bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alliance portfolios and firm performance: the moderating role of environmental dynamics
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Bao Haijun
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the operation strategy of high-performance alliance portfolios by analyzing the effect of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal firms, using post-structuralism of social network theory and contingency theory. In detail, this paper refines alliance portfolios into three dimensions, and studies the moderating role of context on the relation between alliance portfolios and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was carried out with second-hand data gathered from Internal Revenue Service. In total, this paper gathered data from 506 focal firms in Zhejiang Province from 2001 to 2010 as the sample to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Based on the empirical results, the authors find the positive effect of relational dimension (weak alliance portfolios) and partner dimension (the diversity of partners) on performance. The effect of the former will become weaker with the increasing environmental dynamic, while the effect of the latter will become stronger. However, the structural dimension (alliance portfolios size) and relational dimension (new partners) have the negative effect on performance. And the negative effect will become stronger under high environmental dynamic. Moreover, the negative effect of non-local partners on performance becomes stronger when the environmental dynamic is high.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reveals that with the industry transformation caused by “internet +,” companies have been required go beyond traditional dyadic alliance management perspective. That is to say, individual alliance relationship should be seen as a part of a much broader picture of alliance portfolio. As such, the framework may help companies to manage their alliance portfolios by matching high-performance alliance portfolios to the external environment to produce a synergistic effect (Leaet al., 2006; Tritoset al., 2013; Keithet al., 2014) taking the characteristics of the configuration of alliance portfolios into consideration.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model that explains the effect of three dimensions of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal firms in different contexts through empirical study. This paper also integrates post-structuralism of social network theory and contingency theory to enable the understanding on the configuration of alliance portfolios.
Food supply chain integrity: the need to go beyond certification
Authors: Ali Mohd Helmi , Zhan Yuanzhu , Alam Syed Shah , Tse Ying Kei , Tan Kim Hua
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a conceptual model adopted from a strategy-structure-performance paradigm for investigating the fit between the supply chain integration and halal food supply chain integrity and the impact of halal food supply chain integrity on firms’ performance in a Malaysian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprises a sample of a halal manufacturing firm in Malaysia. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. Data were gathered based on mailed and personally administered questionnaires. SmartPLS was used to analyse the 254 valid responses.

Findings

The research findings indicate that internal integration and strategy have positive impact on halal food supply chain integrity. The study results confirmed that customer integration and supplier integration contributes to halal food supply chain integrity. It also finds that halal food supply chain integrity has a significantly positive impact.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggested that a strategic collaboration with the supplier pivoted around the quality and integrity of the raw materials should be undertaken.

Practical implications

The results from this study supports that the managers should adopt all halal food supply chain integrity components to achieve a superior performance. Even though some of the components did not yield significant results in terms of their relationships with firms’ performance, these dimensions were generally related to the standardised industry requirements, such as certifications.

Originality/value

The findings are original and unique and are based on established theories from the literature on supply chain management practices. The research findings are useful to academics and policymakers interested in fostering a halal supply chain in Malaysia.
The effect of technology innovation on mobile communication and mobile products
Authors: Lee Eui-Bang
Published: September 2017

Purpose

In order to understand the influence of technology innovation on market demand diffusion in the ICT service market, the purpose of this paper is to examine technology innovation in the mobile product market, which keeps a complementary relationship with the mobile communication market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected mobile communication user information of four leading countries in the ICT market – the USA, the UK, Korea, and Japan from 1981 to 2014. This study applies the Bass diffusion model to analyze the form of market demand diffusion and conducts white noise test to verify the hypotheses.

Findings

Technology innovation of mobile communication leads to an increase in innovation effect and a decrease in imitation effect. Thus, technology innovation of mobile communication needs to be promoted continuously for the purpose of increasing adopters in the early stage. Besides, mobile product’s technology innovation leads to an increase in imitation effect and a decrease in innovation effect, because individuals were aware of the usefulness of the products and services. Hence, the increase in the number of imitators caused a higher increase in imitation effect than in the mobile communication’s innovation effect.

Originality/value

Based on the results of this study, the role that product and service technology innovation plays in renewing the form of market demand diffusion in the ICT service market was defined. Also, since the strategies and plans to acquire competitive advantage of business were understood, it may help both companies and policy decision makers.
Heritage values and legal rules
Authors: Wells Jeremy C. , Lixinski Lucas
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Existing regulatory frameworks for identifying and treating historic buildings and places reflect deference to expert rule, which privileges the values of a small number of heritage experts over the values of the majority of people who visit, work, and reside in historic environments. The purpose of this paper is to explore a fundamental shift in how US federal and local preservation laws address built heritage by suggesting a dynamic, adaptive regulatory framework that incorporates heterodox approaches to heritage and therefore is capable of accommodating contemporary sociocultural values.

