bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does management innovation matter for performance: Efficiency or legitimacy?
Authors: Wei Zelong , Song Xi , Xie Paike
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Despite increased research attention to management innovation, the literature offers conflicting explanations of how it affects firm performance. The rational perspective emphasises the role of management innovation for organisational routine updating. The fashion perspective views management innovation as a symbolic activity to foster legitimacy. The purpose of this study is to integrate the two perspectives and explore both the mediating effects of organisational efficiency and business legitimacy and the moderating effect of CEO shareholding.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on empirical data from 238 Chinese firms, this study conducts stepwise regression to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study finds that management innovation positively affects both organisational efficiency and business legitimacy and then firm performance. However, the promotion effect of organisational efficiency is stronger than that of business legitimacy on firm performance. The results further indicate that CEO shareholding strengthens the effect of management innovation on organisational efficiency but weakens it for business legitimacy.

Originality/value

This study presents a complete explanation of the effect of management innovation on firm performance by exploring the mediating effect of both organisational efficiency and business legitimacy. Further, it compares the effects of organisational efficiency and business legitimacy on firm performance. Finally, it resolves the conflict between the rational and fashion perspectives by involving the moderating effect of CEO shareholding.
¿Qué hacer cuando tú marca es secuestrada por Narcos? El caso del whisky de Buchanan’s
Authors: Kervyn Nicolas , Cavazos Arroyo Judith , Castillo Villar Fernando Rey , Gomez Zuñiga Rosa Andrea
Published: December 2019

Learning outcomes

Entender la diferencia entre identidad de marca e imagen de marca. - Aplicar varias herramientas de segmentación - Entender el atractivo aspiracional de la marca y su consecuencia en el consumo privado y público. - Explorar las opciones estratégicas disponibles para una marca que enfrenta una apropiación de marca. - Explorar los pros y los contras de oponerse a una apropiación de marca. Desarrollar un plan para la implementación de esta estrategia - Explorar los pros y los contras de utilizar la estrategia de Laisser-Faire en la apropiación de la marca. Desarrollar un plan para la implementación de esta estrategia - Explorar los pros y los contras de instrumentalizar la apropiación de marca. Desarrollar un plan para la implementación de esta estrategia

Case overview/synopsis

Este caso pretende ayudar a los alumnos a comprender la diferencia entre la identidad de marca (la que los propietarios de estas pretenden que se perciba) y la imagen de marca (la que los consumidores perciben realmente).

Complexity academic level

Este caso está diseñado para ser utilizado en un curso de gestión de marketing, estrategias de marca o cultura del consumidor. Especificamente, el caso esta diseñado para estudiantes de último año de licenciatura o maestría en Mercadotecnia ya que tienen nociones básicas de mercadotecnia estratégica. Debería proporcionar bases para las discusiones sobre temas de gestión de marca, cultura del consumidor, gestión de carteras de marca, marketing internacional, estrategia de reposicionamiento, arquitectura de marca, el valor de la marca, los valores de la marca, apropiación de la marca y relaciones de los consumidores con estas.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Determinants of rural livelihood interventions: an ISM-MICMAC approach
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Giri Tapas Kumar , Gogoi Bidyut Jyoti
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Livelihood interventions are recognized as instruments to deliver sustainable development by addressing multidimensional issues of poverty. Despite several interventions, success still remains trivial due to various interactive determinants. The purpose of this paper is to present the hierarchical model of determinants of rural livelihood interventions in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach to explore the interactive relationships among determinants. Then, by using the Matrice d’ Impacts Croises - Multipication Applique a classement (MICMAC) approach, these determinants are classified into four groups on the basis of their driving power and dependence power.

Findings

The research findings include identification of nine critical determinants using hybrid research process. These nine determinants are classified into four distinct levels revealing different extents of influence on livelihood outcomes. The results show that strong emphasis should be given to local institutions and enclosing institutional environment in terms of good governance and better convergence.

Practical implications

The research findings offer insights for policy-makers on the hierarchical model among determinants. The study will help to close the existing dominant gap between theory and practice and imply corresponding methods and processes to deliver better livelihood outcomes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to policy literature by providing a structural model for interventions. This model identifies the dominant as well as mediating determinants and thereby guides policymakers to develop corresponding instruments and strategies. The study also contributes to rural development literature by identifying various interactive contextual relationships and thereby classifying the high priority determinants.
Firesetters with intellectual disabilities in Denmark
Authors: Holst Søren , Lystrup Dorte , Taylor John L.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gather epidemiologicalinformation concerning firesetters with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Denmark to identify the assessment and treatment needs of this population and inform further research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

The records held by the Danish Ministry of Justice concerning all firesetters with ID convicted of deliberate firesetting were reviewed for the period January 2001 to December 2010 inclusive. File information was extracted for 83 offenders concerning: demographic and personal characteristics; mental health characteristics; offending behaviour; offence-specific factors; and motives for offending. A sub-group of seven offenders were interviewed to explore some of the themes that emerged from the file review.

