bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role conflict and ambivalence in the aged-parent-adult-child relationship
Authors: Yu Xinjia , Miao Chunyan , Leung Cyril , Salmon Charles Thomas
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The parent-child relationship is important to the solidarity of families and the emotional well-being of family members. Since people are more dependent on their close social relationships as they age, understanding the quality of relationships between aged parents and their adult children is a critical topic. Previous research shows that this relationship is complicated with both kinship and ambivalence. However, there is little research on the causes of this complexity. This paper proposes a role model to explain this complexity by studying the leadership transition within a family as the child grows.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we proposed a novel perception to understand this transition process and explain related problems based on the analysis of the leader-follower relationship between the parents and their children.

Findings

When a child is born, his/her parents become the leader of this family because of their abilities, responsibilities and the requirements of the infant. This leader-follower role structure will last a long time in this family. Decades later, when the parents become old and the child grows up, the inter-generational contracts within the family and the requirement of each members change. This transition weakens the foundation of the traditional leader-follower role structure within the family. If either the parent or the child does not want to accept their new roles, both of them will suffer and struggle in this relationship. This role conflict will cause ambivalence in the relationship between aged parents and their adult children.

Originality/value

Based on the quantitative study model provided in this paper, we can moderate the relationships between aged parents and their adult children. This effort is meaningful in enhancing the quality of life and emotional wellbeing for senior citizens.
How the Chinese really negotiate: observations from an Australian-Chinese trade negotiation
Authors: McColl Rod , Descubes Irena , Elahee Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Previous research suggests that negotiation style and conflict management strategies are influenced heavily by cultural factors. In the case of the Chinese, findings have largely produced stereotypical views about their behavior, but the authors argue that this position is becoming increasingly blurred in the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using participant observation during negotiations of a free-trade agreement between China and Australia followed by in-depth interviews with Chinese delegates.

Findings

Consistent with Confucianism and a Taoism-based value system, there was evidence of strong cultural influence on conflict management approaches. Two a priori Chinese strategies were evident – avoidance and accommodating, with five tactics. However, contrary to previous research, the authors found use of two conflict management strategies normally associated with a western approach – competing and compromising, with five associated tactics.

Practical implications

Chinese negotiators are knowledgeable and capable of adopting western negotiation strategies and tactics. The authors advise managers involved in international negotiations with Chinese managers to be cautious when relying on historical stereotypical assessments and to think differently about the emerging Chinese negotiator.

Originality/value

Few published negotiation studies involve real negotiations based on actual observations, particularly in an international setting. Contrary to many published studies, we demonstrate that conflict management approaches used by Chinese negotiators have evolved into a blend of traditional Chinese and western styles.
Counting the spoons: what really influences corporate reputation
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and assess the importance of corporate reputation as a tool of business strategy. The topic has been the subject of significant discussion particularly with respect to reputation rankings and metrics. The author wanted to assess the evidence for the importance of reputation to a company’s success and whether there were related activities that might be of equal or greater value.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was to review some of the more prominent reputation rankings and metrics and, anecdotally, to assess the impact of negative reputation impacts on market share and revenues. The author also tried to identify other corporate marketing strategies that might be of greater value than a focus on reputation alone.

Findings

What the author has determined was that there would always be a place for opinion surveys of reputation and the rankings that go with them, as well as certain outcomes-based metrics with a reputation component. However, the author believes that comprehensive influencer engagement programs have the greater potential for a positive impact on a company’s business success while, at the same time, supporting its reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings’ principal limitations are the subjective nature of the review and evaluation which are based on the author’s 30-year career in helping companies manage their reputation.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the paper are that companies should pursue a balanced reputation strategy, not solely restricted to seeking rankings and awards but equally, if not more, focused on creating the kinds of influencer engagement that are a richer and truer source of long-term reputation.

Social implications

The author believes that by focusing on the needs and interests of real influencers as opposed to abstract opinion survey panels, companies will do much more concrete work that creates social as well as business value.

Originality/value

While a great deal has been written about reputation and trust, the author believes that this is the first attempt to connect reputation with influencer engagement as a strategy.
A critical assessment of work and family life of female entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adom Kwame , Asare-Yeboa Irene Tiwaa , Quaye Daniel M. , Ampomah Abena Oforiwaa
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate how work and family lives of female entrepreneurs in emerging Sub-Saharan countries including Ghana influence their business performance, with focus on criteria such as income, number of outlets, and number of employees the entrepreneur controls.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological qualitative approach to research was adopted for this study to help the researcher gain deeper understanding of experiences of Ghanaian female entrepreneurs with respect to their work and family life and its influence on business performance. With a purposive sampling technique, 25 active women entrepreneurs with family responsibilities were sampled for the study. A multiple case study strategy, in-depth face-to-face interviews, and participant observation were used to solicit responses from participants included in the study.

