bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the chick embryo, estrogen can induce chromosomally male ZZ left gonad epithelial cells to form an ovarian cortex, which supports oogenesis
Authors: Guioli Silvana , Zhao Debiao , Nandi Sunil , Clinton Michael , Lovell-Badge Robin
Published: March 2019

In chickens, as in most amniotes, the first morphogenetic event in ovary differentiation is the formation of two distinct domains: a steroidogenic core, the medulla, overlain by the germ cell niche, the cortex. This process normally starts immediately after sex determination in the ZW embryos, substantially before the progression of germ cells into meiosis. In order to address the extent to which the cortical domain depends on intrinsic or extrinsic factors, we generated models of gonadal intersex by mixing ZW (female) and ZZ (male) cells in gonadal chimeras, or by altering estrogen levels of ZZ and ZW embryosin ovo. We found that both chomosomally female and male cells can be induced to form the cortical domain and that this can form relatively independently of the phenotypic sex of the medulla as long as estrogen is provided. We also show that the cortex promoting activity of estrogen signalling is mediated via Estrogen Receptor alpha within the left gonad epithelium. Therefore, either a ZW or ZZ cortical domain can provide an adequate niche to allow the germ cells to progress into meiosis. However, the presence of a medulla with an “intersex” or male phenotype may compromise this progression, causing cortical germ cells to remain in an immature state in the embryo.
Auditory sensory memory span for duration is severely curtailed in females with Rett Syndrome
Authors: Brima Tufikameni , Molholm Sophie , Molloy Ciara J. , Sysoeva Olga V. , Nicholas Eric , Djukic Aleksandra , Freedman Edward G. , Foxe John J.
Published: March 2019

Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, is typified by profound cognitive impairment and severe language impairment, rendering it very difficult to accurately measure auditory processing capabilities behaviorally in this population. Here we leverage the mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the event-related potential to measure the ability of RTT patients to decode and store occasional duration deviations in a stream of auditory stimuli. Sensory memory for duration, crucial for speech comprehension, has not been studied in RTT.

High-density EEG was successfully recorded in 18 females with RTT and 27 age-matched typically developing (TD) controls (aged 6-22 years). Data from 7 RTT and 3 TD participants were excluded for excessive noise. Stimuli were 1kHz tones with a standard duration of 100ms and deviant duration of 180ms. To assess the sustainability of sensory memory, stimulus presentation rate was varied with stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) of 450, 900 and 1800ms. MMNs with maximum negativity over fronto-central scalp and a latency of 220-230ms were clearly evident for each presentation rate in the TD group, but only for the shortest SOA in the RTT group. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant group by SOA interaction. MMN amplitude correlated with age in the TD group only. MMN amplitude was not correlated with the Rett Syndrome Severity Scale. This study indicates that while RTT patients can decode deviations in auditory duration, the span of this sensory memory system is severely foreshortened, with likely implications for speech decoding abilities.
The restoration species pool for restoring tropical landscapes: assessment of the largest Brazilian supply chain
Authors: Vidal Cristina Yuri , Naves Rafaela Pereira , Viani Ricardo Augusto Gorne , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro
Published: March 2019

Brazil has been committed to fulfill international restoration goals and to enforce environmental legislation that will require private landowners to undertake ecological restoration of 21 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes. To support a broad range of restoration practices, a consolidated supply chain able to represent regional plant diversity is essential. This study investigated the restoration species pool in native plant nurseries in São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil and evaluated their geographic distribution, similarity of their plant stocks and the proportion of species represented from regional floras. Despite the lack of technical assistance and the large presence of non-native species (126 species, average 7.5 species/nursery), we found still more impressive native species richness in plant nurseries (561 species, average 86.4 species/nursery) from both the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado domains, representing 38 to 44% of regional floras. There was a huge bias toward tree and shrub species (96.6%) and absence or underrepresentation of other growth forms, as well as of savanna specialists, animal-dispersed and threatened species. The great dissimilarity of species offered in the nurseries surveyed underscores the importance of regional seed collection practices. Effective assistance and capacitation are essential to address issues related to misidentification of species, underrepresentation of most functional plant groups, and the presence of non-native species, as well as to support the supply chain, currently undergoing market downturn.

Author contributions

‘CYV and RRR conceived and designed the research. CYV performed data compilation; CYV and RPN analyzed the data; CYV and RAGV led the writing of the manuscript; all authors contributed to the drafts and gave final approval for publication.

Implications for practice

Plant nurseries collecting propagules from the surrounding vegetation provide an adequate – but limited – restoration species pool, with very dissimilar plant stocks available among plant nurseries.