Findings

The majority of study participants were male and were classified as having mild ID and around 50 per cent had additional mental health problems. Many came from disturbed and deprived backgrounds. Two-thirds had set more than one fire and over 60 per cent had convictions for offences other than firesetting. Alcohol was involved in the firesetting behaviour in a significant proportion of cases (25 per cent). The motives for setting fires were – in descending order – communication (of anger, frustration and distress), fire fascination and vandalism. Interviews with participants indicated the important communicative function of firesetting, the difficulties people had in talking about and acknowledging their firesetting behaviour, and lack of access to targeted interventions.

Research limitations/implications

Interventions for Danish firesetters with ID, as for firesetters with ID elsewhere, need to target the communicative function of this behaviour, along with offenders’ lack of insight and initial reluctance to accept responsibility for their behaviour and associated risks. Adjunctive treatment is required to address the psychiatric comorbidity experienced by many of these offenders, along with the alcohol use/misuse that is associated with many of these offences.

Originality/value

This is the first study concerning nature and needs of firesetters with ID in Denmark.
Queueing analysis for operations modeling in port logistics
Authors: Legato Pasquale , Mazza Rina Mary
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The use of queueing network models was stimulated by the appearance (1975) of the exact product form solution of a class of open, closed and mixed queueing networks obeying the local balance principle and solved, a few years later, by the popular mean value analysis algorithm (1980). Since then, research efforts have been produced to approximate solutions for non-exponential services and non-pure random mechanisms in customer processing and routing. The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of modeling choices and solution approaches consolidated in other domains with respect to two key logistic processes in container terminals.

Design/methodology/approach

In particular, the analytical solution of queueing networks is assessed for the vessel arrival-departure process and the container internal transfer process with respect to a real terminal of pure transshipment.

Findings

Numerical experiments show the extent to which a decomposition-based approximation, under fixed or state-dependent arrival rates, may be suitable for the approximate analysis of the queueing network models.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of adopting exponential service time distributions and Poisson flows is highlighted.

Practical implications

Comparisons with a simulation-based solution deliver numerical evidence on the companion use of simulation in the daily practice of managing operations in a finite-time horizon under complex policies.

Originality/value

Discussion of some open modeling issues and encouraging results provide some guidelines on future research efforts and/or suitable adaption to container terminal logistics of the large body of techniques and algorithms available nowadays for supporting long-run decisions.
A united front against marine invaders: Developing a cost‐effective marine biosecurity surveillance partnership between government and industry
Authors: McDonald Justin I. , Wellington Claire M. , Coupland Grey T. , Pedersen Dan , Kitchen Brad , Bridgwood Samantha D. , Hewitt Matthew , Duggan Roger , Abdo David A.
Published: December 2019

Successful detection of introduced marine pests (IMP) relies upon effective surveillance. However, the expedience of responding following IMP detection is often dependent upon the relationship between regulators and stakeholders.

Effective detection of IMP in areas such as commercial ports requires a collaborative approach, as port environments can be highly complex both above and below the water. This complexity can encompass physical, logistical, safety and legislative issues. With this in mind, the aquatic pest biosecurity section within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) developed the State‐Wide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP) in collaboration with Western Australian Port Authorities and port industry stakeholders.

The SWASP is primarily based on passive settlement arrays for IMP detection. Arrays are deployed at strategic locations within Ports. Marine growth samples collected from the arrays are processed using Next‐Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify the presence of IMP within a specific geographical location.

Over 8 years, participation in SWASP has grown from 3 to 11 ports, spanning over 11,000 km, from the tropical north to temperate south of Western Australia. The programme has proven to be highly effective as a means of fostering stakeholder involvement and, importantly for IMP surveillance. The growth and success of SWASP has continued primarily because of the commitment and farsightedness of the ports involved. The regular presence of the biosecurity regulator as a partner in SWASP has provided a consistent face for biosecurity and fostered good stakeholder relationships, ensuring there is a reliable and effective ongoing marine surveillance programme for the state.

Synthesis and applications. Through a united and collaborative approach to marine biosecurity surveillance, port authorities, industry and biosecurity regulators have developed the State‐Wide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP) and closed a major gap in biosecurity surveillance. The SWASP collaboration uses passive settlement arrays and molecular analyses to provide regular marine pest surveillance from the tropics to temperate regions of Western Australia. The continued commitment has embedded valuable relationships between stakeholder and regulator ensuring ongoing surveillance in marine biosecurity for the state. The Western Australian SWASP example has inspired other jurisdictions around Australia to develop similar collaborative approaches which will have far‐reaching marine biosecurity benefits.
The development and use of Actiphage® to detect viable mycobacteria from bovine tuberculosis and Johne’s disease‐infected animals
Authors: Swift Benjamin M. C. , Meade Nathan , Barron Elsa Sandoval , Bennett Malcolm , Perehenic Tania , Hughes Valerie , Stevenson Karen , Rees Catherine E. D.
Published: December 2019

