bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the reputation – performance paradox: Indian evidence
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Singh Balwinder
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the existence of bi-directional relation between corporate reputation and financial performance in developing nation like India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducts panel regression analysis on data collected from annual reports of Indian companies constituting BSE 500 index over a period of 10 years (1 April, 2002 to 31 March, 2012).

Findings

The results of the study point towards the existence of strong positive bi-directional liaison between reputation and performance in India, thereby confirming the presence of “vicious circle” in context of emerging economy like India. The results are in line with the findings of Roberts and Dowling (2002) and Eberl and Schwaiger (2005), who asserted existence of reputational “vicious circle” in developed nations.

Research limitations/implications

The current study measures the performance of companies through accounting-based measures only. However, incorporating market-based measures could have provided better insights into the relationship between corporate reputation and financial performance. The period of study pertains to the pre-mandatory regime, wherein changes brought about by the enactment of companies act, 2013 is out of the scope of the present research.

Practical implications

It is argued that in actual practice managers should realise the ingenuity of intangible resources and incorporate them into their strategical plans. It is high time that corporate managers of developing nations give impetus to reputation building activities and uphold a good reputation to improve their financial outcomes. Thus, where good financial performance seems indispensable to build a good reputation, at the same time having the resource (good reputation) is not sufficient, its nurturing, management and effective use is all the more crucial if it is to improve financial performance.

Originality/value

There exists hardly any study comprehensively examining the relationship between corporate reputation and financial performance in the Indian context. This is the first known study to empirically test the lag relation between corporate reputation and financial performance in the Indian market. The study is unique as it follows a different approach in measuring corporate reputation. It is the first longitudinal study to analyse the bi-directional reputation-performance liaison in an emerging economy like India.
Digital inclusion for visually impaired students through assistive technologies in academic libraries
Authors: Alabi Adefunke O. , Mutula Stephen M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the state-of-the-art assistive technologies (ATs) developed for people living with visual disability and those that are used in academic libraries around the world as a way of proffering solution to the challenges faced by visually impaired students in accessing information.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used for this paper were derived from website of companies that specialize in ATs for people living with disability and the library website of the top 14 universities in the world based on the 2020 QS world ranking of universities.

Findings

This study found that foremost academic libraries in the UK and the USA have integrated various ATs into library services as information access mechanism for students living with visual impairment. The study found that the most commonly used screen reader software is the Job Access With Speech (JAWS). The study also found that one of the institutions has a mission statement on their website, clearly stating support for people living with disability.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted using only the 2020 QS world ranking of universities. It would be interesting to see results of academic libraries from Africa based on their ranking.

Practical implications

The paper provides highlights on trends that may inform academic libraries in the quest to providing ATs for students living with visual impairments. This paper may assist academics libraries who are at the brink of decision-making on use of ATs as information access mechanism to the visually impaired students.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to provide librarians with ideas and innovations on specific ATs used by leading academic libraries in the world.
To frame or not to frame: creating a metaliteracy course for online Ed.D. students
Authors: Atkinson Melissa D.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to create a course in a learning management system (LMS), Canvas, for online Ed.D. students and determine if the course can improve scores measuring metaliteracy concepts from pretest to posttest. The course assessed knowledge of metaliteracy goals and objectives instead of using the ACRL Framework. This paper reports on the creation of the course, results of the pretest-posttest, a mapping of metaliteracy goals and objectives with the ACRL Framework and recommendations for including metacognitive practices in library instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher used a quantitative, quasi-experimental, exploratory design and developed a metaliteracy course in the Canvas LMS using a pretest-posttest design, creating video tutorials as the treatment for each module (five total) using Adobe Spark.

Findings

According to a t-test run in SPSS, there was a significant difference between the metaliteracy pretest and metaliteracy posttest. Using metaliteracy goals and objectives as a method for assessing information literacy knowledge can be useful. Using the ACRL Framework along with metaliteracy goals and objectives can be effective for presenting and assessing information literacy knowledge and skills.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study was the use of one population of online Ed.D. students at one institution. One implication of this study is the need for metaliteracy goals and objectives to be used in connection with the ACRL Framework.

Originality/value

This research adds to the limited knowledge of how metaliteracy goals and objectives can be used to assess information literacy and other literacies using a pretest-posttest format in an online format.
Opium poppy capsule growth and alkaloid production is constrained by shade during early floral development
Authors: Hope Elliana , Carins‐Murphy Madeline R. , Hudson Corey , Baxter Les , Gracie Alistair
Published: February 2020

