bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps contribute to the pathogenesis of leprosy type 2 reactions
Authors: da Silva Camila Oliveira , Dias André Alves , da Costa Nery José Augusto , de Miranda Machado Alice , Ferreira Helen , Sousa Santos João Pedro , Nadaes Natalia Rocha , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Saraiva Elvira Maria , Schmitz Verônica , Pessolani Maria Cristina Vidal
Published: April 2019

Up to 50% of patients with the multibacillary form of leprosy is expected to develop acute systemic inflammatory episodes known as type 2 reactions (T2R), thus aggravating their clinical status. Thalidomide rapidly improves T2R symptoms. But, due to its restricted use worldwide, novel alternative therapies are urgently needed. A hallmark of T2R lesions is the presence of a neutrophil-rich inflammatory infiltrate. In this study, the potential involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) production in T2R pathogenesis was investigated. Abundant NETs were found in T2R skin lesions, and increased spontaneous NETs formation was observed in T2R peripheral neutrophils. Both the M. leprae whole-cell sonicate and the CpG-Hlp complex, mimicking a mycobacterial TLR9 ligand, were able to induce NETs production in vitro. Moreover, TLR9 expression was shown to be higher in T2R neutrophils, suggesting that DNA recognition via TLR9 may be one of the pathways triggering this process during T2R. Finally, treatment of T2R patients with thalidomide for 7 consecutive days resulted in decreasing all of the evaluated in vivo and ex vivo NETosis parameters. Altogether, our findings shed light on the pathogenesis of T2R, which, it is hoped, will contribute to the emergence of novel alternative therapies in the near future.

Author summary

Leprosy is caused by a mycobacterium that has a predilection for skin and nerve cells. The chronic course of the disease may be interrupted by acute inflammatory episodes known as reactions, despite effective bacterial killing with antibiotics. Reactions aggravate patient’s clinical status and may become a medical emergency. Type 2 reactions (T2R) only occur in patients with high bacterial burden and is treated with thalidomide and/or corticosteroids. We are interested in understanding how inflammation is triggered and amplified during T2R. In this study we investigated the potential role of extracellular DNA released by neutrophils (known as NETs) in T2R, since they have been shown to cause inflammation. Abundant NETs were found in T2R skin lesions, and increased spontaneous NETs formation was observed in neutrophils present in the blood of T2R patients. Moreover, bacterial constituents were able to induce NETs production. Finally, treatment of T2R patients with thalidomide resulted in decreased NET formation. Altogether, our findings shed light on the pathogenesis of T2R, which, it is hoped, will contribute to the identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis and emergence of novel alternative therapies in the near future.
Interplay between coding and exonic splicing regulatory sequences
Authors: Fontrodona Nicolas , Aubé Fabien , Claude Jean-Baptiste , Polvèche Hélène , Lemaire Sébastien , Tranchevent Léon-Charles , Modolo Laurent , Mortreux Franck , Bourgeois Cyril F. , Auboeuf Didier
Published: April 2019

The inclusion of exons during the splicing process depends on the binding of splicing factors to short low-complexity regulatory sequences. The relationship between exonic splicing regulatory sequences and coding sequences is still poorly understood. We demonstrate that exons that are coregulated by any given splicing factor share a similar nucleotide composition bias and preferentially code for amino acids with similar physicochemical properties because of the nonrandomness of the genetic code. Indeed, amino acids sharing similar physicochemical properties correspond to codons that have the same nucleotide composition bias. In particular, we uncover that the TRA2A and TRA2B splicing factors that bind to adenine-rich motifs promote the inclusion of adenine-rich exons coding preferentially for hydrophilic amino acids that correspond to adenine-rich codons. SRSF2 that binds guanine/cytosine-rich motifs promotes the inclusion of GC-rich exons coding preferentially for small amino acids, whereas SRSF3 that binds cytosine-rich motifs promotes the inclusion of exons coding preferentially for uncharged amino acids, like serine and threonine that can be phosphorylated. Finally, coregulated exons encoding amino acids with similar physicochemical properties correspond to specific protein features. In conclusion, the regulation of an exon by a splicing factor that relies on the affinity of this factor for specific nucleotide(s) is tightly interconnected with the exon-encoded physicochemical properties. We therefore uncover an unanticipated bidirectional interplay between the splicing regulatory process and its biological functional outcome.
A fourfold interpenetrating diamond-like three-dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer: synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties
Authors: Chen Hui-Ru
Published: April 2019