Here, we describe the development of a method that exploits bacteriophage D29 as a lysis agent for efficient DNA extraction from low numbers of mycobacterial cells. This method (Actiphage®) used in combination with PCR achieved rapid and sensitive (LOD ≤ 10 cell ml−1) detection and identification of viable, pathogenic mycobacteria in blood samples within 6 h. We demonstrate that mycobacteriophage D29 can be used to detect a range of mycobacteria from clinical blood samples including both Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis without the need for culture and confirms our earlier observations that a low‐level bacteraemia is associated with these infections in cattle. In a study of M. bovis‐infected cattle (n = 41), the sensitivity of the Actiphage® method was 95 % (95 % CI; 0.84–0.99) and specificity was 100 % (95% CI; 0.92–1). We further used Actiphage® to demonstrate viable Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is present in the blood of Johne’s infected cattle. This method provides a revolutionary new tool for the study of infections caused by these difficult to grow pathogens.
The joint information role of analysts’ cash flow and earnings forecasts
Authors: Dhole Sandip , Gul Ferdinand A. , Mishra Sagarika , Pal Ananda M.
Published: December 2019

We study whether the relative magnitudes of analysts’ cash flow and earnings forecasts convey information about the persistence and value relevance of reported earnings. We find that reported earnings are likely to be more (less) persistent and value relevant when analysts forecast relatively moderate (extreme) levels of operating cash flows, relative to earnings. We also find that the market’s response to a given earnings surprise is the strongest for moderate levels of cash flow forecasts relative to earnings. The joint information role of analysts’ cash flow and earnings forecasts persists even after controlling for the absolute accruals in the model.
Genetic investigation of equine recurrent uveitis in Appaloosa horses
Authors: Rockwell H. , Mack M. , Famula T. , Sandmeyer L. , Bauer B. , Dwyer A. , Lassaline M. , Beeson S. , Archer S. , McCue M. , Bellone R. R.
Published: December 2019

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is characterized by intraocular inflammation that often leads to blindness in horses. Appaloosas are more likely than any other breed to develop insidious ERU, distinguished by low‐grade chronic intraocular inflammation, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Appaloosas are known for their white coat spotting patterns caused by the leopard complex spotting allele (LP) and the modifierPATN1. A marker linked toLPon ECA1 and markers near MHC on ECA20 were previously associated with increased ERU risk. This study aims to further investigate these loci and identify additional genetic risk factors. A GWAS was performed using the Illumina Equine SNP70 BeadChip in 91 horses. Additive mixed model approaches were used to correct for relatedness. Although they do not reach a strict Bonferroni genome‐wide significance threshold, two SNPs on ECA1 and one SNP each on ECA12 and ECA29 were among the highest ranking SNPs and thus warranted further analysis (P = 1.20 × 10−5,P = 5.91 × 10−6,P = 4.91 × 10−5,P = 6.46 × 10−5). In a second cohort (n = 98), only an association with theLPallele on ECA1 was replicated (P = 5.33 × 10−5). Modeling disease risk withLP, age and additional depigmentation factors (PATN1genotype and extent of roaning) supports an additive role forLPand suggests an additive role forPATN1. Genotyping forLPandPATN1may help predict ERU risk (AUC = 0.83). The functional role ofLPandPATN1in ERU development requires further investigation. Testing samples across breeds with leopard complex spotting patterns and a denser set of markers is warranted to further refine the genetic components of ERU.
First‐in‐human phase I study of E7090, a novel selective fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Shimizu Toshio , Iwasa Satoru , Fujiwara Yutaka , Kondo Shunsuke , Kitano Shigehisa , Yonemori Kan , Shimomura Akihiko , Iizumi Sakura , Sasaki Tatsuya , Furuse Junji , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: December 2019

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) are a family of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases involved in regulating cellular processes. FGFR mutations are implicated in oncogenesis, representing therapeutic potential in the form of FGFR inhibitors. This phase I, first‐in‐human study in Japan evaluated safety and tolerability of E7090, a potent selective FGFR1‐3 inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Dose escalation (daily oral dose of 1‐180 mg) was carried out to assess dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamic markers (serum phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23, and 1,25‐(OH)2‐vitamin D) were also evaluated. A total of 24 patients refractory to standard therapy or for whom no appropriate treatment was available were enrolled. No DLT were observed up to the 140‐mg dose; one patient in the 180‐mg cohort experienced a DLT (increased aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, grade 3). The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Dose‐dependent increases in the maximum concentration and area under the curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration were observed up to 180 mg. Dose‐dependent increases were observed in all pharmacodynamic markers and plateaued at 100‐140 mg, indicating sufficient FGFR pathway inhibition at doses ≥100 mg. In conclusion, E7090 showed a manageable safety profile with no DLT at doses ≤140 mg. Maximum tolerated dose was not determined. The recommended dose for the follow‐up expansion part, restricted to patients with tumors harboring FGFR alterations, was determined as 140 mg, once daily.
Reference range and cutoff value of serum inhibin B to predict successful sperm retrieval: A cross‐sectional study of 30 613 Chinese men
Authors: Wang Jian , Lu Na , Zhang Shuolei , Tang Zhangming , Huang Yifei , Li Weina , Liu Gang
Published: December 2019

