bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environment uncertainty and a firm’s strategic change the moderating role of political connection and family ownership
Authors: Wang Kai , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Xue Jiaan , Wang Cizhi
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Strategic change is integral to the survival and development of firms. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of environmental uncertainty on a firm’s strategic change and further demonstrates the moderating role of political connection and family ownership on the relationship between environmental uncertainty and a firm’s strategic change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the population sample of Chinese firms listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2014 and quantitatively tests hypotheses through correlation analysis, regression analysis and other methods.

Findings

Environmental uncertainty has a positive effect on the degree of strategic changes made. Political connection and family ownership negatively moderate the impact of the two dimensions of environmental uncertainty (environmental dynamism and environmental munificence) on strategic changes.

Originality/value

Conclusions enrich the research of other studies on firms’ strategic changes. From an open systems perspective, this paper reveals the influences of external environmental factors on firms’ strategic changes. In addition to this, in analyzing the ways in which environmental uncertainty affects a firm’s strategic change, the research expands the application scope of information processing theory and resource-based view. This paper also provides significant practical observations on firms’ strategic decision making in this area.
Navigating the grey areas of law and ethics in ethnography
Authors: Moretti Alessandro
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the use of legally and ethically dubious methods in ethnography can sometimes be justified in the pursuit of new knowledge. The paper offers reflections on the risks that participatory methods of enquiry can bring upon both researcher and research participants, particularly in terms of the physical and reputational risks that researchers must face when adopting ethnographic methods in unwelcoming research environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic methods, specifically participant observation (PO), were adopted to penetrate a gang of criminal ticket touts in the UK through a gatekeeper who provided access to knowledge and experience.

Findings

Pushing the legal and ethical boundaries of research is not only justifiable, but sometimes necessary in the discovery of new, socially valuable and otherwise unobtainable knowledge. Ethnographic research and PO are the only methods through which it is possible to gauge an understanding and appreciation, and thus present a valid depiction, of deviant and hard to access groups. As such, the use of these methods can sometimes be justified, within certain parameters.

Originality/value

This research adopts ethnographic methods in the under-researched and topical area of black market ticket touting in the UK. Ethnography alone, through an “internal” understanding of the participants’ viewpoints, can reveal that much of what is discussed in the media and in Parliament is inaccurate. The paper builds on the existing literature on touting and on conducting illegal research, and offers reflections on why these methods can sometimes be justified.
Flaxseeds (L. Usitatissimum) attenuates blood pressure, acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress in ouabain-induced hypertension in normal Wistar rats
Authors: Berzou Sadia , Krouf Djamil , Taleb-Dida Nawal , Guenzet Akila
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of flaxseed (L. usitatissimum[Linn]) on blood pressure, redox status markers and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in ouabain-induced hypertension in normal Wistar rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Male Wistar rats weighing 250 ± 7 g (n= 24) fed with an experimental diet containing 20 per cent casein were divided into three groups (n= 8) and received a daily subcutaneous injection of either 0.9 per cent saline solution (T group) or 10 µg/kg/day of ouabain diluted in saline solution-treated Oub-Lu or not with 1 per cent of flaxseed (L. usitatissimum) mixed in the diet for 21 days.

Findings

The results showed that treatment with flaxseed had a significant effect (p< 0.05) in decreasing systolic, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and the heart rate in hypertensive rats. Total and non-HDL cholesterol levels were reduced by –26 and –35 per cent;p= 0.04, respectively. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly decreased by –85 and –42 per cent (p= 0.001 andp= 0.04), respectively in the plasma and heart. Nitric oxide levels were increased in the aorta (+ 63 per cent;p= 0.001). Moreover, in the heart and aorta, a significant increase was noted in the thiol contents (+81 and +69 per cent;p= 0.001, respectively), glutathione peroxidase (+50 per cent;p= 0.03 andp= 0.01, respectively) and acetylcholinesterase activities (75 and +19 per cent, respectively;p= 0.001 andp= 0.04).

Originality/value

These results suggest hypotensive, cardiomoderating and antioxidant effects of flaxseed in ouabain-induced hypertension in the rat. In addition, it promotes a significant increase of the acetylcholinesterase activity in tissues.
The collaborative roles of the government and private sector to foster innovation in Bahrain
Authors: Modara Marjan , Bennet Alex , Ribiere Vincent
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the government and private sector collaboration by focusing on their roles in influencing the innovation activities crucial for the development of a knowledge economy (KE) in Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology based on an explorative single multi-unit case study strategy was used with individual and focus group interviews as primary sources of data collection. Perspectives of 22 individuals and three focus groups involving participants working in private, semi-government and government sectors that influence the economy of Bahrain were collected along with reports and articles published regarding those sectors as second sources of data compilation.