Excellent fluorescence properties are exhibited by d
10 metal compounds. The novel three-dimensional ZnII coordination framework, poly[[{μ2-bis[4-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl] ether-κ2
N
3:N
3′}(μ2-furan-2,5-dicarboxylato-κ2
O
2:O
5)zinc(II)] 1.76-hydrate], {[Zn(C6H2O5)(C20H18N4O)]·1.76H2O}
n
, has been prepared and characterized using IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure analysis revealed that the compound exhibits a novel fourfold interpenetrating diamond-like network. This polymer also displays a strong fluorescence emission in the solid state at room temperature.
A dual-functional social innovation process model for low-cost houses through university-enabled initiative
Authors: Belayutham Sheila , Che Ibrahim Che Khairil Izam , Zulkifli Assrul Reedza , Ibrahim Norhati
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a dual-functional university-enabled social innovation process model on the subject of low-cost houses that addresses the distinct elements of social obligation and university teaching–learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has predominantly adopted a longitudinal single case study approach, where data have been collected through interviews, survey, participant observation, direct observation and document review. The case study details on the social innovation processes, which was conducted by Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Findings

This study has demonstrated the social innovation processes toward addressing the issue of insufficient low-cost houses, concurrently benefitting the teaching–learning dimension. Three sub-innovations have been highlighted in the developed social innovation process model, which are collaboration process, teaching–learning and design-construct innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Because the study has been based on a single prototype project, further investigation is necessary to confirm the applicability of the full-fledged model. The established social innovation process model is also suggested to be tested in other social fields.

Practical implications

The established social innovation process model has created a new perspective that enables universities to contribute in providing shelter for low-income families, simultaneously enhancing the teaching–learning dimension through experiential learning.

Social implications

The dual-functional social innovation process model provides a synergistic relationship between the university and the society. Ultimately, the model could address social issues pertaining to low-income families with the built of low-cost houses, concurrently preparing graduates who are highly marketable, which could reduce the rate of graduate unemployment in the country.

Originality/value

The development of the social innovation process model for low-cost houses through university-enabled initiative is a novel establishment, particularly for developing nations, as limited studies have been conducted in this regard. The significant insights into how university could play a role in addressing major social issues, along with their core focus (teaching–learning and research development), is a breakthrough for further diffusions of social innovation by universities.
Social media engagement behavior
Authors: Dolan Rebecca , Conduit Jodie , Frethey-Bentham Catherine , Fahy John , Goodman Steve
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Organizations are investing heavily in social media yet have little understanding of the effects of social media content on user engagement. This study aims to determine the distinct effects of informational, entertaining, remunerative and relational content on the passive and active engagement behavior of social media users.

Design/methodology/approach

Facebook Insights and NCapture are used to extract data from the Facebook pages of 12 wine brands over a 12-month period. A multivariate linear regression analysis investigates the effects of content on consuming, contributing and creating engagement behavior.

Findings

Results reveal distinct effects of rational and emotional appeals on social media engagement behavior. Rational appeals in social media have a superior effect in terms of facilitating active and passive engagement among social media users, whereas emotional appeals facilitate passive rather than highly active engagement behavior, despite the social and interactive nature of the digital media landscape.

Research limitations/implications

Results contribute directly to understanding engagement and customer experience with social media. Further theoretical and empirical examination in this area will aid in understanding the dynamic nature of the levels of engagement within social media.

Practical implications

Findings provide managers and practitioners with guidelines and opportunities for strategic development of social media content to enhance engagement among consumers in a social media forum.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically examine the construct of social media engagement behavior. It extends the utility of dual processing theory to demonstrate how rational and emotional message appeals result in online engagement.
Men and their groomed body
Authors: Liu Chihling
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to offer insights into the embodied concerns that underpin men’s personal grooming practices through which they experience their body as the “existential ground of culture and self” and manage their everyday bodily presentation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses 16 interviews with male consumers of age between 20 and 76. The interpretative analysis is informed by both Merleau-Ponty’s concept of the body-subject and the sociology of the body as discursively constituted.

Findings

This study proposes four bodily identity positions that link individual personal grooming practices to specific embodied concerns. These bodily identity positions underline the different ways the male body is called upon to carve out a meaningful existence.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are not intended to generalise or to be exhaustive. Rather, it is hoped that they may stimulate readers to think more deeply about the role of the body in aiding male consumers to seek maximum grip on their life-world.

Practical implications

The study findings provide marketers with rich narratives for brand positioning and image development beyond the traditional sexual and/or alpha male-themed marketing and advertising. They also offer preliminary insights for mental health practitioners into how the male body shapes men’s identity development and experiences of well-being.

