bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
You’d better decide first: overt and covert decisions improve metacognitive accuracy
Authors: Siedlecka Marta , Skóra Zuzanna , Paulewicz Borysław , Wierzchoń Michał
Published: November 2018

How can we assess the accuracy of our decisions? Recent theoretical and empirical work suggest that confidence in one’s decision is influenced by the characteristics of motor response in a preceding decisional task. In this paper we present experiment designed to test whether decision itself can also inform confidence and therefore increase its accuracy. We tested 143 participants who solved an anagram-solving task in one of 3 conditions: participants either rated their confidence immediately after responding to the anagram task (overt decision), rated their confidence immediately after making a decision but without overt response (covered decision), or rated their confidence before both deciding and responding. The results showed significant relationship between decision accuracy and confidence level in each condition, however this relation was stronger when confidence rating followed decision, either covert or overt. We argue that completing a decisionmaking process increases metacognitive accuracy.
The Drosophila pioneer factor Zelda modulates the nuclear microenvironment of a Dorsal target enhancer to potentiate transcriptional output
Authors: Yamada Shigehiro , Whitney Peter H. , Huang Shao-Kuei , Eck Elizabeth C. , Garcia Hernan G. , Rushlow Christine A.
Published: November 2018

Connecting the developmental patterning of tissues to the mechanistic control of RNA polymerase II remains a long term goal of developmental biology. Many key elements have been identified in the establishment of spatial-temporal control of transcription in the early Drosophila embryo, a model system for transcriptional regulation. The dorsal/ventral axis of the Drosophila embryo is determined by the graded distribution of Dorsal (DL), a homologue of the NF-κB family of transcriptional activators found in humans [1,2]. A second maternally deposited factor, Zelda (ZLD), is uniformly distributed in the embryo and is thought to act as a pioneer factor, increasing enhancer accessibility for transcription factors such as DL [3–9]. Here we utilized the MS2 live imaging system to evaluate the expression of the DL target gene short gastrulation (sog) to better understand how a pioneer factor affects the kinetic parameters of transcription. Our experiments indicate that ZLD modifies probability of activation, the timing of this activation, and the rate at which transcription occurs. Our results further show that this effective rate increase is due to an increased accumulation of DL at the site of transcription, suggesting that transcription factor “hubs” induced by ZLD [10] functionally regulate transcription.
Reward Modulates Local Field Potentials, Spiking Activity and Spike-Field Coherence in the Primary Motor Cortex
Authors: An Junmo , Yadav Taruna , Hessburg John P. , Francis Joseph T.
Published: November 2018

Reward modulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) could be exploited in developing an autonomously updating brain-machine interface (BMI) based on a reinforcement learning architecture. In order to understand the multifaceted effects of reward on M1 activity, we investigated how neural spiking, oscillatory activities and their functional interactions are modulated by conditioned stimuli related reward expectation. To do so, local field potentials (LFPs) and singleunit/multi-unit activities were recorded simultaneously and bilaterally from M1 cortices while five non-human primates performed cued center-out reaching or grip force tasks either manually using their right arm/hand or observed passively. We found that reward expectation influenced the strength of alpha (8-14 Hz) power, alpha-gamma comodulation, alpha spike-field coherence, and firing rates in general in M1. Furthermore, we found that an increase in alpha-band power was correlated with a decrease in neural spiking activity, that firing rates were highest at the trough of the alpha-band cycle and lowest at the peak of its cycle. These findings imply that alpha oscillations modulated by reward expectation have an influence on spike firing rate and spike timing during both reaching and grasping tasks in M1. These LFP, spike, and spike-field interactions could be used to follow the M1 neural state in order to enhance BMI decoding (An et al., 2018; Zhao et al., 2018).

Significance Statement

Knowing the subjective value of performed or observed actions is valuable feedback that can be used to improve the performance of an autonomously updating brain-machine interface (BMI). Reward-related information in the primary motor cortex (M1) may be crucial for more stable and robust BMI decoding (Zhao et al., 2018). Here, we present how expectation of reward during motor tasks, or simple observation, is represented by increased spike firing rates in conjunction with decreased alpha (8-14 Hz) oscillatory power, alpha-gamma comodulation, and alpha spike-field coherence, as compared to non-rewarding trials. Moreover, a phasic relation between alpha oscillations and firing rates was observed where firing rates were found to be lowest and highest at the peak and trough of alpha oscillations, respectively.
Title:In vivophosphatidylserine variations steer Rho GTPase signaling in a cell-context dependent manner
Authors: Platre Matthieu Pierre , Bayle Vincent , Armengot Laia , Bareille Joseph , Marques-Bueno Maria Mar , Creff Audrey , Maneta-Peyret Lilly , Fiche Jean-Bernard , Nolmann Marcelo , Miège Christine , Moreau Patrick , Martinière Alexandre , Jaillais Yvon
Published: November 2018