Findings

The preliminary findings show that Bahrain’s pursuit of a KE has already begun by the government developing policies and regulations for the financial sector to innovate in financial technology (FinTech). It was also found that in order for innovation processes and products to be developed further in Bahrain, the government had to play a stronger role in promoting, facilitating and incentivizing those processes and developments. The role of the private sector emerged as the sole producer of innovation and the main entity responsible for producing innovative products and services that would inject direct values into the commercial economy of the innovation ecosystem.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the influence of collaboration between the government and the private sector on innovation development in Bahrain. This research also provides an assessment tool that can serve as the groundwork for studies in the Gulf Cooperative Council countries since those countries share similar culture, language, religion and a hydrocarbon-dependent economy as Bahrain and are aiming to develop KE strategies.
Predicting species abundances in a grassland biodiversity experiment: Trade‐offs between model complexity and generality
Authors: Clark Adam Thomas , Ann Turnbull Lindsay , Tredennick Andrew , Allan Eric , Harpole W. Stanley , Mayfield Margaret M. , Soliveres Santiago , Barry Kathryn , Eisenhauer Nico , de Kroon Hans , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Wagg Cameron , Weigelt Alexandra , Feng Yanhao , Roscher Christiane , Schmid Bernhard
Published: October 2019

Models of natural processes necessarily sacrifice some realism for the sake of tractability. Detailed, parameter‐rich models often provide accurate estimates of system behaviour but can be data‐hungry and difficult to operationalize. Moreover, complexity increases the danger of ‘over‐fitting’, which leads to poor performance when models are applied to novel conditions. This challenge is typically described in terms of a trade‐off between bias and variance (i.e. low accuracy vs. low precision).

In studies of ecological communities, this trade‐off often leads to an argument about the level of detail needed to describe interactions among species. Here, we used data from a grassland biodiversity experiment containing nine locally abundant plant species (the Jena ‘dominance experiment’) to parameterize models representing six increasingly complex hypotheses about interactions. For each model, we calculated goodness‐of‐fit across different subsets of the data based on sown species richness levels, and tested how performance changed depending on whether or not the same data were used to parameterize and test the model (i.e. within vs. out‐of‐sample), and whether the range of diversity treatments being predicted fell inside or outside of the range used for parameterization.

As expected, goodness‐of‐fit improved as a function of model complexity for all within‐sample tests. In contrast, the best out‐of‐sample performance generally resulted from models of intermediate complexity (i.e. with only two interaction coefficients per species—an intraspecific effect and a single pooled interspecific effect), especially for predictions that fell outside the range of diversity treatments used for parameterization. In accordance with other studies, our results also demonstrate that commonly used selection methods based on AIC of models fitted to the full dataset correspond more closely to within‐sample than out‐of‐sample performance.

Synthesis.Our results demonstrate that models which include only general intra and interspecific interaction coefficients can be sufficient for estimating species‐level abundances across a wide range of contexts and may provide better out‐of‐sample performance than do more complex models. These findings serve as a reminder that simpler models may often provide a better trade‐off between bias and variance in ecological systems, particularly when applying models beyond the conditions used to parameterize them.
Developing meaningful client‐dietitian relationships in the chronic disease context: An exploration of dietitians' perspectives
Authors: Nagy Annaliese , McMahon Anne , Tapsell Linda , Deane Frank
Published: October 2019

Aim

Meaningful client‐dietitian relationships are central to effective dietetic practice. The chronic disease management setting provides an opportunity to examine what is meaningful and how these relationships are constructed, because the dietitian and client generally have multiple interactions over an extended period of time. This study aimed to explore dietitians' perspectives of how they develop meaningful relationships with clients managing lifestyle‐related chronic diseases.

Methods

Study design and analysis were guided by Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory. Dietitians working in Australia with clients managing chronic diseases were recruited through initial, snowball and theoretical sampling. Online videoconference and telephone semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Recorded interview transcripts were analysed using repeated reviews comprising initial, focused and theoretical coding and memoing.

Results

Twenty‐two dietitians were recruited. A conceptual model developed from the data showed the dietitian's role in developing the client‐dietitian relationship is complex. Key elements were identified and described as ‘Sensing a Professional Chemistry’, and the dietitian's skills in ‘Balancing Professional and Social Relationships’ and ‘Managing Tension with Competing Influences’. Influences were categorised as relating to the client and dietitian as individuals (eg, their values), their support network and external contextual factors (eg, working with interpreters).

Conclusion

Developing relationships with clients in the chronic disease context appears complex due to the dietitian's role of managing multiple interrelated elements and influential factors simultaneously. To deepen understanding, research should explore clients' perspectives of relationship development and how knowledge of practitioner‐client relationships in other disciplines may be utilised to enhance dietetic service delivery.
Sibling comparisons elucidate the associations between educational attainment polygenic scores and alcohol, nicotine and cannabis
Authors: Salvatore Jessica E. , Barr Peter B. , Stephenson Mallory , Aliev Fazil , Kuo Sally I‐Chun , Su Jinni , Agrawal Arpana , Almasy Laura , Bierut Laura , Bucholz Kathleen , Chan Grace , Edenberg Howard J. , Johnson Emma C. , McCutcheon Vivia V. , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Schuckit Marc , Tischfield Jay , Wetherill Leah , Dick Danielle M.
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

The associations between low educational attainment and substance use disorders (SUDs) may be related to a common genetic vulnerability. We aimed to elucidate the associations between polygenic scores for educational attainment and clinical criterion counts for three SUDs (alcohol, nicotine and cannabis).

