bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderating role of education on succession process in small family businesses in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Yaseen Muhammad Rizwan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the longevity and improve the succession process in small family businesses sustaining in Pakistan. Family businesses perform an active role in economic development of any country. Statistics shows, 30/13/3 business transfers into subsequent generation in the interfamily business (Ward, 2016).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 365 respondents who were either incumbents or successor in 135 small family businesses in Pakistan. Simple linear regression and process control analysis by Andrew Hayes are used for moderating variable analysis in SPSS20.

Findings

The results show that customer focus management, business strategies and governance board have a significant positive impact on the succession process of small family business in Pakistan. There is negative significant moderating impact of education on business strategies and customer focus management while there is no moderating impact of education over governance board and satisfaction with succession.

Research limitations/implications

This study will help the family business incumbents to focus deliberately on the factors that influence the succession process so that business could be transferred to the subsequent generation successfully.

Originality/value

The previous research does not show the effect of education at different levels and importance of customer focus management toward the succession process.
Force field analysis of Indian automotive strategic sourcing risk management enablers and barriers
Authors: Kumar Sharma Satyendra , Singh Ravinder , Matai Rajesh
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Strategic sourcing and supply risk management have become interesting topics of research in the recent years. Automotive industry experts are increasingly focussing on improving the supply efficiency and performance towards gaining sustainable competitive advantage. This study aims to classify, through an exhaustive review of past literature, the various enablers and barriers of strategic sourcing risk management (SSRM) and use them to identify the problems in the automobile sector.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of this research, responses were collected through structured questionnaire from respondents belonging to senior management cadre in the industry. Factor analysis and force field analysis tools have been used for analysis.

Findings

Through independent exploratory factor analysis (EFA), four SSRM enablers, namely, supplier risk assessment, data sharing in supply network, partnership with supplier and supply flexibility, were identified. Similarly EFA revealed four SSRM barriers, namely, cost focus,ad hocor poor planning, data security/privy breaches and hard visualization of SSRM benefits. Through a force field analysis, it was found out that the barriers had a higher impact on the SSRM initiatives than enablers.

Practical implications

The research suggests the ways how managers can reduce the impact of barriers and increase the enabling forces.

Originality/value

This paper enumerates the barriers and enablers together on the same platform to prioritize and evolve strategies to overpower the barriers and strengthen the enablers.
The impact of job and family factors on work stress and engagement among Hong Kong police officers
Authors: Li Jessica C.M. , Cheung Jacky C.K. , Sun Ivan Y.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of demands from three life domains: society, workplace and family and different resources at the individual, family and supervisor levels on occupational stress and work engagement among Hong Kong police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based on a random sample of 514 male and female police officers was conducted, and multivariate regression was employed to assess the effects of demands and resources on work stress and work engagement.

Findings

Family–work conflicts, organizational and operational factors affected work stress and work engagement among police officers. Constructive coping was found to be positively related to work stress and negatively associated with work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Survey data collected from a single Chinese city may not be generalized to officers in other parts of China or Chinese societies with different social and political contexts.

Originality/value

The present study filled the knowledge gap about factors influencing police stress and engagement. This study provides insights into how to establish relevant contextual measures to reduce police work stress. This study represents one of the first attempts to use a random sample of police officers for the investigation of police stress in Hong Kong.
The Critically Designed Garden
Authors: Adams Jeff , Hyde Wendy
Published: August 2018

This article is concerned with design applied to gardens, using examples from the Chelsea Flower Show in London. There is a discussion of those show gardens that represented Syrian refugees’ gardens in Iraq and the Windrush generation immigration to the UK. The garden designs combine the aesthetics of organic materials and spatial architecture with an implicit critique of topical contemporary social issues. The article concludes by commenting on the risks posed by the reduced and impoverished UK arts education policies for producing the next generation of applied design practitioners.
Optimal insurance under rank‐dependent utility and incentive compatibility
Authors: Xu Zuo Quan , Zhou Xun Yu , Zhuang Sheng Chao
Published: August 2018

Bernard, He, Yan, and Zhou (Mathematical Finance, 25(1), 154–186) studied an optimal insurance design problem where an individual's preference is of the rank‐dependent utility (RDU) type, and show that in general an optimal contract covers both large and small losses. However, their results suffer from the unrealistic assumption that the random loss has no atom, as well as a problem of moral hazard that provides incentives for the insured to falsely report the actual loss. This paper addresses these setbacks by removing the nonatomic assumption, and by exogenously imposing the “incentive compatibility” constraint that both indemnity function and insured's retention function are increasing with respect to the loss. We characterize the optimal solutions via calculus of variations, and then apply the result to obtain explicitly expressed contracts for problems with Yaari's dual criterion and general RDU. Finally, we use numerical examples to compare the results between ours and Bernard et al.
Glucocorticoids and sympathetic neurotransmitters modulate the acute immune response to Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Roggero Eduardo , del Rey Adriana , Wildmann Johannes , Besedovsky Hugo
Published: August 2018

