bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring relationship variables and Information and Communication Technologies use in industrial segmentation
Authors: Fuentes-Blasco María , Moliner-Velázquez Beatriz , Gil-Saura Irene
Published: July 2017

Purpose

In tourism, the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (hereinafter ICT) and variables concerning firms’ links with suppliers have been recognized as key determinants to improve companies’ competitiveness. From the perspective of efficient management of company resources, segmentation has become a key tool and is particularly significant and current in the business-to-business context. The purpose of this paper is to study the segmentation of firms in the tourist industry according to perceived ICT use and relationship value and benefits. In addition, from the management approach, the authors seek to describe the segments that enable the development of differentiated strategies aimed at consolidating relationship benefits in the long term.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 310 travel agencies who evaluated the relationship with their main supplier, the authors attempt to examine the utility of these variables as segmentation criteria for identifying heterogeneous groups.

Findings

The estimation of a finite mixture model suggests that these bases are able to discriminate firms into four latent segments with different levels of ICT use and relationship variables.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the understanding of the role that ICT and relationship variables have in the segmentation processes of tourism companies. Literature on segmentation in the business-to-business (B2B) context is limited and it is hard to find studies which apply latent methodology using behavioral criteria related to the use of ICT and relationship variables.

Practical implications

Segmentation of the tourism organizational market based on valuations of supplier relations and ICT use can help suppliers to design or adapt differentiation marketing strategies. Since agencies place the most value on confidence and value, tourism service suppliers should focus their efforts on improving the elements of service provision that increase perceived trust/confidence and value (i.e. growing the number of contacts, proximity to customers or sincerity, etc.). If agencies feel they can rely more on their providers, they will value their relationship more positively thereby favoring its long-term continuity.

Originality/value

The novelty in this work lies in the application of latent segmentation methodology and the simultaneous use of bases associated with ICT and relationship variables in B2B tourism.
Interfaith dialogue in a secular field
Authors: Miller Kent D.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Bringing spiritual and religious perspectives to management and organization research requires clarifying the methodological implications and grappling with the diversity that characterizes the research community. This article aims to address both of these issues. The focal question addressed here is, how might spiritual and religious researchers effectively engage in interfaith dialogue in the ostensibly secular field of management and organization studies?

Design/methodology/approach

This article takes exception to privileging secularism over other faiths and argues for admitting spiritual and religious perspectives into the field of management and organization studies. It addresses how theological reflection can be carried out within a spiritually and religiously pluralist research community in management and organization studies.

Findings

Section 2 characterizes secularity and raises the possibility of moving beyond secularism to interfaith dialogue in the field of management and organization studies. Section 3 reviews influential perspectives on dialogue to identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to social learning. Section 4 introduces theological reflection as a method for conducting management and organization research and provides guidance and methods for pursuing interfaith dialogue.

Research limitations/implications

This article proposes interfaith dialogue as a way to explore important assumptions, ultimate concerns and innovative practices that currently go largely unraised in management and organization research.

Originality/value

This article adds to the methods available in the field by characterizing effective dialogue and introducing and explaining theological reflection. It contributes general guidance and proposes specific methods for moving to interfaith dialogue among researchers working from diverse faiths.
A Simple Method ofVNTRD1S80 Locus Allelic Ladder Construction for Capillary Electrophoresis‐based Genotyping
Authors: Jung Ju Yeon , Kim Su‐Ji , Oh Yu‐Li , Lim Si‐Keun , Lee Yang Han , Hwang Jung Ho
Published: July 2017

VNTRD1S80 locus genotyping has been largely replaced in forensics bySTR. As the statute of limitations on murder cases was abolished in the Republic of Korea in July 2015, the demand for re‐analysis ofDNAfrom unresolved murder cases has increased. The National Forensic Service includes several recorded D1S80 genotypes as crucial clues. Here, we re‐established the D1S80 analysis system using capillary electrophoresis and confirmed the reproducibility of the system by comparison with the genotypes of eightDNAsamples that had been analyzed usingPAGEin 2006. In addition, we created an allelic ladder via new methodology using flanking region sequences. A singleDNAsample (K562) and seven primers were used for the new ladder, which contains 12 alleles. Although artificial owing to the use of the flanking region rather than repeat unit reduction, the method is rapid and simple, and could be applicable in any laboratory.
Effect of Aging and Surface Interactions on the Diffusion of Endogenous Compounds in Latent Fingerprints Studied by Mass Spectrometry Imaging,
Authors: O'Neill Kelly C. , Lee Young Jin
Published: July 2017

