bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of successful luxury fashion brand extensions: cases of complement and transfer extensions
Authors: Eren-Erdogmus Irem , Akgun Ilker , Arda Esin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

In recent years, brand extension has become a popular and fundamental strategy of most luxury brands. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the factors that affect the success of luxury brand extensions by incorporating luxury brand value perceptions, parent brand attitude, fit perceptions and consumers’ product category involvement and innovativeness in a holistic model. The model is tested for two hypothetical luxury brand extensions types: complement and transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique to identify the variables that combine to produce a positive or a negative attitude towards luxury brand extensions. The research was conducted on 555 young women professionals (254 for brand extension Type 1 – complement (umbrella); and 301 for brand extension type – transfer (seating furniture), respectively).

Findings

The results show that perceived fit between the parent brand and extension is a necessary condition for a positive evaluation of both extension types. Other than perceived fit, hedonic and symbolic values and consumer involvement are proven to be necessary antecedent conditions for the evaluation of transfer extensions. This study also proposes several configurations for forming a positive attitude towards each brand extension type and makes implications for luxury managers and further research.

Originality/value

The results of the research are significant in several ways. First, this study adds to the extant literature by exploring a somehow neglected subject: luxury fashion brand extensions. The study tests a more holistic model than those of previous studies on luxury brand extensions and utilises two different extension contexts adapted from Aaker and Keller (1990). Second, this study is the first to apply fsQCA to identify the factors of luxury brand extension evaluations. fsQCA is highly applicable to large-scale data without the loss of detail or the potential for complexity.
An agential realist perspective on the construction and flow of knowledge: the case of dynamic entanglement and “cuts” within an aircraft engine manufacturing workplace
Authors: Holford W. David
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to show agential realism as the basis for a pertinent framework with regard to the entwined, on-going and interpretative aspects of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The knowledge flow phenomenon in the form of entanglement and agential “cuts” within the workplace is studied and described across a phenomenological ethnographic case study of two workgroups within an aircraft engine manufacturing context.

Findings

The boundary construction phenomenon is a key process helping us to depict knowledge entanglement (tacit and explicit) across dialogue and non-verbal actions. Dialogue brings forth the aspect of knowledge as interpretations or “cuts.” A phenomenological analysis allows us to identify and describe various levels of tacit–explicit knowledge entanglement depending on the mode of coping at hand. Also highlighted was the importance of heuristics carried out by knowledge experts, often in the form of abduction (i.e. leading to rules of thumb).

Research limitations/implications

It is acknowledged that the relatively narrow context of the empirical work limits the ability to generalize the findings and arguments. As such, additional work is required to investigate the validity of the findings across a wider spectrum of workgroup contexts.

Practical implications

Agential realism allows for the analysis of organizations as a world of practice and actions, whereby long-established categories can be requestioned and challenged with the aim of sharing the full richness and benefit of embodied knowledge between human actors.

Originality/value

Ethnographic descriptions of the entwined nature of tacit and explicit knowledge, the embodied and activity-based dimension of knowledge and learning, as well as the characteristic of knowledge as possession, correspond well to an agential realist concept of phenomenon, entanglement and cuts. Furthermore, agential realism offers the opportunity to view the workplace as individuals (or groups) who act out embodied tacit-explicit knowledge in conjunction with non-human entities (such as objects, as well as communication and information technologies), with the latter acting as enhancers of knowledge creation and sharing.
Cascading effects of management actions on NPD in the manufacturing sector
Authors: Roy Sudeshna , Dan Pranab K. , Modak Nipu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the cascading effect of management actions on new product development (NPD) for achieving success in Indian manufacturing industries. The critical linkage of managerial support for establishing management actions has been explored to realize the NPD success in terms of financial and economic measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modeling approach is used to investigate the relationship depicting the managerial control on management practices for NPD success. Primary data from 263 experts of Indian manufacturing industries have been collected for the purpose of this analysis.

Findings

Senior management motivation, risk-taking attitude, problem-solving capacity, awareness in novel development cascade the management actions such as information technology management, conflict management, project management, human resource management, strategic management, organizational factors, planning, long-term vision, and entrepreneurial culture to escalate the NPD success, which in turn be articulated by financial and economic terms.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that managerial support influences the adoption of management actions leading toward NPD success. The developed framework realizes the necessity of implementation of these management actions cascaded from the top management support (TMS) for influencing the financial and economic measures of NPD success.

Originality/value

The cascaded framework depicting the TMS for implementing management actions for NPD success in Indian manufacturing sectors adds novelty to the available literature. Moreover, this study uses a semi-structured questionnaire which incorporates the practical experiences of the experts for quantifying the constructs in a more detailed manner than available in the previous literature. Besides, the realization of comprehensive management actions along with the support from senior management escalates the implementation of the developed framework for NPD success in near future.
A historical review of the development of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and its implications for the twenty-first century
Authors: Ocampo Lanndon , Acedillo Venus , Bacunador Alin Mae , Balo Charity Christine , Lagdameo Yvonne Joreen , Tupa Nickha Shanen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical account of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) based on the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper performs keywords search of published articles from 1930 to 2017 in widely used research databases.