Background

The power of inhibin B to predict competent spermatogenesis is not fully understood. The aims of this study were to identify the reliable reference range of inhibin B among normozoospermic men in China and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum inhibin B level as a complementary predictor of successful sperm retrieval in patients with azoospermia.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. The male partners of 30 613 infertile couples who visited our hospital were investigated between March 2017 and March 2019. We analysed semen parameters, serum levels of reproductive hormones (inhibin B, FSH and testosterone) and sperm retrieval results from PESA/TESE in Chinese men.

Results

The normal reference range of inhibin B was 87.42‐299.93 pg/mL among men with normozoospermia in China. Inhibin B levels were negatively correlated with age (r = −.111; P < .001) but positively correlated with total sperm counts in the overall population, reference group and case group (r = .311, r = .208 and r = .444, respectively; P < .001). Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that compared with the FSH and testosterone levels, the inhibin B level had the closest relationship with the total sperm count. The best cutoff value of inhibin B for predicting the retrieval outcome of testicular/epididymal sperm was >77.72 pg/mL (sensitivity = 59.14%, specificity = 92.00% and AUC = 0.801). The inhibin B:FSH ratio (cutoff value > 6.98, sensitivity = 56.99%, specificity = 96.00% and AUC = 0.814) performed better than either the inhibin B level or the FSH level alone.

Conclusion

A new reference range for serum inhibin B was established in China. However, neither serum inhibin B, FSH nor their ratio is adequate for men to decide whether to undergo PESA/TESE to determine the adequacy of spermatogenesis.
Hand eczema treatment: Change behaviour with text messaging, a randomized trial
Authors: Erdil Duygu , Koku Aksu Ayşe E. , Falay Gür Tuğba , Gürel Mehmet S.
Published: December 2019

Background

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of hand eczema. Effective treatment usually involves avoidance of irritants and use of appropriate topical medication. In this study, the effectiveness of using text messaging addressing preventive behaviours and appropriate medication adherence was evaluated.

Methods

Patients who were admitted to Istanbul Training and Research Hospital Dermatology Department March 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015, and diagnosed with hand eczema were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into the SMS group and the non‐SMS group. Text messages were sent to the mobile phones of the patients in the SMS group. Severity of hand eczema, compliance to treatment, patients' information level, adherence to preventive behaviours, and the protective behaviour score were evaluated at baseline, and at the 4th and 8th week.

Results

Eighty‐one patients with hand eczema were included in the study. After 8 weeks, the decrease in the Hand Eczema Severity Index score was 70.2% (SD 35.2) in the SMS group and 38.9% (SD 67.7) in the non‐SMS group (P = .017). Sending SMS to patients increased the use of moisturizer. There was no statistically significant difference in other behaviours.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that text messaging improves the treatment success and specifically the frequency of moisturizer use in patients with hand eczema.
Identification of Susceptibility Genes to Allergic Rhinitis by Gene Expression Data Sets
Authors: Xue Kai , Yang Jingpu , Zhao Yin , Cheng Jinzhang , Wang Zonggui
Published: December 2019

As an extremely prevalent disease worldwide, allergic rhinitis (AR) is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. To identify the finer molecular mechanisms associated with the AR susceptibility genes, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AR were investigated. The DEG expression and clinical data of the GSE19187 data set were used for weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). After the modules related to AR had been screened, the genes in the module were extracted for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, whereby the genes enriched in the KEGG pathway were regarded as the pathway‐genes. The DEGs in patients with AR were subsequently screened out from GSE19187, and the sensitive genes were identified in GSE18574 in connection with the allergen challenge. Two kinds of genes were compared with the pathway‐genes in order to screen the AR susceptibility genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the capability of the susceptibility genes to distinguish the AR state. Based on the WGCNA in the GSE19187 data set, 10 co‐expression network modules were identified. The correlation analyses revealed that the yellow module was positively correlated with the disease state of AR. A total of 89 genes were found to be involved in the enrichment of the yellow module pathway. Four genes (CST1, SH2D1B, DPP4, and SLC5A5) were upregulated in AR and sensitive to allergen challenge, whose potentials were further confirmed by ROC curve. Taken together, CST1, SH2D1B, DPP4, and SLC5A5 are susceptibility genes to AR.
Distribution and small‐scale spread of the invasive weed Solanum carolinense in Austria
Authors: Follak S.
Published: December 2019

