bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies and service innovations of haitao business in the Chinese market
Authors: Liu Caixia , Hong Jinhwan
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Chinese consumers’ cross-border internet shopping, so called “haitao” is an emerging popular trend in China. Haitao can be understood as service innovation process because it creates new market spaces and provides differentiated values for Chinese customers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to explore the service innovation strategies and success factors of haitao business in the Chinese market. The authors selected two successful haitao sites of Amazon.cn and Gmarket.co.kr, as representatives of a global player and a niche player, and conducted a comparative case study to analyze their service innovation strategies and key success factors.

Findings

This comparative case analysis based on value chain framework revealed some common success factors such as trust, advanced system and alliances as well as their service innovation efforts. Amazon has advantages such as efficient logistics system and global sourcing, whereas Gmarket has advantages such as product category, sales promotions, and payment system.

Originality/value

This study provides some implications for managers with localization, alliances and platform strategies.
The impact of cash flow volatility on firm leverage and debt maturity structure: evidence from China
Authors: Memon Zulfiqar Ali , Chen Yan , Tauni Muhammad Zubair , Ali Hashmat
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of cash flow volatility on firm’s leverage levels. It also analyzes how cash flow volatility influences the debt maturity structure for the Chinese listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct the measure for cash flow variability as five-year rolling standard deviation of the cash flow from operations. The authors use generalized linear model approach to determine the effect of volatility on leverage. In addition, the authors design a categorical debt maturity variable and assign categories depending upon firm’s usage of debt at various maturity levels. The authors apply Ordered Probit regression to analyze how volatility affects firm’s debt maturity structure. The authors lag volatility and other independent variables in the estimation models so as to eliminate any possible endogeneity problems. Finally, the authors execute various techniques for verifying the robustness of the main findings.

Findings

The authors provide evidence that higher volatility of cash flows results in lower leverage levels, while the sub-sampling analysis reveals that there is no such inverse association in the case of Chinese state-owned enterprises. The authors also provide novel findings that irrespective of the ownership structure, firms facing high volatility choose debt of relatively shorter maturities and vice versa. Overall, a rise of one standard deviation in volatility causes 8.89 percent reduction in long-term market leverage ratio and 26.62 percent reduction in the likelihood of issuing debentures or long-term notes.

Research limitations/implications

This study advocates that cash flow volatility is an essential factor for determining both the debt levels and firm’s term-to-maturity structure. The findings of this study can be helpful for the financial managers in maintaining optimal leverage and debt maturity structure, for lenders in reducing their risk of non-performing loans and for investors in their decision-making process.

Originality/value

Existing empirical literature regarding the influence of variability of cash flows on leverage and debt maturity structure is inconclusive. Moreover, prior research studies mainly focus only on the developed countries. No previous comprehensive study exists so far for Chinese firms in this regard. This paper endeavors to fulfill this research gap by furnishing novel findings in the context of atypical and distinctive institutional setup of Chinese firms.
ISFET structures with chemically modified membrane for bovine serum albumin detection
Authors: Firek Piotr , Cichomski Michal , Waskiewicz Michal , Piwoński Ireneusz , Kisielewska Aneta
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present possibility of fast and certain identification of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by means of ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) structures. Because BSA can cause allergic reactions in humans, it is one of reasons for development of sensitive sensors to detect residual BSA. BSA is commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology in laboratory experiments. Therefore, to better understand the mechanism of signal transduction in simulated biological environment and to elucidate the role of adsorption of biomolecules in the generation of a signal at the interface with biological systems, the measurements of ISFET current response in the presence of BSA as a reference protein molecule were performed.

Design/methodology/approach

To fabricate transistors, silicon technology was used. The ISFET structures were coupled to specially designed double-side printed circuit board holder. After modification of the field effect transistor (FET) device with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), a sensor with high sensitivity toward reference biomolecules was obtained. The current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of structures with and without gate modification were measured. Keithley SMU 236/237/238 measurement set was used. Deionized water solution and 0.05 per cent BSA were used.

Findings

In this research, a method of preparation of a biosensor based on a FET was developed. Sensitivity of APTES-modified FET device toward BSA as a biomolecule was investigated. I-V relationships of FET devices (with and without modification), being the effect of the interactions with the solution containing 0.05 per cent BSA, were measured and compared to the measurements performed for solutions without BSA.