Design

Polygenic association and sibling comparison methods. The latter strengthens inferences in observational research by controlling for confounding factors that differ between families.

Setting

Six sites in the United States.

Participants

European ancestry participants aged 25 years and older from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA). Polygenic association analyses included 5582 (54% female) participants. Sibling comparisons included 3098 (52% female) participants from 1226 sibling groups nested within the overall sample.

Measurements

Outcomes included criterion counts for DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder (AUDSX), Fagerström nicotine dependence (NDSX) and DSM‐5 cannabis use disorder (CUDSX). We derived polygenic scores for educational attainment (EduYears‐GPS) using summary statistics from a large (> 1 million) genome‐wide association study of educational attainment.

Findings

In polygenic association analyses, higher EduYears‐GPS predicted lower AUDSX, NDSX and CUDSX [P < 0.01, effect sizes (R2) ranging from 0.30 to 1.84%]. These effects were robust in sibling comparisons, where sibling differences in EduYears‐GPS predicted all three SUDs (P < 0.05, R2 0.13–0.20%).

Conclusions

Individuals who carry more alleles associated with educational attainment tend to meet fewer clinical criteria for alcohol, nicotine and cannabis use disorders, and these effects are robust to rigorous controls for potentially confounding factors that differ between families (e.g. socio‐economic status, urban–rural residency and parental education).
Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing for assessment of vestibular functions in cochlear implant patients
Authors: Qiao Xiao‐Feng , Li Xin , Wang Wei‐Xing , Zheng Wei , Li Tong‐Li
Published: October 2019

This study aims to investigate the vestibular function status of cochlear implant patients using cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing and estimate the effects of cochlear implants on vestibular function. The cVEMPs of 50 cochlear implant patients were measured preoperatively, and at one and six months postoperatively. Then, implanted ears and non‐implanted ears were compared in terms of p13/n23 wave response rates, latency, amplitude and threshold. Preoperatively, the binaural cVEMP response rate was 92%, while the cVEMP response rates of implanted ears vs. non‐implanted ears at postoperative one and six months were 24% vs. 80% and 52% vs. 82%, respectively. No significant difference between implanted and non‐implanted ears was found preoperatively, in terms of latent period, amplitude, or threshold. However, significant changes were found in amplitude and threshold for implanted ears after the operation, but not in latency. No significant postoperative change was found in amplitude, latent period, or threshold for non‐implanted ears. Significant differences between implanted and non‐implanted ears were found in both amplitude and threshold. Cochlear implants affect vestibular function, especially saccular function, and reduce the cVEMP amplitude and threshold of implanted ears.
Scrutinizing the basis of originality in divergent thinking tests: On the measurement precision of response propensity estimates
Authors: Forthmann Boris , Paek Sue Hyeon , Dumas Denis , Barbot Baptiste , Holling Heinz
Published: October 2019

Background

The originality of divergent thinking (DT) production is one of the most critical indicators of creative potential. It is commonly scored using the statistical infrequency of responses relative to all responses provided in a given sample.

Aims

Response frequency estimates vary in terms of measurement precision. This issue has been widely overlooked and is addressed in the current study.

Sample and method

Secondary data analysis of 202 participants was performed. A total of 900 uniquely identified responses were generated on three DT tasks and subjected to a 1‐parameter logistic model with a response as the unit of measurement which allowed for the calculation of response‐level conditional reliability (and marginal reliability as an overall summary of measurement precision).

Results

Marginal reliability of response propensity estimates ranged from .62 to .67 across the DT tasks. Unique responses in the sample (the basis for the classic uniqueness scoring) displayed the lowest conditional reliability (across tasks: ≈ .50). Reliability increased nonlinearly as a function of both the frequency of occurrence predicted by the model (conditional reliability) and sample size (conditional and marginal reliability).