Solanum carolinense is a perennial herb native to the United States which was accidentally introduced to Austria over 20 years ago. In this study, the current distribution of S. carolinense in Austria and its local spread dynamics in a selected agricultural area have been evaluated based on a literature search and a survey carried out in 2019. The species is an example of an invasive weed that is currently still rare in Austria as its distribution is restricted to southern Austria with only nine occupied grid cells. This corresponds to 0.3 % of all grid cells (n = 2625) in Austria. However, the clustered appearance of the occupied grid cells and the small‐scale spread observed within grid cells indicate an incipient spread. Thus, it can be assumed that the species will likely expand its range in Austria and beyond. It is therefore of importance to further survey S. carolinense and to observe its appearance in new areas in particular by raising awareness among farmers and agricultural advisors.
A novel end‐to‐end deep learning scheme for classifying multi‐class motor imagery electroencephalography signals
Authors: Hassanpour Ahmad , Moradikia Majid , Adeli Hojjat , Khayami Seyed Raouf , Shamsinejadbabaki Pirooz
Published: December 2019

An important subfield of brain–computer interface is the classification of motor imagery (MI) signals where a presumed action, for example, imagining the hands' motions, is mentally simulated. The brain dynamics of MI is usually measured by electroencephalography (EEG) due to its noninvasiveness. The next generation of brain–computer interface systems can benefit from the generative deep learning (GDL) models by providing end‐to‐end (e2e) machine learning and increasing their accuracy. In this study, to exploit the e2e‐property of deep learning models, a novel GDL methodology is proposed where only minimal objective‐free preprocessing steps are needed. Furthermore, to deal with the complicated multi‐class MI–EEG signals, an innovative multilevel GDL‐based classifying scheme is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed model and its robustness against noisy MI–EEG signals is evaluated using two different GDL models, that is, deep belief network and stacked sparse autoencoder in e2e manner. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology with improved accuracy compared with the widely used filter bank common spatial patterns algorithm.
Competency Alignment and Certification for Preservice Home Visitors
Authors: Walsh Bridget A. , Mortensen Jennifer A. , Peterson Carla A. , Cassidy Dawn ,   Collaborative for Understanding the Pedagogy of Infant/Toddler Development (CUPID)
Published: December 2019

Objective

To explore home visitor expanded competencies aligned with family life education (FLE) competencies to inform the knowledge, skills, and attitudes addressed in preservice home visitor training.

Background

Home visitor preparation in higher education should be informed by widely accepted competencies.

Method

We aligned FLE competencies with the Collaborative for Understanding the Pedagogy of Infant/Toddler Development (CUPID) competencies into a framework of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to promote practices in the field while preparing to earn the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential. This framework was developed through an iterative process with stakeholders.

Results

The full alignment includes 10 competencies.

Implications

This comprehensive alignment may inform the scholarship of teaching and learning in home visiting coursework and FLE content area coursework. This alignment may also promote developing new courses on home visiting, enhancing existing courses to address home visiting competencies, or modifying existing pedagogy. In the future, National Council on Family Relations CFLE‐approved programs may want to incorporate the content of this alignment into their courses to promote the ability of preservice home visitors to apply for the CFLE credential.
Crystal structures and calorimetry reveal catalytically relevant binding mode of coproporphyrin and coproheme in coproporphyrin ferrochelatase
Authors: Hofbauer Stefan , Helm Johannes , Obinger Christian , Djinović‐Carugo Kristina , Furtmüller Paul G.
Published: December 2019

Coproporphyrin ferrochelatases (CpfCs, EC 4.99.1.9) insert ferrous iron into coproporphyrin III yielding coproheme. CpfCs are utilized by prokaryotic, mainly monoderm (Gram‐positive) bacteria within the recently detected coproporphyrin‐dependent (CPD) heme biosynthesis pathway. Here, we present a comprehensive study on CpfC from Listeria monocytogenes (LmCpfC) including the first crystal structure of a coproheme‐bound CpfC. Comparison of crystal structures of apo‐LmCpfC and coproheme‐LmCpfC allowed identification of structural rearrangements and of amino acids involved in tetrapyrrole macrocycle and Fe2+ binding. Differential scanning calorimetry of apo‐, coproporphyrin III‐, and coproheme‐LmCpfC underline the pronounced noncovalent interaction of both coproporphyrin and coproheme with the protein (ΔTm = 11 °C compared to apo‐LmCpfC), which includes the propionates (p2, p4, p6, p7) and the amino acids Arg29, Arg45, Tyr46, Ser53, and Tyr124. Furthermore, the thermodynamics and kinetics of coproporphyrin III and coproheme binding to apo‐LmCpfC is presented as well as the kinetics of insertion of ferrous iron into coproporphyrin III‐LmCpfC that immediately leads to formation of ferric coproheme‐LmCpfC (kcat/KM = 4.7 × 105 m−1·s−1). We compare the crystal structure of coproheme‐LmCpfC with available structures of CpfCs with artificial tetrapyrrole macrocycles and discuss our data on substrate binding, iron insertion and substrate release in the context of the CPD heme biosynthesis pathway.