Originality value

Compared to SiO2-containing ISFETs without modification or other different dielectrics, the application of APTES as the part of the membrane induced significant increase in their sensitivity to BSA.
Infusing value for money (VfM) into the public procurement system in botswana
Authors: Botlhale Emmanuel
Published: January 2018

Public procurement accounts for a big proportion of public budget outlays, hence, it is important that there be demonstrated Value for Money (VfM) in public purchases. To ensure VfM in public procurement, Botswana introduced a modern public procurement system in early 2001. The system is yet to be subjected to VfM analysis. Using document analysis, this paper explores two main research questions: (i) what are key public procurement challenges in Botswana?; and (ii) how can public procurement in Botswana be improved? It is concluded that the public procurement system in Botswana is not constructed on a VfM basis. It is consequently suggested that there is a need for public procurement reforms and the adoption of various private sector continuous improvement tools such as Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma.
Operational challenges in collaborative research projects
Authors: Löhr Katharina , Bonatti Michelle , Homem Larissa Hery Ito Ribeiro , Schlindwein Sandro Luis , Sieber Stefan
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Collaborative research projects are highly complex organizational settings with specific needs and inherent risks that can endanger project success if not managed well. The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the knowledge of operational challenges in collaborative research projects to improve both project and conflict management.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the concept of systemic conflict, this study conducts a conflict analysis of a collaborative research project on food security to establish how multiple conflict drivers interact.

Findings

The results show that multiple conflict drivers affect the operation of collaborative research projects and the drivers also interact and do not function in isolation. The study also finds that the importance of some drivers differs when comparing project members’ perceptions with the number of interlinkages between drivers. A conflict map is provided to visualize the results.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence provided in this study is limited because it relies on a single case study and on project members’ perceptions.

Practical implications

The research can help not only the research community and, in particular, project management but also funding bodies in dealing with the unpredictability of outcomes created by project dynamics. In addition, the results can feed into future research, project design and management strategies.

Originality/value

The study applies multidimensional conflict analysis to a field that is understudied.
Effect of inclined load and magnetic field in a micropolar thermoelastic medium possessing cubic symmetry in the context of G-N theory
Authors: Othman Mohamed I.A. , Abo-Dahab S.M. , Alosaimi Haneen A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study a model of the equations of a two-dimensional problem in a half space, whose surface in a free micropolar thermoelastic medium possesses cubic symmetry as a result of inclined load. The problem is formulated in the context of Green-Naghdi theory of type II (G-N II) (without energy dissipation) and of type III (G-N III) (with energy dissipation) under the effect of magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The normal mode analysis is used to obtain the exact expressions of the physical quantities.

Findings

The numerical results are given and presented graphically when the inclined load and magnetic field are applied. Comparisons are made with the results predicted by G-N theory of both types II and III in the presence and absence of the magnetic field and for different values of the angle of inclination.

Originality/value

In the present work, the authors study the influence of inclined load and magnetic field in a micropolar thermoelastic medium in the context of the G-N theory of both types II and III. Numerical results for the field quantities are obtained and represented graphically.
Synthesis and characterisation of fluorine-silicon acrylate latex emulsified by novel green surfactants
Authors: Chen Lijun , Zhang Xin , Zhang Cuifeng , Bao Zhongbin , Xu Tingting
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Motivated by the globally increasing concern over environmental protection, the interest of a large part of the scientific community focuses on the development of green surfactants aiming to replace traditional toxic surfactants-based alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to prepare acrylate copolymer latex modified with fluorine and silicone monomer, which is emulsified with the green surfactants of sodium rosinate and alkyl polyglycoside (APG).

Design/methodology/approach

A series of acrylic copolymer latexes containing fluorine–silicon have been prepared by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerisation of mixed monomers of methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), hexafluorobutylmethacrylate (HFMA) and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and emulsified by green mixed surfactants of sodium rosinate and APG.

Findings

The optimum recipe of preparing the emulsion is as follows: the amount of emulsifiers is 6 per cent and the mass ratio of sodium rosinate to APG is 1:3. The amount of initiator is 0.4 per cent, and the amounts of the silicon monomer and fluorine monomer are 5 and 7 per cent, respectively. In comparison with the acrylate latex prepared without fluorine monomer and silicon monomer, the thermal stability and the water resistance of the film of the resultant latex clearly improved.

Practical implications

The acrylic copolymer latexes containing fluorine–silicon emulsified with green surfactants can be used in the coatings, adhesives, finishing agents and so on.

Originality/value

The acrylic copolymer latexes containing fluorine–silicon have been prepared by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerisation. The green mixed surfactants of sodium rosinate and APG have been used as the emulsifiers to replace traditional toxic surfactants-based alternatives.
Hydroxyl-functionalized resin: preparation, characterization, parameter optimization and property prediction
Authors: Uttaravalli Appala Naidu , Dinda Srikanta
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is first to develop a hydroxyl-functionalized ketonic resin for coating applications and to establish a standard characterization protocol; second, to quantify the effects of various operating parameters on resin properties and to develop mathematical models to predict the product properties; and third, to carry out the compatibility study between the in-house developed resins and commercially available resins.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-polymerization reactions were conducted in a batch reactor. Effects of reaction time, temperature, catalyst concentration and reactor pressure on product properties have been studied. Hydroxyl value, iodine value, solubility, rheology, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were carried out to characterize the product properties. Mark–Houwink correlation was used to predict molecular weight of the resins.