Plant nurseries concentrate their production on shrub and tree species and sub-represent other growth forms and some functional groups such as animal-dispersed and threatened species.

The diversity of the restoration species pool is the basis to support a broad range of restoration practice, being essential to boost restoration initiatives that complement and support the conservation of remaining diversity in human modified landscapes.

Effective assistance and capacity building should be provided to address issues related to misidentification, underrepresentation of functional groups and the presence of exotic and invasive species, as well as to support the supply chain, currently under market downturn
Interaction of Hippocampal Ripples and Cortical Slow Waves Leads to Coordinated Large-Scale Sleep Rhythm
Authors: Sanda Pavel , Malerba Paola , Jiang Xi , Krishnan Giri P. , Cash Sydney , Halgren Eric , Bazhenov Maxim
Published: March 2019

The dialogue between cortex and hippocampus is known to be crucial for sleep dependent consolidation of long lasting memories. During slow wave sleep memory replay depends on slow oscillation (SO) and spindles in the (neo)cortex and sharp wave-ripple complexes (SWR) in the hippocampus, however, the mechanisms underlying interaction of these rhythms are poorly understood. Here, we examined the interaction between cortical SOs and hippocampal SWRs in a computational model of the hippocampo-cortico-thalamic network and compared the results with human intracranial recordings during sleep. We observed that ripple occurrence peaked following the onset of SO (Down-to-Up-state transition) and that cortical input to hippocampus was crucial to maintain this relationship. Ripples influenced the spatiotemporal structure of cortical SO and duration of the Up/Down-states. In particular, ripples were capable of synchronizing Up-to-Down state transition events across the cortical network. Slow waves had a tendency to initiate at cortical locations receiving hippocampal ripples, and these “initiators” were able to influence sequential reactivation within cortical Up states. We concluded that during slow wave sleep, hippocampus and neocortex maintain a complex interaction, where SOs bias the onset of ripples, while ripples influence the spatiotemporal pattern of SOs.
α-integrins dictate distinct modes of type IV collagen recruitment to basement membranes
Authors: Jayadev Ranjay , Chi Qiuyi , Keeley Daniel P. , Hastie Eric L. , Sherwood David R.
Published: March 2019

Basement membranes (BMs) are cell-associated extracellular matrices that support tissue integrity, signaling, and barrier properties. Type IV collagen is critical for BM mechanical and signaling functions, yet how it is directed into BMsin vivois unclear. Through live-cell imaging of endogenous localization, conditional knockdown, and misexpression experiments, we uncovered distinct mechanisms of integrin-mediated collagen recruitment toCaenorhabditis elegansgonadal and pharyngeal BMs. The putative laminin-binding αINA-1/βPAT-3 integrin was selectively activated in the gonad and recruited laminin, which directed moderate collagen incorporation. In contrast, the putative Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding αPAT-2/βPAT-3 integrin was activated in the pharynx and recruited high levels of collagen independent of laminin. Through an RNAi screen, we further identified the small GTPase RAP-3 (Rap1) as a pharyngeal-specific PAT-2/PAT-3 activator that modulates collagen levels. Together, these studies demonstrate that tissues can use distinct mechanisms to direct collagen incorporation into BMs to precisely control collagen levels and construct diverse BMs.
How to make more from exposure data? An integrated machine learning pipeline to predict pathogen exposure
Authors: Fountain-Jones Nicholas M. , Machado Gustavo , Carver Scott , Packer Craig , Recamonde-Mendoza Mariana , Craft Meggan E.
Published: March 2019

Predicting infectious disease dynamics is a central challenge in disease ecology. Models that can assess which individuals are most at risk of being exposed to a pathogen not only provide valuable insights into disease transmission and dynamics but can also guide management interventions. Constructing such models for wild animal populations, however, is particularly challenging; often only serological data is available on a subset of individuals and non-linear relationships between variables are common.

Here we take advantage of the latest advances in statistical machine learning to construct pathogen-risk models that automatically incorporate complex non-linear relationships with minimal statistical assumptions from ecological data with missing values. Our approach compares multiple machine learning algorithms in a unified environment to find the model with the best predictive performance and uses game theory to better interpret results. We apply this framework on two major pathogens that infect African lions: canine distemper virus (CDV) and feline parvovirus.

Our modelling approach provided enhanced predictive performance compared to more traditional approaches, as well as new insights into disease risks in a wild population. We were able to efficiently capture and visualise strong non-linear patterns, as well as model complex interactions between variables in shaping exposure risk from CDV and feline parvovirus. For example, we found that lions were more likely to be exposed to CDV at a young age but only in low rainfall years.

