bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New product introduction and supplier integration in sales and operations planning
Authors: Goh Shao Hung , Eldridge Stephen
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation and performance benefits of sales and operations planning (S
&
OP) within organizations in Asia Pacific.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study method was used, with two companies selected. The first company had recently commenced S
&
OP and applied it to facilitate new product introduction, while the second had integrated its supplier into an existing S
&
OP program. Supply chain performance data were collected and analyzed in the context of an S
&
OP maturity framework.

Findings

– Both cases show significant improvements in supply chain performance. In one case, the implementation of a common form of S
&
OP resulted in a 67 percent reduction in order lead time for newly introduced products. The second case demonstrated a 30 percent reduction in inventory levels and a 52 percent improvement in forecast accuracy through more advanced S
&
OP processes.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper studies just two companies and is not intended to be representative of outcomes at all companies implementing S
&
OP. Further studies are required for a more generalized picture of S
&
OP implementations in the Asia Pacific region to emerge.

Practical implications

– The findings illustrate the potential quantitative benefits of adopting S
&
OP and the circumstances under which these benefits may be achieved. The results are also supportive of the notion of a maturity model for S
&
OP implementations.

Originality/value

– This paper strengthens the link between practitioner and academic literature by providing empirical evidence of the benefits of S
&
OP. Furthermore, the findings are derived from the Asia Pacific region for which there have been few academic studies on S
&
OP to date.
Acting on welfare state retrenchment: in-between the private and the public
Authors: Nielsen Mathias Herup
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an unexploited conceptual pragmatic sociological framework for analyses of action strategies among social assistance recipients, who are affected by contemporary politics of retrenchment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Noting that existing literature on resistance and coping is mostly concerned with either collective public resistance or sub-public individualised coping strategies, the paper turns to theoretical insights from newer French pragmatic sociologist Laurent Thévenot, enabling the researcher to dissolve the stark boundaries between private/public and coping/resistance. The use of the concepts is demonstrated through a case study analysis of the various actions of Danish social assistance recipients, who were recently affected by a harsh workfare initiative.

Findings

– The empirical demonstration points to a plurality of individualised strategies of action, taken on by the affected social assistance recipients. Thereby it points to some advantages of the proposed framework, as it makes visible the versatility of the contemporary “welfare client”, as he or she dynamically changes the scope of action and moves between the private and the public and between coping and resistance.

Originality/value

– The paper applies hitherto unexploited concepts from French pragmatic sociology to strategies of action among welfare recipients in times of welfare retrenchment.
Exploratory insights into the financial habits of CALD migrants
Authors: Natoli Riccardo
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the financial habits and experience of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants via a case study of first and second wave migrants from the Vietnamese community in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper utilises a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted when coding the interview data which led to the emergence of identified themes related to financial habits and experience.

Findings

– The findings reveal that first and second wave migrants shared similar views on seeking professional financial advice, but not on the use of community-based financial schemes. When asked about the potential benefits of attending financial education workshops to inform themselves of financial services, most were unwilling to attend.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the research targets first and second wave Vietnamese CALD migrants, no claims can be made regarding the representation of CALD migrants as a whole. The research has implications with respect to the perceived necessity of CALD migrants to utilise mainstream financial services. This paper provides recommendations for future research in this area.

Originality/value

– The paper provides one of the few studies of an Australian CALD migrant cohort with respect to financial habits. The paper also provides an understanding of the cultural barriers and challenges facing this specific cohort of the Vietnamese community in Australia with respect to potentially accessing financial services.
Cloud libraries
Authors: Yuvaraj Mayank
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The present paper is an attempt to describe in detail the concept of Cloud computing in conjunction with libraries. It describes in detail about Cloud libraries, transition of libraries toward Cloud, its need, features, Cloud library components, types of Cloud libraries, Cloud library infrastructure, key players as well as role of Cloud librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on an extensive literature survey, the basic conceptions of Cloud libraries were developed.

Findings

– Various concepts of Cloud libraries have been proposed in the literature that will be instrumental in understanding the theoretical foundations of Cloud libraries.