Morphinan alkaloids accumulate in the capsules of Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy) most likely as defence against herbivory. Thus, capsule size is an important component of alkaloid yield. Shade during early cell division‐dominated growth of reproductive structures generally reduces final fruit size more than shade during later cell expansion‐dominated growth. The current study aimed to determine whether this response is found in opium poppy and the subsequent impact on alkaloid yield, composition and seed production. First the timing of key reproductive developmental events was resolved relative to macromorphological traits. Plants were then shaded during either (a) floral initiation, (b) early floral development or (c) capsule expansion before being harvested at maturation. Shade during floral initiation dramatically reduced final capsule size, alkaloid yield and seed number, and increased the concentration of precursor compounds relative to morphine, despite plants later returning to full sun. Shade during later capsule growth enhanced capsule size and alkaloid yield but had little effect on alkaloid composition or seed number. Thus, early developmental processes, including morphine biosynthesis, appear to have a relatively greater demand for carbohydrates compared with later processes. Crop management practices and environmental factors that limit carbohydrate availability during early development are thus predicted to have significant negative impacts on alkaloid production and reproductive success.
Titration of sevoflurane anesthesia to optimize the time to regain airway reflexes in patients undergoing elective surgery: A randomized clinical trial comparing desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Arain Shahbaz R. , Yu Sherman , Dugan Shannon , Pagel Paul S. , Ebert Thomas J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Desflurane has adverse environmental effects, but has clinical advantages to speed emergence and return of protective airway reflexes compared with sevoflurane. We hypothesized that weaning of the inspired sevoflurane during the final 15 minutes of surgery would eliminate differences in airway reflex recovery between these agents.

Methods

After obtaining IRB approval and informed consent, 40 patients undergoing elective surgery (≥1‐hour) randomly received desflurane or sevoflurane. Patients swallowed 20 mL of water without drooling or coughing, and then received sedation and PONV pre‐medication. Anesthesia was induced using propofol and fentanyl and maintained with desflurane or sevoflurane through a laryngeal mask airway maintaining a bispectral index of 45‐50 and 50‐60 during the final 15 minutes before surgery end. Cardiorespiratory variables and age‐adjusted minimal alveolar concentration were recorded. The duration between anesthetic discontinuation and first appropriate response to command was measured; the laryngeal mask airway was removed. Two minutes after responding to command, patients were positioned semi‐upright and attempted to swallow water. If successful swallowing was not achieved, the test was repeated every 4 minutes after each failure until successful swallowing was achieved.

Results

Average anesthetic concentration and bispectral index was similar in patients receiving desflurane vs sevoflurane. Response times after discontinuation of anesthetics were similar. There were no differences in the recovery of swallowing ability between desflurane and sevoflurane groups.

Conclusion

Weaning of sevoflurane during the final 15 minutes of surgery eliminates clinical advantages of the more rapid return of airway reflexes with desflurane.
World Health Organization risk drinking level reductions are associated with improved functioning and are sustained among patients with mild, moderate and severe alcohol dependence in clinical trials in the United States and United Kingdom
Authors: Witkiewitz Katie , Heather Nick , Falk Daniel E. , Litten Raye Z. , Hasin Deborah S. , Kranzler Henry R. , Mann Karl F. , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Anton Raymond F.
Published: February 2020

Aims

To examine whether World Health Organization (WHO) risk‐level reductions in drinking were achievable, associated with improved functioning and maintained over time among patients at varying initial alcohol dependence severity levels.

Design and setting

Secondary data analysis of multi‐site randomized clinical trials: the US Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence (COMBINE) study and the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial (UKATT).

Participants

Individuals with alcohol dependence enrolled in COMBINE (n = 1383; 68.8% male) and seeking treatment for alcohol problems in UKATT (n = 742; 74.1% male).

Interventions

Naltrexone, acamprosate or placebo, and combined behavioral intervention or medication management in COMBINE. Social behavior network therapy or motivational enhancement therapy in UKATT.

Measurements

WHO risk‐level reductions were assessed via the calendar method. Alcohol dependence was measured by the Alcohol Dependence Scale, the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Measures of functioning included alcohol‐related consequences (Drinker Inventory of Consequences and Alcohol Problems Questionnaire), mental health (Short Form Health Survey) and liver enzyme tests.

Findings

One‐ and two‐level reductions in WHO risk levels in the last month of treatment were maintained at the 1‐year follow‐up [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) = one‐level reduction in COMBINE: 3.51 (2.73, 4.29) and UKATT: 2.65 (2.32, 2.98)] and associated with fewer alcohol‐related consequences [e.g. B, 95% CI = one‐level reduction COMBINE: –26.22 (–30.62, –21.82)], better mental health [e.g. B, 95% CI = one‐level reduction UKATT: 9.53 (7.36, 11.73)] and improvements in γ‐glutamyltransferase [e.g. B, 95% CI = one‐level reduction UKATT: –89.77 (–122.50, –57.04)] at the end of treatment, even among patients with severe alcohol dependence. Results were similar when abstainers were excluded.