Rho GTPases are master regulators of cell signaling, but how they are regulated depending on the cellular context is unclear. Here, we show that the phospholipid phosphatidylserine acts as a developmentally-controlled lipid rheostat that tunes Rho GTPase signaling in Arabidopsis. Live super-resolution single molecule imaging revealed that RHO-OF-PLANT6 (ROP6) is stabilized by phosphatidylserine into plasma membrane (PM) nanodomains, which is required for auxin signaling. Furthermore, we uncovered that the PM phosphatidylserine content varies during plant root development and that the level of phosphatidylserine modulates the quantity of ROP6 nanoclusters induced by auxin and hence downstream signaling, including regulation of endocytosis and gravitropism. Our work reveals that variations in phosphatidylserine levels are a physiological process that may be leveraged to regulate small GTPase signaling during development.

One Sentence Summary

Phosphatidylserine acts as a developmentally-controlled lipid rheostat that regulates cellular auxin sensitivity and plant development.
In Vivo Two-Photon Imaging of Neuronal and Vascular Responses in Mice Chronically Exposed to Ethanol
Authors: O’Herron Phillip , Summers Phillip M. , Shih Andy Y. , Kara Prakash , Woodward John J.
Published: November 2018

The effects of ethanol on brain function have been extensively studied using a variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques. For example, electrophysiological studies using brain slices from rodents and nonhuman primates have demonstrated that acute and chronic exposure to ethanol alters the intrinsic excitability and synaptic signaling of neurons within cortical and sub-cortical areas of the brain. In humans, neuroimaging studies reveal alterations in measures of brain activation and connectivity in subjects with alcohol use disorders. While complementary, these methods are inherently limited due to issues related to either disruption of normal sensory input (in vitro slice studies) or resolution (whole brain imaging). In the present study, we used 2-photon laser scanning microscopy in intact animals to assess the impact of chronic ethanol exposure on sensory evoked neuronal and vascular responses. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 4 weekly cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure while control mice were exposed to air. After withdrawal (≤ 72 hr), a cranial window was placed over the primary visual cortex (V1) and sensory evoked responses were monitored using the calcium indicator OGB-1. CIE exposure produced small but significant changes in response amplitude (decrease) and orientation selectivity of V1 neurons (increase). While arteriole diameter did not differ between control and CIE mice under baseline conditions, sensory-evoked dilation was enhanced in vessels from CIE exposed mice as compared to controls. This was accompanied by a reduced latency in response to stimulation. In separate experiments, pial arteriole diameter was measured in the barrel cortex of control and CIE exposed mice. Baseline diameter of barrel cortex arterioles was similar between control and CIE exposed mice but unlike vessels in V1, sensory-evoked dilation of barrel cortex arterioles was similar between the two groups. Together the results of these studies suggest that chronic exposure to alcohol induces changes in neurovascular coupling that are region dependent.
Effects of Biogas Slurry on Fruit Economic Traits and Soil Nutrients of Camellia oleifera Abel
Authors: You Lu , Yu Shuqin , Liu Huiyun , Wang Chutian , Zhou Zengliang , Zhang Ling , Hu Dongnan
Published: November 2018

Soil nutrients play a principal role in Camellia oleifera Abel (oil-seed camellia) production. Camellia oleifera absorbs nutrients from surrounding soils and its production is highly influenced by nutrients or fertilization. In this study, we investigated the effects of biogas slurry applications on soil nutrients and economic traits of C. oleifera fruits. Five different amounts of fertilizing biogas slurry (0, 10, 20, 30, or 40 kg/plant/year from three applications per year) were applied to C. oleifera plants in 2015 and 2016. Rhizosphere soil nutrients and C. oleifera fruit economic traits (yield, seed rate, and oil yield)were measured. Fertilization with biogas slurryincreasedsoil organic matter, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in both 2015 and 2016. Increases in soil available N, P, and Kwere largest at the highest slurry application rate and second largest at the second highest application rate. Fruit economic traits were maximized at the two highest application rates. Oil yield was correlated withsoil available P in 2015 and 2016, and soil organic matter in 2015. Fertilization with biogas slurry decreased saturated fatty acid content in fruit but had no effect on unsaturated fatty acid content. In conclusion, fertilization with biogas slurry increases rhizosphere soil nutrients and fruit economic traits of C. oleifera with the rates of at least 30 kg/plant/year having the most positive effects.
The impact of modern jazz dance on the electrical brain activity
Authors: Wind Johanna , Schöllhorn Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

Dance as one of the earliest cultural assets of mankind is practised in different cultures, mostly for wellbeing or for treating psycho-physiological disorders like Parkinson, depression, autism. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are still unclear and only few studies address the effects of particular dance styles. For a first impression, we were interested in the effects of modern jazz dance (MJD) on the brain activation that would contribute to the understanding of these mechanisms. 11 female subjects rehearsed a MJD choreography for three weeks (1h per week) and passed electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements in a crossover-design thereafter. The objectives were to establish the differences between dancing physically and participating just mentally with or without music. Therefore, each subject realized the four following test conditions: dancing physically to and without music, dancing mentally to and without music. Each of the conditions were performed for 15 minutes. Before and after each condition, the EEG activities were recorded under resting conditions (2 min. eyes-open, 2 min. eyes-closed) followed by a subsequent wash-out phase of 10 minutes.

