bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipokines (Leptin, Adiponectin, Resistin) Differentially Regulate All Hormonal Cell Types in Primary Anterior Pituitary Cell Cultures from Two Primate Species
Authors: Sarmento-Cabral André , Peinado Juan R. , Halliday Lisa C. , Malagon María M. , Castaño Justo P. , Kineman Rhonda D. , Luque Raúl M.
Published: March 2017

Adipose-tissue (AT) is an endocrine organ that dynamically secretes multiple hormones, the adipokines, which regulate key physiological processes. However, adipokines and their receptors are also expressed and regulated in other tissues, including the pituitary, suggesting that locally- and AT-produced adipokines might comprise a regulatory circuit that relevantly modulate pituitary cell-function. Here, we used primary pituitary cell-cultures from two normal nonhuman-primate species [Papio-anubis/Macaca-fascicularis] to determine the impact of different adipokines on the functioning of all anterior-pituitary cell-types. Leptin and resistin stimulated GH-release, a response that was blocked by somatostatin. Conversely, adiponectin decreased GH-release, and inhibited GHRH-, but not ghrelin-stimulated GH-secretion. Furthermore: 1) Leptin stimulated PRL/ACTH/FSH- but not LH/TSH-release; 2) adiponectin stimulated PRL-, inhibited ACTH- and did not alter LH/FSH/TSH-release; and 3) resistin increased ACTH-release and did not alter PRL/LH/FSH/TSH-secretion. These effects were mediated through the activation of common (AC/PKA) and distinct (PLC/PKC, intra-/extra-cellular calcium, PI3K/MAPK/mTOR) signaling-pathways, and by the gene-expression regulation of key receptors/transcriptional-factors involved in the functioning of these pituitary cell-types (e.g. GHRH/ghrelin/somatostatin/insulin/IGF-I-receptors/Pit-1). Finally, we found that primate pituitaries expressed leptin/adiponectin/resistin. Altogether, these and previous data suggest that local-production of adipokines/receptors, in conjunction with circulating adipokine-levels, might comprise a relevant regulatory circuit that contribute to the fine-regulation of pituitary functions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Antigen distribution of TMUV and GPV are coincident with the expression profiles of CD8α-positive cells and goose IFNγ
Authors: Zhou Hao , Chen Shun , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Liu Fei , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Sun Kunfeng , Chen Xiaoyue , Jing Bo , Cheng Anchun
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 25545; published online: 06 May 2016; updated: 28 March 2017 This Article contains errors in the Figure legends of Figure 1 and Figure 2. The correct Figure legends appear below Figure 1. The location and density of GPV antigen, CD4 and CD8α molecules in the liver (LI), lung (LU), small intestine (SI), and rectum (R).
Correction: Corrigendum: The formation of multivesicular bodies in activated blastocysts is influenced by autophagy and FGF signaling in mice
Authors: Shin Hyejin , Bang Soyoung , Kim Jiyeon , Jun Jin Hyun , Song Haengseok , Lim Hyunjung Jade
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41986; published online: 03 February 2017; updated: 28 March 2017 The Acknowledgments section of this Article contains a typographical error, where: “This study was supported by Konkuk University in 2015”. should read: “This study was supported by Konkuk University in 2014”.
Distribution pattern of left-ventricular myocardial strain analyzed by a cine MRI based deformation registration algorithm in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Liu Hong , Yang Dan , Wan Ke , Luo Yong , Sun Jia-Yu , Zhang Tian-Jing , Li Wei-Hao , Greiser Andreas , Jolly Marie-Pierre , Zhang Qing , Chen Yu-Cheng
Published: March 2017

The cine magnetic resonance imaging based technique feature tracking-cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) is emerging as a novel, simple and robust method to evaluate myocardial strain. We investigated the distribution characteristics of left-ventricular myocardial strain using a novel cine MRI based deformation registration algorithm (DRA) in a cohort of healthy Chinese subjects. A total of 130 healthy Chinese subjects were enrolled. Three components of orthogonal strain (radial, circumferential, longitudinal) of the left ventricle were analyzed using DRA on steady-state free precession cine sequence images. A distinct transmural circumferential strain gradient was observed in the left ventricle that showed universal increment from the epicardial to endocardial myocardial wall (epiwall: −15.4 ± 1.9%; midwall: −18.8 ± 2.0%; endowall: −22.3 ± 2.3%, P < 0.001). Longitudinal strain showed a similar trend from epicardial to endocardial layers (epiwall: −16.0 ± 2.9%; midwall: −15.6 ± 2.7%; endowall: −14.8 ± 2.4%, P < 0.001), but radial strain had a very heterogeneous distribution and variation. In the longitudinal direction from the base to the apex of the left ventricle, there was a trend of decreasing peak systolic longitudinal strain (basal: −23.3 ± 4.6%; mid: −13.7 ± 7.3%; apical: −13.2 ± 5.5%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, there are distinct distribution patterns of circumferential and longitudinal strain within the left ventricle in healthy Chinese subjects. These distribution patterns of strain may provide unique profiles for further study in different types of myocardial disease.
Erratum: Targeted RNA-Seq profiling of splicing pattern in the DMD gene: exons are mostly constitutively spliced in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Bougé Anne-Laure , Murauer Eva , Beyne Emmanuelle , Miro Julie , Varilh Jessica , Taulan Magali , Koenig Michel , Claustres Mireille , Tuffery-Giraud Sylvie
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 39094; published online: 03 January 2017; updated: 28 March 2017 The original version of this Article contained errors. In the Abstract, “We have analysed the splicing pattern of the human Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) NB transcript in normal skeletal muscle”.
Preparation and characterization of (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-loaded nanoparticles and their inhibitory effects on Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
Authors: Zeng Liang , Yan Jingna , Luo Liyong , Ma Mengjun , Zhu Huiqun
Published: March 2017