Originality/value

– Till date no any theoretical foundation exists on the concept of Cloud libraries. The paper is one of the first attempts to give shape to the libraries based on Cloud computing platform.
Street pastors as substitutes for trust in the context of plural policing
Authors: Swann Rachel , Green Alison , Johns Nick , Sloan Luke
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the work of the Street Pastors, a Christian organisation offering support to people in the night time economy (NTE), through the perceptions of students. The role played by this organisation is becoming more important as a shift from policing “by”, “through” and “beyond” to policing from “below” occurs (Jones and Lister, 2015). While the Street Pastors would not regard themselves as “police agents” there is undoubtedly a close connection albeit with geographical variation (Johnset al., 2009b). An evaluation of their activities and of public attitudes particularly around issues of trust is therefore important.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online survey using the university’s student “portal” invited students to participate. A small incentive was offered, in the form of a prize draw for £50 worth of shopping vouchers. The survey took place during the first part of the Spring term during 2012 (January and February). The study analyses the 361 responses in reference to their knowledge of the Street Pastors, whether they had any “interactions” with them and whether they were regular users of the NTE.

Findings

– Overwhelmingly respondents were either positive or completely ambivalent about the Street Pastors. The responses to the attitude statements indicated that the Street Pastors are seen as “independent” of police officers. The links between Street Pastors and crime reduction are not clear, however, respondents agreed that the Street Pastors did contribute to safety in the city.

Research limitations/implications

– There are more than 20,000 students in the city and the findings can therefore be seen as tentative and indicative rather than generalisable to the entire student population. With the increasing emphasis on community involvement in “policing”, the findings from the research does suggest that the street pastor’s voluntary patrols are beneficial in terms of enhancing perceptions of safety.

Practical implications

– Street Pastors do have an important role in the policing of the NTE, from handing out water and flip flops to comforting those who are in distress. Within the broader “police family” their role can then make a positive contribution to the practical challenges associated with a volatile environment.

Social implications

– The NTE is associated with considerable public health and safety issues and the contribution of a voluntary group to easing some of these problems is significant. Whilst their presence is not entirely unproblematic, particularly in raising questions of accountability, their activities could be argued to contribute to the well-being of revellers.

Originality/value

– Research on policing “below” the level of the state is street pastors is an under-explored area. Street pastors have attracted very little attention despite their being a large organisation that are a feature of NTEs throughout the UK.
Policing “uncontrollable banshees”: factors influencing arrest decision making
Authors: Young Suzanne
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence police officers’ decision making when dealing with young women considered violent.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were carried out with frontline police officers in Scotland on their experiences of responding to incidents where young women displayed violence.

Findings

– The police officers clearly distinguished encounters with women using violence from those with young men, portraying young women as irrational, unpredictable and uncontrollable. The research found that while gender alone was not a determining factor for arrest, police officers did stereotype young women according to gender norms and these norms could have a bearing on decision making. The findings show that police officers prefer to respond to situations with male perpetrators due to their own difficulties effectively communicating with young women, who are often under the influence of alcohol.

Research limitations/implications

– The research indicates that police officers, regardless of their gender, have difficulties handling violent incidents that involve young women. This provides scope for further analysis of police training to ascertain whether sufficient guidance is provided to fully equip police officers when faced with aggressive young women. This study focused on police officers’ own views and experiences but future research could consider a more ethnographic approach to observe police decision making in practice to determine whether the stereotypes portrayed were a true reflection of their experiences.

Originality/value

– This is one of only a very few studies that has explored the relation between gender and arrest decision making. It enhances the understanding of how young women come to be arrested and indicates how police officers are currently ill equipped to effectively respond to young women considered violent.
Behavior profiling: implications for recruitment and team building
Authors: Wilsher Simon
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to address the role of behavior profiling in personnel recruitment and selection and how managers would benefit by using behavior assessment. Psychometric tests that measure cognitive ability and behavioral traits are regularly used to support management decisions in recruitment, team building and leadership development. But are they effective as a determinant of hiring and can their use be justified?

Design/methodology/approach

– The relationship between personality and job performance has been studied frequently in business psychology, particularly so in the past 20 years. This paper sets out by discussing the advent of personality profiling and exploring the advances made to where we are today with behavior assessment tests. It addresses the views of academics and the use of behavior assessment in the corporate setting.

Findings

– There are many studies that document the validity of cognitive ability tests and personality/behavior profiling as predictors of work performance. Of the numerous procedures used for recruitment and selection, two combinations – general mental ability (cognitive ability or GMA) plus an integrity test (personality profiling) and GMA plus a structured interview – have the highest multivariate validity and utility for job performance. Behavior profiling is an effective determinant of hiring.

Practical implications

– Adopting personnel selection methods with high predictive validity ensures that managers can make decisions with a stronger degree of certainty and confidence. Using behavior profiling in conjunction with cognitive ability measures and sound interview techniques maximizes the predictive power of the selection process.