Evidence suggests that natural and adaptive immune responses can trigger neuroendocrine responses. Here, we discuss changes in the activity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and in autonomic nerves, predominantly of the sympathetic nervous system, in a mouse model of acute infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. The endocrine response includes a marked increased release of glucocorticoid and a decrease of immune‐stimulatory hormones, such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, prolactin, and growth hormone during infection. These endocrine changes result in reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, increased regulatory/effector T cell ratio, and thymus atrophy. The sympathetic activity in the spleen of infected mice is also markedly reduced. However, the residual sympathetic activity can modulate the immune response to the parasite, as shown by increased mortality and production of proinflammatory cytokines in sympathetically denervated, infected mice. The outcome of the neuroendocrine response is the moderation of the intensity of the immune response to the parasite, an effect that results in delayed mortality in susceptible mice, and favors the course toward chronicity in more resistant animals.
The impact of dementia caregiving on self‐care management of caregivers and facilitators: a qualitative study
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Rong , Liu Sheng‐Xin , Robinson Karen M. , Shawler Celeste , Zhou Lei
Published: August 2018

Background

Caregivers of patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD) face special health challenges due to the progressive nature of the disease. Self‐care has crucial importance on individuals’ management of life, health, and well‐being. However, limited evidence is available on self‐care management of dementia and AD caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the influence of caregiving on the self‐care management of dementia and AD caregivers based on the caregivers’ experience. In addition, the facilitators of caregivers’ self‐care management were assessed.

Methods

A sample of 45 caregivers of patients with dementia or AD was recruited from a local community in the south‐eastern USA. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by the method of cross‐case thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Results

As reported by the caregivers, caregiving negatively influenced their self‐care management, including physical self‐care and mental and social self‐care. Both internal and external facilitators were found that can assist caregivers’ self‐care. Caregivers differ considerably in their demographic characteristics, caregiving tasks, and self needs.

Conclusion

Self‐care management of dementia and AD caregivers can be largely affected by caregiving. Awareness, motivation, and knowledge of self‐care, as well as knowledge of health‐care resources, are important prerequisites for caregivers to achieve self‐care management. Given the massive differences in caregiving situations, future intervention studies based on the specific needs of individual caregivers are warranted.
Unraveling avian and reptilian hematology: An optical and electron microscopic study of the buffy coat
Authors: Fontes Pinto Filipe , Lopes Célia , Malhão Fernanda , Marcos Ricardo
Published: August 2018

Background

Blood centrifugation and buffy coats are at the cornerstone of hematology. In mammals, the buffy coat has a layered disposition (from bottom to top) with neutrophils on top of erythrocytes, followed by monocytes/lymphocytes, and platelets. In nonmammals, this distribution is unknown. Recently, the cell tube block (CTB) technique was developed to study the buffy coat, but it was never applied to nonmammal buffy coats.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate using the CTB technique to study reptilian and avian buffy coats and to propose its use for clinical applications.

Methods

Blood from five birds and eight reptiles of different species was obtained to make CTBs that were processed for optical/electron microscopy. H&E, Sirius red, and immunohistochemistry staining against CD3 (to label T lymphocytes) were applied to the CTBs.

Results

In birds, the buffy coat had a layered appearance with the granulocyte layer containing granulocytes (heterophils and eosinophils) and nucleated erythrocytes followed by a mononuclear cell layer containing lymphocytes, monocytes, and thrombocytes. In some animals, a nucleated erythrocyte layer was observed admixed with the granulocyte/mononuclear cell layer. A small clot within the buffy coat was seen in seven reptiles, and less definition of layers occurred in reptiles, with only one or two layers. Lymphocytes appeared toward the top of the buffy coat.

Conclusions

From a comparative hematology perspective, the buffy coat of mammals differs from that of birds and more from that of reptiles. The CTB technique can be used to study these differences in avian and reptilian hematology, especially to study atypical circulating cells, hemoparasites, or blood cell proportions in health and disease.
Life table and predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on Eotetranychus frosti (Tetranychidae) and Cenopalpus irani (Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Bazgir Fereshteh , Shakarami Jahanshir , Jafari Shahriar
Published: August 2018