Enzyme

EC 4.99.1.9

Database

pdb‐codes of structural data in this work: 6RWV, 6SV3.
The IFITM protein family in adaptive immunity
Authors: Yánez Diana C. , Ross Susan , Crompton Tessa
Published: December 2019

Interferon‐inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are a family of small homologous proteins, localized in the plasma and endolysosomal membranes, which confer cellular resistance to many viruses. In addition, several distinct functions have been associated with different IFITM family members, including germ cell specification (IFITM1–IFITM3), osteoblast function and bone mineralization (IFITM5) and immune functions (IFITM1–3, IFITM6). IFITM1–3 are expressed by T cells and recent experiments have shown that the IFITM proteins are directly involved in adaptive immunity and that they regulate CD4+ T helper cell differentiation in a T‐cell‐intrinsic manner. Here we review the role of the IFITM proteins in T‐cell differentiation and function.
Conception narratives and third party reproduction in lesbian‐parented families in France
Authors: Gross Martine , Richardot Sophie
Published: December 2019

Lesbian mothers and gay fathers cannot conceal the existence of a third party for reproduction purposes: a sperm donor, an egg cell donor or a surrogate mother, all of whom have contributed, without being a parent as such, to the birth of their child. This article focuses on what is said about these third parties and what the child is told about his or her conception, by lesbian mothers who used sperm donation, either through the means of MAP or with the help of a known donor, outside the medical field. The inquiry, both qualitative and quantitative, uses a sample of 118 female couples to whom a child was born in France between 2011 and 2013. Analysis shows that the mothers employ different terms by which they wish to be known by their child and by which to refer to a donor according to whether he is known or not. The study exposes not only a common structure to most of the conception stories but also certain variations revealing four types of narratives. The narratives produced by couples who have used a known donor insist less on the love story between the two mothers. The entirety of these narratives, however, offer the chance to reconcile a transgressive family model with society: to normalise and valorise the family set‐up.
Revealing transactions data to third parties: Implications of privacy regimes for welfare in online markets
Authors: Baye Michael R. , Sappington David E. M.
Published: December 2019

We examine the effects of privacy policies regarding transactions (e.g., price/quantity) data on online shopping platforms. Disclosure of transactions data induces consumer signaling behavior that affects merchant pricing decisions and the welfare of platform participants. A profit‐maximizing platform prefers the disclosure policy that maximizes total welfare. Although this policy benefits sophisticated consumers, it harms unsophisticated (myopic) consumers. Consequently, the welfare effects of alternative privacy policies, data breaches, deceptive privacy policies, and opt‐in/opt‐out requirements can differ sharply, depending on the level of consumer sophistication and on other factors such as the prevailing status quo.
Physical and mechanical properties of three varieties of cucumber: A mathematical modeling
Authors: Moradi Mehdi , Balanian Hossein , Taherian Arian , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: December 2019

The current investigation was devoted to determining some properties, such as physical dimensions, surface area, sphericity, density, stiffness, and terminal velocity of cucumber. For this purpose, different cultivars of cucumber which commonly consumed in Iran, namely, Nagin, Shahab, and Shahin were selected. Also, in order to propose a new model for the terminal velocity of cucumber, a dimensionless model was established. The obtained results showed that varieties of Shahab, Shahin, and Nagin had an average length of 163.4, 118.97, and 133.89 mm, respectively. Corresponding values for average diameter for varieties mentioned earlier were measured as 26.99, 57.811, and 27.59 mm, respectively. Moreover, the density determined from the measurement of mass and volume for Shahab, Shahin, and Nagin varieties were calculated as 956, 1042, and 990 kg m−3, respectively, while the compressive and shear bio‐yield point of them were reported as 628.38 and 74.094, 505.11 and 89.33, and 652.2 and 64.79 N, respectively. Additionally, the assessment of the dimensionless model, regarding the coefficient, mean relative deviation, and root means the square error of comparison between predicted and measured terminal velocity were 0.9, 0.15, and 0.013, respectively. Therefore, the obtained characteristics may be useful in the design of different unit operations of post‐harvesting technologies.

Practical applications

Measurement of physical properties of different common cucumber fruits can be accounted for as a useful tool to design the post‐harvesting unit operations. Therefore, the proposed mathematical model for the description of the terminal velocity of cucumber could be approached in pickle production units. Also, the obtained properties are usable in hydro transport and sorting of the fruit.
Quality issues identified in systematic reviews on platelet‐rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss—A method study
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Dervishi Gezim
Published: December 2019

Background

Systematic reviews of healthcare interventions aim to evaluate the quality of clinical studies, but they might have quality issues in their own right.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate methodological inconsistencies in systematic reviews.