Conclusions

Reductions in World Health Organization risk levels for alcohol consumption appear to be achievable, associated with better functioning and maintained over time in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE AND STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN INDONESIA, 1880–2000
Authors: Marks Daan , Bierman Winny , van Zanden Jan Luiten
Published: February 2020

Osamu Saito's pioneering research into the long‐term changes in occupational structure of Japan has inspired scholars to take a fresh look at structural change in other countries. This article offers a case study of Indonesia. We find a rather slow pace of structural transformation until the 1970s – the immediate post‐war period even saw a reversal of trends. After 1970, during a growth spurt, employment growth in manufacturing was not impressive, and services were an even more important source of employment. The role played by by‐employment is also analysed, demonstrating that in 1905 the economy was quite diversified.
Geographic differences in the distribution of manufacturing firms in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Arku Godwin , Cleave Evan , Easton Megan
Published: February 2020

For at least the past 20 years, the Province of Ontario – as well as other advanced economic regions – has experienced a period of transition, with traditional manufacturing declining and advanced manufacturing firms and sectors emerging. Concurrently, there has been a concerted policy effort emphasising the development of industry clusters within the province, though key issues of governance and where and how to invest public funds remain. This paper presents research on the spatial configuration of firms in 26 manufacturing sub‐sectors, using point density analysis of the basis for determining the presence and spatial configuration of firms. This allows for the comparison of patterns observed in traditional, advanced, and evolving sub‐sectors. The findings show that there are patterns of clustering in all sub‐sectors, though different spatial configurations are apparent between traditional, advanced, and evolving sub‐sectors. These differences have implications for both investment and governance. Based on the findings, investment needs to be directed towards areas with locational advantages, while regional perspectives and initiatives on cluster governance are needed.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and secondary hematological malignancies: A nation‐wide cancer registry study
Authors: Lenartova Andrea , Johannesen Tom Børge , Tjønnfjord Geir Erland
Published: February 2020

Objective

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has changed dramatically, and landscape of second hematologic malignancies (SHM) evolves in the new era of targeted therapy. No data were available about the real‐world burden of SHM.

Methods

All 2631 patients with CLL in the Cancer registry of Norway registered 2003‐2012 were included.

Results

After median follow‐up of 6.6 years, 103 patients (4%) developed SHM. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was most common (n = 65; 63%). Median survival was 9.3 years (95% CI; 8.9‐9.8) in non‐SHM patients and 1.7 years in DLBCL, 0.8 years in Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 12), and 2.8 years in myeloid neoplasia (n = 15; 95% CI: 0.3‐2.6, 0.6‐2.9, and 0.4‐5.3, respectively; P < .001). Outcomes were poorest for SHM patients treated for CLL (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.4‐5.5, P = 0.003). A higher proportion of men and younger age were found in SHM patients (median age 66 vs 72 years in non‐SHM; P < .001; men 68% vs 57%, P = .03). Myeloid neoplasia was rare (incidence rate 1/1000 person‐years; 95% CI: 0.6‐1.5) and tended to occur later than DLBCL in patients treated for CLL (median time from CLL to SHM 62 vs 45 months; P = .09).

Conclusions

SHM and especially myeloid malignancies were rare in chemoimmunotherapy era.
Validity of plasma collection cards for ferritin assessment—A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Koehler Karsten , Marks‐Nelson Eileen , Braga Camila P. , Beckford Safiya , Adamec Jiri
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Iron depletion is common around the world and among certain risk groups in developed countries. The overall purpose was to test the suitability of a novel plasma collection card for minimally invasive iron status assessment.

Methods

Twenty participants (10 f/10 m) participated in this cross‐sectional study. Ferritin and hemoglobin were measured from blood collected from a forearm vein, serving as reference method. Blood was also collected from the fingertip using the NoviplexTM Plasma Prep Card as well as capillary collection tubes.

Results

There was substantial concordance between ferritin measured from samples collected via NoviplexTM and venous ferritin (concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.96) with a mean bias of −0.8 ng/mL. Storing NoviplexTM cards at room temperature for 2 weeks resulted in slightly lower but good concordance when compared to venous ferritin (CCC = 0.95). Capillary hemoglobin (CCC = 0.42) and hematocrit (CCC = 0.25) were in poor agreement with venous data.

Conclusions

NoviplexTM cards offer a suitable alternative for a minimally invasive ferritin screening in the field when compared to capillary collection tubes. Despite overall substantial concordance with the reference method, findings indicative of iron status abnormalities should be confirmed in venous samples.
Embryo‐derived teratoma in vitro biological system reveals antitumor and embryotoxic activity of valproate
Authors: Plazibat Milvija , Katušić Bojanac Ana , Himerleich Perić Marta , Gamulin Ozren , Rašić Mario , Radonić Vedran , Škrabić Marko , Krajačić Maria , Krasić Jure , Sinčić Nino , Jurić‐Lekić Gordana , Balarin Maja , Bulić‐Jakuš Floriana
Published: February 2020

