analysed using structural equation modelling. The results demonstrate that both firm's technology level and type of innovation affect how IC influences innovation performance. The findings contribute to a knowledge‐based perspective on innovation and pave the way for a more context‐sensitive and contingency‐mindful approach to understanding innovation and knowledge‐based value creation.
A longitudinal study of the individual characteristics of effective R&D project team leaders
Authors: Keller Robert T.
Published: April 2017

One hundred and eighteen project team leaders from five industrial research and development (R&D) organizations were studied to determine the individual characteristics that longitudinally predict leader effectiveness. Hypotheses generated from an interactionist framework and the theory of purposeful work behavior (Barrick et al., ) found an innovative orientation and job involvement to each predict 1‐year later and 5‐years later job performance ratings by immediate supervisors. Low need for clarity predicted 1‐year later performance ratings. Self‐esteem and job involvement each predicted 5‐years later profitability of the project, and job involvement predicted project speed to market. As hypothesized, type of R&D work was found to be a moderator whereby an innovative orientation predicted 1‐year and 5‐years later job performance primarily for research projects, and a low need for clarity predicted 1‐year later performance mainly for research projects. Implications for models of interactionism and leader effectiveness in R&D are discussed.
Effectiveness of seed sowing techniques for sloped restoration sites
Authors: Tamura Nicole , Lulow Megan E. , Halsch Chris A. , Major Matthew R. , Balazs Kathleen R. , Austin Paige , Huxman Travis E. , Kimball Sarah
Published: April 2017

Practitioners are challenged with choosing among many potentially effective methods for sowing seed in ecological restoration projects to achieve sufficient native plant establishment. We tested the effectiveness of seed sowing techniques on moderate and steep slopes in a Mediterranean climate by measuring native seedling density immediately following germination, as well as plant density, recruitment success, and soil movement through the second growing season. We calculated cost effectiveness of different methods as the native plant density per dollar spent sowing seed. While all sowing techniques resulted in significant native establishment compared with unseeded controls, hydro seeding on moderate slopes was the most cost effective (native seedlings established per dollar spent). Although all steep‐sloped seeding techniques resulted in high densities of native species, all methods also resulted in significant soil loss. Shrubs preferred hand seeding followed by jute netting on steep slopes, while forbs reached greatest densities with hydro seeding on moderate slopes. Seedlings of species with heavy seeds were present in greater densities than species with lighter seeds in imprint sowing treatments. The “best” seed sowing technique varied depending on slope and metric of success (native density, species richness, shrub density, or forb density). Different combinations of slope, technique, and success metric resulted in significantly different project costs, which implies opportunities for savings given careful decision‐making relative to mitigation needs on heterogeneous landscapes. Evaluations of techniques for restoring slopes are limited, yet critical for expanding the area capable of being restored and the application of limited conservation funding.
Induced pluripotent stem cells reduce neutrophil chemotaxis via activating GRK2 in endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Su Vincent Yi‐Fong , Chiou Shih‐Hwa , Lin Chi‐Shiuan , Chen Wei‐Chih , Yu Wen‐Kuang , Chen Yen‐Wen , Chen Cheng‐Yu , Yang Kuang‐Yao
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

We investigated the effect of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in moderating neutrophil chemotaxis in endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice at 8–12 weeks of age were studied. Murine iPSCs were delivered through the tail veins of mice 4 h after intratracheal instillation of endotoxin. Lung histopathological findings, neutrophil counts in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), bone marrow (BM) cell distribution, expression of chemokine receptors and regulatory signalling pathways were analysed after 24 h. Human neutrophils isolated from acute respiratory distress syndrome patients were used in a cell migration assay.