We were employing nanotechnology to improve the targeting ability of (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) towards MCF-7 cells, and two kinds of EGCG nanoparticles (FA-NPS-PEG and FA-PEG-NPS) were obtained, besides, their characteristics and effects on MCF-7 cells were studied. The results indicated that (i) both FA-NPS-PEG and FA-PEG-NPS have high stabilities; (ii) their particles sizes were 185.0 ± 13.5 nm and 142.7 ± 7.2 nm, respectively; (iii) their encapsulation efficiencies of EGCG were 90.36 ± 2.20% and 39.79 ± 7.54%, respectively. (iv) there was no cytotoxicity observed in EGCG, FA-NPS-PEG and FA-PEG-NPS toward MCF-7 cells over all concentrations (0~400 μg/mL) tested; (v) EGCG, FA-NPS-PEG and FA-PEG-NPS inhibited MCF-7 cells proliferation in dose-dependent manners, with the average IC50 of 470.5 ± 33.0, 65.9 ± 0.4 and 66.6 ± 0.6 μg/mL; (vi) EGCG, FA-NPS-PEG and FA-PEG-NPS could modulated the expressions of several key regulatory proteins in PI3K-Akt pathway such as up-regulation of PTEN, p21 and Bax, and down-regulation of p-PDK1, p-AKT, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2, which gave an illustration about the mechanism by which EGCG nanoparticles inhibited MCF-7 cells proliferation. In this study, EGCG nanoparticles can significantly enhance the targeting ability and efficacy of EGCG, which is considered to an experimental foundation for further research on its activity, targeting ability and metabolism in vivo.
Facile synthesis of silicon nitride nanowires with flexible mechanical properties and with diameters controlled by flow rate
Authors: Dong Shun , Hu Ping , Zhang Xinghong , Cheng Yuan , Fang Cheng , Xu Jianguo , Chen Guiqing
Published: March 2017

Ultralong Si3N4nanowires (NWs) were successfully synthesized with size controlled in N2gas by using an efficient method. The diameters of the Si3N4NWs increased when the flow rate of N2gas increased, with average diameters of 290 nm from flow rates of 100 ml/min, 343 nm from flow rates of 200 ml/min and 425 nm from flow rates of 400 ml/min. Young’s modulus was found to rely strongly on the diameters of the Si3N4NWs, decreasing from approximately 526.0 GPa to 321.9 GPa; as the diameters increased from 360 nm to 960 nm. These findings provide a promising method for tailoring these mechanical properties of the NWs in a controlled manner over a wide range of Young’s modulus values. Vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanisms were used to model the growth of Si3N4NWs on the inner wall of an alumina crucible and on the surface of the powder mixture. Alumina may be an effective mediator of NW growth that plays an important role in controlling the concentrations of Si-containing reactants to support the growth of NWs on the inner wall of the alumina crucible. This approach offers a valuable means for preparing ultralong Si3N4NWs doped with Al with unique properties.
Sliding‐mode DPC using SOGI for DFIG under unbalanced grid condition
Authors: Sun Dan , Wang Xiaohe
Published: March 2017

A sliding‐mode direct power control (SMDPC) strategy using second‐order generalised integrator (SOGI) for doubly fed induction generator is proposed, which can achieve various objectives without the decomposition process of negative and positive sequence components when the grid voltage is unbalanced. The impact of the non‐ideal grid voltage to the SM controller is studied, and an improved strategy is proposed by combining an SOGI‐based compensator with the SMDPC strategy. Different control targets can be achieved by selecting different variables as the compensation. Experimental studies based on the proposed and traditional SMDPC are implemented to verify that the proposed strategy is effective when the grid voltage is unbalanced.
New method for assessing the utility harmonic impedance based on fuzzy logic
Authors: Zebardast Abolfazl , Mokhtari Hossein
Published: March 2017