Social implications

– Behavior assessment tests should also benefit those taking the test by providing a facility that conveys important issues about their personality and behavior. This will allow them to discover areas that need to be addressed to make positive changes within themselves to achieve their ultimate goals in life, both personal and career.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses, among other things, the research of several people into the use of personality measures in personnel selection. The paper will benefit all those involved with recruitment, team building and leadership development by improving their understanding of the use of behavior assessment tests.
Survival lessons from a dying Kingfisher
Authors: Pathak Atul Arun
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This article focuses on the lessons that can be learnt from the bankruptcy of Kingfisher airlines (KFA).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explores the key reasons behind the failure of KFA. It follows the strategic decisions and actions that KFA took over its lifespan. It highlights the key mistakes that it made and how these ultimately contributed to its demise. It recommends the strategies that other companies can follow to avoid the same fate as KFA.

Findings

– KFA made many strategic blunders. It frequently and needlessly changed its business model. It unnecessarily spent on providing offerings that customers did not value. It was strategically blinded by the flamboyance of its owner. In addition, it took too long to read the writing on the wall. Even when clear signals were available of the impending crisis it faced, KFA showed limited urgency to resolve the issues.

Practical implications

– Companies need to focus on a sharp business model and not try to be everything for everyone. Companies that gain valuable insight of what its customers value and design their business model to satisfy these requirements have higher chance of survival.

Social implications

– It concedes that airlines need to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders. These include its owners, managers, employees, customers, regulators and suppliers. KFA was unable to do this consistently and hence could not survive in the dynamic airlines industry in India.

Originality/value

– The paper considers the context of the highly dynamic airline industry in India. It is an industry where new competitors are entering, regulatory changes are frequent and industry profitability is low. In such a scenario, companies such as KFA who do not have a consistent and coherent strategy find it difficult to survive. It provides insights into the challenges faced and recommends strategies for the companies to follow so as to improve their chances of long-term survival.
PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway dual inhibitor BEZ235 suppresses the stemness of colon cancer stem cells
Authors: Chen Jiezhong , Shao Renfu , Li Feng , Monteiro Michael , Liu Jun‐Ping , Xu Zhi Ping , Gu Wenyi
Published: September 2015

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide with high mortality. A major issue in colon cancer treatment is drug‐resistance and metastasis that have been ascribed to the cancer stem cells. In this study, colon cancer stem cells were isolated through sphere culture and verified with the cancer stem cell markers CD133, CD44, and CD24. It was demonstrated that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway was highly activated in the colon cancer stem cells and that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by the inhibitor BEZ235 suppressed the colon cancer stem cell proliferation with reduced stemness indicated by CD133 and Lgr5 expressions. Treatment with insulin as a known activator of the PI3K/Akt pathway increased CD133 expression and decreased the effects of BEZ235 on colon cancer proliferation and survival. The data presented here collectively suggest that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway underpins the stemness of colon cancer stem cells and BEZ235 is potentially a good drug candidate for treatment of colon cancer drug resistance and metastasis.
Patterns of literacy learning in German primary schools over the summer and the influence of home literacy practices
Authors: Meyer Frauke , Meissel Kane , McNaughton Stuart
Published: September 2015

The ‘summer learning effect’ (SLE) is described as a stall or drop in achievement over summer, especially in schools serving poor or ‘minority’ communities. There has been little research in Europe on the effect, and research internationally has primarily focused on the effect in reading, with minimal focus on writing. This paper describes the extent and nature of the SLE in reading comprehension and writing in second grade classrooms in Germany. The SLE was evident in both subject areas with all students experiencing lower progress rates over summer. In reading, students attending the high‐income school progressed significantly more over summer than their low‐income peers, while there was no significant difference in writing progress over summer. Literacy logbooks over summer and interviews with a subset of students provided information on how home literacy practices influenced the effect.
Impacts of glucosamine/oligochitosan glycation and cross‐linking by transglutaminase on the structure and in vitro antigenicity of whey proteins
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Hua , Liu Jia‐Qi , Xu Di , Zhao Xin‐Huai
Published: September 2015

With the fixed and selected conditions, whey protein concentrate (WPC) was glucosamine‐/oligochitosan‐glycated and cross‐linked by transglutaminase, resulting in glucosamine conjugation of 4.18–5.88 g/kg. Electrophoretic analysis showed cross‐linking and glycation of whey proteins, while circular dichroism analysis indicated that the two reactions contributed less ordered secondary structure to the two products. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the two products lost 64–95% antigenic responses of WPC, and oligochitosan was more powerful than glucosamine to reduce the responses. Rocket immuno‐electrophoretic analysis also evidenced antigenicity loss. This applied treatment is efficient to modify the structure and to decrease the allergenicity of whey proteins.
Effect of Mini‐Tyrosyl‐tRNA Synthetase/Mini‐Tryptophanyl‐tRNA Synthetase on Angiogenesis in Rhesus Monkeys after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zeng Rui , Wang Mian , You Gui‐ying , Yue Rong‐zheng , Chen Yu‐cheng , Zeng Zhi , Liu Rui , Qiang Ou , Zhang Li
Published: September 2015