The life history and predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot feeding on Eotetranychus frosti (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) or Cenopalpus irani Dosse (Tenuipalpidae) were determined at 25±1°C, with 16:8 h L: D, at an average daily relative air humidity of 60±10% on apple leaves. A. swirskii successfully completed development, oviposition, and survival on both diets. Individuals of predator reared on E. frosti prey showed improved performance as compared to C. irani prey. The results indicated that its average duration of all immature stages on E. frosti and C. irani were 6.94 and 7.48 days, respectively. The adult female longevities were 39.81 and 32.41 days on the E. frosti and C. irani diets, respectively; also females laid a total of 34.69 and 25.96 eggs on the two different prey species, respectively. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0) on E. frosti and C. irani were 0.179 and 0.140 day−1 and 18.50 and 11.68 female offspring, respectively. The transformation rate (Qp), stable predation rate (ψ), and finite predation rate (ω) of A. swirskii were higher on C. irani than when fed on E. frosti diet due to their higher predation rate. The transformation rate (Qp) of the predatory mite was 20.20 and 32.28 prey on E. frosti and C. irani, respectively. The net predation rate (C0) was not significantly different for A. swirskii on the two diets. The results of this study suggested that A. swirskii can successfully complete its life cycle on both preys and have excellent performance as biological control agent against both pest species.
Effect of induced resistance in bean plants on Tetranychus urticae life table parameters
Authors: Dahmardeh Atefeh , Latifi Malihe , Saberi Riseh Rohollah
Published: August 2018

In this study the effects of soil application of potassium phosphite, amino acid complex, and biolog siderophoric on the life table parameters of Tetranychus urticae have been investigated on bean plants, under laboratory conditions. The results revealed significant differences in the total developmental times, oviposition periods, and fecundity of T. urticae among the treatments. The shortest total developmental time and longevity was observed in biolog siderophoric treatment. The intrinsic rate of increase, the net reproductive rate, the finite rate of increase and the mean generation times of T. urticae were remarkably different among the treatments and lower than in the control. The lowest values of these parameters were observed in the biolog siderophoric treatment, which suggests that this inducer could be employed toward a sustainable management of T. urticae.
A novel neurostimulation strategy for facilitating fear regulation
Authors: Liston Conor
Published: August 2018

Transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting a human homolog of a rodent fear regulation circuit enhances extinction learning in healthy human subjects.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Psychrotolerant Bacterium Kurthia sibirica ATCC 49154
T
Authors: Goen Abigail E. , Silverwood Tyler , Underriner Aria , Trachtenberg Ariel M. , Kelley Carolyn , MacLea Kyle S.
Published: August 2018

The aerobic, Gram-positive, psychrotolerant bacterium
Kurthia sibirica
was first isolated from the stomach and intestinal contents of the Magadan mammoth recovered from the permafrost in eastern Siberia in 1977.
K. sibirica
was sequenced, and the predicted genome size is 3,496,665 bp, with 36.42% G+C content.
Complete Genome Sequences of Canadian Epidemic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains CMRSA3 and CMRSA6
Authors: McClure Jo-Ann , Shideler Steven M. , Zhang Kunyan
Published: August 2018

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) clonal complex 8 (CC8) sequence type 239 (ST239) represents a predominant hospital-associated MRSA sublineage present worldwide. The Canadian epidemic MRSA strains CMRSA3 and CMRSA6 are moderately virulent members of this group but are closely related to the highly virulent strain TW20.
Complete Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter radioresistens Strain LH6, a Multidrug-Resistant Bacteriophage-Propagating Strain
Authors: Crippen Clay S. , Huynh Steven , Miller William G. , Parker Craig T. , Szymanski Christine M.
Published: August 2018

Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem worldwide. Understanding the interplay between drug-resistant pathogens, such as
Acinetobacter baumannii
and related species, potentially acting as environmental reservoirs is critical for preventing the spread of resistance determinants.
Complete Genome Sequences of Sequence Type 71 (ST71) and ST97 Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Milk
Authors: Cormican Paul , Keane Orla M.
Published: August 2018

This is the announcement of draft genome sequences for
Staphylococcus aureus
strains belonging to sequence type 97 (ST97) and ST71. These sequence types are commonly associated with bovine mastitis, and the strains were isolated in Ireland in 2010 from the milk of cows with clinical mastitis.
Problem-based studies using PIXE at Nishina Memorial Cyclotron Center
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saitoh Y. , Futatsugawa S.
Published: August 2018

At Nishina Memorial Cyclotron Center (NMCC), a large number of studies in various research fields have been pursued under nation-wide common usage since 1993. One of the features of NMCC’s PIXE is the performance of many problem-based studies in order to determine effective measures against a range of issues. Various samples must be quantitatively analyzed quickly and accurately to cope with environmental issues. We have developed several original methods for analyzing a variety of samples with good sensitivity. Specially designed absorbers were developed for sensitive analyses of samples composed of heavy elements. In addition, a powdered-internal-standard method was established for the accurate quantitative analyses of powdered samples whose matrixes are heavy elements. The standard-free method for bio-samples allowed us to quantitatively analyze untreated samples, micro samples of nearly 1 [Formula: see text]g, and live bio-samples. We have been tackling a number of environmental problems in many countries in Southeast and East Asia using these original methods. We also wrestled with environmental problems caused by the massive tsunami that struck the Sanriku district of Japan in March 2011.
Analyses of marine products containing a large quantity of toxic elements
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saitoh Y.
Published: August 2018