Findings

The study shows that hydroxyl value and softening temperature (ST) of the product increased with the increase of reaction temperature, duration of reaction and alkali concentration. However, the solubility value of the resins decreased with the increase of temperature, time and alkali concentration. Regression models were developed to predict the optimum conditions for obtaining a desired quality of resin. The number-average molecular weight of the developed resins was in the range of 450-1150. The products are thermally stable up to around 200°C, and adequately soluble in many commercial solvents.

Research limitations/implications

The ketonic resin can be used as a substitute of phenolic resins which are prepared from more hazardous materials monomers such as phenolic and aldehyde compounds.

Practical implications

The resin can be used as a substitute of more hazardous materials such as phenolic and aldehyde compounds.

Originality/value

This paper details the synthesis of ketonic resin from cyclohexanone and its compatibility. It also investigates the optimization of operating parameters to obtain a desire product.
Corrosion protection performance of silica fume waste-phosphates core-shell pigments
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Mohamed Mostafa G. , Abd El-Gawad Walaa M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

New types of phosphate pigments which are appropriate alternatives for hazardous chromate pigments have been prepared and evaluated. These new pigments were prepared via a new technique named core-shell. The core-shell materials consist of at least two separate phases with different chemical compositions. Recently, these materials have become more significant because they have the advantage of gathering the properties of both cores and shells that help to overcome the defects that they might possess individually. The purpose of this research is to develop a modified silica fume-phosphate core-shell pigment that contains 80-90 per cent of waste material (silica fume) and at the same time can offer promoted mechanical and anticorrosive properties than silica fume and they can also be compared with phosphates. The pigments have shells of Zn, Mn, Zn.Mn phosphates comprising about 10-20 per cent.

Design/methodology/approach

The prepared core-shell pigments have been characterized using several methods, which have then been integrated in alkyd paint formulations. The physical and mechanical properties of dry films and their corrosion prevention using accelerated laboratory test in 3.5 per cent NaCl for 28 days are estimated.

Findings

This study showed that the performance of these new pigments is highly efficient in corrosion protection, and it can be a suitable alternative to phosphate pigments despite containing phosphates which does not exceed 20 per cent of the composition.

Practical implications

Waste materials were reused in paints and only simple modification was used; their effectiveness was high and can be compared with well-known pigments.

Originality/value

Silica-phosphate core-shell pigments are environmentally friendly pigments that can replace other hazardous pigments (e.g. chromates and phosphates) with almost the same quality in their performance.
Tracing the Gordian Knot: Indeterminate‐Sentenced Prisoners and the Pathologies of English Penal Politics
Authors: Annison Harry
Published: January 2018

This article explores some of the key pathologies of English penal politics by applying an interpretive political analysis perspective to the specific issue of the plight of the ‘prisoners left behind’, the thousands of indeterminate‐sentenced IPP (imprisonment for public protection) prisoners who remain incarcerated, notwithstanding the abolition in 2012 of this sentencing option targeted at ‘dangerous offenders’. The article draws on research findings from an ESRC funded study of penal policymaking to examine why the Gordian knot of the prisoners left behind has proved to be so hard to untangle. The broader lessons of this specific story are then set out. In particular, it is argued that the public and political debate around criminal justice has become damagingly narrow over recent years.
Knowledge, Perception, and Utilization of Standardized Nursing Language (SNL) (NNN) among Nurses in Three Selected Hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olatubi Matthew Idowu , Oyediran Olufemi Oyebanji , Faremi Funmilola Adenike , Salau Omowumi Romoke
Published: January 2018

The use of standardized nursing languages helps nurses understand patients' needs with precision and speed. This study assessed the knowledge of standardized nursing languages (SNL); how nurses perceive SNL and nurses utilization of SNL.

The study adopted a cross sectional research design. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using 5‐sectioned self‐structured questionnaires whose validity and reliability had been previously ascertained. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results showed that majority of the nurses that participated in the study are female (83.8%). Only 60.0% of the nurses know the number of steps in nursing process while very few (5.4%) can correctly define what SNLs is. Knowledge of SNLs shows that 26.2% have high knowledge; 44.6% moderate knowledge while 29.2% had low knowledge. Utilization of SNL by nurses showed that Majority (83.8%) of the nurses in the study agreed that utilization of SNL help nurses to deliver quality nursing care; 67.7% of nurses agreed that the use of SNL makes nursing practice unique, 55.4% opined that the use of SNL can be cumbersome while only 24.6% often use nursing process for patients' care.