Design/methodology/approach

The overall approach used is a comparative literature review from the fields of heterodox/orthodox heritage, heterodox/orthodox law, adaptive management, and participatory methods to inform the creation of a dynamic, adaptive regulatory framework.

Findings

Tools such as dialogical democracy and participatory action research are sufficiently pragmatic in implementation to envision how an adaptive regulatory framework could be implemented. This new framework would likely require heterodox definitions of law that move beyond justice as a primary purpose and broaden the nature of legal goods that can be protected while addressing discourses of power to benefit a larger group of stakeholders.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that an adaptive regulatory framework would be particularly beneficial for architectural and urban conservation planning, as it foregrounds considerations other than property rights in decision-making processes. While such a goal appears to be theoretically possible, the challenge will be to translate the theory of an adaptive regulatory framework into practice as there does not appear to be any precedent for its implementation. There will be issues with the need for increased resources to implement this framework.

Originality/value

To date, there have been few, if any, attempts to address critical heritage studies theory in the context of the regulatory environment. This paper appears to be the first such investigation in the literature.
Factors influencing control charts usage of operational measures
Authors: Ericson Öberg Anna , Hammersberg Peter , Fundin Anders
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing implementation of control charts on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Factors driving organizational change described in literature are analyzed inspired by the affinity-interrelationship method. A holistic multiple-case design is used to conduct six workshops to affect the usage of control charts on KPIs at a global company in the automotive industry. The theoretical factors are compared with the result from the case study.

Findings

The important factors for implementation success differ to some extent between the theoretical and empirical studies. High-level commitment and a clear definition of the goal of change could be most important when creating a motivation for change. Thereafter, having a dedicated change agent, choosing an important KPI and being able to describe the gain in financial terms becomes more important.

Practical implications

By using control charts on KPIs, the organization in the case study has become more proactive, addressing the right issues upstream in the process, in the right way, cross-functionally.

Originality/value

Factors affecting the implementation of already available solutions in the industry are highlighted. This potentially provides a basis for improved decision making, which has a significant value.
PCA-spectroscopy study of common salt effect on solubility of direct dye
Authors: Shams-Nateri A. , Dehnavi E. , Zahedi E.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This work aims to explain the effect of common salt on absorbance spectra and solubility of textile direct dyes, which is important in analysing and reusing wastewater of dyeing process.

Design/methodology/approach

Several textile dyes such as Direct red 243, Direct yellow 86 and Direct blue 201 solutions with and without NaCl salt were used to study the effect of common salt on solubility of textile direct dyes. Several methods such as derivative spectrophotometry, principal component analysis and colorimetric techniques were used to analyse the absorbance spectra of dye solution.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that the effect of common salt on absorbance spectra and solubility of textile direct dye depends on the chemical structure of dyes. The NaCl salt significantly affects the solubility of Direct red 243 (red dye) and Direct yellow 86 (yellow dye) which have Azo compounds containing four SO3 functional groups. But the NaCl salt does not change the solubility of Direct blue 201 (Blue dye) which has Azo compound containing two SO3 functional groups. Also, the NaCl salt decreases the accuracy of dye concentration prediction.

Practical implications

During reusing wastewater of dyeing process, the amount of dyes has been evaluated via absorbance spectra of dye solution.

Originality/value

This work explains the effect of common salt on solubility of textile direct dyes and the accuracy of dyes concentration prediction.
Matrix‐Metalloproteinase‐2 Predicts Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tirinescu Dacian Călin , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Pop Laura , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Vlăduţiu Dan Ştefan , Paţiu Ioan Mihai , Rusu Crina Claudia , Moldovan Diana Tania , Potra Alina , Kacsó Ina Maria
Published: September 2017

In hemodialysis patients the principal cause of arteriovenous fistula dysfunction is stenosis. Matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 is implicated in the pathophysiological mechanism of stenosis development. Our study tried to assess the clinical impact of this protease on arteriovenous fistula survival. Seventy‐nine prevalent dialysis patients with functional arteriovenous fistulas were included in the study. The presence of stenosis and the serum levels of matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 were determined at the beginning of the study. The patency of the arteriovenous fistulas was followed‐ up for two years. In multivariate regression; matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 was a significant predictor of vascular access loss (HR = 1.104, 95%CI 1.033–1.179, P = 0.003). Patients with a level of matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 lower than 50 ng/mL had a better survival of the arteriovenous fistulas. Matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 was an even stronger predictor of fistula failure in the stenosis group (HR = 1.076, 95%CI 1.027–1.127, P = 0.002). In our study matrix‐metalloproteinase‐2 has a predictive value for arteriovenous fistula failure.
Quinoa Starch Characteristics and Their Correlations with the Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of Cooked Quinoa
Authors: Wu Geyang , Morris Craig F. , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: September 2017