In recent years, the contamination of marine products with heavy toxic elements has become a problem in Japan, as the Japanese coastal sea water is confirmed to be highly contaminated with heavy elements. In this study, parts of scallops and ascidians, which are the main foods of the people living in the Sanriku District, including hijiki and the fatty meal of whale, were analyzed. We also analyzed some parts that are not commonly eaten in general but are often consumed by some local populations, such as the mantle, mid-gut gland, ovary and spermary of scallops, and the internal organs and pharyngeal basket of ascidians. Dangerous quantities were detected for mercury in fatty meal of whale and for arsenic in hijiki, the mid-gut gland and mantle of scallops and the internal organs and pharyngeal basket of ascidians. In addition, concentrations of cadmium in the mid-gut gland and mantle of scallops as well as in the internal organs and pharyngeal basket of ascidians also showed high values. These results suggested that, even in the daily diet, it is possible to consume arsenic and cadmium in greater-than-tolerable quantities.
On scalar electromagnetism in phase space
Authors: Amorim R. G. G. , da Cruz Filho J. S. , Santos A. F. , Ulhoa S. C.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the interaction of a scalar field and the electromagnetic field in phase space is analyzed. The scattering process is calculated up to first order in the Planck constant which is obtained by an expansion of the Moyal product in phase space. The transition amplitude is calculated in the same context.
Domain-Dependent Stability Analysis of a Reaction–Diffusion Model on Compact Circular Geometries
Authors: Sarfaraz Wakil , Madzvamuse Anotida
Published: August 2018

In this work an activator-depleted reaction–diffusion system is investigated on polar coordinates with the aim of exploring the relationship and the corresponding influence of domain size on the types of possible diffusion-driven instabilities. Quantitative relationships are found in the form of necessary conditions on the area of a disk-shape domain with respect to the diffusion and reaction rates for certain types of diffusion-driven instabilities to occur. Robust analytical methods are applied to find explicit expressions for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the diffusion operator on a disk-shape domain with homogenous Neumann boundary conditions in polar coordinates. Spectral methods are applied using Chebyshev nonperiodic grid for the radial variable and Fourier periodic grid for the angular variable to verify the nodal lines and eigen-surfaces subject to the proposed analytical findings. The full classification of the parameter space in light of the bifurcation analysis is obtained and numerically verified by finding the solutions of the partitioning curves inducing such a classification. Spatiotemporal periodic behavior is demonstrated in the numerical solutions of the system for a proposed choice of parameters and a rigorous proof of the existence of infinitely many such points in the parameter plane is presented under a restriction on the area of the domain, with a lower bound in terms of reaction–diffusion rates.
On the Chaotic Dynamics Associated with the Center Manifold Equations of Double-Diffusive Convection Near a Codimension-Four Bifurcation Point at Moderate Thermal Rayleigh Number
Authors: Eilertsen Justin , Magnan Jerry
Published: August 2018

We analyze the dynamics of the Poincaré map associated with the center manifold equations of double-diffusive thermosolutal convection near a codimension-four bifurcation point when the values of the thermal and solute Rayleigh numbers, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], are comparable. We find that the bifurcation sequence of the Poincaré map is analogous to that of the (continuous) Lorenz equations. Chaotic solutions are found, and the emergence of strange attractors is shown to occur via three different routes: (1) a discrete Lorenz-like attractor of the three-dimensional Poincaré map of the four-dimensional center manifold equations that forms as the result of a quasi-periodic homoclinic explosion; (2) chaos that follows quasi-periodic intermittency occurring near saddle-node bifurcations of tori; and, (3) chaos that emerges from the destruction of a 2-torus, preceded by frequency locking.
Interaction of Lower and Higher Order Hamiltonian Resonances
Authors: Verhulst Ferdinand
Published: August 2018

The tools of normal forms and recurrence are used to analyze the interaction of low and higher order resonances in Hamiltonian systems. The resonance zones where the short-periodic solutions of the low order resonances exist are characterized by small variations of the corresponding actions that match the variations of the higher order resonance; this yields cases of embedded double resonance. The resulting interaction produces periodic solutions that in some cases destabilize a resonance zone. Applications are given to the three dof [Formula: see text] resonance and to periodic FPU-chains producing unexpected nonlinear stability results and quasi-trapping phenomena.
A Delayed Diffusive Predator–Prey System with Michaelis–Menten Type Predator Harvesting
Authors: Yang Ruizhi , Zhang Chunrui , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: August 2018

The predator–prey model is fundamentally important to study the growth law of the population in nature. In this paper, we propose a diffusive predator–prey model, in which we also consider time delay in the gestation time of predator and Michaelis–Menten type predator harvesting. By analyzing the distribution of eigenvalues, we investigate the stability of the coexisting equilibrium and the existence of Hopf bifurcation using time delay as bifurcation parameter. We analyze the property of Hopf bifurcation, and give an explicit formula for determining the direction and the stability of Hopf bifurcation. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to support our results.
The k-Zero Bifurcation Theorem for m-Parameterized Systems
Authors: Carrillo Martin A. , Verduzco Fernando , Carrillo Francisco A.
Published: August 2018