Findings

The study revealed that a majority of female entrepreneurs involved in the study believe that their roles and responsibilities to their families have a negative impact on both the income they generate from their business and their willingness to expand their outlets. However, it has a positive impact on their willingness to employ additional employees in their businesses. As a consequence, this study reveals that quality family life is essential to these female entrepreneurs and they are willing to put the well-being of their families first, even at the expense of their business growth.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused solely on the work and family life of women entrepreneurs and its influence on their business performance in Ghana. However, there exist other critical issues that affect women entrepreneurs in the Sub-Saharan region that can be explored to provide more insight on this subject or in different contexts.

Originality/value

As a first of its kind in the Ghanaian context, little is known in extant literature until now with regard to work and family life of female entrepreneurs and its influence on their business performance. This study therefore seeks to bridge this gap.
City tourism and the sharing economy – potential effects of online peer-to-peer marketplaces on urban property markets
Authors: Brauckmann Stefan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential effects of the so-called sharing economy on growing city tourism as well as on urban property markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Official statistical data and a geo-information system (GIS) are used on a small scale in order to identify concentration processes among overnight visitors and the potential concomitant conflicts with other interest groups.

Findings

Currently, the effects of the sharing economy on housing markets and city tourism are barely measurable and are limited to a few central locations. However, a growing demand can be discerned in housing-like accommodation concepts which can be operated via booking platforms. As there is likely to be strong future growth in this area, continuous market observation (monitoring) is urgently advised.

Research limitations/implications

Official statistics only allow an analysis of overnight guests staying with larger accommodation providers. Booking platforms for holiday homes and other temporary accommodation options have such little interest in data transparency that the overall phenomenon of city tourism can be addressed only in part.

Practical implications

Associating various data within the GIS enables municipal administrators and urban planners to identify potential sources of conflict within the property markets in good time and effectively counteract these where possible.

Social implications

Increases in property prices directly attributable to growing city tourism may lead to the displacement of less financially secure members of the established population as well as businesses.

Originality/value

The sharing economy is a relatively new research topic which will become increasingly important in future. The identification of potential sources of conflict due to tourist accommodation has therefore not yet been comprehensively carried out on a small scale.
A concise approach to eigenform and reflexivity
Authors: Kauffman Louis H.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the concept and praxis for eigenform in the context of second-order cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed as a formal (partly mathematical) introduction with excursions into the applications and meanings of these constructions. Mathematics studies what a distinction would be if there could be a distinction. Mathematics is a special form of fictional design. This study raises the question of “What it would mean to go beyond mathematics or for mathematics to go beyond itself?”.

Findings

This study shows how objects in the author’s experience can be seen to be eigenforms and that in this context such objects are a construct of their interactions, linguistic and otherwise experiential. In this way, the author can investigate scientifically without the need for an assumption of objectivity. The author cocreates the universe through the discovery of distinctions and eigenforms in their dialogue with what can be.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this research are profound for the performance and exploration of science. The author can explore their role in that creation and find that what they create is independent of significant subsets of their actions.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are strongest for the logical understanding of the author’s constructions and actions. They have used eigenform and reflexivity to maintain a clear view of their participation in their own worlds.

Social implications

The social implications are in accordance with the practical implications. The author can now admit that they each produce eigenform models of the others and for themselves. These models have in-depth usage, in that it is understood that one is not identical with their models.

Originality/value

This paper presents a highly original and very simple way to incorporate second-order cybernetics into all thought and action.
An examination of internal auditor turnover intentions
Authors: Mubako Grace , Mazza Tatiana
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that are associated with internal auditors’ professional turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes data from responses to the Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) (2015) Common Body of Knowledge global survey and uses a multivariate approach to identify factors that influence internal auditor turnover intentions.

Findings

Results show that internal auditor turnover intentions are negatively associated with an academic background in accounting, possessing internal audit professional certification, and having access to more training opportunities. Turnover intentions are positively associated with organizational-professional conflict, restricted access to documents and personnel, and the existence of a program of using the internal audit function as management training ground. Differences by IIA global region highlight the diversity in the turnover challenges that face the professional globally.

Originality/value

Results from this study are important because they bring attention to issues that potentially lead to internal auditors leaving the profession. This can help the profession and organizations take measures to motivate internal auditors to remain in the profession and alleviate the current staffing challenges faced by the profession.
Multilevel influences of team identification and transactive memory on team effectiveness
Authors: Michinov Estelle , Juhel Jacques
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of transactive memory between team identification and two outcomes of team effectiveness (i.e. team member satisfaction and team performance).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a survey among 502 employees working in 53 teams, and analyzed by Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling.