Findings

The historical review shows that the OCB, as a field of study, was slow to develop. Although it has been introduced in the late 1970s and officially defined in the 1980s, its origins can be traced back to the 1930s. Despite this, OCB is generally regarded as a relatively new construct and has become one of the biggest subjects studied in the literature. OCB has reached far and wide into the business and management domains, supporting the fact that the well-being employees and their behaviors can greatly affect organizations’ effectiveness and performance. Having been the topic of a significant number of studies, there have been inconsistent research findings regarding the concepts. Furthermore, some concepts have been noted to overlap, with several scholars using different terms for essentially similar concepts.

Originality/value

The advent of technology and globalization has greatly affected organizations today which resulted in increased competition in the global business. Firms have started to look into the behavior exhibited by employees as a means of achieving competitive advantage, such as OCB. Voluminous works have been conducted regarding the study of OCB; however, none have been recorded to make an in-depth exploration of when and how it first surfaced. Since its official introduction, explorations regarding OCB have dramatically increased, most especially in the twenty-first century. Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increasing difficulty to keep up with the theoretical and empirical developments in the literature. As interest in OCB continues to grow, coherent integration of the concept becomes progressively more complex and necessary. This paper looks into the chronological evolution of the OCB, giving precise details of its development from the time it was first conceptualized up until the present wherein OCB has been used to indicate organizational effectiveness and performance.
Locally and systemically induced glucosinolates follow optimal defence allocation theory upon root herbivory
Authors: Tsunoda Tomonori , Grosser Katharina , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: May 2018

Herbivore‐induced defences in plants are considered a strategy to manage multiple interactions while saving resources. The optimal defence theory (ODT) is one of the most prominent theoretical frameworks to explain the defence allocation patterns within plants. It was recently shown that theODTgenerally applies to constitutive glucosinolate (GSL) allocation in shoot and root organs. Previous studies showed that both root and shoot herbivore feeding may alter defence allocation over plant organs. For shoots, the effect depends on where the herbivores feed. It is as yet unknown whether similar principles apply to root‐herbivore‐inducedGSLs.

To analyse the effects of root localized herbivore feeding onGSLallocation, we conducted a pot experiment usingAnomala cupreagrubs and four Brassicaceae;Brassica rapa,B. nigra,B. oleraceaandSinapis alba. Individuals of these four plant species were grown in dedicated mesocosms. The grubs were confined either to the bottom soil, the middle section or the topsoil. Plants grown in the same set‐ups but without root herbivores served as controls. Glucosinolate levels of the leaf lamina, petiole and stem as well as of the taproot, lateral roots and fine roots were measured after 8 days of herbivory.

Plant biomass reduction due to herbivory was the largest when herbivores were confined to the topsoil. In the threeBrassicaspecies, taprootGSLlevels increased upon herbivory independent of where the root herbivores were feeding. Glucosinolate levels in fine roots and shoots, on the other hand, hardly responded to root herbivory. IndoleGSLs, which are more effective to pathogens than to herbivores, were more strongly induced than aliphatic and aromaticGSLs, especially in the taproots.Sinapis albadid not show remarkable increments in anyGSLlevel upon herbivory.

These results show that locally and systemically induced defences in roots are consistent with theODT: The taproot which is the most vulnerable and valuable to plant performance shows the highest increase in defence induction. The inducedGSLprofiles suggest that the response may not only target herbivores, but may also help to prevent secondary infection by microbial pathogens.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Consistency of stress state, locations and source mechanisms of events induced by hydraulic fracturing: downhole monitoring
Authors: Jechumtálová Zuzana , Chu Fangdong , Yu Gang , Procházka Jan
Published: May 2018

We present results of processed microseismic events induced by hydraulic fracturing and detected using dual downhole monitoring arrays. The results provide valuable insight into hydraulic fracturing. For our study, we detected and located microseismic events and determined their magnitudes, source mechanisms and inverted stress field orientation. Event locations formed a distinct linear trend above the stimulated intervals. Source mechanisms were only computed for high‐quality events detected on a sufficient number of receivers. All the detected source mechanisms were dip‐slip mechanisms with steep and nearly horizontal nodal planes. The source mechanisms represented shear events and the non‐double‐couple components were very small. Such small, non‐double‐couple components are consistent with a noise level in the data and velocity model uncertainties. Strikes of inverted mechanisms corresponding to the nearly vertical fault plane are (within the error of measurements) identical with the strike of the location trend. Ambient principal stress directions were inverted from the source mechanisms. The least principal stress, σ3, was determined perpendicular to the strike of the trend of the locations, indicating that the hydraulic fracture propagated in the direction of maximum horizontal stress. Our analysis indicated that the source mechanisms observed using downhole instruments are consistent with the source mechanisms observed in microseismic monitoring arrays in other locations. Furthermore, the orientation of the inverted principal components of the ambient stress field is in agreement with the orientation of the known regional stress, implying that microseismic events induced by hydraulic fracturing are controlled by the regional stress field.
Compact cities or sprawling suburbs? Optimising the distribution of people in cities to maximise species diversity
Authors: Geschke Andrew , James Simon , Bennett Andrew F. , Nimmo Dale G.
Published: May 2018

