bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A structured framework improves clinical patient assessment and nontechnical skills of early career emergency nurses: a pre–post study using full immersion simulation
Authors: Munroe Belinda , Curtis Kate , Murphy Margaret , Strachan Luke , Considine Julie , Hardy Jennifer , Wilson Mark , Ruperto Kate , Fethney Judith , Buckley Thomas
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the new evidence‐informed nursing assessment framework HIRAID (History, Identify Red flags, Assessment, Interventions, Diagnostics, reassessment and communication) on the quality of patient assessment and fundamental nontechnical skills including communication, decision making, task management and situational awareness.

Background

Assessment is a core component of nursing practice and underpins clinical decisions and the safe delivery of patient care. Yet there is no universal or validated system used to teach emergency nurses how to comprehensively assess and care for patients.

Design

A pre–post design was used.

Methods

The performance of thirty eight emergency nurses from five Australian hospitals was evaluated before and after undertaking education in the application of the HIRAID assessment framework. Video recordings of participant performance in immersive simulations of common presentations to the emergency department were evaluated, as well as participant documentation during the simulations. Paired parametric and nonparametric tests were used to compare changes from pre to postintervention.

Results

From pre to postintervention, participant performance increases were observed in the percentage of patient history elements collected, critical indicators of urgency collected and reported to medical officers, and patient reassessments performed. Participants also demonstrated improvement in each of the four nontechnical skills categories: communication, decision making, task management and situational awareness.

Conclusion

The HIRAID assessment framework improves clinical patient assessments performed by emergency nurses and has the potential to enhance patient care.

Relevance to clinical practice

HIRAID should be considered for integration into clinical practice to provide nurses with a systematic approach to patient assessment and potentially improve the delivery of safe patient care.
Motivators and barriers for HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Sweden
Authors: Persson Kristina Ingemarsdotter , Berglund Torsten , Bergström Jakob , Eriksson Lars E , Tikkanen Ronny , Thorson Anna , Forsberg Birger C
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore motivators and barriers to HIV testing and to assess the factors associated with testing among men who have sex with men.

Background

Previous research has considered fear, worries and structural barriers as hindrances to HIV testing among men who have sex with men. However, few studies have included assessments of actual HIV testing when exploring barriers or motivators for such testing.

Design

The design of the study was a stratified cross‐sectional online survey (n = 2373).

Method

Factor analysis was conducted to analyse the barriers and motivators for HIV testing. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess predictors for HIV testing.

Results

Many men who have sex with men test for HIV regularly, and specific reasons for testing were having unprotected sex or starting/ending a relationship. A lack of awareness and a perception of being at low risk for exposure were common reasons for never being tested. Fear and anxiety as well as barriers related to the use of test services remain important hindrances for testing. Predictors associated with having been tested within the past 12 months were: younger age (15–25 years old compared with 47+); knowledge on where to take an HIV test on short notice as well as having talked with a counsellor, having received condoms for free, or having had unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners within the last 12 months.

Conclusion

Easily accessible test services offering testing and counselling on short notice should be available for all men who have sex with men. Outreach activities, distribution of free condoms and testing at venues where men who have sex with men meet are important prevention add‐ons that can contribute to increased awareness about HIV and testing.

Relevance to clinical practice

Test services must ensure confidentiality and health care professionals who meet men who have sex with men for testing need competency with regards to men who have sex with men sexual health needs.
Taxonomic revision and species delimitation of coccoid green algae currently assigned to the genus Dictyochloropsis (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Škaloud Pavel , Friedl Thomas , Hallmann Christine , Beck Andreas , Dal Grande Francesco
Published: May 2016

Coccoid green algae traditionally classified in Dictyochloropsis have a complex, reticulate chloroplast, when mature, without a pyrenoid. They occupy remarkably diverse ecological niches as free‐living organisms or in association with lichen‐forming fungi and were recently shown to form two distinct lineages within Trebouxiophyceae. We used a polyphasic approach to revise the taxonomy of the genus. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and detailed morphological investigation using comparative conventional light and confocal microscopy, we have assigned these lineages to two genera, Dictyochloropsis and Symbiochloris gen. nov. We have reconsidered the diagnostic generic features as follows: Dictyochloropsis comprises only free‐living algae with a reticulate chloroplast, forming lobes in a parallel arrangement at some ontogenetic stages, and which reproduce only by means of autospores. This agrees with Geitler's original diagnosis of Dictyochloropsis, but not with the later emendation by Tschermak‐Woess. Consequently, the species of Dictyochloropsis sensu Tschermak‐Woess are assigned to Symbiochloris, with new combinations proposed. Symbiochloris encompasses free‐living and/or lichenized algae with lobed chloroplasts and that reproduce by forming zoospores characterized by two subapical isokont flagella that emerge symmetrically near the flattened apex. In addition, using coalescent‐based approaches, morphological characters and secondary structure of ITS transcripts, we inferred species boundaries and taxonomic relationships within the newly proposed genera. Two species of Dictyochloropsis and nine species of Symbiochloris are delimited, including the newly described species D. asterochloroides, S. handae, S. tropica, and S. tschermakiae. Our results further support the non‐monophyly of autosporine taxa within Trebouxiophyceae.
Identification and phylogeny of putative PEPC genes in three toxin‐producing Karenia (Dinophyta) species
Authors: Ryan Darcie E. , Campbell Lisa
Published: May 2016