This study proposes a novel non‐invasive method for estimating the utility harmonic impedance. Since the major concern about non‐invasive methods is the dependency of the accuracy of the results on background harmonic fluctuations, proper measured samples are selected using a three‐point data selection technique to increase the method accuracy. Then, a new non‐invasive method for the evaluation of the utility harmonic impedance at a point of common coupling (PCC) based on fuzzy logic is presented. In the proposed method, fuzzy logic is applied to the constrained recursive least squares algorithm (CRLS) by designing a set of fuzzy if‐then rules. Due to the changes in the quantities at a PCC because of the changes in the utility and customer sides, these rules are used to determine the magnitude of the forgetting factor of the CRLS in order to estimate the utility harmonic impedance. Analysis of the simulation and real field test results for different cases show that the proposed method is effective in reducing the harmonic impedance calculation error caused by the fluctuations of the background harmonic.
Function‐based modulation control for modular multilevel converters under varying loading and parameters conditions
Authors: Mehrasa Majid , Pouresmaeil Edris , Akorede Mudathir Funsho , Zabihi Sasan , Catalão João P.S.
Published: March 2017

This study presents a new function‐based modulation control technique for modular multilevel converters (MMCs). The main contribution of this study is the formulation of two new modulation functions for the required switching signals of the MMC's upper and lower sub‐modules, respectively. The output and circulating current equations of the converter are employed to attain the arm's currents which are utilised for the proposed modulation functions, which have two important features: (i) it is much less complex compared to the existing control methods of MMC; and (ii) the proposed controller can be regulated properly to deal with parameter variations in a bid to ensure stable and accurate performance. In this controller, the MMC output current magnitude and phase angle required for special active and reactive power sharing can be easily applied to the modulation functions. Also, the equivalent capacitors of upper and lower sub‐modules are discussed based on the proposed modulation functions. Finally, simulations are performed in Matlab/Simulink environment to evaluate the performance of the proposed control technique in both the dynamic conditions of load as well as varying parameters.
Interfacing technique and hardware‐in‐loop simulation of real‐time co‐simulation platform for wind energy conversion system
Authors: Jia Feng , Cai Xu , Lou Yaolin , Li Zheng
Published: March 2017

The wind energy conversion system is a complex dynamic system which contains multi‐coupling and multi‐time‐scales. The commonly used simplified models are unable to uncover all the detailed dynamics. The real‐time co‐simulation platform based on real‐time digital simulator and GH Bladed is built with a controller hardware‐in‐loop, in which the kinematics equation of generator rotor is used as the interface to decouple the different time scales, and a specific programmable logic controller is used to build the two‐way communication. The effect of signal delay between the two simulation platforms is discussed and the stability of the system is analysed. The proposed co‐simulation platform is able to show detailed dynamics of the whole turbine as well as the comprehensive effects of the controllers. The correctness and superiorities are verified by number of simulations.
Point and interval forecasting of real‐time and day‐ahead electricity prices by a novel hybrid approach
Authors: Tahmasebifar Reza , Sheikh‐El‐Eslami Mohammad Kazem , Kheirollahi Reza
Published: March 2017

Accurate forecasting of electricity market prices presents important information to market participants. This provides forward planning of their bidding strategies in order to maximise revenue, profit, and utility perspectives. Nevertheless, due to the non‐stationarities involved in market clearing price, an accurate forecasting of these prices is very complex. In this case, transformation from traditional point forecasts to probabilistic interval ones is of great importance to quantify the uncertainties of potential forecasts. In this study, interval forecasting of market clearing prices is conducted based on a novel approach within two consecutive steps. In the first step, a new hybrid method is proposed to estimate point forecasts: combination of wavelet transformation (Wt), feature selection based on Mutual Information (MI), extreme learning machine (ELM), and bootstrap approaches in an ensemble structure is employed. The second step consists of the following stepwise parts: calculating the variance of the model uncertainties based on the extracted data from the ensemble structure, estimating the noise variance by using the maximum‐likelihood estimation (MLE), and improving the accuracy of interval forecasting by using particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed approach termed as Wt–mutual information–ELM–MLE–PSO is validated through electricity market real data of Australian electricity network from real‐time and day‐ahead market viewpoints.
Distributed optimal energy scheduling based on a novel PD pricing strategy in smart grid
Authors: Guo Fanghong , Wen Changyun , Li Zhengguo
Published: March 2017

Pricing function plays an important role in optimal energy scheduling problem in smart grid systems. The authors propose a novel real‐time pricing (RTP) strategy named proportional and derivative (PD) pricing. Different from conventional RTP strategies, which only depend on the current total energy consumption, their proposed pricing strategy also takes the historical energy consumption into consideration, which aims to further fill the valley load and shave the peak load. An optimal energy scheduling problem is then formulated to minimise the total social cost of the overall power system. Two different distributed optimisation algorithms with different communication strategies are proposed to solve the problem. Several case studies implemented on a heating ventilation and air conditioning system are tested and discussed to show the effectiveness of both the proposed pricing function and distributed optimisation algorithms.
Dynamic characterization of coupled nonlinear oscillators caused by the instability of ionization waves
Authors: Fukuyama T. , Okugawa M.
Published: March 2017