Results

iPSCs significantly decreased the histopathological changes of ALI in mice compared to treatment with control cells. Numbers and activity levels of neutrophils in BALF were reduced in iPSC‐treated ALI mice. The iPSC therapy restored neutrophil counts in the peripheral blood of ALI mice, but the percentages of mature neutrophils in BM were similar between iPSC‐treated and ‐untreated groups. The iPSCs mediated a downregulation of the chemotactic response to endotoxin by reducing chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2) expression on mouse peripheral blood neutrophils. This result was confirmed by an in vitro human neutrophil migration assay. In addition, iPSCs or conditioned medium from iPSCs enhanced expression of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) on the surface of blood neutrophils in ALI mice.

Conclusion

iPSCs reduce neutrophil chemotaxis in endotoxin‐induced ALI. These effects are associated with an enhancement of GRK2 activity and reduction of CXCR2 expression.
Estimation and Prediction in the Presence of Spatial Confounding for Spatial Linear Models
Authors: Page Garritt L. , Liu Yajun , He Zhuoqiong , Sun Donchu
Published: April 2017

In studies that produce data with spatial structure, it is common that covariates of interest vary spatially in addition to the error. Because of this, the error and covariate are often correlated. When this occurs, it is difficult to distinguish the covariate effect from residual spatial variation. In ani.i.d.normal error setting, it is well known that this type of correlation produces biased coefficient estimates, but predictions remain unbiased. In a spatial setting, recent studies have shown that coefficient estimates remain biased, but spatial prediction has not been addressed. The purpose of this paper is to provide a more detailed study of coefficient estimation from spatial models when covariate and error are correlated and then begin a formal study regarding spatial prediction. This is carried out by investigating properties of the generalized least squares estimator and the best linear unbiased predictor when a spatial random effect and a covariate are jointly modelled. Under this setup, we demonstrate that the mean squared prediction error is possibly reduced when covariate and error are correlated.
Risk Factors Proximate to Suicide and Suicide Risk Assessment in the Context of Denied Suicide Ideation
Authors: Berman Alan L.
Published: April 2017

Health care providers have significant opportunities to identify individuals at near‐term risk for suicide, but lack empirical data on near‐term risk factors. This study aimed to identify dynamic, state‐related risk factors observed by clinical practitioners within the last 30 days of life of 157 patients who died by suicide and to compare these near‐term risk factors among patients who denied versus responded positively to having suicide ideation (SI) when last asked by a clinical practitioner prior to their death. Risk factors charted for the majority of all decedents were a history of prior suicide ideation and/or suicide attempt, current anxiety/agitation and sleep problems, current interpersonal problems or job/financial strain, current comorbid diagnoses, current social isolation/withdrawal, and a family history of mental disorder. Two‐thirds of patients denied having SI when last asked and one‐half of these patients were dead by suicide within 2 days. Decedents who denied having SI were quite similar in charted diagnoses, symptoms, behaviors, and environmental circumstances to decedents who responded affirmatively to having SI. Reliance on verbalized or reported SI as a gateway to a suicide risk assessment is questioned and the need for better understanding near‐term risk for suicide, particularly in the absence of stated SI, is highlighted.
Deontological Conservatism and Perceptual Justification
Authors: Vahid Hamid
Published: April 2017

Crispin Wright has advanced a number of arguments to show that, in addition to evidential warrant, we have a species of non‐evidential warrant, namely, “entitlement”, which forms the basis of a particular view of the architecture of perceptual justification known as “epistemic conservatism”. It is widely known, however, that Wright's conservative view is beset by a number of problems. In this article, I shall argue that the kind of warrant that emerges from Wright's account is not the standard truth‐conducive justification, but what is known as the deontological conception of justification. It will be argued that the deontological justification has features that make it a better candidate for representing a conservative architecture. These results will be reinforced by showing how the deontological framework can make better sense of a recent theory of justified (reasonable) belief that takes its inspiration from Wright's conservative account. Thus understood, we may see the liberalism–conservatism controversy as actually an extension of the older debate over which conception of justification, truth‐conducive or deontological, can best represent the epistemic status of our belief‐forming practices.
Recovery from Talaromyces marneffei involving the kidney in a renal transplant recipient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Peng Juan , Chen Zhiyong , Cai Ruiming , Huang Xianen , Lin Liying , Liang Weixiang , Xiong Zhongtang , Chen Juan , Chen Hui , Yang Yuexin , Liu Shaoyan , Jiang Qingping
Published: April 2017