Although, participants in this study agreed that the use of SNL is crucial to quality nursing care, with poor utilization.
Loss of Ethanol Inhibition of N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptor‐Mediated Currents and Plasticity of Cerebellar Synapses in Mice Expressing the GluN1(F639A) Subunit
Authors: Zamudio‐Bulcock Paula A. , Homanics Gregg E. , Woodward John J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Glutamatergic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are well known for their sensitivity to ethanol (EtOH) inhibition. However, the specific manner in which EtOH inhibits channel activity and how such inhibition affects neurotransmission, and ultimately behavior, remains unclear. Replacement of phenylalanine 639 with alanine (F639A) in the GluN1 subunit reduces EtOH inhibition of recombinant NMDARs. Mice expressing this subunit show reduced EtOH‐induced anxiolysis, blunted locomotor stimulation following low‐dose EtOH administration, and faster recovery of motor function after moderate doses of EtOH, suggesting that cerebellar dysfunction may contribute to some of these behaviors. In the mature mouse cerebellum, NMDARs at the cerebellar climbing fiber (CF) to Purkinje cell (PC) synapse are inhibited by low concentrations of EtOH and the long‐term depression (LTD) of parallel fiber (PF)‐mediated currents induced by concurrent activation of PFs and CFs (PF‐LTD) requires activation of EtOH‐sensitive NMDARs. In this study, we examined cerebellar NMDA responses and NMDA‐mediated synaptic plasticity in wild‐type (WT) and GluN1(F639A) mice.

Methods

Patch‐clamp electrophysiological recordings were performed in acute cerebellar slices from adult WT and GluN1(F639A) mice. NMDAR‐mediated currents at the CF‐PC synapse and NMDAR‐dependent PF‐LTD induction were compared for genotype‐dependent differences.

Results

Stimulation of CFs evoked robust NMDA‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in PCs that were similar in amplitude and kinetics between WT and GluN1(F639A) mice. NMDA‐mediated CF‐PC EPSCs in WT mice were significantly inhibited by EtOH (50 mM) while those in mutant mice were unaffected. Concurrent stimulation of CF and PF inputs induced synaptic depression of PF‐PC EPSCs in both WT and mutant mice, and this depression was blocked by the NMDA antagonist DL‐APV. The synaptic depression of PF‐PC EPSCs in WT mice was also blocked by a low concentration of EtOH (10 mM) that had no effect on plasticity in GluN1(F639A) mice.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that inhibition of cerebellar NMDARs may be a key mechanism by which EtOH affects cerebellar‐dependent behaviors.
A simple, light clip‐cage for experiments with aphids
Authors: Haas Jucelaine , Lozano Everton R. , Poppy Guy M.
Published: January 2018

Clip‐cages are a useful experimental tool for confining small insects to leaves when aiming to study their behaviour and/or other biological parameters. Nonetheless, clip‐cages are usually heavy and may damage the leaves, which renders them less useful for numerous research studies. We propose a very simple clip‐cage, which is cheap, extremely light, and easy to make and handle, and which has less of the negative, damaging nature of traditional clip‐cages.

Each clip‐cage was prepared using two discs of foam‐floating tubes: one for support and one for confining the insects. On the upper surface of the latter, a rectangle of microperforated plastic flower sleeve (8 cm2) was glued using a nontoxic glue stick. To bind the two parts to the leaf, four staples (23/13) were used. We tested the clip‐cages by confining Myzus persicae to Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa leaves and then compared the results obtained with those acquired using classic clip‐cages.

Each foam clip‐cage was assembled in less than 2 min. Our experiments confirmed the M. persicae escape rate of 6%, which compared favourably with the escape rate of 40% for the classic clip‐cage. Furthermore, the clip‐cages did not interfere with the growth rate of the aphids.

The foam clip‐cages are up to 200% cheaper than the classic clip‐cages. They are light, durable, easily put together and transported, and have the potential to be easily used in field experiments.
The rs75932628 and rs2234253 polymorphisms of the TREM2 gene were associated with susceptibility to frontotemporal lobar degeneration in Caucasian populations
Authors: Su Wen‐Hua , Shi Zhi‐Hong , Liu Shu‐Ling , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Liu Shuai , Ji Yong
Published: January 2018