We have experimentally investigated the dynamic behavior of coupled nonlinear oscillators, including chaos caused by the instability of ionization waves in a glow discharge plasma. We studied the phase synchronization process of coupled asymmetric oscillators with increasing coupling strength. Coherence resonance and phase synchronization were observed in the coupled systems. The phase synchronization process revealed scaling laws with a tendency of Type-I intermittency in the relationships between the coupling strength and the average duration of successive laminar states interrupted by a phase slip. Coupled periodic oscillators changed from a periodic state to chaos caused by the interaction of nonlinear periodic waves at increasing coupling strength.
Investigation into the formation of double layers caused by temperature dependent drifts in the ambit of classical distributions of inertial electrons and ions in space plasma
Authors: Kalita Bhaben Chandra
Published: March 2017

The determination of double layers (DLs) of specific amplitudes corresponding to a known amount of drifts v0 is completely a new result in this investigation. The same value of c(=v0 −M kz) with temperature dependent drifts v0 for different α (temperature), M (Mach number), and kz (direction) values is seen to produce double layers (DLs) of the same amplitudes positive or negative. Two new classical distributions of non-thermal inertial electrons and ions are established.
Dynamic properties of III–V polytypes from density-functional theory
Authors: Benyahia N. , Zaoui A. , Madouri D. , Ferhat M.
Published: March 2017

The recently discovered hexagonal wurtzite phase of several III–V nanowires opens up strong opportunity to engineer optoelectronic and transport properties of III–V materials. Herein, we explore the dynamical and dielectric properties of cubic (3C) and wurtzite (2H) III–V compounds (AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, and InSb). For cubic III–V compounds, our calculated phonon frequencies agree well with neutron diffraction and Raman-scattering measurements. In the case of 2H III–V materials, our calculated phonon modes at the zone-center Γ point are in distinguished agreement with available Raman-spectroscopy measurements of wurtzite GaAs, InP, GaP, and InAs nanowires. Particularly, the “fingerprint” of the wurtzite phase, which is our predicted E2(high) phonon mode, at 261 cm−1(GaAs), 308 cm−1(InP), 358 cm−1(GaP), and 214 cm−1(InAs) matches perfectly the respective Raman values of 258 cm−1, 306.4 cm−1, 353 cm−1, and 213.7 cm−1 for GaAs, InP, GaP, and InAs. Moreover, the dynamic charges and high-frequency dielectric constants are predicted for III–V materials in both cubic (3C) and hexagonal (2H) crystal polytypes. It is found that the dielectric properties of InAs and InSb contrast markedly from those of other 2H III–V compounds. Furthermore, InAs and InSb evidence relative strong anisotropy in their dielectric constants and Born effective charges, whereas GaP evinces the higher Born effective charge anisotropy of 2H III–V compounds.
Recruiting and Retaining Community-Based Preceptors: A Multicenter Qualitative Action Study of Pediatric Preceptors
Authors: Beck Dallaghan Gary L. , Alerte Anton M. , Ryan Michael S. , Patterson Patricia B. , Petershack Jean , Christy Cynthia , Mills William A. , Paul Caroline R. , Peltier Chris , Stamos Julie K. , Tenney-Soeiro Rebecca , Vercio Chad
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The recruitment and retention of community preceptors to teach medical students is difficult. The authors sought to characterize the underlying motivational factors for becoming a preceptor and to identify strategies for recruiting and retaining community-based pediatric preceptors.

Method

This multicenter qualitative action study included semistructured interviews with community-based pediatric preceptors affiliated with 12 institutions from August to December 2015. Only active preceptors were included, and participating institutions were diverse with respect to geographic location and class size. Interviews were conducted over the telephone and transcribed verbatim. Six investigators used deidentified transcripts to develop a codebook. Through a constant comparative method, codes were revised as data were analyzed and disagreements were resolved through discussion. All investigators organized the themes into dimensions.

Results

Fifty-one preceptors were interviewed. Forty-one themes coalesced into four dimensions: (1) least liked aspects of teaching, (2) preparation to teach, (3) inspiration to teach, and (4) ways to improve recruitment and retention. Time constraints and patient care demands were the most commonly cited deterrents to teaching. Successful preceptors balanced their clinical demands with their desire to teach using creative scheduling. External rewards (e.g., recognition, continuing medical education credit) served as incentives. Internal motivation inspired participants to share their enthusiasm for pediatrics and to develop longitudinal relationships with their learners.