The ability to determine the age of fingerprints would be immeasurably beneficial in criminal investigations. We explore the possibility of determining the age of fingerprints by analyzing various compounds as they diffuse from the ridges to the valleys of fingerprints using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging. The diffusion of two classes of endogenous fingerprint compounds, fatty acids and triacylglycerols (TGs), was studied in fresh and aged fingerprints on four surfaces. We expected higher molecular weight TGs would diffuse slower than fatty acids and allow us to determine the age of older fingerprints. However, we found interactions between endogenous compounds and the surface have a much stronger impact on diffusion than molecular weight. For example, diffusion of TGs is faster on hydrophilic plain glass or partially hydrophilic stainless steel surfaces, than on a hydrophobic Rain‐x treated surface. This result further complicates utilizing a diffusion model to age fingerprints.
Early Postsurgical Bacterial Contamination of the Airways: A Study on 28 Open‐heart Patients
Authors: DOMÍNGUEZ DE VILLOTA E. , AVELLO F. , GRANADOS M. A. , ARCAS M. , MOLES B.
Published: July 2017

One pre‐ and two postoperative cultures of tracheo‐bronchial secretions were obtained from 28 cardiac patients, subjected to open‐heart surgery. Four patients received preoperative antibiotics, and all but one received postoperative prophylactic antibiotics.

Preoperatively, only one patient had potential pathogens; after surgery (mean intubation time 4.2 h), four patients (14.3%) had organisms; and after 19 h of intubation, 28% of the patients had potential pathogens in their tracheo‐bronchial secretions. Only three of the seven organisms recovered from the last sample were clearly sensitive to the antibiotics given prophylactically; and two of these organisms were Group A beta‐haemolytic streptococci.

The early presence of organisms in the airways after intubation, the high incidence of colonization, and the ineffectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing this contamination are pointed out.

The factors that may possibly influence colonization of airways among these patients are commented on.
Age‐related off‐label use of nasal corticosteroids for allergies is relatively common in Finnish children with asthma
Authors: Sonninen Katja , Jyrkkä Johanna , Martikainen Jaana E. , Malmström Kristiina , Mäkelä Mika J. , Sepponen Kati
Published: July 2017

Aim

Allergies can worsen asthma symptoms and we used national data to identify allergy medication prescribed for Finnish children and adolescents who used asthma medication.

Methods

Register data were available for 13 435 Finnish children aged 0–17 who were entitled to special reimbursement for asthma medication during 2006–2009. Allergy medication purchases were individually analysed 2 years before and 2 years after the entitlement for asthma medication reimbursement was granted.

Results

Two‐thirds (66.5%) of the children had used at least one allergy medication during the 4‐year follow‐up, with an average of five purchases. Most (91%) of the allergy medication purchased was systemic antihistamines and half (50%) was nasal corticosteroids. In all, 8% of the allergy medication and 22% of the nasal corticosteroids were classified as off‐label purchases based on the child's age. Paediatric allergologists and paediatricians prescribed 59% of the allergy medication and 76% of the off‐label nasal corticoids.

Conclusion

Most asthmatic children and adolescents used allergy medication. Nasal corticosteroids were the commonly prescribed off‐label item and the prescribers were mainly specialists in paediatric allergology or paediatrics. Official dosage instructions and more specific clinical guidelines are needed to support appropriate prescribing of nasal corticosteroids for young children.
Review: Prevention of anxiety among at‐risk children and adolescents – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lawrence Peter J. , Rooke Sally M. , Creswell Cathy
Published: July 2017

Background

Anxiety disorders are common, often start in childhood and run a chronic course. As such there is a need for effective prevention.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses of randomized, controlled trials to prevent the onset of anxiety disorders in ‘at risk’ young people. Diagnostic and symptom outcomes were examined. Putative moderators were tested as was publication bias.

Results

We included 16 trials (2545 young people). Two trials reported diagnostic outcomes, and significant effects were found for these at end‐of‐programme (RR = .09, 95%CI = .02 to .16), 6‐ (RR = .17, 95%CI = .06 to .27) and 12‐month (RR = .31, 95%CI .17 to .45) follow‐ups. Based on 16 trials, improved anxiety symptoms were significant compared to nonattention controls only, with small effect sizes reported by young people at the end‐of‐programmes, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups; and by parents at the end of the programmes and 12‐, but not 6‐, month follow‐ups. There was no evidence of significant moderation or publication bias.

Conclusions

Fourteen studies included children and young people who presented with elevated anxiety symptoms, but anxiety disorder was not ruled out in the participants in these studies. Hence, these studies might be reporting results of mixed prevention/early intervention programmes. Prevention programmes that target developmental risk factors, not only disorder maintaining factors, appear most promising. The clinically meaningful impact of anxiety disorder prevention programmes remains unknown.
How to promote institutional reforms in the agricultural sector? A case study of Uganda's National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS)
Authors: Rwamigisa Patience B. , Birner Regina , Mangheni Margaret N. , Semana Arseni
Published: July 2017