When combined with our data calibration approach, our framework helped us to answer questions about risk of pathogen exposure which are difficult to address with previous methods. Our framework not only has the potential to aid in predicting disease risk in animal populations, but also can be used to build robust predictive models suitable for other ecological applications such as modelling species distribution or diversity patterns.
Identification of Genes Regulating Cell Death inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yee Rebecca , Feng Jie , Wang Jiou , Chen Jiazhen , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2019

Staphylococcus aureusis an opportunistic pathogen that causes acute and chronic infections. Due toS. aureus’ s highly resistant and persistent nature, it is paramount to identify better drug targets in order to eradicateS. aureusinfections. Despite the efforts in understanding bacterial cell death, the genes and pathways ofS. aureuscell death remain elusive. Here, we performed a genome-wide screen using a transposon mutant library to study the genetic mechanisms involved inS. aureuscell death. Using a precisely controlled heat-ramp and acetic acid exposure assays, mutations in 27 core genes (hsdR1, hslO, nsaS, sspA, folD, mfd, vraF, kdpB, USA300HOU_2684, 0868, 0369, 0420, 1154, 0142, 0930, 2590, 0997, 2559, 0044, 2004, 1209, 0152, 2455, 0154, 2386, 0232, 0350 involved in transporters, transcription, metabolism, peptidases, kinases, transferases, SOS response, nucleic acid and protein synthesis) caused the bacteria to be more death-resistant. In addition, we identified mutations in core 10 genes (capA, gltT, mnhG1,USA300HOU_1780, 2496, 0200, 2029, 0336, 0329, 2386, involved in transporters, metabolism, transcription, cell wall synthesis) from heat-ramp and acetic acid that caused the bacteria to be more death-sensitive or with defect in persistence. Interestingly, death-resistant mutants were more virulent than the parental strain USA300 and caused increased mortality in aCaenorhabditis elegansinfection model. Conversely, death-sensitive mutants were less persistent and formed less persister cells upon exposure to different classes of antibiotics. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms ofS. aureuscell death and offer new therapeutic targets for developing more effective treatments caused byS. aureus.
A topological data analysis based classification method for multiple measurements
Authors: Riihimäki Henri , Chachólski Wojciech , Theorell Jakob , Hillert Jan , Ramanujam Ryan
Published: March 2019

Background

Machine learning models for repeated measurements are limited. Using topological data analysis (TDA), we present a classifier for repeated measurements which samples from the data space and builds a network graph based on the data topology. When applying this to two case studies, accuracy exceeds alternative models with additional benefits such as reporting data subsets with high purity along with feature values.

Results

For 300 examples of 3 tree species, the accuracy reached 80% after 30 datapoints, which was improved to 90% after increased sampling to 400 datapoints. Using data from 100 examples of each of 6 point processes, the classifier achieved 96.8% accuracy. In both datasets, the TDA classifier outperformed an alternative model.

Conclusions

This algorithm and software can be beneficial for repeated measurement data common in biological sciences, as both an accurate classifier and a feature selection tool.
Back-propagation learning in deep Spike-By-Spike networks
Authors: Rotermund David , Pawelzik Klaus R.
Published: March 2019

Neural networks are important building blocks in technical applications. These artificial neural networks (ANNs) rely on noiseless continuous signals in stark contrast to the discrete action potentials stochastically exchanged among the neurons in real brains. A promising approach towards bridging this gap are the Spike-by-Spike (SbS) networks which represent a compromise between non-spiking and spiking versions of generative models that perform inference on their inputs. What is still missing are algorithms for finding weight sets that would optimize the output performances of deep SbS networks with many layers.

Here, a learning rule for hierarchically organized SbS networks is derived. The properties of this approach are investigated and its functionality demonstrated by simulations. In particular, a Deep Convolutional SbS network for classifying handwritten digits (MNIST) is presented. When applied together with an optimizer this learning method achieves a classification performance of roughly 99.3% on the MNIST test data. Thereby it approaches the benchmark results of ANNs without extensive parameter optimization. We envision that with this learning rule SBS networks will provide a new basis for research in neuroscience and for technical applications, especially when they become implemented on specialized computational hardware.
Recommendations and guidelines for implementing PPP projects
Authors: Araujo Lissa Gomes , Piña Ana Beatriz Souza , Aidar Luiz Augusto Gimenez , Coelho Guilherme Oliveira , Carvalho Michele Tereza Marques
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose recommendations and guidelines for the initiation phase of a public–private partnership (PPP), focusing on the electricity sector in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review allowed gathering international best practices, while brainstorming meetings and document research permitted acquiring data from the Brazilian electricity sector through a multiple case study of 12 projects. By applying benchmarking principles to compare findings, the paper proposes guidelines and recommendations, which culminated in a final framework for implementing PPPs.