Originality/value

The study identifies the different ways personal grooming can become assimilated into an individual’s system of beliefs and practices. It also offers empirical support for a definition of the body as active and acted upon, especially with respect to male grooming.
The role of marketing capability in linking CSR to corporate financial performance
Authors: Yim Sean , Bae Young Han , Lim Hyunwoo , Kwon JaeHwan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The authors use signaling theory in proposing a conceptual framework that simultaneously incorporates both the mediating effects of corporate reputation (CR) and the moderating effects of marketing capability (MC) into the corporate social responsibility (CSR)–corporate financial performance (CFP) link and theorize a single moderated mediation model. The empirical results of the research confirm the theorized moderated mediation model among the four variables, where a firm’s CR plays a mediating role in the relationship between CSR and CFP, and a firm’s MC moderates the effect of CSR on CR exclusively in the first link. Both theoretical and practical implications of the moderated mediation model are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses structural equation model estimations with the relevant secondary datasets collected from publicly available databases.

Findings

The empirical results confirm the theorized moderated mediation model in the conceptual framework that uses signaling theory. Specifically, the results identify the moderating role of MC in only the CSR- CR link (but not in the CR and CFP link), such that CR plays a moderated mediation role in the CSR–CFP link.

Research limitations/implications

The current research is not without limitations. These limitations mainly stem from data sets used in the empirical analyses. More details are discussed in the limitations and future research directions section.

Practical implications

The empirical findings suggest that a firm needs to develop a consolidated CSR-marketing program, simultaneously satisfying stakeholders’ needs for both the firm’s socially desirable business practices and value-creating marketing programs to increase its CR, which will, in turn, lead to better profitability for the firm.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current research is the first to use signaling theory in building a conceptual framework that theorizes a moderated mediation model regarding the simultaneous effects of CR and MC on the relationship between CSR and CFP and to empirically test this conceptual framework of the single moderated mediation model. By doing so, the current research clarifies an unanswered question in the literature of whether the underlying mechanism in the CSR–CFP link is based on a mediated moderation or moderated mediation of CR and MC.
To insource or outsource the sourcing? A behavioral investigation of the multi-tier sourcing decision
Authors: Chae Sangho , Lawson Benn , Kull Thomas J. , Choi Thomas
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavioral tendencies of supply managers when they are faced with uncertainty in making multi-tier sourcing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the literature on multi-tier supply chains and behavioral decision making to develop a theoretical framework for examining factors influencing a supply manager’s decision to retain control over sourcing in the multi-tier context. An experimental vignette methodology is used to gather data from 259 supply managers.

Findings

Results suggest that supply managers choose to exert less multi-tier control when they have high levels of interpersonal trust in the tier-1 supplier’s sales representative. This effect is accentuated by a high level of familiarity with potential lower-tier suppliers. Under high levels of familiarity with potential lower-tier suppliers, supply managers will exert greater levels of multi-tier sourcing control as the behavioral uncertainty of the tier-1 supplier increases.

Practical implications

Buying firms can enhance their understanding of supply managers’ multi-tier sourcing decision making and the potential biases associated with it. Suggestions for a more effective use of multi-tier sourcing are provided in the Discussion section.

Originality/value

Multi-tier sourcing is an increasingly important area of research, and this paper is the first to examine individual supply managers’ behavioral decision making in the multi-tier context. This paper also contributes to the outsourcing literature by investigating behavioral factors influencing the outsourcing of sourcing activities.
Twitter data in public administration: a review of recent scholarship
Authors: Hu Qian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of understanding, analyzing and managing big data in the field of public administration.

Design/methodology/approach

It discusses the unique attributes of Twitter data and proposes a text-mining and analysis framework for conducting research using data on social networking sites. Furthermore, this paper reviews recent scholarship that collected and analyzed Twitter data to address public administration or policy issues. It examines what research questions have been addressed through analyzing Twitter data and how researchers collected and analyzed Twitter data.

Findings

It concludes that a more systematic process is needed for data collection, and more in-depth analysis is needed to better understand and utilize Twitter data for public administration.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the early attempts to synthesize and review the existing research that used Twitter data to address public administration issues.
Technology development and public organization management
Authors: Liou Kuotsai Tom , Hu Qian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of technology development to public organizations and related management issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews previous studies about technology development in the public sector and analyzes conceptual and managerial issues about their findings.

Findings

Three major lessons identified and analyzed are: the wide influence of technology to public management, the nature of public organizations and their environment, and the need for more research to test existing theories and develop new theories for future public management.