Dense blooms of toxin‐producing Karenia brevis increase local surface ocean pH through CO2 uptake. To identify genes that may contribute to bloom‐related environmental pH and pCO2 changes, transcriptomes with RNA from K. brevis Wilson cultures that had been acclimated to low CO2 (250 ppm) or recent CO2 (350 ppm) pCO2 levels were assembled. Among the annotated transcripts were PEPC, PPDK, and PEPCK enzymes found in the model C4 carbon fixation pathway. Previous studies have demonstrated that the enzymatic activity of PEPC, PPDK, and/or PEPCK in some algae species, including marine diatoms, is influenced by variations in dissolved inorganic carbon. We found significantly similar PEPC, PPDK, and PEPCK enzymes in the transcriptomes of K. brevis and two sister species Karenia papilionacea, and Karenia mikimotoi. One or more isoforms of PEPC were also identified in the transcriptomes of thirty additional photosynthetic phytoplankton species from nine phyla. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with neighbor joining and maximum likelihood techniques to characterize the evolutionary relationship among phytoplankton, terrestrial plant C4, and terrestrial plant C3 PEPC sequences. Based on the nucleotide trees constructed during this study, the Karenia PEPC transcripts were more closely related to the terrestrial C4 genes than the terrestrial C3 genes. Furthermore, PEPC phylogeny among phytoplankton closely resembles phylogenetic trees constructed with ribosomal RNA. This study confirmed that the toxin‐producing dinoflagellates K. brevis, K. mikimotoi, and K. papilionacea express putative PEPC, PEPCK, and PPDK transcripts.
Systemic treatment with resveratrol and/or curcumin reduces the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Corrêa M. G. , Pires P. R. , Ribeiro F. V. , Pimentel S. Z. , Casarin R. C. V. , Cirano F. R. , Tenenbaum H. T. , Casati M. Z.
Published: May 2016

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues that leads to the destruction of bone and other connective tissues. Resveratrol and curcumin are plant‐derived substances with biological properties that may have immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effect of continuous administration of resveratrol and curcumin and the association of resveratrol and curcumin on the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats.

Material and Methods

Forty Wistar rats were assigned randomly to the following groups: group 1, experimental periodontitis + placebo (PL) (n = 10); group 2, experimental periodontitis + resveratrol (RSV) (n = 10); group 3, experimental periodontitis + curcumin (C) (n = 10); and group 4, experimental periodontitis + resveratrol + curcumin (COMBI) (n = 10). Periodontitis was induced in rats by tying a silk suture, as a ligature, around one of the first molars. Daily administration of the placebo solution, 10 mg/kg of resveratrol, 100 mg/kg of curcumin or 10 mg/kg of resveratrol plus 100 mg/kg of curcumin was carried out from day 0 to day 30. At the end of the relevant experimental periods, rats were killed and the specimens obtained were processed for morphometric analysis of bone loss. Gingival tissues surrounding the first molar were collected for quantification of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) using a Luminex/MAGPIX assay.

Results

Intergroup comparisons of the morphometric outcomes revealed higher bone‐loss values in the PL group (p < 0.05) when compared with RSV, C and COMBI groups. There was no difference in bone‐loss values among RSV, C and COMBI groups (p > 0.05). The immunoenzymatic assay of the gingival tissue showed a lower concentration of IL‐1β in the COMBI group in comparison with the PL group (p < 0.05). Higher values of IL‐4 were demonstrated in groups RSV, C and COMBI in comparison with the PL group (p < 0.05). Only RSV caused a reduction in the levels of IFN‐γ (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the concentration of TNF‐α amongst the four groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Resveratrol and curcumin are capable of reducing alveolar bone loss in an animal model of periodontitis. This occurred when these agents were added singly or in combination with one another, but there did not appear to be either synergistic or additive effects.
Phylogenetic placement of Psilopeganum, a rare monotypic genus of Rutaceae (the citrus family) endemic to China
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , Krohm Sabrina , Manafzadeh Sara , Wen Jun
Published: May 2016