This study provides alternative explanations to the limited success of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme in Uganda, which was considered a role model for a demand‐driven, decentralized and market‐oriented agricultural extension reform in Africa. The analysis shows that the reform process was shaped by the interaction of two coalitions of actors: a donor‐dominated coalition that pushed for radical reform and advocated the total overhaul of the existing structures and the creation of new ones, with the aim of changing the mindset of the extension workers and managers towards the adoption of a more efficient, farmer‐oriented and performance‐based system. The other was a domestic coalition that believed in a “gradual” or “incremental” approach to promote changes and adjustments in the existing system to make it more efficient and accountable. This group was opposed to the complete overhaul of the existing extension system—taking an apparently more conservative stance. The study shows that the exclusion of the gradual reform coalition in the design and early implementation of NAADS increased the vulnerability of the programme to political capture and governance problems.
The Ecumenical Significance of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church
Authors:   Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos
Published: July 2017

From 20 to 26 June 2016, following a century of preparatory work, the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church met on the island of Crete. Among the various documents agreed by the council, the most controversial before, during, and after the council was the one on “The Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the Christian World.” This article sets out the importance of this statement, and considers and responds to the various criticisms of it that have emerged among certain Orthodox groups and individuals. The article concludes that despite such objections, the statement has a crucial ecumenical significance, and that, for the first time in its history, the Orthodox Church has taken a conciliar decision with regard to participation in the ecumenical movement and engagement in theological dialogue with other Christian churches and confessions.
Two‐echelon supply chain operations under dual channels with differentiated productivities
Authors: Ni Debing , Li Kevin W. , Fang Xiang
Published: July 2017

This paper examines a two‐echelon supply chain with an upstream supplier (she) and a downstream manufacturer (he) transacting an intermediate product via direct bilateral contracting and futures market channels with differentiated productivities. A game model is established to examine the dual‐channel supply chain operations. Analytical results reveal that downstream productivity improvement (DPI) through the bilateral interaction is necessary and sufficient for the supply chain members to trade in the bilateral channel in addition to the futures market. We show that when the price in the futures market increases, the manufacturer would purchase less from the futures market and more from the supplier, which not only increases the supplier's expected profit but also increases her risk (variance of the profit) in equilibrium. Furthermore, when the bilateral channel exhibits stronger DPI, the manufacturer obtains a higher expected profit and bears a higher risk, but the supplier enjoys a higher expected profit without incurring any additional risk.
Co‐ordinating Co‐ordination: The European Commission and the Culture Open Method of Co‐ordination
Authors: Mattocks Kate
Published: July 2017

This article examines the role of the European Commission in non‐legislative policy co‐ordination in the European Union. Using the Open Method of Co‐ordination (OMC) in the oft‐neglected sector of cultural policy as a case study, it argues that rather than a neutral facilitator as it appears on paper, the Commission occupies both a political and administrative leadership role in the operation of the culture OMC. Through analysis of policy documentation, interviews and non‐participant observation material, the article demonstrates how the Commission has operated as a key driver and agenda‐setter in the field, exposing the inter‐institutional dynamics in a competence in which the EU has a supporting role. The findings thus have broader implications for the study of agenda‐setting and European integration in policy sectors where the EU holds a supporting competence.
Prereader to beginning reader: changes induced by reading acquisition in print and speech brain networks
Authors: Chyl Katarzyna , Kossowski Bartosz , Dębska Agnieszka , Łuniewska Magdalena , Banaszkiewicz Anna , Żelechowska Agata , Frost Stephen J. , Mencl William Einar , Wypych Marek , Marchewka Artur , Pugh Kenneth R. , Jednoróg Katarzyna
Published: July 2017

Background

Literacy acquisition is a demanding process that induces significant changes in the brain, especially in the spoken and written language networks. Nevertheless, large‐scale paediatric fMRI studies are still limited.

Methods

We analyzed fMRI data to show how individual differences in reading performance correlate with brain activation for speech and print in 111 children attending kindergarten or first grade and examined group differences between a matched subset of emergent‐readers and prereaders.

Results

Across the entire cohort, individual differences analysis revealed that reading skill was positively correlated with the magnitude of activation difference between words and symbol strings in left superior temporal, inferior frontal and fusiform gyri. Group comparisons of the matched subset of pre‐ and emergent‐readers showed higher activity for emergent‐readers in left inferior frontal, precentral, and postcentral gyri. Individual differences in activation for natural versus vocoded speech were also positively correlated with reading skill, primarily in the left temporal cortex. However, in contrast to studies on adult illiterates, group comparisons revealed higher activity in prereaders compared to readers in the frontal lobes. Print‐speech coactivation was observed only in readers and individual differences analyses revealed a positive correlation between convergence and reading skill in the left superior temporal sulcus.