Conservation of biodiversity in urban environments depends on species’ responses to the intensity of urban development. “Land sharing” and “land sparing” represent alternate ends of a gradient that conceptualises a trade‐off between the human population and biodiversity. We used a linear optimisation procedure to (a) identify the optimal allocation of land for people and nature, (b) assess whether the optimal allocation is closer to land sparing or land sharing and (c) examine how this might change under scenarios of human population growth.

We surveyed birds in 28 landscapes, each 25 ha in size, along a gradient of human population density (zero to c. 1,600 persons/25 ha) in the Greater Melbourne region, Australia. Species’ responses to population density were estimated using generalised additive models (GAMs). These relationships were then used to determine the optimal allocation of land among different categories of population density based on maximising a community index, the geometric mean of relative abundance (G) of bird species.

Human population density was an important driver of the reporting rate for 28 species. Response curves differed among “urban avoider,” “urban adapter” and “urban exploiter” species. For the current human population in the study area, the optimal allocation of land included elements of both land sharing and land sparing. However, for scenarios of increased population size, optimal allocation converged upon a land sparing design.

Synthesis and applications. Urban areas represent a mosaic of land uses that offer habitats of differing quality. Land sharing, based on sustaining biota among residential areas, performed poorly under all scenarios due to its inability to support species that depend on natural or seminatural habitat. To sustain more than a homogenised avifauna in urban regions, large tracts of natural vegetation are needed within, or adjacent to, the urban environment. Protecting natural areas on urban fringes will be critical to the safeguarding of nature in the future as urban populations and land‐use inevitably expand.
Risk of major congenital malformations following first‐trimester exposure to vaginal azoles used for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis: a population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rotem R , Fishman B , Daniel S , Koren G , Lunenfeld E , Levy A
Published: May 2018

Objective

To evaluate the risk for major malformations following first‐trimester exposure to vaginal azoles.

Design

A population‐based retrospective cohort study of women exposed to vaginal azoles from the first day of the last menstrual period until the 90th gestational day.

Setting

A combination of four computerised databases: medications, birth, infant hospitalizations, and pregnancy terminations.

Population

All women who gave birth or underwent a pregnancy termination at Soroka Medical Center, Beer‐Sheva, Israel, between 1999 and 2009.

Methods

Crude and adjusted relative risks for major congenital malformations and for specific malformations according to organ systems were calculated using a multivariate negative binomial regression. Potential confounders were assessed and controlled for included parity, maternal age, ethnicity, maternal diabetes, smoking, and year of birth or pregnancy termination. Additional analysis using propensity score matching was performed for selected malformations.

Main outcome measures

Major malformations as well as specific malformations according to organ systems.

Results

Of 101 615 pregnancies, 1993 (1.96%) were exposed to clotrimazole vaginal tablets and 313 (0.31%) to miconazole vaginal tablets during the first trimester of pregnancy. No association was found between first‐trimester exposure to clotrimazole and major or specific malformations. An association was found between miconazole exposure and musculoskeletal malformation in general and other congenital musculoskeletal anomalies in particular. However, no association was detected when propensity score matching was used.

Conclusions

Intrauterine exposure to vaginal azoles during the first trimester of pregnancy was not associated with either major or specific malformations according to organ systems.

Tweetable abstract

First‐trimester exposure to vaginal azoles is not associated with either major or specific malformations.
Two‐step tier three interventions for children in grade three with low reading fluency
Authors: Svensson Idor , Fälth Linda , Tjus Tomas , Heimann Mikael , Gustafson Stefan
Published: May 2018

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a tier three intervention, response‐to‐intervention design, on children with low reading ability in grade three. Twenty‐eight children (12 females and 16 males) participated in this study. The participants were given out a battery of reading tests including decoding and reading comprehension tests, and in total, the children received 20 reading intervention sessions in two waves, during 4 weeks. The results showed substantial gains with large effect sizes (d 0.78–2.95) on all the reading tests after the intervention period. A short, intensive and individualised intervention has a substantially positive effect on children's reading ability. For a majority of the children, the increased ability sustains even 4 years after the end of the interventions. However, as boys seem to have the greatest problem to sustain their increased ability, the authors claim that it is important to continue the intervention even after the research interventions have ended.
Building a Workforce for Future Health Systems: Reflections from Health Policy and Systems Research
Authors: Javadi Dena , Tran Nhan , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The era of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for multidisciplinary research and intersectoral approaches to addressing health challenges. This presents a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary fields concerned with complex systems. Those working in system‐oriented fields such as health policy and systems research (HPSR) and health services research must be forward‐thinking in optimizing their collective ability to address these global challenges.