Starch characteristics significantly influence the functionality and end‐use quality of cereals and pseudo‐cereals. This study examined the composition and properties of starch from 11 pure varieties and 2 commercial samples of quinoa in relationship to the texture of cooked quinoa. Nearly all starch properties and characteristics differed among these samples. Results showed that total starch content of seeds ranged from 53.2 to 75.1 g/100 g apparent amylose content ranged from 2.7% to 16.9%; total amylose ranged from 4.7% to 17.3%; and the degree of amylose–lipid complex ranged from 3.4% to 43.3%. Amylose leaching ranged from 31 mg/100 g starch in “Japanese Strain” to 862 mg/100 g starch in “49ALC.” “Japanese Strain” starch also exhibited the highest water solubility (4.5%) and the lowest swelling power (17). α‐Amylase activity in “1ESP,” “Col.#6197,” “Japanese Strain,” “QQ63,” “Yellow Commercial,” and “Red Commercial” (0.03 to 0.09 CU) were significantly lower than the levels of the other quinoa samples (0.20 to 1.16 CU). Additionally, gel texture, thermal properties, and pasting properties of quinoa starches were investigated. Lastly, correlation analysis showed that the quinoa samples with higher amylose content tended to yield harder, stickier, more cohesive, more gummy, and more chewy texture after cooking. A higher degree of amylose–lipid complex and amylose leaching were associated with softer and less chewy cooked quinoa TPA texture. Higher starch enthalpy correlated with firmer, more adhesive, more cohesive, and chewier texture. In sum, starch plays a significant role in the texture of cooked quinoa.

Practical Application

The research determined starch characteristics among a diverse set of pure quinoa varieties and commercial samples, and identified the relationships between starch properties and cooked quinoa texture. The results can help breeders and food manufacturers to understand better the relationships among quinoa starch characteristics, cooked quinoa texture, and the best use of different cultivars.
Awareness of SEC Enforcement and Auditor Reporting Decisions
Authors: Defond Mark L. , Francis Jere R. , Hallman Nicholas J.
Published: September 2017

We find that non‐Big 4 audit offices with greater awareness of SEC enforcement are more likely to issue first‐time going‐concern reports to distressed clients; where SEC “awareness” is measured using (i) audit office proximity to SEC regional offices, and (ii) proximity to specific SEC enforcement actions against auditors. We also show that these non‐Big 4 audit offices issue more going‐concern opinions to clients who do not subsequently fail, indicating a conservative bias that reduces the informativeness of audit reports. This conservative reporting bias is also associated with higher audit fees and higher auditor switching rates. These findings are important because non‐Big 4 firms now audit 39 percent of SEC registrants and issue 88 percent of going‐concern audit reports. For Big 4 offices, we find some evidence that awareness of SEC enforcement may improve reporting accuracy by reducing Type II errors (failing to issue a going‐concern report to a company that fails), although the number of cases is small.
A framework for high‐throughput eco‐evolutionary simulations integrating multilocus forward‐time population genetics and community ecology
Authors: Okamoto Kenichi W. , Amarasekare Priyanga
Published: September 2017

The evolutionary dynamics of quantitative traits in a species depends on demographic structure (e.g. age‐ and size‐dependent vital rates, migration across subpopulations, mate preferences, and the presence or absence of overlapping generations), which in turn can depend on interspecific interactions with other evolving species. Furthermore, biologists increasingly appreciate that evolutionary change in a single species can substantively affect broader ecological processes, such as community assembly and ecosystem functioning.

Models integrating insights from classical population and quantitative genetics, on the one hand, and community ecology theory, on the other, are therefore critical to elucidating the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes. However, few modelling approaches integrate ecological and genetic details into a comprehensive framework. Such models are needed to account for the reciprocal feedback between evolutionary change and ecological dynamics, and develop effective responses to anthropogenic disturbances on natural communities, improve agricultural practices and manage global health risks such as emerging pathogens.

Here we introduce an open‐source, multi‐species forward‐time population genetics simulator and framework for rapidly simulating eco‐evolutionary dynamics. Our approach permits building models that can account for alternative genetic architectures, non‐standard population dynamics and demographic structures, including those driven by interspecific interactions with other evolving species and the spatial dynamics of metacommunities. By integrating these processes into a common framework, we aim to facilitate the development of models that can further elucidate eco‐evolutionary dynamics.

While multi‐species, forward‐time population genetic models can be computationally expensive, we show how our framework leverages relatively economical graphics cards installed in modern desktops. We illustrate the versatility and general applicability of our approach for two very different case studies: antagonistic coevolution in space, and the evolution of life‐history traits in response to resource dynamics in physiologically structured populations. We find that our analyses can run up to c. 200 times faster on a single commodity graphics card than on a single CPU core, comparable to the performance gains on small‐to‐medium sized computer clusters.