Methods

We searched the database MEDLINE and included systematic reviews and/or meta‐analyses on platelet‐rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss.

Results

We identified 15 relevant systematic reviews and/or meta‐analyses, and we identified various overt methodological inconsistencies in five of those systematic reviews. These inconsistencies concerned including duplicate data, mixing data from various study designs, misclassifying study designs and treatment comparisons, misinterpreting heterogeneity, and mistaking reporting standards.

Conclusion

The identification of various inconsistencies in previous systematic reviews on platelet‐rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss should prompt future authors to consult the Cochrane Handbook and to implement the PRISMA statement.
Patients’ lived experiences of waiting for and undergoing endovascular aortic repair in a hybrid operating room: A qualitative study
Authors: Bazzi May , Lundèn Maud , Ahlberg Karin , Bergbom Ingegerd , Hellström Mikael , Lundgren Solveig M. , Fridh Isabell
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

The overall aim of the study was to illuminate the patients’ lived experiences of waiting for and undergoing an endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in a hybrid operating room (OR).

Background

The hybrid OR is an example of the technological advancements within hospitals. The environmental impact on humans is well recognised but is rarely taken into account when hospitals are designed or rebuilt. The patient's experience of a hybrid OR is not earlier described.

Design

A qualitative design based on hermeneutic phenomenology was implemented.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 18 patients. A thematic interpretation based on van Manen's approach was then used to analyse the findings. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) were used (Data S1).

Results

The following three themes emerged from the interviews: (a) being scheduled for surgery induced both anxiety and hopefulness; (b) feeling watched over and surrendering to others in the technology intense environment and (c) feeling relief but unexpected exhaustion after surgery. In the discussion, the results were additionally reflected upon out from the four lifeworld existentials: lived body, lived space, lived time and lived others.

Conclusions

The hybrid OR technology did not frighten the patients, but it was also not an environment that promoted or was conductive to having a dialogue with the staff. The disease and surgery brought feelings of anxiety, which was largely associated with the uncertainty of the situation. We suggest that continuity in contact with staff and patient‐centred information could be solutions to further calm the patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

The hybrid OR environment itself did not seem to frighten the patient, but the way the high‐tech environment increased the distance between the patient and the multiple staff members needs further investigation.
The ABA intervention for improving breastfeeding initiation and continuation: Feasibility study results
Authors: Clarke Joanne L. , Ingram Jenny , Johnson Debbie , Thomson Gill , Trickey Heather , Dombrowski Stephan U. , Sitch Alice , Dykes Fiona , Feltham Max , MacArthur Christine , Roberts Tracy , Hoddinott Pat , Jolly Kate
Published: December 2019

The UK has low breastfeeding rates, with socioeconomic disparities. The Assets‐based feeding help Before and After birth (ABA) intervention was designed to be inclusive and improve infant feeding behaviours. ABA is underpinned by the behaviour change wheel and offers an assets‐based approach focusing on positive capabilities of individuals and communities, including use of a Genogram. This study aimed to investigate feasibility of intervention delivery within a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Nulliparous women ≥16 years, (n = 103) from two English sites were recruited and randomised to either intervention or usual care. The intervention – delivered through face‐to‐face, telephone and text message by trained Infant Feeding Helpers (IFHs) – ran from 30‐weeks' gestation until 5‐months postnatal. Outcomes included recruitment rates and follow‐up at 3‐days, 8‐weeks and 6‐months postnatal, with collection of future full trial outcomes via questionnaires. A mixed‐methods process evaluation included qualitative interviews with 30 women, 13 IFHs and 17 maternity providers; IFH contact logs; and fidelity checking of antenatal contact recordings. This study successfully recruited women, including teenagers, from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas; postnatal follow‐up rates were 68.0%, 85.4% and 80.6% at 3‐days, 8‐weeks and 6‐months respectively. Breastfeeding at 8‐weeks was obtained for 95.1% using routine data for non‐responders. It was possible to recruit and train peer supporters to deliver the intervention with adequate fidelity. The ABA intervention was acceptable to women, IFHs and maternity services. There was minimal contamination and no evidence of intervention‐related harm. In conclusion, the intervention is feasible to deliver within an RCT, and a definitive trial required.
Investigating the root plasticity response of Centaurea jacea to soil water availability changes from isotopic analysis
Authors: Kühnhammer Kathrin , Kübert Angelika , Brüggemann Nicolas , Deseano Diaz Paulina , van Dusschoten Dagmar , Javaux Mathieu , Merz Steffen , Vereecken Harry , Dubbert Maren , Rothfuss Youri
Published: December 2019

Root water uptake is a key ecohydrological process for which a physically based understanding has been developed in the past decades. However, due to methodological constraints, knowledge gaps remain about the plastic response of whole plant root systems to a rapidly changing environment.