Findings

The created framework structures a series of recommendations with application in PPP projects. Also, the paper gathers worldwide best practices, which could increase the rate of success by avoiding problems throughout the other phases of a PPP project.

Research limitations/implications

This paper addresses the electricity sector. Due to the singularity of such infrastructure enterprises, it is possible that the framework suggested is not entirely applicable to other enterprises, being a suggestion for future studies to perform an adherent test. Also, validating this framework is not in the scope of this project.

Practical implications

The use of a framework on PPP implementations brings attention to necessary efforts on previous phases of projects, which can avoid financial and technical problems, improving the reliability of PPPs.

Originality/value

The application of guidelines and recommendations on the electricity sector has not appeared with such focus in previous studies. The paper provides a practical manner to upgrade the process and suggests a model for implementing PPPs.
Evaluation of PPP road projects in Greece
Authors: Marinelli Marina
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and evaluate the problems encountered by five major road projects recently implemented in Greece as public–private partnerships (PPP) and make recommendations for improvement of the relevant managerial practices and contractual clauses for the benefit of similar future projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted in this research as only senior engineers with specific managerial experience were deemed suitable for the purposes of this research. In total, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with CEOs of the PPPs and heads of independent engineers involved in the projects’ implementation as well as with senior officials of two Greek Ministries.

Findings

The experts identified different areas of weakness relevant to the revenue risks, the planning of the scope, the management of designs and legal permits as well as the toll policy selected. They also made specific recommendations for the streamlining of the relevant procedures in the future.

Practical implications

The experts’ opinions and recommendations constitute a solid basis for the achievement of higher efficiency in the management of future PPP projects worldwide.

Originality/value

This research offers a holistic perspective to PPP project management as it sheds light to the problems encountered by the Greek PPP programme as a whole and incorporates the experience gained at the contracts’ renegotiation. The research draws from the experience of experts and offers recommendations for systemic improvements which can be widely applied in any geographical context.
A comparative study of knitted strain sensors fabricated with conductive composite and coated yarns
Authors: Raji Rafiu King , Miao Xuhong , Zhang Shu , Li Yutian , Wan Ailan , Frimpong Charles
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The use of conductive yarns or wires to design and construct fabric-based strain sensors is a research area that is gaining much attention in recent years. This is based on a profound theory that conductive yarns will have a variation in resistance if subjected to tension. What is not clear is to which types of conductive yarns are most suited to delivering the right sensitivity. The purpose of this paper is to look at strain sensors knitted with conductive composite and coated yarns which include core spun, blended, coated and commingled yarns. The conductive components are stainless steel and silver coating respectively with polyester as the nonconductive part. Using Stoll CMS 530 flat knitting machine, five samples each were knitted with the mentioned yarn categories using 1×1 rib structure. Sensitivity tests were carried out on the samples. Piezoresistive response of the samples reveals that yarns with heterogeneous external structures showed both an increase and a decrease in resistance, whereas those with homogenous structures responded linearly to stress. Stainless steel based yarns also had higher piezoresistive range compared to the silver-coated ones. However, comparing all the knitted samples, silver-coated yarn (SCY) proved to be more suitable for strain sensor as its response to tension was unidirectional with an appreciable range of change in resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

Conductive composite yarns, namely, core spun yarn (CSY1), core spun yarn (CSY2), silver-coated blended yarn (SCBY), staple fiber blended yarn (SFBY) and commingled yarn (CMY) were sourced based on specifications and used to knit strain sensor samples. Electro-mechanical properties were investigated by stretching on a fabric tensile machine to ascertain their suitability for a textile strain sensor.

Findings

In order to generate usable signal for a strain sensor for a conductive yarn, it must have persistent and consistent conductive links, both externally and internally. In the case of composite yarns such as SFBY, SCBY and CMY where there were no consistent alignment and inter-yarn contact, resistance change fluctuated. Among all six different types of yarns used, SCY presented the most suitable result as its response to tension was unidirectional with an appreciable range of change in resistance.

Originality/value

This is an original research carried out by the authors who studied the electro-mechanical properties of some composite conductive yarns that have not been studied before in textile strain sensor research. Detailed research methods, results and interpretation of the results have thus been presented.
Three-dimensional garment pattern design using progressive mesh cutting algorithm
Authors: Kang Yeonghoon , Kim Sungmin
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the core module of computer-aided three-dimensional garment pattern design system.

Design/methodology/approach

A progressive mesh cutting algorithm and mesh reshaping algorithm have been developed to cut a single mesh into multiple patches. A flat projection algorithm has been developed to project 3D patches into 2D patterns.

Findings

The software developed in this study is expected to enable its users to design complex garment patterns without the in-depth knowledge of pattern design process.