Our approach therefore substantively reduces implementation difficulties to integrating ecological and evolutionary theory.
Attenuation of the anti‐contractile effect of cooling in the rat aorta by perivascular adipose tissue
Authors: Rafique Y. , AlBader M. , Oriowo M.
Published: September 2017

In addition to providing mechanical support for blood vessels, the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) secretes a number of vasoactive substances and exerts an anticontractile effect. The main objective of this study was to find out whether the anticontractile effect of cooling in the rat aorta is affected by PVAT. Our hypothesis was that PVAT would enhance the anticontractile effect of cooling in the rat aorta.

Aorta segments, with or without PVAT, were used in this investigation. Cumulative concentration‐response curves were established for phenylephrine at 37°C or 24°C. Phenylephrine (10‐9M – 10‐5M) induced concentration‐dependent contractions of aorta segments with or without PVAT at 37°C. The maximum response, but not pD2 value, was reduced in aorta segments with PVAT.

Cooling the tissues to 24 °C resulted in a significant reduction in the maximum response in aorta segments without PVAT with no change in pD2 values. However, the anticontractile effect of cooling was attenuated in the presence of PVAT with no significant (p > 0.05) change in either the maximum response or pD2 value.

L‐NAME potentiated PE‐induced contractions and this was greater in aorta segments without PVAT at both temperatures.

The expression of eNOS protein and basal tissue level of nitric oxide (NO) were greater in aorta segments with PVAT at both temperatures. However, PE significantly increased tissue levels of NO only in aorta segments without PVAT.

We concluded that PVAT‐induced loss of anticontractile effect of cooling against PE‐induced contractions could be due to impaired generation of NO in aorta segments with PVAT.
Effect of blood contamination on the compressive strength of three calcium silicate‐based cements
Authors: Sheykhrezae Mohammad S. , Meraji Naghmeh , Ghanbari Fatemeh , Nekoofar Mohammad H. , Bolhari Behnam , Dummer Paul M.H.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of human blood exposure on the compressive strength of various calcium silicate‐based cements. Two hundred and eighty‐eight customised cylindrical moulds were randomly divided into three groups according to material used: ProRoot MTA, Biodentine or CEM cement (n = 96). Each group was divided into two subgroups according to exposure conditions: PBS or blood. Then, the compressive strength of the specimens was measured after 6 h, 24 h, 72 h and 7 days. The compressive strength of CEM cement could not be measured after 6 and 24‏ h regardless of the exposure conditions nor could the compressive strength of 6 h blood‐exposed ProRoot MTA. The compressive strength of blood‐exposed ProRoot MTA was only significantly lower after 6 h, but no difference was seen at other time intervals. Blood exposed did adversely affected the compressive strength of Biodentine. The compressive strength of all groups significantly increased over time (P < 0.005).
Population Pharmacokinetic/ Pharmacodynamic Modelling of Auditory‐Evoked Event‐Related Potentials with Lorazepam
Authors: Lombard Aurélie , Brittain Claire , Wishart Graham , Lowe Stephen , McCarthy Andrew , Landschulz William , Dorffner Georg , Anderer Peter , Yuen Eunice
Published: September 2017

Event‐related potentials (ERPs) are commonly used in Neuroscience research, particularly the P3 waveform because it is associated with cognitive brain functions and is easily elicited by auditory or sensory inputs. ERPs are affected by drugs such as lorazepam, which increase the latency and decrease the amplitude of the P3 wave. In this study, auditory‐evoked ERPs were generated in 13 older healthy volunteers using an oddball tone paradigm, after administration of single 0.5 and 2 mg doses of lorazepam. Population pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) models were developed using nonlinear mixed‐effects methods in order to assess the effect of lorazepam on the latency and amplitude of the P3 waveforms. The PK/PD models showed that doses of 0.3 mg of lorazepam achieved approximately half of the maximum effect on the latency of the P3 waveform. For P3 amplitude, half the maximum effect was achieved with a dose of 1.2 mg of lorazepam. The PK/PD models also predicted an efficacious dose range of lorazepam, which was close to the recommended therapeutic range. The use of longitudinal P3 latency data allowed better predictions of the lorazepam efficacious dose range than P3 amplitude or aggregate exposure–response data, suggesting that latency could be a more sensitive parameter for drugs with similar mechanisms of action as lorazepam and that time course rather than single time‐point ERP data should be collected. Overall, the results suggest that P3 ERP waveforms could be used as potential non‐specific biomarkers for functional target engagement for drugs with brain activity, and PK/PD models can aid trial design and choice of doses for development of new drugs with ERP activity.
Tracing stakeholder terminology then and now: Convergence and new pathways
Authors: Griffin Jennifer J.
Published: September 2017