Conclusions

Changes in health care delivery have imposed more time constraints on community-based preceptors. However, this study identified underlying factors motivating physicians to volunteer as preceptors. Strategies to recruit new and retain current preceptors must be collaborative.
Outcome and Histopathology of Secondary Penetrating Keratoplasty Graft Failure Managed by Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Lavy Itay , Liarakos Vasilios S. , Verdijk Robert M. , Parker Jack , Müller Thomas M. , Bruinsma Marieke , Binder Perry S. , Melles Gerrit R. J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To describe the clinical outcome and histopathology of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed for secondary graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Methods:

A total of 11 eyes from 10 patients who underwent DMEK for secondary PK graft failure at a tertiary referral center were included in this retrospective study. Best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and central pachymetry were evaluated before and at regular time intervals up to 36 months after DMEK and complications were recorded; 1 post mortem cornea was available for light microscopy.

Results:

At their last follow-up visit (on average, 16 months after DMEK), 7 of 11 transplanted corneas were clear. In the 7 eyes with clear grafts, 5 had a best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/25 (≥0.8), central pachymetry averaged 535 (±70) μm, and endothelial cell density averaged 1045 (±500) cells/mm2. Of the 11 eyes, 4 required rebubbling in the early postoperative phase; 1 eye was left with a small (<1/3) detachment. Light microscopy of the pathology specimen showed complete attachment of the DMEK graft onto the preexisting PK posterior stroma, with interface scarring over DMEK graft folds and underneath the graft area that had initially been detached.

Conclusions:

DMEK may be a viable option to manage secondary PK graft failure with acceptable outcomes in many cases. Rebubbling for graft detachment may be anticipated, especially because of preexisting glaucoma conditions (severe decompensation, hypotony, and tubes from glaucoma-draining devices). Graft reattachment may occur through interface scarring.
Handgrip Strength: A Population-Based Study of Norms and Age Trajectories for 3- to 17-Year-Olds
Authors: Bohannon Richard W. , Wang Ying-Chih , Bubela Deborah , Gershon Richard C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To provide normative values and equations for grip strength obtained from a population-based sample of individuals 3 to 17 years of age.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used grip strength data from 2706 participants (49.2% males, 91% right-hand dominant) in the normative phase of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox project.

Results:

Analyses showed greater strength in the dominant hand in boys and with each yearly increase in age. Normative data are presented separately for each side, sex, and age. Separate regression equations using age and weight as explanatory variables of grip strength are provided for each side by sex.

Conclusions:

The normative data can serve as a guide for interpreting grip strength measurements. The trajectories can be used to investigate the effect of various pathologies and conditions on grip strength during physical maturation.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Services for Children With Cerebral Palsy: What Can Existing Data Sources Tell Us?
Authors: Gannotti Mary E. , Bailes Amy , Bjornson Kristie , O'Neil Maggie , Grant-Buettler Marybeth , Dusing Stacey
Published: March 2017

Knowledge about associated service utilization patterns and positive outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) of varying levels of severity is a national priority. Families, clinicians, program directors, and policy makers need this information for clinical decision-making and service planning. Existing data sources in the United States that contain information about children with CP, their health, function, well being, and utilization of health services may add to our existing knowledge. We provide a summary of fourteen national, state, and local sources' data: where the data come from, challenges and/or specific considerations when using or accessing information, and specific data elements included. Currently available sources of data can provide meaningful information for policy, practice, and program development. We propose questions for future inquiry and suggest elements that may be useful for when developing data sources specific to physical therapy and individuals with CP. A physical therapy specific registry is warranted.
Physical Chemistry of Bile
Authors: Itani Malak , Dubinsky Theodore J.
Published: March 2017

Despite the overwhelming prevalence of cholelithiasis, many health care professionals are not familiar with the basic pathophysiology of gallstone formation. This article provides an overview of the biochemical pathways related to bile, with a focus on the physical chemistry of bile. We describe the important factors in bile synthesis and secretion that affect the composition of bile and consequently its liquid state. Within this biochemical background lies the foundation for understanding the clinical and sonographic manifestation of cholelithiasis, including the pathophysiology of cholesterol crystallization, gallbladder sludge, and gallstones. There is a brief discussion of the clinical manifestations of inflammatory and obstructive cholestasis and the impact on bile metabolism and subsequently on liver function tests. Despite being the key modality in diagnosing cholelithiasis, ultrasound has a limited role in the characterization of stone composition.
Impact of Surgical Approach on Long-term Survival in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Patients With or Without Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Noordman Bo Jan , van Klaveren David , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Lagarde Sjoerd M. , van der Gaast Ate , Hulshof Maarten C. C. M. , Biermann Katharina , Steyerberg Ewout W. , van Lanschot J. Jan B.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To compare overall survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) with limited lymphadenectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) with extended lymphadenectomy with or without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Background:

The application of neoadjuvant therapy might change the association between the extent of lymphadenectomy and survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. This may influence the choice of surgical approach in patients treated with nCRT.