Objectives

The objective of this commentary was to share reflections on challenges and strategies in managing the HPSR workforce in order to stimulate dialogue and cross‐learning across similar fields.

Strategies/Findings

The following strategies are discussed here: definitional clarity of expected competencies and coordination across HPS researchers, national investment in HPSR, institutional capacity for coproduction of knowledge across different types of actors, and participatory leadership.

Conclusions

Creative approaches in training, financing, developing, and leading the diverse workforce required to strengthen health systems can pave the way for its full‐time and part‐time members to work together.
Caring for older patients in the emergency department: Health professionals’ perspectives from Australia – The Safe Elderly Emergency Discharge project
Authors: Lennox Alyse , Braaf Sandra , Smit De Villiers , Cameron Peter , Lowthian Judy A
Published: May 2018

Objective

To explore health professionals’ perspectives about caring for community‐dwelling older patients in the ED.

Methods

This exploratory qualitative study was undertaken with emergency nursing, medical and allied health staff from the ED of a large metropolitan public hospital in Melbourne. Nine focus groups (n = 54) and seven interviews were conducted between 2013 and 2014. Data were thematically analysed.

Results

Health professionals described tailoring their approach when caring for older patients, including adopting a specific communication approach (i.e. increased voice volume, slower rate of speech). Caring for older patients was perceived as challenging given the need to balance the expectations of family members to deal with associated complex needs and limited time for transitional care planning in the ED. The environment and equipment were perceived as unsuitable, alongside a lack of geriatric‐specific knowledge; contributing to what health professionals described as a poor fit between the ED system and older patients’ needs.

Conclusion

The growing number of older patients presents numerous challenges for emergency health professionals and necessitates a tailored approach to care. Understanding health professionals’ perspectives about caring for older patients can inform strategies that may improve the quality of care. Creating older person‐friendly areas, improving transitional care and providing staff with specific education would foster an environment that promotes person‐centred care, safety, independence and functional wellbeing.
Analysis of preventable deaths and errors in trauma care in a Scandinavian trauma level‐I centre
Authors: Ghorbani P. , Strömmer L.
Published: May 2018

Background

The wide disparity in the methodology of preventable death analysis has created a lack of comparability among previous studies. The guidelines for the peer review (PR) procedure suggest the inclusion of risk‐adjustment methods to identify patients to review, that is, exclude non‐preventable deaths (probability of survival [Ps] < 25%) or focus on preventable deaths (Ps > 50%). We aimed to, through PR process, (1) identify preventable death and errors committed in a level‐I trauma centre, and (2) explore the use of different risk‐adjustment methods as a complement.

Methods

A multidisciplinary committee reviewed all trauma patients, which died a trauma‐related death, within 30 days of admission to Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, in the period of 2012‐2016. Ps was calculated according to TRISS and NORMIT and their accuracy where compared.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐eight deaths were identified and 252 were reviewed. The majority of deaths occurred between 1 and 7 days. Ten deaths (4.0%) were classified as preventable. Sixty‐seven errors were identified in 53 (21.0%) deaths. The most common error was inappropriate treatment in all deaths (21 of 67) and in preventable deaths (5 of 13). Median Ps in non‐preventable deaths was higher than the cut‐off (<25%) and Ps‐TRISS was almost twice as high as Ps‐NORMIT (65% vs 33%, P < .001). Two clinically judged preventable deaths with Ps <25% would have been missed with both models. Median Ps in preventable deaths was above the cut‐off (>50%) and higher with Ps‐TRISS vs Ps‐NORMIT (75% vs 58%, P < .001). Three and 4 clinically judged preventable deaths would have been missed, respectively, for TRISS and NORMIT, if using this cut‐off.

Conclusion

Preventable deaths were commonly caused by clinical judgment errors in the early phases but death occurred late. Ps calculated with NORMIT was more accurate than TRISS in predicting mortality, but both perform poorly in identifying preventable and non‐preventable deaths when applying the cut‐offs. PR of all trauma death is still the golden standard in preventability analysis.
Corticosteroids and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill adults: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Butler E. , Møller M. H. , Cook O. , Granholm A. , Penketh J. , Rygård S. L. , Aneman A. , Perner A.
Published: May 2018

Background

Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to critically ill patients. However, their use may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, we aim to assess whether continued administration of corticosteroids for >24 hours increases the rate of GI bleeding in adult critically ill patients compared to placebo or no treatment.