We designed a laboratory system for nondestructive monitoring of stable isotopic composition in plant transpiration of a herbaceous species (Centaurea jacea) and of soil water across depths, taking advantage of newly developed in situ methods. Daily root water uptake profiles were obtained using a statistical Bayesian multisource mixing model.

Fast shifts in the isotopic composition of both soil and transpiration water could be observed with the setup and translated into dynamic and pronounced shifts of the root water uptake profile, even in well watered conditions.

The incorporation of plant physiological and soil physical information into statistical modelling improved the model output. A simple exercise of water balance closure underlined the nonunique relationship between root water uptake profile on the one hand, and water content and root distribution profiles on the other, illustrating the continuous adaption of the plant water uptake as a function of its root hydraulic architecture and soil water availability during the experiment.
Up‐regulation of plasma lncRNA CACS15 distinguished early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma patient
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Guo Bing , Zhu Yun , Xu Wanlin , Ning Shangbo , Liu Liu
Published: December 2019

Objective

To study the role of LncRNA CASC15 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Results

In the present study, we showed that plasma CASC15 was up‐regulated in stage I and II oral squamous cell carcinoma patients than in oral ulcer patients and healthy controls, while no significant correlation was found between oral ulcer patients and healthy controls. Up‐regulation of plasma CASC15 distinguished oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from oral ulcer patients and healthy controls. LncRNA MEG3 was inversely correlated with CASC15 in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues. In oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, CASC15 over‐expression led to the inhibited expression of MEG3, and MEG3 over‐expression did not alter CASC15 expression. MEG3 over‐expression decreased, while CASC15 over‐expression increased the proliferation rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. In addition, MEG3 over‐expression attenuated the effects of CASC15 over‐expression.

Conclusion

Therefore, CASC15 over‐expression may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma, and CASC15 may promote oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation by down‐regulating MEG3.
Treatment of nitric oxide supplemented with nitrogen and sulfur regulates photosynthetic performance and stomatal behavior in mustard under salt stress
Authors: Jahan Badar , AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Rehman Md Tabish , Khan Nafees A.
Published: December 2019

Nitric oxide (NO) is a hormone that connects numerous reactions in plant cells under normal and environmental stress conditions. The application of 100 µM NO as sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor) applied individually or in combination with  N or  S in different combinations (i.e. 100 mg N or S kg−1 soil applied at the time of sowing [100 N + 100S]0d or with split, 50 mg N or S kg−1 soil at the time of sowing and similar dose at 20 d after sowing [50 N + 50S]0d + [50 N + 50S]20d) was tested to alleviate salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Application of 100 µM NO plus split application of N and S more significantly promoted stomatal behavior, photosynthetic and growth performance in the absence of salt stress and maximally alleviated effects of salt stress through increased N‐ and S‐use efficiency, proline and antioxidant system. The combined application of N and S at the time of sowing was lesser effective in promoting photosynthesis and growth under salt or no salt stress conditions in presence or absence of NO. The study suggests that salt stress effects on the photosynthetic performance are mitigated more efficiently when NO was applied together with the split application of N and S given at two stages, and the photosynthetic activity was promoted under salt stress through increased N and S assimilation and antioxidant system. This strategy may be adopted in agricultural system for overcoming salt stress effects on performance of mustard.
Effect of storage time on the physiological characteristics and vegetative regeneration of desiccation‐tolerant mosses on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Guo Yuewei , Zhao Yunge , Downing Alison J.
Published: December 2019

The artificial cultivation of moss biocrusts can accelerate the recovery of degraded arid lands and is closely related to moss productivity. Understanding the properties of inoculation materials on the regenerative capacity of mosses, in particular the effect of time limits on storage, has the potential to benefit the cultivation of artificial moss biocrusts. We investigated the vegetative regeneration and physiological characteristics of three desiccation‐tolerant mosses (Barbula unguiculata, Didymodon vinealis, and Didymodon tectorum) upon rehydration after periods of desiccation storage for 40, 89, 127, and 197 days. Regenerative capacity, represented by gametophyte vigor index, decreased with increased storage time. The greatest change in vegetative regeneration among storage times was observed in B. unguiculata, where the gametophyte vigor index decreased by 95.74% after 197 days of storage. Over the same period, there were smaller decreases in gametophyte vigor index of D. vinealis and D. tectorum of 42.17% and 13.30%, respectively. Malondialdehyde and soluble sugar increased with longer periods of storage time, while soluble protein content first increased, then decreased. Oxidation levels are important factors influencing the recovery of desiccation‐tolerant mosses. All three moss species regenerated after 197 days of storage, but regenerative capacity is dependent on species. For land managers, biocrust restoration can be facilitated by careful screening of suitable moss species, based on their capacity to regenerate new growth after extended periods of storage and selection of species based on variations in physiological characteristics.