Methods:

Patients with potentially curable subcarinal esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with surgery alone or nCRT followed by surgery in 7 centers were included. The effect of surgical approach on overall survival, differentiated by the addition or omission of nCRT, was analyzed using a multivariable Cox regression model that included well-known prognostic factors and factors that might have influenced the choice of surgical approach.

Results:

In total, 701 patients were included, of whom 318 had TTE with extended lymphadenectomy and 383 had THE with limited lymphadenectomy. TTE had differential effects on survival (P for interaction = 0.02), with a more favorable prognostic effect in patients who were treated with surgery alone [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–1.03]. This association was statistically significant in a subgroup of patients with 1 to 8 positive lymph nodes in the resection specimen (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.90). The favorable prognostic effect of TTE over THE was absent in the nCRT and surgery group (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.80–1.66) and in the subgroup of nCRT patients with 1 to 8 positive lymph nodes in the resection specimen (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.61–1.68).

Conclusions:

Compared to surgery alone, the addition of nCRT may reduce the need for TTE with extended lymphadenectomy to improve long-term survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Regulation of Life Span by The Gut Microbiota in The Short-Lived African Turquoise Killifish
Authors: Smith Patrick , Willemsen David , Popkes Miriam , Metge Franziska , Gandiwa Edson , Reichard Martin , Valenzano Dario Riccardo
Published: March 2017

Gut bacteria occupy the interface between the organism and the external environment, contributing to homeostasis and disease. Yet, the causal role of the gut microbiota during host aging is largely unexplored. Here, using the African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), a naturally short-lived vertebrate, we show that the gut microbiota plays a key role in modulating vertebrate life span. Recolonizing the gut of middle-age individuals with bacteria from young donors resulted in life span extension and delayed behavioral decline. This intervention prevented the decrease in microbial diversity associated with host aging and maintained a young-like gut bacterial community, characterized by overrepresentation of the key generaExiguobacterium, Planococcus, PropionigeniumandPsychrobacter. Our findings demonstrate that the natural microbial gut community of young individuals can causally induce long-lasting beneficial systemic effects that lead to life span extension in a vertebrate model.
Post-translational thioamidation of methyl-coenzyme M reductase, a key enzyme in methanogenic and methanotrophic Archaea
Authors: Nayak Dipti D. , Mahanta Nilkamal , Mitchell Douglas A. , Metcalf William W.
Published: March 2017

The enzyme methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR), found in strictly anaerobic methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea, catalyzes a reversible reaction involved in the production and consumption of the potent greenhouse gas methane. The α subunit of this enzyme (McrA) contains several unusual post-translational modifications, including an exceptionally rare thioamidation of glycine. Based on the presumed function of homologous genes involved in the biosynthesis of thioamide-containing natural products, we hypothesized that the archaealtfuAandycaOgenes would be responsible for post-translational installation of thioglycine into McrA. Mass spectrometric characterization of McrA in a ΔycaO-tfuAmutant of the methanogenic archaeonMethanosarcina acetivoransrevealed the presence of glycine, rather than thioglycine, supporting this hypothesis. Physiological characterization of this mutant suggested a new role for the thioglycine modification in enhancing protein stability, as opposed to playing a direct catalytic role. The universal conservation of this modification suggests that MCR arose in a thermophilic ancestor.
Multiple-model adaptive estimator for spacecraft attitude sensor calibration
Authors: Xiong Kai , Wei Chunling
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a multiple-model adaptive estimator (MMAE) to calibrate the star sensor low frequency error (LFE). The star sensor LFE, which is caused primarily by the periodic thermal distortion, has a great impact on spacecraft attitude determination accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The unfavorable effect of the LFE can be partly eliminated by using the calibration algorithm based on the augmented Kalman filter (AKF). However, the AKF may be worse than the traditional Kalman filter (KF) in the absence of the LFE. To cope with this problem, the MMAE is applied first time for combining the AKF and the KF in the spacecraft attitude determination system, such that satisfactory performance can be achieved in different operating scenarios.

Findings

The convergence of the presented MMAE is demonstrated through a formal derivation. A novel method is proposed to tune the MMAE design parameter, such that the convergence rate of the estimator is increased. It is shown via numerical studies that the presented algorithm outperforms the AKF and the KF.

Practical implications

The calibration algorithm is applicable for spacecraft attitude determination.

Originality/value

An effective star sensor LFE calibration algorithm based on the MMAE is developed. In addition, a novel method is proposed to increase convergence rate of the estimator.
Continuous adjoint aerodynamic optimization design for multi-stage gas turbine with cooling air
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Jiang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct the optimization of the multi-stage gas turbine with the effect of the cooling air injection based on the adjoint method.