Psilopeganum (Rutaceae) is a rare monotypic genus endemic to the vicinity of the Yangtze River valley in Chongqing, Hubei, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces in China. It differs from most Rutaceae taxa by its herbaceous habit and has been treated as a member of the tribe Ruteae. Our study is the first attempt to place Psilopeganum in a phylogenetic context and our results show that the genus belongs to a clade with Boenninghausenia, Ruta and Thamnosma, which are part of Ruteae. Within this group, the position of Psilopeganum remains unclear because the Boenninghausenia‐Thamnosma clade, Psilopeganum and Ruta form a trichotomy in most analyses. The ITS dataset placed Psilopeganum as sister to the Mediterranean and Canarian genus Ruta, which is corroborated by morphological similarities. Our studies support that Ruteae is paraphyletic with respect to Aurantioideae and that Dictamnus does not belong to Ruteae. The Indian, Sri Lankan, and Malagasy genus Chloroxylon is sister to the Boenninghausenia‐Psilopeganum‐Ruta‐Thamnosma clade, despite its traditional placement in the subfamily Flindersioideae. The placement of Chloroxylon is consistent with an origin of the group of Chloroxylon, Boenninghausenia, Psilopeganum, Ruta and Thamnosma in southern Asia. The rapid uplifts of the Himalayas could account for one or two vicariance events splitting the lineages of the Boenninghausenia‐Psilopeganum‐Ruta‐Thamnosma clade, and may explain the short branch length and low support for the relationships among Psilopeganum, Ruta, and the Boenninghausenia‐Thamnosma clade.
Predominance of parallel‐ and cross‐predation in anglerfish
Authors: Yasugi Masaki , Hori Michio
Published: May 2016

Several studies in the last 20 years have revealed that morphological asymmetry in fish can be characterized as ‘antisymmetry’. Antisymmetry is a lateral dimorphism in which each population consists of individuals with well‐developed left sides (lefties) and well‐developed right sides (righties). This dimorphism influences predator–prey interactions. In some piscivorous fishes, it has been found that predators can catch more prey of the opposite morphological type to themselves (cross‐predation) than of the same morphological type (parallel‐predation). Our previous work clarified that the predominance of cross‐predation is caused by lateralized behaviors of predators and prey that correspond to their morphological antisymmetry. Moreover, based on the results of our behavioral observations, we hypothesized that parallel‐predation can predominate when predators encounter the potential prey frontally. To test this hypothesis, in the present study we investigated the relationship between lateral morphological types of anglerfish (Lophiomus setigerus) and those of the prey fishes found in their stomachs. Anglerfish attract potential prey using their first dorsal fin (illicium) as a lure, and their frontal encounters with potential prey fishes were photographed in situ and observed in an aquarium. The results of a stomach contents analysis indicated that parallel‐predation predominated in five benthopelagic prey fish species (perches and eels). By contrast, five benthic prey fishes (gobies and weevers) exhibited the predominance of cross‐predation. These results not only demonstrate the predominance of parallel‐predation in a natural fish community, but also suggest that the relationship between morphological types of predator and prey species can be reversed depending on the lifestyle of prey.
Nutritional status and social behavior in preschool children: the mediating effects of neurocognitive functioning
Authors: Liu Jianghong , Raine Adrian
Published: May 2016

Early malnutritional status has been associated with reduced cognitive ability in childhood. However, there are almost no studies on the effect of malnutrition on positive social behavior, and no tests of possible mediating mechanisms. This study tests the hypothesis that poor nutritional status is associated with impaired social functioning in childhood, and that neurocognitive ability mediates this relationship. We assessed 1553 male and female 3‐year‐olds from a birth cohort on measures of malnutrition, social behavior and verbal and spatial neurocognitive functions. Children with indicators of malnutrition showed impaired social behavior (p < .0001) as compared with children in the control group with adequate nutritional status. These associations even persisted after controlling for social adversity and parental education. Findings were not moderated by gender or ethnicity, and there was no interaction effect with parental education. A dose–response relationship was observed between degree of malnutrition and degree of social behavior, with increased malnutrition associated with more impaired social behavior. Neurocognitive ability was found to mediate the nutrition–social behavior relationship. The mediation effect of neurocognitive functioning suggests that poor nutrition negatively impacts brain areas that play important roles in developing positive social behavior. Findings suggest that reducing poor nutrition, alternatively promoting good nutrition, may help promote positive social behavior in early childhood during a critical period for social and neurocognitive development, with implications for improving positive health in adulthood.
A haplotype method detects diverse scenarios of local adaptation from genomic sequence variation
Authors: Lange Jeremy D. , Pool John E.
Published: May 2016

Identifying genomic targets of population‐specific positive selection is a major goal in several areas of basic and applied biology. However, it is unclear how often such selection should act on new mutations versus standing genetic variation or recurrent mutation, and furthermore, favoured alleles may either become fixed or remain variable in the population. Very few population genetic statistics are sensitive to all of these modes of selection. Here, we introduce and evaluate the Comparative Haplotype Identity statistic (χMD), which assesses whether pairwise haplotype sharing at a locus in one population is unusually large compared with another population, relative to genomewide trends. Using simulations that emulate human and Drosophila genetic variation, we find that χMD is sensitive to a wide range of selection scenarios, and for some very challenging cases (e.g. partial soft sweeps), it outperforms other two‐population statistics. We also find that, as with FST, our haplotype approach has the ability to detect surprisingly ancient selective sweeps. Particularly for the scenarios resembling human variation, we find that χMD outperforms other frequency‐ and haplotype‐based statistics for soft and/or partial selective sweeps. Applying χMD and other between‐population statistics to published population genomic data from D. melanogaster, we find both shared and unique genes and functional categories identified by each statistic. The broad utility and computational simplicity of χMD will make it an especially valuable tool in the search for genes targeted by local adaptation.
Anti‐nationalist nationalism: the paradox of Dutch national identity
Authors: Kešić Josip , Duyvendak Jan Willem
Published: May 2016