Conclusions

These results emphasise that a child's brain undergoes several modifications to both visual and oral language systems in the process of learning to read. They also suggest that print‐speech convergence is a hallmark of acquiring literacy.
Effect of size on spawning time in the lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus
Authors: Boulcott P. , Clarke J. , Wright P. J.
Published: July 2017

Ovarian development was examined in relation to size and temperature in late pre‐spawning Ammodytes marinus over 5 years. Oocyte diameter was positively related to length indicating that larger females spawned earlier. Age and temperature, whilst accounting for the effect of length, were not found to affect oocyte development, although the thermal range examined was only 1·3° C.
Establishment of a hepatocyte line for studying biosynthesis of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from a marine teleost, the white‐spotted spinefoot Siganus canaliculatus
Authors: Liu Y. , Zhang Q. H. , Dong Y. W. , You C. H. , Wang S. Q. , Li Y. Q. , Li Y. Y.
Published: July 2017

A hepatocyte line was established from the liver of white‐spotted spinefoot Siganus canaliculatus to study the biosynthesis of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA). The cells from the line, designated S. canaliculatus hepatocyte line (SCHL), grew and multiplied well in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)–F12 medium supplemented with 20 mM 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) piperazine‐1‐ethanesulphonic acid (HEPES), 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) and 0·5% rainbow trout Oncorhychus mykiss serum at 28° C, showing an epithelial‐like morphology and the normal chromosome number of 48 (2n) and have been subcultured for over 60 passages. The identity of the hepatocytes was confirmed by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining. The mRNA expression of all genes encoding the key enzymes for LC‐PUFA biosynthesis including two desaturases (Δ4 Fad and Δ6–Δ5 Fad) and two elongases (Elovl4 and Elovl5), were detected in all cells from passages 5 to 60 and their expression levels became stable after passage 35 and showed responses to various PUFA incubation. This is similar to the situation determined in the liver of S. canaliculatus that were fed diets containing different fatty acids. These results indicated that SCHL was successfully established and can provide an in vitro tool to investigate lipid metabolism and regulatory mechanisms of LC‐PUFA biosynthesis in teleosts, especially marine species.
The Experience of Parenting a Child With Disability in Old Age
Authors: Band‐Winterstein Tova , Avieli Hila
Published: July 2017

Background

There are growing numbers of older parents providing ongoing care for adults with disabilities. A parent's aging calls for a redefinition of parental care practices and roles in light of his or her own changing needs.

Purpose

The current study aims to highlight the ways in which aging parents perceive and construct their parental role to adult children with disabilities at this point in their lives.

Methods

An interpretive phenomenological analysis perspective was used. Data collection was performed through in‐depth, semistructured interviews with 20 aging parents of children with developmental disabilities, followed by a content analysis.

Results

Four patterns of parental identity emerged: “Being happy is his responsibility; I did my part,” embracing aging needs; “I can do part‐time worrying,” a gradual letting go of parental roles; “I'm worn out, but I keep going. What choice do I have?” bearing the brunt; “I'm an old woman changing diapers,” full‐time parents.

Conclusions

The findings enable a deeper understanding of the various ways in which parents cope with aging alongside caring for an adult child with disability. Hence, this study can serve as a framework for developing tailored and differential intervention methods for these families.

Clinical Relevance

As the world's people experience longer life expectancy, of both individuals with disabilities and their parents, nurses' education and practice should be challenged by the double sensitivities of elder's caregiving and address the unique needs of this unique population.
Productivity Dynamics and the Role of ‘Big‐Box’ Entrants in Retailing
Authors: Maican Florin , Orth Matilda
Published: July 2017

We use a dynamic model to measure the impact of the entry of large stores on incumbents’ productivity separate from demand while accounting for local markets and the endogeneity of entry. Using data on all retail food stores in Sweden, we find that incumbents’ productivity increases after the entry of large stores and that the magnitude of the increase declines toward the upper part of the productivity distribution. Our findings highlight that large entrants drive productivity.
Utilization of Mental Health Services in School‐Based Health Centers
Authors: Bains Ranbir M. , Cusson Regina , White‐Frese Jesse , Walsh Stephen
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

We summarize utilization patterns for mental health services in school‐based health centers.

METHODS

Administrative data on school‐based health center visits in New Haven, Connecticut were examined for the 2007‐2009 school years. Relative frequencies of mental health visits by age were calculated as a percentage of all visits and were stratified by sex, ethnicity/race, and insurance status.

RESULTS

Mental health visits accounted for the highest proportion of visits (31.8%). The proportion of mental health visits was highest at 8 years (42.8%) and at 13 years (39.0%). The proportion of mental health visits among boys (38.4%) was higher than among girls (26.7%). Hispanic students had a lower proportion of mental health visits than black students (23.5% vs 35.8%) in all but 2 age groups. Students in the white/other ethnicity category had higher proportions of mental health visits than Hispanic and black students between ages 12 and 15. Students with no health insurance (22.5%) had lower proportions of mental health visits than students covered by Medicaid (34.3%) or private insurance (33.9%). The percentage of mental health visits by students with private insurance was highest (37.2%‐49%) in the 13‐15 age range.