Methods/Design

We will conduct a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis. The participants will be adult (as defined in the included trials) critically ill patients. The intervention will be any corticosteroid administered systematically for >24 hours and the comparator will be placebo or no treatment. The primary outcome will be rate of clinically important GI bleeding. We will systematically search EMBASE, MEDLINE, Medline In‐Process, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and trial registries for relevant literature, as well as perform a hand search. We will follow the recommendations by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The risk of systematic errors (bias) and random errors will be assessed and the overall quality of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Discussion

The risk of GI bleeding in adult critically ill patients treated with corticosteroids is unknown. Hence, there is need for a robust systematic review to assess this risk and provide clinicians with a clearer understanding of the strength and limitations of existing data.
Characteristics of jugular bulb oxygen saturation in patients after cardiac arrest: A prospective study
Authors: Wallin E. , Larsson I.‐M. , Nordmark‐Grass J. , Rosenqvist I. , Kristofferzon M.‐L. , Rubertsson S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Using cerebral oxygen venous saturation post‐cardiac arrest (CA) is limited because of a small sample size and prior to establishment of target temperature management (TTM). We aimed to describe variations in jugular bulb oxygen saturation during intensive care in relation to neurological outcome at 6 months post‐ CA in cases where TTM 33°C was applied.

Method

Prospective observational study in patients over 18 years, comatose immediately after resuscitation from CA. Patients were treated with TTM 33°C M and received a jugular bulb catheter within the first 26 hours post‐CA. Neurological outcome was assessed at 6 months using the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) and dichotomized into good (CPC 1‐2) and poor outcome (CPC 3‐5).

Results

Seventy‐five patients were included and 37 (49%) patients survived with a good outcome at 6 months post‐CA. No differences were found between patients with good outcome and poor outcome in jugular bulb oxygen saturation. Higher values were seen in differences in oxygen content between central venous oxygen saturation and jugular bulb oxygen saturation in patients with good outcome compared to patients with poor outcome at 6 hours (12 [8‐21] vs 5 [−0.3 to 11]% P = .001) post‐CA. Oxygen extraction fraction from the brain illustrated lower values in patients with poor outcome compared to patients with good outcome at 96 hours (14 [9‐23] vs 31 [25‐34]% P = .008).

Conclusions

Oxygen delivery and extraction differed in patients with a good outcome compared to those with a poor outcome at single time points. Based on the present findings, the usefulness of jugular bulb oxygen saturation for prognostic purposes is uncertain in patients treated with TTM 33°C post‐CA.
Alcohol Consumption and Trait Anger Strengthen the Association Between Perceived Quarrelsomeness and Quarrelsome Behavior via Feeling Angry
Authors: Sadikaj Gentiana , Moskowitz D. S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Alcohol intoxication facilitates interpersonal aggression, but this effect depends on person and situation characteristics. Using the Alcohol Myopia Model, we examined the joint influence of alcohol, trait anger, and state anger on the association between perceived quarrelsomeness in an interaction partner and quarrelsome behavior in naturally occurring interpersonal interactions.

Methods

Using an event‐contingent recording method over a 20‐day period, community adults reported their perception of an interaction partner's quarrelsome behavior, their own anger and quarrelsome behavior, and the number of alcohol drinks consumed up to 3 hours prior to an interpersonal interaction.

Results

Results revealed that alcohol consumption and trait anger jointly moderated the association between perceived quarrelsomeness and quarrelsome behavior indirectly via state anger. Heightened anger experience accounted for increased quarrelsome behavior in response to perceived quarrelsomeness among higher trait anger individuals who reported increased alcohol consumption. When no alcohol was consumed, no such difference in quarrelsome behavioral response was found between low and high trait anger individuals.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that alcohol consumption may strengthen the influence of perceived quarrelsomeness on a person's own quarrelsome behavior among individuals with a readiness to experience anger. Intense anger experience may undermine these individuals' ability to inhibit aggressive behaviors when under the influence of alcohol.
Initial experience with robotic pancreatic surgery in Singapore: single institution experience with 30 consecutive cases
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Low Tze‐Yi , Lee Ser‐Yee , Chan Chung‐Yip , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Ooi London L. P. J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Presently, the worldwide experience with robotic pancreatic surgery (RPS) is increasing although widespread adoption remains limited. In this study, we report our initial experience with RPS.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of a single institution prospective database of 72 consecutive robotic hepatopancreatobiliary surgeries performed between 2013 and 2017. Of these, 30 patients who underwent RPS were included in this study of which 25 were performed by a single surgeon.