Over the past four decades, stakeholder research has united a chorus of voices from different disciplines using different terminology for different audiences all related to a seemingly similar topic: those that affect and are affected by business. By juxtaposing a comprehensive review of the early years of stakeholder research against more recent stakeholder research, we identify areas of common convergence (a focus on relationships and Freeman's definition of a stakeholder) as well as emergent scholarship (mechanisms underlying stakeholder relationships and solutions‐oriented impacts). We develop an organizing framework consisting of three stakeholder‐related themes: who or what is a stakeholder; mechanisms underlying stakeholder relationships; and outcomes‐oriented stakeholder research. Future research opportunities include: simultaneously examining multiple stakeholders at multiple levels; multiplier effects along the value chain and across geographies; and net impacts (examining whether net positive benefits inclusive of negative outcomes exist). We conclude by identifying how stakeholder research can “move the needle” on important business issues such as: income inequality and CEO pay; human rights and building community inclusion; disease alleviation; and food security in firms’ continuous quest to create value.
Stakeholder theory: A deliberative perspective
Authors: Richter Ulf Henning , Dow Kevin E.
Published: September 2017

Organizations routinely make choices when addressing conflicting stakes of their stakeholders. As stakeholder theory continues to mature, scholars continue to seek ways to make it more usable (and relevant), yet proponents continue to debate its legitimacy. Various scholarly attempts to ground stakeholder theory (empirically, instrumentally, or normatively) have not narrowed down this debate. We draw from the work of Juergen Habermas to theoretically advance stakeholder theory, and to provide practical examples to illustrate our approach. Specifically, we apply Habermas’ language‐pragmatic approach (which places strong emphasis on dialogue, participation, and procedural justice) to extend stakeholder theory by advancing seven sets of normative axioms (10 axioms in total). We conclude that a deliberative approach, with its focus on the conditions of legitimation and deliberative democracy, has the potential to become a cornerstone of stakeholder theory. The need for global stakeholder discourse and its internalization in corporate structures and institutions is exemplified by a multitude of CSR and stakeholder initiatives that have mushroomed in response to global risk scenarios such as climate change, nuclear warfare, or terrorism. Further research may help to build a functioning global governance system in order to provide guidance for management in the 21st century.
Circular interpretation of regression coefficients
Authors: Cremers Jolien , Mulder Kees Tim , Klugkist Irene
Published: September 2017

The interpretation of the effect of predictors in projected normal regression models is not straight‐forward. The main aim of this paper is to make this interpretation easier such that these models can be employed more readily by social scientific researchers. We introduce three new measures: the slope at the inflection point (bc), average slope (AS) and slope at mean (SAM) that help us assess the marginal effect of a predictor in a Bayesian projected normal regression model. TheSAMorASare preferably used in situations where the data for a specific predictor do not lie close to the inflection point of a circular regression curve. In this casebcis an unstable and extrapolated effect. In addition, we outline how the projected normal regression model allows us to distinguish between an effect on the mean and spread of a circular outcome variable. We call these types of effects location and accuracy effects, respectively. The performance of the three new measures and of the methods to distinguish between location and accuracy effects is investigated in a simulation study. We conclude that the new measures and methods to distinguish between accuracy and location effects work well in situations with a clear location effect. In situations where the location effect is not clearly distinguishable from an accuracy effect not all measures work equally well and we recommend the use of theSAM.
Japanese genome‐wide association study identifies a significant colorectal cancer susceptibility locus at chromosome 10p14
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Sugimachi Keishi , Yamamoto Ken , Niida Atsushi , Shimamura Teppei , Sato Tetsuya , Watanabe Masahiko , Tanaka Junichi , Kudo Shinei , Sugihara Kenichi , Hase Kazuo , Kusunoki Masato , Yamada Kazutaka , Shimada Yasuhiro , Moriya Yoshihiro , Suzuki Yutaka , Miyano Satoru , Mori Masaki , Mimori Koshi
Published: September 2017

Genome‐wide association studies are a powerful tool for searching for disease susceptibility loci. Several studies identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) connected intimately to the onset of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been published, but there are few reports of genome‐wide association studies in Japan. To identify genetic variants that modify the risk of CRC oncogenesis, especially in the Japanese population, we performed a multi‐stage genome‐wide association study using a large number of samples: 1846 CRC cases and 2675 controls. We identified 4 SNP (rs7912831, rs4749812, rs7898455 and rs10905453) in chromosome region 10p14 associated with CRC; however, there are no coding or non‐coding genes within this region of fairly extensive linkage disequilibrium (a 500‐kb block) on 10p14. Our study revealed that the 10p14 locus is significantly correlated with susceptibility to CRC in the Japanese population, in accordance with the results of multiple studies in other races.
Antitumor effects of eribulin depend on modulation of the tumor microenvironment by vascular remodeling in mouse models
Authors: Ito Ken , Hamamichi Shusei , Abe Takanori , Akagi Tsuyoshi , Shirota Hiroshi , Kawano Satoshi , Asano Makoto , Asano Osamu , Yokoi Akira , Matsui Junji , Umeda Izumi O. , Fujii Hirofumi
Published: September 2017