CONCLUSIONS

Usage patterns for mental health issues show pronounced, nonrandom variation relative to age and other demographic characteristics especially with 8‐year‐old boys.
Molecular phylogenetics of Hymenocrater and allies (Lamiaceae): new insights from nrITS, plastid trnL intron and trnL‐F intergenic spacer DNA sequences
Authors: Serpooshan Fariba , Jamzad Ziba , Nejadsattari Taher , Mehregan Iraj
Published: July 2017

We analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of Hymenocrater and closely related genera using nrITS and plastid trnL intron and trnL‐F intergenic spacer DNA sequences. Here, we present a phylogenetic reconstruction based on 62 species belonging to Hymenocrater, Lophanthus, Marmoritis and Nepeta, along with representatives of the rest of Nepetinae, based on Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian inference. Our results confirm the monophyly of Nepetinae and the division of this subtribe into two main clades, one of which includes Drepanocaryum, Hymenocrater, Nepeta, Lophanthus and Marmoritis and the other Agastache, Glechoma, Meehania, Schizonepeta, Lallemantia, Cedronella and Dracocephalum. However, Nepeta is reconstructed as nonmonophyletic, with members of the genera Hymenocrater, Lophanthus, Marmoritis, Drepanocaryum and Nepeta all mixed in one clade. The symplesiomorphic morphological traits of these five genera taken together are: calyx tube 15‐nerved, two lipped, the throat oblique to straight, the corolla two lipped, the two upper stamens longer than the two lower and included or exerted from the corolla, and thecae divergent. In accordance with morphological evidence and considering the number of taxa included and the centers of diversity of these genera, we propose to include Hymenocrater, Lophanthus and Marmoritis in Nepeta, while Drepanocaryum may be recognized as a the sister to Nepeta. New combinations and synonyms are introduced to accommodate all these species in Nepeta.
Differences in growth of Canadian children compared to the WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards
Authors: Park Alison L. , Tu Karen , Ray Joel G. ,   the Canadian Curves Consortium
Published: July 2017

Background

To evaluate if there are departures from the WHO Child Growth Standards (WHO‐CGS) in postnatal growth of healthy ‘Canadian’ children in Ontario up to age 2 years, including by infant feeding and ethnicity.

Methods

We included data on 9964 healthy, singleton children born in Ontario, Canada. Smoothed weight, length and body mass index (BMI) percentile curves were generated using quantile regression for the Canadian cohort from birth to age 2 years. Differences in percentile values were calculated comparing Canadian children vs. the WHO‐CGS.

Results

Canadian children under age 2 years were longer than the WHO‐CGS at the 10th (0.8 cm), 50th (1.3 cm) and 90th (1.9 cm) percentiles. Canadian children incrementally surpassed the WHO‐CGS in weight after age 6 months, and in BMI after 9 months. By age 2 years, the 50th percentile weight of Canadian males was 823 g (95% confidence interval (CI) 680, 965) higher than the WHO‐CGS 50th percentile. Weight differences were seen regardless of feeding practice, and were greatest among children of mothers born in Canada and Europe/Western nations, and least for those of East Asian/Pacific or South Asian heritage. Among Canadian breastfed males, 18% (95% CI 16, 19) of newborns and 26% (95% CI 20, 33) toddlers aged 2 years were classified by WHO‐CGS as weighing >90th percentile – much higher than the expected rate of 10%. Similarities were seen for differences in BMI.

Conclusions

Healthy Canadian infants/toddlers are longer and heavier than the WHO‐CGS norms. Explanations for these discrepancies require further elucidation.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A allele, HLA‐A*02:315
Authors: Lin F.‐Q. , Li X.‐F. , Zhang X. , Zhang K.‐L. , Li J.‐P.
Published: July 2017

HLA‐A*02:315 differs from A*02:03:01 by one nucleotide change at position 241 from C to T.
Start‐up Communities as Communities of Practice: Shining a Light on Geographical Scale and Membership
Authors: van Weele Marijn A. , Steinz Henk J. , van Rijnsoever Frank J.
Published: July 2017

The development of start‐up communities is seen as critical to the successful development of entrepreneurship in a region. However, it remains unclear what exactly start‐up communities are and how they can be facilitated. Ambiguity concerning the geographical scale and membership of start‐up communities leads to different conceptualisations. In this paper, we apply communities of practice (CoP) theory to understand how conceptualisations of start‐up communities work and how they can be facilitated. To this end, we qualitatively study start‐up communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, Australia. Our results show that start‐up communities that are confined to a particular workspace strongly resemble a CoP. Furthermore, many elements of CoPs can also be found in regional start‐up communities. Finally, we find that workspace communities have more direct and top‐down facilitation activities, while regional start‐up communities have more indirect and bottom‐up facilitation activities.
Geometric aspects of representation theory for DG algebras: answering a question of Vasconcelos
Authors: Nasseh Saeed , Sather‐Wagstaff Keri Ann
Published: July 2017