Aims

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of mini‐tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase/mini‐tryptophanyl‐tRNA synthetase (mini‐TyrRS/mini‐TrpRS) in ischemic angiogenesis in rhesus monkeys with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

A 27‐gauge needle was incorporated percutaneously into the left ventricular myocardium of rhesus monkeys with AMI. All monkeys were randomized to receive adenoviral vector mini‐TyrRS/mini‐TrpRS, which was administered as five injections into the infarcted myocardium, or saline or ad‐null (control groups). The injections were guided by EnSite NavX left ventricular electroanatomical mapping. Mini‐TyrRS/mini‐TrpRS proteins were detected by Western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses. Microvessel density (MVD) per section was measured using immunostaining with a CD34 monoclonal antibody. Proliferating cardiomyocytes were identified through histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Myocardial perfusion and cardiac function were estimated by G‐SPECT. Infarction size was also measured.

Results

Western blot analyses showed that compared to the normal zone, the expression level of mini‐TyrRS/mini‐TrpRS was significantly different in the infarction zone. G‐SPECT analysis indicated that the mini‐TyrRS group had better cardiac function and myocardial perfusion after the injection of ad‐mini‐TyrRS than before, while mini‐TrpRS injection had a totally opposite effect. After mini‐TyrRS was administered, there was less of an infarction zone and more proliferating cardiomyocytes and capillaries in the mini‐TyrRS group compared to both of the control groups, and the ad‐mini‐TrpRS group had a totally opposite effect.

Conclusion

These results indicated that angiogenesis could be either stimulated by mini‐TyrRS or inhibited by mini‐TrpRS.
Can we improve the prediction of pouch of Douglas obliteration in women with suspected endometriosis using ultrasound‐based models? A multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Reid Shannon , Lu Chuan , Condous George
Published: September 2015

Introduction

A negative “sliding sign” during transvaginal sonography (TVS) is associated with pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration at laparoscopy in women with suspected endometriosis. The aim of the current study was to develop and validate mathematical ultrasound models to determine whether a combination of TVS markers could improve the prediction of POD obliteration as compared with the TVS “sliding sign” alone.

Material and methods

Multicenter prospective observational study. In all, 189 women (100 in the training set and 89 in the test set) with suspected endometriosis underwent pre‐operative TVS and laparoscopy. More than 50 historical, clinical and TVS end points were recorded for analysis. Univariate/multivariate analysis was performed to determine significant TVS variables associated with POD obliteration at laparoscopy. Two logistic regression models were developed on a training set: POD1 – posterior compartment deep infiltrating endometriosis, right ovarian fixation, negative “sliding sign” (i.e. POD obliteration); and POD2 model – unilateral ovarian fixation, unilateral endometrioma, negative “sliding sign.” The two models were then applied to a test set to predict POD obliteration. POD1/POD2 performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves (probability cut‐off value at 0.5) and compared with “sliding sign” alone for prediction of POD obliteration.

Results

Respective values for POD1 vs. POD2 vs. “sliding sign” alone for training/test sets: accuracy – 96/96% vs. 93/97% vs. 93/97%; sensitivity – 93/88% vs. 83/88% vs. 83/88%; specificity – 97/97% vs. 97/99% vs. 97/99%; positive predictive value – 93/88% vs. 93/94% vs. 93/94%; negative predictive ratio – 97/97% vs. 93/97% vs. 93/97%; positive likelihood ratio – 32.7/32.2 vs. 29.2/63.5 vs. 29.2/63.5; negative likelihood ratio – 0.07/0.12 vs. 0.17/0.12 vs. 0.17/0.12.

Conclusions

Incorporation of TVS markers such as bowel endometriosis, endometrioma and ovarian fixation into mathematical models does not appear to improve the prediction of POD obliteration as compared with the TVS “sliding sign” alone.
Neonatal outcomes after the obstetric near‐miss events uterine rupture, abnormally invasive placenta and emergency peripartum hysterectomy – prospective data from the 2009–2011 Finnish NOSS study
Authors: Jakobsson Maija , Tapper Anna‐Maija , Palomäki Outi , Ojala Kati , Pallasmaa Nanneli , Ordén Maija‐Riitta , Gissler Mika
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Neonatal outcomes after the maternal obstetric near‐miss complications of uterine rupture, abnormally invasive placenta, and emergency peripartum hysterectomy were assessed.