Research limitations/implications

The mesh model used in this study was a fixed model. It will be extended to a deformable garment model that can be resized according to the underlying body model

Practical implications

The software developed in this study is expected to reduce the time required for time-consuming and trial-and-error-based pattern design process.

Social implications

Fashion designers will be able to design complex patterns by themselves and the dependence upon expert patterners could be reduced

Originality/value

The progressive mesh cutting algorithm developed in this study can cut a mesh model using arbitrary lines. The mesh reshaping algorithm can improve the mesh quality of divided patches to increase the numerical stability during subsequent pattern flattening process. The flip removal algorithm can effectively remove the partially flipped mesh elements.
Lean culture: a comprehensive systematic literature review
Authors: Dorval Marc , Jobin Marie-Hélène , Benomar Nadia
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of pragmatic ambiguity (PA) lean culture has currently in the manufacturing and service literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive systematic review of academic (journals, books and theses) and commercial literature was undertaken drawn from a six databases search of two keywords (“lean” and “culture”) and related citations.

Findings

A total sample of 1,066 references (678 academic papers, 121 books, 103 theses and 164 commercial documents) were analyzed. The authors found contributions from 67 countries but oddly, only two came from Japan. In total, 89 percent of citations were directly about lean culture. However, for 86 percent of them, lean culture was only discussed superficially. All four literature segments show an over 85 percent agreement on lean culture being an organizational aim. The authors encountered 103 definitions of organizational culture and found 13 definitions of lean culture. Issues of culture gap, leadership, human resource management, sustainability and innovation are found to amplify lean culture’s already high PA level.

Research limitations/implications

Further research and development are needed to decrease lean culture’s PA level and improve understanding of lean from a cultural perspective.

Practical implications

Current lean culture’s high PA level has positive and negative effects on lean implementation. Taking lean implementation from a cultural perspective may facilitate an organization’s lean transformation journey.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic literature review on lean culture using a broad and inductive approach. An original evidence-based definition of organizational culture is proposed.
Risk perception in performance based contracts and the influence of experience
Authors: Glas Andreas Herbert , Raithel Clarissa , Essig Michael
Published: March 2019

Purpose

In performance-based contracting (PBC), the provider is paid according to outcomes for its customer, and therefore assumes responsibility for customer risks. Previous studies have revealed that risk exposure is a fundamental influencing factor. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to analyze how previous experience with PBC influences the perception of risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a cross-industry study. Factor analysis and discriminant analysis are used to reveal to what extent experience influences PBC risk factors.

Findings

It is confirmed that risk perception differs significantly according to previous PBC experience. Thus, significant learning effects are identified in the PBC context.

Research limitations/implications

Experiential learning in PBC can explain entry barriers to PBC faced by new buyers with low levels of experience. Although the internal validity of the sample is high, as all analyzed cases represent PBC buying companies, there are limitations related to external validity.

Practical implications

To manage risks this study provides a structure (12 risks, 3 aggregated factors), which could be used for risk evaluation and strategic and operative risk management. Other implications recommend, e.g., to collaborate with a PBC “veteran” when entering into PBC, as this boosts the level of PBC-related experience.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to identifying PBC risks through the explorative statistical assessment of these PBC risk factors.
Mediation effects financial performance toward influences of corporate growth and assets utilization
Authors: Mangesti Rahayu Sri
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the effects of corporate financial performance toward the influences of corporate growth and company asset utilization on the corporate market value.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is an explanatory research that describes the influences of one or more variables on other variables based on secondary data. This research took place in Indonesia and was carried out from 2011 to 2016.

Findings

The findings of this study are corporate growth has a significant influence on the corporate market value, implying that companies should consider the short-term and long-term profitabilities before making any investment decision; asset utilization has been confirmed to have a positive and significant influence on financial performance. Insights into asset utilization effectiveness and efficiency are important for company managers to consider in making strategic decisions upon operational activities of the company. Also, financial performance has a positive and significant influence on the corporate market value.

Originality/value

Research originality offered in this research is in the form of empirical evidence upon the influence of company asset utilization on the financial performance and corporate market value of a company. The finding of this research is expected to provide a better understanding on the role of company asset utilization in determining corporate financial performance which is known to be certain.
Moderating effect of IFRS adoption on FDI and conditional accounting conservatism in South Asia
Authors: Manawadu Isuru , Che Azmi Anna , Mohamed Aslam
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of IFRS adoption on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and conditional accounting conservatism in South Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the model developed by Basu (1997) and Ball and Shivakumar (2005) to examine the moderating effect of IFRS adoption on the relationship between FDI and conditional accounting conservatism. Data are tested by running panel generalized method of moments–2SLS estimation for the period of 2006–2015.