Academic research on contemporary Dutch nationalism has mainly focused on its overt, xenophobic and chauvinist manifestations, which have become normalised since the early 2000s. As a result, less radical, more nuanced versions of Dutch nationalism have been overlooked. This article attempts to fill this gap by drawing attention to a peculiar self‐image among Dutch progressive intellectuals we call anti‐nationalist nationalism. Whereas this self‐image has had a long history as banal nationalism, it has come to be employed more explicitly for political positioning in an intensified nationalist climate. By dissecting it into its three constitutive dimensions – constructivism, lightness and essentialism – we show how this image of Dutchness is evoked precisely through the simultaneous rejection of ‘bad’ and enactment of ‘good’ nationalism. More generally, this article provides a nuanced understanding of contemporary Dutch nationalism. It also challenges prevalent assumptions in nationalism studies by showing that post‐modern anti‐nationalism does not exclude but rather constitutes essentialist nationalism.
Early life adversity in piglets induces long‐term upregulation of the enteric cholinergic nervous system and heightened, sex‐specific secretomotor neuron responses
Authors: Medland J. E. , Pohl C. S. , Edwards L. L. , Frandsen S. , Bagley K. , Li Y. , Moeser A. J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Early life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for the later‐life onset of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we utilized a porcine model of ELA, early weaning stress (EWS), to investigate the influence of ELA on the development and function of the enteric nervous system (ENS).

Methods

Female and castrated male (Male‐C) piglets were weaned from their sow either at 15 days of age (EWS) or 28 days of age (late weaning control, LWC). At 60 and 170 days of age, ileal mucosa‐submucosa preparations were mounted in Ussing chambers and veratridine‐ and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)‐releasing factor‐evoked short circuit current (Isc) responses were recorded as indices of secretomotor neuron function. Enteric neuron numbers and the expression of select neurotransmitters and their receptors were also measured.

Key Results

Compared with LWC pigs, female, but not Male‐C EWS, pigs exhibited heightened veratridine‐induced Isc responses at 60 and 170 days of age that were inhibited with tetrodotoxin and atropine. Ileum from EWS pigs had higher numbers of enteric neurons that were choline acetyltransferase positive. Markers of increased cholinergic signaling (increased acetylcholinesterase) and downregulated mucosal muscarinic receptor 3 gene expression were also observed in EWS pigs.

Conclusions & Inferences

This study demonstrated that EWS in pigs induces lasting and sex‐specific hypersensitivity of secretomotor neuron function and upregulation of the cholinergic ENS. These findings may represent a mechanistic link between ELA and lifelong susceptibility to GI diseases such as IBS.
Brain responses to uncertainty about upcoming rectal discomfort in quiescent Crohn's disease – a fMRI study
Authors: Rubio A. , Pellissier S. , Van Oudenhove L. , Ly H. G. , Dupont P. , Tack J. , Dantzer C. , Delon‐Martin C. , Bonaz B.
Published: May 2016

Background

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in remission are exposed to chronic psychological distress, due to the constant risk of relapse. This permanent situation of anticipation and uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which may, in turn, trigger relapse. We aimed to investigate the effects of uncertainty on behavioral and brain responses to anticipation of visceral discomfort in quiescent CD patients.

Methods

Barostat‐controlled rectal distensions were preceded by cued uncertain or certain anticipation in nine CD patients and nine matched healthy volunteers. Brain responses obtained before distension across the different anticipation conditions in regions of interest (ROI) involved in (anticipation of) pain were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging and compared between CD and controls. The association between anxiety‐related psychological variables and cerebral anticipatory activity was tested.

Key Results

During uncertainty, CD patients had significantly stronger activations than controls in the cingulate cortex, insula, amygdala, and thalamus with trends in the hippocampus, prefrontal, and secondary somatosensory cortex. In patients, brain responses to uncertainty in the majority of ROI correlated positively with gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety, trait‐anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty.

Conclusions & Inferences

In a context of uncertainty regarding occurrence of uncomfortable visceral sensations, CD is associated with excessive reactivity in brain regions known to be involved in sensory, cognitive and emotional aspects of pain processing and modulation, and threat appraisal. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of emotional and cognitive processes in CD. This may, in turn, lead to the development of new (psycho)therapeutic approaches for management of symptoms and related anxiety.
Facial biometry of Amazon indigenous people of the Xingu River – Perspectives on genetic and environmental contributions to variation in human facial morphology
Authors: Barbosa M. , Vieira E. P. , Quintão C. C. A. , Normando D.
Published: May 2016

Structured Abstract

Objective

To evaluate facial morphology of non‐mixed indigenous people living in the Xingu region. Studies on these populations report that the total genetic diversity is as high as that observed for other continental populations. On the other hand, eating habits are different between indigenous and urban population, as indigenous people still have traditional habits.