The results of the study revealed no time effects for the mental dancing conditions, either to or without music. An increased electrical brain activation was followed by the physical dancing conditions with and without music for the theta, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and gamma frequency band across the entire scalp. Especially the higher frequencies (alpha-2, beta, gamma) showed increased brain activation across all brain areas. Higher brain activities for the physical dancing conditions were identified in comparison to the mental dancing condition. No statistically significant differences could be found as to dancing to or without music. Our findings demonstrate evidence for the immediate influence of modern jazz dance and its sweeping effects on all brain areas for all measured frequency bands, when dancing physically. In comparison, dancing just mentally does not result in similar effects.
Three autoregressive-neural network hybrid models for energy efficiency estimation of induction motors
Authors: Sertsöz Mine , Fidan Mehmet , Kurban Mehmet
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Improvements on the energy efficiency of the induction motors bear on not only these motors but also on the whole industry as a result of preference of these types of motors. In recent projects, energy efficiency of the induction motors is approaching to 90 per cent. The first necessary condition of the efficiency improvements is an accurate estimation of energy efficiency. This study aims to estimate the energy efficiency of induction motors by using three innovative estimation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for 307 motors were taken from three different companies and their torque, power, power factor and speed data were used. Three hybrid models were created by estimating the error of three autoregressive (AR)-based efficiency estimation models with the back-propagation artificial neural network (ANN) structure. In these proposed hybrid models, the AR models were supported with artificial neural networks to obtain a minimum estimation error. These three hybrid models were called as AR1-ANN, AR4-ANN and residual-ANN.

Findings

Without hybridization of AR models by back-propagation ANNs, the best estimation result was obtained by residual model. On the other hand, for the proposed hybrid models, the best estimation was obtained by AR1-ANN, followed by AR4-ANN and finally the residual-ANN according to ME values.

Practical implications

Proposed AR-ANN hybrid models relieve of longtime experiments for the energy efficiency measurement of induction motors. Furthermore, these AR-ANN models give more accurate results than the available methods in the literature. Engineering value of this research is three different issues in finding energy efficiency. The first one is minimizing of the test cost, the second one is no requirement the test equipment and the third one is not interrupting the motor. Every company that needs motors can use these estimation methods due to the advantages.

Originality/value

Novel three AR-ANN hybrid models for energy efficiency estimation were studied. These novel methods give better response than the other methods which were used for estimation of induction motors in the literature.
The effects of environmental factors on B2B e-services purchase: perceived risk and convenience as mediators
Authors: Matos Celso Augusto de , Krielow Anderson
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework, this paper aims to analyze the influence of environmental factors (e.g. competitive pressure) on the firm’s evaluations (i.e. perceived risk and convenience) and response (intention to purchase e-services).

Design/methodology/approach

A model is tested with data from a survey with 430 micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in an emerging country. The following constructs were measured: external factors, data security, lack of knowledge, perceived risk, convenience and purchase intention. Company size, internet use and previous experience were control variables.

Findings

MSEs’ intention to purchase e-services is strongly influenced by convenience, which in turn is more affected by external factors. Perceived risk is mainly affected by lack of knowledge and data security. Overall, the model supports the mediating role of perceived risk and convenience in the relationship between Stimuli factors (external factors, data security and lack of knowledge) on response (purchase intentions). For instance, data security influences purchase intention only through the mediation of perceived risk and convenience.

Practical implications

Firms interested in providing e-services for MSEs should improve the perceived convenience of e-commerce. At the same time, they can also reduce the lack of knowledge and increase data security to reduce the perceived risk of the decision-maker.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates mediating effects of perceived risk and convenience, considering a SOR framework, as well as the analysis of business-to-business e-services in an understudied context, i.e. MSEs in an emerging country.
The influence of culture in entrepreneurs’ opportunity exploitation decision in Tanzania
Authors: Liu Jia , Pacho Frida Thomas , Xuhui Wang
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the impact of culture (using individualism, power distance and uncertainty avoidance) on entrepreneurial risk taking behavior which leads to the opportunity exploitation decision. Moreover, it also uses risk taking behavior of entrepreneurial as the mediation variable between culture and opportunity exploitations decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took place in Tanzania, which is allocated in East Africa and is one of under researched countries. In total, 140 entrepreneurs who own venture of 5-99 employees were able to be interviewed using a survey questionnaire. In this study, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the direct and indirect relationship of culture in entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation decisions.