Results

The most common procedure was robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) which was performed in 20 patients. This included eight subtotal pancreatectomies, two extended pancreatecto‐splenectomies (en bloc gastric resection) and 10 spleen‐saving‐RDP. Splenic preservation was successful in 10/11 attempted spleen‐saving‐RDP. Eight patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies (five hybrid with open reconstruction), one patient underwent a modified Puestow procedure and one enucleation of uncinate tumour. Four patients had extended resections including two RDP with gastric resection and two pancreaticoduodenectomies with vascular resection. There was one (3.3%) open conversion and seven (23.3%) major (>Grade II) morbidities. Overall, there were four (13.3%) clinically significant (Grade B) pancreatic fistulas of which three required percutaneous drainage. These occurred after three RDP and one robotic enucleation. There was one reoperation for port‐site hernia and no 30‐day/in‐hospital mortalities. The median post‐operative stay was 6.5 (range: 3–36) days and there were six (20%) 30‐day readmissions.

Conclusion

Our initial experience showed that RPS can be adopted safely with a low open conversion rate for a wide variety of procedures including pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Cervical cancer staging, pretreatment planning, and surgical treatment in the Nordic countries—Survey from the Surgical Subcommittee of the Nordic Society of Gynecological Oncology
Authors: Fuglsang Katrine , Haldorsen Ingfrid S , Avall‐Lundqvist Elisabeth , Lindahl Gabriel , Roed Henrik , Woie Kathrine , Pakarinen Päivi , Thoroddsen Asgeir , Anttila Maarit , Blaakær Jan
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Women with cervical cancer in the Nordic countries are increasingly undergoing pretreatment imaging by ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) or computed tomography, or sentinel lymph node procedure. The present survey reports the influence of pretreatment imaging findings on the recorded clinical International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage in Nordic countries and its impact on treatment planning and preferred surgical approach in cervical cancer.

Material and methods

The Nordic Society of Gynecological Oncology Surgical Subcommittee developed a questionnaire‐based survey that was conducted from 1 January to 31 March 2017. All the 22 Nordic Gynecological Oncology Centers (Denmark 5, Finland 5, Iceland 1, Norway 4, and Sweden 7) were invited to participate.

Results

The questionnaires were returned by 19 of 22 (86.3%) centers. The median number (range) of women with cervical cancer treated at each center annually was 32 (15‐120). In 58% (11/19) of the centers, imaging findings were reported to influence the clinical staging. MRI in combination with PET‐CT was the preferred imaging method and the results influenced treatment planning. Robotic‐assisted radical hysterectomy was the preferred surgical method in 72% (13/18) of the centers. Sentinel lymph node procedure was not routinely implemented in the majority of the Nordic centers.

Conclusion

More than half of the Nordic Gynecological Oncology Centers already report a clinical FIGO stage influenced by pretreatment imaging findings. The trend in preferred treatment is robotic‐assisted radical hysterectomy and the sentinel lymph node procedure is gradually being introduced.
Revisiting the potential of carbonized grain to preserve biogenic 87Sr/86Sr signatures within the burial environment
Authors: Styring A. K. , Evans J. A. , Nitsch E. K. , Lee‐Thorp J. A. , Bogaard A.
Published: May 2018

Strontium (Sr) isotope analysis of archaeological crops is a potential method of provenancing and identifying the movement of crops in the past, but there remains uncertainty about whether original 87Sr/86Sr values can be obtained from carbonized buried grains. We have determined that hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching removes some, but not all, exogenous Sr from carbonized cereal grains buried in soil for up to one year. We conclude that while further work could refine the leaching method, Sr isotope analysis of archaeological cereal grains can distinguish crops sourced from outside a particular (e.g., local) area if it can be shown that leaching moves grain 87Sr/86Sr values significantly away from the expected Sr signature.
Restored topography of the Po Plain‐Northern Adriatic region during the Messinian base‐level drop—Implications for the physiography and compartmentalization of the palaeo‐Mediterranean basin
Authors: Amadori Chiara , Garcia‐Castellanos Daniel , Toscani Giovanni , Sternai Pietro , Fantoni Roberto , Ghielmi Manlio , Di Giulio Andrea
Published: May 2018

The Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) involved the progressive isolation of the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic between 5.97 and 5.33 Ma, and a sea‐level fall whose timing, modalities, and magnitude remain actively debated. At that time, the central Mediterranean was undergoing strong tectonic activity due to the rollback of the Adria slab and eastward migration of the Apenninic belt. The combined effects of the post‐evaporiticMSCsea‐level drop and morphostructural changes (due to the Intra‐Messinian phase) resulted in a regional unconformity, which shows erosive markers and conformable relationships with the Messinian and Mio–Pliocene boundary in the Po Plain and Northern Adriatic Foreland. Here, we produce a palaeotopographic reconstruction of the Po Plain‐Northern Adriatic region (PPNA) during the Messinian peak desiccation event based on such regional unconformity. We mapped this surface through wells and 2D seismic data form Eni's private dataset. The unconformity shows V‐shaped incisions matching the present‐day southern Alpine valleys and filled with Messinian post‐evaporitic and Pliocene deposits, suggesting that the modern drainage network is at least of late Messinian age. The Messinian unconformity has been restored to its original state through flexural‐backstripping numerical modelling. The resulting landscape suggests a maximum sea‐level drop of 800–900 m during theMSCpeak, and is consistent with stratigraphic and sedimentologic data provided by previous works. The modelled shoreline separates the subaerially eroded land from an elongated basin composed by twoca. 400 and 1,000 m deep depocentres during the maximum sea‐level drop. These results suggest that the Mediterranean was split in at least three sub‐basins subject to independent base levels, fresh‐water budgets, and flexural responses during the maximum lowstand.
Clustered miRNAs and their role in biological functions and diseases
Authors: Kabekkodu Shama P. , Shukla Vaibhav , Varghese Vinay K. , D' Souza Jeevitha , Chakrabarty Sanjiban , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small non‐coding RNAs known to regulate expression of protein‐coding genes. A large proportion of miRNAs are highly conserved, localized as clusters in the genome, transcribed together from physically adjacent miRNAs and show similar expression profiles. Since a single miRNA can target multiple genes and miRNA clusters contain multiple miRNAs, it is important to understand their regulation, effects and various biological functions. Like protein‐coding genes, miRNA clusters are also regulated by genetic and epigenetic events. These clusters can potentially regulate every aspect of cellular function including growth, proliferation, differentiation, development, metabolism, infection, immunity, cell death, organellar biogenesis, messenger signalling, DNA repair and self‐renewal, among others. Dysregulation of miRNA clusters leading to altered biological functions is key to the pathogenesis of many diseases including carcinogenesis. Here, we review recent advances in miRNA cluster research and discuss their regulation and biological functions in pathological conditions.
Hypoglycaemia in hospitalized patients with or without heart failure
Authors: Merrill Jennifer D. , Dungan Kathleen M.
Published: May 2018

Hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing bedside glucose monitoring with subcutaneous insulin orders were retrospectively identified over 2 years. Hypoglycaemia was defined as any glucose value <3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) within 24 hours of admission (Hypo1day) or throughout the hospitalization (HypoT) or any glucose value <2.2 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) throughout the hospitalization (HypoSevere). A total of 13 424 patients were included, of whom 2484 had HF. Patients with HF were more likely to have Hypo1day (9.1% vs 7.0%, P = .0003), HypoT (28% vs 18.5%, P < .0001), or Hypo Severe (3.4% vs 2.1%, P = .0001). After controlling for other variables, the odds of Hypo1day were similar between the HF and non‐HF groups (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% CI 0.94‐1.39, P = .18, fully adjusted model), slightly lower for HypoT (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73‐0.99, P = .03, fully adjusted model), and similar for HypoSevere (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.91‐1.70, P = .17). Hypo1day, HypoT and HypoSevere were all associated with increased mortality; there was no evidence of an interaction by HF status. Hypoglycaemia occurred at a similar or lower frequency in hospitalized patients with HF compared to those without HF. Hypoglycaemia was associated with increased hospital mortality, regardless of HF status.
Semaphorin 4D promotes inhibitory synapse formation and suppresses seizures in vivo
Authors: Acker Daniel W. M. , Wong Irene , Kang Mihwa , Paradis Suzanne
Published: May 2018

Objective

We previously discovered a role for the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) as a fast‐acting, selective, and positive regulator of functional γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapse formation in hippocampal neuronal culture. We also demonstrated that Sema4D treatment increases inhibitory tone and suppresses hyperexcitability in an organotypic hippocampal slice culture model of epilepsy. Here, we investigate the ability of Sema4D to promote GABAergic synapse formation and suppress seizure activity in vivo in adult mice.

Methods

We performed a 3‐hour, intrahippocampal infusion of Sema4D or control protein into the CA1 region of adult mice. To quantify GABAergic presynaptic bouton density, we performed immunohistochemistry on hippocampal tissue sections isolated from these animals using an antibody that specifically recognizes the glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform 65 protein (GAD65), which is localized to presynaptic GABAergic boutons. To assess seizure activity, we employed 2 in vivo mouse models of epilepsy, intravenous (iv) pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and hippocampal electrical kindling, in the presence or absence of Sema4D treatment. We monitored seizure activity by behavioral observation or electroencephalography (EEG). To assay the persistence of the Sema4D effect, we monitored seizure activity and measured the density of GAD65‐positive presynaptic boutons 3 or 48 hours after Sema4D infusion.