Conclusions

This study indicates that the common practice of frequency‐based originality scoring with typical sample sizes (e.g., N = 100 to N = 200) yields unacceptable levels of measurement precision (i.e., in particular for highly original responses). We further offer recommendations to mitigate the lack of measurement precision of frequency‐based originality scores for DT research.
Behaviour of endangered European eels in proximity to a dam during downstream migration: Novel insights using high accuracy 3D acoustic telemetry
Authors: Trancart Thomas , Carpentier Alexandre , Acou Anthony , Danet Valentin , Elliott Sophie , Feunteun Éric
Published: October 2019

River infrastructures such as weirs, hydropower stations or water reservoirs represent obstructions to migration for diadromous fish. Knowledge of accurate behaviour of fish in front of such structures is required to protect migrants from hazardous areas, guide them towards safe passage or adapt structure to improve the escapement. We developed and made available a method to process acoustic telemetry data based on Time Difference Of Arrival analysis to accurately locate tagged fish. Improved accuracy allows the detection of escape routes and description of dam‐crossing tactics. Sixteen tagged eels were tracked with high accuracy (1–2 m) and ~1 location min−1 frequency during their exploration period on reaching the dam. Two migration routes (spillways and bottom compensation flow pipe) were used by 77% and 23% of eels respectively. Spillways were the preferred route, but a median of 16 days were required to pass the dam versus 1.1 days via the compensation pipe. A minimal water crest of 40 cm was required for passage via spillways. Eels passing through the compensation pipe were exclusively nocturnal and mainly explored the bottom of the dam. Eels passing through spillways explored the whole dam area by night and day, and were not attracted to the compensation pipe entrance. With global warming, more frequent drought periods are expected, potentially leading to decreased opportunities for eels to migrate across safer dams by spillways. To conserve this endangered species, dam management strategies that account for expected hydrologic conditions and distinct exploration behaviours are needed.
Biochemical and cellular mechanism of protein kinase CK2 inhibition by deceptive curcumin
Authors: Cozza Giorgio , Zonta Francesca , Dalle Vedove Andrea , Venerando Andrea , Dall'Acqua Stefano , Battistutta Roberto , Ruzzene Maria , Lolli Graziano
Published: October 2019

Protein kinase CK2 is an antiapoptotic cancer‐sustaining protein. Curcumin, reported previously as a CK2 inhibitor, is too bulky to be accommodated in the CK2 active site and rapidly degrades in solution generating various ATP‐mimetic inhibitors; with a detailed comparative analysis, by means of both protein crystallography and enzymatic inhibition, ferulic acid was identified as the principal curcumin degradation product responsible for CK2 inhibition. The other curcumin derivatives vanillin, feruloylmethane and coniferyl aldehyde are weaker CK2 inhibitors. The high instability of curcumin in standard buffered solutions flags this compound, which is included in many commercial libraries, as a possible source of misleading interpretations, as was the case for CK2. Ferulic acid does not show any cytotoxicity and any inhibition of cellular CK2, due to its poor cellular permeability. However, curcumin acts as a prodrug in the cellular context, by generating its degradation products inside the treated cells, thus rescuing CK2 inhibition and consequently inducing cell death. Through the intracellular release of its degradation products, curcumin is expected to affect various target families; here, we identify the first bromodomain of BRD4 as a new target for those compounds.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession numbers 6HOP (CK2α/curcumin), 6HOQ (CK2α/ferulic acid), 6HOR (CK2α/feruloylmethane), 6HOT (CK2α/ferulic aldehyde), 6HOU (CK2α/vanillin) and 6HOV (BRD4/ferulic acid).
Overview of the main challenges in shared decision making in a multicultural and diverse society in the intensive and critical care setting
Authors: Giuliani Enrico , Melegari Gabriele , Carrieri Francesca , Barbieri Alberto
Published: October 2019

Background

In shared decision making, health care professionals and patients collaborate in making health‐related choices. This process is based on autonomy and constitutes one to the elements of patient‐centered care. However, there are situations where shared decision making is more difficult, if not impossible, due to barriers, which may be related to language, culture, education, or mental capacity and external factors like the state of emergency or the availability of alternative sources of information.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to identify some of the main obstacles to the adoption of shared decision making in an intensive and critical care scenario and discuss potential ways to facilitate its implementation.

Methods

We conducted a literature review on shared decision making from the perspective of intensive and critical care specialists.

Discussion

Although the health care context is complex and the variety of situation that can arise makes it impossible to prepare professionals for every occurrence, shared decision making process should be structured at an organization level, engaging health care professionals, experts of communication, and patient representatives coming from different cultural backgrounds, languages, and education to assemble for all the main procedures, where shared decision making is involved, the specific information packages health care professionals will use in order to guide them through the process and ensuring all patients receive a comparable level of engagement. Shared decision making should not become a hindrance for the health care professional but on the contrary a way to strengthen their relationship with the patient.