Given an [Formula: see text]-parameterized family of [Formula: see text]-dimensional vector fields, with an equilibrium point with linearization of eigenvalue zero with algebraic multiplicity [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], and geometric multiplicity one, our goal in this paper is to find sufficient conditions for the family of vector fields such that the dynamics on the [Formula: see text]-dimensional [Formula: see text]-parameterized center manifold around the equilibrium point becomes locally topologically equivalent to a given unfolding. Finally, the result is applied to the study of the Rössler system.
Loop Numbers for the Stability of Homoclinic Loops of Planar Vector Fields
Authors: Liu Xingbo , Lin Xiao-Biao , Bai Yuzhen , Zhu Deming
Published: August 2018

This paper is devoted to the study of stability and bifurcations of homoclinic loops for planar vector fields. For a given homoclinic loop, a sequence of loop numbers can be defined such that the stability and bifurcations of the loop are determined by the first nonzero term of the sequence. Formulas for the first several loop numbers were established in the past. In this paper, we will introduce general formulas for the loop numbers for both the single and double homoclinic loops.
Automatic Machine Knitting of 3D Meshes
Authors: Narayanan Vidya , Albaugh Lea , Hodgins Jessica , Coros Stelian , Mccann James
Published: August 2018

We present the first computational approach that can transform three-dimensional (3D) meshes, created by traditional modeling programs, directly into instructions for a computer-controlled knitting machine. Knitting machines are able to robustly and repeatably form knitted 3D surfaces from yarn but have many constraints on what they can fabricate. Given user-defined starting and ending points on an input mesh, our system incrementally builds a helix-free, quad-dominant mesh with uniform edge lengths, runs a tracing procedure over this mesh to generate a knitting path, and schedules the knitting instructions for this path in a way that is compatible with machine constraints. We demonstrate our approach on a wide range of 3D meshes.
Recurring Firm Events and Predictable Returns: The Within-Firm Time Series
Authors: Hartzmark Samuel M. , Solomon David H.
Published: August 2018

We review the literature on recurring firm events and predictable returns. Many common firm events recur on a predictable basis, such as earnings and dividends, among others. These events tend to be associated with large positive returns in the period when the events are predicted to occur (without conditioning on the outcome or existence of the event itself). These returns occur mainly on the long side of the portfolio, are statistically and economically large when value weighted, and replicate internationally. It is difficult to explain the observed patterns with a unified risk theory. Some of the underlying causes seem to be related to idiosyncratic risk, predictable attention, probability mistakes, and demand for corporate distributions.
Forecasting Methods in Finance
Authors: Timmermann Allan
Published: August 2018

Our review highlights some of the key challenges in financial forecasting problems and opportunities arising from the unique features of financial data. We analyze the difficulty of establishing predictability in an environment with a low signal-to-noise ratio, persistent predictors, and instability in predictive relations arising from competitive pressures and investors’ learning. We discuss approaches for forecasting the mean, variance, and probability distribution of asset returns. Finally, we discuss how to evaluate financial forecasts while accounting for the possibility that numerous forecasting models may have been considered, leading to concerns of data mining.
Bridging the gap between ab initio simulations and experiments through EIS
Authors: Mehta Mohit , Bevara Vamsci Venkat , Andrei Petru
Published: August 2018

We have developed an analytical solution to compute the impedance spectra using ab initio parameters such as total Gibbs free energy change for the electron transfer reaction, reorganization energy, activation energy, and occupied energy levels in the electrode. The impedance model is developed to relate DFT computed parameters to experiments using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) using the analytical solution of the Marcus-Hush-Chidsey (MHC) reaction rate theory developed by Zeng et al. (Y. Zeng, R.B. Smith, P. Bai, M.Z. Bazant, “Simple formula for Marcus–Hush–Chidsey kinetics”, J. Electroanal. Chem. 735 (2014) 77–83.). Next, we compare the reaction rates computed by Butler-Volmer and MHC theory and impedance responses using the two reaction models. Finally, we provide a few analytical predictions of our analytical model using the MHC theory.
Alterations in human neutrophil function caused by bisphenol A
Authors: Balistrieri Angela , Hobohm Laura , Srivastava Trisha , Meier Angela , Corriden Ross
Published: August 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic, organic compound frequently present in consumer plastics, including plastic-lined cans, water bottles, toys, and teeth sutures. Previous studies have shown that BPA can produce adverse health effects that include defects in reproductive function and altered prenatal/childhood development. However, little is known regarding the effects of BPA on immune function. In this study, we assessed the effect of BPA on human neutrophils, a critical component of the innate immune system’s defense against pathogens. We found that BPA induces a concentration-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by neutrophils, which is inhibited by the estrogen receptor-β antagonist PHTPP. Furthermore, incubation with the membrane-permeable calcium chelator BAPTA-AM and/or removal of extracellular calcium inhibited BPA-induced ROS production, indicating that the process is calcium dependent. Transwell chemotaxis assays revealed that BPA exposure reduces the chemotactic capacity of neutrophils in a gradient of the bacterial cell wall component f-Met-Leu-Phe, a potent chemoattractant. Exposure to BPA also inhibits the ability of neutrophils to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a leading human pathogen. Our findings reveal that BPA alters the in vitro function of neutrophils, including ROS production, chemotaxis, and bacterial killing, and raises the possibility of altered innate immunity in vivo, especially in those with compromised immune function and who can be exposed to BPA in a wide variety of products.
LRRK2 deficiency impairstrans-Golgi to lysosome trafficking and endocytic cargo degradation in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells
Authors: Lanning Nathan J. , VanOpstall Calvin , Goodall Megan L. , MacKeigan Jeffrey P. , Looyenga Brendan D.
Published: August 2018