Setting and sample population

The sample consisted of 106 indigenous subjects, in permanent dentition stage, belonging to four groups: Arara‐Laranjal (n = 35), Arara‐Iriri (n = 20), Xikrin‐Kaiapó (n = 24), and Assurini (n = 27).

Material and methods

Standardized facial photographs were obtained, and fourteen measurements were analyzed. Intra‐ and intergroup homogeneities were examined by discriminant analysis, followed by anova and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Sexual dimorphism to each village was analyzed by Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney test, at p < 0.05.

Results

Significant facial differences were found between male and female, indicating that sex data should not be grouped for intergroup comparison. Discriminant analysis showed a large intergroup heterogeneity, while an intragroup homogeneity was found, especially for females. It was also observed that some morphological features of the face are specific to some villages, regardless of ethnicity.

Conclusions

Facial morphological characteristics were strongly different among groups, even comparing villages from the same ethnicity. Furthermore, a low diversity within groups was observed. Our findings, supported by previous reports on genetics and eating habits in these populations, reinforce the role of the genetic determination on craniofacial morphology.
Expression of perforin, granzyme A and Fas ligand mRNA in caecal tissues upon Eimeria tenella infection of naïve and immune chickens
Authors: Wattrang E. , Magnusson S. E. , Näslund K. , Thebo P. , Hagström Å. , Smith A. L. , Lundén A.
Published: May 2016

Cytotoxic cells of the immune system may kill infected or transformed host cells via the perforin/granzyme or the Fas ligand (FasL) pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine mRNA expression of perforin, granzyme A and FasL in Eimeria tenella‐infected tissues at primary infection and infection of immune chickens as an indirect measure of cytotoxic cell activity. Chickens were rendered immune by repeated E. tenella infections, which were manifested as an absence of clinical signs or pathological lesions and significantly reduced oocyst production upon challenge infection. During primary E. tenella infection, perforin, granzyme A and FasL mRNA expression in caecal tissue was significantly increased at 10 days after infection, compared to uninfected birds. In contrast, at infection of immune birds, perforin and granzyme A mRNA expression in caecal tissue was significantly increased during the early stages of E. tenella challenge infection, days 1–4, which coincided with a substantial reduction of parasite replication in these birds. These results indicate the activation of cytotoxic pathways in immune birds and support a role for cytotoxic T cells in the protection against Eimeria infections.
Antigenic profile, isolation and characterization of whole body extract of Paramphistomum gracile
Authors: Anuracpreeda P. , Chawengkirttikul R. , Sobhon P.
Published: May 2016

An antigenic component of adult Paramphistomum gracile was characterized by means of indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from cattle naturally infected with P. gracile, Eurytrema pancreaticum, Fasciola gigantica, Moniezia benedeni, strongylids, Trichuris sp. and Strongyloides sp. The whole body (WB) extracts of P. gracile were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography in a Sephadex G‐200 column. It was found that the WB extract fractions, F1–F3 were highly antigenic, F5 was moderately antigenic and F4 was poorly antigenic. For SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting, the antigenic molecules of WB extract and all five fractions were mostly at molecular weights (MW) ranging from 12 to 150 kDa. One antigenic protein of 16 kDa detected in WB extract and F1–F3 was found to give a consistent reaction with sera from infected cattle. The antigenicity of the purified 16 kDa protein was confirmed by immunoblotting and indirect ELISA using a pool of sera and individual serum samples from infected cattle (at 1 : 78 125 dilution) and hyperimmunized rabbit (at 1 : 390 625 dilution). This finding suggests that the 16 kDa protein may be a potential antigen for the immunodiagnosis of cattle paramphistomosis caused by P. gracile.
Equilibrium Joining Strategies and Optimal Control of a Make‐to‐Stock Queue
Authors: Li Qingying , Guo Pengfei , Li Chung‐Lun , Song Jing‐Sheng
Published: May 2016

We consider a make‐to‐stock, finite‐capacity production system with setup cost and delay‐sensitive customers. To balance the setup and inventory related costs, the production manager adopts a two‐critical‐number control policy, where the production starts when the number of waiting customers reaches a certain level and shuts down when a certain quantity of inventory has accumulated. Once the production is set up, the unit production time follows an exponential distribution. Potential customers arrive according to a Poisson process. Customers are strategic, i.e., they make decisions on whether to stay for the product or to leave without purchase based on their utility values, which depend on the production manager's control decisions. We formulate the problem as a Stackelberg game between the production manager and the customers, where the former is the game leader. We first derive the equilibrium customer purchasing strategy and system performance. We then formulate the expected cost rate function for the production system and present a search algorithm for obtaining the optimal values of the two control variables. We further analyze the characteristics of the optimal solution numerically and compare them with the situation where the customers are non‐strategic.
Measuring the Benefit of Offering Auxiliary Services: Do Bag‐Checkers Differ in Their Sensitivities to Airline Itinerary Attributes?
Authors: Nicolae Mariana L. , Ferguson Mark E. , Garrow Laurie A.
Published: May 2016