Design/methodology/approach

Continuous adjoint method is combined with the S2 surface code.

Findings

The optimization of the stagger angles, stacking lines and the passage can improve the attack angles and restrain the development of the boundary, reducing the secondary flow loss caused by the cooling air injection.

Practical implications

The aerodynamic performance of the gas turbine can be improved via the optimization of blade and passage based on the adjoint method.

Originality/value

The results of the first study on the adjoint method applied to the S2 surface through flow calculation including the cooling air effect are presented.
Rights of the elderly: an emerging human rights discourse
Authors: Malek Md Abdul , Razzak Muhammad Abdur
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the specialty of the elderly issues and acknowledge the existence of their specific human rights that propose for a special treatment to be given or shown to them as priority as women or children, etc. Indubitably, the very issue is timely in all perspective. Because it is now axiomatic that the fastest growing elderly population becomes a challenge for the whole world for manifold reasons. They include, inter alia, the lack of a social security apparatus or if any, they are insufficient; the weakening of traditional family bonding; almost no explicit references to elderly people in existing international human right laws; and mere stand-by of soft law addressing the rights of the elderly over time. Consequently, these all have probably failed to meet the most urgent needs of this growing demographic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an effort made to recognize the “particular vulnerability” of the older persons and with identification of “specific rights”, advocate for special treatment for them and, optimally, the realization of their rights with respect.

Findings

In addition, this treatise attempts to focus on the nature and constitutional importance of elderly rights with the aim of providing the elderly with social security and prioritization; and more particularly, scrutiny of the impending and timely imperative for formulation of new legal instrument so as to adequately address the issue globally.
Improving and evaluating performance with the Public Sector Scorecard
Authors: Moullin Max
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The Public Sector Scorecard (PSS) is an integrated performance management framework incorporating strategy mapping, service improvement, and measurement and evaluation. It adapts and extends the balanced scorecard to suit the culture and values of the public and voluntary sectors. The purpose of this paper is to assess, with the aid of two case studies across organisational boundaries, how the PSS addresses a number of critical success factors for performance management and improvement in the public and third sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research takes a case study approach assessing the use of the PSS for the UK Ethnic Minority Employment Task Force, and for Sheffield Let’s Change4Life, a £10 million programme addressing obesity in children and families.

Findings

This paper concludes that the PSS is an effective framework to help organisations improve outcomes for service users and stakeholders without increasing overall cost, and develop measures of performance that help them improve and assure quality without motivating staff to achieve arbitrary targets at the expense of poor service to the public. Key to this is its emphasis on developing a performance management culture based on improvement, innovation and learning rather than a top-down blame culture.

Originality/value

There have been many research papers describing the problems and pitfalls of public sector performance management, but few which offer a solution. A particular innovation is how the theory of planned behaviour was integrated with a performance management framework for a behaviour change programme addressing childhood obesity.
A sequential process of brand tribalism, brand pride and brand attitude to explain purchase intention: a cross-continent replication study
Authors: Taute Harry A. , Sierra Jeremy J. , Carter Larry L. , Maher Amro A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and replicate the indirect effect of smartphone brand tribalism on purchase intent via brand pride and brand attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 190 US (Study 1) and 432 Qatari (Study 2) smartphone consumers, path analysis is used to evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

For these disparate samples, only the defense of the tribal brand dimension of brand tribalism influences brand pride, which in turn leads to a sequential process of brand attitude and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

Using only smartphone data from the USA and Qatar may hinder external validity. As effect sizes in this context are understood, researchers have additional benchmarks for future brand tribalism and brand pride research.

Practical implications

The psychological underpinning and presence of brand tribes in society cannot be overlooked by strategists. Such tribal-laden following is too evident within smartphone communities. By further understanding the effect of brand tribalism on brand pride and subsequent attitudinal response and behavioral intent, marketers and brand leaders are in an improved position to develop strategies that appeal to targeted customers, ultimately growing and strengthening their brand value.

Originality/value

Supported by the anthropological view of brand tribalism, this paper contributes to the branding literature by examining the indirect effect of brand tribalism on purchase intention via brand pride and brand attitude. The posited model, previously untested and replicated here across two ethnically diverse samples, shows more explanatory power for defense of the tribal brand on brand pride as compared to the other brand tribalism dimensions. A novel and valid, multi-item brand pride measure is also developed.
A multiple-criteria approach to human resource management assessment in organizations with respect to industry
Authors: Čančer Vesna , Šarotar Žižek Simona
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a multiple-criteria model for the assessment of human resource management (HRM), focusing on groups of organizations with respect to industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach presented in this paper follows the framework procedure for multiple-criteria decision-making based on the Quantified Dialectical Systems Theory. It considers the factor analysis results in structuring the problem. By considering several experts’ judgments already when measuring the importance of criteria, it enables respondents to omit those sets of criteria for which they are neither experts nor responsible.