Talaromyces marneffei is an emerging opportunistic infection among immunocompromised patients. We observe the first native case of disseminated T. marneffei involving the kidney in a renal transplant recipient in mainland China. We describe the comprehensive clinical course, and ultrasound imaging of renal transplant biopsy, pathologic images, and electron microscopy observation of the biopsy specimen, highlighting the relevance of biopsy findings and the blood culture. We also focus on the treatment and good outcome of the patient. Then we review the literature and show the additional 10 reported cases of T. marneffei in renal transplant recipients. In addition, we discuss the new methods of rapid diagnosis of T. marneffei. In brief, timely diagnosis and proper treatment of T. marneffei infection is important in renal transplant recipients.
Successful multiple organ donation after donor brain death due to Actinomyces israelii meningitis
Authors: Lagunes Leonel , Len Oscar , Sandiumenge Alberto , Martínez‐Saez Elena , Pumarola Tomás , Bodro Marta , Macías Antonio , Silva Jose T. , Nuvials F. Xavier , Charco Ramon , Moreso Francesc , Pont Teresa
Published: April 2017

The increasing gap between availability of solid organs for transplantation and the demand has led to the inclusion of donor organs that, according to current guidelines, may be discarded, some of them because of the possibility for transmission of infection to the recipients. We present the first report, to the best of our knowledge, of a case of a brain‐dead donor with a localized and treated Actinomyces israelii central nervous system infection who, after a thorough evaluation, provided organs for successful transplant procedures in four recipients. There was no evidence of transmission of infection within a 6‐month follow‐up. Relative contraindications must be individualized in order to expand the number of real organ donors, emphasizing caution in rare causes for brain death in which patients should be thoroughly evaluated for possible donation.
A removable virus vector suitable for plant genome editing
Authors: Chujo Tetsuya , Yoshikawa Manabu , Ariga Hirotaka , Endo Masaki , Toki Seiichi , Ishibashi Kazuhiro
Published: April 2017

Plant genome editing is achieved by the expression of sequence‐specific nucleases (SSNs). RNA virus vector‐mediated expression of SSNs is a promising approach for transgene integration‐free targeted mutagenesis in plants. However, the removal of virus vectors from infected plants is challenging because no antiviral drugs are available against plant viruses. Here, we developed a removable RNA virus vector that carries the target site of tobacco microRNA398 (miR398) whose expression is induced during shoot regeneration. In the inoculated leaves in which expression of miR398 is not induced, insertion of the miR398 target site did not affect the practicability of the virus vector. When shoots were regenerated from the infected leaves, miR398 was expressed and viral RNA was eliminated. The virus vector successfully expressed SSNs in inoculated leaves, from which virus‐free genome‐edited plants were regenerated via tissue culture.
Effect of dalteparin administration on thrombin generation kinetics in healthy dogs
Authors: Gara‐Boivin Carolyn , de Castillo Jérôme R.E. , Dunn Marilyn E. , Bédard Christian
Published: April 2017

Background

Dalteparin is used to prevent thrombotic complications in dogs. Measurement of anti‐factor Xa (anti‐FXa) activity is currently used for monitoring therapy, but remains a nonfunctional test. The calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) could be a suitable approach for functional monitoring.

Objectives

We hypothesized that the CAT will detect decreased endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) in healthy dogs receiving dalteparin.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy adult Beagles were randomly allocated to 4 equal groups. A single subcutaneous (SC) dose of 50 U/kg, 100 U/kg, or 150 U/kg of dalteparin was given. Platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) was collected over a 24‐hour period and evaluated by thrombin generation (TG) via CAT, anti‐FXa activity, and APTT. Analysis was performed with a repeated‐measures general linear mixed model, and the treated groups were compared to a placebo group.