Polymorphisms of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) gene have been reported to be potentially associated with the risks of developing frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), with inconsistent conclusions. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential role of TREM2 variants in FTLD risks via a meta‐analysis. We included a total of eight eligible articles. For TREM2 rs75932628, we observed a significantly increased FTLD risk in the models of T vs. C [Association Test, odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43∼4.14, P = 0.001], CT vs. CC (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.39∼3.71, P = 0.001), CT + TT vs. CC (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.38∼3.71, P = 0.001), and Carrier T vs. C (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.38∼3.69, P = 0.001). Similarly, we observed positive results for TREM2 rs2234253 in all of the genetic models (all OR > 1, P = 0.030). Nevertheless, we did not observe any statistical difference between the case and control groups in the pooled analyses of TREM2 rs142232675 and rs143332484 (all P > 0.05). Our findings identified the rs75932628 and rs2234253 polymorphisms of the TREM2 gene as risk factors for FTLD in Caucasian populations.
Prevalence of pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis with high pollen exposure in grasslands of northern China
Authors: Wang X.‐Y. , Ma T.‐T. , Wang X.‐Y. , Zhuang Y. , Wang X.‐D. , Ning H.‐Y. , Shi H.‐Y. , Yu R.‐L. , Yan D. , Huang H.‐D. , Bai Y.‐F. , Shan G.‐L. , Zhang B. , Song Q.‐K. , Zhang Y.‐F. , Zhang T.‐J. , Jia D.‐Z. , Liu X.‐L. , Kang Z.‐X. , Yan W.‐J. , Yang B.‐T. , Bao X.‐Z. , Sun S.‐H. , Zhang F.‐F. , Yu W.‐H. , Bai C.‐L. , Wei T. , Yang T. , Ma T.‐Q. , Wu X.‐B. , Liu J.‐G. , Du H. , Zhang L. , Yan Y. , Wang D.‐Y.
Published: January 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician‐diagnosed pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence.

Methods

A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer‐administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count.

Results

A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05).

Conclusion

Pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions.
Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic reoperation for treatment of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Numata Masakatsu , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Kinugasa Yusuke , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Yamakawa Yushi , Furuatni Akinobu , Manabe Shoichi , Yamaoka Yusuke , Torii Kakeru , Kato Shunichiro
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic reoperation for anastomotic leakage remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 3321 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for primary colorectal cancer at a tertiary referral center from September 2002 to May 2016. Of these, 31 patients who underwent reoperation for treatment of anastomotic leakage were enrolled in this study and divided into two reoperation groups: laparoscopic (n = 15) and open (n = 16). Data regarding patient demographics, operative outcomes, morbidity, length of hospital stay, mortality, and stoma closure after reoperation in the two groups were compared.

Results

No significant difference was observed in the primary surgery procedure between the two groups. Estimated blood loss (1 vs 9 mL, P = 0.020), total postoperative complications (26.7% vs 68.8%, P = 0.032), wound infection (0.0% vs 31.2%, P = 0.043), and postoperative hospital stay (18 vs 31 days, P = 0.017) were significantly better in the laparoscopic group than in the open group. Although the rate of stoma closure after reoperation was higher in the laparoscopic group, the difference was not significant (86.7% vs 62.5%, P = 0.220).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic reoperation exhibited better short‐term outcomes than open reoperation for selected patients with anastomotic leakage.
Case of cecal volvulus successfully treated with endoscopic colopexy
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Sakata Kazuya , Toyama Eiichiro , Takata Noboru , Yoshinaka Ichiro , Harada Kazunori , Baba Hideo
Published: January 2018

We herein report a case of cecal volvulus successfully treated with endoscopic colopexy. A 73‐year‐old man with a high fever and abdominal fullness was diagnosed with ileus caused by cecal volvulus. CT showed a dilated cecum and small intestine without bowel strangulation as well as acute pneumonia. Because the pneumonia increased the risk associated with general anesthesia, we attempted decompression of the bowel using endoscopy to avoid surgery. On day 1, a transanal ileus tube was inserted to the terminal ileum through the dilated cecum. On day 7, the bowel torsion spontaneously released. On day 8, we performed percutaneous endoscopic colopexy to fix the cecum on the abdominal wall and prevent re‐twisting. The patient was discharged on day 15 without postoperative complications. Percutaneous endoscopic colopexy for cecal volvulus may be a treatment option when the risk associated with general anesthesia or surgery is high because of a comorbidity.
On the solution multiplicity of the Fleishman method and its impact in simulation studies
Authors: Olvera Astivia Oscar L. , Zumbo Bruno D.
Published: January 2018

The Fleishman third‐order polynomial algorithm is one of the most‐often used non‐normal data‐generating methods in Monte Carlo simulations. At the crux of the Fleishman method is the solution of a non‐linear system of equations needed to obtain the constants to transform data from normality to non‐normality. A rarely acknowledged fact in the literature is that the solution to this system is not unique, and it is currently unknown what influence the different types of solutions have on the computer‐generated data. To address this issue, analytical and empirical investigations were conducted, aimed at documenting the impact that each solution type has on the design of computer simulations. In the first study, it was found that certain types of solutions generate data with different multivariate properties and wider coverage of the theoretical range spanned by population correlations. In the second study, it was found that previously published recommendations from Monte Carlo simulations could change if different types of solutions were used to generate the data. A mathematical description of the multiple solutions to the Fleishman polynomials is provided, as well as recommendations for users of this method.
Motives for strategic alliances in cultural and creative industries
Authors: Gundolf Katherine , Jaouen Annabelle , Gast Johanna
Published: January 2018