Findings

A moderating effect of IFRS adoption was found on the relationship between FDI and conditional accounting conservatism in South Asia.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature by adding new evidence on the moderating effect of IFRS adoption on the relationship between FDI and conditional accounting conservatism.

Originality/value

The relationship between FDI and conditional accounting conservatism was moderated by IFRS adoption in South Asia. This finding provides new evidence to the literature as well as for the policy makers to consider on IFRS adoption.
Engaging in engaged B2B scholarship: relevance squared
Authors: Ritter Thomas
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on relevance of business-to-business research based on Van de Ven’s (2007) engaged scholarship model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a reflection of the current state and potential future research avenues.

Findings

The paper highlights that relevance is important in all four engaged scholarship activities. Pitfalls also occur at all four parts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights challenges and opportunities in business-to-business marketing research.

Originality/value

The paper reflects on relevance of research projects.
Sustainable adaptive reuse – economic impact of cultural heritage
Authors: Kee Tris
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the positive externalities of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and the economic impact on adjacent residential property prices as adaptive reuse is emerging as a significant heritage management and cultural heritage conservation practice recognized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

Design/methodology/approach

Through mixed methodologies of hedonic price model and case studies of three tenement houses in Hong Kong, this paper argues that the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings increases the values of residential properties within the district and revitalizes the area economically and culturally because of the positive externalities generated from the cultural heritage.

Findings

The findings have identified key cultural heritage values of adaptive reuse via the case studies as well as the major intangible cultural values associated with the heritage assignment. On the other hand, the hedonic regression also verifies that key variables such as heritage completion and distance from heritage show significance to the property prices of adjacent residential units.

Practical implications

The research is useful for heritage conservationists, policy makers and urban planners in other cities with regards to management and implementation of sustainable cultural heritage revitalization schemes for economic benefits.

Originality/value

The research is original in its scope and context, and is one of the first of its kind for a high-density metropolitan context in Hong Kong and is significant in demonstrating the economic impact of the heritage practice of adaptive reuse.
Corporate social responsibility and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Kunda Mohammed Mohammed , Ataman Göksel , Kartaltepe Behram Nihal
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of incumbent employees’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions toward multiple stakeholders on their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) within the context of the tourism and hospitality sector in Turkey. It also aims to examine the mediating role of job satisfaction in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 215 white-collar employees working full-time in non-managerial positions of hotels and travel services in Istanbul and Antalya regions of Turkey, using a self-administrated questionnaire. The research hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The result of the study showed that two of the four CSR dimensions, namely, CSR toward society and environment and government, had a significant and positive effect on OCB. On the other hand, CSR toward employee was the only variable among the four dimensions of CSR perception that had a significant and positive effect on employee job satisfaction. The finding of the mediation analysis unfortunately failed to support the mediation effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between CSR perceptions and OCB.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the Turkish tourism and hospitality sector. Thus, these findings may not be generalized to other sectors or countries. Future research should consider other sectors both in Turkey and other countries to extend the generalizability of the findings of this study.

Practical implications

This paper indicates that employees working in tourism and hospitality sector are highly concerned about their organizational, legal, societal and environmental social activities, which subsequently make them engage in extra role behaviors. Organizations are hereby advised that government law and regulation abiding, society and environmental social activities are very important in the effective functioning of the organizations and improving their service quality, which in turn can help increase their profits and long-term value creation.

Originality/value

Scholars in the area of CSR often explore the effect of a single dimension of CSR. Therefore, this paper contributes to the body of literature by examining the effect of employees’ CSR perceptions toward multiple stakeholders on employee behavior. Further, it is one of the few papers that highlights the positive effect of legal dimension of CSR on employee behavior within the context of the tourism and hospitality sector.
MicroRNA‐652‐3p promotes the proliferation and invasion of the trophoblast HTR‐8/SVneo cell line by targeting homeobox A9 to modulate the expression of ephrin receptor B4
Authors: Shi Ziyun , Liu Bo , Li Yanchuan , Liu Feifei , Yuan Xiaohua , Wang Yaqin
Published: March 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as novel modulators in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Multiple miRNAs have been shown to regulate the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells, which play a critical role in successful pregnancies. miR‐652‐3p has been identified as a novel disease‐associated miRNA that is dysregulated in various pathological processes. However, whether miR‐652‐3p is dysregulated in PE and regulates the cellular function of trophoblast cells remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of miR‐652‐3p in PE and explore its potential function in trophoblast cells. Herein, we found that miR‐652‐3p expression was significantly decreased in the placental tissues of pregnant women with PE. Cellular function experiments showed that overexpression of miR‐652‐3p promoted the viability, proliferation, and invasion of trophoblast cells in vitro. By contrast, inhibition of miR‐652‐3p had the opposite effect. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that homeobox A9 (HOXA9), a crucial regulator of trophoblast cell function, was a potential target gene of miR‐652‐3p. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐652‐3p directly interacted with the 3′‐untranslated region of HOXA9. Moreover, miR‐652‐3p was shown to negatively regulate the expression of HOXA9 and ephrin receptor B4 (EphB4) in trophoblast cells. Notably, overexpression of HOXA9 or EphB4 significantly reversed the regulatory effect of miR‐652‐3p on proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that miR‐652‐3p regulates the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells, possibly through targeting HOXA9 and modulating EphB4 expression.
Widespread occurrence and unexpected diversity of red‐shifted chlorophyll producing cyanobacteria in humid subtropical forest ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Zhong‐Chun , Li Zheng‐Ke , Yin Yan‐Chao , Li Yaqiong , Jia Yu , Chen Min , Qiu Bao‐Sheng
Published: March 2019