Conclusion

The implementation of the shared decision making approach at an organization‐wide level improves its quality and effectiveness.
PVA/starch/propolis/anthocyanins rosemary extract composite films as active and intelligent food packaging materials
Authors: Mustafa Pakeeza , Niazi Muhammad B. K. , Jahan Zaib , Samin Ghufrana , Hussain Arshad , Ahmed Tahir , Naqvi Salman R.
Published: October 2019

Active and intelligent food packaging films has taken more importance over conventional packaging. The aim of this study was to develop active and intelligent food packaging films based on bio‐degradable polymers like polyvinyl alcohol and starch, incorporated with natural additives, that is, propolis extract (PE) and Anthocyanin. Boric acid was used as a cross‐linker. The results proved the compatibility of films mixture. The mechanical strength was also measured and highest value was achieved 6.1 MPa for films containing 20% PE. Moreover, the maximum zone of inhabitation, that is, 21 and 15 mm, was also achieved at same composition against Escherichia coli and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Furthermore, all films had shown great color response against different pH ranging from 2 to 14. Finally, food spoilage test was performed using pasteurized milk. Films responded visibly by changing color and protected milk from spoilage. Hence, formulated bio‐degradable active and intelligent films can be used as food packaging material.
PCSK9 decreases during experimental endotoxemia
Authors: Schoergenhofer C. , Matzneller P. , Mühlbacher J. , Hell L. , Zeitlinger M. , Jilma B.
Published: October 2019

Click here to view the Original article by Rannikko et al.
Reducing dietary protein concentrations and replacing fish meal with porcine meat and bone meal do not affect growth or feed conversion of pond‐raised fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Li Menghe H. , Wise David J. , Mischke Charles C. , Kumar Ganesh , Greenway Terrence E. , Tiwari Ambika , Lucas Penelope M.
Published: October 2019

This study evaluated dietary protein concentrations and replacing fish meal with porcine meat and bone meal (PMB) for pond‐raised fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Three diets were formulated to have 28, 32, or 35% protein using soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and fish meal as the main protein sources, respectively. A fourth diet contained 32% protein with fish meal being replaced with PMB. Analyzed protein concentrations were 29.7, 31.9, 34.4, and 31.1% on 90% dry matter basis, respectively. Small fingerlings (average initial weight: 2.0 g/fish) were stocked in 20 earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at 172,970 fish/ha and were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 98 days. There were no significant differences in total diet fed, gross yield, final weight, feed conversion ratio, survival, or condition factor among diets. There were also no significant differences in ammonia‐N, nitrite‐N, chlorophyll a, or desirable zooplankton concentrations in pond water of fish receiving different diets. Results show that a diet containing about 30% protein can support optimum growth of pond‐raised channel catfish fingerlings of 2 g and larger in fertilized ponds fed once daily to apparent satiation. PMB can completely replace fish meal in a 32% protein diet. Economic analysis suggests considerable cost savings by replacing fish meal with PMB and reducing protein concentrations in channel catfish fingerling diets.
Epidemiology, utilisation of healthcare resources and outcome of invasive fungal diseases following paediatric allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Linke Christina , Ehlert Karoline , Ahlmann Martina , Fröhlich Birgit , Mohring Daniela , Burkhardt Birgit , Rössig Claudia , Groll Andreas H.
Published: October 2019

Background

Epidemiology and management practices of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are a subject of constant change. We investigated the contemporary incidence, diagnostics, antifungal management and outcome at a major paediatric transplant centre in Germany.

Methods

The single‐centre retrospective observational study included all paediatric allogeneic HSCT patients (pts) transplanted between 2005 and 2015. Patient‐related data were assessed up to 365 days post‐transplant. The primary endpoint was the incidence of possible, probable and proven IFDs. Secondary endpoints included diagnostics and antifungal treatment; analysis of risk factors; and overall survival with the last follow‐up in January 2017.

Results

A total of 221 first (196), second (21) or third (4) procedures were performed in 200 pts (median age: 9 years, range, 0.5‐22) for leukaemia/lymphoma (149) and non‐malignant disorders (72). Prophylaxis was administered in 208 HSCT procedures (94%; fluconazole, 116, mould‐active agents, 92). At least one computed tomography scan of the chest was performed in 146, and at least one galactomannan antigen assay in 60 procedures. There were 15 cases of proven (candidemia, 4; aspergillosis, 4) or probable (aspergillosis, 7) IFDs, accounting for an incidence rate of 6.8%. Overall mortality at last follow‐up was 30%; the occurrence of proven/probable IFDs was associated with a reduced survival probability (P < .001).

Conclusion

Morbidity and mortality from IFDs at our institution were consistent with data reported from other centres. Utilisation of healthcare resources for prevention, diagnosis and management of IFDs was considerable.
Comparison of bronchial and nasal allergen provocation in children and adolescents with bronchial asthma and house dust mite sensitization
Authors: Fischl Anna , Eckrich Jonas , Passlack Vanessa , Klenke Sara-Kristin , Hartmann Desiree , Herrmann Eva , Schulze Johannes , Zielen Stefan
Published: October 2019

Background

Bronchial allergen provocation (BAP) is an established tool for the diagnosis of allergy in patients with asthma, but its use is limited by the potential risk of severe asthmatic reactions. Nasal provocation testing (NPT) may be an alternative safe method and does not require sophisticated equipment.

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the concordance of both methods in patients with asthma and house dust mite (HDM) sensitization.