Cultural and creative industries are gaining importance in Western economies. In these industries, as in several other business sectors, micro‐firms, i.e., firms that employ fewer than ten employees, are the predominant firm type. As these industries have become an integral part of most economies, the literature has started to explore the strategic behavior of cultural and creative micro‐firms. Although micro‐firms are characterized by certain specificities that can affect how likely they are to engage in external relationships, there is a dearth of knowledge concerning collaboration through strategic alliances in this specific context. Seeking to advance the understanding of partnerships between micro‐firms in cultural and creative industries, the purpose of this article is to reveal the specific motives for engaging in strategic alliances in this context. In doing so, we focus on six case studies of strategic alliances between micro‐firms in cultural and creative industries in France. Our results show that strategic alliances involving creative micro‐firms seek the reduction of overspecialization, target a high degree of quality of life and pleasure at work, and are envisaged only if there is trust and mutual support among the partners. Moreover, opportunism and necessity motivations guide the creative micro‐firms' decision to enter strategic alliances.
Transcription factor Foxc1 is involved in anterior part of cranial base formation
Authors: Mya Nandar , Furutera Toshiko , Okuhara Shigeru , Kume Tsutomu , Takechi Masaki , Iseki Sachiko
Published: January 2018

The cranial base is a structure mainly formed through endochondral ossification and integrated into the craniofacial complex, which acts as an underlying platform for the developing brain. Foxc1 is an indispensable regulator during intramembranous and endochondral ossification. In this study, we found that the spontaneous loss of Foxc1 function in a mouse (congenital hydrocephalous), Foxc1ch/ch, demonstrated the anterior cranial base defects, including unossified presphenoid and lack of middle part of the basisphenoid bone. Hypoplastic presphenoid primordial cartilage (basal portion of the trabecular cartilage [bTB]) and a lack of the middle part of basisphenoid primordial cartilage (the hypophyseal cartilage) were consistently observed at earlier developmental stage. Foxc1 was expressed robustly and ubiquitously in undifferentiated mesenchyme of the cranial base‐forming area in E11.0 wild‐type fetuses. Once chondrogenesis commenced, the expression was downregulated and later limited to the perichondrium. Detection of transcripts of Collagen type2 A1 (Col2a1) revealed that both bTB and the anterior part of the hypophyseal cartilage developing anterior to the persistent epithelial stalk of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland were suppressed in the Foxc1ch/ch. Proliferation activity of chondrocyte precursor cells was higher in the Foxc1ch/ch. Loss of Foxc1 function only in the neural crest cell lineage (Wnt1‐cre;Foxc1ch/flox) showed ossification of the posterior part of the hypophyseal cartilage derived from the mesoderm. These findings suggest that Foxc1 is an important regulator to further chondrogenesis and initiate the ossification of the presphenoid and basisphenoid bones.
Genetics of patella hypoplasia/agenesis
Authors: Vanlerberghe C. , Boutry N. , Petit F.
Published: January 2018

The patella is a sesamoid bone, crucial for knee stability. When absent or hypoplastic, recurrent knee subluxations, patellofemoral dysfunction and early gonarthrosis may occur. Patella hypoplasia/agenesis may be isolated or observed in syndromic conditions, either as the main clinical feature (Nail‐patella syndrome, small patella syndrome), as a clue feature which can help diagnosis assessment, or as a background feature that may be disregarded. Even in the latter, the identification of patella anomalies is important for an appropriate patient management. We review the clinical characteristics of these rare diseases, provide guidance to facilitate the diagnosis and discuss how the genes involved could affect patella development.
Chromium(III) release from chromium‐tanned leather elicits allergic contact dermatitis: a use test study
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda S. , Erfani Behnaz , Matura Mihály , Lidén Carola
Published: January 2018

Background

Chromium (Cr) is a common skin sensitizer. The use of Cr(VI) in leather is restricted in the EU, but that of Cr(III) is not.

Objectives

To assess whether prolonged exposure to Cr‐tanned leather with mainly Cr(III) release may elicit allergic contact dermatitis in Cr‐allergic individuals.

Method

Ten Cr‐allergic subjects and 22 controls were patch tested with serial dilutions of Cr(III) and Cr(VI), and with leather samples. They then conducted a use test with a Cr‐tanned and a Cr‐free leather bracelet over a period of 3 weeks, for 12 h per day. Cr deposited on the skin from the bracelets was measured in the controls, and the diphenylcarbazide test for Cr(VI) and extraction tests for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were conducted for the different leathers.

Results

Four of 10 Cr‐allergic subjects developed positive reactions to the Cr‐tanned bracelet within 7–21 days, whereas only 1 of 10 had a positive patch test reaction to this leather. Cr released from the Cr‐tanned leather was most probably entirely Cr(III), with a quantifiable amount being deposited on the skin.