When firms evaluate their service system design choices, there is typically more uncertainty surrounding the value that a particular auxiliary service provides than there is on the cost of providing that service. To help inform this decision, we propose an approach where we compare the relative value of the segment of passengers who use an auxiliary service to the relative value of the segment that does not use it. We demonstrate this approach for a typical auxiliary service common to the airline industry. In 2008, most US airlines implemented checked baggage fee policies to decrease their costs by reducing the number of customer service agents needed in the check‐in and baggage handling processes. The success of this change has led to a current debate at many of these airlines on whether to make further staffing cuts in these areas, essentially making it even less attractive for passengers to check their baggage. Our proposed methodology helps answer whether passengers who continue to check bags in today's baggage‐fee era are more or less valuable than passengers who do not check bags. We explore this question empirically by examining, through a stated preference survey, if a history of checking or not checking bags can be used to segment passengers based on how their itinerary choices are influenced by common airline service attributes (on‐time performance, itinerary time, number of connections, airfare, and schedule delay). Contrary to the opinions of some top airline executives, we find that the passengers who continue to check bags at airlines that charge baggage fees are generally less sensitive to differences in three of these important service attributes and are less likely to switch airlines when a competing airline improves its offerings along these dimensions. Thus, airlines that charge for checked bags should consider improving the customer experience for their bag‐checking passengers, as they represent a potentially more valuable segment class to the airline.
Penrose's The Theory of the Growth of the Firm: An Exemplar of Engaged Scholarship
Authors: Kor Yasemin Y. , Mahoney Joseph T. , Siemsen Enno , Tan Danchi
Published: May 2016

Edith Penrose's (1959) classic book, The Theory of the Growth of the Firm, made a substantial impact on strategic management research, especially in the context of the resource‐based view of the firm, and the ripple effects of her impact continue to unfold today in various disciplines. The book serves as a remarkably rich source of inspiration for scholarly research and a generative source of ideas, which are poised to be further developed. In this study, we examine Penrose's (1959) classic and provide: (1) the process by which this book came about; (2) a summary of its key ideas; (3) some implications for operations management research; (4) the subsequent impact of the book, in which we focus on mathematical models; and (5) a discussion of some of the research lessons learned from this exemplar of engaged scholarship. We invite management science and operations scholars to discover the rich scientific world of Edith Penrose and experience the product and process of her research creativity.
Differential effector gene expression underpins epistasis in a plant fungal disease
Authors: Phan Huyen T.T. , Rybak Kasia , Furuki Eiko , Breen Susan , Solomon Peter S. , Oliver Richard P. , Tan Kar‐Chun
Published: May 2016

Fungal effector–host sensitivity gene interactions play a key role in determining the outcome of septoria nodorum blotch disease (SNB) caused by Parastagonospora nodorum on wheat. The pathosystem is complex and mediated by interaction of multiple fungal necrotrophic effector–host sensitivity gene systems. Three effector sensitivity gene systems are well characterized in this pathosystem; SnToxA–Tsn1, SnTox1–Snn1 and SnTox3–Snn3. We tested a wheat mapping population that segregated for Snn1 and Snn3 with SN15, an aggressive P. nodorum isolate that produces SnToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3, to study the inheritance of sensitivity to SnTox1 and SnTox3 and disease susceptibility. Interval quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping showed that the SnTox1–Snn1 interaction was paramount in SNB development on both seedlings and adult plants. No effect of the SnTox3–Snn3 interaction was observed under SN15 infection. The SnTox3–Snn3 interaction was however, detected in a strain of SN15 in which SnTox1 had been deleted (tox1–6). Gene expression analysis indicates increased SnTox3 expression in tox1–6 compared with SN15. This indicates that the failure to detect the SnTox3–Snn3 interaction in SN15 is due – at least in part – to suppressed expression of SnTox3 mediated by SnTox1. Furthermore, infection of the mapping population with a strain deleted in SnToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3 (toxa13) unmasked a significant SNB QTL on 2DS where the SnTox2 effector sensitivity gene, Snn2, is located. This QTL was not observed in SN15 and tox1–6 infections and thus suggesting that SnToxA and/or SnTox3 were epistatic. Additional QTLs responding to SNB and effectors sensitivity were detected on 2AS1 and 3AL.
Evaluation of a genetic assay for canine transmissible venereal tumour diagnosis in Brazil
Authors: Castro K. F. , Strakova A. , Tinucci‐Costa M. , Murchison E. P.
Published: May 2016

The canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a transmissible cancer that is spread between dogs by the allogeneic transfer of living cancer cells. The infectious agents in CTVT are the living cancer cells themselves, which are transmitted between dogs during coitus. CTVT first arose several thousand years ago and the disease has a global distribution and is frequently observed in dogs from Brazil. We evaluated the utility of a LINE‐MYC quantitative polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of CTVT cases in Brazil. Our analysis indicated that the LINE‐MYC rearrangement was detectable in all CTVT samples but not in their corresponding hosts. This genetic assay proves to be a useful tool for providing a definitive molecular diagnosis of CTVT, which presents with varying degrees of aggressiveness and invasiveness in different host dogs and can therefore be a diagnostic challenge in some specific cases.
Identification of occult micrometastases and isolated tumour cells within regional lymph nodes of previously diagnosed non‐metastatic (stage 0) canine carcinomas
Authors: Casey K. M. , Steffey M. A. , Affolter V. K.
Published: May 2016