Originality/value

Discussions about theoretical and practical contributions and implications are suggested for future studies about technology application and public management.
Customer participation and service outcomes: mediating role of task-related affective well-being
Authors: Asokan Ajitha Aswathy , Sharma Piyush , Kingshott Russel P.J. , Maurya Upendra Kumar , Kaur Arshinder
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to transformative service research by drawing on self-determination, elicitation of emotions framework and feelings-as-information theories to explore how customer participation, task-related affective well-being, customer knowledge, task complexity and service outcomes relate with each other.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of relevant literature on customer participation and customer well-being reveals a conceptual model with 11 testable propositions.

Findings

The conceptual model shows that task-related affective well-being mediates the link between customer participation and service outcomes. Moreover, customer knowledge and task complexity moderate these links.

Research limitations/implications

An empirically testable conceptual model models the roles of task-related affective well-being, customer knowledge and task complexity in the process by which customer participation influences service outcomes.

Practical implications

Service managers can use the model to design services based on the effects of different types of customer participation on task-related affective well-being.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to study the mediating role of task-related affective well-being in the relationship between customer participation and service outcomes. It does so by revealing the differential impact various types of participation have on service outcomes and the moderating role of customer knowledge and task complexity.
Making sense of customer service experiences: a text mining review
Authors: Mahr Dominik , Stead Susan , Odekerken-Schröder Gaby
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the concepts and theories underlying customer service experience (CSE) and its underlying five dimensions (physical, social, cognitive, affective and sensorial). In this research, the contribution of the sensorial dimension to CSE research is emphasized. Senses are especially important in forming perceptions within servicescapes that are typically rich in sensory stimuli.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically identifies 258 articles published between 1994 and 2018 in services and marketing journals. The analysis uses a text mining approach with the Leximancer software to extract research concepts and their relationships.

Findings

The results demonstrate a shift from CSE research focused on brands and products toward value and interaction, around three focal areas: service system architecture, with its value creation processes; servicescape, with an increasingly digital interaction interface and outcome measures, with a stronger focus on emotional and relational metrics. In CSE research, the physical, social and cognitive dimensions are mostly researched in the focal areas of servicescape and outcome measures. Although important in practice, the sensorial dimension is the least investigated CSE dimension in service marketing research. Text mining insights demonstrate rich opportunities for sensorial research, particularly in studies on servicescape.

Practical implications

The synthesis will inform managers and service providers which elements of CSE are most relevant to customers when forming perceptions. These insights help service providers to control, manage and design (multi)-sensory stimuli that influence how customers will make sense of the servicescape.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first studies to examine the conceptual structure of CSE with a text mining approach that systematically analyzes a large set of articles, therein reducing the potential for researchers’ interpretative bias. The paper provides an assessment of the role of the largely neglected but crucial sensorial dimension, and offers future research suggestions into this emerging topic.
International evidence on the determinants of trade credit provision
Authors: Hill Matt , Hill Katerina , Preve Lorenzo , Sarria-Allende Virginia
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the level of financial credit available in a country influences the level of trade credit provided to customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the association between the supply of trade credit and the availability of country-level private financial credit using multivariate regression models that account for country-level heterogeneity, macroeconomic conditions and firm-specific characteristics. The data set is a pooled sample of publicly traded firms incorporated in 66 countries.

Findings

Supporting the re-distributional view of trade credit, robust results suggest that suppliers incorporated in countries with increased access to financial credit provide increased trade credit to their customers. Further results indicate significant differences in trade credit usage across geographical regions. Consistent with existing research using samples of US firms, the use of trade credit is correlated with firm-level measures of financial constraints and product market dynamics.

Originality/value

The authors provide one of the first studies to examine differences in trade credit extension across a large number of countries.
Police work-family nexus, work engagement and turnover intention
Authors: Islam Talat , Ahmad Rashid , Ahmed Ishfaq , Ahmer Zeshan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Around 87 percent of employees are not engaged in their work and 82 percent have withdrawal intentions across the globe. Considering these emerging challenges the purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations between inter-role conflicts, work engagement and turnover intention considering person-job-fit (PJF) as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from 343 Punjab police employees were collected on a convenience basis through a questionnaire-based survey. The study used the second generation data analysis technique (i.e. structural equation modeling) in two stages.

Findings

The results found work engagement as a mediator between inter-role conflicts and turnover intention. In addition, PJF was found to moderate these relations.

Research limitations/implications

This study collected data from a single province of the county. The study has implications for the academicians and policymakers.