Findings

After hypothesis testing, the empirical results showed that Tanzania’s culture has an impact on entrepreneurial risk taking behavior, which influences entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation decision. It also showed culture through individualism and uncertainty avoidance measurements affect entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation decisions. The empirical results on power distance were insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a wake-up call to policy makers and formal institutions such as government authorities, education institutions and religion institutions. Thus, culture has an ability to influence the behavior of entrepreneurs and so the performance of ventures if it is consistent and well structured. Therefore it should be not taken for granted. Data for our study are based on only two cities and therefore the results should not be generalized as the whole country’s inference. Generalizability is questioned because the data are from only two cities in Tanzania and therefore future research should include more cities to be able to validate the generalizability.

Practical implications

This study is a wake-up call to policymakers and formal institutions such as government authorities, education institutions and religion institutions. Thus culture has an ability to influence the behavior of entrepreneurs and so the performance of ventures if it is consistent and well structured. Therefore it should be not taken for granted. Data for our study are based on only two cities and therefore the results should not be generalized as the whole country’s inference.

Social implications

In the country which has well-structured culture, influence the behavior of entrepreneurs to exploit opportunities.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to use SEM for exploring the culture of individualism, power distance and uncertainty avoidance impact on entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation in Tanzania.
Factors influencing organizational information systems implementation in Thai public universities
Authors: Watchaton Ananchanok , Krairit Donyaprueth
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to understand how public sector organizations can successfully implement organizational information systems (IS). It identifies the factors that contribute to the success of organizational IS implementation in public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used. The proposed research model is based on previous studies and primary qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, telephone surveys and mail surveys using semi-structured questionnaires to identify the determinants and measures of implementation success. Based on the first mail survey’s results, quantitative research is conducted to test the research hypotheses. The data are gathered from university personnel at 40 public universities, and the study focuses on the implementation of student registration systems.

Findings

The results suggest that successful implementation of organizational IS includes the decisions of both those in authority and users. The external and internal organization and individual user factors have direct relationships with the measure of implementation success, which suggests significant differences between authorities and users.

Research limitations

The analysis is based on the viewpoint of public university personnel; however, the findings suggest the need for further research on other public organizational IS as well as other public service operations.

Practical implication

The study clearly suggests a set of factors to guide public universities in successfully implementing organizational IS for local conditions of a developing country.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of effective IS implementation in public universities in a developing country.
The effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Farooq Omer , Farooq Mariam
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and when intrinsic (personal growth, affiliation, community contribution, health) and extrinsic (financial success, fame, physical appearance) goals affect individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). The study uses goal contents theory to propose that intrinsic and extrinsic goals positively influence individuals’ EIs. The authors further argue that the collectivism moderates the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic goals on individuals EIs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was designed to collect data from business graduates at a university in Pakistan. The measurement model and the hypothesized model were tested using the structural equation modeling technique in MPlus 7.0.

Findings

The results suggest that all four intrinsic goals and three extrinsic goals positively affect individuals’ EIs. However, financial success and fame appear to be the most prominent determinants of EIs. Similarly, personal growth and contribution to community are strong predictors of individuals’ EIs. Conversely, health, physical appearance and affiliation motives were found to have a weaker effect on individuals’ EIs. Moreover, the results show that collectivist orientation negatively moderates the effect of intrinsic goals on individuals’ EIs, but positively moderates the effect of extrinsic goals. These results suggest that the EIs of individuals with high collectivist orientation are mainly induced by extrinsic goals, whereas intrinsic factors play a greater role in stimulating the EIs of individuals with low collectivism.

Originality/value

Extant research has paid little attention to intrinsic and extrinsic goals as determinants of individuals’ EIs. Thus, this study explores how and when intrinsic and extrinsic goals develop individuals’ EIs. This study is the first of its kind to highlight the importance of individuals’ cultural orientation (collectivism) to determine the alternative role of intrinsic and extrinsic goals in developing individuals’ EIs. In addition, this study was conducted in a different cultural setting (i.e. South Asia), which provides an opportunity to expand the boundary conditions of the phenomenon by offering an alternative perspective on this issue.
The moderating role of knowledge structure in the open innovation effect
Authors: Zhou Huiping , Yuan Wang Karen , Yao Yanhong , Huang Kai-Ping
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between open innovation (OI) and innovative performance, and to explore the moderating effect of knowledge structure, including component knowledge and architectural knowledge, on this particular relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was tested with regression analysis of data collected through a questionnaire survey of 231 employees of Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings

The findings indicate that inbound OI is positively related to innovative performance and that outbound OI has an inverted U-shaped effect on innovative performance. By presenting empirical evidence of the moderating effects of component and architectural knowledge, our analysis of results demonstrates that the strong alignment between knowledge structure and OI results in superior innovative performance.