Results

Time, dose, and time–dose interaction significantly affected ETP (P < .0001 for all effects), peak (P < .0001 for all effects), rate index (P < .0006 for all effects), and anti‐FXa activity (P < .0001 for all effects). No significant time trend was detected in the control group. Dogs receiving the 100 U/kg dalteparin SC injection showed the most homogeneous response of ETP inhibition among treated groups. The % inhibition of ETP from baseline increased nonlinearly as a function of anti‐FXa activity (r2 = .8186).

Conclusions

The CAT assay can be employed to measure the effects of dalteparin at different doses in healthy dogs, showing sensitivity to time‐ and dose‐dependent changes in ETP and other TG variables. Further investigation of the CAT as a tool for monitoring low molecular weight heparin therapy in dogs is warranted.
Gas Diffusion Electrode With Large Amounts of Gas Diffusion Channel Using Hydrophobic Carbon Fiber: For Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Gas/Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Tada Shohei , Privatananupunt Pantira , Iwasaki Toshiyuki , Kikuchi Ryuji
Published: April 2017

For a gas diffusion cathode for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in aqueous alkaline electrolyte, it is important to create networks for O2 gas diffusion, electronic conduction, and liquid-phase OH− transport in the cathode at once. In this study, we succeeded to fabricate a promising cathode using hydrophobic vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF-Xs), instead of hydrophobic carbon blacks (CBs), as additives to its active layer (AL). Mercury porosimetry, as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, showed that porosity of the cathode gradually increased with increasing the amount of the carbon fibers. In other words, addition of larger amount of the carbon fibers creates better O2 gas diffusion channels. Also, the activation polarization resistance for the ORR increased as the carbon fibers' amount from 0 to 0.03–0.04 g and then dropped. In consequence, the cathode with 0.03 g of the carbon fibers exhibited the highest ORR performance among the prepared cathodes.
Model Testing of a Series of Counter-Rotating Type Horizontal-Axis Tidal Turbines With 500 mm Diameter
Authors: Huang Bin , Shi Jijun , Wei Xuesong
Published: April 2017

Tidal current energy shows great attractive as it stores an enormous amount of predictable sustainable resource that can be extracted and used for the purpose of commercial power generation. The horizontal-axis tidal turbine (HATT) has been proposed as the most effective one among many tidal current energy extraction devices. It is well known that the similarities between horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and tidal turbines suggest that much can be transferred from the design and operation of wind turbines. In the present work, a series of model counter-rotating type HATTs were designed according to the experience of a counter-rotating type HAWT, and a test rig was constructed. Experimental tests of the hydrodynamic performance in terms of power coefficient were carried out in a circulating water tunnel. Three model turbines consisting of different front and rear blades were analyzed. Experimental results of power coefficient for a range of tip speed ratios (TSRs) and setting angle matches between the front and rear blades for various conditions are presented. Such results provide valuable data for validating the hydrodynamic design and numerical simulations of counter-rotating type HATTs.
Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation to Squeeze Film Damper Analysis
Authors: Lee Gil Jun , Kim Jay , Steen Tod
Published: April 2017

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are used in high-speed turbomachinery to provide external damping to the system. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is a highly effective tool to predict the performance of SFDs and obtain design guidance. It is shown that a moving reference frame (MRF) can be adopted for CFD simulation, which saves computational time significantly. MRF-based CFD analysis is validated, then utilized to design oil plenums of SFDs. Effects of the piston ring clearances, the oil groove, and oil supply ports are studied based on CFD and theoretical solutions. It is shown that oil plenum geometries can significantly affect the performance of the SFD especially when the SFD has a small clearance. The equivalent clearance is proposed as a new concept that enables quick estimation of the effect of oil plenum geometries on the SFD performance. Some design practices that have been adopted in industry are revisited to check their validity. Based on simulation results, a set of general design guidelines is proposed.