Conclusions

This study strongly suggests that prolonged and repeated exposure to Cr‐tanned leather with mainly Cr(III) release is capable of eliciting allergic contact dermatitis in Cr‐allergic individuals.
Antibiotics vs no antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tandon A. , Fretwell V. L. , Nunes Q. M. , Rooney P. S.
Published: January 2018

Aim

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is common and antibiotics are the cornerstone of traditional conservative management. This approach lacks a clear evidence base and studies have recently suggested that avoidance of antibiotics is a safe and efficacious way to manage AUD. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the safety and efficacy of treating AUD without antibiotics.

Method

A systematic search of Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index Expanded and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed. Studies comparing antibiotics vs no antibiotics in the treatment of AUD were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random effects model with the primary outcome measure being diverticulitis‐associated complications. Secondary outcomes were readmission rate, diverticulitis recurrence, mean hospital stay, requirement for surgery and requirement for percutaneous drainage.

Results

Eight studies were included involving 2469 patients: 1626 in the non‐antibiotic group (NAb) and 843 in the antibiotic group (Ab). There was a higher complication rate in the Ab group; however, this was not significant (1.9% vs 2.6%) with a combined risk ratio of 0.63 (95% CI 0.25–1.57, P = 0.32). There was a shorter mean length of hospital stay in the NAb group (standard mean difference −1.18 (95% CI −2.34 to −0.03, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in readmission, recurrence and surgical intervention rate or requirement for percutaneous drainage.

Conclusion

Treatment of AUD without antibiotics may be feasible with outcomes that are comparable to antibiotic treatment and with potential benefits for patients and the National Health Service. Large scale randomized multicentre studies are needed.
Donor CD163 and nestin‐positive cells predict graft function in living donor liver transplant
Authors: Nigam Neha , Bihari Chhagan , Lal Deepika , Rastogi Archana , Kumar Senthil , Pamecha Viniyendra , Kaur Savneet , Kumar Anupam , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: January 2018

Aims

To evaluate the effect of donor liver resident mesenchymal cells, M2 macrophages on liver graft outcome after living donor liver transplantation.

Materials and methods

Seventy donor biopsies were included in the study. Outcomes at day 3, 7, 30, and 180 postliver transplantation were assessed. Mesenchymal stem cells and M2 macrophages in donor liver biopsies were evaluated.

Results

Mean age of recipients was 40.9 ± 13.6 years. Sex mismatched transplants were 44 (M→F = 9; F→M = 35). On area under receiver operative curve analysis, donor biopsy (DB) nestin ≥3 and CD 163 ≥ 32/200x at day 3; CD163 ≥ 32 at day 7; CD 163 > 32, pRBC of <6.5 units at day 30, and DB nestin ≥3, CD 163 ≥ 32 and pRBC<6.5 units at day 180 predicted adequate graft functions. On multivariate analysis, higher DB nestin (P = .009) and lower cryoprecipitate (P = .009) usage at day 3, higher DB CD163 (P = .006) at day 7, higher DB CD163 (P = .018) and reduced transfusion of packed cell (pRBC) (P = .014) at day 30 and higher DB nestin (P = .011), higher CD163 (P = .009), and reduced pRBC (P = .045) at day 180 were the predictors of better outcome.

Conclusions

Donor liver biopsy nestin+ and CD163+ can predict early graft outcome in living donor liver transplantation.
At the landscape level, birds respond strongly to habitat amount but weakly to fragmentation
Authors: De Camargo Rafael X. , Boucher‐Lalonde Véronique , Currie David J.
Published: January 2018

Aim

It is usually thought that habitat fragmentation acts negatively on species survival, and consequently, on biodiversity. Recent literature challenges whether habitat fragmentation per se affects species richness, beyond the effect of habitat area. Theoretical studies have suggested that fragmentation may matter most when the amount of available habitat is small or at intermediate levels. However, a recent review suggests that the effect of fragmentation on species richness is usually positive. Here, we dissect the richness–fragmentation relationship. What is the effect size? Does it depend upon the amount of habitat cover? How do individual species respond to fragmentation?

Methods

Applying a macroecological approach, we empirically related avian richness and the probability of occurrence (pocc) of individual species to fragmentation (number of patches), after controlling for habitat amount in 991 landscapes, each 100‐km2, in southern Ontario, Canada.

Results

Species richness was strongly related to total habitat amount, but habitat fragmentation had no detectable additional effect. Individual species’ pocc related strongly to habitat amount. For some species, pocc also related secondarily to habitat fragmentation within landscapes. Logistic models revealed that pocc related significantly negatively to fragmentation after controlling for habitat amount for only ~13% of forest‐ and 18% of open‐habitat species bird species. However, pocc related significantly positively to fragmentation for even greater proportions of species, including some red‐listed species. Fragmentation effects were not stronger at low or intermediate levels of habitat amount within landscapes.