Antiepileptic/teratogen valproate (VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor/epigenetic drug proposed for the antitumor therapy where it is generally crucial to target poorly or undifferentiated cells to prevent a recurrence. Transplanted rodent gastrulating embryos‐proper (primitive streak and three germ layers) are the source of teratoma/teratocarcinoma tumors. Human primitive‐streak remnants develop sacrococcygeal teratomas that may recur even when benign (well differentiated). To screen for unknown VPA impact on teratoma‐type tumors, we used original 2‐week embryo‐derived teratoma in vitro biological system completed by a spent media metabolome analysis. Gastrulating 9.5‐day‐old rat embryos‐proper were cultivated in Eagle's minimal essential medium (MEM) with 50% rat serum (controls) or with the addition of 2 mmVPA. Spent media metabolomes were analyzed by FTIR. Compared to controls, VPA acetylated histones; significantly diminished overall teratoma growth, impaired survival, increased the apoptotic index, and decreased proliferation index and incidence of differentiated tissues (e.g., neural tissue). Control teratomas continued to grow and differentiate for 14 days in isotransplants in vivo, but in vitro VPA‐treated teratomas resorbed. Principal component analysis of FTIR results showed that spent media metabolomes formed well‐separated clusters reflecting the treatment and day of cultivation. In metabolomes of VPA‐treated teratomas, we found elevation of previously described histone acetylation biomarkers [amide I α‐helix and A(CH3)/A(CH2)]) with apoptotic biomarkers within the amide I region for β‐sheets, and unordered and CH2 vibrations of lipids. VPA may be proposed for therapy of the undifferentiated component of teratoma tumors and this biological system completed by metabolome analysis, for a faster dual screening of antitumor/embryotoxic agents.
Structure‐affinity insights into the Na+ and Ca2+ interactions with multiple sites of a sodium‐calcium exchanger
Authors: Iwaki Masayo , Refaeli Bosmat , van Dijk Liat , Hiller Reuben , Giladi Moshe , Kandori Hideki , Khananshvili Daniel
Published: February 2020

Selective recognition and transport of Na+ and Ca2+ ions by sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX) proteins is a primary prerequisite for Ca2+ signaling and homeostasis. Twelve ion‐coordinating residues are highly conserved among NCXs, and distinct NCX orthologs contain two or three carboxylates, while sharing a common ion‐exchange stoichiometry (3Na+:1Ca2+). How these structural differences affect the ion‐binding affinity, selectivity, and transport rates remains unclear. Here, the mutational effects of three carboxylates (E54, E213, and D240) were analyzed on the ion‐exchange rates in the archaeal NCX from Methanococcus jannaschii and ion‐induced structure–affinity changes were monitored by attenuated total reflection–Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). The D240N mutation elevated the ion‐transport rates by twofold to threefold, meaning that the deprotonation of D240 is not essential for transport catalysis. In contrast, mutating E54 or E213 to A, D, N, or Q dramatically decreased the ion‐transport rates. ATR‐FTIR revealed high‐ and low‐affinity binding of Na+ or Ca2+ with E54 and E213, but not with D240. These findings reveal distinct structure–affinity states at specific ion‐binding sites in the inward‐facing (IF) and outward‐facing orientation. Collectively, two multidentate carboxylate counterparts (E54 and E213) play a critical role in determining the ion coordination/transport in prokaryotic and eukaryotic NCXs, whereas the ortholog substitutions in prokaryotes (aspartate) and eukaryotes (asparagine) at the 240 position affect the ion‐transport rates differently (kcat), probably due to the structural differences in the transition state.
The Edge of the Page: Alfred Polgar, the Feuilleton, and the Poetics of the Small Form
Authors: McBride Patrizia
Published: February 2020

This essay examines Alfred Polgar's engagement with the literary miniature by situating it within the phenomenal growth of commercial journalism in Weimar Germany and the Austrian Republic. Drawing on reflections on the small form developed by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Walter Benjamin, and Theodor W. Adorno, this paper reconstructs Polgar's practice of engaged writing, which enjoins an ornamental style and imagistic rhetoric forged in the tradition of the Denkbild to mobilize readers to take a stance on contemporary events. Polgar's embrace of ornamental writing granted him special insight into its perils, placing him in a singular position to respond to the falsehoods of National Socialism in the 1930s. In his eyes, a media environment controlled by totalitarian rule made it impossible to combat the Nazis' mendacity by simply calling out their lies or insisting on separating factual from fake reporting. One should rather turn the ornament against itself with parodic writing that was unafraid of stepping into the mucky arena of blatantly deceitful communication.
Dorsal onlay urethroplasty using lingual mucosal grafts for lichen sclerosis anterior urethral strictures repair: Long‐term outcomes
Authors: Aldaqadossi Hussein Abdelhameed , Eladawy Mahmoud , Shaker Hossam , Kotb Youssof , Elgamal Samir , Azazy Samir
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term outcomes of dorsal onlay urethroplasty using lingual mucosal graft for repairing urethral strictures associated with genital lichen sclerosis.

Methods

This study included 36 patients who had lichen sclerosis long anterior urethral strictures that were managed with dorsal onlay urethroplasty using lingual mucosal graft, and were followed up ≥5 years. Preoperatively, we measured the maximum urinary flow rate and the International Prostate Symptom Score, then every 3 months in the first year, and annually thereafter. During follow up, patients with obstructive symptoms were subjected to urethrography and/ or urethroscopy. A successful urethroplasty was defined as normal voiding and no need for further intervention.