We apply geometric techniques from representation theory to the study of homologically finite differential graded (DG) modules over a finite dimensional, positively graded, commutative DG algebra . In particular, in this setting we prove a version of a theorem of Voigt by exhibiting an isomorphism between the Yoneda Ext group and a quotient of tangent spaces coming from an algebraic group action on an algebraic variety. As an application, we answer a question of Vasconcelos from 1974 by showing that a local ring has only finitely many semidualizing complexes up to shift‐isomorphism in the derived category .
Are the western water shrew (Sorex navigator) and American water shrew (Sorex palustris) morphologically distinct?
Authors: Nagorsen David W. , Panter Nick , Hope Andrew G.
Published: July 2017

Recent phylogenetic studies applying the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene and nuclear genes revealed divergent cordilleran and boreal lineages in western populations of the Sorex palustris complex that are now recognized as distinct species: Sorex navigator (Baird, 1858) (western water shrew) and Sorex palustris Richardson, 1828 (American water shrew). Their distributions in western Canada are parapatric with a potential contact zone in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Using 80 specimens including 69 of known genotype, we assessed morphological differentiation in metric and nonmetric traits among S. navigator, S. palustris, and Sorex bendirii (Merriam, 1894) (marsh shrew), a sister species of S. navigator. Multivariate analyses revealed discrete morpho groups concordant with their genetic lineages and species-level divergence. Three individuals from northwestern British Columbia and one from southwestern Alberta with discordant mitochondrial and nuclear DNA aligned with the S. navigator morpho group showing no evidence for morphological intergradation with S. palustris. Although differentiated in genotype, S. navigator and S. palustris are cryptic species that can only be discriminated from morphology with metric cranio-dental data. We developed diagnostic morphometric criteria to identify specimens lacking genetic data.
Influence of heat treatment on hole transfer dynamics in core-shell quantum dot/organic hole conductor hybrid films
Authors: Sun Mingye , Zheng Youjin , Zhang Lei , Zhao Liping , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2017

The influence of heat treatment on hole transfer (HT) processes from the CdSe/ZnS and CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to 4,4[Formula: see text],4[Formula: see text]-Tris(carbazol-9-yl)-triphenylamine (TCTA) in QD/TCTA hybrid films has been researched with time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PL dynamic results demonstrated a heat-treatment-temperature-dependent HT process from the core-shell CdSe QDs to TCTA. The HT rates and efficiencies can be effectively increased due to reduced distance between core-shell CdSe QDs and TCTA after heat treatment. The CdS shell exhibited a more obvious effect on HT from the core-shell CdSe QDs to TCTA than on electron transfer to TiO2, due to higher barrier for holes to tunnel through CdS shell and larger effective mass of holes in CdS than electrons. These results indicate that heat treatment would be an effective means to further optimize solid-state QD sensitized solar cells and rational design of CdS shell is significant.
El efecto de la panfotocoagulación con láser en edema macular diabético con el fotocoagulador Pascal® versus el láser de argón convencional
Authors: Mahgoub Mohamed M. , Macky Tamer A.
Published: July 2017

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto de la panfotocoagulación (PFC) en el edema macular diabético (EMD) en pacientes con retinopatía diabética proliferativa (RDP) con el fotocoagulador Pascal® (FP) vs. un fotocoagulador con láser de argón convencional (FLAC). Métodos: Se aleatorizó el uso de FP o FLAC en ochenta ojos con RDP y EMD con afectación central de la mácula. Ambos grupos tuvieron una evaluación de base de mejor agudeza visual corregida y fueron examinados con tomografía de coherencia óptica y angiografía con fluoresceína. Resultados: El número medio de disparos de láser en los grupos de FP y FLAC fue 1.726,10 y 752,00 en la sesión 1 y 1.589,00 y 830,00 (p < 0,001) en la sesión 2, respectivamente. El grosor foveal central (GFC) medio antes de comenzar el estudio fue 306 ± 100 y 314 ± 98 en los grupos de FP y FLAC, respectivamente. A las 8 semanas, el GFC medio fue 332 ± 116 y 347 ± 111 en los grupos de FP y FLAC, respectivamente (p > 0,05). La MAVC media fue similar durante el periodo de estudio y no hubo ninguna diferencia significativa entre los grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: El FP y el FLAC mostraron efectos similares en el EMD en ojos con RDP y fueron igualmente seguros sin un aumento significativo del GFC.
Desgarros del epitelio pigmentario de la retina: factores de riesgo, mecanismo y control terapéutico
Authors: Clemens Christoph R. , Eter Nicole
Published: July 2017

Los desgarros del epitelio pigmentario de la retina (EPR) se asocian en la mayoría de los casos con los desprendimientos vascularizados del EPR debido a una degeneración macular asociada a la edad (DMAE), y normalmente implican una pérdida adversa de la agudeza visual. Estudios recientes indican que ha habido un aumento en la incidencia de desgarros del EPR desde la introducción de fármacos anti-factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular (anti-VEGF) así como una asociación temporal entre el desgarro y la inyección intravítrea. Dado que el número de pacientes con DMAE y el número de inyecciones anti-VEGF va en aumento, tanto la dificultad de prevenir desgarros del EPR como el tratamiento tras la formación de los desgarros han adquirido una mayor relevancia. De forma paralela, la evolución de la imagenología de la retina ha contribuido de manera significativa a comprender mejor el desarrollo de los desgarros del EPR en los últimos años. Esta revisión resume los conocimientos que se poseen actualmente sobre el desarrollo, los factores pronósticos y las estrategias terapéuticas de los desgarros del EPR antes y después de que estos se formen.
Sobre la terapia génica para enfermedades de la retina
Authors: Fischer M. Dominik
Published: July 2017