Originality/value

This study addresses the controversial issues brought up by previous studies with findings of an inverted U-shaped effect of outbound OI on innovative performance. By exploring the moderating effect of knowledge structure, the authors provide insights into how internal contextual factors in relation to organizational knowledge can affect the efficacy of the inbound and outbound OI on innovative performance.
Discourse macrolinguistic impairment as a marker of linguistic and extralinguistic functions decline in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Pistono Aurélie , Jucla M. , Bézy C. , Lemesle B. , Le Men J. , Pariente J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by macrolinguistic changes. This decline is often analyzed with quantitative scales.

Aims

To analyze discourse production in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to identify qualitative markers of macrolinguistic decline.

Methods & Procedures

We analyzed macrolinguistic features of a clinical narrative task along with patients’ cognitive changes. To do so, 17 early AD participants and 17 healthy controls were recruited and given a full neuropsychological and language assessment. Narrative discourses produced during the language assessment were transcribed and macrolinguistic features were qualitatively analyzed (i.e., local and global coherence marks and discourse informativeness). Inter‐group comparison was complemented by intra‐group correlation. As some inter‐group comparisons revealed the existence of subgroups of patients, permutation tests were used to investigate how these subgroups differed vis‐à‐vis cognitive measures.

Outcomes & Results

Overall, the results indicate that AD participants presented declines in informativeness and global coherence, correlated with declines in memory and executive functions. Permutation tests showed that participants with AD producing referential errors or misinterpretations had a deeper lexical–executive decline and a lower Mini‐Mental State Evaluation (MMSE).

Conclusions & Implications

This study shows that two clinically relevant, qualitative signs differ in discourse production between typical ageing and early AD, namely information units and modalizing discourse. It also shows that macrolinguistic assessment is a useful tool for revealing impaired communication and cognition in early AD. Although lexical processing decline probably contributes to patients’ macrolinguistic impairment, implications of extralinguistic functioning should be further investigated.
Not Just Another Duster: Banking, Oil, Agriculture, and the Lessons Learned from the Dust Bowl on the Southern Great Plains, 1926–1938
Authors: DAY MATTHEW
Published: November 2018

This article uses the experiences of agriculture, oil, and banking on America's Southern Great Plains during the mid‐1920s and early 1930s to create an economic context surrounding the Dust Bowl in the mid‐ to late 1930s.
Floods, Bushfires and Sectoral Economic Output in Australia, 1978–2014
Authors: Ulubaşoğlu Mehmet Ali , Rahman Muhammad Habibur , Önder Yasin Kürşat , Chen Yiqun , Rajabifard Abbas
Published: November 2018

Using state‐level annual variation in natural disasters and economic output in Australia, we estimate the direct effects of floods and bushfires on sectoral gross value added during the period 1978–2014. We find that floods exert an adverse and persistent effect on the outputs of agriculture, mining, construction and financial services sectors. For example, our estimates indicate that a state that experienced a flood in a given year encountered, on average, 5–6 per cent lower agricultural output in both that year and the following year, compared to another state with no such flood experience. Sectoral responses to bushfires are more nuanced.
Meta‐Analysis for Correlating Structure of Bioactive Peptides in Foods of Animal Origin with Regard to Effect and Stability
Authors: Maestri Elena , Pavlicevic Milica , Montorsi Michela , Marmiroli Nelson
Published: November 2018