Findings

The paper shows that the factor analysis results can also be used in structuring the multi-dimensional concept in multiple-criteria model for assessing HRM – a step forward to multi-methodology. The obtained aggregate values show human resource managers the key success and failure factors to adopt an integrated/requisitely holistic and innovated strategy related to HRM in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The approach presented in this paper helps managers in developing and implementing a requisitely holistic model of HRM, adapted to several groups of organizations, such as with respect to their industry, in any country.

Practical implications

This paper provides recommendations for HRM in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap in the research on multiple-criteria HRM assessment in organizations with respect to their industry by developing a multiple-criteria model for the assessment of HRM in groups of organizations, with application based on their industries.
An evaluation of logistics policy enablers between Taiwan and the UK
Authors: Chang Chia-Hsun , Lai Po-Lin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically identify crucial international logistics policy enablers and to examine their impacts on logistics performance using survey data collected from 169 responding firms in Taiwan and 109 responding firms in the UK including logistics companies, freight forwarders, shipping companies, agencies and airline companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple regression analysis is used as a method to empirically validate the research model.

Findings

Results indicate the five most important logistics policy enablers according to Taiwanese logistics firms are information technology system, inland transport linkage, simplifying the customs clearance procedures, ports and maritime transport and having a policy to ensure efficient service operation and multiplicity of services. In contrast, for the UK logistics firms, the five most important logistics policy enablers are telecommunications, information technology system, avoidance of unnecessary regulation, inland transport linkage and ports and maritime transport. Results also indicate that logistics policy dimensions in terms of regulation, integration, infrastructure and logistics education have a positive influence on firms’ logistics service quality and efficiency.

Originality/value

Theoretical and policy implications from the research findings on logistics policy between these two countries are discussed in this paper.
Managerial decision horizon and real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Authors: Yung Kenneth , Li Diane DeQing , Jian Yi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of managerial decision horizon (MDH) on real estate investment trust (REIT) behavior and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors expand the number of proxies and measure managerial horizon by CEO age, CEO tenure, cash compensation relative to total compensation, and the amount of vested equity-based compensation to total compensation. To avoid potential measurement error, the authors compute the average ranking score of the four individual measures to determine the overall MDH of a CEO. Cross-sectional time series regressions are then performed on the effects of CEO MDH on REIT policies and performance. The authors also examine if the effect of myopic MDH can be mitigated by good corporate governance. For robustness purpose, the authors also compare the effects of age-related MDH and compensation-related MDH.

Findings

The results show that REITs managed by CEOs with short MDHs have lower levels of asset growth and a lower standard deviation of return on assets. These REITs also have lower debt levels, lower dividend payouts, and hold more cash. The results suggest that short-horizon CEOs have incentives to lower investment risk, default risk, and liquidity risk at the firm level in order to protect personal benefits. CEOs with a short horizon also have a negative impact on REIT performance. The results also show that CEO compensation-related horizon problems are mitigated by corporate governance, but CEO age-related horizon problems are significant and persistent. The results suggest that age-related behavioral biases of the CEO are important determinants of corporate decisions.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that the managerial behavioral biases should be considered in understanding firm behavior.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the effects of MDH on REIT behavior and performance. The unique regulatory environment of REITs makes them less susceptible to agency problems of free cash flow and thus provides a clearer picture of the effect of MDH. Prior studies focus on the effect of managerial horizon on firm investment activity, this study expands the scope to examine the effects on investment and financial policies. In addition, this study adds to the literature by showing that the effect of age-related horizon problems may not be mitigated by good corporate governance.
How to Mend a Fragmented City: a Critique of ‘Infrastructural Solidarity'
Authors: Cesafsky Laura
Published: March 2017

Cities in Latin America in particular have been investing in new transportation networks such as bicycle systems, metros and bus rapid transit (BRT) technologies in recent years. These infrastructures are promoted as cures for trenchant social and spatial divisions as much as for traffic gridlock and vehicular pollution. This article unpacks the theory that infrastructures might mend cities that have been fragmented into disparate parts by uneven capitalist development. I argue that this ‘infrastructural solidarity' thesis relies on a troubled imagination—shared across urban design and strands of urban theory—that infrastructures are static, formal arrangements that concretize relations and enforce social cohesion or fragmentation. This article draws on qualitative research on the TransMilenio BRT system in Bogotá, Colombia, as well as on the work of Bruno Latour, suggesting that the political life of infrastructure is better revealed when such systems are understood as dense knots of shifting relations with complex temporalities. Arguments for the value of this type of actor‐network theory (ANT) reading often skew towards the esoteric, but the TransMilenio case shows how sorting through infrastructural ontologies actually matters in terms of how urbanists—academic and practicing—conceive of and work towards just and functional cities.