Findings

Results showed that transactive memory partially mediated the relationship between team identification and team effectiveness at the individual level. Moreover, transactive memory, specifically the coordination component, fully mediated the relationship between team identification and team effectiveness at the team level.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a cross-sectional design for the questionnaire and no objective measure of team performance.

Practical implications

Managers who want to develop effective work teams may be advised to organize team-building activities to strengthen both affective and cognitive aspects.

Originality value

This is the first empirical study to examine the relationships between team identification, transactive memory and team effectiveness from a multilevel perspective.
Macro‐anatomical and morphometric studies of the hindlimb of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck‐1827)
Authors: Onwuama K. T. , Ojo S. A. , Hambolu J. O. , Dzenda T. , Zakari F. O. , Salami S. O.
Published: November 2017

The hindlimb of the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck‐1827) was studied using 12 adult (≥6 months) rats of either sex with the mean weights of 1.42 ± 0.20 kg and 0.82 ± 0.13 kg for buck (n = 6) and doe (n = 6), respectively (p < .05). Characteristics of the bones were studied by gross observation after their preparation. Measurements of different segments of the hindlimb were also taken, giving a total average length of 31.80 cm. Correlation coefficients between length of bone and weight of rats were positive (p < .05) in bucks for all bone segments, except the pes (p > .05), whereas those in does were all non‐significant (p > .05), with significant sexual dimorphism in the relationships. The average total number of bones in the hindlimb was 92, with no apparent sexual dimorphism. The bones of the hindlimb revealed important differences and similarities in morphology with those of other rodents. The Os coxae presented a relatively large obturator foramen, formed by the ramus of the ischium and shaft of the pubis. The femur had a body and two extremities with a prominent head, well‐defined neck and trochanter. The fibula, a slender bone with triangular‐shaped proximal extremity, ran down the length of tibia with proximal attachment (via cartilage) and distal fusion, leaving an extensive interosseus space. The pes revealed eight tarsals and four metatarsals; each of the metatarsals showed three phalanges.
A 3′ untranslated region polymorphism rs2304277 in the DNA repair pathway gene OGG1 is a novel risk modulator for urothelial bladder carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed Tayyaba , Nawaz Saira , Noreen Rabia , Bangash Kashif Sardar , Rauf Abdur , Younis Muhammad , Anwar Khursheed , Khawaja Muhammad Athar , Azam Maleeha , Qureshi Abid Ali , Akhter Saeed , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Qamar Raheel , Ali Syeda Hafiza benish
Published: November 2017

Altered DNA repair capacity may affect an individual's susceptibility to cancers due to compromised genomic integrity. This study was designed to elucidate the association of selected polymorphisms in DNA repair genes with urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC). OGG1 rs1052133 and rs2304277, XRCC1 rs1799782 and rs25487, XRCC3 rs861539, XPC rs2228001, and XPD rs13181 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) in 200 UBC cases and 200 controls.

We found association of OGG1 rs2304277 [odds ratio (OR)GG = 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.79–7.06] and XPC rs2228001 (ORAC = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.43–3.94) with UBC. In stratified analysis with respect to smoking status, OGG1 rs2304277 and XPC rs2228001 exhibited increased risk in smokers [(rs2304277 ORGG = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.51–16.30) (rs2228001 ORAC = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.02–4.72)] as well as nonsmokers [(rs2304277 ORGG = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.26–6.90) (rs2228001 ORAC = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.31–5.04)]. These polymorphisms were also associated with both low‐grade [(rs2304277 ORGG = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.72–8.09) (rs2228001 ORAC = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.21–3.92)] and high‐grade tumors [(rs2304277 ORGG = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.52–7.80) (rs2228001 ORAC = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.48–5.33)] as well as with non–muscle‐invasive bladder cancer [(rs2304277 ORGG = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.87–8.67) (rs2228001 ORAC = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.20–3.81)] and muscle‐invasive bladder cancer [(rs2304277 ORGG = 3.06, 95%CI = 1.31–7.13) (rs2228001 ORAC = 2.95, 95%CI = 1.51–5.75)]. This is the first study on DNA repair gene polymorphisms and UBC in the Pakistani population. It identifies OGG1 rs2304277 and replicates XPC rs2228001 as significant modulators of UBC susceptibility.
Up‐regulation of PYK2/PKCα‐dependent haem oxygenase‐1 by CO‐releasing molecule‐2 attenuates TNF‐α‐induced lung inflammation
Authors: Lin Chih‐Chung , Chiang Yu‐Ching , Cho Rou‐Ling , Lin Wei‐Ning , Yang Chien‐Chung , Hsiao Li‐Der , Yang Chuen‐Mao
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

Haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) could provide cytoprotection against various inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of CO‐releasing molecule‐2 (CORM‐2)‐induced HO‐1 expression against TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs) remain unknown.