We previously reported that eribulin mesylate (eribulin), a tubulin‐binding drug (TBD), could remodel tumor vasculature (i.e. increase tumor vessels and perfusion) in human breast cancer xenograft models. However, the role of this vascular remodeling in antitumor effects is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the effects of eribulin‐induced vascular remodeling on antitumor activities in multiple human cancer xenograft models. Microvessel densities (MVD) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (CD31 staining), and antitumor effects were examined in 10 human cancer xenograft models. Eribulin significantly increased MVD compared to the controls in six out of 10 models with a correlation between enhanced MVD levels and antitumor effects (R2 = 0.54). Because of increased MVD, we next used radiolabeled liposomes to examine whether eribulin treatment would result in increased tumoral accumulation levels of these macromolecules and, indeed, we found that eribulin, unlike vinorelbine (another TBD) enhanced them. As eribulin increased accumulation of radiolabeled liposomes, we postulated that this treatment might enhance the antitumor effect of Doxil (a liposomal anticancer agent) and facilitate recruitment of immune cells into the tumor. As expected, eribulin enhanced antitumor activity of Doxil in a post‐erlotinib treatment H1650 (PE‐H1650) xenograft model. Furthermore, infiltrating CD11b‐positive immune cells were significantly increased in multiple eribulin‐treated xenografted tumors, and natural killer (NK) cell depletion reduced the antitumor effects of eribulin. These findings suggest a contribution of the immune cells for antitumor activities of eribulin. Taken together, our results suggest that vascular remodeling induced by eribulin acts as a microenvironment modulator and, consequently, this alteration enhanced the antitumor effects of eribulin.
Critical Dogmatics as Paradigm
Authors: Hinlicky Paul R.
Published: September 2017

Theology as “critical dogmatics” points to a way forward between naturalism and constructivism in thought “after modernity.” It urges neither pre‐critical dogmatics nor modern systematizing, but a proposal for a pragmatic and hermeneutical theology making a single claim to truth about God as the One determined to redeem and fulfill the creation through the missions of God's Son and Spirit. This article clarifies the difference between Rudolph Bultmann's program of demythologization, and more generally, dialectical theology's antinomy of “the word of God and the word of humans,” and the sense of “deliteralization” in the strong trinitarian personalism of critical dogmatics.
Lutheran Secularism as a Challenge for Constructive Theology: A Swedish Perspective, a Foucauldian Proposal
Authors: Martinson Mattias
Published: September 2017

In this article the Swedish Lutheran heritage is discussed in relation to its historical connections with secularism. The question is raised whether and how constructive and liberating Lutheran theology can be developed under such conditions. In order to deal with this problem, Michel Foucault's late philosophy of truth and subjectivity is discussed. A proposition is made for a constructive theology that does not retreat from secularism but is critically involved in the secular through an emphasized confidence in God.
Lutheran Subjectivity and Costly Neighbor Love in Secular Sweden: Confronting the Refugee Crisis through Alethurgy
Authors: Thompson Deanna A.
Published: September 2017

This article offers a constructive Lutheran theology that challenges the hegemony of secular Sweden, particularly in light of challenges posed by the current global refugee crisis. The author uses Guillermo Hanson's creative rethinking of Lutheran subjectivity to highlight a radical embodied vision of neighbor love. Retrieving Luther's claim that Muslims and Christians worship the same God, the article concludes with proposals for alethurgic practices that wed neighbor love to acknowledgement of a common God.
Speaking of the Spirit1
Authors: Rivera Nelson
Published: September 2017

Since Gregory Nazianzus called it the “special difficulty” in the fourth century, we should not be surprised that speaking of the Holy Spirit still challenges theologians today. In this article I attempt definitions of the Spirit's activity in the church and the world, and its role within the life of the Trinity. I look for help in Paul's Letter to the Romans, from the Christian tradition, and from Luther's teaching, inviting all to this conversation about the Spirit's identity and place in an ecumenical context.
Communicating a Protesting Protestant Heritage
Authors: Rowe Terra Schwerin
Published: September 2017

This article opens by wondering, as many critics did during and after World War II, why a tradition named for its protesting impetus is today often marked by complacency and quietism. In conversation with political theorist William Connolly and Rev. Dr. William Barber's activism, this article suggests that Luther's unique articulation of the communicatio idiomatum might offer a compelling and coherent model for Lutheran ethical‐political agency that can provide an alternative to—rather than reinforcing—the modern isolated subject cum homo economicus often associated with idealized images of Luther's protest before the Diet of Worms.
Making Room at the Table: Lutheran Ministry in a Religiously Plural America
Authors: Grafton David D.
Published: September 2017