Originality/value

Considering the emerging challenges to policing, this study is first of its kind to examine the moderating role of PJF. This theoretical model is developed on the basis of conservation of resource theory and field theory.
Grazing by wild red deer: Management options for the conservation of semi‐natural open habitats
Authors: Riesch Friederike , Tonn Bettina , Meißner Marcus , Balkenhol Niko , Isselstein Johannes
Published: April 2019

Maintaining semi‐natural open habitats requires biomass removal, which can be achieved by extensive grazing with livestock species. However, implementing this established conservation management strategy in large or access‐restricted areas is often not possible.

We investigated grazing by wild and free‐ranging red deer Cervus elaphus as an alternative conservation management approach on an active military training area in Germany. In grasslands and heathlands protected under the EU Habitats Directive, we quantified above‐ground net primary productivity, forage quality and forage removal by red deer over three successive years. To assess synergistic effects between wildlife grazing and additional grassland management measures removing vegetation biomass (i.e. burning, mowing), we conducted our grazing experiment in burnt, mown and untreated grasslands.

Annual forage removal by red deer amounted to 35%, 44%, 48% and 59% of the above‐ground net primary productivity in burnt, mown and untreated grasslands, and untreated heathlands, respectively. Theoretically, a similar annual biomass removal could be obtained by livestock grazing with 0.54 animal units ha−1 in grasslands and 0.45 animal units ha−1 in heathlands. In grasslands, daily rates of forage removal peaked in spring and early summer, whereas in heathlands, forage removal rates were only significant in winter.

Forage removal rates in grasslands increased with productivity and forage quality, which were both enhanced in mown grasslands. This suggests mowing can increase grassland attractiveness to red deer. Forage removal rates in heathlands did not relate to productivity or forage quality but to standing biomass.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that the quantity of forage removed by wild red deer can be comparable to that of livestock in common conservation grazing systems. The seasonal patterns of forage removal by red deer in grasslands and heathlands coincided with the different grazing requirements of these habitats. Especially in large areas of conservation interest, we therefore encourage attempts to modify current wildlife management strategies to allow red deer to forage in open landscapes, which can contribute to the conservation of semi‐natural open habitats and also help to reduce damage in forest stands.
Microbial iron metabolism as revealed by gene expression profiles in contrasted Southern Ocean regimes
Authors: Debeljak Pavla , Toulza Eve , Beier Sara , Blain Stephane , Obernosterer Ingrid
Published: April 2019

Iron (Fe) is a limiting nutrient in large regions of the ocean, but the strategies of prokaryotes to cope with this micronutrient are poorly known. Using a gene‐specific approach from metatranscriptomics data, we investigated seven Fe‐related metabolic pathways in microbial communities from high nutrient low chlorophyll and naturally Fe‐fertilized waters in the Southern Ocean. We observed major differences in the contribution of prokaryotic groups at different taxonomic levels to transcripts encoding Fe‐uptake mechanisms, intracellular Fe storage and replacement and Fe‐related pathways in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The composition of the prokaryotic communities contributing to the transcripts of a given Fe‐related pathway was overall independent of the in situ Fe supply, indicating that microbial taxa utilize distinct Fe‐related metabolic processes. Only a few prokaryotic groups contributed to the transcripts of more than one Fe‐uptake mechanism, suggesting limited metabolic versatility. Taxa‐specific expression of individual genes varied among prokaryotic groups and was substantially higher for all inspected genes in Fe‐limited as compared to naturally fertilized waters, indicating the link between transcriptional state and Fe regime. Different metabolic strategies regarding low Fe concentrations in the Southern Ocean are discussed for two abundant prokaryotic groups, Pelagibacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae.
Reconsidering Transferred Loss
Authors: Trotter Andrew
Published: April 2019

The Supreme Court's recent reconsideration of the ‘transferred loss’ exception stopped short of clarifying why it is justified at all. The usual candidates are that it applies to loss transferred with property, or operates more broadly to vindicate the claimant's interest in performance. This note suggests that neither is a sound basis for the rule, and that the promisee ought generally to be entitled to sue for loss suffered by third parties, but is obliged to pass on the damages he recovers.
Gross transcriptomic analysis of Pseudomonas putida for diagnosing environmental shifts
Authors: Hueso‐Gil Ángeles , Calles Belén , O'Toole George A. , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: April 2019