Experimental Approach

CORM‐2‐induced HO‐1 protein and mRNA expression, and signalling pathways were determined by Western blot and real‐time PCR, coupled with respective pharmacological inhibitors or transfection with siRNAs. The effect of CORM‐2 on TNF‐α‐induced increase in leukocyte counts in BAL fluid and VCAM‐1 expression in lung was determined by cell counting and Western blot analysis.

Key Results

CORM‐2 attenuated the TNF‐α‐induced pulmonary haematoma, VCAM‐1 expression and increase in leukocytes through an up‐regulation of HO‐1 in mice; this effect of CORM‐2 was reversed by the HO‐1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX. Furthermore, CORM‐2 increased HO‐1 protein and mRNA expression as well as the phosphorylation of PYK2, PKCα and ERK1/2 (p44/p42 MAPK) in HPAEpiCs; these effects were attenuated by their respective pharmacological inhibitors or transfection with siRNAs. Inhibition of PKCα by Gö6976 or Gö6983 attenuated CORM‐2‐induced stimulation of PKCα and ERK1/2 phosphorylation but had no effect on PYK2 phosphorylation. Moreover, inhibition of PYK2 by PF431396 reduced the phosphorylation of all three protein kinases. Finally, PYK2/PKCα/ERK1/2‐mediated stimulation of activator protein 1 was shown to play a key role in CORM‐2‐induced HO‐1 expression via an up‐regulation of c‐Fos mRNA.

Conclusions and Implications

CORM‐2 activates a PYK2/PKCα/ERK1/2/AP‐1 pathway leading to HO‐1 expression in HPAEpiCs. This HO‐1/CO system might have potential as a therapeutic target in pulmonary inflammation.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid inhibits intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption in mice with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Weijun , Zhao Jinfang , Gui Wenfang , Sun Dan , Dai Haijiang , Xiao Li , Chu Huikuan , Du Fan , Zhu Qingjing , Schnabl Bernd , Huang Kai , Yang Ling , Hou Xiaohua
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

The gut–liver axis is associated with the progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Targeting the gut–liver axis and bile acid‐based pharmaceuticals are potential therapies for NAFLD. The effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a candidate drug for NAFLD, on intestinal barrier function, intestinal inflammation, gut lipid transport and microbiota composition was analysed in a murine model of NAFLD.

Experimental Approach

The NAFLD mouse model was established by feeding mice a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. TUDCA was administered p.o. during the last 4 weeks. The expression levels of intestinal tight junction genes, lipid metabolic and inflammatory genes were determined by quantitative PCR. Tissue inflammation was evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining. The gut microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Key Results

TUDCA administration attenuated HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis, inflammatory responses, obesity and insulin resistance in mice. Moreover, TUDCA attenuated gut inflammatory responses as manifested by decreased intestinal histopathology scores and inflammatory cytokine levels. In addition, TUDCA improved intestinal barrier function by increasing levels of tight junction molecules and the solid chemical barrier. The components involved in ileum lipid transport were also reduced by TUDCA administration in HFD‐fed mice. Finally, the TUDCA‐treated mice showed a different gut microbiota composition compared with that in HFD‐fed mice but similar to that in normal chow diet‐fed mice.

Conclusions and Implications

TUDCA attenuates the progression of HFD‐induced NAFLD in mice by ameliorating gut inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function, decreasing intestinal fat transport and modulating intestinal microbiota composition.
Assessing the significance of endemic disease in conservation—koalas, chlamydia, and koala retrovirus as a case study
Authors: McCallum Hamish , Kerlin Douglas H. , Ellis William , Carrick Frank
Published: November 2017

It can be difficult to establish the conservation significance of endemic infectious diseases—those that are well established in a population—in contrast with infectious diseases that are still invading. This difficulty can have important implications for designing policy to address species declines. The infectious diseases of koalas provide an ideal case study to examine issues involved in identifying the role of endemic disease in conservation biology. Koala populations are in decline, amidst claims for many years that infectious diseases, particularly those with chlamydial etiology, play a key role in this loss. However, weak associations between prevalence of infection, clinical signs of disease, and population decline mean that it remains unclear whether infectious disease is a primary driver of koala population decline. There are multiple causes of koala decline including drought, habitat destruction, and disease. Well‐designed experiments, linked to appropriate models, are necessary to determine the true role of infectious disease in the current koala population declines and whether a focus on disease is likely to be a feasible, let alone the most cost‐effective, means of preventing further declines.
Factors Affecting Drug‐Development Strategies in Asian Global Clinical Trials for Drug Approval in Japan
Authors: Asano Kunihito , Uyama Yoshiaki , Tohkin Masahiro
Published: November 2017