Material and methods

This case‐control study was conducted as part of the Nordic Obstetric Surveillance Study (NOSS). Data on 211 newborns from 197 deliveries in which an obstetric near‐miss complication was involved, were collected prospectively from April 2009 to August 2011 from all Finnish delivery units via questionnaires. Missing cases were obtained from national health registers and confirmed by the clinics. Control populations consisted of all other children born during the same period of time in the Finnish Medical Birth Register (n = 147 551).

Results

The number of stillbirths in this cohort was high [n = 8, 3.8% vs. 0.3% among controls, odds ratio (OR) 12.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.32–24.9]. In addition, there were two neonatal deaths. The majority of cases (n = 8, 80%) were connected to uterine rupture. The risk of severe birth asphyxia diagnosis was increased compared with controls (n = 17, 8.1% vs. 0.1%, OR 137, 95% CI 82.7–226). A low umbilical artery pH (<7.05) was also observed among these neonates (28.8% vs. 1.0%, OR 28.7, 95% CI 21.5–38.2). Post‐term pregnancies were relatively common among the uterine rupture cases. Adverse neonatal outcomes in the AIP and emergency peripartum hysterectomy cases were associated with preterm deliveries.

Conclusions

The prospective data collected from clinicians, combined with the information gathered from national health registers, provided valuable insights into rare maternal near‐miss cases. These complications also predisposed stillbirth and neonatal death. In this study, 75% of fetal losses were associated with uterine rupture.
Comparison of methods of morcellation: manual versus power
Authors: Moawad Gaby N. , Abi Khalil Elias D. , Opoku‐Anane Jessica , Marfori Cherie Q. , Harman Alice C. , Fisher Steven , Levy Matt , Robinson James K.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

With the growing controversy surrounding power morcellation (PM), other approaches must be examined so that women may still benefit from minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries. In this study we sought to compare power morcellation to manual morcellation through mini‐laparotomy or vaginally.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study carried out at an urban teaching hospital including 274 women who underwent a minimally invasive myomectomy or hysterectomy, requiring morcellation for tissue extraction. Surgical outcomes were compared between PM, manual morcellation through mini‐laparotomy (MMM) and manual morcellation through the vagina (MMV). Primary outcome measured was operative time. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

Compared with PM, MMM was associated with shorter operative time for hysterectomy, (140.5 min vs. 164.2 min, p = 0.05). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were similar among groups. There were four postoperative complications in the MMV group, one related to blood transfusion and three related to postoperative vaginal cuff and pelvic infections.

Conclusion

Compared with PM, MMM is associated with shorter operative time during hysterectomies. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were similar among groups.
Modulating of ocular inflammation with macrophage migration inhibitory factor is associated with notch signalling in experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Yang H , Zheng S , Mao Y , Chen Z , Zheng C , Li H , Sumners C , Li Q , Yang P , Lei B
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to examine whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) could exaggerate inflammatory response in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and to explore the underlying mechanism. Mutant serotype 8 adeno-associated virus (AAV8) (Y733F)-chicken β-actin (CBA)-MIF or AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) vector was delivered subretinally into B10.RIII mice, respectively. Three weeks after vector delivery, EAU was induced with a subcutaneous injection of a mixture of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) peptide with CFA. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Retinal function was evaluated with electroretinography (ERG). We found that the expression of MIF and its two receptors CD74 and CD44 was increased in the EAU mouse retina. Compared to AAV8.CBA.eGFP-injected and untreated EAU mice, the level of proinflammatory cytokines, the expression of Notch1, Notch4, delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), Notch receptor intracellular domain (NICD) and hairy enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1) increased, but the ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes decreased in AAV8.CBA.MIF-injected EAU mice. The Notch inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) reduced the expression of NICD, Hes-1 and proinflammatory cytokines. Further, a MIF antagonist ISO-1 attenuated intraocular inflammation, and inhibited the differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 in EAU mice. We demonstrated that over-expression of MIF exaggerated ocular inflammation, which was associated with the activation of the Notch signalling. The expression of both MIF and its receptors are elevated in EAU mice. Over-expression of MIF exaggerates ocular inflammation, and this exaggerated inflammation is associated with the activation of the Notch signalling and Notch pathway. Our data suggest that the MIF–Notch axis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of EAU. Both the MIF signalling pathways may be promising targets for developing novel therapeutic interventions for uveitis.
Contribution of enhanced engagement of antigen presentation machinery to the clinical immunogenicity of a human interleukin (IL)-21 receptor-blocking therapeutic antibody
Authors: Xue L , Hickling T , Song R , Nowak J , Rup B
Published: September 2015