Metastatic dissemination of carcinomas to lymph nodes impacts prognosis and treatment recommendations in human and veterinary medicine. Routine histopathologic evaluation of regional lymph nodes involves haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to identify intra‐nodal neoplastic cells; however, identification of small volume metastases (micrometastases and individual tumour cells) may be missed without the aid of immunohistochemistry or additional step‐sections. The aim of this study was to identify occult carcinoma metastases in previously diagnosed non‐metastatic lymph nodes using step‐sections and pancytokeratin (panCK) immunohistochemistry. Samples from 20 regional lymph nodes diagnosed as non‐metastatic were serially sectioned and evaluated with panCK. Of these, 25% (n = 5) contained micrometastases (n = 1) or isolated tumour cells (n = 4). This study demonstrates the increased efficacy of serial step‐sections combined with panCK immunohistochemistry to identify small volume metastases in regional lymph nodes. The prognostic significance of micrometastases and isolated tumour cells in regional lymph nodes warrants further investigation in veterinary medicine.
Retrospective comparison of three doses of metronomic chlorambucil for tolerability and efficacy in dogs with spontaneous cancer
Authors: Custead M. R. , Weng H.Y. , Childress M. O.
Published: May 2016

The study hypothesis is that higher doses of metronomic (low‐dose) chlorambucil will improve outcome without significantly worsening adverse events (AE). Retrospectively, 88 dogs were screened to assess for tolerability and response to chlorambucil utilizing retrospective and prospective data sets, comparing metronomic oral daily doses 4, 6 and 8 mg m2. There were 78 and 70 dogs in the tolerability and efficacy portions, respectively. The severity of gastrointestinal (GI) AE was significantly worse, and time to development of GI events was significantly shorter at 6 mg m2 than at 4 mg m2 (both P < 0.001). Chlorambucil was discontinued earlier in the dogs treated at the 6 mg m2 doses than in the dogs treated at 4 mg m2 (P = 0.015). Thrombocytopenia occurred significantly earlier at 8 mg m2 than at 4 mg m2 (P = 0.017). Higher doses of metronomic (low‐dose) chlorambucil did not provide improved responses and were associated with more AE.
Static and Modal Topology Optimization of Turbomachinery Components
Authors: Rindi Andrea , Meli Enrico , Boccini Enrico , Iurisci Giuseppe , Corbò Simone , Falomi Stefano
Published: May 2016

The need to be more and more competitive is pushing the complexity of aerodynamic and mechanical design of rotating machines at very high levels. New concepts are required to improve the current machine performances from many points of view: aerodynamics, mechanics, rotordynamics, and manufacturing. Topology optimization is one of the most promising new approaches in the turbomachinery field for mechanical optimization of rotoric and statoric components. It can be a very effective enabler to individuate new paths and strategies, and to go beyond techniques already consolidated in turbomachinery design, such as parametric and shape optimizations. Topology optimization methods improve material distribution within a given design space (for a given set of boundary conditions and loads) to allow the resulting layout to meet a prescribed set of performance targets. Topology optimization allows also to change the topology of the structures (e.g., when a shape splits into two parts or develops holes). This methodology has been applied to a turbine component to reduce the static stress level and the weight of the part and, at the same time, to tune natural frequencies. Thus, the interest of this work is to investigate both static and dynamic/modal aspects of the structural optimization. These objectives can be applied alone or in combination, performing a single analysis or a multiple analysis optimization. It has been possible to improve existing components and to design new concepts with higher performances compared to the traditional ones. This approach could be also applied to other generic components. The research paper has been developed in collaboration with Nuovo Pignone General Electric S.p.A. that has provided all the technical documentation. The developed geometries of the prototypes will be manufactured in the near future with the help of an industrial partner.
Study of copper diffusion in RF magnetron sputtered boron carbon nitride thin films
Authors: Prakash Adithya , Sundaram Kalpathy B.
Published: May 2016

Secondary-ion-mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis was conducted to study the copper (Cu) diffusion into boron carbon nitride (BCN) thin films. BCN, being a dense low-k material, has a potential to be the interlayer dielectric in ultralarge scale integration processes. Hence, the diffusion of Cu into the BCN films is a major reliability factor considered in this study. SIMS analysis performed on the BCN films at different annealing temperatures confirmed very low degree of copper diffusion. Copper diffusion increased with an increase in boron concentration of the BCN film.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of GaAs(001) MBE growth considering the V/III flux ratio effect
Authors: Ageev Oleg A. , Solodovnik Maxim S. , Balakirev Sergey V. , Eremenko Mikhail M.
Published: May 2016