The biological regime of Pseudomonas putida (and any other bacterium) under given environmental conditions results from the hierarchical expression of sets of genes that become turned on and off in response to one or more physicochemical signals. In some cases, such signals are clearly defined, but in many others, cells are exposed to a whole variety of ill‐defined inputs that occur simultaneously. Transcriptomic analyses of bacteria passed from a reference condition to a complex niche can thus expose both the type of signals that they experience during the transition and the functions involved in adaptation to the new scenario. In this article, we describe a complete protocol for generation of transcriptomes aimed at monitoring the physiological shift of P. putida between two divergent settings using as a simple case study the change between homogeneous, planktonic lifestyle in a liquid medium and growth on the surface of an agar plate. To this end, RNA was collected from P. putidaKT2440 cells at various times after growth in either condition, and the genome‐wide transcriptional outputs were analysed. While the role of individual genes needs to be verified on a case‐by‐case basis, a gross inspection of the resulting profiles suggested cells that are cultured on solid media consistently had a higher translational and metabolic activity, stopped production of flagella and were conspicuously exposed to a strong oxidative stress. The herein described methodology is generally applicable to other circumstances for diagnosing lifestyle determinants of interest.
Developing Subseasonal to Seasonal Climate Forecast Products for Hydrology and Water Management
Authors: Baker Sarah A. , Wood Andrew W. , Rajagopalan Balaji
Published: April 2019

We describe a new effort to enhance climate forecast relevance and usability through the development of a system for evaluating and displaying real‐time subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) climate forecasts on a watershed scale. Water managers may not use climate forecasts to their full potential due to perceived low skill, mismatched spatial and temporal resolutions, or lack of knowledge or tools to ingest data. Most forecasts are disseminated as large‐domain maps or gridded datasets and may be systematically biased relative to watershed climatologies. Forecasts presented on a watershed scale allow water managers to view forecasts for their specific basins, thereby increasing the usability and relevance of climate forecasts. This paper describes the formulation of S2S climate forecast products based on the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) and the North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME). Forecast products include bi‐weekly CFSv2 forecasts, and monthly and seasonal NMME forecasts. Precipitation and temperature forecasts are aggregated spatially to a United States Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic unit code 4 (HUC‐4) watershed scale. Forecast verification reveals appreciable skill in the first two bi‐weekly periods (Weeks 1–2 and 2–3) from CFSv2, and usable skill in NMME Month 1 forecast with varying skills at longer lead times dependent on the season. Application of a bias‐correction technique (quantile mapping) eliminates forecast bias in the CFSv2 reforecasts, without adding significantly to correlation skill.
Are Wastewater Systems Adapting to Climate Change?
Authors: Kirchhoff Christine J. , Watson Peter L.
Published: April 2019

Wastewater (WW) systems are vulnerable to extreme precipitation events; storm‐induced WW system failures pollute the environment and put public health at risk. Despite these vulnerabilities, we know very little about how WW managers are responding to current climate risks or to future climate change. This study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature. Data from surveys and interviews were used to understand what WW managers are doing to adapt to the current climate, what facilitates those adaptations, and if they are adapting to future climate change. Findings show most WW managers (78%) are making changes to build resiliency to storms they have experienced in the past (e.g., extra fuel on site, extra staff on call, more training, better communication, adding generators, elevating components, adding capacity); most are not adapting to future climate change. Our work suggests organizational leadership, concern about future climate‐related impacts, and experiencing storm impacts drive resiliency changes while regulatory requirements drive adaptation to future climate change. Beyond advancing science, our work offers practical suggestions for building WW system resilience and for increasing WW system's consideration of future climate impacts in their resiliency building efforts.
Clinical manifestations, immunological features and prognosis of Chinese pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: A single‐center study
Authors: Zhang Chen‐xing , Cai Li , Zhou Zheng‐yu , Mao You‐ying , Huang Hua , Yin Lei , Chen Tong‐xin , Zhou Wei
Published: April 2019

Aim

Since there are only a few reports on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) in Chinese populations, therefore we retrospectively report the clinical and immunological features as well as renal outcome in Chinese pSLE.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with pSLE at Shanghai Children's Medical Center between 2001 and 2016 were evaluated and clinical data were retrospectively collected.

Results

A total of 102 pSLE patients were analyzed. Renal disorder including proteinuria (81.37%) and hematuria (65.69%) were most commonly identified. Class IV was the most common finding on renal biopsy. In lupus nephritis (LN), 67.21%, 78.0%, 86.0% and 94.55% achieved complete remission within 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively. Furthermore, 16.67% of LN patients suffered at least one renal flare. Antinuclear antibodies were detected in nearly all patients (97.62%), followed by anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies (70.0%) and anti‐Sjögren's syndrome A (anti‐SSA) antibodies (60.64%). Oral corticosteroid (93.14%) and mycophenolate mofetil (64.71%) was used in the majority of patients. Infection (32.35%) was the main side effect caused by the medications.