Results

Of the 36 patients, two were lost during the follow up, thus 34 patients were involved in the assessment. After lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty, there were significant improvements in maximum urinary flow rate and International Prostate Symptom Score (P < 0.0001). This improvement was sustained during the 5‐year follow‐up period. The median follow‐up period was 66.5 months (interquartile range 64–70 months). The overall success rate in this study was 88.2%. Postoperative complications that required intervention were reported within the first year in four (11.8%) patients. Oral site complications were mild in the early postoperative period with no long‐term complications.

Conclusions

Dorsal onlay urethroplasty using lingual mucosal graft is a reliable and durable procedure for repairing lichen sclerosis urethral stricture. It provides a long‐term success rate with few failures occurring within the first year. Lingual mucosal graft harvesting is associated with minor, immediate oral complications, and no long‐term morbidity.
Where will the next generation of medical treatments for overactive bladder syndrome come from?
Authors: Michel Martin C
Published: February 2020

This review article discusses the medical need for improved medical treatments of overactive bladder syndrome, and the hurdles and research required to address that need. Currently, few overactive bladder syndrome patients stay on long‐term treatment, largely because efficacy expectations are not met, and tolerability is considered insufficient for the chronic treatment of a non‐life‐threatening condition. Therefore, a medical need exists for improved tolerability and, even more importantly, improved efficacy. It is unlikely that major improvements of efficacy and tolerability can be achieved within the currently approved drug classes. Work in experimental animals suggests that many causes of overactive bladder syndrome exist – each with a distinct pathophysiology. This makes it unlikely that a single medication can address the pathophysiology and treatment needs of all overactive bladder syndrome patients; accordingly, any medication will appear to have only moderate efficacy in the overall group of overactive bladder syndrome patients, even if it fully eliminates symptoms within a subset of patients. It is proposed that only identification of subsets of patients with a defined pathophysiology (and biomarkers thereof) will allow the development and use of targeted treatment that can be highly effective in such subsets.
Food quality of Ephestia eggs, the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi and mixed diet for Orius majusculus
Authors: Toft Søren , Jensen Kim , Sørensen Jesper G. , Sigsgaard Lene , Holmstrup Martin
Published: February 2020

We studied the food quality of the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi to the pirate bug Orius majusculus using Ephestia eggs as high‐quality comparison prey. Several performance parameters were tested on individuals that had been reared and maintained on each of the two single‐prey diets or on a mixed diet. All fitness parameters were lower in individuals fed aphids only, indicating poor food quality of this prey. Compared with the pure Ephestia egg diet, the mixed diet enhanced teneral mass, while adult survival and female starvation tolerance were negatively affected and all other traits were unaffected. Body protein proportions were constant across diets, whereas lipid proportion was low in the aphid treatment. Preference for aphids was lower following a monotypic aphid diet than when reared on Ephestia eggs or a mixed diet. The results confirm that R. padi is low‐quality food for O. majusculus as it is for other generalist predators, even though O. majusculus may contribute significantly to population suppression of the aphid.
Effects of chitosan coatings combined with resveratrol and lysozyme on the quality of Sciaenops ocellatus during refrigerated storage
Authors: Li Yingchang , Zou Qian , Song Suzhen , Sun Tong , Li Jianrong
Published: February 2020

The effects of combined application of lysozyme and resveratrol with chitosan coatings on the quality of Sciaenops ocellatus during refrigerated storage were studied. Physical and chemical indices were periodically analyzed. The chitosan composite coatings were characterized, and the mechanical properties and gas permeability were also measured. The results showed that chitosan coatings could significantly reduce the total viable count (TVC), maintain tissue hardness, chewiness and sensory quality, slow the rate of fat oxidation, and restrain the increases in pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N). Compared with chitosan coatings, the addition of resveratrol and lysozyme had increased the tensile strength and reduced the gas permeability. The lysozyme–resveratrol–chitosan coatings had good preservation properties. The study indicated that the 0.1% lysozyme + 0.2% resveratrol + 1% chitosan group of composite coatings could maintain the quality and extend the shelf life for 8 days compared with the control group during refrigerated storage.
Role of 1‐Deoxysphingolipids in docetaxel neurotoxicity
Authors: Becker Katrin A. , Uerschels Anne‐Kathrin , Goins Laura , Doolen Suzanne , McQuerry Kristen J. , Bielawski Jacek , Sure Ulrich , Bieberich Erhard , Taylor Bradley K. , Gulbins Erich , Spassieva Stefka D.
Published: February 2020