The kinetic Monte Carlo method is used to study the initial stage of GaAs molecular beam epitaxial growth on the GaAs(001) surface via fluxes of Ga atoms and As tetramers. The developed algorithm allows efficient investigation of the effects of the V/III flux ratio upon the geometrical characteristics of islands in the temperature range at which the (2 × 4) reconstruction of GaAs(001) is exclusively observed. The island density increases with an increasing V/III flux ratio, whereas the average island size decreases. The temperature dependences of the island characteristics are observed to be stronger at a smaller V/III flux ratio because large arsenic fluxes compensate the enhanced desorption at high temperatures. The island size distribution is more uniform at small V/III flux ratios, while a higher concentration of small clusters is observed as the arsenic flux increases. The analysis of the island morphology and size distribution function suggests that an increase in the V/III flux ratio and a decrease in the substrate temperature have similar effects upon island characteristics, which are attributed to suppression of surface diffusion in both cases.
Scapula Muscle Activations During Overhead Throwing Holds
Authors: Oliver Gretchen , Henning Lisa , Plummer Hillary
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine activations of selected scapular stabilizing musculature while performing an overhead throw with a hold (not releasing the ball) in two different throwing positions—standing with a crow hop and kneeling on the ipsilateral knee. Surface electromyography was used to examine activations of throwing side lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), serratus anterior (SA), and upper trapezius (UT). Muscle activations were recorded while performing the overhead throw with holds while in two throwing positions. MANOVA results revealed no significant differences between the two throwing conditions and muscle activations of LT, MT, SA, and UT: F(8,124) = .804, p = .600; Wilks’s Λ = .904, partial η2 = .049. Although no significant differences were observed in the scapular stabilizers between the two conditions, moderate (21–50% MVIC) to high (> 50% MVIC) activations of each muscle were present, indicating that nonrelease throws may be beneficial for scapular stabilization in throwers.
Self-Mobilization Using a Foam Roller Versus a Roller Massager: Which Is More Effective for Increasing Hamstrings Flexibility?
Authors: DeBruyne Danielle M. , Dewhurst Marina M. , Fischer Katelyn M. , Wojtanowski Michael S. , Durall Chris
Published: May 2016

Clinical Scenario:

Increasing the length of the muscle–tendon unit may prevent musculotendinous injury. Various methods have been proposed to increase muscle–tendon flexibility, including self-mobilization using foam rollers or roller massagers, although the effectiveness of these devices is uncertain. This review was conducted to determine if the use of foam rollers or roller massagers to improve hamstrings flexibility is supported by moderate- to high-quality evidence.

Clinical Question:

Are foam rollers or roller massagers effective for increasing hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults?

Summary of Key Findings:

The literature was searched for studies on the effects of using foam rollers or roller massagers to increase hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults. Four randomized controlled trials were included; 2 studies provided level 2 or 3 evidence regarding foam rollers and 2 studies provided level 2 or 3 evidence regarding roller massagers. Both roller-massager studies reported increases in hamstrings flexibility after treatment. Data from the foam-roller studies did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in hamstrings flexibility, but 1 study did demonstrate a strong effect size.

Clinical Bottom Line:

The reviewed moderate-quality studies support the use of roller massagers but provide limited evidence on the effectiveness of foam rolling to increase hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults. Flexibility gains may be improved by a longer duration of treatment and administration by a trained therapist. Gains appear to decline rapidly postrolling. Neither device has been shown to confer a therapeutic benefit superior to static stretching, and the effectiveness of these devices for preventing injury is unknown.

Strength of Recommendation:

Grade B evidence supports the use of roller massagers to increase hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults.
Acute Physical Exercise Affects Cognitive Functioning in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Maltais Désirée B. , Gane Claire , Dufour Sophie-Krystale , Wyss Dominik , Bouyer Laurent J. , McFadyen Bradford J. , Zabjek Karl , Andrysek Jan , Voisin Julien I.A.
Published: May 2016

Little is known about the effects of acute exercise on the cognitive functioning of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Selected cognitive functions were thus measured using a pediatric version of the Stroop test before and after maximal, locomotor based aerobic exercise in 16 independently ambulatory children (8 children with CP), 6–15 years old. Intense exercise had: 1) a significant, large, positive effect on reaction time (RT) for the CP group (preexercise: 892 ± 56.5 ms vs. postexercise: 798 ± 45.6 ms, p < .002, d = 1.87) with a trend for a similar but smaller response for the typically developing (TD) group (preexercise: 855 ± 56.5 ms vs. postexercise: 822 ± 45.6 ms, p < .08, d = 0.59), and 2) a significant, medium, negative effect on the interference effect for the CP group (preexercise: 4.5 ± 2.5%RT vs. postexercise: 13 ± 2.9%RT, p < .04, d = 0.77) with no significant effect for the TD group (preexercise: 7.2 ± 2.5%RT vs. postexercise: 6.9 ± 2.9%RT, p > .4, d = 0.03). Response accuracy was high in both groups pre- and postexercise (>96%). In conclusion, intense exercise impacts cognitive functioning in children with CP, both by increasing processing speed and decreasing executive function.