Discovery of red‐shifted chlorophyll d and f in cyanobacteria has opened up new avenues to estimate global carbon fixation driven by far‐red light. Shaded habitats in humid subtropical forest ecosystems contain an increased proportion of far‐red light components relative to residual white light. After an extensive survey of shaded ecosystems within subtropical forests, wide occurrence of red‐shifted chlorophyll‐producing cyanobacteria was demonstrated by isolated Chl f‐producing and Chl d‐containing cyanobacteria. Chl f‐producing cyanobacteria were classified into the genera of Aphanocapsa and Chroococcidiopsis and two undescribed genera within Leptolyngbyaceae. Newly isolated Chl d‐containing Acaryochloris sp. CCNUM4 showed the closest phylogenetic relationship with Acaryochloris species isolated from marine environments. Acaryochloris sp. CCNUM4 produced Chl d as major photopigment, and Chl f‐producing cyanobacteria use Chl a under white light conditions but Chl a + f under far‐red light conditions. Their habitats are widely distributed in subtropical forest ecosystems and varied from mosses on limestone to macrophyte and freshwater in the streams and ponds. This study presents a significant advance in the knowledge of distribution and diversity of red‐shifted chlorophyll‐producing cyanobacteria in terrestrial ecosystems. The results suggest that Chl f‐producing and Chl d‐containing cyanobacteria might be important primary producers in far‐red light dominant niches worldwide.
Review article: Postoperative bariatric patients in the emergency department: Review of surgical complications for the emergency physician
Authors: Windish Ryan , Wong Jason
Published: March 2019

With the rise of obesity in adult populations in the western world there has been a concurrent rise in bariatric procedures to address this problem. Although the safety of bariatric procedures has improved significantly over the past 20 years, there are still a number of serious surgical complications that can occur in the postoperative period that emergency physicians need to be familiar with. These complications can have subtle presentations that if unrecognised can go on to cause morbidity and mortality. This review will cover the more common bariatric procedures that are being performed today. It will discuss the complications, clinical presentations and management of these patients that emergency physicians should be familiar with.
Spatiotemporal Variability in Water Sources Controls Chemical and Physical Properties of a Semi‐arid Urban River System
Authors: Follstad Shah J.J. , Jameel Y. , Smith R.M. , Gabor R.S. , Brooks P.D. , Weintraub S.R.
Published: March 2019

We conducted synoptic surveys over three seasons in one year to evaluate the variability in water sources and geochemistry of an urban river with complex water infrastructure in the state of Utah. Using stable isotopes of river water (δ18O and δ2H) within a Bayesian mixing model framework and a separate hydrologic mass balance approach, we quantified both the proportional inputs and magnitude of discharge associated with “natural” (lake, groundwater, and tributary inputs) and “engineered” (effluent and canal inflows) sources. The relative importance of these major contributors to streamflow varied both spatially and seasonally. Spatiotemporal patterns of dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, calcium, chloride, nitrate, and orthophosphate indicated seasonal shifts in dominant sources of river water played an important role in determining water quality. We show although urban rivers are clearly influenced by novel water sources created by water infrastructure, they continue to reflect the imprint of “natural” water sources, including diffuse groundwater. Resource managers thus may need to account for the quantity of both surface waters and also historically overlooked groundwater inputs to address water quality concerns in urban rivers.
Evaluation of Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium training recommendations on modified Rodnan skin score assessment in scleroderma
Authors: Low Andrea H. L. , Ng Sue‐Ann , Berrocal Veronica , Brennan Benjamin , Chan Grace , Ng Swee‐Cheng , Khanna Dinesh
Published: March 2019

Aim

The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is a validated outcome measure for skin thickness in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Training has been shown to reduce variability in the measurement of mRSS. Our objective was to assess the inter‐ and intra‐observer variability of mRSS scoring using the proposed recommendations for training by the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) and World Scleroderma Foundation (WSF).