We assessed the current status of Asian global clinical trials (GCTs) and factors, such as therapeutic areas, main metabolic enzymes targeted, approval status in the United States or the European Union, development strategies, influencing drug‐development strategies in Asian GCTs and in general GCTs for drug approval in Japan. The findings suggested that region‐specific diseases in Asia, intrinsic and extrinsic ethnic differences between Japanese/Asian and Caucasian populations, and the status of the drugs’ development in the United States or the European Union all affected Asian GCTs. These factors may influence the drug development process in Asian GCTs. Furthermore, we found that pharmacokinetics data in Asian GCTs comparing similarities between Japanese and other Asian populations were mainly obtained from late‐phase trials, which may delay the identification of potential differences in ethnic factors.
Gill development in sympatric morphs of Arctic charr from Loch Awe, Scotland: A hidden physiological cost of macrobenthos feeding?
Authors: Jenjan Hussain B.B. , Garduño‐Paz Monica , Huntingford Felicity A. , Adams Colin E.
Published: November 2017

The development of the respiratory surfaces was compared in two sympatric, lacustrine morphs of Arctic charr. A macrobenthic invertebrate feeding specialist, that forages in the littoral benthic zone, had a gill cavity that was 54% larger in volume and had 31% greater respiratory surface area than that of a zooplankton feeding morph that forages in the pelagic zone. The large respiratory surface area in the benthic‐feeding form was the result of longer gill arches, more and longer gill filaments and more numerous secondary lamellae. The difference in gill cavity volume and filament length appears to be the result of a larger head, but not body size, in the benthic‐feeding form. This suggests that differences in these characteristics may have arisen as a by‐product of the expression of larger head size commonly described in macrobenthos foraging specialist charr. The other differences, particularly the more numerous secondary lamellae and the length of the gill arches, were not the result of head size differences between morphs, and thus, these are most likely an adaptation to greater respiratory requirements. Benthic‐feeding fish may have a greater respiratory capacity to allow them to forage in areas with lower levels of dissolved oxygen and/or engage in a more active lifestyle compared to the pelagic‐feeding form. In any event, the strikingly larger respiratory surface is likely to impose an additional ionoregulatory stress on the benthic‐feeding and thus may represent a hidden physiological cost of specialisation for foraging on benthic prey.
Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized octogenarian patients
Authors: Trifan Anca , Girleanu Irina , Stanciu Carol , Miftode Egidia , Cojocariu Camelia , Singeap Ana‐Maria , Sfarti Catalin , Chiriac Stefan , Cuciureanu Tudor , Stoica Oana
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate the risk factors and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized octogenarian patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of risk factors and outcome of C. difficile infection in hospitalized octogenarians was carried out at two academic centers in Romania from January 2014 to September 2016. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics; antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors use in‐hospital and 2 months before admission; comorbidities; length of hospital stay; treatment; and outcome were carefully collected from the patients' medical charts and compared with those from octogenarians hospitalized during the same period.

Results

A total of 286 octogenarians were hospitalized during the study period and among them 79 (27.6%) were diagnosed with C. difficile infection. On multivariate logistic regression analyses, the previous 2 months' hospitalizations (OR 10.231, 95% CI 1.769–58.965, P = 0.009), antibiotic use 2 months before admission (OR 12.596, 95% CI 1.024–15.494, P = 0.048), antibiotic treatment during hospitalization (OR 6.302, 95% CI 3.510–11.316, P < 0.0001), arterial hypertension (OR 11.228, 95% CI 1.917–65.783, P = 0.007), chronic kidney disease (OR 4.474, 95% CI 1.037–19.299, P = 0.045) and chronic cardiac failure (OR 7.328, 95% CI 2.068–25.967, P = 0.002) were independently associated with infection. Patients with infection had longer length of hospital stay than those without (15.3 ± 5.1 vs 11.1 ± 4.3 days, P < 0.0001). None of the patients with infection had severe disease, none required surgery and none died during hospitalization.