Amino acid (AA) sequences of 807 bioactive peptides from foods of animal origin were examined in order to correlate peptide structure with activity (antihypertensive, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, antithrombotic, and opioid) and stability in vivo. Food sources, such as milk, meat, eggs, and marine products, show different frequencies of bioactive peptides exhibiting specific effects. There is a correlation of peptide structure and effect, depending on type and position of AA. Opioid peptides contain a high percentage of aromatic AA residues, while antimicrobial peptides show an excess of positively charged AAs. AA residue position is significant, with those in the first and penultimate positions having the biggest effects on peptide activity. Peptides that have activity in vivo contain a high percentage (67%) of proline residues, but the positions of proline in the sequence depend on the length of the peptide. We also discuss the influence of processing on activity of these peptides, as well as methods for predicting release from the source protein and activity of peptides.
The winner takes it all, the loser has to fall: Provoking the agency perspective in employability research
Authors: Forrier Anneleen , De Cuyper Nele , Akkermans Jos
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we provoke the strong focus on personal agency in employability research. We counter three dominant assumptions in the literature, namely, (a) that employability is an individual asset, (b) that employability is owned by the individual, and (c) that employability leads to positive outcomes. A key observation is that the three dominant theories that are being used in employability studies, namely, human capital theory, conservation of resources theory, and social exchange theory, also question these core agency assumptions that form the basis of those studies. Based on these theories, we identify three blind spots in employability research: Employability is (a) contextual, (b) relational, and (3) polarising. Taken together, we make the case that the agency perspective overlooks a potential dark side of employability: The winner takes it all, the loser has to fall. We outline a future research agenda on this potential dark side of employability.
Mechanism of application nursery cultivation arbuscular mycorrhizal seedling in watermelon in the field
Authors: Ren Lixuan , Wang Bingshuang , Yue Caipeng , Zhou Shipin , Zhang Shuhuan , Huo Hongwei , Xu Guohua
Published: November 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonisation of plant root facilitates the absorption of nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and enhances plant biotic and abiotic resistance generally. However, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) colonisation decreases with application of chemical fertiliser. Here, we investigated whether AMF inoculation in nurseries would facilitate AM colonisation and take physiological and ecological functions in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in the field. Pot experiments were carried out to study the change of AMF colonised seedling on physiology and gene expression in nursery site. Field experiments were performed to investigate the effect of nursery AMF inoculation on yield, quality and disease resistance of watermelon in the field. The results showed that nursery‐inoculated seedlings produced more dry matter and root surface area than non‐inoculated seedlings. Expression of the secretory purple acid phosphatase (PAP) genes ClaPAP10 and ClaPAP26 was up‐regulated following AMF colonisation. Accordingly, acid phosphatase activities at the root surface and P concentrations in seedling were enhanced. After transplantation to the field, the shoot dry matter and P concentration in old stem were higher in the nursery AMF inoculated seedlings than that in non‐AMF inoculated seedling. AMF inoculation also induced increase of yields and decrease of wilt disease indexes and soluble sugar content. In addition, acid phosphatase activities and AMF spore densities were increased by nursery‐inoculation in watermelon rhizosphere soil in the field. In conclusion, nursery colonisation AMF seedling enhanced watermelon growth and yield by improving the root growth and P acquisition in nursery cultivating stage, as well as optimised soil properties in the field. Nursery cultivation of watermelon seedling with AMF was an effective technique to reduce wilt disease in continuous cropped management in watermelon.
Minimally Invasive Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mohite Prashant N. , Sabashnikov Anton , Raj Binu , Hards Rachel , Edwards Gemma , García‐Sáez Diana , Zych Bartlomiej , Husain Mubassher , Jothidasan Anand , Fatullayev Javid , Zeriouh Mohamed , Weymann Alexander , Popov Aron‐Frederik , De Robertis Fabio , Simon André R.
Published: November 2018

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is now a routine therapy for advanced heart failure. Minimally invasive approach via thoracotomy for LVAD implantation is getting popular due to its potential advantage over the conventional sternotomy approach in terms of reduced risk at re‐operation due to sternal sparing. We compared the approaches (thoracotomy and sternotomy) to determine the superiority. Minimally invasive approach involved fitting of the LVAD inflow cannula into left ventricle apex via left anterior thoracotomy and anastomosis of outflow graft to ascending aorta via right anterior thoracotomy. In the sternotomy approach, both the procedures were performed via sternotomy. Outcomes in patients after LVAD implantation were compared depending on these approaches for the surgery. Two hundred and five continuous flow LVAD implantations performed between July 2006 and June 2015 at a single center were divided based on surgical approach, that is, sternotomy (n = 180) and thoracotomy (n = 25) groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to patient demographics, preoperative hemodynamic parameters, laboratory markers, or risk factors. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative hemodynamic parameters, laboratory markers, bleeding and requirement of blood products, intensive care unit, and hospital stay or complications of LVAD surgery. There were no significant differences in terms of long‐term survival (Log‐Rank P = 0.953), however, thoracotomy, compared to sternotomy approach, incurred significantly less requirement of temporary right ventricular assist (4 vs. 19.4%, P = 0.041). Minimally invasive bilateral thoracotomy approach for LVAD implantation in addition to benefits of sternal sparing avoids dilatation of right ventricle and reduces chances of right ventricular failure requiring temporary right ventricular assist.
A Nietzschean re‐evaluation of values as a way of re‐imagining business ethics
Authors: Tajalli Payman , Segal Steven
Published: November 2018

Whereas a range of business and management scholars have argued that business is in an ethical crisis, Nietzsche makes it possible to see that it is ethics itself that is in crisis, and that only as the crisis in ethics is dealt with can ethics in specific areas such as business be addressed. Nihilism is the name that Nietzsche gives to the crisis in ethics. The failure to fully appreciate nihilism and its pervasiveness as the root cause of the problem, as evident in the perpetual quest to obliterate nihilism through the creation of ethical frameworks and foundations, has plunged business and ethics scholarship in the field, ever deeper in the quagmire of nihilism. In response to nihilism, Nietzsche offers a re‐evaluation of all values. To re‐evaluate all values means to accept nihilism and see it as a basis for questioning taken for granted assumptions that have supported the notion of ethics or values in order to re‐imagine an ethics which is responsive to the crisis of nihilism. The paper thus proposes that rather than trying to invent new ethics or ethical foundations, or figuring out “how” to be ethical, we need to turn our attention on the “why to be” of ethics.
Effects of an intervention program for reducing severe perineal trauma during the second stage of labor
Authors: Sveinsdottir Edda , Gottfredsdottir Helga , Vernhardsdottir Anna S. , Tryggvadottir Gudny B. , Geirsson Reynir T.
Published: November 2018