Las mutaciones en un gran número de genes provocan degeneración de la retina y ceguera sin que exista actualmente cura alguna. En las últimas décadas, la terapia génica para enfermedades de la retina ha evolucionado y se ha convertido en un nuevo y prometedor paradigma terapéutico para estas enfermedades poco comunes. Este artículo refleja las ideas y los conceptos que parten de la ciencia básica hacia la aplicabilidad de la terapia génica en el ámbito clínico. Se describen los avances y las reflexiones actuales sobre la eficacia de los ensayos clínicos en la actualidad y se discuten los posibles obstáculos y soluciones de cara al futuro de la terapia génica para enfermedades de la retina.
A Groundbreaking Work Which Laid the Foundation for Mass Screening in Cervical Cytology in Japan
Authors: Osamura Robert Y.
Published: July 2017

This commentary discusses the impact of a milestone article on the accuracy of cervical smears for detecting cancer back in the developmental and transforming era of the cytological detection of atypical and malignant cells. The study served in the establishment of cancer screening in Japan which has contributed greatly in decreasing mortality from cervical cancers.
Liquid Biopsy: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Mader Sonja , Pantel Klaus
Published: July 2017

Cancer patients usually receive therapies according to their primary tumor's molecular traits. These characteristics may change during the molecular evolution of distant metastases as the leading cause of cancer deaths. Primary tumor tissue, if accessible at all, does not always provide enough information to stratify individual patients to the most promising therapy. Re-analysis of metastatic lesions by needle biopsy is possible but invasive, and limited by the known intra-patient heterogeneity of individual lesions. These hurdles might be overcome by analyzing tumor cells or tumor cell products in blood samples (liquid biopsy), which in principle might reflect all subclones present at that specific time point and allow sequential monitoring of disease evolution. Liquid biopsies inform on circulating tumor cells as well as tumor-derived cell-free nucleic acids, exosomes and platelets. Here, we introduce the different approaches of blood-based liquid biopsies and discuss the clinical applications in oncology.
Temsirolimus Sensitive Stimulation of Platelet Activity, Apoptosis and Aggregation by Collagen Related Peptide
Authors: Cao Hang , Bissinger Rosi , Umbach Anja T. , Gawaz Meinrad , Lang Florian
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor temsirolimus stimulates apoptosis of tumor cells and is thus therapeutically used for the treatment of diverse malignancies. On the other hand, temsirolimus has been shown to protect against apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Similar to nucleated cells, blood platelets may enter suicidal death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling. Platelet apoptosis is frequently preceded by Ca2+ entry, degranulation, integrin activation and stimulation of caspases. Those events could be triggered by collagen related peptide (CRP). The present study explored whether treatment of platelets with temsirolimus modifies platelet activation, caspase activity, platelet shrinkage, and phosphatidylserine abundance. Methods: Platelets isolated from wild-type mice were exposed for 30 minutes to temsirolimus (40 µg/ml) without or with additional CRP (2 µg/ ml or 5 µg/ml) treatment. Flow cytometry was employed to estimate cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) from Fluo-3 fuorescence, platelet degranulation from P-selectin abundance, integrin activation from αIIbβ3 integrin abundance, caspase activity utilizing an Active Caspase-3 Staining kit, phosphatidylserine abundance from annexin-V-binding and relative platelet volume from forward scatter. Results: In the absence of CRP, the administration of temsirolimus (40 µg/ml) significantly decreased [Ca2+]i, but did not significantly modify P-selectin abundance, activated αIIbβ3 integrin, annexin-V-binding, cell volume, caspase activity and aggregation. Exposure of platelets to CRP was followed by significant increase of [Ca2+]i, P-selectin abundance, αIIbβ3 integrin activity, annexin-V-binding, ROS, caspase activity and aggregation, effects significantly blunted in the presence of temsirolimus. CRP further decreased forward scatter, an effect again significantly blunted by temsirolimus. Conclusions: Temsirolimus is a powerful inhibitor of platelet activation and suicidal platelet death.
Personalizing Risk Stratification for Sudden Death in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Halliday Brian P. , Cleland John G.F. , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Prasad Sanjay K.
Published: July 2017