Methods

A total of 112 patients with HDM sensitization underwent BAP and had the following parameters analysed: decrease in FEV1, exhaled NO, and total and specific IgE. Within 12 weeks, NPT with HDM was performed in 74 patients with a median age of 9 years (range, 5‐16 years). The results were evaluated using the Lebel score which quantifies major symptoms like rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, sneezes and minor symptoms, such as pruritus, conjunctivitis and pharyngitis.

Results

Fifty‐seven of 74 patients had an early asthmatic reaction, of which 41 were identified using the Lebel score. The Lebel score had a sensitivity of 71.9% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 89.1%. In addition, an eNO ≥ 10 ppb (AUC 0.78), a specific IgE Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus ≥ 25.6 kU/L (AUC 0.76) and a specific IgE Dermatophagoïdes farinae ≥ 6.6 kU/L (AUC 0.78) were good predictors of an early asthmatic reaction.

Conclusion

A sequential use of NPT prior to BAP is justified to establish the relevance of HDM allergy. In patients with a negative NPT, BAP is still recommended to rule out a HDM‐induced asthmatic reaction.
Large‐scale GWAS in sorghum reveals common genetic control of grain size among cereals
Authors: Tao Yongfu , Zhao Xianrong , Wang Xuemin , Hathorn Adrian , Hunt Colleen , Cruickshank Alan W. , van Oosterom Erik J. , Godwin Ian D. , Mace Emma S. , Jordan David R.
Published: October 2019

Grain size is a key yield component of cereal crops and a major quality attribute. It is determined by a genotype’s genetic potential and its capacity to fill the grains. This study aims to dissect the genetic architecture of grain size in sorghum. An integrated genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using a diversity panel (n = 837) and a BC‐NAM population (n = 1421). To isolate genetic effects associated with genetic potential of grain size, rather than the genotype’s capacity to fill the grains, a treatment of removing half of the panicle was imposed during flowering. Extensive and highly heritable variation in grain size was observed in both populations in 5 field trials, and 81 grain size QTL were identified in subsequent GWAS. These QTL were enriched for orthologues of known grain size genes in rice and maize, and had significant overlap with SNPs associated with grain size in rice and maize, supporting common genetic control of this trait among cereals. Grain size genes with opposite effect on grain number were less likely to overlap with the grain size QTL from this study, indicating the treatment facilitated identification of genetic regions related to the genetic potential of grain size. These results enhance understanding of the genetic architecture of grain size in cereal, and pave the way for exploration of underlying molecular mechanisms and manipulation of this trait in breeding practices.
Population structure and species delimitation of rice white tip nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), in China
Authors: Xu X. , Qing X. , Xie J. L. , Yang F. , Peng Y. L. , Ji H. L.
Published: October 2019

Aphelenchoides besseyi is a major nematode pathogen in rice known as the causal agent of white tip disease. In the present study, A. besseyi was recovered from 32 seed samples collected from the major rice‐growing regions in China. Nine mitochondrial COI haplotypes and 95 ITS genotypes were identified, suggesting a high genetic diversity and endemism level of A. besseyi in China. Therefore, A. besseyi is likely to have experienced a long history of host–parasite coevolution in China, rather than being recently introduced from other countries. The results of population structure analysis indicated the presence of four clusters within Chinese A. besseyi, but these did not correspond to their geographic distribution. Haplotype H2 was found to be the most widespread. Haplotypes H9 and H13 were most genetically divergent and have been recognized as two cryptic species by molecular species delimitation methods, and with limited support from morphometric measurements. The COI‐based phylogeny suggested the ability to parasitize rice has independently evolved at least four times in the genus Aphelenchoides.
Activation of goat primordial follicles in vitro: Influence of alginate and ovarian tissue
Authors: Correia Hudson H. V. , Lima Laritza F. , Sousa Francisca Geovania C. , Ferreira Anna Clara A. , Cadenas Jesus , Paes Victor M. , Alves Benner G. , Shikanov Ariella , Figueiredo José Ricardo
Published: October 2019

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of three culture systems on caprine primordial follicle activation in vitro: follicles cultured either in the isolated form within alginate (Isolated follicles + Alginate treatment), or enclosed in ovarian tissue (in situ), with or without alginate (Fragment + Alginate, and Fragment alone treatments, respectively). After culture, the Isolated follicles + Alginate treatment presented a percentage of morphologically normal follicles (MNF) similar to both the non‐cultured control and the Fragment Alone treatments. Nevertheless, Fragment + Alginate treatment showed a significant reduction in the number of MNF when compared to the other treatments. Regarding follicle development, our results showed that regardless of the alginate, the presence of ovarian tissue limited primordial follicle activation during in vitro culture. Remarkably, the Isolated primordial follicle + Alginate treatment was the only one that significantly promoted follicle activation and increased both follicle and oocyte diameters during IVFC, pointing out a higher cell proliferation. In conclusion, the presence of ovarian tissue with or without alginate limited follicle development (activation) after culture. Nevertheless, when primordial follicles were isolated and encapsulated in alginate they presented suitable survival rates, higher rates of follicle activation and continued to grow throughout the culture period.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: October 2019