Background

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries lead frequently to short‐ and long‐term consequences for the mother, including perineal pain, genital prolapse, and sexual problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the implementation of an intervention program in the second stage of labor involving altered perineal support techniques reduced severe perineal trauma.

Methods

All women reaching the second stage of labor and giving birth vaginally to singleton babies at Landspítali University Hospital (comprising 76% of births in Iceland in 2013) were enrolled in a cohort study. Data were recorded retrospectively for 2008‐2010 and prospectively in 2012‐2014, for a total of 16 336 births. During 2011, an intervention program was implemented, involving all midwives and obstetricians working in the labor wards. Two professionals assessed and agreed on classification of every perineal tear.

Results

The prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries decreased from 5.9% to 3.7% after the implementation (P < 0.001). Third‐degree tears decreased by 40%, and fourth‐degree tears decreased by 56% (P < 0.001). The prevalence of first‐degree tears increased from 25.8% to 33.1%, whereas second‐degree tears decreased from 44.7% to 36.6% between the before and after study periods. Severe perineal trauma was linked to birthweight, and this did not change despite the new intervention.

Conclusions

Active intervention to reduce perineal trauma was associated with an overall significant decrease in obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Good perineal visualization, manual perineal support, and controlled delivery of the fetal head were essential components for reducing perineal trauma.
AP2a enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by inhibiting the formation of YAP/RUNX2 complex and BARX1 transcription
Authors: Lin Xiao , Yang Haoqing , Wang Lijun , Li Wenzhi , Diao Shu , Du Juan , Wang Songlin , Dong Rui , Li Jun , Fan Zhipeng
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Bone regeneration by bone tissue engineering is a therapeutic option for bone defects. Improving the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is essential for successful bone regeneration. We previously showed that AP2a enhances the osteogenic differentiation in MSCs. The present study investigated the mechanism of how AP2a regulates the direct differentiation.

Materials and methods

Co‐immunoprecipitation and ChIP assays were carried out to investigate the underlying mechanism in MSCs differentiation. The osteogenic differentiation potential was determined by mineralization ability and the expression of osteogenic marker in vitro and the in vivo bone‐like tissue generation in nude mice.

Results

We show that AP2a can compete with RUNX2, a key transcription factor in osteogenic differentiation, to recruit YAP and release the inhibition of RUNX2 activity from YAP by forming YAP‐AP2a protein complex. YAP‐AP2a protein complex also interacts with the BARX1 promoter through AP2a, inhibit the transcription of BARX1. Moreover, BARX1 inhibits osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.

Conclusions

Our discoveries revealed that AP2a may regulate the osteogenic differentiation in an indirect way through competing with RUNX2 to relieve the RUNX2 activity which inhibited by YAP, and also in a direct way via targeting the BARX1 and directly repressed its transcription. Thus, our discoveries shed new light on the mechanism of direct differentiation of MSCs and provide candidate targets for improving the osteogenic differentiation and enhancing bone tissue regeneration.
Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration cytology in patients with known or suspected extra‐pulmonary malignancies: A cytopathology‐based study
Authors: Nambirajan Aruna , Longchar Moanaro , Madan Karan , Mallick Saumya Ranjan , Kakkar Aanchal , Mathur Sandeep , Jain Deepali
Published: November 2018

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is the primary modality for mediastinal lymph node staging in lung carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate its utility in extra‐pulmonary malignancies (EPM).

Methods

Database search of EBUS‐TBNA aspirations (2013‐2017) done in patients with known/suspected EPMs and mediastinal lymphadenopathy/masses was performed. All archived cytology/histology material was reviewed and categorised as positive, negative and unsatisfactory.

Results

The selected 139 patients included 100 patients with known EPMs, 11 patients with known lymphoma, and 28 patients with suspected EPM of unknown primary. EBUS‐TBNA was adequate in 110 patients (79%), including 21 patients who yielded only reactive lymphoid tissue. Satisfactory blood clot cores were obtained in 34 patients and contributed significantly to diagnosis and ancillary testing. Metastasis was detected in 45 patients with known EPM, predominantly originating from a known primary in the breast in females (56%) and squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck in males (60%). Granulomatous lymphadenopathy was identified in 16 patients with known EPM (16%). Lymphoma relapse and granulomatous lymphadenopathy were identified in three and four patients with known lymphoma, respectively. In patients with suspected EPM of unknown primary site, malignancy was confirmed in 21 patients, predominantly representing metastatic adenocarcinomas (n = 5) and neuroendocrine neoplasms (n = 5). Immunocytochemistry was performed in 16 of these cases and aided in characterisation of primary site/type of tumour in 12 cases.