Results from the DANISH Study (Danish Study to Assess the Efficacy of ICDs in Patients With Non-Ischemic Systolic Heat Failure on Mortality) suggest that for many patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators do not increase longevity. Accurate identification of patients who are more likely to die of an arrhythmia and less likely to die of other causes is required to ensure improvement in outcomes and wise use of resources. Until now, left ventricular ejection fraction has been used as a key criterion for selecting patients with DCM for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention purposes. However, registry data suggest that many patients with DCM and an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not have a markedly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, many patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction die of nonsudden causes of death. Methods to predict a higher or lower risk of sudden death include the detection of myocardial fibrosis (a substrate for ventricular arrhythmia), microvolt T-wave alternans (a marker of electrophysiological vulnerability), and genetic testing. Midwall fibrosis is identified by late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in ≈30% of patients and provides incremental value in addition to left ventricular ejection fraction for the prediction of sudden cardiac death events. Microvolt T-wave alternans represents another promising predictor, supported by large meta-analyses that have highlighted the negative predictive value of this test. However, neither of these strategies have been routinely adopted for risk stratification in clinical practice. More convincing data from randomized trials are required to inform the management of patients with these features. Understanding of the genetics of DCM and how specific mutations affect arrhythmic risk is also rapidly increasing. The finding of a mutation in lamin A/C, the cause of ≈6% of idiopathic DCM, commonly underpins more aggressive management because of the malignant nature of the associated phenotype. With the expansion of genetic sequencing, the identification of further high-risk mutations appears likely, leading to better-informed clinical decision making and providing insight into disease mechanisms. Over the next 5 to 10 years, we expect these techniques to be integrated into the existing algorithm to form a more sensitive, specific, and cost-effective approach to the selection of patients with DCM for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.
Nematode morphometry and biomass in the Saigon River harbours in relation to antifouling contaminants
Authors: Quang Ngo Xuan , Yen Nguyen Thi My , Thai Tran Thanh , Chau Nguyen Ngoc , Hiep Nguyen Duc , Smol Nic , Lins Lidia , Vanreusel Ann
Published: July 2017

Morphometry and biomass of nematode communities in different harbours of the Saigon River were investigated in the dry and wet seasons in relation to environmental variables such as total organic carbon, pH, conductivity, salinity and oxygen redox potential, in addition to concentrations of different butyltin compounds. The results indicated that nematodes in contaminated sediments from the Saigon River harbours were mainly characterised by slender morphotypes, whilst very few thin and stout nematodes were observed. Individual nematode biomass was generally low, especially in the wet season. There was no significant correlation between butyltin compounds and nematode morphometrics in the dry season but significant correlations were found for the wet season. Although significant correlations were observed for the wet season, the strong seasonal differences in nematode biomass spectra suggest a potential limitation in their use for environmental monitoring.
new species of Miogryllus Saussure, 1877 and new record of Miogryllus piracicabensis Piza, 1960 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) from State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with calling song and chromosome complement
Authors: ORSINI MARCELO PINHEIRO , COSTA MARIA KÁTIA MATIOTTI DA , SZINWELSKI NEUCIR , MARTINS LUCIANO DE PINHO , CORRÊA ROBSON CREPES , TIMM VITOR FALCHI , ZEFA EDISON
Published: July 2017

In this paper we describe a new species of Miogryllus cricket collected from the grasses at urban area of the municipality of Itaqui, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, highlighting phallic sclerites morphology, calling song parameters and chromosome complement. We also provide a new record for Miogryllus piracicabensis Piza, 1960 to the southern Brazil, improving calling song and karyotype information for this species. The type-material and vouchers are deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP).
Surgical Aspects of Nontuberculous Bacterial Meningitis in Infancy and Childhood: The Successful Use of Conservative Surgery in Management of Some of Its Complications
Authors: Adeloye Adelola , Oyedeji G. A.
Published: July 2017

At the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, congenital malformations of the central nervous system were important predisposing factors to meningitis. Among 80 patients who survived the acute illnes, the main complications encountered, in order of frequency, were hydrocephalus (12), subdural effusion (4) and intracranial abscess (3). Postmeningitic hydrocephalus was the least dangerous complication with regard to survival, and required a shunt operation only when rapidly progressive. Intracranial abscess was the most lethal complication. Subdural effusions were successfully treated by repeated subdural tapping in 75 per cent of the cases.
Complications of Fetal Blood Sampling During Labor: The Pediatrician Should Always Be Informed When Scalp Samples Have Been Taken
Authors: Modanlou Houchang , Smith Elaine , Paul Richard H. , Hon Edward H.
Published: July 2017

During an 18-month period of monitoring at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, two instances of persistent bleeding from the puncture sites in the fetal scalp, which were traced to coagulation abnormalities, and one of accidental breakage and retention of the blade used for scalp puncture were encountered. Whenever fetal blood sampling is performed during delivery, one should be certain that scalp bleeding has stopped. Continuing pressure will generally achieve hemostasis, but at times a surgical clip must be applied. When these measures fail, the infant should be delivered promptly and coagulation studies done. The pediatrician should always be informed when scalp samples have been taken.