Conclusions

Hospitalized octogenarians with comorbidities, recently hospitalized or receiving antibiotic treatment are at risk for C. difficile infection. Clinicians evaluating such patients should have a high index of suspicion for this infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 315–320.
International comparison of group differences in general mental ability for immigrants versus non‐immigrants
Authors: Robie Chet , Christiansen Neil D. , Hausdorf Peter A. , Murphy Sara A. , Fisher Peter A. , Risavy Stephen D. , Keeping Lisa M.
Published: November 2017

Globalization has led to increased migration and labor mobility over the past several decades and immigrants generally seek jobs in their new countries. Tests of general mental ability (GMA) are common in personnel selection systems throughout the world. Unfortunately, GMA test scores often display differences between majority groups and ethnic subgroups that may represent a barrier to employment for immigrants. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in GMA based on immigrant status in 29 countries (or jurisdictions of countries) throughout the world using an existing database that employs high‐quality measurement and sampling methodologies with large sample sizes. The primary findings were that across countries, non‐immigrants (n = 139,464) scored approximately half of a standard deviation (d = .53) higher than first‐generation immigrants (n = 22,162) but only one‐tenth of a standard deviation (d = .12) higher than second‐generation immigrants (n = 6,428). Considerable variability in effect sizes was found across countries as Nordic European and Germanic European countries evidenced the highest non‐immigrant/first‐generation immigrant mean differences and Anglo countries the smallest. Countries with the lowest income inequality tended to evidence the highest differences in GMA between non‐immigrants and first‐generation immigrants. Implications for GMA testing as a potential barrier to immigrant employment success and the field's current understanding of group differences in GMA test scores will be discussed.
Prospects from systems serology research
Authors: Arnold Kelly B. , Chung Amy W.
Published: November 2017

Antibodies are highly functional glycoproteins capable of providing immune protection through multiple mechanisms, including direct pathogen neutralization and the engagement of their Fc portions with surrounding effector immune cells that induce anti‐pathogenic responses. Small modifications to multiple antibody biophysical features induced by vaccines can significantly alter functional immune outcomes, though it is difficult to predict which combinations confer protective immunity. In order to give insight into the highly complex and dynamic processes that drive an effective humoral immune response, here we discuss recent applications of ‘Systems Serology’, a new approach that uses data‐driven (also called ‘machine learning’) computational analysis and high‐throughput experimental data to infer networks of important antibody features associated with protective humoral immunity and/or Fc functional activity. This approach offers the ability to understand humoral immunity beyond single correlates of protection, assessing the relative importance of multiple biophysical modifications to antibody features with multivariate computational approaches. Systems Serology has the exciting potential to help identify novel correlates of protection from infection and may generate a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind protection, including key relationships between specific Fc functions and antibody biophysical features (e.g. antigen recognition, isotype, subclass and/or glycosylation events). Reviewed here are some of the experimental and computational technologies available for Systems Serology research and evidence that the application has broad relevance to multiple different infectious diseases including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Regulatory T‐cells in acute dengue viral infection
Authors: Jayaratne Hemadri Eresha , Wijeratne Dulharie , Fernando Samitha , Kamaladasa Achala , Gomes Laksiri , Wijewickrama Ananda , Ogg Graham Stuart , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: November 2017

Although regulatory T‐cells (Tregs) have been shown to be expanded in acute dengue, their role in pathogenesis and their relationship to clinical disease severity and extent of viraemia have not been fully evaluated. The frequency of Tregs was assessed in 56 adult patients with acute dengue by determining the proportion of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) expressing CD4+ CD25+T‐cells (FoxP3+ cells). Dengue virus (DENV) viral loads were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DENV‐specific T‐cell responses were measured by ex‐vivo interferon (IFN)‐γ enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays to overlapping peptide pools of DENV‐NS3, NS1 and NS5. CD45RA and CCR4 were used to phenotype different subsets of T‐cells and their suppressive potential was assessed by their expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) and Fas. While the frequency of FoxP3+ cells in patients was significantly higher (P < 0·0001) when compared to healthy individuals, they did not show any relationship with clinical disease severity or the degree of viraemia. The frequency of FoxP3+ cells did not correlate with either ex‐vivo IFN‐γ DENV‐NS3‐, NS5‐ or NS1‐specific T‐cell responses. FoxP3+ cells of patients with acute dengue were predominantly CD45RA+ FoxP3low, followed by CD45RA‐FoxP3low, with only a small proportion of FoxP3+ cells being of the highly suppressive effector Treg subtype. Expression of CCR4 was also low in the majority of T‐cells, with only CCR4 only being expressed at high levels in the effector Treg population. Therefore, although FoxP3+ cells are expanded in acute dengue, they predominantly consist of naive Tregs, with poor suppressive capacity.
Using horizontal cooperation concepts in integrated routing and facility‐location decisions
Authors: Quintero‐Araujo Carlos L. , Gruler Aljoscha , Juan Angel A. , Faulin Javier
Published: November 2017