Reliable risk assessment for biotherapeutics requires accurate evaluation of risk factors associated with immunogenicity. Immunogenicity risk assessment tools were developed and applied to investigate the immunogenicity of a fully human therapeutic monoclonal antibody, ATR-107 [anti-interleukin (IL)-21 receptor] that elicited anti-drug antibodies (ADA) in 76% of healthy subjects in a Phase 1 study. Because the ATR-107 target is expressed on dendritic cells (DCs), the immunogenicity risk related to engagement with DC and antigen presentation pathways was studied. Despite the presence of IL-21R on DCs, ATR-107 did not bind to the DCs more extensively than the control therapeutic antibody (PF-1) that had elicited low clinical ADA incidence. However, ATR-107, but not the control therapeutic antibody, was translocated to the DC late endosomes, co-localized with intracellular antigen-D related (HLA-DR) molecules and presented a dominant T cell epitope overlapping the complementarity determining region 2 (CDR2) of the light chain. ATR-107 induced increased DC activation exemplified by up-regulation of DC surface expression of CD86, CD274 (PD-L1) and CD40, increased expansion of activated DC populations expressing CD86hi, CD40hi, CD83hi, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)hi, HLA-DRhi or CCR7hi, as well as elevated secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α by DCs. DCs exposed to ATR-107 stimulated an autologous T cell proliferative response in human donor cells, in concert with the detection of immunoglobulin (Ig)G-type anti-ATR-107 antibody response in clinical samples. Collectively, the enhanced engagement of antigen presentation machinery by ATR-107 was suggested. The approaches and findings described in this study may be relevant to identifying lower immunogenicity risk targets and therapeutic molecules.
Early Implant Failures Related to Individual Surgeons: An Analysis Covering 11,074 Operations Performed during 28 Years
Authors: Jemt Torsten , Olsson Malin , Renouard Franck , Stenport Victoria , Friberg Bertil
Published: September 2015

Background

Compared with knowledge on patient and implant component factors, little knowledge is available on surgeons' role in early implant failures.

Purpose

To report incidence of early implant failures related to total number of operations performed by individual surgeons.

Materials and Methods

Early implant failures (≤1 year of implant prosthesis function) were reported after a total of 11,074 implant operations at one specialist clinic during 28 years of surgery. Altogether, 8,808 individual patients were treated by 23 different dentists, of whom 21 surgeons were specialists in oral surgery or periodontology. Recorded failures were related to total numbers of performed operations per surgeon, followed by statistical comparisons (χ2) between surgeons with regard to type of treated jaw and implant surface.

Results

Altogether, 616 operations were recorded with early implant failures (5.6%), most often observed in edentulous upper jaws after placing implants with a turned surface (p < .05). Significant differences between surgeons, gender of surgeon, type of treated jaws by the surgeon, and implant surface used by the surgeon could be observed (p < .05).

Conclusions

Early implant failures are complex, multifactorial problems associated with many aspects in the surgical procedure. A stochastic variation of failures for individual surgeons could be observed over the years. Different levels of failure rate could be observed between the surgeons, occasionally reaching significant levels as a total or for different jaw situations (p < .05). The surgeons reduced their failure rates when using implants with moderately rough surfaces (p < .5), but the relationship of failure rate between the surgeons was maintained.
Conserving tigers in working landscapes
Authors: Chanchani Pranav , Noon Barry R. , Bailey Larissa L. , Warrier Rekha A.
Published: September 2015

Tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation efforts in Asia are focused on protected areas embedded in human‐dominated landscapes. A system of protected areas is an effective conservation strategy for many endangered species if the network is large enough to support stable metapopulations. The long‐term conservation of tigers requires that the species be able to meet some of its life‐history needs beyond the boundaries of small protected areas and within the working landscape, including multiple‐use forests with logging and high human use. However, understanding of factors that promote or limit the occurrence of tigers in working landscapes is incomplete. We assessed the relative influence of protection status, prey occurrence, extent of grasslands, intensity of human use, and patch connectivity on tiger occurrence in the 5400 km2 Central Terai Landscape of India, adjacent to Nepal. Two observer teams independently surveyed 1009 km of forest trails and water courses distributed across 60 166‐km2 cells. In each cell, the teams recorded detection of tiger signs along evenly spaced trail segments. We used occupancy models that permitted multiscale analysis of spatially correlated data to estimate cell‐scale occupancy and segment‐scale habitat use by tigers as a function of management and environmental covariates. Prey availability and habitat quality, rather than protected‐area designation, influenced tiger occupancy. Tiger occupancy was low in some protected areas in India that were connected to extensive areas of tiger habitat in Nepal, which brings into question the efficacy of current protection and management strategies in both India and Nepal. At a finer spatial scale, tiger habitat use was high in trail segments associated with abundant prey and large grasslands, but it declined as human and livestock use increased. We speculate that riparian grasslands may provide tigers with critical refugia from human activity in the daytime and thereby promote tiger occurrence in some multiple‐use forests. Restrictions on human‐use in high‐quality tiger habitat in multiple‐use forests may complement existing protected areas and collectively promote the persistence of tiger populations in working landscapes.
Colon cancer with unresectable synchronous metastases: the AAAP scoring system for predicting the outcome after primary tumour resection
Authors: Li Z.‐M. , Peng Y.‐F. , Du C.‐Z. , Gu J.
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a prognostic scoring system to predict the outcome of patients with unresectable metastatic colon cancer who received primary colon tumour resection.

Method

Patients with confirmed metastatic colon cancer treated at the Peking University Cancer Hospital between 2003 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The correlation of clinicopathological factors with overall survival was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log‐rank test. Independent prognostic factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and were then combined to form a prognostic scoring system.

Results

A total of 110 eligible patients were included in the study. The median survival time was 10.4 months and the 2‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 21.8%. Age over 70 years, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level over 160 IU/l, ascites, a platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) above 162 and no postoperative therapy were independently associated with a shorter OS in multivariate analysis. Age, ALP, ascites and PLR were subsequently combined to form the so‐called AAAP scoring system. Patients were classified into high, medium and low risk groups according to the score obtained. There were significant differences in OS between each group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Age, ALP, ascites, PLR and postoperative therapy were independent prognostic factors for survival of patients with metastatic colonic cancer who underwent primary tumour resection. The AAAP scoring system may be a useful tool for surgical decision making.
Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy with oxaliplatin in colorectal peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Demtröder C. , Solass W. , Zieren J. , Strumberg D. , Giger‐Pabst U. , Reymond M.‐A.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an experimental drug delivery method that applies chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity as an aerosol under pressure. We present the first results obtained with PIPAC in colorectal peritoneal metastasis (CPM).

Method

This is a retrospective analysis. PIPAC was applied in 17 consecutive patients with pretreated CPM. All patients had previously undergone surgery, and 16 had undergone previous lines of systemic chemotherapy (median, two lines). The mean peritoneal metastasis index (peritoneal cancer index) was 16 ± 10. Forty‐eight applications of PIPAC with oxaliplatin (92 mg/m2) were given every 6 weeks at 37°C and 12 mmHg for 30 min. The outcome criteria were microscopic pathological response, survival and adverse events according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0.

Results

Forty‐eight PIPAC administrations were performed with no intra‐operative complications. The mean number of PIPAC administrations per patient was 2.8 (minimum one, maximum six). Postoperative adverse events (CTCAE level 3) were observed in four patients (23%), no CTCAE level‐4 adverse events were reported. The hospital mortality was zero. Objective tumour responses were observed in 12/17 patients (71%), and the overall responses were as follows: complete pathological response (seven patients), major response (four patients), partial response (one patient), no response (two patients) and not eligible (three patients). The mean survival after first PIPAC was 15.7 months.

Conclusion

Repeated PIPAC with oxaliplatin can induce the regression of pretreated CPM. The toxicity appears to be low. These preliminary results are encouraging and justify prospective clinical studies.
Moving to Learn: How Guiding the Hands Can Set the Stage for Learning
Authors: Brooks Neon , Goldin‐Meadow Susan
Published: September 2015

Previous work has found that guiding problem‐solvers' movements can have an immediate effect on their ability to solve a problem. Here we explore these processes in a learning paradigm. We ask whether guiding a learner's movements can have a delayed effect on learning, setting the stage for change that comes about only after instruction. Children were taught movements that were either relevant or irrelevant to solving mathematical equivalence problems and were told to produce the movements on a series of problems before they received instruction in mathematical equivalence. Children in the relevant movement condition improved after instruction significantly more than children in the irrelevant movement condition, despite the fact that the children showed no improvement in their understanding of mathematical equivalence on a ratings task or on a paper‐and‐pencil test taken immediately after the movements but before instruction. Movements of the body can thus be used to sow the seeds of conceptual change. But those seeds do not necessarily come to fruition until after the learner has received explicit instruction in the concept, suggesting a “sleeper effect” of gesture on learning.
Managing Quality in a Heterogeneous Contract Manufacturing Environment
Authors: Handley Sean , Gray John
Published: September 2015