Religious pluralism is a part of the American experience. This article proposes that Christianity in the United States is not under attack, as some claim, but that such religiosity has been a part of the American experience from the very beginning. Such diversity is now more public and acceptable. This reality requires clergy and lay leaders to develop skills to help their congregations navigate their ongoing multi‐faith relationships within families, at work, school, and within civic organizations. The article argues that Christian faithfulness is not a matter of changing what we believe in response to religious pluralism, but how we articulate our beliefs in such a context. Finally, the author proposes several practical guidelines for developing such pastoral skills through the use of Luther's Catechisms.
De novo transcriptome assembly and developmental mode specific gene expression of Pygospio elegans
Authors: Heikkinen Liisa K. , Kesäniemi Jenni E. , Knott K. Emily
Published: September 2017

Species with multiple different larval developmental modes are interesting models for the study of mechanisms underlying developmental mode transitions and life history evolution. Pygospio elegans, a small, tube‐dwelling polychaete worm commonly found in estuarine and marine habitats around the northern hemisphere, is one species with variable developmental modes. To provide new genomic resources for studying P. elegans and to address the differences in gene expression between individuals producing offspring with different larval developmental modes, we performed whole transcriptome Illumina RNA sequencing of adult worms from two populations and prepared a de novo assembly of the P. elegans transcriptome. The transcriptome comprises 66,233 unigenes, of which 33,807 contain predicted coding sequences, 26,448 have at least one functional annotation, and 3,076 are classified as putative long non‐coding RNAs. We found more than 8,000 unigenes significantly differentially expressed between adult worms from populations producing either planktonic or benthic larvae. This comprehensive transcriptome resource for P. elegans adds to the available genomic data for annelids and can be used to uncover mechanisms allowing developmental variation in this and potentially other marine invertebrate species.
Oviposition behaviour of Tamarixia radiata: effects of host density and exposure time
Authors: CHEN XULIN , WONG SAMUEL W. K. , STANSLY PHILIP A.
Published: September 2017

1. The number of hosts attacked as a function of host density is considered to be an important characteristic of parasitoid behaviour and is used to estimate key parameters such as handling time and ‘instantaneous rate of discovery’. However, little has been done to validate functional response models by direct observation of parasitoid oviposition behaviour.

2. Tamarixia radiata is the most promising parasitoid for biological control attacking Diaphorina citri. Mass rearing and augmentative release seen as a potential strategy for suppression of D. citri has been documented in abandoned citrus, residential areas, and organic groves. Nevertheless, parasitism rates in culture and in the field are only moderate, leading to questions about oviposition behaviour in response to host density.

3. Behaviours of gravid T. radiata females presented with susceptible host instars were categorised and documented by direct observation for 30 min and by camera recordings made over 12 h. Frequency of searching and antennating increased with host density during the 30 min. Probing rejection rates and search duration increased significantly with host density over 12 h. These factors resulted in significantly lower fecundity than expected, possibly due to host mark‐mediated deterrence within the small searching area. Females took approximately 3.6–4.2 min to probe and parasitise a host regardless of host density and exposure duration. These results were markedly different from the 52.2 min estimated from the functional response equation.

4. Further experiments are required to assess the range and persistence of the putative host‐marking pheromone, and to better understand the relationship between functional response parameters and actual behaviour.
Direct fitness benefits explain mate preference, but not choice, for similarity in heterozygosity levels
Authors: Zandberg Lies , Gort Gerrit , van Oers Kees , Hinde Camilla A.
Published: September 2017

Under sexual selection, mate preferences can evolve for traits advertising fitness benefits. Observed mating patterns (mate choice) are often assumed to represent preference, even though they result from the interaction between preference, sampling strategy and environmental factors. Correlating fitness with mate choice instead of preference will therefore lead to confounded conclusions about the role of preference in sexual selection. Here we show that direct fitness benefits underlie mate preferences for genetic characteristics in a unique experiment on wild great tits. In repeated mate preference tests, both sexes preferred mates that had similar heterozygosity levels to themselves, and not those with which they would optimise offspring heterozygosity. In a subsequent field experiment where we cross fostered offspring, foster parents with more similar heterozygosity levels had higher reproductive success, despite the absence of assortative mating patterns. These results support the idea that selection for preference persists despite constraints on mate choice.
Effectiveness of the ‘Hold me Tight’ Relationship Enhancement Program in a Self‐referred and a Clinician‐referred Sample: An Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy‐Based Approach
Authors: Conradi Henk Jan , Dingemanse Pieter , Noordhof Arjen , Finkenauer Catrin , Kamphuis Jan H.
Published: September 2017