Defects in vesicular trafficking underlie a wide variety of human diseases. Genetic disruption of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in rodents results in epithelial vesicular trafficking errors that can also be induced by treatment of animals with LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. Here we demonstrate that defects in human renal cells lacking LRRK2 phenocopy those seen in the kidneys of Lrrk2 knockout mice, characterized by accumulation of intracellular waste vesicles and fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus. This phenotype can be recapitulated by knockdown of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor, which physically associates with LRRK2 in renal cells. Deficiency in either protein leads to a defect in trans-Golgi to lysosome protein trafficking, which compromises the capacity of lysosomes to degrade endocytic and autophagic cargo. In contrast, neither bulk endocytosis nor autophagic flux are impaired when LRRK2 is acutely knocked down in normal immortalized human kidney (HK2) cells. These data collectively suggest that the primary renal defect caused by LRRK2 deficiency is in protein trafficking between the Golgi apparatus and late endosome/lysosome, which leads to progressive impairments in lysosomal function.
Development of stress-induced bladder insufficiency requires functional TRPV1 channels
Authors: Tykocki Nathan R. , Heppner Thomas J. , Erickson Cuixia Shi , van Batavia Jason , Vizzard Margaret A. , Nelson Mark T. , Mingin Gerald C.
Published: August 2018

Social stress causes profound urinary bladder dysfunction in children that often continues into adulthood. We previously discovered that the intensity and duration of social stress influences whether bladder dysfunction presents as overactivity or underactivity. The transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel is integral in causing stress-induced bladder overactivity by increasing bladder sensory outflow, but little is known about the development of stress-induced bladder underactivity. We sought to determine if TRPV1 channels are involved in bladder underactivity caused by stress. Voiding function, sensory nerve activity, and bladder wall remodeling were assessed in C57BL/6 and TRPV1 knockout mice exposed to intensified social stress using conscious cystometry, ex vivo afferent nerve recordings, and histology. Intensified social stress increased void volume, intermicturition interval, bladder volume, and bladder wall collagen content in C57BL/6 mice, indicative of bladder wall remodeling and underactive bladder. However, afferent nerve activity was unchanged and unaffected by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine. Interestingly, all indices of bladder function were unchanged in TRPV1 knockout mice in response to social stress, even though corticotrophin-releasing hormone expression in Barrington’s Nucleus still increased. These results suggest that TRPV1 channels in the periphery are a linchpin in the development of stress-induced bladder dysfunction, both with regard to increased sensory outflow that leads to overactive bladder and bladder wall decompensation that leads to underactive bladder. TRPV1 channels represent an intriguing target to prevent the development of stress-induced bladder dysfunction in children.
Regulation of the renal NaCl cotransporter by the WNK/SPAK pathway: lessons learned from genetically altered animals
Authors: Ostrosky-Frid Mauricio , Castañeda-Bueno María , Gamba Gerardo
Published: August 2018

The renal thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) is the major salt transport pathway in the distal convoluted tubule of the mammalian nephron. NCC activity is critical for modulation of arterial blood pressure and serum potassium levels. Reduced activity of NCC in genetic diseases results in arterial hypotension and hypokalemia, while increased activity results in genetic diseases featuring hypertension and hyperkalemia. Several hormones and physiological conditions modulate NCC activity through a final intracellular complex pathway involving kinases and ubiquitin ligases. A substantial amount of work has been conducted to understand this pathway in the last 15 yr, but advances over the last 3 yr have helped to begin to understand how these regulatory proteins interact with each other and modulate the activity of this important cotransporter. In this review, we present the current model of NCC regulation by the Cullin 3 protein/Kelch-like 3 protein/with no lysine kinase/STE20-serine-proline alanine-rich kinase (CUL3/KELCH3-WNK-SPAK) pathway. We present a review of all genetically altered mice that have been used to translate most of the proposals made from in vitro experiments into in vivo observations that have helped to elucidate the model at the physiological level. Many questions have been resolved, but some others will require further models to be constructed. In addition, unexpected observations in mice have raised new questions and identified regulatory pathways that were previously unknown.
PEEK versus Silicon Interspinous Spacer for Reduction of Supradjacent Segment Degeneration following Decompression and Short-Segment Instrumentation for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Korovessis Panagiotis , Syrimpeis Vasileios , Tsekouras Vasileios , Vardakastanis Konstantinos , Fennema Peter
Published: August 2018