The outsourcing of production is a prominent strategy across industries. While the strategy can have many benefits, the popular press reports numerous examples of quality issues originating with contract manufacturers (CMs). Observing these quality issues, multiple scholars call for the quality management (QM) literature to be extended to explicitly address the challenges of managing quality in an inter‐organizational context. Additionally, QM researchers recognize the need to consider contextual contingencies for the effectiveness of specific QM practices. Responding to these calls, we focus on the potential contingent factor of CM heterogeneity (i.e. the degree of product and process diversity at the CM plant). We first test the direct relationship between CM manufacturing heterogeneity and CM quality conformance performance, as reported by the CM's customers, brand‐owning firms. Next, we evaluate the effectiveness of multiple practices that these brand‐owning firms can employ to mitigate the anticipated negative effect of heterogeneity on their CM's conformance quality. We utilize paired dyadic data on 106 contract manufacturing relationships in the food, drug, and medical device industries to test our hypothesized model. The results of our analysis reveal a negative association between heterogeneity at CM facilities and their conformance quality performance. Our results also identify cooperative relationships, contractual coordination provisions, and formal performance assessment programs as practices that brand‐owning firms can employ to largely eliminate the negative impact of heterogeneity on CMs’ conformance quality performance.
Reliability tests and guidelines for B‐mode ultrasound assessment of central adiposity
Authors: Stoner Lee , Chinn Victoria , Cornwall Jon , Meikle Grant , Page Rachel , Lambrick Danielle , Faulkner James
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Ultrasound represents a validated and relatively inexpensive diagnostic device for assessing central adiposity; however, widespread adoption has been impeded by the lack of reliable standard operating procedures.

Purpose

To examine the reliability of, and describe guidelines for, ultrasound‐derived recording of intra‐abdominal fat thickness (IAT) and maximal preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT).

Methods

Ultrasound scans were obtained from 20 adults (50% female, 26 ± 7 years, 24·5 kg/m2) on three different mornings. IAT was assessed 2 cm above the umbilicus (transverse plane) measuring from linea alba to: (i) anterior aorta, (ii) posterior aorta and (iii) anterior aspect of the vertebral column. PFT was measured from linea alba to visceral peritoneum in (i) sagittal and (ii) transverse planes, immediately over and inferior to the xiphi‐sternum, respectively.

Results

For IAT, the criterion intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0·75 was exceeded for measurements to anterior aorta (0·95), posterior aorta (0·94) and vertebra (0·96). The reliability coefficient expressed as a percentage of the mean (RC%) was lowest (better) for measurement to vertebrae (9·8%). For PFT, mean thickness was comparable for sagittal (1·74 cm) and transverse (1·76 cm) planes; ICC values were also comparable for both planes (0·98 vs. 0·98, respectively), as were RC% (7·5% vs. 7·1%, respectively).

Conclusions

IAT assessments to the vertebra were marginally more reliable than those to other structures. While PFT assessments were equally reliable for both measurements planes, precise probe placement was easier for the sagittal plane. Based on these findings, guidelines for the reliable measurement of central adiposity using ultrasound are presented.
miR‐330‐5p inhibits proliferation and migration of keratinocytes by targeting Pdia3 expression
Authors: Kim Bong‐Kyu , Yoo Hye‐In , Choi Keonwoo , Yoon Sungjoo Kim
Published: September 2015

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non‐coding RNA molecules that play important roles in cellular processes by regulating gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. In skin biology, several miRNAs have been shown to be associated with differentiation, migration and apoptosis of keratinocytes, and regulation of the hair cycle. Although the biological role of miR‐330‐5p has been reported in several cancers and cells, the function and molecular mechanism of miR‐330‐5p in skin keratinocytes have not been identified. In this study, we found that miR‐330‐5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of mouse keratinocytes. Among the candidate target genes of miR‐330‐5p searched using microarray analysis, we found that the expression of Pdia3 was directly regulated by miR‐330‐5p in the mouse keratinocyte. Moreover, inhibition of Pdia3 expression caused decreased proliferation and migration ability of mouse keratinocytes. Additionally, expressions of miR‐330‐5p and Pdia3 displayed an inverse correlation with respect to the hair cycle stage. These results indicated that regulation of Pdia3 expression by miR‐330‐5p is important in maintaining the hair cycle through regulation of the proliferation and migration capability of keratinocytes.