A major dose‐limiting side effect of docetaxel chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy. Patients’ symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensations, and motor weakness in the extremities. The molecular mechanism is currently not understood, and there are no treatments available. Previously, we have shown an association between neuropathy symptoms of patients treated with paclitaxel and the plasma levels of neurotoxic sphingolipids, the 1‐deoxysphingolipids (1‐deoxySL) (Kramer et al, FASEB J, 2015). 1‐DeoxySL are produced when the first enzyme of the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), uses L‐alanine as a substrate instead of its canonical amino acid substrate, L‐serine. In the current investigation, we tested whether 1‐deoxySL accumulate in the nervous system following systemic docetaxel treatment in mice. In dorsal root ganglia (DRG), we observed that docetaxel (45 mg/kg cumulative dose) significantly elevated the levels of 1‐deoxySL and L‐serine‐derived ceramides, but not sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P). S1P is a bioactive sphingolipid and a ligand for specific G‐protein‐coupled receptors. In the sciatic nerve, docetaxel decreased 1‐deoxySL and ceramides. Moreover, we show that in primary DRG cultures, 1‐deoxysphingosine produced neurite swellings that could be reversed with S1P. Our results demonstrate that docetaxel chemotherapy up‐regulates sphingolipid metabolism in sensory neurons, leading to the accumulation of neurotoxic 1‐deoxySL. We suggest that the neurotoxic effects of 1‐deoxySL on axons can be reversed with S1P.

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First Steps Toward Positive Behavior Support in the Netherlands: A Pilot Study Exploring the Effectiveness of a Training for Staff
Authors: Klaver Marian , de Bildt Annelies , Bruinsma Eke , de Kuijper Gerda , Hoekstra Pieter J. , van den Hoofdakker Barbara
Published: February 2020

Despite the effectiveness of positive behavior support (PBS) in reducing challenging behaviors, the availability of PBS for individuals with intellectual disabilities is limited in many countries including the Netherlands. Training care staff supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in PBS may be a way to improve the provision of PBS. We aimed to explore the preliminary effectiveness of a PBS training for staff in reducing challenging behaviors of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Using a one group, double pretest–posttest design, 24 staff members involved in the care of 11 adult individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors participated. We assessed changes in challenging behaviors and quality of life of the individuals, in staff self‐efficacy in dealing with challenging behaviors, and in the use of restraints, using staff rated questionnaires, structured interviews, and medical files. At posttest, we found significant reductions in challenging behaviors, improved quality of life, and increased staff self‐efficacy, but no changes in the use of restraints. In contrast, no significant changes on any of the measures appeared between the two pretests. These findings suggest that a staff training in PBS may be effective for reducing challenging behaviors in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Ethnography, methodology: Striving for clarity
Authors: Monrouxe Lynn , Ajjawi Rola
Published: February 2020

Although they share a common root, the words methodology and methods have distinct implications. Ajjawi and Monrouxe strive to clarify the words for the sake of enabling epistemological, ontological and axiological alignment in research.
Home‐based chemically induced whitening (bleaching) of teeth in adults: A summary of a systematic review
Authors: Blanchard Denise , van Wissen Kim
Published: February 2020

The demand for whiter teeth has been increasing, and home‐based remedies are a popular way of whitening the teeth. These products may be prescribed by the dentist or purchased over the counter and comprise different modes to whiten the teeth and are administered in a range of ways by the person. This review found that the evidence was insufficient to draw reliable conclusions about the intervention, i.e., the use of these whitening products. The results indicated that people may experience side effects that irritate the mouth and gums. Therefore, nurses should direct people who are interested in teeth whitening to their dental professional for a discussion.
Textual network analysis: Detecting prevailing themes and biases in international news and social media
Authors: Segev Elad
Published: February 2020

The growing volumes of information available today provide opportunities but also challenges for social scientists. This paper presents textual network analysis—a network analysis procedure that transforms any given text into a visual map of words co‐occurring together. It aims at scholars and students who are not familiar with network analysis, showing step‐by‐step how to use this approach and highlighting its advantages and applications. It demonstrates how to identify the main themes appearing in the text as well as to detect its biases and frames. Researchers can use this procedure as a grounded content analysis to formulate theories or as a basis to test existing hypotheses. The second part of the paper presents two studies that applied textual network analysis: (a) to identify the main themes raised by elite newspapers on the “fake news” discourse and (b) to map the topics related to China on Twitter. Both examples show how textual network analysis can be relevant for communication, international relations, and political science scholars as well as for practitioners, wishing to understand the prevailing discourses and tailor their messages more effectively.
Genetically encoded Ca2+‐sensor reveals details of porcine endothelial cell activation upon contact with human serum
Authors: Wuensch Annegret , Kameritsch Petra , Sfriso Riccardo , Jemiller Eva‐Maria , Bähr Andrea , Kurome Mayuko , Kessler Barbara , Kemter Elisabeth , Kupatt Christian , Reichart Bruno , Rieben Robert , Wolf Eckhard , Klymiuk Nikolai
Published: February 2020