Conclusions

Our population‐based pSLE cohort indicated that compared to other international cohorts, there was a higher prevalence of LN in Chinese pSLE. Proteinuria was the most frequent manifestation both at disease onset and during the entire clinical course. Class IV LN was the dominant renal pathological type. Nevertheless, there was a favorable renal remission rate and relatively low incidence of renal flare in our cohort. Apart from antinuclear antibodies and anti‐dsDNA antibodies, anti‐SSA antibodies were most frequently detected. Infection was the leading complication caused by the medications.
Radiotherapy for oligometastatic tumor improved the prognosis of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Gong Hong‐yun , Wang Yi , Han Guang , Song Qi‐bin
Published: April 2019

Background

This study was conducted to investigate if radiotherapy improved the overall survival (OS) of patients with oligometastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From January 2012 to August 2015, 323 NSCLC patients with distant metastasis were administered radiotherapy. Ninety‐five patients with oligometastatic NSCLC who were sensitive to the initial chemotherapy were treated with radiotherapy for the residual lesions. Initial treatment consisted of four to six cycles of induction chemotherapy. If the patients responded to the initial treatment without developing new metastases, the residual sites were radiated at a total dose of 56–66 Gy, including the primary and metastatic sites. OS, progression‐free survival, and sites of progression were assessed. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the OS and progression‐free survival probabilities.

Results

The median survival of the whole cohort was 15 months (95% confidence interval 6–40) and the median time to progression was 11 months (95% confidence interval 4–24). Sixty‐seven patients had died by the end of follow‐up. The one‐year and two‐year OS rates were 58% and 23%, respectively. Patients progressed either with brain (n = 14), bone (n = 11), lung (n = 10), liver (n = 7), adrenal gland (n = 5), or seven other sites of metastases (n = 3). Acute grade III esophageal toxicity was observed in 17 patients (18%) and grade III pulmonary toxicity in seven patients (7%).

Conclusion

Oligometastatic non‐progressive NSCLC patients may benefit from aggressive radiotherapy to the residual lesions with acceptable toxicity after systemic chemotherapy.
P40 expression in small cell lung cancer: The presence of p40‐positive cells does not always indicate squamous differentiation
Authors: Nakajima Naoki , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Moriyoshi Koki , Sonobe Makoto , Menju Toshi , Sumiyoshi Shinji , Date Hiroshi , Haga Hironori
Published: April 2019

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is normally diagnosed with hematoxylin and eosin stains, although some cases require immunohistochemistry (IHC). P40 is highly sensitive and specific for squamous cell carcinoma and is thus considered the best marker for this cancer. However, the status of p40 expression in SCLC is not well known. The aim of this study was to analyze p40 expression in resected SCLC using IHC.

Methods

Forty‐four surgically resected SCLC cases were enrolled. Clinical data were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Pathologists blinded to the patients’ clinical data reviewed the SCLC slides. IHC was performed on a representative slide of each case.

Results

Although p40 was not diffusely expressed in any of the SCLC cases, p40‐positive cells were observed in the tumors in 15 cases (34.1%). Ten of these exhibited p40 in < 1% of tumor cells. In the remaining five cases, 1–5% of tumor cells expressed p40, and in three of these, the cells expressing p40 also expressed TTF‐1 and neuroendocrine markers. There was no statistically significant relationship between p40 positivity and any other clinicopathological characteristics.

Conclusions

Some resected SCLCs express p40 focally. This result suggests that the presence of positive p40 cells does not exclude a diagnosis of SCLC. Thus, small biopsy or cytology specimens with p40‐positive cells must be diagnosed carefully.
The emergence of management controls in an entrepreneurial company
Authors: Akroyd Chris , Kober Ralph , Li Danni
Published: April 2019

The dilemma faced by founders of entrepreneurial companies is how to scale their business while staying in control. While the accounting literature has found that financial controls are important to rapidly scale a business, we do not know how these controls emerge in entrepreneurial companies in relation to other management controls. Using a case study of an entrepreneurial company that rapidly scaled its business, this study examines the management controls that emerged to become a package of controls. We highlight the importance of the management control package remaining in balance, with controls working together interdependently in a complementary fashion.
Analgesic efficacy of the Pecs II block: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Versyck B. , van Geffen G.‐J. , Chin K.‐J.
Published: April 2019