Conclusion

EBUS‐TBNA is efficient for screening mediastinal lymph nodes/masses for malignancy in EPMs. Procuring sufficient material for ancillary testing would improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce need for resampling.
Mapping the genetic patterns of plants in the region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: Implications for conservation strategies
Authors: Yu Haibin , Favre Adrien , Sui Xinghua , Chen Zhao , Qi Wei , Xie Guowen
Published: November 2018

Aim

Species diversity in the region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has been extensively explored, whereas the distribution of genetic diversity remains poorly understood in this species‐rich area, parts of which are listed as biodiversity hotspots. In this study, we aimed to map the patterns of genetic diversity and divergence of plant species in this region, and to identify potential evolutionary hotspots for conservation planning.

Location

Region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP).

Methods

We compiled published molecular data for 60 plant species, and calculated intra‐population genetic diversity and inter‐population genetic divergence using haplotype sequences (chloroplast or mitochondrial DNA). We analysed the relationships between genetic diversity and longitude, latitude and elevation. We mapped the landscapes of genetic diversity and divergence for each species in GIS, and combined the resulting landscapes in order to identify hotspots of high genetic diversity and divergence.

Results

There were no significant relationships between genetic diversity and longitude, latitude and elevation. For most species, areas characterized by high genetic diversity and divergence were located across the Hengduan Mountains. Nine evolutionary hotspots across the region of the QTP were identified.

Main conclusions

The Hengduan Mountains are a remarkable hotspot of all three dimensions of biodiversity (genes, species and ecosystems), yet patterns of genetic diversity were partially incongruent with the distribution of species diversity. For example, several hotspots of genetic diversity were located on the QTP proper, which is relatively species poor. This partial geographic mismatch between species and genetic diversity highlights the need to consider both aspects in conservation programs. Our study suggests that more protected areas in the region of the QTP need to be established in order to protect genetic diversity and thus adaptive potential.
Habitat‐ and species‐mediated short‐ and long‐term distributional changes in waterbird abundance linked to variation in European winter weather
Authors: Pavón‐Jordán Diego , Clausen Preben , Dagys Mindaugas , Devos Koen , Encarnaçao Vitor , Fox Anthony David , Frost Teresa , Gaudard Clemence , Hornman Menno , Keller Verena , Langendoen Tom , Ławicki Łukasz , Lewis Lesley J. , Lorentsen Svein‐Håkon , Luigujoe Leho , Meissner Wlodzimierz , Molina Blas , Musil Petr , Musilova Zuzana , Nilsson Leif , Paquet Jean‐Yves , Ridzon Josef , Stipniece Antra , Teufelbauer Norbert , Wahl Johannes , Zenatello Marco , Lehikoinen Aleksi
Published: November 2018

Aim

Many species are showing distribution shifts in response to environmental change. We explored (a) the effects of inter‐annual variation in winter weather conditions on non‐breeding distributional abundance of waterbirds exploiting different habitats (deep‐water, shallow water, farmland) and (b) the long‐term shift in the population centroid of these species and investigate its link to changes in weather conditions.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We fitted generalized additive mixed Models to a large‐scale, 24‐year dataset (1990–2013) describing the winter distributional abundance of 25 waterbird species. We calculated the annual and long‐term (3‐year periods) population centroid of each species and used the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index to explain the inter‐annual and long‐term shifts in their location.

Results

(a) Year‐to‐year southwestwards shifts in the population centroids of deep‐ and shallow‐water species were linked to negative NAO values. Shallow‐water species shifted northeastwards associated with positive NAO values and the distance shifted increased with increasing NAO. Deep‐water species shifted northeastwards up to zero NAO indices, but showed no further increase at higher NAO values. (b) Deep‐water species showed long‐term northeastwards shifts in distributional abundance throughout the 1990s and the 2000s. Shallow‐water species, on the other hand, shifted northeastwards during the 1990s and early 2000s, but southwestwards thereafter. There were no significant links between the NAO and year‐to‐year movements or long‐term shifts in farmland species’ population centroid.

Main Conclusions

We provide evidence for a link between both year‐to‐year and long‐term changes in waterbird winter distributional abundances at large geographical scales to short‐ and long‐term changes in winter weather conditions. We also show that species using shallow water, deep‐water and farmland habitats responded differently, especially at high NAO values. As well as important ecological implications, these findings contribute to the development of future conservation measures for these species under current and future climate change.