The activation of the endothelial surface in xenografts is still a poorly understood process and the consequences are unpredictable. The role of Ca2+‐messaging during the activation of endothelial cells is well recognized and routinely measured by synthetic Ca2+‐sensitive fluorophors. However, these compounds require fresh loading immediately before each experiment and in particular when grown in state‐of‐the‐art 3D cell culture systems, endothelial cells are difficult to access with such sensors. Therefore, we developed transgenic pigs expressing a Ca2+‐sensitive protein and examined its principal characteristics. Primary transgenic endothelial cells stimulated by ATP showed a definite and short influx of Ca2+ into the cytosol, whereas exposure to human serum resulted in a more intense and sustained response. Surprisingly, not all endothelial cells reacted identically to a stimulus, rather activation took place in adjacent cells in a timely decelerated way and with distinct intensities. This effect was again more pronounced when cells were stimulated with human serum. Finally, we show clear evidence that antibody binding alone significantly activated endothelial cells, whereas antibody depletion dramatically reduced the stimulatory potential of serum. Transgenic porcine endothelial cells expressing a Ca2+‐sensor represent an interesting tool to dissect factors inducing activation of porcine endothelial cells after exposure to human blood or serum.
Informational masking of speech by acoustically similar intelligible and unintelligible interferers
Authors: Summers Robert J. , Roberts Brian
Published: February 2020

Masking experienced when target speech is accompanied by a single interfering voice is often primarily informational masking (IM). IM is generally greater when the interferer is intelligible than when it is not (e.g., speech from an unfamiliar language), but the relative contributions of acoustic-phonetic and linguistic interference are often difficult to assess owing to acoustic differences between interferers (e.g., different talkers). Three-formant analogues (F1+F2+F3) of natural sentences were used as targets and interferers. Targets were presented monaurally either alone or accompanied contralaterally by interferers from another sentence (F0 = 4 semitones higher); a target-to-masker ratio (TMR) between ears of 0, 6, or 12 dB was used. Interferers were either intelligible or rendered unintelligible by delaying F2 and advancing F3 by 150 ms relative to F1, a manipulation designed to minimize spectro-temporal differences between corresponding interferers. Target-sentence intelligibility (keywords correct) was 67% when presented alone, but fell considerably when an unintelligible interferer was present (49%) and significantly further when the interferer was intelligible (41%). Changes in TMR produced neither a significant main effect nor an interaction with interferer type. Interference with acoustic-phonetic processing of the target can explain much of the impact on intelligibility, but linguistic factors—particularly interferer intrusions—also make an important contribution to IM.
Intertropical convergence zone variability in the Neotropics during the Common Era
Authors: Asmerom Yemane , Baldini James U. L. , Prufer Keith M. , Polyak Victor J. , Ridley Harriet E. , Aquino Valorie V. , Baldini Lisa M. , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M. , Macpherson Colin G. , Kennett Douglas J.
Published: February 2020

Neotropics data evince expansion and contraction of the inter-tropical convergence zone due to cooling and warming, respectively.
Scientists in Indonesia fear political interference
Authors: Rochmyaningsih Dyna
Published: February 2020

French researcher is deported after publishing unwelcome data on wildfires.
ZGLP1 is a determinant for the oogenic fate in mice
Authors: Nagaoka So I. , Nakaki Fumio , Miyauchi Hidetaka , Nosaka Yoshiaki , Ohta Hiroshi , Yabuta Yukihiro , Kurimoto Kazuki , Hayashi Katsuhiko , Nakamura Tomonori , Yamamoto Takuya , Saitou Mitinori
Published: February 2020

Commencing oogenesis

In mice, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells have been shown to differentiate into primordial germ cell–like cells that can give rise to functional oocytes. In this system, Nagaoka
et al.
identified the gene
Zglp1
as a necessary and sufficient factor for conferring the oogenic fate to sexually undetermined germ cells. As a downstream effector of bone morphogenetic protein signaling, conserved transcriptional regulator ZGLP1 activates the oogenic program repressed by Polycomb activities, whereas retinoic acid signaling assists the maturation of such activation and also the repression of the primordial germ cell program. This study thus refines our understanding of mammalian oogenic fate determination.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaw4115
“Breaking” news for the ocean's carbon budget
Authors: Nayak Aditya R. , Twardowski Michael S.
Published: February 2020

Fragmentation of particle aggregates helps regulate carbon sequestration in the ocean
Sidney Holt (1926–2019)
Authors: Pauly Daniel
Published: February 2020

Influential fisheries scientist and savior of whales
Chromosomal Organization and Regulation of Genetic Function in
Escherichia coli
Integrates the DNA Analog and Digital Information
Authors: Travers Andrew , Muskhelishvili Georgi
Published: February 2020