Surgery is the primary therapeutic intervention for breast cancer and can result in significant postoperative pain. We searched the current literature and performed a meta‐analysis in order to compare the analgesic efficacy of the pectoral type‐2 (Pecs II) block with systemic analgesia alone and with a thoracic paravertebral block for breast cancer surgery. Primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were pain scores at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 24 h after surgery, intra‐operative opioid consumption, time to first analgesic request and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. We identified 13 randomised controlled trials that included 815 patients. The Pecs II block significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption (standardised difference in means: −13.64 mg oral morphine equivalents; 95%CI: −21.22 to −6.05; p < 0.01) and acute postoperative pain at all intervals in the first 24 h after surgery compared with systemic analgesia alone. Compared with the thoracic paravertebral block, the Pecs II block resulted in similar postoperative opioid consumption (standardised difference in means: −8.73 mg oral morphine equivalents; 95%CI: −18.16 to 0.69; p = 0.07) and postoperative pain scores after first measurement. In conclusion, the Pecs II block offers improved analgesic efficacy compared with systemic analgesia alone and comparable analgesic efficacy to a thoracic paravertebral block for breast cancer surgery.
Outcomes of paediatric septic arthritis of the hip and knee at 1–20 years in an Australian urban centre
Authors: Hoswell Roseanna L. , Johns Brenton P. , Loewenthal Mark R. , Dewar David C.
Published: April 2019

Background

Septic arthritis in children is a joint threatening condition with potentially severe consequences; however, long‐term outcome data is lacking. This study aims to determine 1–20‐year outcomes following septic arthritis of hip and knee joints in children in an Australian population.

Methods

All paediatric patients with septic arthritis of the hip or knee from 1995 to 2015 treated at our Australian institution were retrospectively assessed. Clinical features, treatment and investigation results were recorded. Long‐term functional and radiological outcomes, infection recurrence and reoperation rate at final follow‐up (mean 8.5 years, range 1.0–20.3; hip versus mean 7.7 years, range 1.1–20.3; knee) were recorded.

Results

Sixty‐four patients (37 hip, 27 knee) met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐two patients (81.3%) attended follow‐up. No mortalities or late infection recurrence occurred. Three patients (1; hip versus 2; knee) had a later operation. Median Oxford scores were excellent (48; hip versus 48; knee); however, a significant proportion had a degree of impaired function (31.3%; hip versus 42.1%; knee). Radiological outcomes were excellent in knees more commonly than hips (81.3%; hip versus 100%; knee).

Conclusions

Outcomes at 1–20 years for the majority of patients following septic arthritis of the hip and knee are excellent with early joint irrigation and intravenous antibiotics. Our results demonstrate a significant proportion of patients following septic hip arthritis have mild to moderately poor functional and radiological outcomes. Those with septic knee arthritis demonstrated universally excellent radiological outcomes and mild functional impairment in approximately one‐third of cases.
[Ca2+] changes in sympathetic varicosities and Schwann cells in rat mesenteric arteries—Relation to noradrenaline release and contraction
Authors: Hansen Thomas , Tarasova Olga S. , Khammy Makhala M. , Ferreira Avelino , Kennard James A. , Andresen Jørgen , Staehr Christian , Brain Keith L. , Nilsson Holger , Aalkjær Christian
Published: April 2019

Aim

This study aimed to assess intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in nerve cells and Schwann cells in isolated rat resistance arteries and determine how these dynamics modify noradrenaline release from the nerves and consequent force development.

Methods

Ca2+ in nerves was assessed with confocal imaging, noradrenaline release with amperometry and artery tone with wire myography. Ca2+ in axons was assessed after loading with Oregon Green 488 BAPTA‐1 dextran. In other experiments, arteries were incubated with Calcium Green‐1‐AM which loads both axons and Schwann cells.

Results

Schwann cells but not axons responded with a Ca2+ increase to ATP. Electrical field stimulation of nerves caused a frequency‐dependent increase in varicose [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]v). ω‐conotoxin‐GVIA (100 nmol/L) reduced the [Ca2+]v transient to 2 and 16 Hz by 60% and 27%, respectively; in contrast ω‐conotoxin GVIA inhibited more than 80% of the noradrenaline release and force development at 2 and 16 Hz. The KV channel blocker, 4‐aminopyridine (10 µmol/L), increased [Ca2+]v, noradrenaline release and force development both in the absence and presence of ω‐conotoxin‐GVIA. Yohimbine (1 µmol/L) increased both [Ca2+]v and noradrenaline release but reduced force development. Acetylcholine (10 µmol/L) caused atropine‐sensitive inhibition of [Ca2+]v, noradrenaline release and force. In the presence of ω‐conotoxin‐GVIA, acetylcholine caused a further inhibition of all parameters.

Conclusion

Modification of [Ca2+] in arterial sympathetic axons and Schwann cells was assessed separately. KV3.1 channels may be important regulators of [Ca2+]v, noradrenaline release and force development. Presynaptic adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptor activation modify transmitter release through modification of [Ca2+]v.