Purpose. A retrospective study that aims to report Adjacent Segment Degeneration (ASD) incidence and spinopelvic balance in short lumbosacral instrumentation for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Although ASD is a common complication following lumbar fusion, the effect of an interspinous spacer (IS) in the supradjacent segment in short lumbosacral instrumented fusion and its interaction with spinopelvic balance has not been studied adequately. Methods. From 55 consecutive age-, diagnosis-, and gender-matched patients aged 60±11 years, 17 (Group R) received PEEK IS; 18 (Group S) received Silicon IS compared with 20 controls (Group C) without receiving any IS. The functional outcome was evaluated with VAS and ODI. Spinopelvic balance was evaluated using SVA, T12-S1 LL, SS, PT, PI, and supradjacent segment disc heights. All spines were preoperatively balanced (SVA<40 mm). Results. The follow-up averaged out to 56±11 months. VAS and ODI scores improved postoperatively in all 3 groups. SS and anterior disc height in the supradjacent free segment increased postoperatively compensatory to spinal alterations. Although 6, 4, and 5 patients from Groups R, S, and C, respectively, showed radiological progression of the preoperative degeneration grade in the supradjacent disc, only 2, 1, and 2 patients in Groups R, S, and C, respectively, developed symptomatic ASD in the 1st supradjacent segment solely. No additional surgery was required in any patient. Conclusion. ASD incidence in the supradjacent segment following short lumbar fusion did not statistically significantly differ between PEEK and Silicon IS. There was a trend towards lower ASD incidence in Silicon IS. IS reduced ASD in both 1st and 2nd supradjacent segments. The authors speculate that soft stabilization provided by IS may be more advantageous for preventing ASD. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT03477955.
Efficacy and Safety of Single-Session Endoscopic Stone Removal for Acute Cholangitis Associated with Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Sato Junya , Nakahara Kazunari , Morita Ryo , Morita Nozomi , Suetani Keigo , Michikawa Yosuke , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Itoh Fumio
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims. In early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute cholangitis due to choledocholithiasis, it is unclear that single-session stone removal can be safely performed. We examined the efficacy and safety of early single-session stone removal for mild-to-moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis. Methods. Among patients with mild-to-moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis who underwent early ERCP (n = 167), we retrospectively compared the removal group (patients who underwent single-session stone removal; n = 78) with the drainage group (patients who underwent biliary drainage alone; n = 89) and examined the effectiveness and safety of single-session stone removal by early ERCP. Results. The patients in the removal group had significantly fewer and smaller stones compared with those in the drainage group. The single-session complete stone removal rate was 85.9% in the removal group. The complication rate in early ERCP was 11.5% in the removal group and 10.1% in the drainage group, with no significant difference (P = 0.963). On comparing patients who underwent early endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) with those who underwent elective EST after cholangitis had improved, the post-EST bleeding rates were 6.8% and 2.7%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.600). The mean duration of hospitalization was 11.9 days for the removal group and 19.9 days for the drainage group, indicating a shorter stay for the removal group (P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, stone removal in early ERCP, number of stones, and C-reactive protein level were significant predictors of hospitalization period. Conclusions. Single-session stone removal for mild-to-moderate acute cholangitis can be safely performed. It is useful from the perspective of shorter hospital stay.
Combinational Effect of Rumex tingitanus (Polygonaceae) Hexane Extract and Bacillus thuringiensis  δ-Endotoxin against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Mhalla Dhekra , Ben Farhat-Touzri Dalel , Tounsi Slim , Trigui Mohamed
Published: August 2018

The increasing insect resistance against Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxins is a serious problem which makes it urgent to look for new eco-friendly strategies. Combining these toxins with other biomolecules is one of the promising strategies against insect pests. In this work, we evaluated the bioinsecticidal potential of Rumex tingitanus extracts and B. thuringiensis strain BLB250 against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae. The chemical composition of the hexane extract, the most active fraction, was analyzed to validate the correlation between chemical composition and biological activity. Among the tested extracts, only the hexanic extract showed toxicity against first and second instar larvae with LC50 of 2.56 and 2.95 mg g−1, respectively. The Bacillus thuringiensis BLB250 delta-endotoxins showed toxicity with an LC50 of 56.3 μg g−1. Therefore, the investigated combinational effect of BLB250 delta-endotoxins and R. tingitanus hexane extract proved significant synergistic effect against S. littoralis larvae. The GC-MS analysis of R. tingitanus hexane extract showed the richness of this extract in phytosterols such as β and γ-sitosterol (48.91%), campesterol (6.43%), and β-amyrin (8.92%) which are known for their insecticidal activity. This novel finding highlights the potential use of this combination against insect pests to prevent the appearance of resistance problems.
Prognostic Role of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Different BCLC Stages: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Wan-fu , Zhong Mao-feng , Zhang Yu-ren , Wang Huan , Zhao He-tong , Cheng Bin-bin , Ling Chang-quan
Published: August 2018