While evidence‐based couple therapies are available, only a minority of troubled couples seek help and they often do this too late. To reach more couples earlier, the couple relationship education (CRE) group program “Hold me Tight” (HmT) based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) was developed. This study is the first to examine the effectiveness of HmT. Using a three‐wave (waiting period, treatment, and follow‐up) within‐subject design, HmT was delivered to 79 self‐referred couples and 50 clinician‐referred couples. We applied a comprehensive outcome measure battery. Our main findings were that (1) self‐referred couples significantly improved during HmT on all measures, that is relationship satisfaction, security of partner‐bond, forgiveness, daily coordination, maintenance behavior, and psychological complaints, with a moderate‐to‐large mean effect size (d = .63), which was maintained (d = .57) during the 3.5 month follow‐up; (2) in clinician‐referred couples, who were vulnerable in terms of insecure attachment status and psychopathology, the improvement during HmT was moderate (d = .42), but this was reduced during the 3.5‐month follow‐up to a small effect (d = .22); (3) emotional functioning (typical HmT target) as well as behavioral functioning (typical Behavioral Couples Therapy‐based CRE target) improved during HmT; and (4) individual psychological complaints, although not specifically targeted, were reduced during HmT. These findings suggest that HmT is a promising intervention for enhancement of relationship functioning. Clinical implications are discussed.
Subtle changes in the active site architecture untangled overlapping substrate ranges and mechanistic differences of two reductive dehalogenases
Authors: Kunze Cindy , Diekert Gabriele , Schubert Torsten
Published: September 2017

Reductive dehalogenases (RDases) of organohalide‐respiring bacteria are cobamide‐containing iron–sulfur proteins that catalyze different reductive dehalogenation reactions. Here, we report a functional analysis of two recombinant RDases, the tetrachloroethene (PCE) reductive dehalogenase (PceA) of Desulfitobacterium hafniense Y51 and the 1,2‐dichloroethane (1,2‐DCA) reductive dehalogenase (DcaA) of Desulfitobacterium dichloroeliminans DCA1. Both enzymes share 88% protein sequence identity, but appeared to have divergent mechanisms. In this study, the heterologously produced DcaA converted 1,2‐DCA and 1,1,2‐trichloroethane (1,1,2‐TCA) via dihaloelimination to ethene and vinyl chloride, respectively. In addition, halogen substitution at PCE, trichloroethene (TCE) and tribromoethene (TBE) was observed, but only at low rates. In contrast, recombinant PceA exclusively converted halogenated ethenes and showed no dihaloelimination activity. In silico structural analysis of both RDases revealed similar architectures of their active site cavities. Exchange of the highly conserved Tyr298 to Phe led to a complete loss of the PCE, TCE and TBE conversion by both RDases, strengthening the assumption that Tyr298 functions as proton donor in the course of halogen substitution. The exchange did not affect the ability of DcaA to convert 1,2‐DCA and 1,1,2‐TCA. This result makes the involvement of a proton transfer in the dihaloelimination reaction unlikely and allows for a clear differentiation between two mechanisms working in DcaA and PceA. The analysis of the role of the active site structure for RDase function was extended to the mutations W118F that had a negative effect on DcaA function and W432F or T294V that caused alterations in the substrate specificity of the enzyme.

Enzymes

Tetrachloroethene reductive dehalogenase (EC 1.21.99.5), DCA ‐RDase.
Climate change alters stability and species potential interactions in a large marine ecosystem
Authors: Griffith Gary P. , Strutton Peter G. , Semmens Jayson M.
Published: September 2017

We have little empirical evidence of how large‐scale overlaps between large numbers of marine species may have altered in response to human impacts. Here, we synthesized all available distribution data (>1 million records) since 1992 for 61 species of the East Australian marine ecosystem, a global hot spot of ocean warming and continuing fisheries exploitation. Using a novel approach, we constructed networks of the annual changes in geographical overlaps between species. Using indices of changes in species overlap, we quantified changes in the ecosystem stability, species robustness, species sensitivity and structural keystone species. We then compared the species overlap indices with environmental and fisheries data to identify potential factors leading to the changes in distributional overlaps between species. We found that the structure of the ecosystem has changed with a decrease in asymmetrical geographical overlaps between species. This suggests that the ecosystem has become less stable and potentially more susceptible to environmental perturbations. Most species have shown a decrease in overlaps with other species. The greatest decrease in species overlap robustness and sensitivity to the loss of other species has occurred in the pelagic community. Some demersal species have become more robust and less sensitive. Pelagic structural keystone species, predominately the tunas and billfish, have been replaced by demersal fish species. The changes in species overlap were strongly correlated with regional oceanographic changes, in particular increasing ocean warming and the southward transport of warmer and saltier water with the East Australian Current, but less correlated with fisheries catch. Our study illustrates how large‐scale multispecies distribution changes can help identify structural changes in marine ecosystems associated with climate change.