Conclusion

In earlier studies, negative effects of isolation were observed at the patch level in experimental manipulations. However, at the landscape level, avian species richness in southern Ontario apparently responds primarily to habitat amount and negligibly to fragmentation. We argue that the evidence is inconsistent with the hypothesis that reducing habitat fragmentation per se would be an effective conservation strategy for birds at the landscape level.
Brand‐to‐generic levetiracetam switching: a 4‐year prospective observational real‐life study
Authors: Trimboli M. , Russo E. , Mumoli L. , Tripepi G. , Fortunato F. , Mastroianni G. , Abate F. , De Sarro G. , Gambardella A. , Labate A.
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether switching from branded levetiracetam (Keppra®) to a levetiracetam generic equivalent product (Matever®) in an epilepsy cohort could provide adequate results in terms of seizure control and tolerability.

Methods

To be eligible for the study, patients had to have been taking Keppra® as monotherapy or polytherapy for at least 6 months. Between March 2013 and April 2017, patients were invited to switch to Matever® as part of their follow‐up. We evaluated the number of seizures per month, drug‐related adverse events and electroencephalography before the switch (T0, baseline) and 6 months after switching (T1). Furthermore, we reported the long‐term follow‐up of patients who continued to use Matever® after the end of the study, considering the most recent visit for each patient (T2).

Results

A total of 55 patients refused the switch. Among the remaining 125 patients, 59 (47%) were treated using Keppra® as monotherapy and 66 (53%) were on Keppra® as polytherapy. All 125 patients were subjected to switching from Keppra® to Matever®. Comparing patients before (T0) and after (T1) switching, we found no statistically significant differences in terms of seizure frequency and occurrence of adverse effects. There were no significant differences (number of seizures/month and drug‐related adverse events) between patients treated with Matever® as monotherapy and patients who refused the switch and continued to use Keppra® as monotherapy for a long‐term follow‐up of 48 months. Electroencephalography findings were also unchanged.

Conclusion

In our sample, brand‐to‐generic levetiracetam switching was effective and safe in both monotherapy and polytherapy regardless of the epilepsy syndrome.
Computed tomography in equine orthopaedics – the next great leap?
Authors: Riggs C. M.
Published: January 2018

Computed tomography (CT) generates sectional, multiplanar images based on x‐ray attenuation properties of the subject. Contrast within images is based on differences in relative tissue density. It can resolve subtle structural abnormalities within bone and soft tissue and, as such, it has potential, among other uses, to screen for pathology within bones of the appendicular skeleton in racehorses, which could predispose to catastrophic fractures. Recent technological advances have made the possibility of performing CT imaging in the standing horse a viable clinical alternative. This commentary reviews some recent developments in this field of clinical imaging in the horse.
Crystal structure of the DNA‐binding domain of the LysR‐type transcriptional regulator CbnR in complex with a DNA fragment of the recognition‐binding site in the promoter region
Authors: Koentjoro Maharani Pertiwi , Adachi Naruhiko , Senda Miki , Ogawa Naoto , Senda Toshiya
Published: January 2018

LysR‐type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) are among the most abundant transcriptional regulators in bacteria. CbnR is an LTTR derived from Cupriavidus necator (formerly Alcaligenes eutrophus or Ralstonia eutropha) NH9 and is involved in transcriptional activation of the cbnABCD genes encoding chlorocatechol degradative enzymes. CbnR interacts with a cbnA promoter region of approximately 60 bp in length that contains the recognition‐binding site (RBS) and activation‐binding site (ABS). Upon inducer binding, CbnR seems to undergo conformational changes, leading to the activation of the transcription. Since the interaction of an LTTR with RBS is considered to be the first step of the transcriptional activation, the CbnR–RBS interaction is responsible for the selectivity of the promoter to be activated. To understand the sequence selectivity of CbnR, we determined the crystal structure of the DNA‐binding domain of CbnR in complex with RBS of the cbnA promoter at 2.55 Å resolution. The crystal structure revealed details of the interactions between the DNA‐binding domain and the promoter DNA. A comparison with the previously reported crystal structure of the DNA‐binding domain of BenM in complex with its cognate RBS showed several differences in the DNA interactions, despite the structural similarity between CbnR and BenM. These differences explain the observed promoter sequence selectivity between CbnR and BenM. Particularly, the difference between Thr33 in CbnR and Ser33 in BenM appears to affect the conformations of neighboring residues, leading to the selective interactions with DNA.

Database

Atomic coordinates and structure factors for the DNA‐binding domain of Cupriavidus necatorNH9 CbnR in complex with RBS are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession code 5XXP.