The role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with different Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of PLR on HCC prognosis. Five electronic databases were searched for clinical trials focusing on the role of PLR in the prognosis of HCC. A total of 297 potential studies were initially identified, and 9 studies comprising 2449 patients were finally enrolled to evaluate the association between the pretreatment PLR and clinical outcomes of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and event occurrence in patients with HCC in different BCLC stages. An elevated pretreatment PLR indicated unfavorable worse OS (HR = 1.73; 95% CI: (1.46, 2.04); P<0.00001) and DFS (HR = 1.30; 95% CI: (1.06, 1.60); P=0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that high PLR indicated poor OS among BCLC-B/C patients without heterogeneity, while PLR in BCLC-A patients indicated high statistical heterogeneity with I2 value of 78%. As for the correlation between PLR and event occurrence, high PLR was related to poor clinical event occurrence only among BCLC-C patients, though obvious heterogeneity was observed in all different BCLC stages. In conclusion, PLR may be a significant biomarker in the prognosis of HCC in different BCLC stages.
Comprehensive Assessment of Degradation Behavior of Simvastatin by UHPLC/MS Method, Employing Experimental Design Methodology
Authors: Hadzieva Gigovska Maja , Petkovska Ana , Acevska Jelena , Nakov Natalija , Antovska Packa , Ugarkovic Sonja , Dimitrovska Aneta
Published: August 2018

This manuscript describes comprehensive approach for assessment of degradation behavior of simvastatin employing experimental design methodology as scientific multifactorial strategy. Experimental design methodology was used for sample preparation and UHPLC method development and optimization. Simvastatin was subjected to stress conditions of oxidative, acid, base, hydrolytic, thermal, and photolytic degradation. Using2nfull factorial design degradation conditions were optimized to obtain targeted level of degradation. Screening for optimal chromatographic condition was made by Plackett–Burman design and optimization chromatographic experiments were conducted according to Box-Behnken design. Successful separation of simvastatin from the impurities and degradation products was achieved on Poroshell 120 EC C18 50 × 3.0 mm 2.7μm, using solutions of 20 mM ammonium formate pH 4.0 and acetonitrile as the mobile phase in gradient mode. The proposed method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Validation results have shown that the proposed method is selective, linear, sensitive, accurate, and robust and it is suitable for quantitative determination of simvastatin and its impurities. Afterwards, the degradation products were confirmed by a direct hyphenation of liquid chromatograph to ion-trap mass spectrometer with heated electrospray ionization interface. This study highlights the multiple benefits of implementing experimental design, which provides a better understanding of significant factors responsible for degradation and ensures successful way to achieve degradation and can replace the trial and error approach used in conventional forced degradation studies.
Synchronization Measure Based on a Geometric Approach to Attractor Embedding Using Finite Observation Windows
Authors: Timofejeva Inga , Poskuviene Kristina , Cao Maosen , Ragulskis Minvydas
Published: August 2018

A simple and effective algorithm for the identification of optimal time delays based on the geometrical properties of the embedded attractor is presented in this paper. A time series synchronization measure based on optimal time delays is derived. The approach is based on the comparison of optimal time delay sequences that are computed for segments of the considered time series. The proposed technique is validated using coupled chaotic Rössler systems.
Duals and Matrix Classes Involving Cesàro Type Classes of Sequences of Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Dutta Hemen , Gogoi Jyotishmaan
Published: August 2018

We first define Cesàro type classes of sequences of fuzzy numbers and equip the set with a complete metric. Then we compute the Köthe-Toeplitz dual and characterize some related matrix classes involving such classes of sequences of fuzzy numbers.
Portomesenteric Thrombosis Secondary to Acute Cholecystitis: A Case Report
Authors: Chaudhary Haseeb Ahmad , Yusuf Abubeker Ibrahim , Mushtaq Kamran , Obeidat Khaldun , Kartha Anand
Published: August 2018

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) is an uncommon clinical problem. Common risk factors include intra-abdominal infections, abdominal surgeries, malignancy, cirrhosis, and inherited thrombophilia. Early recognition and treatment of PMVT are important to avoid serious complications like mesenteric ischemia and infarction. Acute cholecystitis is a clinical condition encountered daily but rarely may be complicated by development of portomesenteric venous thrombosis. Only few cases have been reported of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis secondary to cholecystitis. We report a case of a forty-one-year-old male patient who developed partial portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis after mild acute cholecystitis for which surgery had been deferred. Patient had no other identifiable risk factors for thrombosis. Patient was successfully treated with 6 months of anticoagulation with warfarin and complete recanalization of portomesenteric veins was achieved at the end of treatment.