In this article, we summarize our current understanding of the bacterial genetic regulation brought about by decades of studies using the
Escherichia coli
model. It became increasingly evident that the cellular genetic regulation system is organizationally closed, and a major challenge is to describe its circular operation in quantitative terms. We argue that integration of the DNA analog information (i.e., the probability distribution of the thermodynamic stability of base steps) and digital information (i.e., the probability distribution of unique triplets) in the genome provides a key to understanding the organizational logic of genetic control. During bacterial growth and adaptation, this integration is mediated by changes of DNA supercoiling contingent on environmentally induced shifts in intracellular ionic strength and energy charge. More specifically, coupling of dynamic alterations of the local intrinsic helical repeat in the structurally heterogeneous DNA polymer with structural-compositional changes of RNA polymerase holoenzyme emerges as a fundamental organizational principle of the genetic regulation system. We present a model of genetic regulation integrating the genomic pattern of DNA thermodynamic stability with the gene order and function along the chromosomal OriC-Ter axis, which acts as a principal coordinate system organizing the regulatory interactions in the genome.
Analysis of risk factors and outcome in peritoneal dialysis patients with early-onset peritonitis: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Xiaoyan , Shi Yingfeng , Tao Min , Jiang Xiaolu , Wang Yi , Zang Xiujuan , Fang Lu , Jiang Wei , Du Lin , Jin Dewei , Zhuang Shougang , Liu Na
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate the risk factors associated with early-onset peritonitis (EOP) and their influence on patients’ technique survival and mortality.

Study design

Retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Three peritoneal dialysis (PD) units in Shanghai.

Participants

PD patients from 1 June 2006 to 1 May 2018 were recruited and followed up until 31 December 2018. According to time-to-first episode of peritonitis, patients were divided into non-peritonitis (n=144), EOP (≤6 months, n=74) and late-onset peritonitis (LOP) (>6 months, n=139).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

EOP was defined as the first episode of peritonitis occurring within 6 months after the initiation of PD. The outcomes were all-cause mortality and technique failure.

Results

Of the 357 patients, 74 (20.7%) patients developed their first episode of peritonitis within the first 6 months. Compared with the LOP group, the EOP group had older ages, more female patients, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, lower serum albumin levels and renal function at the time of initiation of PD, and higher diabetes mellitus and peritonitis rates (p<0.05).Staphylococcuswas the most common Gram-positive organism in both EOP and LOP groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors associated with EOP included a higher CCI score (OR 1.285, p=0.011), lower serum albumin level (OR 0.924, p=0.016) and lower Kt/V (OR 0.600, p=0.018) at start of PD. In the Cox proportional-hazards model, EOP was more likely a predictor of technique failure (HR 1.801, p=0.051). There was no difference between EOP and LOP for all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

A higher CCI score and lower serum albumin level and Kt/V at PD initiation were significantly associated with EOP. EOP also predicted a high peritonitis rate and poor clinical outcome.
Qualitative instruments involving clients as co-researchers to assess and improve the quality of care relationships in long-term care: an evaluation of instruments to enhance client participation in quality research
Authors: Scheffelaar Aukelien , Bos Nanne , Triemstra Mattanja , de Jong Marjan , Luijkx Katrien , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Enhancing the active involvement of clients as co-researchers is seen as a promising innovation in quality research. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and usability of five qualitative instruments used by co-researchers for assessing the quality of care relationships in long-term care.

Design and setting

A qualitative evaluation was performed in three care organisations each focused on one of the following three client groups: frail older adults, people with mental health problems and people with intellectual disabilities. A total of 140 respondents participated in this study. The data comprised observations by researchers and experiences from co-researchers, clients and professionals.

Results

Two instruments scored best on feasibility and usability and can therefore both be used by co-researchers to monitor the quality of care relationships from the client perspective in long-term care.

Conclusions

The selected instruments let co-researchers interview other clients about their experiences with care relationships. The study findings are useful for long-term care organisations and client councils who are willing to give clients an active role in quality improvement.
Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Promising Anticancer Agent
Authors: Biresaw Samuel Shiferaw , Damte Samrawit Mekonnen , Taneja Pankaj
Published: February 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted a great deal of attention in the recent years. It is mostly due to their availability, chemical stability, catalytic activity, conductivity, biocompatibility and anticancer activity. There are three major approaches for AgNPs synthesis; i.e., chemical, physical, and biological methods. Today, many chemical and physical methods have become less popular due to usage of hazardous chemicals or their high costs, respectively. The green method has introduced an appropriate substitute synthesis strategy for the conventional physical and chemical approaches. The utilization of the plant extracts as reducing, stabilizing and coating agent of AgNPs is an interesting eco-friendly approach leading to high efficiency. The anticancer synergistic effects among the AgNPs and phytochemicals will enhance their therapeutic potentials. Surprisingly, although many studies have demonstrated the significant enhancement in cytotoxic activities of plant-mediated AgNPs toward cancerous cells, these nanoparticles (NPs) have been found nontoxic to normal human cells in their therapeutic concentrations. This paper provides a specific insight into the mechanism of plant-mediated AgNPs synthesis, their anticancer and cytotoxic activities in vitro cancer cells, in vivo model animals and clinical trials.
Events
Authors: Dennis Louise A.
Published: February 2020

This section features information about upcoming events relevant to the readers of AI Matters, including those supported by SIGAI. We would love to hear from you if you are are organizing an event and would be interested in cooperating with SIGAI. For more information about conference support visit sigai.acm.org/activities/requesting_sponsor-ship.html.