Results

Sema4D‐treated mice displayed an elevated density of GABAergic presynaptic boutons juxtaposed to hippocampal pyramidal neuron cell bodies, consistent with the hypothesis that Sema4D promotes the formation of new inhibitory synapses in vivo. In addition, Sema4D acutely suppressed seizures in both the PTZ and electrical kindling models. When we introduced a 48‐hour gap between Sema4D treatment and the seizure stimulus, seizure activity was indistinguishable from controls. Moreover, immunohistochemistry on brain sections or hippocampal slices isolated 3 hours, but not 48 hours, after Sema4D treatment displayed an increase in GABAergic bouton density, demonstrating temporal correlation between the effects of Sema4D on seizures and GABAergic synaptic components.

Significance

Our findings suggest a novel approach to treating acute seizures: harnessing synaptogenic molecules to enhance connectivity in the inhibitory network.
Beyond the management–employee dyad: supply chain initiatives in shipping
Authors: Tang Lijun , Bhattacharya Syamantak
Published: May 2018

This article examines supply chain health and safety initiatives in the oil shipping industry. In particular, it explores the triangular relationships between ship cargo clients, shipping company management and seafarers and reveals the inherent complexities and tensions involved. It shows that while managers capitalise on the supply chain pressure to squeeze more effort out of seafarers, seafarers tend to adhere to the corporate line colluding with managers to hide defects and falsify records. Nevertheless, seafarers occasionally use the supply chain leverage to their advantage by tactically exposing ship defects during ship inspections.
Autonomous high‐temperature healing of surface cracks in Al2O3 containing Ti2AlC particles
Authors: Boatemaa Linda , Bosch Myrthe , Farle Ann‐Sophie , Bei Guo‐Ping , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Sloof Willem G.
Published: May 2018

In this work, the oxidation‐induced crack healing of Al2O3 containing 20 vol.% of Ti2AlC MAX phase inclusions as healing particles was studied. The oxidation kinetics of the Ti2AlC particles having an average diameter of about 10 μm was studied via thermogravimetry and/or differential thermal analysis. Surface cracks of about 80 μm long and 0.5 μm wide were introduced into the composite by Vickers indentation. After annealing in air at high temperatures, the cracks were filled with stable oxides of Ti and Al as a result of the decomposition of the Ti2AlC particles. Crack healing was studied at 800, 900, and 1000°C for 0.25, 1, 4, and 16 hours, and the strength recovery was measured by 4‐point bending. Upon indentation, the bending strength of the samples dropped by about 50% from 402 ± 35 to 229 ± 14 MPa. This bending strength increased to about 90% of the undamaged material after annealing at 1000°C for just 15 minutes, while full strength was recovered after annealing for 1 hour. As the healing temperature was reduced to 900 and 800°C, the time required for full‐strength recovery increased to 4 and 16 hours, respectively. The initial bending strength and the fracture toughness of the composite material were found to be about 19% lower and 20% higher than monolithic alumina, respectively, making this material an attractive substitute for monolithic alumina used in high‐temperature applications.
Polymer‐free versus permanent polymer‐coated drug eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Nogic Jason , Baey Yi‐Wei , Nerlekar Nitesh , Ha Francis J. , Cameron James D. , Nasis Arthur , West Nick E.J. , Brown Adam J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Polymer‐free drug eluting stents (PF‐DES) were developed, in part, to overcome risk of late ischemic events observed with permanent polymer‐coated DES (PP‐DES). However, trial results are inconsistent with longer‐term safety and efficacy of PF‐DES remaining unknown. We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized trials assessing outcomes of patients receiving PF‐DES versus PP‐DES for treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Electronic searches were performed for randomized trials comparing outcomes between PF‐DES and PP‐DES. Trials reporting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), all‐cause death, target lesion/vessel revascularization (TLR/TVR), and late lumen loss (LLL) were included. Analyses were performed at longest follow‐up and landmarked beyond 1‐year.

Results

Twelve trials (6,943 patients) were included. There was no significant difference in MACE between PF‐DES and PP‐DES at longest follow‐up (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.96, 95%CI 0.85‐1.10,P = 0.59) or landmark analysis beyond 1‐year (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.76‐1.20,P = 0.70). Although PF‐DES were associated with a significant reduction in all‐cause death (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.72‐1.00,P < 0.05), this effect was not present on landmark analysis beyond 1‐year (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.73‐1.10,P = 0.30). There were no differences observed for MI (OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.77‐1.28,P = 0.99) or ST (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.54‐1.68,P = 0.86), with similar efficacy outcomes including TVR (OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.91‐1.26,P = 0.42), TLR (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.88‐1.21,P = 0.68) and angiographic LLL (pooled mean difference 0.01 mm, 95%CI −0.08 to 0.11,P = 0.76).

Conclusions

PF‐DES are as safe and efficacious as PP‐DES for the treatment of patients with CAD, but do not significantly reduce late ischemic complications.