Method

Fifty‐two trainees and eight adult SSc patients participated in the SSc skin scoring workshop that was conducted in two sessions by four teachers. Each session, attended by 26 trainees, had a teaching and evaluation phase. The teaching phase comprised of: (a) lecture on mRSS scoring; (b) video demonstration of mRSS scoring; and (c) live demonstration of mRSS on one SSc patient. In the evaluation phase, each trainee independently assessed the mRSS in four SSc patients. For intra‐observer reliability, 14 trainees re‐assessed the mRSS of two SSc patients whom they had previously examined. We computed the inter‐ and intra‐observer variability using a linear mixed model.

Results

For the evaluation phase, 34 (65.4%) trainees were within five units of the established teachers' score in 3 out of 4 patients. Overall, the whole group had acceptable inter‐observer variability (intra‐class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.71, mean = 8.64 and within‐patient standard deviation [SD] = 4.25). The intra‐observer ICC was 0.85 and within‐patient SD was 2.73.

Conclusion

There was good inter‐observer and excellent intra‐observer reliability. This is the first study examining the training of assessors using the SCTC/WSF recommendations and our results support the importance of standardized training for skin scoring.
Major lower limb amputations in Far North Queensland
Authors: Nesbitt Alexander L. , Goodall Katherine , Bakshi Vrushank , Bhutia Sherab
Published: March 2019

Background

Major lower limb amputation is a devastating operation most commonly performed for complications of peripheral artery disease or diabetes mellitus. Data suggest that there is a widespread variation in major amputation rates within and between countries. This study aimed to identify key characteristics of patients undergoing this procedure in our region, and to compare our population to the rest of Australia. Secondary analysis was performed to assess differences seen in the Indigenous population.

Methods

Cases were identified from a prospectively maintained database and medical records were retrospectively reviewed to record relevant clinical information. A literature review was then undertaken to compare our data to other series.

Results

A total of 51 major lower limb amputations were performed between January 2015 and January 2017, and the mean age of patients was 59.5 years. Over 70% of patients were diabetic, and one‐third required dialysis. Twenty‐three patients were identified as Indigenous, and they were significantly younger (54.6 ± 11.4 versus 63.5 ± 15.9 years, P = 0.02) and more likely to be diabetic (91.3% versus 65.2%, P ≤ 0.01) compared to non‐Indigenous patients. The most common indication was arterial ulcer or gangrene (52.9%), but Indigenous patients were more likely to have amputation due to sepsis (47.8% versus 7.1%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing major amputation in Far North Queensland are more likely to be younger and diabetic than Queensland or Australian counterparts. Diabetes and renal disease were especially prevalent in our cohort, with higher rates found in Indigenous patients.
Psychological long‐term outcome in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Walther Katrin , Volbers Bastian , Erdmann Laura , Dogan Onugoren Müjgan , Gollwitzer Stephanie , Kasper Burkhard S. , Kurzbuch Katrin , Lang Johannes , Schwab Stefan , Schwarz Michael , Hamer Hajo M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To examine the long‐term outcome of psychological status, personality, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and to define predictors of favorable outcome of cessation of PNES.

Method

Patients diagnosed with PNES during video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring at the Erlangen Epilepsy Center were contacted 1‐16 years after communicating the diagnosis. Follow‐up information from each participant was obtained by interview (PNES outcome) and by self‐reported questionnaires of psychological symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Symptom Checklist‐90‐Standard, Dissociative Symptoms questionnaire), personality traits (Freiburg Personality Inventory‐Revised), and HRQoL (36‐Item Short Form Health Survey).

Results

Fifty‐two patients participated in the study (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 40.5 ± 14.0 years; 75% female, follow‐up: 5.3 ± 4.2 years). Nineteen patients (37%) were free of PNES for the past 12 months. Patients with persisting PNES were older at disease onset (32.9 vs 22.3 years, P < 0.01) and diagnosis (40.5 vs 27.2 years, P < 0.001), and showed worse psychological functioning, lower extraversion and life satisfaction, and higher inhibitedness and worse HRQoL than PNES‐free patients. Patients with cessation of PNES were within the normal range in all dimensions. Cessation of PNES was best predicted by younger age at PNES onset and higher extraversion.

Significance

Outcome of PNES is poor, psychopathology is high, and HRQoL is low in patients with persistent PNES but may normalize with PNES cessation. High introversion and older age at PNES onset are risk factors for persistent PNES.