In a global and competitive economy, efficient supply networks are essential for modern enterprises. Horizontal cooperation (HC) concepts represent a promising strategy to increase the performance of supply chains. HC is based on sharing resources and making joint decisions among different agents at the same level of the supply chain. This paper analyzes different cooperation scenarios concerning integrated routing and facility‐location decisions in road transportation: (a) a noncooperative scenario in which all decisions are individually taken (each enterprise addresses its own vehicle routing problem [VRP]); (b) a semicooperative scenario in which route‐planning decisions are jointly taken (facilities and fleets are shared and enterprises face a joint multidepot VRP); and (c) a fully cooperative scenario in which route‐planning and facility‐location decisions are jointly taken (also customers are shared, and thus enterprises face a general location routing problem). Our analysis explores how this increasing level of HC leads to a higher flexibility and, therefore, to a lower total distribution cost. A hybrid metaheuristic algorithm, combining biased randomization with a variable neighborhood search framework, is proposed to solve each scenario. This allows us to quantify the differences among these scenarios, both in terms of monetary and environmental costs. Our solving approach is tested on a range of benchmark instances, outperforming previously reported results.
Effects of the sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor velagliflozin, a new drug with therapeutic potential to treat diabetes in cats
Authors: Hoenig M. , Clark M. , Schaeffer D. J. , Reiche D.
Published: November 2017

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used in the treatment of human diabetics. They increase glucose excretion and correct hyperglycemia. We examined the investigationalSGLT2 inhibitor velagliflozin in two groups of six neutered adult obese cats (equal gender distribution). Placebo (Pl) or drug (D; 1 mg/kg) was administered for 35 days. Routine blood examinations, fructosamine, beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucagon, adiponectin, and leptin were measured before and after treatment, also water intake, and urinary electrolytes, glucose, and volume. Indirect calorimetry, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT; 0.8 g/kg) and insulin tolerance test (IVITT) were conducted. All cats tolerated treatment well. Significant changes with D included a decrease in the respiratory exchange ratio, an increase in cholesterol, a small increase in albumin, and a rise inBHBandNEFA. Glucose clearance was unaltered, although less insulin was secreted during theIVGTT(p = .056) suggesting improved insulin sensitivity.IVITTwas unchanged. Treatment did not affect glucagon, leptin, or adiponectin. Water intake, urine output, urinary glucose excretion, and the glucose/creatinine ratio but not urinary electrolytes were significantly higher post‐D. We conclude that velagliflozin is a promising drug, which increases urinary glucose excretion in cats and could thereby be beneficial for the treatment of hyperglycemia.
Long‐run macro drivers of citizens’ mood in European institutions: An empirical assessment
Authors: Bonasia Mariangela , Canale Rosaria Rita
Published: November 2017

The aim of the paper is to detect, through dynamic panel data techniques, the long‐run macro drivers of citizens’ mood toward European institutions and to support the existence of an inverse relationship both in the short and in the long‐run between trust on one side and the rate of unemployment and the discretionary fiscal policy measures on the other. This is valid in the whole Eurozone and in particular in peripheral countries. This outcome gives support to the conclusion that the process of institutional consolidation should pass through a greater political sensibility toward some specific economic variables.
Novel carbohydrate binding modules in the surface anchored α‐amylase of Eubacterium rectale provide a molecular rationale for the range of starches used by this organism in the human gut
Authors: Cockburn Darrell W. , Suh Carolyn , Medina Krizia Perez , Duvall Rebecca M. , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Henrissat Bernard , Koropatkin Nicole M.
Published: November 2017

Gut bacteria recognize accessible glycan substrates within a complex environment. Carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) of cell surface glycoside hydrolases often drive binding to the target substrate. Eubacterium rectale, an important butyrate‐producing organism in the gut, consumes a limited range of substrates, including starch. Host consumption of resistant starch increases the abundance of E. rectale in the intestine, likely because it successfully captures the products of resistant starch degradation by other bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that the cell wall anchored starch‐degrading α‐amylase, Amy13K of E. rectale harbors five CBMs that all target starch with differing specificities. Intriguingly these CBMs efficiently bind to both regular and high amylose corn starch (a type of resistant starch), but have almost no affinity for potato starch (another type of resistant starch). Removal of these CBMs from Amy13K reduces the activity level of the enzyme toward corn starches by ∼40‐fold, down to the level of activity toward potato starch, suggesting that the CBMs facilitate activity on corn starch and allow its utilization in vivo. The specificity of the Amy13K CBMs provides a molecular rationale for why E. rectale is able to only use certain starch types without the aid of other organisms.
Light and temperature cues: multitasking receptors and transcriptional integrators
Authors: Casal Jorge J. , Qüesta Julia I.
Published: November 2017