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 10S Achara Jivacate, RATCH Group Public Company Limited, ThailandFroilan D. Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippineGianpiero Greco, University of Study of Bari, ItalyIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKJon S. Turner, Missouri State University, USAMan-fung Lo, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongMatt Varacallo, University of Kentucky, USAMehmet Galip Zorba, Akdeniz University, TurkeyMelike Özüdoğru, Manisa Celal Bayar University, TurkeyRichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASamah El-Sakka, Suez University, EgyptSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, GreeceVjacheslav Ivanovich Babich, Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Ukraine Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Experimental Comparison of Two Integer Valued Iterative Learning Control Approaches at a Stator Cascade
Authors: Arnold Florian , Neuhäuser Karl , King Rudibert
Published: October 2019

Experimental and simulative investigations have shown that active flow control (AFC) is an effective method to influence flow conditions within a compressor. This can be used for different cases like mitigating flow separation or to ensure a uniform flow throughout a compressor stage. Control performance can be improved by making use of a cyclic character found in the rotor/stator interaction or found in new gas turbine setups exploiting cycling combustion. To this end, iterative learning control (ILC) is applied. To achieve a fast actuation, irrespective of the implemented control method, solenoid valves should be installed instead of proportional valves. Unfortunately, the binary character of these valves does not allow the application of conventional control methods, e.g., real-valued ILC. This contribution presents two options to handle the binary control domain in the context of an ILC. Both approaches are tested in a simulation study first to analyze the behavior. Then they are applied to a real test rig featuring a linear stator cascade.
Efficacy of Clinical Simulation-Based Training in Biomedical Engineering Education
Authors: Singh Anita , Ferry Dawn , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: October 2019

The need for biomedical engineering (BME) students to be trained in real-world healthcare settings, where most medical device industry emerges, is imperative. Clinical immersion helps accomplish this training goal. However, the growing student population in the field of BME and a shortage of clinical collaborators offer serious limitations to the clinical immersion experience. This paper describes the use of a clinical simulation-based training (SBT) tool in BME education as an alternative resource to the real-world clinical immersion experience. Through the inclusion of simulation labs in BME courses, we assessed their efficacy in need-finding and enhancing students' understanding of the current challenges of existing medical technology. We also explored the possibility of offering cross-disciplinary learning environments in these simulation labs, including engineers and students from other healthcare disciplines such as nursing. Simulation labs served as a helpful tool in the need-finding phase of the design process, and the immersed students reported higher adaptive and life-long learning outcomes. Students also reported the simulation lab immersion to be valuable to their future goals as engineers. Furthermore, the SBT labs offered repetitive training in a controlled learning environment, inclusion of an interdisciplinary setting, and feedback through student reflections. The inclusion of simulation lab immersion and SBT labs in the two BME courses served as an useful and alternative educational tool that helped train students to better understand the needs of the healthcare industry while working in interdisciplinary settings.
Investigation of Multiphase Interfaces in Small Channels Using Micro CT
Authors: Schuler Julia , Kockmann Norbert
Published: October 2019

For the process intensification in miniaturized equipment with multiphase systems the spatial extension and shape of the interface is crucial. However, examining interfaces on the submillimeter to the submicron range is challenging due to limited optical accessibility. Therefore, in this work, micro computed X-ray tomography was applied to visualize static multiphase interfaces in small channels. The present work also introduces an image processing procedure used for the reconstruction of the tomographic data. To demonstrate both, the information value of 3D tomographic data and its advantages compared to conventional 2D imaging techniques, the contact angle between different fluid pairings and the solid channel is determined. This work forms the foundation for the three dimensional examination of multiphase flows and mass transfer in micro and milli channels.
Review on Bubble Dynamics in Microchannel Heat Sink
Authors: Kadam Sambhaji T. , Hassan Ibrahim , Kumar Ritunesh , Rahman Aziz
Published: October 2019

Inception of the boiling, in pool or flow boiling, is the formation of the vapour bubble at active nucleation site. The bubble dynamics plays an important role in the boiling process. It is critical as it unfolds many facets especially when channel size is reduced to submicron. The detailed knowledge of the bubble dynamics is helpful in establishing the thermal and hydraulic flow behaviour in microchannel. In this paper, the bubble dynamics which include bubble nucleation at nucleation site, its growth, departure and motion along the flow in a microchannel are discussed in details. Different models are developed for the critical cavity radius are compiled and observed that they show large variation when compare. The bubble growth models are compiled and concluded that a development of more generalized bubble growth model is necessary to account for the inertia controlled and thermal diffusion controlled regions. The bubble at the nucleation site in a microchannel grows under the influence of various forces such as surface tension, inertia, shear, gravitational and evaporation momentum. Parametric variations of these forces are critically studied and reckoned that the slope of these forces seems to be reduced beyond 500 μm. Eventually, possible impact of the various factors such as operating conditions, geometrical parameters, and thermophysical properties of fluid on bubble dynamics in microchannel has been reported.
Quantum mechanics with patterns of light: Progress in high dimensional and multidimensional entanglement with structured light
Authors: Forbes Andrew , Nape Isaac
Published: October 2019

Quantum mechanics is now a mature topic dating back more than a century. During its scientific development, it fostered many technological advances that now are integrated into our everyday lives. More recently, over the past few decades, the authors have seen the emergence of a second quantum revolution, ushering in control of quantum states. Here, the spatial modes of light, “patterns of light,” hold tremendous potential: light is weakly interacting and so an attractive avenue for exploring entanglement preservation in open systems, while spatial modes of light offer a route to high dimensional Hilbert spaces for larger encoding alphabets, promising higher information capacity per photon, better security, and enhanced robustness to noise. Yet, progress in harnessing high dimensional spatial mode entanglement remains in its infancy. Here, the authors review the recent progress in this regard, outlining the core concepts in a tutorial manner before delving into the advances made in creation, manipulation, and detection of such quantum states. The authors cover advances in using orbital angular momentum as well as vectorial states that are hybrid entangled, combining spatial modes with polarization to form an infinite set of two-dimensional spaces: multidimensional entanglement. The authors highlight the exciting work in pushing the boundaries in both the dimension and the photon number, before finally summarizing the open challenges, and the questions that remain unanswered.
iRhom2 and TNF: Partners or enemies?
Authors: Badenes Marina , Adrain Colin
Published: October 2019

iRhom2 inhibits proinflammatory signaling that stimulates liver fibrosis (Sundaram
et al.
, in 29 October 2019 issue).
Cyclic di-GMP-Mediated Regulation of Gene Transfer and Motility in Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Pallegar Purvikalyan , Peña-Castillo Lourdes , Langille Evan , Gomelsky Mark , Lang Andrew S.
Published: October 2019

Gene transfer agents (GTAs) are virus-like particles that move cellular DNA between cells. In the alphaproteobacterium
Rhodobacter capsulatus
, GTA production is affected by the activities of multiple cellular regulatory systems, to which we have now added signaling via the second messenger dinucleotide molecule bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP). Similar to the CtrA phosphorelay, c-di-GMP also affects
R. capsulatus
flagellar motility in addition to GTA production, with lower levels of intracellular c-di-GMP favoring increased flagellar motility and gene transfer. These findings further illustrate the interconnection of GTA production with global systems of regulation in
R. capsulatus
, providing additional support for the notion that the production of GTAs has been maintained in this and related bacteria because it provides a benefit to the producing organisms.
Bacterial Pathogens Hijack the Innate Immune Response by Activation of the Reverse Transsulfuration Pathway
Authors: Gobert Alain P. , Latour Yvonne L. , Asim Mohammad , Finley Jordan L. , Verriere Thomas G. , Barry Daniel P. , Milne Ginger L. , Luis Paula B. , Schneider Claus , Rivera Emilio S. , Lindsey-Rose Kristie , Schey Kevin L. , Delgado Alberto G. , Sierra Johanna C. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Wilson Keith T.
Published: October 2019

Macrophages are professional immune cells that ingest and kill microbes. In this study, we show that different pathogenic bacteria induce the expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) in macrophages. This enzyme is involved in a metabolic pathway called the reverse transsulfuration pathway, which leads to the production of numerous metabolites, including cystathionine. Phagocytized bacteria use cystathionine to better survive in macrophages. In addition, the induction of CTH results in dysregulation of the metabolism of polyamines, which in turn dampens the proinflammatory response of macrophages. In conclusion, pathogenic bacteria can evade the host immune response by inducing CTH in macrophages.
Magnetosome Gene Duplication as an Important Driver in the Evolution of Magnetotaxis in the
Alphaproteobacteria
Authors: Du Haijian , Zhang Wenyan , Zhang Wensi , Zhang Weijia , Pan Hongmiao , Pan Yongxin , Bazylinski Dennis A. , Wu Long-Fei , Xiao Tian , Lin Wei
Published: October 2019

A diversity of organisms can sense the geomagnetic field for the purpose of navigation. Magnetotactic bacteria are the most primitive magnetism-sensing organisms known thus far and represent an excellent model system for the study of the origin, evolution, and mechanism of microbial magnetoreception (or magnetotaxis). The present study is the first report focused on magnetosome gene cluster duplication in the
Alphaproteobacteria
, which suggests the important role of gene duplication in the evolution of magnetotaxis in the
Alphaproteobacteria
and perhaps the domain
Bacteria
. A novel scenario for the evolution of magnetotaxis in the
Alphaproteobacteria
is proposed and may provide new insights into evolution of magnetoreception of higher species.