Contents

Summary
1029

I.
Introduction
1029

II.
Convergence at the receptor
1030

III.
Convergence at transcriptional hubs
1031

IV.
Convergence involving clock components
1033

V.
Conclusions
1033

Acknowledgements
1033

References
1033

The combined information provided by light and temperature cues helps to optimise plant body architecture and physiology. Plants possess elaborate systems to sense and respond to these stimuli. Simultaneous perception of light and temperature by dual receptors such as phytochrome B and phototropin leads to immediate signalling convergence. Conversely, cue asynchronies initiate separate pathways and the information of the earliest cue is stored, awaiting the arrival of the later cue to control transcription. Storage mechanisms can involve changes in the activity of selected clock components or epigenetic modifications, depending on the time delay between cues (hours, days or several months). We propose a conceptual framework in which the mechanisms of integration relate to the timing of cue sensing.
Xyloglucan is released by plants and promotes soil particle aggregation
Authors: Galloway Andrew F. , Pedersen Martin J. , Merry Beverley , Marcus Susan E. , Blacker Joshua , Benning Liane G. , Field Katie J. , Knox J. Paul
Published: November 2017

Soil is a crucial component of the biosphere and is a major sink for organic carbon. Plant roots are known to release a wide range of carbon‐based compounds into soils, including polysaccharides, but the functions of these are not known in detail.

Using a monoclonal antibody to plant cell wall xyloglucan, we show that this polysaccharide is secreted by a wide range of angiosperm roots, and relatively abundantly by grasses. It is also released from the rhizoids of liverworts, the earliest diverging lineage of land plants. Using analysis of water‐stable aggregate size, dry dispersion particle analysis and scanning electron microscopy, we show that xyloglucan is effective in increasing soil particle aggregation, a key factor in the formation and function of healthy soils.

To study the possible roles of xyloglucan in the formation of soils, we analysed the xyloglucan contents of mineral soils of known age exposed upon the retreat of glaciers. These glacial forefield soils had significantly higher xyloglucan contents than detected in a UK grassland soil.

We propose that xyloglucan released from plant rhizoids/roots is an effective soil particle aggregator and may, in this role, have been important in the initial colonization of land.
Severe fasting hypoglycemia in a child after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation
Authors: Redel Jacob M. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Abu‐El‐Haija Maisam , Lin Tom K. , Palermo Joseph J. , Elder Deborah A.
Published: November 2017

TPIAT is an increasingly utilized treatment option for select children with CP. Post‐TPIAT fasting hypoglycemia, unrelated to exogenous insulin, is a complication recently reported in adults. This phenomenon has not been described in children. We review a case of severe fasting hypoglycemia in an adolescent female occurring 10 months post‐TPIAT. A 12‐year‐old girl underwent TPIAT for CP. Ten months postoperatively she developed recurrent hypoglycemia on a total daily insulin dose of 0.03 units/kg. Consequently, insulin therapy was discontinued. Approximately 20 hours after her last rapid‐acting insulin exposure, she had an episode of fasting hypoglycemia (33 mg/dL on glucometer). Her CGM documented two separate, precipitous drops in glucose overnight. The family was instructed to revise her diet, and there were no subsequent episodes of severe, fasting hypoglycemia. This is the first report of fasting hypoglycemia occurring post‐TPIAT in a pediatric patient. Use of a CGM allowed for documentation of glucose trends and alarm notification of hypoglycemic events. Dietary changes appeared to help mitigate hypoglycemia recurrence. This report demonstrates that fasting hypoglycemia is a potential complication that should be recognized and safeguarded against in post‐TPIAT pediatric patients.
Principal component analysis of three‐dimensional face shape: Identifying shape features that change with age
Authors: Kurosumi M. , Mizukoshi K.
Published: November 2017

Background

The types of shape feature that constitutes a face have not been comprehensively established, and most previous studies of age‐related changes in facial shape have focused on individual characteristics, such as wrinkle, sagging skin, etc. In this study, we quantitatively measured differences in face shape between individuals and investigated how shape features changed with age.

Methods

We analyzed three‐dimensionally the faces of 280 Japanese women aged 20‐69 years and used principal component analysis to establish the shape features that characterized individual differences. We also evaluated the relationships between each feature and age, clarifying the shape features characteristic of different age groups.

Results

Changes in facial shape in middle age were a decreased volume of the upper face and increased volume of the whole cheeks and around the chin. Changes in older people were an increased volume of the lower cheeks and around the chin, sagging skin, and jaw distortion.

Conclusion

Principal component analysis was effective for identifying facial shape features that represent individual and age‐related differences. This method allowed straightforward measurements, such as the increase or decrease in cheeks caused by soft tissue changes or skeletal‐based changes to the forehead or jaw, simply by acquiring three‐dimensional facial images.